bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is benzoyl peroxide 3% topical gel effective and safe in the treatment of acne vulgaris in Japanese patients? A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, parallel‐group study
Authors: Kawashima Makoto , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Alio Sáenz Alessandra B. , Ono Makoto , Yamada Masahiro 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBenzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an anti‐acne medication is not yet approved in Japan. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a once‐daily topical application of BPO 3% gel versus an inert vehicle gel in Japanese acne patients. Three hundred and sixty patients were randomized to receive BPO 3% or vehicle for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end‐point was absolute change in number of total lesions (TL) from baseline to week 12 to demonstrate the superiority of BPO 3% versus vehicle. Secondary efficacy end‐points were absolute and percent change in TL, inflammatory lesions (IL), non‐inflammatory lesions (non‐IL) and Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA). Change in TL counts from baseline to week 12 for BPO 3% was superior to vehicle (difference, −21.0; P < 0.001). Absolute and percent reductions in TL, IL and non‐IL counts were greater for BPO 3% at all study visits. The proportion of patients with improvement in ISGA scores was significantly higher with BPO 3% than with vehicle from week 2. All adverse events were mild or moderate. Adverse drug‐related reactions were higher for BPO 3% (30%) than with vehicle (5%). Local tolerability scores of grade 1 or more (slight to moderate) were more frequent with BPO 3% than vehicle with the most significant differences observed in dryness (56% vs 27% at week 1–4), peeling (19% vs 9% at week 1–2) and burning/stinging (58% vs 15% at week 1–12). These results indicate that BPO 3% is effective while maintaining a favorable safety and tolerability profile in Japanese acne patients.
Epstein–Barr virus‐associated T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder affecting skin and lung in an elderly patient
Authors: Hoshino Tomomi , Tatsuno Kazuki , Shimauchi Takatoshi , Okada Satoko , Ito Taisuke , Ono Takaaki , Ohshima Koichi , Tokura Yoshiki 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA 70‐year‐old man presented with papular skin lesions and was diagnosed with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder (T‐LPD). The patient showed infiltration of a large number of EBV‐encoded RNA‐positive T cells in the skin and lung, presence of EBV load in the peripheral blood, and expansion of clonal EBV‐infected γδ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the blood and skin, as assessed by EBV‐terminal repeat Southern blot, T‐cell receptor polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometric analyses. In the Japanese or East Asian fatal cases of EBV‐associated T/natural killer (NK)‐LPD, there are two peaks in age at death, approximately 20 years and 60 years. The former age group is associated with chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV), and the latter group typically suffers from extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma. Our case is characterized not only by the unique skin and lung manifestations but also the late onset age of the disease, indicating that the skin manifestation of CAEBV can be seen even in elderly patients.
Rarefaction and extrapolation of phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Chao Anne , Chiu Chun‐Huo , Hsieh T. C. , Davis Thomas , Nipperess David A. , Faith Daniel P. 
Published: August 2014

Summary

Traditional species diversity measures do not make distinctions among species. Faith's phylogenetic diversity (PD), which is defined as the sum of the branch lengths of a phylogenetic tree connecting all species, takes into account phylogenetic differences among species and has found many applications in various research fields. In this paper, we extend Faith's PD to represent the total length of a phylogenetic tree from any fixed point on its main trunk.

Like species richness, Faith's PD tends to be an increasing function of sampling effort and thus tends to increase with sample completeness. We develop in this paper the ‘PD accumulation curve’ (an extension of the species accumulation curve) to depict how PD increases with sampling size and sample completeness.

To make fair comparisons of Faith's PD among several assemblages based on sampling data from each assemblage, we derive both theoretical formulae and analytic estimators for seamless rarefaction (interpolation) and extrapolation (prediction). We develop a lower bound of the undetected PD for an incomplete sample to guide the extrapolation; the PD estimator for an extrapolated sample is generally reliable up to twice the size of the empirical sample.

We propose an integrated curve that smoothly links rarefaction and extrapolation to standardize samples on the basis of sample size or sample completeness. A bootstrap method is used to obtain the unconditional variances of PD estimators and to construct the confidence interval of the expected PD for a fixed sample size or fixed degree of sample completeness. This facilitates comparison of multiple assemblages of both rarefied and extrapolated samples.

