bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of smoking cessation interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akanbi Maxwell Oluwole , Carroll Allison Jane , Achenbach Chad , O'Dwyer Linda Catherine , Jordan Neil , Hitsman Brian , Bilaver Lucy Ann , McHugh Megan Colleen , Murphy Robert 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimsTo summarize evidence for the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.SettingLMICs as defined by the World Bank.ParticipantsAdult current cigarette smokers residing in LMICs.InterventionsBehavioral and/or pharmacotherapy smoking cessation interventions.MeasurementsPubMed MEDLINE, EMBASE (embase.com), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley), PsycINFO (Ebsco), SciELO, WHO Global Index Medicus and Scopus were searched from inception to 4 April 2018. Only studies with at least 6 months of follow‐up were included. We used the most rigorous assessment of abstinence reported by each study. Effect sizes were computed from abstracted data. Where possible, a meta‐analysis was performed using Mantel–Haenzel random‐effect models reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).FindingsTwenty‐four randomized controlled trials were included. Six investigated the efficacy of pharmacological agents. Four trials that compared nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to placebo found NRT improved cessation rates (n : NRT 546, control 684, OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.30–2.77, P < 0.001, I2 = 13%). Eight trials found that behavioral counseling was more effective than minimal interventions (e.g. brief advice); n : Counseling 2941, control 2794, OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 4.18–11.29, P < 0.001, I2 = 67%). There was also evidence of the benefit of brief advice over usual care (n : Brief advice 373, control 355, OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.56–3.88, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%).ConclusionNicotine replacement therapy, behavioral counseling and brief advice appear to be effective in aiding smoking cessation in low‐ and middle‐income countries. There is limited rigorous research on other smoking cessation interventions in these regions.
A non‐coding regulatory variant in the 5′‐region of the MITF gene is associated with white‐spotted coat in Brown Swiss cattle
Authors: Hofstetter S. , Seefried F. , Häfliger I.M. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T. , Drögemüller C. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryRecently, the Swiss breeding association reported an increasing number of white‐spotted cattle in the Brown Swiss breed, which is normally solid brown coloured. A total of 60 Brown Swiss cattle with variably sized white abdominal spots, facial markings and depigmented claws were collected for this study. A genome‐wide association study using 40k SNP genotypes of 20 cases and 1619 controls enabled us to identify an associated genome region on chromosome 22 containing the MITF gene, encoding the melanogenesis associated transcription factor. Variants at the MITF locus have been reported before to be associated with white or white‐spotted phenotypes in other species such as horses, dogs and mice. Whole‐genome sequencing of a single white‐spotted cow and subsequent genotyping of 172 Brown Swiss cattle revealed two significantly associated completely linked single nucleotide variants (rs722765315 and rs719139527). Both variants are located in the 5′‐regulatory region of the bovine MITF gene, and comparative sequence analysis showed that the variant rs722765315, located 139 kb upstream of the transcription start site of the bovine melanocyte‐specific MITF transcript, is situated in a multi‐species conserved sequence element which is supposed to be regulatory important. Therefore, we hypothesize that rs722765315 represents the most likely causative variant for the white‐spotting phenotype observed in Brown Swiss cattle. Presence of the mutant allele in a heterozygous or homozygous state supports a dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance and results in a variable extent of coat colour depigmentation.
Radiographic assessment of cattle hoofs (ungulae) of the Nellore breed: Reference standards
Authors: Hage Maria Cristina Ferrarini Nunes Soares , Sousa Rejane dos Santos , Chaves Davi Siqueira , Hage Raduan , Costa de Oliveira Francisco Leonardo , Borges Dias Mailson Renan , Sato Minami Natalia , Mazeto Ercolin Anna Carolina , Fortes Cirimbelli Carolina , Lippi Ortolani Enrico 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to determine a radiographic standard of normality for lateral and medial ungulae in 3‐year‐old bovine females of the Nellore breed. Twenty‐six cows underwent radiographic exposure of the medial and lateral ungulae of the hindlimbs and forelimbs; abaxioaxial projections were used. The images were analyzed; distances were measured between the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx and the surface of the hoof capsule. The two angles formed, i.e., an angle between the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx and a line parallel to the sole (inner), and an angle between the dorsal surface of the hoof and a line parallel to the sole (outer), were also recorded. The results suggested a standard of normality for the proximal, middle and distal distances of the ungulae of the forelimbs: 0.96 ± 0.12 cm. For the measurement of hindlimbs, except for the distal distances of the side ungulae, the suggested value was 1.02 ± 0.14 cm; for the distal measurement of the lateral ungulae of the hindlimbs, the value was 1.09 ± 0.12 cm. For inner and outer angles, the values were 36.45° ± 4.4° for the medial ungulae of the forelimbs and 42.50° ± 3.8° for other ungulae of the forelimbs and hindlimbs (standard deviations of the values suggested for the angles should be used as variations between different animals, limbs and ungulae; they should not be used between angles of the same ungula).
