bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical-Likelihood-Based Criteria for Model Selection on Marginal Analysis of Longitudinal Data With Dropout Missingness
Authors: Chen Chixiang , Shen Biyi , Zhang Lijun , Xue Yuan , Wang Ming 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Longitudinal data are common in clinical trials and observational studies, where missing outcomes due to dropouts are always encountered. Under such context with the assumption of missing at random, the weighted generalized estimating equation (WGEE) approach is widely adopted for marginal analysis. Model selection on marginal mean regression is a crucial aspect of data analysis, and identifying an appropriate correlation structure for model fitting may also be of interest and importance. However, the existing information criteria for model selection in WGEE have limitations, such as separate criteria for the selection of marginal mean and correlation structures, unsatisfactory selection performance in small-sample setups, and so forth. In particular, there are few studies to develop joint information criteria for selection of both marginal mean and correlation structures. In this work, by embedding empirical likelihood into the WGEE framework, we propose two innovative information criteria named a joint empirical Akaike information criterion and a joint empirical Bayesian information criterion, which can simultaneously select the variables for marginal mean regression and also correlation structure. Through extensive simulation studies, these empirical-likelihood-based criteria exhibit robustness, flexibility, and outperformance compared to the other criteria including the weighted quasi-likelihood under the independence model criterion, the missing longitudinal information criterion, and the joint longitudinal information criterion. In addition, we provide a theoretical justification of our proposed criteria, and present two real data examples in practice for further illustration.
Empathy for others’ pain is disrupted at the neurophysiological level in schizophrenia
Authors: Varcin Kandice J. , Grainger Sarah A. , Bailey Phoebe E. , Richmond Jenny L. , Henry Julie D. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivePrevious research has shown that empathy for pain is disrupted at the neural level in people with schizophrenia. However, many of these studies have failed to assess key background contextual variables that have previously been linked to neurophysiological responding. Moreover, no study to date has examined the potential influence of schizotypal characteristics on neurophysiological responding in non‐clinical individuals.MethodsPeople with schizophrenia (N = 17) were compared to demographically matched controls (N = 19) on an event‐related potential (ERP) empathy for pain paradigm. The control group also completed a measure of schizotypal personality traits.ResultsPeople with schizophrenia exhibited atypical neural responding at early, emotion‐sharing (frontal N110), and late, cognitive (central late positive potential [LPP]) processing stages of pain empathy, relative to controls. In the control group, positive schizotypy traits were significantly negatively related to reduced ERP amplitude in the late, cognitive (central LPP) processing stage of empathy.ConclusionsThese data cross‐validate previous studies that have shown that schizophrenia is associated with atypicalities in bottom‐up automatic resonance processes that likely contribute to empathic and socio‐emotional processing deficits, and indicate that these findings cannot be easily attributed to background contextual differences between the two groups. The results also point to a potential relationship between positive schizotypal characteristics and neurophysiological responding. Implications for simulation theories of empathy and social functioning in schizophrenia are discussed.Practitioner points

Empathic processing has been consistently linked to well‐being and mental health in many groups, including people with schizophrenia.

Previous research has shown that, relative to controls, people with schizophrenia exhibit abnormalities in their neurophysiological empathic response, but in these prior studies, the two groups also differed in a number of potentially important background contextual variables.

The current study shows that, when closely matched on background contextual variables, abnormal neural responding is still evident.

These data suggest that empathy for pain is disrupted at the neurophysiological level in schizophrenia.
Similarity attracts: The role of personality in similarity perceptions and children's attitudes towards refugees
Authors: Reches Leyla H. L. , Feddes Allard R. 
Published: April 2019

Previous research has shown that children's intergroup similarity judgements are based not only on ethnicity but also on other dimensions such as sports interest. The present research investigates the role of personality in perceived similarity between ingroup children and refugee outgroup children. A study was conducted among 9‐ to 12‐year‐old children (N = 124) at two elementary schools in the Netherlands. It was predicted and found that children take into account ethnicity as well as personality (whether a child is introverted or extraverted) when judging similarity of ingroup (Dutch) and outgroup (refugee) children. Furthermore, we predicted and found that greater perceived similarity between Dutch children and refugee children was associated with more positive attitudes towards refugee children. Finally, children felt lower levels of anxiety towards an extraverted compared to an introverted refugee child. Lower anxiety, in turn, was associated with more positive attitudes towards refugee children. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Statement of contribution

What is already known?

McGlothlin et al. (2005, British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 23, 227) found that similarity ratings are based not only on ethnicity but also on sports interest.

Studies among adults show that extraversion is negatively related to anxiety and positively to cross‐group friendships.

What does this study add?

The present study shows that children also base similarity ratings on the personality trait extraversion.

