bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationships between depression, neuroticism, and attitudes (NDA model) in heroin abusers in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Kun‐Hua , Yen Cheng‐Fang 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesHeroin use is a severe problem worldwide. To develop more effective treatments for heroin abusers, a comprehensive psychosocial model of heroin use should be established and examined. We created and assessed a neuroticism, depression, attitudes, and heroin addiction (NDA) model.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 234 patients undergoing methadone replacement treatment were recruited from psychiatric clinics. We used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess all for neuroticism, depression, and a positive outcome expectancy (POE) (attitudes).ResultsThe full model had acceptable goodness‐of‐fit indices, but neuroticism was not significantly associated with a POE or heroin use. A reduced model that deleted insignificant paths had better goodness‐of‐fit indices, and neuroticism had indirect effects on heroin use via depression and a POEConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that depression, neuroticism, and POE affect heroin use. We also found that POE mediates between depression and heroin use. Despite the emotional regulation strategies recommended to help heroin abusers with depression to reduce the likelihood of their heroin use, teaching them with negative attitudes using heroin should also be considered when developing treatments for heroin abusers with depression.Scientific SignificanceOur findings provide a comprehensive mechanism of addiction that is integrated with emotion, cognition, and personality. Drug‐related beliefs and emotional regulation can be targeted to reduce the likelihood of relapse in abusers with higher levels of neuroticism. (Am J Addict 2018;27:139–143)
Angioedema in chronic spontaneous urticaria is underdiagnosed and has a substantial impact: Analyses from ASSURE‐CSU
Authors: Sussman G. , Abuzakouk M. , Bérard F. , Canonica W. , Oude Elberink H. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Grattan C. , Hollis K. , Hunter S. , Knulst A. , Lacour J.‐P. , Lynde C. , Marsland A. , McBride D. , Maurer M. , Nakonechna A. , Ortiz de Frutos J. , Reynolds M. , Sweeney C. , Tian H. , Weller K. , Wolin D. , Balp M.‐M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundASSURE‐CSU revealed differences in physician and patient reporting of angioedema. This post hoc analysis was conducted to evaluate the actual rate of angioedema in the study population and explore differences between patients with and without angioedema.MethodsThis international observational study assessed 673 patients with inadequately controlled chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Physicians abstracted angioedema data from medical records, which were compared with patient‐reported data. Patients in the Yes‐angioedema category had angioedema reported in the medical record and a patient‐reported source. For those in the No‐angioedema category, angioedema was reported in neither the medical record nor a patient‐reported source. Those in the Misaligned category had angioedema reported in only one source. Statistical comparisons between Yes‐angioedema and No‐angioedema categories were conducted for measures of CSU activity, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU). Regression analyses explored the relationship between Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score and angioedema, adjusting for important covariates.ResultsAmong evaluable patients, 259 (40.3%), 173 (26.9%) and 211 (32.8%) were in the Yes‐angioedema, No‐angioedema and Misaligned category, respectively. CSU activity and impact on HRQoL, productivity, and HCRU was greater for Yes‐angioedema patients than No‐angioedema patients. After covariate adjustment, mean DLQI score was significantly higher (indicating worse HRQoL) for patients with angioedema versus no angioedema (9.88 vs 7.27, P < .001). The Misaligned category had similar results with Yes‐angioedema on all outcomes.ConclusionsAngioedema in CSU seems to be under‐reported but has significant negative impacts on HRQoL, daily activities, HCRU and work compared with no angioedema.
