bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contribution of pancreatic α‐cell function to insulin sensitivity and glycemic variability in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Takahashi Nobuyuki , Chujo Daisuke , Kajio Hiroshi , Ueki Kohjiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo evaluate the contribution of pancreatic α‐cell function to the dawn phenomenon, insulin sensitivity, hepatic glucose uptake and glycemic variability in patients with type 1 diabetes.Materials and MethodsIn 40 patients with type 1 diabetes, arginine stimulation tests were carried out, and the area under the curve (AUC) of glucagon was measured using radioimmunoassays (AUCglcRIA) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (AUCglcELISA). The ratio of the insulin dose delivered by an artificial pancreas to maintain euglycemia between 04.00 and 08.00 hours or between 00.00 and 04.00 hours was measured as the dawn index. The glucose infusion rate and hepatic glucose uptake were measured using hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and clamp oral glucose loading tests. Glycemic variability in 96 h was measured by continuous glucose monitoring.ResultsThe median dawn index (1.7, interquartile range 1.0–2.8) was not correlated with AUCglcRIA (R2 = 0.03, P = 0.39) or AUCglcELISA (R2 = 0.04, P = 0.32). The median glucose infusion rate (7.3 mg/kg/min, interquartile range 6.4–9.2 mg/kg/min) was significantly correlated with AUCglcRIA (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.02) and AUCglcELISA (R2 = 0.21, P = 0.02). The median hepatic glucose uptake (65.3%, interquartile range 40.0–87.3%) was not correlated with AUCglcRIA (R2 = 0.07, P = 0.26) or AUCglcELISA (R2 = 0.26, P = 0.79). The standard deviation of glucose levels measured by continuous glucose monitoring was significantly correlated with AUCglcRIA (R2 = 0.11, P = 0.049), but not with AUCglcELISA (R2 = 0.01, P = 0.75).ConclusionsPancreatic α‐cell function contributed to insulin sensitivity in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Position statement: topical calcineurin inhibitors in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Remitz A. , De Pità O. , Mota A. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Vakirlis E. , Kapp A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease in both adults and children. Whilst topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream, have proven efficacy for the treatment of AD, it is important to involve experts to obtain their opinion on its optimal treatment.ObjectiveUsing a modified Delphi approach, this project aimed to generate consensus amongst experts on the use of TCIs in the treatment of AD, with a focus on the differentiation between tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.MethodsSix expert dermatologists from different European countries participated in this project based on their experience with AD and its treatment, which was evaluated by literature analysis and expert opinion. Consensus amongst the experts was generated using a modified Delphi approach, consisting of three distinct phases, during which a web meeting (June 2017), two online rounds of blinded Delphi voting (July–September 2017) and a face‐to‐face meeting (November 2017) were conducted. The consensus statements concerned two main topics: (i) Background of AD; and (ii) TCIs in AD. Hot topics in the treatment of AD not supported by meta‐analysis, clinical trials or large observational studies were also discussed based on clinical experience.ResultsIn total, 25 consensus statements were defined and validated: eight statements on the general background of AD and 17 statements on the use of TCIs in AD, including their mechanism of action and therapeutic indications in AD, efficacy in adult and paediatric AD patients, pharmacokinetics, incidence of adverse events and safety concerns. Hot topics on the use of TCIs for the treatment of AD included cream vs. ointment, dosages, TCIs contact allergy, burning sensation management, superinfection and vaccination concerns.ConclusionTopical calcineurin inhibitors are a suitable therapy for AD, and selection of the specific TCI should be based on factors which differentiate tacrolimus from pimecrolimus.
Position Statement: Linear prurigo is a subtype of chronic prurigo
Authors: Pereira M.P. , Zeidler C. , Nau T. , Bobko S. , Evers A.W.M. , Garcovich S. , Gonçalo M. , Halvorsen J.A. , Lambert J. , Legat F.J. , Leslie T. , Metz M. , Misery L. , Nordlind K. , Reich A. , Schneider G. , Ständer H. , Streit M. , Szepietowski J.C. , Wallengren J. , Weisshaar E. , Ständer S. ,   the EADV Task Force Pruritus
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic prurigo (CPG) is a distinct disease characterized by chronic pruritus, history and/or signs of prolonged scratching and multiple pruriginous lesions. It may present with various clinical manifestations, including papules, nodules, plaques or umbilicated lesions. Some patients with chronic pruritus show pruriginous linear and scaring scratch lesions (LSSL) and it is unclear whether these lesions belong to the spectrum of CPG.ObjectiveTo achieve a consensus on the classification of pruriginous LSSL and establish criteria to differentiate them from similar appearing conditions of different nature.MethodsMembers of the Task Force Pruritus (TFP) of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology participated in the consensus conference, discussing representative clinical cases. Using the Delphi method, consensus was reached when ≥75% of members agreed on a statement.ResultsTwenty‐one members of the TFP with voting rights participated in the meeting. It was consented that LSSL occurs due to chronic pruritus and prolonged scratching, and share common pathophysiological mechanisms with CPG. LSSL were thus considered as belonging to the spectrum of CPG and the term ‘linear prurigo’ was chosen to describe this manifestation.ConclusionConsidering linear prurigo as belonging to the spectrum of CPG has important clinical implications, since both the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of these patients should be performed as recommended for CPG. Importantly, linear prurigo should be differentiated from self‐inflicted skin lesions as factitious disorders or skin picking syndromes. In the latter, artificial manipulation rather than pruritus itself leads to the development of cutaneous lesions, which can show clinical similarities to linear prurigo.
Long‐term efficacy of novel therapies in moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of PASI response
Authors: Sawyer L.M. , Cornic L. , Levin L.Å. , Gibbons C. , Møller A.H. , Jemec G.B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis require long‐term treatment, yet few trials compare outcomes beyond a short‐term induction period. Quantitative comparisons of long‐term outcomes in patients with psoriasis are limited. To our knowledge, no network meta‐analysis (NMA) of such data has been performed.ObjectiveTo compare novel systemic therapies, both biologic and non‐biologic, approved for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis by conducting a systematic review (SR) and NMA of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) outcomes measured at or around 1 year.MethodsAn SR was conducted to identify studies reporting PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100 responses. Feasibility of an NMA on maintenance phase endpoints was assessed and sources of heterogeneity considered. Data appropriate for analysis were modelled using a Bayesian multinomial likelihood model with probit link. Wherever possible, data corresponding to an intention‐to‐treat approach with non‐responder imputation were used.ResultsTwenty‐four studies reporting outcomes at 40–64 weeks were identified, but heterogeneity in study design allowed synthesis of only 17. Four 52‐week randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprised the primary analysis, which found brodalumab was significantly more efficacious than secukinumab, ustekinumab and etanercept. Secukinumab was also more efficacious than ustekinumab and both outperformed etanercept. In a secondary analysis, evidence from 13 additional studies and 4 further therapies (adalimumab, apremilast, infliximab and ixekizumab) was included by comparing long‐term outcomes from active interventions to placebo outcomes extrapolated from induction. Results were consistent with the primary analysis: brodalumab was most effective, followed by ixekizumab and secukinumab, then ustekinumab, infliximab and adalimumab. Etanercept and apremilast had the lowest expected long‐term efficacy. Results were similar when studies with low prior exposure to biological therapies were excluded.ConclusionResults suggest that brodalumab is associated with a higher likelihood of sustained PASI response, including complete clearance, at week 52 than comparators. Further long‐term active‐comparator RCT data are required to better assess relative efficacy across therapies.
The value of dermoscopy in diagnosing eyebrow loss in patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia
Authors: Waśkiel‐Burnat A. , Rakowska A. , Kurzeja M. , Czuwara J. , Sikora M. , Olszewska M. , Rudnicka L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionAlopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia are common causes of eyebrow loss (madarosis).ObjectiveAssessment of trichoscopic markers of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia.Materials and methodsThe analysis included 50 patients with scalp alopecia areata with madarosis, 50 patients with scalp frontal fibrosing alopecia with madarosis and 50 healthy controls. In every case, trichoscopy of the eyebrow area was performed.ResultsEmpty follicular and eccrine duct openings were observed in all patients and presented predominantly as yellow dots. Exclamation mark hairs were only detected in patients with alopecia areata (30%). Tapered hairs, broken hair, black dots and Pohl–Pinkus constrictions were observed in 14%, 36%, 26% and 4% of patients with alopecia areata, respectively, 4%, 16%, 2% and 0% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, respectively, and they were not present in healthy controls. Dystrophic hairs and whitish areas were observed only in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (28% and 32%, respectively). Eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions was present in 32% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, 8% of patients with alopecia areata and 4% of healthy controls. Diffuse erythema was detected in 60% of patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia and 56% of healthy controls. Vellus hairs and upright regrowing hairs were observed in patients with alopecia areata (62% and 58%, respectively), frontal fibrosing alopecia (60% and 84%, respectively) and healthy controls (100% and 100%, respectively).ConclusionTrichoscopy of the eyebrow area is useful in diagnosing patients with isolated eyebrow loss. The most characteristic trichoscopic features of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata include exclamation mark hairs, tapered hairs, broken hairs and black dots. Frontal fibrosing alopecia of the eyebrows is characterized by the presence of dystrophic hairs, white areas and eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions.
Can platform competition support market segmentation? Network externalities versus matching efficiency in equity crowdfunding markets
Authors: Gal‐Or Esther , Gal‐Or Ronen , Penmetsa Nabita 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe investigate whether, in spite of the existence of cross‐market network externalities, platform competition can lead to segmentation of the two sides of the market served by the platforms. We address this question in the context of competition between two equity crowdfunding platforms that connect startups looking for capital with prospective investors. Given the heterogeneity in the populations of startups and investors in terms of the riskiness of the former population and the degree of risk aversion of the latter population, we investigate whether there exists an equilibrium where the two populations are segmented to ensure an improved match between them. We find that the segmenting equilibrium can arise only when compatibility in terms of their risk profiles is of high importance to both populations, and compatibility is significantly more important than the size of the network externality considered by startups. Segmentation is likely to improve the welfare of both populations when the basic benefit from any kind of match is relatively high.
Seasonal variation in natural mortality factors of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in open‐field tomato cultivation
Authors: Bacci Leandro , da Silva Ézio Marques , Martins Júlio Cláudio , Soares Marianne A. , Campos Mateus Ribeiro de , Picanço Marcelo Coutinho 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe seasonal variation in natural mortality of phytophagous insects is determined by the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors in agroecosystems. Knowledge regarding these factors throughout the year represents a key concern for IPM programmes. Seasonal population fluctuations of tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta, led to an investigation of its natural mortality factors during the rainy season when the population level is low and during the dry season when population peaks occur. The aim of this study was to verify the seasonal variation in T. absoluta mortality factors in tomato crops. Immature stages of T. absoluta were obtained from laboratory‐rearing in the laboratory. These were taken to the field and monitored over two years. The mortality causes for each stage of insect development from egg to adult were assessed daily. Multiple biotic and abiotic mortality factors affected the immature T. absoluta stages such as rainfall, physiological disturbances, diseases, parasitoids and predators. The key T. absoluta mortality factor during summer–spring was predation. In addition, larvae predation correlated positively with temperature, wind velocity, photoperiod and rainfall. Nevertheless, during winter–fall, the key mortality factor was parasitism. Therefore, the critical stage for mortality was 3rd‐ and 4th‐instar larvae, being more vulnerable to natural control factors. Finally, the results showed the importance of vertical and horizontal action on natural mortality factors.
Application of high‐pressure argon for improving postharvest quality of cherry tomato
Authors: Feng Lei , Zhang Min , Adhikari Benu , Guo Zhimei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high‐pressure argon on postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes. Physicochemical attributes including weight loss, decay incidence, color changes, firmness, respiratory intensity, titratable acidity (TA), malondialdehyde content (MDA), water status, and antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed. Flavor characteristics of cherry tomatoes were determined by GC–MS. The results showed that decay incidences of cherry tomatoes subjected to high‐pressure argon at 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 MPa were 27.03, 64.86, and 45.95%, respectively, lower than that of control after 25 days of storage. Throughout the storage, high‐pressure argon was most effective in decreasing weight loss, retaining color, firmness, and TA content, reducing respiration intensity and MDA content, and inhibiting the redistribution of water. Cherry tomatoes treated with high‐pressure argon at 0.8 MPa maintained higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase. The results of GC–MS showed that high‐pressure argon treatment remarkably influenced the flavor profiles, characteristics of cherry tomatoes during postharvest storage. Therefore, high‐pressure argon treatment may have potential application in preservation technique of fruit and vegetables.
Quality evaluation of fried soybean oil base on near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Sun Laijun , Li Yingsong , Zhang Dan , Song Ziwei , Zhang Chen , Pan Xuyang , Li Jinlong , Wang Zhiyu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFrying quality of soybean oil gives important effects on the quality of the frying food and consumer health. To evaluate the frying quality of soybean oil, this study proposed a method based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to quickly identify the frying times which will give an effect on the harmful compounds. A model is established to analyze the relationship between the frying times and the corresponding spectra and the deterioration degree of soybean oil under different frying times is characterized. Ten experiments were set up and the first eight experimental spectra are used to construct a model which is predicted and evaluated by the last unmodeled two experimental spectra. Firstly, the first derivative (D1), the second derivative (D2), and standard normal variables transformation (SNV) are used to process the original spectra. Secondly, the combination of correlation coefficient, differential and standardized methods is considered to form a novel approach to obtain a model. Finally, the predictive accuracy of the frying times could reach 100% within the range of allowable error. The overall results indicated that the frying times of soybean oil can be effectively identified by the characteristic wavelengths, and thus the quality change of fried soybean oil is reflected.Practical applicationsThe detection of the frying times can help assess the quality of fried soybean oil. From a practical point of view, the frying times seriously affect the quality of fried soybean oil. Accurately predicting the frying times can effectively reflect the deterioration degree of fried soybean oil and thus improve the quality of fried soybean oil. In this work, the characteristic wavelengths are selected to establish the relationship between the frying times and the corresponding spectra, and the different frying times of fried soybean oil are judged according to different spectral range values. In the follow‐up study, we can use the characteristic wavelengths extracted in this study to develop a portable instrument to detect the frying times of fried soybean oil, and then determine the quality of fried soybean oil.
Characteristics and Patterns of Marijuana Use in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Reynolds Ian R. , Fixen Danielle R. , Parnes Bennett L. , Lum Hillary D. , Shanbhag Prajakta , Church Skotti , Linnebur Sunny A. , Orosz Gretchen 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo understand patterns of marijuana use in community‐dwelling older adults in Colorado.DesignAnonymous survey.SettingTwo academic geriatric primary care clinics.ParticipantsEnglish‐speaking individuals.MeasurementsWe assessed self‐reported characteristics and patterns of marijuana use and effect on targeted symptoms. Survey analysis focused on current users, defined as individuals who had used marijuana in the past 3 years.ResultsThree hundred forty‐five individuals completed the survey (55% response rate); 113 (32%) had used marijuana in the past, of whom 55 (16%) had used since legalization. More than half of current users were aged 75 and older, and one‐quarter were aged 85 and older. Most current users were white women. Of current users, 44% used marijuana products at least weekly for common conditions including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and most found marijuana helpful for these conditions. Most respondents reported obtaining marijuana recreationally (67%) without a prescription. Nine respondents reported negative side effects attributable to marijuana use.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize marijuana use of older adults in a state in which it is legal for medical and recreational use. Marijuana was used for several common geriatric conditions, and respondents reported few side effects. The small number of survey respondents, the lack of generalizability in states where marijuana sales are illegal, and participation bias were the main study limitations. Further research is needed to better understand useful or harmful effects in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2167–2171, 2018.
Increasing Advance Care Planning Using a Surgical Optimization Program for Older Adults
Authors: Kata Anna , Sudore Rebecca , Finlayson Emily , Broering Jeanette M. , Ngo Sarah , Tang Victoria L. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo describe an innovative model of care, the Surgery Wellness Program (SWP), that uses a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement preoperative care plans for older adults, and its effect on engagement in advance care planning (ACP).DesignRetrospective analysis of clinical demonstration project.SettingPreoperative optimization program for older adults undergoing surgery at a 796‐bed academic tertiary hospital.ParticipantsOlder adults (N=131) who participated in the SWP from February 2015 to August 2017.InterventionAll SWP participants met with a geriatrician who engaged them in a semistructured ACP discussion. Trained medical and nurse practitioner students were used as health coaches who contacted participants regularly to address and document ACP.MeasurementsSelf‐report of ACP engagement before and after participation in the SWP was determined using SWP geriatrician and health coach progress notes. Medical records were examined for scanned documentation. Feasibility data on number of health coach calls were collected.ResultsAfter completion of the program, the proportion of participants with a designated surrogate increased from 67% to 78% (p<.001), completed advance directive (AD) from 51% to 72% (p<.001), and an AD scanned into the medical record from 14% to 60% (p<.001). Participants who underwent surgery received a median of 4 health coaching calls over a median of 27 days between their clinic visit and surgery. Case examples are presented to highlight how the SWP attends to the many components of the ACP process.ConclusionPreoperative optimization programs provide a unique opportunity to engage older adults in ACP.
Trends in Polypharmacy in Japan: A Nationwide Retrospective Study
Authors: Onoue Hiroshi , Koyama Toshihiro , Zamami Yoshito , Hagiya Hideharu , Tatebe Yasuhisa , Mikami Naoko , Shinomiya Kazuaki , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Hinotsu Shiro , Sendo Toshiaki , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Kano Mitsunobu R. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo describe and examine trends in polypharmacy according to age in Japan from 2010 to 2016.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingOutpatient settings.ParticipantsJapanese individuals aged 20 and older.MeasurementsWe analyzed pharmacy claims data that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare provided in the Survey of Medical Care Activities in Public Health Insurance from 2010 to 2016. The use of 5 or more oral prescription medications per month was defined as polypharmacy and of 10 or more as excessive polypharmacy. Regression analysis was used to estimate trends in polypharmacy with annual percentage changes. Using number of medications (polypharmacy vs excessive polypharmacy), trends in polypharmacy and crude and age‐adjusted rates of polypharmacy per 1,000 persons were calculated according to year and age group (20–34, 35–49, 50–64, 65–79, ≥ 80).ResultsWe analyzed 240 million pharmacy claims data. The age‐adjusted monthly prevalence rate of polypharmacy increased from 85.2 to 93.8 per 1,000 persons per month and of excessive polypharmacy from 13.6 to 14.0 per 1,000 persons per month from 2010 to 2016 in the entire study population. The highest rate of polypharmacy (per 1,000 persons) was observed in 2016 in those aged 80 and older (326.8), followed by those aged 65 to 79 (167.3). The polypharmacy rate increased by 6.3% (95% confidence interval (CI)=4.0–8.7) per year from 2010 to 2012, then decreased by 0.7% (95% CI=–1.3–0.0) per year from 2012 to 2016. The rate of excessive polypharmacy increased by 4.5% (95% CI=1.1–8.0) per year from 2010 to 2013 and then decreased by 3.7% (95% CI=–6.7 to –0.6) per year from 2013 to 2016.ConclusionThe overall trend of polypharmacy in Japan increased during the study period, although the increase ceased in 2013 and then declined from 2013 to 2016. Policy changes in Japan might be responsible for some of the changes. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2267–2273, 2018.