bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using permutation tests to enhance causal inference in interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Linden Ariel 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesInterrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is an evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied serially over time and the intervention is expected to “interrupt” the level and/or trend of that outcome. The internal validity is strengthened considerably when the treated unit is contrasted with a comparable control group. In this paper, we introduce a robustness check based on permutation tests to further improve causal inference.MethodWe evaluate the effect of California's Proposition 99 for reducing cigarette sales by iteratively casting each nontreated state into the role of “treated,” creating a comparable control group using the ITSAMATCH package in Stata, and then evaluating treatment effects using ITSA regression. If statistically significant “treatment effects” are estimated for pseudotreated states, then any significant changes in the outcome of the actual treatment unit (California) cannot be attributed to the intervention. We perform these analyses setting the cutpoint significance level to P > .40 for identifying balanced matches (the highest threshold possible for which controls could still be found for California) and use the difference in differences of trends as the treatment effect estimator.ResultsOnly California attained a statistically significant treatment effect, strengthening confidence in the conclusion that Proposition 99 reduced cigarette sales.ConclusionsThe proposed permutation testing framework provides an additional robustness check to either support or refute a treatment effect identified in for the true treated unit in ITSA. Given its value and ease of implementation, this framework should be considered as a standard robustness test in all multiple group interrupted time series analyses.
Body mass index and gastrointestinal cancer mortality in Korean adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jeong Seok‐Hoo , Kim Pumsoo , Yi Sang‐Wook , Kim Yu Jin , Baeg Myong Ki , Yi Jee‐Jeon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality from gastrointestinal (GI) cancer remains unclear, especially in Asian populations.MethodsA total of 510 148 Korean adults who participated in routine health examinations during the period 2002–2003 were followed up until 2013.ResultsDuring a mean follow up of 10.5 years, 7831 individuals died of GI cancer. Various associations with BMI were found: U‐curve (overall GI, colorectal, liver, and gallbladder cancer), L‐curve (stomach cancer), linear (esophageal, extrahepatic bile duct [EBD], and small intestine cancer), and none (pancreatic cancer). Overall GI cancer mortality was lowest at approximately 23.5–26 kg/m2. For cancers with linear associations, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratios per each 5 kg/m2 higher BMI were 0.53 (95% confidence interval = 0.43–0.65, esophagus), 1.19 (1.02–1.40, EBD), and 0.64 (0.41–0.999, small intestine). For cancers with U‐curve or L‐curve associations, the corresponding hazard ratios ≥25 kg/m2 were 1.19 (1.08–1.32, overall GI), 1.30 (1.04–1.64, colorectal), 1.28 (1.07–1.53, liver), and 1.30 (0.85–1.97, gallbladder), while in the range of <25 kg/m2, they were 0.81 (0.76–0.87, overall GI), 0.43 (0.32–0.58, esophagus), 0.70 (0.62–0.79, stomach), and 0.77 (0.65–0.90, colorectal), and these inverse associations did not weaken after excluding the first 7 years of follow up and ever smokers.ConclusionsBoth low and high BMIs were associated with excess mortality from GI cancers in Korean adults. EBD cancer had a positive association, while esophageal and small intestine cancers had inverse associations. Above 25 kg/m2, liver and colorectal cancers had positive associations with BMI, whereas below 25 kg/m2, stomach and colorectal cancers had inverse associations.
