bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Views of dermatopathologists about clonality assays in the diagnosis of cutaneous T‐cell and B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Comfere Nneka , Sundram Uma , Hurley Maria Yadira , Swick Brian 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundAppropriate use criteria have been developed for many tests using expert judgment, evidence‐based practice and clinical experience. In this context, we report the opinions of practitioners about clonality assays in various clinical scenarios where cutaneous lymphoma is suspected.MethodsAn Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force sponsored by the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) synthesized clinical scenarios for cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). We conducted, summarized and presented a relevant literature search to an audience of 144 dermatopathologists with a variety of practice experiences at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the ASDP in Chicago, IL.ResultsTwenty‐seven clinical scenarios for LPDs (13 T‐cell and 14 B‐cell) were defined. Forty relevant studies for T‐cell receptor gene clonality assays and 20 relevant studies for IgH/IgK clonality assays were identified. Audience response data from participating dermatopathologists reflected a wide variety of approaches to the application of clonality assays in the evaluation of LPDs, based on practice setting, personal experience and test availability.ConclusionsOur clinical scenario analysis and literature review revealed well‐supported clinical scenarios and identified opportunities for additional research to further define the utility of clonality assays in some clinical scenarios.
Stopping khat use: Predictors of success in an unaided quit attempt
Authors: Duresso Samson W. , Bruno Raimondo , Matthews Allison J. , Ferguson Stuart G. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsDespite the adverse effects of khat use and chewers interest in cessation, there are few studies that have reported on the outcome of khat cessation attempts, and limited resources available for potential quitters. We used electronic diaries to monitor the outcomes of an unassisted quit attempt among daily and near daily khat consumers, and examine predictors of success.Design and MethodsSixty participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years who regularly chewed khat and who were attempting to quit were purposively recruited from an Ethiopian University campus. Real‐time prospective daily recording of khat use was obtained for an average of 10 days prior to quit day (range 6–13) and 28 post‐quit days (range 9–31), using an electronic diary.ResultsAlmost all (95%) achieved initial abstinence. Of these, 80% reached at least seven continuous days of abstinence; 7% maintained continuous abstinence for 28 days post‐quit. While 93% lapsed (average 11 days post‐quit, SD = 7), only a smaller proportion relapsed (41%: chewed for at least three consecutive days after at least 5 days of abstinence). No demographic factors were predictive of successful abstinence.Discussion and ConclusionsRegular khat chewers have difficulties in maintaining abstinence despite having motivation and desire to quit. This implies that treatment aids may be needed to assist chewers’ in their quit attempts. Controlled experimental trial through the use of available low cost quit aids and behavioural resources is crucial in order to increase success rates for those seeking to desist from khat use.
Past levels of canopy closure affect the occurrence of veteran trees and flagship saproxylic beetles
Authors: Miklín Jan , Sebek Pavel , Hauck David , Konvicka Ondrej , Cizek Lukas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimOpen woodlands are biologically highly diverse habitats, and veteran (i.e., old, senescent) trees are key structures supporting their biodiversity. Open canopy structure had been maintained by both natural‐ and human‐induced disturbances. In the past two centuries, suppression of such disturbances, together with forestry intensification, has turned most lowland woodlands into closed‐canopy forests. We investigated the effect of increased canopy closure on veteran trees and several threatened beetles associated with them.LocationFloodplain woodlands along the lower Dyje and Morava rivers, Czech Republic.MethodsWe used an approach combining the study of aerial photographs with on‐ground survey of veteran trees and associated endangered beetles. The aerial images were used to obtain the information on historical (1938) and recent (2009) canopy closure in the area of 146 km2, where we mapped large oaks (d.b.h. >70 cm), hollow trees and three associated beetles including the hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita), the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) and the jewel beetle Eurythyrea quercus.ResultsThe presence of large oaks, hollow trees and their associated beetle species are negatively related to recent high canopy closure, and the historical level of canopy closure matters, as in nowadays closed‐canopy stands, the beetles and veteran trees are more common in places that were rather open in 1938 than in the places with closed canopy already in 1938. Moreover, the health state of veteran trees highly depends on the canopy closure.Main conclusionThe negative effect of canopy closure on veteran trees and their endangered inhabitants is several decades delayed and may thus often go undetected. In the forests, however, large and hollow trees and their associated biodiversity are relics of the past, more open conditions. The restoration of open woodlands is therefore vital for preventing their further decline. Conservation management planning needs to take this into account wherever, veteran trees and associated biota are concerned.
