bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in Japanese psoriatic patients
Authors: Masaki Saori , Bayaraa Bolortuya , Imafuku Shinichi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPsoriatic patients reportedly have a higher prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, there have been few research studies of Japanese psoriatic patients. To elucidate the prevalence of IBD in Japanese psoriatic patients, a cross‐sectional study was performed. Information was collected regarding psoriatic patients with current or prior history of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who were treated at Fukuoka University Hospital from 2010 to 2018. Among 681 psoriatic patients (449 men and 232 women), eight (1.2%, six men, two women) had UC and two (0.3%, one man, one woman) had CD. Diagnosis of IBD preceded psoriasis in five patients, while diagnosis of psoriasis preceded IBD in two; the remaining patients’ records did not have sufficient information. Seven of 10 UC‐positive patients had mild psoriasis, two had moderate psoriasis and one had severe psoriasis. When UC‐positive psoriatic patients were compared with IBD‐negative psoriatic patients, there were no differences in age at onset of psoriasis, age at first visit or complications (e.g. psoriatic arthritis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia and diabetes). However, UC‐positive patients had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (26.7 vs 23.7; P = 0.021), compared with patients without IBD. The CD/UC ratio in this cohort was 0.25, while the prevalence of IBD was 1.2%; these values were both lower than those in previous reports involving Caucasian patients. Patients with psoriasis and UC may have higher BMI and milder skin symptoms than those with psoriasis alone. These observations must be further confirmed by controlled domestic studies with larger samples.
Possible association of decreased serum CXCL14 levels with digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Fukui Yuki , Miyagawa Takuya , Hirabayashi Megumi , Yamashita Takashi , Saigusa Ryosuke , Miura Shunsuke , Nakamura Kouki , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi , Asano Yoshihide 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCXCL14 serves as a chemoattractant for activated macrophages, immature dendritic cells and natural killer cells, as well as an antiangiogenic factor by preventing the migration of endothelial cells. CXCL14 also exerts an inhibitory effect on the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway, which is involved in the maintenance of T‐helper (Th)2 bias, and promotes Th1 immune response under the physiological and pathological conditions. Because CXCL14‐mediated biological processes seem to be involved in the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which is characterized by Th2/Th17‐skewed immune polarization and impaired neovascularization, we investigated the clinical correlation of serum CXCL14 levels in patients with this disease. Serum CXCL14 levels were significantly decreased in SSc patients compared with healthy individuals and in diffuse cutaneous SSc patients relative to limited cutaneous SSc patients. SSc patients with digital ulcers had serum CXCL14 levels significantly lower than those without. Furthermore, i.v. cyclophosphamide pulse significantly increased serum CXCL14 levels as compared with the baseline in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease successfully treated with this therapy. These results indicate that decreased CXCL14 expression may contribute to the maintenance of Th2‐skewed immune polarization and dysregulated neovascularization, both of which underlie the developmental process of SSc.
Morphological traits can track coral reef responses to the Anthropocene
Authors: Zawada Kyle J. A. , Madin Joshua S. , Baird Andrew H. , Bridge Tom C. L. , Dornelas Maria 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Susceptibility to human‐driven environmental changes is mediated by species traits. Therefore, identifying traits that predict organism performance, ecosystem function and response to changes in environmental conditions can help forecast how ecosystems are responding to the Anthropocene.

Morphology dictates how organisms interact with their environment and other organisms, partially determining the environmental and biological contexts in which they are successful. Morphology is important for autogenic ecosystem engineering organisms, such as reef‐building corals, because it determines the shape of the structures they create and by extension the communities they support.

Here, we present six morphological traits that capture variation in volume compactness, surface complexity and top‐heaviness. With support from the literature, we propose causal links between morphology and a performance–function–response framework.

To illustrate these concepts, we combine 3D scanning and coral survey data to predict morphological traits from in situ colonies. We present a case study that examines how assemblage‐scale morphological traits have responded to two cyclones and the 2016 mass bleaching event—two phenomena predicted to increase in severity in the Anthropocene—and discuss how these changes may impact ecosystem function.

