bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change impacts on household food security and adaptation strategies in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Adisu , Tessema Ayele , Ganewo Zerhun , Haile Ashenafi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractClimate change is predicted to adversely affect agricultural yields, particularly in African countries such as Ethiopia, where crop production relies heavily on environmental factors such as rainfall and temperature. However, there have only been a limited number of studies on the effects of climate change dynamics on food security in Africa, particularly at the household level. We therefore analyzed local climatic changes, the status of household food security, climate‐related causes of food insecurity, food security determinants, and the adaptation strategies of local farmers. Three decades meteorological data were analyzed. A total of 185 farmers were selected using simple random sampling and interviewed, together with focus groups. Data were analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistics together with the logit regression model. Climate change over the last three decades was found to have a negative impact on the food security status of households. Crop production was constrained by poor rainfall, severe erosion, and increases in temperature. The unpredictability of rainfall, pests, and diseases were also contributing factors. Using the calorie intake approach, 60.5% of sampled respondents were found to be food insecure. Analysis using the logistic regression model showed that age and family size, as well as the amount of cultivated land and rainfall, were the significant (p < .05) factors influencing household food security status. A large proportion (69.8%) of farmers were incorporating adapting strategies into farm management including improved use of crop varieties and livestock production, in addition to income diversification. Taken together, these findings show that improving climate change awareness, facilitating the participation of female‐led households in income generation, and strengthening existing adaptation measures have positive impacts on food security.
Konjac Glucomannan from Amorphophallus konjac enhances immunocompetence of the cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed mice
Authors: Dai Jiajia , Chen Jian , Qi Jun , Ding Mengru , Liu Wei , Shao Taili , Han Jun , Wang Guodong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis present study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Konjac glucomannan (KGM) on immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) treatment. The mice immunodeficiency model was established by CTX. KGM was used to modulate the activities of immunosuppressive mice. It was proved that KGM could promote the proliferation of lymphocyte, thymus, and spleen indices, and alleviate the atrophy of immune organs and weight loss. Besides, in mice serum, the levels of cytokines including TNF‐α, IgG, IL‐2, and the contents of hemolysin were also increased after treatment with KGM. Furtherly, in nonspecific immunity, KGM could enhance natural killer (NK) cell lethality and pinocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages. Therefore, all of these results revealed that KGM could improve the reduced immunity of CTX‐induced mice via modulation innate immunity and adaptive immunity.
The reciprocal relationship between depression and disability in low‐income homebound older adults following tele‐depression treatment
Authors: Marti C. Nathan , Kunik Mark E. , Choi Namkee G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesResearch has shown ample evidence for reciprocity between depression and disability. We examined whether decreases in disability among low‐income, homebound older adults who received brief depression treatments were mediated by improvement in depressive symptoms and vice versa and whether the mediation effects varied by treatment modality.MethodsIn a 3‐arm randomized clinical trial, 277 low‐income homebound individuals aged 50+ participated in behavioral activation tele‐delivered by bachelor's‐level lay counselors (Tele‐BA), problem‐solving therapy tele‐delivered by licensed clinicians (Tele‐PST), or telephone support calls (attention control). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 24‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and disability with the 12‐item World Health Organization Disability Schedule 2.0. Along with mediation models, mediation was assessed controlling for autoregressive and contemporaneous effects.ResultsMediation models showed evidence of postintervention disability and depression mediating each other in separate mediation models. In the cross‐lagged model, in which autoregressive and contemporaneous effects were included, only the depression‐to‐disability path exhibited mediation. There was no evidence of difference between Tele‐BA and Tele‐PST. Although the temporal precedence of treatment conditions on the outcomes is apparent, we could not establish a temporal precedence between disability and depression as these two measures exhibited parallel improvement.ConclusionsBrief depression treatments for low‐income homebound older adults were effective in reducing both depression and disability among these disabled older adults. The importance of this study lies in the comparable effects of Tele‐BA and Tele‐PST. Lay‐counselor model is a promising alternative to clinician‐delivered psychotherapy for growing numbers of homebound older adults.
