bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among attendees of a tertiary care dermatology clinic in Muscat, Oman
Authors: Al Alawi Mohammed , Al Sinawi Hamed , Al Qasabi Al Mutasim , Al Mamari Al Moatasem , Panchatcharam Sathiya Murthi , Al‐Adawi Samir 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundVarious studies have suggested that depression is more prevalent among patients with skin disorders than in the general population. Most of the studies addressing this subject involve Euro‐American populations.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with dermatological disorders and, then, to decipher the clinical–demographic factors associated with depressive symptoms.MethodsA cross‐sectional analytical study was conducted among a random sample of patients attending a dermatology clinic in Muscat. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) was used to screen for depressive symptoms. A logistic regression model was used to find the adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs).ResultsA total of 260 patients participated in this study, with a response rate of 81%. The prevalence of depression symptoms was 24%. According to regression analysis, family history of depression, comorbid medical disorders, and treatment with topicals or isotretinoin were significant predictors of depression (OR = 9.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.27–39.05, P = 0.002; OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.21, P = 0.05; OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.09–4.76, P = 0.028; and OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.08–7.19, P = 0.035, respectively).ConclusionThis study indicates that depressive symptoms are common among patients with dermatological disorders in Oman, particularly in those with a family history of depression and medical comorbidities, and those who use a specific dermatological medication. Screening for depression in patients attending dermatology clinics is essential in order to detect and promptly treat patients suffering from depression.
Intergroup anxiety and political loss: The buffering effects of believing in the open marketplace of ideas and openness to diverse political discussions
Authors: Hackett Justin D. , Gaffney Amber M. , Data Lauren 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe polarized divide in current U.S. politics continues to separate citizens and impede political decision‐making. Ameliorating this polarization may require addressing intergroup anxiety. The current work examines the buffering effect of endorsing the open marketplace of ideas and openness to engaging in political conversations with people who hold opposing political views on partisans' intergroup anxiety. In Study 1 (N = 319), openness to diverse political discussions negatively predicted postelection intergroup anxiety among Obama supporters in the 2012 U.S. election. Among Romney supporters, endorsement of the open marketplace and openness to diverse political discussions negatively predicted intergroup anxiety. Study 2 (N = 349 Democrats and Republicans), employed an experimental design and produced results consistent with Study 1. For Democrats and Republicans, openness to participating in political discussions characterized by multiple political perspectives was associated with reduced intergroup anxiety. Regardless of the threat of their candidate losing the 2016 election, Republicans (compared to Democrats) expressed reduced intergroup anxiety when endorsing the open marketplace of ideas and being open to engaging in diverse political discussions. Results are discussed in terms of contact theory within the context of the American political system.
Repeat ablation or medical management alone for recurrent arrhythmias after ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Barakat Amr F. , Wazni Oussama M. , Saliba Walid I. , Yzeiraj Edlira , Amuthan Ram , Abdur Rehman Karim , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Bassiouny Mohamed , Baranowski Bryan , Tchou Patrick , Bhargava Mandeep , Dresing Thomas , Callahan Thomas , Cantillon Daniel , Kanj Mohamed , Chung Mina , Lindsay Bruce D. , Hussein Ayman A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionManagement of persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF) remains challenging, and many patients are left on medical therapy after a failed first ablation. In patients with recurrent symptomatic arrhythmias after PersAF ablation, we aimed to compare outcomes of repeat ablation and medical therapy versus medical therapy alone.Methods and resultsAll 682 consecutive patients with recurrent symptomatic arrhythmia after a first ablation for PersAF at our institution (2005–2012) were included. Repeat ablation with continuation of medical therapy was performed in 364 patients (Group 1) and 318 were only medically managed (Group 2). The outcome of interest was freedom from arrhythmia recurrence beyond a 3‐month blanking period. Separate analyses were performed to assess this endpoint totally off antiarrhythmics (primary endpoint) or alternatively with/without use of antiarrhythmics (secondary endpoint). Over a median follow‐up of 26 months, 41.5% of Group 1 patients met the primary endpoint and remained free from arrhythmia recurrence off antiarrhythmics (vs. 14.5% in Group 2, P < 0.0001). At last follow‐up, antiarrhythmics continued to be required for rhythm control in 40.1% and 46.2% of patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.0001). The secondary endpoint was met in 60.2% versus 32.1% of patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.0001). In multivariable Cox analyses, repeat ablation was associated with significant reduction in arrhythmia recurrences compared to medical therapy alone (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35–0.65, P < 0.0001).ConclusionIn patients with recurrent symptomatic arrhythmia after ablation of PersAF, repeat ablation was associated with significant reduction in arrhythmia recurrences compared to routine medical therapy alone.