The morphological traits outlined here offer a generalised and hypothesis‐driven approach to tracking how reefs respond to the Anthropocene. The ability to predict these traits from field data and the increasing use of photogrammetry makes them readily applicable across broad spatiotemporal scales.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Enzymes involved in phthalate degradation in sulphate‐reducing bacteria
Authors: Geiger Robin Alexander , Junghare Madan , Mergelsberg Mario , Ebenau‐Jehle Christa , Jesenofsky Vivien Jill , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Schink Bernhard , Boll Matthias 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe complete degradation of the xenobiotic and environmentally harmful phthalate esters is initiated by hydrolysis to alcohols and o‐phthalate (phthalate) by esterases. While further catabolism of phthalate has been studied in aerobic and denitrifying microorganisms, the degradation in obligately anaerobic bacteria has remained obscure. Here, we demonstrate a previously overseen growth of the δ‐proteobacterium Desulfosarcina cetonica with phthalate/sulphate as only carbon and energy sources. Differential proteome and CoA ester pool analyses together with in vitro enzyme assays identified the genes, enzymes and metabolites involved in phthalate uptake and degradation in D. cetonica. Phthalate is initially activated to the short‐lived phthaloyl‐CoA by an ATP‐dependent phthalate CoA ligase (PCL) followed by decarboxylation to the central intermediate benzoyl‐CoA by an UbiD‐like phthaloyl‐CoA decarboxylase (PCD) containing a prenylated flavin cofactor. Genome/metagenome analyses predicted phthalate degradation capacity also in the sulphate‐reducing Desulfobacula toluolica, strain NaphS2, and other δ‐proteobacteria. Our results suggest that phthalate degradation proceeds in all anaerobic bacteria via the labile phthaloyl‐CoA that is captured and decarboxylated by highly abundant PCDs. In contrast, two alternative strategies have been established for the formation of phthaloyl‐CoA, the possibly most unstable CoA ester in biology.
Legal Remedies to Address Stigma‐Based Health Inequalities in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: BLAKE VALARIE K. , HATZENBUEHLER MARK L. 
Published: May 2019

