bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of hypofractionated post‐mastectomy radiotherapy reduces health costs by over $2000 per patient: An Australian perspective
Authors: Mortimer Joshua W , McLachlan Craig S , Hansen Carmen J , Assareh Hassan , Last Andrew , McKay Michael J , Shakespeare Thomas P 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe most recent clinical practice guidelines released by Cancer Australia draw attention to unanswered questions concerning the health economic considerations associated with hypofractionated radiotherapy. This study aimed to quantify and compare the healthcare costs at a regional Australian radiotherapy institute with respect to conventionally fractionated post‐mastectomy radiotherapy (Cf‐PMRT) versus hypofractionated post‐mastectomy radiotherapy (Hf‐PMRT) administration.MethodsMedical records of 196 patients treated with post‐mastectomy radiotherapy at the NSW North Coast Cancer Institute from February 2008 to June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Australian Medicare item numbers billed for patients receiving either Cf‐PMRT of 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions or Hf‐PMRT of 40.05 Gy in 15 daily fractions were calculated. Decision tree analysis was used to model costs. Independent‐samples t‐tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to compare crude average costs for Cf‐PMRT and Hf‐PMRT and determine which treatment components accounted for any differences.ResultsHf‐PMRT, with or without irradiation to the regional lymph nodes, was associated with significantly reduced Medicare costs ($5613 AUD per patient for Hf‐PMRT vs $8272 AUD per patient for Cf‐PMRT; P < 0.001). Savings associated with Hf‐PMRT ranged from $1353 (22.1%) for patients receiving no regional irradiation to $2898 (32.0%) for patients receiving both axillary and supraclavicular therapy.ConclusionsHf‐PMRT results in a significant reduction in the financial costs associated with treating breast cancer patients in a regional Australian setting when compared with Cf‐PMRT.
A Selective Association between Central and Peripheral Lithium Levels in Remitters in Bipolar Depression: A 3T‐7Li Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Machado‐Vieira R. , Otaduy M. C. , Zanetti M. V. , De Sousa R. T. , Dias V. V. , Leite C. C. , Forlenza O. V. , Busatto G. F. , Soares J. C. , Gattaz W. F. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate brain lithium levels using 7Li magnetic resonance spectroscopy after 6 weeks of lithium therapy in bipolar depression to test the hypothesis that brain and plasma lithium are correlated. It was also tested whether responders and remitters have different pharmacokinetics, blood and brain lithium levels (ratio) compared with those presenting suboptimal antidepressant improvement.MethodTwenty‐three patients with bipolar disorder (I and II) during depressive episodes were included and followed up for 6 weeks at the University of Sao Paulo using flexible dose of lithium (450–900 mg/day). Sixteen patients were drug‐naïve. At endpoint, patients underwent a 7Li‐MRS scan and brain lithium concentrations were calculated.ResultsA significant association between central and peripheral lithium levels was found only in remitters (r = 0.7, P = 0.004) but not in non‐remitters (r = −0.12, P = 0.76). Also, brain lithium (but not plasma) was inversely correlated with age (r = −0.46, P = 0.025). Plasma lithium did not correlate with any clinical outcome, lithium dosage or adverse effects.ConclusionThese findings suggest that non‐remitters may not transport lithium properly to the brain, which may underlie treatment resistance to lithium in BD. Future studies with 7Li‐MRS integrated with the evaluation of blood–brain barrier transport mechanisms and longitudinal clinical outcomes in BD and aging are warranted.
Analyst Following, Information Environment and Value Relevance of Comprehensive Income: Evidence from China
Authors: He Hong , Lin Zhijun 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study investigates the value relevance of comprehensive income (CI) reporting contextual to the specific market and financial reporting environment in China. We posit the information content of CI or other comprehensive incomes (OCI) is affected by the information environment. By applying analyst coverage as a main proxy for firms' information environment, this study finds that analyst following contributes to reducing information asymmetry and increasing information preciseness and investors' comprehension, thus it is positively associated with the value relevance of CI or OCI information. We also document that a few OCI items have incremental explanatory power to firm valuation in the Chinese market, which is mainly for those firms with greater analyst coverage. We therefore conclude that the information environment should be taken into consideration in evaluating the value relevance of CI reporting.
Firm Age and Valuation: Evidence From Korea
Authors: Chay J.B.(Jong‐Bom) , Kim Heuijung , Suh Jungwon 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUsing Korean stock market data, we document evidence that firm age is a key determinant of firm value. Specifically, firm value (measured by the market‐to‐book equity ratio) has a downward sloping relation with firm age. We also find that profitability and capital expenditures decline as firms age, suggesting that firms may become less valuable with age as they become less profitable and run out of investment opportunities. Our evidence also suggests that firms conduct IPOs by capitalizing on a small window of opportunity for listing during which their profitability is temporarily at its peak. Because this profitability is not sustainable, IPO issuers experience a sharp drop in profitability, contributing to a negative relation between firm value and age in the post‐IPO period. The learning hypothesis of Pástor and Veronesi () is unable to explain the negative firm age–value relation in the Korean stock market, given that uncertainty does not decline with age and that the negative relation is either non‐existent or very weak among dividend‐non‐payers.
The change in motor unit firing rates at de‐recruitment relative to recruitment is correlated with type I myosin heavy chain isoform content of the vastus lateralis in vivo
