bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical Thinking Interventions: A Paradigm for Societal Change
Authors: Hameiri Boaz , Bar‐Tal Daniel , Halperin Eran 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSocial problems such as intergroup conflicts, prejudice, and discrimination have a significant effect on the world's population. Often, to facilitate constructive solutions to these problems, fundamental attitude change is needed. However, changing the beliefs and attitudes to which people strongly adhere has proven to be difficult, as these individuals resist change. In this article, we offer a new and unconventional approach, termed paradoxical thinking, to promote the change of attitudes relevant to social realities. Paradoxical thinking refers to a process of exposing individuals to amplified, exaggerated, or even absurd messages that are still congruent with their held societal beliefs. In our research program, we focused on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and found that paradoxical thinking interventions led to attitude moderation among those who were the most adamant in their held attitudes and beliefs, even in the challenging context of a harsh and prolonged intergroup conflict. We then discuss how paradoxical thinking can be utilized to facilitate attitude change in this context and provide two brief examples as preliminary evidence that this approach might work in other important societal contexts, (i.e., attitudes toward refugees and asylum seekers, and gender‐based discrimination), and conclude with policy recommendations.
The retrenchment of public pension provision in the liberal world of welfare during the age of austerity—and its unexpected reversal, 1980–2017
Authors: Bridgen Paul 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPension system adaption during the “age of austerity” since 1980 is expected to vary between industrialized countries broadly in line with their membership of conservative, liberal, or social democratic worlds of welfare. Empirical testing on the liberal world focuses on the later period and differs in its conclusions. This paper is based on a systematic study of the scale, nature, and trajectory of change in six liberal pension systems between 1980 and 2017 using expenditure, economic, demographic, and social rights data. These data are analysed using a framework developed through critical engagement with Pierson's three welfare state change criteria and the welfare state “dependent variable problem.” The paper finds a significant retrenchment of public pension provision in most liberal welfare states after 1980 but largely during the first half of the period. This has been partly reversed in most countries since the mid‐1990s, though the scale of this reversal varies between countries. The recent rise of the state in liberal systems has been noted by some commentators, but to be properly understood, the paper argues, it must be considered in the context of the significant retrenchment, which preceded it. There is a scope especially for research on the broader social context of recent reforms, particularly how middle‐income groups were affected by retrenchment and how recent reforms have mitigated this.
Linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy initiation by testing modality among individuals newly diagnosed with HIV in Tanzania, 2014–2017
Authors: Rentsch Christopher T. , Wringe Alison , Machemba Richard , Michael Denna , Urassa Mark , Todd Jim , Reniers Georges , Zaba Basia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo measure linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among newly diagnosed individuals with HIV in a rural Tanzanian community.MethodsWe included all new HIV diagnoses of adults made between 2014 and 2017 during community‐ or facility‐based HIV testing and counselling (HTC) in a rural ward in northwest Tanzania. Community‐based HTC included population‐level HIV serological testing (sero‐survey), and facility‐based HTC included a stationary, voluntary HTC clinic (VCT) and an antenatal clinic (ANC) offering provider‐initiated HTC (ANC‐PITC). Cox regression models were used to compare linkage to care rates by testing modality and identify associated factors. Among those in care, we compared initial CD4 cell counts and ART initiation rates by testing modality.ResultsA total of 411 adults were newly diagnosed, of whom 10% (27/265 sero‐survey), 18% (3/14 facility‐based ANC‐PITC) and 53% (68/129 facility‐based VCT) linked to care within 90 days. Individuals diagnosed using facility‐based VCT were seven times (95% CI: 4.5–11.0) more likely to link to care than those diagnosed in the sero‐survey. We found no difference in linkage rates between those diagnosed using facility‐based ANC‐PITC and sero‐survey (P = 0.26). Among individuals in care, 63% of those in the sero‐survey had an initial CD4 count >350 cells/mm3 vs. 29% of those using facility‐based VCT (P = 0.02). The proportion who initiated ART within 1 year of linkage to care was similar for both groups (94% sero‐survey vs. 85% facility‐based VCT; P = 0.16).ConclusionsCommunity‐based sero‐surveys are important for earlier diagnosis of HIV‐positive individuals; however, interventions are essential to facilitate linkage to care.
