bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wnt/β‐catenin/RAS signaling mediates age‐related renal fibrosis and is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Miao Jinhua , Liu Jiafeng , Niu Jing , Zhang Yunfang , Shen Weiwei , Luo Congwei , Liu Yahong , Li Chuanjiang , Li Hongyan , Yang Peiliang , Liu Youhua , Hou Fan Fan , Zhou Lili 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRenal fibrosis is the common pathological feature in a variety of chronic kidney diseases. Aging is highly associated with the progression of renal fibrosis. Among several determinants, mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in aging. However, the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in age‐related renal fibrosis are not elucidated. Herein, we found that Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activity were upregulated in aging kidneys. Concomitantly, mitochondrial mass and functions were impaired with aging. Ectopic expression of Klotho, an antagonist of endogenous Wnt/β‐catenin activity, abolished renal fibrosis in d‐galactose (d‐gal)‐induced accelerated aging mouse model and significantly protected renal mitochondrial functions by preserving mass and diminishing the production of reactive oxygen species. In an established aging mouse model, dickkopf 1, a more specific Wnt inhibitor, and the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant mitoquinone restored mitochondrial mass and attenuated tubular senescence and renal fibrosis. In a human proximal tubular cell line (HKC‐8), ectopic expression of Wnt1 decreased biogenesis and induced dysfunction of mitochondria, and triggered cellular senescence. Moreover, d‐gal triggered the transduction of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, which further activated angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1), and then decreased the mitochondrial mass and increased cellular senescence in HKC‐8 cells and primary cultured renal tubular cells. These effects were inhibited by AT1 blocker of losartan. These results suggest inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and the RAS could slow the onset of age‐related mitochondrial dysfunction and renal fibrosis. Taken together, our results indicate that Wnt/β‐catenin/RAS signaling mediates age‐related renal fibrosis and is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Incidence of direct oral anticoagulant use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and characteristics of users in 6 European countries (2008–2015): A cross‐national drug utilization study
Authors: Ibáñez Luisa , Sabaté Mònica , Vidal Xavier , Ballarin Elena , Rottenkolber Marietta , Schmiedl Sven , Heeke Andreas , Huerta Consuelo , Martin Merino Elisa , Montero Dolores , Leon‐Muñoz Luz María , Gasse Christiane , Moore Nicholas , Droz Cécile , Lassalle Régis , Aakjær Mia , Andersen Morten , De Bruin Marie Louise , Groenwold Rolf , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Souverein Patrick , Klungel Olaf , Gardarsdottir Helga 
Published: July 2019

AimsTo estimate the incidence of direct oral anticoagulant drug (DOAC) use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and to describe user and treatment characteristics in 8 European healthcare databases representing 6 European countries.MethodsLongitudinal drug utilization study from January 2008 to December 2015. A common protocol approach was applied. Annual period incidences and direct standardisation by age and sex were performed. Dose adjustment related to change in age and by renal function as well as concomitant use of potentially interacting drugs were assessed.ResultsA total of 186 405 new DOAC users (age ≥18 years) were identified. Standardized incidences varied from 1.93–2.60 and 0.11–8.71 users/10 000 (2011–2015) for dabigatran and rivaroxaban, respectively, and from 0.01–8.12 users/10 000 (2012–2015) for apixaban. In 2015, the DOAC incidence ranged from 9 to 28/10 000 inhabitants in SIDIAP (Spain) and DNR (Denmark) respectively. There were differences in population coverage among the databases. Only 1 database includes the total reference population (DNR) while others are considered a population representative sample (CPRD, BIFAP, SIDIAP, EGB, Mondriaan). They also varied in the type of drug data source (administrative, clinical). Dose adjustment ranged from 4.6% in BIFAP (Spain) to 15.6% in EGB (France). Concomitant use of interacting drugs varied between 16.4% (SIDIAP) and 70.5% (EGB). Cardiovascular comorbidities ranged from 25.4% in Mondriaan (The Netherlands) to 82.9% in AOK Nordwest (Germany).ConclusionOverall, apixaban and rivaroxaban increased its use during the study period while dabigatran decreased. There was variability in patient characteristics such as comorbidities, potentially interacting drugs and dose adjustment. (EMA/2015/27/PH).
The relationship between death anxiety and severity of mental illnesses
Authors: Menzies Rachel E. , Sharpe Louise , Dar‐Nimrod Ilan 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesDeath anxiety has been implicated theoretically and empirically in mental health and has been proposed to be a transdiagnostic construct. However, it has largely been investigated in relation to specific disorders, such as obsessive–compulsive disorder. Few studies have assessed the relationship between death anxiety and psychopathology using heterogeneous treatment‐seeking clinical samples.MethodsIn the present study, the relationships between death anxiety and broad markers of psychopathology were explored in 200 treatment‐seeking participants with various diagnosed mental disorders.ResultsAcross the sample, death anxiety was a strong predictor of psychopathology, including the number of lifetime diagnoses, medications, hospitalizations, distress/impairment, depression, anxiety, and stress. This relationship was not accounted for by neuroticism. Large to very large correlations were also consistently found between a measure of death anxiety and the symptom severity of 12 disorders. Neither meaning in life nor attachment style moderated the associations between death fears and psychopathology.ConclusionsThe findings reveal a strong relationship between death anxiety and psychopathology across numerous disorders, further supporting the transdiagnostic role of fears of death. As such, clinical implications revolve around the potential need for innovative treatments which address death fears directly, in order to produce long‐term improvements in mental health. However, experimental research is needed to ascertain causal relationships.Practitioner points

