bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forty years of structural imaging in psychosis: promises and truth
Authors: Fusar‐Poli P. , Meyer‐Lindenberg A. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveSince the first study published in the Lancet in 1976, structural neuroimaging has been used in psychosis with the promise of imminent clinical utility. The actual impact of structural neuroimaging in psychosis is still unclear.MethodWe present here a critical review of studies involving structural magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with psychosis published between 1976 and 2015 in selected journals of relevance for the field. For each study, we extracted summary descriptive variables. Additionally, we qualitatively described the main structural findings of each article in summary notes and we employed a biomarker rating system based on quality of evidence (scored 1–4) and effect size (scored 1–4).ResultsEighty studies meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved. The number of studies increased over time, reflecting an increased structural imaging research in psychosis. However, quality of evidence was generally impaired by small samples and unclear biomarker definitions. In particular, there was little attempt of replication of previous findings. The effect sizes ranged from small to modest. No diagnostic or prognostic biomarker for clinical use was identified.ConclusionsStructural neuroimaging in psychosis research has not yet delivered on the clinical applications that were envisioned.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia treatment: a real‐world observational study
Authors: Vanasse A. , Blais L. , Courteau J. , Cohen A. A. , Roberge P. , Larouche A. , Grignon S. , Fleury M.‐J. , Lesage A. , Demers M.‐F. , Roy M.‐A. , Carrier J.‐D. , Delorme A. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveThe objective was to compare, in a real‐world setting, the risk of mental and physical health events associated with different antipsychotic drugs (clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine and first‐generation antipsychotics) in patients with SZ.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using administrative data. Outcome measures included any mental health event (suicide, hospitalization or emergency visit for mental disorders) and physical health event (death other than suicide, hospitalization or emergency visit for physical disorders). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios of the events associated with the use of the different antipsychotic drugs.ResultsThe cohort included 18 869 adult patients living in the province of Quebec (Canada) with SZ and starting antipsychotic drugs between January 1998 and December 2005. Results show that quetiapine and not using any antipsychotics were associated with an increased risk of mental and physical health events as compared to other drugs. The second finding is the confirmation of better performance of clozapine. The results were robust across sensitivity analyses.ConclusionBoth findings call for an international public health and drug agencies surveillance of ‘real‐world’ antipsychotic medication to ensure the optimal choices in treatment guidelines for SZ.
Vertical coordination and farm performance: evidence from the catfish sector in Vietnam
Authors: Trifković Neda 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUsing an original dataset from the Vietnamese catfish sector, I analyze the impact of vertical coordination options, namely, contract farming and vertical integration, on farm performance, which is measured in terms of yields and revenue per hectare. The effects of vertical coordination are estimated using a maximum simulated likelihood estimator and a two‐stage least square regression with instrumental variables to account for endogenous farm and household characteristics and selection on unobservable characteristics. The results show that vertically integrated farms have substantially higher yields and revenue per hectare than nonintegrated farms. The levels of gains that can be attributed to integration are large and consistent under different estimation procedures, and there is no difference between nonintegrated and contract farms in terms of farm performance.
Using an economic experiment to estimate willingness‐to‐pay for a new maternal nutrient supplement in Ghana
Authors: Adams Katherine P. , Lybbert Travis J. , Vosti Stephen A. , Ayifah Emmanuel 
Published: July 2016

AbstractScaling up access to supplements designed to prevent undernutrition, such as new small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS), may require distribution via both public channels and retail markets. The viability of SQ‐LNS retail markets will hinge on household‐level demand. We use an economic experiment to characterize initial willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for a maternal SQ‐LNS product in Ghana. WTP is positive for most participants, though below the estimated cost of production for many. WTP varies depending on income, assets, and parity status. These findings have implications for the design of public health policy and hybrid public–private delivery mechanisms.
