bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gynecological cancer patients’ attitudes toward follow‐up care after cancer treatment: Do preferences reflect patients’ experience? A cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Fidjeland Heidi L. , Brekke Mette , Stokstad Trine , Vistad Ingvild 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionDue to an increasing number of cancer patients, new follow‐up models are being debated, among them follow‐up by general practitioners. Before changing surveillance, it is important to explore patients’ views. The purpose of this study was to compare attitudes toward follow‐up care among patients treated for gynecological cancer who had not yet started a follow‐up regimen, with those who had been attending a hospital‐based follow‐up regimen for more than one year.Material and methodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey among gynecological cancer patients recruited from three Norwegian hospitals in 2013‐2015: Sørlandet Hospital Kristiansand, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal and St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim.ResultsIn all, 239 patients agreed to participate, 100 who had not yet started follow‐up and 139 who had been attending more than one year of follow‐up. Patients reported that they preferred to be followed up by a gynecologist rather than by their GP, whom they viewed as less competent for this purpose. However, patients who had not yet started follow‐up were more willing to be followed up by a GP. Overall, patients rated detection of recurrence as the most important aspect of follow‐up visits.ConclusionsThe gynecological cancer patients in our study preferred a hospital‐based follow‐up model. However, patients who had not yet started follow‐up were more willing to be followed up by a GP. If follow‐up is to be provided by GPs for selected patients, it is important that these patients are informed early of the value and limitations of follow‐up visits, to ensure that they feel safe.
Identifying Disease-Associated Copy Number Variations by a Doubly Penalized Regression Model
Authors: Cheng Yichen , Dai James Y. , Wang Xiaoyu , Kooperberg Charles 
Published: June 2018

SummaryCopy number variation (CNV) of DNA plays an important role in the development of many diseases. However, due to the irregularity and sparsity of the CNVs, studying the association between CNVs and a disease outcome or a trait can be challenging. Up to now, not many methods have been proposed in the literature for this problem. Most of the current researchers reply on an ad hoc two-stage procedure by first identifying CNVs in each individual genome and then performing an association test using these identified CNVs. This potentially leads to information loss and as a result a lower power to identify disease associated CNVs. In this article, we describe a new method that combines the two steps into a single coherent model to identify the common CNV across patients that are associated with certain diseases. We use a double penalty model to capture CNVs’ association with both the intensities and the disease trait. We validate its performance in simulated datasets and a data example on platinum resistance and CNV in ovarian cancer genome.
Do we access meaning when we name Arabic digits? Electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Macizo Pedro , Álvarez Alejandro 
Published: June 2018

In this study, we evaluated whether the naming of Arabic digits required access to semantic information. Participants named pictures and Arabic digits blocked by category or intermixed with exemplars of other categories while behavioural and electrophysiological measures were gathered. Pictures were named slower and Arabic digits faster in the blocked context relative to the mixed context. Around 350–450 ms after the presentation of pictures and Arabic digits, brain waves were more positive in anterior regions and more negative in posterior regions when the blocked context was compared with the mixed context. The pattern of electrophysiological results suggests that pictures and Arabic digits are both processed semantically and they are subject to repetition effects during the naming task.
Pre‐pregnancy weight loss in women with obesity requesting removal of their intra‐uterine contraceptive device in order to conceive: a pilot study of full meal replacement
Authors: Brackenridge L. , Finer N. , Batterham R. L. , Pedram K. , Ding T. , Stephenson J. , Barry J. , Hardiman P. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryObesity during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of thromboembolism, gestational diabetes, pre‐eclampsia, miscarriage, congenital anomaly, macrosomia and stillbirth. The current practice, directed at reducing gestational weight gain, is largely ineffective. The present pilot study was designed to assess the acceptability of a 24‐week intensive weight management programme (IWMP; full meal replacement followed by partial meal replacement and weight stabilization) to achieve weight loss for women with obesity requesting removal of their intra‐uterine contraceptive device in order to conceive. Twenty six (65%) of eligible participants consented to the IWMP; three received this as routine National Health Service care in the University College Hospital clinic and 14 participated in the study. The commonest reasons for not participating were dislike of milk, anxiety and lack of support from family and friends. Omitting one woman who dropped out because of problems unrelated to the intervention, the completion rate was 46.2%. Including all women who started the programme, mean body mass index decreased significantly (P = 0.005) from 37.8 to 35.3 kg/m2. The median percentage decrease was significantly (P = 0.007) greater for women who completed the study (14.2) compared to those who dropped out (1.2). These results suggest an impressive level of weight loss in about one third of all women offered the IWMP who had to defer what they were seeking (pregnancy) while following a challenging programme that they were not seeking. However, studies of other interventions, such as partial meal replacement or commercial products, which may have higher rates of completion are still required.
