bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The early postnatal nutritional intake of preterm infants affected neurodevelopmental outcomes differently in boys and girls at 24 months
Authors: Christmann Viola , Roeleveld Nel , Visser Reina , Janssen Anjo J.W.M. , Reuser Jolanda J.C.M. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , van Heijst Arno F.J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimThis study assessed whether increased amino acid and energy intake in preterm infants during the first week of life was associated with improved neurodevelopment at the corrected age (CA) of 24 months.MethodsWe evaluated preterm infants from two consecutive cohorts in 2004 (Cohort 1) and 2005 (Cohort 2) with different nutritional intakes in the Netherlands. Nutritional intake and growth were recorded until week 5 and after discharge. Neurodevelopment was determined using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development – Second Edition at a CA of 24 months.ResultsCompared to Cohort 1 (n = 56), Cohort 2 (n = 56) received higher nutritional intake during week 1 (p < 0.001). The weight gain in Cohort 2 was higher until week 5, especially among boys (p < 0.002). The mean Mental Developmental Index (MDI) scores did not differ, but Cohort 2 was associated with an increased chance of having an MDI ≥ 85, with an odds ratio of 6.4 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.5–27.4, among all girls with a higher protein intake (5.3, 1.2–23.3). The Psychomotor Developmental Index increased with increasing nutritional intake, especially among boys (β‐coefficient 3.1, 95% CI 0.2–6.0).ConclusionHigher nutritional intake was associated with different improvements in growth and neurodevelopment in boys and girls.
Effect of castration at 10 months of age on growth physiology and behavior of male feral beef cattle
Authors: Álvarez‐Rodríguez Javier , Albertí Pere , Ripoll Guillermo , Blasco Isabel , Sanz Albina 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis study compared the growth performance, plasma testosterone and cortisol levels around castration at 10 months of age, and plasma insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I concentration and flight speed, in intact bulls and steers from 10 to 21 months of age in a feral Spanish breed. Fourteen bulls (366.5 ± 48.5 kg live weight) were assigned at random to one of two treatments: surgically castrated (steers) or intact (bulls), and submitted to an identical fattening period. Steers reared until heavy live weights (21 months of age) grew slowly and had lower plasma IGF‐I concentrations than intact bulls. These differences were mainly highlighted the month after surgery (11 months of age) and the last part of the fattening period (from 19 to 21 months of age). After surgical castration (11 and 12 months of age), steers showed a tendency to display greater flight speed values than intact bulls but baseline plasma cortisol concentration did not differ between groups at this time. At the end, steers and bulls reached nearly similar temperament, as flight speed did not differ between them. The results confirm the role of IGF‐I as a key anabolic hormone in male beef cattle and thus it may reflect growth differences due to altered sex steroids production.
Activated Charcoal Haemoperfusion in the Treatment of Experimental Amitriptyline Poisoning in Pigs – The Effect on Amitriptyline Plasma Concentration and Haemodynamic Parameters
Authors: Jansen Tejs , Petersen Henrik , Malskær Cecilie M. , Gabel‐Jensen Charlotte , Dalhoff Kim , Eriksen Thomas , Belhage Bo , Hoegberg Lotte C. G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCoated activated charcoal haemoperfusion (CAC‐HP) is a well‐known treatment modality. Case reports have revealed conflicting results about the efficacy of CAC‐HP in the treatment of amitriptyline (AT) poisoning, and no randomized clinical trials have been identified in the literature. This study aimed at quantifying the efficacy of modern CAC‐HP as an adjunctive treatment of AT intoxication compared with standard care alone. Fourteen female Danish landrace pigs were randomized to either standard care or standard care plus 4 hr of CAC‐HP. The pigs were anaesthetized, and vital parameters were continuously recorded. Amitriptyline infusion (7.5 mg/kg) was completed in 20 min. Thirty minutes after AT infusion, activated charcoal was instilled orally in both groups. In the intervention group, CAC‐HP was initiated 60 min. after AT infusion. Blood and urine samples were collected as were vital parameters at specific time intervals. The protocol was approved by the Danish Experimental Animal Expectorate and complied with the NIH guide for care and use of laboratory animals. Data were managed according to the ARRIVE guidelines. No statistical significant differences between intervention and control groups were found when analysing for differences in AT levels in plasma at any time‐point. Furthermore, significant differences between the control and intervention groups in regard to vital parameters could not be found either. In our animal model, the addition of CAC‐HP did not improve the clearance of AT compared with standard treatment alone. We suggest that the effect of modern CAC‐HP as a treatment modality in AT‐poisoned human patients may be inadequate.
