bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Binge Drinking and Anxiety‐Like Behavior in Socialized Versus Isolated C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Evans Ophelia , Rodríguez‐Borillo Olga , Font Laura , Currie Paul J. , Pastor Raúl 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundBinge alcohol drinking has been characterized as a key feature of alcoholism. The drinking‐in‐the‐dark (DID) preclinical model, a procedure that promotes high levels of ethanol (EtOH) intake in short periods of time, has been extensively used to investigate neuropharmacological and genetic determinants of binge‐like EtOH consumption. Using DID methodology, alcohol‐preferring strains of mice such as C57BL/6J (B6) mice consume enough EtOH to achieve blood concentrations (≥1.0 mg/ml) associated with behavioral intoxication (i.e., motor incoordination). DID procedures typically involve the use of socially isolated animals (single‐housed prior to and during the experiment). Previous research indicates that stress associated with social isolation can induce anxiety‐like behavior and promote increases in EtOH intake. The present study investigates the role of housing conditions in anxiety‐like behavior and binge‐like EtOH intake using a DID procedure.MethodsMale and female B6 mice were isolated or pair‐housed for a period of 6 weeks prior to evaluation of anxiety‐like (elevated plus maze, light and dark box, open field) and drinking (water, 10% sucrose, 10 to 30% EtOH) behavior. In order to measure intake, a variation of the standard DID procedure using a removable, transparent, and perforated plastic barrier strip (designed to temporarily divide the cage in 2) was introduced. This allowed for individual intake records (2‐hour test) of isolated and socially housed animals.ResultsIncreased anxiety‐like behavior and reduced sucrose consumption were found in isolated mice. The effects of housing conditions on EtOH intake were sex‐ and concentration‐dependent. In male mice, isolation increased 20 and 30% EtOH intake. In females, however, an increased intake of EtOH (30%) was found in socialized animals. No effects of housing or sex were found at EtOH 10%.ConclusionsTogether with previous literature, the present study suggests that social isolation can promote anxiety‐associated behavior and produce sex‐dependent changes in binge‐like EtOH consumption.
Frequency of health‐care utilization by adults who use illicit drugs: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lewer Dan , Freer Joseph , King Emma , Larney Sarah , Degenhardt Louisa , Tweed Emily J. , Hope Vivian D. , Harris Magdalena , Millar Tim , Hayward Andrew , Ciccarone Dan , Morley Katherine I. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsTo summarize evidence on the frequency and predictors of health‐care utilization among people who use illicit drugs.DesignSystematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO for observational studies reporting health‐care utilization published between 1 January 2000 and 3 December 2018. We conducted narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis following a registered protocol (identifier: CRD42017076525).Setting and participantsPeople who use heroin, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, ecstasy/3,4‐methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA), cannabis, hallucinogens or novel psychoactive substances; have a diagnosis of ‘substance use disorder’; or use drug treatment services.MeasurementsPrimary outcomes were the cumulative incidence (risk) and rate of care episodes in three settings: primary care, hospital admissions (in‐patient) and emergency department (ED).FindingsNinety‐two studies were included, 84% from North America and Australia. Most studies focused on people using heroin, methamphetamine or crack cocaine, or who had a diagnosis of drug dependence. We were able to conduct a meta‐analysis of rates across 25 studies reporting ED episodes and 25 reporting hospital admissions, finding pooled rates of 151 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 114–201] and 41 (95% CI = 30–57) per 100 person‐years, respectively; on average 4.8 and 7.1 times more often than the general population. Heterogeneity was very high and was not explained by drugs used, country of study, recruitment setting or demographic characteristics. Predictors of health‐care utilization were consistent across studies and included unstable housing, drug injection and mental health problems. Opioid substitution therapy was consistently associated with reduced ED presentation and hospital admission. There was minimal research on health‐care utilization by people using ecstasy/MDMA, powder cocaine, hallucinogens or novel psychoactive substances.ConclusionsPeople who use illicit drugs are admitted to emergency department or hospital several times more often than the general population.
