bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worries About Discontinuing Buprenorphine Treatment: Scale Development and Clinical Correlates
Authors: Stein Michael D. , Conti Micah T. , Herman Debra S. , Anderson Bradley J. , Bailey Genie L. , Noppen Donnell Van , Abrantes Ana M.
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives

Despite the benefits of maintenance buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), many individuals report an interest in discontinuing the medication, while also expressing worries about tapering. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of worries about buprenorphine discontinuation (“Off Bupe”) and determine the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with these worries.

Methods

Between May 2017 and May 2018, we surveyed adults in an outpatient primary care buprenorphine program (n = 138). Reliability and validity of the Off Bupe measure were examined.

Results

Participants averaged 39 years of age, 54% were male, average duration of buprenorphine was 189 weeks and 85.5% reported eventually wanting to discontinue buprenorphine, although fewer than 10% were actively tapering. We derived two scales, withdrawal symptom worry (10 items, ɑ = 0.94) and relapse worry (7 items,
ɑ = 0.88). Worry about symptoms was positively associated with current buprenorphine dose (P = 0.016), physical discomfort avoidance (P < 0.001), and inversely associated with self‐efficacy to quit buprenorphine (P < 0.001) and distress tolerance (P < 0.001). Worry about opioid relapse was associated positively with age (P = 0.019), current buprenorphine dose (P = 0.004), physical discomfort avoidance (P < 0.001), and impulsivity (P = 0.002), and inversely associated with self‐efficacy to quit buprenorphine (P < 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions

Psychometric evaluation of the “Off Bupe” scale demonstrated its content and construct validity and internal reliability.

Scientific Significance

The scale might help individuals with OUD and their providers identify concerns about discontinuing buprenorphine. (Am J Addict 2019;28:270–276)
Evaluation of an Online Residency Training in Tobacco Use Disorder
Authors: Williams Jill M. , Poulsen Raul , Chaguturu Vamsee , Tobia Anthony , Palmeri Barbara
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives

Despite the overwhelming need for tobacco use disorder (TUD) treatment in behavioral health settings, few models have emerged for training psychiatry residents. One barrier may be a lack of curricula or faculty expertize in this area. The goal of this project was to develop and evaluate a 3 hour online webinar‐based course for teaching psychiatry residents about TUD.

Methods

Residents from 42 participating general psychiatry residency programs were emailed a unique link to course materials. Participation was voluntary.

Results

Two‐hundred and seven residents completed the pretest measuring baseline knowledge and 199 completed the survey measuring attitudes toward treatment of tobacco use. Mean pretest scores were 53.0% correct (SD 19.6), showing low levels of baseline knowledge. Pretest knowledge scores differed by residency year, suggesting no gain in knowledge during residency training. About 80% of participants completed the entire course and posttest evaluations. Paired t tests for 150 individuals who completed both a pretest and posttest indicated a significant increase in knowledge, with a mean gain in score of 35 points.

Discussion and Conclusions

Many residents reported feeling not well prepared to treat TUD from prior education. The vast majority (98%) felt the program enhanced their professional experience somewhat or substantially or would recommend the program to others (82%).

Scientific Significance

Online training for residents is a viable option to address knowledge deficits in TUD. (Am J Addict 2019;28:277–284)
Where is the fruit? Multidimensional inequalities in food retail environments around public elementary schools
Authors: Li Yingru , Du Ting , Huff‐Corzine Lin , Johnson Kenisha , Noyongoyo Boniface
Published: April 2019

Background

The increasing number of convenience and small food stores may be contributing to the rising childhood obesity rate in the United States; however, the literature assessing food environments surrounding elementary schools in this country is relatively limited. This study determines (a) whether the food environments around public elementary schools is of significantly lower quality than those of other areas in the United States and (b) how the quality of the school food environment is associated with local socio‐economic factors and geographical components.

Methods

Data for 52,375 public elementary schools as well as 96,652 convenience stores, 65,044 small food stores, and 44,383 supermarkets/grocery stores were obtained from the National Center of Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A two‐sample t test was applied to compare the food environment within 0.5‐mile buffer around schools and that in the remaining area of each county. A binomial regression model was constructed to examine the impact of socio‐economic and geographical factors on unequal food environments.

Results

The food environment within 0.5 mile around schools is of significantly poorer quality than that of the rest of the test area (p < .001). The quality of the food environment around schools is highly associated with such socio‐economic factors as median household income (OR = 1.000, p < .01) and percentage of minority population (OR = 0.989, p < .01). Quality also varies geographically, with poorer quality in the Midwest (OR = 0.722, p < .05) and northeast (OR = 0.328, p < .001) than in the south and west and lower quality in metro counties (OR = 0.627, p < .01) than in rural and nonmetro counties.

Conclusion

Our findings stress the importance of awareness for improving food retail environments around elementary schools for the benefit of our children.
Patterns of support to adolescents related to disability, family situation, harassment, and economy
Authors: Møller Christensen Berit , Björk Maria , Almqvist Lena , Huus Karina
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Adolescents need support from family, friends, and teachers to increase their involvement in everyday life. Their environment and their own characteristics also influence their ability to participate in an everyday supportive environment.

