bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Waist‐to‐height ratio remains an accurate and practical way of identifying cardiometabolic risks in children and adolescents
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Dou Ya‐lan , Xiong Feng , Zhang Lan , Zhu Gao‐hui , Wu Ting , Zhang Yi , Yan Wei‐li 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimWe evaluated how effectively the waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) identified cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in children and adolescents, compared with the tri‐ponderal mass index, percentage of body fat and other obesity indexes.MethodsEligible subjects were recruited from three metropolitan regions of China from May 2013 to June 2014. Subjects with at least three of the following abnormalities – hypertension, dyslipidemia, elevated fasting blood glucose and central obesity – were defined as CMR1 and children with at least two were defined as CMR2. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare how effectively obesity indexes predicted CMR.ResultsWe recruited 3556 subjects aged 7–18 years. All five obesity indexes showed good, comparable performances in identifying CMR and the AUCs ranged from 0.89 to 0.90 for CMR1 and 0.83 to 0.85 for CMR2. The cut‐off of 0.467 for WHtR achieved a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.80 for predicting CMR1, with the best cut‐offs being 0.463 for boys and 0.469 for girls.ConclusionThe WHtR was a superior and practical screening tool for detecting CMR in this paediatric population, as it provided comparable accuracy to other methods and just required a simple calculation.
Extraintestinal manifestations were common in children with coeliac disease and were more prevalent in patients with more severe clinical and histological presentation
Authors: Nurminen Samuli , Kivelä Laura , Huhtala Heini , Kaukinen Katri , Kurppa Kalle 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThis study investigated the prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) in paediatric coeliac disease and their associations with other disease features.MethodsResearchers at the University of Tampere, Finland, compared EIM in 511 children diagnosed with coeliac disease from 2003 to 2014 and 180 diagnosed with functional gastrointestinal disorders from 2007 to 2013. Disease severity and dietary responses were also compared between coeliac children diagnosed by screening (n = 146) or because of EIM (n = 116) or gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 249).ResultsCoeliac patients had more EIM (62%) than those with functional disorders (33%). The most common EIM in coeliac children were poor growth (27%) and anaemia (18%). Children with coeliac disease often showed fatigue (8%) and symptoms affecting the skin (15%), nervous system (9%) and joints (6%). Coeliac patients with EIM as their main clinical presentation had more severe symptoms and histological damage at diagnosis than those with gastrointestinal presentation and screen‐detected cases. The subgroups did not differ with regard to other clinical and laboratory parameters and dietary adherence. Concomitant EIM were also common in children diagnosed because of gastrointestinal presentation (60%) and by screening (37%).ConclusionEIM were common in coeliac disease and associated with more severe clinical and histological presentation.
WHY FARMERS INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN CO‐OPERATIVE DISTRICT COUNCILS
Authors: MORFI Chrysoula , NILSSON Jerker , ÖSTERBERG Hanna 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThis study finds that selective incentives induce district council members and chairpersons to work for the collective best of a co‐operative membership. Being the lowest echelon of a co‐operative's internal governance hierarchy, district councils constitute a link between the membership and the board of directors. Previous research indicates that district council members are often driven by a co‐operative conviction and social concerns. The present study challenges this view. On the basis of a survey of all 191 district council members and council chairpersons of a large Swedish agricultural co‐operative, it is found that the elected representatives rank low in terms of co‐operative conviction and social concerns. They involve themselves mainly in order to get personal benefits; they want to gain access to information, mature personally and obtain inputs to develop their farm enterprises. The financial compensation is of limited importance.
Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disorders and 2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐Dioxin Body Burden in Czech Patients 50 Years After the Intoxication
Authors: Pelcl Tomas , Skrha Jan , Prazny Martin , Vlckova Stepanka , Fenclova Zdenka , Navratil Tomas , Malik Jan , Diblik Pavel , Zikan Vit , Pelclova Daniela 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe correlation between 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) intoxication and the parameters of metabolic impairment was examined in the last eight male survivors of 80 workers exposed to TCDD during the production of herbicides in a chemical factory in 1965–1967. Their median TCDD blood level was 112 (46–390) pg/g lipids, and the median TCDD body deposit was 3.9 (0.8–11.7) μg. This puts these patients into the most severely intoxicated group of subjects, according to back‐calculated levels of TCDD. The median TCDD blood level in eight controls was 12 pg/g (<0.10 to 22.2 pg/g). Markers of metabolic impairment – diabetes, dyslipidaemia, arterial hypertension, carotid artery plaque, skin microvascular reactivity, eye fundus hypertensive angiopathy and history of coronary heart disease – were assessed and compared to a general male population of comparable age. Measured parameters compared with a population of comparable age were as follows: prevalence of diabetes (62.5% versus 17.6%), arterial hypertension (87.5% versus 71.8%), dyslipidaemia (87.5% versus 88.8%), history of coronary heart disease (62.5% versus 26.0%) and eye fundus hypertension angiopathy (50% versus 14%). All eight patients (100% versus 43%) developed plaques in carotid arteries, six had stenosis >50% and two had a carotid intervention (stenting or endarterectomy). Total cholesterol levels decreased compared to the earlier study this patient group in 2008, most likely due to a more intensive use of lipid‐lowering drugs. Several metabolic parameters were higher (diabetes as much as 3.5‐fold) in the group of severely TCDD‐intoxicated subjects than in a general population of comparable age. This suggests that TCDD plays a role in the development of metabolic impairment and vascular changes.
A D-Vine Copula-Based Model for Repeated Measurements Extending Linear Mixed Models with Homogeneous Correlation Structure
Authors: Killiches Matthias , Czado Claudia 
Published: March 2018

Summary
We propose a model for unbalanced longitudinal data, where the univariate margins can be selected arbitrarily and the dependence structure is described with the help of a D-vine copula. We show that our approach is an extremely flexible extension of the widely used linear mixed model if the correlation is homogeneous over the considered individuals. As an alternative to joint maximum–likelihood a sequential estimation approach for the D-vine copula is provided and validated in a simulation study. The model can handle missing values without being forced to discard data. Since conditional distributions are known analytically, we easily make predictions for future events. For model selection, we adjust the Bayesian information criterion to our situation. In an application to heart surgery data our model performs clearly better than competing linear mixed models.
Determining the optimal time for radical cystectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Mmeje Chinedu O. , Benson Cooper R. , Nogueras‐González Graciela M. , Jayaratna Isuru S. , Gao Jianjun , Siefker‐Radtke Arlene O. , Kamat Ashish M. , Dinney Colin P. , Navai Neema , Shah Jay B. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo determine whether the recovery window (RW) between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy (RC) affects 90‐day postoperative morbidity and incidence of lymph node metastasis.Patients and methodsWe reviewed patients treated with NAC and RC from 1995 to 2013 for ≤cT4N0M0 bladder cancer. The association of the RW with 90‐day perioperative morbidity and lymph node metastasis was determined. Generalised linear models were used to determine predictors of each endpoint. Patients were stratified into four RWs by 21‐day intervals (18–42; 43–63; 64–84; and ≥85 days) from last day of NAC to RC.ResultsWe evaluated 306 patients with RW information during the study period. The median (range) RW was 46 (18–199) days. There was no difference in overall morbidity, re‐admission, or major complication rates amongst the four RWs. In the multivariable analysis extravesical disease was an independent predictor of overall morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–3.26; P = 0.011). Age (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.09; P = 0.004), and surgical duration ≥7 h (OR 2.87, 95% CI: 1.52–5.42; P = 0.001) were independent predictors of major complications. Only surgical duration ≥7 h was a predictor of re‐admission (OR 2.24; 95% CI: 1.26–3.98; P = 0.006). A RW of ≥85 days had the highest incidence of node‐positive disease (pN+; 40%). In a separate multivariable model that included clinical predictors for pN+, a RW of ≥85 days was an independent predictor of nodal metastasis (OR 2.92, 95% CI: 1.20–7.09; P = 0.018).ConclusionPatients treated with NAC for bladder cancer can undergo RC between 18 and 84 days (2.5–12 weeks) after NAC with no difference in the risk of perioperative morbidity. Delaying surgery beyond 12 weeks was associated with a significant risk of lymph node metastasis.