Cost analysis showed that feeding preterm infants with donor human milk was significantly more expensive than mother’s milk or formula
Authors: Fengler Josefine , Heckmann Matthias , Lange Anja , Kramer Axel , Flessa Steffen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimThis study analysed the comparative cost of feeding donor human milk to preterm infants compared to mother's own milk and formula.MethodsA document and process analysis and a time measurement study were carried out at the milk bank of the Level 1 Perinatal Center of the University Hospital of Greifswald, Germany, from April to June 2017. The cost analysis data were provided by the University's financial department.ResultsThe total cost per year was €92 085.02 for 300 litres of donor human milk: 27% of this was material costs, 51% was personnel costs, and 22% was other overheads. The average cost per litre was €306.95, and staff time was 492 minutes per litre. The total marginal cost for each additional litre of donor human milk, formula or unpasteurised mother´s milk was €82.88, €10.28 and €38.42, respectively. Pasteurising a litre of donor milk cost €3.51.ConclusionProviding preterm infants with donor milk was much more expensive than using formula or mother's own milk, but the cost of pasteurisation was minimal.
Detecting changes in understorey and canopy vegetation cycles in West Central Alberta using a fusion of Landsat and MODIS
Authors: McClelland Cameron J. R. , Coops Nicholas C. , Berman Ethan E. , Kearney Sean P. , Nielsen Scott E. , Burton A. Cole , Stenhouse Gordon B. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsTo model regional vegetation cycles through data fusion methods for creating a 30‐m daily vegetation product from 2000 to 2018 and to analyze annual vegetation trends over this time period.LocationThe Yellowhead Bear Management Area, a 31,180‐km2 area in west central Alberta, Canada.MethodsIn this paper, we use Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) as a data fusion technique to combine Landsat 5, 7 and 8 satellite data and Moderate Resolution Image Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua and Terra imagery, to quantify daily vegetation using Enhanced Vegetation Index at a 30‐m resolution, for the years 2000–2018. We validated this approach, entitled DRIVE (Daily Remote Inference of VEgetation), using imagery acquired from a network of ground cameras.ResultsWhen DRIVE was compared to start and end of season dates (SOS and EOS respectively) derived from ground cameras, correlations were r = 0.73 at SOS and r = 0.85 at EOS with a mean absolute error of 7.17 days at SOS and 10.76 days at EOS. Results showed that DRIVE accurately increased spatial and temporal resolution of remote‐sensing data. We demonstrated that SOS is advancing at a maximum rate of 0.78 days per year temporally over the 18‐year time period for varying elevation gradients and land cover classes over the region.ConclusionsWith DRIVE, we demonstrate the utility of DTW in quantifying vegetation cycles over a large heterogeneous region and determining how changing climate is affecting regional vegetation. DRIVE may prove to be an important method to determine how carbon sequestration is varying within fine‐scale individual plant communities in response to changing climate and likely will be beneficial to wildlife movement and habitat selection studies examining the varying response of wildlife species to changing vegetation cycles under shifting climatic conditions.
Crossing the borderline in strategic corporate philanthropy: Dangote and the construction of cement roads in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeoha Abel , Uche Chibuike , Ujunwa Augustine 
Published: November 2019

AbstractUsing the case of Nigeria's Dangote Group and an exploratory research technique, we critique CSR practices in a developing country context based on a three‐pillar model—traditional CSR, strategic CSR and strategic business engagements. Our paper makes a unique contribution by revealing how a company can transform its strategic CSR into strategic business engagements that permit it to circumvent public procurement laws and secure public contracts at non‐competitive terms. We show how, in weak institutional and regulatory contexts, strategic CSR could be turned to a tool for rent extraction and profit maximization. We advocate for regulatory measures that impose ex ante and ex post limits on the extent to which firms can go in integrating CSR into their normal business operations. Based on the outcomes from this important African case study, we illustrate and proposethe strategic business engagement modelas a new framework for analysing the social benefits of strategic CSR practices in developing countries.