Risk of prostate cancer across different racial/ethnic groups in men with diabetes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen C. B. , Eurich D. T. , Majumdar S. R. , Johnson J. A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimTo examine the associations between prostate cancer, diabetes and race/ethnicity.MethodsUsing administrative data from British Columbia, Canada for the period 1994 to 2012, we identified men aged ≥50 years with and without diabetes. Validated surname algorithms identified men as Chinese, Indian or of other race/ethnicity. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted risks of prostate cancer according to diabetes status and race/ethnicity.ResultsOur cohort of 160 566 men had a mean (sd) age of 64.7 (9.4) years and a median of 9 years’ follow‐up. The incidence rates of prostate cancer among those with and without diabetes were 177.4 (171.7–183.4) and 216.0 (209.7–222.5) per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The incidence among Chinese men was 120.9 (109.2–133.1), among Indian men it was 144.1 (122.8‐169.0) and in men of other ethnicity it was 204.8 (200.2–209.5). Diabetes was independently associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.78–0.86), as was Chinese (adjusted hazard ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.46,0.63) and Indian (adjusted hazard ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.49,0.89) race/ethnicity; however, there was no statistically significant interaction between diabetes status and race/ethnicity (all P>0.1).ConclusionDiabetes and Chinese and Indian race/ethnicity were each independently associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Prognosis of the infected diabetic foot ulcer: a 12‐month prospective observational study
Authors: Ndosi M. , Wright‐Hughes A. , Brown S. , Backhouse M. , Lipsky B. A. , Bhogal M. , Reynolds C. , Vowden P. , Jude E. B. , Nixon J. , Nelson E. A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimsTo determine clinical outcomes and explore prognostic factors related to ulcer healing in people with a clinically infected diabetic foot ulcer.MethodsThis multicentre, prospective, observational study reviewed participants’ data at 12 months after culture of a diabetic foot ulcer requiring antibiotic therapy. From participants’ notes, we obtained information on the incidence of wound healing, ulcer recurrence, lower extremity amputation, lower extremity revascularization and death. We estimated the cumulative incidence of healing at 6 and 12 months, adjusted for lower extremity amputation and death using a competing risk analysis, and explored the relationship between baseline factors and healing incidence.ResultsIn the first year after culture of the index ulcer, 45/299 participants (15.1%) had died. The ulcer had healed in 136 participants (45.5%), but recurred in 13 (9.6%). An ipsilateral lower extremity amputation was recorded in 52 (17.4%) and revascularization surgery in 18 participants (6.0%). Participants with an ulcer present for ~2 months or more had a lower incidence of healing (hazard ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.77), as did those with a PEDIS (perfusion, extent, depth, infection, sensation) perfusion grade of ≥2 (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.55). Participants with a single ulcer on their index foot had a higher incidence of healing than those with multiple ulcers (hazard ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.06).ConclusionsClinical outcomes at 12 months for people with an infected diabetic foot ulcer are generally poor. Our data confirm the adverse prognostic effect of limb ischaemia, longer ulcer duration and the presence of multiple ulcers.
