bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and application of an economic model (EQUIPTMOD) to assess the impact of smoking cessation
Authors: Coyle Kathryn , Coyle Doug , Lester‐George Adam , West Robert , Nemeth Bertalan , Hiligsmann Mickael , Trapero‐Bertran Marta , Leidl Reiner , Pokhrel Subhash ,   on behalf of the EQUIPT Study Group
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsAlthough clear benefits are associated with reducing smoking, there is increasing pressure on public health providers to justify investment in tobacco control measures. Decision‐makers need tools to assess the Return on Investment (ROI)/cost‐effectiveness of programmes. The EQUIPT project adapted an ROI tool for England to four European countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Hungary). EQUIPTMOD, the economic model at the core of the ROI tool, is designed to assess the efficiency of packages of smoking cessation interventions. The objective of this paper is to describe the methods for EQUIPTMOD and identify key outcomes associated with continued and cessation of smoking.MethodsEQUIPTMOD uses a Markov model to estimate life‐time costs, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and life years associated with a current and former smoker. It uses population data on smoking prevalence, disease prevalence, mortality and the impact of smoking combined with associated costs and utility effects of disease. To illustrate the tool's potential, costs, QALYs and life expectancy were estimated for the average current smoker for five countries based on the assumptions that they continue and that they cease smoking over the next 12 months. Costs and effects were discounted at country‐specific rates.ResultsFor illustration, over a life‐time horizon, not quitting smoking within the next 12 months in England will reduce life expectancy by 0.66, reduce QALYs by 1.09 and result in £4961 higher disease‐related health care costs than if the smoker ceased smoking in the next 12 months. For all age–sex categories, costs were lower and QALYs higher for those who quit smoking in the 12 months than those who continued.ConclusionsEQUIPTMOD facilitates assessment of the cost effectiveness of smoking cessation strategies. The demonstrated results indicate large potential benefits from smoking cessation at both an individual and population level.
Clinical and histological responses of human dental pulp to MTA and combined MTA/treated dentin matrix in partial pulpotomy
Authors: Mehrvarzfar Payman , Abbott Paul V. , Mashhadiabbas Fatemeh , Vatanpour Mehdi , Tour Savadkouhi Sohrab 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the responses of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and combined MTA/treated dentin matrix (TDM) as direct pulp capping material. In this clinical trial study, 33 intact third molars in 11 healthy volunteers (three molars in each) were included. Partial pulpotomies were performed in a split mouth manner in two of the third molars in each patient randomly and the third tooth had used as TDM source. The coronal dentin was chopped to dentine chips and transformed to TDM using different concentrations of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. Pulps were directly capped by MTA alone or using a combination layering of MTA/TDM. Following 6‐week clinical and radiological evaluations, each tooth was extracted and prepared for histological evaluation. There were no significant differences in the clinical and radiographic responses or in the quality of dentin bridges (P > 0.05). However, the dentin bridge was significantly thicker in MTA/TDM group than MTA group (P = 0.003). Using the combination of MTA/TDM as a pulp‐dressing agent may form a thicker dentin bridge compared to MTA alone.
Pretreatment ethyl glucuronide levels predict response to a contingency management intervention for alcohol use disorders among adults with serious mental illness
Authors: McDonell Michael Gerard , Leickly Emily , McPherson Sterling , Skalisky Jordan , Hirchak Katherine , Oluwoye Oladunni , Srebnik Debra , Roll John Michael , Ries Richard Kirkland 
Published: August 2017

