bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
For an anthropology of the demoralized: state pay, mock‐labour, and unfreedom in a Serbian firm
Authors: Rajković Ivan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecently, the leitmotif of much anthropological writing became that of the virtue of precarity: the belief that people continue to exercise their ethical imagination in the most trying circumstances. While refreshingly non‐deterministic, the Foucauldian approach to freedom that guides this vision neglects those situations in which people see their ability to be moral as irreparable, and structurally compromised. Such is the case of a Serbian firm selling spare car parts, where policies of financing unprofitable employment gradually involved workers in everyday, ritualized performances of productivity for the state – what I call mock‐labour. Unable either to meaningfully fulfil or to renounce the ethos of work, workers remain in an affective blend of nonchalance and failure, experiencing mock‐labour as both a source of material security and an abandonment of their creative capacities – a mocking of moral self. I call for a reconciliation of the anthropologies of ethics and precarity through the notion of demoralization, as a state in which the deficits of structural agency and the limits of reflective freedom overlap.
Opportunities for training for nutritional professionals in nutritional genomics: What is out there?
Authors: Collins Jorja , Adamski Melissa M. , Twohig Cliona , Murgia Chiara 
Published: December 2017

AimTo identify and profile training courses available to dietitians and nutritionists in the area of nutritional genomics. Genetic technology is progressing quickly, leading to increased public interest and requests from the public for personalised nutrition advice based on genetic background. Tertiary courses often lack specific curriculum in nutritional genomics, preventing graduates from discussing confidently with their clients the relationships between genetics, nutrition and health. This has increased the demand for professional development in this field.MethodsThe search strategy was intended to replicate real‐life practice. Google and snowball searches were conducted using terms related to education and nutritional genomics. Results included online or face‐to‐face courses in any country providing content on nutritional genomics. One‐off courses and those courses no longer accessible were excluded. A descriptive analysis of characteristics of courses was undertaken, reporting on mode of delivery, cost, duration, content, qualification awarded, target audience and affiliations.ResultsIn total, 37 courses varying in duration, content and cost were identified: 4 postgraduate university degrees, 5 university course units, 4 recurring face‐to‐face workshops, 15 online short courses, 8 pre‐recorded presentations and 1 service offering regular live webinars. Affiliations with food and pharmaceutical industry (e.g. genetic testing companies), professional organisations and research/education institutes were observed.ConclusionsTraining courses identified were predominantly delivered online, enabling nutrition professionals worldwide to upskill in nutritional genomics and personalised nutrition. Additional courses exist. Those seeking training should scrutinise and compare cost, duration, mode, content and affiliations of course providers to ensure learning needs are met.
Epidemiology of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in China: A single‐center series and comprehensive analysis of literature
Authors: Zhang Yao , Wu Sui Yi , Du Yi Qi , Li Bing Han , Li Chen Fei , Li Ying , Li Zhao Shen , Bai Yu 
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVETo determine the etiologies of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in a Chinese population using a retrospective case series and a systematic analysis of the literatures on OGIB in Chinese patients.METHODSA large enteroscopy database in a tertiary endoscopic center was searched to identify patients with OGIB from 2010 to 2016. The patients’ characteristics and diagnostic findings were collected and analyzed. A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out to harvest all relevant studies published from 2004 to 2016.RESULTSIn total, 708 patients were included in the case series. The most common causes of OGIB were inflammatory diseases (36.3%), non‐small bowel lesions (10.2%) and neoplasms (10.0%). A systematic analysis of the literatures included 39 studies providing relevant data for 3145 patients with a pooled detection rate of 84.2%. Inflammatory lesions (27.4%), neoplasms (18.5%), vascular lesions (16.1%) and diverticula or intestinal duplication (11.9%) were the most common causes of OGIB.CONCLUSIONSInflammatory lesions, neoplasms, vascular lesions and diverticula or intestinal duplication are the most common in Chinese OGIB patients, while in pediatric patients diverticula or intestinal duplication, vascular lesions and Crohn's disease are prevalent. Furthermore, the etiologies of OGIB distribute differently across different areas in China.
