bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes patients in Western Norway
Authors: Jansson Ragnhild W. , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Krohn Jørgen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeTo describe the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), associated risk factors and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population‐based cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1).MethodsAll patients underwent a general and ophthalmic examination including seven‐field stereo fundus photography for grading of DR and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses were performed to evaluate disease progression in relation to diabetes duration, age and year of diabetes onset. HRQoL and its association with DR were assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire.ResultsA total of 237 DM1 patients were included. Mean age at inclusion was 34 years (range, 4–75 years), and mean diabetes duration was 19 years (range, 5 months–63 years). A total of 145 patients (61%) had DR. Sixty‐two patients (26%) had mild, 39 (16%) moderate and 13 (5%) severe nonproliferative DR, while 31 (13%) had proliferative DR. The prevalence of DMO was 8%. The most important risk factors predicting severity of DR were diabetes duration (p < 0.0001) and HbA1c level (p < 0.0001). Neuropathy (p = 0.006), nephropathy (p = 0.004) and male gender (p = 0.02) were also significant predictors of DR. Compared to normative SF‐36 data, there was a linear trend of decreasing HRQoL with increasing severity of DR that was statistically significant for the four physical dimension scores.ConclusionThe prevalence of DR in DM1 was largely within the range of previous reports. Diabetes duration, HbA1c level, neuropathy, nephropathy and male gender were all significant predictors of DR severity. The patients with more severe DR had lower HRQoL.
Anti‐inflammatory medication following cataract surgery: a randomized trial between preservative‐free dexamethasone, diclofenac and their combination
Authors: Ylinen Petteri , Holmström Emil , Laine Ilkka , Lindholm Juha‐Matti , Tuuminen Raimo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeTo examine the anti‐inflammatory efficacy and tolerance between preservative‐free dexamethasone (DEX) and diclofenac (DICL) eye drops, and their combination following cataract surgery.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, prospective single‐centre study with 189 eyes of 180 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Laser flare meter measurement and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography imaging were conducted before surgery and at the 28‐day postoperative visit. Clinical characteristics, surgical parameters and assessment of postoperative symptoms were recorded.ResultsPreoperative flare was 9.0 ± 0.6 pu/ms and central retinal thickness (CRT) 269.6 ± 1.9 μm (mean ± SEM). On day 28, flare was 22.1 ± 2.9 pu/ms for DEX, 17.4 ± 2.5 pu/ms for DICL and 13.0 ± 1.6 pu/ms (p < 0.05) for their combination. Central retinal thickness (CRT) increase was 31.5 ± 8.8 μm for DEX, 6.0 ± 0.8 μm (p = 0.001) for DICL, and 3.5 ± 0.5 μm (p < 0.001) for their combination. The incidence of ocular symptoms related to the eye drops was 11% for DEX, 37% for DICL and 34% for their combination (p < 0.001). Clinically significant pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME) was observed in seven eyes which were all treated with DEX (p < 0.001).ConclusionDiclofenac (DICL), as well as the combination of DEX and DICL, were superior to DEX monotherapy in minimizing CRT change and the incidence of PCME. Combination medication showed no added value compared to DICL monotherapy in uneventful cataract surgery.
Long‐term uveal and capsular biocompatibility of a novel modular intraocular lens system
Authors: Ludlow Jason , Nguyen Jason , Aliancy Joah , Masino Bryan , Ha Larry , Werner Liliana , Mamalis Nick 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated the long‐term biocompatibility and safety of a new modular posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) system in rabbit eyes.MethodsSeven New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral phacoemulsification with placement of the modular IOL in OD and a control IOL (SA60AT) in OS. Slit‐lamp examinations were performed at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 and months 3 and 6. All rabbits were then sacrificed and eyes enucleated. The eyes were examined grossly from the Miyake–Apple view. Selected IOLs were explanted and underwent surface staining for implant cytology. All globes were then sectioned and processed for histopathological examination.ResultsThe modular IOL remained stable in all seven rabbits through the entire follow‐up period. Biocompatibility was better than the control lens at six months postoperatively, on account of less extensive synechiae formation as assessed by slit‐lamp examination. At the six‐week examination, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was significantly better in the test group (scored as 1.71 ± 0.8 versus 3.28 ± 0.48 in the control group, p = 0.0008). On gross examination with the Miyake–Apple view, Soemmering's ring formation was significantly better in the test group, (5.14 ± 1.57 versus 10.85 ± 1.95 in the control group, p = 0.002).ConclusionPrevious studies showed that explantation/exchange of the modular system optic was safer and easier than with a standard IOL. The new modular IOL system has demonstrated better long‐term biocompatibility compared to the control lens at six months postoperatively in the rabbit model.