Higher mortality of adults with asthma: A 15‐year follow‐up of a population‐based cohort
Authors: Lemmetyinen R. E. , Karjalainen J. V. , But A. , Renkonen R. L. O. , Pekkanen J. R. , Toppila‐Salmi S. K. , Haukka J. K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundHigher all‐cause mortality in asthmatics has been shown previously. Polysensitization is associated with higher morbidity among asthmatic children, and allergic rhinitis and/or allergic conjunctivitis (AR/AC) are associated with higher morbidity in adult asthmatics. Little is known about the effect of AR/AC and other factors on mortality among adult asthmatics. The aim was to study mortality and its risk factors in adults with and without asthma.MethodsWe randomly selected 1648 asthmatics with age over 30 years from national registers and matched the asthma sample with one or two controls. Baseline information was obtained by a questionnaire in 1997, and the study population was linked with the death certificate information of Statistics Finland from 1997 to 2013. Overall and cause‐specific survival between the groups was compared in several adjusted models.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up period of 15.6 years, 221 deaths among 1052 asthma patients and 335 deaths among 1889 nonasthmatics were observed. Cardiovascular diseases were the main cause of death in both groups. Asthma was associated with increased all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.05‐1.49, P = .011) as well as mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 12.0, 4.18‐34.2, P < .001) and malignant neoplasms of respiratory organs (HR 2.33, 1.25‐4.42, P = .008). Among asthmatics, smoking was associated with increased all‐cause mortality, and self‐reported AR/AC was associated with decreased mortality. Among nonasthmatics, smoking, and obesity were associated with increased all‐cause mortality, whereas female gender showed an association with a decreased risk.ConclusionsIncreased mortality among adult asthmatics was largely explained by the development of COPD, malignant respiratory tract neoplasms, and cardiovascular diseases. Smoking cessation is important for reduction in total mortality in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic adults. AR/AC was associated with decreased mortality only in asthmatics. Thus, studies in other populations of larger size are needed to explore further the nature of this association.
Association of STAT6 gene variants with food allergy diagnosed by double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges
Authors: van Ginkel C. D. , Pettersson M. E. , Dubois A. E. J. , Koppelman G. H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study describes the role of two STAT6 gene variants in food allergy using data of patients and their parents who underwent double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs). After quality control, 369 trios were analysed including 262 children (71.0%) with food allergy. Associations were tested by the Family based association test. The A alleles of both SNPs were associated with food allergy (P = .036 and P = .013 for rs324015 and rs1059513, respectively). Furthermore, these A alleles were associated with peanut allergy, higher sIgE levels to both peanut and cow's milk, more severe symptoms and higher eliciting doses during peanut and cow's milk DBPCFCs (all P < .05). In silico analysis indicates that the identified risk variants increase STAT6 expression which stimulates the differentiation of CD4 + T cells to the Th2 subset. In conclusion, STAT6 variants may be involved in the pathophysiology of food allergy and their role seems to be independent of the allergenic food.
Comparison of three dehydration scales showed that they were of limited or no value for assessing small children with acute diarrhoea
Authors: Pomorska Dominika , Dziechciarz Piotr , Mduma Esto , Gidion Joshua , Falszewska Anna , Szajewska Hania 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimWe explored the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical dehydration scale (CDS), the World Health Organization (WHO) scale and the Gorelick scale for assessing dehydration in children admitted to a Tanzanian referral hospital.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study, carried out from April 2015 to January 2017 on children aged one month to five years admitted to the hospital with acute diarrhoea lasting less than five days. Before rehydration therapy, each patient's weight was recorded and the degree of dehydration was assessed based on the three scales. The reference standard was the percentage weight change between admission and discharge. The main outcomes were the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) of the scales.ResultsData from 124 eligible patients were available. The CDS showed limited value for ruling in cases with some dehydration (LR 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.8), but was of no value in assessing no and moderate to severe dehydration. The WHO and Gorelick scales were of no value in evaluating any degree of dehydration.ConclusionThe WHO and Gorelick dehydration scales were no use for assessing dehydration in small children, and the CDS was of limited use for predicting cases with some dehydration.