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate patterns of support from parents, teachers, and very important persons such as peers to the ability of adolescents to participate in everyday life, as well as the importance of interpersonal relations as experienced by the adolescents.

Method

The study has a cross‐sectional design. The data compiled and analysed in this study are part of a longitudinal study of adolescents and their development into adults—LoRDIA (Longitudinal Research on Development In Adolescence). A combination of person‐ and variable‐oriented design was used to capture patterns of support.

Results

Adolescents with a complicated home situation and low economic prerequisites who received little support from parents and friends participated to a lower degree in home activities. A substantial number of these adolescents had self‐reported neurodevelopmental disorders and, as a group, were more often exposed to harassment. However, these adolescents participated to a higher extent in school activities, although they received little support from the teachers. The adolescents who received most support from parents and teachers were those with a country of origin other than Sweden and those who lived with both of their parents and had more siblings than average. However, this did not mean that they participated to a higher extent in home and school activities.
Vaccines for emerging pathogens: from research to the clinic
Authors: Williamson E D
Published: April 2019

In this two-part series of reviews, we have invited experts in their fields to contribute articles on the status of vaccine research and development for emerging pathogens. This topic has been brought into sharp focus in recent years following significant outbreaks of viral diseases such as those causing severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome, as well as devastating outbreaks of diseases caused by the Ebola, Marburg, Zika and Lassa fever viruses, to name only a few examples. Additionally, bacterial infections leading to bubonic and pneumonic plague, most notably in Madagascar in 2018, as well as malaria in many tropical countries, melioidosis in south east Asia and tularaemia in northern Europe and North America, have incurred significant morbidity and mortality. In this review series, the life cycle of these pathogens and the epidemiology of disease have been reviewed in the context of potential points of intervention for the prevention of human infection. Many of the emerging pathogens are zoonoses and, as such, there is scope for intervention at the animal/insect/environmental reservoir. Other pathogens covered in this review series are considered to be re-emerging, such as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder drainage: Current status and future prospects
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: April 2019

Early surgical treatment using the laparoscopic approach is generally accepted as the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis (AC) according to Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG2018). If the patient is a poor candidate for surgery because of the presence of advanced malignancy or severe organ failure, this treatment may be too invasive. In such cases, gallbladder drainage is considered an alternative treatment method to surgery. Several drainage methods have been established, such as percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) or endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) under endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), including endoscopic naso‐gallbladder drainage (ENGBD) and endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS). PTGBD is a well‐established procedure that is relatively easily carried out by general clinicians. And ETGBD has been developed as an alternative drainage method. The procedure also calls for guidewire passage across the cystic duct. Therefore, in AC cases who are contraindicated for surgery, PTGBD should be considered before ETGBD, and ETGBD may be considered only in high‐volume institutes where expert hands are available, as described in the TG2018. However, there are several limitations to these procedures. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder drainage (EUS‐GBD) is increasingly being done as an alternative method to PTGBD and ETGBD. In this review, the current status and problems of EUS‐GBD are reviewed, including technical review and clinical data of previous papers, current indication, long‐term outcome, and comparison data with PTGBD or ETGBD, and their future prospects are discussed.
Management of adverse events related to endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal neoplasms: Review of the literature and recommendations from experts
Authors: Yamamoto Yorimasa , Kikuchi Daisuke , Nagami Yasuaki , Nonaka Kouichi , Tsuji Yosuke , Fujimoto Ai , Sanomura Yoji , Tanaka Kyosuke , Abe Seiichiro , Zhang Shuo , De Lusong Mark Anthony , Uedo Noriya
Published: April 2019

Prevention therapy is recommended for lesions >1/2 of the esophageal circumference. Locoregional steroid injection is recommended for lesions >1/2–3/4 of the esophageal circumference and oral steroids are recommended for lesions >1/2 of the subtotal circumference. For lesions of the entire circumference, oral steroid combined with injection steroid is considered. Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is the first choice of treatment for stricture after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Radical incision and cutting or self‐expandable metallic stent can be considered for refractory stricture after EBD. In case of intraoperative perforation during esophageal ESD, endoscopic clip closure should be initially attempted. Surgery is considered for treatment of delayed perforation. Current standard practice for prevention of delayed bleeding after gastric ESD includes prophylactic coagulation of vessels on post‐ESD ulcers and giving proton pump inhibitors. Chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5, multiple antithrombotic drug use, anticoagulant use, and heparin bridging therapy are high‐risk factors for delayed bleeding after gastric ESD. Intraoperative perforation during gastric ESD is initially managed by endoscopic clip closure. If endoscopic clip closure is difficult, other methods such as over‐the‐scope clip (OTSC), polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet shielding etc. are attempted. Delayed perforation usually requires surgical intervention, but endoscopic closure by OTSC or PGA sheet may be considered. Resection of three‐quarters of the circumference is a risk factor for stenosis after gastric ESD. Giving prophylactic local steroid injection and/or oral steroid is reported, but effectiveness has not been fully verified as has been done for esophageal stricture. The main management method for gastric stenosis is EBD but it may cause perforation.
Turning Data into Better Decision Making: Asking Questions, Collecting and Analyzing Data in a Personal Analytics Project
Authors: Anderson Joe S. , Williams Susan K.
Published: April 2019

