bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changing trends in tissue acquisition in malignant pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Roy Ann , Kim Micheline , Hawes Robert , Varadarajulu Shyam 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground and AimTo compare the frequency of use, hospital costs, and resource availability between endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA), percutaneous, and surgical techniques for tissue acquisition in malignant pancreatic neoplasms.MethodsThis is a retrospective claims analysis of Medicare patients undergoing biopsy of malignant pancreatic neoplasms over 5 years (2006–2010). The primary outcome measure was to compare the utilization of EUS, percutaneous techniques, and surgery for performing pancreatic biopsies. The secondary outcome measures were to compare treatment costs and variations in availability of resources between the three techniques over a 1‐year period (2010).ResultsOver 5 years, the use of EUS‐FNA increased by 69.3% (7100 to 12 020) and the use of percutaneous biopsy by 1.8% (4480 to 4560) compared to decrease in surgical biopsy (720 to 420) by 41.7% (P < 0.0001). When compared to percutaneous and surgical biopsies ($9639 and $21 947, respectively) the median hospital cost/claim for EUS‐FNA ($1794) was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). More EUS‐FNA procedures were performed in urban and teaching hospitals compared to rural and non‐teaching hospitals (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough EUS‐FNA is increasingly performed and is less costly, and the rate of surgical biopsies has declined precipitously, the utilization of percutaneous techniques remains prevalent. Training and education are required to disseminate the use of EUS‐FNA outside major teaching institutions or foster referral of patients to EUS centers because of implications for patient care and resource use.
The increasing burden of potentially preventable liver disease among adult liver transplant recipients: A comparative analysis of liver transplant indication by era in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Howell Jessica , Balderson Glenda , Hellard Margaret , Gow Paul , Strasser Simone , Stuart Katherine , Wigg Alan , Jeffrey Gary , Gane Ed , Angus Peter W 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground:Hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD), and non‐alcohol‐related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are leading indications for adult liver transplantation in Australia and New Zealand. However, these diseases are potentially preventable through effective primary and/or secondary prevention strategies. This study evaluates the relative contribution of potentially preventable liver diseases to liver transplant numbers in Australia and New Zealand over time.Methods:Prospectively recorded clinical, demographic, and outcome data were collected from the Australian and New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry for all primary adult liver transplants performed in Australia and New Zealand from 1 January 1985 until 31 December 2012. Potentially preventable liver disease was defined as HBV, HCV, NAFLD, ALD, and HCC. The etiology of liver disease leading to liver transplantation and the proportion of preventable liver disease‐related liver transplantation was compared between Era 1 (1985–1993), Era 2 (1994–2003), and Era 3 (2004–2012).Results:Overall, 1252 of 3266 adult primary liver transplants (38.3%) were performed for potentially preventable liver disease. There was a significant increase in the proportion of liver transplants because of preventable liver disease from 21.2% (93 of 439) in Era 1, to 49.8% (623 of 1252) in Era 2 and 63.5% (1000 of 1575) in Era 3 (P < 0.0001). Over time, there was a significant increase in HCV (P < 0.0001), ALD (P = 0.002), and NAFLD (P < 0.0001) as a primary indication for adult liver transplant, whereas HBV has significantly decreased from Era 1 to Era 3 as an indication for transplant (P < 0.0001). The number of transplants performed for HCC also increased across Eras (P < 0.0001), with 84% due to underlying potentially preventable liver disease.Conclusion:Since 2004, the majority of primary adult liver transplants within Australia and New Zealand have been because of potentially preventable liver diseases and the prevalence of these diseases has increased over time. This finding represents an opportunity for clinicians to make a significant impact on the overall burden of advanced liver disease in Australia and New Zealand by improving primary and secondary prevention measures.
