bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between bullous pemphigoid and malignancy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lucariello Richard J , Villablanca Salvadore E , Mascaró José M , Reichel Martin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIt has been suggested that bullous pemphigoid is associated with an increased risk of malignancy, but the evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was conducted to explore this association. PUBMED and Embase were searched for studies investigating the association between bullous pemphigoid and malignancy. This meta‐analysis included 16 studies with a total of 9398 cases of bullous pemphigoid. The rate of malignancy in patients with bullous pemphigoid was 11% (95% CI: 9–14, P < 0.001); 9% (95% CI: 6–13, P < 0.003) for women and 13% (95% CI: 9–18, P < 0.03) for men, with a statistically insignificant higher risk in men (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.99–1.71, P = 0.06). The event rate was 9% (95% CI: 5–14, P < 0.001) in the Asian population and 13% (95% CI: 10–17, P < 0.001) in the European population, with a statistically significant lower risk in the Asians population (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57–0.84; P < 0.001). The event rate of malignancy was higher in patients with bullous pemphigoid than in matched controls (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.22–3.55; P = 0.005). The overall event rate of malignancy was higher in the bullous pemphigoid group than in matched controls. Caution is required when interpreting these results, as potential confounding variables were not controlled for.
Postpartum computed tomography angiography of the fetoplacental macrovasculature in normal pregnancies and in those complicated by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Thunbo Mette Ø. , Sinding Marianne , Korsager Anne S. , Frøkjær Jens B. , Østergaard Lasse R. , Petersen Astrid , Overgaard Charlotte , Sørensen Anne 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionCurrent knowledge of the fetoplacental vasculature in fetal growth restriction (FGR) due to placental dysfunction focuses on the microvasculature rather than the macrovasculature. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of computed tomography angiography to analyze the fetoplacental macrovasculature in normal and FGR pregnancies.Material and methodsWe included 29 placentas (22–42 weeks of gestation) from normal birthweight pregnancies and eight placentas (26–37 weeks of gestation) from FGR pregnancies (birthweight < −15% and abnormal umbilical Doppler flow). We performed postpartum placental computed tomography angiography followed by semi‐automatic three‐dimensional image segmentation.ResultsA median of nine (range seven to eleven) vessel generations was identified. In normal birthweight placentas, gestational age was positively linearly correlated with macrovascular volume (p = 0.002), vascular surface area (p < 0.0005) and number of vessel junctions (p = 0.012), but not with vessel diameter and inter‐branch length. The FGR placentas had a lower weight (p = 0.004) and smaller convex volume (p = 0.022) (smallest convex volume containing the macrovasculature); however, macrovascular volume was not significantly reduced. Hence, macrovascular density given as macrovascular outcomes per placental volume was increased in FGR placentas: macrovascular volume per convex volume (p = 0.004), vascular surface area per convex volume (p = 0.004) and number of vessel junctions per convex volume (p = 0.037).ConclusionsEvaluation of the fetoplacental macrovasculature is feasible with computed tomography angiography. In normal birthweight placentas, macrovascular volume and surface area increase as pregnancy advances by vessel branching rather than increased vessel diameter and elongation. The FGR placenta was smaller; however, the macrovascular volume was within normal range because of an increased macrovascular density.