In this project, students asked and attempted to answer questions about themselves by collecting and analyzing data. With the prevalence of big data and business analytics, managers have data and quantitative information available more immediately than ever. However, managers need to understand how to use this information. In this project, students developed questions in an area of their choice such as fitness, health, or academics. For 8 weeks students then collected data that was designed to answer these questions. Finally, students applied descriptive analytics, regression, and data visualization techniques to answer their posed questions. Students have been positive about the assignment, and we share lessons learned from both the students and the faculty.
PREDICTING RETIREMENT SAVINGS USING SURVEY MEASURES OF EXPONENTIAL‐GROWTH BIAS AND PRESENT BIAS
Authors: Goda Gopi Shah , Levy Matthew , Manchester Colleen Flaherty , Sojourner Aaron , Tasoff Joshua
Published: April 2019

In a nationally representative sample, we predict retirement savings using survey‐based elicitations of exponential‐growth bias (EGB) and present bias (PB). We find that EGB, the tendency to neglect compounding, and PB, the tendency to value the present over the future, are highly significant and economically meaningful predictors of retirement savings. These relationships hold controlling for cognitive ability, financial literacy, and a rich set of demographic controls. We address measurement error as a potential confound and explore mechanisms through which these biases may operate. Back of the envelope calculations suggest that eliminating EGB and PB would increase retirement savings by approximately 12%. (JEL D91, D14)
The varieties of agential powers
Authors: Douskos Christos
Published: April 2019

The domain of agential powers is marked by a contrast that does not arise in the case of dispositions of inanimate objects: the contrast between propensities or tendencies on the one hand, and capacities or abilities on the other. According to Ryle, this contrast plays an important role in the “logical geography” of the dispositional concepts used in the explanation and assessment of action. However, most subsequent philosophers use the terms of art “power” or “disposition” indiscriminately in formulating central metaphysical claims about human agency, assuming that an adequate account of inanimate dispositions can safely be used for such purposes. As a result, the distinctive features of propensities and capacities drop out of view. This is bound to obscure distinctions of crucial importance to the understanding of human agency. In order to show this, I undertake to articulate some central differences between propensities and capacities. Propensities and capacities have a different relation to value, as well as a concomitant difference in their metaphysical structure. The argument points to an explanation of why the distinction between propensities and capacities does not arise in the case of non‐agential powers. This explanation takes us back to questions about the nature of human agency.
Spatial distribution and stoichiometry of soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus along an elevation gradient in a wetland in China
Authors: Hu Cong , Li Feng , Xie Yonghong , Deng Zhengmiao , Hou Zhiyong , Li Xu
Published: April 2019

Despite extensive studies on how environmental factors influence plant nutrient distribution and stoichiometry, it remains unclear how elevation affects soil distribution and stoichiometry. Here, patterns of the spatial distribution and stoichiometry of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were studied (with 123 soil samples) along a small‐scale elevation gradient in the wetland of East Dongting Lake, China. Plant nutrient concentrations (C, N and P), soil stoichiometry (C:N, C:P and N:P ratios) and their relations with other soil properties were analysed. In addition, the spatial distributions of plant nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry were evaluated geostatistically with regression kriging, entailing estimation of regression parameters by generalized least squares and ordinary kriging of the residuals. Soil C, N and P concentrations and stoichiometry had moderate to strong spatial dependence, and the ratios of C:P and N:P had similar patterns of distribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN). The SOC, TN, C:N, C:P and N:P ratios increased with increasing elevation, whereas total phosphorus (TP) showed no marked change. Furthermore, SOC, TN, C:N, C:P and N:P decreased considerably with increasing duration of submergence, soil moisture and pH. Therefore, elevation appeared to influence the distribution of plant nutrients and stoichiometry as a result of changing soil moisture and duration of submergence.

Highlights

Study showed how elevation influences plant nutrient distribution and stoichiometry.

Regression kriging was used to map soil properties.

Plant nutrients and stoichiometry decreased with increasing duration of submergence.

Elevation affected nutrient distribution because of soil moisture and water regime.
Water‐soluble phenolic metabolites in lichens and their potential role in soil organic matter formation at the pre‐vascular stage
Authors: Zavarzina Anna G. , Nikolaeva Tatjana N. , Demin Vladimir V. , Lapshin Petr V. , Makarov Mikhail I. , Zavarzin Alexey A. , Zagoskina Natalia V.
Published: April 2019