Circulating MicroRNAs and Life Expectancy Among Identical Twins
Authors: Wu Shenghui , Kim Taek‐Kyun , Wu Xiaogang , Scherler Kelsey , Baxter David , Wang Kai , Krasnow Ruth E , Reed Terry , Dai Jun 
Published: July 2016

SummaryHuman life expectancy is influenced not only by longevity assurance mechanisms and disease susceptibility loci but also by the environment, gene–environment interactions, and chance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs closely related to genes. Circulating miRNAs have been shown as promising noninvasive biomarkers in the development of many pathophysiological conditions. However, the concentration of miRNA in the circulation may also be affected by environmental factors. We used a next‐generation sequencing platform to assess the association of circulating miRNA with life expectancy, for which deaths are due to all causes independent of genes. In addition, we showed that miRNAs are present in 41‐year archived plasma samples, which may be useful for both life expectancy and all‐cause mortality risk assessment. Plasma miRNAs from nine identical male twins were profiled using next‐generation sequencing. The average absolute difference in the minimum life expectancy was 9.68 years. Intraclass correlation coefficients were above 0.4 for 50% of miRNAs. Comparing deceased twins with their alive co‐twin brothers, the concentrations were increased for 34 but decreased for 30 miRNAs. Identical twins discordant in life expectancy were dissimilar in the majority of miRNAs, suggesting that environmental factors are pivotal in miRNAs related to life expectancy.
Association of interleukin‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms with recurrent miscarriage: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Duo , Zhang Yeye , Wang Qingqin , Wang Jing , Jiao Baoquan , Wang Gang , Wu Xiaohua 
Published: July 2016

AbstractProblemThe association between IL‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms and the risk of recurrent miscarriages (RM) remains controversial. The present meta‐analysis was performed to derive a precise estimate of the relationship.Method of studyWe searched the PubMed and EMBASE for studies related to the association between the IL‐10 gene polymorphism and the risk of RM. Summary odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to assess the associations.ResultsThirteen studies, including 2047 RM cases and 2055 control samples, were identified. The results showed a significant association between rs1800896, rs1800871 and RM risk (for rs1800896: GA+GG vs AA: OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.04–1.39, P=.02; for rs1800871: CT+TT vs CC: OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.13–2.36, P=.009). No evidence of association was noted between rs1800872 haplotype and RM risk.ConclusionIL‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms, rs1800896 and rs1800871, play a potential role in increasing the risk of RM.
Inherited thrombophilia in women with poor aPL‐related obstetric history: prevalence and outcomes. Survey of 208 cases from the European Registry on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome cohort
Authors: Alijotas‐Reig Jaume , Ferrer‐Oliveras Raquel , Esteve‐Valverde Enrique , Ruffatti Amelia , Tincani Angela , Lefkou Elmina , Bertero Maria Tiziana , Espinosa Gerard , Coloma Emmanuel , de Carolis Sara , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia , Canti Valentina , Picardo Elisa , Fredi Micaela , Mekinian Arsene ,   the EUROAPS Study Group
Published: July 2016

AimTo analyse the prevalence and effects of inherited thrombophilic disorders (ITD) on maternal–foetal outcomes in cases of antiphospholipid antibody related to obstetric complications.MethodsWomen with obstetric complaints who tested positive for aPL and with inherited thrombophilia were prospectively and retrospectively included.ResultsITD data were available in 208 of 338: 147 had obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) and 61 aPL‐related obstetric morbidity (OMAPS). 24.1% had ITD. Laboratory categories I and IIa were more related to OAPS‐ITD and IIb and IIc to OMAPS‐ITD. No significant differences in obstetric complaints were observed. Regarding ITD carriers, treatment rates were higher in OAPS than in OMAPS for LMWH and LDA plus LMWH (P=.002).ConclusionCases with aPL‐related OAPS/OMAPS showed no differences in maternal–foetal outcomes regardless of the presence of one ITD. Maternal thrombotic risk was low, with ITD‐positive cases included. Registry data concur with Sydney criteria, whereby aPL‐ITD‐positive patients are classified as having antiphospholipid syndrome.
