bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient soluble expression and purification of influenza A and B nucleoproteins in E. coli
Authors: Yolshin Nikita D. , Shaldzhyan Aram A. , Klotchenko Sergey A. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Viral nucleoprotein (NP) is an abundant essential protein of an influenza virus that has important functional and structural roles. It participates in genomic organization, nuclear trafficking, RNA transcription, and genome replication. From the research point of view, NP is an important protein that is used in the development of new diagnostic methods and vaccination protocols. NP is a promising target for antiviral chemotherapeutic drugs as well. Successful expression of codon-optimized NP genes in E. coli has been reported. In this study, we demonstrated the efficient expression and purification of soluble NPs of influenza A and B viruses in E. coli without the codon-optimization of DNA sequences. This procedure preserves the co-translational protein folding, protein configuration and function. Obtained NPs of influenza A and B viruses were monomers and reacted well with mouse specific antibodies according to Western blot analysis. Our results show that both influenza A and influenza B virus NPs can be efficiently expressed in E. coli without codon-optimization.
Analysis of the factors influencing access to mortgage finance in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Olawumi Solomon O. , Adewusi Amos A. , Oyetunji Abiodun K. 
Published: December 2019

Finance is the bedrock of real estate development. Its availability and accessibility are important for a successful investment. In most cases, investors donâ€™t have substantial finance to execute a project; instead, they resort to an external source through mortgage financing. However, there are difficulties in accessing mortgage finance particularly due to borrowerâ€™s default, thereby hindering finance accessibility. This study investigates factors determining mortgage finance accessibility for providing real estate projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. The target populations are the Primary Mortgage Institutions and Real Estate Developers in Lagos State. The collected data were analysed using factor analysis and Mann-Whitney U test. The study revealed that income, nature of the occupation, type of collateral, years of the banking relationship, loan duration and loan sector are the major determinants of access to mortgage finance. These factors must be succinctly considered to ensure ease of access, adequate provision and utilisation for real estate development.
Keywords: Collateral, determinants, finance, investors, mortgage.
Regional corruption variability in the European countries
Authors: Linhartova Veronika 
Published: December 2019

Quantification of the corruption rate in smaller sub-national areas is still a significantly unexplored area. Sub-national resolution of corruption rate could bring an entirely new dimension to the theory of causes and consequences of regional disparities. There are numerous reasons why to focus on this issue. Perhaps the strongest one is that if corruption negatively affects the economic performance, as many studies claim, the elimination of corruption in certain regions may be the key for the elimination of regional economic disparities and thus increase the economic performance of the state. Analysis of regional corruption may also lead to the creation of regional anti-corruption provisions that can bring a reduction of corruption rate at the national level. This context is formulated the main goal of this article. A new corruption quantification method reflecting inter-regional differences in the level of corruption in the European countries is designed. Using this method, it is possible to draw a comparison of individual NUTS II regions and identify those which are more affected by corruption than the others. A high level of corruption variability was confirmed for NUTS II regions, especially in Italy. Because of this variability, it could be very deceptive to evaluate the country as a whole from the corruption level viewpoint.
Keywords: Corruption, world bank, European union, economic performance, regional disparities, control of corruption.
A Review of Methodological Approaches for Developing Diagnostic Algorithms for Diabetes Screening
Authors: Muchira James M. , Gona Philimon N. , Leveille Suzanne , Hayman Laura L. 
Published: December 2019

Background and PurposeDiagnostic algorithms are invaluable tools for screening diabetes. This review aimed to evaluate and identify the most robust methodological approaches for developing diagnostic algorithms for screening diabetes.MethodsFollowing a literature search, methodological quality of algorithm development studies was evaluated using the TRIPOD guidelines (Collins, Reitsma, Altman, & Moons, 2015).ResultsMethods used for developing the algorithms included logistic regression models, classification and regression trees, Random Forest and TreeNet, Artificial Neural Networks, and Naïve Bayes. Methodological issues for algorithm development studies were related to handling of missing values, reporting recruitment methods, categorization of continuous variables, and statistical controls.ConclusionsMost studies exhibited critical methodological flaws and poor adherence to reporting standards. Diabetes screening algorithms can easily be availed electronically and utilized by nurses at minimal cost even in underserved areas.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the French–Canadian Version of the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale-9
Authors: Boisvert Sophie , Francoeur Julie , Gallani Maria Cecilia 
Published: December 2019