Comparison between the traditional (1997) and revised (2009) WHO classifications of dengue disease: a retrospective study of 30 670 patients
Authors: da Silva Natal Santos , Undurraga Eduardo A. , Verro Alice Tobal , Nogueira Maurício Lacerda 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo compare WHO's traditional (1997) and revised (2009) guidelines for dengue classification, using a large sample of patients of all ages with varying clinical conditions from a dengue‐endemic area in Brazil.MethodsWe compared 30 670 laboratory‐confirmed dengue cases (1998–2012) using both WHO's dengue classification guidelines. Stereotype ordinal logistic regressions were used to analyse the association between patients’ demographics and signs and symptoms related to dengue infection severity, as defined in the 1997 and 2009 guidelines. We then compared the degree of agreement in dengue classification of both guidelines.ResultsDengue signs and symptoms in patients were poorly correlated to disease severity as defined by both guidelines (Cramer's V test <0.2). Hypotensive shock was the exception for both classifications, presenting dependence (Z = 56.42; P < 0.001, and Z = 55.24; P < 0.001) and high agreement (Cramers's V = 1; P < 0.001, and Cramers's V = 0.97; P < 0.001) for WHO 1997 and 2009, respectively. Last, we also found substantial agreement in disease classification between both guidelines (Kendall tau‐b = 0.79; P < 0.001), although 2009 guidelines were more sensitive in the detection of severe cases.ConclusionsWe hope our results will inform the debate about dengue classification guidelines, particularly concerning clinical value, study comparability, and ways in which future guidelines can support the clinical management of dengue. Our results suggest that caution should be taken when using WHO guidelines to assess dengue severity to improve clinical management of patients.
Autoimmune heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia of delayed onset: a clinical challenge
Authors: Kuitunen Anne , Sinisalo Marjatta , Vahtera Annukka , Hiltunen Leena , Javela Kaija , Laine Outi 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDHeparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) usually appears at 5 to 10 days after initiation of heparin. Autoimmune HIT can arise after discontinuation of heparin treatment (delayed‐onset HIT) or without any preceding heparin exposure (spontaneous HIT syndrome).CASE REPORTThis case presents a course of autoimmune HIT with delayed onset. The patient was hospitalized due to influenza pneumonia and received low‐molecular‐weight heparin thromboprophylaxis for 9 days. Seven days after discharge, she was readmitted because of a cerebral sinus vein thrombosis and severe thrombocytopenia. Intracranial bleeding and brain infarction caused her death.DISCUSSIONAutoimmune HIT was confirmed by functional heparin‐induced platelet (PLT) activation test. Intracranial bleeding prevented continuous and effective anticoagulation. PLT transfusions were given, although they are generally advised against in HIT patients due to potential risk of thromboembolic events.CONCLUSIONThis case presents that testing PLT‐activating antibodies both in the presence and in the absence of current heparin treatment helps to diagnose patients with autoimmune HIT. There is conflicting evidence to refuse PLT transfusion when HIT is complicated with life‐threatening bleeding.
A variant RhAG protein encoded by the RHAG*572A allele causes serological weak D expression while maintaining normal RhCE phenotypes
Authors: Wen Jizhi , Verhagen Onno J.H.M. , Jia Shuangshuang , Liang Qianni , Wang Zhen , Wei Ling , Luo Hong , Luo Guangping , Vidarsson Gestur , van den Akker Emile , Ji Yanli , van der Schoot C. Ellen 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDThe molecular events resulting in a weak D phenotype include missense mutations, in‐frame insertion, or deletion mutations of the RHD gene and hybrid RHD‐CE‐D hybrid alleles. Mutations in genes encoding the proteins that are required for proper membrane expression of Rh proteins, such as RhAG and ankyrin 1, can lead to absent or weakened expression of Rh antigens.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSBlood sample from a Chinese blood donor with a serological weak D phenotype was collected. RhAG antigen expression, RhD, and RhCE phenotypes were determined. Analysis of the RHD and RHCE genotypes by RH multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), Sanger sequencing of the RHD exons, and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of the RHAG and ANK1 exons were performed. Expression studies in vitro were conducted by lentivirally transducing the mutant RHAG*572A or wild‐type RHAG, in combination with either RHD or RHCE constructs, into HEK 293 T cells. The expression of RhAG, RhD, and RhCE antigens was analyzed by flow cytometry.RESULTSSerological weak D and normal C + c‐ E– e + phenotypes, normal CCDDee genotype determined by RH‐MLPA, and normal sequence of the RHD gene by Sanger sequencing were demonstrated. A homozygous variant (c.572G > A, p.Arg191Gln) of the RHAG gene was revealed by NGS analysis. Normal RhAG, weak RhD, and normal RhCE antigens were detected in cells transduced with the mutant RHAG*572A, the mutant RHAG*572A and RHD, and the mutant RHAG*572A and RHCE constructs, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe homozygous presence of RHAG*572A allele results in weak D expression. It does not affect RhCE expression.
