bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Longer‐term Impacts of Job Displacement on Labour Market Outcomes in New Zealand
Authors: Hyslop Dean R , Townsend Wilbur 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article analyses the longer‐term impacts of job displacements in New Zealand using linked survey and administrative data. The job loss rate is low but has substantial and long‐lasting impacts. Displaced workers have 20−25 per cent lower employment rates than non‐displaced workers in the year following displacement, and still 8−12 per cent lower after five years. Furthermore, their conditional earnings and incomes were about 25 per cent lower in the first year and 15 per cent lower after five years. The impacts were concentrated among older workers, larger for those displaced during the great recession, and only modestly ameliorated by government income support.
‘The past is a promise to the future’: stories, persons, and the devil in Greece
Authors: Tsintjilonis Dimitri 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDrawing on ethnography from central Greece, this article is about the way people narrate their encounters with the devil. Although it echoes the idea that life as told and life as lived are structured in the same way, it takes the argument a step further by suggesting they are structured through a narrative plot wherein the present and the future of the story‐tellers pre‐date the past of which their stories tell. It also foregrounds the link between this structure and a particular kind of morality which replicates the narrative logic of the stories, giving rise to an inherently relational personhood – a personhood that, just like the way in which its narration destabilizes the logic of before and after, destabilizes the distinction between self and other. Lastly, contextualizing the current economic crisis in the lives of such persons, the article suggests we need to think of it in relation to the devil and the stories people tell of him.
Detecting pioglitazone use and risk of cardiovascular events using electronic health record data in a large cohort of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Miao Shumei , Dong Xiao , Zhang Xin , Jing Shenqi , Zhang Xiaoliang , Xu Tingyu , Wang Li , Du Xianglin , Xu Hua , Liu Yun 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundPioglitazone may have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease risk among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, but evidence from China is lacking. This study investigated the association using electronic health records (EHR) data from a Chinese cohort of T2D patients.MethodsAll T2D patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University who were prescribed at least one oral antidiabetic drug and were aged ≥18 years between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2017 were eligible for inclusion (n = 71 783). Pioglitazone use was determined in 6‐month study intervals, with outcome events of myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, and heart failure. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsIn multivariable analysis adjusted for potential confounders, pioglitazone use, compared with no use, was associated with a significant 39% decreased risk of MI (RR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.42‐0.90; P = 0.012). Pioglitazone use was also associated with a non‐significant reduction in risk of heart failure or stroke. When MI, heart failure, and stroke were combined as a composite outcome, pioglitazone use was associated with a 30% decrease in risk (RR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.56‐0.88; P = 0.002).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that applying informatics tools to a large EHR database could be a good way to efficiently conduct clinical observational research. In addition, the findings validated the favorable effect of pioglitazone on the risk of MI among T2D patients in China, with the use of pioglitazone decreasing the risk of MI among those with T2D.
Hypermethylation of Proopiomelanocortin and Period 2 Genes in Blood Are Associated with Greater Subjective and Behavioral Motivation for Alcohol in Humans
Authors: Gangisetty Omkaram , Sinha Rajita , Sarkar Dipak K. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundEpigenetic modifications of a gene have been shown to play a role in maintaining a long‐lasting change in gene expression. We hypothesize that alcohol's modulating effect on DNA methylation on certain genes in blood is evident in binge and heavy alcohol drinkers and is associated with alcohol motivation.MethodsMethylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to measure changes in gene methylation of period 2 (PER2) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) genes in peripheral blood samples collected from nonsmoking moderate, nonbinging, binge, and heavy social drinkers who participated in a 3‐day behavioral alcohol motivation experiment of imagery exposure to either stress, neutral, or alcohol‐related cues, 1 per day, presented on consecutive days in counterbalanced order. Following imagery exposure on each day, subjects were exposed to discrete alcoholic beer cues followed by an alcohol taste test (ATT) to assess behavioral motivation. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to measure gene expression of PER2 and POMC gene levels in blood samples across samples.ResultsIn the sample of moderate, binge, and heavy drinkers, we found increased methylation of the PER2 and POMC DNA, reduced expression of these genes in the blood samples of the binge and heavy drinkers relative to the moderate, nonbinge drinkers. Increased PER2 and POMC DNA methylation was also significantly predictive of both increased levels of subjective alcohol craving immediately following imagery (p < 0.0001), and with presentation of the alcohol (2 beers) (p < 0.0001) prior to the ATT, as well as with alcohol amount consumed during the ATT (p < 0.003).ConclusionsThese data establish significant association between binge or heavy levels of alcohol drinking and elevated levels of methylation and reduced levels of expression of POMC and PER2 genes. Furthermore, elevated methylation of POMC and PER2 genes is associated with greater subjective and behavioral motivation for alcohol.
Adherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis using mobile technology. The MASK Study
Authors: Menditto Enrica , Costa Elisio , Midão Luis , Bosnic‐Anticevich Sinthia , Novellino Ettore , Bialek Slawomir , Briedis Vitalis , Mair Alpana , Rajabian‐Soderlund Rojin , Arnavielhe Sylvie , Bedbrook Anna , Czarlewski Wienczyslawa , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Anto Josep M. , Devillier Philippe , De Vries Govert , Keil Thomas , Sheikh Aziz , Orlando Valentina , Larenas‐Linnemann Désirée , Cecchi Lorenzo , De Feo Giulia , Illario M. , Stellato Cristiana , Fonseca Joao , Malva Joao , Morais‐Almeida Mario , Pereira Ana Maria , Todo‐Bom Ana Maria , Kvedariene Violeta , Valiulis Arunas , Bergmann Karl Christian , Klimek Ludger , Mösges Ralph , Pfaar Oliver , Zuberbier Torsten , Cardona Vicky , Mullol Joaquim , Papadopoulos Nikos G. , Prokopakis Emmanuel P. , Bewick Mike , Ryan Dermot , Roller‐Wirnsberger Regina E. , Tomazic Peter Valentin , Cruz Alvaro A. , Kuna Piotr , Samolinski Boleslaw , Fokkens Wytske J. , Reitsma Sietze , Bosse Isabelle , Fontaine Jean‐François , Laune Daniel , Haahtela Tari , Toppila‐Salmi Sanna , Bachert Claus , Hellings Peter W. , Melén Erik , Wickman Magnus , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Eller Esben , O'Hehir Robyn E. , Cingi Cemal , Gemicioğlu Bilun , Kalayci Omer , Ivancevich Juan Carlos , Bousquet Jean ,   the MASK group
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundMobile technology may help to better understand the adherence to treatment. MASK‐rhinitis (Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) is a patient‐centred ICT system. A mobile phone app (the Allergy Diary) central to MASK is available in 22 countries.ObjectivesTo assess the adherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis patients using the Allergy Diary App.MethodsAn observational cross‐sectional study was carried out on all users who filled in the Allergy Diary from 1 January 2016 to 1 August 2017. Secondary adherence was assessed by using the modified Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) and the Proportion of days covered (PDC) approach.ResultsA total of 12 143 users were registered. A total of 6 949 users reported at least one VAS data recording. Among them, 1 887 users reported ≥7 VAS data. About 1 195 subjects were included in the analysis of adherence. One hundred and thirty‐six (11.28%) users were adherent (MPR ≥70% and PDC ≤1.25), 51 (4.23%) were partly adherent (MPR ≥70% and PDC = 1.50) and 176 (14.60%) were switchers. On the other hand, 832 (69.05%) users were non‐adherent to medications (MPR <70%). Of those, the largest group was non‐adherent to medications and the time interval was increased in 442 (36.68%) users.Conclusion and clinical relevanceAdherence to treatment is low. The relative efficacy of continuous vs on‐demand treatment for allergic rhinitis symptoms is still a matter of debate. This study shows an approach for measuring retrospective adherence based on a mobile app. This also represents a novel approach for analysing medication‐taking behaviour in a real‐world setting.