Background and PurposeThe purposes of this methodological study were to adapt the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale-9 to the French–Canadian population and to evaluate its reliability.MethodsThe adaptation process consisted of translation, back-translation, evaluation by an expert committee, and pretesting. Reliability was evaluated with stability criteria (test–retest) and internal consistency.ResultsPretesting led to testing of two response formats: 5-point Likert scale and the frequency scale. Both demonstrated good levels of agreement between the test–retest, although the values were higher with the frequency format. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.78 (Likert scale) and 0.70 to 0.83 (frequency scale).ConclusionThe French–Canadian version of the EHFScB-9, in both formats, demonstrated good evidence of reliability.
Psychometric Testing of the Persian Version of the Revised Humane Caring Scale for Patients Admitted to Critical Care Units
Authors: Jafari Pour Fatemeh , Goudarzi Fateme , Hasanvand Shirin , Ebrahimzadeh Farzad , Kvist Tarja 
Published: December 2019

Background and PurposeTo determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Revised Humane Caring Scale (RHCS) for patients admitted to critical care units.MethodsData were collected from 337 patients admitted to critical care units. A methodological study was carried out to assess content, face and construct validity and reliability.ResultsThe results revealed good content validity. After the elimination of four items in the confirmatory factor analysis, a 42-item model with acceptable fit indices was confirmed. The scale had a high internal consistency. The reliability of each item was satisfactory using the intra-class correlation. Only item 33 was considered unstable and was ultimately eliminated.ConclusionsThe Persian version of the 41-item RHCS is an acceptable assessment scale for measuring patient satisfaction with humane caring in critical care units.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire for Nurses
Authors: Yang Rumei , Guo Jia-Wen , Beck Susan L. , Jiang Fen , Tang Siyuan 
Published: December 2019

Background and PurposeThe Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ-English) has been used in various populations. However, it has not been validated in the Chinese nursing population. This study aimed to translate EBPQ-English into Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties.MethodsThe Brislin translation procedure was used to maintain the conceptual equivalence. The validity and reliability of EBPQ-Chinese were investigated using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's α with 810 nurses from nine tertiary hospitals in Southern China.ResultsPrinciple axis factoring and oblimin rotation yielded three factors with 22 items, including Knowledge and Skills (k = 14; α = 0.94), Attitudes (k = 3; α = 0.83), and Practice (k = 5; α = 0.86), which explained 57.03% of the total variance.ConclusionsEvidence supports the validity and reliability of a three-factor 22-item EBPQ-Chinese.
The Use of the Barriers to Baccalaureate Nursing Education Instrument Among ADN Students: Purpose, Reliability, and Validity
Authors: Sabio Cristan 
Published: December 2019

Background and PurposeChallenges abound as to the goal of “80% BSN by 2020.” This study reports the use and the psychometric properties of the Barriers to Baccalaureate Nursing Education instrument among associate degree nursing students.MethodsAnalyses included content validity, component analysis with oblique rotation, and hypothesis testing.ResultsFour factors with total variance explained of 61.24% emerged: Dispositional, Situational, and two Institutional barriers. Reliability coefficients ranged .62–.88. Group differences in subscale scores based on educational level, number of dependents, hours worked, and age were found along with correlations.ConclusionsThe instrument demonstrated adequate validity and reliability. A structural framework toward understanding the barriers to baccalaureate education among students and nurses is provided. Future studies should include psychometric testing for further refinement, validity, and reliability.
An Arabic Translation, Reliability, Validity, and Feasibility of the Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire for Sleep Quality Assessment in ICU: Prospective-Repeated Assessments
Authors: Al-Sulami Ghaida S. , Rice Ann Marie , Kidd Lisa , O'Neill Anna , Richards Kathy C. , McPeake Joanne 
Published: December 2019

