bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for post‐traumatic stress disorder: Assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled study
Authors: Feng Bin , Zhang Ying , Luo Li‐Yuan , Wu Jian‐Yong , Yang Sen‐Jun , Zhang Ning , Tan Qing‐Rong , Wang Hua‐Ning , Ge Nan , Ning Fang , Zheng Zi‐Li , Zhu Rui‐Ming , Qian Min‐Cai , Chen Zhi‐Yu , Zhang Zhang‐Jin 
Published: December 2018

AimTranscutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has the potential to alleviate post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether adding TEAS to sertraline or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could improve the anti‐PTSD efficacy.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 240 PTSD patients (60 in each group) were assigned to receive simulated TEAS combined with sertraline (group A) or with CBT (group B), active TEAS combined with CBT (group C), or active TEAS combined with CBT plus sertraline (group D) for 12 weeks. The outcomes were measured using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale, PTSD Check List‐Civilian Version, and 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.ResultsWhile PTSD symptoms reduced over time in all patients, groups C and D had markedly greater improvement in both PTSD and depressive measures than groups A and B in all post‐baseline measurement points, with moderate to very large effect sizes of 0.484–2.244. Groups C and D also had a significantly higher rate than groups A and B on clinical response (85.0% and 95.0% vs 63.3% and 60.0%, P < 0.001) and on remission (15.0% and 25.0% vs 3.3% and 1.7%, P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was similar between groups A and D and between groups B and C.ConclusionsAdditional TEAS augments the anti‐PTSD and antidepressant efficacy of antidepressants or CBT, without increasing the incidence of adverse effects. TEAS could serve as an effective intervention for PTSD and comorbid depression. This trial was registered with www.chictr.org (no.: ChiCTR1800017255).
Effects of prenatal sex hormones on behavioral sexual dimorphism
Authors: Mitsui Takahiko , Araki Atsuko , Miyashita Chihiro , Ito Sachiko , Ikeno Tamiko , Sasaki Seiko , Kitta Takeya , Moriya Kimihiko , Cho Kazutoshi , Morioka Keita , Kishi Reiko , Shinohara Nobuo , Takeda Masayuki , Nonomura Katsuya 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the association between the hormone environment during the prenatal period using cord blood, and gender‐role play behavior in school‐aged children.MethodsA total of 879 school‐aged children (433 boys and 446 girls) in a prospective birth cohort study in Hokkaido were enrolled to analyze the relationship between cord blood level of the sex hormones estradiol (E), testosterone (T), progesterone (P), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and the Pre‐School Activities Inventory (PSAI) score. The PSAI evaluated sex‐typical characteristics, the type of preferred toys and play activities. The PSAI consists of 12 masculine and 12 feminine items, and the composite scores were calculated by subtracting the feminine score from the masculine score. Higher scores indicated male‐typical behavior.ResultsComposite and masculine PSAI scores were significantly higher in boys. Meanwhile, the feminine score was significantly lower in boys. Although T and P were significantly higher in boys, E/T was significantly higher in girls. In a multivariate regression model, including covariates of social factors, there was no correlation between any of the hormones and PSAI score in boys. In girls, only P and E/T were positively correlated with the feminine score.ConclusionsPrenatal sex hormone exposure may influence the dimorphic brain development and behavior in school‐aged girls. Furthermore, the cord blood hormone levels may not fully reflect the hormone environment during the prenatal period.
Parasitic worms hijack key plant protein to build their nest
Authors: Baral Anirban 
Published: December 2018

Parasitic nematode worms infect a variety of crop plants worldwide. Roots infected by these worms start to look rather unsavory – with knot like tumors (galls) developing all over them. At the core of each gall, a worm matures and lays its eggs. Olmo et al. (2018) looked into the developmental reprogramming that leads to gall formation and found an Arabidopsis protein to be a necessary component in this process.
