bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propofol improved hypoxia‐impaired integrity of blood‐brain barrier via modulating the expression and phosphorylation of zonula occludens‐1
Authors: Chen Wei , Ju Xing‐Zhu , Lu Yan , Ding Xiao‐Wei , Miao Chang‐Hong , Chen Jia‐Wei 
Published: January 2019

SummaryAimsHypoxia may damage blood‐brain barrier (BBB). The neuroprotective effect of propofol has been reported. We aimed to identify whether and how propofol improved hypoxia‐induced impairment of BBB integrity.MethodsMouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMECs) and astrocytes were cocultured to establish in vitro BBB model. The effects of hypoxia and propofol on BBB integrity were examined. Further, zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) expression and phosphorylation, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, intracellular calcium concentration and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII) activation were measured.ResultsHypoxia‐impaired BBB integrity, which was protected by propofol. Hypoxia‐reduced ZO‐1 expression, while induced ZO‐1 phosphorylation. These effects were attenuated by propofol. The expression of HIF‐1α and VEGF was increased by hypoxia and was alleviated by propofol. The hypoxia‐mediated suppression of ZO‐1 and impaired BBB integrity was reversed by HIF‐α inhibitor and VEGF inhibitor. In addition, hypoxia increased the intracellular calcium concentration and induced the phosphorylation of CAMKII, which were mitigated by propofol. The hypoxia‐induced phosphorylation of ZO‐1 and impaired BBB integrity was ameliorated by calcium chelator and CAMKII inhibitor.ConclusionPropofol could protect against hypoxia‐mediated impairment of BBB integrity. The underlying mechanisms may involve the expression and phosphorylation of ZO‐1.
Cytotechnologists’ education and work in Finland
Authors: Liikanen Eeva 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to survey the work that cytotechnologists carry out in Finland.MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was planned with the Board of the Finnish Association of Cytotechnologists and an email containing the link was sent to all 107 of its members in January 2018. It included 17 questions on their age and work experience, education and work. There was also space for them to add other comments.ResultsJust under half (45%) replied. Their average age was 51 years (range 28‐64), 41% had a Bachelor's degree, 59% had college‐level training and they had spent an average of 15 years screening cytology specimens. After basic professional education, they had completed their cytology education in many ways and the most common routes were internship training (71%) and 1‐year cytology specialisation (38%). Most of the cytotechnologists (85%) had duties other than screening and they mostly included a combination of histotechnology and cytotechnology (37.5%) or just cytotechnology (17%) or histotechnology (9%). The other 15% only screened cytology specimens. All cytotechnologists screened Papanicolaou smears, 94% screened urinary and respiratory specimens, 82% screened effusions and 39% screened fine‐needle aspirations.ConclusionsWe found that internship training provided essential training for Finnish cytotechnologists after they complete their basic professional studies. They reported many other duties in addition to microscopy screening.
Infants’ statistical word segmentation in an artificial language is linked to both parental speech input and reported production abilities
Authors: Hoareau Mélanie , Yeung H. Henny , Nazzi Thierry 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIndividual variability in infant's language processing is partly explained by environmental factors, like the quantity of parental speech input, as well as by infant‐specific factors, like speech production. Here, we explore how these factors affect infant word segmentation. We used an artificial language to ensure that only statistical regularities (like transitional probabilities between syllables) could cue word boundaries, and then asked how the quantity of parental speech input and infants’ babbling repertoire predict infants’ abilities to use these statistical cues. We replicated prior reports showing that 8‐month‐old infants use statistical cues to segment words, with a preference for part‐words over words (a novelty effect). Crucially, 8‐month‐olds with larger novelty effects had received more speech input at 4 months and had greater production abilities at 8 months. These findings establish for the first time that the ability to extract statistical information from speech correlates with individual factors in infancy, like early speech experience and language production. Implications of these findings for understanding individual variability in early language acquisition are discussed.
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: clinical phenotype, epidemiology, and preventive interventions
Authors: Mekki Mohammed , Eley Brian , Hardie Diana , Wilmshurst Jo M 
Published: January 2019

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a preventable condition reported in 6.5 to 11 per 100 000 cases of measles, and highest in children who contracted measles infection when they were less than 5 years of age. Children residing in areas with poor vaccination coverage and high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus are at increased risk of developingSSPE.SSPEis life‐threatening in most affected children. This report documents current data relating to the clinical phenotype, epidemiology, and understanding ofSSPE, inclusive of preventive interventions. While improvements in disease progression with immunomodulation may occur, overall there is no cure. Most therapies focus on supportive needs. Seizures and abnormal movements may respond to carbamazepine. Many countries advocate policies to enhance vaccination coverage. Effective preventive health care programmes, assurance of parental perceptions, and crisis support for unprecedented events obstructing effective primary health care are needed. Until measles is eradicated worldwide, children in all regions remain at risk.What this paper addsMeasles contracted under 5 years of age has highest risk of developing subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).Children with, or exposed to, human immunodeficiency virus infection, who contract measles may be at increased risk of SSPE.