Higher similarity between self/ingroup and refugee children is related to positive outgroup attitudes.

This study shows that extraverted children feel less anxiety to an extraverted refugee child.

Lower anxiety in children is related to more positive attitudes to refugee children in general.
On the complementarity of holistic and analytic approaches to performance assessment scoring
Authors: Zlatkin‐Troitschanskaia Olga , Shavelson Richard J. , Schmidt Susanne , Beck Klaus 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundA holistic approach to performance assessment recognizes the theoretical complexity of multifaceted critical thinking (CT), a key objective of higher education. However, issues related to reliability, interpretation, and use arise with this approach.Aims and MethodTherefore, we take an analytic approach to scoring students’ written responses on a performance assessment. We focus on the complementarity of holistic and analytic approaches and on whether theoretically developed analytical scoring rubrics can produce sub‐scores that may measure the ‘whole’ performance in a holistic assessment.SampleWe use data from the Wind Turbines performance assessment, developed in the iPAL project this study where 55 students at a German university participated.ResultsThe (sub)scores generated from the scoring scheme empirically reproduced the theoretically assumed structure of CT, with valid and reliable scores in a three‐dimensional model. The proposed interpretation of CT as assessed with a performance assessment and measured by the rating scheme was supported preliminarily.ConclusionOur results support the complementarity of holistic and analytic approaches to assessing CT. When combined, they provide interpretable scores for a complex, multifaceted construct useful in diagnostic contexts.
Early parental positive personality and stress: Longitudinal associations with children's sleep
Authors: Miadich Samantha A. , Doane Leah D. , Davis Mary C. , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThe current study examined the influence of early parental stress and positive parent personality during infancy on sleep in middle childhood. Further, the role of positive parent personality as a buffer of the association between parental stress and sleep was considered.MethodsParticipants included 381 twins and their primary caregivers who were recruited from birth records in the United States. Primary caregivers completed survey assessments via phone when twins were 12 and 30 months of age to assess multiple dimensions of parental stress and positive parent personality. Approximately 6 years later (M = 5.78, SD = 0.42), twins participated in an intensive assessment that included wearing actigraph watches to provide an objective measurement of sleep, while primary caregivers completed daily diaries regarding twins' sleep.ResultsPositive parent personality was associated prospectively with longer actigraphy sleep duration and higher parent‐reported sleep quality/daytime functioning. Parental stress was associated prospectively with greater variability in sleep duration. Positive parent personality moderated the parental stress – sleep‐timing relation, such that greater parental stress was associated with a later midpoint of the sleep period only for children with parents low on positive personality (e.g., low optimism). All other findings were non‐significant.ConclusionsFindings suggest that both positive attributes and stress may influence sleep in middle childhood and that low parent positive personality may exacerbate associations between parental stress and later timing of sleep periods in children. Early interventions to promote healthy sleeping may consider focusing on decreasing parental stress and increasing parental empathy and optimism as early as infancy.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Early‐life experiences, especially adversity, have been related to health outcomes among adults and children, such that negative experiences are associated with poor health outcomes.

Poor sleep (e.g., short duration, poor quality) among children is associated with negative outcomes including poorer cognitive performance and higher adiposity.

What does this study add?

This study used a prospective design to understand relations between early parent‐related factors and child sleep.

Early parental stress and positive parent personality were associated with objective sleep quality.

Positive parent personality during infancy may have promotive/protective influences on sleep later in childhood.
The importance of the relational needs of people with learning disabilities in the promotion of self‐determination
Authors: Cudré‐Mauroux Annick , Piérart Geneviève , Vaucher Carla 
Published: April 2019

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities may need to receive support from social care professionals to make choices and to change things in their life.

They may need to receive advice, but sometimes they prefer not to receive advice.

Professionals must trust them when they try something new.

It is important that professionals know what people with learning disabilities want and need to support them in a better way. It is important that they become aware of the importance to express what they want and what they need.