We illustrate our formulae and estimators using empirical data sets from Australian birds in two sites. We discuss the extension of our approach to the case of multiple incidence data and to incorporate species abundances.
Evaluation of the Impact of Implementing the Emergency Medical Services Traumatic Brain Injury Guidelines in Arizona: The Excellence in Prehospital Injury Care (EPIC) Study Methodology
Authors: Spaite Daniel W. , Bobrow Bentley J. , Stolz Uwe , Sherrill Duane , Chikani Vatsal , Barnhart Bruce , Sotelo Michael , Gaither Joshua B. , Viscusi Chad , Adelson P. David , Denninghoff Kurt R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) exacts a great toll on society. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that the management ofTBIin the early minutes after injury may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. In response, evidence‐based prehospital and in‐hospitalTBItreatment guidelines have been established by authoritative bodies. However, no large studies have yet evaluated the effectiveness of implementing these guidelines in the prehospital setting. This article describes the background, design, implementation, emergency medical services (EMS) treatment protocols, and statistical analysis of a prospective, controlled (before/after), statewide study designed to evaluate the effect of implementing theEMS TBIguidelines—the Excellence in Prehospital Injury Care (EPIC) study (NIH/NINDSR01NS071049, “EPIC”; and 3R01NS071049‐S1, “EPIC4Kids”).The specific aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that statewide implementation of the international adult and pediatricEMS TBIguidelines will significantly reduce mortality and improve nonmortality outcomes in patients with moderate or severeTBI. Furthermore, it will specifically evaluate the effect of guideline implementation on outcomes in the subgroup of patients who are intubated in the field. Over the course of the entire study (~9 years), it is estimated that approximately 25,000 patients will be enrolled.
Vertical integration in West Africa's cotton industry: are parastatals a second best solution?
Authors: Tumusiime Emmanuel , Brorsen B. Wade , Vitale Jeffrey D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article provides a framework to compare market outcomes among vertically integrated monopsonies in the cotton sector of West Africa and alternative, more competitive market structures. Based on a principal agent framework, in the presence of factor market constraints, as well as capital market failure, efficiently operated cotton parastatals increase sector welfare and efficiency by providing input credits. In equilibrium, outcomes with the principal agent model suggest growers receive the reservation income to participate in cotton production while the principal (cotton company) extracts the surplus above the reservation income. Competitive markets entail more equitable distribution of benefits than with parastatal vertical integration, but credit and factor market constraints can still persist. Promotion of a competitive market system will not support cotton productivity growth unless stakeholders pursue complementary programs to develop credit markets and research and extension institutions. In the presence of current market failures, parastatals may be a second‐best solution.
Treatment cessation in noncirrhotic, e‐antigen negative chronic hepatitis B is safe and effective following prolonged anti‐viral suppression with nucleosides/nucleotides
Authors: Patwardhan V. R. , Sengupta N. , Bonder A. , Lau D. , Afdhal N. H. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe treatment of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is considered to be open‐ended, with no guidelines for treatment cessation.AimTo evaluate biochemical and virological relapse requiring retreatment in noncirrhotic HBeAg‐negative CHB in patients who stopped treatment following a period of prolonged viral suppression with nucleotides/nucleosides.MethodsWe performed a single‐centre retrospective chart review of patients with HBeAg‐negative CHB who maintained viral suppression for 4–5 years on anti‐viral treatment, and thus subsequently stopped treatment. The primary end point of composite relapse was defined by an increase in HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL, ALT elevation above 1.25 × normal or doubling of ALT from cessation, and re‐initiation of anti‐viral therapy.ResultsWe identified 33 patients with HBeAg‐negative CHB who stopped treatment following viral suppression. Mean treatment duration was 5.28 ± 2.73 years. Patients were treated with lamivudine (3), adefovir (14), entecavir (4), and tenofovir (12). Eleven (33%) patients met the primary end point of composite relapse. For individual end points, 21 (63%) patients had a viral relapse, 16 (48%) had a biochemical relapse, and 16 (48%) restarted treatment, leaving 17 (52%) patients who remained treatment‐free over a median 36 months of follow‐up. Lower pre‐treatment ALT and detectable HBV DNA within the first month after treatment discontinuation were associated with increased rates of composite relapse (HR 1.01; P = 0.022 for ALT and HR 1.01; P = 0.038 for HBV DNA).ConclusionPatients with noncirrhotic HBeAg‐negative CHB can stop treatment after greater than 4–5 years of suppressive therapy with nucleosides/nucleotides with more than 50% remaining treatment‐free.