A SPATIAL MODEL OF CARTEL STABILITY: THE INFLUENCE OF PRODUCTION COST CONVEXITY
Authors: Andree Kai , Heywood John S. , Schwan Mike , Wang Zheng 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTWe uniquely introduce convex production costs into a cartel model involving spatial price discrimination. We demonstrate that greater convexity improves cartel stability and that for sufficient convexity first best locations will be adopted. We show that allowing locations to vary over the game reduces cartel stability but that greater convexity continues to improve that stability. Moreover, when the degree of convexity does not support the first best collusive locations, other collusive locations exist that require less stability and these may either increase or decrease social welfare relative to competition. Critically, these locations that require less stability are more dispersed in sharp contrast to the known result assuming linear production costs.
Efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate versus controlled‐release carbamazepine monotherapy in newly diagnosed epilepsy: A phase III double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group, multicenter study
Authors: Trinka Eugen , Ben‐Menachem Elinor , Kowacs Pedro A. , Elger Christian , Keller Birgit , Löffler Kurt , Rocha José Francisco , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveWe assessed the efficacy and safety of once‐daily eslicarbazepine acetate in comparison with twice‐daily (BID) controlled‐release carbamazepine (carbamazepine‐CR) monotherapy in newly diagnosed focal epilepsy patients.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, noninferiority trial (NCT01162460) utilized a stepwise design with 3 dose levels. Patients who remained seizure‐free for the 26‐week evaluation period (level A: eslicarbazepine acetate 800 mg/carbamazepine‐CR 200 mg BID) entered a 6‐month maintenance period. If a seizure occurred during the evaluation period, patients were titrated to the next target level (level B: eslicarbazepine acetate 1200 mg/carbamazepine‐CR 400 mg BID, level C: eslicarbazepine acetate 1600 mg/carbamazepine‐CR 600 mg BID) and the evaluation period began again. The primary endpoint was the proportion of seizure‐free patients for 6 months after stabilization in the per protocol set. The predefined noninferiority criteria were −12% absolute and −20% relative difference between treatment groups.ResultsEight hundred fifteen patients were randomly assigned; 785 (388 in the eslicarbazepine acetate group and 397 in the carbamazepine‐CR group) were included in the per protocol set, and 813 (401 in the eslicarbazepine acetate group and 412 in the carbamazepine‐CR group) were included in the full analysis set for the primary analysis. Overall, 71.1% of eslicarbazepine acetate–treated patients and 75.6% of carbamazepine‐CR–treated patients were seizure‐free for ≥6 months at the last evaluated dose (average risk difference = −4.28%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −10.30 to 1.74; relative risk difference = −5.87%, 95% CI = −13.50 to 2.44) in the per protocol set. Rates of treatment‐emergent adverse events were similar between groups for patients in the safety set. Noninferiority was also demonstrated in the full analysis set, as 70.8% of patients with eslicarbazepine acetate and 74.0% with carbamazepine‐CR were seizure‐free at the last evaluated dose (average risk difference = −3.07, 95% CI = −9.04 to 2.89).SignificanceTreatment with eslicarbazepine acetate was noninferior to BID carbamazepine‐CR. With its once‐daily formulation, eslicarbazepine acetate provides a useful option for first‐line monotherapy for adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy and focal onset seizures.
