bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA class III genes involvement in Kawasaki disease: a case–control study in Caucasian population
Authors: Maggioli Elisa , Boiocchi Chiara , Zorzetto Michele , Mannarino Savina , Bossi Grazia , Cuccia Mariaclara 
Published: July 2013

SummaryKawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, multisystemic, febrile vasculitis of unknown aetiology, which affects young children mainly under 5 years of age. The clinical variability has until now prevented to decrypt KD aetiological factors. Recently, the importance of genetics and the pivotal role of the immune system have emerged. To investigate in this direction, genomic DNA from 74 Caucasian KD cases and 440 healthy controls has been analysed to characterize functional polymorphisms of relevant HLA class III genes: AGER ‐429 and ‐374, TNF ‐857, ‐308 and ‐238, HSPA1A +190, HSPA1B +1267 and HSPA1L +2437. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were therefore compared with the chi‐squared test and Fisher's exact test. Our data showed significant deviations between patients with Kawasaki disease and controls concerning the TNF ‐308 polymorphism genotype (GG: P = 0.0449) and allele (G,A: P = 0.0433) and ‐238 polymorphism genotype frequencies (AA: P = 0.0351). Moreover, we found differences concerning the HSPA1A +190 polymorphism (GC: P = 0.0317) and the HSPA1L +2437 polymorphism (TT: P = 0.0072; TC: P = 0.0250; T: P = 0.0037; C: P = 0.0037). The calculation of TNF ‐238 and HSPA1L haplotype frequencies also pointed out a statistically significant decrease in patients of CG haplotype (P = 0.0001), which could have a role in protecting from the inflammatory processes that characterize the disease progression. The results obtained point to a possible involvement of the entire HLA class III region in KD susceptibility.
Health and well‐being among physicians
Authors: Alsuwaida A. , AlSharidi A. , AlAnazi N. , AlGhamdi M. , AlMeshal M. , AlJaser R. , AlAnazi R. , Alkhalaf A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and AimPhysicians' attitudes towards disease prevention are crucial. The purposes of this study are to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and adherence to international preventive screening programmes by a group of physicians.MethodsOnline and paper format questionnaires were completed by a sample of 650 physicians from November 2010 to March 2011. The collected data included the main components of screening programmes, which are recommended in international guidelines.ResultsThe data show that 30.5% of male physicians currently smoke, 19.4 % are obese, 15.2% have hypertension, 38% are physically inactive and 10.9% have diabetes. Nearly all (95%) of the female participants and most (83%) of the male participants older than 45 years had never had a colonoscopy. Of the male physicians older than 55 years, 36.4% had never had prostate‐specific antigen testing, and only 10.9% had undergone a digital rectal examination. Among the female physicians, 27.4% were obese, and 42% had never had a mammogram.ConclusionThe prevalence of behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease is high among physicians. A substantial percentage of the practising physicians did not adhere to the age‐specified preventive screening measures recommended in international guidelines.
The dermatological consequences of obesity
Authors: Tobin Anne‐Marie , Ahern Tomas , Rogers Sarah , Collins Paul , O’Shea Donal , Kirby Brian 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObesity is emerging as a global epidemic with at least 300 million people thought to be obese worldwide. This has implications for health professionals including dermatologists. Recent interest has focused on the role of obesity in psoriasis, but obesity is implicated in many dermatoses. Perhaps most worrying is emerging data which suggest that obesity may constitute a risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Its rising incidence ensures that obesity‐related skin disease will represent an increasing proportion of dermatologists’ work load. In this article, we review dermatoses associated with obesity and review the epidemiology and treatment for obesity.
When Do Sell‐side Analyst Reports Really Matter? Shareholder Protection, Institutional Investors and the Informativeness of Equity Research
Authors: Arand Daniel , Kerl Alexander , Walter Andreas 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe examine whether the informativeness of sell‐side analyst reports depends on the strength of the regulatory environment of a country and the regulatory background of the institutional investors of a company. Based on both measures that we use to proxy the informativeness of analyst research (i.e., short‐term market reaction and forecast errors with respect to corporate earnings), our results show that the information value of research increases as the level of investor protection increases. This result is robust to different specifications of investor protection. We further demonstrate that analyst forecasts are more (less) valuable when the majority of institutional investors are from strong (weak) investor protection countries.
Mortality Modeling With Non‐Gaussian Innovations and Applications to the Valuation of Longevity Swaps
Authors: Wang Chou‐Wen , Huang Hong‐Chih , Liu I‐Chien 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThis article provides an iterative fitting algorithm to generate maximum likelihood estimates under the Cox regression model and employs non‐Gaussian distributions—the jump diffusion (JD), variance gamma (VG), and normal inverse Gaussian (NIG) distributions—to model the error terms of the Renshaw and Haberman () (RH) model. In terms of mean absolute percentage error, the RH model with non‐Gaussian innovations provides better mortality projections, using 1900–2009 mortality data from England and Wales, France, and Italy. Finally, the lower hedge costs of longevity swaps according to the RH model with non‐Gaussian innovations are not only based on the lower swap curves implied by the best prediction model, but also in terms of the fatter tails of the unexpected losses it generates.