Background and ObjectivesThis study investigated if pretreatment ethyl glucuronide (EtG) levels corresponding to light (100 ng/mL), heavy (500 ng/mL), and very heavy (1,000 ng/mL) drinking predicted longest duration of alcohol abstinence (LDA) and proportion of EtG‐negative urine tests in outpatients receiving a 12‐week EtG‐based contingency management (CM) intervention for alcohol dependence.MethodsParticipants were 40 adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorders and serious mental illness who submitted up to 12 urine samples for EtG analysis during a 4‐week observation period and were then randomized to 12‐weeks of CM for alcohol abstinence and addiction treatment attendance. Alcohol use outcomes during CM as assessed by EtG and self‐report were compared across those who did and did not attain a pre‐treatment average EtG level of 500 ng/mL—a level that equates to frequent heavy drinking.ResultsOnly the 500 ng/mL cutoff was associated with significant differences in LDA and proportion of EtG‐negative samples during CM. Those with a pre‐treatment EtG < 500 ng/mL attained a LDA 2.3 (alcohol) to 2.9 (drugs) weeks longer than pre‐treatment heavy drinkers.Discussion and ConclusionsThe EtG biomarker can be used to determine who will respond to a CM intervention for alcohol use disorders and could inform future trials that are designed to be tailored to individual patients.Scientific SignificanceResults suggest pre‐treatment EtG cutoffs equivalent to heavy and very heavy drinking predict outcomes in CM. (Am J Addict 2017;26:673–675)
Nonmedical versus medical marijuana use among three age groups of adults: Associations with mental and physical health status
Authors: Choi Namkee G. , DiNitto Diana M. , Marti Carl Nathan 
Published: August 2017