Entrapment of LTB protein in alginate nanoparticles protects against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Kordbacheh Emad , Nazarian Shahram , Hajizadeh Abbas , Sadeghi Davood 
Published: February 2018

Vaccine delivery vehicles are just as important in vaccine efficiency. Through the progress in nanotechnology, various nanoparticles have been evaluated as carriers for these substances. Among them, alginate nanoparticles are a good choice because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of production, etc. In this study, feasibility of alginate nanoparticles (NPs) such as recombinant LTB from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) carrier was investigated. To do this, the eltb gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) host cells, and a Ni‐NTA column purified the protein. NPs were achieved through ion gelation method in the presence of LTB protein and CaCl2 as the cross‐Linker and NPs were characterized physicochemically. Balb/C mice groups were immunized with LTB‐entrapped NPs or LTB with adjuvant and immunogenicity was assessed by evaluating IgG titer. Finally, the neutralization of antibodies was evaluated by GM1 binding and loop assays. LTB protein was expressed and efficiently entrapped into the alginate NPs. The size of NPs was less than 50 nm, and entrapment efficiency was 80%. Western blotting showed maintenance of the molecular weight and antigenicity of the released protein from NPs. Administration of LTB‐entrapped NPs stimulated antibody responses in immunized mice. Immunization induced protection against LT toxin of ETEC in ileal loops and inhibits enterotoxin binding to GM1‐gangliosides. Alginate NPs are also appropriate vehicle for antigen delivery purpose. Moreover because of their astonishing properties, they have the potential to serve as an adjuvant.
Expression of 14‐3‐3 sigma and eta proteins is unrelated to survival in metastatic high‐grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Davidson Ben , Holth Arild , Wang Zhihui , Hellsylt Ellen , Tropé Claes G. , Hetland Falkenthal Thea E. , Holm Ruth 
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and clinical role of 14‐3‐3 family proteins in high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Protein expression of 14‐3‐3 sigma (14‐3‐3σ) and 14‐3‐3 eta (14‐3‐3η) by immunohistochemistry was studied in 298 HGSC specimens (249 peritoneal, 49 pleural) and was analyzed for association with clinicopathologic parameters, chemoresponse and survival. The 14‐3‐3σ protein was diffusely (>75% of cells) expressed in 100% of carcinomas in analysis of a pilot series and was therefore not further analyzed. The 14‐3‐3η protein was expressed to a variable extent in 260/298 (87%) effusions. Higher 14‐3‐3η protein expression was significantly related to higher CA 125 levels at diagnosis (p = 0.004), but was unrelated to other clinicopathologic parameters, chemoresponse or survival. Analysis of the association between 14‐3‐3η and previously studied proteins regulating mitosis showed positive association with class III β‐tubulin expression (p = 0.025). The present study documents frequent expression of 14‐3‐3σ and 14‐3‐3η in HGSC effusions, but does not support a role for these proteins as prognostic markers or predictors of chemotherapy response in metastatic HGSC.
Gender‐Related Attitudes and Beliefs Predict White Women's Views of Candidates in the 2016 United States Presidential Election
Authors: Pahlke Erin , Bigler Rebecca S. , Patterson Meagan M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhite women's general failure to vote for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 United States presidential election (only 43% of White women did so) was largely unexpected. We tested the hypothesis that White women's gender‐related attitudes and beliefs, including their (i) feminist identification, (ii) views of societal gender discrimination, (iii) personal experiences with gender discrimination, and (iv) beliefs about female role models, were related to their levels of support for Hillary Clinton and her opponents (Sanders, Trump). A sample of White women (N = 314; 18–75 years, M = 32.71, SD = 13.37) recruited during June and July of 2016 from MTurk and college campuses completed surveys of their gender‐related attitudes and beliefs, as well as political preferences. Results indicated that women's gender‐related attitudes and beliefs predicted their views of both Clinton and Trump, after accounting for political ideology. For example, feminist identification was positively related to support for Clinton. Additionally, stronger endorsement of the notion that societal gender discrimination persists in the United States predicted both more favorable ratings of Clinton and less favorable ratings of Trump. More frequent personal experiences with discrimination, in contrast, predicted weaker support for Clinton.