Central blood pressure variability is increased in hypertensive patients with target organ damage
Authors: de la Sierra Alejandro , Pareja Julia , Yun Sergi , Acosta Eva , Aiello Francesco , Oliveras Anna , Vázquez Susana , Armario Pedro , Blanch Pedro , Sierra Cristina , Calero Francesca , Fernández‐Llama Patricia 
Published: January 2018

We aimed to evaluate the association of aortic and brachial short‐term blood pressure variability (BPV) with the presence of target organ damage (TOD) in hypertensive patients. One‐hundred seventy‐eight patients, aged 57 ± 12 years, 33% women were studied. TOD was defined by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiogram, microalbuminuria, reduced glomerular filtration rate, or increased aortic pulse wave velocity. Aortic and brachial BPV was assessed by 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring (Mobil‐O‐Graph). TOD was present in 92 patients (51.7%). Compared to those without evidence of TOD, they had increased night‐to‐day ratios of systolic and diastolic BP (both aortic and brachial) and heart rate. They also had significant increased systolic BPV, as measured by both aortic and brachial daytime and 24‐hours standard deviations and coefficients of variation, as well as for average real variability. Circadian patterns and short‐term variability measures were very similar for aortic and brachial BP. We conclude that BPV is increased in hypertensive‐related TOD. Aortic BPV does not add relevant information in comparison to brachial BPV.
A patient‐specific approach to assessing blood pressure management in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease
Authors: Yim Jeffrey , Rabkin Simon W. 
Published: January 2018

The objective was to improve the management of patients with hypertension (HTN) and coronary artery disease (CAD), utilizing a model which integrates 3 determinants of coronary blood flow (CBF)—CAD severity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and left ventricular (LV) mass. We validated non‐parametric equations for CBF estimation in a consecutive patient sample (N = 81) with HTN and CAD. There was a highly significant correlation (r = .565; P < .01) between clinical DBP and estimated CBF. Greater LV mass and more severe CAD shifted the relationship towards less CBF at the same DBP. LV mass was more critical when DBP >70 mm Hg. Estimated changes in CBF at different DBP considering the severity of CAD and LV mass can be calculated. In summary, the severity of CAD from coronary CT or coronary angiography combined with LV mass from echocardiography permits clinicians to guide the extent of, or target for, DBP to avoid seriously compromising CBF.
RNA sequencing reveals distinct gene expression patterns during the development of parasitic larval stages of the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)
Authors: Eichner C , Dondrup M , Nilsen F 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), an ectoparasitic copepod on salmonids, has become a major threat for the aquaculture industry. In search for new drugs and vaccines, transcriptome analysis is increasingly used to find differently regulated genes and pathways in response to treatment. However, the underlying gene expression changes going along with developmental processes could confound such analyses. The life cycle of L. salmonis consists of eight stages divided by moults. The developmental rate of salmon lice on the host is not uniform. Individual‐ and sex‐related differences are found leading to individuals of unlike developmental status at same sampling time point after infection. In this study, we analyse L. salmonis from a time series by RNA sequencing applying a method of separating individuals of different instar age independent of sampling time point. Lice of four stages divided into up to four age groups within the stage were analysed in triplicate (total of 66 samples). Gene expression analysis shows that the method for sorting individuals was successful. Many genes show cyclic expression patterns over the moulting cycles. Overall gene expression differs more between lice of different age within the same stage than between lice of different stage but same instar age.
