bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decomposing Mortality Disparities in Urban and Rural U.S. Counties
Authors: Spencer Jennifer C. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Rotter Jason S. , Holmes George M. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo understand the role of county characteristics in the growing divide between rural and urban mortality from 1980 to 2010.Data SourceAge‐adjusted mortality rates for all U.S. counties from 1980 to 2010 were obtained from the CDC Compressed Mortality File and combined with county characteristics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Area Health Resources File, and the Inter‐University Consortium for Political and Social research.Study DesignWe used Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition to assess the extent to which rural–urban mortality disparities are explained by observed county characteristics at each decade.Principal FindingsDecomposition shows that, at each decade, differences in rural/urban characteristics are sufficient to explain differences in mortality. Furthermore, starting in 1990, rural counties have significantly lower predicted mortality than urban counties when given identical county characteristics. We find changes in the effect of characteristics on mortality, not the characteristics themselves, drive the growing mortality divide.ConclusionsDifferences in economic and demographic characteristics between rural and urban counties largely explain the differences in age‐adjusted mortality in any given year. Over time, the role these characteristics play in improving mortality has increased differentially for urban counties. As characteristics continue changing in importance as determinants of health, this divide may continue to widen.
Genome editing in Bombyx mori: New opportunities for silkworm functional genomics and the sericulture industry
Authors: Ma San‐Yuan , Smagghe Guy , Xia Qing‐You 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn recent years, research in life sciences has been remarkably revolutionized owing to the establishment, development and application of genome editing technologies. Genome editing has not only accelerated fundamental research but has also shown promising applications in agricultural breeding and therapy. In particular, the clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology has become an indispensable tool in molecular biology owing to its high efficacy and simplicity. Genome editing tools have also been established in silkworm (Bombyx mori), a model organism of Lepidoptera insects with high economic importance. This has remarkably improved the level and scope of silkworm research and could reveal new mechanisms or targets in basic entomology and pest management studies. In this review, we summarize the progress and potential of genome editing in silkworm and its applications in functional genomic studies for generating novel genetic materials.
N‐Acetylcysteine alleviates gut dysbiosis and glucose metabolic disorder in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Zheng Junping , Yuan Xubing , Zhang Chen , Jia Peiyuan , Jiao Siming , Zhao Xiaoming , Yin Heng , Du Yuguang , Liu Hongtao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundN‐Acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidative reagent for clinical diseases, shows potential in the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. However, it is unknown how NAC modulates the gut microbiota of mice with metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the preventive effect of NAC on intestinal dysbiosis and glucose metabolic disorder.MethodsMice (C57BL/6J strain) were fed either a normal chow diet (NCD), NCD plus NAC, a high‐fat diet (HFD), or HFD plus NAC for 5 months, after which glucose levels, circulating endotoxins and key metabolism‐related proteins were determined. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. A novel analysis was performed to predict functional changes in gut microbiota. In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis was performed between metabolic biomarkers and bacterial abundance.ResultsTreatment with NAC significantly reversed the glucose intolerance, fasting glucose concentrations, and gains in body weight and plasma endotoxin in HFD‐fed mice. Further, NAC upregulated occludin and mucin glycoprotein levels in the proximal colon of HFD‐treated mice. Noticeably, NAC promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria (i.e. Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Allobaculum) and decreased populations of diabetes‐related genera, including Desulfovibrio and Blautia. In addition, NAC may affect the metabolic pathways of intestinal bacteria, including lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, oxidative stress, and bacterial motility. Finally, the modified gut microbiota was closely associated with the metabolic changes in NAC‐treated HFD‐fed mice.ConclusionsN‐Acetylcysteine may be a potential drug to prevent glucose metabolic disturbances by reshaping the structure of the gut microbiota.
Warfarin, but not rivaroxaban, promotes the calcification of the aortic valve in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Rattazzi Marcello , Faggin Elisabetta , Bertacco Elisa , Nardin Chiara , Pagliani Leopoldo , Plebani Mario , Cinetto Francesco , Guidolin Diego , Puato Massimo , Pauletto Paolo 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIntroductionVitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, are known to promote arterial calcification through blockade of gamma‐carboxylation of Matrix‐Gla‐Protein. It is currently unknown whether other oral anticoagulants such as direct inhibitors of Factor Xa can have protective effects on the progression of aortic valve calcification.AimsTo compare the effect of warfarin and rivaroxaban on the progression of aortic valve calcification in atherosclerotic mice.Results42 ApoE−/− mice fed with Western‐type Diet (WTD) were randomized to treatment with warfarin (n = 14), rivaroxaban (n = 14) or control (n = 14) for 8 weeks. Histological analyses were performed to quantify the calcification of aortic valve leaflets and the development of atherosclerosis. The analyses showed a significant increase in valve calcification in mice treated with warfarin as compared to WTD alone (P = .025) or rivaroxaban (P = .005), whereas no significant differences were found between rivaroxaban and WTD (P = .35). Quantification of atherosclerosis and intimal calcification was performed on the innominate artery of the mice and no differences were found between the 3 treatments as far as atherogenesis and calcium deposition is concerned. In vitro experiments performed using bovine interstitial valve cells (VIC) showed that treatment with rivaroxaban did not prevent the osteogenic conversion of the cells but reduce the over‐expression of COX‐2 induced by inflammatory mediators.ConclusionWe showed that warfarin, but not rivaroxaban, could induce calcific valve degeneration in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Both the treatments did not significantly affect the progression of atherosclerosis. Overall, these data suggest a safer profile of rivaroxaban on the risk of cardiovascular disease progression.
