bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in hospitalized adults with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Brance María L. , Miljevic Julio N. , Tizziani Raquel , Taberna María E. , Grossi Georgina P. , Toni Pablo , Valentini Elina , Trepat Andrea , Zaccardi Julia , Moro Juan , Finuci Curi Baltasar , Tamagnone Norberto , Ramirez Mariano , Severini Javier , Chiarotti Pablo , Consiglio Francisco , Piñeski Raúl , Ghelfi Albertina , Kilstein Jorge , Street Eduardo , Moretti Dino , Oliveto Viviana , Mariño Marcelo , Manera Jorge , Brun Lucas R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionCommunity‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the infectious disease with the highest number of deaths worldwide. Several studies have shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and increases susceptibility to respiratory tract infections.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in hospitalized adults in general room with CAP.Materials and methodsAn observational study was carried out in 207 hospitalized adults of both sex with CAP (>18 years) from Rosario city, Argentina (32° 52′ 18″S) between July 2015 and June 2016.ResultsIn total, 167 patients were included in the data analysis [59% women (57.4 ± 19.6 years), body mass index 27.2 ± 7.8 kg/m2]. In brief, 63% showed unilobar infiltrate and 37% were multilobar. The CURB‐65 index was 66.5% low risk, 16.0% intermediate risk and 17.5% high risk. According to Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) 53.5% had not comorbidity (CCI = 0) and 46.5% showed CCI ≥ 1. The 25OHD level was: 11.92 ± 7.6 ng/mL (51.5%: <10 ng/mL, 33.5%: 10–20 ng/mL, 13.2%: 20–30 ng/mL and 1.8%: >30 ng/mL). Higher 25OHD were found in male (female: 10.8 ± 6.7 ng/mL, male: 13.5 ± 8.5 ng/mL, P = .02) and 25OHD correlated with age (r = –.17; P = .02). 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D was also correlated with CURB65 index (r = –.13; P = .049), CCI (r = –.20, P = .007) and with the 10 years of life expectative (%) (r = .19; P = .008). In addition, higher 25OHD were found with lower CCI (CCI 0 = 13.0 ± 8.2 ng/mL, CCI ≥ 1= 10.5 ± 6.7 ng/mL; P = .0093).ConclusionsHospitalized adults with CAP have lower 25OHD levels and would be associated with the severity of CAP.
Do public expenditures on health and families relate to alcohol abstaining in adolescents? Multilevel study of adolescents in 24 countries
Authors: Vieno Alessio , Altoè Gianmarco , Kuntsche Emmanuel , Elgar Frank J 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSeveral European countries have observed an increase in the proportion of adolescents that abstain from drinking alcohol in the last decade. The reasons for this trend remain underexplored. We hypothesised that more generous government expenditures on health services and benefits to families with children relate to a positive trend in abstainers.Design and MethodsWe used data on 15‐year‐olds in four successive cycles of the World Health Organization Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children study (2002 to 2014) in 24 North American and European countries (pooled n = 175 331). Generalised linear mixed‐effects models were tested to analyse trends in alcohol abstinence and to investigate whether cross‐country differences in these trends relate to public expenditures on health and families with children (in proportion to gross domestic product).ResultsOverall, we observed an increase in the proportion of abstainers from 21% in 2002 to 35% in 2014. An exception was Greece where abstaining had decreased from 20% to 15%. Similar results were found in boys and girls. The upward trend in abstinence related to larger government expenditures on health and families.Discussions and ConclusionsMore generous expenditures on health services and family benefits relate to more adolescents abstaining from alcohol.
