bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical and pharmacological reassignment: influence on transsexual cardiovascular risk profile
Authors: Ciccone Marco M. , Loverro Giuseppe , Scicchitano Pietro , Loverro Matteo , Ricci Gabriella , Scaramuzzi Francesca , Gesualdo Michele , Zito Annapaola , Campagna Marcello , Moncelli Michele , Nicolardi Vittorio , Manca Fabio , Boninfante Barbara , Carbonara Santa , Cortese Francesca , Todarello Orlando , Bettocchi Carlo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground/AimTo evaluate and stratify early cardiovascular risk of transsexuals who underwent pharmacological and/or surgical gender reassignment.MethodsFifty‐six transsexuals were divided into two groups: group 1 – underwent gonadectomy (orchiectomy for transwomen and hystero‐annessiectomy for transmen); group 2 – hormone replacement therapy alone. All participants underwent carotid artery intima‐media thickness (C‐IMT) and flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) of brachial artery evaluations.ResultsFMD was lower in patients who had undergone gonadectomy compared with non‐surgically treated patients (Group 1: 5.711 vs Group 2: 7.339, P < 0.0001). Mean C‐IMT was higher in group 1 than group 2 (group 1: 0.733 vs group 2: 0.582). The duration of hormone therapy correlates positively with mean C‐IMT (B = 0.001) and negatively with FMD (%) (B = − 0.007).ConclusionsCardiovascular risk, which is expressed in terms of endothelial (FMD) and morphological (C‐IMT) dysfunction, increases in subjects undergoing gonadectomy compared with those receiving cross‐sex reassignment therapy alone.
The monetary policy origins of the eurozone crisis
Authors: Beckworth David 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe eurozone crisis represents one of the greatest economic tragedies of the past century. It has caused immense human suffering, which continues to this day. The standard view attributes the economic crisis to an earlier buildup of public and private debt that was augmented by the imposition of austerity during the crisis. Although evidence exists of a relationship between the debt buildup, austerity measures, and economic growth during the crisis, that same evidence, on closer examination, points to eurozone countries’ common monetary policy as the real culprit behind the area's sharp decline in economic activity. In particular, it seems that the European Central Bank's tightening of monetary policy in 2008 and again in 2010–2011 not only caused two recessions but also sparked the sovereign debt crisis and gave teeth to the austerity programs. Such findings point to the need for a new monetary policy regime in the eurozone. The case is made for the new regime to be a targeted growth path for total money spending.
Macroeconomic effectiveness of non‐standard monetary policy and early exit. A model‐based evaluation
Authors: Burlon Lorenzo , Gerali Andrea , Notarpietro Alessandro , Pisani Massimiliano 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper evaluates the macroeconomic effects of the Eurosystem's expanded asset purchase programme (APP) under alternative assumptions about (i) unwinding the asset positions accumulated under the APP and (ii) current and future paths of the policy rate (forward guidance). To this purpose, we simulate a New Keynesian model of the euro area (EA). Our results are as follows. First, if the monetary authority brings forward the unwinding of its long‐term sovereign bond holdings, the stimulus from the APP on inflation and economic activity is correspondingly reduced. Second, if the monetary authority communicates that the policy rate will be held constant for 1 year instead of 2, the APP would be less effective and the increase in inflation would be halved. Third, an early exit from bond holding subdues the impact of the APP, delaying the normalization of monetary policy conditions after a negative EA‐wide demand shock.