Recruitment of extravascular fluid by hyperoncotic albumin
Authors: Zdolsek M. , Hahn R. G. , Zdolsek J. H. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundAlthough hyperoncotic albumin may be used to recruit oedema, its effectiveness remains unclear. Therefore, this issue was studied during infusion experiments in healthy volunteers.MethodFifteen healthy volunteers (mean age 31 years) received an infusion of 3 mL/kg of 20% albumin over 30 minutes. Their urinary excretion was recorded, and venous blood samples were taken to measure blood haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure as well as plasma albumin and sodium concentrations on 15 occasions over a period of 300 minutes. Plasma volume expansion was taken as the inverse of the fluid‐induced dilution of venous plasma, as given by the blood Hb concentration. Mass balance calculations were used to estimate the mobilisation of fluid from the tissues.ResultsMaximum plasma volume expansion was reached 20 minutes after completing an infusion of 20% albumin. Urinary excretion was effectively increased, and the mobilised fluid from the tissues at 300 minutes amounted to 3.4 ± 1.2 mL for each infused mL of 20% albumin, of which 19% was of intracellular origin. The urinary excretion correlated strongly with the amount of recruited fluid (R2 = 0.87) and inversely with the plasma volume expansion (R2 = 0.53).ConclusionThe infusion of 20% albumin significantly increases the plasma volume by recruiting interstitial fluid. After completing the infusion, there is a delay of 20 minutes until maximum plasma dilution is reached, and the duration of the plasma volume expansion lasts far beyond 5 hours.
Defective recruitment of motor proteins to autophagic compartments contributes to autophagic failure in aging
Authors: Bejarano Eloy , Murray John W. , Wang Xintao , Pampliega Olatz , Yin David , Patel Bindi , Yuste Andrea , Wolkoff Allan W. , Cuervo Ana Maria 
Published: May 2018

SummaryInability to preserve proteostasis with age contributes to the gradual loss of function that characterizes old organisms. Defective autophagy, a component of the proteostasis network for delivery and degradation of intracellular materials in lysosomes, has been described in multiple old organisms, while a robust autophagy response has been linked to longevity. The molecular mechanisms responsible for defective autophagic function with age remain, for the most part, poorly characterized. In this work, we have identified differences between young and old cells in the intracellular trafficking of the vesicular compartments that participate in autophagy. Failure to reposition autophagosomes and lysosomes toward the perinuclear region with age reduces the efficiency of their fusion and the subsequent degradation of the sequestered cargo. Hepatocytes from old mice display lower association of two microtubule‐based minus‐end‐directed motor proteins, the well‐characterized dynein, and the less‐studied KIFC3, with autophagosomes and lysosomes, respectively. Using genetic approaches to mimic the lower levels of KIFC3 observed in old cells, we confirmed that reduced content of this motor protein in fibroblasts leads to failed lysosomal repositioning and diminished autophagic flux. Our study connects defects in intracellular trafficking with insufficient autophagy in old organisms and identifies motor proteins as a novel target for future interventions aiming at correcting autophagic activity with anti‐aging purposes.
Long‐term antipsychotic polypharmacy prescribing in secondary mental health care and the risk of mortality
Authors: Kadra G. , Stewart R. , Shetty H. , MacCabe J. H. , Chang C.‐K. , Taylor D. , Hayes R. D. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between long‐term antipsychotic polypharmacy use and mortality; and determine whether this risk varies by cause of death and antipsychotic dose.MethodsUsing data from a large anonymised mental healthcare database, we identified all adult patients with serious mental illness (SMI) who had been prescribed a single antipsychotic or polypharmacy, for six or more months between 2007 and 2014. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed, adjusting for sociodemographic, socioeconomic, clinical factors and smoking, to examine the association between APP use and the risk of death.ResultsWe identified 10 945 adults with SMI who had been prescribed long‐term antipsychotic monotherapy (76.9%) or APP (23.1%). Patients on long‐term APP had a small elevated risk of mortality, which was significant in some but not all models. The adjusted hazard ratios for death from natural and unnatural causes associated with APP were 1.2 (0.9–1.4, P = 0.111) and 1.1 (0.7–1.9, P = 0.619) respectively. The strengths of the associations between APP and mortality outcomes were similar after further adjusting for % BNF antipsychotic dose (P = 0.031) or olanzapine equivalence (P = 0.088).ConclusionThe findings suggest that the effect of long‐term APP on mortality is not clear‐cut, with limited evidence to indicate an association, even after controlling for the effect of dose.
