bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum leptin, a potential predictor of long‐term angiographic progression in Takayasu’s arteritis
Authors: Ma Lili , Yu Wensu , Dai Xiaomin , Yin Mengmeng , Wang Yujiao , Sun Ying , Kong Xiufang , Cui Xiaomeng , Wu Sifan , Ji Zongfei , Ma Lingying , Chen Huiyong , Lin Jiang , Jiang Lindi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimIn patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TA), current biomarkers that properly reflect the progression of the vascular structure remain absent. We aimed to determine the serum leptin level to investigate its relationship with imaging changes and assess its value as a predictor for long‐term radiological progression.MethodThis study included 34 untreated TA patients and 40 age‐matched healthy controls. At baseline and during the 5‐year follow‐up, we assessed disease activity using Kerr's criteria and Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS2010) and monitored laboratory biomarkers as well as imaging findings. Serum leptin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe baseline serum leptin levels were significantly higher in TA patients than in healthy controls. Leptin was significantly positively correlated with triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and negatively correlated with fibrinogen and C‐reactive protein levels. Patients were subdivided into three groups based on their baseline leptin level. During a 5‐year follow‐up, patients in the high and medium leptin groups showed more radiological progression compared to those in the low leptin group. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that a high serum leptin level was a positive predictor of radiological progression.ConclusionLeptin is a potential biomarker for assessing TA structural progression. Untreated patients with elevated serum leptin levels are at a higher risk of progression in the aorta. Thus, the leptin level can be a predictor of long‐term radiological progression.
Children report positive experiences of animal‐assisted therapy in paediatric hospital care
Authors: Lindström Nilsson Maria , Funkquist Eva‐Lotta , Edner Ann , Engvall Gunn 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate children's experiences of and responses to animal‐assisted therapy using a therapy dog as complementary treatment in paediatric hospital care.MethodsThe study was performed using mixed methods, by means of qualitative and quantitative data. Fifty children in a paediatric surgery ward, at a tertiary hospital in Sweden, were included between February 2016 to May 2017. Children answered questions about feelings of well‐being and experiences of the hospital stay before and after animal‐assisted therapy, and experiences of their interaction with a therapy dog.ResultsThe children's well‐being increased from moderately good before to very good after animal‐assisted therapy, and the children assessed the hospital stay as better after than before. The vast majority of the children (93%) assessed the interaction with the dog as very good. The children described mixed experiences before and mainly positive aspects of joy, satisfaction and pain relief after animal‐assisted therapy.ConclusionThe children's responses before interaction, of both a positive and negative nature, show a focus shift after the interaction with a therapy dog to mainly positive nature regarding self‐reported feeling of well‐being and experiences of the hospital stay. Using a therapy dog in paediatric hospital care is suitable complementary treatment.
A sequence symmetry analysis of the interrelationships between statins, diabetes and skin infections
Authors: Ko Humphrey H.T. , Lareu Ricky R. , Dix Brett R. , Hughes Jeffery D. , Parsons Richard W. 
Published: October 2019

AimsTo determine statins' impact on skin infection risk in view of conflicting literature: that statins may reduce infection risk, but are also associated with diabetes mellitus, a risk factor for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).MethodsSequence symmetry analysis was performed on prescription claims (2001–2011) from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs to determine the interrelationships between: (i) statins and SSTIs; (ii) statins and diabetes; and (iii) diabetes and SSTIs; as well as whether statins increased the risk of SSTIs, independent of diabetes status. Chi‐square tests were performed to detect differences in Index of Relative Socio‐economic Advantage and Disadvantage scores of patients within each interrelationship. Prescriptions for statins, antidiabetic medication, and antistaphylococcal antibiotics were evaluated using nonidentifiable client numbers, prescription dates filled, residential electorates, and pharmaceutical codes. Adjusted sequence ratio and confidence interval were calculated at intervals of 91, 182 and 365 days for sequence symmetry analysis studies.ResultsStatins were associated with: (i) significant SSTI risk (adjusted sequence ratio > 1; confidence interval >1), (ii) significant diabetes risk, and (iii) diabetic patients had increased risk of SSTIs. Diabetic and nondiabetic statin users had significantly increased risks of SSTIs, while the influence from socioeconomic status was not significant for each of the 3 relationships.ConclusionsStatins are associated with increased risk of SSTIs via direct and indirect mechanisms, probably independent of diabetes or socioeconomic statuses. We believe that clinicians should be aware of the association between statins and SSTIs, and, where appropriate, monitor blood glucose levels of statin users.
