bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Treatment with Osteoporosis Medications After Recent Fragility Fractures in a Multinational Cohort of Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Greenspan Susan L. , Wyman Allison , Hooven Frederick H. , Adami Silvano , Gehlbach Stephen , Anderson Jr, Frederick A , Boone Steven , Lacroix Andrea Z. , Lindsay Robert , Coen Netelenbos J. , Pfeilschifter Johannes , Silverman Stuart , Siris Ethel S. , Watts Nelson B. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the proportion of untreated women who reported receiving treatment after incident fracture and to identify factors that predict treatment across an international spectrum of individuals.DesignProspective observational study. Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed at baseline and 1 year.SettingMultinational cohort of noninstitutionalized women recruited from 723 primary physician practices in 10 countries.ParticipantsSixty thousand three hundred ninety‐three postmenopausal women aged 55 and older were recruited with a 2:1 oversampling of women aged 65 and older.MeasurementsData collected included participant demographics, medical history, fracture occurrence, medications, and risk factors for fracture. Anti‐osteoporosis medications (AOMs) included estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and strontium.ResultsAfter the first year of follow‐up, 1,075 women reported an incident fracture. Of these, 17% had started AOM, including 15% of those with a single fracture and 35% with multiple fractures. Predictors of treatment included baseline calcium use (P = .01), baseline diagnosis of osteoporosis (P < .001), and fracture type (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, women taking calcium supplements at baseline (odds ratio (OR) = 1.67) and with a baseline diagnosis of osteoporosis (OR = 2.55) were more likely to be taking AOM. Hip fracture (OR = 2.61), spine fracture (OR = 6.61), and multiple fractures (OR = 3.79) were associated with AOM treatment. Age, global region, and use of high‐risk medications were not associated with treatment.ConclusionMore than 80% of older women with new fractures were not treated, despite the availability of AOM. Important factors associated with treatment in this international cohort included diagnosis of osteoporosis before the incident fracture, spine fracture, and to a lesser degree, hip fracture.
Lifestyle Behavior Pattern Is Associated with Different levels of Risk for Incident Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: The Cache County Study
Authors: Norton Maria C. , Dew Jeffrey , Smith Heeyoung , Fauth Elizabeth , Piercy Kathleen W. , Breitner John C. S. , Tschanz JoAnn , Wengreen Heidi , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen ,   for the Cache County Investigators
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo identify distinct behavioral patterns of diet, exercise, social interaction, church attendance, alcohol consumption, and smoking and to examine their association with subsequent dementia risk.DesignLongitudinal, population‐based dementia study.SettingRural county in northern Utah, at‐home evaluations.ParticipantsTwo thousand four hundred ninety‐one participants without dementia (51% male, average age 73.0 ± 5,7; average education 13.7 ± 4.1 years) initially reported no problems in activities of daily living and no stroke or head injury within the past 5 years.MeasurementsSix dichotomized lifestyle behaviors were examined (diet: high ≥ median on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension scale; exercise: ≥5 h/wk of light activity and at least occasional moderate to vigorous activity; church attendance: attending church services at least weekly; social Interaction: spending time with family and friends at least twice weekly; alcohol: currently drinking alcoholic beverages ≥ 2 times/wk; nonsmoker: no current use or fewer than 100 cigarettes ever). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns among these behaviors. Proportional hazards regression modeled time to dementia onset as a function of behavioral class, age, sex, education, and apolipoprotein E status. Follow‐up averaged 6.3 ± 5.3 years, during which 278 cases of incident dementia (200 Alzheimer's disease (AD)) were diagnosed.ResultsLCA identified four distinct lifestyle classes. Unhealthy–religious (UH‐R; 11.5%), unhealthy–nonreligious (UH‐NR; 10.5%), healthy–moderately religious (H‐MR; 38.5%), and healthy–very religious (H‐VR; 39.5%). UH‐NR (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.54, P = .028), H‐MR (HR = 0.56, P = .003), and H‐VR (HR = 0.58, P = .005) had significantly lower dementia risk than UH‐R. Results were comparable for AD, except that UH‐NR was less definitive.ConclusionFunctionally independent older adults appear to cluster into subpopulations with distinct patterns of lifestyle behaviors with different levels of risk for subsequent dementia and AD.