Polymorphisms of HLA‐DP are associated with response to peginterferon in Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Brouwer W. P. , Sonneveld M. J. , Tabak F. , Simon K. , Cakaloglu Y. , Akarca U. S. , Zeuzem S. , Ferenci P. , Heathcote J. E. , de Knegt R. J. , Boonstra A. , Hansen B. E. , Janssen H. L. A. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundPolymorphisms of the HLA‐DP gene are associated with the natural clearance of the hepatitis B virus in Asian patients.AimTo investigate the association of HLA‐DP polymorphisms with response to peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) in Caucasian chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.MethodsWe studied 262 Caucasian chronic hepatitis B patients infected with HBV genotype A or D, treated with PEG‐IFN for 1 year in two randomised controlled trials (HBV 99‐01 and PARC study). Response was defined as an HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL at 6 months post‐treatment. Variations at HLA‐DPA1 and HLA‐DPB1 were genotyped.ResultsOf the 262 patients, 58% was HBeAg‐positive and HBV genotype A and D was observed in 32% and 68%, respectively. At 6 months post‐treatment, 57 (22%) patients had achieved an HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL. HLA‐DPB1 was independently associated with virological response [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.1–3.0, P = 0.025], and with an undetectable HBV DNA (adjusted OR 2.4 95% CI: 1.2–4.7, P = 0.015) when adjusted for HBeAg status and other known response modifiers. In HBeAg‐positive patients, combined HBeAg seroconversion with HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL was increasingly observed with each addition of an HLA‐DPB1 G‐allele (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–5.9, P = 0.012). Furthermore, HLA‐DPA1 and HLA‐DPB1 haplotype block GG showed comparable results for virological and combined response.ConclusionIn this large cohort of Caucasian chronic hepatitis B patients infected with HBV genotypes A or D, polymorphisms of HLA‐DP are independently associated with both virological and serological response to PEG‐IFN therapy at 6 months post‐treatment.
Systematic review: the effect of prunes on gastrointestinal function
Authors: Lever E. , Cole J. , Scott S. M. , Emery P. W. , Whelan K. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundPrunes (dried plums) are high in fibre and are perceived to promote healthy gastrointestinal (GI) function.AimTo assess the effect of prunes on GI function through a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsSixteen electronic databases were searched, a hand search was performed and key opinion leaders were contacted. RCTs investigating the effect of prunes on GI function were included. Two reviewers independently screened relevant articles, extracted data and assessed risk of bias.ResultsFour trials met the inclusion criteria, one in constipation and three in non‐constipated subjects. In constipation, 3 weeks of prune consumption (100 g/day) improved stool frequency (3.5 vs. 2.8 CSBM per week, P = 0.006) and stool consistency (3.2 vs. 2.8 on Bristol stool form scale, P = 0.02) compared with psyllium (22 g/day). In non‐constipated subjects, prunes softened stool consistency in one trial and increased stool weight (628 g vs. 514 g/72 h wet weight, P = 0.001) in another trial, compared with control. No trials found differences in GI symptoms between prunes and comparator. Meta‐analysis was not appropriate due to heterogeneity in populations and methods. Two of the trials were limited by unclear risk of bias.ConclusionsIn constipation, prunes appear superior to psyllium for improving stool frequency and consistency, however, the evidence for other outcomes and the effects in non‐constipated subjects is weak. Although prunes may be a promising intervention for the management of constipation and increasing stool weight, this needs to be confirmed by further rigorous research.
Who Benefits Most From Head Start? Using Latent Class Moderation to Examine Differential Treatment Effects
Authors: Cooper Brittany Rhoades , Lanza Stephanie T. 
Published: August 2014

