bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red cell transfusion in outpatients with myelodysplastic syndromes: a feasibility and exploratory randomised trial
Authors: Stanworth Simon J. , Killick Sally , McQuilten Zoe K. , Karakantza Marina , Weinkove Robert , Smethurst Heather , Pankhurst Laura A. , Hodge Renate L. , Hopkins Valerie , Thomas Helen L. , Deary Alison J. , Callum Jeannie , Lin Yulia , Wood Erica M. , Buckstein Rena , Bowen David ,   the REDDS Investigators
Published: January 2020

SummaryOptimal red cell transfusion support in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has not been tested and established. The aim of this study was to demonstrate feasibility of recruitment and follow‐up in an outpatient setting with an exploratory assessment of quality of life (QoL) outcomes (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EQ‐5D‐5L). We randomised MDS patients to standardised transfusion algorithms comparing current restrictive transfusion thresholds (80 g/l, to maintain haemoglobin 85–100 g/l) with liberal thresholds (105 g/l, maintaining 110–125 g/l). The primary outcomes were measures of compliance to transfusion thresholds. Altogether 38 patients were randomised (n = 20 restrictive;n = 18 liberal) from 12 participating sites in UK, Australia and New Zealand. The compliance proportion for the intention‐to‐treat population was 86% (95% confidence interval 75–94%) and 99% (95–100%) for restrictive and liberal arms respectively. Mean pre‐transfusion haemoglobin concentrations for restrictive and liberal arms were 80 g/l (SD6) and 97 g/l (SD7). The total number of red cell units transfused on study was 82 in the restrictive and 192 in the liberal arm. In an exploratory analysis, the five main QoL domains were improved for participants in the liberal compared to restrictive arm. Our findings support the feasibility and need for a definitive trial to evaluate the effect of different red cell transfusion thresholds on patient‐centred outcomes.
Perspectives of preschool children in England with speech and language needs in the development of evidence‐based activities
Authors: Coad Jane , Harding Sam , Hambly Helen , Parker Naomi , Morgan Lydia , Marshall Julie , Roulstone Susan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe existing evidence is limited in terms of perspectives of preschool children with speech and language needs and their views on activities used to support their needs. This paper discusses a stream of work from the interdisciplinary research programme known as “Child Talk,” based in England, UK. The overall purpose of this work stream was to gain the perspectives of preschool children aged 2 to 5 years and 11 months, with speech and language needs, to use in the development of an evidence‐based framework of activities.MethodsTwenty‐four preschool children with a variety of needs from diverse backgrounds took part. An observational methodology was used to capture children's experiences. Children were filmed during a series of sessions, with innovative head‐mounted cameras worn by the children and supported by researcher field notes. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data based on the body movement, vocalization, and visual attention of the children during these sessions.Results and ConclusionsResults included that children expressed enjoyment and engagement in the activities. The children expressed themselves and demonstrated their focus “multimodally” through combinations of body language, vocalization, and visual attention. These modalities were present across all contexts and children. It highlights the importance of encouraging participation in preschool children and consequently this innovative piece of work has national and international importance.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0061825 (circ‐TFF1) contributes to breast cancer progression through targeting miR‐326/TFF1 signalling
Authors: Pan Gaofeng , Mao Anwei , Liu Jiazhe , Lu Jingfeng , Ding Junbin , Liu Weiyan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are RNA transcripts that belong to non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), whose implication in human cancers has been recently demonstrated. However, the specific role of multiple circRNAs in breast cancer remains unidentified.Materials and methodsMicroarray analysis and bioinformatics analysis were applied to select circRNA and miRNA, respectively. The loop structure of circ‐TFF1 was confirmed using RNase R treatment, divergent primer PCR and Sanger sequencing. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were employed for gene expressions. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the function of circ‐TFF1 in biological processes in breast cancer cells. FISH and subcellular separation indicated circ‐TFF1 cellular distribution. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays and Pearson's correlation analysis were performed to evaluate relationships between genes.ResultsCirc‐TFF1 and TFF1 were both upregulated and positively associated with each other in breast cancer. Knockdown of circ‐TFF1 hindered breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in vitro and controlled tumour growth in vivo. Circ‐TFF1 acted as a ceRNA of TFF1 by sponging miR‐326, and its contribution to breast cancer progression was mediated by miR‐326/TFF1 axis.ConclusionsCirc‐TFF1 is a facilitator in breast cancer relying on TFF1 by absorbing miR‐326, providing a novel promising target for BC treatment.
