bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with phosphatidylethanol (PEth) sensitivity for detecting unhealthy alcohol use: An individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Hahn Judith A. , Murnane Pamela M. , Vittinghoff Eric , Muyindike Winnie R. , Emenyonu Nneka I. , Fatch Robin , Chamie Gabriel , Haberer Jessica E. , Francis Joel M. , Kapiga Saidi , Jacobson Karen , Myers Bronwyn , Couture Marie Claude , DiClemente Ralph J. , Brown Jennifer L. , So‐Armah Kaku , Sulkowski Mark , Marcus Gregory M. , Woolf‐King Sarah , Cook Robert L. , Richards Veronica L. , Molina Patricia , Ferguson Tekeda , Welsh David , Piano Mariann R. , Phillips Shane A. , Stewart Scott , Afshar Majid , Page Kimberly , McGinnis Kathleen , Fiellin David A. , Justice Amy C. , Bryant Kendall , Saitz Richard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundObjective measurement of alcohol consumption is important for clinical care and research. Adjusting for self‐reported alcohol use, we conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis to examine factors associated with the sensitivity of phosphatidylethanol (PEth), an alcohol metabolite, among persons self‐reporting unhealthy alcohol consumption.MethodsWe identified 21 eligible studies and obtained 4073 observations from 3085 participants with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption (AUDIT‐C) positive scores (≥3 for women and ≥4 for men) and PEth measurements. We conducted 1‐step IPD meta‐analysis using mixed effects models with random intercepts for study site. We examined the associations between demographic (sex, race/ethnicity, and age) and biologic (body mass index—BMI, hemoglobin, HIV status, liver fibrosis, and venous versus finger‐prick blood collection) variables with PEth sensitivity (PEth≥8 ng/ml), adjusting for the level of self‐reported alcohol use using the AUDIT‐C score.ResultsOne third (31%) of participants were women, 32% were African, 28% African American, 28% White, and 12% other race/ethnicity. PEth sensitivity (i.e., ≥8 ng/ml) was 81.8%. After adjusting for AUDIT‐C, we found no associations of sex, age, race/ethnicity, or method of blood collection with PEth sensitivity. In models that additionally included biologic variables, those with higher hemoglobin and indeterminate and advanced liver fibrosis had significantly higher odds of PEth sensitivity; those with higher BMI and those living with HIV had significantly lower odds of PEth sensitivity. African Americans and Africans had higher odds of PEth sensitivity than whites in models that included biologic variables.ConclusionsAmong people reporting unhealthy alcohol use, several biological factors (hemoglobin, BMI, liver fibrosis, and HIV status) were associated with PEth sensitivity. Race/ethnicity was associated with PEth sensitivity in some models but age, sex, and method of blood collection were not. Clinicians should be aware of these factors, and researchers should consider adjusting analyses for these characteristics where possible.
Resilience of global and local value chains to the Covid‐19 pandemic: Survey evidence from vegetable value chains in Senegal
Authors: Van Hoyweghen Kaat , Fabry Anna , Feyaerts Hendrik , Wade Idrissa , Maertens Miet 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper we descriptively investigate the Covid‐19 pandemic's early impact on the fruit and vegetable supply chain in Senegal, using trade statistics and survey data collected through online questionnaires and telephone interviews with smallholder farmers, agro‐industrial companies, agricultural workers, traders, importers, and consumers. Our results point to major differences in how Covid‐19 and containment measures disrupt supply chains between the modern export‐oriented supply chain that is centered around a few large vertically integrated agro‐industrial companies, and the more traditional domestic‐oriented supply chain with a large number of smallholder farmers and informal traders—with the former being more resilient to the Covid‐19 shock. We show that both the modern and the traditional supply chain innovate to cope with the Covid‐19 containment measures. While our study is subject to some limitations, our findings bring nuance in the debate on the resilience of the food system to the pandemic, and have important policy and research implications toward international trade, social safety measures, and food and nutrition security.