Economic Anxieties Undermine Support for Female (but Not Male) Political Candidates
Authors: Lei Ryan F. , Bodenhausen Galen V. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAre female politicians disadvantaged by adverse economic conditions in ways their male counterparts are not? To examine this issue, we had participants read a news article about the current economic situation. The article emphasized either economic stability or volatility. Afterward, they evaluated an advertisement for either a female or a male candidate for the U.S. Senate. Exposure to news depicting economic instability caused devaluation of the female but not the male candidate. A second study provided a direct replication of this finding with a larger sample. An omnibus analysis (N = 535) showed that this devaluation pattern occurred primarily among male participants. Study 2 also examined whether gender stereotypes play a role in this process. Indeed, men's confidence in the female candidate's ability to handle stereotypically masculine issues decreased under economic instability and this tendency mediated their devaluation of the female candidate.
Bayesian Enhancement Two-Stage Design for Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trials with Binary and Time-to-Event Endpoints
Authors: Shi Haolun , Yin Guosheng 
Published: February 2018

Summary
Simon's two-stage design is one of the most commonly used methods in phase II clinical trials with binary endpoints. The design tests the null hypothesis that the response rate is less than an uninteresting level, versus the alternative hypothesis that the response rate is greater than a desirable target level. From a Bayesian perspective, we compute the posterior probabilities of the null and alternative hypotheses given that a promising result is declared in Simon's design. Our study reveals that because the frequentist hypothesis testing framework places its focus on the null hypothesis, a potentially efficacious treatment identified by rejecting the null under Simon's design could have only less than 10% posterior probability of attaining the desirable target level. Due to the indifference region between the null and alternative, rejecting the null does not necessarily mean that the drug achieves the desirable response level. To clarify such ambiguity, we propose a Bayesian enhancement two-stage (BET) design, which guarantees a high posterior probability of the response rate reaching the target level, while allowing for early termination and sample size saving in case that the drug's response rate is smaller than the clinically uninteresting level. Moreover, the BET design can be naturally adapted to accommodate survival endpoints. We conduct extensive simulation studies to examine the empirical performance of our design and present two trial examples as applications.
Time trends and occupational variation in the incidence of testicular cancer in the Nordic countries
Authors: Ylönen Outi , Jyrkkiö Sirkku , Pukkala Eero , Syvänen Kari , Boström Peter J. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo describe the trends and occupational variation in the incidence of testicular cancer in the Nordic countries utilising national cancer registries, NORDCAN (NORDCAN project/database presents the incidence, mortality, prevalence and survival from >50 cancers in the Nordic countries) and NOCCA (Nordic Occupational Cancer) databases.Patients and MethodsWe obtained the incidence data of testicular cancer for 5‐year periods from 1960–1964 to 2000–2014 and for 5‐year age‐groups from the NORDCAN database. Morphological data on incident cases of seminoma and non‐seminoma were obtained from national cancer registries. Age‐standardised incidence rates (ASR) were calculated per 100 000 person‐years (World Standard). Regression analysis was used to evaluate the annual change in the incidence of testicular cancer in each of the Nordic countries. The risk of testicular cancer in different professions was described based on NOCCA information and expressed as standardised incidence ratios (SIRs).ResultsDuring 2010–2014 the ASR for testicular cancer varied from 11.3 in Norway to 5.8 in Finland. Until 1998, the incidence was highest in Denmark. There has not been an increase in Denmark and Iceland since the 1990s, whilst the incidence is still strongly increasing in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. There were no remarkable changes in the ratio of seminoma and non‐seminoma incidences during the past 50 years. There was no increase in the incidences in children and those of pension age. The highest significant excess risks of testicular seminoma were found in physicians (SIR 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.99), artistic workers (SIR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06–1.99) and religious workers etc. (SIR 1.33, 95% CI 1.14–1.56). The lowest SIRs of testicular seminoma were seen amongst cooks and stewards (SIR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29–0.98), and forestry workers (SIR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.86). The occupational category of administrators was the only one with a significantly elevated SIR for testicular non‐seminoma (SIR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.42). The only SIRs significantly <1.0 were seen amongst engine operators (SIR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.84) and public safety workers (SIR 0.67, 95% CI 0.43–0.99).ConclusionsThere have always been differences in the incidence of testicular cancer between the Nordic countries. There is also some divergence in the incidences in different age groups and in the trends of the incidence. The effect of occupation‐related factors on incidence of testicular cancer is only moderate. Our study describes the differences, but provides no explanation for this variation.
