bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between tax structure and cigarette consumption: findings from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) Project
Authors: Shang Ce , Lee Hye Myung , Chaloupka Frank J , Fong Geoffrey T , Thompson Mary , O’Connor Richard J 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundRecent studies show that greater price variability and more opportunities for tax avoidance are associated with tax structures that depart from a specific uniform one. These findings indicate that tax structures other than a specific uniform one may lead to more cigarette consumption.ObjectiveThis paper aims to examine how cigarette tax structure is associated with cigarette consumption.MethodsWe used survey data taken from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project in 17 countries to conduct the analysis. Self-reported cigarette consumption was aggregated to average measures for each surveyed country and wave. The effect of tax structures on cigarette consumption was estimated using generalised estimating equations after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, average taxes and year fixed effects.FindingsOur study provides important empirical evidence of a relationship between tax structure and cigarette consumption. We find that a change from a specific to an ad valorem structure is associated with a 6%–11% higher cigarette consumption. In addition, a change from uniform to tiered structure is associated with a 34%–65% higher cigarette consumption. The results are consistent with existing evidence and suggest that a uniform and specific tax structure is the most effective tax structure for reducing tobacco consumption.
Effect of embryo transfer technique on the likelihood of pregnancy in the mare: a comparison of conventional and Wilsher's forceps‐assisted transfer
Authors: Cuervo‐Arango Juan , Claes Anthony N , Stout Tom A 
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to compare the success of embryo transfer (ET) performed by veterinarians with different degrees of experience using one of two ET techniques. Over three years, 179 embryos were transferred by three operators with moderate to high experience using a ‘conventional’ manual technique, and 170 embryos were transferred by four operators with little or no previous ET experience using a ‘Wilsher’ technique (Polansky speculum and Wilsher's cervical forceps). The pregnancy status of recipient mares at the first pregnancy diagnosis and the embryo loss by the last examination were compared between groups and within group among operators. More recipients became pregnant (P<0.005) following ET with the Wilsher technique (157/170; 92.3 per cent) than with the conventional technique (127/179; 70.9 per cent), while the incidence of pregnancy loss did not differ between the groups (9.1 v 7.9 per cent, respectively). For the conventional technique, there was a significant operator effect (P<0.01) on the percentage of pregnant recipients at the first examination (50.9–79.7 per cent); no operator effect was apparent for the Wilsher technique (90.9–93.4 per cent). In conclusion, the Wilsher technique yielded high pregnancy rates (>90 per cent).
Slope failure and mass transport processes along the Queen Charlotte Fault Zone, western British Columbia
Authors: Greene H. Gary , Barrie J. Vaughn , Brothers Daniel S. , Conrad James E. , Conway Kim , East Amy E. , Enkin Randy , Maier Katherine L. , Nishenko Stuart P. , Walton Maureen A. L. , Rohr Kristin M. M. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Multibeam echosounder (MBES) images, 3.5 kHz seismic-reflection profiles and piston cores obtained along the southern Queen Charlotte Fault Zone are used to map and date mass-wasting events at this transform margin – a seismically active boundary that separates the Pacific Plate from the North American Plate. Whereas the upper continental slope adjacent to and east (upslope) of the fault zone offshore of the Haida Gwaii is heavily gullied, few large-sized submarine landslides in this area are observed in the MBES images. However, smaller submarine seafloor slides exist locally in areas where fluid flow appears to be occurring and large seafloor slides have recently been detected at the base of the steep continental slope just above its contact with the abyssal plain on the Queen Charlotte Terrace. In addition, along the subtle slope re-entrant area offshore of the Dixon Entrance shelf bathymetric data suggest that extensive mass wasting has occurred in the vicinity of an active mud volcano venting gas. We surmise that the relative lack of submarine slides along the upper slope in close proximity to the Queen Charlotte Fault Zone may be the result of seismic strengthening (compaction and cohesion) of a sediment-starved shelf and slope through multiple seismic events.
Targeted Therapies for Brain Tumors: Will They Ever Deliver?
Authors: Vogelbaum Michael A. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The strategy of using biologically targeted therapeutics for cancer has yet to translate into effective treatment of gliomas. The neuro-oncology community is beginning to recognize that phase 0 studies should be performed to account for the impact of the blood–brain barrier on the ability of a therapeutic to reach its target(s). Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3790–1. ©2018 AACR.
See related article by Sanai et al., p. 3820
Matrix Metalloproteinases-3 Baseline Serum Levels in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients without Initial Radiographic Changes: A Two-Year Ultrasonographic Study
Authors: Prodanovic Slavica Z. , Radunovic Goran , Babic Dragan , Ristic Biljana , Sefik-Bukilica Mirjana , Zlatanovic Maja , Simic-Pasalic Katarina , Seric Srdjan , Vujasinovic-Stupar Nada , Samardzic Janko , Damjanov Nemanja 
Published: May 2018

