bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Four‐year follow‐up of an internet‐based brief intervention for unhealthy alcohol use in young men
Authors: Bertholet Nicolas , Studer Joseph , Cunningham John A. , Gmel Gerhard , Burnand Bernard , Daeppen Jean‐Bernard 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo estimate the long‐term efficacy of an internet‐based brief intervention (IBI) in decreasing alcohol use among men on (1) number of drinks/week and (2) monthly or more binge drinking prevalence. In addition, overall changes in alcohol use were assessed.DesignParticipants in a cohort study were recruited in a two parallel‐group randomized controlled trial of an IBI versus no‐intervention control condition, showing a positive intervention effect at 6 months. As part of the regular cohort assessments, participants were re‐assessed 47 months after the initial trial, offering an opportunity to determine long‐term efficacy.SettingYoung Swiss men from the general population.ParticipantsOf 737 randomized trial participants with unhealthy alcohol use (> 14 drinks/week or ≥ 6 drinks/occasion at least monthly, or Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) ≥ 8), 626 completed a cohort assessment at mean ± standard deviation (SD) = 47.4 ± 2.6) months after their randomized trial baseline assessment.InterventionIBI included normative and personalized feedback on alcohol use, risk indicators, information about alcohol and health and recommendations; controls: assessment only.MeasurementsSelf‐reported number of drinks/week and monthly or more binge drinking prevalence.FindingsComparisons at follow‐up were adjusted for baseline drinking. Missing values were replaced with the last observation carried forward. There was no evidence of differences between the IBI and control group on either the number of drinks/week [IBI: 10.8 (14.2); control: 10.7 (14.1), P = 0.8] or monthly or more binge drinking prevalence (IBI: 65.1%; control: 63.5%, P = 0.5). Although there was no evidence of overall change from baseline in number of drinks/week [9.8 (7.9) at baseline, 10.8 (14.1) at 47 months, P = 0.051], there was evidence that monthly or more binge drinking prevalence had decreased during the follow‐up time (84.9% at baseline, 64.3% at 47 months, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAn internet‐based brief intervention directed at unhealthy alcohol use among young men does not appear to reduce drinking over the long‐term.
The relationship between methamphetamine use and heterosexual behaviour: evidence from a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: McKetin Rebecca , Lubman Dan I. , Baker Amanda , Dawe Sharon , Ross Joanne , Mattick Richard P. , Degenhardt Louisa 
Published: February 2018

AimsTo estimate the extent to which specific sexual behaviours (being sexually active, having multiple sex partners, casual sex, condomless casual sex, anal sex and condomless anal sex) change during periods of methamphetamine use.DesignWithin‐person estimates for the relationship between methamphetamine use and sexual behaviour were derived from longitudinal panel data from the Methamphetamine Treatment Evaluation Study (MATES) cohort (2006–10).SettingSydney and Brisbane, Australia.ParticipantsParticipants (n = 319) were recruited through treatment and other health services, self‐identified as heterosexual, were aged 17–51 years, 74% were male and all were dependent on methamphetamine on study entry.MeasurementsDays of methamphetamine use in the past month and sexual behaviour in the past month were both assessed using the Opiate Treatment Index.FindingsWhen using methamphetamine, participants had double the odds of being sexually active compared with when they were not using, after adjustment for demographics and other substance use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.9, P = 0.010]. When participants were sexually active, they were more likely to have multiple sex partners (aOR = 3.3, P = 0.001), casual sex partners (aOR = 3.9, P < 0.001) and condomless casual sex (aOR = 2.6, P = 0.012) when using methamphetamine than when they were not using. During months when participants had a casual sex partner, there was no significant reduction in their likelihood of condom use when they were using methamphetamine. There was no significant change in the likelihood of having anal sex or condomless anal sex during months of methamphetamine use.ConclusionsMethamphetamine use is associated with an increase in being sexually active, having multiple sex partners and casual sex partners and having condomless sex with casual partners, but it is not associated with a change in condom use per se.