CAN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IMPROVE STOCK MARKET EFFICIENCY? A CROSS‐COUNTRY STUDY
Authors: Lee Ming‐Hsuan , Tsai Tou‐Chin , Chen Jau‐er , Lio Mon‐Chi 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe rapid advance of information and communication technology (ICT) has revolutionized the dissemination of stock market information. Based on the noise trading theory, this study discusses whether the changes brought by ICT have promoted the transparency of stock market information or instead flooded the stock market with misinformation. A cross‐country panel dataset of 71 countries from 2002 to 2014 was established. The empirical methodologies include panel unit root tests, panel variance ratio tests, and panel multiple regressions. The results of panel unit root tests and panel variance ratio tests show that stock markets in countries with high ICT diffusion are efficient while stock markets in countries with low or medium ICT diffusion are not all efficient. The results of panel regressions further show that the effect of ICT diffusion in reducing market noises was more significant than its effect in magnifying the noises.
Evaluation of a bone substitute covered with a collagen membrane for ridge preservation after tooth extraction. Clinical and tomographic randomized controlled study in humans
Authors: Nunes Felipe Anderson Sousa , Pignaton Túlio B. , Novaes Arthur B. , Taba Mário , Messora Michel R. , Palioto Daniela B. , Spin‐Neto Rubens , de Souza Sérgio Luís Scombatti 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the use of a synthetic bone substitute covered with a collagen membrane for ridge preservation after tooth extraction, by clinical and tomographic analysis.Material and MethodsFifteen patients, presenting at least two maxillary anterior teeth indicated for extraction, were selected: in the test group (TG), post‐extraction sockets were filled by a synthetic bone substitute; in the control group (CG), by blood clot. In both groups, the sockets were covered by a collagen membrane. Cone‐beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired immediately after and 6 months post‐surgically, and horizontal and vertical dimensional bone changes were quantified.ResultsTransurgical clinical analysis presented no statistically significant differences between TG and CG (p > .05). CBCT intragroup evaluation presented statistically significant reduction for the buccal alveolar measurement (TG = 1.58 mm or 21.82%, and CG = 1.66 mm or 24.08%) and horizontal cervical measurement (TG = 0.55 mm or 8.30% and CG = 1.30 mm or 17.68%), and not significant for palatal alveolar measurement (TG = 0.44 mm or 3.42% and CG = 0.26 mm or 3.89%). For alveolar height and horizontal apical measurements, this decrease was significant only for the CG, with reductions of 1.03 mm and 0.50 mm, respectively, compared to a decrease of 0.57 mm and 0.19 mm for the TG. The intergroup analysis showed significant difference for cervical horizontal measurement after 6 months (p < .05).ConclusionThe results showed that the use of the bone substitute covered with a collagen membrane resulted in less changes in vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge dimensions than the collagen membrane alone.
Due Process in Dual Process: Model‐Recovery Simulations of Decision‐Bound Strategy Analysis in Category Learning
Authors: Edmunds Charlotte E. R. , Milton Fraser , Wills Andy J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBehavioral evidence for the COVIS dual‐process model of category learning has been widely reported in over a hundred publications (Ashby & Valentin, ). It is generally accepted that the validity of such evidence depends on the accurate identification of individual participants' categorization strategies, a task that usually falls to Decision Bound analysis (Maddox & Ashby, ). Here, we examine the accuracy of this analysis in a series of model‐recovery simulations. In Simulation 1, over a third of simulated participants using an Explicit (conjunctive) strategy were misidentified as using a Procedural strategy. In Simulation 2, nearly all simulated participants using a Procedural strategy were misidentified as using an Explicit strategy. In Simulation 3, we re‐examined a recently reported COVIS‐supporting dissociation (Smith et al., ) and found that these misidentification errors permit an alternative, single‐process, explanation of the results. Implications for due process in the future evaluation of dual‐process theories, including recommendations for future practice, are discussed.