Early Adalimumab and Anti‐Adalimumab Antibody Levels for Prediction of Primary Nonresponse in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Ding Xiaoliang , Zhu Ruifang , Wu Jian , Xue Ling , Gu Meihua , Miao Liyan 
Published: January 2020

This study aimed at exploring the concentration‐effect relationship of adalimumab and early adalimumab and anti‐adalimumab antibody (AAA) levels in predicting primary nonresponse in a real‐world pilot cohort of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Thirty‐one patients were included. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score improved with increasing adalimumab trough level at week 12 and reached a major improvement with levels between 8 and 12 μg/mL. Moreover, weeks 4 and 2 adalimumab levels below 4.28 and 3.37 μg/mL were predictive of primary nonresponse (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.89, 0.88; P = 0.0003, P = 0.034, respectively). Week 4 AAA signal‐to‐noise levels were significantly higher among primary nonresponders, and the cutoff for primary nonresponse prediction was above 5.31 (AUC = 0.81; P = 0.004). Adalimumab trough levels in a range of 8–12 μg/mL are optimum to reach major improvement, and lower adalimumab with higher AAA levels at the early stage (week 4) predict primary nonresponse by supporting proactive monitoring to optimize adalimumab therapy.
Change of soil physicochemical properties, bacterial community and aggregation during desertification of grasslands in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Zhong Bo , Zhao Chunzhang , Wang Entao , Wang Yanjie , Chen Dongming , Shi Fusun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships among changes in the soil microstructure, soil physicochemical traits and microbial communities during desertification. Soil samples were collected from grasslands at different stages of desertification, from an area of the Tibetan Plateau. Soil aggregate fractionation and soil physicochemical properties were analysed using standard methods, and the abundance and diversity of bacteria associated with different aggregate fractions were estimated by quantitative PCR and Illumina Miseq amplicon sequencing. Sequential changes in response to desertification stages were detected in the analysed features. For instance, soil nutrients, microbial biomass C and N, water content and pH initially changed during the light desertification stage; then, the soil aggregation decreased during the intermediate stages; and finally, bacterial abundance and diversity decreased during heavy and severe desertification stages. During grassland desertification, vegetation coverage positively influenced soil aggregation by affecting soil properties (e.g., pH and SOC), whereas bacterial communities in FMi (free microaggregates) and FSC (free silt and clay) were negatively related to soil aggregation. This study reports novel information concerning the desertification process and the sequential modification of soil traits and interactions among soil physical properties (aggregate composition), soil nutrients and the soil microbial community in the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau.Highlights
Bacterial community was more sensitive in macroaggregates than in microaggregates.
Composition of small macroaggregates and associated bacteria changed during desertification.
Bacterial community in microaggregates, silt and clay negatively affected aggregation.
Vegetation coverage affected aggregation by changing soil traits and bacterial community.
Evolution of marine fisheries management in China from 1949 to 2019: How did China get here and where does China go next?