Decreased biventricular longitudinal strain in patients with systemic sclerosis is mainly caused by pulmonary hypertension and not by systemic sclerosis per se
Authors: Lindholm Anthony , Hesselstrand Roger , Rådegran Göran , Arheden Håkan , Ostenfeld Ellen 
Published: December 2018

SummaryPurposePatients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) due to systemic sclerosis (SSc) have high mortality. Left ventricular (LV) peak global longitudinal strain (GLS) is decreased in SSc. It is unknown whether low GLS is due to SSc or PAH. Therefore, our primary aim was to evaluate both LV and right ventricular free wall GLS (RVFW GLS) in SSc, with and without PAH, using cardiac magnetic resonance with feature tracking. Secondary aim was to relate GLS to invasive mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).MethodsThirty‐eight patients with SSc, 19 patients with SSc‐PAH and 19 healthy controls for comparison, were included. Endocardial and epicardial borders were delineated in cine images (short‐axis stack and three long‐axis views) for volumetric and strain calculations.ResultsSystemic sclerosis‐PAH had lower LV and RVFW GLS than SSc (LV: P = 0·01, RV: P<0·001) and controls (LV: P = 0·02; RV: P<0·001), with no difference between SSc and controls. LV strain correlated with mPAP (R = 0·42, P = 0·03) and PVR (R = 0·52, P = 0·006). RVFW GLS correlated with mPAP (R = 0·68, P<0·001) and PVR (R = 0·59, P = 0·001). ROC curves for predicting PAH had AUC 0·73 for LV strain (P = 0·003) and 0·86 for RVFW GLS (P<0·001).ConclusionsLower GLS is mainly determined by increased pulmonary pressure and not by SSc per se. Low LV and RVFW GLS are indicative of increased mPAP and PVR, which opens for improved non‐invasive methods to select patients eligible for right heart catheterization and to monitor the effects of PAH therapy.
Identification of genomic copy number variations in lung benign metastasizing leiomyomatosis
Authors: Hernández‐Plata Everardo , Velázquez‐Wong Ana Claudia , Jiménez‐Ramírez Carmina , Fernández‐Ramírez Fernando , Galicia‐Sánchez Luz María , Flores‐García César Antonio , Hernández‐Hernández José Manuel , Rosas‐Vargas Haydeé , Huicochea‐Montiel Juan Carlos , Espinosa‐Poblano Eliseo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesLung metastasizing leiomyomatosis (LML) is an infrequently diagnosed pathology developed after sexual maturation, commonly preceded by uterine myomas. Symptoms can include difficulties to breathe, cough, dyspnea and pain, because of mechanical obstruction exerted by expanding local growing leiomyomas. Lung leiomyomas are normally detected by imaging studies, but nowadays the precise diagnosis demands histological characterization of biopsies obtained from the affected tissues. The purpose of the present study was to determine the presence of genomic alterations in circulating cells of LML.MethodsImmunohistochemical characterization of a lung biopsy extracted by thoracoscopy was performed. Pathologic proliferative smooth muscle cells were observed in a major lung metastasizing nodule, with a growing pattern similar to a uterine myoma. The presence of cellular linages different to smooth muscle cells was discarded by testing the presence of a battery of molecular markers. Also, a normal karyotype was determine by GTG‐banding cytogenetic study, but a high density microarray analysis revealed six submicroscopic chromosomal regions displaying genomic abnormalities: microduplications were detected on chromosomes 4, 14, 17 and 22; and microdeletions on chromosomes 8 and 10.ConclusionThis study remarks the relevance of submicroscopic chromosomal analysis of unusual pathologic conditions such as Benign Metastasizing Leiomyomatosis. This propitiate a better understanding of the molecular basis on the development of the pathology, in order to reckon on minimally invasive diagnostic methods, and to design appropriate treatments.
Comparison of two lung cancer screening scores among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A community study
Authors: Gagnat Ane Aamli , Gulsvik Amund , Bakke Per , Gjerdevik Miriam 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionBased on the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST), guidelines on screening programs for lung cancer have recommended low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT). De Torres et al made a score for COPD patients (COPD‐LUCSS) to improve their selection criteria.ObjectiveTo examine and compare the discriminating value of both scores in a community‐based cohort of COPD patients.MethodsFour hundred and twenty‐two ever‐smokers with COPD from the GenKOLS study in Bergen were merged with the Cancer Registry of Norway. We divided the patients into groups of high and low risk according to the COPD‐LUCSS and the NLST criteria. Cox regression and logistic regression were used to analyse the associations between the scores and lung cancer. We used Harrell's C and area under the curve (AUC) to estimate discriminating values and to compare the models.ResultsHazard ratio for the high risk vs the low risk in the COPD‐LUCSS was 3.0 (1.4‐6.5 95% CI), P < 0.01. Hazard ratio for the NLST criteria was 2.2 (95% CI 1.1‐4.5), P < 0.05. Harrell's C was 0.63 for the COPD‐LUCSS and 0.59 for the NLST selection criteria. AUC was 0.61 for COPD‐LUCSS and 0.59 for NLST criteria. Comparing tests showed no differences (P = 0.76).ConclusionAlthough the COPD‐LUCSS and the NLST criteria were associated with increased risk of lung cancer, the AUC and Harrell's C values showed that these models have poor discriminating abilities in our cohort of COPD patients. The COPD‐LUCSS was not significantly better than the NLST criteria.
Prevalence, determinants, and correlates of coagulation necrosis and contraction band necrosis in donor hearts
Authors: Guglin Maya , Omar Hesham R. , Ray Gregory , Wright Charles 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundExploration of pathologic changes in donor hearts and finding the association of pathologic findings with potentially reversible cardiac condition may result in allowing such hearts to recover and be used for transplantation.MethodsWe enrolled consecutive donors from one federally designated Organ Procurement Organization for one calendar year. Hearts rejected for transplantation underwent pathological examination. We studied the association of pathologic findings with the mechanism of death.ResultsA total of 81 hearts were rejected for transplantation. The most common pathologic findings were coagulation necrosis (CN) in 17.3% and contraction band necrosis (CBN) in 34.6%. Anoxic brain injury was present in 78.6% of the donors who had CN, and only in 29.9% of those without CN (P = 0.002). CBN was more commonly associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (17.9% vs 1.9% of donors with and without CBN, P = 0.017). Only hearts with CBN had significantly lower LVEF (P = 0.017).ConclusionCoagulation necrosis and CBN are the most common pathologic findings in the hearts rejected for transplantation. While CN is more prevalent in anoxic brain injury, CBN is more often present in subarachnoid hemorrhage. This may be clinically important because CBN is a pathologic hallmark of catecholamine‐induced cardiomyopathy which is potentially reversible.
Uncontrolled deceased cardiac donation: An unutilized source for organ transplantation in the United States
Authors: Choudhury Rashikh A. , Prins Kas , Moore Hunter B. , Yoeli Dor , Kam Adi , Nydam Trevor L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe practice of uncontrolled donation after cardiac death (uDCD) has been met with tepid interest within the United States transplant community. Hesitancy stems largely from fears of eroding public trust due to complex ethical issues involving consent. Beyond ethical concerns, uDCD creates unique logistic challenges to obtain and to preserve organs within a short time frame. This mandates that organ recovery centers be able to rapidly mobilize, and that traditional cold preservation techniques may be inadequate. Proof of effective uDCD organ recovery comes from several European nations, and the frequency of its use is increasing due to early promising results. These scarce resources provide life‐saving organs to desperate transplant candidates who otherwise experience high morbidity and mortality on a transplant waitlist. The objective of this review will be to provide an overview of the European experience with uDCD and discuss the unique ethical and logistic challenges associated with its implementation in the United States. Given existing models for it successful use, uDCD remains a poorly utilized source of donors in the United States at this time.
PF‐04447943, a Phosphodiesterase 9A Inhibitor, in Stable Sickle Cell Disease Patients: A Phase Ib Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Charnigo Robert J. , Beidler David , Rybin Denis , Pittman Debra D. , Tan Beesan , Howard Jo , Michelson Alan D. , Frelinger Andrew L. , Clarke Nicholas 
Published: December 2018

This phase Ib study randomized patients with stable sickle cell disease (SCD) aged 18–65 years to twice‐daily PF‐04447943 (a phosphodiesterase 9A inhibitor; 5 or 25 mg) or placebo, with/without hydroxyurea coadministration, for up to 29 days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and various posttreatment time points for assessments of PF‐04447943 pharmacokinetics (PKs)/pharmacodynamics (PDs). Change from baseline in potential SCD‐related biomarkers was evaluated. Of 30 patients, 15 received hydroxyurea and 28 completed the study. PF‐04447943, with/without hydroxyurea, was generally well tolerated, with no treatment‐related serious adverse events. Plasma PF‐04447943 exposure was dose proportional. Twice‐daily PF‐04447943 25 mg significantly reduced the number and size of circulating monocyte‐platelet and neutrophil‐platelet aggregates and levels of circulating soluble E‐selectin at day 29 vs. baseline (adjusted P < 0.15). PF‐04447943 demonstrated PK/PD effects suggestive of inhibiting pathways that may contribute to vaso‐occlusion. This study also provides guidance regarding biomarkers for future SCD studies.
Relation between rotation of MreB actin and cell width of Escherichia coli
Authors: Kurita Keisuke , Shin Ryota , Tabei Tsutomu , Shiomi Daisuke 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBacterial cells, including Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, continuously elongate and divide. Although the cell width is maintained during cell cycle, the molecular mechanisms involved in its regulation remain unknown. MreB has been implicated to play a role in maintaining cell width. Several point mutations in mreB that affect cell width have been identified. The MreB protein forms clusters or polymers in the cell and moves along annular tracks perpendicular to the long axis. This rotation is coupled with peptidoglycan synthesis. Here, we focused on two MreB mutants, MreBA125V and MreBA174T. Cells producing MreBA125V and MreBA174T were thinner and thicker than WT cells, and MreBA125V and MreBA174T rotated faster and slower than WT MreB, respectively. We observed that the rotation rate correlated with the cell wall synthesis rate. Thus, we conclude that the velocity of MreB rotation also affects cell width, that is, the faster the MreB rotates, the thinner the cell width is.
Utility of CD123 immunohistochemistry in differentiating lupus erythematosus from cutaneous T cell lymphoma
Authors: Chen Stephanie J T , Tse Julie Y , Harms Paul W , Hristov Alexandra C , Chan May P 
Published: December 2018

AimsHistopathological overlap between lupus erythematosus and certain types of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is well documented. CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) are typically increased in lupus erythematosus, but have not been well studied in CTCL. We aimed to compare CD123 immunostaining and histopathological features in these conditions.Methods and resultsSkin biopsies of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE, n = 18), lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP, n = 17), mycosis fungoides (MF, n = 25) and subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL, n = 9) were retrospectively reviewed and immunostained with CD123. Percentage, distribution and clustering of CD123+ cells were compared between CLE and MF and between LEP and SPTCL using χ2 and two‐tailed t‐tests. A higher percentage of CD123+ cells was observed in CLE than MF (P < 0.01), more frequently comprising ≥20% of the entire infiltrate (P < 0.01) and forming clusters (P < 0.01). Similarly, LEP showed a higher percentage of CD123+ cells than SPTCL (P = 0.01), more frequently comprising ≥20% of the infiltrate (P = 0.04) and forming clusters (P = 0.01). Basal vacuolar change or dyskeratosis was observed in all CLE cases and in 48% cases of MF cases (P = 0.05). Plasma cells were readily identified in 76% cases of LEP but in none of the SPTCL cases (P = 0.01). Adipocyte rimming by lymphocytes, hyaline fat necrosis and fibrinoid/grungy necrosis did not significantly differ between LEP and SPTCL. Dermal mucin also failed to distinguish between groups.ConclusionsCD123 immunostaining is helpful in differentiating CLE from MF and LEP from SPTCL, but should be interpreted in conjunction with clinicopathological features and other ancillary studies to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Suppression of crystallization in ZBLAN glass by rapid heating and cooling processing
Authors: Ong Teng‐Cheong , Fogarty Ben , Steinberg Ted , Jaatinen Esa , Bell John 
Published: December 2018

AbstractZBLAN glass is a heavy metal fluoride glass that tends to undergo heavy devitrification, resulting in a crystalline material. It has many applications, including its use as an optical waveguide for fiber‐optic technology. However, when the glass is processed with traditional casting techniques, crystallites form readily that act as scattering centers, which results in large attenuation losses. In this study, it has been experimentally demonstrated that processing ZBLAN rapidly with a heating rate of 25 000 K/min and cooling rate of 4000 K/min yields test samples that are fully amorphous and retain a disordered molecular arrangement characteristic of its molten state. This novel method was developed using a specifically designed equipment named a Rapid Electro‐thermal Processing Device, or “REPD.” The REPD applies ohmic heating and thermal conduction to a heat sink to rapidly process the ZBLAN material. The absence of crystallites in the rapidly processed ZBLAN test samples were verified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Applying a theoretical algorithm, the critical cooling rate for yielding fully amorphous ZBLAN glass was determined to be 1081 K/min for a sample volume of 9.4 × 10−8 m3.