bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritional, muscular and metabolic characteristics in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Koga Monji , Yoshida Yuichi , Imafuku Shinichi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has many reported clinical characteristics. We previously found that NF1 patients (especially men) had lower body mass index (BMI) than controls, but the reason has not been elucidated. To address this issue, a retrospectively case–control study was conducted. Anthropometric and serum chemistry data that potentially relate to BMI were collected from medical records of NF1 patients and their age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Enrollment of 98 adult patients who underwent skin surgery with NF1 (41 men, 57 women) and 173 without NF1 (74 men, 99 women) were investigated. The median BMI in male NF1 patients was significantly lower than that of the controls. Triglycerides in male NF1 patients were significantly lower than male controls, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in NF1 patients were also lower than controls, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase showed a lower tendency in NF1 patients, but were significantly lower in female patients. With correlation analysis, lactate dehydrogenase was moderately correlated with BMI in male NF1 patients. Creatine kinase and creatinine showed no statistical correlation with BMI in either group. Triglycerides and alanine aminotransferase showed a positive correlation with BMI in both male and female controls, but not in NF1 patients. In conclusion, only lactate dehydrogenase was moderately correlated with BMI in male NF1 patients, although results of some nutritional and metabolic parameters suggest a specific metabolism in NF1.
Acquired dermal melanocytosis confined to the palm with a review of published cases of acquired dermal melanocytosis on the hands
Authors: Nakauchi Emi , Oka Masahiro , Fukumoto Takeshi , Sakaguchi Masanobu , Nishigori Chikako 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAcquired dermal melanocytosis (ADM) classically occurs on the face. However, extrafacial ADM including palmar ADM has been reported on rare occasions. We present the first report of ADM confined to the palm without ADM lesions in other regions in a 30‐year‐old Japanese woman. The patient presented with several interspersed macules up to 1 cm in diameter with poorly defined margins, containing faint slate‐gray spots 1–2 mm in diameter, on the left palm near the first and second fingers and on the palmar side of the first finger near the metacarpophalangeal joint. These slate‐gray spots were prominent on and around palmar creases and on wrinkles on the metacarpophalangeal joint. The patient was right hand‐dominant. Histopathological examination revealed scattered spindle‐shaped cells with melanin granules and melanophages in the upper to middle dermis. Pigment‐bearing spindle‐shaped cells were demonstrated to be dermal melanocytes because of positive staining for Melan‐A after melanin removal. We review the published work for ADM on the hands.
Relation between endothelial progenitor cells and arterial stiffness in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Liu Ju‐Hua , Chen Yan , Zhen Zhe , Yeung Chi‐Keung , Chan Johnny , Chan Henry H. , Tse Hung‐Fat , Yiu Kai‐Hang 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTPatients with psoriasis are prone to premature atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that depletion of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) is related to patients with psoriasis and can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Thirty‐five plaque‐type psoriasis patients (41.9 ± 5.5 years, 30 men) and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were studied. Four subpopulations of EPC, namely, CD34+ EPC, CD133+ EPC, CD34+/kinase insert domain‐containing receptor (KDR)+ EPC and CD133+/KDR+ EPC were measured by flow cytometry. Arterial stiffness in psoriasis patients was assessed by heart to ankle pulse wave velocity (haPWV), augmentation index (AI) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT). Patients with psoriasis had a lower level of CD34+ EPC (7.85 ± 2.49% vs 6.26 ± 2.13%, P = 0.02) compared with healthy controls. In patients with psoriasis, level of CD34+ EPC was negatively related with haPWV (r = −0.43 P = 0.01) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (r = −0.39 P = 0.02). Multivariate regression analysis further demonstrated that haPWV was independently associated with level of CD34+ EPC. Each percentage decrease in CD34+ EPC accounted for an increase in haPWV of +0.02 m/s. The result demonstrated that patients with psoriasis had reduced CD34+ EPC compared with controls. Importantly, CD34+ EPC was independently related with haPWV in these patients. This finding suggests that EPC reduction is associated with the development of arterial stiffness in patients with psoriasis.
