bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of daylight‐mediated photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis throughout the year in Central and South America: a meteorological study
Authors: Grinblat Beni , Galimberti Gaston , Pantoja Gonzalo , Sanclemente Gloria , Lopez Miguel , Alcala Daniel , Torezan Luís , Kerob Delphine , Pascual Thierry , Chouela Edgardo 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundDaylight‐mediated photodynamic therapy (DL‐PDT) is an efficacious treatment option for thin actinic keratosis (AK) that offers advantages over conventional PDT in terms of tolerability, treatment duration, and cost. A clinical study conducted in Australia determined the mean irradiance during a 2‐hour exposure to be 305.8 W/m2 (range: 40–585 W/m2). The protoporphyrin IX light dose is influenced by latitude, weather conditions, and time of year. A recent study of meteorological data concluded that DL‐PDT can be performed effectively throughout the year in Australia.ObjectivesBased on the same hypothesis and applying the same methodology, the present study investigated the suitability of daylight to perform DL‐PDT in Central and South America.MethodsSolar radiation and weather data were gathered and analyzed to assess daylight irradiance (light intensity) throughout a full year across 32 geographical locations in Central and South America.ResultsThe minimum average daily solar irradiance reported was above 305.8 W/m2 in all locations investigated throughout the year. Annual averages of daily irradiance ranged from 578 W/m2 in Chihuahua, Mexico, to 321 W/m2 in Puerto Montt, Chile.ConclusionsDaylight‐mediated PDT for AK can be performed effectively throughout the year in Central and South America given that weather conditions permit a comfortable 2‐hour direct exposure to daylight.
Teledermoscopy in doubtful melanocytic lesions: is it really useful?
Authors: de Giorgi Vincenzo , Gori Alessia , Savarese Imma , D'Errico Antonietta , Grazzini Marta , Papi Federica , Maio Vincenza , Covarelli Piero , Urso Carmelo , Massi Daniela 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnosis of cutaneous pigmented lesions remains a challenge for both dermatologists and pathologists. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic concordance between the conventional face‐to‐face diagnosis and the telediagnosis of 10 dermatologists with expertise in dermato‐oncology of 10 challenging pigmented lesions.MethodsUsing a store‐and‐forward teledermatology method, clinical and dermoscopic digital images of all selected lesions were transmitted via e‐mail to 10 dermatologists. Dermatologists were called to provide their telediagnoses with a step‐by‐step approach. When the dermatologists responded with their first clinical telediagnosis, they received a second email that contained dermoscopic images of the 10 cases. Final histopathological diagnosis was considered the gold standard for comparison with face‐to‐face and teledermatology diagnoses in statistical analysis.ResultsFace‐to‐face results indicated moderate agreement between clinical and histopathological diagnoses (K = 0.6). After the first clinical step, interobserver concordance of telediagnosis was lower than face‐to‐face diagnosis (K = 0.52). After the second dermoscopy step, the concordance declined further (K = 0.38).ConclusionsTeledermatology was inferior to face‐to‐face dermatology. Moreover, the diagnostic concordance of telediagnosis decreased after the teledermoscopic step. This finding may be justified by the dermoscopic difficulty of the selected lesions, including Spitzoid proliferations and atypical melanocytic nevi of the elderly. These lesions may represent a potential diagnostic pitfall given their confounding dermoscopic aspects.
