bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intermittent Ethanol Access Increases Sensitivity to Social Defeat Stress
Authors: Nennig Sadie E. , Fulenwider Hannah D. , Eskew Jacob E. , Whiting Kimberly E. , Cotton Mallory R. , McGinty Gabrielle E. , Solomon Matthew G. , Schank Jesse R. 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundComorbidity between alcoholism and depression is extremely common. Recent evidence supports a relationship between alcohol exposure and stress sensitivity, an underlying factor in the development of depression. Our laboratory has recently shown that chronic alcohol gavage increases sensitivity to social defeat stress (SDS). However, the effects of voluntary alcohol consumption, resulting from protocols such as intermittent ethanol access (IEA), on defeat stress sensitivity have yet to be elucidated.MethodsWe first assessed the effects of 4 weeks of IEA to 20% alcohol on sensitivity to subthreshold SDS exposure. Next, to examine neuroinflammatory mechanisms, we analyzed gene expression of inhibitor of NFkB (IkB) following IEA or chronic alcohol exposure (10 days of 3.0 g/kg alcohol via intragastric gavage). Then, we quantified NFkB activation via β‐galactosidase immunohistochemistry following IEA or chronic alcohol gavage in NFkB‐LacZ mice.ResultsIEA‐exposed mice displayed an increase in sensitivity to subthreshold SDS compared to water‐drinking controls. We also found that IkB gene expression was decreased in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) and amygdala (AMY) following IEA but was not altered following chronic alcohol gavage. Finally, we observed increased NFkB activity in the central amygdala (CEA), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and medial amygdala (MEA) after IEA, and increased NFkB activity solely in the CEA following chronic alcohol gavage.ConclusionsThese findings further corroborate that prior alcohol exposure, in this case intermittent voluntary consumption, can impact development of depressive‐like behavior by altering stress sensitivity. Furthermore, our results suggest the CEA as a potential mediator of alcohol's effects on stress sensitivity, as NFkB was activated in this region following both IEA and chronic alcohol gavage. Thus, this study provides novel insight on alterations in the NFkB pathway and identifies specific regions to target in future experiments assessing the functional role of NFkB in these processes.
Density and Dichotomous Family History Measures of Alcohol Use Disorder as Predictors of Behavioral and Neural Phenotypes: A Comparative Study Across Gender and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Pandey Gayathri , Seay Michael J. , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Chorlian David B. , Pandey Ashwini K. , Kamarajan Chella , Ehrenberg Morton , Pitti Daniel , Kinreich Sivan , Subbie‐Saenz de Viteri Stacey , Acion Laura , Anokhin Andrey , Bauer Lance , Chan Grace , Edenberg Howard , Hesselbrock Victor , Kuperman Samuel , McCutcheon Vivia V. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Schuckit Marc , Porjesz Bernice 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundFamily history (FH) is an important risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). A variety of dichotomous and density measures of FH have been used to predict alcohol outcomes; yet, a systematic comparison of these FH measures is lacking. We compared 4 density and 4 commonly used dichotomous FH measures and examined variations by gender and race/ethnicity in their associations with age of onset of regular drinking, parietal P3 amplitude to visual target, and likelihood of developing AUD.MethodsData from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) were utilized to compute the density and dichotomous measures. Only subjects and their family members with DSM‐5 AUD diagnostic information obtained through direct interviews using theSemi‐Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism(SSAGA) were included in the study. Area under receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the diagnostic accuracy of FH measures at classifying DSM‐5 AUD diagnosis. Logistic and linear regression models were used to examine associations of FH measures with alcohol outcomes.ResultsDensity measures had greater diagnostic accuracy at classifying AUD diagnosis, whereas dichotomous measures presented diagnostic accuracy closer to random chance. Both dichotomous and density measures were significantly associated with likelihood of AUD, early onset of regular drinking, and low parietal P3 amplitude, but density measures presented consistently more robust associations. Further, variations in these associations were observed such that among males (vs. females) and Whites (vs. Blacks), associations of alcohol outcomes with density (vs. dichotomous) measures were greater in magnitude.ConclusionsDensity (vs. dichotomous) measures seem to present more robust associations with alcohol outcomes. However, associations of dichotomous and density FH measures with different alcohol outcomes (behavioral vs. neural) varied across gender and race/ethnicity. These findings have great applicability for alcohol research examining FH of AUD.