Range size and drivers of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) space use on Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Authors: Orrick Katherine D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMathematical models can identify different drivers and/or habitat preferences depending on the size and area of the analysis. Important criteria for survival, such as water access, may be seen at various spatial ranges while features such as human disturbance may only impact wildlife at a coarse scale. This study analyses the impact of roads surrounding Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa, on a herd of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) over 6 years at three separate spatial ranges—coarse (the entire available area), home (95% isopleth) and core (50% isopleth). The purpose was to determine which anthropogenic (eastern and western public roads) and natural features (rivers, dams and vegetation) elephants avoided and preferred within each range. Coarse‐scale analysis indicates a clear avoidance by elephants for all public roads. Home and core range analyses showed a seasonal avoidance of roads by the breeding herd but not by bulls. Results indicate the importance in interpreting data at various ranges to improve identifying wildlife movement drivers.
Disappearance rate of chimpanzee scats: Implications for census work on Pan troglodytes
Authors: Phillips Caroline A. , Woolley Christopher , Mann Darren , McGrew William C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractScat (faeces) decay rate estimates are used to calculate animal species abundance and density. For African great apes, this has been measured only for Gorilla; chimpanzee scats are assumed to decay at a faster rate due to lower fibre content. We provide the first systematic measure of scat decay rate duration for Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, in Kanyawara, Kibale National Park, Uganda. We used two methods: (1) multiple visits to obtain prospective decay rates (PDR) (N = 96 scats) and (2) a novel approach of time‐lapse photography (TLP) (N = 17 scats). Most of the visited scats (67%) decayed in ≤24 hr, and median decay rate duration from photographic documentation was 18 hr. Using regression analyses, we tested 11 covariables to determine predictors for decay rate duration. Greater volume of scat and reduced levels of diurnal dung beetle activity were positively associated with longer decay rate duration. Given a high prevalence of dung beetle activity (88% of scats), particularly within 3 hr post‐defaecation, we suggest the use of the alternative term, disappearance rate of scats. With a rapid disappearance rate, scat count surveys of unhabituated chimpanzees are challenging; further work is then needed for Pan spp. to determine spatial and temporal differences at intra‐ and inter‐species level.
Effects of early antiplatelet therapy after splenectomy with gastro‐oesophageal devascularization
Authors: Zhou Jin‐Bao , Luo Bao‐Yang , Liu Chi‐Wen , Zhu Feng 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the effects of early antiplatelet therapy (APT) for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension after splenectomy with gastro‐oesophageal devascularization.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 139 patients who underwent splenectomy with gastro‐oesophageal devascularization for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis between April 2010 and December 2016. Based on the post‐operative platelet values, we used two different APT regimens: APT was started when platelet counts were increased to 200 × 109/L or above (group A, n = 64) or 300 × 109/L or above (group B, n = 75). We took note of the patients’ clinical symptoms, operative factors and biochemical indicators.ResultsPlatelet count, mean platelet volume, D‐dimer and pancreatic fistula were closely related to the development of PVT. Early APT was an independent protective factor for PVT. The incidence of post‐operative PVT was 15.1% (21/139) overall, 4.7% (3/64) in group A and 24% (18/75) in group B; there was a significant difference between groups A and B (χ2 = 10.042, P = 0.002).ConclusionPlatelet count, mean platelet volume, D‐dimer and pancreatic fistula were independent risk factors for the development of PVT after splenectomy with gastro‐oesophageal devascularization. Selection of the appropriate timing for early APT according to the post‐operative platelet count was feasible. Moreover, the use of aspirin combined with dipyridamole was safe and effective for early prevention of PVT.
Aging‐related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG): not only tau phosphorylation in astrocytes
Authors: Ferrer Isidro , García Meritxell Aguiló , González Irene López , Lucena Daniela Diaz , Villalonga Aina Roig , Tech Margarita Carmona , Llorens Franc , Garcia‐Esparcia Paula , Martinez‐Maldonado Alejandra , Mendez Margalida Frau , Escribano Benjamín Torrejón , Bech‐Serra Joan Josep , Sabido Eduard , de la Torre Gómez Carolina , del Rio José Antonio 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAging‐related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG) is defined by the presence of two types of tau‐bearing astrocytes: thorn‐shaped astrocytes (TSAs) and granular/fuzzy astrocytes in the brain of old‐aged individuals. The present study is focused on TSAs in rare forms of ARTAG with no neuronal tau pathology or restricted to entorhinal and transentorhinal cortices, to avoid bias from associated tauopathies. TSAs show 4Rtau phosphorylation at several specific sites and abnormal tau conformation, but they lack ubiquitin and they are not immunostained with tau‐C3 antibodies which recognize truncated tau at Asp421. Astrocytes in ARTAG have atrophic processes, reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and increased superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) immunoreactivity. Gel electrophoresis and western blotting of sarkosyl‐insoluble fractions reveal a pattern of phospho‐tau in ARTAG characterized by two bands of 68 and 64 kDa, and several middle bands between 35 and 50 kDa which differ from what is seen in AD. Phosphoproteomics of dissected vulnerable regions identifies an increase of phosphorylation marks in a large number of proteins in ARTAG compared with controls. GFAP, aquaporin 4, several serine‐threonine kinases, microtubule associated proteins and other neuronal proteins are among the differentially phosphorylated proteins in ARTAG thus suggesting a hyper‐phosphorylation background that affects several molecules, including many kinases and proteins from several cell compartments and various cell types. Finally, present results show for the first time that tau seeding is produced in neurons of the hippocampal complex, astrocytes, oligodendroglia and along fibers of the corpus callosum, fimbria and fornix following inoculation into the hippocampus of wild type mice of sarkosyl‐insoluble fractions enriched in hyper‐phosphorylated tau from selected ARTAG cases. These findings show astrocytes as crucial players of tau seeding in tauopathies.
The current state of GPCR‐based drug discovery to treat metabolic disease
Authors: Sloop Kyle W , Emmerson Paul J , Statnick Michael A , Willard Francis S 
Published: February 2018

One approach of modern drug discovery is to identify agents that enhance or diminish signal transduction cascades in various cell types and tissues by modulating the activity of GPCRs. This strategy has resulted in the development of new medicines to treat many conditions, including cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, HIV/AIDS, certain forms of cancer and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These successes justify further pursuit of GPCRs as disease targets and provide key learning that should help guide identifying future therapeutic agents. This report reviews the current landscape of GPCR drug discovery with emphasis on efforts aimed at developing new molecules for treating T2DM and obesity. We analyse historical efforts to generate GPCR‐based drugs to treat metabolic disease in terms of causal factors leading to success and failure in this endeavour.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc
Deciphering the mechanism and spectrum of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy using morphology
Authors: Koike Haruki , Katsuno Masahisa , Sobue Gen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a form of chronic neuropathy characterized by demyelination due to immune‐mediated processes. In addition to the typical form of CIDP, several atypical forms, such as multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor, distal acquired demyelinating symmetric (DADS), pure sensory, pure motor, and focal types, have also been included as subtypes of CIDP, indicating the heterogeneity of pathogenesis. The degradation of the myelin sheath by macrophages has been reported in CIDP and is considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. By contrast, recent studies have suggested the association of autoantibodies directed against paranodal junction proteins, such as anti‐neurofascin 155 and anti‐contactin 1 antibodies, with subpopulations of CIDP patients. Although patients with these antibodies tend to manifest typical CIDP or DADS symptoms, such patients show unique clinical characteristics, such as a younger age at onset, sensory ataxia, tremor and poor response to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Classical macrophage‐induced demyelination is not observed in patients with these antibodies, whereas paranodal dissection resulting from attachment of immunoglobulin G4 antibodies to paranodal junctions plays a pivotal role in the mechanisms of neuropathy. Therefore, two distinct mechanisms exist that lead to nerve conduction abnormalities from a pathological viewpoint in CIDP. Advances in the search for autoantibodies in CIDP might make it necessary to reconsider the classification of this disease from the viewpoint of antibody recognition sites.
