bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and the prevalence of nocturia in Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Dogo study
Authors: Furukawa Shinya , Sakai Takenori , Niiya Tetsuji , Miyaoka Hiroaki , Miyake Teruki , Yamamoto Shin , Maruyama Koutatsu , Tanaka Keiko , Ueda Teruhisa , Senba Hidenori , Torisu Masamoto , Minami Hisaka , Tanigawa Takeshi , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Miyake Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimNocturia is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but limited evidence regarding the association between body mass index (BMI) and nocturia exists among such patients. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to evaluate the association between BMI and nocturia among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsStudy participants were 809 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study participants were considered to have nocturia if they answered “two or more” to the question: “How many times do you typically wake up to urinate from sleeping at night until waking in the morning?” We used the following two outcomes: (i) moderate nocturia was defined as ≥2 voids per night; and (ii) severe nocturia was defined as ≥3 voids per night. Participants were categorized into four groups according to their BMI: (i) BMI <18.5; (ii) 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25; (iii) 25 ≤ BMI < 30; and (iv) BMI ≥30. Multiple logistical regression analysis for nocturia in relation to BMI was used, with the category of 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 as the reference.ResultsObesity (BMI ≥30) was independently positively associated with severe nocturia among elderly patients (age ≥65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but not among young and middle‐aged patients: the adjusted OR was 2.96 (95% CI 1.10–7.83). BMI was not associated with moderate nocturia in all patients.ConclusionsIn Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity was independently positively associated with severe nocturia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2460–2465.
Uterine tumour resembling ovarian sex cord tumour: first report of a large series with follow‐up
Authors: Moore Michelle , McCluggage W Glenn 
Published: June 2017

AimsUterine tumour resembling ovarian sex cord tumour (UTROSCT) is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis. While it is considered a neoplasm of uncertain but low malignant potential, there is limited evidence for this as there are no large studies with follow‐up. We aimed to determine the clinical behaviour of this uncommon neoplasm and investigate clinicopathological parameters which predict behaviour.Methods and resultsFrom a series of 34 cases of UTROSCT, mainly from consultation practice, we obtained follow‐up information which was obtained by contacting referring pathologists and clinicians. The follow‐up periods ranged from 6 to 135 months (mean 39 months). Eight of 34 patients (23.5%) developed extrauterine metastasis to a variety of sites, including pelvic and abdominal peritoneum, ovary, lymph nodes, bone, liver and lung, and three patients (8.8%) died of tumour. Those neoplasms which exhibited malignant behaviour occurred on average in older patients, and were larger and more likely to exhibit necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, cervical involvement, significant nuclear atypia and significant mitotic activity. However, only the presence of necrosis and significant mitotic activity was statistically significant.ConclusionsWhile our figure of 23.5% of cases exhibiting malignant behaviour may reflect some bias related to consultation practice our results show that, not uncommonly, these neoplasms have an aggressive clinical course with extrauterine metastasis. Given the overlap in pathological parameters between clinically benign and malignant neoplasms, UTROSCTs are all best regarded as potentially malignant.
The Early Cretaceous coal‐forming plants of southern part of East Siberia and Russian Far East
Authors: Bugdaeva Eugenia V. , Markevich Valentina S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFor the first time the plants that gave rise to the Early Cretaceous coals of Transbaikalia (Khilok, Chita‐Ingoda, Bukachacha, and Turga‐Kharanor basins), Amur River region (Bureya Basin), and Primorye region (Razdolnaya River and Partizansk River basins) have been obtained. The plants that produced coals mainly belong to the ginkgoaleans (Pseudotorellia, Sphenobaiera, and Baierella), bennettites, and conifers having pinaceous, taxodiaceous, araucariaceous affinity, as well as extinct cheirolepidiaceous and miroviaceous plants. A parallel palynological study has identified a number of the same elements in addition to the cyatheaceous, gleicheniaceous, osmundaceous, and schizaeaceous ferns.