Dementia and Risk of 30‐Day Readmission in Older Adults After Discharge from Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Sakata Nobuo , Okumura Yasuyuki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Nakanishi Miharu , Ogawa Asao 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the association between dementia and risk of hospital readmission and to evaluate whether the effect of dementia on hospital readmission varies according to primary diagnosis.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingNationwide discharge database of acute care hospitals in Japan.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older diagnosed with one of the 30 most common diagnoses and discharged from 987 hospitals between April 2014 and September 2015 (N = 1,834,378).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days. Poisson generalized estimating equation models were fitted to assess the risks of readmission for individuals with and without dementia, using primary diagnosis as a possible effect modifier and clinical factors as potential confounders.ResultsThe overall prevalence of dementia was 14.7% and varied according to primary diagnosis, ranging from 3.0% in individuals with prostate cancer to 69.4% in those with aspiration pneumonia. Overall, individuals with dementia had a higher risk of hospital readmission (8.3%) than those without (4.1%) (adjusted risk ratio (aRR])=1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.44–1.49), although diagnostic category substantially modified the relationship between dementia and hospital readmission. For hip fracture, dementia was associated with greater risk of hospital readmission (adjusted risk 11.5% vs 7.9%; aRR=1.46; 95% CI=1.28–1.68); this risk was attenuated for cholecystitis (adjusted risk 12.8% vs 12.4%; aRR=1.03; 95% CI=0.90–1.18).ConclusionRisk of hospital readmission associated with dementia varied according to primary diagnosis. Healthcare providers could enforce interventions to minimize readmission by focusing on comorbid conditions in individuals with dementia and specific primary diagnoses that increase their risk of readmission.
Towards Robust, Authoritative Assessments of Environmental Impacts Embodied in Trade: Current State and Recommendations
Authors: Tukker Arnold , de Koning Arjan , Owen Anne , Lutter Stephan , Bruckner Martin , Giljum Stefan , Stadler Konstantin , Wood Richard , Hoekstra Rutger 
Published: February 2018

SummaryGlobal multiregional input‐output databases (GMRIOs) became the standard tool for tracking environmental impacts through global supply chains. To date, several GMRIOs are available, but the numerical results differ. This paper considers how GMRIOs can be made more robust and authoritative. We show that GMRIOs need detail in environmentally relevant sectors. On the basis of a review of earlier work, we conclude that the highest uncertainty in footprint analyses is caused by the environmental data used in a GMRIO, followed by the size of country measured in gross domestic product (GDP) as fraction of the global total, the structure of the national table, and only at the end the structure of trade. We suggest the following to enhance robustness of results. In the short term, we recommend using the Single country National Accounts Consistent footprint approach, that uses official data for extensions and the national table for the country in question, combined with embodiments in imports calculated using a GMRIO. In a time period of 2 to 3 years, we propose work on harmonized environmental data for water, carbon, materials, and land, and use the aggregated Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Inter‐Country Input‐Output GMRIO as default in combination with detailing procedures developed in, for example, the EXIOBASE and Eora projects. In the long term, solutions should be coordinated by the international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) Statistical Division, OECD, and Eurostat. This could ensure that when input‐output tables and trade data of individual countries are combined, that the global totals are consistent and that bilateral trade asymmetries are resolved.
Cri du Chat syndrome: Characteristics of 73 Brazilian patients
Authors: Honjo R. S. , Mello C. B. , Pimenta L. S. E. , Nuñes‐Vaca E. C. , Benedetto L. M. , Khoury R. B. F. , Befi‐Lopes D. M. , Kim C. A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundCri du Chat syndrome (CdCS) is a genetic syndrome caused by deletions in the short arm of chromosome 5. Although the main clinical features of CdCS are well known, the neurocognitive and behavioural characteristics of the phenotype are rarely described in detail in the literature. In this study, we analysed the main phenotypic features of CdCS from a parental perspective.MethodA questionnaire was sent to 700 Brazilian families that were registered in the Brazilian Association of CdCS. The questions involved specific domains of CdCS, such as pregnancy and birth conditions, recurrence of the disease in the family, current major health problems, and aspects of cognitive development.ResultsIn total, 73 questionnaires were completed: 44 females and 29 males, ranging from 9.5 months old to 40 years old (mean = 13.8 years; median = 12 years). Most of the parents noticed the typical cat‐like cry at birth (94.4%). The age at diagnosis of CdCS ranged from the time of birth to 180 months (mean = 14 months; median = 6 months), while one case was diagnosed during pregnancy. In all of the cases, the diagnosis of CdCS was made by G‐banding karyotype analysis. In 66.2% of the cases, the