Background and ObjectiveGiven that 29 U.S. states now have laws allowing medical marijuana use, this study examined mental and physical health correlates of medical versus nonmedical marijuana use among three age groups of adults (18–29, 30–49, and 50+).MethodsData came from the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (N = 36,309 respondents aged 18+). Logistic regression models were used to examine age group differences in associations of substance use and mental disorders and health conditions with medical versus nonmedical marijuana use.ResultsOf all respondents, 9.74% (N = 3,784) reported past‐year marijuana use. Of all past‐year marijuana users, 11.03% (n = 445) reported medical use. Medical marijuana use rates were higher among the 50–64 age group (17.95%) than younger adults, and 32.88% of medical users, compared to 25.25% of nonmedical users, had past‐year marijuana use disorder. The odds of medical marijuana use were higher among those with marijuana use disorder (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.40–2.50) and personality disorder (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.03–1.94), with no age group differences. However, older adults with alcohol use disorder and sleep problems and middle‐age adults with arthritis had diminished odds of having used medical marijuana relative to young adults.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceGiven the high rates of marijuana use disorder among medical users, physicians should exercise caution in recommending marijuana for medical purposes, especially for younger adults. More research is needed on medical marijuana's safety and efficacy for patients at risk of marijuana use disorder. (Am J Addict 2017;26:697–706)
Wildlife crime promoted by weak governance
Authors: Salum Juma , Eustace Abraham , Malata Pius F. , Mbangwa Obeid F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWildlife crime such as illegal hunting of elephants and rhinos is currently one of the major issues in conservation. In order to combat poaching, law enforcement is essential. Here, we reviewed wildlife cases from the Northern Zone Anti‐Poaching Unit, Arusha, Tanzania (APU‐Arusha), focusing on the types of wildlife offence committed, prosecution outcomes and the sentences awarded to the offenders who were found guilty by the courts. Eighty‐two registered cases were thoroughly reviewed. The majority of wildlife offences committed were unlawful possession of, and failure to report, government trophies. It was found that only 16% of the accused were found guilty, 6% were acquitted, 30% of the charges were withdrawn, and 48% of the cases were discharged by the director of public prosecution (DPP) or magistrate. The poor conviction rate was attributed to weak evidence, failure of the prosecution to prove cases beyond reasonable doubt, lack of cooperation between the zonal game office and the DPP, and in some cases, the accused jumped their bails. Understanding the factors which allow individuals to continue to engage in poaching and the factors that promote the practice of good governance is vital in trying to stop wildlife crimes.
Converting forests to agriculture decreases body size of Carabid assemblages in Zambia
Authors: Chungu Donald , Stadler Jutta , Brandl Roland 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBody size affects both intraspecific and interspecific competition. Land‐use affects such interactions within assemblages of species and should, therefore, also change the size structure of these assemblages. In particular one expects a decrease of mean body size with disturbances. We compared interspecific size structure of carabid assemblages between agricultural fields (frequent disturbances) and forests in Zambia using pitfall traps operated across 1 year. Mean body length across species co‐occurring within sites in agricultural fields was significantly smaller than in natural forests. Furthermore, in both habitats, we found evidence for ecological clustering in respect to body size, although in forests, body size differences between adjacent‐sized species tended to be overdispersed. We also found a positive relationship between log10‐transformed body length and log10‐transformed activity abundance in forests, suggesting competitive asymmetries between large and small species. Overall, these observations suggest that the size structure of carabid assemblages depends on disturbances as well as competitive interactions. Such interactions seem to be, however, of lower importance within agricultural fields.
Comparing the accuracy of maternal, clinical, and ultrasound estimations to predict birthweight: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Goto Eita 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionAccurate prediction of birthweight prior to delivery is necessary to establish periconceptional strategies to reduce the rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study was performed to determine whether maternal, clinical, or ultrasound estimation provides the best predictor of birthweight.Material and methodsMeta‐analysis was performed to summarize the relative ratios of the rate of one of maternal, clinical, and ultrasound estimation within 10% of actual birthweight to that of each of the others within the same range and the difference in correlation coefficient of actual birthweight between clinical and ultrasound estimations. Study quality was assessed with regard to the representativeness of participants, verification bias, and review bias. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test.ResultsThirty‐seven relatively good quality studies were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in the rates of estimates within 10% of actual birthweight between clinical and maternal estimations (n = 8 and p = 0.491) or between ultrasound and maternal estimations (n = 6 and p = 0.568), or in the correlation coefficient of actual birthweight with ultrasound estimation compared with clinical estimation (n = 5 and p = 0.621). However, the rate of ultrasound estimations within 10% of actual birthweight was significantly higher than that of clinical estimations (n = 18 and p = 0.033). The data showed no publication bias (p = 0.058–0.854).ConclusionsUltrasound estimation may be the best predictor of birthweight.
Changes in medical management and colectomy rates: a population‐based cohort study on the epidemiology and natural history of ulcerative colitis in Örebro, Sweden, 1963‐2010
Authors: Eriksson C. , Cao Y. , Rundquist S. , Zhulina Y. , Henriksson I. , Montgomery S. , Halfvarson J. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundWhether the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) has changed during recent decades is partly unknown.AimTo depict temporal trends in the epidemiology and medical treatment of UC as well as the long‐term risk of progression in disease extent and colectomy, during 1963‐2010.MethodsPatients were identified by evaluation of all medical records in the archive of the Colitis Clinic, Örebro University Hospital. Comparisons were made between three time periods, 1963‐1975, 1976‐1990 and 1991‐2005.ResultsThe annual age‐standardised incidence increased from 3.5 to 18.5 per 100 000 during the study period (P < .01). Correspondingly, the prevalence increased from 44 to 474 per 100 000 between 1965 and 2010. A higher proportion of males than females had extensive colitis at diagnosis (odds ratio: 1.55; 95% CI 1.17‐2.05; P < .01). The risk for progression in disease extent was 34.5% and 18.5% at 10 years, for patients with proctitis and left‐sided colitis, respectively (P < .01). The use of 5‐aminosalicylates, within 10 years, rise from 79% to 92% between 1963‐1975 and 1976‐1990 (P < .01). Thiopurine use increased from 7% in 1976‐1990 to 34% during 1991‐2005 (P < .01). The colectomy rate at 10 years was 13.5% (95% CI 11.1%‐15.8%), and the risk was lower among patients diagnosed in 1991‐2005 compared to 1963‐1975 (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.61; 95% CI 0.39‐0.94; P = .02).ConclusionThe incidence and prevalence of UC increased over time, and the observed prevalence in 2010 is among the highest reported. In parallel, a decrease in colectomy rates was observed during the most recent decades, potentially reflecting improved medical treatment.
Non‐invasive assessment of culture media from goat cloned embryos associated with subjective morphology by gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy‐based metabolomic analysis
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Li , Zhang Guo‐Min , Jia Ruo‐Xin , Wan Yong‐Jie , Yang Hua , Sun Ling‐Wei , Han Le , Wang Feng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPre‐implantation embryo metabolism demonstrates distinctive characteristics associated with the development potential of embryos. We aim to determine if metabolic differences correlate with embryo morphology. In this study, gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS)‐based metabolomics was used to assess the culture media of goat cloned embryos collected from high‐quality (HQ) and low‐quality (LQ) groups based on morphology. Expression levels of amino acid transport genes were further examined by quantitative real‐time PCR. Results showed that the HQ group presented higher percentages of blastocysts compared with the LQ counterparts (P < 0.05). Metabolic differences were also present between HQ and LQ groups. The culture media of the HQ group showed lower levels of valin, lysine, glutamine, mannose and acetol, and higher levels of glucose, phytosphingosine and phosphate than those of the LQ group. Additionally, expression levels of amino acid transport genes SLC1A5 and SLC3A2 were significantly lower in the HQ group than the LQ group (P < 0.05, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first report which uses GC‐MS to detect metabolic differences in goat cloned embryo culture media. The biochemical profiles may help to select the most in vitro viable embryos.
Level‐2 perspectives computed quickly and spontaneously: Evidence from eight‐ to 9.5‐year‐old children
Authors: Elekes Fruzsina , Varga Máté , Király Ildikó 
Published: August 2017