Effects of liraglutide on gallbladder emptying: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in adults with overweight or obesity
Authors: Nexøe‐Larsen Christina C. , Sørensen Pernille H. , Hausner Helene , Agersnap Mikkel , Baekdal Mille , Brønden Andreas , Gustafsson Lea N. , Sonne David P. , Vedtofte Louise , Vilsbøll Tina , Knop Filip K. 
Published: June 2018

AimsTreatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg has been associated with gallbladder‐related adverse events. To conduct a single‐centre, double‐blind, 12‐week trial comparing the effect of 0.6 mg liraglutide and steady‐state liraglutide 3.0 mg with placebo on gallbladder emptying in adults with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2 and without diabetes.MethodsParticipants were randomized 1:1 to once‐daily subcutaneous liraglutide (n = 26) or placebo (n = 26), starting at 0.6 mg with 0.6‐mg weekly increments to 3.0 mg, with nutritional and physical activity counselling. A 600‐kcal (23.7 g fat) liquid meal test was performed at baseline, after the first dose and after 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the 12‐week maximum postprandial gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEFmax), measured over 240 minutes after starting the meal.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between groups (mean ± SD overall age 47.6 ± 10.0 years, BMI 32.6 ±3.4 kg/m2, 50% women). Mean 12‐week GBEFmax (treatment difference −3.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −13.1, 5.7) and area under the GBEF curve in the first 60 minutes (−390% × min, 95% CI −919, 140) did not differ for liraglutide 3.0 mg (n = 23) vs placebo (n = 24). The median (range) time to GBEFmax was 151 (11‐240) minutes with liraglutide 3.0 mg and 77 (22‐212) minutes with placebo. Similar findings were noted after the first 0.6‐mg liraglutide dose. Gastrointestinal disorders, notably nausea and constipation, were the most frequently reported adverse events.ConclusionsTreatment with liraglutide did not affect the GBEFmax but appeared to prolong the time to GBEFmax.
Effect of once‐weekly semaglutide on the counterregulatory response to hypoglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial
Authors: Korsatko Stefan , Jensen Lene , Brunner Martina , Sach‐Friedl Stefanie , Tarp Maja D. , Holst Anders G. , Heller Simon R. , Pieber Thomas R. 
Published: June 2018

AimsTo investigate the effects of semaglutide vs placebo on glucagon and other counterregulatory hormones during hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsIn this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐centre trial, we randomized 38 men and women (treated only with metformin) 1:1 to 2 12‐week crossover periods of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide or placebo, each followed by a hypoglycaemic clamp procedure. The primary endpoint was change in glucagon concentration from target plasma glucose (PG) level 5.5 mmol/L to nadir (target 2.5 mmol/L).ResultsThe mean (range) participant age was 54.2 (41‐64) years, body mass index 29.4 (23.3‐36.1) kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin 60.8 (44.3‐83.6) mmol/mol (7.7 [6.2‐9.8]%), and diabetes duration 4.5 (0.3‐13.2) years. A total of 35 participants completed the trial and were included in the analyses. During the hypoglycaemic clamp from 5.5 mmol/L PG to nadir, the absolute change in mean glucagon concentration was similar for semaglutide vs placebo: 88.3 vs 83.1 pg/mL (estimated difference 5.2 pg/mL [95% confidence interval −7.7 to 18.1]). Concentrations of other counterregulatory hormones increased with both treatments, with a statistically significantly lower increase for noradrenaline and cortisol with semaglutide vs placebo. The glucose infusion rate to maintain constant clamp levels was similar for each treatment group, suggesting an overall similar counterregulatory response. The mean hypoglycaemic symptom score and proportion of participants recognizing hypoglycaemia during the study were lower for semaglutide vs placebo treatment at nadir, but cognitive function test results were similar. No new safety issues were observed for semaglutide.ConclusionsSemaglutide treatment did not compromise the counterregulatory glucagon response during experimental hypoglycaemia in people with T2D.
Body height in paediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: A structural equation model analysis
Authors: Chouliaras Giorgos , Mantzou Aimilia , Margoni Daphne , Tsilifis Nikolaos , Pervanidou Panagiota , Panayotou Ioanna , Kanaka‐Gantenbein Christina , Chrousos George P. , Roma‐Giannikou Eleftheria 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundLinear growth restriction is a unique feature of paediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and reduced insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1) is a major determinant of short stature. We aimed to assess factors influencing somatic height in children suffering from IBD.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study conducted after approval by Institutional authorities. Anthropometric data, disease‐related factors, biochemical and clinical indices of inflammation and endocrine parameters were recorded and considered as explanatory covariates. A structural equation model analysis was utilized. Somatic height was the outcome of interest, and possible associations of explanatory covariates directly or through the mediation effect of IGF‐1 were assessed.ResultsSystemic inflammation, as expressed by high‐sensitivity intereukin‐6 (IL‐6), and nutritional status described by body mass index (BMI) were the pathways that significantly affected stature through the mediation effect of IGF‐1. Cortisol showed a direct, positive and independent of IGF‐1 association with height.ConclusionsInsulin‐like growth factor‐1 is a key player in the process that results in impaired linear growth. Malnutrition and systemic inflammation have a restrictive action on growth by reducing circulating IGF‐1. The positive relation of serum cortisol to height could correspond to suppressed pituitary‐adrenal axis due to long‐term use of glucocorticoids.