The prevalence of loot boxes in mobile and desktop games
Authors: Zendle David , Meyer Rachel , Cairns Paul , Waters Stuart , Ballou Nick 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsLoot boxes are items in video games that may be bought for real‐world money but provide randomized rewards. Formal similarities between loot boxes and gambling have led to concerns that they may provide a ‘gateway’ to gambling amongst children. However, the availability of loot boxes is unclear. This study aimed to determine what proportion of top‐grossing video games contained loot boxes, and how many of those games were available to children.Design, setting and casesSurvey of the 100 top‐grossing games on both the Google Play store and the Apple App store, and the top 50 most‐played games on Steam according to the data aggregator SteamSpy.MeasurementsThe prevalence of loot boxes was measured for each platform outlined above, split by age rating.FindingsA total of 58.0% of the top games on the Google Play store contained loot boxes, 59.0% of the top iPhone games contained loot boxes and 36.0% of the top games on the Steam store contained loot boxes; 93.1% of the Android games that featured loot boxes and 94.9% of the iPhone games that featured loot boxes were deemed suitable for children aged 12+. Age ratings were more conservative for desktop games. Only 38.8% of desktop games that featured loot boxes were available to children aged 12+.ConclusionsLoot boxes appear to be prevalent in video games that are deemed suitable for children, especially on mobile platforms.
Open transanal resection of low rectal stromal tumor following neoadjuvant therapy of imatinib mesylate: Report of 11 cases and review of literature
Authors: Sun Qiang , Su Ning , Li Xinxing , Hu Zhiqian , Wang Weijun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe global burden of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is increasing. However, a limited number of reports hinder our ability to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the current treatment and prognosis. In this study, we outline our experience with open transanal resection of rectal GIST following neoadjuvant therapy with imatinib mesylate (IM).Patients and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 11 patients with rectal GISTs treated with neoadjuvant IM therapy and open transanal resection between April 2011 and April 2017 in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital.ResultsThe patients had 400–600 mg/day IM once daily for a median of 7 months (range: 3–9 months). Tumor size, distance from the lower margin of the tumor to the anal verge (AV), mitotic rates and mutation analysis were assessed on pretreatment biopsy. After reassessment, all 11 patients underwent transanal R0 resection. With median follow‐up of 28 months (range: 8–80 months), there was no tumor recurrence or metastasis.ConclusionOpen transanal resection of rectal GIST after neoadjuvant treatment with IM has good surgical and survival outcomes.
Correlations between CD4+FoxP3+ Treg and expression of FoxM1 and Ki‐67 in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Ma Kai , Li Xiaoxiao , Lv Jing , Liu Zimin , Zhang Lijian , Cong Hui , Wang Huiyun , Shen Fangzhen , Yue Lu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsIn this study, we intended to analyze the clinical significance of CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs in gastric cancer patients and investigate the relationship between the proportion of CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs in the peripheral blood and the expression of FoxM1 and Ki‐67 in gastric cancer tissues.MethodsFlow cytometry was used to measure the CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs level in peripheral blood from 70 gastric cancer patients one day before gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the expression of FoxM1 and Ki‐67 in gastric cancer tissues. Data on clinico‐pathological features and correlation between Tregs and the expression of FoxM1 and Ki‐67 were then analyzed.ResultsThe average proportion of CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs in gastric cancer patients’ peripheral blood before surgery was 10.12 ± 2.85%, which was significantly higher in patients with late AJCC stage (P = 0.029) or lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003) compared to patients at earlier AJCC stage or without lymph node metastasis. The levels of CD4+FoxP3+ Treg cells was positively correlated with the protein expression of FoxM1 (P = 0.003) and Ki‐67 (P = 0.001), respectively.ConclusionThese results suggest the level of CD4+FoxP3+ Treg cells in peripheral blood has clinical significance in gastric cancer patients. The overexpression of FoxM1 and Ki‐67 may relate to immunosuppression in gastric cancer.
