bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the influence of obesity on a murine model of allergic lung inflammation
Authors: e‐Lacerda Rodrigo Rodrigues , Anhê Gabriel Forato , Page Clive Peter , Riffo‐Vasquez Yanira 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite the overwhelming evidence showing the influence of sex or obesity in the development of respiratory diseases in humans and animals, the mechanisms by which these combined two factors influence allergic asthma are not well understood.ObjectiveWe have investigated the interaction between sex and weight gain in an experimental model of lung allergic inflammation induced by chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) in mice.MethodsAnimals were fed a high‐fat diet for 8 weeks and then sensitized and challenged with OVA.ResultsOur results demonstrate that in comparison with males, high‐fat diet (HFD) allergic female mice exhibit a reduction in the number of leucocytes in the lung lumen when challenged with OVA and, in contrast, an accumulation of these cells in the lung tissue. In addition, we also observed that allergic HFD female mice presented a robust lung remodelling in comparison with HFD males, evidenced by higher deposition of collagen in the airways and TGF‐β in lung fluid. Measuring epithelial adhesion molecule expression, we observed that female mice presented a significantly lower expression of CD103 than males in BAL cells, regardless of the diet. Similarly, HFD female mice express lower levels of EpCAM in lung tissue in comparison with males and lean females. Levels of A20/TNFAIP3 expression in lung tissue demonstrated that HFD female mice express lower levels of these regulatory factors than all the other groups. However, this reduction was not accompanied by an increase in activated NF‐κB.ConclusionsOur results present evidence that the interaction between sex and weight gain alters the progression of allergic asthma in mice with females developing airway remodelling at a much earlier stage than males.Clinical RelevanceThese data may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical differences in the development and severity of allergic asthma observed between men and women of reproductive age.
Substantial losses in ecoregion intactness highlight urgency of globally coordinated action
Authors: Beyer Hawthorne L. , Venter Oscar , Grantham Hedley S. , Watson James E.M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHuman activities are altering natural areas worldwide. While our ability to map these activities at fine scales is improving, a simplistic binary characterization of habitat and non‐habitat with a focus on change in habitat extent has dominated conservation assessments across different spatial scales. Here, we provide a metric that captures both habitat loss, quality and fragmentation effects which, when combined, we call intactness. We identify nine categories of intactness of the world's terrestrial ecoregions based on changes in intactness across a 16‐year period. We found that highly impacted and degraded categories are predominant (74%) and just 6% of ecoregions are on improving trajectories. It is essential that management of degrading processes be targeted in international agendas in order to ensure that Earth's remaining intact ecosystems are effectively conserved and restored in order to achieve effective conservation outcomes.
Determining defensible cut‐off scores for dental courses
Authors: Yousef Mohammed Khalil , Alshawwa Lana Adey , Farsi Jamila Mohammed , Tekian Ara , Yoon Soo Park 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeMany countries and institutions have a fixed passing score of 60%. For example, this is a national policy in all Saudi universities where students at all levels must score 60% or higher to pass courses. The purpose of this study is to broaden the scope of standard‐setting applications, using data from five major dental courses (Endodontics, Operative, Removable and Fixed Prosthodontics, and Pedodontics) in the 5th dental academic year for two consecutive years to determine the cut‐off scores.MethodologyFour expert raters conducted Angoff's method on final examinations of five dental courses to determine the cut‐off scores for the two academic years (2015, and 2016). Cohort size of 2015 was 120 students, whilst that of 2016 was 142 students. The study was conducted at the faculty of Dentistry, at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) from December 2017 to June 2018.ResultsAll five dental courses yielded different cut‐off scores than the fixed 60%. The cut‐off scores for 2015 and 2016 examinations were 59.15%, 63.75% for Removable Prosthodontics, 51.86%, 53.75% for Fixed Prosthodontics, 47.42%, 50.5% for Pedodontics, 74.22%, 74.31% for Endodontics and 58%, 55.55% for Operative Dentistry.ConclusionAngoff method yielded different cut‐off scores than the fixed 60% passing score currently used by the dental school, yielding a difference in pass‐fail rates by as much as a staggering 41%. This finding provides support to use evidence‐based standard‐setting methods to determine the cut‐off score for the courses in Dentistry programme.