Cyclic cryogenic pretreatments influencing the mechanical properties of a bulk glassy Zr‐based alloy
Authors: Grell D. , Dabrock F. , Kerscher E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study, cryogenic thermal cycling was applied to bulk glassy Zr52.5Cu17.9Al10Ni14.6Ti5 (Vitreloy 105) bending samples. After that, significantly improved plasticity and better fatigue properties at three‐point bending as well as higher impact toughness were measured in dependence of the duration and the cooling rate of the thermal cycling process. This improved material behaviour is caused by reinforced shear banding, visible in scanning electron microscopy at the side faces of the specimens after fracture. A comprehensive analysis of the fracture surfaces of both quasi‐static and cyclic bent specimens revealed intense crack propagation along major shear bands and increased fatigue fracture regions, respectively. It is supposed that there is a structural rejuvenation due to the local variations of the thermal expansion coefficients within the multicomponent alloy affecting the mechanical properties.
Robust Small Area Estimation under Spatial Non‐stationarity
Authors: Baldermann Claudia , Salvati Nicola , Schmid Timo 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe effective use of spatial information in a regression‐based approach to small area estimation is an important practical issue. One approach to account for geographic information is by extending the linear mixed model to allow for spatially correlated random area effects. An alternative is to include the spatial information by a non‐parametric mixed models. Another option is geographic weighted regression where the model coefficients vary spatially across the geography of interest. Although these approaches are useful for estimating small area means efficiently under strict parametric assumptions, they can be sensitive to outliers. In this paper, we propose robust extensions of the geographically weighted empirical best linear unbiased predictor. In particular, we introduce robust projective and predictive estimators under spatial non‐stationarity. Mean squared error estimation is performed by two analytic approaches that account for the spatial structure in the data. Model‐based simulations show that the methodology proposed often leads to more efficient estimators. Furthermore, the analytic mean squared error estimators introduced have appealing properties in terms of stability and bias. Finally, we demonstrate in the application that the new methodology is a good choice for producing estimates for average rent prices of apartments in urban planning areas in Berlin.
Decentralization and Firm Investments: Evidence from China
Authors: Pan Xiaofei , Wu Yiping , Wu Huihang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTaking advantage of decentralization reform that enlarges the authority of county government in China, we construct a quasi‐experiment. Using a large sample of Chinese firms, we show that after the implementation of decentralization reform, firms located in decentralized counties experienced a significant increase in investment expenditure compared with other firms. We also find that after the decentralization reform, state owned enterprises (SOEs) experienced greater increase in investment expenditure on average compared with non‐SOEs, and that, within non‐SOEs, collective firms have an even larger increase in investments, followed by foreign firms and private firms. Further analysis shows that the influence of decentralization reform was more significant in more developed markets, and that the increased investment was associated with improved productivity, which was more pronounced in SOEs. These results are robust to an alternative sample and endogeneity issues. Overall, these findings support the view that decentralization reform improves government efficiency and creates positive externalities, thereby encouraging firms to invest.
Association of ambulatory blood pressure variability with coronary artery calcium
Authors: DeBarmore Bailey , Lin Feng‐Chang , Tuttle Laura A. , Olsson Emily , Hinderliter Alan , Klein Jeffrey L. , Viera Anthony J. 
Published: January 2018

Blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with progression to clinical atherosclerosis. The evidence is inconclusive if BP variability predicts cardiovascular outcomes in low‐risk populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of 24‐hour BP variability with coronary artery calcium (CAC) among a group of individuals without coronary artery disease. The Masked Hypertension Study targeted patients with borderline high BP (120−149 mm Hg systolic and/or 80‐95 mm Hg diastolic). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed at two time‐points, 8 days apart. CAC was measured at exit visit via cardiac CT and reported as Agatston Score. Weighted standard deviations and average real variability were calculated from ABPM. Of the 322 participants who underwent cardiac CT, 26% (84) had CAC present, 52% (168) were female, and 21% (64) were black. BP variability did not differ by CAC group. In this low cardiovascular risk group, CAC was not associated with 24‐hour ambulatory BP variability.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of white‐coat and masked hypertension: Analysis of a large ambulatory blood pressure database
