bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of patients with metastatic phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hamidi Oksana , Young William F. , Gruber Lucinda , Smestad John , Yan Qi , Ponce Oscar J. , Prokop Larry , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Bancos Irina 
Published: July 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe outcomes of patients with metastatic phaeochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL) are unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of baseline characteristics and mortality rates of patients with metastatic PHEO and PGL (PPGL).DesignOvid MEDLINE In‐Process & Other Non‐Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Web of Science, and references of key articles were searched from inception to 2016.PatientsStudies comprised ≥20 patients with metastatic PPGL and reported baseline characteristics and follow‐up data.MeasurementsReviewers extracted standardized data and assessed risk of bias using a modified Newcastle‐Ottawa tool. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to pool event rates across studies.ResultsTwenty retrospective noncomparative studies reported on 1338 patients with metastatic PHEO (685/1296, 52.9%) and PGL (611/1296, 47.1%), diagnosed at a mean age of 43.9 ± 5.2 years. Mean follow‐up was 6.3 ± 3.2 years. Of 532 patients with reported data, 40.4% had synchronous metastases. Five‐year (7 studies, n = 738) and 10‐year (2 studies, n = 55) mortality rates for patients with metastatic PPGL were 37% (95% CI, 24%‐51%) and 29% (95% CI, 17%‐42%), respectively. Higher mortality was associated with male sex (RR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.11‐2.02) and synchronous metastases (RR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.01‐5.85).ConclusionsAvailable low‐quality evidence from heterogeneous studies suggests low mortality rates of patients with metastatic PPGL. Male sex and synchronous metastases correlated with increased mortality. The outcomes of patients with metastatic PPGL have been inadequately assessed, indicating the need for carefully planned prospective studies.
Serum glypican 4 level in obese children and its relation to degree of obesity
Authors: Leelalertlauw Chutima , Korwutthikulrangsri Manassawee , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Khlairit Patcharin , Pongratanakul Sarunyu , Poomthavorn Preamrudee 
Published: July 2017

SummaryObjectivePrevious adult studies have demonstrated associations of serum glypican 4 (Gpc4) and obesity parameters and insulin sensitivity. However, an association of serum Gpc4 and glucose metabolism remains contradictory. Study of serum Gpc4 in obese children has not been conducted. We aimed to determine serum Gpc4 levels in obese children with various degrees of obesity.Design, Patients and MeasurementsUp to 370 overweight and obese children, aged 6‐18 years were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed with fasting serum Gpc4, lipid profiles, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measured. Insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function indices were calculated from plasma glucose and serum insulin levels derived from the OGTT. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed for body fat determination. Comparisons of serum Gpc4 levels among the groups of children with various degrees of obesity were performed.ResultsSerum Gpc4 levels progressively increased in children with increasing body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) tertiles [median (interquartile range, IQR): 2.3 (1.8, 3.2), 2.6 (1.9, 3.4) and 3.2 (2.4, 3.8) μg/L, P<.001]. There were no differences in serum Gpc4 levels among children in the different glucose metabolism categories. Log serum Gpc4 levels were positively correlated with SDSs of weight and BMI, cholesterol, AST and ALT. No associations of log serum Gpc4 and insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function indices were demonstrated.ConclusionsSerum Gpc4 levels were increased with increasing degrees of obesity. There were no differences in serum Gpc4 levels among glucose metabolism categories.
Patient experiences of adjusting to life in the first 2 years after bariatric surgery: a qualitative study
Authors: Graham Y. , Hayes C. , Small P. K. , Mahawar K. , Ling J. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThere is currently little research into the experiences of those who have undergone bariatric surgery, or how surgery affects their lives and social interactions. Adopting a constructivist grounded theory methodological approach with a constant comparative analytical framework, semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 18 participants (11 female, 7 male) who had undergone permanent bariatric surgical procedures 5‐24 months prior to interview. Findings revealed that participants regarded social encounters after bariatric surgery as underpinned by risk. Their attitudes towards social situations guided their social interaction with others. Three profiles of attitudes towards risk were constructed: Risk Accepters, Risk Contenders and Risk Challengers. Profiles were based on participant‐reported narratives of their experiences in the first two years after surgery. The social complexities which occurred as a consequence of bariatric surgery required adjustments to patients' lives. Participants reported that social aspects of bariatric surgery did not appear to be widely understood by those who have not undergone bariatric surgery. The three risk attitude profiles that emerged from our data offer an understanding of how patients adjust to life after surgery and can be used reflexively by healthcare professionals to support both patients pre‐ and post‐operatively.