Metabolic syndrome and actigraphy measures of sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorders during remission
Authors: Brochard H. , Godin O. , Geoffroy P. A. , Yeim S. , Boudebesse C. , Benizri C. , Benard V. , Maruani J. , Leboyer M. , Bellivier F. , Etain B. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThis study explored the correlations between sleep and circadian rhythm measures and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in remitted patients with bipolar disorder (BD).MethodEuthymic patients withBD(n= 67) were recorded by 3 weeks with actigraphy. We used nonparametric correlations to study the links between the MetS parameters, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), sleep efficacy, sleep latency, fragmentation index, and phase and amplitude of rhythms. We performed multivariable analyses to take into account potential confounding factors such as sleep apnea risk, antipsychotics use, and smoker status.ResultsWe found correlations between lower sleep efficiency and higher triglyceride levels (P= 0.002), lower M10 onset (beginning of the 10 most active hours during the 24‐h cycle) and higher systolic blood pressure (P= 0.03), higher fragmentation index and higher systolic blood pressure (P= 0.009), lower sleep efficiency, higher fragmentation index, and higherAIP(respectivelyP= 0.02 andP= 0.04). These correlations mostly remained significant when adjusting for confounders, with the exception of M10 onset and systolic blood pressure.ConclusionSleep efficiency and fragmentation index might contribute to the cardiovascular risk of patients withBDindependently of major confounding factors. Although these associations did not imply causality, proposing interventions on sleep quality and circadian rhythm regularity might contribute to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients withBD.
Risk profiles for heavy drinking in adolescence: differential effects of gender
Authors: Seo Sambu , Beck Anne , Matthis Caroline , Genauck Alexander , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L.W. , Bromberg Uli , Büchel Christian , Quinlan Erin Burke , Flor Herta , Frouin Vincent , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Jean‐Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie‐Laure , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Fröhner Juliane H. , Smolka Michael N. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Desrivières Sylvane , Heinz Andreas , Schumann Gunter , Obermayer Klaus 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAbnormalities across different domains of neuropsychological functioning may constitute a risk factor for heavy drinking during adolescence and for developing alcohol use disorders later in life. However, the exact nature of such multi‐domain risk profiles is unclear, and it is further unclear whether these risk profiles differ between genders. We combined longitudinal and cross‐sectional analyses on the large IMAGEN sample (N ≈ 1000) to predict heavy drinking at age 19 from gray matter volume as well as from psychosocial data at age 14 and 19—for males and females separately. Heavy drinking was associated with reduced gray matter volume in 19‐year‐olds' bilateral ACC, MPFC, thalamus, middle, medial and superior OFC as well as left amygdala and anterior insula and right inferior OFC. Notably, this lower gray matter volume associated with heavy drinking was stronger in females than in males. In both genders, we observed that impulsivity and facets of novelty seeking at the age of 14 and 19, as well as hopelessness at the age of 14, are risk factors for heavy drinking at the age of 19. Stressful life events with internal (but not external) locus of control were associated with heavy drinking only at age 19. Personality and stress assessment in adolescents may help to better target counseling and prevention programs. This might reduce heavy drinking in adolescents and hence reduce the risk of early brain atrophy, especially in females. In turn, this could additionally reduce the risk of developing alcohol use disorders later in adulthood.