Timing of cord clamping in relation to start of breathing or ventilation among depressed neonates—an observational study
Authors: Ersdal HL , Linde J , Auestad B , Mduma E , Lyanga S , Svensen E , Perlman J 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesThe optimal timing of cord clamping (CC) in nonbreathing neonates needing stabilisation/resuscitation remains unclear. The objective was to describe the relationship between time to CC, initiation of breathing or positive pressure ventilation (PPV) after stimulation/suction and 24‐hour neonatal mortality/morbidity.DesignObservational study.SettingA rural Tanzanian referral hospital.PopulationDepressed nonbreathing newborns.MethodsTrained research assistants have observed every delivery (November 2009 through January 2014) using stop‐watches and recorded data including fetal heart rate; time intervals from birth to CC and start of breathing or PPV and perinatal characteristics.Main outcome measuresTwenty‐four‐hour neonatal outcome (dead, admitted, normal).ResultsThere were 19 863 liveborn infants; 16 770 (84.4%) initiated spontaneous respirations, 3093 (15.6%) received stimulation/suctioning to initiate breathing. However, 1269 (41.0%) neonates failed to breath and received PPV at 98 ± 66 seconds and CC at 39 ± 35 seconds after birth. Adverse outcomes in neonates receiving PPV included 126 (9.9%) deaths and 100 (7.8%) neonatal admissions. In 1146/1269 (90%) neonates, CC occurred before PPV and was associated with 209 (18%) deaths/admissions. In 98 (8%) neonates, CC followed initiation of PPV with 14 (14%) deaths/admissions (P = 0.328). By logistic modelling, initiation of PPV before versus after CC was not associated with death/admission when adjusted for time to PPV. The risk for death/admission increased by 12% for every 30‐second delay in PPV (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThis observational study failed to demonstrate any relationship between time to CC and onset of breathing or initiation of PPV following stimulation/suction, and 24‐hour outcome. Delay in initiation of PPV was significantly associated with death/admission.Tweetable abstractNo relationship between time to cord clamp, breathing or ventilation and 24‐hour deaths in depressed neonates.
Size at birth and preterm birth in women with lifetime eating disorders: a prospective population‐based study
Authors: Micali N , Stemann Larsen P , Strandberg‐Larsen K , Nybo Andersen A‐M 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate whether eating disorders are associated with lower size at birth, symmetric growth restriction, and preterm birth; and whether pregnancy smoking explains the association between anorexia nervosa and fetal growth.DesignLongitudinal population‐based cohort study.SettingDenmark.SampleWomen from the Danish National Birth Cohort (n = 83 826).MethodsWomen with anorexia nervosa (n = 1609), bulimia nervosa (n = 1693) and both (anorexia + bulimia nervosa, n = 634) were compared with unexposed women (n = 76 724) (women with exposure data and singletons n = 80 660) using crude and adjusted linear and logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSize at birth (birthweight, length, head and abdominal circumference and placental weight); gestational age; small‐ and large‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA, LGA); ponderal index, abdominal/head circumference.ResultsLifetime anorexia nervosa and lifetime anorexia + bulimia nervosa were prospectively associated with restricted fetal growth and higher odds of SGA [respectively, OR = 1.6 [95% CI 1.3–1.8] and OR = 1.5 [95% CI 1.2–1.9)] compared with unexposed women. Active anorexia nervosa was associated with lower birthweight, length, head and abdominal circumference, ponderal index, higher odds of SGA [OR = 2.90 (95% 1.98–4.26)] and preterm birth [OR = 1.77 (95% CI 1.00–3.12)] compared with unexposed women. Pregnancy smoking only partly explained the association between anorexia nervosa and adverse fetal outcomes.ConclusionsMaternal anorexia nervosa (both active and past) is associated with lower size at birth and symmetric growth restriction, with evidence of worse outcomes in women with active disorder. Women with anorexia nervosa should be advised about achieving full recovery before conceiving. Similarly, targeting smoking in pregnancy might improve fetal outcomes.Tweetable abstractAnorexia nervosa predicts small size at birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age and symmetric growth restriction.