Trends in Texas maternal mortality by maternal age, race/ethnicity, and cause of death, 2006‐2015
Authors: MacDorman Marian F. , Declercq Eugene , Thoma Marie E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundMaternal mortality is a sentinel indicator of health care quality. Our purpose was to analyze trends in Texas maternal mortality by demographic characteristics and cause of death, and to evaluate data quality.MethodsMaternal mortality data were initially analyzed by single years, but then were grouped into 5‐year averages (2006‐2010 and 2011‐2015) for more detailed analyses. Rates were computed per 100 000 live births. A two‐proportion z test or Poisson regression for numerators <30 was used to evaluate differences.ResultsThe Texas maternal mortality rate increased from 18.6 in 2010 to 38.7 in 2012, and then declined nonsignificantly to 32.5 in 2015. The 2011‐2015 rate (34.2) was 87% higher than the 2006‐2010 rate (18.3). In 2011‐2015, the maternal mortality rate for women ≥40 years (558.8) was 27 times higher than for women <40 years (20.7). From 2006‐2010 to 2011‐2015, the maternal mortality rate increased by 121% for women ≥40 years and by 55% for women <40 years. The rate increased by 132% for nonspecific causes of death, and by 54% for specific causes. Rates for women <40 years for specific causes increased by 36%.ConclusionsThe observed increase in maternal mortality in Texas from 2006‐2010 to 2011‐2015 is likely a result of both a true increase in rates and increased overreporting of maternal deaths, as indicated by implausibly high and increasing rates for women aged ≥40 years and among nonspecific causes of death. Efforts are needed to strengthen reporting of death certificate data, and to improve access to quality maternal health care services.
Hyperkeratotic hand eczema compared to other subgroups of hand eczema – a retrospective study with a follow‐up questionnaire
Authors: van der Heiden Janique , Agner Tove , Rustemeyer Thomas , Clemmensen Kim K. B. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundOnly a few clinical trials on hand eczema have included further classification into subtypes, and there is a need for studies evaluating the present classifications.ObjectivesTo examine differences in demographic factors, lifestyle factors and severity between subgroups of hand eczema patients, with a focus on hyperkeratotic hand eczema.MethodsThis was a retrospective study including hand eczema patients referred to the outpatient dermatological clinic, Bispebjerg Hospital, between January 2013 and July 2014. The study comprises information on subdiagnoses, treatment and foot eczema from patient files, as well as a follow‐up questionnaire.ResultsA total of 120 patients were included, 10 of whom were diagnosed with hyperkeratotic hand eczema. A significantly higher proportion of the patients with hyperkeratotic hand eczema were male (p = 0.002) and received systemic or ultraviolet (UV) treatment (p = 0.026). The frequency of tobacco smoking was significantly higher in patients with hyperkeratotic hand eczema (p = 0.016), as well as in the other subgroups combined (p = 0.049), than in the background population.ConclusionsStudies evaluating the subdiagnoses of hand eczema are needed, to further validate the classification system, and to provide more detailed information about demographic factors, severity and possible risk factors for different subgroups of hand eczema.
The Alcohol Environment Protocol: A new tool for alcohol policy
Authors: Casswell Sally , Morojele Neo , Williams Petal Petersen , Chaiyasong Surasak , Gordon Ross , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Viet Cuong Pham , MacKintosh Anne‐Marie , Halliday Sharon , Railton Renee , Randerson Steve , Parry Charles D. H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimTo report data on the implementation of alcohol policies regarding availability and marketing, and drink driving, along with ratings of enforcement from two small high‐income to three high‐middle income countries, and one low‐middle income country.MethodThis study uses the Alcohol Environment Protocol, an International Alcohol Control study research tool, which documents the alcohol policy environment by standardised collection of data from administrative sources, observational studies and interviews with key informants to allow for cross‐country comparison and change over time.ResultsAll countries showed adoption to varying extents of key effective policy approaches outlined in the World Health Organization Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (2010). High‐income countries were more likely to allocate resources to enforcement. However, where enforcement and implementation were high, policy on availability was fairly liberal. Key Informants judged alcohol to be very available in both high‐ and middle‐income countries, reflecting liberal policy in the former and less implementation and enforcement and informal (unlicensed) sale of alcohol in the latter. Marketing was largely unrestricted in all countries and while drink‐driving legislation was in place, it was less well enforced in middle‐income countries.ConclusionIn countries with fewer resources, alcohol policies are less effective because of lack of implementation and enforcement and, in the case of marketing, lack of regulation. This has implications for the increase in consumption taking place as a result of the expanding distribution and marketing of commercial alcohol and consequent increases in alcohol‐related harm.