The financial impact of puerperal infections on patients, carers and public hospitals in two regions in Ghana
Authors: Fenny Ama Pokuaa , Otieku Evans , Akufo Christiana , Obeng‐Nkrumah Noah , Asante Felix Ankomah , Enemark Ulrika 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPuerperal infection (PI) is a known maternal health problem globally. However, there is limited information on its economic impact on patients, carers, and public hospitals in lower‐middle‐income countries, such as Ghana.MethodsA prospective case‐control study was undertaken in two regional hospitals to analyze the cost of PI. A total of 667 and 559 participants were enrolled in the study at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) and the Eastern Regional Hospital (ERH), respectively. Total, average and marginal costs were analyzed between patients with and without PI.ResultsWithin the study period, the prevalence of PI was 9.1% at ERH and 14.9% at GARH. Overall, patients with PI reported excess length of hospital stay (LOS), corresponding to 46.8% and 33.5% increases in average direct cost at ERH and GARH, respectively, compared with their control groups. In almost all cases, the attributable indirect cost was consistent with productivity loss.ConclusionIn both hospitals, patients with PI reported excess LOS and increased direct and indirect costs. The total cost of PI to society, which is the sum of the direct cost, productivity loss, and hospital cost, was higher in Greater Accra than in the Eastern region.
Effects of selenium supplementation on pregnancy outcomes and disease progression in HIV‐infected pregnant women in Lagos: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Okunade Kehinde S. , Olowoselu Olusola F. , John‐Olabode Sarah , Hassan Basirat O. , Akinsola Oluwatosin J. , Nwogu Chidinma M. , Ugwu Aloy O. , Moses Olusanjo E. , Rabiu Kabiru A. , Ajepe Adegbenga , Adenekan Muisi A. , Adejimi Adebola A. , Akanmu Sulaimon A. , Kanki Phyllis J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effects of selenium supplementation on pregnancy outcomes and disease progression among HIV‐infected pregnant women in Lagos.MethodsA randomized, placebo‐controlled trial conducted among HIV‐positive pregnant women between September 2018 and August 2019. At enrollment, 90 women were randomly assigned into each treatment arm to receive either a daily tablet of 200 μg elemental selenium or a placebo. Relevant participants' sociodemographic and clinical data were collected at enrollment and delivery.ResultsWomen in the selenium arm had a significantly lower risk of preterm delivery (relative risk [RR] 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11–0.96) and a non‐significant reduction in the risk of delivering term neonates with a low delivery weight (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.05–1.19). Supplemental selenium does not increase the risk of perinatal death and adverse drug events.ConclusionThe study reported a beneficial effect of prenatal selenium supplements on the risk of preterm delivery with no further reduction in risk among HIV‐infected women who used the supplements for more than 14 weeks.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201809756724274).
Age‐related diagnostic threshold of anti‐Müllerian hormone for polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Kakkad Vivek , Reddy Nellepalli Sanjeeva , Nihlani Harsh , Gundewar Tejas 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo ascertain the threshold value for anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in an Indian population.METHODSA retrospective observational study was carried out on infertile women at the Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at a tertiary hospital from January 2017 to November 2019. Serum AMH was analyzed with Access AMH chemiluminescent immunoassay. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the diagnostic threshold value of serum AMH in two age groups: 20–29 and 30–39 years.RESULTSOf 688 women, 200 (29.1%) were diagnosed with PCOS by the Rotterdam criteria: 98/282 (34.8%) aged 20–29 years and 102/406 (25.4%) aged 30–39 years. Mean serum AMH was 5.07 ± 3.97 and 4.330 ± 7.15 ng/ml in women aged 20–29 and 30–39 years, respectively. A threshold value of serum AMH above 3.75 ng/ml was predictive of PCOS by Youden's J statistics in the entire cohort, whereas it was 5.46 and 3.46 ng/ml in women aged 20–29 and 30–39 years, respectively.CONCLUSIONSerum AMH of 5.46 and 3.46 ng/ml in women aged 20–29 and 30–39 years, respectively, can be used to diagnose PCOS when there is a diagnostic dilemma in the Rotterdam criteria.