Population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modelling of liquid and controlled‐release formulations of oxycodone in healthy volunteers
Authors: Ladebo Louise , Foster David J. R. , Abuhelwa Ahmad Y. , Upton Richard N. , Kongstad Kenneth T. , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Christrup Lona L. , Olesen Anne E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOral controlled‐release formulations are playing an ever‐increasing role in opioid therapy; however, little is known about their influence on the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The study aim was to characterize the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamics of two controlled‐release tablet formulations and a liquid formulation of oxycodone in healthy, opioid‐naïve volunteers, which can serve as a reference for future patient studies. A semi‐double‐blinded, three‐way crossover study was conducted, with fifteen healthy volunteers receiving two differently designed 20 mg monophasic controlled‐release oxycodone tablets and 10 mg oral solution oxycodone in a randomized order. Venous plasma concentrations and pupil diameter were determined pre‐dose and 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.33, 2.66, 3, 3.33, 3.66, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hour post‐dose. Oxycodone pharmacokinetics was best described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. The controlled‐release formulations had an absorption lag of 0.23 hour and a slower absorption rate constant (kaCR = 0.19 hour‐1) compared to the oral solution (kaSOL = 0.94 hour‐1). Effects on pupil diameter were delayed relative to plasma (14 minutes half‐life) for all formulations and were best described by a proportional Emax model. The plasma concentration of oxycodone at half‐maximum effect was lower in males (31.1 μg/L) compared to females (52.8 μg/L; P < .001). The absorption profile of controlled‐release oxycodone formulations provided a prolonged onset and offset of action compared to oral solution oxycodone. The controlled‐release formulations showed no differences in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters suggesting that both may be used interchangeably in human beings with normal gastrointestinal function.
Who Works for Whom and the UK Gender Pay Gap
Authors: Jewell Sarah Louise , Razzu Giovanni , Singleton Carl 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study reports novel facts about the UK gender pay gap. We use a representative, longitudinal and linked employer–employee dataset for 2002–2016. Men's average log hourly wage was 22 points higher than women's in this period. We find that 16 per cent of this raw pay gap is accounted for by estimated firm‐specific wage effects. This is almost three times the amount explained by gender occupation differences. When we decompose a pre‐adjusted measure of the pay gap, we find less than 1 percentage point or a 6 per cent share is accounted for by the gender allocation across high‐ and low‐wage firms. In other words, only a small share of what is traditionally referred to as the ‘unexplained’ part of the pay gap is explained by the differences between men and women in whom they work for.
