bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty prevalence in Australia: Findings from four pooled Australian cohort studies
Authors: Thompson Mark Q , Theou Olga , Karnon Jonathon , Adams Robert J , Visvanathan Renuka 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo examine frailty prevalence in Australian older adults.MethodsFrailty was measured using a modified Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP) in a combined cohort of 8804 Australian adults aged ≥65 years (female 86%, median age 80 (79–82) years) from the Dynamic Analyses to Optimise Ageing Project and the North West Adelaide Health Study.ResultsUsing the FFP, 21% of participants were frail while a further 48% were prefrail. Chi‐squared testing of frailty among four age groups (65–69, 70–74, 75–79 and 80–84 years) for sex, and marital status revealed that frailty was significantly higher for women (approximately double that of men), increased significantly with advancing age for both sexes, and was significantly higher for women who were widowed, divorced or never married.ConclusionIf frailty could be prevented or reversed, it would have an impact on a larger number of older people.
Laparoscopic repair of bowel herniation into the space between the obturator nerve and the umbilical artery after pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer
Authors: Minami Hironori , Nagasaki Toshiya , Akiyoshi Takashi , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Nagayama Satoshi , Fukunaga Yosuke , Fukuoka Hironori , Ueno Masashi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBowel herniation through the space between the exposed structures after pelvic lymphadenectomy is a very rare cause of postoperative bowel obstruction. Here, a case of laparoscopic release of bowel migration into the space after pelvic lymphadenectomy is described. This is the seventh such reported case in the world. A 38‐year‐old woman who had a history of undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer was diagnosed with strangulated bowel obstruction. Emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed, and bowel migration into the space between the right umbilical artery and the obturator nerve was detected. The loop of strangulated bowel was released laparoscopically, and bowel blood flow was improved. To prevent recurrence of bowel migration, the umbilical artery was resected. It is very important to consider the possibility of bowel herniation into the space between exposed structures in patients with bowel obstruction after minimally invasive pelvic lymphadenectomy.
Thermal biology mediates responses of amphibians and reptiles to habitat modification
Authors: Nowakowski A. Justin , Watling James I. , Thompson Michelle E. , Brusch George A. , Catenazzi Alessandro , Whitfield Steven M. , Kurz David J. , Suárez‐Mayorga Ángela , Aponte‐Gutiérrez Andrés , Donnelly Maureen A. , Todd Brian D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHuman activities often replace native forests with warmer, modified habitats that represent novel thermal environments for biodiversity. Reducing biodiversity loss hinges upon identifying which species are most sensitive to the environmental conditions that result from habitat modification. Drawing on case studies and a meta‐analysis, we examined whether observed and modelled thermal traits, including heat tolerances, variation in body temperatures, and evaporative water loss, explained variation in sensitivity of ectotherms to habitat modification. Low heat tolerances of lizards and amphibians and high evaporative water loss of amphibians were associated with increased sensitivity to habitat modification, often explaining more variation than non‐thermal traits. Heat tolerances alone explained 24–66% (mean = 38%) of the variation in species responses, and these trends were largely consistent across geographic locations and spatial scales. As habitat modification alters local microclimates, the thermal biology of species will likely play a key role in the reassembly of terrestrial communities.
Relative changes in handgrip strength and skeletal muscle volume in patients with chronic liver disease over a 2‐year observation period
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Michitaka Kojiro , Izumoto Hirofumi , Ueki Hidetaro , Kitahata Shogo , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Yamago Hiroka , Miyamoto Yuji , Iwasaki Ryuichiro , Tomida Hideomi , Mori Kenichiro , Miyata Hideki , Tsubouchi Eiji , Kishida Masato , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: January 2018

AimThere are few reports regarding relative changes in muscle function of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We examined CLD patients to evaluate relative changes in handgrip strength and muscle volume.MethodsWe enrolled 413 CLD outpatients who underwent handgrip strength measurements in both 2015 and 2017 (age 67.9 ± 10.0 years; male / female = 242/171; hepatitis C virus [HCV] / hepatitis B virus [HBV] / HBV and HCV / alcohol / others = 239/92/4/22/56; Child–Pugh score [CPS] in 2015 [5/6/7/8/9/≥10 = 335/51/12/11/3/1]). Relative change in muscle volume (ΔPI) from 2015 to 2017 was evaluated using computed tomography findings in 230 of the patients, using a previously reported method. Clinical characteristics, as well as relative changes of handgrip strength (ΔHGS) and ΔPI were analyzed.ResultsFor the patient cohort as a whole, CPS became significantly worse in 2017 (5/6/7/8/9/≥10 = 319/56/13/11/5/9; P = 0.002). In individual patients with CPS decline, serum albumin level was significantly decreased (3.78 ± 0.50 to 3.33 ± 0.61 g/dL; P < 0.001), whereas no decrease was seen in those without such a decline (4.16 ± 0.48 to 4.20 ± 0.44 g/dL; P = 0.028). Furthermore, ΔHGS (−1.4 ± 4.8 [n = 59] vs. 0.7 ± 4.8 kg [n = 354]; P = 0.002) and ΔPI (−0.44 ± 0.88 [n = 38] vs. 0.03 ± 0.64 cm2/m2 [n = 192]; P = 0.003) were worse in patients with, compared to those without, a decline in CPS. Age was not significantly different between patients with and without handgrip strength decline (66.5 ± 10.3 vs. 65.3 ± 9.9 years; P = 0.256). There was a significant relationship between ΔHGS, ΔPI and relative change in serum albumin (r = 0.161, P = 0.001 and r = 0.225, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionDecline in CPS, especially decreasing serum albumin level, showed a significant relationship with muscle function reduction and muscle volume loss.
