bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis and cancer. An Australian/New Zealand narrative
Authors: Rademaker Marius , Rubel Diana M , Agnew Karen , Andrews Megan , Armour Katherine Sarah , Baker Christopher , Foley Peter , Gebauer Kurt , Goh Michelle SY , Gupta Monisha , Marshman Gillian , Prince H Miles , Sullivan John 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPatients with psoriasis have an increased risk of cancer, which may be due to impaired immune surveillance, immune modulatory treatments, chronic inflammation and/or co‐risk factors such as obesity. The increase in treatment‐independent solid cancers, including urinary/bladder cancers, oropharynx/larynx, liver/gallbladder and colon/rectal cancers, seem to be linked to alcohol and smoking. Lung cancer and nonmelanoma skin cancer are also increased in patients with psoriasis. The risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer increases with age and severity of psoriasis. It is also higher in men, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma, which may reflect previous exposure to PUVA and/or ciclosporin. The risk of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma is substantially higher in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Biologic therapies are independently associated with a slight increase risk of cancer, but this is less than ciclosporin, with the risk confounded by disease severity and other co‐risk factors. The risk of cancer from low‐dose methotrexate is likely minimal. In contrast, acitretin is likely protective against a variety of solid and haematological malignancies. The data on small molecule therapies such as apremilast are too immature for comment, although no signal has yet been identified. The decision whether to stop psoriasis immune modulatory treatments following a diagnosis of cancer, and when to resume, needs to be considered in the context of the patients’ specific cancer. However, there is no absolute need to stop any treatment other than possibly ciclosporin, unless there is a concern over an increased risk of serious infection or drug–drug interaction with cancer‐directed therapies, including radiotherapy.
Liver biochemical abnormalities in Turner syndrome: A comprehensive characterization of an adult population
Authors: Calanchini Matilde , Moolla Ahmad , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Cobbold Jeremy F. , Grossman Ashley , Fabbri Andrea , Turner Helen E. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryObjectiveAbnormal liver function tests (LFTs) are frequent in Turner syndrome (TS). The causes and clinical significance are unclear.AimsTo investigate the prevalence of elevated LFTs in adult TS; secondly, to analyse the associations between elevated LFTs, TS‐karyotypes and TS‐related conditions; and thirdly, to evaluate liver stiffness and histological assessment.MethodsA total of 125 TS women were retrospectively studied. Karyotypes, clinical and biochemical details and aortic measurements were recorded. Fibroscan and liver biopsy results were noted.ResultsElevated LFTs were found in 49.6%: gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) in 88.7%, ALK in 45.2%, ALT in 40.3% and AST in 29%. A FIB‐4 index >1.3 was found in 11.8%. Women with isochromosome of the X long arm, iso[X](q), had a higher prevalence of elevated LFTs. A lower prevalence of abnormal GGT was found in patients with 45,X/46,XX, 45,X/47,XXX or 45,X/46,XX/47,XXX. Subjects with raised GGT were older, shorter and more likely to have higher triglyceride levels. There was no association with HRT duration after adjusting for age. Among patients with elevated aminotransferases, no differences were noted, except for higher HDL‐cholesterol levels. The sinuses and ascending aorta diameter were greater in the elevated LFTs group. Fibroscan was suggestive of significant liver fibrosis in 38.1%. Among 11 biopsies, liver architectural changes were reported in 45.4%, including two with cirrhosis.ConclusionsElevated LFTs in TS are common and important to detect given the possible progression towards severe liver disease. An association between raised LFTs and karyotype iso[X]q was demonstrated. We have also shown a new association between abnormal LFTs and aortic dilatation.