Assessing the Greenhouse Gas Savings Potential of Extended Producer Responsibility for Mattresses and Boxsprings in the United States
Authors: Geyer Roland , Kuczenski Brandon , Trujillo Matthew 
Published: August 2015

SummaryExtended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation in the United States, which currently only exists on the state level, now includes three mattress EPR acts, which intend to shift the financial and operational burden of mattress end‐of‐life (EOL) management away from local and state government. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the original objective behind EPR is to reduce the environmental life cycle impacts of products. This article therefore quantifies the greenhouse gas (GHG) savings potential of mattress and boxspring recycling and reuse in the United States and also discusses labor implications and mattress design issues. We find that all three acts are unlikely to generate redesign incentives, but are expected to dramatically increase mattress collection and recycling. The collection and recycling of all 35 million EOL mattress and boxspring units estimated to reach the end of their lives in the United States every year would generate in the order of 10,000 jobs and GHG savings between 1 and 1.5 million metric tonnes.
Foreclosures, House Prices, and the Real Economy
Authors: MIAN ATIF , SUFI AMIR , TREBBI FRANCESCO 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTFrom 2007 to 2009, states without a judicial requirement for foreclosures were twice as likely to foreclose on delinquent homeowners. Analysis of borders of states with differing foreclosure laws reveals a discrete jump in foreclosure propensity as one enters nonjudicial states. Using state judicial requirement as an instrument for foreclosures, we show that foreclosures led to a large decline in house prices, residential investment, and consumer demand from 2007 to 2009. As foreclosures subsided from 2011 to 2013, the foreclosure rates in nonjudicial and judicial requirement states converged and we find some evidence of a stronger recovery in nonjudicial states.
FLAIR Vascular Hyperintensity is a Surrogate of Collateral Flow and Leukoaraiosis in Patients With Acute Stroke Due to Proximal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Karadeli Hasan H. , Giurgiutiu Dan‐Victor , Cloonan Lisa , Fitzpatrick Kaitlin , Kanakis Allison , Ozcan Muhammed E. , Schwamm Lee H. , Rost Natalia S. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDFluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensity (FVH) is a novel radiographic marker detected in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, which is linked to slow blood flow and potentially salvageable brain tissue. Poor leptomeningeal collateral status in AIS patients with proximal artery occlusion (PAO) is associated with larger final infarct and worse clinical outcomes, which are also affected by severity of white matter hyperintensity (WMH). We sought to evaluate FVH utility as a marker of acute collateral vessel status and its association with WMH burden in AIS patients.METHODSConsecutive AIS patients with PAO on baseline CT angiography (CTA) were retrospectively selected from a prospectively derived database. FVH was graded by its location, degree, and score on admission MRI obtained immediately after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration. Leptomeningeal collateral flow grade was ranked on admission CTA. WMH volume (WMHV) was assessed using a validated volumetric protocol. Relationship between FVH, collateral flow grade, and WMHV were analyzed.RESULTSAmong 39 patients (mean age 70.5 ± 12.7 years; 56% women, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 17.2 (± 4.4)), median WMHV was 6.0 cm3. FVH score and collateral flow grade were significantly correlated (Spearman's ρ = .41, P = .009). In a univariate regression model, FVH degree was inversely associated with WMHV (β = –.33, P = .04).CONCLUSIONSFVH score detected on acute MRI can be used as a surrogate of collateral flow grade in AIS patients. FVH degree is inversely associated with WMHV, possibly signifying diffuse disease of cerebral vasculature in patients with severe leukoaraiosis.
