bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pension Option in Labor Insurance and Its Effect on Household Saving and Consumption: Evidence From Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hua , Hsu Wen‐Yen , Weiss Mary A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractStarting in 2009, the Labor Insurance (LI) program in Taiwan has allowed workers to choose between pension old‐age benefits and one‐time old‐age benefits. The introduction of the pension option not only mitigates longevity risk for workers but also provides a higher expected present value of old‐age benefits to workers than the one‐time benefit option (on average). Based on a lifecycle model with uncertain lifespan, we expect that workers will increase current consumption and reduce saving in response to this policy intervention. We use data from the Survey of Family Income and Expenditure in Taiwan to empirically test this prediction. In order to isolate other systematic structural changes or economic shocks from the true impact of the pension option on saving and consumption, we adopt a difference‐in‐differences approach in this study. Our results indicate that the implementation of pension benefits in LI lowers households' saving by 8.41 percent (NT$50,587) and raises consumption by 5.73 percent (NT$42,897) for LI workers. In addition, we find that, in general, households with less saving or consumption tend to be more responsive to this policy in terms of reducing saving or increasing consumption.
Intracavernous Delivery of Stromal Vascular Fraction Restores Erectile Function Through Production of Angiogenic Factors in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Song Kang-Moon , Jin Hai-Rong , Park Jin-Mi , Choi Min Ji , Kwon Mi-Hye , Kwon Ki-Dong , Batbold Dulguun , Yin Guo Nan , Kim Woo Jean , Koh Gou Young , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major complication of radical prostatectomy. Men with radical prostatectomy-induced ED respond less positively to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Aim
The study aims to examine whether and how stromal vascular fraction (SVF) restores erectile function in mice with cavernous nerve injury (CNI).

Methods
Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used and the animals were distributed into five groups: sham operation group and CNI group receiving a single intracavernous injection of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or SVF (1 × 104, 1 × 105, or 3 × 105 cells/20 μL, respectively). SVF was isolated from epididymal adipose tissues of green fluorescence protein transgenic mice.

Main Outcome Measures
Two weeks after injection, erectile function was measured by cavernous nerve stimulation. The penis was stained with antibodies to platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, phosphohistone H3, and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (phospho-eNOS). We also performed Western blot for angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), vascular endothelial growth factor-A, hepatocyte growth factor, phospho-eNOS, and eNOS in the corpus cavernosum tissue.

Results
Local delivery of SVF restored erectile function in a dose-dependent manner in CNI mice. The highest erectile response was noted at a dose of 3 × 105 cells, for which the response was comparable with that in the sham operation group. Local delivery of SVF significantly increased the expression of angiogenic factor proteins and induced cavernous endothelial cell proliferation and eNOS phosphorylation compared with that in the PBS-treated CNI group. SVF-induced promotion of cavernous angiogenesis and erectile function was diminished in the presence of soluble antibody to Tie2, a receptor tyrosine kinase of Ang-1.

Conclusion
Secretion of angiogenic factors from SVF is an important mechanism by which SVF induces cavernous endothelial regeneration and restores erectile function. These findings suggest that cavernous endothelial regeneration by using SVF may represent a promising treatment strategy for radical prostatectomy-induced ED.
Right or Flawed: Relationship Obsessions and Sexual Satisfaction
Authors: Doron Guy , Mizrahi Moran , Szepsenwol Ohad , Derby Danny 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD) is marked by the presence of obsessions and compulsions focusing on romantic relationships. ROCD symptoms were previously linked with decreased relationship quality and might interfere with sexual functioning.

Aim
The study aims to examine the association between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction.

Methods
Participants completed an online survey assessing ROCD symptoms and relationship and sexual satisfaction levels. Depression, general worry, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, and attachment orientation were also measured.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measures were self reported relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction.