Different rhinologic diseases cause a similar multidimensional decrease in generic health‐related quality of life
Authors: Ylitalo‐Heikkilä Maija , Virkkula Paula , Sintonen Harri , Lundberg Marie , Roine Risto P. , Hytönen Maija 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundPrevious studies illustrated that chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis represent individual and socioeconomic burdens to a patient. However, few studies exist on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst other rhinologic patients. Our study investigated the generic HRQoL in different rhinologic diseases.MethodologyUnselected adult rhinologic patients requiring special care at the Helsinki University Hospital were enrolled in this cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based prospective study in February, May, August and November 2014. Patients were mailed a medical history questionnaire and a generic 15‐dimension (15D) HRQoL questionnaire. Diagnostic data were collected from electronic patient records following outpatient visits. Patient HRQoL scores were compared to an age‐ and sex‐standardised general population sample obtained from a large national health examination survey.ResultsThis study consisted of 337 rhinologic patients (mean age 50.2 years, 50.4% men). The mean 15D score amongst rhinologic patients (0.865) was both statistically significant and clinically poorer than that amongst the general population (0.929). Rhinologic patients fared poorly on most dimensions of the 15D instrument, particularly on sleep, discomfort and symptoms, breathing and vitality. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) were particularly affected. Yet, comparing the five most common rhinologic diagnostic groups revealed no significant differences in the mean 15D scores.ConclusionsRhinologic diseases, independent of the underlying cause, substantially and negatively affect patients’ HRQoL. OSA decreases HRQoL in these patients, although patients without an OSA diagnosis still suffer from a clinically important impairment of HRQoL and poor quality sleep.
Impact of pretransplant recipient body mass index on post heart transplant mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Foroutan Farid , Doumouras Barbara S. , Ross Heather , Alba Ana C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe ISHLT's 2016 Guidelines on the selection of heart transplant (HT) candidates recommends weight loss prior to listing for persons with body mass (BMI) index greater than 35 kg/m2. We conducted a systematic review to assess the impact of BMI on all‐cause mortality. We searched to identify eligible observational studies that followed HT recipients. We used the GRADE system to quantify absolute effects and quality of evidence, and meta‐analyzed survival curves to assess post‐transplant mortality across BMI categories. We found a significantly increased risk of mortality in patients with BMI > 30 kg/m2 across all age categories, independently of transplant era and study source (BMI 30‐34.9: HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04‐1.17; BMI ≥ 35: HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12‐1.38). We also found an increased risk of death in underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) candidates over 39 years of age (Age 40‐65: HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02‐1.53; Age > 65: HR 1.70, 95% 1.13‐2.57). We found obesity and underweight BMI to be associated with mortality post‐HT. The similar and overlapping increased risk of mortality in patients with BMI 30‐34.9 and BMI ≥ 35 does not support the recently updated ISHLT guidelines. Future evidence in the form of randomized controlled trials is required to assess effectiveness of interventions targeting obesity‐related comorbidities and weight management.
Shared Leadership Regulates Operational Team Performance in the Presence of Extreme Decisional Consensus/Conflict: Evidences from Business Process Reengineering
Authors: Bruccoleri Manfredi , Riccobono Francesca , Größler Andreas 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on decision‐making within operational teams. Grounding our argumentation on group decision‐making literature, we argue that adverse behavior patterns may affect the way in which consensus is achieved within the team, and that team performance has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with the level of consensus. Then, by relying on leadership literature, we pose the hypothesis that the level of shared leadership inside the group moderates this U‐shaped relationship. To empirically test our literature‐based argumentation, we use longitudinal data collected in the years 2014 and 2015 from business process reengineering projects, each lasting three months, conducted by 141 master of science students grouped in 34 teams. We conclude by emphasizing that it is important to control for the occurrence of behaviors which lead to “fake” consensus within operational teams, by observing the individuals’ satisfaction with respect to the group decision as well as their active participation in the decision‐making process.