Albuminuria and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Georgakis Marios K. , Chatzopoulou Despoina , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Petridou Eleni Th. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo determine whether albuminuria, a marker of systemic endothelial dysfunction, is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).DesignSystematic review following the Meta‐analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines; independent reviewers searched Pubmed/Medline and Scopus, data were extracted, studies were evaluated on quality, and random‐effects models were implemented for meta‐analysis.SettingObservational studies quantifying an association between albuminuria and cerebralSVD.ParticipantsAdults.MeasurementsMagnetic resonance imaging–defined markers of cerebralSVD; white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), lacunar infarcts (LIs), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs).ResultsOf 31 eligible studies comprising 23,056 participants identified, 27 were included in quantitative synthesis. Most of the studies were cross‐sectional and of varying quality. On meta‐analysis, albuminuria was associated with greater risk ofWMHs (odds ratio (OR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–2.01; 13,548 subjects, 2,665 cases;I2 = 44%),LIs (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.49–2.31; 12,857 subjects, 998 cases;I2 = 27%),CMBs (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.30–2.43; 7,645 subjects; 748 cases;I2 = 39%), andEPVSs in the basal ganglia (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.02–3.09; 1,388 subjects, 399 cases;I2 = 37%) and centrum semiovale (OR = 3.27, 95%CI = 1.49–7.20; 1,146 subjects, 460 cases;I2 = 66%). Sensitivity analyses for high‐quality and general population studies, but also studies controlling for cardiovascular disease risk factors and renal function, confirmed the findings and resolved the moderate heterogeneity and publication bias that were evident in the overall analyses.ConclusionAlbuminuria is independently associated with cerebralSVD, indicating shared microvascular pathology in the kidney and the brain. The results suggest that peripheral systemic microvascular disease biomarkers could be useful in the evaluation of brain microvascular damage.
Spectroscopic identification of individual fluorophores using photoluminescence excitation spectra
Authors: CZERSKI J. , COLOMB W. , CANNATARO F. , SARKAR S.K. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe identity of a fluorophore can be ambiguous if other fluorophores or nonspecific fluorescent impurities have overlapping emission spectra. The presence of overlapping spectra makes it difficult to differentiate fluorescent species using discrete detection channels and unmixing of spectra. The unique absorption and emission signatures of fluorophores provide an opportunity for spectroscopic identification. However, absorption spectroscopy may be affected by scattering, whereas fluorescence emission spectroscopy suffers from signal loss by gratings or other dispersive optics. Photoluminescence excitation spectra, where excitation is varied and emission is detected at a fixed wavelength, allows hyperspectral imaging with a single emission filter for high signal‐to‐background ratio without any moving optics on the emission side. We report a high throughput method for measuring the photoluminescence excitation spectra of individual fluorophores using a tunable supercontinuum laser and prism‐type total internal reflection fluorescence microscope. We used the system to measure and sort the photoluminescence excitation spectra of individual Alexa dyes, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs), and fluorescent polystyrene beads. We used a Gaussian mixture model with maximum likelihood estimation to objectively separate the spectra. Finally, we spectroscopically identified different species of fluorescent nanodiamonds with overlapping spectra and characterized the heterogeneity of fluorescent nanodiamonds of varying size.
Comprehensive drug utilization review in neonates: liposomal amphotericin B
Authors: Silver Chirlie , Rostas Sara 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
This drug utilization evaluation aims to review current evidence on safety and efficacy of using liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) in newborns with candidiasis, and compare it to the conventional preparation. Conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate (DAMB) is more commonly used in newborns, but dose-limiting adverse effects may compromise its efficacy. This review will examine the advantages and disadvantages of liposomal amphotericin B and define its place in current practice.