Medication treatment for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the risk of acute seizures in individuals with epilepsy
Authors: Brikell Isabell , Chen Qi , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , D’Onofrio Brian M. , Wiggs Kelsey K. , Lichtenstein Paul , Almqvist Catarina , Quinn Patrick D. , Chang Zheng , Larsson Henrik 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 10%‐30% of individuals with epilepsy, yet concerns remain regarding the safety of ADHD medication in this group. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of acute seizures associated with ADHD medication in individuals with epilepsy.MethodsA total of 21 557 individuals with a seizure history born between 1987 and 2003 were identified from Swedish population registers. Within this study population, we also identified 6773 youth (<19 years of age) who meet criteria for epilepsy, and 1605 youth with continuous antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. ADHD medication initiation and repeated medication periods were identified from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2013. Acute seizures were identified via unplanned visits to hospital or specialist care with a primary seizure discharge diagnosis in the Swedish National Patient Register during the same period. Conditional Poisson regression was used to compare the seizure rate during the 24 weeks before and after initiation of ADHD medication with the rate during the same 48 weeks in the previous year. Cox regression was used to compare the seizure rate during ADHD medication periods with the rate during nonmedication periods. Comparisons were made within‐individual to adjust for unmeasured, time?constant confounding.ResultsAmong 995 individuals who initiated ADHD medication during follow‐up, within‐individual analyses showed no statistically significant difference in the rate of seizures during the 24 weeks before and after medication initiation, compared to the same period in the previous year. In the full study population 11 754 seizure events occurred during 136 846 person‐years and 1855 individuals had at least one ADHD medication period. ADHD medication periods were associated with a reduced rate of acute seizures (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57‐0.94), compared to nonmedication periods within the same individual. Similar associations were found in youth with epilepsy and continuous AED treatment, when adjusting for AEDs, and across sex, age, and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders.SignificanceWe found no evidence for an overall increased rate of acute seizures associated with ADHD medication treatment among individuals with epilepsy. These results suggest that epilepsy should not automatically preclude patients from receiving ADHD medications.
Spectrum of neurodevelopmental disease associated with the GNAO1 guanosine triphosphate–binding region
Authors: Kelly McKenna , Park Meredith , Mihalek Ivana , Rochtus Anne , Gramm Marie , Pérez‐Palma Eduardo , Axeen Erika Takle , Hung Christina Y. , Olson Heather , Swanson Lindsay , Anselm Irina , Briere Lauren C. , High Frances A. , Sweetser David A. ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Kayani Saima , Snyder Molly , Calvert Sophie , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Yang Edward , Waugh Jeff L. , Lal Dennis , Bodamer Olaf , Poduri Annapurna 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveTo characterize the phenotypic spectrum associated with GNAO1 variants and establish genotype‐protein structure‐phenotype relationships.MethodsWe evaluated the phenotypes of 14 patients with GNAO1 variants, analyzed their variants for potential pathogenicity, and mapped them, along with those in the literature, on a three‐dimensional structural protein model.ResultsThe 14 patients in our cohort, including one sibling pair, had 13 distinct, heterozygous GNAO1 variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. We attributed the same variant in two siblings to parental mosaicism. Patients initially presented with seizures beginning in the first 3 months of life (8/14), developmental delay (4/14), hypotonia (1/14), or movement disorder (1/14). All patients had hypotonia and developmental delay ranging from mild to severe. Nine had epilepsy, and nine had movement disorders, including dystonia, ataxia, chorea, and dyskinesia. The 13 GNAO1 variants in our patients are predicted to result in amino acid substitutions or deletions in the GNAO1 guanosine triphosphate (GTP)‐binding region, analogous to those in previous publications. Patients with variants affecting amino acids 207‐221 had only movement disorder and hypotonia. Patients with variants affecting the C‐terminal region had the mildest phenotypes.SignificanceGNAO1 encephalopathy most frequently presents with seizures beginning in the first 3 months of life. Concurrent movement disorders are also a prominent feature in the spectrum of GNAO1 encephalopathy. All variants affected the GTP‐binding domain of GNAO1, highlighting the importance of this region for G‐protein signaling and neurodevelopment.