Results
ROCD symptoms were associated with decreased sexual satisfaction over and above symptoms of depression, general worry, OCD, and attachment orientation. The link between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction was mediated by relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions
Identifying and addressing ROCD symptoms may be important for treatment of sexual functioning.
Emotional working memory during sustained wakefulness
Authors: Tempesta Daniela , De Gennaro Luigi , Presaghi Fabio , Ferrara Michele 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIn the present study we investigated whether one night of sleep deprivation can affect working memory (WM) performance with emotional stimuli. Twenty‐five subjects were tested after one night of sleep deprivation and after one night of undisturbed sleep at home. As a second aim of the study, to evaluate the cumulative effects of sleep loss and of time‐of‐day changes on emotional WM ability, the subjects were tested every 4 h, from 22:00 to 10:00 hours, in four testing sessions during the sleep deprivation period (deprivation sessions: D1, D2, D3 and D4). Subjects performed the following test battery: Psychomotor Vigilance Task, 0‐back task, 2‐back task and an ‘emotional 2‐back task’ with neutral, positive and negative emotional pictures selected from the International Affective Picture System. Results showed lower accuracy in the emotional WM task when the participants were sleep‐deprived relative to when they had slept, suggesting the crucial role of sleep for preserving WM ability. In addition, the accuracy for the negative pictures remains stable during the sessions performed from 22:00 to 06:00 hours (D1, D2 and D3), while it drops at the D4 session, when the participants had accumulated the longest sleep debt. It is suggested that, during sleep loss, attentional and WM mechanisms may be sustained by the higher arousing characteristics of the emotional (negative) stimuli.
Closantel plasma and milk disposition in dairy goats: assessment of drug residues in cheese and ricotta
Authors: Iezzi S. , Lifschitz A. , Sallovitz J. , Nejamkin P. , Lloberas M. , Manazza J. , Lanusse C. , Imperiale F. 
Published: June 2014