Sestrin2 alleviates palmitate‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, and defective invasion of human trophoblast cells
Authors: Lee Solji , Shin Jiha , Hong Yeji , Shin Seong Min , Shin Hye Won , Shin Jongdae , Lee Sung Ki , Park Hwan‐Woo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractProblemMaternal obesity induces elevated saturated fatty acid palmitate levels in the blood and causes pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, fetal growth abnormalities, and stillbirth. Sestrin2, a highly conserved stress‐inducible protein, is involved in the cellular responses of various stress conditions and homeostatic regulation. However, the effects of Sestrin2 on trophoblast cells have not yet been investigated. Here, we investigated the role of Sestrin2 in palmitate‐induced lipotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms in human first‐trimester trophoblast cells (Sw.71).Method of studyMouse placental tissues were obtained from low‐fat diet‐fed mice (n = 14) and high‐fat diet‐fed mice (n = 14) at gestation day 17.5. Sw.71 cells were treated with palmitate or bovine serum albumin as vehicle controls. The role of Sestrin2 in palmitate‐induced lipotoxicity was examined by immunocytochemistry, immunoblot analysis, quantitative real‐time PCR, and invasion assay.ResultsExpression of placental Sestrin2 was elevated in high‐fat diet‐fed dams compared to that of low‐fat diet‐fed dams. Prolonged treatment of Sw.71 cells with palmitate‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐dependent expressions of Sestrin2 protein and mRNA, and the treatment also triggered apoptosis. Knockdown of Sestrin2 increased palmitate‐mediated ER stress, inflammatory signaling, and apoptosis. Furthermore, Sestrin2 suppressed impaired trophoblast invasion caused by palmitate and attenuated palmitate‐induced ER stress and inflammation via AMPK/mTORC1 pathways.ConclusionOur study provides the relationship between Sestrin2, AMPK/mTORC1 pathway, and trophoblast function, suggesting that Sestrin2 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for the prevention of pregnancy complications.
Colonoscopy withdrawal time and polyp/adenoma detection rate: a single‐site retrospective study in regional Queensland
Authors: Wong Wen Jye , Arafat Yasser , Wang Serena , Hawes Susan , Hung Kevin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundsBowel cancer is the second most common non‐cutaneous cancer diagnosed in Australia among both genders. Colonoscopy withdrawal time of at least 6 min has been accepted as the standard to achieve the target polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR). A retrospective review was conducted in Bundaberg Hospital to evaluate the relationship between colonoscopy withdrawal time against polyp, adenoma and cancer detection rates.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out in Bundaberg Hospital on patients who had colonoscopies performed between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017 by the general surgical team. Data collection was conducted by reviewing patient charts, general practitioner referral letters and endoscopy reports. Statistical analysis was performed with chi‐squared test using Prism 8.2.1.ResultsA total of 1579 colonoscopies were analysed. The median age of patients undergoing a colonoscopy was 64 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 60.55–61.93). Median total duration of colonoscopy was 19 min (95% CI 20.9–22.0), with median withdrawal time of 9 min (95% CI 10.06–10.95). PDR, ADR and sessile serrated adenoma (SSA) detection rates were 43.3%, 33.1% and 5.4%, respectively. Cancer detection rate was 2.8%. Longer withdrawal times were associated with higher PDR, ADR and SSA detection rates (P < 0.0001) and higher mean number of polyp/adenoma/SSA detected.ConclusionColonoscopies with withdrawal times of less than 6 min did not achieve the target detection rates. It is clear that achieving the advocated withdrawal time for screening colonoscopy improves detection rates.