The extent and predictability of the biodiversity–carbon correlation
Authors: Di Marco Moreno , Watson James E. M. , Currie David J. , Possingham Hugh P. , Venter Oscar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractProtecting biomass carbon stocks to mitigate climate change has direct implications for biodiversity conservation. Yet, evidence that a positive association exists between carbon density and species richness is contrasting. Here, we test how this association varies (1) across spatial extents and (2) as a function of how strongly carbon and species richness depend on environmental variables. We found the correlation weakens when moving from larger extents, e.g. realms, to narrower extents, e.g. ecoregions. For ecoregions, a positive correlation emerges when both species richness and carbon density vary as functions of the same environmental variables (climate, soil, elevation). In 20% of tropical ecoregions, there are opportunities to pursue carbon conservation with direct biodiversity co‐benefits, while other ecoregions require careful planning for both species and carbon to avoid potentially perverse outcomes. The broad assumption of a linear relationship between carbon and biodiversity can lead to undesired outcomes.
Combining niche shift and population genetic analyses predicts rapid phenotypic evolution during invasion
Authors: Sotka Erik E. , Baumgardner Aaron W. , Bippus Paige M. , Destombe Christophe , Duermit Elizabeth A. , Endo Hikaru , Flanagan Ben A. , Kamiya Mits , Lees Lauren E. , Murren Courtney J. , Nakaoka Masahiro , Shainker Sarah J. , Strand Allan E. , Terada Ryuta , Valero Myriam , Weinberger Florian , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe rapid evolution of non‐native species can facilitate invasion success, but recent reviews indicate that such microevolution rarely yields expansion of the climatic niche in the introduced habitats. However, because some invasions originate from a geographically restricted portion of the native species range and its climatic niche, it is possible that the frequency, direction, and magnitude of phenotypic evolution during invasion have been underestimated. We explored the utility of niche shift analyses in the red seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla, which expanded its range from the northeastern coastline of Japan to North America, Europe, and northwestern Africa within the last 100 years. A genetically informed climatic niche shift analysis indicates that native source populations occur in colder and highly seasonal habitats, while most non‐native populations typically occur in warmer, less seasonal habitats. This climatic niche expansion predicts that non‐native populations evolved greater tolerance for elevated heat conditions relative to native source populations. We assayed 935 field‐collected and 325 common‐garden thalli from 40 locations, and as predicted, non‐native populations had greater tolerance for ecologically relevant extreme heat (40°C) than did Japanese source populations. Non‐native populations also had greater tolerance for cold and low‐salinity stresses relative to source populations. The importance of local adaptation to warm temperatures during invasion was reinforced by evolution of parallel clines: Populations from warmer, lower‐latitude estuaries had greater heat tolerance than did populations from colder, higher‐latitude estuaries in both Japan and eastern North America. We conclude that rapid evolution plays an important role in facilitating the invasion success of this and perhaps other non‐native marine species. Genetically informed ecological niche analyses readily generate clear predictions of phenotypic shifts during invasions and may help to resolve debate over the frequency of niche conservatism versus rapid adaptation during invasion.