Heterogenic aquatic vegetation promotes abundance and species richness of Odonata (Insecta) in constructed agricultural wetlands
Authors: Huikkonen Ida‐Maria , Helle Ilona , Elo Merja 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT
Natural wetlands are among the most threatened habitat types worldwide. They contain a high diversity of macroinvertebrates, including dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata). In agricultural landscapes, new wetlands have been constructed to filter nutrients and solid matter from agricultural runoff. These types of wetlands may also benefit Odonata as new breeding habitats. However, it is not yet clear what environmental characteristics of constructed wetlands are important for Odonata.
We studied 20 constructed agricultural wetlands in Central Finland and asked whether Odonata are able to use these wetlands as breeding habitats, and which environmental characteristics (aquatic vegetation, water area, shoreline length, bottom type diversity, water transparency, and pH) of the wetlands affect odonate abundance and species richness.
The constructed wetlands hosted altogether 17 odonate species. Odonate abundance was positively associated with the number of aquatic vegetation growth forms of the wetland. Odonate species richness was associated positively with abundance, floating‐leaved vegetation, and water transparency.
Constructed agricultural wetlands support local diversity of common odonate species. Although protecting the remaining natural wetlands is of primary importance, constructed wetlands can add suitable wetland habitats in the agricultural landscape. From the perspective of Odonata, heterogenic aquatic vegetation and water quality are features worth promoting when constructing and managing agricultural wetlands.
‘Sharing may not be caring’ — Prescription medication sharing among adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhomoud Faten 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to describe prescription medication sharing behaviours (i.e. borrowing and lending) among adults living in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia during December 2018. The eligibility criteria were an ability to communicate in Arabic or English and aged ≥18 years. An online survey was distributed to a convenience sample, supplemented by snowballing, by email and social media via an Internet link leading to a web-based survey platform in QuestionPro to assess their medication sharing behaviours. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the associations.Key findingsA total of 667 completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of borrowing and lending prescription medication was found to be 14% and 16% in 2018 (past year), respectively. Twenty per cent of participants revealed that they had given a medication prescribed for one child to another child in their care, and 75% reported having leftover prescription medicine at home. The majority (90%) had borrowed or lent on one to three occasions. A wide range of medications were borrowed and lent mainly between immediate family members. Different reasons have been identified for medicine borrowing or lending behaviours.ConclusionsBorrowing and lending prescription medications are a common practice in the Saudi population. Further research is warranted into the development of successful approaches or interventions to reduce medication sharing behaviour.