Comparison between characteristics of severe and very severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Kim Yong‐Jin , Park Seung‐Ji , Park Seung Woo , Hozumi Takeshi , Izumi Chisato , Ling Lieng His , Yu Cheuk‐Man , Fukuda Shota , Otsuji Yutaka , Song Jae‐Kwan , Sohn Dae‐Won 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesPatients with very severe aortic stenosis (AS) have extremely poor clinical outcomes even if they are asymptomatic compared to those with severe AS, but the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with very severe AS remain unclear.MethodsThe Asian Valve Registry is a prospective, multicenter, multinational registry for the study and identification of the incidence, natural course, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors for patients with significant AS at 9 centers in Asian countries. Severe AS was observed in 367 of 1066 patients with AS, and 212 were classified as very severe AS, defined as a peak aortic valve velocity ≥5.0 m/s or a mean aortic valve gradient ≥60 mm Hg.ResultsThe prevalence of NYHA functional class II–IV among patients with very severe AS was significantly higher than that among patients with severe AS (67.9% vs 51.5%, P < .001). As for echocardiographic parameters, it was noteworthy that left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) for patients with very severe AS were significantly larger than those for patients with severe AS (LVMI: 145.1 ± 36.4 g/m2 vs 119.2 ± 32.1 g/m2, P < .0001; LAVI: 56.1 ± 24.6 mL/m2 vs 49.8 ± 22.6 mL/m2, P = .002). Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LVMI was the only independently associated with NYHA functional class II–IV in patients with very severe AS.ConclusionsOur findings may well have clinical implications for better management of patients with AS and lead to better understanding of poor outcomes for patients with very severe AS.
Outcome of full pulpotomy using Biodentine in adult patients with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis
Authors: Taha N. A. , Abdelkhader S. Z. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo assess the outcome of full pulpotomy using Biodentine in permanent teeth with carious exposures and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.MethodologySixty‐four permanent molar teeth with symptomatic vital pulps in 52 patients aged 19–69 years were included. Preoperative pulpal and periapical diagnosis was established. After informed consent, the tooth was anaesthetized, isolated using rubber dam and disinfected with 5% NaOCl before caries excavation; subsequently, the pulp was amputated to the level of the canal orifices. Haemostasis was achieved, and a 3‐mm layer of Biodentine (Septodont, Saint‐Maur‐des‐Fosses, France) was placed as the pulpotomy agent. Resin‐modified glass–ionomer liner was placed and the tooth restored with either resin composite or amalgam, and a postoperative periapical radiograph exposed. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was completed at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Pain levels were scored preoperatively and 2 days post‐treatment.ResultsClinical signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis were established in all teeth, and periapical rarefaction was present in nine teeth. After 2 days, 93.8% reported complete relief of pain. At 6 months, 63 of 64 attended recall with 98.4% clinical and radiographic success. At 1 year, 59 of 63 attended recall, with 100% clinical and 98.4 radiographic success. Seven of eight cases with periapical rarefaction who attended recall had improvement in the periapical index (PAI) score. A hard tissue barrier was detected radiographically in four cases.ConclusionFull pulpotomy using Biodentine was a successful treatment option for cariously exposed pulps in mature permanent molar teeth with clinical signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis, up to 1 year.
PORTFOLIO REBALANCING AND ASSET PRICING WITH HETEROGENEOUS INATTENTION
Authors: Rachedi Omar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCan households' inattention to the stock market quantitatively account for the inertia in portfolio rebalancing? I address this question by introducing an observation cost into a production economy with heterogeneous agents. In this environment, inattention changes endogenously over time and across agents. I find that inattention explains the inertia in portfolio rebalancing and its heterogeneity across households. Inattention also rationalizes the limited stock market participation observed in the data and improves the asset pricing performance of the model. Finally, I present a novel testable implication linking the effects of inattention on portfolio choices and asset prices to households' funding liquidity.