What is going on in underage drinking? Reflections on Finnish European school survey project on alcohol and other drugs data 1999–2015
Authors: Raitasalo Kirsimarja , Simonen Jenni , Tigerstedt Christoffer , Mäkelä Pia , Tapanainen Heli 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsAs alcohol use has decreased among Finnish adolescents, we aim to assess: (i) time trends in alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking (HED) and potential explanatory variables among adolescents; (ii) the relationship between trends of explanatory variables and trends in alcohol use and HED; and (iii) which of the explanatory variables can account for the temporal change in alcohol use and HED.Design and MethodsThe analyses are based on European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs data collected from 15‐ to 16‐year‐old Finnish adolescents in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015.ResultsThe decline in alcohol use and HED among underage youth in Finland is associated with at least three factors: (i) obtaining alcohol has become more difficult; (ii) parents know better than before where their children spend their Friday nights; and (iii) the risk attached to going out with friends on drinking has decreased.Discussion and ConclusionsFormal policy measures and adults’ attitudes have probably affected the availability of alcohol for adolescents, and thus they partly explain the decline in youth drinking. This decline coincides with the introduction of new digital technologies, new forms of interaction within families and peer groups, and more conscientious teenagers. All these changes are not necessarily causes of the decline but are part of a similar broader change in adolescents’ lives.
Integrating multiple data sources for assessing blue whale abundance and distribution in Chilean Northern Patagonia
Authors: Bedriñana‐Romano Luis , Hucke‐Gaete Rodrigo , Viddi Francisco Alejandro , Morales Juan , Williams Rob , Ashe Erin , Garcés‐Vargas José , Torres‐Florez Juan Pablo , Ruiz Jorge 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimSpecies distribution models are useful tools for depicting important habitat, assessing abundance and orienting conservation efforts. For small populations in poorly studied ecosystems, available data are often scarce and patchy. To overcome this limitation, we aim to evaluate the use of different data types within a hierarchical Bayesian framework with the goal of modelling the abundance and distribution of a small and highly migratory population of blue whale (BW,Balaenoptera musculus) summering in Chilean Northern Patagonian (CNP).LocationCNP, Eastern South Pacific (ESP).MethodsWe constructed a Bayesian hierarchical species distribution Model (HSDM), combining a binomial N‐mixture model used to modelBWgroups counts in line‐transect data (2009, 2012 and 2014) with a logistic regression for modelling presence‐availability data (2009–2016), allowing both models to share covariate parameters for borrowing strength in estimations.ResultsDistance to areas of high chlorophyll‐aconcentration during spring before summering season (AHCC‐s) was the most important and consistent explanatory variable for assessingBWabundance and distribution inCNP. Incorporating accessorial presence‐only data reduced uncertainty in parameters estimation when comparing with a model using only line‐transect data, although other covariates of secondary importance failed to be retained in this model.Main conclusionsOur results remark the capability ofHSDMfor integrating different data types providing a potential powerful tool when data are limited and heterogeneous. Results indicate thatAHCC‐s, and possibly thermal fronts, could modulateBWabundance and distribution patterns inCNP. Preliminary model‐based delimitations of possible priority conservation areas forBWinCNPoverlap with highly used vessel navigation routes and areas destined to aquaculture.
Line‐assisted complete closure for a large mucosal defect after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection decreased post‐electrocoagulation syndrome
Authors: Yamasaki Yasushi , Takeuchi Yoji , Iwatsubo Taro , Kato Minoru , Hamada Kenta , Tonai Yusuke , Matsuura Noriko , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamashina Takeshi , Arao Masamichi , Suzuki Sho , Shichijo Satoki , Nakahira Hiroko , Akasaka Tomofumi , Hanaoka Noboru , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Ishihara Ryu , Okada Hiroyuki , Iishi Hiroyasu 
Published: March 2018

Background and AimThe incidence of post‐endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) coagulation syndrome (PECS) can be decreased by closing mucosal defects. However, large mucosal defects after colorectal ESD cannot be closed endoscopically. We established line‐assisted complete clip closure (LACC), a novel technique for large mucosal defects after colorectal ESD. We evaluated the prophylactic efficacy of LACC for preventing PECS.MethodsSixty‐one consecutive patients on whom LACC after colorectal ESD was attempted from January 2016 to August 2016 were analyzed. After exclusion of patients with incomplete LACC and adverse events during ESD, 57 patients comprised the LACC group. In contrast, 495 patients who did not undergo closure of a mucosal defect comprised the control group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for patients’ backgrounds. Treatment outcomes were evaluated between the groups.ResultsMedian resected specimen size in the LACC‐attempted group was 35 mm (range, 20–72 mm), and LACC success rate was 95% (58/61). Median procedure time of LACC was 14 min. In the LACC group, incidence of PECS was only 2%, and no delayed bleeding or perforation occurred. Propensity score matching created 51 matched pairs. Adjusted comparisons between the LACC and control groups showed a lower incidence of PECS (0% vs 12%, respectively; P = 0.03) and shorter hospitalization (5 vs 6 days, respectively; P < 0.001) in the LACC group.ConclusionThis study suggests that LACC can effectively reduce the incidence of PECS, although further large‐scale studies are warranted.