Additive manufacturing of periodic ceramic substrates for automotive catalyst supports
Authors: Santoliquido Oscar , Bianchi Giovanni , Dimopoulos Eggenschwiler Panayotis , Ortona Alberto 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to revolutionize engineering because of its advantages in the product development phase. The revolution consists in the new approach of components’ design by function and no longer by manufacturability. This is the motivation driving authors to design and realize by additive manufacturing a new catalyst support for automotive exhausts which is no longer constrained by the industrial manufacturing methods and thus allows an optimized flow of the exhaust gasses. This work presents a new class of periodic cellular ceramic substrates. To authors’ knowledge this is the first time such kind of structures are employed in the automotive field. After a review the different ceramic AM techniques which are currently utilized in the production of highly complex ceramic architectures, the most suited one was selected and several samples were produced by AM. They were finally characterized via microscopic analysis (SEM, CT) compression tests revealing the best printing configuration for their mechanical behavior.
IL‐25 in allergic inflammation
Authors: Xu Miao , Dong Chen 
Published: June 2017

SummaryIL‐25, also known as IL‐17E, is a member of the IL‐17 cytokine family mostly produced by epithelial cells and innate immune cells. After binding to the IL‐17RB/IL‐17RA complex, IL‐25 induces downstream signaling responses in epithelial cells and type 2 lymphocytes, which initiates, propagates, and sustains type 2 immunity. The function of IL‐25 in allergic diseases such as asthma has been well established, and now also is extended to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This review summarizes the literature on IL‐25 and discusses the unsolved questions. Our knowledge on IL‐25 will pave the pathway for targeting this cytokine in inflammatory diseases.
Accuracy of food photographs for quantifying food servings in a lunch meal setting among Danish children and adults
Authors: Biltoft‐Jensen A. , Holmgaard Nielsen T. , Hess Ygil K. , Christensen T. , Fagt S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundVisual aids, such as food photographs, are widely used in estimating food quantities in dietary surveys. The present study aimed to assess how accurately Danish adults and children can estimate food portion sizes using 37 series of photographs illustrating four to six different portion sizes under real‐life conditions; determine whether adults were more accurate than children; and estimate the error caused by using portion size photographs to estimate weights of foods consumed in macronutrient calculation.MethodsSix hundred and twenty‐two adults and 109 children were recruited in three workplace canteens and in two schools, respectively, to estimate their lunchtime portions based on photographs. Participants were instructed to keep the foods separated on their plate when taking lunch. Participants thereafter estimated their own portions by looking at the relevant series of photographs. The actual food portions were then weighed.ResultsThe proportion of correct estimations was 42% overall (range 19–77%). The mean difference (%) between estimated and actual weight was 17% (range 1–111%). Small portion size photographs were more often used correctly compared to larger portion photographs. Children had as many correct estimations as adults, although they overestimated portions more. Participants using fractions of (or more than) one photograph to estimate the portion of a food had significantly larger errors. When calculating the macronutrient content of a weekly menu using the estimated portion sizes, protein had the largest error (29%).ConclusionsWhen used in a real‐life situation, the portion size photographs validated in the present study showed a certain inaccuracy compared to the actual weights.
The Effects of Briefly Interrupting Marital Conflict
Authors: Gottman John M. , Tabares Amber 
Published: June 2017

This study examined couples’ (N = 94) behavior resulting from two proximal change interventions. One was a spousal “compliments intervention” to increase positivity, and the other was a “criticize intervention” to increase negativity. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two intervention conditions or a control group. There was no main effect in affect from the pretest conflict discussion to the posttest conflict discussion between the interventions or control group. However, a manipulation check on how couples acted during either intervention produced a significant interaction effect. Pretest affect during conflict and marital satisfaction significantly predicted couples’ construal of the intervention. Professionals may need to monitor how couples use specific interventions and direct the processes how the intervention is construed by the couple.