Comparison of corneal biomechanical properties following penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus
Authors: Ziaei Mohammed , Vellara Hans R. , Gokul Akilesh , Ali Noor Q. , McGhee Charles N. J. , Patel Dipika V. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractImportanceKeratoplasty is a surgical procedure to create a more regular optical surface following biomechanical weakening of the cornea in keratoconus. The ideal keratoplasty procedure should also restore corneal biomechanics to that of the healthy cornea.BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate and compare the biomechanical properties of corneas following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and predescematic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) to those of healthy eyes.DesignProspective cross‐sectional study.ParticipantsTwo cohorts of post‐keratoplasty eyes (42 eyes with PKP and 27 eyes with DALK) with each other, and with a cohort of 152 healthy eyes.MethodsAll eyes were examined by slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, tomography, anterior segment‐OCT and non‐contact tonometry CorVis ST (CST).Main Outcome MeasuresCST biomechanical parameters, maximum corneal deformation (MCD) and corneal energy dissipation were compared between keratoplasty techniques, and with healthy eyes.ResultsThe mean age of participants with PKP and DALK were 35 ± 13.7 and 36.1 ± 12.6 years, respectively. None of the CST parameters were significantly different between PKP and DALK eyes. However, when compared to healthy corneas, numerous parameters were significantly different for both keratoplasty techniques. Of note, MCD was significantly higher in PKP compared to DALK and healthy corneas, after controlling for co‐factors.Conclusions and RelevanceNeither type of keratoplasty technique utilized in keratoconus completely restored corneal biomechanical properties to that of healthy corneas. However, PKP resulted in a greater number of parameters significantly different to healthy corneas, compared to DALK.
Clinical validation of the RTVue optical coherence tomography angiography image quality indicators
Authors: Ali Noha , Sampson Danuta M. , Au Yong Alex , Jeewa Rumaanah , Rajgopal Saumya , Dutt Deepaysh D. C. S. , Mohamed Sharaf , Mohamed Shehata , Menghini Moreno , Hansen Alex , Chen Fred K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractImportanceAll automated image quality indicators for en face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images require gold standard validation for determining optimum thresholds.BackgroundA manual grading system (gold standard) for OCTA images was validated and compared to two automated image quality indicators: signal strength index (SSI) and scan quality index (SQI) generated by different software versions of the Optovue OCTA device.DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional study.ParticipantsA total of 52 eyes of 52 healthy individual and 77 eyes of 51 patients with retinal vascular diseases.MethodsA total of 129 OCTA images of the superficial vascular plexus were graded manually by three independent examiners. Each image was assigned grades 1 to 4 (1‐2, unacceptable; 3‐4, acceptable) masked to the software‐generated quality indicators.Main Outcome MeasuresInter‐grader agreement and comparison of the utility of SSI and SQI in discriminating between acceptable and unacceptable OCTA images.ResultsThere was a substantial agreement between the three graders (κ = 0.63). Mean SSI and SQI was significantly different between acceptable and unacceptable images (P < .001). SQI outperformed SSI in separating acceptable from unacceptable images (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.87 vs 0.80) and the optimum cut‐off was ≥7 for SQI and ≥70 for SSI for acceptable images. Up to 30% of images with quality indicators reaching the optimum SQI and SSI cut‐off thresholds still had unacceptable quality on manual grading. Unacceptable images were found in 33% and 66% of healthy and diseased eyes, respectively.Conclusions and RelevanceSQI is closely related to manual grading but we caution reliance on the optimized threshold to determine image quality. SQI is superior to SSI in discriminating between acceptable and unacceptable images.
Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a novel phenotype for germline de novo ATP1A1 mutation
Authors: Stregapede Fabrizia , Travaglini Lorena , Rebelo Adriana P. , Cintra Vivian Pedigone , Bellacchio Emanuele , Bosco Luca , Alfieri Paolo , Pro Stefano , Zuchner Stephan , Bertini Enrico , Nicita Francesco 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDominant mutations in ATP1A1, encoding the alpha‐1 isoform of the Na+/K+‐ATPase, have been recently reported to cause an axonal to intermediate type of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (ie, CMT2DD) and a syndrome with hypomagnesemia, intractable seizures and severe intellectual disability. Here, we describe the first case of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) caused by a novel de novo (p.L337P) variant in ATP1A1. We provide evidence for the causative role of this variant with functional and homology modeling studies. This finding expands the phenotypic spectrum of the ATP1A1‐related disorders, adds a piece to the larger genetic puzzle of HSP, and increases knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying inherited axonopathies (ie, CMT and HSP).