Key Findings
The terms ‘AmBisome’ or ‘liposomal amphotericin B’ and ‘neonatal candidiasis’ were entered in both PubMed and Ovid; studies included focused on safety and efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B in newborns with candidiasis, as well as studies comparing the conventional and the liposomal formulations in newborns as monotherapy. Pertinent references obtained from this search were also included. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies were reviewed to include available data on dosing. Single case reports were not included in the review due to the limited conclusions that can be drawn from such sample sizes and quality of data.

Summary
Although liposomal amphotericin B may be better tolerated and as efficacious as the conventional formulation based on the published literature, the weakness of the studies available on the subject cannot be overlooked. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the true benefits of this medication.
Erectile dysfunction in cirrhosis is impacted by liver dysfunction, portal hypertension, diabetes and arterial hypertension
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Heinisch Birgit B. , Reiberger Thomas , Mandorfer Mattias , Schwarzer Remy , Seeland Berit , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Ferlitsch Arnulf 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough several risk factors for erectile dysfunction may be present in patients with cirrhosis, data on the actual prevalence and cause of erectile dysfunction is limited. The International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) is a well‐validated survey to determine the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction in men. We assessed (i) the prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction, and (ii) risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsIn this prospective study, erectile dysfunction was defined as: absent (>21 IIEF‐5‐points), mild (12‐21) and severe (5‐11). Patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy, active alcohol abuse, extrahepatic malignancy, previous urologic surgery, previous liver transplantation and severe cardiac conditions were excluded.ResultsAmong n = 151 screened patients, n = 41 met exclusion criteria and n = 30 were sexually inactive. Thus, a final number of n = 80 male patients with cirrhosis were included. Patient characteristics: age: 53 ± 9 years; model for end‐stage liver disease score (MELD): 12.7 ± 3.9; Child‐Pugh score (CPS) A: 30 (37.5%), B: 35 (43.8%), C: 15 (18.7%); alcohol: 38 (47.5%), viral: 25 (31.3%), alcohol/viral: 7 (8.8%) and others: 10 (12.5%). The presence of erectile dysfunction was found in 51 (63.8%) patients with 44 (55%) and 7 (8.8%) suffering from mild‐to‐moderate and moderate‐to‐severe erectile dysfunction. Mean MELD and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) were significantly higher in patients with erectile dysfunction (P = .021; P = .028). Child‐Pugh score C, MELD, creatinine, age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, low libido, low testosterone and high HVPG were associated with the presence of erectile dysfunction. Interestingly, beta‐blocker therapy was not associated with an increased risk. In multivariate models, arterial hypertension (OR: 6.36 [1.16‐34.85]; P = .033), diabetes (OR: 7.40 [1.31‐41.75]; P = .023), MELD (OR: 1.19 [1.03‐1.36]; P = .015) and increasing HVPG (n = 48; OR: 1.11 [1.002‐1.23]; P = .045) were independent risk factors for the presence of erectile dysfunction.ConclusionAbout two‐thirds of male patients with cirrhosis show erectile dysfunction. Severity of liver dysfunction, portal hypertension, arterial hypertension and diabetes were identified as risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
The emergence of co‐existing debt cycle regimes in an economic growth model
Authors: Lojak Benjamin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper aims to provide a modeling framework that keeps track of the interdependency between firms’ external financing structure and the state of the economy. Accordingly, it is based on the well‐known Kaleckian model which is combined with a modeling strategy of a sentiment index that was proposed by Franke (2012, 2014). The sentiment influences firms’ subjective sales expectations and thus their planned level of investment. As it turns out, the non‐linear model set‐up appears to be flexible in the sense that it is able to generate different interesting dynamic scenarios. It is shown that it may produce (a) sentiment‐driven business cycle fluctuations, including endogenously determined Minsky‐Koo‐kind recessions, and, more interestingly, (b) two distinct economic environments that exist contemporaneously: a ‘low‐’ and ‘high‐indebted’ regime.