Infantile hemangioma status by dynamic infrared thermography: A preliminary study
Authors: Burkes Shoná A. , Patel Manish , Adams Denise M. , Hammill Adrienne M. , Eaton Kenneth P. , Randall Wickett R. , Visscher Marty O. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundInfantile hemangiomas (IH) are initially warm due to increased proliferation and perfusion then involute with apoptosis and reduced perfusion. Objective quantitative evaluation of IH treatment response is essential for improving outcomes. We applied a functional imaging method, dynamic infrared (IR) thermography, to investigate IH status versus control skin and over time.Materials and methodsA preliminary prospective observational study was conducted among 25 subjects with superficial or mixed IHs (< 19 months) over 59 clinic visits. Infrared images of IHs and control sites, standardized color images, and three‐dimensional images were obtained. Tissue responses following application and removal of a cold stress were recorded with video IR thermography. Outcomes included areas under the curve during cooling (AUCcool) and rewarming (AUCrw) and thermal intensity distribution maps.ResultsAUCcool and AUCrw were significantly higher and cooling rate slower for IHs versus uninvolved tissue indicating greater heat, presumably due to greater perfusion and metabolism for the IH. IR distribution maps showed specific areas of high and low temperature. Significant changes in IH thermal activity were reflected in the difference (AUCcool – AUCrw), with 6.2 at 2.2 months increasing to 37.6 at 12.8 months. IH cooling rate increased with age, indicating slower recovery, and interpreted as reduced proliferation and/or involution.ConclusionsDynamic IR thermography was a well‐tolerated, quantitative functional imaging modality appropriate for the clinic, particularly when structural changes, i.e., height, volume, color, were not readily observed. It may assist in monitoring progress, individualizing treatment, and evaluating therapies. Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier NCT02061735)
Clinical characteristics of patients with facial psoriasis in Malaysia
Authors: Syed Nong Chek Sharifah Rosniza , Robinson Suganthy , Mohd Affandi Azura , Baharum Nurakmal 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis involving the face is visible and can cause considerable emotional distress to patients. Its presence may also confer a poorer prognosis for the patient. This study sought to evaluate the characteristics of facial psoriasis in Malaysia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study conducted using data from the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry from 2007 to 2011. Specific risk factors, i.e., age, age of onset, gender, duration of disease, obesity group, body surface area, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), family history of psoriasis, nail involvement, psoriatic arthritis, phototherapy, systemic therapy, clinic visit, days of work/school, and hospital admission due to psoriasis in the last 6 months were analyzed.ResultsA total of 48.4% of patients had facial psoriasis. Variables significantly associated with facial psoriasis are younger age, younger age of onset of psoriasis of ≤ 40 years, male, severity of psoriasis involving >10% of the body surface area, higher DLQI of >10, nail involvement, and history of hospitalization due to psoriasis.ConclusionThis study found that facial psoriasis is not as rare as previously thought. Ambient ultraviolet light, sebum, and contact with chemicals from facial products may reduce the severity of facial psoriasis, but these factors do not reduce the prevalence of facial psoriasis. The association with younger age, younger age of onset, higher percentage of body surface area involvement, higher DLQI of > 10, nail involvement, and hospitalization due to psoriasis support the notion that facial psoriasis is a marker of severe disease.
Motivating systems‐oriented research on environmental and policy changes for obesity prevention
Authors: Cheskin L. J. , Frutchey R. , McDermott A. Y. , Esposito L. , Lee B. Y. , Kumanyika S. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundResearch on the types of interventions needed for population‐level prevention of childhood obesity in complex societal systems can benefit from greater use of systems‐science concepts and tools.ObjectivesWe report outcomes of a funding programme promoting incorporation of systems‐science approaches into studies of imminent policy or environmental changes potentially impacting childhood obesity.MethodsSeven funding cycles over 3 years yielded 172 initial submissions from 29 US states and 25 other countries were analyzed.ResultsSubmissions focused primarily on aspects of school or child‐care settings, parks and recreational settings, or access to healthy food; about half reflected attention to systems perspectives.ConclusionsAnalysis of initial submissions as well as the 15 funded projects showed some success in motivating use of systems concepts and tools but suggested the need for a more focused effort to educate and prepare the childhood obesity prevention research community for this potentially crucial type of research.