parents underwent cytogenetic investigation. A total of 52.1% of the parents answered that they did not remember what the recurrence risk of CdCS was in their family. The main health problems that were reported were as follows: swallowing problems (80.3%), feeding problems (80.3%), congenital heart disease (31.5%), spine abnormalities (28.8%), and neurological symptoms (20.5%), including seizures (11%). The behavioural problems that were reported were as follows: aggressive behaviour, stereotypies, anxiety, phobias, and genital manipulation/masturbation. Neurodevelopmental delay was reported in all of the cases. Independent walking was achieved in 72.2% of the patients. Approximately 50% of the patients never presented expressive language, and most of the patients are dependent on others for their daily activities.ConclusionsThe questionnaire was a pioneer initiative in the CdCS support group, and the answers used in this study can improve the health care assistance to these patients because they focus attention on the demands from a parental perspective. In addition, nearly half of the families stated that they did not remember information regarding recurrence risk, which reinforces the importance of genetic counselling follow‐up and the need for the expansion of genetic services in Brazil
Study of the efficacy of carboxytherapy in alopecia
Authors: Doghaim Noha Nabil , El‐Tatawy Rania Ahmed , Neinaa Yomna Mazid El‐Hamd , Abd El‐samd Marwa Mohsen 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundManagement of alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is often challenging. The use of carboxytherapy may be a novel therapeutic option for such cases.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of carboxytherapy in alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 80 patients with alopecia divided into two groups; Group I included 40 AA patients (Group IA received carboxytherapy and Group IB control received placebo), and Group II included 40 AGA patients (Group IIA received carboxytherapy and Group IIB control received placebo), and followed up monthly for 3 months. They were evaluated clinically (by assessment of Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score in group I, and Sinclair scale and Norwood‐Hamilton scale in group II), by dermoscopy and digital dermoscopy at each visit.ResultsGroup IA patients showed significant clinical improvement in SALT score and dermoscopic improvement after carboxytherapy and at the end of follow‐up period with significant reduction in dystrophic hair, black dots, yellow dots, and tapered hair coinciding with significant emergence of regrowing hair. Group IIA patients showed significant clinical and dermoscopic improvement after carboxytherapy with significant increase in hair density measured by digital dermoscopy. However, regression of these results was observed during the follow‐up period but was still significantly better than before treatment. There were statistically significant improvements in clinical score, global assessments, dermoscopic, and digital dermoscopic findings in both group IA and group IIA received carboxytherapy in comparison with group IB and group IIB received placebo injections, respectively.ConclusionCarboxytherapy seems to be a promising therapeutic option for patchy AA and could be helpful as an adjuvant therapy of AGA but more than 6 sessions are required and adjuvants are recommended for maintenance of the results.
Real‐life experience of a stent‐less revascularization strategy using a combination of excimer laser and drug‐coated balloon for patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Harima Ayako , Sairaku Akinori , Inoue Ichiro , Nishioka Kenji , Oka Toshiharu , Nakama Yasuharu , Dai Kazuoki , Ohi Kuniomi , Hashimoto Haruki , Kihara Yasuki 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesWe aimed to test a novel stent‐less revascularization strategy using a combination of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) and drug‐coated balloon (DCB) for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention with drug eluting stents is a standard invasive treatment for ACS. Some unsolved issues however remain, such as stent thrombosis and bleeding risks associated with dual antiplatelet therapy.MethodsConsecutive ACS patients were planned to receive either a DCB application following ELCA without a stent implantation or conventional revascularization with a coronary stent. The endpoints were (i) major cardiac adverse events (MACEs), defined as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarctions, and target lesion revascularization; (ii) target vessel revascularization (TVR); and (iii) angiographic outcome.ResultsSince a greater than expected number of patients allocated to the stent‐less treatment arm eventually received a bailout stenting, the following 3 as‐treated groups were compared; DCB with ELCA group (N = 60), Stent with ELCA group (N = 23), and Stent without ELCA group (N = 85). During a mean follow‐up period of 420 ± 137 days, and with angiographic 6‐ and 12‐month‐follow‐up rates of 96.7%, 87%, and 81.2%, and 50%, 65.2%, and 45.9%, respectively, the MACE rate did not differ across the groups (10%, 4.3%, and 3.5%; P = 0.22) while an incidence of TVR was more common (15%, 0, and 4.7%; P = 0.02) and the diameter stenosis at 6‐months of follow‐up was greater (25.7 ± 18.2, 14.9 ± 13.1 and 16.2 ± 15.4%; P = 0.002) in the DCB with ELCA group.ConclusionsThe stent‐less revascularization strategy with DCB and ELCA was associated with a higher occurrence of restenosis in ACS patients.
