bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐2 receptor antagonists: Protective factors against new‐onset diabetes after renal transplantation
Authors: Xue Mengjuan , Zhao Chenhe , Lv Chaoyang , Chen Minling , Xu Ming , Rong Ruiming , Zhang Yao , Liang Jing , Gao Jian , Yu Mingxiang , Zhu Tongyu , Gao Xin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to examine the association between interleukin‐2 receptor antagonists (IL‐2Ra) and new‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) among renal transplant recipients (RTRs).MethodsBetween January 1993 and March 2014, 915 patients underwent renal transplantation at Zhongshan Hospital. In all, 557 RTRs were included in the present retrospective cohort study. The incidence of NODAT in this cohort was determined and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for NODAT and to show the association between IL‐2Ra use and NODAT development among RTRs. The cumulative incidence of NODAT was compared between groups treated with or without IL‐2Ra.ResultsThe mean ±SD postoperative follow‐up was 5.08 ±3.17 years. The incidence of NODAT at the end of follow‐up was 20.3%. After adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate logistic regression (i.e. age, sex, body mass index, history of smoking, family history of diabetes, duration of dialysis, type of dialysis, donor type, recovery of graft function, acute rejection, hepatitis B or C or cytomegalovirus infection, fasting plasma glucose levels before and 1 week after transplantation, preoperative total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, daily dose of glucocorticoid, immunosuppressive regimen type, and immunosuppressant concentration after transplantation), IL‐2Ra use was found to be related to a reduced incidence of NODAT.ConclusionsUse of IL‐2Ra is associated with protection against the development of NODAT in RTRs.
A Qualitative Analysis of Patients’ Perceptions of Shared Decision Making in the Emergency Department: “Let Me Know I Have a Choice”
Authors: Schoenfeld Elizabeth M. , Goff Sarah L. , Downs Gwendolyn , Wenger Robert J. , Lindenauer Peter K. , Mazor Kathleen M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDespite increasing attention to the use of shared decision making (SDM) in the emergency department (ED), little is known about ED patients’ perspectives regarding this practice. We sought to explore the use of SDM from the perspectives of ED patients, focusing on what affects patients’ desired level of involvement and what barriers and facilitators patients find most relevant to their experience.MethodsWe conducted semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of ED patients or their proxies at two sites. An interview guide was developed from existing literature and expert consensus and based on a framework underscoring the importance of both knowledge and power. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in an iterative process by a three‐person coding team. Emergent themes were identified, discussed, and organized.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients and proxies participated. The mean age of participants was 56 years (range, 20 to 89 years), and 13 were female. Participants were diverse in regard to race/ethnicity, education, number of previous ED visits, and presence of chronic conditions. All participants wanted some degree of involvement in decision making. Participants who made statements suggesting high self‐efficacy and those who expressed mistrust of the health care system or previous negative experiences wanted a greater degree of involvement. Facilitators to involvement included familiarity with the decision at hand, physicians’ good communication skills, and clearly delineated options. Some participants felt that their own relative lack of knowledge, compared to that of the physicians, made their involvement inappropriate or unwanted. Many participants had no expectation for SDM and although they did want involvement when asked explicitly, they were otherwise likely to defer to physicians without discussion. Many did not recognize opportunities for SDM in their clinical care.ConclusionsThis exploration of ED patients’ perceptions of SDM suggests that most patients want some degree of involvement in medical decision making but more proactive engagement of patients by clinicians is often needed. Further research should examine these issues in a larger and more representative population.
Board monitoring and covenant restrictiveness in private debt contracts during the global financial crisis
Authors: Abu Bakar Intan Suryani , Khan Arifur , Mather Paul , Tanewski George 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe examine the association between board independence and restrictiveness of covenants in U.S. private debt contracts around the global financial crisis (GFC). We show that board independence is associated with less restrictive covenants suggesting lenders willingness to delegate some monitoring of firms with independent boards. More nuanced analysis between the pre‐GFC, GFC and post‐GFC periods shows mixed results and we suggest that, during the GFC and its aftermath, lenders place more emphasis on ex ante screening relative to ex post monitoring. We contribute to the literature by providing evidence on covenant use and lenders choices in periods of credit rationing.