Structured education using Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) reduces long‐term HbA1c and HbA1c variability
Authors: Walker G. S. , Chen J. Y. , Hopkinson H. , Sainsbury C. A. R. , Jones G. C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimsPrevious evidence has demonstrated that participation in the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) education programme can reduce HbA1c and severe hypoglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes. In a number of studies, increased HbA1c variability has been associated with higher diabetic morbidity and mortality. No studies have examined the impact of structured education on HbA1c variability in Type 1 diabetes.MethodsPeople with Type 1 diabetes who had attended DAFNE were identified for inclusion from the Scottish Care Information‐Diabetes dataset. HbA1c median and variability, expressed as coefficient of variation (CV) before and after DAFNE was calculated.ResultsSome 1061 individuals participated in DAFNE education and 687 met the inclusion criteria. A significant median reduction in HbA1c [−3.5 mmol/mol (−0.3%)] was seen at 12 months with a significant reduction [−1.5 mmol/mol (−0.1%)] still seen at 60 months of follow‐up. HbA1c variability as measured by CV was significantly lower during the post‐DAFNE period: 0.08 (IQR 0.05–0.12) reduced to 0.07 (IQR 0.05–0.10); P = 0.002.ConclusionThe data confirm that DAFNE participation improves glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes with benefits being sustained for 5 years. This study is the first to demonstrate reduced HbA1c variability after completion of structured education. This is new evidence of the beneficial impact of DAFNE on glycaemic profile.
Longitudinal medical resources and costs among type 2 diabetes patients participating in the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS)
Authors: Reed Shelby D. , Li Yanhong , Leal Jose , Radican Larry , Adler Amanda I. , Alfredsson Joakim , Buse John B. , Green Jennifer B. , Kaufman Keith D. , Riefflin Axel , Van de Werf Frans , Peterson Eric D. , Gray Alastair M. , Holman Rury R. ,   for the TECOS Study Group
Published: March 2018

AimsTECOS, a cardiovascular safety trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00790205) involving 14 671 patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, demonstrated that sitagliptin was non‐inferior to placebo for the primary composite cardiovascular outcome when added to best usual care. This study tested hypotheses that medical resource use and costs differed between these 2 treatment strategies.Materials and methodsInformation concerning medical resource use was collected on case report forms throughout the trial and was valued using US costs for: Medicare payments for hospitalizations, medical procedures and outpatient visits, and wholesale acquisition costs (WAC) for diabetes‐related medications. Hierarchical generalized linear models were used to compare resource use and US costs, accounting for variable intercountry practice patterns. Sensitivity analyses included resource valuation using English costs for a UK perspective.ResultsThere were no significant differences in hospitalizations, inpatient days, medical procedures, or outpatient visits during follow‐up (mean and median 3.0 years in both groups). Hospitalization rates appeared to diverge after 2 years, with lower rates among sitagliptin‐treated vs placebo patients after 2.5 years (relative rate, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.83‐0.97]; P = .01). Mean medical costs, exclusive of study medication, were 11 937 USD in the sitagliptin arm and 12 409 USD in the placebo arm (P = .06). Mean sitagliptin costs based on undiscounted WAC were 9978 USD per patient. Differential UK total costs including study drug costs were smaller (911 GBP), primarily because of lower mean costs for sitagliptin (1072 GBP).ConclusionsLower hospitalization rates across time with sitagliptin slightly offset sitagliptin treatment costs over 3 years in type 2 diabetes patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.