Quantifying immature platelets as markers of increased platelet production after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Xu Ke , Chan Noel C. , Hirsh Jack , Ginsberg Jeffrey S. , Bhagirath Vinai , Kruger Paul , Dale Brian , Crowther Mark , Whitlock Richard P. , Li Chunjian , Eikelboom John W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesAn increased rate of platelet production is a possible cause of reduced antithrombotic response to once‐daily aspirin. Markers of immature platelets (IPs), such as immature platelet count (IPC), immature platelet fraction (IPF), and mean platelet volume (MPV) might be useful for identifying patients who have an increase in their rate of platelet production. However, their potential as markers of platelet production has not been rigorously evaluated. We aimed to investigate the utility of the IPC, IPF, and MPV as surrogates for increased platelet production using coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as a model of enhanced thrombopoiesis.MethodsDaily changes in platelet count, IPC, IPF, and MPV were followed in 45 patients undergoing CABG.ResultsThe rise in IP markers preceded that in the platelet count. IPC (16% per day increase from nadir) but not IPF or MPV showed a significant and sustained rise, which paralleled the pattern observed with platelet count (18% per day increase from nadir).ConclusionsOf the 3 markers, IPC was the most promising as surrogates for platelet production. Future studies should evaluate the utility of the IPC to identify patients with cardiovascular disease with reduced response to aspirin who might benefit from twice‐daily aspirin.
Executive Network Centrality and Stock Liquidity
Authors: Egginton Jared F. , McCumber William R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe examine the relationship between stock market liquidity and the network centrality of firm executives. We find that firms whose executive officers are more central in the network of executives have narrower bid‐ask spreads. We use an exogenous network centrality shock of executive turnover and report that liquidity improves after firms hire executives with greater centrality. We present evidence that improved liquidity is attributable to efficient information flows around executives in more advantageous network positions.
Validation of a whole‐slide image‐based teleconsultation network
Authors: Baidoshvili Alexi , Stathonikos Nikolas , Freling Gerard , Bart Jos , ‘t Hart Nils , van der Laak Jeroen , Doff Jan , van der Vegt Bert , Kluin Philip M. , van Diest Paul J 
Published: June 2018

AimsMost validation studies on digital pathology diagnostics have been performed in single institutes. Because rapid consultation on cases with extramural experts is one of the most important uses for digital pathology laboratory networks, the aim of this study was to validate a whole‐slide image‐based teleconsultation network between three independent laboratories.Methods and resultsEach laboratory contributed 30 biopsies and/or excisions, totalling 90 specimens (776 slides) of varying difficulty and covering a wide variety of organs and subspecialties. All slides were scanned centrally at ×40 scanning magnification and uploaded, and subsequently assessed digitally by 16 pathologists using the same image management system and viewer. Each laboratory was excluded from digital assessment of their own cases. Concordance rates between the two diagnostic modalities (light microscopic versus digital) were compared. Loading speed of the images, zooming latency and focus quality were scored. Leaving out eight minor discrepancies without any clinical significance, the concordance rate between remote digital and original microscopic diagnoses was 97.8%. The two cases with a major discordance (for which the light microscopic diagnoses were deemed to be the better ones) resulted from a different interpretation of diagnostic criteria in one case and an image quality issue in the other case. Average scores for loading speed of the images, zooming latency and focus quality were 2.37 (on a scale up to 3), 2.39 (scale up to 3) and 3.06 (scale up to 4), respectively.ConclusionsThis validation study demonstrates the suitability of a teleconsultation network for remote digital consultation using whole‐slide images. Such networks may contribute to faster revision and consultation in pathology while maintaining diagnostic standards.