ON THE TAXATION OF DURABLE GOODS
Authors: Koehne Sebastian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article proposes a dynamic Mirrleesian theory of commodity taxation in the presence of durable goods. A uniform taxation across all goods is suboptimal even when the consumption preferences are separable from labor. If the consumption utility function is strictly concave and durable stocks are adjustable without friction, durable investment should be taxed at a higher rate than the purchase of nondurable goods. With adjustment frictions, the wedge on durable investment depends on substitution effects between durable and nondurable consumption and can be positive or negative. An application suggests that housing investment should face higher tax rates than regular consumption.
Interactions between the Newly Described Small‐ and Fast‐Swimming Mixotrophic Dinoflagellate Yihiella yeosuensis and Common Heterotrophic Protists
Authors: Jeong Hae Jin , Kang Hee Chang , You Ji Hyun , Jang Se Hyeon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe mixotroph Yihiella yeosuensis is a small‐ and fast‐swimming dinoflagellate. To investigate its protistan predators, interactions between Y. yeosuensis and 11 heterotrophic protists were explored. No potential predators were able to feed on actively swimming Y. yeosuensis cells, which escaped via rapid jumps, whereas Aduncodinium glandula, Oxyrrhis marina, and Strombidinopsis sp. (approximately 150 μm in cell length) were able to feed on weakly swimming cells that could not jump. Furthermore, Gyrodinium dominans, Luciella masanensis, and Pfiesteria piscicida were able to feed on heat‐killed Yihiella cells, whereas Gyrodinium moestrupii, Noctiluca scintillans, Oblea rotunda, Polykrikos kofoidii, and Strombidium sp. (20 μm) did not feed on them. Thus, the jumping behavior of Y. yeosuensis might be primarily responsible for the observed lack of predation. With increasing Yihiella concentration, the growth rate of O. marina decreased, whereas that of Strombidinopsis did not change. However, with increasing Yihiella concentration (up to 530 ng C/ml), the ingestion rate of Strombidinopsis on Yihiella increased linearly. The highest ingestion rate was 24.1 ng C per predator per d. The low daily carbon acquisition from Yihiella relative to the body carbon content of Strombidinopsis might be responsible for its negligible growth. Thus, Y. yeosuensis might have an advantage over its competitors due to its low mortality rate.
“It's about fitting in with the organisation”: A qualitative study of employers of nurse practitioners
Authors: Leidel Stacy , Hauck Yvonne , McGough Shirley 
Published: February 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore the views of employers about the value nurse practitioners (NPs) add to health services, enablers and barriers to employing NPs, and intentions to employ NPs or expand NP services in the future.BackgroundResearch on Australian NPs has focused on NPs’ experiences or patient‐related factors like waiting times. Few studies have explored NP roles from the perspective of employers. Australian NPs employed by the private sector are eligible for reimbursement by the national health insurance scheme (Medicare Australia), potentially generating revenue for employers and broadening their career opportunities. We aimed to explore private sector employers’ views on the barriers and facilitators to employing NPs and to identify factors affecting NP employability.DesignA qualitative descriptive exploratory study.MethodEmployers of NPs from 23 private and nonprofit health services in Western Australia were interviewed. Inductive content analysis was used to explore the data.ResultsEnablers to employing an NP included enhanced customer service and improved health outcomes. Barriers to employing an NP included lack of financial benefit and inadequate experience or qualifications. Employers also identified future directions for NP employability, such as filling a gap that added value to the health service.ConclusionsEmployers wanted NPs to work towards a shared vision of patient care that aligned with organisational needs.Relevance to clinical practiceFindings can inform NP education and workforce planning to optimally meet employer and patient health needs.