Efficiency in wine grape production: comparing long‐established and newly developed regions of South Africa
Authors: Piesse Jenifer , Conradie Beatrice , Thirtle Colin , Vink Nick 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEfficiency, partly based on technology, is central to international competitiveness. This article applies a stochastic frontier inefficiency model to a panel of 77 wine grape farms in South Africa between 2005 and 2015 and allows the comparison of efficiency levels for the old established wine regions with those of newer entrants. Thus, we investigate whether experience plus first choice of location matters more than the follower's advantage of newer technology.In all regions, a greater share of permanent labor and increased supervision raised efficiency, while more inorganic fertilizer and less irrigation has the opposite effect. Innovations in trellising had insignificant effects (except in the old regions) but not replacing old vines reduced efficiency. However, a higher proportion of red varietals also lowered efficiency in the old regions due to a fall in the price of red wine as these farmers continued to concentrate on quality reds. The new regions compensated for falling prices by increasing crop size with irrigation and fertilizer and extending the area planted, but with less concern for quality. This appears to be more successful in efficiency terms, but as international demand for quality wine increases it may be a poor long‐term strategy.
Dynamics of smallholder participation in horticultural export chains: evidence from Ecuador
Authors: Romero Granja Cristina , Wollni Meike 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe study the dynamics of smallholder participation in export value chains focusing on the example of small‐scale broccoli producers in the highlands of Ecuador. Combining cross‐sectional data from a household survey with 11‐year longitudinal data on export market transactions, we explain the hazards of dropping out of a high‐value export chain. We apply a multispell cox duration model that allows us to consider multiple entries and exits from the supply chain. We also provide evidence on the welfare impacts associated with participation. The results suggest that small‐scale farmers’ exit from the export sector is accelerated by high transaction risks experienced in the past. While we find no particular evidence for the exclusion of small‐scale farmers from the export sector, we do find that poorer households and female‐headed households tend to drop out faster, especially as long as the sector is still prospering. Finally, when considering welfare effects, we do not find evidence that participation translates into tangible benefits for broccoli farmers. We discuss some measures that could help improve the long‐term sustainability of smallholder integration in high‐value chains.
Fast permutation tests and related methods, for association between rare variants and binary outcomes
Authors: Sondhi Arjun , Rice Kenneth Martin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn large‐scale genetic studies, a primary aim is to test for an association between genetic variants and a disease outcome. The variants of interest are often rare and appear with low frequency among subjects. In this situation, statistical tests based on standard asymptotic results do not adequately control the type I error rate, especially if the case : control ratio is unbalanced. In this article, we propose the use of permutation and approximate unconditional tests for testing association with rare variants. We use novel analytical calculations to efficiently approximate the true type I error rate under common study designs, and in numerical studies show that the proposed classes of tests significantly improve upon standard testing methods. We also illustrate our methods in data from a recent case–control study for genetic causes of a severe side effect of a common drug treatment.
Expression of miRNA‐146a, miRNA‐155, IL‐2, and TNF‐α in inflammatory response to Helicobacter pylori infection associated with cancer progression
Authors: Zabaglia Luanna Munhoz , Sallas Mayara Luciana , Santos Mônica Pezenatto Dos , Orcini Wilson Aparecido , Peruquetti Rita Luiza , Constantino Dulce Helena , Chen Elizabeth , Smith Marilia De Arruda Cardoso , Payão Spencer‐Luiz Marques , Rasmussen Lucas Trevizani 
Published: December 2017

AbstractmiRNAs appear to play an important role in controlling the expression of several genes, and they are a potential biomarker and prognostic tool in gastric diseases. We analyzed 53 controls, 86 patients with gastritis, and 19 patients with gastric cancer. Real‐time‐PCR was used to determine the expression levels of miRNA‐146a, miRNA‐155, IL‐2, and TNF‐α. The subsequent analysis of the target genes was performed using the bioinformatics approach. There was no difference in IL‐2 expression between the groups. However, there was a significant increase in TNF‐α expression in the gastritis group relative to the control and a significant decrease in the gastric cancer group relative to the control. There was also a statistically significant increase in miRNA‐146a and miRNA‐155 expression in the gastritis group relative to the control, but not in the gastric cancer group. Similar results were found when the presence of H. pylori was considered. The data revealed an increase in miRNA‐146a and miRNA‐155 expression but not enough to control the expression of TNF‐α. The presence of H. pylori was found to affect increases in TNF‐α and microRNA expression, and miRNA‐146a and miRNA‐155 alone were not able to eliminate bacteria or restore tissue homeostasis.
