bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dark Nudges and Sludge in Big Alcohol: Behavioral Economics, Cognitive Biases, and Alcohol Industry Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: PETTICREW MARK , MAANI NASON , PETTIGREW LUISA , RUTTER HARRY , VAN SCHALKWYK MAY CI 
Published: September 2020

Policy Points
Nudges steer people toward certain options but also allow them to go their own way. “Dark nudges” aim to change consumer behavior against their best interests. “Sludge” uses cognitive biases to make behavior change more difficult.
We have identified dark nudges and sludge in alcohol industry corporate social responsibility (CSR) materials. These undermine the information on alcohol harms that they disseminate, and may normalize or encourage alcohol consumption.
Policymakers and practitioners should be aware of how dark nudges and sludge are used by the alcohol industry to promote misinformation about alcohol harms to the public.
Context“Nudges” and other behavioral economic approaches exploit common cognitive biases (systematic errors in thought processes) in order to influence behavior and decision‐making. Nudges that encourage the consumption of harmful products (for example, by exploiting gamblers’ cognitive biases) have been termed “dark nudges.” The term “sludge” has also been used to describe strategies that utilize cognitive biases to make behavior change harder. This study aimed to identify whether dark nudges and sludge are used by alcohol industry (AI)–funded corporate social responsibility (CSR) organizations, and, if so, to determine how they align with existing nudge conceptual frameworks. This information would aid their identification and mitigation by policymakers, researchers, and civil society.MethodsWe systematically searched websites and materials of AI CSR organizations (e.g., IARD, Drinkaware, Drinkwise, Éduc'alcool); examples were coded by independent raters and categorized for further analysis.FindingsDark nudges appear to be used in AI communications about “responsible drinking.” The approaches include social norming (telling consumers that “most people” are drinking) and priming drinkers by offering verbal and pictorial cues to drink, while simultaneously appearing to warn about alcohol harms. Sludge, such as the use of particular fonts, colors, and design layouts, appears to use cognitive biases to make health‐related information about the harms of alcohol difficult to access, and enhances exposure to misinformation. Nudge‐type mechanisms also underlie AI mixed messages, in particular alternative causation arguments, which propose nonalcohol causes of alcohol harms.ConclusionsAlcohol industry CSR bodies use dark nudges and sludge, which utilize consumers’ cognitive biases to promote mixed messages about alcohol harms and to undermine scientific evidence. Policymakers, practitioners, and the public need to be aware of how such techniques are used to nudge consumers toward industry misinformation. The revised typology presented in this article may help with the identification and further analysis of dark nudges and sludge.
Prenatal predictors of motor function in children with open spina bifida: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Corroenne R , Yepez M , Pyarali M , Johnson RM , Whitehead WE , Castillo HA , Castillo J , Mehollin‐Ray AR , Espinoza J , Shamshirsaz AA , Nassr AA , Belfort MA , Cortes MS 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo identify predictors for intact motor function (MF) at birth and at 12 months of life in babies with prenatally versus postnatally repaired open spina bifida (OSB).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTexas Children's Hospital, 2011–2018.PopulationPatients who underwent either prenatal or postnatal OSB repair.MethodsPrenatal MF of the lower extremities was evaluated by ultrasound following a metameric distribution at the time of diagnosis (US1), 6 weeks postoperatively (or 6 weeks after initial evaluation in postnatally repaired cases) (US2) and at the last ultrasound before delivery (US3). At birth and at 12 months, MF was assessed clinically. Intact MF (S1) was defined as the observation of plantar flexion of the ankle. Results from logistic regression analysis are expressed as odds ratios (95% confidence intervals, P values).ResultsA total of 127 patients were included: 93 with prenatal repair (51 fetoscopic; 42 open hysterotomy repair) and 34 with postnatal repair. In the prenatal repair group, predictors for intact MF at birth and at 12 months included: absence of clubfeet (OR 11.3, 95% CI 3.2–39.1, P < 0.01; OR 10.8 95% CI 2.4–47.6, P < 0.01); intact MF at US1 (OR 19.7, 95% CI 5.0–76.9, P < 0.01; OR 8.7, 95% CI 2.0–38.7, P < 0.01); intact MF at US2 (OR 22, 95% CI 6.5–74.2, P < 0.01; OR 13.5, 95% 3.0–61.4, P < 0.01); intact MF at US3 (OR 13.7, 95% CI 3.4–55.9, P < 0.01; OR 12.6, 95% CI 2.5–64.3, P < 0.01); and having a flat lesion (OR 11.2, 95% CI 2.4–51.1, P < 0.01; OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1–16.5, P = 0.04). In the postnatal repair group, the only predictor of intact MF at 12 months was having intact MF at birth (OR 15.2, 95% CI 2.0–113.3, P = 0.03).ConclusionsThe detection of intact MF in utero from mid‐gestation to delivery predicts intact MF at birth and at 12 months in babies who undergo prenatal OSB repair.Tweetable abstractDetection of intact motor function in utero predicts intact motor function at birth and at 1 year in fetuses who undergo prenatal OSB repair.