The usage of a lactobacilli probiotic in the non‐surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Laleman Isabelle , Pauwels Martine , Quirynen Marc , Teughels Wim 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesExamine the clinical and microbiological benefits of a dual‐strain Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic on the non‐surgical therapy of initial peri‐implantitis.Materials and methodsThis randomized, double‐blind study targeted patients with initial peri‐implantitis, that is peri‐implantitis with a maximum mean probing pocket depth of 6 mm and maximum 3 mm bone loss compared with loading. A full‐mouth prophylaxis was performed and the peri‐implantitis sites were debrided. Subsequently, local application of the study drops was carried out at the peri‐implantitis sites and the study lozenges were handed out. The patients in the probiotic group received drops and lozenges containing L. reuteri (ATCC PTA 5289 & DSM 17938), those in the control group received placebo products. At the implant level the measurements of interest were bleeding, probing pocket depth and plaque. Full‐mouth bleeding and plaque scores were also recorded. Microbiological samples were taken from the tongue, saliva and subgingivally around the implants.ResultsAll clinical parameters were significantly decreased after 12 and 24 weeks. At the implant level the only statistically significant difference was a greater decrease in plaque levels in the probiotic versus the control group (p = .002 at 24 weeks). At the full‐mouth level, the only intergroup difference was the greater decrease in full‐mouth bleeding on probing sites in the probiotic group compared with the control group (p < .001 at 24 weeks). Concerning the microbiological outcomes, no significant differences could be found at any time point, neither intra‐ nor intergroup.ConclusionsNo adjunctive effects of the use of L. reuteri probiotics in the treatment of peri‐implantitis were found.
A preclinical assessment to repurpose drugs to target type 1 diabetes‐associated type B coxsackieviruses
Authors: Sioofy‐Khojine A. B. , Honkimaa A. , Hyöty H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimTo screen several antiviral drugs systematically for their efficacy against type B coxsackieviruses.MethodsTen drugs with different antiviral mechanisms were analysed for their efficacy against prototype strains of type B coxsackieviruses in A549 cells. Cell viability was quantified in fixed cells using a colorimetric assay. Median effective dose was interpolated from the triplicated experiments and the dose–response curves were generated for each drug–virus combination. Drug cytotoxicity was similarly quantified and selectivity indices calculated.ResultsHizentra, pleconaril, fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, ribavirin, favipiravir, and guanidine hydrochloride were able to abrogate infection by all tested viruses, with the exception of complete inefficacy of pleconaril against coxsackievirus B3 and favipiravir against coxsackievirus B2. The effective doses for Hizentra, enviroxime, ribavirin, favipiravir, and pleconaril were clearly below their therapeutic serum concentrations, while the effective concentrations of fluoxetin, norfluoxetine and itraconazole exceeded their therapeutic serum concentrations. Lovastatin and azithromycin did not efficiently block type B coxsackieviruses.ConclusionHizentra, enviroxime, pleconaril, ribavirin, and favipiravir are effective against type B coxsackieviruses in vitro in their therapeutic serum concentrations. These antiviral drugs are therefore attractive candidates for type 1 diabetes prevention/treatment trials. They can also be used in other clinical conditions caused by type B coxsackieviruses.
The case for freedom revisited
Authors: Vaubel Roland 
Published: November 2019

AbstractI argue that the case for freedom is about either knowledge or incentives. Freedom optimises the production and use of knowledge, and gives people the right incentives. I trace the history of these arguments. Knowledge‐based justifications can be found in the writings of Adam Smith, Jeremy Bentham, Wilhelm von Humboldt, J. S. Mill, Friedrich von Hayek, and Karl Popper. Incentive‐based arguments are due to Thomas Aquinas, Adam Smith, and James Mill. I then go on to query the extent to which classical freedom is compatible with other aims such as efficiency, enforcement of contracts, freedom of choice, political participation, and the socialist concept of freedom. Finally, I reject natural selection as a justification of freedom or of the right of property.