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To investigate the association of high baseline serum levels of metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) with structural damage to hand and feet joints, assessed by ultrasonography (US), in patients with early, treatment-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA), without initial X-ray-visible erosions, during 24 months follow-up. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Sixty-three early RA (European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology 2010), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs/glucocorticoid naïve patients (mean age 53.4 ± 14.1) with symptom duration ≤12 months, had baseline serum levels of MMP-3 tested. OMERACT US group definition was used to detect the presence, as well as longitudinal diameter of erosions by US at study entry and after 24 months, at the level of wrists, metacarpophalangeal (MCP2/MCP5) joints of both hands, and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Complete data were collected from 52 out of 63 patients. High baseline serum levels of MMP-3 (MMP-3-positive) were found in 46/63 patients. 122 bone erosions in total (1.9 bone erosions/patients) were detected by US at baseline visit and 213 erosions (4.3/patients) after 24 months. MMP-3 positive patients had significantly higher total number of erosions than MMP-3-negative (<i>p</i> = 0.039) and higher increase in size of bone erosions in the feet but not in the hand joints after follow-up (OR 4.82 [1.23–18.9], <i>p</i> = 0.024; OR 1.17 [0.320–4.26], <i>p</i> = 0.816 respectively). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> After 2 years of follow-up, US assessment showed a higher number of new bone erosions in MMP-3-positive compared to MMP-3-negative patients with early RA and no visible initial radiographic changes. High baseline levels of MMP-3 predict significantly higher structural damage progression at the level of feet, but not at the level of hand joints.
Antiplatelet Therapy, Cerebral Microbleeds, and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Qiu Jianting , Ye Huirong , Wang Jialiang , Yan Jiangzhi , Wang Jian , Wang Yujie 
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—
Antiplatelet therapy is associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) with limited studies. We further investigate the topic focusing on different effects of antiplatelet therapy on strict lobar and deep/infratentorial MBs.

Methods—
We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 1997 to December 1, 2017, for relevant studies, calculated the pooled odds ratios (OR) for CMB incidence and distribution (strictly lobar, deep/infratentorial) in antiplatelet users versus nonantiplatelet users and calculated the OR for the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage in antiplatelet users with CMBs versus those without.

Results—

We included 20 988 participants from 37 studies. CMBs were more frequent in antiplatelet users than those in nonantiplatelet users (pooled OR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.36;
P
=0.002). There was a significant association of antiplatelet therapy with strictly lobar MBs (OR, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.84;
P
=0.002) rather than deep/infratentorial MBs (OR, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.90;
P
=0.062). Intracerebral hemorrhage incidence was higher in participants with CMBs than those without CMBs (OR, 3.40; 95% confidence interval, 2.00–5.78;
P
=0.000) in antiplatelet users.