Black adrenal adenoma causing subclinical Cushing’s syndrome complicated with pheochromocytoma
Authors: Uketa Shoko , Shimizu Yousuke , Ogawa Kosuke , Utsunomiya Noriaki , Asai Satsuki , Ishihara Misa , Kanamaru Sojun 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionThe development of adrenocortical adenoma and pheochromocytoma within the same adrenal gland is very rare. Furthermore, no reports have described coincident black adrenal adenoma and pheochromocytoma. We herein report a rare case of coincident black adrenal adenoma and pheochromocytoma in the same adrenal gland.Case presentationA 71‐year‐old Japanese woman was hospitalized because a right adrenal tumor had been incidentally found by computed tomography. She was diagnosed with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome and underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. The tumor contained two adrenal nodules. The cut surface of the larger nodule was brownish‐black on macroscopic examination. Pathological studies revealed coincident black adrenal adenoma and pheochromocytoma.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of coincident black adrenal adenoma causing subclinical Cushing’s syndrome and pheochromocytoma in the same adrenal gland. The mechanism of this rare scenario is unclear, and further study is necessary.
Classification of neovascularization on retinal images using extreme learning machine
Authors: Pappu Geetha Pavani , Biswal Birendra , Gandhi Tapan K. , Sai Ram Metta Venkata Satya 
Published: December 2020

AbstractProliferative diabetic retinopathy is the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR) resulting in the growth of abnormal vessels on the retinal surface termed as neovascularization. This article primarily deals with the timely detection and classification of retinal images into healthy, neovascularization on optic disc, and elsewhere using an extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier. Initially, a binary mask is employed to enhance the foreground pixels. The resultant image is processed for the extraction of a retinal vessel map using Hessian‐based Frangi filter. For the classification of retinal images, an optimal feature set of 14 features including seven‐moment invariant‐based features are extracted from the vascular map using sequential recursive feature elimination algorithm. Further, the training of the ELM classifier is carried out using the K‐fold cross‐validation technique to improve the performance of the classifier. The proposed method achieves an average accuracy of 98% and an average error rate of less than 0.005 when tested on different globally accessible datasets. Apart from the different statistical results like sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve are estimated as 98.5%, 100%, and 94.2%, respectively, for validating the algorithm. Comparison results reveal that the ELM classifier outperforms the SVM classifier in terms of accuracy and error rate.
Evaluating the change in preceptor habits while enrolled in a teaching and learning curriculum using the habits of preceptors rubric
Authors: Davis Lindsay E. , Pogge Elizabeth K. , Larson Suzanne , Storjohann Tara , Early Nicole 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe quality of experiential education for pharmacists‐in‐training is heavily impacted by the habits of their preceptors. Assessment of preceptor capabilities and evidence of development has been limited due to the absence of a tool to meaningfully facilitate preceptor assessment in a robust and progressive fashion.ObjectiveThe primary objective was to determine the change in perceived precepting behavior and abilities of residents and preceptors enrolled in a teaching and learning curriculum (TLC) using a self‐directed assessment seeking (SDAS) approach via the Habits of Preceptors Rubric (HOP‐R).MethodsPharmacists enrolled in the 2018 to 2019 cohort of the Clinician Educators Program (CEP) TLC were invited to assess their precepting habits using the HOP‐R after attending the first seminar and again toward the end of the longitudinal 12‐month program using a SDAS approach. Using online surveys, participants rated their precepting capabilities as developing, proficient, accomplished, or master level for each of the 11 preceptor habits within the HOP‐R. The change in their self‐reported ratings was evaluated.ResultsThe response rate for participants completing both the initial and follow‐up surveys was 56% (52/93). When comparing matched responses, the difference in self‐reported habit level ratings was statistically significant. The overwhelming majority of participants, 94%, reported advancement in one or more habits, with 60% reporting advancement in six or more habits while enrolled in the CEP.ConclusionPreceptor and resident pharmacists reported advancement of precepting capabilities within the conceptual framework of the HOP‐R while enrolled in a TLC. The SDAS approach yielded participant comments showcasing the perceived value of completing the criterion‐referenced HOP‐R assessment to foster self‐awareness and self‐efficacy related to precepting and preceptor development. The HOP‐R can be utilized within TLC to allow participants to assess precepting habits and show growth and development of their capabilities over time both individually and in aggregate.