Is energy security really too important to leave to markets?
Authors: Haar Lawrence 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInvolvement by government in the energy sector has historically been extensive. Generally, however, regulation and direct ownership have involved secondary sectors such as electricity generation and transport on the grounds that these are natural monopolies exhibiting increasing returns to scale. With some exceptions, primary energy production has been left in private hands. But security of energy supply, particularly of petroleum, has been held to justify investment by governments in maintaining strategic reserves and other initiatives. This article argues, however, that petroleum markets are resilient and that the probability of disruptions is slight. Markets can be trusted to satisfy demand without shortages, at affordable prices. In light of structural changes and innovations in petroleum markets, unless the large strategic reserves held by almost all developed countries are actively used to reduce market volatility as a form of public good, maintaining them is difficult to justify.
The forced registration of hedge funds in the United States
Authors: Lee Steven James , Kramer Edward W 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis article recounts the history of hedge fund regulation in the United States over the last century, including Congressional legislation as well as legal cases mounted both by and against the Securities and Exchange Commission. Traditional arguments for and against hedge fund regulation are discussed. The article argues that neither hedge funds nor their managers should be regulated—whether directly or indirectly. Rather, financial or trusted advisors who recommend these products to investors should bear the regulatory burden.
Prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot associated with pulmonary artery sling: Two case reports
Authors: Li Tianjing , Han Jiancheng , Gao Shuang , Hao Xiuxiu , He Yihua 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a common condition accounting for 10%–20% of all fetal cyanotic congenital heart disease cases. Pulmonary artery sling (PAS), or aberrant left pulmonary artery, is a rare congenital cardiovascular malformation. Approximately 58%–83% of PAS is associated with other cardiovascular malformations, TOF being rarest. The diagnosis of PAS is generally incidental or made at autopsy. Cases of prenatal diagnoses of TOF associated with PAS have not yet been reported. Here, we report two cases of TOF associated with PAS diagnosed prenatally in our hospital.
Global longitudinal strain before cardiac surgery: Improving feasibility, reproducibility, and variability
Authors: Myhr Katrine A. , Pedersen Frederik H. G. , Kristensen Charlotte B. , Køber Lars , Hassager Christian , Møgelvang Rasmus 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundGlobal longitudinal strain (GLS) is a predictor of outcome after cardiac surgery. If integrated into clinical decision‐making and timing of surgery, it is important to evaluate the feasibility, reproducibility, and variation of GLS in this selection of patients, where poor image quality and nontraceable segments are frequent.Methods and resultsTwo‐dimensional strain analysis was performed on 250 patients planned to undergo open‐heart surgery. Intra‐ and inter‐examiner retest variability was assessed in 50 consecutive patients. All myocardial segments were traceable in 119 patients, and GLS of those served as a reference in comparison with alternative strain models with nontraceable segments. Global longitudinal strain estimation by the recommended method of a maximum of one nontraceable segment per view was only feasible in 64% of cases (mean GLS −16%). Reproducibility was moderate (intra‐observer coefficient of variation [CV] 8%; inter‐observer CV 10%) and variation of GLS showed bias ± 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of 0.6 ± 1.1 (P < .05). Accepting three nontraceable segments in total increased feasibility to 77% with similar reproducibility (intra‐observer CV 8%; inter‐observer CV 11%) and variation (bias ± LOA: 0.6 ± 1.3, P < .05). A model with a maximum of one apical, one mid, and one basal nontraceable segment increased feasibility to 72% with similar reproducibility (intra‐observer CV 8%; inter‐observer CV 10%) and variation (bias ± LOA: 0.4 ± 1.2, P < .05).ConclusionGlobal longitudinal strain estimation in patients prior to cardiac surgery is challenged by moderate feasibility, retest variation as well as variation in cases of nontraceable segments. We suggest alternative strain models with improved feasibility without compromising reproducibility and variation.