bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety in sitagliptin therapy for diabetes complicated by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Arase Yasuji , Kawamura Yusuke , Seko Yuya , Kobayashi Mariko , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Akuta Norio , Kobayashi Masahiro , Sezaki Hitomi , Saito Satoshi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Ohmoto‐Sekine Yuki , Hsieh Shiun Dong , Amakawa Kazuhisa , Ogawa Kyoko , Matsumoto Naoki , Iwao Akiko , Tsuji Hiroshi , Hara Shigeko , Mori Yasumichi , Okubo Minoru , Sone Hirohito , Kobayashi Tetsuro 
Published: March 2013

AimThe aim of this case–control study was to assess the efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsTwenty NAFLD patients with T2DM treated by sitagliptin were retrospectively enrolled as the sitagliptin group. These patients were given sitagliptin between January 2010 and July 2011. Another 20 NAFLD patients with T2DM treated only with diet and exercise for 48 weeks were selected as the control group. Serum levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured before and 12, 24, 36 and 48 weeks after the initiation of treatment.ResultsIn the sitagliptin group, average HbA1c levels decreased approximately 0.7% at 48 weeks after the initiation of sitagliptin. Next, average FPG levels decreased approximately 15 mg/dL at 48 weeks after the initiation of sitagliptin. The serum levels of HbA1c and FPG in the sitagliptin group decreased with statistical significance compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). All the patients could take sitagliptin of 50 mg/day without reduction necessitated by sitagliptin‐related side‐effects. There were no significant changes of average AST and ALT levels during follow up of 48 weeks in both sitagliptin and control groups.ConclusionOur results indicate sitagliptin is effective and safe for the treatment of T2DM complicated with NAFLD.
Testing common assumptions in studies of songbird nest success
Authors: Streby Henry M. , Andersen David E. 
Published: March 2013

We studied Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla and Golden‐winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera populations in northern Minnesota, USA, to test two common assumptions in studies of songbird nest success: (1) that the condition of an empty nest on or near its expected fledge date is an indicator of nest fate; and (2) that the presence of a fledgling or family group within a territory confirms a successful nest in that territory. We monitored the condition of nests and used radiotelemetry to monitor juveniles through the expected fledging date and early post‐fledging period. Of nests that contained nestlings 1–2 days before the expected fledge date, fates were misidentified using nest condition alone for 9.5% of Ovenbird nests, but those misidentifications were made in both directions (succeeded or failed), yielding only a small bias in estimated nest success. However, 20% of Golden‐winged Warbler nests were misidentified as successful using nest condition during the final visit interval, biasing the nest success estimate upward by 21–28% depending on the treatment of uncertain nest fates. Fledgling Ovenbirds from 58% of nests travelled beyond their natal territory within 24 h, rising to 98% after 5 days, and those fledglings travelled up to 390 m from nests within 10 days of fledging. Fledgling Golden‐winged Warblers from 13% of nests travelled beyond their natal territory within 24 h, rising to 85% after 5 days, and those fledglings travelled up to 510 m from nests within 10 days of fledging. We conclude that nest condition and fledgling presence can be misleading indicators of nest fate, probably commonly biasing nest success estimates upward, and we recommend that these assumptions should be tested in additional species.
Effects of edible coatings on some quality parameters of Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis tuberosa) during storage
Authors: Peng Yong , Li Yunfei , Yin Lu 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe effects of chitosan and shellac edible coating on the texture, quality attributes and internal changes of Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis tuberosa) were investigated. Changes in weight loss, respiration rate, cell membrane permeability, oxidase activity and texture profile analysis (TPA) were recorded periodically for 45 days since harvest. Results showed that weight loss, cell membrane permeability and decay rate increased, however, peroxidase (POD), hardness and quality parameters decreased during cold storage. Application of chitosan and shellac coating was determined to give the better results in terms of these analysed parameters compared with the control. Particularly, shellac coating was more effective in reducing weight loss and respiration rate, as well as in maintaining the quality of Chinese water chestnut than chitosan coating.