It has been widely assumed that computing how a scene looks from another perspective (level‐2 perspective taking, PT) is an effortful process, as opposed to the automatic capacity of tracking visual access to objects (level‐1 PT). Recently, adults have been found to compute both forms of visual perspectives in a quick but context‐sensitive way, indicating that the two functions share more features than previously assumed. However, the developmental literature still shows the dissociation between automatic level‐1 and effortful level‐2 PT. In the current paper, we report an experiment showing that in a minimally social situation, participating in a number verification task with an adult confederate, eight‐ to 9.5‐year‐old children demonstrate similar online level‐2 PT capacities as adults. Future studies need to address whether online PT shows selectivity in children as well and develop paradigms that are adequate to test preschoolers’ online level‐2 PT abilities.
Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Adults can access how objects appear to others (level‐2 perspective) spontaneously and online

Online level‐1, but not level‐2 perspective taking (PT) has been documented in school‐aged children

What the present study adds?

Eight‐ to 9.5‐year‐olds performed a number verification task with a confederate who had the same task

Children showed similar perspective interference as adults, indicating spontaneous level‐2 PT

Not only agent‐object relations but also object appearances are computed online by eight‐ to 9.5‐year‐olds
Outcomes in 370 patients with mantle cell lymphoma treated with ibrutinib: a pooled analysis from three open‐label studies
Authors: Rule Simon , Dreyling Martin , Goy Andre , Hess Georg , Auer Rebecca , Kahl Brad , Cavazos Nora , Liu Black , Yang Shiyi , Clow Fong , Goldberg Jenna D. , Beaupre Darrin , Vermeulen Jessica , Wildgust Mark , Wang Michael 
Published: August 2017