Uncertain Pension Income and Household Saving
Authors: van Santen Peter 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between household saving and pensions, and estimates both the displacement effect of pensions on private saving and the precautionary saving effect due to uncertainty in pension income. I estimate the savings equation implied by a simple life‐cycle model featuring income uncertainty using survey data for Dutch households, with subjective expectations on pension benefits and uncertainty. Exploiting exogenous variation due to pension fund performance, I find that households save significantly more due to uncertainty in pension income. Not controlling for uncertainty biases the estimated displacement effect of pensions on private savings towards zero.
Barriers of Visceral Leishmaniasis reporting and surveillance in Nepal: comparison of governmental VL‐program districts with non‐program districts
Authors: Lim DaJull , Banjara Megha Raj , Singh Vivek Kumar , Joshi Anand Ballabh , Gurung Chitra Kumar , Das Murari Lal , Matlashewski Greg , Olliaro Piero , Kroeger Axel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesAt the time when Nepal is on the verge of reaching the maintenance phase of the Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) elimination program, the country is facing new challenges. The disease has expanded to 61 of the country's 75 districts including previously non‐endemic areas where there is no control or patient management program in place. This study aimed to assess which elements of the surveillance and reporting systems need strengthening to identify cases at an early stage, prevent further transmission and ensure sustained VL elimination.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional mixed‐method study, we collected data from two study populations in VL program and non‐program districts. From February to May 2016, structured interviews were conducted with 40 VL patients, and 14 in‐depth and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with health managers.ResultsThe median total delay from onset of symptoms to successful reporting to the Ministry of Health was 68.5 days in the VL‐program and 83 days in non‐program districts. The difference in patient's delay from the onset of symptoms to seeking health care was 3 days in VL‐program and 20 days in non‐program districts. The diagnostic delay (38.5 days and 36 days, respectively), treatment delay (1 vs. 1 days) and reporting delay (45 vs. 36 days) were similar in program and non‐program districts. The diagnostic delay increased three‐fold from 2012, while treatment and reporting delay remained unchanged. The main barriers to surveillance were: (i) lack of access and awareness in non‐program districts; (ii) growing private sector not included in and not participating to referral, treatment and reporting; (iii) lack of cooperation and coordination among stakeholders for training and deployment of interventions; (iv) insufficient validation, outreach and process optimisation of the reporting system.ConclusionsCorrective measures are needed to maintain the achievements of the VL elimination campaign and prevent resurgence of the disease in Nepal. A clear patient referral structure, reinforcement of report notification and validation and direct relay of data by local hospitals and the private sector to the district health offices are needed to ensure prompt treatment and timely and reliable information to facilitate a responsive system of interventions.
Smoking during pregnancy increases chemerin expression in neonatal tissue
Authors: Reynolds Leryn J. , Chavan Niraj R. , DeHoff Logan B. , Preston Joshua D. , Maddox Hannah F. , O'Brien John M. , Armstrong David A. , Marsit Carmen J. , Pearson Kevin J. 
Published: December 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Is chemerin, an adipokine implicated in obesity, increased in neonates following in utero cigarette smoke exposure.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Chemerin mRNA expression was increased and chemerin DNA methylation was decreased in babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. These data provide a potential mechanism that may be mediating the increased obesity risk in individuals that are born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy.

AbstractIt has been shown that in utero tobacco exposure increases offspring risk for obesity, but the mechanisms responsible for this increased risk are not well understood. Chemerin is an adipokine that regulates adipocyte differentiation. This chemokine is elevated in obese individuals and with smoke exposure, but its levels have not been measured in neonates exposed to cigarette smoke in utero. We examined chemerin gene expression [n = 31 non‐smoker (NS) and 15 smoker (S)] and DNA methylation (n = 28 NS and n = 11 S) in skin collected from babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy as compared to non‐smoking controls. Quality RNA and DNA were isolated from foreskin tissue following circumcision, and chemerin gene expression and DNA methylation were assessed. Further, in a second cohort, we utilized primary dermal foreskin fibroblasts as a functional measure of adipogenesis in living cells (n = 11 NS and n = 8 S). Cells were stimulated with an adipogenic cocktail, mRNA was isolated from cells after 14 days, and chemerin gene expression assessed via real‐time PCR. Chemerin mRNA was elevated in both whole tissue (NS: 2409.20 ± 555.28 counts and S: 2966.72 ± 636.84 counts; P < 0.01) and primary fibroblasts (NS: 1.12 ± and S: 2.13 ± ; P = 0.04) collected from infants born to smoking mothers. Chemerin DNA methylation was reduced in whole tissue of offspring born to smokers (NS: 4.18 ± 1.28 and S: 3.07 ± 1.31%; P = 0.02), which may contribute to the increased gene expression. Neonates born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy exhibit distinct changes in chemerin gene expression in response to in utero tobacco smoke exposure which are regulated in part by epigenetic alterations.
