bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel human sex-typing strategies based on the autism candidate gene NLGN4X and its male-specific gametologue NLGN4Y
Authors: Maxeiner Stephan , Sester Martina , Krasteva-Christ Gabriela 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Since the early days of PCR techniques, sex identification, “sex-typing,” of genomic DNA samples has been a fundamental part of human forensic analysis but also in animal genetics aiming at strategic livestock breeding. Most analyses are employing the AMELX/AMELY gene loci on the X and Y chromosomes present in most mammals. We hypothesize that sex-typing in humans is also possible based on the genes NLGN4X and NLGN4Y, which represent X and Y chromosome-specific copies of a common ancestral neuroligin-4 orthologue.

Methods
Genomic DNA was isolated from human blood and buccal cell samples (total n = 111) and submitted to two different strategies: (a) a traditional two-primer PCR approach detecting an insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism immediately upstream of the translational start on exon 1 and (b) detection of a single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP, on the translational stop carrying exon 7. The SNP detection was based on a quantitative PCR approach (rhAMP genotyping) employing DNA/RNA hybrid oligonucleotides that were blocked and which could only be activated upon perfect annealing to the target DNA sequence.

Results
All indel PCR-tested human DNA samples showed two bands for males representing X- and Y-specific copies of NLGN4 and a single band for female samples, i.e., homozygosity of NLGN4X and absence of NLGN4Y, in accordance with the self-reported sex of the donors. These results were in perfect agreement with the results of the rhAMP-based SNP-detection method: all males were consequently positive for both alleles, representing either SNP variant, and females were interpreted as homozygous regarding the SNP variant found in NLGN4X. Both methods have shown reliable and consistent results that enabled us to infer the sex of donor DNA samples across different ethnicities.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the detection of human NLGN4X/Y is a suitable alternative to previously reported methods employing gene loci such as AMELX/Y. Furthermore, this is the first report applying successfully the rhAMP-genotyping strategy as a means for SNP-based sex-typing, which consequently will be applicable to other gene loci or different species as well.
Effect of owner-manager’s financial literacy on the performance of SMEs in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana
Authors: Agyapong Daniel , Attram Albert Bampo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFinancial literacy enables owner-managers of SMEs to understand and assess their own financial needs and make rational financial decisions. The paper explores the financial literacy of owner-managers of SMEs in the Cape Coast Metropolis and how such literacy influences the performance of their businesses. The study population were owner-managers of registered SMEs in the Cape Coast Metropolis from the National Board for Small and Medium Enterprise, out of which a sample of 132 was selected through the simple random sampling technique. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Model. The results showed a positive relationship between financial literacy and the firm’s financial performance (t = 35.631, p < .00). The paper recommends that policy makers should specifically design a program and platform targeted at further enhancing the financial literacy level of these owner-managers to help improve the performance of their firms.
The association of HIV and easy access to narcotics in Pakistan; calling drug policy makers
Authors: Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Khan Yusra Habib , Khan Amjad , Alotaibi Nasser Hadal , Alzarea Abdulaziz Ibrahim , Hashmi Furqan Khurshid 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHIV in Pakistan is concentrated to people who inject drugs (PWID) and easy accessibility of narcotics to this population cannot be disregarded as a risk factor of growing encumbrance of AIDS in the country. All the narcotics and other medications having high potential of abuse are stratified into Schedule G of Punjab Drug Rules 2017. According to these rules, drugs in Schedule G shall be sold in pharmacy under the direct supervision of qualified pharmacist. However, Schedule G is not implemented in Punjab due to continuous resistance from pharmaceutical stakeholders including medical store owners (who are barred to sell drugs from schedule G). Since 1.6 million PWID reported misuse of prescription opioids for non-medical use, delayed implementation of schedule G is attributing to the unabated sale of narcotics without prescription and for non-medical purposes, which is further contributing to the staggering number of PWID in the country. Implementing schedule G will not only curb the existing situation of HIV but will also mitigate the contribution of PWID towards the future events.
Practicalities of implementing open pedagogy in higher education
Authors: Paskevicius Michael , Irvine Valerie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper presents findings from a study which explored the ways in which post-secondary educators in British Columbia are reforming their teaching and learning practice as result of open education. Using a phenomenological approach with self-identifying open education practitioners we explore how openness is being enacted through learning design. Structuration theory is used as a theoretical lens to explore innovations to pedagogy through three modalities, which include facilities, norms, and interpretive schemes. The analysis identifies how participants in this study draw upon these modalities to support openness in their teaching. The findings suggest that open educational resources and practices can support learner-centered educational designs and should be considered design technologies, those that have the capacity to enhance teaching and learning practice; rather than simply content delivery technologies, those that influence the cost and access to education.
Infected femorocele: case report of an extremely rare surgical condition in a middle-aged lady suffering from a painful inguinal swelling
Authors: Bakshi Sabyasachi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
The hydrocele of the femoral hernia sac, an extremely rare occurrence, is termed femorocele. Very few authentically reported cases of femorocele are available in the literature. The present case, diagnosed as a case of infected femorocele, was managed successfully by excision of the femorocele sac and repair of the femoral hernia. To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first-ever reported case of infected femorocele.