Does the quality of acquisitions inform bond rating revisions?
Authors: Chang Qi , Bhabra Harjeet Singh , Bhabra Gurmeet Singh 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA bond rating upgrade (downgrade) is more likely when preceded by acquisitions that meet with positive (negative) announcement‐period abnormal returns suggesting that decisions of rating agencies are partly influenced by the quality of investments undertaken by companies. Parsing the sample along takeover motives reveals that rating upgrades are more likely in value‐creating acquisitions motivated by synergy while acquisitions motivated by agency considerations are more likely to elicit a rating downgrade. Following a rating downgrade however, firms seem to significantly alter their investment policies as such firms tend to make fewer but higher quality acquisitions. In addition, value creation through synergy seems to be the dominant motive in acquisitions for downgraded firms post rating downgrade.
Recurrence and chronicity of major depressive disorder and their risk indicators in a population cohort
Authors: ten Have M. , de Graaf R. , van Dorsselaer S. , Tuithof M. , Kleinjan M. , Penninx B. W. J. H. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveThe naturalistic course of major depressive disorder (MDD) and risk indicators for recurrence and chronicity are best studied using a population sample without clear selection bias. However, such studies are scarce. This limits clinical decision‐making concerning monitoring and maintenance treatment.MethodData were used from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study‐2, a psychiatric epidemiological cohort study among a representative adult population. Two groups at baseline were selected to study recurrence and chronicity of MDD at follow‐up. Diagnoses were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0.ResultsAmong remitted MDD cases (n = 746), the cumulative recurrence rate was 4.3% at 5 years, 13.4% at 10 years and 27.1% at 20 years. Time to recurrence was predicted by vulnerability characteristics (childhood abuse, negative life events, parental psychopathology), physical health, functioning, clinical characteristics of depression (previous episodes, severity, medication use), psychiatric comorbidity and mental health use. Among current MDD cases (n = 242), 12% developed a chronic depressive episode over 6 years. Chronic course was predicted by similar risk indicators as recurrence, except for vulnerability characteristics and physical health.ConclusionThese risk indicators may help to identify patients requiring monitoring and who could benefit from preventive interventions or maintenance treatment.
Disgust, Anxiety, and Political Learning in the Face of Threat
Authors: Clifford Scott , Jerit Jennifer 
Published: March 2018

AbstractEmotions feature prominently in political rhetoric and media frames, and they have potent effects on how people process information. Yet, existing research has largely overlooked the influence of disgust, which is a basic emotion that leads people to avoid contamination threats. We illustrate how disgust may impede learning, as compared to the more commonly studied emotion of anxiety. Disgust and anxiety are natural reactions to many kinds of political threats, but the two emotions influence political engagement in different ways. This study investigated the distinctive effects of disgust in a series of experiments that manipulated information about the outbreak of an infectious disease. People who felt disgusted by a health threat were less likely to learn crucial facts about the threat and less likely to seek additional information. Thus, disgust has the counterintuitive effect of decreasing public engagement in precisely those situations where it is most critical.
Tell Me Who Is Your Leader, and I Will Tell You Who You Are: Foreign Leaders’ Perceived Personality and Public Attitudes toward Their Countries and Citizenry
Authors: Balmas Meital 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe increasing visibility of prominent political leaders in news media is well documented in political science literature. The main concern that has been raised in this connection is that the complexity of political processes is being reduced to achievements and standpoints of individual politicians, and the importance of rational opinion building is discounted. The results of the current study provide the first empirical evidence to account for the misgivings about emotional effects of personalized political information on media audiences. Using data from an online experiment, this study shows that news coverage regarding behaviors and personal characteristics of a foreign leader influences (a) evaluations of personal characteristics typical of his or her nation's citizens and (b) emotional perceptions of that leader's country (sentiment and respect). This effect is shown to reflect a psychological phenomenon whereby people project their emotions and perceptions regarding a leader's personal characteristics onto his or her country and people.
Antibiotics in the first week of life were associated with atopic asthma at 12 years of age
Authors: Strömberg Celind Frida , Wennergren Göran , Vasileiadou Styliana , Alm Bernt , Goksör Emma 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThis study explored the prevalence of atopic and nonatopic asthma in 12‐year‐old children and whether they were associated with different risk factors. In particular, we wanted to analyse whether receiving antibiotics during the first week of life was associated with asthma at that age.MethodsData were obtained from a longitudinal cohort study of 5654 Swedish children born in 2003. The parents answered questionnaires from the age of six months until 12 years. The response rate at 12 years was 3637/4777 (76%).ResultsAt 12 years, 6.4% reported current doctor‐diagnosed asthma. Treatment with antibiotics during the first week of life was associated with an increased risk of atopic asthma, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.2 and 95% confidence interval of 1.2–4.2. Being born small for gestational age was associated with an increased risk of nonatopic asthma, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.8 and 95% confidence interval of 1.1–13.7. Asthma that only occurred with colds was reported by 28%.ConclusionAntibiotic treatment during the first week of life was associated with an increased risk of atopic asthma at 12 years, suggesting an immune‐mediated effect. Being born small for gestational age increased the risk of nonatopic asthma.
Retrospective study of paracetamol poisoning in children aged zero to six years found no cases of liver injury
Authors: Dan‐Nielsen S , Bisgaard AS , Jans SR , Arianto L , Heedeland RL , Jørgensen MH 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThis study focused on children aged zero to six years with suspected single‐dose paracetamol poisoning, which has not been investigated in Denmark. We evaluated the incidence of liver injuries and the use of activated charcoal and N‐acetylcysteine treatment.MethodsOur retrospective study was performed in three paediatric hospital centres from 2001 to 2012. Data on symptoms, time of ingestion, blood biochemistry, treatment and adverse reactions were collected. The results were evaluated against the Rumack‐Matthew nomogram.ResultsWe identified 221 children (58% male), with a mean age of 2.67 ± 1.05 years. Activated charcoal treatment was given in 87% of cases, but only 15% of the children received treatment within one hour of the suspected paracetamol poisoning. Although 80% of the children received N‐acetylcysteine treatment, only one case (0.5%) had a toxic plasma paracetamol level according to the treatment nomogram. Abdominal pain or vomiting was associated with higher paracetamol levels in plasma. None of the children developed liver injuries.ConclusionWe found a low incidence of significant poisoning and liberal use of N‐acetylcysteine and activated charcoal treatment in Danish children aged zero to six years with suspected paracetamol poisoning. Vomiting or abdominal pain was associated with elevated plasma paracetamol levels. No liver injuries were reported.
A pneumococcal conjugate vaccination programme reduced clinically suspected invasive disease in unvaccinated children
Authors: Palmu AA , Rinta‐Kokko H , Nuorti JP , Nohynek H , Jokinen J 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThe 10‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was introduced to the Finnish national vaccination programme for children born since June 2010. We evaluated the changes in the rates of clinically suspected invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in unvaccinated children to estimate the indirect herd protection impact of the programme.MethodsThe target cohort for this ecological before and after comparison were unvaccinated children born from January 2008 to May 2010 and ineligible for the vaccination programme, who were followed up from 2011 to 2014. The reference cohort was age and season‐matched children born in January 2003 to 2005 and followed up from 2006 to 2009. National data on hospital discharge codes compatible with IPD or unspecified sepsis were collected.ResultsWe compared the follow‐up periods of 2007–2009 in the reference cohort and 2012–2014 in the target cohort. The incidence of non‐laboratory‐confirmed IPD in unvaccinated children fell by 68%, from 47 to 15/100 000 person‐years. When unspecified sepsis was added, the decrease was 39%, from 171 to 104/100 000 person‐years. Laboratory confirmed IPD fell by 44%, from 15 to 8/100 000 person‐years.ConclusionThe pneumococcal vaccination programme provided herd protection against clinically suspected IPD. The absolute reduction was almost 10‐times higher than for just laboratory‐confirmed disease.
