bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychosomatic factors of atopic dermatitis exacerbation
Authors: Maksimovic Natasa , Zaric Milica , Bjelica Suncica , Eric Marinkovic Jelena , Jankovic Slavenka 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to estimate whether the stress, lack of social support, and poor emotional relationships influence the recurrence of AD in adults.MethodsCase–control study comprised 66 outpatients with AD and 132 controls with different skin diseases believed to be slightly influenced by psychosomatic factors. Participants were treated at the Department of Dermatology – Military Medical Academy and City Department for Skin and Venereal Diseases from January to June 2014. Stressful life events were assessed using the Paykel's Interview for Recent Life Events. The attachment relationship and perceived social support were assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale and with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied.ResultsAD patients had significantly higher anxiety scores when initiating a close emotional relationship and when avoiding an affective attachment (OR = 1.49; CI = 1.13‐1.97; P = 0.005 and OR = 1.63; CI = 1.16–2.30; P = 0.005, respectively). Perceived social support from family and friends was significantly lower among cases compared to controls (OR = 0.93; CI = 0.88–0.98; P = 0.009 and UO = 0.94; CI = 0.89–0.99; P = 0.027, respectively).ConclusionsAD patients had higher anxiety scores, and those with low social support tended to have more frequent disease recurrence. The number of stressful life events did not differ between studied groups.
Diagnostic yield of pleural fluid cytology in malignant effusions: an Australian tertiary centre experience
Authors: Loveland Paula , Christie Micheal , Hammerschlag Gary , Irving Louis , Steinfort Daniel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundTimely diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions is critical to guide prognosis and management decisions. Cytological analysis of pleural fluid has been the first‐line diagnostic test for many decades, with highly variable reported sensitivities of 40–90%. Its diagnostic accuracy in modern practice in Australia needs to be understood.AimsTo determine the diagnostic yield of pleural fluid cytology for the detection of malignant pleural effusions and to determine the aetiologies of pleural effusions at our centre.MethodsThe study involved the retrospective chart review of all pleural fluid samples submitted for cytological analysis at a tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia, over a 12‐month period. Aetiology of all effusions was determined, and sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy for the detection of malignant pleural effusions were calculated. We also examined diagnostic yield based on tumour cell type.ResultsOf the 153 cases analysed, 61 (39.9%) were malignant. Lung cancers accounted for 44.3% of malignant effusions, followed by mesothelioma (18%), ovarian carcinoma (11.5%) and lymphoma (8.2%). The commonest single causes of a benign effusion were cardiac (16.3%) and parapneumonic (13%). Sensitivity for diagnosis of malignant effusions was 67.2% overall, but 87.9% for adenocarcinomas and only 45.5% for mesothelioma.ConclusionTumour type is an important determinant of pleural fluid cytology diagnostic yield. Cytology has good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, but if another tumour type is suspected, particularly mesothelioma, clinicians should be aware of the limitations.
Spectrum of illness among returned Australian travellers from Bali, Indonesia: a 5‐year retrospective observational study
Authors: Sohail Asma , McGuinness Sarah L. , Lightowler Rachel , Leder Karin , Jomon Bismi , Bain Christopher A. , Peleg Anton Y. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundBali, Indonesia, presents significant infectious and non‐infectious health risks for Australian travellers. Understanding this spectrum of illnesses has the potential to assist clinicians in evaluating unwell returning travellers and guide provision of pre‐travel advice.AimTo describe the spectrum of illnesses seen in returned travellers from Bali.MethodsUsing a novel text mining approach, we performed a retrospective, observational study of all adult emergency department presentations to a metropolitan health service in Melbourne, from 2011 to 2015. Outcome measures included demographic, clinical and laboratory features of travel‐related illnesses.ResultsA total of 464 patients met inclusion criteria. Gastroenteritis (119/464, 26%), systemic febrile illness (88/464, 19%) and respiratory tract infection (51/464, 11%) were the most common diagnoses. Dengue was the most common laboratory‐confirmed diagnosis (25/464, 5%). No cases of malaria were identified. Common non‐infectious presentations included traumatic injury (47/464, 10%) and animal bites requiring rabies post‐exposure prophylaxis (29/464, 6%). A total of 110 patients (24%) was admitted to the hospital; those presenting with systemic febrile illness were more likely to be admitted compared to those presenting with other illnesses (odds ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval 2.02–5.75, P < 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first study to use a text mining approach to identify and describe emergency department presentations related to diseases acquired in Bali by Australian travellers. Although infections are important causes of illness, trauma and animal bites account for a significant number of hospital presentations. Our findings contribute to the knowledge on the health risks for travellers to Bali, and will assist clinicians in relevant pre‐ and post‐travel evaluations.