Linguistic Constraints on Statistical Word Segmentation: The Role of Consonants in Arabic and English
Authors: Kastner Itamar , Adriaans Frans 
Published: July 2017

AbstractStatistical learning is often taken to lie at the heart of many cognitive tasks, including the acquisition of language. One particular task in which probabilistic models have achieved considerable success is the segmentation of speech into words. However, these models have mostly been tested against English data, and as a result little is known about how a statistical learning mechanism copes with input regularities that arise from the structural properties of different languages. This study focuses on statistical word segmentation in Arabic, a Semitic language in which words are built around consonantal roots. We hypothesize that segmentation in such languages is facilitated by tracking consonant distributions independently from intervening vowels. Previous studies have shown that human learners can track consonant probabilities across intervening vowels in artificial languages, but it is unknown to what extent this ability would be beneficial in the segmentation of natural language. We assessed the performance of a Bayesian segmentation model on English and Arabic, comparing consonant‐only representations with full representations. In addition, we examined to what extent structurally different proto‐lexicons reflect adult language. The results suggest that for a child learning a Semitic language, separating consonants from vowels is beneficial for segmentation. These findings indicate that probabilistic models require appropriate linguistic representations in order to effectively meet the challenges of language acquisition.
External national validation of the Leicester Self‐Assessment score for Type 2 diabetes using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Barber S. R. , Dhalwani N. N. , Davies M. J. , Khunti K. , Gray L. J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimsTo validate the Leicester Self‐Assessment score using a representative English dataset for detecting prevalent non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes (defined as HbA1c ≥6.0%) and for identifying those who may go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.MethodsData were taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a nationally representative dataset of people aged ≥50 years. The area under the receiver–operator curve and performance metrics for the score at the recommended score threshold (≥16), were calculated for the outcomes of HbA1c ≥42 mmol/mol (6.0%) at baseline and self‐reported Type 2 diabetes within 10 years in those aged 50–75 years at baseline.ResultsA total of 3203 individuals had a baseline HbA1c measurement, of whom 247 (7.7%) had an HbA1c concentration ≥42 mmol/mol (6.0%). The area under the receiver–operator curve was 69.4% (95% CI 66.0–72.9) for baseline HbA1c ≥42 mmol/mol. A total of 3550 individuals had diabetes status recorded at 10 years, of whom 324 (9.1%) were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within this time; the area under the receiver–operator curve for this outcome was 74.9% (95% CI 72.4–77.5). The score threshold of ≥16 had a sensitivity of 89.2% (95% CI 85.3–92.4) and a specificity of 42.3% (95% CI 40.5–44.0) for Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.ConclusionsThe Leicester Self‐Assessment score is validated for use across England to identify people with non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Those with a high score are at high risk of developing diabetes in the future.
Impact of rurality and substance use on young people at ultra high risk for psychosis
Authors: Stain Helen J. , Halpin Sean A. , Baker Amanda L. , Startup Mike , Carr Vaughan J. , Schall Ulrich , Crittenden Kylie , Clark Vanessa , Lewin Terry J. , Bucci Sandra 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundLongitudinal research into early intervention for youth at ultra high risk (UHR) for psychosis demonstrates beneficial outcomes including increased treatment compliance and greater participation in education and the workforce. Despite known barriers for rural youth accessing mental health services, research comparing urban and rural UHR youth is lacking. The study included an examination of the impact of substance use on functioning of UHR youth.MethodsYouth aged 12 to 25 years were recruited from the urban area of Newcastle or the rural area of Orange, New South Wales, Australia, and identified as UHR by the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States. Rural and urban youth were compared on clinical profiles, social and occupational functioning and substance use.ResultsThe rural youth showed different help‐seeking behaviours and had greater functional impairment than urban youth. Substance use was common across the sample of 57 youth (mean age 16.5 years, 56% female) and a history of hazardous substance use was associated with higher levels of depression. Rural youth (n = 32) were more likely than urban youth to be taking antidepressants at baseline (44% compared with 16%).ConclusionDifferent patterns of help seeking by rural UHR youth suggest a need for greater access to psychosis informed primary care early intervention services. Interventions should target functional decline to prevent adverse outcomes such as reduced community participation and unemployment. In addition, interventions for substance use should be a priority for UHR youth, who should also be screened and monitored for depressive symptoms and treated for depression if indicated.