Brain Quantitative MRI Metrics in Astronauts as a Unique Professional Group
Authors: Hasan Khader M. , Mwangi Benson , Keser Zafer , Riascos Roy , Sargsyan Ashot E. , Kramer Larry A. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAs part of its technological sophistication, the International Space Station (ISS) Program operates a robust medical surveillance schedule for its rotating 6‐person crew to control the known health risks and to address knowledge gaps related to human health in space flight environment. Recent evidence on visual impairment in a subset of ISS crew has renewed the interest in the effects of long‐duration space flight on the central nervous system (CNS). Through retrospective analysis in a sample of 10 healthy astronauts, we demonstrate the utility of multimodal quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based customized brain templates to examine the structural attributes of various CNS compartments in this occupational group.METHODSThe study included 10 healthy astronauts (45‐55 years). All subjects had previous space flights with the median duration of 110 days. Multimodal quantitative structural imaging modalities performed and used in analyses.RESULTSA host of CNS features are presented, which are largely commensurate with the available normative data. Remarkably, some of our findings demonstrate statistically significant positive features suggestive of structural neuroplasticity conceivably associated with the professional activities of astronauts, and compensatory neurogenesis that counterweighs the expected normative volume loss with age.CONCLUSIONSThe novelty of this exploratory report is in the demonstration of a qMRI toolset as a potential capability for characterization and surveillance of unique professional groups, and for future prospective examinations of the effects of various long‐term exposures on CNS.
Dispositional malevolence and impression formation: Dark Tetrad associations with accuracy and positivity in first impressions
Authors: Rogers Katherine H. , Le Marina T. , Buckels Erin E. , Kim Mikayla , Biesanz Jeremy C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe Dark Tetrad traits (subclinical psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and everyday sadism) have interpersonal consequences. At present, however, how these traits are associated with the accuracy and positivity of first impressions is not well understood. The present article addresses three primary questions. First, to what extent are perceiver levels of Dark Tetrad traits associated with differing levels of perceptive accuracy? Second, to what extent are target levels of Dark Tetrad traits associated with differing levels of expressive accuracy? Finally, to what extent can Dark Tetrad traits be differentiated when examining perceptions of and by others?MethodIn a round‐robin design, undergraduate participants (N = 412) in small groups engaged in brief, naturalistic, unstructured dyadic interactions before providing impressions of their partner.ResultsDark Tetrad traits were associated with being viewed and viewing others less distinctively accurately and more negatively.ConclusionsInterpersonal perceptions that included an individual scoring highly on one of the Dark Tetrad traits differed in important ways from interactions among individuals with more benevolent personalities. Notably, despite the similarities between the Dark Tetrad, traits had unique associations with interpersonal perceptions.
Pharmacokinetics of orbifloxacin in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) after intravenous and intramuscular administration
Authors: Yang F. , Yang F. , Wang G. , Shi W. , Kong T. , Yang P. , Bai D. , Zhou B. 
Published: February 2018

The pharmacokinetics of orbifloxacin was studied after a single dose (7.5 mg/kg) of intravenous or intramuscular administration to crucian carp (Carassius auratus) reared in freshwater at 25°C. Plasma samples were collected from six fish per sampling point. Orbifloxacin concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with a 0.02 μg/ml limit of detection, then were subjected to noncompartmental analysis. After intravenous injection, initial concentration of 5.83 μg/ml, apparent elimination rate constant (λz) of 0.039 hr−1, apparent elimination half‐life (T1/2λz) of 17.90 hr, systemic total body clearance (Cl) of 75.47 ml hr−1 kg−1, volume of distribution (Vz) of 1,948.76 ml/kg, and volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vss) of 1,863.97 ml/kg were determined, respectively. While after intramuscular administration, the λz, T1/2λz, mean absorption time (MAT), absorption half‐life (T1/2ka), and bioavailability were determined as 0.027 hr−1, 25.69, 10.26, 7.11 hr, and 96.46%, respectively, while the peak concentration was observed as 3.11 ± 0.06 μg/ml at 2.0 hr. It was shown that orbifloxacin was completely but relatively slowly absorbed, extensively distributed, and slowly eliminated in crucian carp, and an orbifloxacin dosage of 10 mg/kg administered intravenously or intramuscularly would be expected to successfully treat crucian carp infected by strains with MIC values ≤0.5 μg/ml.