Case presentation
A 30-year-old lady presented with a painful 3 cm × 2 cm swelling in the right inguinal region. Though the swelling was there for 2 years, the pain and indurations started after a trivial blunt trauma over the swelling 7 days ago. The patient was febrile and mild tachycardic but had no dysuria. The oval-shaped, tense-cystic, poorly translucent, non-pulsatile, non-reducible swelling showed no cough impulse. There was also a (1.5 cm × 0.5 cm) palpable right-sided superficial inguinal lymph node. Routine blood and urine analysis reports were normal except leukocytosis (10,000/mm3) with neutrophilia. Ultrasonography of the right inguino-labial region revealed a mildly echogenic cystic swelling without any intra-abdominal communication. Exploration of the right inguinal region revealed a cystic (3 cm × 2 cm) swelling, medial to the femoral vessels, containing amber-colored fluid. The distal sac was excised, and anatomical repair of femoral canal defect was done after transfixing the neck of the femorocele sac. Fibro-fatty-collagenous tissue with mixed inflammatory cells along with a flattened mesothelial lining cell layer was found on histopathological examination. Sections from inguinal lymph node showed reactive hyperplasia. Culture of fluid from the sac revealed growth of Escherichia coli. The patient was put on anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics according to a sensitivity test. Patient was discharged in stable condition after 5 days. Four months after the operation, the patient is doing well, remaining asymptomatic and without any sign of recurrence.

Conclusions
The hydrocele of the femoral hernia sac is an extremely rare disease. When not infected, it presents a painless inguinal soft cystic swelling, commonly in women of fourth to sixth decade. This was diagnosed intraoperatively in all cases reported till date. Excision of the sac after transfixation of the neck and anatomical repair are the treatment of choice. In elderly patients, with larger defect, the mesh repair can be opted for. The femorocele may also get infected by uropathogens, and proper antibiotics should be used after a sensitivity test.
Relationship between ethanol consumption and TBL2 rs17145738 on LDL-C concentration in Japanese adults: a four season 3-day weighed diet record study
Authors: Akimoto S. , Goto C. , Kuriki K. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration is modified by dietary and genetic factors; however, little is known about the details of this relationship. Our aim was to investigate the associations taking into account dietary assessment methods, seasonal effects and missing values.

Methods
Study subjects completed food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and supplied 3-day weighed dietary records (WDRs) and blood samples in four seasons. Approximately 660,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were measured. Candidate SNPs related to LDL-C concentration were systematically selected. Multiple imputation was applied for missing values. A total of 312 repeated measures data were used for analyses. After adjusting for season and subjects as fixed and random effects, effects of nutrient intake and SNPs on LDL-C concentration were assessed according to three dietary assessment methods: the FFQ and first and four season 3-day WDRs (4 s-3d WDRs).

Results
For LDL-C concentration, ethanol consumption derived from all three dietary assessment methods was consistently associated (P < 0.09 for all). Positive and negative relationships were consistently shown with rs651007 and rs1160985 in the first and four seasons; but the latter remained after adjusting for total dietary fiber intake derived from the FFQ and 4 s-3d WDRs (P < 0.05, excepting the first 3-day WDRs). rs599839 was negatively associated after cholesterol intakes derived from the first and 4 s-3d WDRs were considered (P < 0.05 and 0.07, respectively). Each rs17145738 and ethanol consumption based on the 4 s-3d WDRs was related to LDL-C concentration (P < 0.05). Seasonal variations of LDL-C concentration were observed only in summer.

Conclusions
In contrast to nutrient intake, ethanol consumption was shown to be comprehensively related to LDL-C concentration, regardless of dietary assessment methods. Taking into account seasonal effects, critical relationships with LDL-C concentration for some SNPs, after adjustment for specific nutrients, were revealed. Our findings can be used to help to interpret the relationships between dietary and genetic factors on LDL-C concentration in large-scale epidemiological studies.
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Nurse-led video-coaching interventions in childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (REVIVER): a protocol for mixed methods feasibility research
Authors: Bouwman Eline , Hermens Rosella P. M. G. , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , Prins Judith B. , Loonen Jacqueline J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Successful cancer treatment can lead to cancer survivors being predisposed to an increased lifelong risk of adverse late health effects. Therefore, high-quality cancer survivorship care to earlier detect and treat late effects or to preserve survivor’s health is essential. Nevertheless, this care needs to be sustainable and cost-effective as well. We developed three different screen-to-screen nurse-led eHealth interventions for survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult-onset cancer, collectively called the REVIVER interventions. Elaborating on person-centred care principles with content based on cognitive behavioural therapy modules and/or motivational interviewing techniques, these interventions aim to empower and coach survivors to improve (1) symptoms of cancer-related fatigue, (2) self-efficacy and self-management or (3) lifestyle. With the REVIVER study, we aim to evaluate the interventions’ feasibility and gain insights into the potential effectiveness.

