bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Costs of Alcohol and Drug Problems Across Cities and Counties in California
Authors: Miller Ted R. , Nygaard Peter , Gaidus Andrew , Grube Joel W. , Ponicki William R. , Lawrence Bruce A. , Gruenewald Paul J. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundEstimates of economic and social costs related to alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and abuse are usually made at state and national levels. Ecological analyses demonstrate, however, that substantial variations exist in the incidence and prevalence of AOD use and problems including impaired driving, violence, and chronic disease between smaller geopolitical units like counties and cities. This study examines the ranges of these costs across counties and cities in California.MethodsWe used estimates of the incidence and prevalence of AOD use, abuse, and related problems to calculate costs in 2010 dollars for all 58 counties and an ecological sample of 50 cities with populations between 50,000 and 500,000 persons in California. The estimates were built from archival and public‐use survey data collected at state, county, and city levels over the years from 2009 to 2010.ResultsCosts related to alcohol use and related problems exceeded those related to illegal drugs across all counties and most cities in the study. Substantial heterogeneities in costs were observed between cities within counties.ConclusionsAOD costs are heterogeneously distributed across counties and cities, reflecting the degree to which different populations are engaged in use and abuse across the state. These findings provide a strong argument for the distribution of treatment and prevention resources proportional to need.
Alcohol Use Patterns and DSM‐5 Alcohol Use Disorder on Both Sides of the U.S.‐Mexico Border
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Ye Yu , Lown E. Anne , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Zemore Sarah , Borges Guilherme 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAlcohol consumption patterns on the U.S.–Mexico border and their relationships with DSM‐5 alcohol use disorders (AUD) have been understudied. Yet, the effects of drinking by Mexican‐origin individuals may differ between cities on versus off the border both in the United States and in Mexico. We characterize prior 12‐month drinking patterns and examine their relationships with AUD, in border and off‐border cities of Texas and adjacent Mexican states.MethodsData come from the U.S.–Mexico Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions involving 2,336 Mexican Americans in Texas and 2,460 Mexicans in bordering states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas in Mexico. Drinking pattern was defined as an interaction between volume and maximum amount, or intensity (never vs. ever 5+/4+ [men/women], 8+, and 12+ drinks in a day). DSM‐5 AUD was assessed using an adaptation of the Alcohol Section of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview core. Separately by gender, 5 logistic regressions models controlling for age were estimated predicting symptoms in 2 or more AUD criteria domains from volume, heavy pattern and, successively, effects of country, and (by country) residing on vs. off the border, or in each of 3 cities/country.ResultsA segmentation analysis for Texas males based on rate of experiencing AUD generated several distinct volume groups, each partitioned by an empirically selected maximum, and helped identify a drinking‐pattern typology. In gender‐stratified models of AUD rates using this typology, adjusting for age, significant volume and intensity effects were seen, more strongly in the United States. Border versus interior differences implied more AUD for given patterns at the border in the United States and the reverse in Mexico, with some city differences also evident.ConclusionsDrinking‐pattern analyses confirm that border proximity may affect drinking problems but in opposite directions in the United States and Mexico, possibly related to economic and psychological stresses specific to respective communities.