Population structure and relatedness estimates in a Mexican sample
Authors: Colistro V. , Rojas‐Martínez A. , Carracedo A. ,   CHIBCHA Consortium, Tomlinson I. , Carvajal‐Carmona L. , Cruz R. , Sans M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPopulation stratification (PS) is a confounding factor in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) and also an interesting process itself. Latin American populations have mixed genetic ancestry, which may account for PS. We have analyzed the relatedness, by means of the identity‐by‐descent (IBD) estimations, in a sample of 1805 individuals and 1.006.703 autosomal mutations from a case–control study of colorectal cancer in Mexico. When using the recommended protocol for quality control assessment, 402 should have been removed due to relatedness. Our purpose was to analyze this value in the context of an admixed population. For that aim, we reanalyzed the sample using two software designed for admixed populations, obtaining estimates of 110 and 70 related individuals to remove. The results showed that the first estimation of relatedness was an effect of the higher Native American contribution in part of the data samples, being a confounding factor for IBD estimations. We conclude in the importance of considering PS and genetic ancestry in order to avoid spurious results, not only in GWAS but also in relatedness analysis.
The bioethics of loneliness
Authors: Lederman Zohar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article poses an invitation for bioethicists to engage with loneliness as a bioethics and public health concern. I argue that loneliness is a relevant issue for bioethicists for three main reasons: it causes ill‐health; particularly in the age of Covid‐19, it is becoming prominent on the clinical and public health agenda, affecting millions worldwide; and it engenders several ethical and philosophical questions as a social determinant of health with a rich conceptual background. In what follows I first review the link between loneliness and ill‐health and argue that it should concern bioethicists because of this link. I also demonstrate how pertinent the issue of loneliness is being considered nowadays, and mark this as another reason for bioethicists to become engaged. I then move on to define loneliness and its various forms, drawing from modern and contemporary philosophers. The way we choose to cope with the pandemic of loneliness depends in part on its theoretical underpinnings, as well as its empirical scope. Theory thus combines with empirical data in order to devise and implement a rational public health policy, necessitating the kind of interdisciplinary approach that is the bedrock of bioethics. I conclude by suggesting future areas of research and recommendations.
Development of a shared decision-making tool in vitiligo: an international study
Authors: Shourick J. , Ahmed M. , Seneschal J. , Passeron T. , Andreux N. , Qureshi A. , Chow E.Y. , Natella P.A. , Harris J. , Tran V.-T. , Ezzedine K. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryBackgroundShared decision-making tools (SDMt) are visual tools developed to promote joint medical decisions between physicians and patients. There is a paucity of such tools in dermatology.ObjectivesTo develop and validate a SDMt for use in specialized consultation for vitiligo.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2019 to March 2020. We first conducted a qualitative study of topics discussed by patients and clinicians during therapeutic decision-making in the setting of a specialized consultation for vitiligo using an anchored-theory method, which allowed conceptualization of the SDMt. The usefulness of the SDMt was evaluated by a working group of multidisciplinary health workers and patients with vitiligo. Consensus on the final tool was obtained through an e-Delphi method.ResultsWe recruited 30 patients with vitiligo for the qualitative study, which identified 91 topics related to therapeutic decision-making. Hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed the distribution of these topics in two subgroups (general treatment goals and priorities, and topics specific to each treatment). The consensus of a multidisciplinary group was used to develop the SDMt. The tool was comprised of eight A5 cards, which addressed face repigmentation; body repigmentation (limited area); body repigmentation (extended area); partial or complete depigmentation; coping with the disease; stabilization of disease; maintaining repigmentation; and disease information. Cognitive interviews confirmed the satisfaction, readability and usefulness of the SDMt. The SDMt was then translated and culturally validated in English.ConclusionsWe developed a tool for shared decision-making in nonsegmental vitiligo, which we translated and cross-culturally validated in a US patient population with vitiligo to ensure its generalizability.
Robot‐assisted Boari flap and psoas hitch ureteric reimplantation: technique insight and outcomes of a case series with ≥1 year of follow‐up
Authors: Dell’Oglio Paolo , Palagonia Erika , Wisz Pawel , Andras Iulia , De Groote Ruben , Poelaert Filip , Beato Sergi , Goossens Marijn , Schatteman Peter , D’Hondt Frederiek , De Naeyer Geert , Mazzone Elio , Mottrie Alexandre ,   the ERUS Educational Working Group, the YAU Working Group on Robot‐Assisted Surgery
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveTo describe step‐by‐step surgical techniques and report outcomes of the largest single‐centre series of patients with distal ureteric disease exclusively treated with robot‐assisted ureteric reimplantation with Boari flap (RABFUR) and psoas hitch (RAPHUR), with a minimum follow‐up of 1 year and complete postoperative data.Patients and MethodsA total of 37 patients with distal ureteric disease were treated between 2010 and 2018. Of these, 81% and 19% underwent RAPHUR and RABFUR, respectively. Intra‐, peri‐ and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The 90‐day postoperative complications were reported according to the standardised methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology Ad Hoc Panel. Functional outcomes (creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) and postoperative symptoms (visual analogue pain scale) were assessed.ResultsThe median operating time and blood loss were 180 min and 100 mL, respectively. There were no conversions to open surgery and no intraoperative transfusions. The median length of stay, bladder catheter indwelling time and stent removal were 4, 7 and 30 days, respectively. The median follow‐up was 24 months. Overall, 10 patients (27%) had postoperative complications and of these, eight (22%) and two (5.4%) were Clavien–Dindo Grade I–II and III, respectively. At the last follow‐up, the median postoperative creatinine level and eGFR were 0.9 mg/dL and 73.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. At the last follow‐up, five (13.5%) and three (8%) patients had Grade 1 hydronephrosis and mild urinary symptoms, respectively. The study limitations include its retrospective nature.ConclusionIn the present study, we present our RABFUR and RAPHUR techniques. We confirm the feasibility and safety profile of both approaches in patients with distal ureteric disease relying on the largest single‐centre series with ≥1 year of follow‐up.
Measuring mania‐like elevated mood through amphetamine‐induced 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats
Authors: Wöhr Markus 
Published: April 2021

Rats emit 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in appetitive situations, reflecting a positive affective state. Particularly high rates of 50‐kHz USV are elicited by the psychostimulant d‐amphetamine. Exaggerated 50‐kHz USV emission evoked by d‐amphetamine is modulated by dopamine, noradrenaline and 5‐hydroxytyrptamine receptor ligands and inhibited by the mood stabilizer lithium, the gold standard anti‐manic drug for treating bipolar disorder. This indicates that exaggerated 50‐kHz USV emission can serve as a reliable and valid measure for assessing mania‐like elevated mood in rats with sufficient translational power for gaining a better understanding of relevant pathophysiological mechanisms and the identification of new therapeutic targets. The improved capacity to study the effects of anti‐manic pharmacological interventions on a broader range of behaviours by including exaggerated 50‐kHz USV emission as preclinical outcome measure complementary to locomotor hyperactivity will refine rodent models for mania.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on New discoveries and perspectives in mental and pain disorders. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.17/issuetoc
Humoral immune responses to AAV gene therapy in the ocular compartment
Authors: Whitehead Michael , Osborne Andrew , Yu‐Wai‐Man Patrick , Martin Keith 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTViral vectors can be utilised to deliver therapeutic genes to diseased cells. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) is a commonly used viral vector that is favoured for its ability to infect a wide range of tissues whilst displaying limited toxicity and immunogenicity. Most humans harbour anti‐AAV neutralising antibodies (NAbs) due to subclinical infections by wild‐type virus during infancy and these pre‐existing NAbs can limit the efficiency of gene transfer depending on the target cell type, route of administration and choice of serotype. Vector administration can also result in de novo NAb synthesis that could limit the opportunity for repeated gene transfer to diseased sites. A number of strategies have been described in preclinical models that could circumvent NAb responses in humans, however, the successful translation of these innovations into the clinical arena has been limited. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the humoral immune response to AAV gene therapy in the ocular compartment. We cover basic AAV biology and clinical application, the role of pre‐existing and induced NAbs, and possible approaches to overcoming antibody responses. We conclude with a framework for a comprehensive strategy for circumventing humoral immune responses to AAV in the future.
Opting out and topping up reconsidered: Informal care under uncertain altruism
Authors: Canta Chiara , Cremer Helmuth 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe study the design of public long‐term care (LTC) insurance when the altruism of informal caregivers is uncertain. We consider non‐linear policies where the LTC transfer depends on the level of informal care, which is assumed to be observable, while children's altruism is not. Our policy encompasses two policies traditionally considered in the literature: topping up policies consisting of a transfer independent of informal care, and opting out policies entailing a positive transfer only if children fail to provide care. We show that both total and informal care should increase with the children's level of altruism. This is obtained under full and asymmetric information. Public LTC transfers, on the other hand, may be non‐monotonic. Under asymmetric information, public LTC transfers are lower than their full information level for the parents whose children are the least altruistic, while it is distorted upward for the highest level of altruism. This is explained by the need to provide incentives to highly altruistic children. In contrast to both topping up and opting out policies, the implementing contract is always such that social care increases with informal care.
How does land titling affect credit demand, supply, access, and rationing: Evidence from China
Authors: Cheng Wenli , Zhou Nan , Zhang Longyao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBased on official survey data from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs collected in 2010 and 2015, we use the difference‐in‐differences method to study how the Chinese land titling reform beginning in 2009 in tiers (“the Reform”) affected the demand, supply, access, and rationing on the Chinese rural credit market. Our main findings are: (1) the Reform increased households’ hidden credit demand, but not their effective credit demand; (2) the Reform had no significant effect on effective credit supply or a household's credit access; (3) the Reform increased the likelihood of non‐price credit rationing, in particular risk rationing; and (4) in the subsample of households living in counties where the local governments explicitly permitted the use of land as collateral, the Reform had a positive effect on credit supply; but in the subsample of households living in counties where land collateral was not explicitly permitted, the Reform was associated with an increase in non‐price rationing. Findings of this study are not only useful to assess the economic and social implications of rural land titling in China, but they also offer insights in understanding similar policies in other countries, particularly developing economies.
Oral intake of Lactobacillus plantarum L‐14 extract alleviates TLR2‐ and AMPK‐mediated obesity‐associated disorders in high‐fat‐diet‐induced obese C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Lee Jaehoon , Park Sangkyu , Oh Naeun , Park Jaehyun , Kwon Mijin , Seo Jeongmin , Roh Sangho 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesWhether periodic oral intake of postbiotics positively affects weight regulation and prevents obesity‐associated diseases in vivo is unclear. This study evaluated the action mechanism of Lactobacillus plantarum L‐14 (KTCT13497BP) extract and the effects of its periodic oral intake in a high‐fat‐diet (HFD) mouse model.Materials and methodsMouse pre‐adipocyte 3T3‐L1 cells and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSC) were treated with L‐14 extract every 2 days during adipogenic differentiation, and the mechanism underlying anti‐adipogenic effects was analysed at cellular and molecular levels. L‐14 extract was orally administrated to HFD‐feeding C57BL/6J mice every 2 days for 7 weeks. White adipose tissue was collected and weighed, and liver and blood serum were analysed. The anti‐adipogenic mechanism of exopolysaccharide (EPS) isolated from L‐14 extract was also analysed using Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) inhibitor C29.ResultsL‐14 extract inhibited 3T3‐L1 and hBM‐MSC differentiation into mature adipocytes by upregulating AMPK signalling pathway in the early stage of adipogenic differentiation. The weight of the HFD + L‐14 group (31.51 ± 1.96 g) was significantly different from that of the HFD group (35.14 ± 3.18 g). L‐14 extract also significantly decreased the serum triacylglycerol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (an insulin resistance marker) and steatohepatitis. In addition, EPS activated the AMPK signalling pathway by interacting with TLR2, consequently inhibiting adipogenesis.ConclusionsEPS from L‐14 extract inhibits adipogenesis via TLR2 and AMPK signalling pathways, and oral intake of L‐14 extract improves obesity and obesity‐associated diseases in vivo. Therefore, EPS can be used to prevent and treat obesity and metabolic disorders.
Why did the butler do it?
Authors: White Justin F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDrawing on contemporary agency theory and the phenomenological–existential tradition, this paper uses Mr. Stevens, the narrator‐butler of Kazuo Ishiguro'sThe Remains of the Day, to examine the interplay and potential tensions between different aspects (and thus different standards) of human agency. Highlighting the problem of mission creep described by John Martin Fischer, in which a notion expands beyond the original purpose, I use Stevens's thoughts on dignity to outline three different ways actions can (or can fail to) trace back to agents—autonomy as self‐control, authenticity as sincerity, and authenticity as ownership. I then propose that the way Stevens embraces and acts consistently within his subservient professional role (autonomy as self‐control) weakens his ability to take responsibility for his life in the sense required by authenticity as ownership. Because the self‐responsibility of authenticity requires normative flexibility (the ability to revise and reshape one's commitments and values), when normatively inflexible agents act in self‐controlled ways according to their roles or welfare standards, they may limit their ability to take responsibility for their lives. In addition to illuminating debates about whether robust human agency is compatible with subservience, the normative flexibility involved in authenticity has implications for human agency more broadly.
Clinical and radiological activity of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Mathey Guillaume , Ancel Thomas , Garot Teresa , Soudant Marc , Pittion‐Vouyovitch Sophie , Guillemin Francis , Debouverie Marc , Epstein Jonathan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and purposePatients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SP MS) and clinical and/or radiological activity could be the more likely to benefit from disease‐modifying treatments. To evaluate the proportions each year after progression onset, patients with SP MS onset between 2002 and 2012 from a population‐based multiple sclerosis registry in northeastern France were studied.MethodsProgression onset was first identified by the neurologist's diagnosis (N cohort), and then by using an automated data‐driven definition (D cohort). In a given year after onset of progression, clinical activity was defined as at least one relapse, and radiological activity as at least one new T2 and/or gadolinium‐enhancing lesion. A multivariate mixed logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with activity during the year.ResultsIn the N cohort, amongst 833 patients with SP MS with a median follow‐up of 8 years, 10.0%–14.8% had at least one relapse in a year during the first 5 years of progression. Including both clinical and radiological activity increased these proportions to 11.9%–23.7%, with the proportion having a magnetic resonance imaging scan in the year ranging from 29.8% to 40.5%. The first year of progression, a young age and a high relapse rate during the 5 years before progression were associated with activity in a given year. The D cohort results confirmed these findings.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of patients with SP MS present disease activity. Further studies should evaluate the impact of disease‐modifying treatments on the disease course of these patients.
The impact of IPSAS adoption on corruption in developing countries
Authors: Tawiah Vincent 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates whether the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is a potential enabler or constrainer of corruption in developing countries. We employ the System Generalised Method of Moments on a sample of 77 developing countries between 2005 and 2017. We find that IPSAS is negatively and significantly associated with corruption, suggesting that the adoption of IPSAS helps in controlling corruption in developing countries. The results still hold after accounting for IPSAS experience and the adoption of other international accounting standards. However, in further analyses, we find that negative impact of IPSAS on corruption is more pronounced for countries that have fully adopted the accrual‐based IPSAS. This study, therefore, provides evidence to policymakers on why developing countries should adopt IPSAS, especially in the fight against corruption.