Soil organic matter (SOM) is the largest reservoir of organic carbon in the biosphere. However, little is known about the processes of its formation at the pre‐vascular stage. Lichens are among the pioneer colonizers on mineral substrates and are possible early land flora. This study is the first report on the identification and quantification of water‐soluble phenolic compounds (PCs), potential precursors of humic substances, in epigeyic lichens from two systematic groups. Results show (Folin–Denis assay) that cyanobiont‐containing lichens (order Peltigerales) possess three to five times more total soluble PCs than Lecanoralean lichens (Cladonia, Cetraria spp.) and mosses. Soluble PCs in lichens occur in the conjugated form. Alkali‐hydrolysable compounds (esters) predominate over acid‐hydrolysable compounds (glycosides). Phenolic complexes with N‐containing compounds or reducing sugars, or both, have been identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Benzoic acid derivatives were most common among PCs, detected in lichens by reversed‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Phenolic acids occur in the order (μg 100 g−1): p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (327–1,007) > syringic acid (87–361) > salycilic acid (135–210) > vanillic acid (12–19) (Peltigeralean lichens); salicylic acid (53–102) > p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (45–54) > caffeic acid (29) > syringic acid (18) > vanillic acid (9–13) (Lecanoralean lichens). Protocatechuic, caffeic and p‐coumaric acids were rare; ferulic acid was not detected. Syringyl and vanillyl aldehydes and ketones occur in much larger amounts than acids. Methoxy‐substituted and ortho‐substituted phenols, detected in lichens, are known for their high reactivity in soils under lignified vegetation, suggesting their important roles in SOM formation under a cryptogam cover.

Highlights

Phenolic composition of SOM and humification processes at pre‐vascular stage are largely overlooked

Soluble phenolic acids, aldehydes and ketones are quantified in lichens for the first time

Lichens are depleted in phenylpropanoids and enriched in syringyl structures and monophenols

Lichen‐derived phenolic compounds are potential precursors of humic substances under cryptogam cover
Clinicians and accounting: A systematic review and research directions
Authors: Oppi Chiara , Campanale Cristina , Cinquini Lino , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: April 2019

This paper provides a review of the literature concerning clinicians’ approach to accounting information systems (AISs) in healthcare organizations. The paper examines highly rated accounting and management literature since 1980. Articles are categorized according to their research topics, settings, and methodologies, then findings are analyzed.

Results show that clinicians’ resistance to accounting is the consequence of the inadequacy of AISs, which are designed according to reforms inspired by a managerial orientation. This suggests that future research should focus on AISs design, investigating patterns of implementation of AISs that can increase clinicians’ commitment to and use of accounting for decision making.
Deciphering the number and location of active sites in the monomeric glyoxalase I of Zea mays
Authors: González Javier M. , Agostini Romina B. , Alvarez Clarisa E. , Klinke Sebastián , Andreo Carlos S. , Campos‐Bermudez Valeria A.
Published: April 2019

Detoxification of methylglyoxal, a toxic by‐product of central sugar metabolism, is a major issue for all forms of life. The glyoxalase pathway evolved to effectively convert methylglyoxal into d‐lactate via a glutathione hemithioacetal intermediate. Recently, we have shown that the monomeric glyoxalase I from maize exhibits a symmetric fold with two cavities, potentially harboring two active sites, in analogy with homodimeric enzyme surrogates. Here we confirm that only one of the two cavities exhibits glyoxalase I activity and show that it adopts a tunnel‐shaped structure upon substrate binding. Such conformational change gives rise to independent binding sites for glutathione and methylglyoxal in the same active site, with important implications for the molecular reaction mechanism, which has been a matter of debate for several decades.

Database

Structural data are available in The Protein Data Bank database under the accession numbers 6BNN, 6BNX, and 6BNZ.
Women's self‐presentation and the transition from classroom to workplace
Authors: Tazzyman Abigail
Published: April 2019

Organizations place context‐specific appearance demands on women — demands that often echo wider inequalities, require adaptation of self‐presentation and impact on women's careers. Despite this, the effect of life and career stage transition on women's self‐presentation and embodied identities remains largely unexplored. Drawing on a qualitative study of young British women's body modification, this article examines what impact transitioning from education into the world of work has on women's self‐presentation and body modification regimes and their embodied identities. Body modification here refers to all methods women use to alter their physical body and appearance (e.g., invasive or non‐invasive; self‐administered or other‐administered; permanent or temporary), provided the intention of their use is primarily to alter the user's physical appearance. Expectations of transition, the impact of entering the workplace and of career establishment are considered as well as the significance of career stage and vulnerability for resistance and negotiation of organizational expectations. Transition of life stage is found to be a catalyst for self‐presentation change. The transition from education to work is identified as having a significant impact on body modification practices across workplaces.
Coping strategies in young and adult haemophilia patients: A tool for the adaptation to the disease
Authors: Torres‐Ortuño Ana , Cuesta‐Barriuso Rubén , Nieto‐Munuera Joaquín , Galindo‐Piñana Pilar , López‐Pina José Antonio
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Chronic diseases, after diagnosis, involve changes that have to favour coping with the new situation. The resources used will help control, manage and adapt to the disease. The psychological aspects may be influencing how the individual faces the situation.

Aim

To assess whether perceptions or beliefs and illness behaviour influence the choice of coping strategies for young and adult patients with haemophilia.