Three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography–derived left atrial deformation analysis in acromegaly (Results from the MAGYAR‐Path Study)
Authors: Kormányos Árpád , Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Valkusz Zsuzsanna , Lengyel Csaba , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionAcromegaly is a chronic and disfiguring hormonal disease caused by a benign growth hormone‐secreting pituitary adenoma in most of the cases. The objective of this study was to investigate three‐dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)‐derived left atrial (LA) volumetric and functional properties in patients with acromegaly. It was also examined whether the activity of acromegaly is associated with further alterations in these LA parameters.MethodsA total of 23 patients with acromegaly were involved in this study. Due to inadequate image quality, 4 patients were excluded from the 3DSTE analysis. The mean age of the remaining acromegalic subjects was 58.5 ± 13.1 years (7 males). The control group consisted of 21 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects (mean age 51.8 ± 10.3 years, 10 males).ResultsMaximum (44.8 ± 12.7 mL vs 78.7 ± 25.4 mL, P < .05), minimum (24.1 ± 9.0 mL vs 44.5 ± 15.5 mL, P < .05), and preatrial contraction (35.5 ± 11.2 mL vs 66.0 ± 22.8 mL, P < .05) LA volumes were significantly different between all acromegaly patients compared with controls. Increased peak global and mean segmental radial and 3D strains and decreased LA circumferential strain (CS) could be detected in all acromegaly patients as compared to healthy subjects. Significant correlation could be detected between insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) index and peak superior LA‐CS (r = .49, P = .05) in acromegaly.ConclusionAcromegaly is associated with increased LA volumes and changes in LA functional properties.
Effect of periodontal ligament removal with gauze prior to delayed replantation in rabbit incisors on rate of replacement resorption
Authors: Maslamani Manal , Joseph Bobby , Gabato Severino , Andersson Lars 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground/AimDelayed (dry storage > 60 minutes) replantation results in ankylosis and replacement resorption. It has been suggested to remove the non‐viable periodontal ligament before replantation to possibly reduce the rate of replacement resorption. However there has been no study on the rate of replacement resorption after such measures.The aim of this study was to investigate if there was any difference in the rate of replacement resorption by either removing the periodontal ligament (PDL) with gauze or not removing PDL in teeth subjected to delayed replantation followed by healing for 2 or 6 weeks.Materials and MethodsMaxillary central incisors were extracted in 8 rabbits. In the right central incisors, the necrotic PDL was removed by dry gauze over the root surface. In the left eight extracted teeth PDL was left on the root surface. All extracted teeth were left to dry for 60 minutes. Extra‐oral root canal treatment was performed before replantation. The rabbits were sacrificed after 2 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Histologic processing and evaluation was done.ResultsIn the 2 weeks group, all teeth showed ankylosis. The cementum was intact, and fusion of the bone and root was generally seen without resorption of the root, whereas in the 6 weeks group regardless of whether PDL had been kept or not, ankylosis and osseous replacement of the dentin was seen. There was no evidence of inflammatory infiltrate in the sections examined.ConclusionRemoval of PDL prior to delayed replantation may result in some initial protection of the cementum during the first few weeks. However, over longer times there seems to be neither protection of the dentin from ankylosis and osseous replacement, nor any influence on the rate of replacement resorption.