The Benefits of Benevolence: Basic Psychological Needs, Beneficence, and the Enhancement of Well‐Being
Authors: Martela Frank , Ryan Richard M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPro‐social behaviors have been associated with enhanced well‐being, but what psychological mechanisms explain this connection? Some theories suggest that beneficence—the sense of being able to give—inherently improves well‐being, whereas evidence from self‐determination theory (Weinstein & Ryan, 2010) shows that increases in well‐being are mediated by satisfaction of innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Here we simultaneously assess these two explanations. Study 1 (N = 335) used a cross‐sectional survey with an Internet sample to develop a measure to assess beneficence satisfaction. The next two cross‐sectional Internet‐sample studies tested mediators between pro‐social behavior and general well‐being (Study 2, N = 332) and situational peak moment well‐being (Study 3, N = 180). A fourth study (N = 85) used a diary method with university students to assess daily fluctuations in well‐being associated with needs and beneficence. It was shown across all studies that both the three psychological needs and beneficence satisfaction mediate the relations between pro‐social actions and well‐being, with all four factors emerging as independent predictors. Together, these studies underscore the role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in explaining the well‐being benefits of benevolence, and they also point to the independent role of beneficence as a source of human wellness.
Antitumour effects of tetrazanbigen against human hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-7701 through inducing lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zheng Xiaohong , Li Wei , Lan Zuoping , Yang Xiaolan , Li Longjiang , Yuan Yonghua , Xia Zhu , Chen Xunguan , Zhang Xinyu , Yu Yu 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Tetrazanbigen (TNBG) is a newly synthesized compound with an isoquinoline moiety, and its antitumour effects were evaluated in in-vitro and in-vivo models.

Methods
3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure the antiproliferative activity of TNBG on cancer cell lines. Antitumour activity of TNGB in vivo was also assessed in a xenograft model of human hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-7701 cell line. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis analysis was performed.

Key findings
TNBG exhibited strong antitumour efficacy against six human cancer cell lines with IC50 range of 2.13–8.01 μg/ml. The IC50 of TNBG on normal hepatic cells was 11.25 μg/ml. Lots of lipid droplets were observed in cytoplasm of human hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-7701 cells after treatment of TNBG. S phase arrest and apoptosis induction by TNBG were also found on QGY-7701 cells. Intraperitoneal injection of TNBG (1.5 mg/kg/day) resulted in significant decreases in tumour volume and tumour weight on nude mice bearing QGY-7701 cells xenografts. Results from pathological analysis in nude mice demonstrated that TNBG could induce lipid accumulation specifically in cancer tissue rather than in other normal organs, tissues and blood.

Conclusions
These results suggested that TNBG might exert potent antitumour activity through inducing lipid accumulation in cancer cell.
Rare earth element‐enriched yeast improved egg production and egg quality in laying hens in the late period of peak egg production
Authors: Cai L. , Nyachoti C. M. , Hancock J. D. , Lee J. Y. , Kim Y. H. , Lee D. H. , Kim I. H. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of rare earth element‐enriched yeast (RY) on egg production, coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), egg quality, excreta gas emission and excreta microbiota of laying hens. A total of 216 ISA brown laying hens of 52 weeks of age were used in a 5‐week feeding trial and data were collected every week. Birds were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments each with six replicates and 12 hens per replicate. Each cage (38 cm width × 50 cm length × 40 cm height) contained one hen. Treatments consisted of corn–soya bean meal‐based diet supplemented with 0, 500 or 1000 mg/kg of RY. From weeks 55 to 56, inclusion of RY linearly increased (p < 0.05) egg production. The CTTAD of nitrogen was increased (linear, p < 0.05) with increasing dietary level of RY. In week 55, yolk height and Haugh units were increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary RY content. However, no significant effects were observed in terms of excreta emissions and excreta microbiota in laying hens. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with RY improved egg production and CTTAD of nitrogen and slightly improved egg quality in laying hens of the late period of peak egg production.
Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on ligature‐induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats
Authors: Oliveira G. J. P. L. , Paula L. G. F. , Souza J. A. C. , Spin‐Neto R. , Stavropoulos A. , Marcantonio R. A. C. 