Authors: Su Shu , Tang Yi , Chang Bowen , Zhu Wenbin , Chen Yong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractChina is the world’s biggest fishing nation and a major player in the global seafood trade. Its fisheries development can decisively influence the global seafood trade, food security and marine conservation. In recent years, significant changes have taken place in China’s fisheries management priorities, policies and regulations. In this paper, we review the evolving fisheries management practices in China to delineate changes in the management policies, methods and their performances from 1949 to 2019. We determined that the following issues impede the development, implementation and enforcement of fisheries policies and regulations, namely the large size of the fishing fleet, large and poorly organized fisheries population, the “hidden” fishing capacity, uniform management approaches that sometimes fail to account for local conditions, lack of clearly defined and allocated fishing rights, limited data quality and availability, insufficient fisheries monitoring programmes, absence of a robust scientific input framework and insufficient stakeholder involvement. Combining those problems with China’s current management initiatives, we propose recommendations for China’s future fisheries reforms. We hope this paper can inform China’s marine fisheries policies and provide valuable references for further researches related to China’s sustainable fisheries management.
14‐3‐3 protein binding blocks the dimerization interface of caspase‐2
Authors: Kalabova Dana , Filandr Frantisek , Alblova Miroslava , Petrvalska Olivia , Horvath Matej , Man Petr , Obsil Tomas , Obsilova Veronika 
Published: January 2020

Among all species, caspase‐2 (C2) is the most evolutionarily conserved caspase required for effective initiation of apoptosis following death stimuli. C2 is activated through dimerization and autoproteolytic cleavage and inhibited through phosphorylation at Ser139 and Ser164, within the linker between the caspase recruitment and p19 domains of the zymogen, followed by association with the adaptor protein 14‐3‐3, which maintains C2 in its immature form procaspase (proC2). However, the mechanism of 14‐3‐3‐dependent inhibition of C2 activation remains unclear. Here, we report the structural characterization of the complex between proC2 and 14‐3‐3 by hydrogen/deuterium mass spectrometry and protein crystallography to determine the molecular basis for 14‐3‐3‐mediated inhibition of C2 activation. Our data reveal that the 14‐3‐3 dimer interacts with proC2 not only through ligand‐binding grooves but also through other regions outside the central channel, thus explaining the isoform‐dependent specificity of 14‐3‐3 protein binding to proC2 and the substantially higher binding affinity of 14‐3‐3 protein to proC2 than to the doubly phosphorylated peptide. The formation of the complex between 14‐3‐3 protein and proC2 does not induce any large conformational change in proC2. Furthermore, 14‐3‐3 protein interacts with and masks both the nuclear localization sequence and the C‐terminal region of the p12 domain of proC2 through transient interactions in which both the p19 and p12 domains of proC2 are not firmly docked onto the surface of 14‐3‐3. This masked region of p12 domain is involved in C2 dimerization. Therefore, 14‐3‐3 protein likely inhibits proC2 activation by blocking its dimerization surface.DatabasesStructural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 6SAD and 6S9K.
Intensity of stress singularity for the circumferential V‐shape corner front of a three‐dimensional diamond‐like defect
Authors: Ping X.C. , Zhang Y.X. , Guo Y.B. , Xiao Z.M. , Jalde J. , Chen M.C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThree‐dimensional diamond‐like defects with circumferential V‐shape corner fronts are often contained in engineering materials. In this paper, generalized stress intensity factors are calculated for this type of defect using a modified advanced finite element method. A super corner front element model in the global coordinates is established to capture the stress singularities along the circumferential corner front. Three‐dimensional numerical series eigen‐solutions in the element have been transformed from asymptotic expressions in the local curvilinear coordinates. The element is suitable for a sharp V‐shape corner with arbitrary opening and inclination angle. Singular stress fields near various shapes of diamond‐like defects are systematically investigated. The interaction of an embedded defect with free surface or another identical defect is also investigated. The numerical results can be used as stress intensity parameters to predict fatigue strength at circumferential corner front of a diamond‐like defect.
