bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pay Referents and Satisfaction with Pay: Does Occupational Proximity Matter?
Authors: Georgellis Yannis , Garcia Stephen M. , Gregoriou Andros , Ozbilgin Mustafa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe explore whether employees compare their pay to the pay of others in a similarly prestigious occupation and, if so, whether this comparison has a negative impact on pay satisfaction. Using an experimental vignette methodology, Study 1 found that people are more inclined to compare with others from a similar or identical occupation and that comparison negatively impacts pay satisfaction. This comparison and its negative effect is particularly strong in high‐prestige occupations. Based on survey data, Study 2 also showed that the average pay of others in occupations of similar prestige is negatively correlated with employees’ pay satisfaction. This negative correlation was also stronger in higher‐prestige occupations. Our analysis highlights the importance of occupational prestige as a main factor influencing pay comparison.
Effects of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids on Markers of Inflammation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Controversial Issue
Authors: Hu Chun , Yang Ming , Zhu Xuejing , Gao Peng , Yang Shikun , Han Yachun , Chen Xianghui , Xiao Li , Yuan Shuguang , Liu Fuyou , Kanwar Yashpal S , Sun Lin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global problem which contributes to a significant morbidity and mortality in China. Concomitant inflammatory state further boosts the mortality due to cardiovascular events in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis. There is a general notion that Omega‐3 fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) have certain health benefits perhaps via the regulation of inflammation. However, the anti‐inflammatory effect of omega‐3 fatty acids in patients with CKD is controversial. We analyzed the data of oral supplementation of omega‐3 fatty acids in CKD patients by searching literature on database from inception to August 2016. The analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) derived from multiple databases, and the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids supplementation versus the control cohorts were compared. All of the data analysis was calculated by RevMan 5.2. A total of 12 RCTs involving 487 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Among them 254 patients received omega‐3 fatty acids and 233 patients served as controls who received placebo. The meta‐analysis revealed no statistical significance in serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) (SMD, −0.20; 95% CI, −0.44 to 0.05; P = 0.11), IL‐6 (SMD, 0.00; 95% CI, −0.33 to 0.33; P = 0.99) and TNF‐α (SMD, 0.14; 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.44; P = 0.38) between the omega‐3 fatty acids supplementation group and control. This suggested that there is insufficient evidence to conclude the benefit of omega‐3 fatty acids oral supplementation in reducing serum levels of CRP, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in patients with CKD.
Pathological diagnosis of pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: Inage Terunaga , Nakajima Takahiro , Fujiwara Taiki , Sakairi Yuichi , Wada Hironobu , Suzuki Hidemi , Iwata Takekazu , Chiyo Masako , Nakatani Yukio , Yoshino Ichiro 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundPulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a relatively rare subtype of lung malignancy. According to revised 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the pathological diagnosis of LCNEC, neuroendocrine markers must be examined by immunohistochemistry. In this study, we reevaluated endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) samples of patients previously diagnosed with LCNEC using the revised WHO criteria.MethodsClinical tissue samples that had been obtained by EBUS‐TBNA between January 2004 and December 2011, and that had been pathologically diagnosed as LCNEC according to the previous criteria, were reevaluated according to the revised WHO criteria.ResultsThe records of 471 lung cancer patients with mediastinal or hilar lymph node metastasis diagnosed by EBUS‐TBNA were analyzed. Thirteen patients were diagnosed with LCNEC; one of which was diagnosed based on cytology alone because the histological material was insufficient for a histological examination. Among the 12 cases in which a histological examination was performed, nine were diagnosed with possible LCNEC based on neuroendocrine marker positivity, while three were diagnosed with suspected LCNEC because they did not meet the immunostaining criteria. The patient who was cytologically diagnosed was found to have non‐small cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine morphology.ConclusionLCNEC could be pathologically diagnosed based on 2015 WHO criteria using EBUS‐TBNA samples.
