bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EUS‐FNA of the Merkel cell carcinoma metastasis to the pancreas: Cytomorphology and immunocytochemistry on direct cytological smears
Authors: Stoos‐Veic T. , Tadic M. , Aralica G. , Milicic V. , Tomasovic‐Loncaric C. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo report two cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) metastatic to the pancreas diagnosed with endoscopic ultrasound‐guided‐fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) and to add the case of concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and MCC to the literature. The aim is to alert the cytopathologists once more to the problems of differential diagnosis of pancreatic metastasis of MCC and to describe the possibilities of ancillary methods performed on direct cytological smears.MethodsEUS‐FNA procedures were performed according to standard institution protocol, using 22‐G needles with cytopathologist on‐site. Based on rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE), additional passes were made for immunocytochemistry (ICC). A mini panel of antibodies was used to aid the differential diagnosis.ResultsSmears revealed a dispersed pattern of small round cells with scant cytoplasm, round nuclei with inconspicuous nucleoli and occasional nuclear moulding, suspicious of small cell carcinoma. Results of ICC applied to the direct cytological smears were as follows: LCA negative, Cytokeratin (clone MNF116) positive, TTF‐1 negative, CD 56 positive, NSE weakly positive, Chromogranin A weakly positive and CK20 positive, in one case in a dot‐like perinuclear pattern. The diagnosis of MCC was made.ConclusionIncreasing incidence of MCC warrants the inclusion of MCC in the differential diagnosis of tumours of small round blue cell morphology even in unusual sites. The cytomorphological features coupled with an ICC panel are usually enough to make a confident diagnosis of MCC. EUS‐FNA is a minimally invasive technique which enables sampling adequate tissue for all the ancillary methods eventually needed to support the diagnosis.
Novel echocardiographic prognostic markers for cardiac tamponade in patients with large malignant pericardial effusions: A paradigm shift from flow to tissue imaging
Authors: Chalikias George , Samaras Antonios , Ziakas Antonios , Kikas Petros , Thomaidis Adina , Drosos Ioannis , Giannakoulas George , Karvounis Haralambos , Konstantinides Stavros , Tziakas Dimitrios 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundWith this study, we sought to investigate the prognostic value of echocardiographic tissue imaging markers in predicting tamponade among patients with large malignant pericardial effusion compared to routinely used echocardiographic signs.MethodsA total of 96 consecutive patients with large malignant pericardial effusion, not in clinical cardiac tamponade, underwent an echocardiographic examination and were prospectively assessed for 1 month. Clinically evident cardiac tamponade was considered as the study endpoint. The prognostic performance of tricuspid valve annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and peak systolic annular velocity at the lateral margin of the tricuspid valve annulus (STV) was assessed and compared to routinely used imaging signs.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 37 patients (39%) developed clinically evident cardiac tamponade. TAPSE (area under the curve [AUC] 0.958) and STV (AUC 0.948) had excellent predictive accuracy for tamponade. Multivariate analysis showed that TAPSE (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.03; 95% CI 1.60–5.73, P=.001) and STV (HR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05–1.29, P=.005) remained independent significant predictors of cardiac tamponade. Reclassification analysis and decision curve analysis showed additive prognostic value and adjunct clinical benefit of these markers when added to a recently published triage pericardiocentesis score.ConclusionEchocardiographic tissue imaging markers such as TAPSE and STV are characterized by an excellent prognostic ability for development of cardiac tamponade and better prognostic value compared to routine echocardiographic signs in patients with large malignant pericardial effusion. Incorporating these markers to a recent triage pericardiocentesis score resulted in additional prognostic value and increased clinical benefit.