Elevation of extracellular osmolarity improves signs of myotonia congenita in vitro: a preclinical animal study
Authors: Hoppe Kerstin , Chaiklieng Sunisa , Lehmann‐Horn Frank , Jurkat‐Rott Karin , Wearing Scott , Klingler Werner 
Published: October 2018

Key points
During myotonia congenita, reduced chloride (Cl−) conductance results in impaired muscle relaxation and increased muscle stiffness after forceful voluntary contraction.
Repetitive contraction of myotonic muscle decreases or even abolishes myotonic muscle stiffness, a phenomenon called ‘warm up’.
Pharmacological inhibition of low Cl− channels by anthracene‐9‐carboxylic acid in muscle from mice and ADR (‘arrested development of righting response’) muscle from mice showed a relaxation deficit under physiological conditions compared to wild‐type muscle.
At increased osmolarity up to 400 mosmol L–1, the relaxation deficit of myotonic muscle almost reached that of control muscle.
These effects were mediated by the cation and anion cotransporter, NKCC1, and anti‐myotonic effects of hypertonicity were at least partly antagonized by the application of bumetanide.
AbstractLow chloride‐conductance myotonia is caused by mutations in the skeletal muscle chloride (Cl−) channel gene type 1 (CLCN1). Reduced Cl− conductance of the mutated channels results in impaired muscle relaxation and increased muscle stiffness after forceful voluntary contraction. Exercise decreases muscle stiffness, a phenomena called ‘warm up’. To gain further insight into the patho‐mechanism of impaired muscle stiffness and the warm‐up phenomenon, we characterized the effects of increased osmolarity on myotonic function. Functional force and membrane potential measurements were performed on muscle specimens of ADR (‘arrested development of righting response’) mice (an animal model for low gCl– conductance myotonia) and pharmacologically‐induced myotonia. Specimens were exposed to solutions of increasing osmolarity at the same time as force and membrane potentials were monitored. In the second set of experiments, ADR muscle and pharmacologically‐induced myotonic muscle were exposed to an antagonist of NKCC1. Upon osmotic stress, ADR muscle was depolarized to a lesser extent than control wild‐type muscle. High osmolarity diminished myotonia and facilitated the warm‐up phenomenon as depicted by a faster muscle relaxation time (T90/10). Osmotic stress primarily resulted in the activation of the NKCC1. The inhibition of NKCC1 with bumetanide prevented the depolarization and reversed the anti‐myotonic effect of high osmolarity. Increased osmolarity decreased signs of myotonia and facilitated the warm‐up phenomenon in different in vitro models of myotonia. Activation of NKCC1 activity promotes warm‐up and reduces the number of contractions required to achieve normal relaxation kinetics.
The central amygdala to periaqueductal gray pathway comprises intrinsically distinct neurons differentially affected in a model of inflammatory pain
Authors: Li Jun‐Nan , Sheets Patrick L. 
Published: October 2018

Key points
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) encompasses the main output pathways of the amygdala, a temporal lobe structure essential in affective and cognitive dimensions of pain.
A major population of neurons in the CeA send projections to the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a key midbrain structure that mediates coping strategies in response to threat or stress.
CeA‐PAG neurons are topographically organized based on their targeted subregion within the PAG.
PAG‐projecting neurons in the central medial (CeM) and central lateral (CeL) regions of CeA are intrinsically distinct.