New evidence of state variation in Medicaid payment policies for dual Medicare‐Medicaid enrollees
Authors: Roberts Eric T. , Nimgaonkar Alok , Aarons Joshua , Tomko Heather , Shartzer Adele , Zuckerman Stephen B. , Everette James A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo develop the first longitudinal database of state Medicaid policies for paying the cost sharing in Medicare Part B for services provided to dual Medicare‐Medicaid enrollees (“duals”) and an index summarizing the impact of these policies on payments for physician office services.Data sourcesMedicaid policy data collected from electronic sources and inquiries with states.Study designWe constructed a national database of Medicaid payment policies for the period 2004‐2018, consolidating information from online Medicaid policy documents, state laws, and policy data reported to us by state Medicaid programs. Using this database and state Medicaid fee schedules, we constructed a Medicaid payment index for duals. This index represented the proportion of the Medicare allowed amount that physicians would expect to be paid from Medicare and Medicaid for a subset of physician office services (evaluation and management services) based on annual state payment policies and Medicaid fee schedules.Principal findingsIn 2018, 42 states had policies to limit Medicaid payments of Medicare cost sharing when Medicaid's fee schedule was lower than Medicare's—an increase from 36 such states in 2004. In the preponderance of states with these policies, combined Medicare and Medicaid payments for evaluation and management services provided to duals averaged 78 percent of the Medicare allowed amount for these services, reflecting relatively low Medicaid fee schedules in these states. In 2013 and 2014, physicians who qualified for the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid “fee bump” were paid 100 percent of the Medicare allowed amount for these services.ConclusionsMedicaid programs vary across states and over time in their payments of cost sharing for physician office services provided to duals. Our database and index can facilitate monitoring of these policies and research on the consequences of policy changes for duals.
Esophageal symptoms versus epigastric symptoms: Relevance for diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Zhang Meng Yu , Tan Nian Di , Li Yu Wen , Sifrim Daniel , Pandolfino John E. , Xiao Ying Lian , Chen Min Hu 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveAlthough pathological acid reflux in patients with reflux symptoms is uncommon, it affects one‐third of patients with epigastric symptoms in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the relevance of esophageal and epigastric symptoms in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in China.MethodsConsecutive outpatients with predominantly esophageal symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia) or predominantly epigastric symptoms (epigastric pain, epigastric burning, early satiety, postprandial fullness) were enrolled. Patients underwent upper endoscopy and esophageal function tests, and took proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. The prevalence of GERD and PPI efficacy was assessed and compared among patients with different dominant symptoms.ResultsAltogether 374 patients (244 with predominantly esophageal symptoms and 130 with predominantly epigastric symptoms) were enrolled. Patients with predominantly epigastric symptoms had a slightly lower prevalence of reflux esophagitis and pathological acid reflux but a significantly lower PPI response rate than those with predominantly esophageal symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the predominant symptom was independently associated with PPI efficacy but could not predict the objective existence of GERD. GERD was objectively found in 136 patients, 30% of whom complained of predominantly epigastric symptoms and had similar reflux profiles and symptom outcomes as patients with predominantly esophageal symptoms.ConclusionsApproximately 30% of patients with GERD complain of predominantly epigastric symptoms and have comparable reflux profiles and symptom outcomes as those with predominantly esophageal symptoms. Epigastric symptoms may be part of the diagnosis for GERD in a Chinese population. The study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02506634).