Cost‐effectiveness of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A population‐based matched case‐control study
Authors: Lin Chen‐Yuan , Fang Hsin‐Yuan , Feng Chun‐Lung , Li Chia‐Chin , Chien Chun‐Ru 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundNeoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (NCCRT) is often considered for locally‐advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA‐ESCC) patients; however, no data regarding the cost‐effectiveness of this treatment is available. Our study aimed to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of NCCRT versus esophagectomy for LA‐ESCC at population level.MethodsWe identified LA‐ESCC patients diagnosed within 2008–2009 and treated with either NCCRT or esophagectomy through the Taiwan Cancer Registry. We included potential confounding covariables (age, gender, residency, comorbidity, social‐economic status, disease stage, treating hospital level and surgeon's experience, and the use of endoscopic ultrasound before treatment) and used propensity score (PS) to construct a 1:1 population. The duration of interest was three years within the date of diagnosis. Effectiveness was measured as overall survival. We took the payer's perspective and converted the cost to 2014 United States dollars (USD). In sensitivity analysis, we evaluated the potential impact of an unmeasured confounder on the statistical significance of incremental net benefit at suggested willingness‐to‐pay.ResultsOur study population constituted 150 PS matched subjects. The mean cost (2014 USD) and survival (year) were higher for NCCRT compared with esophagectomy (US$91,460 vs. $75,836 for cost; 2.2 vs. 1.8 for survival) with an estimated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of US$39,060/life‐year.ConclusionsWhen compared to esophagectomy, NCCRT is likely to improve survival and is probably more cost‐effective. Cost‐effectiveness results should be interpreted with caution given our results were sensitive to potential unmeasured confounder(s) in sensitivity analysis.
On the Effectiveness of Social Norms Intervention in College Drinking: The Roles of Identity Verification and Peer Influence
Authors: Fitzpatrick Ben G. , Martinez Jason , Polidan Elizabeth , Angelis Ekaterini 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThe application of social norms theory in the study of college drinking centers on the ideas that incorrect perceptions of drinking norms encourage problematic drinking behavior and that correcting misperceptions can mitigate problems. The design and execution of social norms interventions can be improved with a deeper understanding of causal mechanisms connecting misperception to drinking behavior.MethodsWe develop an agent‐based computational simulation that uses identity control theory and peer influence (PI) to model interactions that affect drinking. Using data from the College Alcohol Survey and Social Norms Marketing Research Project, we inform model parameters for agent drinking identities and perceptions. We simulate social norms campaigns that reach progressively larger fractions of the student population, and we consider the strength of the campaign in terms of changing student perception and resulting behavior.ResultsWe observe a general reduction in heavy episodic drinking (HED) as students are affected by the intervention. As campaigns reached larger fractions of students, the reduction rate diminishes, in some cases actually making a slight reverse. The way in which students “take the message to heart” can have a significant impact as well: The psychological factors involved in identity control and PI have both positive and negative effects on HED rates. With whom agents associate at drinking events also impacts drinking behavior and intervention effectiveness.ConclusionsSimulations suggest that reducing misperception can reduce HED. When agents adhere strongly to identity verification and when misperceptions affect identity appraisals, social norms campaigns can bring about large reductions. PI, self‐monitoring, and socializing with like‐drinking peers appear to moderate the effect.
Measuring public agricultural research and extension and estimating their impacts on agricultural productivity: new insights from U.S. evidence
Authors: Jin Yu , Huffman Wallace E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article provides new estimates of the marginal product of public agricultural research and extension on state agricultural productivity for the U.S., using updated data and definitions, and forecasts of future agricultural productivity growth by state. The underlying rationale for a number of important decisions that underlie the data used in cost‐return estimates for public agricultural research and extension are presented. The parameters of the state productivity model are estimated from a panel of contiguous U.S. 48 states from 1970 to 2004. Public research and extension are shown to be substitutes rather than complements. The econometric model of state agricultural TFP predicts growth rates of TFP for two‐thirds of states that is less than the past trend rate. The results and data indicate a real social rate of return to public investments in agricultural research of 67% and to agricultural extension of 100+%. The article concludes with guidance for TFP analyses in other countries.