Across a large treatment‐seeking sample, death anxiety was a significant predictor of broad psychopathology, including distress and number of lifetime diagnoses.

Across 12 different disorders, death anxiety significantly predicted symptom severity.

Results may suggest the need for novel treatments which specifically target fears of death.

Due to the correlational design, future experimental research is needed to establish causal relationships with increased confidence.
How Early Maternal Language Input Varies by Race and Education and Predicts Later Child Language
Authors: Vernon‐Feagans Lynne , Bratsch‐Hines Mary , Reynolds Elizabeth , Willoughby Michael 
Published: July 2019

The maternal language input literature suggests that mothers with more education use a greater quantity and complexity of language with their young children compared to mothers with less education although race and socioeconomic status have been confounded in most studies because of small sample sizes. The current Family Life study included a representative sample of 1,292 children, oversampling for poverty and African American, followed from birth. This study found no race differences within maternal education levels on five measures of maternal language input from 6 to 36 months. Maternal language input variables of number of different words, mean length of utterance and number of wh‐questions were partial mediators of the relationship between maternal education and later child language at school age.
From early adversities to immune activation in psychiatric disorders: the role of the sympathetic nervous system
Authors: Mondelli V , Vernon A C 
Published: July 2019

Summary
Increased peripheral levels of cytokines and central microglial activation have been reported in patients with psychiatric disorders. The degree of both innate and adaptive immune activation is also associated with worse clinical outcomes and poor treatment response in these patients. Understanding the possible causes and mechanisms leading to this immune activation is therefore an important and necessary step for the development of novel and more effective treatment strategies for these patients. In this work, we review the evidence of literature pointing to childhood trauma as one of the main causes behind the increased immune activation in patients with psychiatric disorders. We then discuss the potential mechanisms linking the experience of early life adversity (ELA) to innate immune activation. Specifically, we focus on the innervation of the bone marrow from sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as a new and emerging mechanism that has the potential to bridge the observed increases in both central and peripheral inflammatory markers in patients exposed to ELA. Experimental studies in laboratory rodents suggest that SNS activation following early life stress exposure causes a shift in the profile of innate immune cells, with an increase in proinflammatory monocytes. In turn, these cells traffic to the brain and influence neural circuitry, which manifests as increased anxiety and other relevant behavioural phenotypes. To date, however, very few studies have been conducted to explore this candidate mechanism in humans. Future research is also needed to clarify whether these pathways could be partially reversible to improve prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
Enamel matrix derivative in liquid form as adjunct to natural bovine bone grafting at buccal bone dehiscence defects at implant sites: An experimental study in beagle dogs
Authors: Ikawa Takahiro , Akizuki Tatsuya , Shujaa Addin Ammar , Fukuba Shunsuke , Stavropoulos Andreas , Izumi Yuichi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of enamel matrix derivative in liquid form (EMD‐liquid) as adjunct to grafting with natural bovine bone (NBB), on new bone formation and osseointegration in buccal dehiscence defects at dental implants.Material and methodsIn six beagles, 3 months after extraction of the mandibular premolars and first molars. Three titanium implants (3.3 Ø × 8.0 mm) were inserted, and dehiscence‐type defects (mesiodistal width 3 mm × 5 mm depth) were created on their buccal aspect. The defects were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatment groups: Group 1: NBB, Group 2: NBB/EMD‐L, Group 3: Control. All sites were covered with a collagen membrane. Histomorphometric measurements were performed after 3 months of healing.ResultsNew bone area, bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC), and first BIC (fBIC) in the NBB and NBB/EMD‐L groups were significantly greater than in the control group (p < .05). Further, f‐BIC was at a significantly more coronal position in the NBB + EMD‐liquid group (0.4 ± 0.1 mm) compared with the NBB group (1.2 ± 0.2 mm).ConclusionsNatural bovine bone grafting enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration at implants with buccal bone dehiscences compared with no grafting, and adjunct use of EMD‐liquid appears to further enhance bone formation and osseointegration.
Detection of early anastomotic leakage by intraperitoneal microdialysis after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ellebæk M. B. , Rahr H. B. , Boye S. , Fristrup C. , Qvist N. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and serious complication following sphincter‐preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Early detection and intervention can improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare intraperitoneal microdialysis with a clinical scoring system for early detection of AL.MethodA microdialysis catheter was anchored near the anastomosis at low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. Peritoneal fluid samples were analysed (lactate, pyruvate, glucose and glycerol concentration) 4‐hourly and compared with a daily clinical leak score (DULK = Dutch leakage). At day 7 a pelvic CT with rectal contrast enema was performed to establish if there had been a radiological leak.ResultsIn this two‐centre study, 129 patients [median age 65 (26–82) years; 60.5% male] underwent LAR. The leak rate was 27% (grade A, n = 11; grade B, n = 12; grade C, n = 12). Receiver operator characteristic analysis demonstrated a lactate cut‐off value of 9.8 mm and had 77% sensitivity, 82% specificity, 78% accuracy, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 58, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 88 (CI 79–94) and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9 for AL. This compared with a clinical score ≥ 4, which had 57% sensitivity, 79% specificity, 71% accuracy, a PPV of 46, a NPV of 82 and an AUC of 0.7 for AL. The mean day for a positive test when using delta lactate ≥ 6.3 mm was 1.6 days and for leak score ≥ 4 it was 3.3 days (NS).ConclusionWhen AL occurs, intraperitoneal lactate concentration increases over time, and at a certain cut‐off has a higher sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV than a clinical scoring system.
Motivations for Loan Herding by Chinese Banks and Its Impact on Bank Performance
Authors: Fang Hao , Lee Yen‐Hsien , Shen Chung‐Hua , Chung Chien‐Ping 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study uses a dynamic herding model that considers intertemporal and cross‐sectional correlation to confirm that loan herding occurs among joint‐stock commercial banks (JSCBs) and city commercial banks (CCBs). We clarify the motivations for bank loan herding. We find that loan herding by both JSCBs and CCBs results more from following the behavior of other same‐type banks than different‐type banks because of characteristic herding or reputational concerns. Loan herding by JSCBs is motivated by investigative herding, whereas loan herding by CCBs results from informational cascades. Moreover, loan herding has a significantly harmful impact on the operating performance of CCBs but not JSCBs, which may be explained by the irrational behavior of CCBs. Our results will help Chinese bank supervisors develop appropriate policies for handling loan herding.
Fiscal Subsidy Policy on Home Appliances: Its Effects on Domestic Consumption and Exports in China
Authors: Ji Ting , Jia Ningyuan , Lin Faqin , Wu Hang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper evaluates the effects of the Home Appliances Going to the Countryside (HAGC) policy, a fiscal subsidy program implemented in China to boost private consumption of home appliances in rural areas from 2007 to 2012. Using the policy as a natural experiment and employing the difference‐in‐difference estimator, we find that the policy did not increase domestic sales of relevant goods as expected; instead, it actually reduced domestic sales and significantly promoted exports. These surprising results are robust across regressions of alternative datasets, more controls, and different regions. We further provide detailed information of undisclosed audit data for a county in Zhejiang province to shed light on the underlying mechanism of such unexpected results, suggesting loopholes in the HAGC and changes in export tax rebate rates.
Asking young Aboriginal people who use illicit drugs about their healthcare preferences using audio‐computer‐assisted self‐interviewing
Authors: Dowsett Marianne , Islam M. Mofizul , Ganora Christopher , Day Carolyn , Lee K. S. Kylie , Dawson Angela , Joseph Telphia , White Ann , Freeburn Bradley , Conigrave Katherine M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSubstance use significantly contributes to increasing the disease burden experienced by young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) Australians. Little is known about the primary healthcare needs of young Aboriginal people who use drugs. The aim of this study was to pilot Audio Computer Assisted Self‐Interviewing (ACASI) as a method of asking young Aboriginal people who use illicit drugs about their health concerns and service preferences, in inner‐Sydney, New South Wales.Design and MethodsWe employed a sequential mixed methods exploratory study design. Qualitative data was collected using a focus group and in‐depth interviews. These findings informed the development of the ACASI survey, which asked questions on substance use, health concerns, health service usage, barriers and preferences for services. Recruitment sites included youth and health services. Qualitative results were analysed thematically, and survey results using descriptive statistics.ResultsEight people participated in the focus group and two in in‐depth interviews. Of the 38 survey respondents, 68% reported illicit drug use. Reported barriers to service access included waiting time and services seeming unfriendly or not understanding Aboriginal people. Participants expressed preferences for Aboriginal‐friendly health services that provide internet access, literacy skill development and opportunities to learn about Aboriginal culture. Participants found the ACASI survey user‐friendly.Discussion and ConclusionsThis is the first report describing health concerns and service preferences of young Aboriginal people who use illicit drugs. The ACASI survey appears to be an appropriate and efficient approach to giving a voice to young Aboriginal people.
The mitral annulus in lipedema: Insights from the three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR‐Path Study