Spread through air spaces (STAS) in invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung: Incidence, prognostic impact, and prediction based on clinicoradiologic factors
Authors: Lee Min A. , Kang Jun , Lee Ho Yun , Kim Wooil , Shon Insuk , Hwang Na Young , Kim Hong Kwan , Choi Yong Soo , Kim Jhingook , Zo Jae Ill , Shim Young Mog 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundSpread through air spaces (STAS) has recently been demonstrated to exhibit a negative impact on lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. However, most of these studies investigated STAS in nonmucinous adenocarcinoma. Here, we investigated the incidence of STAS in invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) of the lung and evaluated whether tumor STAS was a risk factor of disease recurrence in IMA. We also examined clinicoradiologic factors in patients with IMA harboring STAS.MethodsWe reviewed pathologic specimens and imaging characteristics of primary tumors from 132 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for IMA to evaluate STAS. Patients with and without STAS were compared with respect to clinical characteristics as well as computed tomography (CT) imaging using logistic regression. The relationships between all variables including STAS and survival were analyzed.ResultsAmong a total of 132 patients, full pathologic specimens were available for 119 patients, and STAS was observed in 86 (72.3%). IMA patients with STAS were significantly associated with older age, presence of lobulated and spiculated margins on CT scan (P = 0.009, P = 0.006, and P = 0.027). In multivariate analysis for overall survival (OS), STAS was a borderline independent poor prognostic predictor (P = 0.028). Older age, history of smoking, higher T stage, presence of lymph node metastasis, and consolidative morphologic type remained independent predictors for OS.ConclusionsSTAS was associated with reduced OS and was a borderline independent poor prognostic factor in IMA. IMA with STAS was associated with older age and presence of lobulated and spiculated margins on CT scan.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyCompared with other subtypes, IMA shows a higher incidence of STAS, which is an independent poor prognostic predictor even in IMA. Lobulated and spiculated margins on CT are associated with STAS.What this study addsConsidering that STAS can carry the potential for aerogenous metastasis, predicting STAS using preoperative surrogate CT imaging is desirable to avoid limited resection.
GPX8 promotes migration and invasion by regulating epithelial characteristics in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Yun , Guo Yan , Zhao Qiang 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. The family of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), an important antioxidant enzyme in human tissues, has been discovered to play a key role in the development of cancers. GPX8 is the most promising molecule of the family in a therapeutic strategy against a variety of cancers.The main purpose of this study was to examine and analyze the function and clinical value of GPX8 in NSCLC.MethodsImmunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot analysis and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to assess GPX8 expression and its clinical significance in NSCLC. A series of cell biology experiments and bioinformatic analysis tools were further used to study the function of GPX8.ResultsGPX8 expression in tumor tissues was much higher than that in normal lung tissues. High expression of GPX8 in NSCLC was correlated with a worse clinical outcome and prognosis. Furthermore, GPX8 could inhibit the apoptosis of tumor cells and promote its migration and invasion.ConclusionsOur results conclusively demonstrated that GPX8 could affect the oncogenesis and prognosis of NSCLC via regulating epithelial characteristics. The study also illustrated that GPX8 could serve as a prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
South West and North Central Nigeria: Assessment of cassava mosaic disease and field status of African cassava mosaic virus and East African cassava mosaic virus
Authors: Eni Angela O. , Efekemo Oghenevwairhe P. , Onile‐ere Olabode A. , Pita Justin S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCassava mosaic disease (CMD), caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs), is a major threat to cassava production in Nigeria. The predominant CMBs in Nigeria are African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV) and East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCV), which are transmitted through infected stem cuttings and whitefly vectors. This study was conducted in 2015 and 2017 to assess the epidemiology of CMD and the current distribution of CMBs in cassava farms in South West (SW) and North Central (NC) Nigeria. A survey of cassava farms was undertaken, and samples representative of disease symptoms were collected and assessed using molecular techniques. A total