Earnings management and agency costs: Is China different?
Authors: Man Yimei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the link between agency costs (AC) and earnings management (EM) in China. We find a significant and positive relationship between AC and EM based on the static model that suggests opportunistic EM in China. However, we find an insignificant relationship between AC and EM when we use the dynamic model that takes into account the endogeneity issue. Therefore, our results provide further support to the growing literature on the concerns of endogeneity issues in corporate governance studies, since failing to take these into account can lead to spurious results.
Meeting the sustainable development goals in a tropical climate
Authors: Zakaria Zuriati 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article reflects on the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS) Citation Award Lecture delivered in the Industrial Technology Research Institute Symposium on CO2 Utilization and Green Technology during the 18th Asian Chemical Congress held in Taipei, December 12, 2019. Malaysia produces sizable amounts of palm oil and palm kernel oil, with palm fronds and tree trunks as the main waste. At the Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology, the biomass was decomposed to produce fine chemicals, used as substrate for mushroom growth, and converted to bio‐coke for heat energy. A notable difference has been found regarding the emission of greenhouse gases from a natural peat forest and those from the oil palm plantation converted from peatlands, where in the palm plantation, water table is lowered and aerobic processes occurs, resulting in more CO2 being released compared to CH4. The introduction of fertilizers to the plantation resulted in more N2O being released. The team has also pioneered a project to plant temperate vegetables. Cooling pipes (16–18°C with circulating water cooled by chiller) were embedded within each thermal conditioning soil plot. Lettuce and radish, the experimental plants, showed good growth in the thermal conditioning soil due to nitrogen‐fixing bacteria, which were destroyed at a higher temperature.
Tumor‐derived exosomes in the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis: Significant regulators as well as promising clinical targets
Authors: Liang Benhui , Hu Ximin , Ding Yinghe , Liu Mujun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractProgrammed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) is a negative coreceptor mainly expressed on the surface of activated T cells. The binding of PD‐1 to its ligand PD‐L1 significantly induces non‐reactivity of T cells to maintain the balance of autoimmunity and immune tolerance. It is reported that tumor cells highly express PD‐L1 to restrict cellular immune response, which is one of the most important mechanisms for tumor to mediate immune escape. Cancer immunotherapy targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1 has achieved remarkable success so far. Tumor‐derived exosomes (TEXs) are lipid bilayer vesicles released by tumor cells in an endosome‐dependent manner, mediating communication between tumor cells and adjacent cells in the tumor microenvironment. Through signals transmitted by TEXs, tumor can alter the biological characteristics of these cells to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that TEXs not only carry tumor‐derived PD‐L1, but are also closely related to PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression on target cells. The primary focus of this review will be on how TEXs regulate the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis to promote tumor progression, and the promising clinical applications targeting TEXs and exosomal PD‐L1.