Biodistribution of Carbon Nanotubes in Animal Models
Authors: Jacobsen Nicklas Raun , Møller Peter , Clausen Per Axel , Saber Anne Thoustrup , Micheletti Christian , Jensen Keld Alstrup , Wallin Håkan , Vogel Ulla 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe many interesting physical and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) make it one of the most commercially attractive materials in the era of nanotechnology. Here, we review the recent publications on in vivo biodistribution of pristine and functionalized forms of single‐walled and multi‐walled CNT. Pristine CNT remain in the lung for months or even years after pulmonary deposition. If cleared, the majority of CNT move to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract via the mucociliary escalator. However, there appears to be no uptake of CNT from the GI tract, with a possible exception of the smallest functionalized SWCNT. Importantly, a significant fraction of CNT translocate from the alveolar space to the near pulmonary region including lymph nodes, subpleura and pleura (<7% of the pulmonary deposited dose) and to distal organs including liver, spleen and bone marrow (~1%). These results clearly demonstrate the main sites of long‐term CNT accumulation, which also includes pleura, a major site for fibre‐induced pulmonary diseases. Studies on intravenous injection show that CNT in blood circulation are cleared relatively fast with a half‐life of minutes or hours. The major target organs were the same as identified after pulmonary exposure with the exception of urine excretion of especially functionalized SWCNT and accumulation in lung tissue. Overall, there is evidence that CNT will primarily be distributed to the liver where they appear to be present at least one year after exposure.
Differential neurometabolite alterations in brains of medication‐free individuals with bipolar disorder and those with unipolar depression: a two‐dimensional proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Haiyun , Zhang Yinnan , Guan Jitian , Zhang Jie , Xu Chongtao , Shen Zhiwei , Xiao Bo , Liang Chunlian , Chen Kaiyuan , Zhang Jinling , Wu Renhua 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesBipolar disorder (BD) is a mental disorder characterized by periods of elevated mood and depression. Many individuals with BD are initially misdiagnosed and treated for unipolar depression (UD). In this study, we report direct comparisons between medication‐free individuals with BD and those with UD in terms of the neurometabolites in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), parietal cortex (PC), and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) of the brain.MethodsParticipants included medication‐free patients with BD or UD, and matched healthy controls. All patients were in the depressive state and had similar symptoms. All subjects were subjected to a multi‐voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy procedure with a 3.0 T GE Signa MR scanner. After post‐processing, the absolute concentrations of glycerophosphocholine + phosphocholine (GPC + PC), phosphocreatine + creatine (PCr + Cr), Glx (glutamate + glutamine), myo‐inositol (MI), and N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) from the above brain regions were compared across the three groups.ResultsPatients with BD showed significantly higher levels of Glx in their ACC, lower GPC + PC, PCr + Cr, MI, and NAA in their PC, and lower NAA in their mPFC, compared to healthy controls; patients with UD presented significantly lower levels of GPC + PC, PCr + Cr, and NAA in their PCC, and lower Glx in their mPFC. All analyzed brain metabolites, except Glx, were significantly lower in the PC of patients with BD, whereas levels of GPC + PC, PCr + Cr, and NAA were significantly reduced in the PCC of patients with UD.ConclusionsThese results add to the evidence of brain metabolite differences in brains of patients with UD and BD which may be of help in differentiating these two mood disorders.