of 184 and 328 cassava farms were sampled in 2015 and 2017, respectively. CMD incidence for both regions surveyed was 43.80 and 12.25% in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Fields in SW recorded a higher incidence rate in 2015 (SW: 45.11%, NC: 42.47%), while the reverse occurred in 2017 (SW: 10.90%, NC: 14.01%). Overall, the CMD incidence in Benue State (NC) was significantly higher than other locations surveyed in both years. CMD symptom severity and mean whitefly population were higher in SW Nigeria in the two survey years. ACMV was widespread across both zones, occurring in 79.1% (453/613) and 54.8% (386/704) of cassava leaf samples analysed in 2015 and 2017, respectively. EACMV was detected in only 6.0% (37/613) and 4.7% (33/704) of all cassava leaf samples analysed in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Overall, a higher proportion of infected samples were found in NC in both 2015 (NC: 85.2%, SW: 75.4%) and 2017 (NC: 73.6%, SW: 45.2%). Detection using strain‐specific primers revealed that 97% of EACMV positive samples were indeed infected by the EACMCV strain of the virus. As previously reported, samples with mixed infections showed a higher symptom severity than samples with single ACMV or EACMV infections. This study provides an update to the distribution of CMBs in SW and NC Nigeria and will be useful in development of monitoring and management strategies for the disease in both regions.
Prevalence of Cusp of Carabelli and its caries susceptibility – an ambidirectional cohort study
Authors: Bhavyaa R , Sujitha P , Muthu MS , Kirthiga M 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground/AimTo investigate the susceptibility of Cusp of Carabelli (CoC) to caries in 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children.MethodsThe prevalence of CoC was obtained, by two calibrated examiners using 2128 maxillary posterior sectional die models of 1064 caries‐free children (that were prepared 8 months back). Four months after recording the CoC, prospective clinical examination of above‐mentioned children was carried out by a calibrated third examiner. International Caries Detection and Assessment System was used to record caries of the mesiopalatal surfaces (site of CoC) of the primary maxillary second molars. Data were expressed in numbers and percentages and subjected to chi‐square and logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of CoC was 90.6%. The incidence of caries in association with CoC was 10.5%, and this association was statistically significant (0.004), with an odds ratio of 4.7. A statistically significant association was found between positive and negative expression of CoC and caries (0.001), with an odds ratio of 7.7 in positive expression and 4.1 in negative expression.ConclusionThe prevalence of CoC was high, with an increased risk for caries with a positive cusp expression. This highlights the need for closer assessment of the mesiopalatal surfaces of primary maxillary second molars during examination.
Follow‐up after treatment of high‐grade cervical dysplasia: The utility of six‐month colposcopy and cytology and routine 12‐month colposcopy
Authors: Morton Rhett , Mylvaganam Gaithri , Anderson Lyndal , Farrell Rhonda , Carter Jonathan , Pather Selvan , Saidi Samir 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAustralian Cervical Screening Program guidelines no longer recommend colposcopy and cytology at six months following treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/3) and a co‐test of cure can be performed at 12 months without colposcopy.AimsTo determine the usefulness of six‐month colposcopy and cytology and routine colposcopy with co‐testing at 12 months in detecting persistent or recurrent disease in patients treated for CIN2/3.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a review of all patients with histologically proven CIN2/3 who underwent a cervical excisional procedure between March 2012 and March 2017 in one specialised centre.ResultsWe examined 1215 cases and 750 remained after exclusions for analysis. At six months (722 cases, 96.2%) seven of 42 (16.7%) patients with high‐grade cytology had a high‐grade colposcopy and 24 of 42 (57.1%) had a normal colposcopy. Persistent CIN2/3 was diagnosed in 12 cases (1.7%) and only 1/3 had a high‐grade colposcopy. Cytology was more useful than colposcopy in detecting persistent disease. At 12 months (638 cases, 85%) routine colposcopy at the time of co‐testing had a high false positive rate with all high‐grade changes negative on biopsy and co‐test. Recurrent CIN2/3 was diagnosed in five cases, and four had normal colposcopy at co‐testing.ConclusionsThere may be a delay in detection of persistent/recurrent CIN2/3 in a small number of cases without six‐month colposcopy and cytology; however, it is not likely to negatively impact overall clinical outcome. Co‐testing at 12 months following treatment of CIN2/3 without colposcopy is safe and routine colposcopy at collection of the co‐test can be omitted.