Cost‐of‐illness of psoriasis – results of a German cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jungen D. , Augustin M. , Langenbruch A. , Zander N. , Reich K. , Strömer K. , Thaci D. , Purwins S. , Radtke M. , Gutknecht M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThough psoriasis poses a substantial chronic socio‐economic burden, few studies have addressed the economic impact in Germany.ObjectivesThe objective was to evaluate the annual costs of psoriasis in Germany from the societal perspective.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed in randomly selected German dermatology practices and clinics in 2013/2014 using standardized questionnaires of illness‐related costs. Costs were grouped by perspective and category as well as analysed by sex and age. Group differences were tested by non‐parametric tests.ResultsComplete data were obtained from 1158 patients in 132 centres. Annual average costs for patients with psoriasis: total costs € 5543 ± € 8044, systemic treatment costs (paid by the statutory health insurances [SHI]) € 3733 ± € 7322, out‐of‐pocket costs € 224 ± € 406, total SHI costs € 4940 ± € 7533, direct costs € 5164 ± € 7581 and indirect costs € 379 ± € 2087. Significant higher costs in male and significant lower costs in 65+‐year‐old patients were found.ConclusionsPsoriasis induces a considerable economic burden. Between 2003 and 2014, costs have markedly shifted from hospital, out‐of‐pocket and indirect costs towards systemic drug costs.
Optical coherence tomography for the investigation of frontal fibrosing alopecia
Authors: Vazquez‐Herrera N.E. , Eber A.E. , Martinez‐Velasco M.A. , Perper M. , Cervantes J. , Verne S.H. , Magno R.J. , Nouri K. , Tosti A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundFrontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia that affects the frontotemporal hairline, eyebrows and body hair. OCT is a non‐invasive imaging technique useful in understanding skin architecture and vascularization.ObjectiveTo describe structural and vascular findings in FFA using OCT.MethodsThis was a case–control study conducted from the months of December 2016–February 2017. The study was IRB approved and conducted at the University of Miami Hospital outpatient dermatology hair and nail clinic in Miami, FL. Four patients with biopsy proven FFA, and three healthy age and sex‐matched controls participated. OCT scans were taken on cicatricial alopecic band, inflammatory hairline, eyebrow, uninvolved scalp, facial papules, glabellar red dots and arm. The same body regions were evaluated in controls.ResultsPatients and controls were women aged 42–66. Results reveal epidermal thickness is increased in the inflammatory hairline (0.13 mm) and decreased in the alopecic band (0.08 mm) compared to controls (0.10 mm). Attenuation coefficient increased the inflammatory hairline and decreased in the alopecic band compared to controls. Vascular flow in the alopecic band is decreased compared to inflammatory scalp and controls in the superficial levels, but increased at deeper levels as compared to controls. Inflammatory tissue is consistently more vascular at all levels (P < 0.01). Vascular flows in each stage are significantly different than one another (P < 0.01).ConclusionsIncreased vascular flow of the deep plexus in cicatricial stages can be a consequence of superficial tissue ischaemia or fibrosis. It is difficult to establish if the increased flow in the inflammatory stage is due to neovascularization as seen in other ischaemic diseases or is the result of the inflammatory response. OCT may be a useful non‐invasive tool in imaging FFA. Not only can the technology assist in monitoring disease activity in a non‐invasive manner, but it may elucidate new pathophysiologic findings.
Chemical and textural equilibration of garnet during amphibolite facies metamorphism: The influence of coupled dissolution–reprecipitation
Authors: Dempster Tim J , La Piazza Julie , Taylor Andrew G , Beaudoin Nicolas , Chung Peter 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMetamorphic equilibration requires chemical communication between minerals and may be inhibited through sluggish volume diffusion and or slow rates of dissolution in a fluid phase. Relatively slow diffusion and the perceived robust nature of chemical growth zoning may preclude garnet porphyroblasts from readily participating in low‐temperature amphibolite facies metamorphic reactions. Garnet is widely assumed to be a reactant in staurolite‐isograd reactions, and the evidence for this has been assessed in the Late Proterozoic Dalradian pelitic schists of the Scottish Highlands. The 3D imaging of garnet porphyroblasts in staurolite‐bearing schists reveals a good crystal shape and little evidence of marginal dissolution; however, there is also lack of evidence for the involvement of either chlorite or chloritoid in the reaction. Staurolite forms directly adjacent to the garnet, and its nucleation is strongly associated with deformation of the muscovite‐rich fabrics around the porphyroblasts. “Cloudy” fluid inclusion‐rich garnet forms in both marginal and internal parts of the garnet porphyroblast and is linked both to the production of staurolite and to the introduction of abundant quartz inclusions within the garnet. Such