Leptin and Leptin receptor polymorphisms, plasma Leptin levels and obesity in Tunisian volunteers
Authors: Nesrine Zayani , Haithem Hamdouni , Imen Boumaiza , Fadoua Neffati , Asma Omezzine , Fadhel Najjar Mohamed , Ali Bouslama 
Published: June 2018

SummaryAdipose tissue is an important endocrine organ that secretes a number of adipokines, like Leptin (LEP). The aim this study was to investigate the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in LEP gene (LEP 3′UTR A/C, −2548 G/A) and LEPR (K109R and Q223R) and their association with Leptin level and obesity. We recruited 169 non‐obese (body mass index [BMI] = 24.51‐3.69 kg/m2) and 160 obese (BMI = 36‐4.78 kg/m2) patients. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism, BMI was calculated, and Leptin level was measured by ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed by spss19.0. According to LEP 3′UTR A/C polymorphism, AC and CC genotype carriers had higher Leptin levels than AA genotype carriers, respectively, 31[0.05‐148.8] (P = .008) vs 41[0.05‐111.6] (P = .003). The K109R polymorphism was associated with obesity (P = .025) and seems to significantly decrease the LEP levels (P < .001). Concerning LEP G2548A polymorphism, our results showed that the OR of obesity associated with 2548 AA/GG was 1.87[1.106‐2.78] P = .028 vs 1.41[1.035‐1.85] P = .045 for 223AA/GG polymorphism. In our haplotype analysis, one haplotype seems to be the more protective and one other seems to be the highest risk to obesity. LEP 3′UTR A/C and LEPR K109R polymorphisms were associated with Leptin level and obesity.
Bi‐criteria formulation for green scheduling with unrelated parallel machines with sequence‐dependent setup times
Authors: Cota Luciano P. , Coelho Vitor N. , Guimarães Frederico G. , Souza Marcone J. F. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGiven the important role of machine scheduling in manufacturing industry, we discuss power consumption in sequencing jobs in a scheduling problem, assuming variable speed operation in machines. The problem involves defining the allocation of jobs to machines, the order of processing jobs and the speed of processing each job in each machine. This problem can be viewed as a type of green scheduling problem, dealing with sustainable use of energy consumption and environmental effects. We propose a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the unrelated parallel machine‐scheduling problem with sequence‐dependent setup times, with independent and non‐preemptible jobs, minimizing the makespan and the total consumption of electricity. Furthermore, we employ a novel math‐heuristic algorithm, named multi‐objective smart pool search matheuristic (or simply smart pool), for finding solutions near the Pareto front, in a restricted computational budget. As a case study, a new set of instances is created for the problem. Those instances are solved using the classical ε‐constrained method and the smart pool method. The obtained sets of non‐dominated solutions indicate the conflict between both objectives, highlighting the relevance of the suggested approach to industry. From the obtained results, it was verified that the smart pool achieved good convergence towards the true Pareto front, as indicated by the hyper‐volume metric, presenting lower average time for finding solutions on the Pareto front. In small to medium size instances, the smart pool search method can achieve very good approximations of the Pareto front with less computational effort than traditional methods.
A conditional directional distance function approach for measuring tax collection efficiency: evidence from Spanish regional offices
Authors: Cordero Jose Manuel , Díaz‐Caro Carlos , Pedraja‐Chaparro Francisco , Tzeremes Nickolaos G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper analyzes the evolution of the technical efficiency of Spanish regional tax offices with respect to the main devolved taxes for the period 2005–2014. We apply the conditional directional distance function methodology, which allows us to incorporate undesirable outputs into the production function, represented by administrative complaints lodged by taxpayers as an (inverse) measure of the quality of service provision, and account for the influence of the socioeconomic context in which these offices operate. This methodology has been adapted for application in a dynamic context in order to analyze how the performance of these units has evolved over a period that includes different stages of the economic cycle. The main results show that efficiency levels have fallen over the period, especially since the start of the economic recession. Likewise, we identify that the influence of incomes and fiscal capacity are especially significant explanatory factors of this evolution.
The effect of preparation strategies, qualification and professional background on clinical nurse educator confidence
Authors: Nguyen Van N.B. , Forbes Helen , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Duke Maxine 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimsTo describe how clinical nurse educators (CliNEs) in Vietnam are prepared for their role; to identify which preparation strategies assist development of confidence in clinical teaching; and to measure the effect of educational qualifications and professional background on perceived confidence levels.BackgroundThe quality of clinical teaching can directly affect the quality of the student learning experience. The role of the clinical educator is complex and dynamic and requires a period of adjustment for successful role transition to occur. Planned orientation and specific preparation programmes assist transition and reduce anxiety for new CliNEs. There is, however, a lack of clear evidence to identify the form this preparation should take or which strategies are likely to facilitate the development of role confidence.DesignDescriptive survey study.MethodsCross‐sectional surveys were used to collect data from 334 CliNEs during January–March 2015.ResultsEight preparation methods commonly used in Vietnam were identified. There was a small yet significant association between preparation and CliNEs’ perceived confidence. Formal preparation methods, and postgraduate qualifications and years of clinical teaching experience were linked to increased confidence in clinical teaching. Conversely, informal mentorship was found to hinder confidence development.ConclusionsThis study identifies several preparation strategies that significantly enhance clinical educator confidence and readiness for their complex role. These preparation strategies drawn from the Vietnamese context, provide important examples for the wider nursing community to consider.