A Semiparametric Model for VQTL Mapping
Authors: Hong Chuan , Ning Yang , Wei Peng , Cao Ying , Chen Yong 
Published: November 2016

Summary
Quantitative trait locus analysis has been used as an important tool to identify markers where the phenotype or quantitative trait is linked with the genotype. Most existing tests for single locus association with quantitative traits aim at the detection of the mean differences across genotypic groups. However, recent research has revealed functional genetic loci that affect the variance of traits, known as variability-controlling quantitative trait locus. In addition, it has been suggested that many genotypes have both mean and variance effects, while the mean effects or variance effects alone may not be strong enough to be detected. The existing methods accounting for unequal variances include the Levene's test, the Lepage test, and the D-test, but suffer from their limitations of lack of robustness or lack of power. We propose a semiparametric model and a novel pairwise conditional likelihood ratio test. Specifically, the semiparametric model is designed to identify the combined differences in higher moments among genotypic groups. The pairwise likelihood is constructed based on conditioning procedure, where the unknown reference distribution is eliminated. We show that the proposed pairwise likelihood ratio test has a simple asymptotic chi-square distribution, which does not require permutation or bootstrap procedures. Simulation studies show that the proposed test performs well in controlling Type I errors and having competitive power in identifying the differences across genotypic groups. In addition, the proposed test has certain robustness to model mis-specifications. The proposed test is illustrated by an example of identifying both mean and variances effects in body mass index using the Framingham Heart Study data.
Cost Analysis of Following Up Incomplete Low‐Risk Fetal Anatomy Ultrasounds
Authors: O'Brien Karen , Shainker Scott A. , Modest Anna M. , Spiel Melissa H. , Resetkova Nina , Shah Neel , Hacker Michele R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the clinical utility and cost of follow‐up ultrasounds performed as a result of suboptimal views at the time of initial second‐trimester ultrasound in a cohort of low‐risk pregnant women.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of women at low risk for fetal structural anomalies who had second‐trimester ultrasounds at 16 to less than 24 weeks of gestation from 2011 to 2013. We determined the probability of women having follow‐up ultrasounds as a result of suboptimal views at the time of the initial second‐trimester ultrasound, and calculated the probability of detecting an anomaly on follow‐up ultrasound. These probabilities were used to estimate the national cost of our current ultrasound practice, and the cost to identify one fetal anomaly on follow‐up ultrasound.ResultsDuring the study period, 1,752 women met inclusion criteria. Four fetuses (0.23% [95% CI 0.06–0.58]) were found to have anomalies at the initial ultrasound. Because of suboptimal views, 205 women (11.7%) returned for a follow‐up ultrasound, and one (0.49% [95% CI 0.01–2.7]) anomaly was detected. Two women (0.11%) still had suboptimal views and returned for an additional follow‐up ultrasound, with no anomalies detected. When the incidence of incomplete ultrasounds was applied to a similar low‐risk national cohort, the annual cost of these follow‐up scans was estimated at $85,457,160. In our cohort, the cost to detect an anomaly on follow‐up ultrasound was approximately $55,000.ConclusionsThe clinical yield of performing follow‐up ultrasounds because of suboptimal views on low‐risk second‐trimester ultrasounds is low. Since so few fetal abnormalities were identified on follow‐up scans, this added cost and patient burden may not be warranted.
Factors driving the use of dermoscopy in Europe: a pan-European survey
Authors: Forsea A.M. , Tschandl P. , del Marmol V. , Zalaudek I. , Soyer H.P. ,   Eurodermoscopy Working Group, Geller A.C. , Argenziano G. , Arenbergerova M. , Azenha A. , Blum A. , Bowling J.C. , Braun R.P. , Bylaite-Bucinskiene M. , Čabrijan L. , Dobrev H. , Hegy J. , Helppikangas H. , Hofmann-Wellenhof R. , Karls R. , Krumkachou U. , Kukutsch N. , McCormack I. , Mekokishvili L. , Nathansohn N. , Nielsen K. , Olah J. , Özdemir F. , Puig S. , Rubegni P. , Planinsek Rucigaj T. , Schopf T.R. , Sergeev V. , Stratigos A. , Thomas L. , Tiodorovic D. , Vahlberg A. , Zafirovik Z. 