cloudy garnet typically has a Mg‐rich, Mn‐poor composition and is interpreted to have formed during a coupled dissolution–reprecipitation process, triggered by a local influx of fluid. All garnet in the muscovite‐bearing schists present in this area is potentially reactive, irrespective of the garnet composition, but very few of the schists contain staurolite. The staurolite‐producing reaction appears to be substantially overstepped during the relatively high‐pressure Barrovian regional metamorphism reflecting the limited permeability of the schists in peak metamorphic conditions. Fluid influx and hence reaction progress appear to be strongly controlled by subtle differences in deformation history. The remaining garnet fails to achieve chemical equilibrium during the reaction creating distinctive patchy compositional zoning. Such zoning in metamorphic garnet created during coupled dissolution–reprecipitation reactions may be difficult to recognize in higher grade pelites due to subsequent diffusive re‐equilibration. Fundamental assumptions about metamorphic processes are questioned by the lack of chemical equilibrium during this reaction and the restricted permeability of the regional metamorphic pelitic schists. In addition, the partial loss of prograde chemical and textural information from the garnet porphyroblasts cautions against their routine use as a reliable monitor of metamorphic history. However, the partial re‐equilibration of the porphyroblasts during coupled dissolution–reprecipitation opens possibilities of mapping reaction progress in garnet as a means of assessing fluid access during peak metamorphic conditions.
Digit ratio 2D:4D is a possible indicator for androgenetic alopecia in males
Authors: Unal Mehmet 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair loss. The 2D:4D digit ratio refers to the ratio of the length of the second finger to that of the fourth finger and is thought as a marker of prenatal androgen exposure.ObjectivesThere are many studies which have examined the relationship between 2D:4D ratio and some other diseases. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between digit ratio 2D:4D and AGA.MethodsThe study group was composed of a male with AGA and healthy controls. The lengths of patients’ second and fourth fingers were measured using a digital caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm. Finger length was measured on the palmar side of the hand from the basal metacarpophalangeal crease. The 2D:4D ratio was obtained by dividing the length of the second finger by the length of the fourth finger.ResultsA total of 99 males who have androgenetic alopecia with a score of grade III or more and 90 controls were included. The mean age of AGA group was 29.72 ± 5.53, and the mean age of control group was 19.63 ± 5.05. The left‐hand 2D:4D ratios of AGA group (0.893 ± 0.267) were significantly lower than healthy controls (0.971 ± 0.028). No significant relationships were found between AGA severity, age of onset,and digit ratios.ConclusionsThe left‐hand digit ratio 2D:4D is lower in AGA patients, and therefore, left‐hand digit ratio 2D:4D can be used as an estimation tool for AGA development in future. There is not any correlation between digit ratio and age of onset. Also, there is no correlation between digit ratio 2D:4D and AGA severity.
Fractional ablative and nonablative radiofrequency for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation of Thai patients
Authors: Thanasarnaksorn Wilai , Siramangkhalanon Vorapot , Duncan Diane Irvine , Belenky Inna 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundFractional radiofrequency (RF) technology is often the preferable skin resurfacing treatment, especially among Asian patients. Second generation fractional RF technology has exclusive capability to produce separate biological responses (ablation, coagulation, or a combination of both) with 3 distinguished penetration depth programs.AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fractional RF handpiece such as this, on the Thai population.MethodsFifty‐five Thai patients were treated with a fractional RF handpiece. The clinical assessment included a pain score, satisfaction survey, physician assessment, a combined patient and physician's assessment of skin condition, and clinical photographic assessments. The wound healing response was evaluated according to 5‐time points: immediately after applying a pulse, post 24 hours, post 7 days, post 1 month and post 8 weeks.ResultsThe obtained patient satisfaction score was “very satisfied” among 74% of the patients, post 3 sessions. Positive correlation was found between patient satisfaction and the physician's assessment. The skin condition assessment showed an increase from an average of 4.2 to 7.9. All treated symptoms improved after each treatment and the clinical outcome lasted at least up to 3–5 months. No significant adverse events were recorded. The in vivo prospective study showed a dose‐related response in the deepness of the coagulation injury. In addition, there was evidence for a progressive healing process beginning shortly after exposure and completed within a week.ConclusionsThis study clinically and histologically supports the efficacy of fractional RF handpiece in question with a high safety profile.