Background and PurposeTo translate Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) into the Arabic language (RCSQ-A), to assess content validity of the translated tool, to analyze the internal consistency, and to evaluate its feasibility.MethodsA rigorous translation was completed using the process of translation by World Health Organization. Cognitive debriefing interviews were performed. Repeated assessments using RCSQ-A was conducted in critical care patients in Saudi Arabia.ResultCronbach's alpha of .89 was seen in the RCSQ-A. The cognitive interviews showed that the RCSQ-A well understood and interpreted correctly and consistently. Fifty-seven participants reported their sleep using RCSQ-A a total of 110 times.ConclusionRCSQ-A has adequate translation validity, provided good internal consistency and content validity, making it suitable for use as a measurement tool in practice and research in Arabic-speaking countries.
Establishing Predictive Criterion Validity of the Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Strain Risk Screen-10
Authors: Abendroth Maryann 
Published: December 2019

Background and PurposeStudies reveal that caring for persons with Parkinson's disease affects informal caregivers psychologically and physically, yielding negative impacts on caregiving abilities. The purpose was to establish predictive criterion validity of the Caregiver Strain Risk Screen-10 (CSRS-10), a tool designed to monitor risk for strain in informal caregivers of persons with Parkinson's disease.MethodsCaregivers (N = 137) of persons with Parkinson's disease completed surveys that included CSRS-10 and Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness, to measure strain risk and frequency of physical health symptoms, respectively.ResultsHierarchical regression indicated that higher CSRS-10 scores were predictive of greater frequency of physical health symptoms in caregivers.ConclusionsThe study established predictive criterion validity of CSRS-10, further demonstrating it as an effective evidence-based tool for assessing risk for strain in this informal caregiver population.
NASTAVNICI KAO STRUČNЈACI ZA UČENЈE- IZMEĐU NASTAVNE FILOZOFIJE I REFLEKSIVNE PRAKSE
Authors: Beara Mirjana , Popović Daliborka , Jerković Ivan 
Published: December 2019

Cilj rada je da se kritički prikažu raniji i savremeni pristupi proučavanja osobina, ličnosti i kompetencija nastavnika, kao i aktuelni koncepti važni sa profesionalni razvoj nastavnika i kvalitet nastave: nastavna filozofija i refleksivna praksa. U savremenom obrazovanju, od nastavnika se očekuje da bude „stručnjak za učenje“ umesto prenosioca propisanih sadržaja, osnovni nosilac razvoja savremenog kurikuluma, koji se umesto na sadržaje fokusira na ishode, standarde, predmetne i međupredmetne kompetencije koje učenici treba da steknu i razviju tokom svog obrazovanja na svim nivoima. Da bi u tome uspeo, potrebno je da nastavnik (p)ostane samoregulisani, refleksivni praktičar, što ga čini stručnjakom za svoje i za učenje učenika. U tome ga vodi sistem uverenja, vrednosti i stavova o tome šta čini dobru nastavu, koju možemo nazvati „nastavnom filozofijom“ i koju nastavnik treba da osvesti. U radu se prikazuje jedan od načina za definisanje sopstvene nastavne filozofije, koji su predložili Korn i Sikorski, kao i “portret” nastavnika koji je refleksivni praktičar. U zaključku se daje osvrt na teškoće ali i na brojne spoljašnje i unutrašnje faktore na koje nastavnik može da se osloni u (p)ostajanju stručnjakom za učenje.
Ključne reči: nastavnik, nastavničke kompetencije, nastavna filozofija, refleksivna praksa
Value in Research: Achieving Validated Outcome Measurements While Mitigating Follow-up Cost
Authors:   OME Cleveland Clinic Orthopaedics1 a
Published: December 2019

Background:
Outcome-based research is dependent on effective follow-up, and often automated methods are augmented with costlier manual methods. The question remains as to whether the costly endeavor of achieving 80% follow-up is justified for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)-based research. This study evaluated associations between baseline patient characteristics and the required follow-up method, between the follow-up method and 1-year PROMs, and between baseline characteristics and 1-year PROMs for all patients compared with those for patients requiring only automated follow-up.