Noninvasive phase mapping of persistent atrial fibrillation in humans: Comparison with invasive catheter mapping
Authors: Metzner Andreas , Wissner Erik , Tsyganov Alexey , Kalinin Vitaly , Schlüter Michael , Lemes Christine , Mathew Shibu , Maurer Tilmann , Heeger Christian‐Hendrik , Reissmann Bruno , Ouyang Feifan , Revishvili Amiran , Kuck Karl‐Heinz 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundA novel noninvasive epicardial and endocardial electrophysiology system (NEEES) to identify electrical rotors and focal activity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was recently introduced. Comparison of NEEES data with results from invasive mapping is lacking.MethodsSix male patients (59 ± 11 years) with persistent AF underwent cardiac mapping with the NEEES, which included the creation of isopotential and phase maps. Then patients underwent catheter mapping using a PentaRay NAV catheter and the CARTO 3 system. Signals acquired by the catheter were analyzed by customized software that applied the same phase mapping algorithm as for the NEEES data.ResultsIn all patients, noninvasive phase mapping revealed short‐lived electrical rotors occurring 1.8 ± 0.3 times per second and demonstrating 1–4 (mean 1.2 ± 0.6) rotation cycles. Most of these rotors (72.7%) aggregated in 2–3 anatomical clusters. In two patients, focal excitation from pulmonary veins was observed. Invasive catheter mapping in the dominant rotor aggregation sites and in the three control sites demonstrated the presence of electrical rotors with properties similar to noninvasively detected rotors. Spearman's correlation coefficient between rotor occurrence rate by noninvasive and invasive mapping was 0.97 (p < .0001). Mean rotors' cycle length at dominant aggregation sites, scores of their full rotations, and the proportion of rotors with clockwise rotation were not significantly different between the mapping modalities.ConclusionIn patients with persistent AF, phase processing of unipolar electrograms recorded by catheter mapping could reproduce electrical rotors as characterized by NEEES‐based phase mapping.
Comparison of the predictive accuracy of four different ECG algorithms in identification of true ablation site for the idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract tachycardias
Authors: Selcuk Mehmet Timur , Balci Kevser Gülcihan , Maden Orhan , Selcuk Hatice , Vicdan Murat , Kalender Erol , Balci Mustafa Mücahit 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the accuracy of four algorithms in prediction of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) tachycardias in patients who successfully underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation.MethodsFour algorithms; two with easy‐applicability and having a memorable design (Dixit and Joshi), and two with more complex and detailed design (Ito and Zhang) were compared according to the predictive accuracy.ResultsAmong 99 patients (mean age 36.5 ± 8.5 years, 39.4% male), there were 51 (51.5%) septal‐located and 48 (48.5%) free‐wall located RVOT tachycardia. Comparison of the predictive accuracy of the algorithms showed that Zhang (91.9%) was the best algorithm for prediction of either septal or free‐wall located tachycardia. The second best algorithm was the Ito (77.7%) compared to Dixit (75.8%) and Joshi (70.7%).ConclusionIn patients with RVOT tachycardia, algorithms with a detailed design may predict the arrhythmia location better than the easy‐applicable algorithms.
Dietary protein level affects nutrient digestibility and ileal microbiota structure in growing pigs
Authors: Qiu Kai , Zhang Xin , Jiao Ning , Xu Doudou , Huang Caiyun , Wang Yubo , Yin Jingdong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to determine whether dietary protein content influences pig health as indicated by ileal microbiota structure and coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients. Seventy‐two gilts, with an initial body weight of 29.9 ± 1.5 kg, were used in this 42‐day feeding study. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments of corn‐soybean meal contained 14, 16 or 18% crude protein (CP). As dietary CP content decreased, the CTTAD of most essential amino acids (AAs), except for arginine and histidine, increased linearly, while those of most nonessential AAs decreased linearly. The concentration of total short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) was higher in pigs fed the diet with 14% CP content than others. Ileal microbiota structure was changed by dietary treatments. In particular, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Tenericutes in ileal digesta decreased as the dietary protein content reduced, while that of cyanobacteria increased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Weeksella, Phaseolus acutifolius, Slackia, Sulfurimonas and Aerococcus showed significant differences among the three dietary treatments. In conclusion, ileal microbiota structure was changed by dietary protein content. Moderate reduction of protein intake can benefit gut health by enhancing the gut microbial fermentation and SCFA formation.
Characterization of adherence and persistence profile in a real‐life population of patients treated with adalimumab
Authors: Gendelman Omer , Weitzman Dahlia , Rosenberg Vered , Shalev Varda , Chodick Gabriel , Amital Howard 
Published: December 2017

AimsPublished data on long‐term adherence and persistence with adalimumab (Humira®) in clinical practice are scarce and often limited to selected patient populations. This study assessed adherence with adalimumab across different indications and identified correlates and outcomes of poor adherence.MethodsWe analysed data originating from the electronic database of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) that includes 2.1 million enrolees. We randomly selected patients with at least one dispense of adalimumab since it was included in the local health basket in Israel in 2008 until the end of 2013. Patients with the following indications (n = 1339) were included: Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PSA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriasis. Adherence with therapy was assessed by the medication possession ratio (MPR) during the follow‐up period.ResultsGood adherence (MPR ≥ 80%) was observed among 80% of study patients and was associated with lower risk for ≥1 hospitalization per year of follow‐up (adjusted‐OR = 1.94, 95% CI:1.15–3.28). Patients with AS and CD persisted on adalimumab therapy the most, reaching median use of 27.0 and 26.7 months, respectively. Half (52.4%) of the patients discontinued treatment during a mean (SD) follow‐up of 3.07 (1.71) years. High socioeconomic status was associated with lower risk for discontinuation (adjusted‐HR = 0.74; 0.60–0.91). UC and concomitant prednisolone use were associated with increased risk for treatment discontinuation (HR = 1.31; 1.00–1.72, and HR = 1.40; 1.17–1.68, respectively).ConclusionOur results indicate encouraging persistence and adherence with adalimumab of patients with inflammatory conditions.
Population exposure–safety analysis of cediranib for Phase I and II studies in patients with cancer
Authors: Al‐Huniti Nidal , Petersson Klas , Tang Weifeng , Masson Eric , Li Jianguo 
Published: December 2017

AimsA multistudy analysis of cediranib, a potent, selective inhibitor of all three vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR‐1, ‐2 and ‐3), was conducted to establish population exposure–safety models for the relationship of cediranib exposure to the safety endpoints, diastolic and systolic blood pressure (DBP and SBP) and diarrhoea in cancer patients. These models were applied to predict safety outcomes for different cediranib dose regimens.MethodsModels for hypertension and diarrhoea were constructed based on data from 10 Phase I and three Phase II studies comprising 631 cancer patients following cediranib once‐daily oral dosing. Daily DBP and SBP were simultaneously characterized using indirect response models for predicted cediranib concentration–time courses, while daily diarrhoea events were modelled as ordered categorical variables with a proportional odds model with a Markov element for predicted average cediranib concentrations.ResultsFor 20 mg cediranib once‐daily oral administration, the mean increase in DBP and SBP was predicted to be 7 (95% CI 3–13) and 8 mmHg (95% CI 3–16), respectively, while the probability of mild diarrhoea, but not the severity, was predicted to increase over time. Severe diarrhoea was predicted to be resolved rapidly upon discontinuation of cediranib treatment.ConclusionsMaximum blood pressure increase was observed within the first few days of cediranib treatment, consistent with the pharmacokinetic profile of cediranib reaching steady state in about 5 days. The probability of diarrhoea increased with cediranib concentration but was far more dependent on the status of diarrhoea predicted on the previous day.
‘Very‐low‐risk’ bladder tumours – a new entity?
Authors: Gofrit Ofer N. , Pode Dov , Pizov Galina , Duvdevani Mordechai , Landau Ezekiel H. , Hidas Guy , Yutkin Vladimir 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the homogeneity of the ‘low‐risk’ bladder cancer group in an attempt to optimise follow‐up protocols.Patients and MethodsBetween June 1998 and December 2008, 211 patients (mean [sd] age of 66.7 [12.8] years) underwent transurethral resection of low‐risk bladder cancer. Postoperative follow‐up included cystoscopy at 3 and 12 months after surgery, then annually for a total of 5 years, and then annual ultrasonography indefinitely.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 10 years, 65 patients (30.7%) developed tumour recurrence and three (1.4%) stage progressions. In all, 84 patients (40%) had tumours of ≤1 cm; these patients were significantly younger than patients with 1.1–3 cm tumours (64.6 vs 68.3 years, P = 0.03). Their 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rate was significantly higher (92% vs 70% in patients with larger tumours, P < 0.001). The median time to recurrence was 5.7 years in patients with smaller tumours and 3.6 years in patients with larger tumours (P = 0.03). Only 43.7% of the recurrences in patients with small tumours occurred within 5 years, compared to 75.5% in patients with larger tumours.ConclusionsPatients with low‐risk bladder cancer make an inhomogeneous group. They can be stratified according to tumour size. Patients with tumours of ≤1 cm are younger, have lower risk of tumour recurrence, and most of their recurrences arise beyond the recommended 5‐year surveillance period. It seems that these patients can be classified separately to a ‘very‐low‐risk’ group. Follow‐up in these cases can be based on prolonged non‐invasive evaluations.
Shorter preschool, leukocyte telomere length is associated with obesity at age 9 in Latino children
Authors: Kjaer T. W. , Faurholt‐Jepsen D. , Mehta K.M. , Christensen V. B. , Epel E. , Lin J. , Blackburn E. , Wojcicki J. M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the potential role of leukocyte telomere length as a biomarker for development of childhood obesity in a low‐income Latino population. A birth cohort of Latino children (N = 201) in San Francisco (recruited May 2006–May 2007) was followed until age 9 and assessed annually for obesity and dietary intake. Leukocyte telomere length was measured at 4 and 5 years (n = 102) and assessed as a predictor for obesity at age 9, adjusting for known risk factors. Furthermore, leukocyte telomere length at age 4 and 5 was evaluated as a possible mediator of the relationship between excessive sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption and obesity at age 9. Shorter leukocyte telomere length in preschoolers was associated with obesity at age 9 (adjusted odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.94) after adjustment for known risk factors. Telomere length mediated 11% of the relationship between excessive sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption and obesity. Shorter leukocyte telomere length may be an indicator of future obesity risk in high‐risk populations as it is particularly sensitive to damage from oxidative stress exposure, including those from sugar‐sweetened beverages.
Bigger or better: The relative benefits of protected area network expansion and enforcement for the conservation of an exploited species
Authors: Kuempel Caitlin D. , Adams Vanessa M. , Possingham Hugh P. , Bode Michael 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe global portfolio of protected areas is growing rapidly, despite widely recognized shortfalls in management effectiveness. Pressure to meet area‐coverage and management effectiveness objectives makes it essential to determine how limited conservation funds should be allocated between expanding protected area networks and better enforcing existing reserves. We formally explore this question for the particular case of an exploited species in a partially protected system, using a general model linking protection, enforcement and legal/illegal resource extraction. We show that, on average, funds should be disproportionately invested in enforcement rather than expansion. Further, expansion alone, without additional enforcement, can actually reduce conservation outcomes. To help guide future decisions, we calculate the optimal allocation of resources between these two actions given any current level of enforcement and protected area coverage. In most cases, simultaneously investing in expansion and enforcement is the optimal decision. However, in places with low enforcement and high protection, protected area contraction, or strategically concentrating enforcement effort, produces the greatest benefits.