Inflammatory Markers and Their Association with Post Stroke Cognitive Decline
Authors: Narasimhalu Kaavya , Lee Jasinda , Leong Yi-Lin , Ma Lu , De Silva Deidre A. , Wong Meng-Cheong , Chang Hui-Meng , Chen Christopher 
Published: March 2013

Background Population-based studies have demonstrated the association of inflammation and cognitive impairment. However, few studies to date have examined this association in ischemic stroke patients. Aims The study aims to determine the association between inflammatory markers and cognitive impairment. Methods Ischemic stroke patients with baseline neuropsychological assessments at three-months poststroke were followed up with annual neuropsychological assessments for up to five-years. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 10, interleukin 12, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were assayed, and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between inflammatory markers and both baseline cognitive status and subsequent cognitive decline. Results There were 243 ischemic stroke patients in the study. In multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis, age, education, ethnicity, stroke subtype, and interleukin 8 (OR 1·23 CI 1·05–1·44) levels were independently associated with baseline cognitive status. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, age, gender, recurrent strokes, and interleukin 12 (OR 25·02 CI 3·73 to 168·03) were independent predictors of subsequent cognitive decline. Conclusions Following ischemic stroke, higher serum interleukin 8 is independently associated with baseline cognitive impairment while higher serum interleukin 12 is associated with subsequent cognitive decline.
Age- and Gender-Specific Time Trend in Risk of Death of Patients Admitted with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Netherlands
Authors: Nieuwkamp Dennis J. , Vaartjes Ilonca , Algra Ale , Bots Michiel L. , Rinkel Gabriël J. E. 
Published: March 2013

Background and aim In a meta-analysis of population-based studies, case-fatality rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage have decreased worldwide by 17% between 1973 and 2002. However, age- and gender-specific decreases could not be determined. Because >10% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage die before reaching the hospital, this suggests that the prognosis for hospitalized subarachnoid hemorrhage patients has improved even more. We assessed age- and gender-specific time trends of the risk of death for hospitalized subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Methods From the Dutch hospital discharge register (nationwide coverage), we identified 9403 patients admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the Netherlands between 1997 and 2006. Changes in risk of death within this time frame and influence of age and gender were quantified with Poisson regression. Results The overall 30-day risk of death was 34·0% (95% confidence interval 33·1↔35·0%). After adjustment for age and gender, the annual decrease was 1·6% (95% confidence interval 0·5↔2·6%), which confers to a decrease of 13·4% (95% confidence interval4·8↔21·2%) in the study period. The one-year risk of death decreased 2·0% per year (95% confidence interval1·1↔2·9%). The decrease in risk of death was mainly found in the period 2003–2005, was not found for patients ≥65 years and was statistically significant for men, but not for women. Conclusions The decrease in risk of death for patients admitted in the Netherlands with subarachnoid hemorrhage is overall considerable, but unevenly distributed over age and gender. Further research should focus on reasons for improved survival (improved diagnostics, improved treatment) and reasons why improvement has not occurred for women and for patients in older age categories.