Second‐hand smoke prevalence in 252 regions of South Korea in three exposure locations
Authors: Sun Li‐Yuan , Park Jae‐Hyun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeThe association between regional contextual factors and second‐hand smoke (SHS) prevalence is important, but is unclear. This study investigated the changes of SHS prevalence from 2011 to 2013 and explored the correlations of SHS prevalence and regional contextual factors by exposure location.MethodsThe data were obtained from the 2011 and 2013 Korean Community Health Survey and the Development of Health Indicators for Community Health Ranking report. A t‐test was used to examine and compare the SHS prevalence in 2011 and 2013 by exposure location (home, workplace, and public places). A correlation analysis and linear regression were used to investigate the impacts of the regional variables on SHS prevalence by location.ResultsThe prevalence of SHS in all three locations had a decreased trend overall, but remained high in public locales. There were clear differences in the prevalence of SHS and its change by region between 2011 and 2013. The SHS prevalence in the workplace and public places had increased in the high social and economic characteristic regions, compared to the other regions in 2 years. The SHS had an increased trend in regions featuring a high level of socioeconomic development. It was observed that regional factors affecting SHS prevalence differed in the three locations.ConclusionThe differences and changes of regional SHS prevalence by location were influenced by specific social contextual factors of the particular region. Local government initiatives regarding special SHS protective measures or tailored regulations, according to specific regional status and location, are recommended, with attention to high socioeconomic regions in particular.
Weaving cotton‐led development? Liberalization, cotton producer organizations, and uneven development in Burkina Faso
Authors: Gray Leslie C. , Dowd‐Uribe Brian , Kaminski Jonathan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article argues that the politics of scale in a nested hierarchy of cotton governance institutions in Burkina Faso are weighted against smaller producers, with what looks like success from a broader scale producing uneven development at the local scale. We show that at the national level, Burkina Faso has succeeded in increasing its output of cotton lint. At the local level, we see a differentiated outcome where the liberalization‐initiated system of shared liability has improved overall cotton cooperative management but this has come at a significant cost: the exit of poorer farmers from the cotton sector and an increasing debt burden on those individual farmers who remain. The novelty of this article is that it considers producers' institutions as a key level of analysis linking macro‐scale policy decisions to micro‐scale village and farm outcomes. The resulting analysis allows us to focus on the politics of scale, particularly the power relations of different actors and the ability to capture resources at different levels, as well as the role of multilevel institutions in producing differentiated outcomes.
Risk‐Taking‐Neutral Background Risks
Authors: Franke Guenter , Schlesinger Harris , Stapleton Richard C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article examines how decision making under uncertainty is affected by the presence of a linearly dependent background risk, for individuals with HARA utility. A linearly dependent background risk is a background risk that increases linearly in the chosen tradable outcome. In order to do this, we construct a parametric class of background risks that we label as risk‐taking‐neutral (RTN). These background risks have the property that they will not alter the decision made with respect to the market risk. As such, these RTN background risks provide a benchmark. In many situations, a background risk that is faced by an investor can be compared to one from the RTN class in order to predict qualitative changes in the investor's choice decision. As this benchmark is easily available, it is convenient to use to predict these changes.