Noncontrast CT versus Perfusion‐Based Core Estimation in Large Vessel Occlusion: The Blood Pressure after Endovascular Stroke Therapy Study
Authors: Siegler James E. , Messé Steven R. , Sucharew Heidi , Kasner Scott E. , Mehta Tapan , Arora Niraj , Starosciak Amy K. , De Los Rios La Rosa Felipe , Barnhill Natasha R , Mistry Akshitkumar M. , Patel Kishan , Assad Salman , Tarboosh Amjad , Dakay Katarina , Wagner Jeff , Bennett Alicia , Jagadeesan Bharathi , Streib Christopher , Weber Stewart A. , Chitale Rohan , Volpi John J. , Mayer Stephan A. , Yaghi Shadi , Jayaraman Mahesh V. , Khatri Pooja , Mistry Eva A. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe 2018 AHA guidelines recommend perfusion imaging to select patients with acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) for thrombectomy in the extended window. However, the relationship between noncontrast CT and CT perfusion imaging has not been sufficiently characterized >6 hours after last known normal (LKN).METHODSFrom a multicenter prospective cohort of consecutive adults who underwent thrombectomy for anterior LVO 0–24 hours after LKN, we correlated baseline core volume (rCBF < 30%) and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scale (ASPECTS) score. We compared perfusion findings between patients with an unfavorable ASPECTS (<6) against those with a favorable ASPECTS (≥6), and assessed findings over time.RESULTSOf 485 enrolled patients, 177 met inclusion criteria (median age: 69 years, interquartile range [IQR: 57‐81], 49% female, median ASPECTS 8 [IQR: 6‐9], median core 10 cc [IQR: 0‐30]). ASPECTS and core volume moderately correlated (r = −.37). A 0 cc core was observed in 54 (31%) patients, 70% of whom had ASPECTS <10. Of the 28 patients with ASPECTS <6, 3 (11%) had a 0 cc core. After adjustment for age and stroke severity, there was a lower ASPECTS for every 1 hour delay from LKN (cOR: 0.95, 95% confidence of interval [CI]: 0.91‐1.00, P = .04). There was no difference in core (P = .51) or penumbra volumes (P = .87) across patients over time.CONCLUSIONSIn this multicenter prospective cohort of patients who underwent thrombectomy, one‐third of patients had normal CTP core volumes despite nearly three quarters of patients showing ischemic changes on CT. This finding emphasizes the need to carefully assess both noncontrast and perfusion imaging when considering thrombectomy eligibility.
Co‐expression of EGFR and MET has a synergistic effect on the prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yokokawa Misaki , Morita Kei‐ichi , Oikawa Yu , Kayamori Kou , Sakamoto Kei , Ikeda Tohru , Harada Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to elucidate the correlation between gene amplification, protein expression of receptor tyrosine kinase, and prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and next‐generation sequencing data.MethodsWe evaluated data pertaining to 208 patients with OSCC using IHC for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (MET).ResultsHigh expressions of EGFR and MET were detected in 60 and 41 patients, respectively. We evaluated the association of clinicopathological variables with high expressions of EGFR and/or MET. Distant metastasis was found in 9 of 41 patients (22.0%) and 6 of 15 patients (40.0%) with high expression of MET and high co‐expressions of EGFR and MET, respectively; statistically significant differences were detected in both high expression of MET (P = .003) and high co‐expressions of EGFR and MET (P = 3.41 × 10−5). The cumulative 5‐year survival rate of patients with high and low expressions of EGFR or MET was approximately 65% and 85%, respectively. Conversely, among cases with high expressions of EGFR or MET, there was no additional decrease in the survival rate of patients harboring TP53 mutations. Moreover, the survival rate of patients with high co‐expression of both EGFR and MET was very poor (22.0%) (P < 1.0 × 10−9).ConclusionOur findings suggest that evaluation of protein expressions of EGFR and MET may facilitate prognostic assessment of patients with OSCC; in addition, patients with OSCC should be screened for enrollment in clinical trials of combination therapy with EGFR and MET inhibitors.
Effects of enzymatic hydrolysate of locust bean gum on digestibility, intestinal morphology and microflora of broilers
Authors: Xie Jingjing , Wang Zhongcheng , Cui Hu , Nie Hao , Zhang Tietao , Gao Xiuhua , Qiao Yu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTo investigate the effects of different levels of enzymatic hydrolysate of dietary locust bean gum on nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and microflora of broilers, a total of 768 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres (AA) broiler chicks were randomly divided into 6 treatments with 8 replicates per treatment and 16 birds per replicate. The treatments were as follows: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) ANT, basal diet +62.5 mg/kg flavomycin; (3) LBG, basal diet +0.1% locust bean gum; (4) ELBG‐0.1, basal diet +0.1% enzymatic hydrolysate of LBG; (5) ELBG‐0.2, basal diet +0.2% enzymatic hydrolysate of LBG; and (6) ELBG‐0.3, basal diet +0.3% enzymatic hydrolysate of LBG. The digestibilities of ether extract, crude protein and dry matter were increased (p < .01) in broilers fed the ELBG‐0.3 diet compared with the CON and LBG diets on day 21. Duodenal villus height and the ratio of the villus height to crypt depth were greater (p < .01) in broilers fed the ELBG‐0.3 diet than the CON, ANT and LBG diets. Jejunum villus height was higher (p < .05) in broilers fed the ELBG‐0.2 and ELBG‐0.3 diets than the CON diet. The number of caecal Escherichia coli was reduced (p = .01) in broilers fed the ELBG‐0.2 and ELBG‐0.3 diets compared with the CON diet. The number of caecal Lactobacilli was greater (p < .05) in broilers fed the ELBG‐0.3 diet than the CON and ANT diets. In summary, the addition of 0.3% locust bean enzymatic hydrolysate can increase the surface area of intestinal villi and the number of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the proliferation of harmful bacteria, maintain the balance of intestinal microflora and improve the digestibility of nutrients.