Body condition as a quantitative tool to guide hand‐rearing decisions in an endangered seabird
Authors: Morten J. M. , Parsons N. J. , Schwitzer C. , Holderied M. W. , Sherley R. B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe use of wildlife rehabilitation for conservation is growing, but quantitative criteria are rarely used to guide whether and when to remove animals from the wild. Since 2006, large numbers of African penguin Spheniscus demersus chicks have been abandoned annually when adults enter moult with dependent young still in the nest. As part of conservation initiatives for this endangered species, these chicks were collected and hand reared to fledging age. Post‐release survival has been well documented; in this study we develop models to predict survival of individuals during rehabilitation with the aim of improving hand‐rearing success and guiding the use of scarce resources. For 1455 chicks abandoned between 2008 and 2013, we assessed whether a chick body condition index (BCI) could predict outcome (death or release) and time spent in rearing. In addition, for a subset of 173 chicks in 2012, we assessed whether BCI at admission influenced chick growth rates during rehabilitation and examined whether the use of additional structural measurements and sex provided additional power to predict outcome. Models predicted an 82.9% (95% confidence interval: 73.3–89.5%) release rate for chicks admitted with a BCI >0, the proposed guideline for removal from colonies. This fell below 50% for BCIs < −1.05; 66% of chicks were admitted with BCIs between these thresholds. Adding bill length to BCI improved the relative model fit, but in both cases only ~70% of rehabilitation outcomes were correctly predicted. Chicks that grew more quickly were more likely to be released and, for those that were released, had lower BCI at admission suggesting compensatory growth. Chicks were generally removed at an appropriate time to ensure successful hand‐rearing. However, 32% were admitted in good condition, highlighting the importance of using adaptive management to guide wildlife rehabilitation and the allocation of conservation resources.
An investigation into the effects of real vs. stimulated cases and level of experience on the distribution of visual attention during induction of general anaesthesia
Authors: Grundgeiger T. , Klöffel C. , Mohme S. , Wurmb T. , Happel O. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryIn anaesthesia, patient simulators have been used for training and research. However, insights from simulator‐based research may only translate to real settings if the simulation elicits the same behaviour as the real setting. To this end, we investigated the effects of the case (simulated case vs. real case) and experience level (junior vs. senior) on the distribution of visual attention during the induction of general anaesthesia. We recorded eye‐tracking data from 12 junior and 12 senior anaesthetists inducing general anaesthesia in a simulation room and in an actual operating room (48 recordings). Using a classification system from the literature, we assigned each fixation to one of 24 areas of interest and classified the areas of interest into groups related to monitoring, manual, and other tasks. Anaesthetists gave more visual attention to monitoring related areas of interest in simulated cases than in real cases (p = 0.001). We observed no effect of the factor case for manual tasks. For other tasks, anaesthetists gave more visual attention to areas of interest related to other tasks in real cases than in simulated cases (p < 0.001). Experience level did not have an effect on the distribution of visual attention. The results showed that there were differences in the distribution of visual attention by between real and simulated cases. Therefore, researchers need to be careful when translating simulation‐based research on topics involving visual attention to the clinical environment.
Functional benefits and patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty – evaluated by objective and subjective outcome measures
Authors: Jacobsen Agnes Galbo , Brost Brian , Vorum Henrik , Hargitai Janos 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the functional benefits and patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty in patients meeting the Danish visitation guidelines for upper blepharoplasty from the Danish Health and Medicines Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen).MethodsBefore and 3 months after upper blepharoplasty, the following investigations were made: (i) a standard eye examination, (ii) photographic documentation with a normal camera and the infrared camera of a Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomograph and (iii) measurements of the upper visual fields using the blepharoptosis test of Octopus 900. Along with the pre‐ and postoperative examinations, the patients completed a questionnaire concerning the functional and psychosocial impact of their eyelids.ResultsNinety eyelids of 45 patients were studied, 34 females and 11 males. The mean age was 56.9 years (SD: 12.8). The mean change in the distance between the upper eyelid skin fold and the visual axis or the marginal reflex distance (MRD), depending on which was lowest, was 1.6 mm (SD: 0.8 mm) for the right eyelids and 1.2 (SD: 0.9 mm) for the left eyelids. The mean improvement in the upper visual field was 31.3% points for the right eyelids (SD: 21.4% points) and 28.3% points for the left eyelids (SD: 24.9% points). A statistically significant correlation between the preoperative distance from skin fold to visual axis/MRD and the pre‐ and postoperative visual field was found. The patients reported an improvement in their symptoms postoperatively. All subjects were satisfied with the postoperative result and would undergo the surgery again if they had to make the choice again.ConclusionPatients meeting the Danish visitation guidelines for upper blepharoplasty experience a measurable improvement in function and alleviation of symptoms after blepharoplasty.