Closantel (CLS) is currently used in programs for the strategic control of gastrointestinal nematodes. CLS is extralabel used in different dairy goat production systems. From available data in dairy cows, it can be concluded that residues of CLS persist in milk. The current work evaluated the concentration profiles of CLS in plasma and milk from lactating orally treated dairy goats to assess the residues pattern in dairy products such as cheese and ricotta. Six (6) female Saanen dairy goats were treated orally with CLS administered at 10 mg/kg. Blood and milk samples were collected between 0 and 36 days post‐treatment. The whole milk production was collected at 1, 4, 7, and 10 days post‐treatment to produce soft cheese and ricotta. CLS concentrations in plasma, milk, cheese, whey, and ricotta were determined by HPLC. The concentrations of CLS measured in plasma were higher than those measured in milk at all sampling times. However, the calculated withdrawal time for CLS in milk was between 39 and 43 days postadministration to dairy goats. CLS residual concentrations in cheese (between 0.93 and 1.8 μg/g) were higher than those measured in the milk used for its production. CLS concentrations in ricotta were sixfold higher than those in the milk and 20‐fold higher than those in the whey used for its production. The persistent and high residual concentrations of CLS in the milk and in the cheese and ricotta should be seriously considered before issuing any recommendation on the extralabel use of CLS in dairy goat farms.
Characterization and treatment of persistent hepatocellular secretory failure
Authors: van Dijk Remco , Kremer Andreas E. , Smit Wouter , van den Elzen Bram , van Gulik Thomas , Gouma Dirk , Lameris Johan S. , Bikker Hennie , Enemuo Valentine , Stokkers Pieter C. F. , Feist Mark , Bosma Piter , Jansen Peter L. M. , Beuers Ulrich 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatocellular secretory failure induced by drugs, toxins or transient biliary obstruction may sometimes persist for months after removal of the initiating factor and may then be fatal without liver transplantation. We characterized patients with severe persistent hepatocellular secretory failure (PHSF) and treated them with the pregnane X receptor (PXR) agonist, rifampicin. We also studied the effect of rifampicin on PXR‐dependent expression of genes involved in biotransformation and secretion in vitro.MethodsThirteen patients (age 18–81 years, 6 male) with hepatocellular secretory failure that persisted after removal of the inducing factor (drugs/toxin: 9) or biliary obstruction (4) were identified over 6 years. Six of these patients were screened for ATP8B1 or ABCB11 mutations. All were treated with rifampicin (300 mg daily) for 1–10 weeks. Expression of genes involved in biotransformation and secretion was determined by rtPCR in human hepatocytes and intestinal cells incubated with rifampicin (10 μmol/L).ResultsSerum bilirubin of patients with PHSF ranged from 264 to 755 μmol/L. Normal γGT was found in 10/13 patients of whom 3/6 tested positive for ATP8B1/ABCB11 mutations. Serum bilirubin declined to <33 μmol/L after 1–10 weeks of rifampicin treatment. In vitro, rifampicin PXR‐dependently upregulated biotransformation phase 1 (CYP3A4), phase 2 (UGT1A1) and phase 3 (MRP2) enzymes/carriers as well as the basolateral bile salt exporter OSTβ.ConclusionPersistent hepatocellular secretory failure may develop in carriers of transporter gene mutations. In severe cases, rifampicin may represent an effective therapeutic option of PHSF. PXR‐dependent induction of CYP3A4, UGT1A1, MRP2 and OSTβ could contribute to the anticholestatic effect of rifampicin in PHSF.
Upregulation of matrilin‐2 expression in murine hepatic stellate cells during liver injury has no effect on fibrosis formation and resolution
Authors: Hintermann Edith , Bayer Monika , Pfeilschifter Josef M. , Deák Ferenc , Kiss Ibolya , Paulsson Mats , Christen Urs 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsMatrilins are a family of four oligomeric adaptor proteins whose functions in extracellular matrix assembly during pathophysiological events still need to be explored in more detail. Matrilin‐2 is the largest family member and the only matrilin expressed in the naive liver. Several studies demonstrate that matrilin‐2 interacts with collagen I, fibronectin or laminin‐111‐nidogen‐1 complexes. All these matrix components get upregulated during hepatic scar tissue formation. Therefore, we tested whether matrilin‐2 has an influence on the formation and/or the resolution of fibrotic tissue in the mouse liver.MethodsFibrosis was induced by infection with an adenovirus encoding cytochrome P450 2D6 (autoimmune liver damage) or by exposure to the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride. Fibrosis severity and matrilin‐2 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and analysed by immunocytochemistry and Transwell migration assays.ResultsBoth autoimmune as well as chemically induced liver damage led to simultaneous upregulation of matrilin‐2 and collagen I expression. Discontinuation of carbon tetrachloride exposure resulted in concomitant dissolution of both proteins. Activated HSCs were the source of de novo matrilin‐2 expression. Comparing wild type and matrilin‐2‐deficient mice, no differences were detected in fibronectin and collagen I upregulation and resolution kinetics as well as amount or location of fibronectin and collagen I production and degradation.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the absence of matrilin‐2 has no effect on HSC activation and regression kinetics, synthetic activity, proliferative capacity, motility, or HSC apoptosis.
Efficacy of telbivudine compared with entecavir in hepatitis B virus‐related cirrhosis: 2 year follow‐up data