Reducing the effect of DOAC interference in laboratory testing for factor VIII and factor IX: A comparative study using DOAC Stop and andexanet alfa to neutralize rivaroxaban effects
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Gilmore Grace , Bonar Roslyn , Dean Elysse , Arunachalam Sandya , Mohammed Soma , Baker Ross 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionInvestigation of factors (F) VIII and IX is common, with testing important for diagnosis or exclusion of haemophilia A or B, associated acquired conditions and factor inhibitors. Rivaroxaban, a common direct anti‐Xa agent, causes significant interference in clotting assays, including substantial false reduction of factor levels.AimTo assess whether rivaroxaban‐induced interference of FVIII and FIX testing could be neutralized.Materials and methodsAn international, cross‐laboratory exercise for FVIII (n = 84) and FIX (n = 74), using four samples: (A) pool of normal plasma; (B) pool spiked with rivaroxaban (200 ng/mL); (C) rivaroxaban sample subsequently treated with ‘DOAC Stop’ and; (D) rivaroxaban sample treated with andexanet alfa (200 μg/mL). Testing performed blind to sample type.ResultsAll laboratories reported normal FIX and 94% reported normal FVIII in the pool sample. Instead, 55% and 95%, respectively, reported abnormal FIX and FVIII levels for the rivaroxaban sample. DOAC Stop treatment evidenced a correction in most laboratories (100% reported normal FIX and 86% normal FVIII). Andexanet alfa provided intermediate results, with many laboratories still reporting abnormal results (59% for FVIII, 18% for FIX). We also identified reagent‐specific issues.ConclusionsAs expected, rivaroxaban caused false low values of FVIII and FIX. This might lead to increased testing to identify the cause of low factor levels and potentially lead to false identification of (mild) haemophilia A or B if unrecognized by clinicians/laboratories. DOAC Stop effectively neutralized the rivaroxaban effect, but andexanet alfa less so, with reagent‐related effects evident, and thus, false low values sometimes persisted.
CONTROLLING INFLATION WITH TIMID MONETARY–FISCAL REGIME CHANGES
Authors: Ascari Guido , Florio Anna , Gobbi Alessandro 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCan monetary policy control inflation when both monetary and fiscal policies change over time? When monetary policy is active, a long‐run fiscal principle entails flexibility in fiscal policy that preserves determinacy even when deviating from passive fiscal, substantially for brief periods or timidly for prolonged periods. In order to guarantee a unique equilibrium, monetary and fiscal policies must coordinate not only within but also across regimes, and not simply on being active or passive, but also on their extent. The amplitude of deviations from the active monetary/passive fiscal benchmark determines whether a regime is Ricardian: Timid deviations do not imply wealth effects.
Accounting conservatism and the profitability of corporate insiders
Authors: Khalilov Akram , Osma Beatriz Garcia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe predict that accounting conservatism influences insiders' opportunities to speculate on good and bad news, and thus, insider trading profitability. We find that greater conditional (unconditional) conservatism is associated with lower (higher) insiders' profitability from sales. We find limited evidence that conservatism influences profitability from purchases. These findings are consistent with our hypotheses on the different informational roles of conditional and unconditional conservatism, and on the asymmetric influence of conservatism over the opportunities to speculate on good versus bad news. Our research design takes into consideration the endogenous nature of insiders' trading and conservatism. The results are robust to different measures of conservatism and a number of additional analyses.
Government contracts and US bond yield spreads: A study on costs and benefits of materialized political connections
Authors: Ngo Thanh , Susnjara Jurica 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn a 1991–2013 sample of bonds issued by US public firms, we find that the cost of debt (yield spread relative to comparable Treasuries) of suppliers to government agencies is contingent on the strategic importance of the supplier's industry. The yield spreads for strategically unimportant government suppliers are higher than for firms that are not government suppliers. If government contracts serve as tangible evidence of political connections, these higher yield spreads indicate that weaker corporate governance as a cost of political connections outweighs the benefits of said connections. For the subsample of government suppliers from strategically important industries, where the benefits of implicit bailout guarantees and revenue stability outweigh the corporate governance problems, the cost of debt is lower than for firms that are not government suppliers. The higher (lower) cost of debt for strategically unimportant (strategically important) suppliers is confined to contracting with the federal government. Our findings are robust to alternative variable and sample specifications, and to endogeneity concerns.