Photochemical eradication of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus by blue light activation of riboflavin
Authors: Makdoumi Karim , Goodrich Ray , Bäckman Anders 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeTo compare elimination of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by exposure of blue light alone and with riboflavin.MethodsA reference strain of MRSA was cultured and diluted in PBS with and without riboflavin (0.01%). Fifteen microlitre was added on a microscope slide, creating a fluid layer with a thickness of around 400 microns. Both of the bacterial suspensions were exposed to blue light, and the effect between exposure with and without riboflavin was compared. Evaluation involved two different wavelengths (412 and 450 nm) of blue light with a lower (5.4 J/cm2) and higher dose (approximately 28.5 J/cm2). The effect of 412 nm light was also evaluated for a thicker fluid layer (1.17 mm). After exposure, colony‐forming units (CFUs) were determined for each solution. All measurements were repeated eight times.ResultsThe reductions in bacteria were similar for both wavelengths. With riboflavin, a statistically significant elimination was observed for both 412 and 450 nm (p < 0.001). At both dosages, the mean reduction was more pronounced with the presence of riboflavin than without it. Using the higher dose, CFU reduction was 99% and 98%, respectively, for 412 and 450 nm light. The bactericidal efficacy was high also in the deeper fluid layer (93%, higher dose).ConclusionRiboflavin enhanced the antibacterial effect on the exposed MRSA strain of blue light for both 412 and 450 nm blue light. This indicates that blue light could be considered for possible implementation in deep corneal infections.
Risk of major bleeding and stroke associated with the use of vitamin K antagonists, nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation: a cohort study
Authors: Gieling Emilie M. , van den Ham Hendrika A. , van Onzenoort Hein , Bos Jacqueline , Kramers Cornelis , de Boer Anthonius , de Vries Frank , Burden Andrea M. 
Published: February 2017

AimsNonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now available for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and aspirin. The comparative effectiveness and safety in daily practice of these different drug classes is still unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of major bleeding and stroke in AF patients using NOACs, VKAs or aspirin.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among AF patients using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (March 2008–October 2014). New users of VKAs, NOACs and low dose aspirin were followed from the date of first prescription of an antithrombotic drug until the occurrence of stroke or major bleeding. Analyses were adjusted for a history of comorbidities and drug use with Cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 31 497 patients were eligible for the study. The hazard ratio (HR) of major bleeding was 2.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–3.38] for NOACs compared with VKAs, which was mainly attributed by the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.50–4.62). This increased bleeding risk was restricted to women (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.76–5.60). Aspirin showed a similar bleeding risk as VKAs. NOACs showed equal effectiveness as VKA in preventing ischaemic stroke (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.67–2.19). VKAs were more effective than aspirin (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.83–2.59).ConclusionsNOACs were associated with a higher risk on gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in women. The use of NOACs in patients who are vulnerable for this type of bleeding should be carefully considered. NOACs and VKAs are equally effective in preventing stroke. Aspirin was not effective in the prevention of stroke in AF.
Synthesis, characterization, and relaxation studies of Gd‐DO3A conjugate of chlorambucil as a potential theranostic agent
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Tsvetkova Yoanna , Arroub Karim , Sahnoun Sabri , Kiessling Fabian , Mathur Sanjay 
Published: February 2017

DO3A‐based macrocycles serve as attractive templates from which clinically useful theranostic agents can be obtained after coupling with molecular targeted therapeutic drugs. In this study, we describe the chemical synthesis, relaxation, and cytotoxicity studies of a new DO3A conjugate of chlorambucil (CHL) as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) theranostic agent. A convenient route of synthesis is reported, which allowed conjugation of the macrocyclic ligand (DO3A) to the chemotherapeutic drug (CHL) via tyrosine for the preparation of an attractive chelate‐drug ensemble (DO3A‐TR‐CHL). The structures of all intermediates and final compound have been determined by 1H, 13C NMR, and MS. The efficacy of DO3A‐TR‐CHL as a non‐ionic magnetic contrast agent was tested by performing relaxometric studies on its gadolinium complex. The complex exhibited relaxivities (7.11 mm−1/s) higher than that of currently used MR contrast agents and showed enhanced contrast in T1‐weighted images. MTT assays revealed that both DO3A‐TR‐CHL and Gd(III)‐DO3A‐TR‐CHL conjugates exhibited dose‐dependent toxicity and an enhanced antiproliferative activity against tumor (A549 and HeLa) cell lines compared to that of parent drug (CHL), thereby demonstrating their potential to be used as a magnetic resonance imaging theranostic for improved molecular imaging and therapy of human cancers.
