bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two ethical concerns about the use of persuasive technology for vulnerable people
Authors: Jacobs Naomi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPersuasive technologies for health‐related behaviour change give rise to ethical concerns. As of yet, no study has explicitly attended to ethical concerns arising with the design and use of these technologies for vulnerable people. This is striking because these technologies are designed to help people change their attitudes or behaviours, which is particularly valuable for vulnerable people. Vulnerability is a complex concept that is both an ontological condition of our humanity and highly context‐specific. Using the Mackenzie, Rogers and Dodds’ taxonomy of vulnerability, this paper identifies (a) the wrongs or harms to which a person is vulnerable, (b) the source of this vulnerability, and (c) the safeguards needed in response. Two ethical concerns with the design of persuasive technology for vulnerable people are discussed: the concerns of taking into account users' interests and their autonomy.
2',3'‐Cyclic‐nucleotide 3'‐phosphodiesterase contributes to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells through the notch signalling pathway
Authors: Li Yue , Zhao Yu , Wang Yan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesFibrosis is a complex process involved in multiple diseases that result in organ injury and failure. Cataract, one common form of ocular fibrosis, is a main cause of blindness worldwide, and surgery may be the only cure. In this regard, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is the primary cause of anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC). This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which 2',3'‐cyclic‐nucleotide 3'‐phosphodiesterase (CNPase) regulates the function of EMT in LECs.Materials and MethodsA mouse model of ASC was used to observe the expression of CNPase in the lens and correlate its expression changes with lens EMT. Furthermore, the effects of CNPase on cell migration and cell proliferation were evaluated by transwell migration, wound healing and EdU staining assays. Finally, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess the mechanical properties potentially involved in the regulation of EMT by CNPase.ResultsThe expression of CNPase was upregulated in LECs during the EMT process in mice with ASC. Notably, CNPase significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and EMT of LECs in vitro. Interestingly, the EMT‐promoting mechanism of CNPase may be achieved by targeting the Notch signalling pathway.ConclusionsConsidering the involvement of EMT in ASC, both CNPase and the Notch signalling pathway may be therapeutic targets for the treatment of cataracts.
Quercetin depletes intracellular Ca2+ stores and blunts ATP‐triggered Ca2+ signaling in bEnd.3 endothelial cells
Authors: Chen Cing‐Yu , Hour Mann‐Jen , Shiao Lian‐Ru , Wong Kar‐Lok , Leung Yuk‐Man , Chan Paul , So Edmund Cheung 
Published: October 2019

AbstractQuercetin is a flavonol polyphenol widely found in many vegetables, grains, and fruits. Quercetin has been shown to inhibit proliferation and invasion of various glioma cells and is regarded as a potential anticancer agent against glioma. However, whether and how this drug could affect brain blood vessels and endothelial cells (EC) are less understood. Further, there is hitherto no report on how quercetin affects brain EC Ca2+ homeostasis. In this report, we investigated the effects of quercetin on Ca2+ homeostasis in mouse brain bEnd.3 EC. We demonstrated that quercetin raised cytosolic Ca2+ level in a concentration‐dependent manner. Quercetin‐triggered Ca2+ signal composed of both internal Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ influx. Quercetin caused Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum, and consistently, inhibition of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) by xestospongin C (XeC) suppressed quercetin‐triggered Ca2+ release. Quercetin also caused Ca2+ release from lysosomes, an observation in concordance with the inhibition of quercetin‐triggered Ca2+ release by trans‐Ned‐19, a blocker of two‐pore channels. As quercetin depleted intracellular Ca2+ storage, it suppressed ATP‐induced Ca2+ release and thereby blunted ATP‐triggered Ca2+ signaling. In addition, quercetin co‐treatment significantly suppressed ATP‐stimulated nitric oxide release. Our work therefore showed, for the first time, quercetin perturbed intracellular Ca2+ stores and strongly suppressed ATP‐triggered response in bEnd.3 cells.