Policy Points
Stigma is an established driver of population‐level health outcomes. Antidiscrimination laws can generate or alleviate stigma and, thus, are a critical component in the study of improving population health.
Currently, antidiscrimination laws are often underenforced and are sometimes conceptualized by courts and lawmakers in ways that are too narrow to fully reach all forms of stigma and all individuals who are stigmatized.
To remedy these limitations, we propose the creation of a new population‐level surveillance system of antidiscrimination law and its enforcement, a central body to enforce antidiscrimination laws, as well as a collaborative research initiative to enhance the study of the linkages between health and antidiscrimination law in the future.
ContextStigma is conceptualized as a fundamental cause of population health inequalities. Antidiscrimination law is one important lever that can influence stigma‐based health inequities, and yet several challenges currently limit the law's potential to address them.MethodsTo determine whether antidiscrimination law adequately addresses stigma, we compared antidiscrimination law for its applicability to the domains and statuses where stigma is experienced according to the social science literature. To further examine whether law is a sufficient remedy for stigma, we reviewed law literature and government sources for the adequacy of antidiscrimination law enforcement. We also reviewed the law literature for critiques of antidiscrimination law, which revealed conceptual limits of antidiscrimination law that we applied to the context of stigma.FindingsIn this article, we explored the importance of antidiscrimination law in addressing the population‐level health consequences of stigma and found two key challenges—conceptualization and enforcement—that currently limit its potential. We identified several practical solutions to make antidiscrimination law a more available tool to tackle the health inequities caused by stigma, including (1) the development of a new surveillance system for antidiscrimination laws and their enforcement, (2) an interdisciplinary working group to study the impact of antidiscrimination laws on health, and (3) a central agency tasked with monitoring enforcement of antidiscrimination laws.ConclusionsAntidiscrimination law requires better tailoring based on the evidence of who is affected by stigma, as well as where and how stigma occurs, or it will be a poor tool for remedying stigma, regardless of its level of enforcement. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to identify the ways in which law can be crafted into a better tool for redressing the health harms of stigma and to delimit clearer boundaries for when law is and is not the appropriate remedy for these stigma‐induced inequities.
Does Tax Planning Affect Analysts' Forecast Accuracy?
Authors: Francis Jere R. , Neuman Stevanie S. , Newton Nathan J. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTWe investigate whether firms' tax planning affects the accuracy of analysts' forecasts. Tax planning can exacerbate the complexity of firms' operations through strategic choices to exploit tax laws. Because of its effect on firms' operations, tax planning can influence analysts' efforts to understand and forecast earnings. Specifically, if the additional complexity arising from tax planning makes firm attributes less representative of expected earnings, analysts may issue less accurate forecasts. Using auditor‐provided tax services (APTS) as a measure of tax planning, we find that, as firms spend more on tax planning, the accuracy of analysts' forecasts of both earnings per share and tax expense declines. We also document that firms with higher levels of APTS have greater year‐to‐year volatility in, and lower persistence of, effective tax rates and earnings. Our results suggest that increased firm complexity, due to greater tax planning, makes earnings and tax expense more difficult to forecast and that analysts do not properly adjust for these effects. Thus, when deciding to engage in tax planning, firms appear to make trade‐offs between potential tax savings and negative effects on earnings properties and analysts' forecasts.
Comparative analysis of torque and apical force to assess the cutting behaviour of ProTaper Next and ProTaper Universal endodontic instruments
Authors: de Cristofaro Almeida Gustavo , Aun Diego Pinheiro , Resende Pedro Damas , Peixoto Isabella Faria da Cunha , Viana Ana Cecília Diniz , Buono Vicente Tadeu Lopes , de Azevedo Bahia Maria Guiomar 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study assessed the cutting properties of two Nickel Titanium file systems with different designs and manufacturing materials. ProTaper Next X1 and X2 (PTN; Dentsply Sirona) and ProTaper Universal S2 and F1 (PTU; Dentsply Sirona) instruments were employed. The cutting parameters, that is torque and apical forces, were determined using a specially designed bench‐testing machine. Dimensional and geometric parameters were considered to evaluate the results. The average maximum torque values showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) among all instruments. Apical force for PTN X2 and PTU F1 instruments initially decreased and then experienced a rapid increase in the last 2 mm of the canal. For PTN X1 and PTU S2, apical force increased during the entire test. When compared to PTU files, PTN required higher torque and apical forces during the shaping procedure. The results lead us to conclude that PTN instruments demonstrated a lower cutting efficiency than PTU.
Prolonged surgical duration, higher body mass index and current smoking increases risk of surgical site infection after intra‐articular fracture of distal femur
Authors: Xu Hang , Yu Lili , Li Yansen , Gong Zhixin 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following the surgery of intra‐articular fractures of distal femur.MethodsBetween July 2014 and December 2017, inpatient medical records of consecutive patients who had intra‐articular fractures of distal femur treated by open reduction and plate/screw fixation were inquired to identify whether they had a SSI. After discharge, patients who had a SSI and were readmitted for treatment of SSI were also allocated to the case group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether some clinical factors were independently associated with SSI, after adjustment for confounding variables.ResultsDuring the study period, 434 patients were evaluated and 21 patients were confirmed to develop a SSI, indicating the accumulated incidence of 4.8% within 1 year. A total of six deep and 15 superficial SSIs were identified, with respective incidence being 1.4% and 3.4%. The most common causative pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (8, 50.0%), followed by mixed bacteria (5, 31.3%). Open fracture, prolonged surgical duration, increased body mass index and current smoking were identified as independent risk factors for development of SSI (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIt should be noted that it was likely difficult to modify these risk factors, but they do prove useful for preoperative counselling of patients and their relatives regarding their own risk profile of SSI, and the perioperative medical optimization.