Effect of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir regimen on health‐related quality of life for patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Saab Sammy , Mehta Darshan , Hudgens Stacie , Grunow Nathan , Bao Yanjun , Pinsky Brett 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsThis study analyses health‐related quality of life data from 8 randomized clinical trials using ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir ± ribavirin to investigate: (i) the impact of the treatment vs placebo during treatment on health‐related quality of life; (ii) the sustainability of such treatment effect after 12‐week treatment period; and (iii) if results from (i) and (ii) differ in subgenotypes 1a vs 1b.MethodsSix registration trials and 2 post‐approval trials were pooled and analysed using longitudinal mixed models to estimate the effect of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir ± ribavirin on health‐related quality of life outcomes adjusting for baseline scores, as well as patient demographics and clinical characteristics.ResultsPatients treated with ribavirin‐free ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir regimen reported statistically significant increase in health‐related quality of life outcomes as compared to placebo patients. While ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir + ribavirin treatment saw statistically significant decline in health‐related quality of life outcomes during treatment vs baseline and placebo, effect on health‐related quality of life outcomes associated with ribavirin did not persist in the post‐treatment period for ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir patients followed for up to 52 weeks. The analysis also found Genotype 1b patients reported greater improvements in health‐related quality of life as compared to genotype 1a patients.ConclusionsDuring the active treatment period, small but statistically significant decrements in health‐related quality of life outcomes were observed potentially driven by ribavirin, which were not sustained during the post‐treatment follow‐up period. Differences were observed by patient subgenotype, where health‐related quality of life improvements were consistently higher for genotype 1b patients as compared to genotype 1a patients.
New‐onset left bundle branch block‐associated idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy and time from diagnosis to cardiac resynchronization therapy: The NEOLITH II study
Authors: Wang Norman C. , Li Jack Z. , Adelstein Evan C. , Althouse Andrew D. , Sharbaugh Michael S. , Jain Sandeep K. , Mendenhall G. Stuart , Shalaby Alaa A. , Voigt Andrew H. , Saba Samir 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal timing for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) after diagnosis of new‐onset left bundle branch block (LBBB)‐associated idiopathic nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and treatment with guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe relationships between time from diagnosis to CRT and outcomes in new‐onset LBBB‐associated idiopathic NICM with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%.MethodsA retrospective cohort study examined associations between time from diagnosis to CRT (≤9 months vs >9 months) and clinical and echocardiographic outcomes.ResultsIn 123 subjects with LBBB‐associated idiopathic NICM, time from diagnosis to CRT was ≤9 months in 60 (49%) subjects and 9 months in 63 (51%) subjects. Clinical outcomes were similar for those implanted ≤9 months versus >9 months for adverse clinical events (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–1.78; P = 0.67) and all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.19–1.70; P = 0.31). Multivariable analyses demonstrated similar results. In 105 subjects with post‐CRT echocardiograms, LVEF improvement to >35% was more likely in those implanted ≤9 months when compared to >9 months (odds ratio [OR], 3.53; 95% CI, 1.32–9.46; P = 0.01). This association persisted in the final multivariable model adjusted for age at diagnosis, sex, QRS duration, post‐GDMT LVEF, and time from CRT to post‐CRT echocardiogram (OR, 5.10; 95% CI, 1.71–15.22; P = 0.004).ConclusionIn LBBB‐associated idiopathic NICM, earlier CRT implantation was associated with more favorable cardiac remodeling. Delaying CRT may miss a critical period to halt and reverse progressive myocardial damage.
Ambulatory diagnostic ECG monitoring for syncope and collapse: An assessment of clinical practice in the United States
Authors: Benditt David G. , Adkisson Wayne O. , Sutton Richard , Mears Robin K. , Sakaguchi Scott 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionDiagnostic ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) monitoring is widely used for evaluating syncope and collapse, and practice guidelines provide recommendations regarding optimal AECG device selection. However, whether physicians utilize AECGs in accordance with the pertinent guidelines is unclear. This study assessed utilization of AECG monitoring systems for syncope and collapse diagnosis by physicians in the United States.Methods and resultsA quantitative survey was undertaken of physicians comprising multiple specialties (emergency department, n = 35; primary care, n = 35; hospitalists, n = 30; neurologists, n = 30; nonimplanting, n = 34, and implanting‐cardiologists, n = 35). Depending on specialty, respondents reported that neural‐reflex and orthostatic causes accounted for 17–23%, cardiac causes for 12–20%, and “neurological causes” (specifically psychogenic pseudo‐syncope/pseudo‐seizures and acute cerebrovascular conditions) for 7–12% of their syncope/collapse cases. The choice of AECG technology varied by specialty. Thus, despite patients having daily symptoms, 25% of respondents chose an AECG technology other than a Holter‐type monitor. Conversely, when monitoring for infrequent events (e.g., less than monthly), 12–18% indicated that they would choose a 24‐ to 48‐hour Holter, 20–34% would choose either a conventional event recorder or a mobile cardiac telemetry system, and only 53–65% would select an insertable cardiac monitor.ConclusionsIn evaluation of syncope/collapse, most U.S. clinicians across specialties use AECGs appropriately, but in a substantial minority there remains discordance between choice of AECG technology and guideline‐based recommendations.