Risk of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other subtypes of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Chang Timothy W. , Weaver Amy L. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Habermann Thomas M. , Wriston Cooper C. , Cerhan James R. , Call Timothy G. , Brewer Jerry D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundSecond hematologic cancers in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) are well documented and include Hodgkin lymphoma, therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndromes, and transformation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Although cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) has been reported in patients with CLL, the incidence and comparison to expected rates are unknown. We evaluated the incidence of CTCL among patients with CLL or other non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.MethodsWe searched the SEER 13 registries for patients with a diagnosis of CLL and NHL between 1992 and 2008. Among patients identified, we evaluated the incidence of CTCL.ResultsAmong 31,286 patients with CLL, the incidence of CTCL was not significantly higher in men than women: 104.2 (95% CI, 50.0–191.8) and 28.1 (95% CI, 3.4–101.3) per 1,000,000 person‐years, respectively (P = 0.06). Among 97,691 patients with NHL, the incidence of CTCL was similar in men and women (97.9 [95% CI, 62.0–146.9] and 92.0 [95% CI, 56.2–142.1] per 1,000,000 person‐years, respectively; P = 0.84). The incidence of CTCL among males with CLL (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 3.0 [95% CI, 1.4–5.5]), males with NHL (SIR, 3.7 [95% CI, 2.3–5.5]), and females with NHL (SIR, 5.9 [95% CI, 3.6–9.1]) was significantly higher than expected in the general population (all P < 0.001).ConclusionThe risk of CTCL is greater in men with CLL than in the general population. In patients with NHL, both men and women are at greater risk for CTCL than in the general population.
Associations between birthweight and overweight and obesity in school‐age children
Authors: Kapral N. , Miller S. E. , Scharf R. J. , Gurka M. J. , DeBoer M. D. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundRelationships between birthweight and future obesity risk remain unclear.ObjectiveTo assess associations between birthweight and later obesity in a nationally representative cohort of early school‐aged children.MethodsWe used linear and logistic regression to evaluate 10 186 term‐ or preterm children in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Kindergarten Cohort 2011 for relationships between birthweight and later obesity and change in BMI z‐score from kindergarten‐to‐second grade. All analyses were adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, parental education and household income.ResultsCompared to children born normal birthweight (NBW), high birthweight (HBW) term children and large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) preterm children had significantly greater BMI z‐scores from kindergarten‐to‐second grade (p < 0.001). Term children born HBW had higher odds of obesity by kindergarten (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 1.91, p < 0.0001). Among preterm children, odds of obesity was higher among LGA children starting in first grade (aOR 2.34, p < 0.05) and among small‐for‐gestational age children in second grade (aOR 2.26, p < 0.05). Compared to NBW children, HBW children had greater change in BMI z‐score between kindergarten‐first grade (p < 0.01).ConclusionsHigh birthweight term and LGA preterm children had increased adjusted odds of obesity in school‐age compared to their NBW counterparts. Physicians may provide counselling early in life for families of large infants to help prevent future obesity.
How Taxes and Welfare Benefits Affect Work Incentives: A Life‐Cycle Perspective
Authors: Brewer Mike , Shaw Jonathan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPersonal taxes and benefits affect the incentive to work over the life cycle by altering income–age profiles, insuring against adverse shocks and changing the returns to human capital. In this paper, we show how a life‐cycle perspective alters our impression of how the UK tax and benefit system affects women's work incentives. Given that actual longitudinal data conflate age effects, cohort effects and policy effects, and, in the UK, are not available covering the full life cycle, we use simulated data produced by a rich, dynamic structural model of female labour supply and human capital that incorporates family formation and fertility. We find that individuals experience considerable variability in work incentives across life that outweighs the variability across individuals. Changes in the presence of children and a partner, as well as the level of any partner's earnings, are key to explaining these patterns: work incentives vary dramatically depending on family composition and the earnings of any partner, especially for the lower‐skilled, and most women experience a number of different family types during the course of their lives.