Population genetics of 19 Y‐STR loci in Yanbian Korean samples from China
Authors: Xuan Jin‐Feng , Adnan Atif , Khan Rehan Ali , Xing Jia‐Xin , Yao Jun , Wang Bao‐Jie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundChina harbors 56 ethnic groups, including Korean, with a population size of approximately 1.92 million at the 2010 census. Most of the Koreans live in Northeastern parts of China, including Jilin (59.64%), Heilongjiang (20.21%), and Liaoning (12.55%) provinces, and the rest are spread to other parts of China. Koreans across China share a common culture, which is similar to Korea.MethodsWe have explored the genetic characteristics of 20 Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeat (Y‐STR) loci in 252 unrelated Chinese Korean male individuals from Jilin Province, using a Goldeneye 20Y amplification kit. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis was performed between the Korean population and other relevant populations based on the Y‐STR haplotypes.ResultsWe have found 237 different haplotypes among 252 unrelated individuals. The haplotype frequencies ranged from 0.0238 to 0.0040, while gene diversity ranged from 0.9666 (DYS385a/b) to 0.2260 (DYS391). The random match probability was 0.0048, the haplotype diversity was 0.9992 ± 0.0006 and discrimination capacity was 0.9405. Population comparison revealed that Korean populations are lining up together with other Korean populations from East Asia.ConclusionOur results showed that the 20 Y‐STR loci in the Yanbian Korean population are valuable for forensic application and human genetics. The Yanbian Koreans have lined up with other Korean population from China and Korea while showing significant differences from other East Asian populations.
Everyday discrimination in the Australian workplace: Assessing its prevalence and age and gender differences
Authors: Taylor Philip , McLoughlin Christopher , Earl Catherine 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to increase understanding of the nature and prevalence of discriminatory experiences in the workplace, focusing on issues of age and gender.MethodsThe concept of everyday discrimination was operationalised in a survey of a representative sample of Australian workers.ResultsIt was observed that overall, experiences of everyday discrimination were rare. Among men, such experiences declined with age, whereas for women almost no age differences were observed.ConclusionIt is argued that the nature of labour market age barriers has been misunderstood and the extent of discrimination faced by older workers possibly overstated.
Clinico‐pathological predictors of mismatch repair deficiency in sebaceous neoplasia: A large case series from a single Australian private pathology service
Authors: Walsh Michael D , Jayasekara Harindra , Huang Alvin , Winship Ingrid M , Buchanan Daniel D 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesLoss of expression of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins is frequently observed in sebaceous skin lesions and can be a herald for Lynch syndrome. The aim of this study was to identify clinico‐pathological predictors of MMR deficiency in sebaceous neoplasia that could aid dermatologists and pathologists in determining which sebaceous lesions should undergo MMR immunohistochemistry (IHC).MethodsAn audit of sebaceous skin lesions (excluding hyperplasia) where pathologist‐initiated MMR IHC was performed between January 2009 to December 2016 was undertaken from a single pathology practice identifying 928 lesions from 882 individuals. Lesions were further analysed for differences in gender, age at diagnosis, lesion type and anatomic location, stratified by MMR status.ResultsThe 882 individuals (67.7% male) had a mean (SD) age of diagnosis of 68.4 ± 13.3 years. Nearly two‐thirds of the lesions were sebaceous adenomas, with 82.6% of all lesions occurring on the head and neck. MMR deficiency, observed in 282 of the 919 lesions (30.7%), was most common in sebaceous adenomas (210/282; 74.5%). MMR‐deficient lesions occurred predominantly on the trunk or limbs (64.7%), compared with 23.2% in head or neck (P < 0.001). Loss of MSH2 and MSH6 protein expression was most frequent pattern of loss (187/281; 66.5%). The highest AUC for discriminating MMR‐deficient sebaceous lesions from MMR‐proficient lesions was observed for the ROC curve based on subgroups defined by type and anatomic location of the sebaceous lesion (AUC = 0.68).ConclusionThe best combination of measured clinico‐pathological features achieved only modest positive predictive values, sensitivity and specificity for identifying MMR‐deficient sebaceous skin lesions.