High Preoperative Plasma Neopterin Predicts Delirium After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults
Authors: Osse Robert J. , Fekkes Durk , Tulen Joke H. M. , Wierdsma André I. , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , van der Mast Rose C. , Hengeveld Michiel W. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo examine the association between plasma levels of pterins and amino acids and postoperative delirium.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingCardiothoracic service in an university hospital in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.ParticipantsOne hundred twenty‐five individuals aged 70 and older undergoing elective cardiac surgery.MeasurementsPlasma pterins and amino acids were measured pre‐ and postoperatively. Using multiple logistic regression analyses, the associations between pterins and amino acid levels and postoperative delirium were examined in relation to age, sex, comorbidity, cognitive functioning (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score), and cardiac risk factors.ResultsDelirium incidence in the main study group was 31.3%. The preoperative measures associated with delirium were neopterin (odds ratio (OR) = 1.05,P = .009);MMSEscore less than 28 (OR= 4.39,P = .001); European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score greater than 6 (OR= 2.84,P = .03); and combined coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and aortic, mitral, or tricuspid valve surgery (OR= 4.32,P = .01). Postoperative measures associated with delirium were neopterin (OR= 3.84,P = .02), homovanillic acid (HVA,OR= 1.01,P = .04), and preoperativeMMSEscore less than 28 (OR= 3.32,P = .008).ConclusionPreoperatively high neopterin levels predicted delirium after cardiac surgery in older adults, in addition to the well‐known risk factors of poor cognitive function, high cardio‐surgical risk, and combinedCABGand valve surgery. Postoperative neopterin andHVAlevels were also found to be associated with delirium, together with preoperative cognitive functioning. Plasma neopterin may be a candidate biomarker for delirium after cardiac surgery in these older adults.
Association Between Visceral Obesity and Sarcopenia and Vitamin D Deficiency in Older Koreans: The Ansan Geriatric Study
Authors: Seo Ji A , Cho Hyunjoo , Eun Chai R. , Yoo Hye J. , Kim Sin G. , Choi Kyung M. , Baik Sei H. , Choi Dong S. , Park Moon H. , Han Changsu , Kim Nan H. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate whether vitamin D levels are independently associated with visceral obesity, sarcopenia, or sarcopenic obesity.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingPopulation‐based sample of elderly adults living in Ansan, Korea.ParticipantsTwo hundred sixteen men and 268 women aged 65 and older.MeasurementsSerum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, visceral fat area (VFA) according to abdominal computed tomography scanning, and body composition (body fat percentage, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)) using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Visceral obesity was defined as VFA of 100 cm2 or greater and sarcopenia as ASM/height2 more than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the sex‐specific mean of a young reference group.ResultsThe adjusted 25(OH)D level for men was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure, VFA, and body fat percentage but positively associated with ASM. In women, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and VFA were negatively correlated with 25(OH)D levels. In the joint regression model, VFA and ASM were independently associated with 25(OH)D levels (β = −0.078, P = .01 and β = 0.087, P = .02, respectively) per 1SD difference in VFA and ASM in men but not women. When participants were categorized according to four visceral obesity and sarcopenia categories, adjusted mean 25(OH)D level was lower in men with visceral obesity than in men without but was not affected by the presence or absence of sarcopenia.ConclusionGreater visceral fat and lower muscle mass were associated with lower 25(OH)D levels in elderly Korean men, suggesting that screening for vitamin D deficiency may be appropriate in older Koreans with visceral obesity or sarcopenia. Sarcopenic obesity as defined according to prespecified criteria did not have an additive association with 25(OH)D levels.
The Effects of Macroeconomic Factors on Pricing Mortgage Insurance Contracts
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chien , Wang Chou‐Wen , Yang Chih‐Yuan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNumerous empirical studies, including Abraham and Hendershott (1996), Muellbauer and Murphy (1997), Leung (2004), and Oikarinen (2009), have identified a significant relationship between housing prices and macroeconomic factors. Using a linear regression on the comovement of macroeconomic factors and housing prices, this article employs an option‐pricing framework to price and hedge the fair premia of mortgage insurance (MI). Our model provides improved performance in terms of MI premium pricing, especially during periods that are characterized by high housing prices. Ignoring the impacts of macroeconomic factors on housing prices will lead to an underestimation of MI premia.
A History of the Term “Moral Hazard”
Authors: Rowell David , Connelly Luke B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe term “moral hazard” when interpreted literally has a strong rhetorical tone, which has been used by stakeholders to influence public attitudes to insurance. In contrast, economists have treated moral hazard as an idiom that has little, if anything, to do with morality. This article traces the genesis of moral hazard, by identifying salient changes in economic thought, which are identified within the medieval theological and probability literatures. The focus then shifts to compare and contrast the predominantly, normative conception of moral hazard found within the insurance‐industry literature with the largely positive interpretations found within the economic literature.
Early Mover Advantages: Evidence From the Long‐Term Care Insurance Market
Authors: McShane Michael K. , Cox Larry A. , Ge Yanling 
Published: February 2012

AbstractResearchers frequently question whether financial firms benefit by developing new products because barriers to entry common to other industries generally do not exist. Studies of early mover advantages for new financial products provide mixed evidence at best. We find evidence of early mover advantages in the relatively young market for long‐term care insurance (LTCI) using data that allow broad testing of financial performance. Product differentiation, individual lines exposure, firm size, and traditional health insurance experience also affect financial performance.
Dental practitioner concepts of efficiency related to the use of dental therapists
Authors: Harris Rebecca V. , Sun Ningwei 
Published: February 2012

Harris RV, Sun N. Dental practitioner concepts of efficiency related to the use of dental therapists. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  Objectives:  Efficiency is concerned with producing maximum output with the minimum input, although what constitutes inputs and outputs within an organization is not always clear. Labour substitution is one method of achieving efficiency gains, although cost savings are found to be context dependent and may not be achieved in some situations. Because dental therapists (DTs) in England are permitted to work in dental practices, we set out to investigate how efficiency with respect to the use of DTs is conceptualized by practitioners to deepen our understanding of the potential for substitution to realize efficiency gains in dental practice.Methods:  Nine dental practices were selected using a purposive sampling methodology to give a range of practice size and DT employment arrangements. Semi‐structured interviews were held with 26 dentists. Transcripts were coded and analysed thematically.Results:  Efficiency was perceived as optimum use of surgery time to generate intermediate outputs of (i) managing patient flow to give patient satisfaction and business cash flow and (ii) volume of work (procedures and numbers of patients). DT efficiency gains were evaluated according to whether lower labour costs were offset by a slower working pace and higher rate of failed appointments. Patient need and demand, and whether the practice had health improvement goals, influenced whether DTs were deemed to improve efficiency.Conclusions:  Findings are in accord with skill mix reviews in wider health care that substitution may be effective in improving efficiency but this may be limited to particular situations where conditions are conducive. More studies are needed to explore these issues further in other dental practice contexts and with other groups of dental auxiliary.
Predictors of pain associated with routine procedures performed in general dental practice
Authors: Tickle Martin , Milsom Keith , Crawford Fiona I. J. , Aggarwal Vishal R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of the study was to investigate factors that influence pain intensities associated with routine dental procedures.MethodFour hundred and fifty‐one dental patients self‐reported pain experienced during the procedure immediately after undergoing a variety of common dental interventions and 1 day after the completion of the procedure. Pain character was measured using the McGill short‐form pain questionnaire and intensity using a numerical rating (NRS) scale. Information was collected on a number of factors that could influence pain: dental anxiety was measured using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale to categorize patients into four domains (fearless, some unease, nervous and very anxious). Dentists provided information regarding the type(s) of procedure and use of local anaesthetic (LA).ResultsSeventy‐five percent of patients (339/451) reported no pain during their procedure when the data were collected immediately postoperatively (NRS score = 0). Univariate analyses showed that dental anxiety, LA use and type of procedure (extractions) were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of reported intra‐operative pain. However, when these factors were combined in a multivariate model, the strongest predictor of pain was dental anxiety [odds ratio (OR) = 4.98 (95% CI 1.42–17.44)] and LA use [OR = 2.79 (95% CI 1.39–5.61)]. Although the strongest predictor of postoperative pain on the next day was pain reported during the procedure [OR = 5.85 (95% CI 2.71–12.64)], LA remained a significant predictor of pain the day after the procedure [OR = 3.16 (95% CI 1.02–9.81)].ConclusionsDentists need to assess their patients both preoperatively for dental anxiety and intra‐operatively for signs of suboptimal local anaesthesia so as to effectively align patient management and clinical techniques to control dental anxiety and produce adequate anaesthesia.