Methods:
The Orthopaedic Minimal Data Set Episode of Care (OME) database, which prospectively collects patient data and PROMs, was utilized to analyze 5,888 shoulder, hip, and knee surgical procedures at a large integrated health system. Patients were further grouped according to the method of follow-up (automated, manual, or non-responder). Associations between baseline characteristics and follow-up method were evaluated with multinomial logistic regression models. Associations of baseline characteristics with 1-year pain scores were evaluated with proportional odds logistic regression models.

Results:
Younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of requiring manual follow-up rather than automated follow-up for the knee surgery group (p < 0.001) and the shoulder surgery group (p < 0.001). The relative risk ratio of requiring the manual method for men undergoing a shoulder surgical procedure was 1.4 times that of women (p = 0.02). Better mental health and more education were associated with a higher likelihood of responding to automated follow-up for the hip surgery group (p < 0.001) and the knee surgery group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in distribution of 1-year pain scores between automated and manual follow-up methods for the knee surgery group (p = 0.51) and the shoulder surgery group (p = 0.17). There was a significant difference in 1-year pain scores for the hip surgery group (p = 0.03) that was not clinically meaningful.

Conclusions:
Baseline patient characteristics were significantly associated with follow-up requirements; however, there were no significant and clinically meaningful differences in 1-year PROMs. Limiting follow-up to automated methods may have the potential to transform the way that outcome-based research is designed and conducted to provide substantially better research value in large prospective cohorts.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) for functional analysis of wheat TaPCNA participated in apoptosis exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation
Authors: Du Meiting , Zhang Ying , Ran Haiyan , Han Rong , Chen Huize 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background:Plant cell apoptosis is manifested by breakage of cellular DNA and changes of membrane permeability which caused physiological metabolism disturbance and growth inhibition. Besides, the UV-B radiation inhibits plant growth and DNA break. The PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) is an important factor participating in cell proliferation and DNA repair. Here, we explored the function of TaPCNA in wheat exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation by means of BSMV-VIGS. Results:The results showed the expression of TaPCNA was down-regulated by VIGS. Wheat leaves presented several spots after virus inoculation, and they were also found significantly curly and the whole plants were shorter than that of the control. The growth rate of wheat in each treatment was significantly inhibited after gene silencing (BSMV::TaPCNA). Especially, the growth of the gene silencing group was almost stagnant after processed with enhanced UV-B radiation (BSMV::TaPCNA+B). Also, the growth of uninoculated plants was suppressed after being exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation (WT+B). The cell length changed obviously, and the BSMV::TaPCNA group showed to be smaller cell than those of WT and BSMV:00 group. The physiochemical and metabolisms parameters were determined in different groups. The contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein decreased while the content of MDA increased in BSMV::TaPCNA group. In addition, the SOD activity enhanced while that of POD and CAT declined. These results indicated that the antioxidant system was destroyed after TaPCNA was silenced by VIGS. After exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation, the wheat growth in different group was less notable than TaPCNA silencing. Either in the BSMV:TaPCNA-1 or BSMV:TaPCNA-2 group. Both BSMV::TaPCNA group and BSMV::TaPCNA+B group demonstrated accumulation of small molecular weight DNA fragments and micronucleus through the DNA laddering and the PI staining. Conclusions: In summary, our results preliminarily illustrated the function of TaPCNA in apoptosis exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation and thus provided an idea for researchers to explore the function of certain genes in such a complex wheat genomes and offered theoretical basis to improve wheat agronomic trait.
Extraction, Isolation, Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Pure Compounds from Adonsonia digitata Leaf extract