Authors: Nemes Attila , Kovács Zsolt , Kormányos Árpád , Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Piros Györgyike Á. , Kemény Lajos , Forster Tamás , Szolnoky Győző 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionLipedema is a barely recognized and poorly diagnosed, but common disease affecting almost exclusively female patients. The pathomechanism of lipedema is not known, and clinically, it is a bilateral, symmetrical, disproportional fatty enlargement of the lower half of the body, the disease does not affect the feet, and the upper extremities are often involved. Since lipedema is associated with increased aortic stiffness and altered left ventricular (LV) rotational mechanics, the present study was designed to compare the size and function of the mitral annulus (MA) between lipedema patients and controls by three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3DSTE).MethodsTwenty‐four patients with stage 2 lipedema and 48 age‐, gender‐, and body mass index‐matched healthy control patients were included in the study. Each person from the lipedema and the control groups underwent two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE.ResultsSignificantly enlarged left atrial diameter, LV end‐diastolic diameter and volume, and LV end‐systolic volume could be detected in lipedema patients as compared to controls. None of the lipedema patients and controls showed ≥grade 1 mitral or tricuspid regurgitation. Dilated end‐systolic and end‐diastolic MA diameter, area, and perimeter could be demonstrated in lipedema patients as compared to controls, and these changes were accompanied by impaired MA fractional area change at rest. Following 1‐hour use of compression stockings, no significant improvement was seen in these parameters.ConclusionsLipedema is associated with MA enlargement and functional impairment. The use of compression stockings does not improve these alterations.
Anti‐immigration policy in the destination country and skilled–unskilled wage inequality in a source economy with or without unemployment
Authors: Chaudhuri Sarbajit 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper is aimed at theoretically examining the consequence of the anti‐immigration policy adopted in the destination country on the skilled–unskilled wage inequality in a source nation using a couple of two‐sector, specific‐factor general equilibrium models in both the presence and absence of unemployment. Emigration requires incurring some capital cost for professional skill formation on the part of every prospective emigrant that adds to the opportunity cost of emigration. The authority of the destination country determines the number of visas to be granted and hence directly controls the magnitude of skilled emigration from the source country. In the migration equilibrium, the expected skilled wage income abroad is equal to the opportunity cost of emigration. In both the presence and absence of unemployment of unskilled labor, the outcome of the policy on the wage inequality crucially hinges on both the magnitude of the fixed cost of emigration and the technological factors. In the specific‐factor Harris–Todaro model, the degree of imperfection in the unskilled labor market is an additional factor. Finally, some policy recommendations have been made for protecting the interest of the poor unskilled workforce.
A molecular tool to identify Anastatus parasitoids of the brown marmorated stink bug
Authors: Stahl Judith M. , Gariepy Tara D. , Beukeboom Leo W. , Haye Tim 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGlobally, Anastatus species (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) are associated with the invasive agricultural pest Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). In Europe, the polyphagous Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) is the most prevalent native egg parasitoid on H. halys eggs and is currently being tested as a candidate for augmentative biological control. Anastatus bifasciatus frequently displays behavior without oviposition, and induces additional host mortality through oviposition damage and host feeding that is not measured with offspring emergence. This exacerbates accurate assessment of parasitism and host impact, which is crucial for efficacy evaluation as well as for pre‐ and post‐release risk assessment. To address this, a general Anastatus primer set amplifying a 318‐bp fragment within the barcoding region of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was developed. When challenged with DNA of three Anastatus species —A. bifasciatus, Anastatus japonicus Ashmead, and Anastatus sp.—, five scelionid parasitoid species that might be encountered in the same host environments and 11 pentatomid host species, only Anastatus DNA was successfully amplified. When applied to eggs of the target host, H. halys, and an exemplary non‐target host, Dendrolimus pini L. (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), subjected to host feeding, no Anastatus amplicons were produced. Eggs of the two host species containing A. bifasciatus parasitoid stages, from 1‐h‐old eggs to pupae, and emerged eggs yielded Anastatus fragments. Confirmation of parasitoid presence with dissections and subsequent PCRs with the developed primer pair resulted in 95% success for 1‐h‐old parasitoid eggs. For both host species, field‐exposed sentinel emerged eggs stored dry for 6 months, 100% of the specimens produced Anastatus amplicons. This DNA‐based screening method can be used in combination with conventional methods to better interpret host‐parasitoid and parasitoid‐parasitoid interactions. It will help address ecological questions related to an environmentally friendly approach for the control of H. halys in invaded areas.