bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cocaine experience induces functional adaptations in astrocytes: Implications for synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens shell
Authors: O'Donovan Bernadette , Neugornet Austin , Neogi Richik , Xia Mengfan , Ortinski Pavel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAstrocytes have become established as an important regulator of neuronal activity in the brain. Accumulating literature demonstrates that cocaine self‐administration in rodent models induces structural changes within astrocytes that may influence their interaction with the surrounding neurons. Here, we provide evidence that cocaine impacts astrocytes at the functional level and alters neuronal sensitivity to astrocyte‐derived glutamate. We report that a 14‐day period of short access to cocaine (2 h/day) decreases spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ transients and precipitates changes in astrocyte network activity in the nucleus accumbens shell. This is accompanied by increased prevalence of slow inward currents, a physiological marker of neuronal activation by astrocytic glutamate, in a subset of medium spiny neurons. Within, but not outside, of this subset, we observe an increase in duration and frequency of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated synaptic events. Additionally, we find that the link between synaptic NMDA receptor plasticity and neuron sensitivity to astrocytic glutamate is maintained independent of drug exposure and is observed in both cocaine and saline control animals. Imaging analyses of neuronal Ca2+ activity show no effect of cocaine self‐administration on individual cells or on neuronal network activity in brain slices. Therefore, our data indicate that cocaine self‐administration promotes astrocyte‐specific functional changes that can be linked to increased glutamate‐mediated coupling with principal neurons in the nucleus accumbens. Such coupling may be spatially restricted as it does not result in a broad impact on network structure of local neuronal circuits.
The validity of the state–trait anxiety inventory and the brief scale for anxiety in an inpatient sample with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Shah Navan N. , Schwandt Melanie L. , Hobden Breanne , Baldwin David S. , Sinclair Julia , Agabio Roberta , Leggio Lorenzo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsThe Brief Scale for Anxiety (BSA) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y‐2 (STAI‐Y‐2) are self‐report scales used to gauge anxiety symptoms in clinical settings. Co‐occuring anxiety is common in alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, no studies have assessed the validity of the BSA and STAI‐Y‐2 compared with a clinical diagnostic tool of anxiety in alcohol treatment programs. We aimed to examine the validity of the BSA and STAI‐Y‐2 to predict a clinical diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (via the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM [SCID]) in AUD patients.DesignParticipants were administered the BSA (n = 1005) on day 2 and the STAI‐Y‐2 (n = 483) between days 2 and 10 of the detoxification program. SCID‐based clinical diagnoses of AUD and anxiety were made approximately on day 10.Setting and participantsIndividuals seeking treatment for AUD admitted to an inpatient unit at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, USA (n = 1010).MeasurementsInclusion criteria included a current diagnosis of alcohol dependence (AD) according to DSM‐IV‐TR or moderate to severe AUD according to DSM‐5‐RV, as well as available baseline BSA and/or STAI Y‐2 data. Empirical receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated using estimates of sensitivity, 1‐specificity and positive and negative predictive values for each cut‐point to determine the accuracy of scale outcomes in relation to SCID diagnoses.FindingsThe BSA demonstrated low accuracy relative to a clinical diagnosis of anxiety with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.67 at the optimal cut‐point of ≥ 10. The STAI‐Y‐2 had moderate accuracy relative to a clinical diagnosis of anxiety with an AUC of 0.70 at the optimal cut‐point of ≥ 51. The accuracy of the STAI‐Y‐2 increased (AUC = 0.74) when excluding post‐traumatic stress disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder from anxiety disorder classification.ConclusionsUse of the Brief Scale for Anxiety (BSA) and/or State–Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y‐2 (STAI‐Y‐2) does not appear to be a reliable substitute for clinical diagnoses of anxiety disorder among inpatients with alcohol use disorder. The BSA and STAI‐Y‐2 could serve as a screening tool to reject the presence of anxiety disorders rather than for detecting an anxiety disorder.
Reward‐related decision‐making deficits in internet gaming disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yao Yuan‐Wei , Zhang Jin‐Tao , Fang Xiao‐Yi , Liu Lu , Potenza Marc N. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsTo estimate the aggregated effect sizes of reward‐related decision‐making deficits in internet gaming disorder (IGD) and to explore potential moderators on the variability of effect sizes across studies.DesignReview of peer‐reviewed studies comparing reward‐related decision‐making performance between IGD and control participants identified via PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Random‐effects modeling was conducted using Hedge‘s g as the effect size (ES). The effects of decision‐making situation, valence, sample type, testing environment, IGD severity and self‐reported impulsivity on decision‐making differences were examined by moderator analyses.SettingNo restrictions on location.ParticipantsTwenty‐four studies (20 independent samples) were included in the meta‐analysis, resulting in 604 IGD and 641 control participants and 35 ESs.MeasuresReward‐related decision‐making differences between IGD and control groups.FindingsThe overall ES for decision‐making deficits in IGD was small (g = −0.45, P < 0.01). The effects were comparable across risky, ambiguous and inter‐temporal decision‐making. Larger aggregate ESs were identified for pure‐gain and mixed compared with pure‐loss decision‐making. Studies based on clinical and community samples showed similar effects. No significant difference between behavioral studies and those with extra measurements was observed. Decision‐making alterations were not closely associated with IGD severity or self‐reported impulsivity differences at the study level.ConclusionsInternet gaming disorder appears to be consistently associated with reward‐related decision‐making deficits.
Abnormal expression of the costimulatory molecule B7‐H4 in placental chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues of patients with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome
Authors: Duan Liyan , Reisch Beatrix , Iannaccone Antonella , Hadrovic Elina , Wu Yuqing , Vogtmann Rebekka , Winterhager Elke , Kimmig Rainer , Köninger Angela , Mach Pawel , Gellhaus Alexandra 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundB7‐H4, a checkpoint molecule of the B7 family, regulates a broad spectrum such as T‐cell activation, cytokine secretion, tumour progression, and invasion capacities. Our previous data revealed that soluble B7‐H4 (sB7‐H4) blood serum levels are elevated in women at high risk for the hypertensive pregnancy disorder preeclampsia (PE) in the first trimester, as well as in patients with confirmed early/late‐onset PE.AimWe here aim to investigate the expression pattern of B7‐H4 in placental tissues of PE and HELLP Syndrome versus control group.MethodsB7‐H4 protein expression and localization were investigated by immunoblotting and co‐immunohistochemistry in placental chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues.ResultsB7‐H4 protein was prominently expressed at the cell membrane, in the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and interstitial extravillous trophoblast (EVT). B7‐H4 protein levels in placental chorionic villous tissue were significantly higher in women with early‐onset/late‐onset PE and HELLP, while it was decreased in decidual basalis tissues of early‐onset PE and HELLP compared with controls.ConclusionB7‐H4 was inversely expressed in placental chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues of PE and HELLP patients. The increase in B7‐H4 in the STB in PE and HELLP may lead to excessive apical expression and release of soluble B7‐H4 in the maternal circulation. In contrast, the decrease in B7‐H4 in decidual basalis tissues could be related to the decrease in invasion ability of the EVT in PE. Thus, the current results strongly suggest that B7‐H4 is involved in the pathogenesis of PE and HELLP.
No longer recommended for cervical screening: How women aged 18–24 feel about the renewed National Cervical Screening Program
Authors: Jegathees Sharuja , Mac Olivia A. , Dodd Rachael H. 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSince December 2017, the Australian National Cervical Screening Program no longer recommends screening for women under 25 years of age.AimTo explore the attitudes of women under 25 years toward the changes.MethodsIn December 2019, women aged 18–24, residing in Australia, were recruited via the social media platform Instagram and Facebook. Descriptive analysis, t‐tests, χ2 tests and multivariable regressions were used to analyse the data.ResultsFive hundred and twelve women completed a cross‐sectional web‐based survey. Women who were older (22–24: 3.1 vs 18–21: 2.8, P < 0.001), sexually active (3.1 vs 2.7, P = 0.003), vaccinated against human papillomavirus (mean = 3.2 vs 2.7, P = 0.005) or who had screened previously (mean = 3.5 vs 2.8, P < 0.001) had significantly greater knowledge about the current cervical screening practices. Older women (odds ratio (OR) = 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.95) or those who had screened previously (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31–0.83) were less positive about the delayed start age of screening and five‐yearly screening (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.35–0.85). A significant association was determined between being sexually active (χ2(4) = 32.71, P < 0.001) and women who had screened previously (χ2(4) = 34.43, P < 0.001), with a greater intention to screen in the future. Regarding health information, 64.6% of women had never heard of the ‘National Cervical Screening Program’ website and 38.9% of the sample (n = 199/512) reported they had ‘rarely’ noticed any health information regarding cervical screening in the past 12 months.ConclusionFurther work is required to rectify women’s knowledge of cervical screening to ensure women under 25 are aware of the screening guidelines and reduce the potential for over‐testing and overtreatment in this age group.
Dynamic Policy Sabotage
Authors: Gieczewski Germán , Li Christopher 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA common feature of democratic politics is that the opposition may sabotage the implementation of policies put forth by the incumbent party. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the opposition's optimal use of sabotage and of how the prospect of sabotage conditions the incumbent's agenda. We show that, when a proposed policy enjoys moderate public support, the incumbent will attempt to pass it as early as possible, and the opposition will exert increasing effort to sabotage it as the next election approaches. In contrast, the incumbent delays the passage of highly popular policies until near the end of her term, and these are not subject to sabotage. Finally, the threat of sabotage persuades the incumbent to abandon unpopular proposals. In extensions, we show how our results compare under different electoral institutions, and how legislative obstruction can be used as an alternative or complement to sabotage.
Paratesticular lesions: Aetiology and appearances on ultrasound
Authors: Rafailidis Vasileios , Huang Dean Y. , Sidhu Paul S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound (US) is the primary modality for the investigation of scrotal pathology, including both intra‐ and paratesticular abnormalities.ObjectiveTo describe the abnormalities of the paratesticular space.Materials/MethodsThe paratesticular space contains the epididymis, spermatic cord and the tunica vaginalis cavity and is affected by a variety of inflammatory or tumoral entities. Differential diagnosis based on US criteria is frequently problematic, as the findings are non‐specific.ResultsSome general rules apply: (i) unlike testicular lesions, extra‐testicular entities are usually benign in the adult, (ii) the first steps to accurate diagnosis include careful localization of the lesion and assessment of its consistency (solid or cystic) and (iii) magnetic resonance imaging can be useful for further tissue characterization of lesions suspected to contain fat, but surgical biopsy will often provide the definite diagnosis. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been applied with limited experience indicating a narrow role, primarily for the differential diagnosis of echogenic cystic entities and the delineation of a necrotic abscess from a solid neoplasm.DiscussionThe various abnormalities are discussed and illustrated.ConclusionThis manuscript summarizes the literature on paratesticular lesions and the value of US in diagnosis.
Restoration of multiphase salt tectonic deformation using passive strain markers
Authors: Kirkham Chris , Cartwright Joe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSeveral salt basins globally have been subject to multiphase deformation. The geometry of structures formed within a salt sheet during an early phase of deformation can be concealed by overprinting during later deformation phases, impeding an informed investigation into the early drivers for salt flow. The layered Messinian Evaporites in the deep basins of the Eastern Mediterranean have undergone a Late Messinian phase of deformation, punctuated by truncation of the top of the deformation structures, followed by a Late Pliocene‐Recent phase of deformation. Seismic reflection data show that the Messinian Evaporites are internally dominated by contraction structures that verge basinward in the Late Pliocene‐Recent flow direction, with several apparent detachments. Planform linear trails of fluid escape pipes, documented in the North Levant Basin, that cross‐cut the Messinian Evaporites present natural passive markers for the internal flow kinematics of the salt sheet throughout the Late Pliocene‐Recent phase of deformation. Using the Couette (simple shear) strain profile implied by the fluid escape pipes, we remove the effects of the Late Pliocene‐Recent deformation through cross section and map restorations. The subsequent geometries are far simpler, with upright folds that are now vertically aligned. Once apparently detached structures are demonstrably connected through the Messinian Evaporites. The vergence of the present day intrasalt folds can be taken as an indicator for the Late Pliocene‐Recent flow direction and distinct deformation geometries that connect at various levels through the salt sequence once retro‐deformed can assist when interpreting the salt flow profile. The retro‐deformation is essential for how intra‐Messinian deformation and its drivers are interpreted going forward. Furthermore, simple shear deformation results in erroneous apparent percentage shortening calculations as line length is not conserved, obscuring the strain from the pre‐Pliocene deformational phase. The methodology employed here has important implications for all salt basins that have undergone multiphase deformation.
Impact of submacular fluid volume on visual outcome in macula‐off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using automated optical coherence tomography volumetric quantification
Authors: Angermann Reinhard , Mosböck Stefan , Palme Christoph , Ulmer Hanno , Rauchegger Teresa , Nowosielski Yvonne , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Zehetner Claus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated effects of submacular fluid volume (SMFV) on visual outcomes following surgery for macula‐off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using automated fluid volumetric quantification with optical coherence tomography (OCT).MethodsWe analysed 127 eyes that were surgically treated for macula‐off RRDs. We obtained preoperative images following the spectral domain (SD)‐OCT dense volume protocol, applied automated retinal segmentation and used an automated algorithm to quantify each eye's SMFV. We used multivariate models to identify various risk factors for impaired visual outcome.ResultsLinear regression showed that preoperative SMFV (ß = 0.013; P = .005) was significantly associated with a reduced visual outcome 12 months after the treatment of macula‐off RRDs. SMFV was negatively correlated with 12‐month postoperative (r = .311; P = .001) visual acuity (VA). The group with low preoperative SMFV (≤9.0 mm3) showed an increasing VA up to 12 months postoperatively (P < .001), while the VA did not increase in the group with high SMFV (>9.0 mm3) beyond 3 months of follow‐up. Patients with a high SMFV were 8.0 times more likely to have worse visual outcomes after 12 months of follow‐up (P = .018).ConclusionsSMFV was negatively correlated with visual outcomes after the surgical treatment of macula‐off RRDs. Patients with SMFV <9.0 mm3 12 months after surgery had an 8.0 times greater chance for better visual recovery than patients with high preoperative SMFV. Our findings highlight the efficacy of automated SMFV quantification in predicting surgical outcomes in patients with RRDs, which could be useful in future clinical practice and the development of research models.
Rule of law and purpose of the corporation
Authors: Bhagat Sanjai , Hubbard Glenn 
Published: April 2021

AbstractResearch Question/IssueWhat is the purpose of the modern corporation? How is the rule of law related to the purpose of the modern corporation?Research Findings/InsightsWe study the role of rule of law in enabling corporations to enhance economic prosperity and diminish income inequality across the globe.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsFirst, we provide empirical evidence on the role of rule of law in enhancing economic prosperity and diminishing income inequality across the globe. Next, we draw on the law and finance literature and the finance and growth literature to highlight the role of rule of law in enabling corporations to be the major driver of a country's economic growth. Specifically, rule of law is necessary for a citizenry's belief in secure private property rights, which gives the citizenry confidence to invest in physical capital, human capital, and innovation—the three catalysts of economic growth. Also, the rule of law allows for an effective judiciary that can enforce legal contracts. Shareholder reliance on limited liability and debtholder rights originate from the legal contracts among shareholders, debtholders, and other stakeholders. This highlights the importance of rule of law in enabling companies to raise equity and debt financing, leading to financial development. Given this background on the role of the rule of law in the issuance of equity capital to provide financial resources to corporations, we analyze the current debate among policymakers, corporate leaders, institutional investors, and social activists on the purpose of the modern corporation. We conclude that the modern corporation should maximize long‐term shareholder value, while conforming to the law of the land.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsAt the national and international level, policymakers should focus on improving rule of law—this enhances economic prosperity and diminishes income inequality. At the individual country level, we suggest steps to align shareholder wealth maximization with stakeholder interests: first, antitrust public policies should be vigorously enforced to maintain and enhance competition in product markets and labor markets. Second, management and board compensation should be reformed to focus on creating and sustaining long‐term shareholder value. Finally, for many of society's more serious problems, corporations do not represent the appropriate level of action. Climate change, for example, poses significant challenges for societies and businesses. But significant changes to combat climate change require public policy changes in the United States and abroad. Turning more to corporations because the political process seems broken will not do.
The effects of reducing the root length by apicoectomy on dental pulp revascularization following tooth replantation in mice
Authors: Nakakura‐Ohshima Kuniko , Quispe‐Salcedo Angela , Sano Hiroto , Hayasaki Haruaki , Ohshima Hayato 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground/AimRoot length is a critical factor for dental pulp regeneration following tooth replantation. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of reducing the root length by apicoectomy on the pulp healing process using a model for tooth replantation.Material and MethodsAfter extraction of the upper first molars (M1) of 3‐week‐old mice, the roots from the experimental group (EG) were shortened to half to two‐thirds of their length before replantation, whereas in the control group (CG) the extracted teeth were immediately repositioned into their alveolar sockets. To determine the effects of root resection on the survival of inherent pulp cells, this study included tooth transplantation with root resection using wild‐type (WT) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice. The M1 of GFP transgenic mice were transplanted into the alveolar socket of the M1 of WT mice. The roots of the right M1 were shortened (EG), whereas the left M1 remained untreated (CG).ResultsApoptotic cells in the EG significantly decreased in number compared with the CG at day 3. Cell proliferative activity in the EG was significantly higher than that in the CG in the root pulp during days 3–5, and nestin‐positive odontoblast‐like cells began to arrange themselves along the pulp‐dentin border in the cusp area at day 5 in the EG but not in the CG. At week 2, tertiary dentin had formed throughout the pulp in the EG, whereas the combined tissue of dentin and bone occupied the pulp space in 60% of the CG. Root resection also positively affected the survival of inherent pulp cells to differentiate into odontoblast‐like cells as demonstrated by transplantation using GFP transgenic mice.ConclusionsReducing the root length accelerated pulp regeneration following tooth replantation due to the better environment for revascularization.