Assessing the accuracy of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuen Tracy , Penner Melanie , Carter Melissa T , Szatmari Peter , Ungar Wendy J 
Published: July 2018

AimThe Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT) could be appropriate for universal screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 18 months and 24 months. Validation studies, however, reported differences in psychometric properties across sample populations. This meta‐analysis summarized its accuracy measures and quantified their change in relation to patient and study characteristics.MethodFour electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase) were searched to identify articles published between January 2001 and May 2016. Bayesian regression models pooled study‐specific measures. Meta‐regressions covariates were age at screening, study design, and proportion of males.ResultsOn the basis of the 13 studies included, the pooled sensitivity was 0.83 (95% credible interval [CI] 0.75–0.90), specificity was 0.51 (95% CI 0.41–0.61), and positive predictive value was 0.53 (95% CI 0.43–0.63) in high‐risk children and 0.06 (95% CI <0.01–0.14) in low‐risk children. Sensitivity was higher for screening at 30 months compared with 24 months.InterpretationFindings indicate that the M‐CHAT performs with low to moderate accuracy in identifying ASD among children with developmental concerns, but there was a lack of evidence on its performance in low‐risk children or at age 18 months. Clinicians should account for a child's age and presence of developmental concern when interpreting their M‐CHAT score.What this paper adds

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT) performs with low‐to‐moderate accuracy in children with developmental concerns.

There is limited evidence supporting its use at 18 months or in low‐risk children.
Serum cardiovascular risk biomarkers in pre‐pubertal obese children
Authors: Maggio Albane B. R. , Farpour‐Lambert Nathalie J. , Aggoun Yacine , Galan Katia , Montecucco Fabrizio , Mach François , Beghetti Maurice 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundChildhood obesity is associated with premature cardiovascular complications. However, little is known about the effect of a family‐based behavioural intervention on the relationship between arterial function, blood pressure and biomarkers in pre‐pubertal children with obesity.DesignThis was a single centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 74 children randomized to a 6‐month behavioural intervention to treat obesity. In 48 children (13 controls and 35 interventions), we assessed: serum level of cytokine (CCL2), adiponectin, and neutrophil product (MMP‐8), as well as carotid intima‐media thickness, flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin‐mediated dilation; arterial stiffness (incremental elastic modulus, Einc), pulse wave velocity (PWV), resting and 24‐hour blood pressure (BP).ResultsAt baseline, resting systolic BP was positively associated with MMP‐8 levels which was significantly higher in children with hypertension (P = 0.033). Biochemical markers were not related to endothelial function at baseline, but they globally increased after 6 months in the intervention group. The significant increase of CCL2 levels in the intervention group was associated with a decrease in diastolic BP. Furthermore, adiponectin change was positively related to a change in FMD and negatively to change in Einc and PWV.ConclusionsThe usefulness of serum biomarkers for the detection of cardiovascular diseases is not well established in children. In our population, MMP‐8 concentration was higher in hypertensive children. Furthermore, behavioural interventions resulted in a paradoxical increase in some biomarkers in children, with potentially beneficial effects detected with CCL2 changes. Caution should be taken when using nonspecific serum biomarkers for the clinical monitoring of children with obesity.
Adipokine dysregulation and adipose tissue inflammation in human obesity
Authors: Unamuno Xabier , Gómez‐Ambrosi Javier , Rodríguez Amaia , Becerril Sara , Frühbeck Gema , Catalán Victoria 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObesity, a worldwide epidemic, confers increased risk for multiple serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer. Adipose tissue is considered one of the largest endocrine organs in the body as well as an active tissue for cellular reactions and metabolic homeostasis rather than an inert tissue for energy storage. The functional pleiotropism of adipose tissue relies on its ability to synthesize and release a large number of hormones, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and growth and vasoactive factors, collectively termed adipokines that influence a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. In the obese state, excessive visceral fat accumulation causes adipose tissue dysfunctionality that strongly contributes to the onset of obesity‐related comorbidities. The mechanisms underlying adipose tissue dysfunction include adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, increased inflammation, impaired extracellular matrix remodelling and fibrosis together with an altered secretion of adipokines. This review describes how adipose tissue becomes inflamed in obesity and summarizes key players and molecular mechanisms involved in adipose inflammation.