Contributing to Inclusive Research Policy and Practice: A Synthesis of Four Inclusive (Health) Research Projects
Authors: Frankena Tessa K. , van Schrojenstein Lantman – de Valk Henny , Cardol Mieke , van der Cruijsen Anneke , Jansen Henk , Leusink Geraline , Naaldenberg Jenneken 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe active involvement of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in research is expected to lead to relevant research outcomes, increased quality of life, improved healthcare, reduction of health inequities, and empowerment of people with ID. Despite the developments in inclusive health research, a lack of transparency remains with regard to how the partnership between researchers with and without ID is shaped and structural study of inclusive health research is needed. This study aims to gain insight into the experiences of inclusive research teams in practice regarding (1) reasons, (2) attributes, and (3) outcomes of inclusive health research. A structural study of four inclusive research teams was conducted in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands using case study methodology. Data were triangulated through documents and individual and group interviews. Data were analyzed and synthesized using domain and taxonomic analysis. Reasons for conducting inclusive research ranged from personal to practical. Having an inclusive ethos was found to be crucial in conducting inclusive research meaningfully in practice. Based on data analysis, attributes of inclusive research consist of three interrelated themes, one focusing on methodological aspects and two focusing on active involvement and partnerships. Outcomes of inclusive research across cases were found within three categories relating to research practice, inclusion itself, and interpersonal outcomes. Empowerment was found to be important. Although empowerment is not new to inclusive research, its positive effect on research quality appears to be new and needs further research. This study's results and the literature indicate that developing inclusive research policy and practice requires a realistic perspective, with a balance between maximum collaboration and using researchers' strengths. The results of this study are transferrable to inclusive research using similar methods with other groups. When the aim is to share learning in groups, a shared language is needed.
Inventions and patenting in Africa: Empirical trends from 1970 to 2010
Authors: Graff Gregory D. , Pardey Philip G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEconomic development is increasingly dependent upon on utilizing new knowledge to innovate and create value, even in traditional industries and in low‐income countries. This analysis uses evidence on patent families to assess innovation activity throughout sub‐Saharan Africa. We find patent activity in sub‐Saharan Africa—both by African inventors and by foreign inventors—is comparable to similar regions around the world, when conditioned on economic size. Patent filings in Africa have grown, particularly, since the mid‐1990s, but at different rates within different African jurisdictions. Types of technologies being patented in Africa have remained stable over 30 years, with most in pharmaceuticals, chemistry, biotechnology, and engineering. The majority of patent filings in Africa are from Europe, the United States, and other high income countries. Yet, in South Africa, between 15% and 20% of patent filings are by residents of South Africa, and 3% are from other developing and emerging economies. Only a small share of inventions globally are made in sub‐Saharan Africa, but for those inventions that do arise in Africa, foreign filings are made widely outside of Africa.