In Search of an Appropriate Lower Bound. The Zero Lower Bound vs. the Positive Lower Bound under Discretion and Commitment
Authors: Ciżkowicz Piotr , Rzońca Andrzej , Torój Andrzej 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Using a standard New Keynesian model, we show that moderate side effects of zero lower bound (ZLB) policy suffice for positive lower bound (PLB) policy to pay off in terms of welfare, especially when central banks fail to commit. For given side effects of the ZLB, as the shock that makes the ZLB bind becomes larger and more persistent, the dominance of PLB policy over ZLB policy becomes more likely. The findings hold for flexible and rigid economies with both fast and slow potential output growth and low and high inflation targets.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can establish productive infection in dysplastic oral mucosa, but HPV status is poorly predicted by histological features and p16 expression
Authors: Hendawi Naeima , Niklander Sven , Allsobrook Olive , Khurram Syed Ali , Bolt Robert , Doorbar John , Speight Paul M. , Hunter Keith D. 
Published: October 2019

AimsPrevious studies have reported the presence of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) in a subset of dysplastic oral epithelial lesions. Many cases show a histological spectrum of atypia similar to that seen in non‐human papillomavirus (HPV) severe epithelial dysplasia, but some studies have suggested that HPV status can be inferred on the basis of histological features. We aimed to assess the utility of such histological features and p16 as surrogate markers of HPV infection in a retrospective cohort of 33 cases of severe epithelial dysplasia, with matched clinicopathological data and histological features.Methods and resultsTissue sections were assessed for the expression of p16, minichromosome maintenance 2, HPV E4 and HPV L1 by the use of immunohistochemistry. HPV16/18 E6 and E7 expression was assessed by the use of RNA in‐situ hybridisation (RNAScope). In the cohort, 18.2% of cases (6/33) were HR‐HPV‐positive, with no age/gender differences between the HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative groups. HPV E4 and HPV L1 were expressed in surface keratinocytes in four of six (66%) HPV‐positive cases, indicative of productive HPV infection. Lack of p16 expression was predictive of HPV‐negative status, but sensitivity and specificity varied according to the cut‐off. Histologically, the presence of karyorrhectic nuclei and abnormal mitotic figures was higher in HPV‐positive lesions (P < 0.05), but the predictive specificity and sensitivity were suboptimal (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.52).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates, for the first time, that a minority of severely dysplastic oral lesions harbour productive, biologically relevant HPV infection. Consideration should be given to the specific assessment of HPV status in severe epithelial dysplasia cases, as both p16 status and the presence of karyorrhectic cells are poor predictive markers of HPV status.
The impact of consumers' time constraint and conspicuous consumption behaviour on the throwaway society
Authors: McCollough John 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn highly competitive economies, productivity is always increasing as entrepreneurs, driven by the profit motive, strive to build a better mousetrap. Over time, this has given consumers a wealth of material goods. However, within this type of economy, the consumers need to consume all that is produced or else there will be distortions in the labour markets. However, as it turns out, we are able to consume all that is produced by having transitioned into a throwaway society, but there are environmental consequences associated with the replacing of malfunctioning household products instead of repairing and reusing these products. There are a number of factors responsible for causing consumers to replace a malfunctioning household product as opposed to repairing the product for reuse. The research in this paper will focus on two of these factors. The first factor is the time constraint that consumers are faced with and the second factor is conspicuous consumption. This research uses the results of an international survey conducted in seven different countries at different stages of economic development. The survey was conducted between November, 2015 and December, 2016. The results show that both the time constraint factor and the conspicuous consumption factor are significant in determining that if a consumer will look to replace a malfunctioning household product as opposed to repairing the product for further reuse. Furthermore, as more nations continue to develop economically and their GDP per capita grows, then the environmental impacts resulting from an increasing throwaway society by those nations will yield more hazardous environmental consequences.