Long-term Mortality in Patients with Coexisting Potential Causes of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Young Dae , Cha Myoung-Jin , Kim Jinkwon , Lee Dong Hyun , Lee Hye Sun , Nam Chung Mo , Nam Hyo Suk , Heo Ji Hoe 
Published: March 2013

Background Multiple potential causes of stroke may coexist in ischemic stroke patients, which may affect long-term outcome. Aim We investigated whether there are differences in long-term mortality among stroke patients with coexisting potential causes. Methods We evaluated the long-term all-cause mortality and stroke or cardiovascular mortality of ischemic stroke patients with multiple potential stroke mechanisms, large artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, small vessel occlusion, and negative evaluation admitted to a single center between January 1996 and December 2008. Mortality data were obtained from a National Death Certificate system. Results Total 3533 patients were included in this study: 286 multiple potential mechanisms (138 large artery atherosclerosis + cardioembolism, 105 small vessel occlusion + large artery atherosclerosis, 43 small vessel occlusion + cardioembolism), 1045 large artery atherosclerosis, 701 cardioembolism, 606 small vessel occlusion, and 895 negative evaluation. During a mean follow-up of 3·9 years, as referenced to small vessel occlusion mortality rate, the adjusted mortality hazard ratio was 4·387 (95% confidence interval 3·157–6·096) for large artery atherosclerosis + cardioembolism group, 3·903 (95% confidence interval 3·032–5·024) for cardioembolism group, and 2·121 (95% confidence interval 1·655–2·717) for large artery atherosclerosis. The risk of long-term ischemic stroke mortality or cardiovascular mortality also showed comparable findings: highest in the large artery atherosclerosis + cardioembolism, followed by cardioembolism, and large artery atherosclerosis groups. However, the outcome of small vessel occlusion + large artery atherosclerosis or small vessel occlusion + cardioembolism group was not significantly different from that of small vessel occlusion. Conclusions Coexisting potential causes of ischemic stroke impact on long-term mortality. Identification of coexisting potential causes may help to predict stroke outcomes and to guide planning secondary prevention strategies.
The China Stroke Secondary Prevention Trial (CSSPT) Protocol: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Combined Folic Acid and B Vitamins for Secondary Prevention of Stroke
Authors: Liu Xuedong , Shi Ming , Xia Feng , Han Junliang , Liu Zhirong , Wang Bo , Yang Fang , Li Li , Wu Songdi , Wang Ling , Liu Nan , Lv Yali , Zhao Gang 
Published: March 2013

Rationale Epidemiological studies suggest that elevated homocysteine is linked to stroke and heart disease. However, the results of lowering homocysteine levels in reducing the risk of stroke recurrence are controversial. Aims The study aims to evaluate whether homocysteine-lowering therapy with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 reduces recurrent stroke events and other combined incidence of recurrent vascular events and vascular death in ischemic stroke patients of low folate regions. Design This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Patients ( n = 8000, α = 0·05, β = 0·10) within one-month of ischemic stroke (large-artery atherosclerosis or small-vessel occlusion) or hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage with plasma homocysteine level ⩾15 μmol/l will be enrolled. Eligible patients will be randomized by a web-based, random allocation system to receive multivitamins (folic acid 0·8 mg, vitamin B610 mg, and vitamin B12 500 μg) or matching placebo daily with a median follow-up of three-years. Study Outcomes Patients will be evaluated at six monthly intervals. The primary outcome event is the composite event ‘stroke, myocardial infarction, or death from any vascular cause’, whichever occurs first. Secondary outcome measures include nonvascular death, transient ischemic attack, depression, dementia, unstable angina, revascularization procedures of the coronary, and cerebral and peripheral circulations. Discussion This is the first multicenter randomized trial of secondary prevention for ischemic stroke in a Chinese population with a higher homocysteine level but without folate food fortification.
Pedicled full‐thickness abdominal flap combined with skin grafting for the reconstruction of anterior chest wall defect following major electrical burn
Authors: Zhao Jing‐Chun , Xian Chun‐Jing , Yu Jia‐Ao , Shi Kai 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSuccessful reconstruction of extensive anterior chest wall defect following major electrical burn represents a very challenging surgery. Herein we report the first case using pedicled full‐thickness abdominal flap combined with skin grafting to treat this injury with severe infection and exposure of pericardium and ribs in a Chinese patient. Following the performance of chest debridement to remove necrotic and infected tissues and the injection of broad‐spectrum antibiotics to reduce infection, a pedicled full‐thickness abdominal flap was used to cover the exposed pericardium and ribs, and skin grafting from the right leg of the patient was done to cover the exposed vital tissues. The patient was followed up for a total of 3·5 years, and satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes were obtained without complications. This report provides an effective method for the surgeons who encounter similar cases where reconstruction of extensive anterior chest wall is required.