Mechanism of Self‐Regulation and In Vivo Performance of the Cleveland Clinic Continuous‐Flow Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Horvath David , Byram Nicole , Karimov Jamshid H. , Kuban Barry , Sunagawa Gengo , Golding Leonard A.R. , Moazami Nader , Fukamachi Kiyotaka 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCleveland Clinic's continuous‐flow total artificial heart (CFTAH) provides systemic and pulmonary circulations using one assembly (one motor, two impellers). The right pump hydraulic output to the pulmonary circulation is self‐regulated by the rotating assembly's passive axial movement in response to atrial differential pressure to balance itself to the left pump output. This combination of features integrates a biocompatible, pressure‐balancing regulator with a double‐ended pump. The CFTAH requires no flow or pressure sensors. The only control parameter is pump speed, modulated at programmable rates (60–120 beats/min) and amplitudes (0 to ±25%) to provide flow pulses. In bench studies, passive self‐regulation (range: −5 mm Hg ≤ [left atrial pressure – right atrial pressure] ≤ 10 mm Hg) was demonstrated over a systemic/vascular resistance ratio range of 2.0–20 and a flow range of 3–9 L/min. Performance of the most recent pump configuration was demonstrated in chronic studies, including three consecutive long‐term experiments (30, 90, and 90 days). These experiments were performed at a constant postoperative mean speed with a ±15% speed modulation, demonstrating a totally self‐regulating mode of operation, from 3 days after implant to explant, despite a weight gain of up to 40%. The mechanism of self‐regulation functioned properly, continuously throughout the chronic in vivo experiments, demonstrating the performance goals.
Drug‐Mediated Gene Regulation of Vitamin D3 Metabolism in Primary Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Norlin Maria , Lundqvist Johan , Ellfolk Maria , Hellström Pigg Maritta , Gustafsson Jan , Wikvall Kjell 
Published: July 2016

AbstractVitamin D metabolism was studied in primary human dermal fibroblasts with focus on drug‐mediated gene regulation related to adverse side effects of antiretroviral drugs used in HIV therapy. The fibroblasts expressed mRNA for cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes catalysing bioactivating (CYP2R1, CYP27A1 and CYP27B1) and catabolic reactions (CYP24A1). The cells produced both 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3. The results demonstrate that primary dermal fibroblasts have an active vitamin D3‐metabolizing system. High incidence of low bone mineral density is a concern for HIV‐infected patients treated with antiretroviral drugs. Osteomalacia and severe vitamin D deficiency have been reported. We investigated whether drug‐mediated gene regulation could be a possible mechanism behind these adverse drug effects. Fibroblasts were treated with different drugs used in HIV therapy, and the 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels and relative mRNA levels for crucial enzymes were determined. Efavirenz, stavudine and ritonavir significantly down‐regulated the bioactivating CYP2R1 and up‐regulated the catabolic CYP24A1. The drugs reduced bioactivating enzyme activities and cellular levels of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3. The current results indicate that effects on gene expression may lead to disturbed vitamin D metabolism and decreased cellular levels of active vitamin D3. The data are consistent with the impaired bone health in patients treated with certain antiretroviral drugs.
Limited‐information goodness‐of‐fit testing of diagnostic classification item response models
Authors: Hansen Mark , Cai Li , Monroe Scott , Li Zhen 
Published: July 2016

Despite the growing popularity of diagnostic classification models (e.g., Rupp et al., 2010, Diagnostic measurement: theory, methods, and applications, Guilford Press, New York, NY) in educational and psychological measurement, methods for testing their absolute goodness of fit to real data remain relatively underdeveloped. For tests of reasonable length and for realistic sample size, full‐information test statistics such as Pearson's X2 and the likelihood ratio statistic G2 suffer from sparseness in the underlying contingency table from which they are computed. Recently, limited‐information fit statistics such as Maydeu‐Olivares and Joe's (2006, Psychometrika, 71, 713) M2 have been found to be quite useful in testing the overall goodness of fit of item response theory models. In this study, we applied Maydeu‐Olivares and Joe's (2006, Psychometrika, 71, 713) M2 statistic to diagnostic classification models. Through a series of simulation studies, we found that M2 is well calibrated across a wide range of diagnostic model structures and was sensitive to certain misspecifications of the item model (e.g., fitting disjunctive models to data generated according to a conjunctive model), errors in the Q‐matrix (adding or omitting paths, omitting a latent variable), and violations of local item independence due to unmodelled testlet effects. On the other hand, M2 was largely insensitive to misspecifications in the distribution of higher‐order latent dimensions and to the specification of an extraneous attribute. To complement the analyses of the overall model goodness of fit using M2, we investigated the utility of the Chen and Thissen (1997, J. Educ. Behav. Stat., 22, 265) local dependence statistic for characterizing sources of misfit, an important aspect of model appraisal often overlooked in favour of overall statements. The statistic was found to be slightly conservative (with Type I error rates consistently below the nominal level) but still useful in pinpointing the sources of misfit. Patterns of local dependence arising due to specific model misspecifications are illustrated. Finally, we used the M2 and statistics to evaluate a diagnostic model fit to data from the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study, drawing upon analyses previously conducted by Lee et al., (2011, IJT, 11, 144).