AA attendance and abstinence for dually diagnosed patients: a meta‐analytic review
Authors: Tonigan J. Scott , Pearson Matthew R. , Magill Molly , Hagler Kylee J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsThere is consensus that best clinical practice for dual diagnosis (DD) is integrated mental health and substance use treatment augmented with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance. This is the first quantitative review of the direction and magnitude of the association between AA attendance and alcohol abstinence for DD patients.MethodA systematic literature search (1993–2017) identified 22 studies yielding 24 effect sizes that met our inclusion criteria (8075 patients). Inverse‐variance weighting of correlation coefficients (r) was used to aggregate sample‐level findings and study aims were addressed using random‐ and mixed‐effect models. Sensitivity and publication bias analyses were conducted to assess the likelihood of bias in the overall estimate of AA‐related benefit.ResultsAA exposure and abstinence for DD patients were associated significantly and positively [rw = 0.249; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.203–0.293; tau = 0.097). There was also significant heterogeneity in the distribution of effect sizes and high between‐sample variance (I2 = 74.6, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that the magnitude of AA‐related benefit did not differ between 6‐ (k = 7) and 12‐ (k = 12) month follow‐up (Q = 0.068, P = 0.794), type of treatment received (in‐patient k = 9; intensive out‐patient, out‐patient, community k = 15; Q = 2.057, P = 0.152), and whether a majority of patients in a sample had (k = 11) or did not have (k = 13) major depression (Q = 0.563, P = 0.453). Sensitivity analyses indicated that the overall meta‐analytical estimate of AA benefit was not impacted adversely or substantively by pooling randomized controlled trial (RCT) and observational samples (Q = 0.763, P = 0.382), pooling count, binary and ordinal‐based AA (Q = 0.023, P = 0.879) and outcome data (Q = 1.906, P = 0.167) and reversing direction of correlations extracted from studies (Q = 0.006, P = 0.937). No support was found for publication bias.ConclusionsClinical referral of dual diagnosis patients to Alcoholics Anonymous is common and, in many cases, dual diagnosis patients who attend Alcoholics Anonymous will report higher rates of alcohol abstinence relative to dual diagnosis patients who do not attend Alcoholics Anonymous.
A novel use of cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator device in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cay Serkan , Ozeke Ozcan , Ozcan Firat , Aras Dursun , Topaloglu Serkan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDual‐chamber implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator is generally used in patients with atrioventricular block and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. In the current case, a cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator device was implanted in a patient with non‐obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with preserved ejection fraction and atrioventricular block to achieve both more physiological pacing and life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia management.
Mental health in postgraduate social work curriculum: Review of training contents in Indian schools of social work
Authors: Thomas Bino , Pradeepkumar Pattanashetty Chandrashekar 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTraining of social workers according to the changing needs of the society is important. To this end, we decided to review the adequacy of mental health training in postgraduate programme in social work. The Mental Health Care Act defines psychiatric social worker (PSW) in India to have additional higher qualification beyond post‐graduation in social work. The number of such qualified PSWs appears to be limited due to small number of institutes that offer advanced training in the country. Though, the number of available PSWs with such qualifications is rising, the manpower in proportion to the mental health needs in the country continues to remain low. It is therefore, relevant to review the quality of psychiatric social work education at postgraduate level if this level is to be considered as the desirable qualification for PSW. In this context, postgraduate social work syllabi from 71 universities including autonomous institutions were reviewed using semi‐structured assessment. The results show a lack of uniform teaching components, training methods and insufficient skill orientation towards mental health interventions. These observations suggest that curricula and training are modified with strengthening and enhancing the quality of training of mental health at post‐graduate level in Social Work.
Biopharmaceutical optimization in neglected diseases for paediatric patients by applying the provisional paediatric biopharmaceutical classification system
Authors: del Moral Sanchez Jose Manuel , Gonzalez‐Alvarez Isabel , Cerda‐Revert Aaron , Gonzalez‐Alvarez Marta , Navarro‐Ruiz Andres , Amidon Gordon L. , Bermejo Marival 
Published: May 2018

AimsUnavailability and lack of appropriate, effective and safe formulations are common problems in paediatric therapeutics. Key factors such as swallowing abilities, organoleptic preferences and dosage requirements determine the need for optimization of formulations. The provisional Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) can be used in paediatric formulation design as a risk analysis and optimization tool. The objective of this study was to classify six neglected tropical disease drugs following a provisional paediatric BCS (pBCS) classification adapted to three paediatric subpopulations (neonates, infants and children).MethodsAlbendazole, benznidazole, ivermectin, nifurtimox, praziquantel and proguanil were selected from the 5th edition of the Model List of Essential Medicines for Children from the World Health Organization. Paediatric drug solubility classification was based on dose number calculation. Provisional permeability classification was based on log P comparison versus metoprolol log P value, assuming passive diffusion absorption mechanisms and no changes in passive membrane permeability between paediatric patients and adults. pBCS classes were estimated for each drug, according to different doses and volumes adapted for each age stage and were compared to the adult classification.ResultsAll six drugs were classified into provisional pBCS in the three paediatric subpopulations. Three drugs maintained the same classification as for adults, ivermectin and benznidazole changed solubility class from low to high in neonates and proguanil changed from low to high solubility in all age stages.ConclusionProvisional pBCS classification of these six drugs shows potential changes in the limiting factors in oral absorption in paediatrics, depending on age stage, compared to the adult population. This valuable information will aid the optimization of paediatric dosing and formulations and can identify bioinequivalence risks when comparing different formulations and paediatric populations.