Expectations and policies in deflationary recessions
Authors: Colombo Luca , Weinrich Gerd 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we use a non‐tâtonnement dynamic macroeconomic model to study the role of inventories, expectations and wages in the business cycle. Following a restrictive monetary shock, by amplifying spillover effects inventories may imply that the economy converges to a deflationary locally stable Keynesian underemployment state. The model is applied to evaluate economic policies like quantitative easing as well as the effectiveness of holding inflationary expectations to recover to full employment. If inflationary expectations are not sufficient, imposing downward rigidity of nominal wages helps to exit from the recession.
Drilling into the functional significance of stereopsis: the impact of stereoscopic information on surgical performance
Authors: Al‐Saud Loulwa M. , Mushtaq Faisal , Mirghani Isra'a , Balkhoyor Ahmed , Keeling Andrew , Manogue Michael , Mon‐Williams Mark A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeOne suggested advantage of human binocular vision is the facilitation of sophisticated motor control behaviours via stereopsis – but little empirical evidence exists to support this suggestion. We examined the functional significance of stereopsis by exploring whether stereopsis is used to perform a highly skilled real‐world motor task essential for the occupational practice of dentistry.MethodsWe used a high fidelity virtual reality simulator to study how dentists’ performance is affected by the removal of horizontal retinal image disparities under direct and indirect (mirror) observation. Thirteen qualified dentists performed a total of four different dental tasks under non‐stereoscopic and stereoscopic vision conditions, with two levels of task complexity (direct and indirect observation) using a virtual reality dental simulator.ResultsDepth related errors were significantly higher under non‐stereoscopic viewing but lateral errors did not differ between conditions. Indirect observation led to participants drilling less of the target area compared to direct viewing, but this did not interact with the stereopsis manipulation.ConclusionsThe data confirm that dental practitioners use stereopsis and its presence results in improved dental performance. It remains to be determined whether individuals with stereo‐deficits can compensate adequately. Nevertheless, these findings suggest an important role for stereopsis within at least one occupation and justify the design of simulators with 3D displays.
Rare PDCD11 variations are not associated with risk of schizophrenia in Japan
Authors: Hoya Satoshi , Watanabe Yuichiro , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Nunokawa Ayako , Kaneko Naoshi , Muratake Tatsuyuki , Shinmyo Naofumi , Otsuka Ikuo , Okuda Shujiro , Inoue Emiko , Igeta Hirofumi , Shibuya Masako , Egawa Jun , Orime Naoki , Sora Ichiro , Someya Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2017

AimRare gene variations are thought to confer substantial risk for schizophrenia. We performed a three‐stage study to identify rare variations that have a strong impact on the risk of developing schizophrenia.MethodsIn the first stage, we prioritized rare missense variations using whole‐exome sequencing (WES) data from three families, consisting of a proband, an affected sibling, and parents. In the second stage, we performed targeted resequencing of the PDCD11 coding region in 96 patients. In the third stage, we conducted an association study of rare PDCD11 variations with schizophrenia in a total of 1357 patients and 1394 controls.ResultsVia WES, we identified two rare missense PDCD11 variations, p.(Asp961Asn) and p.(Val1240Leu), shared by two affected siblings within families. Targeted resequencing of the PDCD11 coding region identified three rare non‐synonymous variations: p.(Asp961Asn), p.(Phe1835del), and p.(Arg1837His). The case–control study demonstrated no significant associations between schizophrenia and four rare PDCD11 variations: p.(Asp961Asn), p.(Val1240Leu), p.(Phe1835del), and p.(Arg1837His).ConclusionOur data do not support the role of rare PDCD11 variations in conferring substantial risk for schizophrenia in the Japanese population.
Flood Risk Management: Exploring the Impacts of the Community Rating System Program on Poverty and Income Inequality
Authors: Noonan Douglas S. , Sadiq Abdul‐Akeem A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFlooding remains a major problem for the United States, causing numerous deaths and damaging countless properties. To reduce the impact of flooding on communities, the U.S. government established the Community Rating System (CRS) in 1990 to reduce flood damages by incentivizing communities to engage in flood risk management initiatives that surpass those required by the National Flood Insurance Program. In return, communities enjoy discounted flood insurance premiums. Despite the fact that the CRS raises concerns about the potential for unevenly distributed impacts across different income groups, no study has examined the equity implications of the CRS. This study thus investigates the possibility of unintended consequences of the CRS by answering the question: What is the effect of the CRS on poverty and income inequality? Understanding the impacts of the CRS on poverty and income inequality is useful in fully assessing the unintended consequences of the CRS. The study estimates four fixed‐effects regression models using a panel data set of neighborhood‐level observations from 1970 to 2010. The results indicate that median incomes are lower in CRS communities, but rise in floodplains. Also, the CRS attracts poor residents, but relocates them away from floodplains. Additionally, the CRS attracts top earners, including in floodplains. Finally, the CRS encourages income inequality, but discourages income inequality in floodplains. A better understanding of these unintended consequences of the CRS on poverty and income inequality can help to improve the design and performance of the CRS and, ultimately, increase community resilience to flood disasters.
Testing for HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 among blood donors in Western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and cost considerations
Authors: Hindawi S. , Badawi M. , Fouda F. , Mallah B. , Mallah B. , Rajab H. , Madani T. A. 
Published: June 2017

SUMMARYBackgroundScreening all blood donors for human T‐cell lymphotropic viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV 1 and HTLV 2) is mandatory in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results and costs associated with the current testing policy for HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 in blood donors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah.Study designs and methodsDonor‐testing results from Blood Transfusion Services at KAUH were reviewed over a 10‐year period, from January 2006 through December 2015. All donors were screened using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Reactive samples were then tested by Western blot for confirmation. Costs associated with testing were calculated.ResultsData of 107 419 donations in the study period were reviewed. Saudi nationals constituted 51 168 donors (47·6%). Of 107 419 blood donors tested for HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 antibody, and 95 (0·088%) donors were reactive to screening tests. None of the samples found to be reactive to screening tests was positive by Western blot. The average cost of testing was US$ 171 870 per year.ConclusionNo donors were confirmed to have HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 in this cohort exceeding 100 000 donors. We propose changes to the policy mandating universal testing by replacing it with universal leukodepletion coupled with targeted screening to donors coming from endemic area or donors at risk. Such changes are expected to lead to a reduction of testing cost without affecting safety.
Racing an Opponent: Alteration of Pacing, Performance, and Muscle-Force Decline but Not Rating of Perceived Exertion
Authors: Konings Marco J. , Parkinson Jordan , Zijdewind Inge , Hettinga Florentina J. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Performing against a virtual opponent has been shown to invite a change in pacing and improve time-trial (TT) performance. This study explored how this performance improvement is established by assessing changes in pacing, neuromuscular function, and perceived exertion. Methods: After a peak-power-output test and a familiarization TT, 12 trained cyclists completed two 4-km TTs in randomized order on a Velotron cycle ergometer. TT conditions were riding alone (NO) and riding against a virtual opponent (OP). Knee-extensor performance was quantified before and directly after the TT using maximal voluntary contraction force (MVC), voluntary activation (VA), and potentiated doublet-twitch force (PT). Differences between the experimental conditions were examined using repeated-measures ANOVAs. Linear-regression analyses were conducted to associate changes in pacing to changes in MVC, VA, and PT. Results: OP was completed faster than NO (mean power output OP 289.6 ± 56.1 vs NO 272.2 ± 61.6 W; P = .020), mainly due to a faster initial pace. This was accompanied by a greater decline in MVC (MVC pre vs post −17.5% ± 12.4% vs −11.4% ± 10.9%, P = .032) and PT (PT pre vs post −23.1% ± 14.0% vs −16.2% ±11.4%, P = .041) after OP than after NO. No difference between conditions was found for VA (VA pre vs post −4.9% ± 6.7% vs −3.4% ± 5.0%, P = .274). Rating of perceived exertion did not differ between OP and NO. Conclusion: The improved performance when racing against a virtual opponent was associated with a greater decline in voluntary and evoked muscle force than riding alone, without a change in perceived exertion, highlighting the importance of human–environment interactions in addition to one’s internal state for pacing regulation and performance.