90Y‐ibritumomab‐tiuxetan as a therapeutic alternative for follicular lymphoma (FL): A single‐center experience
Authors: Spukti Eva U. , Schmidt Lars Henning , Schulze Arik , Schliemann Christoph , Görlich Dennis , Wardelmann Eva , Hartmann Wolfgang , Lenz Georg , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Kerkhoff Andrea 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundFollicular lymphoma (FL) is the most frequent indolent lymphoma subtype in adults. Maintenance therapy with rituximab is frequently applied to FL patients with complete or partial response following initial chemoimmunotherapy. However, radioimmunotherapy with 90Y‐ibritumomab‐tiuxetan represents a therapeutic alternative.MethodsTo compare the clinical and the prognostic impact of both therapies, a study collective of n = 56 patients diagnosed with indolent B‐cell lymphoma was retrospectively investigated. The study collective was subdivided into two groups: n = 36 patients treated with rituximab maintenance therapy vs n = 20 patients treated with 90Y‐ibritumomab‐tiuxetan.ResultsNo prognostic differences for performance status, FLIPI score, gender, or B‐symptoms were found for 90Y‐ibritumomab‐tiuxetan or rituximab maintenance therapy. Overall survival rates and progression‐free survival did not differ between both maintenance therapies.ConclusionOur retrospective single‐center analysis of two patient groups without major differences in prognostic parameters revealed similar outcome with two different maintenance therapies. Hence, 90Y‐ibritumomab‐tiuxetan therapy might offer a valuable alternative treatment option for FL patients with partial response. However, large prospective trials are needed to confirm the reported findings.
Combination of 177Lu‐lilotomab with rituximab significantly improves the therapeutic outcome in preclinical models of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Repetto‐Llamazares Ada H. V. , Malenge Marion M. , O'Shea Adam , Eiríksdóttir Bergthóra , Stokke Trond , Larsen Roy H. , Dahle Jostein 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the therapeutic potential of the next‐generation anti‐CD37 radioimmunoconjugate 177Lu‐lilotomab satetraxetan (177Lu‐lilotomab) in combination with the anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab for treatment of mice with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) xenografts.MethodsNude mice with subcutaneous (s.c.) Burkitt's lymphoma Daudi xenografts and SCID mice intravenously (i.v.) injected with Mantle cell lymphoma Rec‐1 cells were treated with either 177Lu‐lilotomab or rituximab alone or with the combination of both treatments. Tumour volume, body weight, blood counts and clinical status were monitored. CD20 expression was measured using flow cytometry with fluorescence‐labelled rituximab.ResultsThe combination of 177Lu‐lilotomab and rituximab was synergistic for treatment of nude mice with s.c. Daudi xenografts while it was additive for treatment of SCID mice with i.v. injected Rec‐1 cells. Binding of rituximab to NHL cells in‐vitro was increased by pretreatment with 177Lu‐lilotomab.ConclusionsTreatment of mice with NHL xenografts with 177Lu‐lilotomab synergistically increased tumour suppression of subsequent anti‐CD20 immunotherapy and improved survival. If the same effect is confirmed in a recently started clinical study, it could change the way radioimmunotherapy and CD20 immunotherapy would be used in the future.
Resisting annihilation: relationships between functional trait dissimilarity, assemblage competitive power and allelopathy
Authors: Muhl Rika M. W. , Roelke Daniel L. , Zohary Tamar , Moustaka‐Gouni Maria , Sommer Ulrich , Borics Gábor , Gaedke Ursula , Withrow Frances G. , Bhattacharyya Joydeb 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAllelopathic species can alter biodiversity. Using simulated assemblages that are characterised by neutrality, lumpy coexistence and intransitivity, we explore relationships between within‐assemblage competitive dissimilarities and resistance to allelopathic species. An emergent behaviour from our models is that assemblages are more resistant to allelopathy when members strongly compete exploitatively (high competitive power). We found that neutral assemblages were the most vulnerable to allelopathic species, followed by lumpy and then by intransitive assemblages. We find support for our modeling in real‐world time‐series data from eight lakes of varied morphometry and trophic state. Our analysis of this data shows that a lake's history of allelopathic phytoplankton species biovolume density and dominance is related to the number of species clusters occurring in the plankton assemblages of those lakes, an emergent trend similar to that of our modeling. We suggest that an assemblage's competitive power determines its allelopathy resistance.