Published: August 2015

Background and ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, on ligature‐induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats.Material and MethodsEighty‐four rats were randomly assigned to four groups of equal size and received a daily gavage of either sterile saline [control (CTR)] or ASU (0.6 mg/kg), starting 7 d before (ASU/−7), on the day of (ASU/0) or 7 d after (ASU/+7) periodontitis induction. Periodontitis was induced by placing silk ligatures into the gingival sulcus of the second maxillary molars for 7 d; after 7 d, the ligatures were removed. Seven rats from each group were sacrificed, 7, 15 or 30 d after ligature removal. Bone resorption was evaluated by histomorphometry and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TRAP, RANKL and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate the levels of interleukin‐1beta (Il1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα), interleukin‐6 (Il‐6), Rankl and Alp. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for normal data, and using the Kruskall–Wallis and Dunnet's tests for non‐normal data (p < 0.05).ResultsHistomorphometry and micro‐CT analysis showed greater bone resorption in the CTR group than in the ASU/0 (15 d) and ASU/+7 (7 and 15 d) groups. The CTR group also presented with a higher expression of TRAP (15 and 30 d) and RANKL (7 and 15 d) compared with ASU/0 and ASU/+7 groups. Similarly, qPCR analysis showed higher levels of Rankl and Il1β mRNAs, and lower levels of Alp mRNA, in the CTR group compared with all other groups (for all periods).ConclusionASU exhibited a positive effect on bone repair following ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha gene promoter methylation in Japanese adults with chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kojima A. , Kobayashi T. , Ito S. , Murasawa A. , Nakazono K. , Yoshie H. 
Published: August 2015

Background and ObjectiveOver‐expression of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) plays a pathological role in chronic periodontitis (CP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which might be regulated by the epigenetic mechanism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether there is a unique methylation profile of the TNF‐α gene promoter in blood cells of individuals with CP and RA.Material and MethodsThe study participants consisted of 30 Japanese adults with RA (RA group), 30 race‐matched adults with CP only (CP group) and 30 race‐matched healthy controls (H group). Genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood was modified by sodium bisulfite and analyzed, by direct sequencing, to investigate DNA methylation of the TNF‐α gene promoter region. The level of TNF‐α produced in mononuclear cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide was determined using ELISA.ResultsTwelve cytosine–guanine dinucleotide (CpG) motifs were identified in the TNF‐α promoter fragment from −343 to +57 bp. The CP group showed a significantly higher methylation rate and frequency at −72 bp than the H group (p < 0.01). The RA group exhibited significantly higher methylation rates at seven CpG motifs (−302, −163, −119, −72, −49, −38 and +10 bp), and significantly higher methylation frequencies at six CpG motifs (−163, −119, −72, −49, −38 and +10 bp), than the H group (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). The levels of TNF‐α produced were significantly different between individuals with and without methylation at −163 bp (p = 0.03).ConclusionThese results suggest that the hypermethylated status of CpG motifs in the TNF‐α gene promoter in blood cells may be unique to Japanese adults with CP and RA.
Factors Influencing Mental Health Screening and Treatment Among Women in a Rural South Central Appalachian Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Hill Sarah K. , Cantrell Peggy , Edwards Joellen , Dalton Will 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeSome of the most significant mental health concerns among US adults are depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence. These concerns represent an ever‐growing portion of the primary care population, especially in rural areas. However, few studies have examined factors influencing screening and treatment of these concerns by primary care providers, particularly in Appalachia. This study explores barriers and facilitators to mental health screening and treatment among women at a rural, primary care clinic in Appalachia.MethodsEighteen patients and 4 providers were interviewed face‐to‐face. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes.FindingsPatients identified 3 barriers (stigma, lack of support, and lack of education) and 2 facilitators (integrated care and positive experiences with providers). Providers identified 4 barriers (operational barriers, mental health competence, predicted patient reactions, and patient attitudes) and 3 facilitators (clinic characteristics, provider characteristics, and patient and provider education). Generally, patients focused more on individual and social factors influencing mental health service use, while providers were more aware of training gaps, logistical factors at the clinic, and systemic issues within the larger health care system. Both participant types emphasized specific interpersonal qualities and the importance of integrated services.ConclusionsScreening and treatment may be influenced by the availability and advertisement of integrated services, institutional support, strong patient‐provider relationships, and provider training and experience. For rural south central Appalachia women, limited mental health resources may make these factors even more salient.