Conclusions—
Antiplatelet drug use was associated with increased risk of strictly lobar MBs and increased the intracerebral hemorrhage incidence in participants with CMBs.
Potential biodiversity map of lizard species in Southern Patagonia: environmental characterization, desertification influence and analyses of protection areas
Authors: Rosas Yamina Micaela , Peri Pablo Luis , Martínez Pastur Guillermo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The distribution of biodiversity at the landscape level is shaped by biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors. Biodiversity maps provide the basis for defining management and conservation strategies that can minimize human impacts. The objective was to elaborate a map of potential biodiversity of lizards based on habitat suitability maps of individual species in Santa Cruz (Argentina). Also, we analysed desertification influence and the representativeness of the current network of protected areas on the lizard biodiversity. For this, we used a database of eight lizard species and we explored 41 potential explanatory variables to develop habitat suitability maps, which were combined to obtain one single map of the potential biodiversity. We analysed the outputs in a GIS project using the marginality and the specialization indexes and the normalized difference vegetation index of each species. Also, we characterized the potential biodiversity using the following variables: desertification, ecological areas and current network of protected areas. We detected differences in the occupied niches for the different species throughout the landscape. The map of potential biodiversity uncovered hotspots of biodiversity in the north-east study area, where the prevalence of unique climatic conditions showed a dry steppe and a high degree of desertification due to the human impacts (e.g. livestock). These results can be readily used as a support system for conservation and management strategies at different scale levels in areas with higher human impacts or to develop new protection areas.
An Investigation of the Relationships Between Autistic Traits and Crossmodal Correspondences in Typically Developing Adults
Authors: Hidaka Souta , Yaguchi Ayako 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes characteristics such as social and behavioral deficits that are considered common across the general population rather than unique to people with the diagnosis. People with ASD are reported to have sensory irregularities, including crossmodal perception. Crossmodal correspondences are phenomena in which arbitrary crossmodal inputs affect behavioral performance. Crossmodal correspondences are considered to be established through associative learning, but the learning cues are considered to differ across the types of correspondences. In order to investigate whether and how ASD traits affect crossmodal associative learning, this study examined the relationships between the magnitude of crossmodal correspondences and the degree of ASD traits among non-diagnosed adults. We found that, among three types of crossmodal correspondences (brightness–loudness, visual size–pitch, and visual location–pitch pairs), the brightness–loudness pair was related with total ASD traits and a subtrait (social skill). The magnitude of newly learned crossmodal associations (the visual apparent motion direction–pitch pair) also showed a relationship with an ASD subtrait (attention switching). These findings demonstrate that there are unique relationships between crossmodal associations and ASD traits, indicating that each ASD trait is differently involved in sensory associative learning.
Phenotyping and relative quantification of vitamin D binding protein in a paediatric population by using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cillero Ana I , Martínez-Morillo Eduardo , Mantecón Laura , Alonso María Agustina , Gil-Peña Helena , Santos Fernando , Álvarez Francisco V 
Published: May 2018

Background Adequate concentrations of vitamin D are required to ensure bone health and minimize the incidence of multiple extraskeletal diseases. Although total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) remains the recommended biomarker for assessing vitamin D status, it has been speculated that free 25OHD correlates better with clinical outcomes. The calculation of free 25OHD depends on the concentrations of vitamin D binding protein (DBP), the determination of which involves different immunoassays and has led to varying results and conclusions. We developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous identification and relative quantification of DBP isoforms. Methods We used serum samples from healthy children ( n = 79), mainly Caucasian (88%). Proteins were denatured, reduced, alkylated and digested with trypsin. Purified peptides were analysed by LC-MS/MS. The DBP phenotype was established by using the combinations of tryptic peptides associated with each of the three isoforms and one peptide common to all of them to perform relative quantification. The genotyping of volunteers ( n = 7) facilitated verification of the ability of our method to correctly identify the DBP phenotype. Results The DBP phenotype was correctly established in all samples from volunteers, based on the 100% correlation observed with the genotype. The most common DBP phenotype in Caucasian children was 2/1S (34%) and the rarest 1F/1F (2%). The relative quantification of DBP concentrations did not show statistically significant differences between phenotypes ( P = 0.11). Conclusions LC-MS/MS enabled simultaneous phenotyping and relative quantification of DBP, while avoiding the analytical limitations of immunoassays and confirming similar concentrations of DBP in all phenotypes.
Improving hemolysis levels associated with cardiotomy suction
Authors: Arensdorf Jared , Petitt Halle , Holt David 
Published: May 2018