Do talented managers invest more efficiently? The moderating role of corporate governance mechanisms
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , García‐Meca Emma 
Published: March 2018

AbstractManuscript typeEmpiricalResearch question/issueThe main objective of this paper is to examine the influence of managerial ability on investment efficiency. Using a sample of 2185 firms from 24 countries for the period 2006–2015, we hypothesize a positive association between investment efficiency and managerial ability and suggest that able managers make fewer over‐ and underinvestment decisions. As a unique and helpful feature of this study, we also employ a model to capture the different interactions between internal and external corporate governance mechanisms and managerial ability.Research findings/insightsOur results show that managerial ability is an economically relevant determinant of investment efficiency, resulting in lower levels of underinvestment and overinvestment. Additionally, our findings note that the benefits of able managers for investment efficiency are reinforced when companies are located in countries with better board effectiveness, superior investor protection, and better legal enforcement, suggesting that governance mechanisms are effective complementary measures to constrain inefficient investment decisions. The results also indicate that the advantages of having able managers are especially noticeable during a financial crisis and under conditions of greater information asymmetry.Theoretical/academic implicationsOur findings suggest that governance mechanisms are effective complementary measures to constrain inefficient investment decisions. Specifically, our results highlight the relevance of the monitoring role of the board, noting that the efficiency of this internal control mechanism complements the effect that able managers have on investment efficiency.Practitioner/policy implicationsThe paper has relevant implications. First, boards of directors must be aware that, although the access to financial resources is a determinant of firms' financial success, the individual ability to manage them is essential in making efficient investment decisions, which should be considered when recruiting new managers and establishing compensation schemes. Second, the paper shows that managerial ability is reinforced when the company is in a country with strong corporate governance mechanisms, implying that regulators should be aware of the relevance of investor protection, legal enforcement, and board effectiveness to improve the benefits of managerial attributes and therefore the financial efficiency of firms.
Industrial foundations as long‐term owners
Authors: Thomsen Steen , Poulsen Thomas , Børsting Christa , Kuhn Johan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueDoes foundation ownership lead to long‐term corporate governance and business behavior in foundation‐owned companies?Research Findings/InsightsShort‐termism has become a serious concern for corporate governance, and this has inspired a search for institutional arrangements to promote long‐term decision‐making. In this paper, we call attention to long‐term ownership by industrial foundations, which is common in Northern Europe but little known in the rest of the world. We use a unique Danish data set to document that industrial foundations are long‐term owners that practice long‐term governance. We show that foundation ownership is highly stable compared to other ownership structures. Foundation‐owned companies replace managers less frequently. They have conservative capital structures with low financial leverage. They score higher on an index of long‐termism in finance, investment, and employment. They survive longer. Overall, our paper supports the hypothesis that corporate time horizons are influenced by ownership structures, and particularly that industrial foundations possess characteristics that promote long‐termism. Policymakers, business owners, and managers interested in promoting long‐term governance models should therefore reconsider the role of ownership structure.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis paper supports the hypothesis that time horizons are influenced by ownership commitment and particularly that industrial foundations promote long‐termism. We contribute to the corporate governance literature by further developing the concept of long‐termism as a multi‐faceted corporate governance concept associated with ownership commitment. We also show that foundation ownership is associated with long‐termism.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsPolicymakers interested in promoting long‐termism should encourage long‐term ownership, for example by industrial foundations. Practitioners should consider the importance of ownership commitment in ensuring long‐term corporate governance.
Lung ultrasound in diagnosis and follow up of community acquired pneumonia in infants younger than 1‐year old
Authors: Omran Ahmed , Eesai Samah , Ibrahim Mostafa , El‐Sharkawy Sonya 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPneumonia is still a leading cause of illness and death in infants worldwide. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is emerging as an extremely valuable non‐ionizing radiation diagnostic tool in diagnosis and follow up of multiple paediatric pulmonary diseases.ObjectiveTo assess the applicability of LUS in diagnosis and follow up of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Egyptian infants younger than 1‐year old.MethodsLUS and chest X‐ray (CXR) were performed in 50 infants presented with clinical symptoms and signs suggestive of CAP within the first 6 hours of admission in our inpatient department, then follow up LUS was performed 5 days after admission.ResultsThis study showed that LUS was superior to CXR in initial diagnosis of CAP in infants. LUS detected pneumonia in 49 (98%) compared to 36 (72%) infants diagnosed by CXR (P < .05). On follow up, 5 days later, consolidation patch disappeared in 13 (26.5%) infants, diminished in size in 27 (55.1%) infants, remained at the same size in 2 (4.1%) infants and increased in size in 7 (14.3%) infants.ConclusionThis study showed that LUS is superior to CXR in diagnosing infants with CAP who are younger than 1‐year old. It also serves as a safe follow up tool and could support the decision of hospital discharge in this category of patients. Further studies with larger sample size and longer follow up duration are recommended to confirm the results of the present study.