Authors: Herda T. J. , Miller J. D. , Trevino M. A. , Mosier E. M. , Gallagher P. M. , Fry A. C. , Vardiman J. P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the change in motor unit (MU) firing rates (FR) at de‐recruitment relative to recruitment and the relation to % type I myosin heavy chain isoform content (type I %MHC) of the vastus lateralis (VL) in vivo.MethodsTen subjects performed a 22‐s submaximal isometric trapezoid muscle action that included a linearly increasing, steady force at 50% maximal voluntary contraction, and linearly decreasing segments. Surface electromyographic signals were collected from the VL and were decomposed into constituent MU action potentials trains. A tissue sample from the VL was taken to calculate type I %MHC. The y‐intercepts and slopes were calculated for the changes (Δ) in FR at de‐recruitment (FRDEREC) relative to FR at recruitment (FRREC) vs. FRREC relationship for each subject. Correlations were performed between the y‐intercepts and slopes with type I %MHC.ResultsThe majority of MUs had greater FRDEREC than FRREC. The y‐intercepts (r = −0.600, P = 0.067) were not significantly correlated, but the slopes (r = −0.793, P = 0.006) were significantly correlated with type I %MHC.ConclusionThe majority of the motoneuron pool had greater FRDEREC than FRREC, however, individuals with higher type I %MHC had a greater propensity to have MUs with FRREC > FRDEREC as indicated by the slope values. Overall, the contractile properties of the muscle (MHC) could partially explain the differences in MU firing rates at de‐recruitment relative to recruitment. Thus, suggesting the fatigability of the muscle influences the alterations in MU firing rates from recruitment to de‐recruitment.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis in children and adults in population‐based studies
Authors: Arias Á. , Pérez‐Martínez I. , Tenías J. M. , Lucendo A. J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe recognition of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) has risen sharply, but its current epidemiology is still under debate.AimTo estimate accurately the prevalence and incidence rates of EoE, by a systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases were searched for population‐based studies on the epidemiology of EoE. Pooled incidence and prevalence rates, male:female and children:adult ratios, and geographical and temporal variations were calculated with random‐effects models.ResultsThe search yielded 1334 references; the final quantitative summary included 13 population‐based studies from North America, Europe and Australia, with the results showing high heterogeneity. The pooled EoE incidence rate was 3.7/100 000 persons/year [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–6.5] and was higher for adults (7; 95% CI: 1–18.3) than for children (5.1; 95% CI: 1.5–10.9).The pooled prevalence of EoE was 22.7 cases/100 000 inhabitants (95% CI: 12.4–36), rising to 28.1 (95% CI: 13–49) when studies with a lower risk of bias were considered; prevalence was higher in adults than in children (43.4; 95% CI: 22.5–71.2 vs. 29.5; 95% CI: 17.5–44.7, respectively), and in American compared to European studies.A steady rise in EoE incidence and prevalence rates was observed upon comparison of studies conducted before and after 2008. No significant publication bias was found.ConclusionsEosinophilic oesophagitis is an increasingly common diagnosis in North America and Europe. The population‐based incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis vary widely across individual studies, probably due to variations in diagnosis and risk of bias of research. More prospective, large‐scale, multicenter studies are needed to evaluate reported data.
Reducing worry and subjective health complaints: A randomized trial of an internet‐delivered worry postponement intervention
Authors: Versluis Anke , Verkuil Bart , Brosschot Jos F. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesSeveral studies have shown that perseverative, worrisome thoughts are prospectively related to subjective health complaints (SHC) and that a short worry postponement intervention can decrease these complaints. As SHC and worry are prevalent and costly, we tested whether the intervention can be offered online to reduce these complaints in the general population.DesignA randomized parallel‐group trial was conducted with self‐selected participants from the general population.MethodsVia the research website, 996 participants were instructed to register their worrying for 6 consecutive days. The intervention group was instructed to postpone worry to a special 30‐min period in the early evening. The Subjective Health Complaints inventory, as administered before and after the intervention, and daily worry frequency and duration were considered the primary outcomes.ResultsThree hundred and sixty‐one participants completed the study. Contrary to our expectation, the registration group (n = 188) did not differ from the intervention group (n = 163) in SHC ( = .000, CI [0.000–0.003]), or in worry frequency or duration. Nevertheless, the different worry parameters were moderately related to SHC (r between .238 and .340, p ≤ .001).ConclusionsIn contrast to previous studies using pen‐and‐pencil versions of the worry postponement intervention, this study suggests that a direct online implementation was not effective in reducing SHC and worry. Overall, participants had high trait worry levels and reported difficulty with postponing worrying. Reducing SHC and worries via the Internet might require more elaborate interventions that better incorporate the advantages of delivering interventions online.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The perseverative cognition hypothesis argues that perseverative cognition, such as worry and rumination, acts as a mediator by which psychosocial stress may produce negative health effects. Prior research has indeed shown that worry and subjective health complaints (SHC) are prospectively related, but causality studies – that is, showing that changes in worry induce changes in health outcomes – are scarce and have mainly been conducted in young samples. These studies showed that reducing worry, using a worry postponement intervention, can reduce daily worrying and SHC.