Oral glucose tolerance test unravels circulating miRNAs associated with insulin resistance in obese preschoolers
Authors: Masotti A. , Baldassarre A. , Fabrizi M. , Olivero G. , Loreti M. C. , Giammaria P. , Veronelli P. , Graziani M. P. , Manco M. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundCirculating microRNAs (miRNAs) may act as biomarkers of metabolic disturbances.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify serum miRNAs signature of early insulin resistance in obese preschoolers.MethodsTwelve obese children, aged 2–6 years, six insulin resistant (IR) and six controls were selected being age‐matched, sex‐matched and body mass index‐matched. Profiling of 179 circulating miRNAs, known to be widely expressed in the bloodstream, was investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction at fasting and 120 min following a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).ResultsTwenty‐one miRNAs were differentially regulated in IR obese preschoolers. miR‐200c‐3p, miR‐190a and miR‐95 were differently regulated both at fasting and 120 min after the OGTT. In controls, the fold changes of some miRNAs were correlated with Δglucose0‐120 (miR‐660, miR‐26b‐5p and miR‐22‐3p: p = 0.005 for all) and Δinsulin0‐120 (miR‐660 and miR‐22‐3p: p = 0.02 for both and miR‐423‐5p: p = 0.042). In IR patients, miR‐1 fold changes were correlated with Δglucose0‐120 (r = −0.786; p = 0.036) and Δinsulin0‐120 (r = −0.821; p = 0.023).ConclusionsOur study identifies circulating miR‐200c‐3p, miR‐190a and miR‐95 as biomarkers of insulin resistance in obese preschoolers, being differentially regulated in IR patients both in fasting condition and after the OGTT. Expression of some circulating miRNAs seems reflecting glucose and insulin excursion following the OGTT differently in controls and IR obese preschoolers.
Ruling out low‐ and moderate‐risk probability pulmonary emboli without radiological imaging: appraisal of a clinical prediction algorithm after implementation and revision with higher D‐dimer thresholds
Authors: Woo Y. P. , Thien F. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundA study conducted at an Australian hospital between 2007 and 2009 led to the implementation of a clinical prediction algorithm for pulmonary embolism (PE) consisting of the Wells criteria and D‐dimer testing. Since then, studies conducted in other countries have recommended new D‐dimer cut‐offs to the algorithm.AimsTo appraise the implemented algorithm and see if its ability to stratify patient risk has been maintained and to test retrospectively new D‐dimer thresholds.MethodsData from 300 patients with computed tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPA) scans between February 2010 and March 2012 were included. Results were reviewed for algorithm compliance, patient risk stratification and PE prevalence. A higher D‐dimer and an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cut‐off were then retrospectively applied to the algorithm and results were re‐evaluated.ResultsPre‐test probabilities between the current and original study remain within 1%, with slightly higher PE prevalence in the original study (12.7% vs 13.8%). Of the imaged cases, 14% (42/300) were not compliant with the algorithm. Of the low‐ and moderate‐risk patients that underwent D‐dimer testing, the retrospective application of 0.5 mg/L D‐dimer cut‐off resulted in a further 12.1% (95% confidence intervals 8.0–17.1%) of patients excluded from undergoing a CTPA. When combined with an age‐adjusted D‐dimer cut‐off, 27.9% (60/215 95% confidence intervals 22.0–34.3%) were excluded from undergoing a CTPA.ConclusionThe implemented algorithm has maintained risk stratification and PE prevalence results. Along with evidence in other studies, we have shown that raising the D‐dimer and applying age‐adjusted D‐dimer cut‐offs might improve the efficiency of the clinical prediction algorithm in patients aged over 50.