The axis of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts in asthma and allergic airway disease
Authors: Perkins Timothy N. , Donnell Mason L. , Oury Tim D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAsthma is a generalized term that describes a scope of distinct pathologic phenotypes of variable severity, which share a common complication of reversible airflow obstruction. Asthma is estimated to affect almost 400 million people worldwide, and nearly ten percent of asthmatics have what is considered “severe” disease. The majority of moderate to severe asthmatics present with a “type 2‐high” (T2‐hi) phenotypic signature, which pathologically is driven by the type 2 cytokines Interleukin‐(IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13. However, “type 2‐low” (T2‐lo) phenotypic signatures are often associated with more severe, steroid‐refractory neutrophilic asthma. A wide range of clinical and experimental studies have found that the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergic airway disease (AAD). Current experimental data indicates that RAGE is a critical mediator of the type 2 inflammatory reactions which drive the development of T2‐hi AAD. However, clinical studies demonstrate that increased RAGE ligands and signaling strongly correlate with asthma severity, especially in severe neutrophilic asthma. This review presents an overview of the current understandings of RAGE in asthma pathogenesis, its role as a biomarker of disease, and future implications for mechanistic studies, and potential therapeutic intervention strategies.
Defining the impact of Peyronie's disease on the psychosocial status of gay men
Authors: Salter Carolyn A. , Nascimento Bruno , Terrier Jean‐Etienne , Taniguchi Hisanori , Bernie Helen , Miranda Eduardo , Jenkins Lawrence , Schofield Elizabeth , Mulhall John P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle sexual health research has been conducted in gay men. Anecdotally, this population seems to experience more bother related to Peyronie's disease (PD).ObjectivesTo examine the impact of PD on psychosocial factors in gay vs straight men.Materials and MethodsAll PD patients who were seen in the sexual medicine clinic were included. They completed three instruments: the PD questionnaire (PDQ), Self‐Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, and a depression questionnaire (CES‐D). We described demographics and sexual variables by sexual orientation. We then compared PDQ items and summary scores by sexual orientation, using a series of independent samples t tests.Results34 consecutive gay and 464 straight men were included. Age and baseline characteristics were similar between the two cohorts, with the exception that fewer gay men were partnered (56% vs 87%, P < .01), and those with a partner had a shorter relationship duration: 109 ± 9 months vs 262 ± 175 months, P < .01. For the SEAR questionnaire, gay men demonstrated a more significant psychosocial impact of PD overall with lower SEAR sums (41 vs 57, P = .01) and a lower sexual relationship subdomain score (28 vs 47, P < .01). 41% of gay men vs 26% of straight men had CES‐D scores consistent with depression as defined by a score of ≥16 (P = .09). In the PDQ domains, gay men scored less favorably with regard to bother scores (7 vs 5, P = .03) and pain scores (8 vs 4, P = .04).DiscussionGay men with PD experience significantly more psychosocial impact as evidenced by less favorable SEAR sum and sexual relationship scores, CES‐D scores, and PDQ pain and bother domain scores.ConclusionThe psychosocial impact of PD is significant in all men, but it appears to be greater in gay men.