Efficacy of air cleaners in asthmatics allergic to cat in ALYATEC® environmental exposure chamber
Authors: Gherasim Alina , Jacob Audrey , Schoettel Florian , Domis Nathalie , de Blay Frederic 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAir cleaners have been promoted for respiratory allergic disease prevention, but there is no clear clinical proof of their efficacy in allergic asthma.ObjectiveTo examine the efficacy of a new air cleaner on early and late asthmatic responses in cat‐allergic patients.MethodsThis randomized, cross‐over, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study enrolled 24 cat‐asthmatic patients with GINA 1 asthma. At baseline, participants were exposed to 40 ng/m3 of airborne cat allergen for a maximum of 2 hours in ALYATEC® environmental exposure chamber (EEC). All participants were subsequently randomized into two groups that were exposed to cat allergen, either with active then placebo air cleaners or with placebo then active air cleaners with a 3‐week interval in the EEC. This study was registered under number (NCT03928561).ResultsFewer patients experienced an EAR with active air cleaners (seven patients; 29.17%) than placebo (21 patients; 87.50%). The response incidence was lower with active than with placebo air cleaners. A Cox model demonstrated a significant treatment effect (hazard ratio, 0.10; P = .002). Active air cleaners also prevented late asthmatic response: four patients (16.67%) had a late asthmatic response with active air cleaners compared to 11 patients (45.83%) with placebo (Prescott test P = .002). Active air cleaners also decreased the maximal severity of bronchial response (FEV1 decrease of 17.24% with active vs 25.62% with placebo air cleaners; P = .001).ConclusionsOur present results demonstrated that Intense Pure Air XL® air cleaners significantly prevented early and late asthmatic responses among cat‐allergic asthmatics during cat allergen exposure in the ALYATEC® EEC.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced diarrhea: Clinicopathological study of 11 patients
Authors: Yanai Shunichi , Nakamura Shotaro , Kawasaki Keisuke , Toya Yosuke , Akasaka Risaburo , Oizumi Tomofumi , Ishida Kazuyuki , Sugai Tamotsu , Matsumoto Takayuki 
Published: October 2019

We reviewed the records of patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐induced diarrhea during 2015 to 2019. ICI included nivolumab and ipilimumab. There were 11 patients with ICI‐induced diarrhea aged 46–81 years (median, 63 years). On colonoscopy, four patients appeared normal, whereas loss of vascularity, erythema, granularity, erosions or ulcerations apparently mimicking ulcerative colitis were found in seven patients. Those seven patients had acute inflammation, cryptitis, crypt abscess and apoptosis, suggestive of ICI‐induced colitis. Five of the seven patients were treated with prednisolone, two of whom were resistant to prednisolone and required infliximab. In contrast, none of the four patients without ICI‐induced colitis required further treatment. Our observations suggest that diversity exists in the clinical, endoscopic and histological severity of patients with ICI‐induced diarrhea. Colonoscopy together with biopsy is inevitable for the diagnosis of ICI‐induced colitis, which requires intensive treatment.
Effect of diabetes duration on the relationship between glycaemic control and risk of death in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ghouse Jonas , Isaksen Jonas L. , Skov Morten W. , Lind Bent , Svendsen Jesper H. , Kanters Jørgen K. , Olesen Morten S. , Holst Anders G. , Nielsen Jonas B. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of diabetes duration on glycaemic control, measured using mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and mortality risk within different age, sex and clinically relevant, comorbidity‐defined subgroups in an elderly population with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsWe studied older (≥65 years) primary care patients with T2D, who had three successive annual measurements of HbA1c taken between 2005 and 2013. The primary exposure was the mean of all three HbA1c measurements. Follow‐up began on the date of the third measurement. Individual mean HbA1c levels were categorized into clinically relevant groups (<6.5% [<48 mmol/mol]; 6.5%‐6.9% [48‐52 mmol/mol]; 7%‐7.9% [53‐63 mmol/mol]; 8%‐8.9% [64‐74 mmol/mol]; and ≥9% [≥75 mmol/mol]). We used multiple Cox regression to study the effect of glycaemic control on the hazard of all‐cause mortality, adjusted for age, sex, use of concomitant medication, and age‐ and disease‐related comorbidities.ResultsA total of 9734 individuals were included. During a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 7.3 (4.6‐8.7) years, 3320 individuals died. We found that the effect of mean HbA1c on all‐cause mortality depended on the duration of diabetes (P for interaction <.001). For individuals with short diabetes duration (<5 years), the risk of death increased with poorer glycaemic control (increasing HbA1c), whereas for individuals with longstanding diabetes (≥5 years), we found a J‐shaped association, where a mean HbA1c level between 6.5% and 7.9% [48 and 63 mmol/mol] was associated with the lowest risk of death. For individuals with longstanding diabetes, both low (<6.5% [<48 mmol/mol]; hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07‐1.37, P = .002) and high mean HbA1c levels (≥9.0% [≥75 mmol/mol]; HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.28‐1.99, P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of death. We also calculated 5‐year absolute risks of all‐cause mortality, separately for short and long diabetes duration, and found similar risk patterns across different age groups, sex and comorbidity strata.ConclusionsIn elderly individuals with T2D, the effect of glycaemic control (measured by HbA1c) on all‐cause mortality depended on the duration of diabetes. Of particular clinical importance, we found that strict glycaemic control was associated with an increased risk of death among individuals with long (≥ 5 years) diabetes duration. Conversely, for individuals with short diabetes duration, strict glycaemic control was associated with the lowest risk of death. These results indicate that tight glycemic control may be beneficial in people with short duration of diabetes, whereas a less stringent target may be warranted with longer diabetes exposure.