Pilot feasibility study examining a structured self‐management diabetes education programme, DESMOND‐ID, targeting HbA1c in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Taggart L. , Truesdale M. , Carey M. E. , Martin‐Stacey L. , Scott J. , Bunting B. , Coates V. , Brown M. , Karatzias T. , Northway R. , Clarke J. M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimTo report on the outcomes of a pilot feasibility study of a structured self‐management diabetes education programme targeting HbA1c.MethodsWe conducted a two‐arm, individually randomized, pilot superiority trial for adults with intellectual disability and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 66 adults with disabilities across the UK met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 39 agreed to participate and were randomly assigned to either the DESMOND‐ID programme (n = 19) or a control group (n = 20). The programme consisted of seven weekly educational sessions. The primary outcome was HbA1c level, and secondary outcomes included BMI, diabetes illness perceptions, severity of diabetes, quality of life, and attendance rates.ResultsThis study found that the DESMOND‐ID programme was feasible to deliver. With reasonable adjustments, the participants could be recruited successfully, and could provide consent, complete the outcome measures, be randomized to the groups and attend most of the sessions, with minimal loss to follow‐up. The fixed‐effects model, the interaction between occasion (time) and condition, showed statistically significant results (0.05 level) for HbA1c; however, the CI was large.ConclusionThis is the first published study to adapt and pilot a national structured self‐management diabetes education programme for adults with intellectual disability. This study shows it is possible to identify, recruit, consent and randomize adults with intellectual disabilities to an intervention or control group. Internationally, the results of this pilot are promising, demonstrating that a multi‐session education programme is acceptable and feasible to deliver. Its effectiveness should be further tested in an adequately powered trial.
Recent trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the association with abdominal obesity lead to growing health disparities in the USA: An analysis of the NHANES surveys from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Caspard Herve , Jabbour Serge , Hammar Niklas , Fenici Peter , Sheehan John J. , Kosiborod Mikhail 
Published: October 2017

AimTo assess whether the secular trends in type 2 diabetes prevalence differ between abdominally obese and non‐obese individuals.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were used to estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and abdominal obesity among individuals aged ≥20 years in the USA from 1999/2000 to 2013/2014, after standardization to the age, sex and ethnicity population distribution estimates on January 1, 2014, as published by the US Census Bureau.ResultsThe prevalence of abdominal obesity in the US population increased from 47.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.6‐52.2) in 1999/2000 to 57.2% (95% CI 55.9‐58.5) in 2013/2014. A significant increase was observed in all age groups: 20 to 44, 45 to 64, and ≥65 years. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has also increased from 8.8% (95% CI 7.2‐10.4) in 1999/2000 to 11.7% (95% CI 10.9‐12.6) in 2013/2014, with no substantial change in trend over the recent years. However, the increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was limited to individuals with abdominal obesity, and more specifically to individuals aged ≥45 years with abdominal obesity, with no significant change in prevalence in the non‐obese group and in individuals aged <45 years.ConclusionThese findings highlight the critical importance of abdominal obesity—both as a likely key contributor to the continuing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the USA and as a priority target for public health interventions.