Head Start (HS) is the largest federally funded preschool program for disadvantaged children. Research has shown relatively small impacts on cognitive and social skills; therefore, some have questioned its effectiveness. Using data from the Head Start Impact Study (3‐year‐old cohort; N = 2,449), latent class analysis was used to (a) identify subgroups of children defined by baseline characteristics of their home environment and caregiver and (b) test whether the effects of HS on cognitive, and behavioral and relationship skills over 2 years differed across subgroups. The results suggest that the effectiveness of HS varies quite substantially. For some children there appears to be a significant, and in some cases, long‐term, positive impact. For others there is little to no effect.
RAS mutations in indeterminate thyroid nodules are predictive of the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: An Jee Hyun , Song Kee‐Ho , Kim Suk Kyeong , Park Kyoung Sik , Yoo Young Bum , Yang Jung‐Hyun , Hwang Tae Sook , Kim Dong‐Lim 
Published: August 2014

SummaryObjectiveRAS mutations are the most common mutations in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology by fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and are mutually exclusive with BRAF mutations. However, the diagnostic utility of RAS mutation analysis is uncertain. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of RAS mutation analysis in indeterminate thyroid nodules.Design, patients, and measurementsA total of 155 thyroid nodules (90 benign and 65 indeterminate) negative for BRAFV600E mutations on FNAC were analysed for mutations in RAS codon 61 using pyrosequencing methods. We evaluated diagnostic accuracy of RAS mutation for predicting thyroid malignancy based on the surgical pathologic diagnosis.ResultsAmong the 65 BRAFV600E‐negative indeterminate thyroid nodules identified by FNAC, 25 (38·5%) exhibited point mutations in RAS 61 consisting of 18 NRAS 61 (72%), and 7 HRAS 61 (28%) mutations. In contrast, only five of 90 (5·6%) nodules with benign cytology had RAS mutations. Only two of 25 (8·0%) RAS 61+ indeterminate nodules exhibited malignant ultrasonographic features. Of the 15 patients with RAS 61+‐indeterminate nodules who underwent thyroid surgery, 14 (93·3%) were diagnosed as malignant, including 13 follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas (FVPTC), and one follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). The average tumour size was 1·79 ± 0·62 cm. Multifocality was seen in 28·6% of cases, with 7·1% exhibiting extrathyroidal extension; no lymph node or distant metastases were evident. Based on the surgical pathologic diagnosis results, preoperative RAS 61 mutation analysis on FNAC exhibited 93·3% sensitivity, 75·0% specificity, 93·3% positive predictive value, 75·0% negative predictive value and 89·5% diagnostic accuracy for predicting malignancies.ConclusionOur results suggest that RAS mutation analysis holds great promise as a preoperative diagnostic tool for predicting FVPTC in cytologically and sonographically indeterminate nodules negative for BRAF mutations.
Relationship of hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction with incident diabetes and pre‐diabetes: the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Derakhshan A. , Tohidi M. , Arshi B. , Khalili D. , Azizi F. , Hadaegh F. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine the association of fasting insulin, insulin resistance and reduced β‐cell function with incident Type 2 diabetes and pre‐diabetes (isolated impaired fasting glucose/isolated impaired glucose tolerance and combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance).MethodsAn Iranian population comprising 1532 men and 2221 women, aged ≥ 20 years, with normal fasting glucose and normal glucose tolerance at baseline, were enrolled in the study. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the hazard ratios and 95% CIs of fasting insulin, updated homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance and β‐cell function for incident Type 2 diabetes, isolated impaired fasting glucose, isolated impaired glucose tolerance and combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 9.2 years, the annual incidence rates (95% CI) of diabetes were 3.73 (2.74–4.94) and 4.06 (3.21–5.06) per 1000 person‐years in men and women, respectively. In both men and women, fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (≥ 75th percentile) were significantly associated with incident diabetes and combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance; however, reduced β‐cell function as measured by homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (< 25th percentile) was associated with incident isolated impaired fasting glucose solely in men [hazard ratio 1.35 (95% CI 1.02–1.78)] in multivariable analysis including waist–hip ratio). Hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction were not related to the incidence of isolated impaired glucose tolerance in either gender.ConclusionsFasting hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance were strong risk factors for progression to diabetes and combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance in a population with normal fasting glucose/normal glucose tolerance. In addition, impaired β‐cell function at baseline was related to the development of isolated impaired fasting glucose only in men and, in both men and women, neither insulin resistance nor β‐cell dysfunction were associated with incident isolated impaired glucose tolerance.
Accuracy of two continuous glucose monitoring systems: a head‐to‐head comparison under clinical research centre and daily life conditions
Authors: Kropff J. , Bruttomesso D. , Doll W. , Farret A. , Galasso S. , Luijf Y. M. , Mader J. K. , Place J. , Boscari F. , Pieber T. R. , Renard E. , DeVries J. H. 
Published: August 2014