Evaluating diurnal changes in choroidal sublayer perfusion using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Siegfried Fynn , Rommel Felix , Rothe Matthias , Brinkmann Max P. , Sochurek Jan A. M. , Freitag Josephine , Grisanti Salvatore , Ranjbar Mahdy 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo investigate diurnal changes of choroidal sublayer perfusion in normal eyes and to identify influencing factors using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsA prospective study was conducted on healthy volunteers, each of whom underwent repeated measurements of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) via enhanced depth imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) as well as perfusion of choroidal vascular sublayers using OCTA at 7 a.m., 12 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Possible interactions between diurnal variations and other factors, such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), gender and age, were evaluated.ResultsA total of 22 eyes from 22 participants were analysed. Mean age of participants was 56 years. A significant pattern of diurnal variation was observed for SFCT (p < 0.001) as well as perfusion of Sattler's layer (SLP; p = 0.009) and Haller's layer (HLP; p = 0.003). SFCT demonstrated a linear decrease, being thicker in the morning (348 μm) and thinner in the evening (310 μm). Both, SLP and HLP showed a quadratic relation to time of day, increasing from morning (64% and 76%) to afternoon (66% and 77%), before decreasing again in the evening (64% and 76%). HLP changes were significantly associated with fluctuations of MAP (B = 0.0007; CI 0.0001–0.0014; p = 0.047). No significant differences with regard to gender were detectable. However, older participants (≥60 years) had fewer diurnal changes (p = 0.042).ConclusionOptical coherence tomography angiography‐based analysis of choroidal sublayer perfusion demonstrated significant diurnal variations. Therefore, it is important to account for time of day, when comparing longitudinal OCTA data.
The prognostic impact of cirrhosis on patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Artru Florent , Louvet Alexandre , Glowacki François , Bellati Sara , Frimat Marie , Gomis Sebastien , Castel Hélène , Barthelon Justine , Lassailly Guillaume , Dharancy Sebastien , Noel Christian , Hazzan Marc , Mathurin Philippe 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundFurther study is needed on the prognostic impact of cirrhosis on haemodialysis patients.AimTo evaluate cirrhosis’ impact according to severity on survival and to provide therapeutic guidelines for haemodialysis cirrhotic patients.MethodsPatients with end‐stage renal failure treated with haemodialysis were included retrospectively from 01/01/2000 to 31/12/2004 and prospectively from 01/01/2005 to 31/12/2014 in our French Region. Clinical data, presence of cirrhosis and its severity were recorded at the beginning of haemodialysis. The primary endpoint was 2‐year survival.ResultsSeven thousand three hundred and fifty‐four patients (96%) without cirrhosis and 304 patients (4%) with cirrhosis were included. Two‐year survival in noncirrhotic patients was higher than in cirrhotic patients (71.7% vs 54.4%, P < 0.0001). Patients with decompensated cirrhosis had a worse 2‐year outcome (44.1%) as compared to compensated cirrhotic (62.8%, P = 0.002) and noncirrhotic patients (71.7%, P < 0.0001). Compensated and decompensated cirrhosis were independent predictive factors of 2‐year mortality. In sensitivity analysis restricted to cirrhotic patients, 2‐year survival of Child‐Pugh A patients was higher than in Child‐Pugh B and C patients (65.5% vs 27.7% vs 0%, P < 0.0001). Development of predictive models based either on severity scores (MELD and Child‐Pugh) and extrahepatic comorbidities allowed correct classification of around 70% of patients in terms of mortality and may help to better stratify mortality risk in this population.ConclusionsCirrhosis is independently associated with mortality in haemodialysis patients. Patients with severe cirrhosis have a poor 2‐year outcome. Severity of cirrhosis and presence of extrahepatic comorbidities should be considered when deciding to initiate renal replacement therapy.
What do women in Medicaid say about enhanced prenatal care? Findings from the national Strong Start evaluation
Authors: Hill Ian , Cross‐Barnet Caitlin , Courtot Brigette , Benatar Sarah , Thornburgh Sarah 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundMedicaid pays for approximately half of United States births, yet little research has explored Medicaid beneficiaries’ perspectives on their maternity care. Typical maternity care in the United States has been criticized as too medically focused while insufficiently addressing psychosocial risks and patient education. Enhanced care strives for a more holistic approach.MethodsThe perspectives of participants in the Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns II initiative, which provided enhanced prenatal care to women covered by Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during pregnancy through Birth Centers, Group Prenatal Care, and Maternity Care Homes, are evaluated. Strong Start intended to improve care quality and birth outcomes while lowering costs. We analyzed data from 133 focus groups with 951 pregnant or postpartum women who participated in Strong Start from 2013 to 2017.ResultsThe majority of focus group participants said that Strong Start's enhanced care offered numerous important benefits over typical maternity care, including considerably more focus on women's psychosocial risk factors and need for education. They praised increased support; nutrition, breastfeeding, and family planning education; community referrals; longer time with practitioners; and involvement of partners in their care. Maternity Care Home participants, however, occasionally voiced concerns over lack of practitioner continuity and short clinical appointments, whereas Group Prenatal Care participants sometimes said they could not attend visits because of lack of childcare.ConclusionsMedicaid and CHIP beneficiaries reported positive experiences with Strong Start care. If more Medicaid practitioners could adopt aspects of the prenatal care approaches that women praised most, it is likely that women's risk factors could be more effectively addressed and their overall care experiences could be improved.
Measuring outcomes within inpatient child and adolescent mental health services: an evaluation of the Recovery Questionnaire for Young People
Authors: Bentley Natalie , Bucci Sandra , Hartley Samantha 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThe notion of personal recovery has become central to the delivery of mental health services; however, no published subjective recovery measure has been validated in an inpatient adolescent mental health sample. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Recovery Questionnaire for Young People (ReQuest‐YP) in this inpatient context.MethodsBoth cross‐sectional and longitudinal self‐report data were collected. The ReQuest‐YP was administered to 65 adolescents (11 males, 52 females and 2 who identified as transgender) within inpatient child and adolescent mental health services (UK) along with a feedback questionnaire, to assess the face validity of the measure. The young person's Health of the National Outcome Scales (HoNOSCA) score, as rated by clinicians in inpatient services, was also obtained to assess the convergent validity of the measure.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the ReQuest‐YP demonstrated excellent internal consistency (alpha ≥ .914), test–retest reliability (ICC = .91) and sensitivity to change (Z = −2.09). The measure did not correlate with the ratings on the HoNOSCA. Feedback indicated the ReQuest‐YP was relevant and acceptable to young people. Suggestions were made about refining some questionnaire items.ConclusionsThe ReQuest‐YP demonstrated clinical utility as a measure of subjective recovery in inpatient child and adolescent mental health services. Refinement of some of the questions along with further evaluation of the measure in this population is recommended.
Key Practitioner Message

The ReQuest‐YP offers a potential tool for exploring, assessing and evaluating subjective or personal recovery for young people in inpatient units.

The measure is potentially reliable, valid and acceptable to service users, and so clinicians may wish to consider use in these settings.

There is indication that the questionnaire is also sensitive to change in an inpatient admission context, although further work is needed.