bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilisation of evidence from Thailand’s National Health Examination Survey in policy development: finding the weakest link
Authors: Tantivess Sripen , Yothasamut Jomkwan , Saengsri Wilailak 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Health surveillance and survey data are helpful in evidence-informed policy decisions. This study is part of an evaluation of the National Health Examination Survey (NHES) programme in Thailand. This paper focuses on the obstacles in the translation of survey information into policies at a national level.

Methods
In-depth interviews with relevant individuals and representatives of institutes were carried out for the data collection. A total of 26 focal informants included executives and staff of NHES funders, government health agencies, civil society organisations, health experts, NHES programme managers and researchers in the survey network.

Results
Utilisation of NHES data in policy-making is limited for many reasons. Despite the potential users’ positive views on the technical integrity of experts and practitioners involved in the NHES, the strength of employing health examinations in the data collection is not well recognised. Meanwhile, alternative health surveillance platforms that offer similar information on a shorter timescale are preferable in policy monitoring and evaluation. In sum, the lack of governance of Thailand’s health surveillance system is identified as a key element hindering the translation of health surveys, including the NHES, into policies.

Conclusion
Despite an adequate capacity to conduct population health surveys, the lack of governance structure and function has resulted in a fragmented health monitoring system. Large and small survey projects are conducted and funded by different institutes without common policy direction and alignment mechanisms for prioritising survey topics, collective planning and capacity-building programmes for survey practitioners and users. Lessons drawn from Thailand’s NHES can be helpful for policy-makers in other low- and middle-income countries, as effective governance for evidence generation and utilisation is necessary in all contexts, regardless of income level and available resources.
A novel method for efficient generation of antigen-specific effector T-cells using dendritic cells transduced with recombinant adeno-associated virus and p38 kinase blockade
Authors: Mirandola Leonardo , Chiriva-Internati Maurizio , Bresalier Robert , Piccotti Lucia , Grizzi Fabio , Marincola Francesco M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The inefficacy of standard therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer is reflected by the enduring poor prognosis of this malignancy. Due to the potential for exquisite specificity, sensitivity and long-term memory, immunotherapy offers an alternative modality for durable control of the disease, provided appropriate antigens can be identified and
presented in the right context.

Methods
We tested a novel dendritic cell vaccine formulation to reprogram autologous antigen-specific T-cells in vitro, in vivo in a murine model of ovarian cancer, and ex vivo using human cells from patients.

Results
We show that dendritic cells (DCs) treated with a p38 MAPK inhibitor and transduced with a recombinant adenovirus associated vector (AAV) expressing Sperm protein (Sp) 17 are highly effective in generating antigen-specific T-cell cytotoxic response against ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, these DCs enhanced the differentiation of effector T-cells while reducing the frequency of Foxp3+ T-reg cells in vitro.

Conclusions
This work provides a rationale for translation of pharmacologically reprogrammed DCs into clinical trials for prevention of tumor recurrence and progression in high-risk ovarian cancer patients.
A spontaneously metastatic model of bladder cancer: imaging characterization
Authors: Tatum James L. , Kalen Joseph D. , Jacobs Paula M. , Ileva Lilia V. , Riffle Lisa A. , Hollingshead Melinda G. , Doroshow James H. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Spontaneously metastatic xenograft models of cancer are infrequent and the few that exist are resource intensive. In xenografts, caliper measurements can be used to determine primary tumor burden and response to therapy but in metastatic disease models determination of the presence of metastatic disease, metastatic burden, and response to therapy are difficult, often requiring serial necropsy. In this study we characterized the development of visceral metastases in a patient derived xenograft model (PDXM) using in vivo imaging.

Results
We identified and characterized the previously unreported development of spontaneous liver and bone metastasis in a known patient derived xenograft, bladder xenograft BL0293F, developed by Jackson Laboratories and the University of California at Davis and available from the National Cancer Institute Patient-Derived Models Repository [1]. Among FDG-PET/CT, contrast-enhanced MRI and non-contrast MRI, non-contrast T2w MRI was the most effective and efficient imaging technique. On non-contrast T2 weighted MRI, hepatic metastases were observed in over 70% of animals at 52 days post tumor implantation without resection of the xenograft and in 100% of animals at day 52 following resection of the xenograft. In a group of animals receiving one cycle of effective chemotherapy, no animals demonstrated metastasis by imaging, confirming the utility of this model for therapy evaluation. There was good agreement between pathologic grade and extent of involvement observed on MRI T2w imaging.