Interleukin‐6 receptor rs2229238C/T and rs4845625T/C polymorphisms increase the risk of schizophrenia in an Iranian population: A pilot study
Authors: Galavi Hamid Reza , Saravani Ramin , Esmaeilzaei Elahe , Mohamadi Azad 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is an important cytokine that plays a key role in the immune system. Changes in the immune system, particularly increased IL‐6 concentrations, have been reported in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients. Although this cytokine needs its receptor (IL‐6R) to function properly, few studies have examined IL‐6R polymorphisms and the risk of SCZ. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between IL‐6R polymorphisms (rs2229238 and rs4845625) and susceptibility to SCZ.MethodsA case–control study was carried out including 92 SCZ patients and 92 healthy controls. Two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using amplification‐refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction.ResultsIt was found that the TC genotype of rs4845625 and CT and TT of rs2229238 increased the SCZ risk (OR 2.691, 95% CI 1.075–6.736, P = 0.034;OR 4.273, 95% CI 1.937–9.433, P < 0.001; and OR 2.123, 95% CI 1.071–4.219, P = 0.031, respectively). In dominant genetic model analysis, it was found that CT+TT of rs2229238 and TC+CC of rs4845625 were associated with the risk of SCZ (OR 2.762, 95% CI 1.426–5.376, P = 0.003 and OR 2.824, 95% CI 1.545–5.154, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe findings showed that the rs2229238 and rs4845625 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were prominently associated with SCZ. Further studies are required to confirm the findings.
The effect of delta‐like 1 homologue on the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Qi Shengcai , Yan Yanhong , Wen Yue , Li Jialiang , Wang Jing , Chen Fubo , Tang Xiaoshan , Shang Guangwei , Xu Yuanzhi , Wang Raorao 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the functions of delta‐like homologue 1 (DLK1) in the proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).MethodsImmunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), DLK1, NOTCH1 and p‐ERK1/2 in the mouse first maxillary molar. Recombinant lentivirus was constructed to overexpress DLK1 stably in hDPSCs. The cell viability and proliferation of hDPSCs were examined by CCK8 and EdU incorporation assay respectively. The odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs was determined by detection of ALPase activity assay, ALP and alizarin red staining and the expression of mineralization‐related genes including ALP, DSPP and dental matrix protein. The mRNA and protein levels of DLK1 and p‐ERK1/2 protein expression were detected. ERK inhibitor was used to test the differentiation effect of DLK1 on hDPSCs.ResultsDelta‐like homologue 1 was highly expressed on the odontoblasts and dental pulp cells on the first maxillary molar; the expression of p‐ERK1/2 is similar with the DLK1 in the same process. The expression level of DLK1 increased significantly after the odontoblastic induction of hDPSCs. DLK1 overexpression increased the proliferation ability of hDPSCs and inhibited odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs. The protein level of p‐ERK1/2 significantly increased in hDPSCs/dlk1‐oe group. ERK signalling pathway inhibitor reversed the odontoblastic differentiation effects of DLK1 on hDPSCs.ConclusionsThe proliferation of hDPSCs was promoted after DLK1 overexpression. DLK1 inhibited the odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs, which maybe through ERK signalling pathway.