Left ventricular outflow tract shape after aortic valve replacement with St. Jude Trifecta prosthesis
Authors: Barletta Giuseppe , Venditti Francesco , Stefano Pierluigi , Del Bene Riccarda , Di Mario Carlo 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundAortic prosthesis area (EOA) is computed by continuity equation from left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) derived from LV outflow tract diameter (LVOTD) or, when unmeasurable, from LV volumes (SVV). There is evidence to suggest LVOT ellipticity and recommend 3D LVOT area (LVOTCSA) adoption in aortic stenosis. We sought to evaluate if the same concept applies to supra‐annular aortic prosthesis comparing SV and EOA derived from LVOTD (EOAD) and from LVOTCSA (EOACSA). EOA computed from SVV (EAOV) accuracy was evaluated in this setting. Patient‐prosthesis mismatch (PPM) was compared among different EOA computations.MethodsA consecutive series of 202 patients (aged 81 ± 4 years, 43% males) underwent St.Jude Trifecta aortic valve replacement (AVR) and were followed up with echocardiography at one‐year (335 ± 31 days). All measurements followed the EACVI or ASE guidelines, 3D X‐plane modality was used to compute SVv and measure LVOTCSA; SV was calculated from LVOTD (SVD) and LVOTCSA (SVCSA). PPM was indexed EOA <0.65 cm²/m².ResultsLVOT showed a significant ellipticity index (1.17 ± .27), independent of prosthesis size. EOAD (1.70 ± 0.55 cm²) was less than EOACSA (1.95 ± 0.62 cm²) (P < .0001). SVV was significantly lower than SVD and SVCSA. Bland–Altman analysis showed a significant correlation between SVV and SVD or SVCSA although with large bias and imprecision. The correlations improved reducing bias and imprecision when LVOT time–velocity integral was <20 cm. PPM incidence was higher in EOAV (15.6%) compared to EOAD(P = .04) or EOACSA(P < .001).ConclusionsIn supra‐annular AVR, LVOT retains its elliptical shape and LVOTCSA yielded larger prosthesis EOA with lower PPM incidence. PPM may be overestimated by EOAV.
Habitat preferences and spring temperature‐related abundance of German wasp Vespula germanica in its northern range
Authors: Sorvari Jouni 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Global climate change causes range shifts in many insects. Urban areas and south‐facing slopes may provide a warmer environment for newcomers adapted to warmer climatic conditions. The German wasp (Vespula germanica, Fabricius, 1793), which is native to central and southern Europe, has been expanding its range into Southern Finland since 2001.

The association between the German wasp and its sister species, the common wasp (V. vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758), with urban areas was studied in three cities in Finland. In addition, the numbers of German wasp catches during 7 years on south‐ and north‐facing riverbank slopes in SW‐Finland were compared and the association with spring temperature was analysed.

The newcomer German wasp seemed to be associated with urban areas, while its sister species was associated with rural areas in two of the cities and urban areas in one of the three studied cities. In addition, the German wasp was more common in south‐facing than in north‐facing slopes of the river valley, while the direction of the slope was less important for the common wasp. Finally, the abundance of the German wasp but not the common wasp has increased with an increase in spring temperature.

The preference of the German wasp for urban habitats and south‐facing slopes in Finland may be because those habitats are usually warmer than their surroundings and the species is well adapted for urban environments. These environments can act as stepping stones in species’ range shifts driven by climate change.
Changes of the cell surface hydrophobicity of Lactobacillus acidophilus La‐5 in response to pH, temperature and inulin
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Petruzzi Leonardo , Speranza Barbara , Campaniello Daniela , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe main topic of this study was to study how cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) could change in response to pH, temperature and inulin; Lactobacillus acidophilus La‐5 was used as a model microorganism. pH, temperature, inulin and incubation time (exposure to prebiotic or incubation at pH 4.0 and 9.0) were combined through a full factorial design and a Central Composite Design; the results were analysed using a multifactorial anova (first step) and a stepwise regression (second step). Temperature and pH significantly affected CSH: an increase in the temperature determined a significant increase in CSH, whereas the correlation pH vs. CSH was negative, as an increase in pH caused a significant decrease in CSH. Inulin played a significant role, but its effect could be influenced by temperature, pH and exposure time. This study is the first approach on the effects of some environmental factors on CSH and suggests that the culturing conditions and/or the exposure to some prebiotics could modify it with positive or negative effects.