Authors: Kim Hae Rim , Yim Hyung Joon , Kang Seonghee , Suh Sang Jun , Kim Seung Young , Hyun Jong Jin , Koo Ja Seol , Kim Ji Hoon , Seo Yeon Seok , Yeon Jong Eun , Lee Sang Woo , Byun Kwan Soo , Um Soon Ho 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsEntecavir (ETV) is effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, even in patients with underlying cirrhosis. However, there is little information on the effect of telbivudine (TBV) in chronic hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis.This study compared the antiviral efficacy of TBV and ETV in HBV‐related cirrhosis.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled 151 treatment‐naïve patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis who started antiviral therapy with TBV (n = 61) or ETV (n = 90).ResultsAfter 24 months of treatment, per‐protocol analysis showed similar virological response rates (HBV DNA <20 IU/ml) in the TBV group (80.6%, 25/31) and in the ETV group (90.2%, 74/82) (P = 0.167). However, intention‐to‐treat analysis showed lower virological response rates in the TBV group (41.7%, 25/60) than in the ETV group (83.1%, 74/89) (P = 0.001). Mean reduction in HBV DNA levels was greater in the ETV group (−3.72 ± 1.94 vs. −4.87 ± 1.57 respectively, P = 0.001). Serologic and biochemical response rates at month 24 did not differ significantly between the groups. Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh score was significantly improved after 24 months compared to the pretreatment state without difference between the groups. During 24 months of therapy, 15 patients (27.3%) showed antiviral resistance to TBV while no resistance (0%) was reported in the ETV group (P = 0.001).ConclusionsCompared to ETV, TBV therapy shows lower efficacy in viral suppression and higher risk of antiviral resistance despite comparable effect on improvement of hepatic function for the treatment of HBV‐related cirrhosis.
Renin‐angiotensin system and fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Goh George B , Pagadala Mangesh R , Dasarathy Jaividhya , Unalp‐Arida Aynur , Sargent Ruth , Hawkins Carol , Sourianarayanane Achuthan , Khiyami Amer , Yerian Lisa , Pai Rish , McCullough Arthur J , Dasarathy Srinivasan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsTherapeutic options are limited for patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). One promising approach is the attenuation of necroinflammation and fibrosis by inhibition of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS). We explored whether the risk of fibrosis was associated with the use of commonly used medications in NAFLD patients with hypertension. Specifically, we sought to determine the association between RAS blocking agents and severity of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD patients with hypertension.MethodsCross‐sectional study where clinical information including demographics, anthropometry, medical history, concomitant medication use, biochemical and histological features were ascertained in 290 hypertensive patients with biopsy proven NAFLD followed at two hepatology outpatient clinics. Stage of hepatic fibrosis was compared in patients with and without RAS blocker use. Other risk factors for fibrosis were evaluated from the electronic medical records and patient follow‐up.ResultsBaseline characteristics of hypertensive patients treated with and without RAS blockers were similar except for less ballooning (1.02 vs. 1.31, P = 0.001) and lower fibrosis stage (1.63 vs. 2.16, P = 0.002) in patients on RAS blockers On multivariate analysis, advancing age (OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.01–1.06, P = 0.012) and presence of diabetes (OR: 2.55; 95%CI: 1.28–5.09, P = 0.008) had an independent positive association, while use of RAS blockers (OR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.21–0.65, P = 0.001) and statins (OR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.29–0.93, P = 0.029) had a negative association with advanced fibrosis.ConclusionHypertensive patients with NAFLD on baseline RAS blockers had less advanced hepatic fibrosis suggesting a beneficial effect of RAS blockers in NAFLD.
Revisiting liver disease progression in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients: the influence of vitamin D, insulin resistance, immune status, IL28B and PNPLA3
Authors: Mandorfer Mattias , Payer Berit A. , Schwabl Philipp , Steiner Sebastian , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Aichelburg Maximilian C. , Stättermayer Albert F. , Ferenci Peter , Obermayer‐Pietsch Barbara , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Reiberger Thomas 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsTo perform a comprehensive study on independent modulators of liver fibrosis progression and determinants of portal pressure considering immune status, insulin resistance (IR), serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, genetic variants of patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) and interleukin 28B (IL28B) in a thoroughly documented cohort of HIV/hepatitis C‐coinfected (HIV/HCV) patients.Patients & Methods25(OH)D deficiency (25(OH)DDEF), IR and low CD4+ T‐lymphocyte nadir (lowCD4NAD) were defined as 25(OH)D <20 ng × ml−1, HOMA‐IR >2 and CD4nadir <200 cells × μl−1 respectively. Liver fibrosis progression rate (FPR) was calculated as METAVIR F units divided by the number of years since HCV infection. Patients with a FPR > median FPR were assigned to the highFPR group.ResultsAmong 86 HIV/HCV, the median FPR was 0.167 units × years−1. While the prevalence of prior alcohol abuse, lowCD4NAD and 25(OH)DDEF was higher among highFPR patients, the prevalence of IR was comparable. The association between 25(OH)DDEF and FPR was confirmed in a subgroup of patients with METAVIR stage F0/F1/F2 in which 25(OH)D levels are not affected by the severity of liver disease. The distribution of IL28B C/C and PNPLA3 non‐C/C was similar, while PNPLA3 G/G was exclusively observed in highFPR patients. LowCD4NAD (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.05–8.24; P = 0.039) and 25(OH)DDEF (OR: 5.62; 95% CI: 2.05–15.38; P = 0.001) were independently associated with highFPR and showed an additive effect. Portal pressure correlated with prior alcohol abuse, HCV‐genotype 3, CD4+ nadir and 25(OH)D levels.ConclusionsTwo potentially modifiable factors, CD4+ nadir and 25(OH)D levels, were both independent modulators of liver fibrosis progression and determinants of portal pressure. Further studies are warranted to assess the relevance of PNPLA3 for FPR in HIV/HCV.