Outcomes of inguinal hernia repair in cirrhotics: a single tertiary centre experience
Authors: Sidhu Ankur , Cabalag Carlos , Lee Eunice , Liew Chon Hann , Young Alastair , Christophi Christopher 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with liver cirrhosis are at a higher risk of perioperative anaesthetic and surgical complications. Surgical repair of abdominal wall hernias in these patients has been widely discouraged. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the post‐operative outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis after inguinal hernia repair at a single institution.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of 31 patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing inguinal hernia repair between 2006 and 2016 was undertaken. Data in relation to patient demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, morbidity and mortality were collected.ResultsThirty‐one patients with median Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score of 14 (7–36) underwent inguinal hernia repair within a 10‐year period of our study. There was one mortality in a patient with Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score of 36 who presented with a strangulated hernia. Only one patient required return to theatre for the evacuation of haematoma and one patient developed a recurrent hernia in 1‐year follow up.ConclusionInguinal hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis is a safe procedure to perform in the elective setting. Nevertheless, significant consideration must be given in performing these operations in centres with liver transplant units due to their extensive experience in pre‐operative optimization to reduce the risk of hepatic decompensation.
We Need a Loud and Fractious Poor
Authors: Maskovsky Jeff , Piven Frances Fox 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article explores the political consequences of four decades of consistent humiliation of the poor by the most authoritative voices in the land, and offers insights into ways that new movements are creating spaces for poor people’s political voices to surface and become relevant again. Our specific concern is the challenge that the current humiliation regime poses to those who seek to revive radical, disruptive and fractious anti‐poverty activism and politics. By humiliation regime, we mean a form of political violence that maltreats those classified popularly and politically as “the poor” by treating them as undeserving of citizenship, rights, public goods or resources, and, importantly, that seeks to delegitimate them as political actors. Our article demonstrates the historical importance of authoritative voices in inspiring political unrest involving poor and working people, charts the depoliticising effects of poverty politics and governance since the 1980s, and highlights the new political possibilities that are surfacing now not just to defeat the very dangerous political forms of Trumpism and the new white nationalism but that seek as well to create something that looks like justice, freedom and equality. We insist on the importance of loud and fractious poor people’s politics and call on scholars to direct attention to the incipient political potentialities of poor people today.
Healthcare utilisation and measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rates among children with an extended postnatal home visiting programme in a disadvantaged area in Stockholm, Sweden—A 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Burström Bo , Mellblom Johanna , Marttila Anneli , Kulane Asli , Martin Helena , Lindberg Lene , Burström Kristina 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimTo follow up healthcare utilisation and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates among children 0‐36 months, receiving an extended postnatal home visiting programme in a disadvantaged area with poorer child health, and in control groups, in Stockholm, Sweden.MethodsWe analysed electronic child health records regarding outpatient visits, inpatient episodes and MMR vaccination for children 0‐36 months receiving the home visiting programme (Intervention Group) and in control groups (Control Group and Rinkeby Comparison Group).ResultsChildren in the Intervention Group had significantly higher MMR vaccination rate than children in the Rinkeby Comparison Group. Healthcare utilisation was similar in the Intervention Group and the control groups. In stratified analyses by number of home visits received, children receiving the recommended six home visits had significantly fewer inpatient episodes and somewhat fewer emergency visits than those receiving fewer home visits.ConclusionThe extended home visiting programme had a positive impact on the MMR vaccination rate. Children receiving the recommended six home visits had lower use of inpatient care. In addition to being positively perceived by parents in an area with greater healthcare needs, the programme may have a positive impact on their children's healthcare utilisation.