Automated Analysis of Mobile LiDAR Data for Component‐Level Damage Assessment of Building Structures during Large Coastal Storm Events
Authors: Zhou Zixiang , Gong Jie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRapid assessment of building damages due to natural disasters is a critical element in disaster management. Although airborne‐based remote sensing techniques have been successfully applied in many postdisaster scenarios, automated building component‐level damage assessment with terrestrial/mobile LiDAR data is still challenging to achieve due to lack of reliable segmentation methods for damaged buildings. In this research, a novel building segmentation and damage detection approach is proposed to realize automated component‐level damage assessment for major building envelop elements including wall, roof, balcony, column, and handrail. The proposed approach first conducts semantic segmentation of building point cloud data using a rule‐based approach. The detected building components are then evaluated to determine if the components are damaged. The authors applied this method on a mobile LiDAR data set collected after Hurricane Sandy. The results demonstrate that the approach is capable of achieving 96% and 86% parsing accuracy for wall façades and roof facets, and obtain 82% and 78% of detection accuracy for damaged walls and roof facets.
Vulnerability of Interdependent Urban Infrastructure Networks: Equilibrium after Failure Propagation and Cascading Impacts
Authors: Lu Liqun , Wang Xin , Ouyang Yanfeng , Roningen Jeanne , Myers Natalie , Calfas George 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe functionality of modern cities relies heavily on interdependent infrastructure systems such as those for water, power, and transportation. Disruptions often propagate within and across physical infrastructure networks and result in catastrophic consequences. The reaction of communities to disasters (e.g., seeking alternative resource sources) may further transfer and aggravate the burden on surviving infrastructures, which may facilitate cascading secondary disruptions. Hence, a holistic analysis framework that integrates infrastructure interdependencies and human community behaviors is needed to evaluate a city's vulnerability to disruptions and to assess the impact of a disaster. To this end, we develop a game‐theoretical equilibrium model in a multilayer infrastructure network to systematically investigate the mutual influence between the infrastructures and the communities. Two types of infrastructure failure patterns are formulated to capture general network interdependencies; network equilibrium is extended into infrastructure and community systems to address redistribution of demand for life‐supporting resources; the societal impact of disasters is estimated based on communities’ resource demand loss, cost increase, as well as total infrastructure failures. A real‐world case study based on Maiduguri, Nigeria, is implemented to demonstrate the proposed model and algorithm, and to reveal insights.
Biomarkers for acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhosis: A prospective study
Authors: Jaques David A. , Spahr Laurent , Berra Gregory , Poffet Vincent , Lescuyer Pierre , Gerstel Eric , Garin Nicolas , Martin Pierre‐Yves , Ponte Belen 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTAimAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients. As serum creatinine is a poor marker of renal function in this population, we aimed to study the utility of several biomarkers in this context.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Serum creatinine (SCr), Cystatin C (CystC), NGAL and urinary NGAL, KIM‐1, protein, albumin and sodium were measured on three separate occasions. Renal resistive index (RRI) was obtained. We analyzed the value of these biomarkers to determine the presence of AKI, its aetiology [prerenal, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), or hepatorenal (HRS)], its severity and a composite clinical outcome at 30 days (death, dialysis and intensive care admission).ResultsWe included 105 patients, of which 55 had AKI. SCr, CystC, NGAL (plasma and urinary), urinary sodium and RRI at inclusion were independently associated with the presence of AKI. SCr, CystC and plasma NGAL were able to predict the subsequent development of AKI. Pre‐renal state showed lower levels of SCr, NGAL (plasma and urinary) and RRI. ATN patients had high levels of NGAL (plasma and urinary) as well as urinary protein and sodium. HRS patients presented an intermediate pattern. All biomarkers paralleled the severity of AKI. SCr, CystC and plasma NGAL predicted the development of the composite clinical outcome with the same performance as the MELD score.ConclusionsIn patients with decompensated cirrhosis, early measurement of renal biomarkers provides valuable information on AKI aetiology. It could also improve AKI diagnosis and prognosis.