Cellular endo‐lysosomal dysfunction in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Du Jiang , Ji Yu , Qiao Liang , Liu Yanli , Lin Juntang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an increasingly devastating human disorder, is characterized by intrahepatic fat accumulation. Although important progress has been made in understanding NAFLD, the fundamental mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD have not been fully explained. The endo‐lysosomal trafficking network is central to lipid metabolism, protein degradation and signal transduction, which are involved in a variety of diseases. In recent years, many genes and pathways in the endo‐lysosomal trafficking network and involved in lysosomal biogenesis have been associated with the development and progression of NAFLD. Mutations of these genes and impaired signalling lead to dysfunction in multiple steps of the endo‐lysosomal network (endocytic trafficking, membrane fusion and lysosomal degradation), resulting in the accumulation of pathogenic proteins. In this review, we will focus on how alterations in these genes and pathways affect endo‐lysosomal trafficking as well as the pathophysiology of NAFLD.
The Prototyping Behaviors of Startups: Exploring the Relationship Between Prototyping Behaviors and Startup Strategies
Authors: Nelson Jacob , Mahan Tobias , McComb Christopher , Menold Jessica 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPrototyping is a crucial part of new product development, and engineers and designers rely on prototyping to bring novel technologies to market. In recent years, tech-based startups like Tesla or Udacity have revolutionized their respective industries. However, many tech-based startups are unable to create a viable product with their available resources and fail before ever making it to market. In this work, we analyze survey responses from 34 startup representatives to investigate the relationship between prototyping practice, startup success, and perceived difficulty of startup tasks. K-means cluster analysis shows three distinct groups, differentiated by (1) their amount of available funding, (2) their use of prototyping best practices, and (3) their reported difficulty in startup tasks. High-performing startups reported having the highest funding, experiencing less difficulty in startup tasks, and using prototyping best practices more frequently than their peers.
Experimental Study of Condensation in a Thermoacoustic Cooler With Various 3D-Printed Regenerators Using Water Vapor as the Working Fluid
Authors: Bekkulov Aibek , Luthen Andrew , Xu Ben 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Thermoacoustics (TA) deals with the conversion of heat into sound and vice versa. The device that transfers energy from a low-temperature reservoir to a high-temperature one by utilizing acoustic work is called TA cooler (TAC). The main components of a typical TAC are a resonator, a porous regenerator (e.g., stack of parallel plates), and two heat exchangers. The thermoacoustic phenomenon takes place in the regenerator where a nonzero temperature gradient is imposed and interacts with the sound wave. The low temperature at the cold end of TAC can be used to condense water from the humid air and also reduce the moisture. In the current study, the sound wave with high intensity was produced to drive a TAC to produce cooling power at a cold temperature around 18 °C, using saturated water vapor as the working fluid. The drainage of condensate in the regenerator is the key to the system’s performance. This work is dedicated to investigate the effect from temperature gradient created in TAC on the condensation enhancement, by adopting three different designs of regenerators. A 3D printer was used to design and fabricate different structures of regenerator, and then, the systematic cooling capacity was tested and compared with different regenerators. This work can be extended to evaluate how the TA effect can be affected by the condensation if humid air is directly used as the working fluid. The potential application of this investigation can be an autonomous TAC system for water harvesting in arid areas.
Inviscid, Axisymmetric, Annular Wall Jet Impingement As an Idealization of Cascade Thrust Reversers
Authors: Chilukuri R. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
An analytical solution to inviscid, axisymmetric, impinging wall jet flow is proposed as a limited idealization of internal flow within a cascade thrust reverser of an aircraft engine. Behavior of prior Bessel Series solution for round jets is critically examined, before extending the formulation to an annular jet with non-zero inner wall radius. Behavior and accuracy of prior spectral and finite difference algorithms are examined, leading to an efficient hybrid computational scheme. Jet inflow velocity profile has a deficit as well as non-zero vorticity-function at the inner radial boundary, as is typical in engine fan ducts. Inviscid recirculation appears at the impingement corner, the strength of which is made determinate by assuming locally constant vorticity-function. Results indicate that fan duct velocity profile deficit is a significant contributor to occurrence of a large recirculation zone that is experimentally observed within a fully deployed thrust reverser.