Prey selectivity and ontogenetic diet shift of the globally invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) in agriculturally impacted streams
Authors: Lee Finnbar , Simon Kevin S. , Perry George L. W. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe dietary breadth of invaders can influence their success, and having a wide dietary niche can facilitate the spread and survival of invaders under a variety of resource scenarios. The western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) is a globally distributed freshwater invasive fish. The spread of G. affinis is associated with agricultural land use, although the trophic role it plays in degraded systems is not well understood. We analysed the invertebrate community in 11 stream reaches in the North Island of New Zealand, in catchments spanning a range (45%–90%) of agricultural land use to determine how prey availability changes with land use. We then analysed the gut contents of 400 G. affinis from the 11 sites to determine how diet varied with prey availability and ontogeny. Invertebrate communities varied along the agricultural land‐use gradient, both in regard to taxonomic richness and community composition. G. affinis consumed a wide variety of food items with invertebrates being the most dominant, in particular Culicidae, Copepods and amphipods were the most commonly consumed invertebrates. There was also an ontogenetic diet shift from microinvertebrates (Cladocera, Copepods and diatoms) to larger invertebrates, including Culicidae, amphipods and terrestrial invertebrates. G. affinis are capable of consuming a wide variety of prey in agricultural streams; their preferred prey are generally pollution‐tolerant taxa commonly found in degraded streams. Having a large level of dietary plasticity coupled with preferring prey that are often associated with degraded systems likely facilitates to the spread of one of the most widely distributed freshwater invasive fish.
Do postlarval amphidromous fishes transport marine‐derived nutrients and pollutants to Caribbean streams?
Authors: Engman Augustin C. , Kwak Thomas J. , Cope W. Gregory 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDiadromous fishes are known biotransport vectors that can move nutrients, energy and contaminants in an upstream direction in lotic ecosystems. This function has been demonstrated repeatedly in anadromous salmonids, but the role of other diadromous species, especially tropical taxa, as biotransport vectors is less studied. Amphidromous fish species exhibit potential to act as upstream vectors of nutrients and contaminants in their postlarval and juvenile stages, but this role is largely unknown because of limited understanding of larval growth habitats. Moreover, because some species are harvested in artisanal fisheries as postlarvae, and postlarvae are consumed by riverine and estuarine predators, heavy contaminant loads may present a human or wildlife health concern. This research incorporates stable isotope and contaminant analyses to infer larval habitats and contaminant accumulation of amphidromous fishes on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. The isotopic signatures of postlarval amphidromous fishes indicated marine basal sources and food web components, rather than those from riverine habitats. Additionally, postlarvae did not contain concentrations of anthropogenic pollutants that would be of ecological or human health concern. These findings are the first and strongest evidence that amphidromous fish postlarvae function as biotransport vectors of marine nutrients into and up river ecosystems without posing a health threat to the receiving food web or human consumers.
Lenalidomide treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes with chromosome 5q deletion: Results from the National Registry of the Italian Drug Agency
Authors: Arcioni Francesco , Roncadori Andrea , Di Battista Valeria , Tura Sante , Covezzoli Anna , Cundari Sante , Mecucci Cristina ,   MORE Study Centres
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe most typical cytogenetic aberration in myelodysplastic syndromes is del(5q), which, when isolated, is associated with refractory anaemia and good prognosis. Based on high rates of erythroid response and transfusion independence, Lenalidomide (LEN) became the standard treatment. This multi‐centre study was designed to supplement Italian Registry data on LEN by addressing prescription, administration appropriateness, haematological and cytogenetic responses and disease evolution.MethodsMORE study was an observational, non‐interventional, multi‐centre, retrospective and prospective study. Cases were recruited from 45 Haematological Centres throughout Italy. Data were collected from the Italian National Registry for Lenalidomide administration and supplemented by a MORE data form.ResultsData from 190/213 patients were analysed. In all, 149 had been diagnosed by conventional cytogenetics (GROUP A) and 41 only by FISH (GROUP B). Overall erythroid response was obtained in 92.8% of cases. Overall cytogenetic remission was achieved in 22.6% of cases. Disease progression occurred in 15.6% of cases. Clonal cytogenetic evolution characterised progression to AML but not to higher risk MDS.ConclusionsErythroid response to Lenalidomide was similar in MDS with isolated del(5q) and with del(5q) plus one anomaly. Progression to AML or higher risk MDS showed different cytogenetic features.