Methods

Multicenter cross‐sectional descriptive study. We recruited 63 patients with haemophilia A and B, adolescents, young and adults, and both types of treatment. A clinical and sociodemographic data sheet, the Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI), the Illness Perception Questionnaire‐revised (IPQ‐R) and the Illness Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ) were used.

Results

Patients with haemophilia use appropriate coping strategies, both cognitive and behavioural. Most of them are on‐demand treatment, and despite arthropathy, they perceive good control of haemophilia. However, patients in prophylactic treatment are those employed more maladaptive coping strategies, less perception of control and hypochondriacal behaviour to the disease. The age variable may be relevant but we did not find significant differences.

Conclusions

Coping strategies used by patients with haemophilia are adequate. Although it is noted that the perception of the disease, its controllability or not, affects illness behaviour and consequently how coping with haemophilia. These are based on personal characteristics, cognitive and attitudinal dispositions that the individual consciously use to solve or face adverse situations. The analysis of coping styles of patients could be a tool for professionals to manage properly the disease.
Missense changes in the catalytic domain of coagulation factor X account for minimal function preventing a perinatal lethal condition
Authors: Ferrarese Mattia , Baroni Marcello , Della Valle Patrizia , Spiga Ivana , Poloniato Antonella , D'Angelo Armando , Pinotti Mirko , Bernardi Francesco , Branchini Alessio
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Inherited deficiencies in the coagulation pathway provide diversified models to investigate the molecular bases of perinatal lethality associated with null‐like variants. Differently from X‐linked haemophilias, homozygous/doubly heterozygous null variants in the rare autosomally inherited deficiency of factor X (FX) might be incompatible with perinatal survival.

Aim

To provide experimental evidence about the null/close‐to‐null FX function.

Methods

The residual secreted (ELISA) and functional (thrombin generation assays) protein levels associated with the novel nonsense (c.1382G>A; p.Trp461Ter) and missense (c.752T>C; p.Leu251Pro) variants, found in the proposita with life‐threatening symptoms at birth, were characterized through recombinant (r)FX expression.

Results

The rFX‐461Ter showed very low secretion and undetectable function. Expression and function of the predicted readthrough‐deriving missense variants (rFX‐461Tyr, rFX‐461Gln) were also severely impaired. These unfavourable features, due to nucleotide and protein sequence constraints, precluded functional readthrough over the 461 stop codon. Differently, the poorly secreted rFX‐251Pro variant displayed residual function that was characterized by anti‐TFPI aptamer‐based amplification or selective inhibition of activated FX function by fondaparinux in plasma and found to be reduced by approximately three orders of magnitude. Similarly to the rFX‐251Pro, a group of catalytic domain missense variants cause poorly secreted molecules with modest function in FX‐deficient patients with life‐threatening symptoms.

Conclusions

Our data, contributing to the knowledge of the very severe FX deficiency forms, support life‐saving requirement of trace FX function, clearly exemplified by the dysfunctional but not completely inactive rFX‐251Pro variant that, albeit with severely reduced function, is compatible with a residual activity ensuring minimal haemostasis and permitting perinatal survival.
High serum interleukin‐34 level is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with non‐viral hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Noda Yu , Kawaguchi Takumi , Korenaga Masaaki , Yoshio Sachiyo , Komukai Sho , Nakano Masahito , Niizeki Takashi , Koga Hironori , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Kanto Tatsuya , Torimura Takuji
Published: April 2019

Aims

We aimed to investigate the impact of interleukin (IL)‐34 and YKL‐40, regulators of hepatic fibrosis and tumor growth, on the prognosis of patients with non‐viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We enrolled 159 non‐viral HCC patients (age, 70.8 ± 8.5 years; female/male, 43/116). Of these, 86 patients were alive and 73 patients had died at the censor time point. Serum IL‐34 and YKL‐40 levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were stratified by the median level of serum IL‐34 to examine its effect on survival. Multivariate analysis and random forest analysis were used to evaluate the impact of IL‐34 and YKL‐40 on the prognosis of non‐viral HCC patients.

Results

Interleukin‐34 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.49; P ≤ 0.01), tumor size (HR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.37–1.94; P ≤ 0.01), and tumor number (HR 1.53; 95% CI, 1.25–1.87; P ≤ 0.01) were independent predictive factors for survival. Furthermore, the survival rates were significantly lower in the high IL‐34 group than in the low IL‐34 group (5‐year survival rates, 34.7% vs. 59.8%, respectively; P < 0.05). In the random forest analysis for survival, IL‐34 was the third‐highest ranking factor, following tumor size and number. In a stratification analysis, serum α‐fetoprotein level and Fibrosis‐4 index were independent positive risk factors for high serum IL‐34 level. YKL‐40 was not associated with prognosis in either the multivariate or random forest analysis.