Peer support in Switzerland – Results from the first national survey
Authors: Burr Christian , Rother Katja , Elhilali Laila , Winter Andréa , Weidling Katja , Kozel Bernd , Gurtner Caroline 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPeer work is now known in Switzerland for 10 years and has developed strongly. The aim of the study was to describe peer support specialists’ (PSSs’) work conditions and job satisfaction, as well as the challenges of integration into the workforce in Switzerland. A further aim was to identify possible development topics in the preparation of PSSs for working with peer support work (PSW) training and interventions within the working field. We launched a survey with a self‐developed questionnaire for people with lived experiences with mental illness and recovery who were working as PSSs or experts by experience in education, research, politics, and other areas in the German‐speaking region of Switzerland. The survey took place from 1 September 2017 to 15 November 2017. The results show that PSSs were working mostly in 1:1 contact with service users and in education and noticeably less in politics and research. Their work conditions and job satisfaction seemed good. Most PSSs had job descriptions matching their duties, were satisfied with their salaries, and indicated being satisfied or very satisfied with their work. Amongst other aspects, the greatest challenge reported was integration into the inter‐disciplinary working team. PSS training should better consider the working areas of experts by experience in the fields of politics and research to reinforce employment opportunities in these work areas. To increase the impacts of PSSs and to improve integration into the workspace, the preparation of professionals and institutions should be improved by means of information sessions, trainings, and guidelines.
Enhanced Passive Safety Surveillance (EPSS) confirms an optimal safety profile of the use of MF59®‐adjuvanted influenza vaccine in older adults: Results from three consecutive seasons
Authors: Panatto Donatella , Haag Mendel , Lai Piero Luigi , Tomczyk Sylvie , Amicizia Daniela , Lino Maria Maddalena 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn Europe, the enhanced safety surveillance (ESS) of seasonal influenza vaccines is mandatory, in order to detect any potential increase in reactogenicity when the vaccine composition is updated. The MF59®‐adjuvanted influenza vaccine (Fluad™) is the first and the only licensed adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in Europe.ObjectiveOur objective was to summarize the safety data of Fluad™ over three consecutive seasons.MethodsA passive approach to ESS (EPSS) was adopted, in which reporting of spontaneous adverse events (AEs) by vaccinees and vaccine exposure was estimated, in order to generate a near real‐time reporting rate. EPSS was conducted in Italy during the 2015, 2016, and 2017 influenza seasons in the primary care setting. All AEs reported within 7 days following immunization were analyzed by season, type and seriousness. Fisher's exact test was used to compare frequencies between seasons.ResultsTotal exposure accounted for approximately 1,000 doses of Fluad™ for each season. A total of 0.5% (2015), 0.7% (2016), and 0.5% (2017) individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were received, corresponding to a total of 9 (2015), 18 (2016), and 12 (2017) spontaneous AEs. The frequencies of AEs of interest were below those expected on the basis of the known safety profile of the vaccine. Most AEs were mild‐to‐moderate in severity. No between‐season difference was found.ConclusionsOur analyses confirmed that the safety data observed were consistent with the known safety profile of Fluad™, which has been amply established over the last 20 years. No significant changes in the safety profile were observed.
Structural equation models to disentangle the biological relationship between microbiota and complex traits: Methane production in dairy cattle as a case of study
Authors: Saborío‐Montero Alejandro , Gutiérrez‐Rivas Mónica , García‐Rodríguez Aser , Atxaerandio Raquel , Goiri Idoia , López de Maturana Evangelina , Jiménez‐Montero José Antonio , Alenda Rafael , González‐Recio Oscar 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe advent of metagenomics in animal breeding poses the challenge of statistically modelling the relationship between the microbiome, the host genetics and relevant complex traits. A set of structural equation models (SEMs) of a recursive type within a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) framework was proposed here to jointly analyse the host–metagenome–phenotype relationship. A non‐recursive bivariate model was set as benchmark to compare the recursive model. The relative abundance of rumen microbes (RA), methane concentration (CH4) and the host genetics was used as a case of study. Data were from 337 Holstein cows from 12 herds in the north and north‐west of Spain. Microbial composition from each cow was obtained from whole metagenome sequencing of ruminal content samples using a MinION device from Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Methane concentration was measured with Guardian® NG infrared gas monitor from Edinburgh Sensors during cow's visits to the milking automated system. A quarterly average from the methane eructation peaks for each cow was computed and used as phenotype for CH4. Heritability of CH4 was estimated at 0.12 ± 0.01 in both the recursive and bivariate models. Likewise, heritability estimates for the relative abundance of the taxa overlapped between models and ranged between 0.08 and 0.48. Genetic correlations between the microbial composition and CH4 ranged from −0.76 to 0.65 in the non‐recursive bivariate model and from −0.68 to 0.69 in the recursive model. Regardless of the statistical model used, positive genetic correlations with methane were estimated consistently for the seven genera pertaining to the Ciliophora phylum, as well as for those genera belonging to the Euryarchaeota (Methanobrevibacter sp.), Chytridiomycota (Neocallimastix sp.) and Fibrobacteres (Fibrobacter sp.) phyla. These results suggest that rumen's whole metagenome recursively regulates methane emissions in dairy cows and that both CH4 and the microbiota compositions are partially controlled by the host genotype.
Vitreous hemorrhage in diabetes patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Kameda Yusuke , Hanai Ko , Uchigata Yasuko , Babazono Tetsuya , Kitano Shigehiko 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionFor diabetes patients undergoing hemodialysis, vitreous hemorrhage seems to be a hemodialysis‐induced hemorrhagic complication because of the effect of systemic anticoagulation. However, it is unclear whether hemodialysis is associated with vitreous hemorrhage in diabetes patients. We therefore carried out this cohort study to clarify the relationship between hemodialysis and vitreous hemorrhage in diabetes patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Materials and MethodsThis was a single‐center, retrospective, cohort study. We compared the incidence of vitreous hemorrhage in non‐vitrectomized proliferative diabetic retinopathy eyes between the hemodialysis group (145 eyes) and peritoneal dialysis group (36 eyes), which does not require the use of systemic anticoagulation (parallel‐group study), and in hemodialysis patients in the 12‐month period before and after the start of hemodialysis (before–after study). We also determined the risk factors for vitreous hemorrhage after the start of hemodialysis based on the patients’ systemic and ophthalmic characteristics.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the first‐year incidence of vitreous hemorrhage between the hemodialysis (23.4%) and peritoneal dialysis groups (22.2%, P = 1.000). The incidence of vitreous hemorrhage in the dialysis period (23.4%) was significantly lower than that in the predialysis period (35.2%, P = 0.008). Only application of panretinal photocoagulation within the 6 months immediately before hemodialysis was significantly associated with the incidence of vitreous hemorrhage after the start of hemodialysis (P < 0.001).ConclusionsHemodialysis therapy does not seem to be associated with a higher risk of vitreous hemorrhage in diabetes patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Food protozoa safety assessment and risk in school restaurants in Armenia, Colombia
Authors: Muñoz‐Sánchez Gloria Deicy , Hernández‐Arango Natalia , Buitrago‐Lopez Estefanía , Luna Julio César , Zamora Alejandro , Lora‐Suarez Fabiana , Gómez‐Marín Jorge Enrique 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis work assessed the risk of protozoa in 10 school restaurants in Armenia (Quindío, Colombia) by analyzing the presence of Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis, and Cyclospora cayetanensis DNA in the food, water, and living and inert surfaces of school restaurants and in stools of children who ate at these restaurants. Of the 213 food, water, and surface samples, 6.6% were positive using PCR to test DNA for Blastocystis; 3.8% for Cryptosporidium spp; 0.9% for G. duodenalis; and 0% for C. cayetanensis. In 187 stool samples analyzed via microscopy from children who attended the restaurants, 40 (21.4%) were positive for Blastocystis and 21 (11.2%) were positive for Giardia spp. Via PCR, 20 (10.7%) were positive for Cryptosporidium and 0 (0%) for C. cayetanensis. A higher positivity in children's stools for Blastocystis spp was correlated with lower compliance in property conditions and for higher positivity of Giardia spp in children's stool was related to lower knowledge by food manipulators. Inspection scores can identify restaurants with higher risk for protozoa infection.