High post‐transplant virological response in hepatitis C virus infected patients treated with pretransplant protease inhibitor‐based triple therapy
Authors: Verna Elizabeth C. , Shetty Kirti , Lukose Thresiamma , Terry Nicole , Mentore Kimiknu , Olsen Sonja K. , Fox Alyson N. , Dove Lorna M. , Brown Robert S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsPrevention of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) following liver transplant (LT) with pre‐LT antiviral therapy is limited by poor tolerability and efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NS3/4A protease inhibitor (PI)‐based triple therapy in patients awaiting LT.MethodsConsecutive patients treated with triple therapy pre‐LT from two centers were prospectively enrolled in an observational cohort. Overall 12 week sustained virological response (SVR12) was the primary outcome. Pre‐ and post‐LT (pTVR) virological response rates and safety were secondary outcomes.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients (mean age 57.9, 79% male, 66% prior non‐responders) were treated with telaprevir (93%) or boceprevir‐based (7%) triple therapy for a median (range) of 27 (3–50) weeks, including a pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin lead‐in in 18%. Median (range) MELD at treatment was 8 (6–16), 39% had hepatocellular carcinoma and all patients were Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh class A (62%) or B (38%). Twelve patients underwent LT, 75% with undetectable viral load. The overall SVR12 rate was 52%, including pre‐LT SVR12 of 41% in patients who completed treatment and follow‐up on the wait list and pTVR12 of 67% among transplanted patients. The pTVR12 rate was 89% among those patients with undetectable viral load at LT. Serious adverse events occurred in nine (31%) patients including one (3%) on‐treatment death and eight (28%) hospitalizations.ConclusionsOverall SVR12 and pTVR12 rates are high among patients treated with PI‐based triple therapy while awaiting LT, even in this difficult to treat population. However, caution is needed as early discontinuation and serious adverse events are common.
New invasive copepod Oithona davisae Ferrari and Orsi, 1984: seasonal dynamics in Sevastopol Bay and expansion along the Black Sea coasts
Authors: Altukhov Denis A. , Gubanova Alexandra D. , Mukhanov Vladimir S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSeasonal and interannual dynamics of abundance of the recent invader Oithona davisae (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) were investigated in Sevastopol Bay from October 2005, when the species appeared in the plankton, to December 2009. The study was based on bi‐weekly plankton sampling at three stations located within and adjacent to Sevastopol Bay, Crimea, Northern Black Sea. The abundance of O. davisae increased steadily in Sevastopol Bay in 2006–2009. The species was more abundant at the centre of the bay than at its mouth. During the investigated period, an absolute maximum of the invader abundance at the centre of Sevastopol Bay was observed in early December 2008 (91,650 ind. m−3) and at the mouth of the bay in late October 2007 (46,200 ind. m−3). The maximum contribution of O. davisae to the total copepod abundance was about 99%. Expansion of the invasive copepod along the Black Sea coasts is reported. Changes in structure of the zooplankton community for the last 20 years that preconditioned the invasion of the new copepod species in the Black Sea as well as the changes in the community structure caused by O. davisae are discussed.
AtMYB93 is a novel negative regulator of lateral root development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gibbs Daniel J. , Voß Ute , Harding Susan A. , Fannon Jessica , Moody Laura A. , Yamada Erika , Swarup Kamal , Nibau Candida , Bassel George W. , Choudhary Anushree , Lavenus Julien , Bradshaw Susan J. , Stekel Dov J. , Bennett Malcolm J. , Coates Juliet C. 
Published: June 2014

Summary

Plant root system plasticity is critical for survival in changing environmental conditions. One important aspect of root architecture is lateral root development, a complex process regulated by hormone, environmental and protein signalling pathways.

Here we show, using molecular genetic approaches, that the MYB transcription factor AtMYB93 is a novel negative regulator of lateral root development in Arabidopsis.

We identify AtMYB93 as an interaction partner of the lateral‐root‐promoting ARABIDILLO proteins. Atmyb93 mutants have faster lateral root developmental progression and enhanced lateral root densities, while AtMYB93‐overexpressing lines display the opposite phenotype. AtMYB93 is expressed strongly, specifically and transiently in the endodermal cells overlying early lateral root primordia and is additionally induced by auxin in the basal meristem of the primary root. Furthermore, Atmyb93 mutant lateral root development is insensitive to auxin, indicating that AtMYB93 is required for normal auxin responses during lateral root development.

We propose that AtMYB93 is part of a novel auxin‐induced negative feedback loop stimulated in a select few endodermal cells early during lateral root development, ensuring that lateral roots only develop when absolutely required. Putative AtMYB93 homologues are detected throughout flowering plants and represent promising targets for manipulating root systems in diverse crop species.