Hip fracture risk and safety with alendronate treatment in the oldest‐old
Authors: Axelsson K. F. , Wallander M. , Johansson H. , Lundh D. , Lorentzon M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is high evidence for secondary prevention of fractures, including hip fracture, with alendronate treatment, but alendronate's efficacy to prevent hip fractures in the oldest‐old (≥80 years old), the population with the highest fracture risk, has not been studied.ObjectiveTo investigate whether alendronate treatment amongst the oldest‐old with prior fracture was related to decreased hip fracture rate and sustained safety.MethodsUsing a national database of men and women undergoing a fall risk assessment at a Swedish healthcare facility, we identified 90 795 patients who were 80 years or older and had a prior fracture. Propensity score matching (four to one) was then used to identify 7844 controls to 1961 alendronate‐treated patients. The risk of incident hip fracture was investigated with Cox models and the interaction between age and treatment was investigated using an interaction term.ResultsThe case and control groups were well balanced in regard to age, sex, anthropometrics and comorbidity. Alendronate treatment was associated with a decreased risk of hip fracture in crude (hazard ratio (HR) 0.62 (0.49–0.79), P < 0.001) and multivariable models (HR 0.66 (0.51–0.86), P < 0.01). Alendronate was related to reduced mortality risk (HR 0.88 (0.82–0.95) but increased risk of mild upper gastrointestinal symptoms (UGI) (HR 1.58 (1.12–2.24). The alendronate association did not change with age for hip fractures or mild UGI.ConclusionIn old patients with prior fracture, alendronate treatment reduces the risk of hip fracture with sustained safety, indicating that this treatment should be considered in these high‐risk patients.
Isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi causing postharvest fruit rot of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) in China
Authors: Li Li , Pan Hui , Chen Meiyan , Zhang Shengju , Zhong Caihong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractKiwifruit is a very important commercial crop in China, which is the largest producer of the fruit in the world. The rapid expansion of areas of kiwifruit cultivation has resulted in the spread of postharvest rot diseases. To clarify the pathogens causing kiwifruit postharvest rots in China, 76 pure strains were isolated from 138 rotten fruits during the shelf‐life period, with fruit collected from the 11 main regions of kiwifruit cultivation (Shaanxi, Sichuan, Henan, Guizhou, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan, Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces) during 2014–2015. By examining the morphological and microscopic characteristics together with the results of pathogenicity testing and ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequencing, four species were identified as the main pathogens causing kiwifruit postharvest rots in China. They were Phomopsis sp., Botryosphaeria dothidea, Alternaria alternata and Pestalotiopsis microspora, with identification rates of 52.6%, 23.7%, 13.2% and 10.5%, respectively. All isolates inoculated on wounded fruit were pathogenic but non‐pathogenic when peels were unwounded except B. dothidea. These findings have important implications for resistance breeding and control of kiwifruit postharvest rots in China.
Trends and racial/ethnic disparities in antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists in the United States
Authors: Okunseri Christopher , Zheng Cheng , Steinmetz Cory Neil , Okunseri Elaye , Szabo Aniko 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine trends and racial/ethnic disparities in antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists in the United States.MethodsThe US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data for 1996‐2013 was analyzed. Information on patient sociodemographic characteristics, dental visits, receipt of dental procedures, and type of antibiotics prescribed following visits was obtained. Descriptive statistics were calculated separately for each year. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations during the period with and without adjustment for dental procedures and sociodemographic characteristics. Survey weights were incorporated to handle the sampling design.ResultsNationally, the number of antibiotic prescribed at dental visits was estimated to be higher by 842,749 (0.4 percent) at year 2013 compared to the prescription level at 2003 were the population sociodemographic distribution kept at 2013 level. On average, the odds of prescribing antibiotics following dental care increased with each decade of study (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: [1.04, 1.17]) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and receipt of dental procedures. Compared to Whites, Blacks had 21 percent (95% CI: 11%, 31%) higher odds of receiving a prescription for antibiotics from a dentist after adjusting for dental procedure and other sociodemographic characteristics.ConclusionsThe prescription of antibiotics following dental visits increased over time after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and dental procedure. The probability of being prescribed antibiotics by dentists was higher for Blacks compared to Whites.