Influence of food and lifestyle on the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Niewiadomski O. , Studd C. , Wilson J. , Williams J. , Hair C. , Knight R. , Prewett E. , Dabkowski P. , Alexander S. , Allen B. , Dowling D. , Connell W. , Desmond P. , Bell S. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe Barwon area in Australia has one of the highest incidence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and therefore is an ideal location to study the impact of environmental exposures on the disease's development.AimTo study these exposures prior to the development of IBD in a population‐based cohort.MethodOne hundred and thirty‐two incident cases (81 Crohn disease (CD) and 51 ulcerative colitis (UC)) from an IBD registry and 104 controls replied to the International Organization of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases environmental questionnaire. This included 87 questions about pre‐illness exposures that included childhood illnesses, vaccinations, breastfeeding, house amenities, pets and swimming, diet and smoking.ResultsThe factors associated with CD included smoking (odds ratio (OR): 1.42, confidence interval (CI): 1–2.02, P = 0.029); childhood events, including tonsillectomy (OR: 1.74, CI: 1.15–2.6, P = 0.003) and chicken pox infection (OR: 3.89, CI: 1.61–9.4, P = 0.005) and pre‐diagnosis intake of frequent fast food (OR: 2.26, CI: 1.76–4.33, P = 0.003). In UC, the risk factors included smoking (OR: 1.39, CI: 1.1–1.92, P = 0.026) and pre‐diagnosis intake of frequent fast food (OR: 2.91, CI: 1.54–5.58, P < 0.001), and high caffeine intake was protective (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.3–0.87, P = 0.002). Other protective exposures for UC included high fruit intake (OR: 0.59, CI: 0.4–0.88, P = 0.003) and having pets as a child (OR: 0.36, CI: 0.2–0.79, P = 0.001).ConclusionThis first Australian population‐based study of environmental risk factors confirms that smoking, childhood immunological events and dietary factors play a role in IBD development; while high caffeine intake and pet ownership offer a protective effect.
Sequential variable neighborhood descent variants: an empirical study on the traveling salesman problem
Authors: Mjirda Anis , Todosijević Raca , Hanafi Saïd , Hansen Pierre , Mladenović Nenad 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn a single local search algorithm, several neighborhood structures are usually explored. The simplest way is to define a single neighborhood as the union of all predefined neighborhood structures; the other possibility is to make an order (or sequence) of the predefined neighborhoods, and to use them in the first improvement or the best improvement fashion, following that order. In this work, first we classify possible variants of sequential use of neighborhoods and then, empirically analyze them in solving the classical traveling salesman problem (TSP). We explore the most commonly used TSP neighborhood structures, such as 2‐opt and insertion neighborhoods. In our empirical study, we tested 76 different such heuristics on 15,200 random test instances. Several interesting observations are derived. In addition, the two best of 76 heuristics (used as local searches within a variable neighborhood search) are tested on 23 test instances taken from the TSP library (TSPLIB). It appears that the union of neighborhoods does not perform well.
The effectiveness of an e‐learning course on medication calculation in nursing students: a clustered quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Van Lancker Aurélie , Baldewijns Katleen , Verhaeghe Rik , Robays Hugo , Buyle Franky , Colman Roos , Van Hecke Ann 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of an e‐learning course compared with a face‐to‐face lecture on medication calculation.BackgroundThe current knowledge on medication calculation of nursing students and nurses is insufficient to provide safe care.DesignA stratified‐clustered quasi‐experimental study.MethodsA random selection of nursing schools were allocated to the e‐learning course (intervention group) (seven schools; 189 students) or face‐to‐face lecture (control group) (six schools, 222 students). Students in both groups completed a validated medication calculation test (maximum score: 16) prior to the course (T0), immediately after the course (T1) and 3 months later (T2). A linear mixed model was used for data analysis.ResultsMedication calculation skills improved significantly more by the face‐to‐face lecture than e‐learning course. Students in both groups significantly improved in medication calculation skills immediately after the course (T1) and 3 months later. The results flattened at T2 with a significant decline in the intervention group between T1 and T2 and a non‐significant decline in the control group. Based on a subgroup analysis, improvement in medication calculation skills at T2 could only be observed in vocational‐level (sub degree) nursing students receiving a face‐to‐face course.ConclusionsBoth medication calculation courses had a positive effect on medication calculation skills. Students receiving traditional face‐to‐face lecture improved significantly more than the students receiving the e‐learning course.