The relationship between DSM‐5 PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol misuse among military veterans
Authors: Walton Jessica L. , Raines Amanda M. , Cuccurullo Lisa‐Ann J. , Vidaurri Desirae N. , Villarosa‐Hurlocker Margo C. , Franklin C. L. 
Published: December 2017

Background and ObjectivesPrior research has revealed a strong relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and alcohol misuse. However, previous attempts to understand nuanced associations between PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol misuse within military veteran samples have produced mixed results. In an attempt to better understand the associations between PTSD and alcohol misuse, the current study examined the unique relationships between the newly classified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol misuse in an outpatient sample of military veterans seeking treatment for PTSD and Substance Use Disorders.MethodsVeterans (N = 100) were administered a brief battery of self‐report questionnaires prior to receiving psychological services to aid in diagnostic assessment and treatment planning.ResultsHierarchical regression analyses revealed that PTSD intrusions (cluster B), negative alterations in cognition and mood (cluster D), and arousal/reactivity (cluster E) symptoms were associated with alcohol misuse.Discussion and ConclusionsThe positive association between alcohol misuse and PTSD symptom severity is consistent with a broader body of literature demonstrating the co‐occurrence of these disorders, particularly in military samples.Scientific SignificanceIncreased alcohol consumption may interfere with current front‐line treatments for PTSD, which encourages patients to experience a full range of emotions. As such, future research should explore the impact of substance use on the effectiveness of trauma focused treatments in the alleviation of DSM‐5 PTSD symptoms. (Am J Addict 2018;27:23–28)
Relation between electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with left bundle branch block: An electro‐ and vectorcardiographic study
Authors: De Pooter Jan , El Haddad Milad , Kamoen Victor , Kallupurackal Thomas Tibin , Stroobandt Roland , De Buyzere Marc , Timmermans Frank 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundCurrent guidelines select patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) mainly on electrocardiographic parameters like QRS duration and left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, among those LBBB patients, heterogeneity in mechanical dyssynchrony occurs and might be a reason for nonresponse to CRT. This study assesses the relation between electrocardiographic characteristics and presence of mechanical dyssynchrony among LBBB patients.MethodsThe study included patients with true LBBB (including mid‐QRS notching) on standard 12‐lead electrocardiograms. Left bundle branch block‐induced mechanical dyssynchrony was assessed by the presence of septal flash on two‐dimensional echocardiography. Previously reported electro‐ and vectorcardiographic dyssynchrony markers were analyzed: global QRS duration (QRSDLBBB), left ventricular activation time (QRSDLVAT), time to intrinsicoid deflection (QRSDID), and vectorcardiographic QRS areas in the 3D vector loop (QRSA3D).ResultsThe study enrolled 545 LBBB patients. Septal flash (SF) is present in 52% of patients presenting with true LBBB. Patients with SF are more frequent female, have less ischemic heart disease and smaller left ventricular dimensions. In multivariate analysis longer QRSDLBBB, QRSDLVAT and larger QRSA3D were independently associated with SF. Of all parameters, QRSA3D has the best accuracy to predict SF, although overall accuracy remains moderate (59% sensitivity, 58% specificity). The predictive value of QRSA3D remained constant in both sexes, irrespective of ischemic heart disease, ejection fraction and even when categorizing for QRSDLBBB.ConclusionIn LBBB patients, large QRS areas correlate better with mechanical dyssynchrony compared to wide QRSD intervals. However, the overall accuracy to predict mechanical dyssynchrony by electrocardiographic dyssynchrony markers, even when using complex vectorcardiographic parameters, remains low.