Identifying and exploring physical and psychological morbidity and patient and family caregiver resilience following acute wound development and/or wound blistering post orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Ousey Karen , Edward Karen‐Leigh , Lui Steve 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe aim of this article was to identify the literature that examined and explored physical and psychological morbidity and patient and family caregiver resilience following acute wound development and/or wound blistering post orthopaedic surgery. A systematic review of the literature using the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE was undertaken. The papers were examined using title and abstract for relevance to the primary and secondary outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was family caregiver resilience following acute wound development and/or wound blistering post orthopaedic surgery. The search yielded 275 records after removing any duplicates; eight studies were considered eligible and were reviewed as full text. Following full review, none of the studies was included in this article. To conclude, there were no papers that investigated or examined the concept of resilience in relation to the management of acute post‐surgical orthopaedic wounds. Four of the papers identified, following the review process, did discuss quality of life outcomes and how these may be improved following wound development; most papers focused on the management of chronic wounds. It is apparent from the review that there is no evidence currently available that explores patient and family caregiver resilience following acute wound development and/or wound blistering post orthopaedic surgery.
Cost‐effectiveness of using Polyheal compared with surgery in the management of chronic wounds with exposed bones and/or tendons due to trauma in France, Germany and the UK
Authors: Guest Julian F , Sladkevicius Erikas , Panca Monica 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of Polyheal compared with surgery in treating chronic wounds with exposed bones and/or tendons (EB&T) due to trauma in France, Germany and the UK, from the perspective of the payers. Decision models were constructed depicting the management of chronic wounds with EB&T and spanned the period up to healing or up to 1 year. The models considered the decision by a plastic surgeon to treat these wounds with Polyheal or surgery and was used to estimate the relative cost‐effectiveness of Polyheal at 2010/2011 prices. Using Polyheal instead of surgery is expected to increase the probability of healing from 0·93 to 0·98 and lead to a total health‐care cost of €7984, €7517 and €8860 per patient in France, Germany and the UK, respectively. Management with surgery is expected to lead to a total health‐care cost of €12 300, €18 137 and €11 330 per patient in France, Germany and the UK, respectively. Hence, initial treatment with Polyheal instead of surgery is expected to lead to a 5% improvement in the probability of healing and a substantial decrease in health‐care costs of 35%, 59% and 22% in France, Germany and the UK, respectively. Within the models' limitations, Polyheal potentially affords the public health‐care system in France, Germany and the UK a cost‐effective treatment for chronic wounds with EB&T due to trauma, when compared with surgery. However, this will be dependent on Polyheal's healing rate in clinical practice when it becomes routinely available.
Measuring quality of life in patients with psoriasis using the Arabic version for Morocco of the Dermatology Life Quality Index
Authors: Khoudri Ibtissam , Lamchahab Fatima Z. , Ismaili Nadia , Senouci Karima , Hassam Badredine , Abouqal Redouane 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground Psoriasis has been demonstrated to have substantial impacts on dermatology‐related functional limitations and health‐related quality of life (HRQL). This study evaluated the HRQL in Moroccan psoriatics using the Arabic version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and examined the psychometric properties of the questionnaire.Materials and methods The Moroccan Arabic version of the DLQI was developed and approved by the author of the questionnaire. The DLQI was administered to inpatient and outpatient adult psoriatics. Some participants completed the DLQI for a second time. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Reliability of the DLQI was tested using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Factor structure was tested by explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis. Construct validity was tested by known‐groups comparison using the generalized linear model to assess factors influencing patients’ HRQL.Results A total of 176 psoriatics completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 36 ± 14 years. The mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was 11.8 ± 7.9. The mean DLQI score was 12.7 ± 5.9 (the higher the score the greater the impairment of HRQL). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.84. ICC was 0.97. The principal component analysis confirmed the bidimensional structure of the questionnaire. Factors associated with poorer HRQL were higher PASI (P < 0.001), pustular and erythrodermal clinical forms (P < 0.001), and older age (P = 0.001).Conclusions The Arabic version for Morocco of the DLQI is reliable and valid. Severity of the psoriasis, older age, and severe clinical forms influence the HRQL of patients.