SummaryIbrutinib is highly active in treating mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), an aggressive B‐cell lymphoma. We pooled data from three ibrutinib studies to explore the impact of baseline patient characteristics on treatment response. Patients with relapsed/refractory MCL (n = 370) treated with ibrutinib had an objective response rate (ORR) of 66% (20% complete response; 46% partial response); median duration of response (DOR), progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 18·6, 12·8 and 25·0 months, respectively. Univariate analyses showed patients with one versus >one prior line of therapy had longer OS. Multivariate analyses identified that one prior line of therapy affected PFS; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, simplified MCL international prognostic index (sMIPI) score, bulky disease, and blastoid histology affected OS and PFS. Patients with blastoid versus non‐blastoid histology had similar time to best response, but lower ORR, DOR, PFS and OS. OS and PFS were longer in patients with better sMIPI, patients with ECOG performance status 0–1, non‐bulky disease and non‐blastoid histology. Additionally, the proportion of patients with poor prognostic factors increased with increasing lines of therapy. Together, results suggest that patient outcomes following treatment failure with ibrutinib are related to the natural biological evolution of the disease.
Early‐stage Hodgkin lymphoma outcomes after combined modality therapy according to the post‐chemotherapy 5‐point score: can residual pet‐positive disease be cured with radiotherapy alone?
Authors: Milgrom Sarah A. , Pinnix Chelsea C. , Chuang Hubert , Oki Yasuhiro , Akhtari Mani , Mawlawi Osama , Garg Naveen , Gunther Jillian R. , Reddy Jay P. , Smith Grace L. , Rohren Eric , Hagemeister Frederick B. , Lee Hun J. , Fayad Luis E. , Dong Wenli , Osborne Eleanor M. , Abou Yehia Zeinab , Fanale Michelle , Dabaja Bouthaina S. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryEarly‐stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients are evaluated by an end‐of‐chemotherapy positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (eoc‐PET‐CT) after doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD) and before radiation therapy (RT). We determined freedom from progression (FFP) in patients treated with ABVD and RT according to the eoc‐PET‐CT 5‐point score (5PS). Secondarily, we assessed whether patients with a positive eoc‐PET‐CT (5PS of 4–5) can be cured with RT alone. The cohort comprised 174 patients treated for stage I‐II HL with ABVD and RT alone. ABVD was given with a median of four cycles and RT with a median dose of 30·6 Gy. Five‐year FFP was 97%. Five‐year FFP was 100% (0 relapses/98 patients) for patients with a 5PS of 1–2, 97% (2/65) for a 5PS of 3, 83% (1/8) for a 5PS of 4, and 67% (1/3) for a 5PS of 5 (P < 0·001). Patients with positive eoc‐PET‐CT scans who were selected for salvage RT alone had experienced a very good partial response to ABVD. Risk factors for recurrence in this subgroup included a small reduction in tumour size and a ‘bounce’ in ≥1 PET‐CT parameter (reduction then rise from interim to final scan). Thus, a positive eoc‐PET‐CT is associated with inferior FFP; however, appropriately selected patients can be cured with RT alone.
Longitudinal Trajectories of Family Functioning Among Recent Immigrant Adolescents and Parents: Links With Adolescent and Parent Cultural Stress, Emotional Well‐Being, and Behavioral Health
Authors: Lorenzo‐Blanco Elma I. , Meca Alan , Piña‐Watson Brandy , Zamboanga Byron L. , Szapocznik José , Cano Miguel Ángel. , Cordova David , Unger Jennifer B. , Romero Andrea , Des Rosiers Sabrina E. , Soto Daniel W. , Villamar Juan A. , Pattarroyo Monica , Lizzi Karina M. , Schwartz Seth J. 
Published: August 2017

This study examined longitudinal effects of adolescent and parent cultural stress on adolescent and parent emotional well‐being and health behaviors via trajectories of adolescent and parent family functioning. Recent immigrant Latino adolescents (Mage = 14.51) and parents (Mage = 41.09; N = 302) completed measures of these constructs. Latent growth modeling indicated that adolescent and parent family functioning remained stable over time. Early levels of family functioning predicted adolescent and parent outcomes. Baseline adolescent cultural stress predicted lower positive adolescent and parent family functioning. Latent class growth analyses produced a two‐class solution for family functioning. Adolescents and parents in the low family functioning class reported low family functioning over time. Adolescents and parents in the high family functioning class experienced increases in family functioning.
Serum chemerin levels are inversely associated with renal function in a general population
Authors: Zylla Stephanie , Rettig Rainer , Völzke Henry , Endlich Karlhans , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele 
Published: August 2017

SummaryObjectiveChemerin has been found to be highly expressed in the kidneys of rodents and has been suggested to affect metabolic syndrome (MetS)‐related phenotypes which are in turn related to kidney damage. Only few clinical studies have addressed the relation between circulating chemerin and renal function in humans, and no population‐based analyses have yet been performed. The potential influence of MetS‐related phenotypes on the assumed association has been largely neglected. We aimed to investigate the association of serum chemerin with renal function in a general population with special regard to possible interactions between chemerin and metabolic phenotypes.Design, patients and measurementsLinear and logistic regression models were applied to analyse data from 4082 subjects of the German Study of Health in Pomerania. Main outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine and cystatin C and chronic kidney disease.ResultsInverse associations of chemerin with eGFR were observed. The components of the MetS emerged as modulating factors in this relation and enhanced the association. Logistic regression models confirmed the relation between chemerin and eGFR and revealed that each increase in chemerin per 25 ng/mL was associated with an about threefold higher odds of chronic kidney disease [odds ratio 2.72 (95% confidence interval 2.26‐3.29)].ConclusionsOur results demonstrate a strong inverse association between serum chemerin levels and renal function. This association might be explained by MetS‐related phenotypes, which lead to renal damage and are associated with increased chemerin levels and/or an impaired renal elimination of chemerin by diseased kidneys.