Mast cell leukemia: identification of a new c‐Kit mutation, dup(501‐502), and response to masitinib, a c‐Kit tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Georgin‐Lavialle Sophie , Lhermitte Ludovic , Suarez Felipe , Yang Ying , Letard Sébastien , Hanssens Katia , Feger Frédéric , Renand Amédée , Brouze Chantal , Canioni Danielle , Asnafi Vahid , Chandesris Marie‐Olivia , Aouba Achille , Gineste Paul , Macintyre Elizabeth , Mansfield Colin D. , Moussy Alain , Lepelletier Yves , Dubreuil Patrice , Hermine Olivier 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:  Most patients with systemic mastocytosis bear mutations in the tyrosine kinase receptor gene c‐Kit. Limited treatment options exist for mast cell leukemia, a rare form of systemic mastocytosis associated with a dire prognosis. Our aim was to investigate c‐Kit mutations associated with mast cell leukemia and find new treatment for this severe form of mastocytosis.Patient and methods:  We describe here a patient with mast cell leukemia characterized by 42% of circulating mast cells associated with a previously unidentified c‐Kit mutation in adult mastocytosis: dup(501‐502).Main findings:  This patient was treated with masitinib, a novel c‐Kit tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with a dramatic response observed following 3 months of treatment, including clinical improvement, disappearance of circulating mast cells, and decrease in both serum histamine and tryptase levels. In vitro and ex vivo research was performed on the patient’s cells and revealed constitutive c‐Kit phosphorylation in mast cell leukemia.Conclusions:  This case highlights the importance of sequencing all c‐Kit exons when the classical D816V c‐Kit mutation is not found, even in adults with SM. It also indicates that masitinib may be safe and effective for the treatment for some mast cell leukemia.
Long‐term management of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura using serial plasma ADAMTS13 measurements
Authors: Knovich Mary Ann , Farland Andrew , Owen John 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAlthough significant advances in the understanding of TTP pathophysiology have been made in the last 15 yr, none have yet impacted the empiric treatment paradigm for this disease for which plasmapheresis is the mainstay. Laboratory assays for ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors can be used to confirm a clinical diagnosis, but the assays are not routinely used to guide treatment. The routine availability of ADAMTS13 testing has allowed our group to tailor plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy in patients under active treatment for TTP. In addition, the concept of establishing immune tolerance, similar to the eradication of a factor VIII inhibitor in patients with congenital or acquired hemophilia, has emerged as an important strategy to prevent early relapse of TTP. With the expected incorporation of recombinant ADAMTS13 into the treatment algorithm over the next several years, we anticipate that readily available ADAMTS13 testing will play an important role in individualized therapy that incorporates enzyme replacement and establishment of immune tolerance.
To Boldly and Safely Go: Biostatistics in Space
Authors: Ploutz-Snyder Robert 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
How can humans live and work in space? Ask one of NASA's biostatisticians. With the International Space Station, the prospect of a return to the moon and – who knows?– perhaps a manned voyage to Mars, ever-longer space missions must be planned for. Robert Ploutz-Snyder describes some of NASA's work to reduce the risk to astronauts.