Crosstalk between the COX2‐PGE2‐EP4 signaling pathway and primary cilia in osteoblasts after mechanical stimulation
Authors: Li Yan‐Hui , Zhu Dong , Yang Tianye , Cheng Long , Sun Jian , Tan Lei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPrimary cilia have been found to function as mechanosensors in low‐magnitude high‐frequency vibration (LMHFV)‐induced osteogenesis. The PGE2 also regulates bone homeostasis and mechanical osteogenesis through its receptor EP4 signaling, but its involvement in LMHFV‐induced or in primary cilia‐induced osteogenesis has not been investigated. We hypothesized that LMHFV stimulates osteoblast (OB) differentiation by activating the COX2‐PGE2‐EP pathway in a manner dependent on primary cilia and that primary cilia are also affected by the PGE2 pathway. In this study, through western blot analysis, RNA interference, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and cytochemical staining, we observed that COX2, mPGES‐1, and PGE2 levels were markedly elevated in cells treated with LMHFV and were greatly decreased in LMHFV‐treated cells following IFT88 silencing. EP4 expression was significantly increased in OBs following LMHFV treatment, but IFT88 silencing significantly blocked this increase. EP4 localized to the bases of primary cilia. LMHFV reduced the length and abundance of primary cilia, but the cells could self‐repair their primary cilia after mechanical damage. EP4 antagonism significantly blocked the LMHFV‐induced increase in IFT88 expression and blocked the recovery of primary cilia length and the proportion of cells with primary cilia. In addition, COX2 or EP4 antagonism disrupted LMHFV‐induced osteogenesis. These results demonstrate the integration of and crosstalk between primary cilia and the COX2‐PGE2‐EP4 signaling pathway under mechanical stimulation.
Circular RNAs: Rising stars in lipid metabolism and lipid disorders
Authors: Yu Guangli , Yang Zhou , Peng Tianhong , Lv Yuncheng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe underlying mechanisms of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in lipid metabolism regulation and the pathogenesis of lipid disorder diseases are clarified in this review. circRNAs are produced from host genes by back splicing and are mainly degraded by RNase L. circRNAs act as molecular sponges or scaffolds that bind with microRNAs or proteins and thus affect the intracorporeal processes of lipid metabolism. CircRNA_11897 and circSAMD4A facilitated adipogenesis while circH19 and circRNA_26852 accelerated adipolysis in adipose tissue. CircSAMD4A promoted the differentiation of preadipocytes, but circH19 and circFUT10 inhibited this differentiation. CircFUT10 also promoted the proliferation of preadipocytes. CiRS‐133 fostered the browning of white adipose tissue. CircACC1, circRNA_021412, circRNA_0046366, and circRNA_0046367 promoted the mitochondrial β‐oxidation of fatty acids in hepatocytes. CircRNA_021412 suppressed the synthesis of triglycerides in hepatocytes. CircScd1 inhibited hepatic lipid droplet formation. circ_0092317, circ_0003546, circ_0028198, circ_0092317, and circACC1 probably reduced cholesterol efflux from macrophages. circ_0037251 likely promoted lipid accumulation and inhibited lipophagy in macrophages. circRNAs participate in lipid metabolism regulation and affect the development of lipid disorder diseases.
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy—Local and Systemic: A Pharmacologic Perspective
Authors: Smith Taryn , Sahni Sabrina , Thacker Holly L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEvery woman, if she lives long enough, will transition into menopause, and as the US population ages, women will be spending more time in a postmenopausal state than before. For postmenopausal women, the decision to initiate menopausal hormone therapy should be individualized. A thorough evaluation of the patient's cardiovascular, venous thromboembolic, cancer, and fracture risk should be considered along with the woman's quality of life. Hormone therapy exerts its therapeutic effects on vasomotor symptoms, the skeleton, and the genitourinary system independent of age since menopause and these benefits are lost once hormone therapy is stopped. Here we review the pharmacologic properties dose, formulation, mode of administration, timing of initiation, and duration of hormonal therapies in regard to optimizing benefit and minimizing risk to the patient. This discussion will focus on the effects of common hormonal therapies including estrogen (local and systemic), progesterone, estrogen receptor agonist/antagonist, and local dehydroepiandrosterone and include a brief review of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy.