bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of In‐Hospital Death on Spending for Bereaved Spouses
Authors: Ornstein Katherine A. , Garrido Melissa M. , Siu Albert L. , Bollens‐Lund Evan , Langa Kenneth M. , Kelley Amy S. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo examine how patients’ location of death relates to health care utilization and spending for surviving spouses.Data Sources/Study SettingHealth and Retirement Study (HRS) 2000–2012 linked to the Dartmouth Atlas and Medicare claims data.Study DesignThis was an observational study. We matched bereaved spouses whose spouses died in a hospital to those whose spouses died outside the hospital using propensity scores based on decedent and spouse demographic and clinical characteristics, care preferences, and regional practice patterns.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe identified 1,348 HRS decedents with surviving spouses. We linked HRS data from each dyad with Medicare claims and regional characteristics.Principal FindingsIn multivariable models, bereaved spouses of decedents who died in the hospital had $3,106 higher Medicare spending 12 months postdeath (p = .04) compared to those whose spouses died outside a hospital. Those surviving spouses were also significantly more likely to have an ED visit (OR = 1.5; p < .01) and hospital admission (OR = 1.4; p = .02) in the year after their spouse's in‐hospital death. Increased Medicare spending for surviving spouses persisted through the 24‐month period postdeath ($5,310; p = .02).ConclusionsBereaved spouses of decedents who died in the hospital had significantly greater Medicare spending and health care utilization themselves after their spouses’ death.
Random peptide mixtures as new crop protection agents
Authors: Topman Shiri , Tamir‐Ariel Dafna , Bochnic‐Tamir Heli , Stern Bauer Tal , Shafir Sharoni , Burdman Saul , Hayouka Zvi 
Published: February 2018

SummaryMany types of crops are severely affected by at least one important bacterial disease. Chemical control of bacterial plant diseases in the field vastly relies on copper‐based bactericides, yet with limited efficacy. In this study, we explored the potential of two random peptide mixture (RPM) models as novel crop protection agents. These unique peptide mixtures consist of random combination of l‐phenylalanine and l‐ or d‐lysine (FK‐20 and FdK‐20, respectively) along the 20 mer chain length of the peptides. Both RPMs displayed powerful bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities towards strains belonging to several plant pathogenic bacterial genera, for example, Xanthomonas, Clavibacter and Pseudomonas. In planta studies in the glasshouse revealed that RPMs significantly reduced disease severity of tomato and kohlrabi plants infected with Xanthomonas perforans and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris respectively. Moreover, RPM effects on reduction in disease severity were similar to those exerted by the commercial copper‐based bactericide Kocide 2000 that was applied at a 12‐fold higher concentration of the active compound relative to the RPM treatments. Importantly, the two tested RPM compounds had no toxic effect on survival of bees and Caco‐2 mammalian cells. This study demonstrates the potential of these innovative RPMs to serve as crop protection agents against crop diseases caused by phytopathogenic bacteria.
Microbial community networks associated with variations in community respiration rates during upwelling in nearshore Monterey Bay, California
Authors: Wilson Jesse M. , Litvin Steven Y. , Beman J. Michael 
Published: February 2018

SummaryRespiration of organic material is a central process in the global carbon (C) cycle catalysed by diverse microbial communities. In the coastal ocean, upwelling can drive variation in both community respiration (CR) and the microbial community, but linkages between the two are not well‐understood. We measured CR rates and analysed microbial dynamics via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, to assess whether CR correlated with upwelling irrespective of changes in the microbial community, or if the particular microbial community present was a factor in explaining variations in CR. CR varied significantly over time as a function of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and chlorophyll—all of which are altered by upwelling—but also varied with a ‘subnetwork’ (i.e., a group of microbial taxa that covaried with one another) of the whole community. One subnetwork was associated with higher CR and warmer temperatures, while another was associated with lower CR and DO. Our results suggest that CR in the coastal ocean varies with both environmental variables, and a portion of the microbial community that is not directly correlated with upwelling intensity.
Does Government Expenditure Matter for Economic Growth?
Authors: Laboure Marion , Taugourdeau Emmanuelle 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper aims to determine how the composition of public expenditure affects countries’ economic growth depending on their level of development. We show that there is a strong association between a country's level of development and the amount of public spending. Productive spending dominates in poorer countries while richer countries have a higher proportion of unproductive spending. Furthermore, productive spending has a greater effect on growth in poorer countries. We illustrate our findings using dynamic panel GMM estimators with data from 147 countries (31 low, 69 medium and 47 high‐income countries) covering the period 1970–2008. We also find that education expenditures are the more productive public spending.
Resilience to aging in the regeneration‐capable flatworm Macrostomum lignano
Authors: Mouton Stijn , Grudniewska Magda , Glazenburg Lisa , Guryev Victor , Berezikov Eugene 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAnimals show a large variability of lifespan, ranging from short‐lived as Caenorhabditis elegans to immortal as Hydra. A fascinating case is flatworms, in which reversal of aging by regeneration is proposed, yet conclusive evidence for this rejuvenation‐by‐regeneration hypothesis is lacking. We tested this hypothesis by inducing regeneration in the sexual free‐living flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We studied survival, fertility, morphology, and gene expression as a function of age. Here, we report that after regeneration, genes expressed in the germline are upregulated at all ages, but no signs of rejuvenation are observed. Instead, the animal appears to be substantially longer lived than previously appreciated, and genes expressed in stem cells are upregulated with age, while germline genes are downregulated. Remarkably, several genes with known beneficial effects on lifespan when overexpressed in mice and C. elegans are naturally upregulated with age in M. lignano, suggesting that molecular mechanism for offsetting negative consequences of aging has evolved in this animal. We therefore propose that M. lignano represents a novel powerful model for molecular studies of aging attenuation, and the identified aging gene expression patterns provide a valuable resource for further exploration of anti‐aging strategies.
Local delivery of tetramethylpyrazine eliminates the senescent phenotype of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells and creates an anti‐inflammatory and angiogenic environment in aging mice
Authors: Gao Bo , Lin Xisheng , Jing Huan , Fan Jing , Ji Chenchen , Jie Qiang , Zheng Chao , Wang Di , Xu Xiaolong , Hu Yaqian , Lu Weiguang , Luo Zhuojing , Yang Liu 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAging drives the accumulation of senescent cells (SnCs) including stem/progenitor cells in bone marrow, which contributes to aging‐related bone degenerative pathologies. Local elimination of SnCs has been shown as potential treatment for degenerative diseases. As LepR+ mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) in bone marrow are the major population for forming bone/cartilage and maintaining HSCs niche, whether local elimination of senescent LepR+ MSPCs delays aging‐related pathologies and improves local microenvironment need to be well defined. In this study, we performed local delivery of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in bone marrow of aging mice, which previously showed to be used for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP). We found the increased accumulation of senescent LepR+ MSPCs in bone marrow of aging mice, and TMP significantly inhibited the cell senescent phenotype via modulating Ezh2‐H3k27me3. Most importantly, local delivery of TMP improved bone marrow microenvironment and maintained bone homeostasis in aging mice by increasing metabolic and anti‐inflammatory responses, inducing H‐type vessel formation, and maintaining HSCs niche. These findings provide evidence on the mechanisms, characteristics and functions of local elimination of SnCs in bone marrow, as well as the use of TMP as a potential treatment to ameliorate human age‐related skeletal diseases and to promote healthy lifespan.
Neighbors follow early adopters under stress: panel data analysis of submergence‐tolerant rice in northern Bangladesh
Authors: Yamano Takashi , Malabayabas Maria Luz , Habib Md. Ashraful , Das Subrata Kumar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe benefits of a stress‐tolerant crop become visible under the stresses that the crop is tolerant against. We investigate the adoption of submergence‐tolerant rice in northern Bangladesh by using panel data of 461 households, interviewed in 2013 and 2015. The sample households were randomly selected in 31 villages where submergence‐tolerant rice seeds were given to a small number of farmers in each village. The results from the household fixed‐effects model indicate that submergence in the previous year increased the adoption of submergence‐tolerant rice. The adoption impact was larger among farmers who were neighbors of early seed recipients. Our results suggest that being neighbors of early seed recipients may have helped the neighboring farmers observe the benefits of the submergence‐tolerant rice under submergence. The results indicate the importance of the information flow from early recipients to neighboring farmers.
Suicidal ideation in military veterans with alcohol dependence and PTSD: The role of hostility
Authors: Kachadourian Lorig K. , Gandelman Erin , Ralevski Elizabeth , Petrakis Ismene L. 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesSuicide is a significant public health problem among US military Veterans with rates exceeding civilian samples. Alcohol dependence (AD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both associated with increases in suicidality. Given that risk of suicide is higher among those with both disorders, the study of relevant risk factors among those in this group is important. The current investigation focused on one such factor, hostility, and examined both overt hostility (ie, hostility that is more behavioral in nature and directed outwardly) and covert hostility (ie, hostility that is cognitive in nature and introspective) and their relationships to suicidal ideation.MethodsNinety‐three Veterans participating in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled treatment study evaluating the efficacy of the alpha‐adrenergic agonist prazosin completed measures assessing overt hostility, covert hostility, and suicidal ideation at baseline. Depression symptoms and PTSD symptom severity also were assessed.ResultsOf the total sample, 60 participants (63.8%) indicated that they experienced suicidal ideation at some point in their lives. Covert hostility, in addition to PTSD symptom severity were found to be associated with the presence of lifetime suicidal ideation. Furthermore, depression symptoms were found to be associated with greater intensity of that ideation.Conclusion and Scientific SignificanceFindings highlight the importance of covert hostility as it relates to suicidal ideation among those with comorbid PTSD and AD and provides information which may help inform treatment approaches for high‐risk military Veterans. (Am J Addict 2018;27:124–130)
Ecological momentary assessment of smoking behaviors in native and converted intermittent smokers
Authors: Stennett Andrea , Krebs Nicolle M. , Liao Jason , Richie John P. , Muscat Joshua E. 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesAbout 22% of adult smokers in the U.S. are intermittent cigarette smokers (ITS). ITS can be further classified as native ITS who never smoked daily and converted ITS who formerly smoked daily but reduced to intermittent smoking. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was conducted to determine the behaviors and experiences that are associated with the decision to smoke.MethodsThe study included 24 native ITS and 36 converted ITS (N = 60) from the Pennsylvania Adult Smoking Study. A baseline questionnaire, daily log, and an EMA smoking log that assessed emotions, activities, and smoking urges was filled out with each cigarette for 1 week to capture 574 smoking sessions.ResultsBoth groups had very low levels of cigarette dependence. Both groups were more tempted to smoke in positive or negative situations than situations associated with habituation. EMA showed that the most common emotional state during smoking sessions was positive (47%), followed by negative (32%), neutral (16%), and mixed (5%) emotions. Smokers were more likely to smoke during activities of leisure (48%) than during performative duties (29%), social (16%) or interactive occasions (7%). Converted ITS were more likely to smoke alone compared to native ITS (p < .001).Discussion and ConclusionsITS report minimal levels of dependence when captured on traditional scales of nicotine dependence, yet experience loss of autonomy and difficulty quitting. The majority of the ITS reported positive emotions and leisure activities while smoking, and smoked during the evening.Scientific SignificanceThe current paper identifies environmental and behavioral factors that are associated with smoking among ITS in real time. (Am J Addict 2018;27:131–138)
Bizarre and scary ECG in yew leaves poisoning: Report of successful treatment
Authors: Cerrato Natascia , Calzolari Gilberto , Tizzani Pietro , Actis Perinetto Emma , Dellavalle Antonio , Aluffi Enzo 
Published: February 2018

Yew leaves poisoning is a rare life‐threatening intoxication, whose diagnosis can be difficult. Initial symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, tachycardia, muscle weakness, confusion, beginning within 1 hr from ingestion and followed by bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, severe hypotension, and death. Taxine‐derived alkaloids are responsible for the toxicity of the yew leaves, blocking sodium and calcium channels, and causing conduction abnormalities. Because of lack of a specific antidote and limited efficacy of common antiarrhythmic drugs, prompt diagnosis, detoxification measures, and immediate hemodynamic support (also with transvenous cardiac stimulation) are essential.
Evaluation of the effect of rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of the Smoothened inhibitor glasdegib in healthy volunteers
Authors: Shaik M. Naveed , Hee Brian , Wei Hua , LaBadie Robert R. 
Published: February 2018

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of a strong CYP3A inducer, rifampin, on glasdegib pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.MethodsIn an open‐label, fixed‐sequence, two‐period Phase 1 study, subjects received a single 100‐mg oral dose of glasdegib alone or following once‐daily pre‐treatment with 600 mg rifampin. Glasdegib pharmacokinetics were calculated using a noncompartmental analysis.ResultsTwelve healthy male volunteers (3 whites, 5 blacks and 4 others) were enrolled in the study. Mean age, weight, height and body mass index was 37.8 years, 83.0 kg, 177.3 cm and 26.5 kg (m2) –1, respectively. When dosed alone, glasdegib geometric mean (% coefficient of variation) area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf) was 8145 ng × h ml−1 (23%) and maximum observed concentration (Cmax) was 703.2 ng ml−1 (19%). With rifampin, glasdegib AUCinf and Cmax decreased, with an adjusted geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) 29.66% (26.17–33.62) for AUCinf and 64.71% (57.21–73.19) for Cmax. Mean terminal half‐life decreased from 13.39 to 5.11 hours, geometric mean apparent oral clearance increased from 12.27 to 41.38 l h−1, whereas median time to Cmax remained similar (1.50 vs. 1.25 hours) in the presence of rifampin. All adverse events (n = 29) were mild in severity and resolved by the end of the study.ConclusionsCo‐administration of rifampin expectedly decreased glasdegib AUCinf and Cmax by ~70% and ~35%, respectively. These results will help to formulate recommendations for dosing strategies in combination with CYP3A inducers in situations where co‐administration may be necessary. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02430545).
Framing a ‘social problem': Emotion in anti‐abortion activists' depiction of the abortion debate
Authors: Ntontis Evangelos , Hopkins Nick 
Published: February 2018

Social psychological research on activism typically focuses on individuals' social identifications. We complement such research through exploring how activists frame an issue as a social problem. Specifically, we explore anti‐abortion activists' representation of abortion and the abortion debate's protagonists so as to recruit support for the anti‐abortion cause. Using interview data obtained with UK‐based anti‐abortion activists (N = 15), we consider how activists characterized women having abortions, pro‐abortion campaigners, and anti‐abortion campaigners. In particular, we consider the varied ways in which emotion featured in the representation of these social actors. Emotion featured in different ways. Sometimes, it was depicted as constituting embodied testament to the nature of reality. Sometimes, it was depicted as blocking the rational appraisal of reality. Our analysis considers how such varied meanings of emotion shaped the characterization of abortion and the abortion debate's protagonists such that anti‐abortion activists were construed as speaking for women and their interests. We discuss how our analysis of the framing of issues as social problems complements and extends social psychological analyses of activism.
Investigating the mechanism underlying urinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy: effectiveness of a longer urethral stump to prevent urinary incontinence
Authors: Kadono Yoshifumi , Nohara Takahiro , Kawaguchi Shohei , Naito Renato , Urata Satoko , Nakashima Kazufumi , Iijima Masashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Gabata Toshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the chronological changes in urinary incontinence and urethral function before and after radical prostatectomy (RP), and to compare the findings of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after RP to evaluate the anatomical changes.Patients and MethodsIn total, 185 patients were evaluated with regard to the position of the distal end of the membranous urethra (DMU) on a mid‐sagittal MRI slice and urethral sphincter function using the urethral pressure profilometry. The patients also underwent an abdominal leak point pressure test before RP and at 10 days and 12 months after RP. The results were then compared with the chronological changes in urinary incontinence.ResultsThe MRI results showed that the DMU shifted proximally to an average distance of 4 mm at 10 days after RP and returned to the preoperative position at 12 months after RP. Urethral sphincter function also worsened 10 days after RP, with recovery after 12 months. The residual length of the urethral stump and urinary incontinence were significantly associated with the migration length of the DMU at 10 days after RP. The residual length of the urethral stump was a significant predictor of urinary incontinence after RP.ConclusionThis is the first study to elucidate that the slight vertical repositioning of the membranous urethra after RP causes chronological changes in urinary incontinence. A long urethral residual stump reduces urinary incontinence after RP.
Review: Physical exercise in Tourette syndrome – a systematic review
Authors: Reilly Colin , Grant Michael , Bennett Sophie , Murphy Tara , Heyman Isobel 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundTourette syndrome (TS) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder which, in addition to the core symptoms of motor and vocal tics, includes a high association with co‐existing mental health disorders. Physical exercise is increasingly being recommended as part of management for children and young people with mental health problems. However, there is a lack of guidance regarding the role of physical exercise in the management of TS in children.MethodsEMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, Google scholar and Cochrane register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched. Studies investigating interventions aimed at reducing core symptoms of TS and comorbidities and exploring the relationship between physical exercise and tic severity were included.ResultsSeven studies were identified. Five focused on physical exercise interventions and two were observational studies investigating the relationship between tic severity and physical activity. There was some evidence indicating that physical exercise reduces tic severity in the short term and some evidence regarding the benefit of physical exercise on associated co‐occurring symptoms, such as anxiety. However, none of the intervention studies involved randomisation and interventions varied in terms of content and duration.ConclusionsThere was some evidence of a short‐term improvement in tic expression as a result of physical exercise interventions, but there is a lack of methodologically robust studies. Thus, conclusions about the impact of exercise on TS symptoms or comorbidities cannot be drawn at this stage. There is a clear need for well‐designed methodologically robust studies, including prospective observational studies and randomised controlled designs.
Child protection practitioners: Including children in decision making
Authors: Woodman Elise , Roche Steven , McArthur Morag , Moore Tim 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article presents findings from a study with 467 child protection practitioners in Australia to determine their practice responses and views on children's participation. The practitioners, recruited from 5 state jurisdictions, completed an online survey responding to case studies designed to determine the extent to which they would seek and include children's perspectives in decision making, and their confidence in talking to children. We report on practitioners' responses to a case study of a 5‐year‐old girl with suspicious bruising where the mother reports domestic violence. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that the child's young age would lead to low levels of confidence in consulting with the child and giving weight to her perspective. In contrast to the findings of other research, our results show that almost all workers report that they would speak with the child, would be confident doing so, and would give weight to the child's perspective. Our discussion explores the potential reasons for the difference in these findings compared with other research, including the experience of practitioners, increased child‐centred policy in Australia, multiple understandings of participation, and variation in children and practitioner views of participation.