The investment behavior of buyout funds: Theory and evidence
Authors: Ljungqvist Alexander , Richardson Matthew , Wolfenzon Daniel 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe analyze the determinants of buyout funds’ investment decisions. We argue that when there is imperfect competition for private equity funds, the timing of funds’ investment decisions, their risk‐taking behavior, and their subsequent returns depend on changes in the demand for private equity, conditions in the credit market, and fund managers’ ability to influence perceptions of their talent. We investigate these hypotheses using a proprietary dataset of 207 U.S. buyout funds that invested in 1,957 buyout targets over a 30‐year period. Our dataset contains precisely dated cash inflows and outflows in every portfolio company, links every buyout target to an identifiable buyout fund, and is free from reporting and survivor biases. Thus, we are able to characterize every buyout fund's precise investment choices. Our findings are as follows. First, established funds accelerate their investment flows and earn higher returns when investment opportunities improve, competition for deal flow eases, and credit market conditions loosen. Second, the investment behavior of first‐time funds is less sensitive to market conditions. Third, younger funds invest in riskier buyouts, in an effort to establish a track record. Finally, following periods of good performance, funds become more conservative, and this effect is stronger for first‐time funds.
Boom‐bust like dynamics of invasive black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) in Lake Sava (Serbia)
Authors: Jaćimović Milica , Lenhardt Mirjana , Krpo‐Ćetković Jasmina , Jarić Ivan , Gačić Zoran , Hegediš Aleksandar 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe life‐history traits and population dynamics of the black bullhead Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque) were studied monthly from August 2009 to December 2012 in Lake Sava in Belgrade (Serbia). This period included a mass mortality event in May 2011 and subsequent population recovery during 2012. Available evidence suggests the mass mortality was caused by European catfish virus that only affected the black bullhead. Changes in key life‐history traits and the recovery potential (increase in catch‐per‐unit‐effort, doubling of young‐of‐the‐year to adult ratio, earlier maturation and increased fecundity) following the mass mortality event suggest population resilience typical of a recurring boom‐bust pattern and demonstrate the species’ capacity to recover rapidly and re‐establish following disturbance. Repeated systematic mass removals of both juveniles and adults (using fyke nets) will be required if future fishery management measures aimed at limiting the population size are to be effective.
The Econometrics and Economics of the Employment Effects of Minimum Wages: Getting from Known Unknowns to Known Knowns
Authors: Neumark David 
Published: January 2019

AbstractI discuss the econometrics and the economics of past research on the effects of minimum wages on employment in the United States. My intent is to try to identify key questions raised in the recent literature, and some from the earlier literature, which I think hold the most promise for understanding the conflicting evidence and arriving at a more definitive answer about the employment effects of minimum wages. My secondary goal is to discuss how we can narrow the range of uncertainty about the likely effects of the large minimum wage increases becoming more prevalent in the United States. I discuss some insights from both theory and past evidence that may be informative about the effects of high minimum wages, and try to emphasize what research can be done now and in the near future to provide useful evidence to policymakers on the results of the coming high minimum wage experiment, whether in the United States or in other countries.
Evaluation of SUMO1 and POU2AF1 in whole blood from rheumatoid arthritis patients and at risk relatives
Authors: Romo‐García Maria Fernanda , Nava‐Ramírez Hilda Susana , Zapata‐Zúñiga Martin , Macías‐Segura Noe , Santiago‐Algarra David , Castillo‐Ortiz Jose Dionisio , Bastián Yadira , Ramos‐Remus Cesar , Enciso‐Moreno Jose Antonio , Castañeda‐Delgado Julio Enrique 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic and symmetrical inflammation of synovial tissue with subsequent joint destruction. SUMO1 is an important regulator of apoptosis through non‐canonical mechanism in synovial fibroblasts, and POU2AF1 is a known B‐cell transcriptional co‐activator. The specific objective of this study was to measure the expression of SUMO1 and POU2AF1 on first‐degree relatives of patients with RA and also in the preclinical and clinical stages of RA and describe their possible role in RA physiopathology. Blood samples were collected from ACPA+, ACPA‐, early and established RA subjects recruited. ACPAs and CarP autoantibodies were determined by ELISA Eurodiagnostica CCplus kit according to previously described protocols. RNA was isolated from blood samples; the purity as integrity was determined. Gene expression analysis was made by RT‐qPCR using specific primers for SUMO1 and POU2AF1 mRNAs; relative expression was determined according to the 2‐ΔΔct method procedure. Significant differences in the expression of both, SUMO1 and POU2AF1 were identified when comparing arthritis versus healthy or ACPA+ individuals, suggesting that the down regulation of such genes starts after the onset of symptoms in RA patients. Also, a significant correlation was identified for POU2AF1 and disease progression whit a downward trend for those with established RA. The implications of such gene down regulation are discussed in the context of RA physiopathology.