Retrospective evaluation of statin prescription in the elderly
Authors: Chee Wee Jie , Abdullahi Huda , Chan Yolanda , Rattle Amelia , Snedden Stephanie , Junckerstorff Ralph 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundStatins are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in Australia. Although the cardioprotective effects of statins are well documented, questions remain regarding their risk–benefit profile in elderly adults, especially those with limited life expectancies.AimTo describe the prevalence and pattern of statin use in elderly patients admitted to a General Medicine Unit.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients aged ≥80 years who were admitted to the General Medical Unit at Monash Medical Centre between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2015. Patients receiving statin therapy prior to admission were identified and included. Data including patient demographics, indication for statin, comorbidities, co‐prescription of interacting medications, presence of muscle‐related toxicity and any change to statin prescription were collected and described.ResultsOf 852 patients admitted to hospital, 359 (42%) were taking statins prior to admission. Statins were used for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in 63% of patients and for primary prevention in 24%. Most patients were taking high‐ (16%) or medium‐intensity statins (78%); 46% of patients were co‐prescribed medications with the potential to increase the risk of statin toxicity. Statins were discontinued in 16% of patients; however, the majority of patients had no change to their statin prescription. Muscle‐related toxicity was documented in 4% of patients.ConclusionStatin use and the co‐prescription of potentially interacting medications are common in elderly adults admitted to hospital. Statin prescription in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities is rarely reviewed unless directly relevant to their admission diagnosis.
Dispersion in Analysts’ Earnings Forecasts and Market Efficiency
Authors: Kim Tong Suk , Kim Ki‐Deok , Min Byoung‐Kyu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRecent studies show that firms with higher analysts’ earnings forecasts dispersion subsequently have lower returns than firms with lower forecasts dispersion. This paper evaluates alternative explanations for the dispersion–return relation using a stochastic dominance approach. We aim to discriminate between the hypothesis that some asset pricing models can explain the puzzling negative relation between dispersion and stock returns, and the alternative hypothesis that the dispersion effect is mainly driven by investor irrationality and thus is an evidence of a failure of efficient markets. We find that low dispersion stocks dominate high dispersion stocks by second‐ and third‐order stochastic dominance over the period from 1976 to 2012. Our results imply that any investor who is risk‐averse and prefers positive skewness would unambiguously prefer low dispersion stocks to high dispersion stocks. We conclude that the dispersion effect is more likely evidence of market inefficiency, rather than a result of omitted risk factors.