Authors: Umaru Isaac John , Umaru Hauwa A. , Ahmed Fasihuddin Badruddin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction Adonsonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) commonly known as Baobab is a medicinal and nutritional plant. The plant parts are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhoea, malaria and microbial infections. It is reported that it is an excellent anti-oxidant due to its vitamin C content. Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities amongst others. Objective: The study involves extraction, Isolation, Characterisation of phytochemicals and evaluation of antioxidant potential of the pure compounds. Methods: The dried leaf powder was subjected to rotary evaporator to obtain crude extract which was subjected to isolation using chromatography analysis and elucidation using NMR and FTIR. Antioxidant (IC 50 ) potential was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH). Result: Phytochemical investigation of the Baobab leaf extract through isolation and characterization of a bioactive compound was observed. The leaf extract yielded three compound characterised as D-Limonene, Thunbergol and (z)-2-Methyl-7-octadecene. Conclusion: The analysis of the chemical component reported identified compounds from Baobab leaf as; D-Limonene; ( 1 ) Thunbergol ( 2 ) and Cis-2-Methyl-7-octadecene ( 3 ) with significant antioxidant potential. The chemical components were identified for the first time.
Abnormal cerebellar development is involved in dystonia-like behaviors and motor dysfunction of autistic BTBR mice
Authors: Xiao Rui , Zhong Hongyu , Li Xin , Ma Yuanyuan , Zhang Ruiyu , Wang Lian , Zang Zhenle , Fan Xiaotang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Motor control and learning impairments are common complications in autistic individuals. Abnormal cerebellar development during critical phases may disrupt these motor functions and lead to the development of autistic motor dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these impairments are not clear.Methods: Dystonic behavior was elicited using tail suspension. Motor control and learning were detected by means of the grid hang test, ladder rung walking, accelerating rotarod, and open field locomotion. Cerebellar development was morphometrically and histologically detected during critical phases. RNA sequencing was used to compare differential gene expression to provide an in-depth interpretation of molecular mechanisms.Results: BTBR mice, as a model of autism, exhibited severe dystonic behavior and motor coordination or motor learning impairments. The onset of these abnormal movements coincided with the increased proliferation of granule neurons and enhanced foliation, and Purkinje cells exhibited morphological hypotrophy with increased dendritic spine formation but suppressed maturation. The migration of granule neurons seemed unaffected. Transcriptional analyses confirmed the differential expression of genes involved in abnormal neurogenesis and revealed TRPC6 as a critical regulator in proliferation and synaptic formation. Conclusion: These findings indicate that abnormal cerebellar development is closely related to dystonia and motor dysfunction of BTBR mice and that TRPC6 may be a novel risk gene for ASD that may participate in the pathological process of autistic movement disorders.
Anti-IgLON5 Disease with intriguing MRI findings respond dramatically to immunotherapy
Authors: Li Jingcheng , Chang Kai , Zhang Lili , Pi Yan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background We present the first case of Anti-IgLON5 disease with unremarkable or unspecific brain magnetic resonance imagings, and poor responsiveness to immunotherapy.Case presentation A 37-year-old man presented with 4-day history of gait instability, dysarthria, and oculomotor abnormalities. The initial neurologic examination revealed mild unsteady gait, subtle dysarthria, and left abducent paralysis. The brain MRI imaging showed multiple, scattered diffusion restriction in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres involving left tegmentum of the midbrain, and occipital horn of right lateral ventricle, without contrast enhancement. The Anti-IgLON5 antibodies were detected in the serum (titer 1:32). Furthermore, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping confirmed HLA-DRB1*11:01 and HLA-DRB1*15:01, HLA-DQB1*03:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:02 alleles. The symptoms of patient rapid improvement after high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulins.Conclusions In this paper, we report a new case of anti-IgLON5 disease with major symptoms of gait instability, dysarthria, and oculomotor abnormalities, with distinctive brain magnetic resonance findings, and responsive to immunotherapy.