bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In utero exposure to the 1918 pandemic influenza in Denmark and risk of dementia
Authors: Cocoros Noelle M. , Ording Anne G. , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsébet , Henderson Victor W. , Sørensen Henrik T. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundSubstantial but inconclusive evidence suggests in utero exposure to influenza infection may be linked with Alzheimer′s disease.ObjectivesWe examined whether individuals exposed in utero to the 1918 influenza pandemic are at increased risk of dementia.Patients/MethodsIn this cohort study, surveillance data were used to identify months when influenza activity was at its peak during the pandemic. Using birth dates, exposed and unexposed individuals were identified based on whether they were in utero during ≥1 of the peak months. The outcome, any type of dementia, was identified in population‐based medical registries. Time and age at risk were restricted so exposed and unexposed had equal time at risk; diagnoses for dementia were assessed between ages 62 and 92, with a maximum of 30 years at risk. Poisson regression was used to estimate sex‐adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs).ResultsWe identified 106 479 exposed and 177 918 unexposed persons. Using the cumulative risk function, there were similar proportions of exposed and unexposed with a dementia diagnosis at 11.9% and 11.7%, respectively. Across all ages, the IRR for the association between in utero influenza exposure and any dementia was 1.01 (95% CI 0.99‐1.04); for Alzheimer's disease, it was 0.97 (0.93‐1.01). When stratified by age and sex, and when dementia type was examined, estimates of association were also null or close to null.ConclusionsOur study suggests there is likely not an association between in utero exposure to the 1918 influenza pandemic and dementia among those 62 and older.
Analysing the Effects of Critique Techniques on the Success of Interior Architecture Students
Authors: Gunday Gul Ciler Gozde , Afacan Yasemin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn architectural design education, the most significant part in the curriculum is the design studio, where students learn how to design. Critique has a crucial role in the design studio, and in determining the best and most beneficial critique type for the architectural design education process. Student attitudes toward critiques and student satisfaction level with each critique technique are also significant. To that end, this article explores design studio learning by reviewing the design learning process and types of design critiques. Focusing on three critique techniques used in design education (desk critiques, pin‐up critiques and group critiques), the article analyses correlations between student attitudes toward each technique and its contribution to the design process. Research was conducted with 84 third‐year interior architecture students from the 2014–15 Fall semester at a university. No statistically significant differences were found between group and pin‐up critiques in terms of students’ preferences and their final performance scores; however, there was a statistically significant relationship between student preferences toward desk critiques and student success. Furthermore, the contribution of a critique technique to the design process was found to be highly correlated with student preference for this technique.
Effects of aerobic interval training on arterial stiffness and microvascular function in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo , Ramirez‐Jimenez Miguel , Fernandez‐Elias Valentin E. , Guio de Prada Maria V. , Morales‐Palomo Felix , Pallares Jesus G. , Nelson Rachael K. , Ortega Juan F. 
Published: January 2018

The authors determined the effect of high‐intensity aerobic interval training on arterial stiffness and microvascular dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome with hypertension. Applanation tonometry was used to measure arterial stiffness and laser Doppler flowmetry to assess microvascular dysfunction before and after 6 months of stationary cycling (training group; n = 23) in comparison to a group that remained sedentary (control group; n = 23). While no variable improved in controls, hypertension fell from 79% (59%–91%) to 41% (24%–61%) in the training group, resulting in lower systolic and diastolic pressures than controls (−12 ± 3 and −6 ± 2 mm Hg, P < .008). Arterial stiffness declined (−17% augmentation index, P = .048) and reactive hyperemia increased (20%, P = .028) posttreatment in the training group vs controls. Blood constituents associated with arterial stiffness and a prothrombotic state (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, platelets, and erythrocytes) remained unchanged in the training and control groups. In summary, 6 months of an intense aerobic exercise program reduced both arterial stiffness and microvascular dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome despite unchanged blood‐borne cardiovascular risk factors. Training lowers blood flow resistance in central and peripheral vascular beds in a coordinated fashion, resulting in clinically relevant reductions in hypertension.
Tracking actinic keratosis of face and scalp treated with 0.015% ingenol mebutate to identify clinical and dermoscopic predictors of treatment response
Authors: Pampena R. , Benati E. , Borsari S. , Bombonato C. , Lombardi M. , Raucci M. , Mirra M. , Lallas A. , Apalla Z. , Papadimitriou I. , Moscarella E. , Kyrgidis A. , Argenziano G. , Pellacani G. , Longo C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundIngenol mebutate (IngMeb) 0.015% gel is an approved field treatment option for non‐hyperkeratotic non‐hypertrophic actinic keratosis (AK) of face and scalp. Efficacy of IngMeb has been assessed only on a clinical ground, in the majority of studies. Dermoscopy is a pivotal tool for the diagnosis of AK, while its role in evaluating the response to non‐surgical therapies for AK has not been fully defined.ObjectivesOur study aims to determine whether some dermoscopic features of AK of the face and scalp areas may independently predict the response to IngMeb therapy.MethodsClinical and dermoscopic responses, 1 month after 0.015% IngMeb therapy, were retrospectively evaluated using a per‐patient and per‐lesion approach. Safety was evaluated through local skin reaction composite score calculation. Demographic, clinical and dermoscopic factors were then evaluated via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess independent predictors of response.ResultsFifty‐five patients with 245 AKs were enrolled. Clinically, per‐patient response evaluation identified 25 (45.4%) poor/partial and 30 (54.5%) complete responders, corresponding on a per‐lesion approach to 66 (26.9%) and 179 (73.1%) AKs, respectively. Dermoscopy reclassified 14 patients in the per‐patient and 48 AKs in the per‐lesion analysis from complete to poor/partial responders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AKs dermoscopically characterized by red pseudonetwork and located on the face were independently associated with a complete dermoscopic response to 0.015% IngMeb therapy, while microerosions were negative predictors.ConclusionSpecific dermoscopic features of AK may predict the response to 0.015% IngMeb therapy, together with the location on the face.
Clinicopathological features and course of cutaneous protothecosis
Authors: Tseng H.‐C. , Chen C.‐B. , Ho J.‐C. , Cheng Y.‐W. , Huang H.‐W. , Sun P.‐L. , Lee C.‐H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundProtothecosis is an uncommon infection caused by the achlorophyllic algae found more commonly in tropical areas. Only a limited number of cases have been reported.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of cutaneous protothecosis.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 20 pathology‐confirmed cases of cutaneous protothecosis based on skin biopsies in two tertiary medical centres in Taiwan from 1997 to 2015.ResultsThe age of the patients at the time of diagnosis ranged from 48 to 85 years (mean age of 74 years). All lesions developed on the limbs. Twelve (60%) patients had adrenal insufficiency, but no patients had active malignancy at diagnosis. Interestingly, four (20%) patients had concurrent scabies infestation. Clinically, most lesions were erythematous plaques studded with punctate ulcers. Microscopically, the most common finding was granulomatous inflammation. Nineteen (95%) cases were successfully treated with itraconazole for 14–148 days with only one case of recurrence. Concomitant scabies should be suspected if pruritus is recalcitrant despite itraconazole treatment.ConclusionDespite its rarity, cutaneous protothecosis has become more significant due to an increased prevalence of immunocompromised individuals. Steroid overuse or iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency predisposes individuals to high‐risk infections. Neglecting the disease leads to a chronic and incurable state. Protothecosis should be suspected in chronic eczematous and ulcerative plaques on the limbs refractory to conventional antibacterial and antiviral treatments, especially in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Clinical suspicion should be confirmed by skin biopsies, and confirmed cases can be successfully treated with itraconazole.
Guideline‐compliant prescription of biologicals and possible barriers in dermatological practices in Bavaria
Authors: Schielein M.C. , Tizek L. , Rotter M. , Konstantinow A. , Biedermann T. , Zink A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionPsoriasis and urticaria are chronic inflammatory skin diseases, which account for a substantial socioeconomic burden and severely affect patients’ quality of life. According to the respective German guidelines, biologicals can be used for the treatment of severe forms of these diseases. However, only a minority of patients receive this advised treatment.ObjectiveTo analyse the prescription of biologicals according to the German national guidelines for psoriasis and chronic spontaneous urticaria and to assess possible barriers to prescription.Materials and methodsCross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study including all Bavarian dermatologists based in private practices. Linear and logistic regression models were used to identify significant influencing factors on the perception of possible barriers.ResultsBetween January 2017 and February 2017, a total of 137 (of 499) dermatologists participated. Of all patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and chronic spontaneous urticaria, participating dermatologists indicated treating 14.2% and 6.9% with biologicals, respectively. The most prevalent barriers to prescription were the high cost of the therapy, the low reimbursement and the fear of recourse. Analysis showed that age, years spent working in a dermatological hospital and the number of patients treated with moderate to severe psoriasis affect the perception of many barriers. Furthermore, age and barriers related to physician factors and external factors were identified as modifiers to the prescription scheme of dermatologists.ConclusionsThe role of clinical education and the importance of external and economic barriers in comparison with medical barriers have to be emphasised. Guideline‐compliant use of biologicals has to be optimised. Further research is needed to ascertain not only a barrier pattern for Bavaria but also for wider settings. Actions based on this for psoriasis are needed to achieve the goal of the WHO Global Psoriasis Report to strengthen the role of patient‐centred care and improve the quality of life of affected patients. Analogue, this applies also for urticaria.
Combining synthetic controls and interrupted time series analysis to improve causal inference in program evaluation
Authors: Linden Ariel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesInterrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is an evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied over time and the intervention is expected to “interrupt” the level and/or trend of the outcome. The internal validity is strengthened considerably when the treated unit is contrasted with a comparable control group. In this paper, we introduce a robust evaluation framework that combines the synthetic controls method (SYNTH) to generate a comparable control group and ITSA regression to assess covariate balance and estimate treatment effects.MethodsWe evaluate the effect of California's Proposition 99 for reducing cigarette sales, by comparing California to other states not exposed to smoking reduction initiatives. SYNTH is used to reweight nontreated units to make them comparable to the treated unit. These weights are then used in ITSA regression models to assess covariate balance and estimate treatment effects.ResultsCovariate balance was achieved for all but one covariate. While California experienced a significant decrease in the annual trend of cigarette sales after Proposition 99, there was no statistically significant treatment effect when compared to synthetic controls.ConclusionsThe advantage of using this framework over regression alone is that it ensures that a comparable control group is generated. Additionally, it offers a common set of statistical measures familiar to investigators, the capability for assessing covariate balance, and enhancement of the evaluation with a comprehensive set of postestimation measures. Therefore, this robust framework should be considered as a primary approach for evaluating treatment effects in multiple group time series analysis.
Household Optimism and Overborrowing
Authors: HYYTINEN ARI , PUTKURI HANNA 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe use Finnish household‐level data from 1994 to 2013 to measure how often and what kind of forecast errors households make and how the errors are linked to the households' borrowing behavior and overindebtedness. We find that those households that make the largest optimistic forecast errors have greater debt‐to‐income ratios. They also are more likely to report that they suffer from excessive debt loads and have problems in coping with their bills. There are no such systematic effects for the households that make pessimistic forecast errors.
Intersectoral Labor Immobility, Sectoral Comovement, and News Shocks
Authors: KATAYAMA MUNECHIKA , KIM KWANG HWAN 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSectoral comovement of output and hours worked is a prominent feature of business cycle data. However, most two‐sector neoclassical models fail to generate this sectoral comovement. We construct and estimate a two‐sector neoclassical Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DGSE) model generating sectoral comovement in response to both anticipated and unanticipated shocks. The key to our model's success is a significant degree of intersectoral labor immobility, which we estimate using data on sectoral hours worked. Furthermore, we demonstrate that imperfect intersectoral labor mobility provides a better explanation for the sectoral comovement than an alternative model emphasizing the role of labor‐supply wealth effects.
Corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐binding protein is up‐regulated by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and is secreted in an activity‐dependent manner in rat cerebral cortical neurons
Authors: Adachi Naoki , Suzuki Shingo , Matsuoka Hidetada , Fushimi Satoko , Ono Junichiro , Ohta Ken‐ichi , Hirai Yohei , Miki Takanori , Koshimizu Hisatsugu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA recent study revealed that corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) in the cerebral cortex (CTX) plays a regulatory role in emotional behaviors in rodents. Given the functional interaction between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the CRH‐signaling pathway in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, we hypothesized that BDNF may regulate gene expression of CRH and its related molecules in the CTX. Findings of real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) indicated that stimulation of cultured rat cortical neurons with BDNF led to marked elevations in the mRNA levels of CRH and CRH‐binding protein (CRH‐BP). The BDNF‐induced up‐regulation of CRH‐BP mRNA was attenuated by inhibitors of tropomyosin related kinase (Trk) and MEK, but not by an inhibitor for PI3K and Phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ). The up‐regulation was partially blocked by an inhibitor of lysine‐specific demethylase (KDM) 6B. Fluorescent imaging identified the vesicular pattern of pH‐sensitive green fluorescent protein‐fused CRH‐BP (CRH‐BP‐pHluorin), which co‐localized with mCherry‐tagged BDNF in cortical neurons. In addition, live‐cell imaging detected drastic increases of pHluorin fluorescence in neurites upon membrane depolarization. Finally, we confirmed that tetrodotoxin partially attenuated the BDNF‐induced up‐regulation of CRH‐BP mRNA, but not that of the protein. These observations indicate the following: In cortical neurons, BDNF led to gene expression of CRH‐BP and CRH. TrkB, MEK, presumably ERK, and KDM6B are involved in the BDNF‐induced gene expression of CRH‐BP, and BDNF is able to induce the up‐regulation in a neuronal activity‐independent manner. It is suggested that CRH‐BP is stored into BDNF‐containing secretory granules in cortical neurons, and is secreted in response to membrane depolarization.
image
Assessment of the efficacy of a new complex antisensitive skin cream
Authors: Wang Yinjuan , Viennet Céline , Jeudy Adeline , Fanian Ferial , He Li , Humbert Philippe 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundSensitive skin is frequently complaint in dermatology consultation with cutaneous manifestations such as stinging, redness, dryness, and burning sensation that affect the quality of life. Its pathogenesis is mainly related to dysfunction of neurosensory, skin barrier, and also immune activity. The treatment is generally based on continuous and topical therapy by nonirritating complex.ObjectiveTo evaluate the antisensitive function of a new complex cream composed by Yunnan Portulaca oleracea extract, Prinsepia utilis oil, beta‐glucan, and sodium hyaluronate extracted from mushroom.MethodsA randomized double‐blind and self‐control study was conducted on 20 selected volunteers with sensitive skin. Subjects applied the test cream to 1 side of the face, and the control cream (tolerance‐extreme cream) to the other side of the face, twice daily over 28 days. Evaluations were performed at baseline and at 28 days. Expert clinical grading of facial skin including dryness, roughness, desquamation, and erythema was assessed. Subject self‐assessment questionnaires, digital photography and noninvasive bioinstrumentation of hydration, transepidermal water loss, lipid index, skin texture, and wettability were also included in the study.ResultsProducts were well tolerated. For all parameters studied, no significant difference was observed between test and control creams. Results showed that test cream provided a statistically significant improvement in clinical grading scores for dryness, roughness, and erythema at 28 days compared to baseline. In addition, statistically significant improvement of skin hydration and texture parameters (eg, smoothness and roughness) was demonstrated. Volunteers’ questionnaire revealed self‐perceived benefits consistent with expert visual grading.ConclusionThis study confirmed the effectiveness and tolerance of the new complex cream in subjects with sensitive skin. The test cream could serve as a daily care moisturizer for face.
Assessment of the efficacy and tolerance of an innovative regenerative serum on cutaneous regeneration, following fractional laser procedure using Erbium:YAG
Authors: Jiménez Natalia , Hermosa Angela , de Miguel Laura , Sánchez‐Neila Natalia , Truchuelo Maria Teresa , Eraña Itziar , Cuevas Jesus 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIntroductionCutaneous regeneration, fractional laser, medical device, cellular proliferation cutaneous changes linked to photoaging are currently treated with physical treatments, such as fractional laser, which may induce epidermal alteration.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy and safety of a regenerative serum (Matricium®, Laboratoire Bioderma, France) after laser procedure.MethodsProspective, double‐blind, controlled, and randomized study in subjects with photoaged skin. The regenerative serum of treatment was used after a fractional laser session twice daily for 2 months on 1 side of the face and the placebo on the other side. The main variable to determine efficacy was the improvement of clinical signs and histological and immunological results.ResultsA superior quality of epidermal regeneration on the treated side compared to the placebo side was observed. Likewise, a superior and faster clinical improvement on static wrinkles was observed on the hemiface on which the regenerative serum was used. After 60 days, the investigator and the subjects observed a moderate to significant improvement of the skin on the treated side and a mild to moderate improvement on the placebo side.Histological examinations showed a superior thickness of epidermis and higher cellular proliferation rate (Ki67 markers) as well as a superior thickness of dermis with higher increase in elastin density with the regenerative serum compared to placebo.ConclusionThe use of the regenerative serum after fractional laser on the face accelerated and improved the cutaneous regeneration on both the clinical and histological level and maximized the benefits of the laser procedure.
Measuring exclusive breastfeeding social support: Scale development and validation in Uganda
Authors: Boateng Godfred O. , Martin Stephanie L. , Collins Shalean M. , Natamba Barnabas K. , Young Sera L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for at least 2 years. Social support has been widely recognized to influence breastfeeding practices. However, existing scales do not measure exclusive breastfeeding social support (EBFSS), rather they assess social support for any breastfeeding. Further, they are tailored towards high‐income settings. Therefore, our objectives were to develop and validate a tool to measure EBFSS in low‐income settings. To develop the scale, local and international breastfeeding experts were consulted on modifications to the Hughes' Breastfeeding Social Support Scale. It was then implemented in an observational cohort in Gulu, Uganda, at 1 (n = 238) and 3 (n = 237) months post‐partum (NCT02925429). We performed polychoric and polyserial correlations to remove redundant items and exploratory factor analysis at 1 month post‐partum to determine the latent factor structure of EBFSS. We further applied confirmatory factor analysis to assess dimensionality of the scale at 3 months post‐partum. We then conducted tests of predictive, convergent, and discriminant validity against EBF, self‐efficacy, general social support, and depression. The modification of the Hughes' scale resulted in 18 items, which were reduced to 16 after examining variances and factor loadings. Three dimensions of support emerged: Instrumental, Emotional, and Informational, with alpha coefficients of 0.79, 0.85, and 0.83, respectively. Predictive, convergent, and discriminant validity of the resultant EBFSS scale was supported. The EBFSS scale is valid and reliable for measuring EBFSS in northern Uganda and may be of use in other low‐income settings to assess determinants of EBF.