CeL‐PAG neurons are a homogeneous population of intrinsically distinct neurons while CeM‐PAG neurons are intrinsically heterogeneous.
Membrane properties of distinct CeM‐PAG subtypes are altered in the complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammatory pain.
AbstractA major population of neurons in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) send projections to the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a key midbrain structure that mediates coping strategies in response to threat or stress. While the CeA‐PAG pathway has proved to be a component of descending anti‐nociceptive circuitry, the functional organization of CeA‐PAG neurons remains unclear. We identified CeA‐PAG neurons in C57BL/6 mice of both sexes using intracranial injection of a fluorescent retrograde tracer into the PAG. In acute brain slices, we investigated the topographical and intrinsic characteristics of retrogradely labelled CeA‐PAG neurons using epifluorescence and whole‐cell electrophysiology. We also measured changes to CeA‐PAG neurons in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain. Neurons in the central lateral (CeL) and central medial (CeM) amygdala project primarily to different regions of the PAG. CeL‐PAG neurons consist of a relatively homogeneous population of intrinsically distinct neurons while CeM‐PAG neurons are intrinsically heterogeneous. Membrane properties of distinct CeM‐PAG subtypes are altered 1 day after induction of the CFA inflammatory pain model. Collectively, our results provide insight into pain‐induced changes to a specific population of CeA neurons that probably play a key role in the integration of noxious input with endogenous analgesia and behavioural coping response.
Prevalence of cystoid macular oedema, epiretinal membrane and cataract in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Liew Gerald , Strong Stacey , Bradley Patrick , Severn Philip , Moore Anthony T , Webster Andrew R , Mitchell Paul , Kifley Annette , Michaelides Michel 
Published: October 2018

Background/AimsTo report the prevalence of treatable complications (cystoid macular oedema, CME; epiretinal membrane, ERM and cataract) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).MethodsConsecutive patients with RP attending a tertiary eye clinic in 2012. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography was used to determine presence of CME and ERM. Clinic records were reviewed to identify cataract and pseudophakia. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, gender and other confounders.ResultsData are presented for 338 eyes from 169 patients. CME was present in 58.6% of patients and 50.9% of eyes and was bilateral in 73.7%. ERM, cataract and pseudophakia were present in 22.8%, 23.4% and 11.2% eyes, respectively. In multivariable analyses, CME was associated with younger age (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.98) but not with gender. Patients with ERM and cataract/pseudophakia were less likely to also have CME (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.40 and OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.84, respectively). CME was most prevalent in patients with autosomal-dominant inheritance (71.4%), followed by autosomal recessive/sporadic inheritance (58.9%) and least likely in persons with X linked inheritance (12.5%, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe prevalence of treatable RP complications is high and suggests it may be clinically beneficial to screen patients with RP to identify those who may benefit from current or future interventions.
Virtual outpatient clinic as an alternative to an actual clinic visit after surgical discharge: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Healy Paul , McCrone Liam , Tully Roisin , Flannery Emer , Flynn Aoife , Cahir Caitriona , Arumugasamy Mayilone , Walsh Thomas 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundIt is standard practice to review all patients following discharge at a follow-up clinic but demands on all health services outweigh resources and unnecessary review appointments may delay or deny access to patients with greater needs.AimsThis randomised trial aimed to establish whether a virtual outpatient clinic (VOPC) was an acceptable alternative to an actual outpatient clinic (OPC) attendance for a broad range of general surgical patients following a hospital admission.Patients and methodsAll patients admitted under one general surgical service over the study period were assessed. If eligible for inclusion the rationale, randomisation and follow-up methods were explained, consent was sought and patients randomised to receive either a VOPC or an OPC appointment.ResultsTwo-hundred and nine patients consented to study inclusion, of which 98/107 (91.6%) in the VOPC group and 83/102 (81.4%) in the OPC group were successfully contacted. Only 6 patients in the OPC group and 10 in the VOPC group reported ongoing issues. A further follow-up indicated 78 of 82 (95%) VOPC patients were very happy with their overall experience compared with 34/61 (56%) in the actual OPC group (p<0.001). A significant proportion of both cohorts—68/82 (83%) in VOPC group and 41/61 (67%) in OPC group (p = 0.029)—preferred a VOPC appointment as their future follow-up of choice.ConclusionsThe majority of patients discharged from a surgical service could be better followed up by a virtual clinic with a significant proportion of patients reporting a preference for and a greater satisfaction with such a service.