Youth Disclosure of Sexual Orientation to Siblings and Extended Family
Authors: Grafsky Erika L. , Hickey Katherine , Nguyen Hoa N. , Wall John D. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo explore the processes and experiences associated with disclosing sexual orientation to siblings and extended family.BackgroundFew studies prioritize the experience of disclosing to siblings and extended family, despite its frequency and potential impact on the family unit. Extended family members often act as sources of support for youth; it is therefore worthwhile to consider whether this remains true during and after disclosure of sexual orientation.MethodInterview and questionnaire data were gathered from 22 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth, 14 to 21 years of age, from a large Midwestern U.S. city. Constructivist grounded theory informed the qualitative methodology and data analysis. We build on concepts of horizontal and vertical family relationships by also introducing the concept of diagonal relationships.ResultsParticipants described their relationships with aunts as possessing characteristics of horizontal and vertical relationships, allowing them to act as moderators and mediators of the parent–child relationship.ConclusionThe concepts of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal relationships take into consideration how the structure (e.g., hierarchy, egalitarianism, boundaries) and nature (e.g., closeness, reciprocity, mentorship) of various relationships shape the coming‐out process for LGBQ youth, without dismissing the importance of either immediate or extended family members.ImplicationsThe emerging conceptualization can guide services and interventions as well as illuminate further research on the family systems of LGBQ youth.
A mineralogical record of ocean change: Decadal and centennial patterns in the California mussel
Authors: McCoy Sophie J. , Kamenos Nicholas A. , Chung Peter , Wootton Timothy J. , Pfister Catherine A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOcean acidification, a product of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, may already have affected calcified organisms in the coastal zone, such as bivalves and other shellfish. Understanding species’ responses to climate change requires the context of long‐term dynamics. This can be particularly difficult given the longevity of many important species in contrast with the relatively rapid onset of environmental changes. Here, we present a unique archival dataset of mussel shells from a locale with recent environmental monitoring and historical climate reconstructions. We compare shell structure and composition in modern mussels, mussels from the 1970s, and mussel shells dating back to 1000–2420 years BP. Shell mineralogy has changed dramatically over the past 15 years, despite evidence for consistent mineral structure in the California mussel, Mytilus californianus, over the prior 2500 years. We present evidence for increased disorder in the calcium carbonate shells of mussels and greater variability between individuals. These changes in the last decade contrast markedly from a background of consistent shell mineralogy for centuries. Our results use an archival record of natural specimens to provide centennial‐scale context for altered minerology and variability in shell features as a response to acidification stress and illustrate the utility of long‐term studies and archival records in global change ecology. Increased variability between individuals is an emerging pattern in climate change responses, which may equally expose the vulnerability of organisms and the potential of populations for resilience.
Factors shaping large‐scale gradients in seed physical defence: Seeds are not better defended towards the tropics
Authors: Chen Si‐Chong , Moles Angela T. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimPrevious studies have shown that seed predation is not more intense towards the tropics. One possible explanation for this finding is that seeds might be better defended at lower latitudes. Our goal was to provide the first broad‐scale, quantitative analysis of the latitudinal gradient in physical investment in tissues surrounding seed reserve. In order to understand which factors underpin large‐scale gradients in seed defence, we also quantified relationships between seed physical defence and climate, seed predation, seed mass, fruit type and growth form.LocationTwenty‐five sites ranging from 15°30′ to 43°35′ S along the east coast of Australia.Time period2015.Major taxa studiedSeed plants.MethodsWe measured the biomass ratio of protective tissue to seed reserve (hereafter, seed physical defence) for 250 species–site combinations, with separate consideration of the structures protecting the seed during exposure to pre‐dispersal seed predation and post‐dispersal seed predation.ResultsContrary to expectations, cross‐species analyses showed that pre‐dispersal seed physical defence was greater towards high latitudes, whereas there was no latitudinal gradient in post‐dispersal seed physical defence. Phylogenetic analyses revealed no significant relationship between latitude and either pre‐dispersal or post‐dispersal seed physical defence. There was no relationship between either pre‐dispersal or post‐dispersal seed physical defence and seed predation or seed mass. Fleshy‐fruited or herbaceous species invested less in pre‐dispersal seed physical defence while suffering less pre‐dispersal seed predation than did dry‐fruited or woody species.Main conclusionsOur findings indicate that natural seeds in their natural habitats are not better defended at lower latitudes. Together with recent studies of latitudinal gradients in seed predation, leaf herbivory and defence, this study adds to the growing body of evidence that challenges the idea of a declining latitudinal gradient in biotic interactions and therefore casts doubt on the traditional understanding of the factors driving the latitudinal gradient in plant diversity.
Efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tago Motoko , Oyama Jun‐ichi , Sakamoto Yoshiko , Shiraki Aya , Uchida Fumi , Chihara Atsuko , Ikeda Hideo , Kuroki Shigetaka , Gondo Shigeki , Iwamoto Taketo , Uchida Yasufumi , Node Koichi 
Published: January 2018

AimThe aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsA total of 188 patients were enrolled who had type 2 diabetes mellitus with poor glycemic profiles (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] ≥6.2%). Patients were assigned to one of three age groups (<65, 65–74 and ≥75 years) and received 50–100 mg of sitagliptin daily for 12 months. Changes in HbA1c classified by age and body mass index (BMI) were assessed in addition to physiological parameters.ResultsMean HbA1c decreased significantly in all age groups (<65 years 8.01 ± 1.59% to 7.29 ± 1.23%; 65–74 years 7.61 ± 1.11% to 7.05 ± 0.99%; ≥75 years 7.21 ± 0.87% to 6.74 ± 0.96%). Reductions in HbA1c were not significantly different among age groups (P = 0.324). In older patients aged 65–74 years and ≥75 years, HbA1c decreased significantly in lean (BMI <25 kg/m2) patients (7.52 ± 1.10% to 6.99 ± 1.08%; P < 0.001) and in obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) patients (7.25% ± 0.90% to 6.86% ± 0.86%; P = 0.015); the changes in HbA1c were not significantly different between the lean and the obese groups (P = 0.943). Adverse events occurred in 12 patients (10.3%) aged ≥65 years, although there was no significant difference among the three age groups.ConclusionsSitagliptin treatment offers elderly patients aged ≥65 years efficacious and safe reductions in HbA1c values regardless of BMI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 631–639.
Comparison of Epstein–Barr virus‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer associated with treated lymphoma or methotrexate in Japan
Authors: Daroontum Teerada , Kohno Kei , Eladl Ahmed E , Satou Akira , Sakakibara Ayako , Matsukage Shoichi , Yakushiji Naoki , Ya‐In Charin , Nakamura Shigeo , Asano Naoko , Kato Seiichi 
Published: January 2018

AimsThe aim of the present study was to compare treated lymphoma‐associated Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) and methotrexate (MTX)‐associated EBVMCU.Methods and resultsOf a series of 15 Japanese patients (11 women, four men; median age 74 years, range 35–84 years), seven received MTX for the treatment of autoimmune disease and eight developed EBVMCU after treatment of malignant lymphoma [diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (n = 4) without EBV association, adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (n = 2), angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (n = 1), and follicular lymphoma (n = 1)]. Ulcers were observed in the oral cavity (n = 11), gastrointestinal tract (n = 2), and skin (n = 2). All were histologically characterised by a mixture of EBV‐positive large B‐cell proliferation and Hodgkin/Reed–Sternberg‐like cells on a polymorphous background. A total of 46% (6/13) had monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement, but none had clonal T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement. Spontaneous regression occurred in 13 of 15 cases (87%); the other two cases (13%) achieved complete remission after treatment. Of two patients in the treated lymphoma‐associated subgroup, one developed multiple new ulcerative lesions on previously unaffected skin, and the other had a relapse of EBVMCU in the oral cavity. No significant clinicopathological differences were found between the subgroups. Notably, none of the patients died from EBVMCU. However, the treated lymphoma‐associated subgroup had lower overall survival (P = 0.004) and a shorter follow‐up period (P = 0.003) than the MTX‐associated subgroup, owing to death from non‐associated causes.ConclusionsTreated lymphoma‐associated EBVMCU, which is an indolent and self‐limited condition, must be recognised to avoid misdiagnosing it as a relapse of malignant lymphoma during treatment.