AimsTo assess the accuracy and reliability of the two most widely used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.MethodsWe studied the Dexcom®G4 Platinum (DG4P; Dexcom, San Diego, CA, USA) and Medtronic Paradigm Veo Enlite system (ENL; Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA) CGM systems, in 24 patients with type 1 diabetes. The CGM systems were tested during 6‐day home use and a nested 6‐h clinical research centre (CRC) visit. During the CRC visit, frequent venous blood glucose samples were used as reference while patients received a meal with an increased insulin bolus to induce an aggravated postprandial glucose nadir. At home, patients performed at least six reference capillary blood measurements per day. A Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was performed using all data points ≥15 min apart.ResultsThe overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) value [standard deviation (s.d.)] measured at the CRC was 13.6 (11.0)% for the DG4P and 16.6 (13.5)% for the ENL [p < 0.0002, confidence interval of difference (CI Δ) 1.7–4.3%, n = 530]. The overall MARD assessed at home was 12.2 (12.0)% for the DG4P and 19.9 (20.5)% for the ENL (p < 0.0001, CI Δ = 5.8–8.7%, n = 839). During the CRC visit, the MARD in the hypoglycaemic range [≤3.9 mmol/l (70 mg/dl)], was 17.6 (12.2)% for the DG4P and 24.6 (18.8)% for the ENL (p = 0.005, CI Δ 3.1–10.7%, n = 117). Both sensors showed higher MARD values during hypoglycaemia than during euglycaemia [3.9–10 mmol/l (70–180 mg/dl)]: for the DG4P 17.6 versus 13.0% and for the ENL 24.6 versus 14.2%.ConclusionsDuring circumstances of intended use, including both a CRC and home phase, the ENL was noticeably less accurate than the DG4P sensor. Both sensors showed lower accuracy in the hypoglycaemic range. The DG4P was less affected by this negative effect of hypoglycaemia on sensor accuracy than was the ENL.
FNDC5 could be regulated by leptin in adipose tissue
Authors: Gutierrez‐Repiso Carolina , Garcia‐Serrano Sara , Rodriguez‐Pacheco Francisca , Garcia‐Escobar Eva , Haro‐Mora Juan J. , Garcia‐Arnes Juan , Valdes Sergio , Gonzalo Montserrat , Soriguer Federico , Moreno‐Ruiz Francisco J. , Rodriguez‐Cañete Alberto , Martinez‐Ferriz Abelardo , Santoyo Julio S. , Perez‐Valero Vidal , Garcia‐Fuentes Eduardo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIntroductionIrisin activates the thermogenic function in adipose tissues. However, little is known on the association between human irisin and different cardiometabolic risk factors. We analyse the influence of morbid obesity on irisin levels and its relation with leptin and different cardiovascular risk factors.Material and methodsWe measured the serum irisin level and the fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) expression in adipose tissue from 33 morbidly obese subjects and 12 nonobese subjects. We also studied the effect of leptin on FNDC5 expression.ResultsSerum irisin was higher in the nonobese subjects than in morbidly obese subjects, both before (P = 0·043) and after bariatric surgery (P = 0·042). The variable that best explained the serum irisin levels in a multiple linear regression model was the waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (R2 = 0·201) (Beta = −0·357, P = 0·046). Those morbidly obese subjects with android‐type obesity had lower serum irisin levels than those with gynecoid‐type obesity, both before (P = 0·027) and after bariatric surgery (P = 0·006). Only the percentage change in WHR was associated with serum irisin levels after bariatric surgery (r = −0·529, P = 0·005). FNDC5 expression levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were higher in the nonobese than in the morbidly obese subjects (P = 0·042). In SAT explants from nonobese subjects, leptin (20 and 150 ng/mL) produced a decrease in FNDC5 expression (P = 0·009 and P = 0·037, respectively).ConclusionsWe showed decreased serum irisin levels in morbidly obese subjects, related mainly to WHR. FNDC5 expression could be regulated by leptin.