Implications of Epigenetic Drift in Colorectal Neoplasia
Authors: Luebeck Georg E. , Hazelton William D. , Curtius Kit , Maden Sean K. , Yu Ming , Carter Kelly T. , Burke Wynn , Lampe Paul D. , Li Christopher I. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Newcomb Polly A. , Westerhoff Maria , Kaz Andrew M. , Luo Yanxin , Inadomi John M. , Grady William M. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Many normal tissues undergo age-related drift in DNA methylation, providing a quantitative measure of tissue age. Here, we identify and validate 781 CpG islands (CGI) that undergo significant methylomic drift in 232 normal colorectal tissues and show that these CGI continue to drift in neoplasia while retaining significant correlations across samples. However, compared with normal colon, this drift advanced (∼3–4-fold) faster in neoplasia, consistent with increased cell proliferation during neoplastic progression. The observed drift patterns were broadly consistent with modeled adenoma-to-carcinoma sojourn time distributions from colorectal cancer incidence data. These results support the hypothesis that, beginning with the founder premalignant cell, cancer precursors frequently sojourn for decades before turning into cancer, implying that the founder cell typically arises early in life. At least 77% to 89% of the observed drift variance in distal and rectal tumors was explained by stochastic variability associated with neoplastic progression, whereas only 55% of the variance was explained for proximal tumors. However, gene–CGI pairs in the proximal colon that underwent drift were significantly and primarily negatively correlated with cancer gene expression, suggesting that methylomic drift participates in the clonal evolution of colorectal cancer. Methylomic drift advanced in colorectal neoplasia, consistent with extended sojourn time distributions, which accounts for a significant fraction of epigenetic heterogeneity in colorectal cancer. Importantly, these estimated long-duration premalignant sojourn times suggest that early dietary and lifestyle interventions may be more effective than later changes in reducing colorectal cancer incidence.

Significance:
These findings present age-related methylomic drift in colorectal neoplasia as evidence that premalignant cells can persist for decades before becoming cancerous.
See related commentary by Sapienza, p. 437
O meteorito Palmas de Monte Alto:
Authors: Carvalho Wilton Pinto , Rios Débora Correia , Zucolotto Maria Elizabeth , Conceição Herbet , Araújo Acácio José Silva , Tosi Amanda Araújo 
Published: October 2018

Diversos parâmetros têm sido utilizados para a classificação dos meteoritos de ferro, principalmente sua mineralogia e suas propriedades químicas e estruturais. Este artigo resgata e documenta o achado do meteorito férreo Palmas de Monte Alto, apresentando uma sequência de parâmetros classificatórios que amplia e detalha os dados disponíveis sobre o fragmento. Esse meteorito, um siderito, foi achado no topo da serra de Monte Alto antes de 1955 e hoje representa um dos seis espécimes que compõem a coleção de meteoritos do estado da Bahia. Ele é constituído de uma única massa de 97 kg com alto estágio de oxidação externa em locais em que a crosta de fusão foi removida. Sua mineralogia inclui kamacita, taenita e plessita, bem como fases minerais secundárias, tais como o óxido de Fe-Ni akaganeíta. Também estão presentes minerais acessórios de ocorrência comum em ligas metálicas de Fe-Ni de origem espacial, isto é, schreibersita, cromita e troilita, e foi identificada uma rara solução sólida de ortofosfatos de Fe-Mn composta dos minerais heterosita-purpurita ou sarcopsida-graftonita como membros extremos. A largura média de suas lamelas de kamacita (0,95 ± 0,15 mm) permite classificar estruturalmente o meteorito como um octaedrito médio, com padrão Widmanstätten médio e bem definido. Seus teores de Ni (9,40 wt%) e Co (0,46 wt%) comparados aos elementos-traço Ga (22 ppm), Ir (0,70 ppm), As (16,00 ppm) e Au (1,70 ppm) recomendam a inclusão desse meteorito no grupo químico IIIAB.