Conclusion
PDX BL0293F is a reliable visceral organ (liver) metastatic model with high penetrance in both non-aggravated and post excisional situations, providing a reliable window for therapy intervention prior to required excision of the xenograft. The imaging characteristics of this model are highly favorable for non-clinical research studies of metastatic disease when used in conjunction with non-contrast T2 weighted MRI.
The potassium channel KCa3.1 represents a valid pharmacological target for microgliosis-induced neuronal impairment in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lu Jia , Dou Fangfang , Yu Zhihua 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies described a critical role for microglia in Parkinson’s disease (PD), where these central nerve system resident immune cells participate in the neuroinflammatory microenvironment that contributes to dopaminergic neurons loss in the substantia nigra. Understanding the phenotype switch of microgliosis in PD could help to identify the molecular mechanism which could attenuate or delay the progressive decline in motor function. KCa3.1 has been reported to regulate the “pro-inflammatory” phenotype switch of microglia in neurodegenerative pathological conditions.MethodsWe here investigated the effects of gene deletion or pharmacological blockade of KCa3.1 activity in wild-type or KCa3.1−/−mice after treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a mouse model of PD. MPTP-induced PD mouse model was subjected to the rotarod test to evaluate the locomotor ability. Glia activation and neuron loss were measured by immunostaining. Fluo-4 AM was used to measure cytosolic Ca2+level in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced microgliosis in vitro.ResultsWe report that treatment of MPTP-induced PD mouse model with gene deletion or pharmacological blockade of KCa3.1 with senicapoc improves the locomotor ability and the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neuron number and attenuates the microgliosis and neuroinflammation in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). KCa3.1 involves in store-operated Ca2+entry-induced Ca2+overload and endoplasmic reticulum stress via the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway during microgliosis. Gene deletion or blockade of KCa3.1 restored AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling both in vivo and in vitro.ConclusionsTaken together, these results demonstrate a key role for KCa3.1 in driving a pro-inflammatory microglia phenotype in PD.
Supporting breastfeeding: Tanzanian men’s knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breastfeeding
Authors: Bulemela Janeth , Mapunda Heka , Snelgrove-Clarke Erna , MacDonald Noni , Bortolussi Robert 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is one of the key strategies to ensure infants and young children survive and grow. However, a 2010 study showed that it was only practiced by 50% of Tanzanian women. That study also found that men were rarely supportive; either at home or in the health facilities, due to their personal beliefs or to traditional beliefs and culture of the community. In a report six years later the rate of EBF has decreased to 30%, in one region.

Methods
In this qualitative study, we used focus groups to assess the knowledge and attitudes of 35 men from three villages on the benefits of EBF, the disadvantages of not breastfeeding, and how they can support their partners’ breastfeeding. In addition, we assessed how they felt about spending time at home, if they considered handling the infant to be rewarding and whether they helped the mother with home chores. Differences in village infrastructure and characteristics were noted.

Results
Five themes were identified, including traditional roles, and feelings of exclusion/inclusion and resistance. Men felt they needed better information on EBF. They wished that their partners could breastfeed for a longer time, since they realized it improved infant growth and prevented disease; however, they did not have time to remain with the infant at home. Poverty required the men to work for long periods outside the home. As well, the men were not involved with the Reproductive Child Health Clinic (RCHC) except at the time of delivery or for mandatory HIV testing, however, they wanted to be educated together with their partners at the RCHC.