Perceived burden among spouse, adult child, and parent caregivers
Authors: Juntunen Kristiina , Salminen Anna‐Liisa , Törmäkangas Timo , Tillman Päivi , Leinonen Kirsi , Nikander Riku 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimsTo identify what factors are associated with the caregiver burden of spouse caregivers, adult child caregivers, and parent caregivers.BackgroundCaregivers often feel stressed and perceive caregiving as a burden. The caregiver burden has been little studied from the perspective of the personal relationship between caregiver and care recipient.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA random sample of 4,000 caregivers in Finland was drawn in 2014 and those who remained either spouse, adult child, or parent caregivers at data collection were included in the analysis (N = 1,062). Data collection included recipients’ characteristics. Caregivers’ perceived burden was measured using the Caregivers of Older People in Europe index. General linear models were used to explain perceived caregiver burden.ResultsCare recipients’ low level of cognitive function was associated with greater perceived burden. Higher quality of support was associated with lower perceived burden among female and male spouse caregivers, daughter caregivers, and mother caregivers. Low cognitive function explained 3–6% and high quality of support 2–5% of the total variation in the burden explained by the models, which ranged between 45–55%.ConclusionBecause cognitive challenges of care recipient are associated with greater perceived burden and high quality of support with lower burden among most of the caregiver groups, high‐quality tailored nursing interventions will be needed especially for the caregivers of the most frail care recipients.
Towards a measure of accountability in nursing: A three‐stage validation study
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat , Leonenko Marina , Srulovici Einav 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate a three‐dimensional questionnaire suitable for evaluating personal and organizational accountability in nurses.BackgroundAccountability is defined as a three‐dimensional value, directing professionals to take responsibility for their decisions and actions, to be willing to explain them (transparency), and to be judged according to society's accepted values (answerability). Despite the relatively clear definition, measurement of accountability lags well behind. Existing self‐report questionnaires do not fully capture the complexity of the concept nor do they capture the different sources of accountability (e.g., personal accountability, organizational accountability).DesignA three‐stage measure development.MethodsData were collected during 2015–2016. In Phase 1, an initial database of items (N = 74) was developed, based on literature review and qualitative study, establishing face and content validity. In Phase 2, the face, content, construct, and criterion‐related validity of the initial questionnaires (19 items for personal and organizational accountability questionnaire) were established with a sample of 229 nurses. In Phase 3, the final questionnaires (19 items each) were validated with a new sample of 329 nurses and established construct validity.ResultsThe final version of the instruments comprised 19 items, suitable for assessing personal and organizational accountability. The questionnaire referred to the dimensions of responsibility, transparency, and answerability. The findings established the instrument's content, construct, and criterion‐related validity as well as good internal reliability.ConclusionThe questionnaire portrays accountability in nursing, by capturing nurses’ subjective perceptions of accountability dimensions (responsibility, transparency, answerability), as demonstrated by personal and organizational values.
Diversification with gene flow and niche divergence in a lizard species along the South American “diagonal of open formations”
Authors: Fonseca Emanuel M. , Gehara Marcelo , Werneck Fernanda P. , Lanna Flávia M. , Colli Guarino R. , Sites Jack W. , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Garda Adrian A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo assess the effects of historical events on the tempo and mode of diversification of the lizardPolychrus acutirostrisalong the South American diagonal of open formations (DOF).LocationCaatinga and Cerrado biomes in Brazil.MethodsWe sequenced fragments of one mtDNAand three nuDNAgenes of 68 individuals from 33 localities. We used population assignment methods to access genetic structure and estimate lineage boundaries. Next, we estimated lineage relationships, intraspecific diversity, environmental niche similarity and demographic history. Finally, we tested 12 diversification scenarios using an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach.ResultsWe recovered three non‐overlapping, geographically structured lineages corresponding to Caatinga, north‐east Cerrado and south‐west Cerrado, with the major divergence event dating to the Late Neogene. We also recovered a complex scenario of divergence associated with gene flow and niche divergence.Main conclusionsWe show a complex history of diversification along the South AmericanDOF. Our findings support the role of environmental features as the likely drivers ofP. acutirostrisintraspecific diversification during the Late Neogene.