The association between collagen and bone biomarkers and radiographic osteoarthritis in the distal tarsal joints of horses
Authors: Coppelman E. B. , David F. H. , Tóth F. , Ernst N. S. , Trumble T. N. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryBackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) of the distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints occurs commonly. Synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers of collagen and bone turnover have potential clinical value.ObjectivesTo measure SF biomarker concentrations from DIT and TMT joints in adult horses and determine if they correlate with radiographic OA severity and are higher in joints with radiographic OA compared to controls.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsRadiographic OA of DIT and TMT joints was evaluated from adult horses (5–35 years old). Overall radiographic scores divided horses into those with mild or moderate radiographic OA (16 joints from 9 horses) or controls (13 joints from 9 horses). Direct biomarkers of OA (Carboxypropeptide of type II collagen = CPII, carboxy‐neoepitope of type II collagen exposed after collagenase‐cleavage = C2C, Bone alkaline phosphatase = BAP and Chondroitin sulfate epitope = CS846) were measured via ELISA and CPII/C2C was calculated. Biomarkers were correlated with radiographic findings and concentrations from those with radiographic OA to control joints and were compared.ResultsConcentrations of CPII (R = 0.84, P<0.001), C2C (R = 0.69, P<0.001) and BAP (R = 0.41, P = 0.03) as well as CPII/C2C (R = 0.69, P<0.001) values positively correlated with overall radiographic scores. Adjusted means ± s.d., after controlling for age, for CPII (P<0.001), C2C (P<0.001), CPII/C2C (P = 0.004) and BAP (P = 0.05) were significantly higher in DIT and TMT joints with radiographic OA (CPII: 2174.45 ± 1064.01; C2C: 233.52 ± 51.187; CPII/C2C: 9.01 ± 4.09; BAP: 21.98 ± 15.34) compared to controls (CPII: 594.53 ± 463.05; C2C: 153.12 ± 48.95; CPII/C2C: 3.96 ± 2.38; BAP: 12.76 ± 3.61). CPII (P<0.001), C2C (P = 0.001) and CPII/C2C (P = 0.001) were significantly higher with moderate radiographic OA (CPII: 2444.61 ± 772.78; C2C: 248.90 ± 44.94; CPII/C2C: 9.47 ± 2.97) compared to controls (CPII: 658.38 ± 417.36; C2C: 156.49 ± 47.61; CPII/C2C: 4.15 ± 2.04), with CPII also showing significantly higher concentrations (P = 0.04) with mild radiographic OA compared (1515.00 ± 584.95) to controls (658.38 ± 417.36). There were no differences in CS846 concentrations between radiographic OA and control joints. Age positively correlated with CPII (R = 0.48, P = 0.01) and C2C (R = 0.44, P = 0.02) concentrations.Main limitationsRadiographic OA was assessed, not clinical lameness. Controls were not age‐matched to those with spontaneous radiographic OA.ConclusionsThere is an association between collagen (CPII, C2C and CPII/C2C) and bone (BAP) biomarkers and radiographic OA in the distal tarsal joints of horses.
The Counseling Experiences of Individuals Who Are Estranged From a Family Member
Authors: Blake Lucy , Bland Becca , Imrie Susan 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveFor the first time, this study explored the counseling experiences of individuals estranged from a family member and the ways in which therapy was helpful, unhelpful, or both.BackgroundFamily relationships are often assumed to be permanent. However, family members both can and do become estranged from one another, which can be a challenging experience, leading to feelings of sadness and loss and experiences or perceptions of stigma.MethodFindings are presented from an online survey of individuals who are estranged from one or more family members and had sought support from the charity Stand Alone. Open‐text responses were thematically analyzed from 209 respondents, 133 of whom elaborated on counseling experiences that had been helpful and 107 of whom described counseling experiences that had been unhelpful.ResultsHelpful encounters with therapy were those in which respondents felt supported to make their own decisions about their family relationships, developed insight and understanding through working with professionals who were knowledgeable about estrangement, and moved forward in their lives.ConclusionTherapy that is delivered by professionals who offer nondirective support (rather than suggesting that clients act or feel a certain way) and who are knowledgeable about estrangement will be of the greatest help and utility to individuals estranged from a family member.ImplicationsCommissioning bodies who offer support to estranged individuals need to ensure that counselors are knowledgeable about estrangement and that training on this issue is included in ongoing career professional development.