Authors: Tocci Giuliano , Presta Vivianne , Figliuzzi Ilaria , Attalla El Halabieh Nadia , Battistoni Allegra , Coluccia Roberta , D'Agostino Michela , Ferrucci Andrea , Volpe Massimo 
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze prevalence and clinical outcomes of the following clinical conditions: normotension (NT; clinic BP < 140/90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP < 130/80 mm Hg), white‐coat hypertension (WCHT; clinic BP ≥ 140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP < 130/80 mm Hg), masked hypertension (MHT; clinic BP < 140/90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP ≥ 130 and/or ≥80 mm Hg), and sustained hypertension (SHT; clinic BP ≥ 140 and/or ≥90 mm Hg; 24‐hour BP ≥ 130 and/or ≥80 mm Hg) in a large cohort of adult untreated individuals. Systematic research throughout the medical database of Regione Lazio (Italy) was performed to estimate incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and hospitalizations for HT and heart failure (HF). Among a total study sample of 2209 outpatients, 377 (17.1%) had NT, 351 (15.9%) had WCHT, 149 (6.7%) had MHT, and 1332 had (60.3%) SHT. During an average follow‐up of 120.1 ± 73.9 months, WCHT was associated with increased risk of hospitalization for HT (OR 95% CI: 1.927 [1.233‐3.013]; P = .04) and HF (OR 95% CI: 3.449 [1.321‐9.007]; P = .011). MHT was associated with an increased risk of MI (OR 95% CI: 5.062 [2.218‐11.550]; P < .001), hospitalization for HT (OR 95% CI: 2.553 [1.446‐4.508]; P = .001), and for HF (OR 95% CI: 4.214 [1.449‐12.249]; P = .008). These effects remained statistically significant event after corrections for confounding factors including age, BMI, gender, smoking, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and presence of antihypertensive therapies.
Identification of Sox6 as a regulator of pancreatic cancer development
Authors: Jiang Weiliang , Yuan Qiongying , Jiang Yuanye , huang Li , Chen Congying , Hu Guoyong , Wan Rong , Wang Xingpeng , Yang Lijuan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy associated with a poor prognosis and low responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most patients with PC have metastatic disease at diagnosis, which partly accounts for the high mortality from this disease. Here, we explored the role of the transcription factor sex‐determining region Y‐box (Sox) 6 in the invasiveness of PC cells. We showed that Sox6 is down‐regulated in patients with PC in association with metastatic disease. Sox6 overexpression suppressed PC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumour growth and liver metastasis in vivo. Sox6 inhibited epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and Akt signalling. Sox6 was shown to interact with the promoter of Twist1, a helix–loop–helix transcription factor involved in the induction of EMT, and to modulate the expression of Twist1 by recruiting histone deacetylase 1 to the promoter of the Twist1 gene. Twist1 overexpression reversed the effect of Sox6 on inhibiting EMT, confirming that the effect of Sox6 on suppressing tumour invasiveness is mediated by the modulation of Twist1 expression. These results suggest a novel mechanism underlying the aggressive behaviour of PC cells and identify potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of PC.
Translucency and masking properties of two ceramic materials for heat‐press technology
Authors: Șoim Alexandra , Strîmbu Maria , Burde Alexandru V. , Culic Bogdan , Dudea Diana , Gasparik Cristina 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the translucency of two pressable ceramics and to analyze their masking property when placed on different tooth‐shaded backgrounds.Materials and methodsThirty discs (1‐mm thickness) were fabricated using two pressable ceramics (shade/translucency): 1M1T/HT, 1M2T/HT, 2M2T (VITA PM9), and A1LT/HT, B1LT/HT, A2LT (e.max Press). Color measurements of discs were performed with a dental spectrophotometer on tooth‐colored backgrounds (A1/A2/A3/A3.5/A4), and black and white backings. The masking property was calculated as the color difference (CIEDE2000) between parameters of discs on control (A1, A2) and test backgrounds (A3, A3.5, A4). One‐way ANOVA was used for assessing differences in translucency parameter (TP) between ceramics. Two‐way ANOVA was used for detecting differences among groups when measured over tooth‐shaded backgrounds (α = 0.05, Bonferroni correction).ResultsTP ranged between 14.96 (B1LT) and 25.18 (1M1HT). A significant difference in TP was found between tested ceramics (F = 949.949, P < .001). However, TP did not vary significantly between 1M1HT and 1M2HT (P > .05), 1M1T, A1HT and B1HT (P > .05), 1M2T, 2M2T, and A2HT (P > .05). A significant interaction effect of underlying background on color of ceramic discs was found (F = 107.994, P < .001).ConclusionVITA PM9 demonstrated higher translucency than e.max Press ceramics. Except A1LT, all ceramic materials evaluated showed poor masking properties on A4 background.Clinical SignificanceHighly translucent ceramics should be wisely used for restoring the appearance of dental structures since background color has a large effect upon these materials. The more recently introduced pressable ceramics showed high levels of translucency.