Screening for therapeutic trials and treatment indication in clinical practice: MACK‐3, a new blood test for the diagnosis of fibrotic NASH
Authors: Boursier J. , Anty R. , Vonghia L. , Moal V. , Vanwolleghem T. , Canivet C. M. , Michalak S. , Bonnafous S. , Michielsen P. , Oberti F. , Iannelli A. , Van Gaal L. , Patouraux S. , Blanchet O. , Verrijken A. , Gual P. , Rousselet M.‐C. , Driessen A. , Hunault G. , Bertrais S. , Tran A. , Calès P. , Francque S. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe composite histological endpoint comprising nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and NAFLD activity score ≥4 and advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 2) (“fibrotic NASH”) is becoming an important diagnostic target in NAFLD: it is currently used to select patients for inclusion in phase III therapeutic trials and will ultimately be used to indicate treatment in clinical practice once the new drugs are approved.AimTo develop a new blood test specifically dedicated for this new diagnostic target of interest.MethodsEight Hundred and forty‐six biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients from three centres (Angers, Nice, Antwerp) were randomised into derivation and validation sets.ResultsThe blood fibrosis tests BARD, NFS and FIB4 had poor accuracy for fibrotic NASH with respective AUROC: 0.566 ± 0.023, 0.654 ± 0.023, 0.732 ± 0.021. In the derivation set, fibrotic NASH was independently predicted by AST, HOMA and CK18; all three were combined in the new blood test MACK‐3 (hoMa, Ast, CK18) for which 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity cut‐offs were calculated. In the validation set, MACK‐3 had a significantly higher AUROC (0.847 ± 0.030, P ≤ 0.002) than blood fibrosis tests. Using liver biopsy in the grey zone between the two cut‐offs (36.0% of the patients), MACK‐3 provided excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of fibrotic NASH with 93.3% well‐classified patients, sensitivity: 90.0%, specificity: 94.2%, positive predictive value: 81.8% and negative predictive value: 97.0%.ConclusionThe new blood test MACK‐3 accurately diagnoses fibrotic NASH. This new test will facilitate patient screening and inclusion in NAFLD therapeutic trials and will enable the identification of patients who will benefit from the treatments once approved.
Natural history and clinical detection of undiagnosed coeliac disease in a North American community
Authors: Hujoel I. A. , Van Dyke C. T. , Brantner T. , Larson J. , King K. S. , Sharma A. , Murray J. A. , Rubio‐Tapia A. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundCoeliac disease is a substantially underdiagnosed disorder, with clinical testing currently guided by case finding.AimTo determine the presence of indications for diagnostic testing and frequency of clinical testing in undiagnosed coeliac disease.MethodsThis was a case‐control study of adults without prior diagnosis of coeliac disease. Undiagnosed cases were identified through sequential serology, and unaffected age‐ and gender‐matched controls were selected. Medical records were systematically reviewed for indications for and evidence of clinical testing.ResultsOf 47 557 adults, 408 cases of undiagnosed coeliac disease were identified. 408 serology negative matched controls were selected. Eight‐matched pairs were excluded, leading to 800 included individuals (61% female; median age 44.2 years). The odds of any indication for clinical testing were similar among undiagnosed coeliac disease and controls (odds ratio (OR) 1.18; 95% CI: 0.85‐1.63, P = 0.32). Most individual indications were not associated with serologic status. Exceptions to this include hypothyroidism, which was more likely in cases of undiagnosed coeliac disease, and dyspepsia and chronic diarrhoea, which were less likely. Cases of undiagnosed coeliac disease were more likely to develop osteoporosis (P = 0.005), dermatitis herpetiformis (P = 0.006), chronic fatigue (P = 0.033), thyroiditis (P = 0.003), autoimmune diseases (P = 0.008), and have a family member diagnosed with coeliac disease (P = 0.001).ConclusionThis study strongly suggests that current case finding is not effective in detecting undiagnosed coeliac disease. Individuals with undiagnosed coeliac disease were more likely than controls to develop indications for testing overtime. A more effective method for detection of coeliac disease is needed.