Published: November 2016

Summary

Background
When used correctly, dermoscopy is an essential tool for helping clinicians in the diagnosis of skin diseases and the early detection of skin cancers. Despite its proven benefits, there is a lack of data about how European dermatologists use dermoscopy in everyday practice.

Objectives
To identify the motivations, obstacles and modifiable factors influencing the use of dermoscopy in daily dermatology practice across Europe.

Methods
All registered dermatologists in 32 European countries were invited to complete an online survey of 20 questions regarding demographic and practice characteristics, dermoscopy training and self-confidence in dermoscopic skills, patterns of dermoscopy use, reasons for not using dermoscopy and attitudes relating to dermoscopy utility.

Results
We collected 7480 valid answers, of which 89% reported use of dermoscopy. The main reasons for not using dermoscopy were lack of equipment (58% of nonusers) and lack of training (42%). Dermoscopy training during residency was reported by 41% of dermoscopy users and by 12% of nonusers (P &lt; 0·001). Dermatologists working in public hospitals were the least likely to use dermoscopy. High use of dermoscopy across the spectrum of skin diseases was reported by 62% of dermoscopy users and was associated with dermoscopy training during residency, the use of polarized light and digital dermoscopy devices, longer dermoscopy practice, younger age and female gender.

Conclusions
Expanding access to dermoscopy equipment, especially in public healthcare facilities and establishing dermoscopy training during dermatology residency would further enhance the substantially high dermoscopy use across European countries.
Motivation, strategy, and English as a foreign language vocabulary learning: A structural equation modelling study
Authors: Zhang Yining , Lin Chin‐Hsi , Zhang Dongbo , Choi Yunjeong 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundIn spite of considerable advancements in our understanding of the different factors involved in achieving vocabulary‐learning success, the overall pattern and interrelationships of critical factors involved in L2 vocabulary learning – particularly, the mechanisms through which learners regulate their motivation and learning strategies – remain unclear.AimsThis study examined L2 vocabulary learning, focusing on the joint influence of different motivational factors and learning strategies on the vocabulary breadth of adolescent learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in China.SampleThe participants were 107 tenth graders (68 females, 39 males) in China.MethodsThe data were collected via two questionnaires, one assessing students' motivation towards English‐vocabulary learning and the other their English vocabulary‐learning strategies, along with a test measuring vocabulary breadth.ResultsStructural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that learning strategy partially mediated the relationship between motivation (i.e., a composite score of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation) and vocabulary learning. Separate SEM analyses for intrinsic (IM) and extrinsic motivation (EM) revealed that there were significant and positive direct and indirect effects of IM on vocabulary knowledge; and while EM's direct effect over and above that of learning strategies did not achieve significance, its indirect effect was significant and positive.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that vocabulary‐learning strategies mediate the relationship between motivation and vocabulary knowledge. In addition, IM may have a greater influence on vocabulary learning in foreign‐language contexts.
Megakaryocytes from CYCS mutation‐associated thrombocytopenia release platelets by both proplatelet‐dependent and ‐independent processes
Authors: Ong Lily , Morison Ian M. , Ledgerwood Elizabeth C. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThrombocytopenia Cargeeg is a rare autosomal dominant disorder and one of three thrombocytopenias caused by mutation of cytochrome c (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man entry THC4). Our previous observations of platelet‐like structures in the marrow space and early platelet production in vitro suggested that the low platelet phenotype in Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects is caused by premature release of platelets into non‐vascular regions of the bone marrow. We now show that two processes of platelet release occur in Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects. Circulating platelets have a normal marginal microtubule coil, and cultured megakaryocytes derived from peripheral blood cells of Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects form proplatelets normally and release platelets containing a marginal microtubule coil, consistent with effective platelet release via the proplatelet mechanism. In contrast, platelet‐like structures within the extravascular bone marrow space have the dimensions of platelets but lack the marginal microtubule coil, suggesting abnormal proplatelet‐independent platelet release. The mechanism of extravascular platelet release remains unclear. The failure to recapitulate this mechanism in vitro implies that the phenotype is not simply an intrinsic property of CYCS mutation‐carrying megakaryocytes, but is dependent on the interaction between these cells and their environment.