Classification of Pomegranate Cultivars According to Their Seed Hardness and Wood Perception
Authors: Alcaraz‐Mármol Francisco , Calín‐Sánchez Ángel , Nuncio‐Jáuregui Nallely , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. , Hernández Francisca , Martínez Juan José 
Published: August 2015

AbstractExcessive seed hardness and wood perception will drastically limit consumer's acceptance for pomegranate. To classify pomegranate cultivars, easy‐to‐measure instrumental texture parameters and consumer satisfaction degree were assayed. Twenty pomegranate cultivars (sweet, sour‐sweet and sour tastes) with a wide range of seed hardness were used. The instrumental hardness ranged from 9.60 to 59.5 N/mm, whereas the wood index ranged from 4.77 to 15.3%. Classifications based on hardness and wood perception agreed quite well. Cultivars MA3, ME14, MO5, PTO10 or VA1 were classified as appropriate for fresh consumption whereas cultivars BO1, HZ and WOND were classified as appropriate for industrialization. Cultivars ME12, MEC, MO2 and VA11 were finally recommended for fresh consumption not only due to low seed hardness and intermediate wood perception but also due to sweet taste; however, cultivars BA1 and SM were recommended for industrialization because of its sour taste, which is normally not acceptable to consumers. Finally, the cultivar PTO5 can be used for both purposes, as needed.Practical ApplicationsBecause of market demand, it is important to characterize different pomegranate cultivars, not only to classify them in terms of their beneficial properties but also to gather information about the effects of texture attributes (seed hardness and wood perception) on consumer acceptance. Regressions of (1) seed hardness and wood perception versus descriptive hardness and (2) descriptive hardness and wood perception versus instrumental hardness and wood index allowed the classification of pomegranate cultivars according to their final use (fresh consumption and/or industrialization, mainly juice manufacturing).
High MIG (CXCL9) plasma levels favours response to peginterferon and ribavirin in HCV‐infected patients regardless of DPP4 activity
Authors: Johansson Susanne , Talloen Willem , Tuefferd Marianne , Darling Jama , Fanning Gregory , Fried Michael W. , Aerssens Jeroen 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsSustained virological response (SVR) following peginterferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients has been linked with the IL28B genotype and lower peripheral levels of the CXCR3‐binding chemokine IP‐10 (CXCL10). To further improve the understanding of these biomarkers we investigated plasma levels of the other CXCR3‐binding chemokines and activity of the dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4, CD26) protease, which cleaves IP‐10, in relation to treatment response.MethodsAfrican‐American and Caucasian HCV genotype 1‐infected patients (n = 401) were treated with pegIFN/RBV for 48 weeks (ViraHep‐C cohort). Pretreatment plasma levels of MIG (CXCL9), I‐TAC (CXCL11) and the type III interferon IL29 were investigated by Luminex and DPP4 activity by using a luciferase assay.ResultsPatients achieving SVR had higher baseline MIG plasma levels and lower DPP4 activity than non‐SVR patients. MIG was higher in Caucasians, IL28B CC (rs1297860) genotype carriers and patients with higher ALT levels. MIG correlated with IP‐10 in SVR patients, but not in non‐SVRs. A high DPP4 activity correlated with higher IP‐10 levels, while DPP4 activity was not associated with MIG or I‐TAC levels.ConclusionsThe associations of MIG with SVR status and IL28B genotype imply that higher MIG plasma levels could reflect a beneficial immunological state for response to pegIFN/RBV treatment. The correlation between MIG and IP‐10 observed only in SVR patients may contribute to a better treatment response, whereas this MIG/IP‐10 balance might be disrupted in non‐SVR patients because of the increased DPP4 cleavage of IP‐10 into a dysfunctional form.