AbstractBackground: Intervention to increase self‐determination of people with learning disabilities is a major issue for social care practices. This study examines relational needs of people with learning disabilities regarding self‐determination in the context of the relationships they share with social care professionals. Method: We held focus group discussions to explore the relational needs of 10 residents and 10 educators at three facilities for people with learning disabilities located in the French part of Switzerland. Results: Relational needs expressed by participants with learning disabilities concern three distinct stages of the self‐determination process (pre‐choice, post‐choice and goal achievement).ConclusionThey suggest the importance of the relational quality of interventions aimed to enhance self‐determination of people with learning disabilities.
Copeptin and its role in the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis
Authors: Refardt Julie , Winzeler Bettina , Christ‐Crain Mirjam 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCopeptin is secreted in an equimolar amount to arginine vasopressin (AVP) but can easily be measured in plasma or serum with a sandwich immunoassay. The main stimuli for copeptin are similar to AVP, that is an increase in osmolality and a decrease in arterial blood volume and pressure. A high correlation between copeptin and AVP has been shown. Accordingly, copeptin mirrors the amount of AVP in the circulation. Copeptin has, therefore, been evaluated as diagnostic biomarker in vasopressin‐dependent disorders of body fluid homeostasis. Disorders of body fluid homeostasis are common and can be divided into hyper‐ and hypoosmolar circumstances: the classical hyperosmolar disorder is diabetes insipidus, while the most common hypoosmolar disorder is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD). Copeptin measurement has led to a “revival” of the direct test in the differential diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. Baseline copeptin levels, without prior thirsting, unequivocally identify patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In contrast, for the difficult differentiation between central diabetes insipidus and primary polydipsia, a stimulated copeptin level of 4.9 pmol/L upon hypertonic saline infusion differentiates these two entities with a high diagnostic accuracy and is clearly superior to the classical water deprivation test. On the contrary, in the SIAD, copeptin measurement is of only little diagnostic value. Copeptin levels widely overlap in patients with hyponatraemia and emphasize the heterogeneity of the disease. Additionally, a variety of factors lead to unspecific copeptin elevations in the acute setting further complicating its interpretation. The broad use of copeptin as diagnostic marker in hyponatraemia and specifically to detect cancer‐related disease in SIADH patients can, therefore, not be recommended.
The values of shear wave elastography in avoiding repeat fine‐needle aspiration for thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic and undetermined cytology
Authors: Chen Lin , Shi Yi‐xin , Liu Ying‐chun , Zhan Jia , Diao Xue‐hong , Chen Yue , Zhan Wei‐wei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the value of shear wave elastography (SWE) in avoiding repeat fine‐needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic and undetermined cytology.MethodsA total of 232 thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic (n = 132) and undetermined (n = 100) cytology underwent ultrasound (US) and SWE, followed by repeat ultrasound (US)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The final diagnosis was based on cytological or pathological findings. The US and SWE characteristics of benign and malignant nodules were compared using the χ2‐test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI‐RADS) categories from the US and the EMean and ESD from the SWE were graphed, and the areas under the curves (AUCs) were compared using a Z test.ResultsThere were significant differences between the benign and malignant nodules in terms of the echogenicity, shape, margin, calcification and TI‐RADS categories (all P < 0.05). The differences were significant between the malignant and benign nodules for EMean [(34.57 ± 14.81) kPa vs. (19.18 ± 7.09) kPa] and ESD [(13.68 ± 13.01) kPa vs. (3.97 ± 2.58) kPa] (both P < 0.001). Though the difference in the AUCs of EMean (0.864) and ESD (0.876) was not significant (P = 0.745), they both had higher diagnostic performances in comparison with TI‐RADS categories (0.762) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, ESD attained a sensitivity of 100% with a relatively higher specificity of 49.75% when its cut‐off value was 3.3 kPa.ConclusionsShear wave elastography is a promising imaging method for reducing repeat FNAC for benign thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic and undetermined cytology when using ESD as an index.
Establishing reproductive potential and advances in fertility preservation techniques for XY individuals with differences in sex development
Authors: Islam Rumana , Lane Sheila , Williams Suzannah A. , Becker Christian M. , Conway Gerard S. , Creighton Sarah M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundDiscordance between gonadal type and gender identity has often led to an assumption of infertility in patients with differences in sex development (DSD). However, there is now greater recognition of fertility being an important issue for this group of patients. Currently, gonadal tissue that may have fertility potential is not being stored for individuals with DSD and, where gonadectomy forms part of management, is often discarded. The area of fertility preservation has been predominantly driven by oncofertility which is a field dedicated to preserving the fertility of patients undergoing gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The use of fertility preservation techniques could be expanded to include individuals with DSD where functioning gonads are present.MethodsThis is a systematic literature review evaluating original research articles and relevant reviews between 1974 and 2018 addressing DSD and fertility, in vitro maturation of sperm, and histological/ultrastructural assessment of gonadal tissue in complete and partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 and 5α‐reductase deficiency.ConclusionSuccessful clinical outcomes of ovarian tissue cryopreservation are paving the way for similar research being conducted using testicular tissue and sperm. There have been promising results from both animal and human studies leading to cryopreservation of testicular tissue now being offered to boys prior to cancer treatment. Although data are limited, there is evidence to suggest the presence of reproductive potential in the gonads of some individuals with DSD. Larger, more detailed studies are required, but if these continue to be encouraging, individuals with DSD should be given the same information, opportunities and access to fertility preservation as other patient groups.