Knowledge of and Willingness to Try Acupuncture for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: An Australian Survey of Surgical Patients
Authors: Weeks Evan M , Trinca Jane , Zheng Zhen 
Published: June 2017

Introduction Level 1 evidence supports the use of acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, to date, very few hospitals in Western countries have incorporated this technique into their management strategies. Objective To conduct a survey to establish patients’ knowledge and opinions of acupuncture as a treatment option for the management of PONV in a large Western teaching hospital that did not offer acupuncture. Methods Over a 4-week period, a self-completed, anonymous questionnaire survey was distributed to 171 consecutive patients attending the preadmission clinic pending surgery. Results Overall, 161 participants met the selection criteria and completed the survey (100%). The majority of them had a European background (88.8%) and were over 40 years old (87.6%). Seventy-eight participants (48%) had a history of nausea and vomiting and 39 (24%) had suffered from PONV. One hundred and four (65%) and 110 (68%) patients, respectively, stated that they would be willing to try acupuncture in hospital or at home following surgery to prevent or reduce PONV. Only 25 (15.5%) participants knew that acupuncture could be used to treat nausea and vomiting; however, 140 (87%) indicated that they would be willing to try the therapy after being informed of the potential benefit of acupuncture for PONV prevention/reduction. Those with previous experience of acupuncture were ~3.9 times more likely to be willing to use acupuncture for PONV than those without. Conclusion Patients attending an Australian tertiary hospital showed an overwhelming interest in acupuncture to manage PONV. This provides strong support for the potential implementation of acupuncture in an acute hospital setting.
Corneal collagen cross-linking in paediatric patients affected by keratoconus
Authors: Knutsson Karl Anders , Paganoni Giorgio , Matuska Stanislav , Ambrosio Oriella , Ferrari Giulio , Zennato Arianna , Caccia Michela , Rama Paolo 
Published: June 2017

Background/aimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in paediatric patients.MethodsFifty-two eyes of 43 paediatric patients with progressive keratoconus were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Corneal CXL was performed using a conventional technique with instillation of 0.1% riboflavin solution containing dextran 20% for 30 min during the soaking phase and during the 30 min ultraviolet A irradiation (3 mW/cm2). Visual outcomes, topographic keratometry, maximum keratometry (K-max), refractive astigmatism, demarcation line and endothelial cell density were measured postoperatively.ResultsA significant decrease of K-max from 59.30±7.08 to 57.07±6.46 (p<0.001) was observed 2 years after treatment. Uncorrected visual acuity improved from 0.59±0.41 LogMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle resolution) to 0.46±0.33 LogMAR (p=0.06) 2 years after the procedure, while best spectacle corrected visual acuity improved from 0.17±0.11 LogMAR to 0.15±0.12 LogMAR (p=0.17). Twenty-five eyes had K-max values of 60 dioptres (D) or greater. In this subgroup, K-max significantly decreased from 64.94±4.99 D to 62.25±4.42 D at 2 years (p<0.001). The demarcation line of the CXL treatment had a mean value of 249±74 µm and did not show a significant correlation with K-max flattening (Spearman r=0.019, p=0.899). Endothelial cell density remained stable 2 years after the procedure, changing from 2800±363 to 2736±659 cells/mm2 (p=0.90).ConclusionCXL is an effective treatment for avoiding keratoconus progression in paediatric patients. The procedure is safe and successful in stabilising keratoconus in eyes with more advanced forms of the disease, characterised by topographic K-max values greater than 60 D.