Enhancing prevention and intervention for youth concurrent mental health and substance use disorders: The Research and Action for Teens study
Authors: Henderson Joanna L. , Brownlie E. B. , McMain Shelley , Chaim Gloria , Wolfe David A. , Rush Brian , Boritz Tali , Beitchman Joseph H. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundConcurrent mental health and substance use disorders among youth are associated with functional impairment in developmentally salient domains, yet research on prevention and intervention for this vulnerable population is sparse. This paper describes the rationale and design of the Research and Action for Teens study, an initiative designed to strengthen the evidence base for prevention, screening, treatment and service delivery for youth concurrent mental health and substance use concerns.MethodsFour sub‐studies were developed: (1) a cohort study examining the emergence of mental health and substance use concerns from early to mid‐adolescence; (2) a screening and diagnosis study validating screening tools with a diagnostic interview; (3) a treatment study examining the feasibility and effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training interventions for youth and family members; and (4) a systems study implementing cross‐sectoral collaborative networks of youth‐serving agencies using a common screening tool.ResultsMultiple stakeholders, including service providers from youth‐serving agencies across sectors, consumer groups and family members participated in an initial consultation, and in the implementation of 4 sub‐studies.ConclusionsCollaboration with community stakeholders across sectors and disciplines throughout the research process is challenging but feasible, and is important for the production of applicable knowledge across the continuum of care.
Utilization of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine among patients with Alzheimer's disease in Taiwan: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Lai C.‐Y. , Wu M.‐Y. , Chiang J.‐H. , Sun M.‐F. , Chen Y.‐H. , Chang C.‐T. , Lin J.‐G. , Yen H.‐R. 
Published: July 2017

Background and purposeLarge‐scale studies of utilization of medical services among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are lacking. We aimed to investigate the usage of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among these patients in Taiwan.MethodsWe analyzed one million samples from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Patients (n = 1814) newly diagnosed with AD in 2001–2010 were divided into TCM users (n = 528) and non‐TCM users (n = 1286).ResultsCompared with non‐TCM users, TCM users were younger, had a higher female:male ratio and higher utilization rate of Western medicine. The median interval between diagnosis and the first TCM consultation was 7.92 months. Donepezil and rivastigmine were commonly prescribed medications. Chinese herbal medicine was the most popular treatment among TCM users.ConclusionsThis study revealed the specific usage patterns of TCM and non‐TCM medical services among patients with AD. The information could be used for improving the healthcare of patients with AD.
Standing intraoral extractions of cheek teeth aided by partial crown removal in 165 horses (2010–2016)
Authors: Rice M. K. , Henry T. J. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundDiseased cheek teeth in horses often require invasive extraction techniques that carry a high rate of complications. Techniques and instrumentation were developed to perform partial crown removal to aid standing intraoral extraction of diseased cheek teeth in horses.ObjectivesTo analyse success rates and post‐surgical complications in horses undergoing cheek teeth extraction assisted by partial crown removal.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThis study included 165 horses with 194 diseased cheek teeth that were extracted orally assisted by partial crown removal between 2010 and 2016. Medical records were analysed, including case details, obtained radiographs, surgical reports and follow‐up information. Follow‐up information (≥2 months) was obtained for 151 horses (91.5%). There were 95 horses examined post‐operatively by the authors and, 16 horses by the referring veterinarian; in 40 horses, post‐operative follow up was obtained by informal telephone interviews with the owner.ResultsSuccessful standing intraoral extraction of cheek teeth was obtained in 164/165 horses (99.4%). Twenty‐five of these horses (15.2%) required additional intraoral extraction methods to complete the extraction, including minimally invasive transbuccal approach (n = 21) and tooth sectioning (n = 4). There was one (0.6%) horse with intraoral extraction failure that required standing repulsion to complete the extraction. The intraoperative complication of fractured root tips occurred in 11/165 horses (6.7%). Post‐operative complications occurred in 6/165 horses (3.6%), including alveolar sequestra (n = 4), mild delay of alveolar healing at 2 months (n = 1), and development of a persistent draining tract secondary to a retained root tip (n = 1).Main limitationsSpecialised instrumentation and additional training in the technique are recommended to perform partial crown removal in horses.ConclusionHorses with cheek teeth extraction by partial crown removal have an excellent prognosis for a positive outcome. The term partial coronectomy is proposed for this technique.
Threshold values for very high cycle fatigue failure of high‐strength steels
Authors: Spriestersbach D. , Grad P. , Kerscher E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCracks leading to failure in very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) of high‐strength steels mostly initiate at subsurface inclusions at stress intensity factors (SIF) below the classical threshold value Kth for long cracks, especially for negative stress ratios. Here, a characteristic fine granular area (FGA) can be observed at the fracture surface in the vicinity of these initiating inclusions. According to various researchers, the FGA formation might be responsible for the late initiation of a propagable long crack. This study aims to clarify the threshold values of SIF for crack initiation for VHCF failure with FGA formation at nonmetallic inclusions. For this purpose, ultrasonic fatigue tests (R = −1) with the high‐strength steel 100Cr6 (SAE 52100) were carried out until an ultimate number of cycles of 109. In addition, very high cycle stress increase tests were performed. A serial grinding investigation of fatigued specimens acted as a technique to evaluate the distribution of unharmful inclusion in the tested volume. By the combination of these tests, a threshold value of the SIF for the VHCF by FGA formation at inclusions can be derived. This threshold value depends on the size of the crack initiating inclusion.