Meta‐analysis of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and psoriasis risk
Authors: Stefanic Mario , Rucevic Ivana , Barisic‐Drusko Vladimira 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundVitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms have been studied as candidate variants that affect psoriasis risk. However, results have been conflicting.MethodsWe reviewed studies on VDR polymorphisms and psoriasis risk published to October 1, 2011, and quantitatively summarized associations of the most widely studied variants (FokI, TaqI, ApaI, BsmI) using meta‐analysis. Associations were measured using random‐effect odds ratios (ORs) combined with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsEleven eligible studies, encompassing 1106 cases and 1209 controls, were retrieved from electronic databases and included in this review. The results were heterogeneous, which may be partly explained by small sample bias, the phenomenon of winner's curse, and differences among populations. For FokI and ApaI polymorphisms, we did not find any evidence of association. A borderline allelic association was found for the BsmI B variant after exclusion of the earliest significant report (OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.98; P = 0.04, inconsistency index [I 2] = 12.7%). Among Caucasian subjects, the TaqI t allele was nominally associated with psoriasis risk (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.97; P = 0.012, I 2 = 0), with homozygous carriers (tt vs. TT, OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.39–0.90; P = 0.01, I 2 = 0) and recessive model (tt vs. Tt + TT, OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.44–0.98; P = 0.04, I 2 = 0) as protective factors. None of these associations persisted after adjustment for multiple comparisons. No publication bias was detected in this meta‐analysis.ConclusionsNo genetic variant examined in the VDR gene showed a robust and reproducible association with risk for psoriasis. Any association that may exist is likely to be weak and potentially restricted to specific populations.
Extent of lymphadenectomy does not improve the survival of patients with renal cell carcinoma and nodal metastases: biases associated with the handling of missing data
Authors: Sun Maxine , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Bianchi Marco , Hansen Jens , Abdollah Firas , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Montorsi Francesco , Perrotte Paul , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
A recent population‐based analysis suggested a potential survival benefit with respect to performing lymph node dissection at nephrectomy in node‐positive patients with RCC.
The findings of the present study failed to corroborate the association of a survival benefit with the performance of lymph node dissection at nephrectomy.
Objective
Previous studies showed no survival benefit with respect to performing lymph node dissection (LND) at nephrectomy, whereas a recent population‐based analysis suggested otherwise, although the latter relied on imputation. To reconcile the findings of that study by critically evaluating the handling of missing data.
Patients and Methods
Study participants comprised patients diagnosed with non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of all stages who underwent LND at nephrectomy (n = 10 596).
Multivariable Cox regression models were performed to predict cancer‐specific mortality (CSM), where the primary variable of interest was the extent of LND.
To examine differences in approaches with respect to handling missing data, separate analyses were performed: (i) imputed population; (ii) exclusion of patients with missing data; and (iii) inclusion of patients with missing data as a sub‐category.
Results
Overall, 2916 (28%) patients had missing tumour grade.
In multivariable analyses, our findings showed that increasing the extent of LND was associated with a significant protective effect on CSM in patients with pN1 after imputation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; P = 0.04).
By contrast, the extent of LND was no longer significantly associated with a lower risk of CSM after excluding patients with a missing tumour grade (HR, 0.83; P = 0.1) or when including patients with missing tumour grade as a sub‐category (HR, 0.82; P = 0.05).
Conclusions
The findings of the present study failed to corroborate the association of a survival benefit with increasing extent of LND at nephrectomy.
The different methodologies employed to account for missing data may introduce important biases.
Such considerations are non‐negligible with respect to the interpretation of results for investigators who rely on administrative cohorts.