Trajectories of serum hepatitis B surface antigen kinetics in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Fan , Chen Chuen‐Fei , Lai Hsueh‐Chou , Su Wen‐Pang , Lin Chia‐Hsin , Chuang Po‐Heng , Chen Sheng‐Hung , Chen Ching‐Hsiang , Wang Hung‐Wei , Huang Guan‐Tarn , Peng Cheng‐Yuan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsThe kinetics of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels during long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients remains unclear. We investigated the patterns of serum HBsAg kinetics and their association with therapeutic outcomes in genotype B‐ or C‐infected CHB patients receiving long‐term NA therapy.MethodsWe enrolled 329 treatment‐naive CHB patients receiving NA therapy for >5 years to analyse the kinetic patterns by using group‐based trajectory models (GBTMs).ResultsMost patients (82.4%) received entecavir therapy. The median treatment duration was 83.6 (68.5‐89.7) months. The GBTMs revealed three groups for both the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive and ‐negative patients. The median annual decline in serum HBsAg levels during the first 5 years was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3 in HBeAg‐positive (0.78 vs 0.10 vs 0.10 log10IU/mL) and HBeAg‐negative (0.71 vs 0.08 vs 0.09 log10IU/mL) patients. HBsAg levels at the baseline and 12 months combined with an HBsAg decline from the baseline to 12 months of treatment predicted trajectory pattern 1 in HBeAg‐positive (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 99.1%; positive predictive value [PPV], 87.5%; and negative predictive value [NPV], 98.2%) and HBeAg‐negative (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 99.5%; PPV, 88.9%; and NPV, 100%) patients. The trajectory patterns were significantly associated with HBeAg loss in the HBeAg‐positive patients and the achievement of HBsAg <100 IU/mL or HBsAg loss in HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients.ConclusionsThe trajectory of serum HBsAg levels predicts HBsAg loss in CHB patients receiving long‐term NA therapy.
Self‐consciousness/awareness and bladder sensations: Comparative study of overactive bladder patients and healthy volunteers
Authors: Vrijens Desiree , Marcelissen Tom , Drossaerts Jamie , Heeringa Rhea , Degaillier Sam , Leue Carsten , van Koeveringe Gommert 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo explore differences in bladder sensations between patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and healthy volunteers by evaluating self‐consciousness, self‐awareness and affective complaints.MethodsA prospective, observational study was performed comparing patients with OAB symptoms and healthy volunteers. During 3 days subjects filled out sensation‐related bladder diaries (SR‐BD), Self‐Consciousness Questionnaires (SCS), Self‐Awareness Questionnaire (SSAS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The SSAS was filled out at the second void of the first day.ResultsIn total, 134 participants were included (66 volunteers and 68 patients). Patients had lower voided volumes (193 vs 270 mL, P < 0.05), higher urinary frequency (10.6 vs 6.6, P < 0.05) and higher urgency scores (2.0 vs 1.2, P < 0.05) than volunteers, while perceived bladder fullness was similar. The SCS scores were similar, but the SSAS score was significantly higher for OAB patients (53.6 vs 44.6, P < 0.05). OAB Patients had significantly higher scores for anxiety and depression according to the HADS.ConclusionsThere were significant differences in SR‐BD between volunteers and OAB patients. OAB patients had significantly higher self‐awareness than volunteers, indicating that OAB patients may attribute different values to body signals. Future research is required to elaborate our knowledge on the perceived sensations and labeling of emotions in OAB.