Effect of chewing or compressing food on autonomic nervous activity in older adults
Authors: Ohta Midori , Ueda Takayuki , Sakurai Kaoru 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo determine if autonomic nervous activity increases in older people during mastication and how this activity is related to the softness of food. We hypothesised that the coefficient of variation of R‐R intervals (CVRR), high‐frequency (HF) power, low‐frequency (LF) power, LF/HF ratio and total power increase during chewing foods within the range of softness from moderate food to extremely soft food in older adults.Materials and methodsParticipants were 20 older volunteers (71‐90 year old). CVRR and HF on the electrocardiogram (ECG) were used as indices of parasympathetic nervous activity. LF and the LF/HF ratio on the ECG were used as indices of sympathetic nervous activity. Total power, reflecting the level of autonomic nervous activity, was also measured. Participants were asked to chew gum with three different degrees of softness, or to compress extremely soft gum between their palate and tongue.ResultsThere were significant differences in HF between at resting and all chewing/compressing conditions, but no significant differences relating to food softness. There were significant differences in total power between at resting and all chewing/compressing conditions, but no significant differences relating to food softness. There were no significant differences in LF, LF/HF and CVRR among all conditions.ConclusionAutonomic nervous activity, especially parasympathetic activity in older adults, increased during chewing and compressing food when compared to activity while at rest. Within the range of food's softness from moderate to extreme soft, food's softness had no measurable effect on autonomic nervous activity.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and dental implant failure—A significant concern in elders?
Authors: Gupta Bhumija , Acharya Aneesha , Pelekos Georgios , Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan , Kolokythas Antonia 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveDepression is a significantly prevalent health concern in geriatric populations. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRI) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant agents, with increasing rates of prescription. The present report aimed to present a concise review of the current understanding regarding SSRI effects on bone and dental implant outcomes.Materials and methodsA broad‐based review and summary of literature pertaining to the effects of SSRI on bone metabolism and on dental implant survival was performed.ResultsThe available literature indicates that serotonin plays a significant role in bone metabolism and experimental reports demonstrate adverse impacts of SSRI on multiple pathways of bone metabolism. Early clinical reports suggest detrimental effects of SSRI on dental implant survival. The type of SSRI drug, dosage and host‐related genetic and metabolic factors could be potential modulating factors. There is a paucity of data regarding SSRI usage and dental implant survival specific to geriatric cohorts.ConclusionAs older individuals comprise a high‐risk group for both high oral rehabilitation and SSRI use, clinicians should be aware the potential association between SSRI and dental implant failures. Well‐designed investigations specific to geriatric cohorts are essential to understand the implications of SSRI use on dental implant prognosis.
The association between clinical outcome and CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration in advanced stages of colorectal cancer differs by latent virus infection in tumour tissue
Authors: Kleist Britta , Bagdonas Marius , Oommen Prakash , Schoenhardt Irina , Levermann Janina , Poetsch Micaela 
Published: July 2017

AimsIn the near future, an immunoscore based on the quantification of lymphocytic populations can be expected as a fundamental supplement of colorectal cancer (CRC) classification. This study explored whether latent viral infection has an influence on prognostically relevant host immunity in CRC.Methods and resultsCD8+ lymphocytic infiltration in three tumour compartments of 121 CRC was compared with clinical data and occurrence of latent infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV1, HSV2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human papillomavirus (HPV16 and HPV18) in the tumour tissue, which was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Intraepithelial CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration (IECD8+) showed a trend towards correlation with clinical stage (P = 0.073), significant differences between CRC with and without metastases (P = 0.001) and a significant correlation with overall survival (OS, P = 0.001). Each of these three clinical parameters showed a significant link to IECD8+ in the virus DNA‐negative (P‐values: 0.001–0.036), but no significant differences in the virus DNA‐positive subgroup, which is consistent with a moderating effect of virus DNA on these associations. A significant correlation of CD8+ infiltration in the invasive margin (IMCD8+) with OS (P = 0.016) was also moderated by virus DNA.ConclusionOur data suggest a possible influence of latent viral infection on the association between clinical outcome and CD8+ lymphocytic infiltration in CRC tissue. After confirmation of these results by large cohort studies, a potential interaction between microbial pathogens and host immunity in CRC and its impact on prognostic immunoscores and/or new therapeutic strategies should be investigated further.