Effects of a novel potent melanin‐concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonist, AZD1979, on body weight homeostasis in mice and dogs
Authors: Ploj Karolina , Benthem Lambertus , Kakol‐Palm Dorota , Gennemark Peter , Andersson Liselotte , Bjursell Mikael , Börjesson Jenny , Kärrberg Lillevi , Månsson Marianne , Antonsson Madeleine , Johansson Anders , Iverson Suzanne , Carlsson Björn , Turnbull Andrew , Lindén Daniel 
Published: July 2016

Background and PurposeMelanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) is an orexigen, and while rodents express one MCH receptor (MCH1 receptor), humans, non‐human primates and dogs express two MCH receptors (MCH1 and MCH2). MCH1 receptor antagonists have been developed for the treatment of obesity and lower body weight in rodents. However, the mechanisms for the body weight loss and whether MCH1 receptor antagonism can lower body weight in species expressing both MCH receptors are not fully understood.Experimental ApproachA novel recently identified potent MCH1 receptor antagonist, AZD1979, was studied in wild type and Mchr1 knockout (KO) mice and by using pair‐feeding and indirect calorimetry in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice. The effect of AZD1979 on body weight was also studied in beagle dogs.Key ResultsAZD1979 bound to MCH1 receptors in the CNS and dose‐dependently reduced body weight in DIO mice leading to improved homeostasis model assessment‐index of insulin sensitivity. AZD1979 did not affect food intake or body weight in Mchr1 KO mice demonstrating specificity for the MCH1 receptor mechanism. In DIO mice, initial AZD1979‐mediated body weight loss was driven by decreased food intake, but an additional component of preserved energy expenditure was apparent in pair‐feeding and indirect calorimetry studies. AZD1979 also dose‐dependently reduced body weight in dogs.Conclusion and ImplicationsAZD1979 is a novel potent MCH1 receptor antagonist that affects both food intake and energy expenditure. That AZD1979 also lowers body weight in a species expressing both MCH receptors holds promise for the use of MCH1 receptor antagonists for the treatment of human obesity.