Electronation‐dependent structural change at the proton exit side of cytochrome c oxidase as revealed by site‐directed fluorescence labeling
Authors: Wolf Alexander , Wonneberg Juliane , Balke Jens , Alexiev Ulrike 
Published: October 2019

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), the terminal enzyme of the respiratory chain of mitochondria and many aerobic prokaryotes that function as a redox‐coupled proton pump, catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen to water. As part of the respiratory chain, CcO contributes to the proton motive force driving ATP synthesis. While many aspects of the enzyme’s catalytic mechanisms have been established, a clear picture of the proton exit pathway(s) remains elusive. Here, we aim to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of CcO through the development of a new homologous mutagenesis/expression system in Paracoccus denitrificans, which allows mutagenesis of CcO subunits 1, 2, and 3. Our system provides true single thiol‐reactive CcO variants in a three‐subunit base variant with unique labeling sites for the covalent attachment of reporter groups sensitive to nanoenvironmental factors like protonation, polarity, and hydration. To this end, we exchanged six residues on both membrane sides of CcO for cysteines. We show redox‐dependent wetting changes at the proton uptake channel and increased polarity at the proton exit side of CcO upon electronation. We suggest an electronation‐dependent conformational change to play a role in proton exit from CcO.
Alphabeticity Bias in 401(k) Investing
Authors: Doellman Thomas W. , Itzkowitz Jennifer , Itzkowitz Jesse , Sardarli Sabuhi H. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractStructural factors that cause irrational investment in defined contribution savings plans are of great concern. Using a proprietary database of 401(k) plans we show that alphabeticity—the order that fund names appear when listed in alphabetical order—significantly biases participants’ investment allocation decisions. While we show a larger impact as the number of funds in the plan increases, this bias is strong even when relatively few funds are available in the plan menu. Importantly, our findings suggest that a more strategic ordering of funds could result in favorable outcomes for participants.
The Preparation and Preliminary Characterisation of Three Synthetic Andesite Reference Glass Materials (ARM‐1, ARM‐2, ARM‐3) for In Situ Microanalysis
Authors: Wu Shitou , Wörner Gerhard , Jochum Klaus Peter , Stoll Brigitte , Simon Klaus , Kronz Andreas 
Published: October 2019

Three synthetic reference glasses were prepared by directly fusing and stirring 3.8 kg of high‐purity oxide powders to provide reference materials for microanalytical work. These glasses have andesitic major compositions and are doped with fifty‐four trace elements in nearly identical abundance (500, 50, 5 µg g−1) using oxide powders or element solutions, and are named ARM‐1, 2 and 3, respectively. We further document that sector‐field (SF) ICP‐MS (Element 2 or Element XR) is capable of sweeping seventy‐seven isotopes (from 7Li to 238U, a total of sixty‐eight elements) in 1 s and, thus, is able to quantify up to sixty‐eight elements by laser sampling. Micro‐ and bulk analyses indicate that the glasses are homogeneous with respect to major and trace elements. This paper provides preliminary data for the ARM glasses using a variety of analytical techniques (EPMA, XRF, ICP‐OES, ICP‐MS, LA‐Q‐ICP‐MS and LA‐SF‐ICP‐MS) performed in ten laboratories. Discrepancies in the data of V, Cr, Ni and Tl exist, mainly caused by analytical limitations. Preliminary reference and information values for fifty‐six elements were calculated with uncertainties [2 relative standard error (RSE)] estimated in the range of 1–20%.