Efficacy of elbasvir and grazoprevir in participants with hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection: A pooled analysis
Authors: Asselah Tarik , Reesink Hendrik , Gerstoft Jan , de Ledinghen Victor , Pockros Paul J. , Robertson Michael , Hwang Peggy , Asante‐Appiah Ernest , Wahl Janice , Nguyen Bach‐Yen , Barr Eliav , Talwani Rohit , Serfaty Lawrence 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsThe aim of this integrated analysis was to assess the efficacy of the once‐daily combination of elbasvir 50 mg and grazoprevir 100 mg, with and without ribavirin in HCV genotype 4 (GT4)‐infected participants enrolled in the Phase 2/3 clinical programme with elbasvir/grazoprevir.MethodsTreatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced participants 18 years of age or older with chronic HCV GT4 infection and baseline HCV RNA ≥10 000 IU/mL were included in the analysis. The analysis population was the full analysis set (FAS; all participants who received at least 1 dose of study medication) and a total of 155 HCV GT4 participants were evaluated. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at week 12 (SVR12; HCV RNA less than the lower limit of quantitation at 12 weeks after the completion of study therapy).ResultsOverall, among GT4‐infected participants treated with 12 or 16 weeks of elbasvir/grazoprevir ± ribavirin, the SVR12 efficacy rates were 96.4% (107/111) in treatment‐naïve participants and 88.6% (39/44) in treatment‐experienced participants. The SVR12 rates were 96.0% (97/101) in treatment‐naïve participants treated with 12 weeks of elbasvir/grazoprevir and 100% (8/8) in treatment‐experienced participants treated with 16 weeks of elbasvir/grazoprevir plus ribavirin. Efficacy was not impacted by GT4 subtype.ConclusionsThe regimens of 12 weeks of elbasvir/grazoprevir without ribavirin, and 16 weeks of elbasvir/grazoprevir plus ribavirin, were efficacious in HCV GT4‐infected treatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced participants respectively. Baseline NS5A resistance‐associated substitutions did not impact the efficacy of elbasvir/grazoprevir in GT4‐infected participants.
The impact of bacteriophages on phyllosphere bacterial abundance and composition
Authors: Morella Norma M. , Gomez Annika L. , Wang Grant , Leung Michelle S. , Koskella Britt 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInteractions between bacteria and bacteriophage viruses (phages) are known to influence pathogen growth and virulence, microbial diversity and even biogeochemical cycling. Lytic phages in particular infect and lyse their host cells, and can therefore have significant effects on cell densities as well as competitive dynamics within microbial communities. Despite the known impacts of lytic phages on the ecology and evolution of bacteria in free‐living communities, little is known about the role of lytic phages in host‐associated microbiomes. We set out to characterize the impact of phages in the tomato phyllosphere, that is the bacteria associated with above‐ground plant tissues, by transferring microbial communities from field‐grown tomato plants to juvenile plants grown under mostly sterile conditions in either the presence or absence of their associated phage community. In three separate experiments, we found that the presence of phages affects overall bacterial abundance during colonization of new host plants. Furthermore, bacterial community analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing shows that phages significantly alter the relative abundance of dominant community members and can influence both within‐ and among‐host diversity. These results underscore the importance of lytic phages in host‐associated microbiomes and are relevant to microbiome transplantation approaches, as they suggest transferring nonbacterial components of the microbiome among hosts is likely to have a strong impact on growth of both the resident and colonizing microbiota.