Comparative efficacy and safety of the duodenal‐jejunal bypass liner in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case control study
Authors: Laubner Katharina , Riedel Nina , Fink Katharina , Holl Reinhard W. , Welp Reinhard , Kempe Hans‐Peter , Lautenbach Anne , Schlensak Matthias , Stengel Rainer , Eberl Thomas , Dederichs Frank , Schwacha Henning , Seufert Jochen , Aberle Jens 
Published: March 2018

AimsThe duodenal‐jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) is an endoscopic device mimicking surgical duodenal‐jejunal bypass, and is indicated for the treatment of obesity‐associated type 2 diabetes mellitus. This analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the DJBL in comparison to lifestyle changes and antidiabetic drugs.Materials and MethodsTo determine the efficacy and long‐term safety of the DJBL, data concerning 235 obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the German DJBL registry were analysed. For comparison with standard treatment, propensity‐score‐matching with patients from the German DPV registry, including the matching parameters sex, age, diabetes duration, baseline BMI and baseline HbA1c, was applied. The final matched cohort consisted of 111 patients in the DJBL group and 222 matched control DPV patients.ResultsMean treatment time with the DJBL was 47.5 ± 12.2 weeks, mean BMI reduction was 5.0 kg/m2 (P < .001) and mean HbA1c reduction was 1.3% (11.9 mmol/mol) (P < .001). Reduction of antidiabetic medications and improvements in other metabolic and cardiovascular risk parameters was observed. In comparison to the matched control group, mean reductions in HbA1c (−1.37% vs −0.51% [12.6 vs 3.2 mmol/mol]; P < .0001) and BMI (−3.02 kg/m2 vs −0.39 kg/m2; P < .0001) were significantly higher. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure were also significantly better.ConclusionThis study provides the largest, so far, hypothesis‐generating evidence for a putative positive risk/benefit ratio for treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with the DJBL as an alternative treatment option for this patient population.
Risk factors for blood stream infections in multiple myeloma: A population‐based study of 1154 patients in Denmark
Authors: Sørrig Rasmus , Klausen Tobias W. , Salomo Morten , Vangsted Annette , Gimsing Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesMultiple myeloma (MM) patients are at high risk of developing infections. The risk factors for blood stream infections (BSI) in MM patients are, however, less described. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of and risk factors for BSI in an unselected MM population.MethodsNationwide Danish MM data of 1154 patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2013 were linked with nationwide data on blood cultures (BCs; from 2010 to 2016) to assess the peak period of having a BC taken and BC positive for pathogenic microorganisms.ResultsThe highest number of BC was taken in the period from day −30 to day +180 from date of MM diagnosis. Risk factors for having a BC sampling within the peak period were as follows: immunoparesis (HR 1.5 [1.1‐2.1]; P = .007), ISS‐III (HR 1.3 [1.0‐1.7]; P = .035), high creatinine (HR 1.4 (1.0‐2.0); P = .046), and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (HR 2.8 (1.6‐4.7; P < .001). Risk factors for positive BC during the peak period were ISS‐III (HR 2.0 (1.1‐3.7); P = .023) and high LDH (HR 3.4 [1.1‐10.3]; P = .028).ConclusionsOur results show that MM patients with aggressive disease presentation are at the highest risk of developing BSI. Furthermore, our study implies that MM is diagnosed in relation to a serious infection for a large number of patients.