Social and Health‐Related Factors Associated with Enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans in Older Adults
Authors: Kumar Amit , Rivera‐Hernandez Maricruz , Karmarkar Amol M. , Chou Lin‐Na , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Baldwin Julie A. , Panagiotou Orestis A. , Burke Robert E. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. 
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVESWe assessed the characteristics of older Mexican American enrollees in traditional fee‐for‐service (FFS) and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and the factors associated with disenrollment from FFS and enrollment in MA plans.DESIGNLongitudinal study linked with Medicare claims data.SETTINGThe Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly.PARTICIPANTSCommunity‐dwelling Mexican American older adults (N = 1455).MEASUREMENTSWe examined insurance status using the Medicare Beneficiary Summary File and estimated the association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with insurance plan switching.RESULTSAmong Mexican American older adults, FFS enrollees were more likely to be born in Mexico, speak Spanish, have lower levels of education, and have more disability than MA enrollees. Older adults with a larger number of limitations of instrumental activities of daily living (odds ratio [OR] = .50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .26‐.98) and more social support (OR = .70; 95% CI = .45‐.98) were less likely to switch from FFS to MA compared with older adults with no limitations and less social support. Additionally, older adults living in counties with a greater number of MA plans were more likely to switch from FFS to MA (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.45‐3.16), compared with counties with a lower number of MA plans. In counties with a higher number of MA plans, older adults with more social support had lower odds of switching from FFS to MA (OR = .48; 95% CI = .28‐.82) compared with older adults with less social support.CONCLUSIONCompared with those enrolled in MA, older Mexican American adults enrolled in Medicare FFS are more socioeconomically disadvantaged and more likely to demonstrate poor health status. Stronger social support and increased physical limitations were strongly associated with less frequent switching from FFS to MA plans. Additionally, increased availability of MA plans at the county level is a significant driver of enrollment in MA plans. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:313–320, 2020
Why Don't We Agree? Evidence from a Social Network of Investors
Authors: COOKSON J. ANTHONY , NIESSNER MARINA 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTWe study sources of investor disagreement using sentiment of investors from a social media investing platform, combined with information on the users' investment approaches (e.g., technical, fundamental). We examine how much of overall disagreement is driven by different information sets versus differential interpretation of information by studying disagreement within and across investment approaches. Overall disagreement is evenly split between both sources of disagreement, but within‐group disagreement is more tightly related to trading volume than cross‐group disagreement. Although both sources of disagreement are important, our findings suggest that information differences are more important for trading than differences across market approaches.
Nutrient deposition on Arctic fox dens creates atypical tundra plant assemblages at the edge of the Arctic
Authors: Fafard Paul M. , Roth James D. , Markham John H. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractQuestionsIn most ecosystems, some organisms can be considered ecosystem engineers because they modify their physical environment in a way that can affect many other organisms. Nutrient deposition may be extremely important as an ecosystem engineering activity in nutrient‐limited environments, but this mechanism remains understudied. In low‐Arctic tundra, a region characterized by continuous permafrost, low‐nutrient soils, and slow nutrient turnover, Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) concentrate nutrients on their dens through faecal deposition and feeding their young. This nutrient concentration enhances productivity in patches on the landscape, likely creating a unique habitat for a variety of plants, and could have cascading effects on the distribution and diversity of vegetation on the tundra.LocationLow‐Arctic tundra in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada.MethodsWe quantified differences in vegetation composition between 20 fox dens and adjacent control sites.ResultsPlant growth form differed greatly between dens, which were dominated by deciduous grasses near the coast and erect shrubs farther from the coast, and control sites, which were dominated by evergreen prostrate shrubs. Dens also had more forb cover and less cover of lichens, mosses, and sedges. Species composition also varied greatly between control and den areas, with 17 of the 20 species found in at least 10% of the sampled sites being indicator species for dens or control sites.ConclusionsBy providing habitat for plants reliant on higher nutrient availability not typical of tundra heath, Arctic foxes enhance the biodiversity of the region. These erect plants may also help create new habitat by retaining snow on normally windswept beach ridges. Overall, this study illustrates the broader impacts of predators on diversity and community composition through mechanisms other than predation.