The role of echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of a giant unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm
Authors: Serban Adela Mihaela , Bătrâna Nicoleta , Cocoi Mihai , Ianoș Raluca , Moț Ștefan , Kovacs Emese , Axente Dan Damian , Man Carmen , Molnar Adrian 
Published: December 2018

Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm (SVA) is an aortic root anomaly, consisting of a lack of continuity between the aortic media and the aortic annulus, caused by a structural deficiency of muscular and elastic tissue. We present the case of a 49-year-oldman with atypical chest pain. Echocardiographic imaging described a giant unruptured aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva which was confirmed by cardiac computed tomography and coronary angiography. The obstruction of the right coronary artery without intravascular thrombosis and the compression of the right ventricular outflow tract with dynamic obstruction gradient represent the particularities of our case.
Growth hormone prescribing patterns in the UK, 2013–2016
Authors: Shepherd Sheila , Saraff Vrinda , Shaw Nick , Banerjee Indraneel , Patel Leena 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionPrescribing of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) for growth failure in UK children is based on guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. In 2013, the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes initiated a national audit of newly prescribed rhGH treatment for children and adolescents. In this review, we have examined prescribing practices between 2013 and 2016.MethodsAll patients ≤16.0 years of age starting rhGH for licensed and unlicensed conditions in the UK were included. Anonymised data on indication and patient demographics were analysed.ResultsDuring the 4 years, 3757 patients from 76 of 85 (89%) centres started rhGH. For each licensed indication, proportions remained stable over this period: 56% growth hormone deficiency (GHD), 17% small for gestational age (SGA), 10% Turner syndrome, 6% Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), 3% chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and 2% short stature homeobox deficiency (SHOXd). However, the unlicensed category decreased from 10% (n=94) in 2013 to 5% (n=50) in 2016. The median age of patients starting rhGH was 7.6 years (range 0.1–16.0). Patients with PWS were significantly younger (median 2.2 years, range 0.2–15.1) compared with other indications (p<0.0001) and were followed by the SGA group (median 6.2 years, range 1.3–15.6, p<0.0001). Boys predominated in all groups except for PWS and SHOXd.ConclusionWe demonstrate significant engagement of prescribing centres in this audit and a decline in unlicensed prescribing by half in this 4-year period. Patients in the PWS group were younger at initiation of rhGH compared with other indications and had no male predominance unlike GHD, SGA and CRI.