Sediment inputs from retrogressive thaw slumps drive algal biomass accumulation but not decomposition in Arctic streams, NWT
Authors: Levenstein Brianna , Culp Joseph M. , Lento Jennifer 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Increasing rates of precipitation and higher air temperatures have increased the size and frequency of retrogressive thaw slumps—large depressions of thawed permafrost that form on the landscape—in north‐western Canada. Many of these thaw slumps flow into nearby stream systems, leading to increased sediment, solute and nutrient loads.

We evaluated the impacts of retrogressive thaw slumps on measurements of algal biomass accumulation and decomposition of organic materials in streams in the Peel Plateau, Northwest Territories. We predicted that increased sediment loads from thaw slumps would decrease algal standing stock and decomposition in thaw slump‐impacted streams, overriding the potential positive effects of increased nutrient concentrations.

Chl‐a measurements were obtained as a proxy for algal standing stock from sites upstream and downstream of thaw slumps by performing algae scrapes and deploying artificial substrates in 2014. Cotton strips were deployed at upstream and downstream sites in 2013 and 2014, and tensile strength was measured to assess breakdown. Grab water samples were taken to measure physical and chemical parameters at each site.

Thaw slumps increased total suspended solids, but not dissolved nutrients at downstream sites. Our results indicated a significant negative relationship between Chl‐a and total suspended solids. Decomposition indicated a negative relationship with total suspended solids, but displayed much stronger positive relationships with temperature, pH and dissolved phosphorus.

Our findings indicated that total suspended solids were a stronger driver of change in thaw slump‐impacted stream reaches than nutrients, although nutrients may be more influential during the initiation of thaw slump disturbances. Algal biomass accumulation was found to be more sensitive to thaw slump impacts than decomposition, which may lead to a functional and structural shift in favour of allochthonous‐based food webs over autochthonous ones at thaw slump‐impacted stream reaches.
Nitrogen source and rate effects on grain and potential biodiesel production of camelina in the semiarid environment of northern Nevada
Authors: Neupane Dhurba , Solomon Juan K. Q. , Davison Jason , Lawry Tom 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe objective of this two‐year study (2016–2017 spring) carried out at the University of Nevada, Reno Main Station Field Laboratory, Reno, NV, was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen source, rate, and camelina cultivar on grain yield and potential biodiesel production irrigated with reclaimed water. Treatments were two sources of urea fertilizer [conventional urea (CU) and polymer‐coated urea (PCU)], four N rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha–1), and two cultivars of camelina (“Blaine Creek” and “Pronghorn”) arranged in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial combinations with four replications each in a RCBD experiment. Plot size was 7.6 m long × 1.8 m wide, and camelina was seeded at a rate of 5 kg PLS seed ha‐1. The quantity of light intercepted increased linearly from 44.9% to 65.9% as N application rate increased from 0 to 120 kg N ha–1, and it was greater for CU (59.6%) compared to PCU (54.0%) fertilized plots. There was a linear increased in grain yield ranging from 534 to 1,010 kg/ha as N application rate increased from 0 to 120 kg N ha‐1. In Year 2, grain yield of Blaine Creek (898 kg/ha) was greater than that of Pronghorn (464 kg/ha). Also, there was a linear increase in estimated biodiesel from 51.2 to 94.2 L/ha as N application rate increased. For both grain and biodiesel production, there was no advantage of using controlled‐release PCU fertilizer and 80 to 120 kg N ha–1 is sufficient for the cultivation of camelina in this environment. Based on the range of grain yield obtained in this study, camelina can be a potential alternative crop to integrate into the annual crop production cycle in water‐limited environments like Nevada.