Why (Re)insurance is Not Systemic
Authors: Kessler Denis 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe traditional model of (re)insurance lacks the elements that make a financial institution systemically important: risks are effectively pulverized; liabilities tend to be prefunded, which eliminates most of the leverage in the traditional sense; and active asset‐liability management reduces most of the liquidity mismatch that traditionally propagates systemic risk. (Re)insurers that have stuck to this traditional business model have successfully weathered the crisis, even playing a stabilizing role. Unfortunately, this is not sufficiently recognized in the current IAIS/FSB1 debate on assessing systemic risk in the (re)insurance sector.
Explaining the species richness of birds along a subtropical elevational gradient in the Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Wu Yongjie , Colwell Robert K. , Rahbek Carsten , Zhang Chunlan , Quan Qing , Wang Changke , Lei Fumin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo document the species richness pattern of birds in the Hengduan Mountains and to understand its causes.LocationHengduan Mountains, China.MethodsSpecies richness of 738 breeding bird species was calculated for each 100‐m elevational band along a gradient from 100 to 6000 m a.s.l. Climate data were compiled based on monthly records from 182 meteorological stations in the Hengduan Mountains from 1959 to 2004. We calculated the planimetric area, predicted richness under geometric constraints, three‐year average NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and EVI (enhanced vegetation index) in each elevational band. Simple and multiple regression models were used to test the explanatory power of variables associated with different factors proposed to account for elevational species richness gradients.ResultsThe elevational pattern in species richness, for all breeding birds, was hump‐shaped, with the peak occurring at 800–1800 m elevation. Endemic and non‐endemic species, as well as four elevational range size categories of birds, also showed the general hump‐shaped patterns of species richness, but with peaks at different elevations. In most data sets, species richness correlated well with climatic and energy factors along the elevational gradients; seasonality and productivity had a strong statistical relationship with species richness of montane birds in this study, with geometric constraints contributing to richness patterns for larger‐ranged species endemic to the gradient.Main conclusionsWe found that climatic and energy factors correlate well with the richness pattern of birds, and that on the surveyed subtropical mountain, the elevational bands with highest seasonality harbour fewer species than areas with less seasonal variation in temperature. The results, however, vary somewhat among taxonomic groups. The most diverse species groups and species with the broadest ranges have a disproportionate influence on our perception of the overall diversity pattern and its underlying explanatory factors.
Catheter Versus Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation After a Failed Initial Pulmonary Vein Isolation Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: POKUSHALOV EVGENY , ROMANOV ALEXANDER , ELESIN DMITRY , BOGACHEV‐PROKOPHIEV ALEXANDER , LOSIK DENIS , BAIRAMOVA SEVDA , KARASKOV ALEXANDER , STEINBERG JONATHAN S. 
Published: July 2013

Catheter Versus Surgical AblationIntroductionThe aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation (CA) versus surgical ablation (SA) in the treatment of paroxysmal and persistent AF after failed initial pulmonary vein isolation procedure.Methods and ResultsPatients with a history of symptomatic AF after a previous failed first ablation procedure were eligible for this study. Patients were randomized to CA (n = 32) or SA (n = 32) redo ablation. The primary endpoint was recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia at 1 year of follow‐up.At the 12‐month follow‐up, 26 (81%) of the 32 SA group patients and 15 (47%) of the 32 CA group were AF/AT‐free on no antiarrhythmic drugs (P = 0.004, log‐rank test). In patients with PAF, 17 (85%) patients of the 20 in SA group and 10 (56%) patients of the 18 in CA group were AF‐free (P = 0.04, log‐rank test). In patients with PersAF, 9 (75%) patients of the 12 in SA group and 5 (36%) patients of the 14 in CA group were AF‐free (P = 0.04, log‐rank test). The number of the serious adverse event in the SA group was significantly higher (1 CA group vs 7 SA group; P = 0.02).ConclusionIn patients with PAF and PersAF after failed initial CA, SA is superior to CA for maintenance of sinus rhythm, although serious adverse event rate is significantly higher for SA.