Effects of food items and related nutrients on metabolic syndrome using Bayesian multilevel modelling using the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS): a cohort study
Authors: Cheraghi Zahra , Nedjat Saharnaz , Mirmiran Parvin , Moslehi Nazanin , Mansournia Nasrin , Etminan Mahyar , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , McCandless Lawrence C 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesDiet and nutrition might play an important role in the aetiology of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Most studies that examine the effects of food intake on MetS have used conventional statistical analyses which usually investigate only a limited number of food items and are subject to sparse data bias. This study was undertaken with the goal of investigating the concurrent effect of numerous food items and related nutrients on the incidence of MetS using Bayesian multilevel modelling which can control for sparse data bias.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThis prospective study was a subcohort of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. We analysed dietary intake as well as pertinent covariates for cohort members in the fourth (2008–2011) and fifth (2011–2014) follow-up examinations. We fitted Bayesian multilevel model and compared the results with two logistic regression models: (1) full model which included all variables and (2) reduced model through backward selection of dietary variables.Participants3616 healthy Iranian adults, aged ≥20 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresIncident cases of MetS.ResultsBayesian multilevel approach produced results that were more precise and biologically plausible compared with conventional logistic regression models. The OR and 95% confidence limits for the effects of the four foods comparing the Bayesian multilevel with the full conventional model were as follows: (1) noodle soup (1.20 (0.67 to 2.14) vs 1.91 (0.65 to 5.64)), (2) beans (0.96 (0.5 to 1.85) vs 0.55 (0.03 to 11.41)), (3) turnip (1.23 (0.68 to 2.23) vs 2.48 (0.82 to 7.52)) and (4) eggplant (1.01 (0.51 to 2.00) vs 1 09 396 (0.152×10–6to 768×1012)). For most food items, the Bayesian multilevel analysis gave narrower confidence limits than both logistic regression models, and hence provided the highest precision.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that conventional regression methods do not perform well and might even be biased when assessing highly correlated exposures such as food items in dietary epidemiological studies. Despite the complexity of the Bayesian multilevel models and their inherent assumptions, this approach performs superior to conventional statistical models in studies that examine multiple nutritional exposures that are highly correlated.
Feasibility and validity of the Health Status Classification System-Preschool (HSCS-PS) in a large community sample: the Generation R study
Authors: Fang Xinye , Bai Guannan , Windhorst Dafna A , Feeny David , Saigal Saroj , Duijts Liesbeth , Jaddoe Vincent W V , Hu Shanlian , Jin Chunlin , Raat Hein 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility, discriminant validity and concurrent validity of the Health Status Classification System-Preschool (HSCS-PS) in children aged 3 years in a large community sample in the Netherlands.Design/settingA prospective population-based cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.ParticipantsA questionnaire was administrated to a sample of parents of 4546 children (36.7±1.5 months).Outcome measuresHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children was measured by HSCS-PS. The HSCS-PS consists of 10 original domains. Two single-item measures of ‘General health’ and ‘Behavior’ were added. A disability score was calculated by summing up all 10 original domains to describe the overall health status. Feasibility was assessed by the response rate, percentages of missing answers, score distributions and the presence of floor/ceiling effects. Discriminant validity was analysed between subgroups with predefined conditions: low birth weight, preterm birth, wheezing, Ear-Nose-Throat surgical procedures and behaviour problems. In the absence of another HRQOL measure, this study uses the single-items ‘General health’ and ‘Behavior’ as a first step to evaluate concurrent validity of the HSCS-PS.ResultsFeasibility: response rate was 69%. Ceiling effects were observed in all domains. Discriminant validity: the disability score discriminated clearly between subgroups of children born with a ‘very low birth weight’, ‘very preterm birth’, with ‘four or more than four times wheezing’, ‘at least one ear-nose-throat surgical procedures’, ‘behaviour problems present’ and the ‘reference’ group. Concurrent validity: HSCS-PS domains correlated better with hypothesised parallel additional domains than with other non-hypothesised original domains.ConclusionsThis study supports the feasibility and validity of the HSCS-PS among preschoolers in community settings. We recommend developing a utility-based scoring algorithm for the HSCS-PS. Further empirical studies and repeated evaluations in varied populations are recommended.