What does this study add?

Trait and daily worrying are associated with SHC.

An online worry postponement intervention is ineffective in reducing worry and SHC.

Paper‐and‐pencil interventions cannot directly be used as online interventions.
PROGRESSIVE TAXATION, ENDOGENOUS GROWTH, AND MACROECONOMIC (IN)STABILITY
Authors: Chen Shu‐Hua , Guo Jang‐Ting 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIn the context of a standard one‐sector model of endogenous growth, we show that the economy exhibits equilibrium indeterminacy and belief‐driven aggregate fluctuations under progressive taxation of income. When the tax schedule is regressive or flat, the economy's balanced growth path displays saddle‐path stability and equilibrium uniqueness. These results imply that in sharp contrast to a conventional automatic stabilizer, progressive income taxation may destabilize an endogenously growing macroeconomy by generating cyclical fluctuations driven by agents' self‐fulfilling expectations or sunspots.
Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Laimer Martin , Prodinger Christine , Bauer Johann W. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe term epidermolysis bullosa (EB) includes a group of rare genodermatoses characterized by mutational impairment of the structural and functional integrity of intraepidermal adhesion and dermoepidermal anchorage. Clinically, these disorders are marked by increased skin fragility as well as characteristic mechanically inducible blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Extracutaneous manifestations and their complications in other epithelialized organs render EB a multi‐system disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cornerstones of a dynamically changing healthcare structure include precise and early diagnosis; coordinated, multidisciplinary, individually adjusted patient care at specialized centers; optimized symptomatic therapies; and access to research‐based, potentially curative therapeutic strategies.
Matriptase‐1 expression is lost in psoriatic skin lesions and is downregulated by TNFα in vitro
Authors: Mildner Michael , Bauer Reinhard , Mlitz Veronika , Ballaun Claudia , Tschachler Erwin 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackground and objectivesMatriptase‐1 participates in terminal keratinocyte (KC) differentiation. Knockdown of matriptase‐1 in skin equivalent cultures leads to impaired KC differentiation and retention of nuclei in the stratum corneum. Here, we investigated the expression and regulation of matriptase‐1 in psoriatic skin and in KC in vitro.Patients and methodsMatriptase‐1 expression in healthy and psoriatic skin and its regulation in skin equivalents were analyzed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, qRT‐PCR, and activity assays. Involvement of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway was investigated by adenoviral overexpression of a dominant‐negative form of IKK2.ResultsMatriptase‐1 expression was detected in the stratum granulosum of healthy human skin and in skin equivalent cultures. Its expression and activity was strongly reduced in lesional skin of patients with psoriasis. Addition of TNFα to skin equivalent cultures resulted in complete loss of matriptase‐1 expression accompanied by disturbed KC differentiation. Mechanistically, we were able to show that TNFα‐induced downregulation of matriptase‐1 was inhibited by blocking the IKK2/NFκB signaling pathway.ConclusionsGiven that matriptase‐1 participates in terminal KC differentiation, its absence in psoriatic skin lesions indicates that this contributes to the barrier disturbances in this disease. Our data suggests that blocking the IKK2/NFκB‐pathway represents a potential target for the treatment of psoriasis.
Epidermal barrier in hereditary ichthyoses, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis
Authors: Schmuth Matthias , Blunder Stefan , Dubrac Sandrine , Gruber Robert , Moosbrugger‐Martinz Verena 
Published: October 2015

SummarySeveral skin disorders are associated with impaired skin barrier function. Primary dysfunction is caused by monogenic defects in key components of the epidermis (for example ichthyoses). Secondary barrier impairment occurs in inflammatory dermatoses marked by disturbed epidermal homeostasis (eczema, psoriasis, etc.). In these disorders, inflammation impedes the synthesis or maintenance of skin barrier components. Recent evidence suggests a combination of primary and secondary barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis and, to a lesser extent, also in psoriasis. In the future, subtypes of atopic dermatitis may likely be defined, in which one or the other is prevalent.
Die modifizierte subkutan gestielte Lappenplastik
Authors: Koller Josef , Hintersteininger Arno , Brugger-Jentsch Karin 
Published: October 2015

ZusammenfassungDie subkutan gestielte Plastik, auch VY‐Plastik genannt, gehört zur Gruppe der Insellappenplastiken, deren Blutversorgung (im Gegensatz zu den horizontal perfundierten Verschiebe‐ und Transpositionslappenplastiken) durch senkrecht zur Hautoberfläche führende subkutane Blutgefäße erfolgt. Aufgrund der hervorragenden Perfusion dieses Lappentyps entfernen wir bis zu einem Drittel des kranialen Lappenstiels und bilden dort einen 3–4 mm dicken Hautlappen, woraus ein wesentlicher Zugewinn im Hinblick auf die mit dem VY‐Lappen deckbare Defektgröße resultiert. Darüber hinaus wird dieser Lappen in der Infraorbitalregion, soweit dies topographisch möglich ist, im kranialen Bereich durch eine schräg gesetzte Periostnaht weiter nach kranial in Richtung des zu verschließenden Defektes gezogen. Dadurch wird ein eventuell vorhandener Zug des Lappens nach distal aufgehoben, was sich zur Verhinderung eines Ektropiums bewährt hat.
Die Gonokokkeninfektion in Österreich: Eine Langzeitbeobachtung der Prävalenz und Resistenzentwicklung von 1999 bis 2014
Authors: Stary Angelika , Heller‐Vitouch Claudia , Binder Michael , Geusau Alexandra , Stary Georg , Rappersberger Klemens , Komericki Peter , Hoepfl Reinhard , Haller Maria 
Published: October 2015

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und Ziel:Die Zunahme der minimalen Hemmkonzentration (MHK) auf Cephalosporine bei Neisseria gonorrhoeae geben Anlass zur Besorgnis einer unbehandelbaren Gonokokkeninfektion. Ziel war die Erhebung der Prävalenz der Gonorrhoe in einem Wiener Patientenkollektiv und Bestimmung des Resistenzmusters sowie die Evaluierung des Resistenzprofils und der MHK‐Werte bei Gonokokkenisolaten im Rahmen eines österreichweiten Surveillance‐Projektes.Patienten und Methodik:Von 1999 bis 2014 wurden 350 000 Patienten im Wiener Ambulatorium auf das Vorliegen einer Gonokokkeninfektion untersucht. Zusätzlich erfolgte von 2010 bis 2014 bei 3 584 Gonokokkenisolaten eine MHK‐Bestimmung der empfohlenen Antibiotika zunächst mittels Agardilution und Breakpoint‐Bestimmung, ab 2012 mittels E‐Test.Ergebnisse:Im Beobachtungszeitraum hat sich die Zahl der Gonokokkeninfektionen im Wiener Patientenkollektiv verachtfacht und die Resistenz auf Chinolone, Penicillin und Tetrazykline dramatisch erhöht. Bei den österreichweit isolierten Gonokokkenstämmen war ein Anstieg der MHK von Cefixim und Ceftriaxon in Richtung Breakpoint feststellbar. Eine Cefixim‐Resistenz war bei 21 Isolaten zu beobachten, ebenso eine Zunahme der Azithromycin‐Resistenz von 0,9 % (2013) auf 3,2 % (2014), nicht jedoch eine Resistenz auf Ceftriaxon.Schlussfolgerungen:Derzeit besteht in Österreich noch keine unmittelbare Gefahr einer nicht behandelbaren Gonorrhoe. Das Beibehalten der Gonokokkenkultur für die Erstellung des Resistenzprofils ist jedoch für die weitere Beobachtung der Resistenzentwicklung von Neisseria (N.) gonorrhoeae essentiell.
Phrynoderm und erworbene Acrodermatitis enteropathica bei stillenden Frauen nach bariatrischer Chirurgie
Authors: Monshi Babak , Stockinger Theresa , Vigl Kornelia , Richter Leo , Weihsengruber Felix , Rappersberger Klemens 
Published: October 2015