Measuring rural consumers’ willingness to pay for quality labels using experimental auctions: the case of aflatoxin‐free maize in Kenya
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Narrod Clare , Kimenju Simon C. , Bett Charles , Scott Rosemarie P. B. , Tiongco Marites M. , Gitonga Zachary M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAflatoxins are a common health hazard in tropical countries, especially in rural areas. New methods to reduce aflatoxin levels in food staples, as well as cheaper test methods, are being developed, but consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for these improvements is unknown. A survey was conducted with a representative sample of rural consumers (1,344 in total, 63% women) in all major maize‐production zones of Kenya. The survey included an experimental auction with maize products of different qualities. The results showed that many rural consumers were aware of aflatoxins, but few understood their health risks. Respondents were willing to pay a premium for maize tested for aflatoxins and labeled, but asked a high discount for maize that was visibly contaminated with moldy grain. The premium was higher for respondents with education and in regions with aflatoxicosis outbreaks. Knowledge of aflatoxins substantially reduced the overall WTP, but did not increase the WTP for tested maize. Welfare analysis indicates that mandatory testing would result in substantial benefits if the cost of testing can be lowered to below the premium.
The Importance of taste in experimental auctions: consumers’ valuation of calorie and sweetener labeling of soft drinks
Authors: Lewis Karen E. , Grebitus Carola , Nayga Rodolfo M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA majority of purchases that consumers make are classified as repeat purchases. One of the main reasons why consumers make repeat food purchases is the food's taste. Therefore, we examined the importance of including taste testing in nonhypothetical experimental auctions. Specifically, we used two experiments to determine consumers’ willingness to pay for soft drinks labeled with different calorie and sweetener information. In Experiment 1, participants tasted the soft drinks prior to the bidding rounds. In Experiment 2, participants did not taste the soft drinks prior to the bidding rounds. Bidding behavior for the soft drinks was significantly different between Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Results suggest that including taste testing in the design of experimental auctions is important to accurately capture consumers’ willingness to pay for foods that are purchased repeatedly. Results also imply that policies aimed at combating obesity by making the calorie content of foods more visible may not produce desired outcomes.
Reassessing marketing boards as hybrid arrangements: evidence from Canadian experiences
Authors: Royer Annie , Ménard Claude , Gouin Daniel‐Mercier 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this article, we reassess the role of marketing boards and similar arrangements that have played an important role in numerous agro‐food sectors of developed countries over almost a century. Referring to transaction cost economics and to more recent contributions on the allocation of decision and property rights, we interpret these arrangements as hybrid modes of governance. We hypothesize that uncertainty is the leading force pushing toward these organizational solutions and we explore forms of uncertainty at stake and their impact in shaping various types of hybrids. We also explore the role of institutional embeddedness in providing marketing boards and the like their legitimacy. Using numerous examples from Canadian marketing boards, we discuss the benefits and point out flaws of these arrangements. We conclude on the need to assess comparatively the role of these solutions with respect to, for example, a system of bilateral contracts.
Fragmented QRS Complex Predicts In‐Hospital Adverse Events and Long‐Term Mortality in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Cetin Mehmet Serkan , Ozcan Cetin Elif Hande , Arisoy Fazil , Kuyumcu Mevlüt Serdar , Topaloglu Serkan , Aras Dursun , Temizhan Ahmet 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundElectrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in pulmonary embolism (PE) are increasingly reported, and mounting data have recommended that ECG plays a crucial role in the prognostic assessment of PE patient population. However, there is scarce data on the prognostic importance of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on short‐ and long‐term outcomes in patients with PE. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of fQRS in predicting in‐hospital and long‐term adverse outcomes in PE patients.MethodsA total of 249 patients (155 female, 66.2%; mean age, 66.0 ± 16.0) with the diagnosis of acute PE were enrolled and followed‐up during median 24.8 months.ResultsCompared with the fQRS (−) patient group, patients with fQRS showed higher rates of in‐hospital adverse events including cardiogenic shock, the necessity of thrombolytic therapy, and in‐hospital mortality as well as long‐term all‐cause mortality. In Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, during follow‐up, all‐cause mortality occurred more frequently in the fQRS (+) group (log‐rank, P = 0.002). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, adjusted with other relevant parameters, the presence of fQRS were determined as an independent predictor of in‐hospital adverse events (HR: 2.743, 95% CI: 1.267–5.937, P = 0.003) and long‐term all‐cause mortality (HR: 3.137, 95% CI: 1.824–6.840, P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe presence of fQRS complex, as a simple and feasible ECG marker, seems to be a novel predictor of in‐hospital adverse events and long‐term all‐cause mortality in PE patient population. This parameter may utilize the identification of patients whom at higher risk for mortality and individualization of therapy.