Ratio of visceral‐to‐subcutaneous fat area predicts cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fukuda Tatsuya , Bouchi Ryotaro , Takeuchi Takato , Nakano Yujiro , Murakami Masanori , Minami Isao , Izumiyama Hajime , Hashimoto Koshi , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Ogawa Yoshihiro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate whether the ratio of visceral fat area (VFA) to subcutaneous fat area (SFA; V/S ratio) could be predictive of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as compared with VFA or SFA in patients with diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 682 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 64 ± 13 years; 41% women) were enrolled. VFA (cm2) and SFA (cm2) were assessed by a dual bioelectrical impedance analyzer. The patients were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of the V/S ratio. The study end‐point was the first occurrence or recurrence of CVD.ResultsOver a median follow up of 2.5 years, 21 patients reached the end‐point. The number of patients who reached the end‐point was increased along with the increasing of the V/S ratio quartiles. The V/S ratio was significantly associated with incident or recurrent CVD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.82, 95% CI: 1.09–3.04, P = 0.021) after adjusting for estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–1.00), brain‐type natriuretic peptide (HR 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00–1.01), use of antiplatelet agents (HR 4.26, 95% CI: 1.63–11.13), coefficient of variation of R‐R intervals (HR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.69–1.10) and glycated hemoglobin (HR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05–1.79). The addition of the V/S ratio to age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, brain‐type natriuretic peptide, antiplatelet agents and glycated hemoglobin significantly improved classification performance for CVD using net reclassification improvement (0.60, 95% CI: 0.21–1.00) and the integrated discrimination improvement (0.02, 95% CI: 0.00–0.05).ConclusionsThe V/S ratio measured by dual bioelectrical impedance analyzer is an independent predictor of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Prediction of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury by early post‐procedural analysis of urinary biomarkers and intra‐renal Doppler flow indices in patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Wybraniec Maciej T. , Chudek Jerzy , Bożentowicz‐Wikarek Maria , Mizia‐Stec Katarzyna 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThe study was designed to evaluate the applicability of combined assessment of urinary biomarkers and intra‐renal Doppler flow indices for the prediction of contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) after coronary angiography/percutaneous coronary interventions (CA/PCI).MethodsThis prospective observational study covered 95 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease subject to elective or urgent CA/PCI. Doppler intra‐renal flow indices were assessed before and 1 h following CA/PCI. Urine samples were collected within 24 h before and 6 h after CA/PCI and assayed for urinary interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), liver‐fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP), and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) using ELISA method. CI‐AKI was defined as ≥50% relative or ≥0.3 mg/dL absolute increase of serum creatinine concentration at 48 h post‐procedurally.ResultsCI‐AKI was confirmed in nine patients (9.5%). CI‐AKI onset was associated with significantly higher urinary KIM‐1 at 6 h (P = 0.003) and ΔKIM‐1 concentrations (P = 0.001), and urinary IL‐18 at 6 h (P = 0.014) and ΔIL‐18 concentrations (P = 0.012), however, L‐FABP and ΔL‐FABP levels were comparable in both groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis denoted that post‐procedural IL‐18 levels at 6 h >89.8 pg/mg (AUC = 0.75, P = 0.007), KIM‐1 at 6 h >0.425 ng/mg (AUC = 0.81, P = 0.001), renal resistive index (RRI) at 1 h >0.73 (AUC 0.88; P < 0.0001), and renal pulsatility index (RPI) at 1 h >0.86 (AUC = 0.86; P < 0.0001) predicted CI‐AKI onset. Logistic regression analysis of postoperative predictors revealed that IL‐18 and RRI were independent predictors of CI‐AKI onset (AUC = 0.96; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsJoint assessment of early post‐procedural urinary biomarkers and Doppler renovascular parameters aids early diagnosis of CI‐AKI in patients undergoing coronary interventions.