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und Ziele:Frauen, die sich einem bariatrisch‐chirurgischen Eingriff unterzogen haben, sind bei späteren Schwangerschaften anfällig für Nährstoffmangelzustände. Wir beleuchten die wichtige Rolle der Dermatologen bei der Früherkennung von Hautsymptomen infolge von Mangelernährung in dieser speziellen klinischen Situation.Patienten und Methoden:Wir vergleichen die klinischen Merkmale zweier junger Frauen mit dermatologischen Symptomen kombinierter postnataler Nährstoffmangelzustände nach einer Magenbypass‐Operation nach Roux‐en‐Y.Ergebnisse:Patientin 1 zeigte follikuläre Papeln an den Extremitäten, perianale Ekzeme, Perlèche, Haarausfall und Depigmentierung der Haare. Patientin 2 wies erythematöse Plaques im Genitoanalbereich und an den Akren, Perlèche, diffusen Haarausfall und Depigmentierung der Haare auf. Auf der Grundlage der klinischen und histopathologischen Befunde und des erniedrigten Vitamin‐A‐ (Patientin 1) oder Zink‐Spiegels (Patientin 2) diagnostizierten wir ein Phrynoderm beziehungsweise eine erworbene Acrodermatitis enteropathica. Bei beiden Patientinnen war, (i) nach der Magenbypass‐Operation keine Nachbeobachtung erfolgt, (ii) entwickelten sich Hautläsionen als primäre Symptome, (iii) traten aufgrund kombinierter Nährstoffmangelzustände verschiedene klinische Manifestationen auf und (iv) traten die Symptome erstmals beim Stillen auf, was auf einen kausalen Zusammenhang hinwies.Schlussfolgerungen:Unsere Beobachtungen weisen darauf hin, dass Frauen nach einem bariatrisch‐chirurgischen Eingriff ein erhöhtes Risiko für postnatale dermatologische Manifestationen einer Mangelernährung haben könnten. Sind sich Dermatologen dieser neuen anfälligen Patientengruppe bewusst, kann dies dazu beitragen, Schäden für Mutter und Kind zu vermeiden.
Die Behandlung der Psoriasis mit klassischer, stationärer Dithranol‐Therapie: eine retrospektive Patientenbefragung
Authors: Painsi Clemens , Patscheider Michael , Inzinger Martin , Lange‐Asschenfeldt Bernhard , Quehenberger Franz , Wolf Peter 
Published: October 2015

ZusammenfassungHintergrund:Die Wirksamkeit von Dithranol sowie die Sicht der Patienten bezüglich dieser Behandlung ist nur unzureichend dokumentiert.Patienten und Methoden:Mittels telefonischer Befragung wurden retrospektiv Daten von 63 Patienten (41 Männer [65,1 %] und 22 Frauen [34,9 %]) nach klassischer, stationärer Dithranol‐Behandlung (KSD) erhoben. Aus PsoRA (www.psoriasisregistry.at) konnten klinische Daten und Behandlungsergebnisse herangezogen und mit den Ergebnissen der Telefoninterviews korreliert werden.Ergebnisse:Innerhalb von durchschnittlich 12,5 Tagen (Spanne 3–25 Tage) erreichten 52 Patienten (82,5 %) eine PASI 75‐ und 51 Patienten (81 %) eine PASI 90‐Reduktion. 10 von 12 Patienten (83 %) sprachen zufriedenstellend auf KSD (PASI 75 oder größere Reduktion) an, obwohl sie zuvor auf Methotrexat, orale Retinoide, Ciclosporin oder Ustekinumab nicht adäquat angesprochen hatten. Die Patienten berichteten von einem symptomfreien Intervall von durchschnittlich vier Monaten (95 %‐KI: 3–9) nach Ansprechen auf KSD; dies korrelierte positiv mit der Empfehlung der Patienten für (p = 0,018) und ihrer großen Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung (p = 0,012) insgesamt.Schlussfolgerungen:Trotz der bekannten Limitationen von KSD zeigt diese Umfrage, dass Dithranol als Induktionstherapie von Psoriasis eine sehr wirksame und wertvolle Behandlungsoption darstellt. Bei Patienten, die auf systemische Therapie, inklusive herkömmlicher Wirkstoffe und Biologika, nicht ansprechen, kann KSD wirksam sein.