Predictors and outcomes of patients requiring repeat transvenous lead extraction of pacemaker and defibrillator leads
Authors: Claridge Simon , Johnson Jonathan , Sadnan Gazi , Behar Jonathan M. , Porter Bradley , Sieniewicz Benjamin , Jackson Tom , Webb Jessica , Gould Justin , Sohal Manav , Hamid Shoaib , Patel Nik , Gill Jaswinder , Rinaldi Christopher A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundA proportion of patients who undergo an initial lead extraction procedure will require a second, repeat extraction. Data regarding this clinical entity are scarce and neither the predisposing risk factors for, nor outcomes from, these procedures have been described previously. We sought to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of repeat lead extraction.MethodsA database of extraction procedures from 2001 to 2015 was analyzed. Repeat extraction procedures were identified and the indication for extraction was dichotomized into infection and lead‐related problems. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of repeat extraction.Results807 extraction procedures were identified in 755 patients of whom 6% required a repeat extraction. At multivariate analysis, only suffering a major complication at the initial extraction procedure (odds ratio [OR] 21.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.69–171.92; P < 0.01), complexity of device (cardiac resynchronization devices/implantable cardioverter defibrillators) (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.2–5.2; P = 0.01), and age (OR 1.02 per year, 95% CI 1.0–1.4; P = 0.03) were significant predictors of repeat extraction. When repeat extraction was required for infection there was a significant increase in mortality compared with those who did not require a second procedure (36% vs 23%; P = 0.02).ConclusionsRepeat lead extraction is required in 6% of cases. Complexity of device, age at extraction, and a major complication at the first extraction were predictors of repeat extraction. Mortality is significantly increased where the repeat procedure is for infection. Clinicians should alert patients to the potential need for further extraction and the increased risks of repeat procedures when indicated for infection.
A rare presentation of congenital syphilis: Pemphigus syphiliticus in a newborn infant with extensive desquamation of the extremities
Authors: Wang Elizabeth A. , Chambers Cindy J. , Silverstein Marc 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCongenital syphilis is an infection transmitted from mother to fetus and can present with early but variable cutaneous manifestations. In rare situations, a bullous eruption known as pemphigus syphiliticus may develop. We present an unusual case of broad desquamation of the extremities in a newborn infant who was found to have congenital syphilis. Pemphigus syphiliticus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal bullous eruptions and erosions.
Promoting customer engagement: A new trend in utility regulation
Authors: Hahn Robert , Metcalfe Robert , Rundhammer Florian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper traces a new development in regulation that encourages utilities to engage more directly with their customers. We make four contributions: First, we perform a comprehensive analysis of how regulators are using customer engagement, and offer a simple model for understanding different customer engagement initiatives. Second, we review assessments of customer engagement. We find that there arenoquantitative, empirically robust assessments of the effectiveness of customer engagement as a regulatory tool. Third, we develop two detailed case studies of an energy regulator and a water regulator that are in the forefront of customer engagement efforts. We find that there is no direct link between the engagement strategy used and the economic incentives received by a firm. Finally, we propose a framework for improving the customer engagement process. The new framework relies on microeconomics, modern tools of program evaluation, and supplying the regulated firm with direct incentives to engage with the customer.
Quality of omeprazole purchased via the Internet and personally imported into Japan: comparison with products sampled in other Asian countries
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Sofiqur , Yoshida Naoko , Sugiura Sakura , Tsuboi Hirohito , Keila Tep , Kiet Heng Bun , Zin Theingi , Tanimoto Tsuyoshi , Kimura Kazuko 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of omeprazole personally imported into Japan via the Internet and to compare the quality of these samples with previously collected samples from two other Asian countries.MethodsThe samples were evaluated by observation, authenticity investigation and pharmacopoeial quality analysis. Quality comparison of some selected samples was carried out by dissolution profiling, Raman spectroscopy and principle component analysis (PCA).ResultsObservation of the Internet sites and samples revealed some discrepancies including the delivery of a wrong sample and the selling of omeprazole without a prescription, although it is a prescription medicine. Among the 28 samples analysed, all passed the identification test, 26 (93%) passed the quantity and content uniformity tests and all passed the dissolution test. Dissolution profiling confirmed that all the personally imported omeprazole samples remained intact in the acid medium. On the other hand, six samples from two of the same manufacturers, previously collected during surveys in Cambodia and Myanmar, frequently showed premature omeprazole release in acid. Raman spectroscopy and PCA showed significant variation between omeprazole formulations in personally imported samples and the samples from Cambodia and Myanmar.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the pharmaceutical quality of omeprazole purchased through the Internet was sufficient, as determined by pharmacopeial tests. However, omeprazole formulations distributed in different market segments by the same manufacturers were of diverse quality. Measures are needed to ensure consistent quality of products and to prevent entry of substandard products into the legitimate supply chain.