Is postponed laparoscopic cholecystectomy justified for acute cholecystitis appearing early after onset?
Authors: Kohga Atsushi , Suzuki Kenji , Okumura Takuya , Yamashita Kimihiro , Isogaki Jun , Kawabe Akihiro , Kimura Taizo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionEarly laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) is considered the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis for patients who can tolerate surgery. The ideal time for performing ELC is reported to be 72 h from onset. However, many patients undergo surgery on or after the fourth day from onset, even if they presented early after onset. A few reports have investigated the feasibility and disadvantages of this so‐called “postponed laparoscopic cholecystectomy” (PLC).MethodsThis study consisted of 215 patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis within 6 days of onset between July 2006 and December 2017. Patients were divided into an ELC group (patients who underwent LC within 3 days of symptom onset, n = 172) and a PLC group (patients who underwent LC 4–6 days from symptom onset and on or after 3 days from admission, n = 43). Comparisons were made between these groups.ResultsPerioperative outcomes between the PLC and ELC groups were not significantly different, except for the requirement of subtotal cholecystectomy (SC) (16.2% vs 5.2%, P = 0.013). In the PLC group, persistent fever after admission was significantly associated with the need for SC (P = 0.036).ConclusionsPLC for acute cholecystitis performed within 6 days of onset gave acceptable perioperative outcomes, except for an increased requirement for SC. Surgeons should keep in mind that PLC may increase the need for SC. A persistent fever after admission may be a risk factor for SC in the PLC group.
This corrosion: A systematic review of the association between alternative subcultures and the risk of self‐harm and suicide
Authors: Hughes Mairead Ann , Knowles Susan Frances , Dhingra Katie , Nicholson Hannah Louise , Taylor Peter James 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundRates of self‐harm and suicide are increasing in young people. The literature suggests that individuals who identify with alternative subcultures (e.g., Goth) may be at a greater risk.ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence of self‐harm and suicide in alternative subcultures and the factors that might contribute to this increased risk.MethodUsing a systematic strategy, the databases PsycINFO, Scopus,MEDLINEand Web of Science, and the E‐Thesis online service (ETHOS) were searched for English language only papers, with no restrictions in terms of date of publication. Papers were selected that included data on the relationship between either alternative subculture identity (e.g., Goth) or preference for alternative music (e.g., Heavy Metal) and self‐harm or suicide. Ten quantitative papers were included: seven cross‐sectional, two longitudinal and one cross‐sectional state‐level comparison study. Two qualitative papers were also included. Studies were assessed by two reviewers for risk of bias.ResultsThe findings indicated that individuals who associated with alternative subcultures were at a greater risk of self‐harm and suicide. Whilst qualitative papers identified potential mechanisms (e.g., exposure to self‐harm and the way self‐harm is presented or normalized), there remains limited support for these mechanisms.ConclusionsMore research is required to understand the association between self‐harm, suicide and alternative subculture affiliation, and the factors underlying it. Longitudinal studies and studies focusing on mechanism are particularly important.Practitioner pointsThe review supports the suggestion that those who identify as belonging to an alternative subculture may be at a higher risk of self‐harm and suicidal behaviour. It also presents preliminary evidence that alternative affiliation predicts self‐harm over time, and that this effect holds whilst adjusting for a number of likely confounders.The findings highlight the importance of increasing the awareness of the victimization and potential risk that these groups hold and suggests areas for intervention in health, educational, and social services.The review does not, however, indicate specifically what it is about alternative subculture affiliation (or alternative music preference) that could contribute to the risk of self‐harm. Consequently, studies with a greater focus on mechanisms are needed.Methodological limitations (e.g., cross‐sectional studies, small sample of ‘alternative’ participants, westernized samples) restricted the reliability and validity of the results which impacted on the extent to which the findings could be generalized more widely.