Cast versus functional brace in the rehabilitation of patients treated for an ankle fracture: protocol for the UK study of ankle injury rehabilitation (AIR) multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Kearney Rebecca Samantha , McKeown Rebecca , Stevens Siobhan , Parsons Nicholas , Parsons Helen , Wells Philip , Brown Jaclyn , Underwood Martin , Redmond Anthony , Mason James , Costa Matthew L 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionEach year in the UK over 120 000 people fracture their ankle. It is not known what the best rehabilitation strategy is for these people. Traditionally standard care has involved immobilisation in a plaster cast but an alternative is a functional brace, which can be removed to allow early movement. This paper details the protocol for a multicentre randomised trial of plaster cast immobilisation versus functional bracing for patients with an ankle fracture.Methods and analysisWe will recruit adults with a fractured ankle, for which the treating clinician would consider plaster cast to be a reasonable management option. Randomisation will be on a 1:1 basis, stratified by centre, operative or non-operative management and age. Participants will be allocated to either plaster cast or a functional brace, both treatments are widely used. To have 90% power to detect a difference of 10 points on the primary outcome (Olerud and Molander Ankle Score) at the primary outcome time point (16 weeks), we need to randomise a minimum of 478 people. Quality of life and resource use will be collected at 6, 10, 16, 24 weeks and 12, 18, 24 months. The differences between treatment groups will be assessed on an intention-to-treat basis. The economic evaluation will adhere to the recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence reference case.Ethics, registration and disseminationNational Research Ethic Committee approved this study on 4 July 2017 (17/WM/0239). The first site opened to recruitment 9 October 2017. The results of this trial will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and will inform clinical practice.Trial registration numberISRCTN15537280; Pre-results.
Increased plasma leptin as a novel predictor for psychopathological depressive symptoms in chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Xu Jinjie , Jiao Yumei , Xing Mengjuan , Lin Yezhe , Su Yousong , Ding Wenhua , Zhu Cuizhen , Peng Yanmin , Qi Dake , Cui Donghong 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundDepressive symptoms are often seen in schizophrenia. The overlap in presentation makes it difficult to distinguish depressive symptoms from the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The adipokine leptin was found to be altered in both depression and schizophrenia. There are few studies focusing on the prediction of leptin in diagnosis and evaluation of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia.ObjectiveAimsTo assess the plasma leptin level in patients with schizophrenia and its relationships with depressive symptoms.MethodsCross-sectional studies were applied to (1) compare the levels of plasma leptin between schizophrenia (n=74) and healthy controls (n=50); and (2) investigate the relationship between plasma leptin levels and depressive subscores.Results(1) Plasma leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia than in healthy controls. (2) Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between leptin levels and the depressed factor scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). (3) Stepwise multiple regression analyses identified leptin as an influencing factor for depressed factor score on PANSS.ConclusionLeptin may serve as a predictor for the depressive symptoms of chronic schizophrenia.
Beam hardening artifacts of liquid embolic agents: comparison between Squid and Onyx
Authors: Pop Raoul , Mertz Luc , Ilyes Annamaria , Mihoc Dan , Richter Johann Sebastian , Manisor Monica , Kremer Stéphane , Beaujeux Rémy 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundInitial clinical experience with Squid shows subjectively reduced artifacts on post-embolization CT scans compared with Onyx. To further investigate these observations, we aimed to perform a comparison of artifacts between Squid and Onyx in a controlled in vitro model.Materials and methodsOnyx 18 and all four variants of Squid (Squid 18, Squid 18 low density (LD), Squid 12, Squid 12 LD) were each injected in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) compatible test tubes. The tubes containing precipitated embolic material were inserted in a CT phantom for conventional and flat panel CT acquisitions. Beam hardening artifacts were quantified using objective and subjective measurements.ResultsObjective evaluation of artifacts within regions of interest (ROIs) placed around the embolic material on CT and flat panel CT images demonstrated significantly lower noise and Hounsfield unit (HU) range values for all four Squid products compared with Onyx 18. On both CT and flat panel CT, LD variants of Squid 18 and Squid 12 had significantly lower noise and HU range values than their normal density counterparts on longitudinal ROIs. When using subjective measures for diagnostic value within ROIs placed around the embolic material on both CT and flat panel CT images, the number of non-diagnostic ROIs was significantly higher for Onyx 18 than for all four Squid variants.ConclusionAll four variants of Squid induced fewer beam hardening artifacts than Onyx 18 on CT and flat panel CT acquisitions. LD variants of Squid induced fewer artifacts than their normal density counterparts.