Management of pregnancy complicated with intracranial arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Katsuragi Shinji , Yoshimatsu Jun , Tanaka Hiroaki , Tanaka Kayo , Nii Masafumi , Miyoshi Takekazu , Neki Reiko , Toyoda Kazunori , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Takahashi Jun C. , Fukuda Kenji , Hamano Eika , Satow Tetsu , Miyamoto Susumu , Iihara Koji , Ikeda Tomoaki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo clarify the perinatal outcomes in pregnancy complicated with intracranial arteriovenous malformation (i‐AVM).MethodsA retrospective study was performed in 36 pregnancies complicated by i‐AVM from 1981 to 2013 at one institution.ResultsIn total, 6 women miscarried, and 30 had live births. The median (range) gestational age at delivery was 38 (24–40) weeks; 11 cases experienced initial i‐AVM rupture during pregnancy (first, second and third trimester: 18%, 64% and 18%, respectively). At onset, 4 cases had a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤10, 10 cases needed emergency maternal transport, 4 underwent neurosurgery with the fetus in utero and 4 had termination of pregnancy in the second trimester for emergent treatment for i‐AVM. Two cases delivered vaginally. Another 25 cases had already been diagnosed as i‐AVM at conception. Of these, as an indication for epidural birth, 18 cases had either residual lesion of i‐AVM or neurological symptoms, although 18 cases had received treatments of i‐AVM before conception. Without rupture of i‐AVM and worsening of symptoms, 15 cases succeeded in epidural birth. One case was delivered by cesarean section for residual i‐AVM with indication of treatment. Another case who had refused treatment of i‐AVM experienced rupture of i‐AVM 1 year after delivery.ConclusionMost of the cases with residual i‐AVM lesion and neurological symptoms could deliver vaginally without worsening of symptoms. However, pregnancy with i‐AVM can be complicated by rupture of i‐AVM. In cases with a residual lesion with indication of treatment and rupture of i‐AVM during pregnancy, meticulous care is required during pregnancy and after delivery.
Development and evaluation of brochures for fall prevention education created to empower nursing home residents and family members
Authors: Schoberer Daniela , Eglseer Doris , Halfens Ruud J.G. , Lohrmann Christa 
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectivesIn this study, we describe the development of evidence‐ and theory‐based fall prevention educational material and its evaluation from the users’ perspectives.BackgroundTo reduce risk factors for falling in nursing homes, nursing staff must enact multifactorial fall prevention intervention programmes. A core component of these programmes is to educate residents and their family members, both verbally and in a written form. However, users can only benefit from educational material if it is based on current scientific evidence, easy to understand and process and customised.DesignWe followed a structured procedure during the development process, while considering various aspect of quality. To assess the understandability and usefulness of the resulting educational materials, we conducted a qualitative content analysis study.MethodsThe educational materials development process incorporated several iterative steps including a systematic literature search and the application of frameworks for designing and writing the materials. To evaluate the material, we performed six focus group discussions separately with residents, family members and nursing staff from two nursing homes (total of 32 participants).ResultsResidents’ brochures included clear information on avoiding external risks as well as coping strategies after a fall event. Family members’ brochures were more comprehensive, including both concrete tips and outlining the advantages and disadvantages of interventions. Residents and family members had no difficulties understanding the material and tried to apply the content to their individual situations. Nursing staff commented on some ambiguities and incongruities relating to current nursing care practice.ConclusionsBy involving users in the development of evidence‐based educational materials, nursing staff can achieve a high acceptance rate for the materials and motivate users to address the topic.Implications for practiceThe involvement of users is essential for developing educational material that meets users’ needs. Educational material should be used as part of an overall strategy to educate residents and family members in nursing homes.