All‐cause and diabetes‐related healthcare costs among US adults with type 2 diabetes initiating exenatide once weekly or insulin glargine
Authors: Wittbrodt Eric , Kong Amanda M. , Moore‐Schiltz Laura , Juneau Paul 
Published: October 2017

AimsTo compare healthcare utilization and costs between patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with exenatide (Bydureon) once weekly (EQW) and patients treated with insulin glargine (IG).Materials and methodsUsing the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult US patients with claim with a diagnosis of T2D, initiating EQW or IG from February 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014 (first claim = index date). All‐cause and diabetes‐related utilization and costs were measured during the 12 months after the index date. EQW patients were matched 1:1 to IG patients, using propensity scores. Logistic and ordinary least‐squares regression models were fit to model differences between the matched cohorts.ResultsThere were 7749 EQW patients matched to 7749 IG patients. EQW patients had significantly (P < .05) lower odds of all‐cause inpatient (IP) admissions (odds ratio = 0.737 [95% confidence interval, 0.661, 0.822]), diabetes‐related IP admissions (0.720 [95% confidence interval, 0.635, 0.815]) and diabetes‐related IP admissions or emergency room visits (0.778 [95% confidence interval, 0.713, 0.847]). EQW patients had significantly (P < .05) lower all‐cause (cost difference = −113 USD [95% confidence interval, −120 USD, −106 USD]) and diabetes‐related (−806 USD [95% confidence interval, −871 USD, −746 USD]) medical costs, and had significantly (P < .05) higher all‐cause total costs (ie, medical plus pharmacy) (3228 USD [95% confidence interval, 3110 USD, 3367 USD]), diabetes‐related total costs (1951 USD [95% confidence interval, 1873 USD, 2036 USD]), all‐cause pharmacy costs (2792 USD [95% confidence interval, 2700 USD, 2928 USD]) and diabetes‐related pharmacy costs (1923 USD [95% confidence interval, 1890 USD, 1957 USD]) than those of IG patients.ConclusionsAmong adults with T2D, EQW initiators had lower odds of IP admission and lower medical costs in the 12 months after initiation than IG initiators. Higher total costs in EQW patients were driven by greater pharmacy costs.
Quantification of the area and shunt volume of multiple, circular, and noncircular ventricular septal defects: A 2D/3D echocardiography comparison and real time 3D color Doppler feasibility determination study
Authors: Tracy Evan , Zhu Meihua , Streiff Cole , Sahn David J. , Ashraf Muhammad 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundQuantification of defect size and shunt flow is an important aspect of ventricular septal defect (VSD) evaluation. This study compared three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) with the current clinical standard two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE) for quantifying defect area and tested the feasibility of real time 3D color Doppler echocardiography (RT3D‐CDE) for quantifying shunt volume of irregular shaped and multiple VSDs.MethodsLatex balloons were sutured into the ventricles of 32 freshly harvested porcine hearts and were connected with tubing placed in septal perforations. Tubing was varied in area (0.13–5.22 cm²), number (1–3), and shape (circle, oval, crescent, triangle). A pulsatile pump was used to pump “blood” through the VSD (LV to RV) at stroke volumes of 30–70 mL with a stroke rate of 60 bpm. Two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE), 3DE, and RT3D‐CDE images were acquired from the right side of the phantom.ResultsFor circular VSDs, both 2DE and 3DE area measurements were consistent with the actual areas (R² = 0.98 vs 0.99). For noncircular/multiple VSDs, 3DE correlated with the actual area more closely than 2DE (R² = 0.99 vs 0.44). Shunt volumes obtained using RT3D‐CDE positively correlated with pumped stroke volumes (R² = 0.96).ConclusionsThree‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a feasible method for determining VSD area and is more accurate than 2DE for evaluating the area of multiple or noncircular VSDs. Real‐time 3D color Doppler echocardiography (RT3D‐CDE) is a feasible method for quantifying the shunt volume of multiple or noncircular VSDs.
Dynamics of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations in older males
Authors: Naudé Petrus J. W. , Dekens Doortje W. , Eisel Ulrich L. M. , den Daas Izaak , De Deyn Peter P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is an inflammatory protein with gaining increasing interest for its use as marker in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for several chronic diseases. Its biochemical properties make it an attractive marker. However, changes in blood and CSF NGAL concentrations during the diurnal rhythm in the elderly are unknown. This information is important for its optimal use as marker in studies with older people.MethodsSerial paired plasma and CSF samples were obtained from 8 healthy elderly males over a 30‐hour period. NGAL and cortisol were quantified with ELISA.ResultsNo significant changes in plasma and CSF NGAL concentrations over time were found, whereas cortisol (included as internal control) concentrations displayed significant changes over time. Significant circadian patterns were found for plasma NGAL and for cortisol in both plasma and CSF. However, CSF NGAL concentrations did not follow a diurnal pattern in elderly males.ConclusionsThis study illustrates the temporal regulation of NGAL in plasma and CSF, which potentially is a useful reference for studies measuring NGAL as biomarker in older individuals.