Cryoablation Versus RF Ablation for AVNRT: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: HANNINEN MIKAEL , YEUNG‐LAI‐WAH NICOLE , MASSEL DAVID , GULA LORNE J. , SKANES ALLAN C. , YEE RAYMOND , KLEIN GEORGE J. , MANLUCU JAIMIE , LEONG‐SIT PETER 
Published: July 2013

Meta‐Analysis of Cryoablation for AVNRTIntroductionAtrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia referred for ablation. High success rates have been accompanied with a small risk of atrioventricular (AV) block. Cryoablation has been used as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) ablation, but studies have been underpowered in comparing the 2 techniques.Methods and ResultsAn electronic search and hand‐search of reference lists for published and unpublished data was carried out. Comparative studies (cohort and randomized controlled trials) of RF versus cryoablation for AVNRT were identified independently by 2 reviewers. Searches were limited to English language human studies. The primary metameter was long‐term AVNRT recurrence (>2 months postprocedure and ECG/electrophysiology study [EPS]‐documented) and secondary metameters included acute procedural failure and AV block requiring pacing. A total of 5,617 patients in 14 trials were included in this systematic review. Acute procedural failure with cryoablation was slightly higher than with RF ablation, but the difference was not statistically significant (risk ratio [RR] 1.44 [95% confidence interval; CI 0.91–2.28], P = 0.12). Long‐term recurrence was higher with cryoablation (RR 3.66 [95% CI 1.84–7.28], P = 0.0002) even after adjusting for larger (6 mm) cryocatheter tips, “insurance lesions” and longer (>6 months) follow‐up duration. RF ablation for AVNRT was associated with permanent AV block in 0.75% of patients, but was not reported in any patients treated with cryoablation (n = 1066, P = 0.01).ConclusionsCryoablation is a safe and effective treatment for AVNRT. Although late‐recurrence is more common with cryoablation than with RF ablation, avoidance of permanent AVN block makes it an attractive option in patients where the avoidance of AV block assumes higher priority (such as children and young adults).
Case report: concurrent herpesviral and presumptive iridoviral infection associated with disease in cultured shortnose sturgeon,Acipenser brevirostrum(L.), from theAtlantic coast ofCanada
Authors: LaPatra S E , Groff J M , Keith I , Hogans W E , Groman D 
Published: July 2013

AbstractApproximately 8 weeks after a chlorine insult associated with the city water supply, shortnose sturgeon,Acipenser brevirostrum(L.), from one group presented with small (3–4 mm) irregular foci of cutaneous pallor that involved the dorsocranial integument with progressive ulceration of the nascent lesions. Various bacterial organisms were isolated from the cutaneous lesions, but not from the internal viscera. Histologically, the nuclei of the intralesional and perilesional epidermal cells often exhibited margination of the chromatin that resulted in a homogenous, pale, amphophilic, tinctorial quality of the nucleoplasm consistent with a herpesvirus infection. In addition, rare lamellar epithelial cells were prominently enlarged due to an abundant, dense, basophilic cytoplasm characteristic of an iridovirus infection. Inoculation of cutaneous lesion and kidney, spleen, liver sample pools from affected shortnose sturgeon onto white sturgeon spleen (WSS‐2) cell line induced cytopathic effect characterized by syncytia formation. Ultrastructural analysis of infectedWSS‐2 cells revealed viral particles with a characteristic herpesvirus morphology. Intranuclear hexagonal capsids had a diameter of 95–108 nm, and enveloped particles present in the cytoplasm of infected cells had a diameter of 176–196 nm. This is the first report of a herpesvirus and a possible iridovirus‐like infection in shortnose sturgeon.
Colorectal cancer‐susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in Korean population
Authors: Hong Sung Noh , Park Changho , Kim Jong‐il , Kim Duk‐Hwan , Kim Hee Cheol , Chang Dong Kyung , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Kim Jae J. , Rhee Jong Chul , Son Hee Jung , Kim Young‐Ho 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and AimConsidering the significant racial and ethnic diversity in genetic variation, it is unclear whether the genome‐wide association studies‐identified colorectal cancer (CRC)‐susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovered in European populations are also relevant to the Korean population. However, studies on CRC‐susceptibility SNPs in Koreans are limited.MethodsTo investigate the racial and ethnic diversity of CRC‐susceptibility genetic variants, we genotyped for the established European CRC‐susceptibility SNPs in 198 CRC cases and 329 controls in Korea. To identify novel genetic variants using genome‐wide screening in Korea, Illumina HumanHap 370K/610K BeadChips were performed on 105 CRC patients, and candidate CRC‐susceptibility SNPs were selected. Subsequently, genotyping for replication was done in 189 CRC cases and 190 controls.ResultsAmong the European CRC‐susceptibility SNPs, rs4939827 in SMAD7 was associated with a significant decreased risk of Korean CRC (age‐/gender‐adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: additive model, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.47–0.95]; dominant model, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39–0.91]). rs4779584 and rs10795668 were associated with CRC risk in females and males, respectively. Among candidate CRC‐susceptibility SNPs selected from genome‐wide screening, novel SNP, rs17051076, was found to be associated with a significantly increased risk of microsatellite instability‐high CRC (age‐/gender‐adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: additive model, 4.25 [95% CI, 1.51–11.98]; dominant model, 3.52 [95% CI, 1.13–10.94]) in the replication study.Conclusionsrs4939827, rs4779584, and rs10795668 may contribute to the risk of CRC in the Korean population as well as in European populations. Novel rs17051076 could be associated with microsatellite instability‐high CRC in Koreans. These associations support the ethnic diversity of CRC‐susceptibility SNPs and should be taken into account in large‐scale studies.