Background: The major source of hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains the cardiotomy suction.1 Previous research has shown that the combination of negative pressures and the massive air-blood interface exponentially increases hemolysis in suctioned blood. Objective: This research aims to decrease hemolysis by eliminating the air-to-blood interface by implementing the Venturi effect to create powerful suction. This research effort hypothesizes that the Venturi suction will result in less hemolysis, indicated by lower plasma free hemoglobin levels (PFH) compared to current vacuum suction. Method: The research hypothesizes that a paradigm approach to cardiotomy suction that utilizes the Venturi effect with shorter tubing lengths and weighted sucker tips will further reduce hemolysis. Results: The vacuum-suctioned blood showed PFH levels significantly increased from baseline levels (p=0.0039). Neither the Venturi nor paradigm groups showed PFH levels significantly increased from baseline levels (p=0.0625 and p=0.125, respectively). There was a significant difference in PFH levels among the three conditions (p<0.0001). The vacuum condition showed significantly higher levels of PFH compared to both the Venturi and the paradigm conditions (p<0.001 for both). There was no significant difference in the PFH levels between the Venturi and the paradigm groups (p=1.00). Conclusion: This study concludes that vacuum suction causes excessive hemolysis. A Venturi-powered suction system does not cause hemolysis and can be employed to reduce the damaging effects of vacuum suction on blood.
Symptoms of PTSD in Frontline Journalists: A Retrospective Examination of 18 Years of War and Conflict
Authors: Feinstein Anthony , Osmann Jonas , Patel Viral 
Published: May 2018

Objective: The objective of the current study was to determine the frequency and severity of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in journalists covering conflict. Methods: PTSD data (Impact of Event Scale–Revised) collected over an 18-year period from 684 conflict journalists were analyzed retrospectively for frequency and severity of reexperiencing, avoidance, and arousal symptoms. Conflicts covered were civil wars in the Balkans ( n = 140 journalists), 9/11 attack in New York City ( n = 46), Iraq war ( n = 84), Mexico drug wars ( n = 104), civil war in Syria ( n = 59), Kenya election violence/Al-Shabab terror ( n = 57), state-sanctioned media intimidation in Iran ( n = 114), and the current migration crisis in Europe ( n = 80). Results: The mean age of the sample was 38.59 (SD = 8.35) years, 461 (67%) journalists were men, and the mean duration of conflict work was 13.42 (SD = 7.74) years. The 5 most frequently endorsed symptoms were in the reexperiencing/intrusion category. Mean intrusion (1.31, SD = 0.97), avoidance (1.08, SD = 0.89), and arousal (1.07, SD = 0.96) scores for the entire sample were in the mild range. Being female and less educated independently predicted PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: PTSD phenomenology in a group of conflict journalists with well over a decade of frontline experience is dominated by reexperiencing symptoms. While symptom severity is for the most part mild, group means can obscure those individuals with significantly more severe difficulties.
Location and distribution of craniomaxillofacial fractures in 45 cats presented for the treatment of head trauma
Authors: Tundo Ingrid , Southerden Peter , Perry Andrew , Haydock Richard M 
Published: May 2018

Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the location and distribution of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures in 45 cats presented to a veterinary referral centre between 2012 and 2017. Methods Cats with a history of head trauma, one or more CMF fractures and a pretreatment CT scan of the CMF region were included in this study. For the purpose of the study, the CMF skeleton was divided into 15 functional anatomical regions and the fracture sites were allocated to one of these functional regions. Statistical analysis was performed using R. Results Skull fractures were evident in 80.0% of cats, and mandibular fractures in 86.7% of cats in this study. The median number of anatomical functional regions affected was eight and there was evidence of moderate or strong correlation between fractures of different regions of the mid-face. Where fractures were recorded in the nasopharynx and orbit they were bilateral in 93.5% and 89.7%, respectively. Twenty-six (57.8%) of the cats had fractures affecting one or both temporomandibular joints, which included fractures of the mandibular fossa, condylar neck and condyle. Twenty-nine cats (64.4%) had tooth fractures and seven cats (15.6%) had significant eye injuries. Conclusions and relevance Cats presenting with a single symphyseal separation or parasymphyseal fracture are very likely to have further fractures at other locations. Fractures in the nasopharynx, orbit, nose, upper jaw, intermaxillary suture and zygomatic arch regions (the ‘mid-face’) are likely to occur together. The pattern of distribution of mandibular fractures is not as predictable as that for maxillary fractures. CT imaging is required to achieve a complete diagnosis of the location and distribution of skull fractures in cats after head trauma.
Maternal nutrition and the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring: Potential mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Zheng Jia , Feng Qianyun , Zheng Sheng , Xiao Xinhua 
Published: May 2018

Osteoporosis, the most frequent metabolic disorder of bone, is a complex disease with a multifactorial origin that is influenced by genes and environments. However, the pathogenesis of osteoporosis has not been fully elucidated. The theory of “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease” indicates that early life environment exposure determines the risks of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. However, investigations into the effects of maternal nutrition and nutrition exposure during early life on the development of osteoporosis are limited. Recently, emerging evidence has strongly suggested that maternal nutrition has long-term influences on bone metabolism in offspring, and epigenetic modifications maybe the underlying mechanisms of this process. This review aimed to address maternal nutrition and its implications for the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring. It is novel in providing a theoretical basis for the early prevention of osteoporosis. Impact statement Our review aimed to address maternal nutrition and its implications for the developmental origins of osteoporosis in offspring, that can novelly provide a theoretical basis for the early prevention of osteoporosis.
When it’s not deep endometriosis—bowel dysmotility in a patient with endometriosis: A case report and review
Authors: Cooke Carly M , Moloo Husein , Suen Michael WH , Singh Sukhbir Sony 
Published: May 2018

Background: Patients who present to a gynecologist often describe concurrent bowel symptoms, which may or may not be related to their gynecologic diagnosis. Despite the common association of these symptoms with gynecologic diseases, such as deep endometriosis, these symptoms may also be caused by non-gynecologic conditions, including primary chronic constipation. Objective: To outline the principle of diagnostic bias and educate gynecologists on the topic of primary chronic constipation. Methods/results: We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with chronic pelvic pain and constipation. She was diagnosed with primary chronic constipation in the setting of deep endometriosis affecting the bowel, and managed surgically, leading to great improvement in her quality of life. Conclusion: Gynecologists should consider alternative non-gynecologic conditions when formulating their differential diagnosis of patients presenting with bowel symptoms.
Screening for tuberculosis in migrants and visitors from high-incidence settings: present and future perspectives
Authors: Dobler Claudia C. , Fox Greg J. , Douglas Paul , Viney Kerri A. , Ahmad Khan Faiz , Temesgen Zelalem , Marais Ben J. 
Published: May 2018

In most settings with a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB), foreign-born people make up the majority of TB cases, but the distribution of the TB risk among different migrant populations is often poorly quantified. In addition, screening practices for TB disease and latent TB infection (LTBI) vary widely. Addressing the risk of TB in international migrants is an essential component of TB prevention and care efforts in low-incidence countries, and strategies to systematically screen for, diagnose, treat and prevent TB among this group contribute to national and global TB elimination goals.This review provides an overview and critical assessment of TB screening practices that are focused on migrants and visitors from high to low TB incidence countries, including pre-migration screening and post-migration follow-up of those deemed to be at an increased risk of developing TB. We focus mainly on migrants who enter the destination countryviaapplication for a long-stay visa, as well as asylum seekers and refugees, but briefly consider issues related to short-term visitors and those with long-duration multiple-entry visas. Issues related to the screening of children and screening for LTBI are also explored.