A prospective investigation of perceived stress, infertility‐related stress, and cortisol levels in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: influence on embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rate
Authors: Cesta Carolyn E. , Johansson Anna L.V. , Hreinsson Julius , Rodriguez‐Wallberg Kenny A. , Olofsson Jan I. , Holte Jan , Wramsby Håkan , Wramsby Margareta , Cnattingius Sven , Skalkidou Alkistis , Nyman Iliadou Anastasia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionWomen undergoing fertility treatment experience high levels of stress. However, it remains uncertain if and how stress influences in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle outcome. This study aimed to investigate whether self‐reported perceived and infertility‐related stress and cortisol levels were associated with IVF cycle outcomes.Material and methodsA prospective cohort of 485 women receiving fertility treatment was recruited from September 2011 to December 2013 and followed until December 2014. Data were collected by online questionnaire prior to IVF start and from clinical charts. Salivary cortisol levels were measured. Associations between stress and cycle outcomes (clinical pregnancy and indicators of oocyte and embryo quality) were measured by logistic or linear regression, adjusted for age, body mass index, education, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption, shiftwork and night work.ResultsUltrasound verified pregnancy rate was 26.6% overall per cycle started and 32.9% per embryo transfer. Stress measures were not associated with clinical pregnancy: when compared with the lowest categories, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest categories of the perceived stress score was 1.04 (95% CI 0.58–1.87), infertility‐related stress score was OR = 1.18 (95% CI 0.56–2.47), morning and evening cortisol was OR = 1.18 (95% CI 0.60–2.29) and OR = 0.66 (95% CI 0.34–1.30), respectively.ConclusionsPerceived stress, infertility‐related stress, and cortisol levels were not associated with IVF cycle outcomes. These findings are potentially reassuring to women undergoing fertility treatment with concerns about the influence of stress on their treatment outcome.
Novel concepts in sleep regulation
Authors: Wigren H.‐K. , Porkka‐Heiskanen T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKnowledge regarding the cellular mechanisms of sleep regulation is accumulating rapidly. In addition to neurones, also non‐neuronal brain cells (astrocytes and microglia) are emerging as potential players. New techniques, particularly optogenetics and designed receptors activated by artificial ligands (DREADD), have provided also sleep research with important additional tools to study the effect of either silencing or activating specific neuronal groups/neuronal networks by opening or shutting ion channels on cells. The advantages of these strategies are the possibility to genetically target specific cell populations and the possibility to either activate or inhibit them with inducing light signal into the brain. Studies probing circuits of NREM and REM sleep regulation, as well as their role in memory consolidation, have been conducted recently. In addition, fundamentally new thoughts and potential mechanisms have been introduced to the field. The role of non‐neuronal tissues in the regulation of many brain functions has become evident. These non‐neuronal cells, particularly astrocytes, integrate large number of neurones, and it has been suggested that one of their functions is to integrate the (neural) activity in larger brain areas—a feature that is one of the prominent features of also the state of sleep.
Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir‐based treatment of acute hepatitis C in end‐stage renal disease patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: He Y. L. , Yang S. J. , Hu C. H. , Dong J. , Gao H. , Yan T. T. , Liu J. F. , Yang Y. , Ren D. F. , Zhu L. , Zhao Y. R. , Chen T. Y. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients undergoing haemodialysis is prevalent and aggressive. The treatment of chronic hepatitis C has been revolutionised by the advent of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). However, the safety, efficacy, and tolerance of DAAs in the treatment of acute HCV infection in patients with end‐stage renal disease who are on haemodialysis are unknown.AimTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir in this specific, difficult‐to‐treat population.MethodsWe conducted a prospective and observational study of end‐stage renal disease patients who were undergoing haemodialysis and were acutely infected with HCV. Patients received a half dose of sofosbuvir (200 mg) and a full dose of daclatasvir (60 mg) daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with sustained virological responses (SVRs); the other primary outcomes were safety and tolerability.ResultsThirty‐three patients were enrolled in the study. The median HCV RNA viral load at baseline was 6.8 log10IU/mL. Twenty‐four patients were infected with HCV genotype 2a, seven patients with 1b, and two patients with 2a+1b. All patients achieved a SVR at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The treatment was well tolerated, and there were no drug‐related serious adverse events.ConclusionA half dose of sofosbuvir (200 mg once daily) plus a full dose of daclatasvir (60 mg once daily) were suitable for the treatment of acute HCV‐infected patients who were undergoing end‐stage renal disease and were on haemodialysis.
Postoperative outcomes in vedolizumab‐treated Crohn's disease patients undergoing major abdominal operations
Authors: Lightner A. L. , McKenna N. P. , Tse C. S. , Raffals L. E. , Loftus E. V. , Mathis K. L. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundUp to 80% of patients with Crohn's disease require an abdominal operation in their lifetime. As the use of vedolizumab is increasing for the treatment of Crohn's disease, it is important to understand its potential association with post‐operative complications.AimWe sought to compare 30‐day postoperative infectious complication rate among vedolizumab‐treated Crohn's disease patients vs those who had received TNFα inhibitors or no biologic therapy.MethodsA retrospective review of all Crohn's disease patients who received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of a major abdominal or pelvic operation was performed. Two control cohorts consisted of Crohn's disease patients treated with TNFα inhibitors or no biologic therapy.ResultsOne hundred Crohn's disease patients received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of an abdominal operation. Vedolizumab‐treated patients underwent an equivalent rate of laparoscopic surgery (P = .25), had fewer anastomoses performed (P = .0002), and had equally frequent diversion in the setting of anastomoses (P = .47). Thirty‐two vedolizumab‐treated patients experienced postoperative infectious complications (32%), 26 of which were surgical site infections (26%). The vedolizumab‐treated group experienced no difference in nonsurgical site infections (6% vs 5% anti‐TNFα and 2% nonbiologic; P = .34), but significantly higher rates of surgical site infections (26% vs 8% and 11%; P < .001). On univariate and multivariate analysis, exposure to vedolizumab remained a significant predictor of postoperative surgical site infection (P < .001 and P = .002).ConclusionsTwenty‐six per cent of Crohn's disease patients who received vedolizumab within 12 weeks prior to a major abdominal operation experienced a 30‐day postoperative surgical site infection, significantly higher than that of patients receiving TNFα inhibitors or no biologic therapy. Vedolizumab within 12 weeks of surgery remained a predictor of 30‐day postoperative surgical site infection on multivariable analysis. While vedolizumab‐treated Crohn's disease patients may be a sicker cohort of patients, it is important to consider these findings with regard to preoperative counselling, operative timing and primary closure of wounds.
The gap in social care provision for older people in China
Authors: Zhu Huoyun , Walker Alan 
Published: December 2017

Because of its unprecedented sociodemographic changes, particularly rapid population aging, China faces huge challenges in social care. Using data from the 2012 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (n = 9,765), this article examines the need for social care, as well as the major sources of provision. The findings indicate that the majority of older people face some restriction in their daily living activities. From their perspective, however, the most urgent social protection services are related to health care and legal aid rather than services supporting daily living. Although Chinese Government policy since the 1990s has been a strategy of social welfare socialization, the role of government, both as provider and funder, is limited and focuses only on the most deprived and on urban areas. The result is a massive “care gap” between the need for social care and its supply. The primary responsibility for care provision is borne by the family. The direction of social policy in the future should focus on shared care between the family and the state, giving priority to expanding the coverage of social care services, especially in rural areas.