Prevalence and risk factors of fatty liver disease in young and middle‐aged population: One center study in southwestern China
Authors: Xiao Shao‐Jun , Fu Guang‐Jian , Lv Ya‐Lan , Zhong Xiao‐Ni , Wang Run‐Hua 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and AimFatty liver disease has become common hepatic disease not only in western countries but also in developing countries in Asia‐Pacific area. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of fatty liver disease as well as its correlation with metabolic syndrome in young and middle‐aged population.MethodsData were collected from check‐up center at the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in 2011. Relationships of fatty liver disease and age, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome were determined. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for fatty liver disease.ResultsData of 18 676 subjects (mean age 40.55 ± 9.94 ranging from 18 to 59) were analyzed. The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 22.0% and increased along with age, body mass index, and the presence and severity of metabolic syndrome. In logistic regression, living area was significantly associated with fatty liver in total population. Male, overweight and obese, waist‐to‐height ratio ≥ 0.5, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, high triglyceride, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L were common independent risk factors for fatty liver disease in urban and rural areas. Older age and white blood cell over 5.5 ×109/L were related to fatty liver disease in urban area. Obesity was the most important factors in both areas.ConclusionFatty liver disease was prevalent in young and middle‐aged population and mainly associated to multiple metabolic disorders.
Feasibility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐related procedures in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Hori Yasuki , Naitoh Itaru , Nakazawa Takahiro , Hayashi Kazuki , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Shimizu Shuya , Kondo Hiromu , Yoshida Michihiro , Yamashita Hiroaki , Umemura Shuichiro , Ban Tessin , Okumura Fumihiro , Sano Hitoshi , Takada Hiroki , Joh Takashi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe opportunities of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)‐related procedure for hemodialysis (HD) patients have been increasing recently. However, the complication rate of ERCPs in HD patients has not been evaluated sufficiently. We aimed to clarify the feasibility of ERCPs in HD patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive ERCPs for HD patients between January 2005 and December 2012 in one university hospital and three tertiary‐care referral centers. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was performed in 21 HD patients. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for complications of all ERCPs and EST in HD patients.ResultsThe incidence of pancreatitis, cholangitis, and cardiopulmonary complications for ERCPs in HD patients was 7.9% (6/76), 1.3% (1/76), and 1.3% (1/76), respectively. The mortality rate was 2.6% (2/76), and it occurred after acute pancreatitis in one patient and pneumonia in the other patient. The incidence of hemorrhage and pancreatitis with EST was 19% (4/21) and 4.8% (1/21), respectively. The duration of HD was significantly longer in the patients with hemorrhage after EST than without (19.5 vs 6 years; P = 0.029).ConclusionsERCP is feasible in HD patients. However, EST is not advisable because of the high hemorrhage rate, particularly for patients with a long duration of HD.
Assessment of health‐related quality of life and how it predicts the outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Matsushita Hiroshi , Ikeda Fusao , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Seki Hiroyuki , Nanba Shintaro , Takeuchi Yasuto , Moritou Yuki , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Onishi Hideki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Takaki Akinobu , Nouso Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and AimChronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) decreases health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The present study was planned to investigate the impact of HRQOL of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) on the outcomes of therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (RBV), in addition to IL28B polymorphisms.MethodsThe present study enrolled 228 CHC patients and assessed their HRQOLs prospectively with the 36‐item short‐form health survey.ResultsThe patients with CHC have lower physical HRQOL status than the general population (P = 0.037, the Z‐test). The patients with advanced liver diseases exhibited further decreases in HRQOL (P = 0.036, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). The score of total HRQOL was significantly lower in the group with sustained virological response (SVR) to the therapy with pegylated interferon and RBV than the non‐SVR group (P = 0.031, the Mann–Whitney U‐test), with significantly lower scores of mental component and its comprising subscales in the SVR group. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low HRQOL score ≤ 400 points was significantly associated with SVR (odds ratio = 2.4, P = 0.013), independently from high platelet counts, low HCV RNA, favorable single‐nucleotide polymorphism type of IL28B, and HCV serotype 2. The patients with low HRQOL score will have significantly less decrease in HRQOL score by 4 weeks of the treatment than those with high HRQOL score at baseline (P = 0.0045).ConclusionHRQOL is one of the significant predictor of the outcomes of therapy with pegylated interferon and RBV independently from IL28B polymorphism.