Conclusion

Interleukin‐34 was an independent factor for survival of non‐viral HCC patients. Interleukin‐34 might be associated with prognosis through tumor and hepatic fibrosis factors.
EXPLAINING THE DECLINE OF THE U.S. SAVING RATE: THE ROLE OF HEALTH EXPENDITURE
Authors: Chen Yi , Mazzocco Maurizio , Személy Béla
Published: April 2019

The U.S. saving rate declined by 8% between 1980 and 2009. We document that the decline can be explained by rising health expenditures. Using exogenous variation in medical expenses generated by Food and Drug Administration drug approvals, we document that a 1 percentage point increase in health expenditure generated a decline in saving rate of 0.9 percentage points. We then estimate a model of household decisions to evaluate the mechanisms behind the decline. We find that the rise in health expenses and drop in saving rate are driven by progress in health technology, reduction in copayment rates, and improvements in income processes.
La dimension économique de la législation protectrice de l'emploi, y compris sous ses modalités différentes: analyse sur un panel de 117 pays, 1990–2013
Authors: ADAMS Zoe , BISHOP Louise , DEAKIN Simon , FENWICK Colin , MARTINSSON GARZELLI Sara , RUSCONI Giudy
Published: April 2019

Les auteurs replacent l'évolution de la législation protectrice de l'emploi (y compris de durée déterminée, intérimaire et à temps partiel) dans une perspective économique en utilisant un indice de la rigueur de la réglementation établi par le Centre for Business Research de l'Université de Cambridge pour 117 pays (1970–2013). L'analyse économétrique repose sur des méthodes pour données de panel non stationnaires. Elle fait apparaître un renforcement de la protection, associé à une hausse de la part salariale dans le revenu national, une progression des taux d'activité et d'emploi et une baisse du chômage, des relations qui restent faibles cependant au regard de la tendance économique globale.
Mesurer et comprendre les échanges de tâches dans le secteur des services
Authors: CHIQUIAR Daniel , TOBAL MartÍn , YSLAS Renato
Published: April 2019

Avec la révolution numérique, la délocalisation guette les tâches particulièrement échangeables dans le domaine des services. Les auteurs font la synthèse des études sur la mesure de l'échangeabilité des services, en analysant les effets de la délocalisation sur l'emploi dans ce secteur et les approches théoriques en la matière. L'intensité en qualification et l'échangeabilité sont des déterminants des effets de la délocalisation des services sur le salaire et l'emploi. Cependant, des problèmes de définition, l'absence de données de qualité et la difficulté à mesurer précisément la concurrence des importations freinent les progrès de la recherche, ouvrant les pistes pour les travaux à venir.
La importancia económica de la legislación de protección del empleo y sobre modalidades diferentes de empleo en 117 países, 1990–2013
Authors: ADAMS Zoe , BISHOP Louise , DEAKIN Simon , FENWICK Colin , MARTINSSON GARZELLI Sara , RUSCONI Giudy
Published: April 2019

Mediante análisis econométrico de series temporales con datos de panel no estacionarios, se estiman los efectos de la legislación de protección del empleo y de la protección jurídica de modalidades diferentes de empleo (a tiempo parcial, temporal y a través de agencias) sobre los resultados económicos utilizando datos del CBR‐LRI. Se observa un aumento del nivel de protección a lo largo del tiempo. Una mayor protección se asocia a un incremento de la participación del trabajo en la renta nacional, de la tasa de actividad y del empleo y a una disminución del desempleo, aunque de magnitudes relativamente pequeñas en comparación con las tendencias económicas más generales.
Medición y comprensión del comercio de tareas en el sector de los servicios
Authors: CHIQUIAR Daniel , TOBAL Martín , YSLAS Renato
Published: April 2019

La revolución de las TIC ha generado un alto riesgo de deslocalización de las tareas más comercializables en el sector de los servicios. Se revisan aquí estudios que proponen indicadores de comerciabilidad de los servicios, exploran las implicaciones de su deslocalización y desarrollan modelos teóricos al respecto. Tanto el nivel de calificación requerido como la comerciabilidad podrían ser determinantes clave de los efectos sobre los salarios y el empleo. Sin embargo, la falta de definiciones consensuadas de comerciabilidad y de datos fiables sobre el comercio de servicios, junto con la dificultad de evaluar la competencia de las importaciones a niveles desagregados, obstaculizan el avance de los estudios empíricos y descubren áreas para futuras investigaciones.
Nicotinamide reduces renal interstitial fibrosis by suppressing tubular injury and inflammation
Authors: Zheng Meiling , Cai Juan , Liu Zhiwen , Shu Shaoqun , Wang Ying , Tang Chengyuan , Dong Zheng
Published: April 2019

Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathological feature in progressive kidney diseases currently lacking effective treatment. Nicotinamide (NAM), a member of water‐soluble vitamin B family, was recently suggested to have a therapeutic potential for acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice and humans. The effect of NAM on chronic kidney pathologies, including renal fibrosis, is unknown. Here we have tested the effects of NAM on renal interstitial fibrosis using in vivo and in vitro models. In vivo, unilateral urethral obstruction (UUO) induced renal interstitial fibrosis as indicated Masson trichrome staining and expression of pro‐fibrotic proteins, which was inhibited by NAM. In UUO, NAM suppressed tubular atrophy and apoptosis. In addition, NAM suppressed UUO‐associated T cell and macrophage infiltration and induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α and IL‐1β. In cultured mouse proximal tubule cells, NAM blocked TGF–β‐induced expression of fibrotic proteins, while it marginally suppressed the morphological changes induced by TGF‐β. NAM also suppressed the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (eg MCP‐1 and IL‐1β) during TGF‐β treatment of these cells. Collectively, the results demonstrate an anti‐fibrotic effect of NAM in kidneys, which may involve the suppression of tubular injury and inflammation.
Salidroside ameliorates Adriamycin nephropathy in mice by inhibiting β‐catenin activity
Authors: Huang Xinzhong , Xue Haiyan , Ma Jinyu , Zhang Yunzhong , Zhang Jing , Liu Yue , Qin Xiaogang , Sun Cheng
Published: April 2019