Conclusion
Most men in this study understood that the EBF period was important, and that it broadened their relationship with their partner. EBF, however, could be a challenge for couples because of poverty. Nevertheless, many men wanted to help and to become more involved.
Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Schachtsiek Julia , Hussain Tajammul , Azzouhri Khadija , Kayser Oliver , Stehle Felix 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe raised demand of cannabis as a medicinal plant in recent years led to an increased interest in understanding the biosynthetic routes of cannabis metabolites. Since there is no established protocol to generate stable gene knockouts in cannabis, the use of a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) method, resulting in a gene knockdown, to study gene functions is desirable.ResultsFor this, a computational approach was employed to analyze theCannabis sativaL. transcriptomic and genomic resources. Reporter genes expected to give rise to easily scorable phenotypes upon silencing, i.e. thephytoene desaturase(PDS) andmagnesium chelatase subunit I(ChlI), were identified inC. sativa.Subsequently, the targets of specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and silencing fragments were predicted and tested in a post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) approach.Here we show for the first time a gene knockdown inC. sativausing theCotton leaf crumple virus(CLCrV) in a silencing vector system. Plants transiently transformed with theAgrobacterium tumefaciensstrain AGL1, carrying the VIGS-vectors, showed the desired phenotypes, spotted bleaching of the leaves. The successful knockdown of the genes was additionally validated by quantitative PCR resulting in reduced expression of transcripts from 70 to 73% forChlIandPDS, respectively. This is accompanied with the reduction of the chlorophyll a and carotenoid content, respectively. In summary, the data clearly demonstrate the potential for functional gene studies in cannabis using theCLCrV-based vector system.ConclusionsThe applied VIGS-method can be used for reverse genetic studies inC. sativato identify unknown gene functions. This will gain deeper inside into unknown biosynthetic routes and will help to close the gap between available genomic data and biochemical information of this important medicinal plant.
An efficient RGB-UAV-based platform for field almond tree phenotyping: 3-D architecture and flowering traits
Authors: López-Granados Francisca , Torres-Sánchez Jorge , Jiménez-Brenes Francisco M. , Arquero Octavio , Lovera María , de Castro Ana I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlmond is an emerging crop due to the health benefits of almond consumption including nutritional, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolaemia properties. Traditional almond producers were concentrated in California, Australia, and Mediterranean countries. However, almond is currently present in more than 50 countries due to breeding programs have modernized almond orchards by developing new varieties with improved traits related to late flowering (to reduce the risk of damage caused by late frosts) and tree architecture. Almond tree architecture and flowering are acquired and evaluated through intensive field labour for breeders. Flowering detection has traditionally been a very challenging objective. To our knowledge, there is no published information about monitoring of the tree flowering dynamics of a crop at the field scale by using color information from photogrammetric 3D point clouds and OBIA. As an alternative, a procedure based on the generation of colored photogrammetric point clouds using a low cost (RGB) camera on-board an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and an semi-automatic object based image analysis (OBIA) algorithm was created for monitoring the flower density and flowering period of every almond tree in the framework of two almond phenotypic trials with different planting dates.ResultsOur method was useful for detecting the phenotypic variability of every almond variety by mapping and quantifying every tree height and volume as well as the flowering dynamics and flower density. There was a high level of agreement among the tree height, flower density, and blooming calendar derived from our procedure on both fields with the ones created from on-ground measured data. Some of the almond varieties showed a significant linear fit between its crown volume and their yield.ConclusionsOur findings could help breeders and researchers to reduce the gap between phenomics and genomics by generating accurate almond tree information in an efficient, non-destructive, and inexpensive way. The method described is also useful for data mining to select the most promising accessions, making it possible to assess specific multi-criteria ranking varieties, which are one of the main tools for breeders.
Detection of white head symptoms of panicle blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae using cut-flower dye
Authors: Hayashi Keiko , Yoshida Tomofumi , Hayano-Saito Yuriko 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Breeding of rice with panicle resistance to rice blast disease caused by Pyricularia oryzae is a challenge towards sustainable rice production. Methods for accurate estimation of disease severity can support breeding. White head symptoms are a commonly used index of panicle blast in the field. As the development mechanism of this symptom remains unclear, we used cut-flower dye (CFD) solution to visualize the infected panicle tissues.

Results
CFD delineated the edge of white head symptoms in rice panicles artificially infected with P. oryzae. Hyphae within the tissues were confirmed through staining with a fluorescent wheat germ agglutinin conjugate. Hyphal density was obviously diminished at the dye edge. Growing hyphae preferred to move along the vascular bundles; infected tissues lost the ability to transport water, leading to white head formation. By marking the edge of the white heads, this simple dyeing technique precisely reveals the extent of infection. Further, digital imaging allowed dried samples to be stored and reassessed later.

Conclusions
The CFD detection technique served as a powerful tool for estimating disease severity by color, as it clearly revealed lesions in both the panicles and leaves. Combined with reliable methods for artificial inoculation and observation of infecting hyphae, this technique will advance the research and breeding of panicle blast-resistant rice.
Retinal hyperreflective foci in Fabry disease
Authors: Atiskova Yevgeniya , Rassuli Rahman , Koehn Anja Friederike , Golsari Amir , Wagenfeld Lars , du Moulin Marcel , Muschol Nicole , Dulz Simon 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked inherited storage disorder caused by deficiency of lysosomal alpha-Galactosidase A. Here we describe new retinal findings in patients with FD assessed by Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and their possible clinical relevance.