Association of opioid receptor gene polymorphisms with drinking severity and impulsivity related to alcohol use disorder in a Korean population
Authors: Park Chun Il , Hwang Syung Shick , Kim Hae Won , Kang Jee In , Lee Sang Hak , Kim Se Joo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsRecent evidence suggests that the opioid system is implicated in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder (AUD). We aimed to examine the genetic influence of opioid receptors on susceptibility to AUD and its clinical and psychological characteristics including harmful drinking behavior and various aspects of impulsivity in AUD patients.MethodsThree μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) variants and two κ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRK1) variants were examined in 314 male patients with AUD and 324 male controls. We applied the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS), and Alcohol Dependence Scale. AUD patients also completed the stop‐signal task, delay discounting task, balloon analogue risk task, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale version 11 (BIS‐11).ResultsNo significant differences in genotype distributions or haplotype frequencies were found between AUD patients and controls. However, OPRK1 SNP rs6473797 was significantly related to the severity of alcohol‐related symptoms as measured by AUDIT and OCDS and a haplotype containing rs6473797 was also related to OCDS scores in AUD patients. For other psychological traits, OPRM1 SNP rs495491 was significantly associated with scores on the motor subfactor of the BIS‐11.ConclusionGenetic variations in opioid receptors may contribute to symptom severity and impulsivity in AUD patients.
Voice aerodynamics following office‐based hyaluronate injection laryngoplasty
Authors: Pei Yu‐Cheng , Chuang Hsiu‐Feng , Wong Alice M. K. , Fang Tuan‐Jen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesNeuromuscular control, glottal conformation and aerodynamics are the major factors affecting voice performance. We aimed to characterise the degree to which voice improvements following office‐based intracordal hyaluronate injection laryngoplasty (HIL) depend on changes in voice aerodynamics in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), by assessing the correlations between these parameters.DesignProspective case series.SettingOtolaryngology Clinics in a Medical Center.ParticipantsPatients with UVFP within 6 months of their first outpatient visit who received single HIL.Main outcome measuresVideolaryngostroboscopy, aerodynamics and laboratory voice analysis were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after HIL. Quantitative laryngeal electromyography was evaluated at baseline to confirm UVFP.ResultsSeventy‐five newly diagnosed patients with UVFP were analysed. The normalised glottal gap area (NGGA) decreased (P < 0.001) (Cohen's dz = 0.94) and all aerodynamic parameters improved (all P < 0.05) (Cohen's dz = 0.38‐1.02) following HIL. Patients undergoing thoracic surgery had more profound aerodynamic impairments both before and after HIL. After adjusting for improvements in NGGA, the improvement in aerodynamics was correlated with voice improvement and most notably with maximum phonation time and jitter/shimmer.ConclusionsHyaluronate injection laryngoplasty improved glottal conformation, aerodynamics and voice, highlighting the benefit of early HIL intervention for patients with UVFP. Patients with UVFP caused by thoracic surgery continued to have poorer aerodynamics post‐HIL, indicating the importance of speech therapy in these patients.
All‐trans‐retinoic acid activated mast cells via Mas‐related G‐protein‐coupled receptor‐X2 in retinoid dermatitis
Authors: Zheng Yi , Che Delu , Peng Bin , Hao Yong , Zhang Xinyue , He Langchong , Geng Songmei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundRetinoic acid (RA)‐induced dermatitis is the most frequent side‐effect limiting its widespread use. However, the exact mechanisms triggering dermatitis are not fully understood, including the role of skin mast cells. The newly discovered Mas‐related G‐protein‐coupled receptor‐X2 (MRGPRX2) in mast cells mediates pseudoallergic drug reactions in several types of dermatitis. A possible contribution of MRGPRX2 to contact dermatitis induced by RA has hitherto not been examined.ObjectivesTo investigate whether all‐trans‐RA (ATRA) activates mast cells via MRGPRX2/MrgprB2 (the mouse orthologue), contributing to the pathogenesis of retinoid‐induced dermatitis.MethodsWild‐type (WT) and MrgprB2−/− mice were treated with topical ATRA to observe local inflammation and mast cell degranulation in vivo by the use of haematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence staining. Release of histamine and release of β‐hexosaminidase were measured and calcium influx was detected in Laboratory of Allergic Disease 2 (LAD2) cells with specific knockdown targeting MRGPRX2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and in primary cells from MrgprB2−/− mice.ResultsAs compared with WT mice, MrgprB2−/− mice showed resistance to ATRA‐triggered contact dermatitis and local inflammatory reactions in the paws. ATRA activated mast cells via the MrgprB2 pathway in murine cells, and via the MRGPRX2 pathway in human mast cells.ConclusionsATRA‐induced dermatitis could be achieved by activating mast cells via MRGPRX2/MrgprB2, which may provide a potential therapy target to reduce the side‐effect.