Phylogeographical patterns and a cryptic species provide new insights into Western Indian Ocean giant clams phylogenetic relationships and colonization history
Authors: Fauvelot Cécile , Zuccon Dario , Borsa Philippe , Grulois Daphné , Magalon Hélène , Riquet Florentine , Andréfouët Serge , Berumen Michael L. , Sinclair‐Taylor Tane H. , Gélin Pauline , Behivoke Faustinato , ter Poorten Jan Johan , Strong Ellen E. , Bouchet Philippe 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe unique biodiversity in the Red Sea is the result of complex ecological and evolutionary processes driven by Pleistocene climatic change. Here we investigate the species diversity, phylogenetic relationships and phylogeographical patterns of giant clams in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and the Red Sea to explore scenarios of marine speciation in this under‐studied region.LocationMozambique Channel, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands (WIO); the Farasan Islands (Red Sea).TaxonGiant clams of the genus Tridacna (Cardiidae: Tridacninae).MethodsGiant clams were sampled as complete organisms or through underwater biopsies. Nuclear (28S) and mitochondrial (16S and COI) DNA sequences were subjected to Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis for all known species within the genus Tridacna. Bayesian inference with molecular and fossil calibration was used to infer their colonization history.ResultsFrom the 10 genetically distinct clades recovered from the analyses of 253 sequenced specimens, five distinct Tridacna lineages were sampled, three of which were endemics of the WIO and the Red Sea. Each lineage corresponded to a distinct species, except one grouping the two formerly known WIO endemics, T. lorenzi and T. rosewateri. This lineage clustered with two other well‐supported lineages: the Red Sea endemic T. squamosina, and a previously unrecognized lineage, restricted to the WIO, for which we resurrect the long‐forgotten name T. elongatissima Bianconi, 1856. For the two other species sampled (T. maxima and T. squamosa), contrasting phylogeographical patterns were observed.Main conclusionsOur data confirm the validity of the species T. rosewateri, a WIO endemic genetically indistinguishable from T. lorenzi, which should be considered a junior synonym. The phylogenetic placement of the newly resurrected T. elongatissima provides insights into the probable origin of T. squamosina, which split from its sister species no later than 2 Ma, likely during Middle Pleistocene glacial periods. Two scenarios are discussed. Our results also suggest that T. maxima invaded the Red Sea more recently and that contemporary gene flow between Red Sea and WIO T. maxima is highly restricted. The deep Red Sea partition observed in T. squamosa suggests a much older divergence and raises the question of a possible cryptic lineage.
CPF impedes cell cycle re‐entry of quiescent lung cancer cells through transcriptional suppression of FACT and c‐MYC
Authors: Bi Ling , Xie Chanlu , Jiao Lijing , Jin Shenyi , Hnit Su Su Thae , Mu Yao , Wang Yilun , Wang Qian , Ge Guangbo , Wang Yaqiao , Zhao Xiaodong , Shi Xinglong , Kang Yani , De Souza Paul , Liu Tao , Zhou Jia , Xu Ling , Dong Qihan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBlockade of cell cycle re‐entry in quiescent cancer cells is a strategy to prevent cancer progression and recurrence. We investigated the action and mode of action of CPF mixture (Coptis chinensis, Pinellia ternata and Fructus trichosanthis) in impeding a proliferative switch in quiescent lung cancer cells. The results indicated that CPF impeded cell cycle re‐entry in quiescent lung cancer cells by reduction of FACT and c‐MYC mRNA and protein levels, with concomitant decrease in H3K4 tri‐methylation and RNA polymerase II occupancy at FACT and c‐MYC promoter regions. Animals implanted with quiescent cancer cells that had been exposed to CPF had reduced tumour volume/weight. Thus, CPF suppresses proliferative switching through transcriptional suppression of FACT and the c‐MYC, providing a new insight into therapeutic target and intervention method in impeding cancer recurrence.