Methods
54 eyes of 27 FD patients and 54 eyes of 27 control subjects were included. The ophthalmic examination included visual acuity testing, tonometry, slit lamp and fundus examination. SD-OCT imaging of the macula was performed in all subjects. Central retinal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer analysis were quantified. Vessel tortuosity was obtained by a subjective scoring and mathematically calculated. Inner retinal hyperreflective foci (HRF) were quantified, clinically graded and correlated with a biomarker of Fabry disease (lyso-Gb3).

Results
In comparison to an age-matched control group, a significant amount of HRF was identified in macular SD-OCT images in FD patients. These HRF were localized within the inner retinal layers. Furthermore, lyso-Gb3 levels correlated significantly with the quantitative evaluation of HRF (p < 0,001). In addition, the vessel tortuosity was remarkably increased in FD patients compared to control persons and correlated significantly with lyso-G3 levels (p = 0.005). A further subanalysis revealed significantly higher HRF and vessel tortuosity scores in male patients with the classic FD phenotype.

Conclusions
The observational, cross sectional, comparative study describes novel intraretinal findings in patients with FD. We were able to identify suspicious HRF within the inner retinal layers. These findings were not accompanied by functional limitations, as visual acuity remained unchanged. However, HRF correlated well with lyso-Gb3, a degradation product of the accumulating protein Gb3 and might potentially indicate Gb3 accumulation within the highly metabolic and densely vascularized macula.
Safety of antithrombotic therapy in subjects with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: prospective data from a multidisciplinary working group
Authors:   on behalf of the Multidisciplinary Gemelli Group for HHT, Gaetani Eleonora , Agostini Fabiana , Porfidia Angelo , Giarretta Igor , Feliciani Daniela , Di Martino Luigi , Tortora Annalisa , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pola Roberto 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSubjects with the rare autosomal dominant disease Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) may develop medical conditions that require antithrombotic therapy (AT). However, safety of AT is uncertain in these patients and the only data currently available derive from retrospective analyses of registries and/or databases. At the HHT Centre of the ‘Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS’ (Rome, Italy), a prospective study is currently ongoing to evaluate the safety of AT in subjects affected by HHT. The study is enrolling subjects with a definite diagnosis of HHT who receive an AT prescription by one of the physicians of the HHT Centre. The primary outcome is the number of hemorrhagic events, distinguished in major, clinically relevant non-major (CRNM), and minor bleedings, according to the criteria of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH). Another primary outcome is worsening of epistaxis upon initiation of AT, assessed using the internationally accepted Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS). Additional outcomes are changes in hemoglobin levels and changes in the need of blood transfusion after initiation of AT. Here, we present the results of an interim analysis, conducted on the 12 HHT subjects that have been enrolled so far. After a mean follow-up of 6.5 ± 0.8 months, no major bleedings, no CRNM bleedings, and no minor bleedings different from epistaxis were recorded. Worsening of epistaxis upon initiation of AT was documented only in one patient, but did not require discontinuation of AT. There were no significant changes in the mean ESS measured before and after initiation of AT. There were no significant changes in hemoglobin levels and need for blood transfusion after initiation of AT. Although preliminary, these are the first prospective data on the safety of AT in HHT patients. Our interim analysis suggests that, when prescribed by experienced physicians in a multidisciplinary setting, AT is well tolerated by HHT patients. More patients and a longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.
Anxiolytic effects of the flavonoid luteolin in a mouse model of acute colitis
Authors: Gadotti Vinicius M. , Zamponi Gerald W. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAnxiety related disorders commonly occur in association with major depressive disorder (MDD) in individuals suffering from peripheral inflammation, with a higher prevalence among IBS patients. We have previously shown that the bioflavonoid luteolin has pronounced analgesic and antidepressant-like effects in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Here, we further evaluate the biological effect of luteolin as a possible anxiolytic agent in DSS treated mice. Anxiolytic action was evaluated using the open field test (OF), the novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the elevated plus maze test (EPM). Luteolin increased the number of crossings in the center of the OF apparatus, reduced the latency to interact with the food pellet in the NSFT, and increased the time spent in the open arms in the EPM. These results suggest luteolin as a possible natural anxiolytic molecule without sedative effects, thus reinforcing its therapeutic potential for the comorbidities involving peripheral inflammation, pain, mood and anxiety-related disorders.