Short (6‐mm) dental implants versus sinus floor elevation and placement of longer (≥10‐mm) dental implants: a randomized controlled trial with a 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Bechara Souheil , Kubilius Ricardas , Veronesi Giovanni , Pires Jefferson T. , Shibli Jamil A. , Mangano Francesco G. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether short (6‐mm) dental implants could be an alternative to sinus floor elevation (SFE) and placement of longer (≥10‐mm) implants in the posterior maxilla.Materials and methodsOver a 3‐year period, all patients presenting with partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla were considered for inclusion in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly chosen either to receive short (6‐mm) implants (test group [TG]) or to undergo SFE with simultaneous placement of standard‐length (≥10‐mm) implants (control group [CG]). SFE was performed using the lateral technique. In both groups, tapered implants (AnyRidge, MegaGen, Gyeongbuk, South Korea) were placed. All implants were loaded after 4 months of healing. At each annual follow‐up session, clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed. Primary outcomes were implant survival, stability (measured with the implant stability quotient [ISQ]), marginal bone loss (MBL), and complications; secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction and treatment time and cost.ResultsThirty‐three patients were assigned to the TG and 20 to the CG. Forty‐five implants were inserted in each group. At 3 years, implant survival rates were 100% and 95.0% for the TG and CG, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.38). The mean ISQ values of the TG and CG did not differ at placement (68.2 vs. 67.8, P = 0.1), at delivery of the final restoration (69.5 vs. 69.4, P = 0.9), and after 1 year (71.0 vs. 71.5, P = 0.1); at 3 years, the CG had a significantly higher mean ISQ than the TG (72.4 vs. 71.6, P = 0.004). Mean MBL was significantly higher in the CG than in the TG, both at 1 year (0.14 mm vs. 0.21 mm, P = 0.006) and at 3 years (0.20 mm vs. 0.27 mm, P = 0.01). A few complications were reported. Surgical time and cost were significantly higher in the CG than in the TG (P < 0.0001). Patient satisfaction was high in both groups.ConclusionsIn this randomized controlled trial, results for short (6‐mm) implants were similar to those for longer (≥10‐mm) implants in augmented bone. Short implants might be preferable to SFE, because the treatment is faster and less expensive. Long‐term randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these results.
Preoperative endoscopy may reduce the need for revisional surgery for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Madhok B. M. , Carr W. R. J. , McCormack C. , Boyle M. , Jennings N. , Schroeder N. , Balupuri S. , Small P. K. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective bariatric operation, but postoperative reflux symptoms can sometimes necessitate revisional surgery. Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass is the preferred operation in morbidly obese patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. In 2011, we introduced preoperative endoscopy to assess for hiatus hernia or evidence of oesophagitis in conjunction with an assessment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms for all patients undergoing bariatric surgery with a view to avoid sleeve gastrectomy for these patients. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy before and after we changed the unit policy. The need for revisional surgery in patients with troublesome gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease was examined. Prior to 2011, 130 patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 11 (8.5%) of them required conversion to Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass for symptomatic reflux disease. Following the policy change, 284 patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and to date, only five (1.8%) have required revisional surgery (p = 0.001). Baseline demographics were comparable between the groups, and average follow‐up period was 47 and 33 months, respectively, for each group. Preoperative endoscopy and a detailed clinical history regarding gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms may improve patient selection for sleeve gastrectomy. Avoiding sleeve gastrectomy in patients with reflux disease and/or hiatus hernia may reduce the incidence of revisional surgery.
Prognostic role of liver X receptor‐alpha in resected stage II and III non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Melloni Giulio , Muriana Piergiorgio , Bandiera Alessandro , Fontana Raffaella , Maggioni Daniela , Russo Vincenzo , Doglioni Claudio , Zannini Piero 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIntroductionIn the search of new therapeutical strategies against non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the identification of new prognostic factors is crucial.ObjectivesIn this study, we analyzed the prognostic value of the liver X receptor‐alpha (LXR‐alpha), a nuclear receptor of a family of cholesterol derivatives called oxysterols, in patients with radically resected NSCLC.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 140 stage II and III surgically treated NSCLC patients that were grouped by percentage of LXR‐alpha‐positive cells value above or below its median value. Tumor‐related survival was evaluated as primary end point.ResultsThe 5‐year overall and tumor‐related survival rates were 40% and 46%, respectively. The median percentage of LXR‐alpha‐positive cells was 20%. Patients with stage II NSCLC had higher LXR‐alpha values than those with stage III (P = .04). Univariate analysis demonstrated that both TNM stage and LXR‐alpha were significantly related to tumor‐related survival (P = .006 and P = .004, respectively). The 5‐year tumor‐related survival rates in stage II and III NSCLC were 56% and 34%, respectively. The 5‐year tumor‐related survival rates in high and low LXR‐alpha value were 57% and 32%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that both TNM stage and LXR‐alpha were independent prognostic factors (P = .01 and P = .007, respectively) with hazard ratio of 1.92 and 0.49, respectively.ConclusionLXR‐alpha seems to be an independent prognostic factor indicating a better survival in completely resected stage II and III NSCLC patients.