What is the role of laparoscopic surgery in intussusception?
Authors: Houben Christoph Heinrich , Feng Xiang‐Nan , Tang Sheung‐Ho , Chan Edwin Kin Wai , Lee Kim Hung 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundAssessing the role of laparoscopy in the management of intussusception.MethodsA retrospective review of children aged up to 17 years who had surgery for intussusception at this institution between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013.ResultsThe cohort of 44 individuals (18 females) presented at a median age of 9 months (range 2.5 months–15.75 years) with intussusception; 36 patients had undergone a failed pneumatic reduction. Thirty‐seven patients had an initial laparoscopic approach. Conversion was required in 13 individuals: inability to reduce a ‘tight’ intussusception in seven individuals, limited working space in four individuals, and inadequate tactile response in two individuals. Twenty‐four patients (54%) had the laparoscopic approach completed. An open approach was chosen for seven individuals at a median age of 5 (range 4–11) months: three individuals had marked abdominal distension, two individuals had a pneumoperitoneum and two individuals presented with a large central mass. Together with the 13 conversions, a total of 20 patients (46%) underwent an open approach. The more distal the apex of the intussusception, the more likely open surgery was. Hospital stays for the subgroup of patients with successfully completed laparoscopic intervention (n = 24) were shorter than for the open surgery group (n = 20) with P = 0.0145, but the open procedure was used to manage the more challenging cases. The subgroup of seven infants undergoing direct open surgery were significantly younger than the remaining individuals (P = 0.0046).ConclusionLaparoscopic intervention is meaningful in approximately 50% of children requiring a surgical reduction.
Antibodies to age-β2glycoprotein I in patients with anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome
Authors: Sorice M , Buttari B , Capozzi A , Profumo E , Facchiano F , Truglia S , Recalchi S , Alessandri C , Conti F , Misasi R , Valesini G , Riganò R 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAnti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized clinically by arterial and/or venous thromboses, recurrent abortions or fetal loss and serologically by the presence of ‘anti-phospholipid antibodies’ (aPL). The main target antigen of the antibodies is β2glycoprotein I (β2GPI). Post-translational oxidative modifications of the protein have been widely described. In this study we aimed to analyse sera reactivity to glucose-modified β2GPI (G-β2GPI). Sera collected from 43 patients with APS [15 primary APS (PAPS) and 28 APS associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (SAPS)], 30 with SLE, 30 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 40 healthy subjects were analysed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a G-β2GPI. Nine of 15 consecutive PAPS out-patients (60%) and 16 of 28 SAPS (57.1%) showed serum antibodies [immunoglobulin (Ig)G class] against G-β2GPI (anti-G-β2GPI) by ELISA. The occurrence of anti-G-β2GPI was significantly higher in APS patients compared to patients suffering from SLE. No RA patients or control healthy subjects resulted positive for anti-G-β2GPI. Of note, aG-β2GPI prompted to identify some APS patients (four PAPS and seven SAPS), who were negative in the classical anti-β2GPI test. Moreover, in APS patients, anti-G-β2GPI titre was associated significantly with venous thrombosis and seizure in APS patients. This study demonstrates that G-β2GPI is a target antigen of humoral immune response in patients with APS, suggesting that β2GPI glycation products may contain additional epitopes for anti-β2GPI reactivity. Searching for these antibodies may be useful for evaluating the risk of clinical manifestations.