Morality and Interpretation: Commentary on Jonathan Glover's Alien Landscapes?
Authors: Kennett Jeanette 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWhat is required of the interpreter of disordered minds and what can we learn from the process? Jonathan Glover's book focuses on human interpretation and its role in psychiatry. His hope is that a more careful and sensitive exploration of minds that are very different from our own, will assist us to answer a range of important questions about human agency, identity and responsibility. In this commentary I will focus on the process and purpose of interpretation and expand on some of the moral issues that arise out of the interpretive challenges posed by mental disorders.
Changes in Non‐current Assets and in Property, Plant and Equipment and Future Stock Returns: The UK Evidence
Authors: Petrovic Nikola , Manson Stuart , Coakley Jerry 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe examine the effect of changes in non‐current operating assets (NCOA) and of changes in property, plant and equipment (PPE) on future abnormal stock returns using a sample of 21,549 UK non‐financial firm observations over the 1990–2012 event period. The results from a matching portfolio procedure and 4‐factor regressions indicate that abnormal returns from investing in a portfolio of low‐minus‐high quintile NCOA and PPE change firms are between 5.5% and 6.1%. This negative association is confirmed by cross‐sectional regressions. The economic significance of mispricing seems weaker than in the US and weaker than the mispricing of working capital accruals adjusted for depreciation in the UK. Changes in PPE drive the predictability of share returns with respect to changes in NCOA. There is no significant evidence that return predictability is stronger in less liquid firms. We find two strands of evidence that lend some support to behavioural explanations of predictability through overreaction to investment. On one hand, fundamental information about investment explains one‐third of the predictability of returns while, on the other, predictability is generally not significantly stronger in firms with high operating leverage as a proxy for risk.
Historical biogeography of Polyura butterflies in the oriental Palaeotropics: trans‐archipelagic routes and South Pacific island hopping
Authors: Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Balke Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe respective contribution of vicariance and/or dispersal events to the evolution of clades dwelling in the archipelagic parts of the Oriental and Australian regions remains equivocal. Using a complete, species‐level phylogeny of Polyura butterflies that are widespread in the oriental Palaeotropics, we aim to test predictions related to vicariance driven by past abiotic factors in the Indo‐Australian archipelago (IAA) (Miocene tectonics and Pleistocene climatic shifts) versus repeated trans‐archipelagic dispersal events.LocationThe Oriental and Australian regions with a focus on the IAA.MethodsBayesian species tree phylogenetic analyses were conducted using a matrix comprising two mitochondrial and two nuclear gene fragments. Bayesian relaxed clocks were used to produce a chronogram, which was used in ancestral area estimations to infer the spatio‐temporal evolution of the genus at different geographical scales. Diversification dynamics were investigated using the package TreePar in R.ResultsPolyura originated during the mid‐Miocene (c. 13 million years ago). Ancestral area estimations inferred an origin in Indomalaya. Wallacea was colonized out‐of‐Indomalaya in the P. pyrrhus group, while the P. athamas and P. eudamippus groups diversified in Indomalaya and the east Palaearctic. We inferred three long‐distance dispersal (LDD) events. The first one implies out‐of‐Sunda colonization of the Solomon Islands, which have three extant, endemic species. The second implies a colonization of Vanuatu out‐of‐Sunda that later served as a stepping stone for the colonization of other Pacific islands (Fiji and New Caledonia). A third permitted the reverse colonization of Wallacea from the Pacific islands. These LDD events were supported by our diversification analyses that suggested no diversification rate shift throughout the evolution of the genus.Main conclusionsOur results suggest unusual colonization routes with Pacific islands as a hub for late Miocene reverse colonizations back into the centre of the Indo‐Australian archipelago.