A multiproxy record of the Younger Holsteinian Oscillation (YHO) in the Ossówka profile, eastern Poland
Authors: Nitychoruk Jerzy , Bińka Krzysztof , Sienkiewicz Elwira , Szymanek Marcin , Chodyka Marta , Makos Michał , Ruppert Hans , Tudryn Alina 
Published: February 2018

The laminated lacustrine succession at Ossówka in eastern Poland, which is largely the equivalent of MIS 11c, is amongst the best‐developed sites in Europe that cover this time period. Close inspection of the depth interval between 35.0 and 42.5 m in a 55‐m‐long core shows an environmental crisis at a depth of 40.95 m that lasted approximately 800 years and resulted in almost complete extinction of fir (Abies) from the communities existing at that time. Geochemical analyses reveal a simultaneous increase in sulphur in the deposits and a change in stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios towards higher values, as well as a significant increase in the thickness of the laminae (up to 5 mm). Diatom studies show a clear increase in benthic diatoms in this interval, implying a decrease in water level. However, the predominance of such forms was probably caused by the elimination of planktonic diatoms by invasive blooms of Tetraedron, rather than lower lake levels, evidence of which was not noted in the pollen spectra. Hence, all these changes in the lake may have been triggered by the destruction of fir trees, the gradual decomposition of dead trunks and some inconspicuous geomorphological disturbances caused by wind throw. They resulted in a supply of micronutrients to the basin, an increase in varve thickness and rapid oscillations in the abundance and composition of algae and changes in the geochemical status of the lake. Rapid and significant drops in winter temperatures appear to be responsible for the extinction of fir. Alternatively, late frost in spring or hot and dry summers may have affected microsporophyll growth and the fir physiology as known from extant Abies populations. This environmental crisis, which is termed the Younger Holsteinian Oscillation (YHO), is noted at only a few sites. At Dethlingen (Germany), where hornbeam communities disappear at that time, a drop in summer temperatures is suggested to have been the driving force. We suggest that, at Ossówka, a drop in winter temperatures, late frost, or summer drought at the very start of the YHO are possible causes of the near‐extinction of fir.
Submarine sediment routing over a blocky mass‐transport deposit in the Espírito Santo Basin, SE Brazil
Authors: Ward Nicholas I. P. , Alves Tiago M. , Blenkinsop Thomas G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe control of slide blocks on slope depositional systems is investigated in a high‐quality 3D seismic volume from the Espírito Santo Basin, SE Brazil. Seismic interpretation and statistical methods were used to understand the effect of differential compaction on strata proximal to the headwall of a blocky mass‐transport deposit (MTD), where blocks are large and undisturbed (remnant), and in the distal part of this same deposit. The distal part contains smaller rafted blocks that moved and deformed with the MTD. Upon their emplacement, the positive topographic relief of blocks created a rugged seafloor, confining sediment pathways and creating accommodation space for slope sediment. In parallel, competent blocks resisted compaction more than the surrounding debrite matrix during early burial. This resulted in differential compaction between competent blocks and soft flanking strata, in a process that was able to maintain a rugged seafloor for >5 Ma after burial. Around the largest blocks, a cluster of striations associated with a submarine channel bypassed these obstructions on the slope and, as a result, reflects important deflection by blocks and compaction‐related folds that were obstructing turbidite flows. Log‐log graphs were made to compare the width and height of different stratigraphic elements; blocks, depocentres and channels. There is a strong correlation between the sizes of each element, but with each subsequent stage (block–depocentre–channel) displaying marked reductions in height. Blocky MTDs found on passive margins across the globe are likely to experience similar effects during early burial to those documented in this work.