Salidroside is a major phenylethanoid glycoside in Rhodiola rosea L., a traditional Chinese medicine, with multiple biological activities. It has been shown that salidroside possesses protective effects for alleviating diabetic renal dysfunction, contrast‐induced‐nephropathy and other kidney diseases. However, the involved molecular mechanism was still not understood well. Herein, we examined the protective effects of salidroside in mice with Adriamycin (ADR)‐induced nephropathy and the underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that salidroside treatment ameliorates proteinuria; improves expressions of nephrin and podocin; and reduces kidney fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis induced by ADR. Mechanistically, ADR induces a robust accumulation of β‐catenin in the nucleus and stimulates its downstream target gene expression. The application of salidroside largely abolishes the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin and thus inhibits its activity. Furthermore, the activation of β‐catenin almost completely counteracts the protective roles of salidroside in ADR‐injured podocytes. Taken together, our data indicate that salidroside ameliorates proteinuria, renal fibrosis and podocyte injury in ADR nephropathy, which may rely on inhibition of β‐catenin signalling pathway.
Heritability, stability, and prevalence of tonic and phasic irritability as indicators of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Authors: Moore Ashlee A. , Lapato Dana M. , Brotman Melissa A. , Leibenluft Ellen , Aggen Steven H. , Hettema John M. , York Timothy P. , Silberg Judy L. , Roberson‐Nay Roxann
Published: April 2019

Background

Little is known about genetic and environmental influences on the components of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), tonic irritability (i.e., irritable mood) and phasic irritability (i.e., temper outbursts). This study examined prevalence, stability, and heritability of tonic irritability, phasic irritability, and a DMDD proxy (pDMDD) based on DSM‐5 criteria.

Methods

pDMDD was derived using data from clinical interviews of parents and their twins (N = 1,431 twin pairs), ages 8–17, participating in Waves 1 and 2 of the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development. Biometrical modeling was used to compare a common pathway model (CPM) and an independent pathway model (IPM), and heritability estimates were obtained for pDMDD using the symptoms of irritable mood (tonic irritability; DMDD Criterion D), intense temper outbursts (phasic irritability; DMDD Criterion A), and frequent temper outbursts (phasic irritability; DMDD Criterion C).

Results

Lifetime prevalence of pDMDD was 7.46%. The stability of DMDD symptoms and the pDMDD phenotype across approximately one year were moderate (.30–.69). A CPM was a better fit to the data than an IPM. Phasic irritability loaded strongly onto the pDMDD latent factor (.89–.96) whereas tonic irritability did not (.28). Genetic influences accounted for approximately 59% of the variance in the latent pDMDD phenotype, with the remaining 41% of the variance due to unique environmental effects. The heritability of tonic irritability (54%) was slightly lower than that of frequent and intense temper (components of phasic irritability; 61% and 63%, respectively).

Conclusions

Compared to tonic irritability, phasic irritability appears to be slightly more stable and heritable, as well as a stronger indicator of the latent factor. Furthermore, environmental experiences appear to play a substantial role in the development of irritability and DMDD, and researchers should seek to elucidate these mechanisms in future work.
Changes in texture and molecular forces of heated‐induced egg white gel with adding xanthan gum
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Lingling , Tu Yonggang , Wu Na , Jiang Yan , Xu Mingsheng
Published: April 2019

The effects of xanthan gum (XG; 0, 0.06, 0.12, and 0.18 wt%) on the formation of egg white (EW)–XG gels were investigated using modern instruments low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR), SEM, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and chemical analysis. Results showed that at low concentrations of XG (0.06 wt%), the hardness and springiness of gels were increased, while free sulfhydryl content and surface hydrophobicity declined. A rapid decrease (p < .05) in T2 of EW gels was found as the XG increased, which effected on proton mobility and relaxation peak changeability of EW gels. Results from FTIR revealed that XG addition affected the secondary structure of EW gels by increasing the contents of β—sheet due to the interaction among protein and XG. And a coarse structure of gel was observed at a high concentration of XG. These findings suggested that the presence of XG in heated‐induced EW endowed a desired characteristics gel of EW for enlarging the applications.