Contract Innovation in Germany: An Economic Evaluation of Pacts for Employment and Competitiveness
Authors: Addison John T. , Teixeira Paulino , Evers Katalin , Bellmann Lutz 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPacts for employment and competitiveness are an integral component of the ongoing process of decentralization of collective bargaining in Germany, a phenomenon that has been hailed as key to that nation's economic resurgence. Yet little is known about the effects of pacts on firm performance. The evidence largely pertains to employment and is decidedly mixed. This article investigates the association between pacts and six outcome indicators using a framework in which the controls comprise establishments that negotiated over pacts but failed to reach agreement on their implementation. An extensive set of robustness checks are run to test the sensitivity of the key findings of the model. There is no suggestion of pacts negatively impacting any of the selected measures of establishment performance. Rather, the evidence points to some positive short‐ and medium‐run effects on firm average wages and possibly employment and innovation as well.
Prostatic urethral lift vs transurethral resection of the prostate: 2‐year results of the BPH6 prospective, multicentre, randomized study
Authors: Gratzke Christian , Barber Neil , Speakman Mark J. , Berges Richard , Wetterauer Ulrich , Greene Damien , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Chapple Christopher R. , Patterson Jacob M. , Fahrenkrug Lasse , Schoenthaler Martin , Sonksen Jens 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo compare prostatic urethral lift (PUL) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with regard to symptoms, recovery experience, sexual function, continence, safety, quality of life, sleep and overall patient perception.Patients and MethodsA total of 80 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled, non‐blinded study conducted at 10 European centres. The BPH6 responder endpoint assessed symptom relief, quality of recovery, erectile function preservation, ejaculatory function preservation, continence preservation and safety. Additional evaluations of patient perspective, quality of life and sleep were prospectively collected, analysed and presented for the first time.ResultsSignificant improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality of life (QoL), BPH Impact Index (BPHII), and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) were observed in both arms throughout the 2‐year follow up. Change in IPSS and Qmax in the TURP arm were superior to the PUL arm. Improvements in IPSS QoL and BPHII score were not statistically different between the study arms. PUL resulted in superior quality of recovery, ejaculatory function preservation and performance on the composite BPH6 index. Ejaculatory function bother scores did not change significantly in either treatment arm. TURP significantly compromised continence function at 2 weeks and 3 months. Only PUL resulted in statistically significant improvement in sleep.ConclusionPUL was compared to TURP in a randomised, controlled study which further characterized both modalities so that care providers and patients can better understand the net benefit when selecting a treatment option.
SECULAR MEAN REVERSION AND LONG‐RUN PREDICTABILITY OF THE STOCK MARKET
Authors: Zakamulin Valeriy 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe empirical financial literature reports evidence of mean reversion in stock prices and the absence of out‐of‐sample return predictability over horizons shorter than 10 years. Anecdotal evidence suggests the presence of mean reversion in stock prices and return predictability over horizons longer than 10 years, but thus far, there is no empirical evidence confirming such anecdotal evidence. The goal of this paper is to fill this gap in the literature. Specifically, using 141 years of data, this paper begins by performing formal tests of the random walk hypothesis in the prices of the real S&P Composite Index over increasing time horizons of up to 40 years. Although our results cannot support the conventional wisdom that the stock market is safer for long‐term investors, our findings speak in favor of the mean reversion hypothesis. In particular, we find statistically significant in‐sample evidence that past 15‐17 year returns are able to predict the future 15‐17 year returns. This finding is robust to the choice of data source, deflator, and test statistic. The paper continues by investigating the out‐of‐sample performance of long‐horizon return forecasting based on the mean‐reverting model. These latter tests demonstrate that the forecast accuracy provided by the mean‐reverting model is statistically significantly better than the forecast accuracy provided by the naive historical‐mean model. Moreover, we show that the predictive ability of the mean‐reverting model is economically significant and translates into substantial performance gains.