Efficacy and safety of autoinjected exenatide once‐weekly suspension versus sitagliptin or placebo with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: The DURATION‐NEO‐2 randomized clinical study
Authors: Gadde Kishore M. , Vetter Marion L. , Iqbal Nayyar , Hardy Elise , Öhman Peter ,   on behalf of the DURATION‐NEO‐2 study investigators
Published: February 2017

AimsGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors treat type 2 diabetes through incretin‐signaling pathways. This study compared the efficacy and safety of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist exenatide once‐weekly (Miglyol) suspension for autoinjection (QWS‐AI) with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin or placebo.Materials and methodsIn this open‐label, multicentre study of patients with type 2 diabetes who had suboptimal glycaemic control on metformin monotherapy, 365 patients were randomized to receive exenatide 2.0 mg QWS‐AI, sitagliptin 100 mg once daily or oral placebo (3:2:1 ratio). The primary endpoint was change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to 28 weeks.ResultsAt 28 weeks, exenatide QWS‐AI significantly reduced HbA1c from baseline compared to sitagliptin (−1.13% vs −0.75% [baseline values, 8.42% and 8.50%, respectively];
P
= .02) and placebo (−0.40% [baseline value, 8.50%]; P = .001). More exenatide QWS‐AI‐treated patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% than did sitagliptin‐ or placebo‐treated patients (43.1% vs 32.0% and 24.6%; both
P
< .05). Exenatide QWS‐AI and sitagliptin reduced fasting plasma glucose from baseline to 28 weeks (−21.3 and −11.3 mg/dL) vs placebo (+9.6 mg/dL), with no significant difference between the 2 active treatments. Body weight decreased with both active treatments (−1.12 and −1.19 kg), but not with placebo (+0.15 kg). No improvement in blood pressure was observed in any group. The most common adverse events with exenatide QWS‐AI were gastrointestinal events and injection‐site reactions.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that exenatide QWS‐AI reduced HbA1c more than sitagliptin or placebo and was well tolerated.
Effects of food supply and stream physical characteristics on habitat use of a stream‐dwelling fish
Authors: Akbaripasand Abbas , Closs Gerard P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIdentifying the environmental factors that affect freshwater fish can be crucial for their conservation and management. Despite the widespread investigation of relationships between fish habitat use and environmental variables, there is a paucity of knowledge on how abiotic and biotic factors jointly influence stream fish habitat use. Three New Zealand South Island streams were selected to investigate the habitat preference of a stream‐dwelling galaxiid, banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus). Fish abundance in several permanent pools was determined by spotlighting at night once a month from June 2008 to May 2009. Drifting invertebrates and key physical features of each pool were measured at the time of fish sampling. An information‐theoretic approach (AIC) indicated that the most parsimonious candidate model to predict banded kokopu biomass was the one that included pool area, undercut banks, water velocity, overhanging vegetation, invertebrate drift density and an interaction term between invertebrate drift density and water velocity. Banded kokopu biomass was positively related to pool area, undercut banks, overhanging vegetation and invertebrate drift density. Our study suggests that fish resource use patterns need to be understood in the context of multiple interacting ecological factors, including prey abundance.
Conceptualization of Karstic Aquifer with Multiple Outlets Using a Dual Porosity Model
Authors: Hosseini Seiyed Mossa , Ataie‐Ashtiani Behzad 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this study, two conceptual models, the classic reservoir (CR) model and exchange reservoirs model embedded by dual porosity approach (DPR) are developed for simulation of karst aquifer functioning drained by multiple outlets. The performances of two developed models are demonstrated at a less developed karstic aquifer with three spring outlets located in Zagros Mountain in the south‐west of Iran using 22‐years of daily data. During the surface recharge, a production function based on water mass balance is implemented for computing the time series of surface recharge to the karst formations. The efficiency of both models has been assessed for simulation of daily spring discharge during the recession and also surface recharge periods. Results indicate that both CR and DPR models are capable of simulating the ordinates of spring hydrographs which drainage less developed karstic aquifer. However, the goodness of fit criteria indicates outperformance of DPR model for simulation of total hydrograph ordinates. In addition, the DPR model is capable of quantifying hydraulic properties of two hydrologically connected overlapping continua conduits network and fissure matrix which lays important foundations for the mining operation and water resource management whereas homogeneous model representations of the karstic subsurface (e.g., the CR) do not work accurately in the karstic environment.