Prurigo nodularis: a physician survey to evaluate current perceptions of its classification, clinical experience and unmet need
Authors: Pereira M.P. , Basta S. , Moore J. , Ständer S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic skin condition characterized by intensely pruritic, hyperkeratotic papulonodular lesions that dramatically impairs patients’ quality of life. Management of the condition is challenging, and there is no approved therapy in the United States or in Europe.ObjectiveThe key aim of this survey was to examine current perceptions of PN diagnosis and management among members of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).MethodsThe survey comprised 29 questions, including multiple choice and open responses, and was sent to clinicians via e‐mail during December 2016. The survey results were collected and analysed.ResultsResponses were received from 30 participants from 14 countries, of whom 22 (73.3%) were members of the EADV Task Force Pruritus. The majority (73.3%) considered PN to be a distinct condition, and the preferred description to explain the most common pathogenesis was ‘chronic pruritus leading to chronic scratching’ (80.0%). Pruritic nodules (n= 23/30, 76.7%) and scratching (n= 12/30, 40.0%) were the most common descriptors used to characterize PN. Most respondents (60.0%) reported seeing ≤5 unique PN patients per month, the majority of whom (68.8%) visited a physician ~2–4 times per year. PN patients reported to the respondents that they experienced persistent, severe pruritus, with a mean ± SD numeric rating scale score of 7.8 ± 1.2, lasting for >6 months in 82.3% of patients and >2 years in 51.0%. The most frequently prescribed therapies by survey respondents for PN symptoms were antihistamines (90.0%), antidepressants (90.0%), gabapentinoids (86.7%) and immunosuppressants (86.7%). Respondents agreed upon the need for new PN therapies (56.7%), revised PN classification and terminology (23.3%) and better understanding of PN pathophysiology (20.0%).ConclusionEADV Task Force Pruritus notes several challenges that must be met to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with PN.
Short incubation fractional CO2 laser‐assisted photodynamic therapy vs. conventional photodynamic therapy in field‐cancerized skin: 12‐month follow‐up results of a randomized intraindividual comparison study
Authors: Vrani F. , Sotiriou E. , Lazaridou E. , Vakirlis E. , Sideris N. , Kirmanidou E. , Apalla Z. , Lallas A. , Ioannides D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundTopical methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL‐PDT) with 3 h incubation is recommended as a field directed treatment. Skin pretreatment with ablative CO2 fractional laser (AFXL) prior to MAL‐PDT enhances drug penetration and could minimize incubation time.ObjectivesTo evaluate and compare the safety and the preventive effect in the development of new non‐melanocytic skin cancers (NMSCs) of AFXL‐assisted MAL‐PDT with 1‐h incubation with that of conventional MAL‐PDT in patients with clinical and histological signs of field cancerization.MethodsForty‐two patients with two mirror cancerized areas of face or scalp were randomized to field treatment with 1‐h incubation AFXL‐assisted PDT or conventional PDT (CPDT). All patients underwent two treatment sessions 1 week apart. Irradiation was performed using a red light‐emitting diode lamp at 37 J/cm2. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months for the evaluation of development of new NMSCs lesions.ResultsAll patients completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to the total number of new actinic keratoses at any point of follow‐up as well as to the mean time of occurrence of new lesions between treatment fields. Both treatment regimens were safe and well tolerated.ConclusionAblative CO2 fractional laser pretreatment may be considered as an option for reducing photosensitizer occlusion time while providing the same preventative efficacy as CPDT in patients with field‐cancerized skin.
Role of mucoprotective agents in endoscopic submucosal dissection‐derived ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Pittayanon Rapat , Martel Myriam , Barkun Alan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, it is still unclear whether adding a mucoprotective agent to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) results in better outcomes compared with using a PPI alone in patients with post‐gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ulcers. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of PPI alone versus combination treatment in healing of post‐gastric ESD ulcers, as well as on delayed bleeding and amount of blood transfused.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ISI Web of knowledge databases, up until May 2017, for randomized trials comparing PPI alone versus PPI plus a mucoprotective drug in achieving ulcer healing in patients undergoing gastric ESD was performed. The primary outcome is scarring stage on endoscopic assessment at 4 or 8 weeks after gastric ESD.ResultsFrom an initial 3071 citations, eight articles (n = 953 lesions from 934 patients) were analyzed. Patients receiving combination treatment achieved a scarring stage significantly more often than those on a PPIs alone at 4 or 8 weeks after ESD, (risk ratio = 1.36, 95% CI; 1.06–1.75). No study reported amount of blood transfused. There were no significant between treatment‐group differences in terms of delayed bleeding (risk ratio = 0.58, 95% CI; 0.17–1.99). Neither location of ulcer nor Helicobacter pylori infection was related to ulcer scarring stage.ConclusionThe limited evidences suggested combination treatment may be more effective in accelerating the process of ulcer healing in patients undergoing gastric ESD than the use of PPI alone, but does not appear to alter delayed bleeding risk.