Practical applications

Many food systems are in neutral environment, such as surimi products, egg tofu. Proteins and polysaccharides are two of the raw materials commonly used in food processing. Protein—polysaccharide hybrid gels have application in adjusting product formulations and improving the texture and quality of the product. However, we need to understand the gel texture properties and mechanisms before expanding specific utilization of hybrid gel, which provides a theoretical basis for designing new attractive structures and textures.
The zinc finger protein GATA4 induces mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition and cellular senescence through the nuclear factor‐κB pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Qin , Zhou Dishu , He Xiaoqian , Fan Jiangxia , Tang Jun , Qiu Zhu , Zhang Yan , Qiu Jingfu , Xu Yongzhu , Lai Guoqi
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

The high mortality and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have raised the public attention. Gene therapy is considered as a promising treatment option for cancer; thus, finding a new therapeutic target for HCC is urgently needed. GATA4 is a tumor suppressor gene in multiple cancers, but its role in HCC is unclear. In this study, we explored the function of GATA4 in HCC.

Methods

Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the mRNA expression of GATA4 in HCC cells and tissues. Cell viability, transwell, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays were applied to examine different aspects of biological effects of GATA4 in vitro. Xenografts, immunohistochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated digoxigenin‐dUTP nick‐end labeling assays were performed to evaluate the effect of GATA4 on tumorigenicity in vivo. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and β‐galactosidase staining were used to investigate the mechanism underlying the function of GATA4.

Results

We found that GATA4 was silenced in 15/19 (79%) HCC tissues. Restoring the expression of GATA4 induced G0/G1 phase arrest, promoted apoptosis, suppressed HCC proliferation in vitro, and inhibited HCC tumor growth in vivo. Our data further showed that the ectopic expression of GATA4 induced cellular senescence through regulating nuclear factor‐κB and inducing mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that by inducing cellular senescence and mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition, GATA4 plays a crucial role as a tumor suppressor in HCC. It may thus be a potential cancer therapeutic target for HCC.
The Dynamics of Capital Flow Episodes
Authors: FRIEDRICH CHRISTIAN , GUÉRIN PIERRE
Published: April 2019

We first propose a novel methodology for identifying episodes of strong equity and bond flows using estimates from a regime‐switching model that keeps context‐ and sample‐specific assumptions to a minimum. We then assess the impacts of U.S. stock market volatility (VIX) and U.S. monetary policy shocks on equity and bond flow episodes. Our results indicate that the impacts of both shocks differ across in‐ and outflow episodes and, based on an assessment of equity flows, vary considerably over time. While VIX shocks are mostly associated with asymmetric impacts across episodes, U.S. monetary policy shocks generate such asymmetries primarily over time.
Scaling of cardiac morphology is interrupted by birth in the developing sheep Ovis aries
Authors: Snelling Edward P. , Seymour Roger S. , Giussani Dino A. , Fuller Andrea , Maloney Shane K. , Farrell Anthony P. , Mitchell Duncan , George Keith P. , Dzialowski Edward M. , Jonker Sonnet S. , Wube Tilaye
Published: April 2019

Scaling of the heart across development can reveal the degree to which variation in cardiac morphology depends on body mass. In this study, we assessed the scaling of heart mass, left and right ventricular masses, and ventricular mass ratio, as a function of eviscerated body mass across fetal and postnatal development in Horro sheep Ovis aries (~50‐fold body mass range; N = 21). Whole hearts were extracted from carcasses, cleaned, dissected into chambers and weighed. We found a biphasic relationship when heart mass was scaled against body mass, with a conspicuous ‘breakpoint’ around the time of birth, manifest not by a change in the scaling exponent (slope), but rather a jump in the elevation. Fetal heart mass (g) increased with eviscerated body mass (Mb, kg) according to the power equation 4.90 Mb0.88 ± 0.26 (± 95% CI), whereas postnatal heart mass increased according to 10.0 Mb0.88 ± 0.10. While the fetal and postnatal scaling exponents are identical (0.88) and reveal a clear dependence of heart mass on body mass, only the postnatal exponent is significantly less than 1.0, indicating the postnatal heart becomes a smaller component of body mass as the body grows, which is a pattern found frequently with postnatal cardiac development among mammals. The rapid doubling in heart mass around the time of birth is independent of any increase in body mass and is consistent with the normalization of wall stress in response to abrupt changes in volume loading and pressure loading at parturition. We discuss variation in scaling patterns of heart mass across development among mammals, and suggest that the variation results from a complex interplay between hard‐wired genetics and epigenetic influences.
A patient from Zhejiang, China, with synchronous mucinous metaplasia and neoplasms of the female genital tract: A case report
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Gao Li , Yu Huimin , Xia Liang , Guo Xiuyu , Zheng Fei
Published: April 2019

Synchronous mucinous metaplasia and neoplasms of the female genital tract (SMMN‐FGT) is a rare disease reported by a few scholars without the consensus of diagnosis and treatment. Here we will report a 57‐year‐old female patient from Zhejiang China who suffered from this disease. She came to our hospital because of a large amount of vaginal discharge. All the medical examination was negative except hydrometra, and the left fallopian tube was segmenting and thickening. Then she had a total hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and was finally diagnosed with pathological evidence. In addition, the positron emission tomography‐computed tomography scan after the operation revealed no residual tumors, and the case needed further follow‐up.