Philip Woodward on Philip Woodward: Radar, Clocks and Coincidences
Authors: Woodward Philip 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWhat happens when you Google your own name? We have all done it in moments of passing curiosity or vanity, and for most of us it produces little. But for Philip Woodward, statistician and editorial board member of this magazine, it turned up not just a namesake but a whole string of coincidences and another statistician – one whose life and achievements deserve to be chronicled here.
Prevalence of gastric and duodenal ulceration in 691 nonsurviving foals (1995–2006)
Authors: ELFENBEIN J. R. , SANCHEZ L. C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReason for performing study:Gastric ulcer disease is reported to be a significant cause of morbidity in foals, but the prevalence of ulcers in this population has not recently been evaluated.Objectives:To determine the prevalence of gastric and duodenal ulceration in nonsurviving foals, and the association of ulceration with the body system of primary diagnosis. Secondary objectives were to evaluate a potential association between age and ulcer prevalence and to evaluate the use of antacid medication in the neonatal hospital population during the study years.Methods:Necropsy records were searched for all equine accessions from 1995 to 2006. Foals aged from one day to 6 months were included. Year, age, breed, sex, diagnosis and the presence of glandular, nonglandular and/or duodenal ulceration were recorded. Diagnoses were divided into groups based on the body system of primary diagnosis, with multiple diagnoses possible. A computerised database was searched for antacid treatment of all neonatal admissions.Results:The overall prevalence of ulcers was 22%, with nonglandular ulcers predominating. Ulceration was significantly associated with gastrointestinal disease. There was no significant change in ulcer prevalence over time, although there was a significant decrease in the use of antacid medications in the later study years. Neonatal foals (<1 month) had a lower ulcer prevalence than older foals.Conclusions:The prevalence of ulcers in foals, although low, has remained stable over time. Gastric or duodenal ulcers are associated with a primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease and are less prevalent in neonates.Potential relevance:The prevalence of ulcers in nonsurviving foals is low. Foals with gastrointestinal disease are more likely to have ulcers than foals with other primary diagnoses, and older foals are more likely to have ulceration than neonates. The prevalence of ulceration did not appear to be related to hospital‐wide antacid medication use in neonates.
Factors influencing placental development and function in the mare
Authors: WILSHER S. , ALLEN W. R. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe development of the equine placenta involves a series of stage‐specific events which ensure that the fetus is nourished throughout its 11 months of gestation. Initially, placental exchange to the developing embryo is histotrophic, via the yolk sac but, as the allantochorion develops and microcotyledons form, haemotrophic nutrition plays the major role in sustaining the increasing demands of the growing fetus. This review describes the development of the allantochorionic placenta of the mare and discusses some of the factors that influence its growth, size and functions and, hence, its control of fetal growth and maturation.
Hospital treatment as a foal does not adversely affect future sales performance in Thoroughbred horses
Authors: CORLEY K. T. T. , CORLEY M. M. B. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Many Thoroughbred foals are intended to be sold at public auction. The impact of disease conditions necessitating hospital treatment as a foal on future sales performance is unknown.Objectives:To determine whether Thoroughbred horses that were treated in a hospital before age 125 days and presented to public auction sell for a different mean price than controls.Methods:Foals aged <125 days, treated at a hospital in Ireland in 2007 or 2008 and presented for sale to a public auction recorded on a publicly accessible database were selected for inclusion in the study. The sales outcome of these subjects was compared to that of 6 controls for each subject, consisting of the 3 horses that were presented to the same sale immediately before and immediately after the subject. Results were controlled for the sale at which the animal presented and the sex of the subject and controls.Results:Sixty‐three subjects were presented to public auction: 19 at the foal sales, 39 at the yearling sales and 5 at the 2‐year‐old sales. Forty‐five subjects were sold. There was no difference in the mean sales price (subjects €38,207; controls €35,026) or percentage of animals sold (subjects 71.4%; controls 66.4%) between subjects and controls.Conclusions:If Thoroughbred horses are presented for public auction following hospital treatment as a foal, there is no impact on sales outcome.Potential relevance:This information may help commercial breeders of Thoroughbred foals make informed decisions about treatment of their foals.