Is transperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy suitable for patients with a history of abdominal surgery?
Authors: Yanai Yoshinori , Takeda Toshikazu , Miyajima Akira , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Hagiwara Masayuki , Mizuno Ryuichi , Kikuchi Eiji , Asanuma Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic radical nephrectomy is the gold standard for treatment of renal cell carcinoma. However, previous abdominal surgery is generally regarded as a contraindication to the laparoscopic approach because it causes intraperitoneal adhesions, which are thought to interfere with subsequent laparoscopic procedures inside the abdominal cavity. Few studies have examined the influence of prior surgery on laparoscopic nephrectomy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of previous laparotomy on laparoscopic nephrectomy.MethodsThe records of 251 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma at our hospital between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsOf the 251 laparoscopic nephrectomy patients, 76 patients (30%) had undergone prior abdominal surgery (surgery group), whereas the remaining 175 patients (70%) had not previously had abdominal surgery (control group). There were no significant differences between the control group and the surgery group with regard to pneumoperitoneum time (143 vs 135 min, P = 0.241) or blood loss (39 vs 36 mL, P = 0.763). Next, we divided the patients into two cohorts based on surgeon experience: 98 patients had been treated by an expert (i.e. someone who performs more than 50 laparoscopic procedures per year) and 153 patients had been treated by a non‐expert. There was no significant difference in pneumoperitoneum time between the control and surgery groups in each cohort (treated by experts, 108 vs 103 min; treated by non‐experts: 162 vs 166 min).ConclusionWe conclude that laparoscopic nephrectomy may be feasible after previous abdominal surgery and could be one of the surgical options.
Optimization and pharmacological characterization of receptor‐mediated Gi/o activation in postmortem human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Odagaki Yuji , Kinoshita Masakazu , Ota Toshio , Meana J. Javier , Callado Luis F. , García‐Sevilla Jesús A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe biochemical abnormalities in transmembrane signal transduction mediated through G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been postulated as underlying pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and mood disorders. In the present study, the experimental conditions of agonist‐induced [35S]GTPγS binding in postmortem human brain membranes were optimized, and the responses induced by a series of agonists were pharmacologically characterized. The [35S]GTPγS binding assay was performed in postmortem human prefrontal cortical membranes by means of filtration techniques, and standardized as to GDP concentration, membrane protein content, MgCl2 and NaCl concentrations in assay buffer, incubation period and effect of white matter contamination. Under the standard assay conditions, the specific [35S]GTPγS binding was stimulated by the addition of 15 compounds in a concentration‐dependent manner. Of these agonists, R(+)‐8‐OH‐DPAT, UK‐14,304, DAMGO and DPDPE showed apparently biphasic concentration‐response curves. As for these four responses, only higher‐potency site was pharmacologically characterized. The receptors involved in the responses investigated were 5‐HT1A receptor (probed with R(+)‐8‐OH‐DPAT or 5‐HT), α2A‐adrenoceptor (UK‐14,304 or (−)‐epinephrine), M2/M4 mAChRs (carbachol), adenosine A1 receptor (adenosine), histamine H3 receptor (histamine), group II mGlu (l‐glutamate), GABAB receptor (baclofen), μ‐opioid receptor (DAMGO or endomophin‐1), δ‐opioid receptor (DPDPE or SNC‐80) and NOP (nociceptin). Although dopamine also activated specific [35S]GTPγS binding, this response was likely mediated via α2A‐adrenoceptor, but not dopamine receptor subtypes. The present study provides us with fundamental aspects of the strategy for elucidation of probable abnormalities of neural signalling mediated by G proteins activated through multiple GPCRs in the brain of psychiatric patients.
A feasibility study of a cross‐diagnostic, CBT‐based psychological intervention for acute mental health inpatients: Results, challenges, and methodological implications
Authors: Paterson Charlotte , Karatzias Thanos , Harper Sean , Dougall Nadine , Dickson Adele , Hutton Paul 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesAcute psychiatric inpatient wards are characterized by minimal provision of therapeutic activities and high readmission rates. Implementation of a comprehensive inpatient psychological intervention service has been recommended to overcome these problems; however, whether this is feasible or effective remains unclear.MethodsThis non‐randomized parallel cluster feasibility trial examined the feasibility of delivering and evaluating cross‐diagnostic psychologically informed acute psychiatric care the Edinburgh‐Acute Psychological Inpatient Therapy Service (EDAPTS) and gathered preliminary clinical outcome data. Patients able to consent and complete questionnaires were recruited from two adult acute wards (i.e., clusters) and received either EDAPTS plus TAU or TAU.ResultsBetween October 2015 and October 2016, 96 inpatients were recruited. Findings suggested that there were good data completion rates for several clinical outcomes, that several EDAPTS components were successfully delivered, and that some initial effects appeared to favour the intervention, depending on outcome. However, difficulties relating to the recruitment process were also identified, as well as problems relating to adequate delivery of group therapies, participant engagement in some intervention components, and data completion at follow‐up.ConclusionThese issues, and the feasibility of randomization and rater‐blinding, have important implications for the design of future trials. Overall, this study provides an important insight into the challenges and complexities of developing and evaluating a comprehensive psychological intervention service in an acute psychiatric setting.Practitioner points

Individual therapy sessions can be delivered in the acute environment.

The EDAPTS intervention showed some promise on outcomes of distress and self‐efficacy.

Delivery of nurse‐led groups was challenging and may need to be embedded into routine clinical practice to increase intervention and outcome reach.

More parameters, for example, randomization at cluster level, should be tested before progressing to an adequately powered, single‐blind, definitive cluster RCT.
MANAGING THE SUPPLY OF SHORT‐LIFE PRODUCTS. A DURATION ANALYSIS APPROACH USING THE UK FILM INDUSTRY
Authors: Izquierdo‐Sanchez Sofia 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTMovies are uncertain products. Nobody knows much about them prior to their screening and their attempt to survive in the risky motion picture market week by week. This paper studies short‐life products using the example of the UK film industry, including high and low‐budget films. Using a clog‐log methodology and a sample of 552 films, the empirical results highlight the importance of the distributor's strategy and word‐of‐mouth for success in experience goods industries. Two strategies, cross‐subsidisation and opportunity cost, not previously addressed are considered. The results show these effects to be especially significant for low budget movies.
Distribution and prognostic impact of microglia/macrophage subpopulations in gliomas
Authors: Zeiner Pia S. , Preusse Corinna , Golebiewska Anna , Zinke Jenny , Iriondo Ane , Muller Arnaud , Kaoma Tony , Filipski Katharina , Müller‐Eschner Monika , Bernatz Simon , Blank Anna‐Eva , Baumgarten Peter , Ilina Elena , Grote Anne , Hansmann Martin L. , Verhoff Marcel A. , Franz Kea , Feuerhake Friedrich , Steinbach Joachim P. , Wischhusen Jörg , Stenzel Werner , Niclou Simone P. , Harter Patrick N. , Mittelbronn Michel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWhile the central nervous system is considered an immunoprivileged site and brain tumors display immunosuppressive features, both innate and adaptive immune responses affect glioblastoma (GBM) growth and treatment resistance. However, the impact of the major immune cell population in gliomas, represented by glioma‐associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs), on patients’ clinical course is still unclear. Thus, we aimed at assessing the immunohistochemical expression of selected microglia and macrophage markers in 344 gliomas (including gliomas from WHO grade I–IV). Furthermore, we analyzed a cohort of 241 IDH1R132H‐non‐mutant GBM patients for association of GAM subtypes and patient overall survival. Phenotypical properties of GAMs, isolated from high‐grade astrocytomas by CD11b‐based magnetic cell sorting, were analyzed by immunocytochemistry, mRNA microarray, qRT‐PCR and bioinformatic analyses. A higher amount of CD68‐, CD163‐ and CD206‐positive GAMs in the vital tumor core was associated with beneficial patient survival. The mRNA expression profile of GAMs displayed an upregulation of factors that are considered as pro‐inflammatory M1 (eg, CCL2, CCL3L3, CCL4, PTGS2) and anti‐inflammatory M2 polarization markers (eg, MRC1, LGMN, CD163, IL10, MSR1), the latter rather being associated with phagocytic functions in the GBM microenvironment. In summary, we present evidence that human GBMs contain mixed M1/M2‐like polarized GAMs and that the levels of different GAM subpopulations in the tumor core are positively associated with overall survival of patients with IDH1R132H‐non‐mutant GBMs.
Are environmental risk factors for current wheeze in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase three due to reverse causation?
Authors: Silverwood Richard J. , Rutter Charlotte E. , Mitchell Edwin A. , Asher M. Innes , Garcia‐Marcos Luis , Strachan David P. , Pearce Neil ,   the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundPhase Three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) measured the global prevalence of symptoms of asthma in children. We undertook comprehensive analyses addressing risk factors for asthma symptoms in combination, at both the individual and the school level, to explore the potential role of reverse causation due to selective avoidance or confounding by indication.ObjectiveTo explore the role of reverse causation in risk factors of asthma symptoms.MethodsWe compared two sets of multilevel logistic regression analyses, using (a) individual level exposure data and (b) school level average exposure (ie prevalence), in two different age groups. In individual level analyses, reverse causation is a possible concern if individual level exposure statuses were changed as a result of asthma symptoms or diagnosis. School level analyses may suffer from ecologic confounding, but reverse causation is less of a concern because individual changes in exposure status as a result of asthma symptoms would only have a small effect on overall school exposure levels.ResultsThere were 131 924 children aged 6‐7 years (2428 schools, 25 countries) with complete exposure, outcome and confounder data. The strongest associations in individual level analyses (fully adjusted) were for current paracetamol use (odds ratio = 2.06; 95% confidence interval 1.97‐2.16), early life antibiotic use (1.65; 1.58‐1.73) and open fire cooking (1.44; 1.26‐1.65). In school level analyses, these risk factors again showed increased risks.There were 238 586 adolescents aged 13‐14 years (2072 schools, 42 countries) with complete exposure, outcome and confounder data. The strongest associations in individual level analyses (fully adjusted) were for current paracetamol use (1.80; 1.75‐1.86), cooking on an open fire (1.32; 1.22‐1.43) and maternal tobacco use (1.23; 1.18‐1.27). In school level analyses, these risk factors again showed increased risks.Conclusions & clinical relevanceThese analyses strengthen the potentially causal interpretation of previously reported individual level findings, by providing evidence against reverse causation.
Tertiary prevention of occupational skin diseases: Prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and pattern of patch test results
Authors: Brans Richard , Schröder‐Kraft Claudia , Skudlik Christoph , John Swen M. , Geier Johannes 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases (OSDs). Its prevalence and the causative allergens differ between occupations.ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of ACD and the pattern of patch test results of patients taking part in a tertiary individual prevention programme (TIP) for OSD in Germany.Patients and MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, the data of 3411 TIP patients patch tested between 2007 and 2016 were analysed.ResultsIn 2687 (78.8%) patients, work‐related skin disease was diagnosed, mostly hand dermatitis. The highest proportion of face dermatitis was seen in painters (8.1%). ACD was most common in painters (56.8%), hairdressers (45.8%), construction workers (31.5%), gardeners/florists (26.7%), and metalworkers (26.5%). On average, hairdressers had the youngest age (31.4 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.0001) and the shortest time in the profession prior to the TIP (mean 13.7 years). The pattern of patch test reactivity showed occupation‐specific differences related to work exposures.ConclusionsIdentification of occupational groups at risk for ACD and relevant allergens may help in the development and implementation of targeted prevention strategies. Our data suggest that there should be a particular focus on hairdressers and painters.