Credit Default Swaps in General Equilibrium: Endogenous Default and Credit‐Spread Spillovers
Authors: DARST R. MATTHEW , REFAYET EHRAZ 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper shows that credit default swaps (CDS) can affect the type of debt firms issue. Firms face a trade‐off between investment scale and the cost of capital measured by the credit spread. Small‐scale investment is safe, fully collateralized, but earns modest profits in all states. Large‐scale investment is risky, requires a positive credit spread, but yields high profits only in good states and default in bad states. CDS only affect risky credit spreads, which in turn affects the opportunity cost of issuing collateralized, safe debt. Covered (Naked) CDS lower (raise) credit spreads and raise (lower) the likelihood of issuing risky debt. Finally, we show that CDS generate credit spread and investment spillovers for non‐CDS‐referenced firms.
The State‐Level Impact of Uncertainty Shocks
Authors: MUMTAZ HAROON , SUNDER‐PLASSMANN LAURA , THEOPHILOPOULOU ANGELIKI 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper estimates the impact of uncertainty shocks on real income growth in U.S. states. Our results suggest that the effect is heterogeneous. The magnitude of the decline in income is largest in states with a large share of manufacturing and construction industries, a larger share of small firms, a high fiscal deficit, a less rigid labor market, and a more volatile housing market. In contrast, a higher share of mining industries and larger intergovernmental fiscal transfers ameliorate the impact of uncertainty.
The effects of types of guidewires and pressure applied during stent implantation in the main vessel on the incidence of damage to coronary guidewires during angioplasty of coronary bifurcation lesions—Wide Beast study
Authors: Kwiatkowski Piotr S. , Malachowski Jerzy , Jakubas‐Kwiatkowska Wioletta , Gołebiewski Sławomir , Gil Robert J. , Kwasiborski Przemysław , Kałuza Bernadetta , Sutkowska Edyta 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesWe evaluated the impact of stent inflation pressure and type of guidewire on “jailed” coronary guidewire damage occurring during bifurcation angioplasty.BackgroundDespite new techniques and treatment options during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) we still observe peri‐ and postoperative complications for to various known and unknown reasons.MethodsPatients undergoing PCI within the coronary bifurcation were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Pilot 50 or BMW guidewire and pressure ≤12 or >12 atm. After PCI each “jailed” guidewire was evaluated under an optical microscope. The Wide Beast Scale (WBS) was developed for the internal purposes of the study and was used for qualitative assessment. Also, the inflation pressure, the patients’ characteristics and the technical parameters of the procedure were recorded.ResultsThe clinical characteristics were similar in all the groups. There was no statistical significance of the degree of damage, rated on the WBS, for either guidewire group with respect to inflation pressure (P = 0.49). The prevalence of guidewire damage was higher in the BMW versus the Pilot 50 group (98.4% vs 67.4% respectively, P = 0.00001) as was the severity of the damage (grades 3 and 4) in BMW versus Pilot 50 (55.6% vs 13.0% respectively, P = 0.00001).ConclusionsThe inflation pressure during stent implantation had no impact on “jailed” guidewire damage. The difference in the prevalence of serious damage and total damage number was statistically significant for the BMW guidewire compared to the Pilot50. The BMW guidewire was an independent predictor of the degree of damage to the guidewire.