The Relationship Between Rural Health Clinic Use and Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Wright Brad , Potter Andrew J. , Trivedi Amal N. , Mueller Keith J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurposeHigh rates of potentially preventable hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits indicate limited primary care access. Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are intended to increase access to primary care. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of RHCs and their impact on potentially preventable hospitalizations and ED visits among Medicare beneficiaries based on actual individual‐level utilization patterns.MethodsWith Medicare Part A and Part B claims data from 2007 to 2010, we constructed a series of individual‐level negative binomial regression models to examine the relationship between RHC use and the number of potentially preventable hospitalizations and ED visits.FindingsRHC use was associated with a 27% increase in potentially preventable hospitalizations and a 24% increase in potentially preventable ED visits among older Medicare enrollees. Among younger, disabled Medicare beneficiaries, RHC use was associated with a 14% increase in potentially preventable hospitalizations and an 18% increase in potentially preventable ED visits. Potentially preventable hospitalizations and ED visits were more common among beneficiaries who were black or who had more chronic conditions.ConclusionsThe results of our study highlight that the Medicare population using RHCs is at especially high risk for potentially preventable hospitalizations and ED visits. The mechanisms behind this are not well understood and should receive continued attention from policy makers and researchers.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of enrofloxacin after single intramuscular injection in Pacific white shrimp
Authors: Fang X. , Zhou J. , Liu X. 
Published: July 2017

The pharmacokinetic properties and tissue distribution of enrofloxacin (EF) were investigated after single intramuscular (i.m.) dose of 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) in Pacific white shrimp at 22 to 25°C.EFand its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CF) were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. After i.m. administration,EFwas absorbed quickly, and the peak ofEFconcentration (Cmax) reached at first time point in hemolymph. The volume of distributionVd(area)ofEFwas 3.84 L/kg, indicating that the distribution ofEFwas good. The area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) ofEFwas 90.1 and 274.2 μg hr/ml in muscle and hepatopancreas, respectively, which was higher than 75.8 μg hr/ml in hemolymph. TheEFelimination was slow in muscle and hepatopancreas with the half‐life (T1/2β) of 52.3 and 75.8 hr, respectively.CF, the mainly metabolite ofEF, was detected in hemolymph, muscle and hepatopancreas. TheCmaxwas 0.030, 0.013 and 0.218 μg/ml, respectively. Based on a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.006–0.032 μg/ml for susceptible strains,EFi.m. injected at a dose 10 mg/kg could be efficacious against common pathogenic bacteria of Pacific white shrimp.
Obligate annual and successive facultative diapause establish a bet‐hedging strategy of Rhagoletis cerasi (Diptera: Tephritidae) in seasonally unpredictable environments
Authors: Moraiti Cleopatra A. , Papadopoulos Nikos T. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTo cope with temporal and spatial heterogeneity of habitats, herbivorous insects in the temperate zone usually enter diapause that facilitates synchronization of their life cycle with specific stages of host plants, such as fruit ripening. In the present study, we address those factors regulating dormancy responses as part of a ‘longer strategy’ to persist and thrive in temperate environments, focusing on Rhagoletis cerasi, a univoltine, oligophagous species, which overwinters as pupae and emerges when host fruits are available for oviposition at local scale. To ensure population survival and reproduction at habitats with ecological heterogeneity, R. cerasi has evolved a sophisticated diapause strategy based on a combination of local adaptation and diversified bet‐hedging strategies. Diapause duration is determined both by (i) the adaptive response to local host fruit phenology patterns (annual diapause) and (ii) the plastic responses to unpredictable inter‐annual (temporal) climatic variability that drives a proportion of the populations to extend dormancy by entering a second, successive, facultative cycle of prolonged diapause as part of a bet‐hedging strategy. Besides the dormant periods, post‐diapause development (which varies among populations) exerts ‘fine tune’ adjustments that assure synchronization and may correct possible errors. Adults emerging from pupae with prolonged diapause are larger in body size compared with counterparts emerging during the first year of diapause. However, female fecundity rates are reduced, followed by an extended post‐oviposition period, whereas adult longevity remains unaffected. Overall, it appears that R. cerasi populations are adapted to ecological conditions of local habitats and respond plastically to unpredictable environmental (climatic) conditions.
Professional Cities: Accredited Agencies, Government Structure, and Rational Choice
Authors: Coyle McCabe Barbara , Ponomariov Branco , Estrada Fabyan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAccreditation, long used to signal quality among hospitals and universities, has been available to police, fire, and public works departments since the late 1980s. For public service departments, accreditation is a voluntary process that demands significant organizational resources without a guaranteed outcome. Why would city officials devote scarce resources to such an endeavor? Two explanations are examined. First, accreditation may be a rational response to a history of trouble or the potential for future crisis. Second, municipalities may use accreditation to build a reputation for professional administration of public services. The authors use Poisson regression to test these explanations on a new data set of midsize cities.
Leading the Implementation of ICT Innovations
Authors: Hansen Morten Balle , Nørup Iben 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article analyzes the associations between leadership, the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) innovations, and performance. After reviewing theories and empirical evidence from the literature on leading change, ICT innovations, and performance, the authors elaborate hypotheses and test them in an analysis of the implementation of an ICT innovation in a Danish multisite hospital. In a quasi‐experimental research design using panel data, survey responses from more than 2,000 employees before and after the implementation were generated, in addition to qualitative interviews with change agents. Findings indicate how differences in leadership during the ICT implementation process have an important impact on performance after the implementation. Mobilization of initial support, directive leadership through information and technical assistance, participative leadership through employee involvement, and locally adapted implementation processes are important leadership factors associated with performance. The article concludes by discussing broader perspectives of the study and implications for practice, theory, and future research.
The problem with moralism
Authors: Archer Alfred 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMoralism is often described as a vice. But what exactly is wrong with moralism that makes it aptly described as a character flaw? This paper will argue that the problem with moralism is that it downgrades the force of legitimate moral criticism. First, I will argue that moralism involves an inflated sense of the extent to which moral criticism is appropriate. Next, I will examine the value of legitimate moral criticism, arguing that its value stems from enabling us to take a stand against immoral behavior. Finally, I will argue that unwarranted moral criticism downgrades the force of legitimate moral criticism and that this is why moralism should be seen as a vice.
What the novel ecosystem concept provides: a reply to Kattan et al
Authors: Miller James R. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe novel ecosystem concept expands the restoration palette by focusing our attention on what is possible when recovery to an historical pre‐disturbance condition is not. Although some elements of the concept have long been accepted in restoration circles, the novel ecosystem framework brings these elements to the fore. There is a growing frustration with restoration prescriptions that above all else emphasize native species and historical trajectories, and there is a clear need for alternatives that recognize real limitations to achieving these goals in at least some instances. Though not perfect, the novel ecosystem framework represents such an alternative.
Value Diversity and Regional Economic Development
Authors: Beugelsdijk Sjoerd , Klasing Mariko J. , Milionis Petros 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe investigate the link between culture and regional economic development within European countries. Considering a variety of cultural values, we provide evidence that it is the degree of diversity in these values at the regional level that strongly correlates with economic performance, rather than the prevalence of specific values. In particular, we show that greater value diversity is negatively associated with regional economic performance within countries, which also relates to lower institutional quality and poorer public goods provision. These patterns are robust even when diversity is measured on the basis of values expressed by emigrants residing outside their region of origin.
Geometry and Degrees of Freedom of Linearly Constrained Generalized Lasso
Authors: Zeng Peng , Hu Qinqin , Li Xiaoyu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe least squares fit in a linear regression is always unique even when the design matrix has rank deficiency. In this paper, we extend this classic result to linearly constrained generalized lasso. It is shown that under a mild condition, the fit can be represented as a projection onto a polytope and, hence, is unique no matter whether design matrixXhas full column rank or not. Furthermore, a formula for the degrees of freedom is derived to characterize the effective number of parameters. It directly yields an unbiased estimate of degrees of freedom, which can be incorporated in an information criterion for model selection.