Exploring health professionals' understanding of evidence‐based treatment for idiopathic toe walking
Authors: Williams Cylie M. , Gray Kelly , Davies Nina , Barkocy Marybeth , Fahey Michael , Simmonds Jane , Accardo Pasquale , Eastwood Deborah , Pacey Verity 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIdiopathic toe walking (ITW) is an exclusionary diagnosis resulting in a child walking on the balls of their feet. Preferred treatment options may be due to the severity of the toe or the health professional preference There are limited guidelines supporting consistent treatment recommendations for this condition. This research aimed to understand agreement between health professionals' knowledge of evidence for common treatment strategies for ITW and if health professionals supported these strategies being used in clinical practice.MethodsAn international online survey was opened to registered health professionals who treat children with ITW between July 2017 and March 2018. The survey had two components: (a) demographic variables and variables relating to knowledge of evidence about ITW treatments and (b) support for common treatment strategies. Additional data on strategy use, referrals, and preference were collected. Kappa statistics described intra‐rater agreement between evidence knowledge and support. Multivariable regression analyses identified factors associated with the 10 most commonly preferred treatments.ResultsThere were 908 international responses. Kappa agreement for paired correct responses determined a fair agreement for evidence support knowledge for four strategies including watch and wait (Kappa = 0.24), stretching (Kappa = 0.30), sensory integration strategies (Kappa = 0.40), and motor control strategies (Kappa = 0.24) and moderate responses for 13 others. No strategies had greater than moderate agreement between correct knowledge of evidence and strategy support. Profession, location, number of children seen in practice, and not correctly identifying the evidence factored into many of the most commonly used strategies for ITW (p < .05).ConclusionsThe results from this study, which confirm a variety of interventions, are utilized in the management of ITW around the world. Furthermore, there remains a disconnection between paediatric health professionals' understanding of the evidence of common treatment strategies of ITW and a consensus for the treatment of this condition.
Genetic and epigenetic regulation of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Mangum Kevin D. , Farber Mark A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are focal dilations of the aorta that develop from degenerative changes in the media and adventitia of the vessel. Ruptured AAAs have a mortality of up to 85%, thus it is important to identify patients with AAA at increased risk for rupture who would benefit from increased surveillance and/or surgical repair. Although the exact genetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulating AAA formation are not completely understood, Mendelian cases of AAA, which result from pathologic variants in a single gene, have helped provide a basic understanding of AAA pathophysiology. More recently, genome wide associated studies (GWAS) have identified additional variants, termed single nucleotide polymorphisms, in humans that may be associated with AAAs. While some variants may be associated with AAAs and play causal roles in aneurysm pathogenesis, it should be emphasized that the majority of SNPs do not actually cause disease. In addition to GWAS, other studies have uncovered epigenetic causes of disease that regulate expression of genes known to be important in AAA pathogenesis. This review describes many of these genetic and epigenetic contributors of AAAs, which altogether provide a deeper insight into AAA pathogenesis.
Eosinophil‐to‐monocyte ratio is an excellent predictor of acute cellular rejection in pancreas transplant alone recipients
Authors: Ryu Je Ho , Ko Hyo Jung , Shim Jae Ryong , Lee Tae Beom , Yang Kwang Ho , Lee Jung Hee , Lee Hyun Ji , Kim Taeun , Choi Byung Hyun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSerum pancreatic enzymes (serum amylase and lipase) are sensitive markers for monitoring acute rejection in pancreatic transplant recipients. However, those enzymes are not specific, as their levels are elevated in other conditions. We evaluated the eosinophil‐to‐monocyte ratio (EMR) in peripheral blood as a biomarker of acute rejection in the clinical setting in recipients of pancreatic transplant alone. We performed 32 cases of pancreatic transplantation alone since 2015. Nine patients were diagnosed with rejection. Serum amylase and lipase levels and eosinophil and monocytes counts were analyzed and compared retrospectively between the non‐rejection and rejection groups. The serum eosinophil count, eosinophil fraction of the complete blood count, and serum amylase and lipase levels were significant predictors of rejection according to the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve. However, the EMR was the best indicator of rejection based on the ROC curve (area under the curve 0.918, sensitivity 100%, specificity 76.2% at the cutoff value 0.80, P < .001). The combination of EMR and the lipase level had 100% sensitivity and 90.5% specificity. The EMR is a simple and excellent predictor of acute rejection in recipients of pancreatic transplant alone.