Hope, hype and harms of Big Data
Authors: Scott Ian A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBig Data are characterised by greater volumes of data from a greater variety of sources which are produced and processed at greater velocity. Huge digitised datasets from electronic medical records, registries, administrative datasets and genomic databanks can now be analysed by advanced computer programs to reveal patterns, trends and associations previously indiscernible using conventional analytic methods. These new insights may have important implications for clinical care. But Big Data can be limited by inaccuracies and bias inherent to observational datasets and which cannot be eliminated simply by using ever enlarging data sets or more sophisticated software. The hope and hype of Big Data cannot be allowed to override potential for harm, and the need for concurrent development of new research designs, better analytic methods and rigorous evaluation of predictive accuracy and effects on care and outcomes.
Bridging the access gap: Medicare ineligibility in people living with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: MacLachlan Jennifer H. , Cowie Benjamin C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPeople living in Australia on temporary student or work visas are excluded from Medicare access and can face barriers to adequate healthcare, even if they are privately insured. This analysis aimed to quantify this issue in relation to people living with chronic hepatitis B, the majority of whom in Australia were born overseas. The data suggest that an estimated 25 000 people living with chronic hepatitis B in Australia are ineligible for Medicare, 10% of the total number affected, with considerable potential impact in access to effective healthcare and prevention of adverse outcomes.
Risk versus regulation: an update on the state of e‐cigarette control in Australia
Authors: Morgan Jody , Breitbarth Andreas K. , Jones Alison L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractE‐cigarettes are increasingly common around the world, particularly among youth. Ingestion of nicotine‐containing e‐liquid, while relatively rare, is the major toxicological risk associated with their use. Current Australian regulation has nicotine for use in e‐cigarettes listed as a dangerous poison in Schedule 7, with its supply or sale illegal in all states and territories, while regulation on the sale of e‐cigarettes and accessories varies by state. However, with increasing evidence that e‐cigarettes produce far fewer toxic by‐products than their combustible counterparts perhaps it is time to review this regulation.
Has the redistributive effect of social transfers and taxes changed over time across countries?
Authors: Caminada Koen , Goudswaard Kees , Wang Chen , Wang Jinxian 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn most Member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation Development (OECD), the income gap between rich and poor has widened over the past decades. This article analyses whether and to what extent income taxes and social transfers have contributed to this trend. Has the redistributive impact of different social programmes changed over time? We use microdata from the LIS Cross National Data Center in Luxembourg for the period 1982–2014 and study both the total population and the working‐age population. In contrast to the results of some other studies, especially by the OECD, we do not find that redistribution has declined. Tax‐benefit systems around 2013 are more effective at reducing income inequality compared to the mid‐1980s and the mid‐1990s, especially among the total population. Changes in social programmes are not a driver of greater income inequality across the countries included in this study.
Nerve growth factor regulates endothelial cell survival and pathological retinal angiogenesis
Authors: Troullinaki Maria , Alexaki Vasileia‐Ismini , Mitroulis Ioannis , Witt Anke , Klotzsche–von Ameln Anne , Chung Kyoung‐Jin , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Economopoulou Matina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe mechanism underlying vasoproliferative retinopathies like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is hypoxia‐triggered neovascularisation. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophin supporting survival and differentiation of neuronal cells may also regulate endothelial cell functions. Here we studied the role of NGF in pathological retinal angiogenesis in the course of the ROP mouse model. Topical application of NGF enhanced while intraocular injections of anti‐NGF neutralizing antibody reduced pathological retinal vascularization in mice subjected to the ROP model. The pro‐angiogenic effect of NGF in the retina was mediated by inhibition of retinal endothelial cell apoptosis. In vitro, NGF decreased the intrinsic (mitochondria‐dependent) apoptosis in hypoxia‐treated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells and preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential. The anti‐apoptotic effect of NGF was associated with increased BCL2 and reduced BAX, as well as with enhanced ERK and AKT phosphorylation, and was abolished by inhibition of the AKT pathway. Our findings reveal an anti‐apoptotic role of NGF in the hypoxic retinal endothelium, which is involved in promoting pathological retinal vascularization, thereby pointing to NGF as a potential target for proliferative retinopathies.