Social inclusion and its interrelationships with social cognition and social functioning in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Gardner Andrew , Cotton Sue M. , Allott Kelly , Filia Kate M. , Hester Robert , Killackey Eóin 
Published: October 2017

AimPeople with psychosis are at risk of social exclusion. Research is needed in this area due to the lack of direct measurement of social inclusion, which becomes salient in adolescence and is relevant to first‐episode psychosis (FEP; the onset of which typically occurs during or shortly after adolescence). Social inclusion may be impacted by impaired social cognition and social functioning, which are related features observed in psychosis. The aim of this study was to explore interrelationship(s) between social cognition, social functioning and social inclusion in FEP while controlling for symptomatology (positive, negative and depressive symptoms) and demographic characteristics.MethodsA series of cross‐sectional hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to examine whether: social cognition (theory of mind, emotion recognition) predicted social functioning; social functioning predicted social inclusion, and whether social functioning mediated the relationship between social cognition and social inclusion in people aged 15 to 25 (M = 20.49, SD = 2.41) with FEP (N = 146). Age, sex, premorbid IQ, positive and negative psychotic symptoms and depression were control variables.ResultsPoor facial emotion recognition (β = −.22, P < .05) and negative symptoms (β = −.45, P < .001) predicted lower social functioning. Role‐specific social functioning (ie, current employment) predicted greater social inclusion (β = .17, P < .05). Higher depression symptomatology predicted lower social inclusion (β = −.43, P < .001). Social functioning did not mediate the relationship between social cognition and inclusion. Psychotic symptoms were unrelated to social inclusion.ConclusionsEmployment and depression may influence social inclusion somewhat independently of psychotic symptomatology in FEP. Inferences should be viewed with caution given this study did not involve longitudinal data.
Plant exudates may stabilize or weaken soil depending on species, origin and time
Authors: Naveed M. , Brown L. K. , Raffan A. C. , George T. S. , Bengough A. G. , Roose T. , Sinclair I. , Koebernick N. , Cooper L. , Hackett C. A. , Hallett P. D. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryWe hypothesized that plant exudates could either gel or disperse soil depending on their chemical characteristics. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Optic) and maize (Zea mays L. cv. Freya) root exudates were collected using an aerated hydroponic method and compared with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed exudate, a commonly used root exudate analogue. Sandy loam soil was passed through a 500‐μm mesh and treated with each exudate at a concentration of 4.6 mg exudate g−1 dry soil. Two sets of soil samples were prepared. One set of treated soil samples was maintained at 4°C to suppress microbial processes. To characterize the effect of decomposition, the second set of samples was incubated at 16°C for 2 weeks at −30 kPa matric potential. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the exudates showed that barley had the largest organic acid content and chia the largest content of sugars (polysaccharide‐derived or free), and maize was in between barley and chia. Yield stress of amended soil samples was measured by an oscillatory strain sweep test with a cone plate rheometer. When microbial decomposition was suppressed at 4°C, yield stress increased 20‐fold for chia seed exudate and twofold for maize root exudate compared with the control, whereas for barley root exudate decreased to half. The yield stress after 2 weeks of incubation compared with soil with suppressed microbial decomposition increased by 85% for barley root exudate, but for chia and maize it decreased by 87 and 54%, respectively. Barley root exudation might therefore disperse soil and this could facilitate nutrient release. The maize root and chia seed exudates gelled soil, which could create a more stable soil structure around roots or seeds.Highlights

Rheological measurements quantified physical behaviour of plant exudates and effect on soil stabilization.
Barley root exudates dispersed soil, which could release nutrients and carbon.
Maize root and chia seed exudates had a stabilizing effect on soil.
Physical engineering of soil in contact with plant roots depends on the nature and origin of exudates.