Methods
The REVIVER study involves a mixed methods design, including (1) interviews till data saturation with cancer survivors who completed the interventions as well as with all involved medical professionals, (2) reviews of nurses reports and (3) a single-group, pre-post evaluation among cancer survivors. Eligible survivors are survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult-onset cancer who are referred to one of the interventions, in complete remission of cancer, 16–44 years old at enrolment, completed treatment at least 5 years ago and have access to a device with Internet options. We will assess feasibility in terms of demand, adherence, acceptability, practicality and integration/implementation. Health-related quality of life, as primary outcome of the potential effectiveness evaluation, will be assessed at three different time points: prior to the intervention; immediately following the intervention and 6 months post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures include changes in level of fatigue, self-efficacy, self-management and lifestyle.

Discussion
This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of eHealth nurse-led interventions elaborating on person-centred care, using cognitive behavioural therapy and/or motivational interviewing techniques as an innovative and promising approach for providing CAYA cancer survivorship care. If the interventions prove to be feasible and potential effective, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted to test the (cost)-effectiveness.
Myocardial potency of Caesalpinia bonducella Linn. on doxorubicin induced myocardial infarction in albino rats
Authors: Nayagam Agnel Arul John , Gunasekaran Shobana , Rangarajan Sivasubramanian , Muthaiah Suganya 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective
Caesalpinia bonducella L. is well known and extremely valuable herb in ayurvedic system of medicine. The present study is aimed to design the evaluation of aqueous extract of Caesalpinia bonducella L. on doxorubicin induced myocardial infarction in wistar strains of albino rats of both sex.

Materials and methods
The experimental animals are divided in to 5 groups of 6 animals each. Group I (Normal Control), Group II (Negative Control, 2.5 mg/kgbw of Doxorubicin i.p.), Group III (2.5 mg/kgbw of Doxorubicin i.p.) + AECB (150 mg/kgbw), Group IV (2.5 mg/kgbw of Doxorubicin i.p.) + AECB (300 mg/kgbw), Group V (2.5 mg/kgbw of Doxorubicin i.p.) + standard drug (Propranolol 5 mg/kgbw). Doxorubicin induced myocardial infarction was confirmed by disturbances in levels of cardiac markers (Lactate Dehydrogenase, Troponin-T, Creatine Kinase-MB Isoenzyme, Creatine Phosphokinase), nucleic acid contents (DNA and RNA), Challenged levels of Membrane bound enzymes such as Na+/K + ATPase, Ca2 + ATPase and Mg2 + ATPase, Decreased tissue protein and altered lipid profile markers.

Results
Doxorubicin induced rats significantly showed increase in the activities of LDH, CK-MB, CPK, Troponin-T, nucleic acids, membrane bound enzymes, lipid profiles and decrease in the serum HDL. Treatment with AECB simultaneously at two different doses such as 150 mg/kg bw, 300 mg/kg bw prevented the leakage of myocardium markers and altered the levels of Protein, DNA, RNA and membrane bound enzymes. The AECB prevented the altered variations in Cholesterol, Triacylglycerols, Phospholipids and Free Fatty Acids. This extract also brought back the levels of Lipoproteins like HDL, LDL and VLDL which were varied in disease control animals.

Conclusion
The present study concludes that AECB is effective in controlling the cardiac markers and lipid levels which could be due to its ability to maintain the membrane stability and repair the myocardial damage.
Remarks for a Roundtable on Transnational Feminism
Authors: James Stanlie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In 1977 a collective of Black Lesbian Feminists published the Combahee River Collective Statement, a manifesto that defined and described the interlocking oppressions that they and other women of color were experiencing and the deleterious impact of these oppressions upon their lives. They committed themselves to a lifelong collective process and nonhierarchical distribution of power as they struggle(d) to envision and create a just society. Twenty-nine years after the appearance of the Combahee River Collective Statement, over one hundred African Feminists met in Accra, Ghana to formulate their own manifesto and ultimately adopt the Charter of Feminist Principles for African Feminists, which was first published in 2007 simultaneously in English and French. This paper reviews both statements and acknowledges their critical contributions to the evolution of Transnational Feminisms.
Everything’s Connected
Authors: Lober Brooke 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In this interview, the writer, activist, and well-known woman of color feminist and participant in grassroots left movements Aurora Levins Morales explores the action and language of participatory social change, considered through the lens of her social location and experience. With a focus on intergenerational communication among feminist and Left movement participants, Brooke Lober asks Levins Morales to share her method of writing and activism, based in histories of family and place; to comment on the term and practice of “identity politics”; to assess the current upsurge of feminist movements; and to revisit her historical and contemporary contributions to internationalism, women of color feminism, and Jewish organizing in the Palestine solidarity movement. Levins Morales offers insightful reconsideration of her life, work, and philosophy, with descriptions of the context and motivation of her published writing.
FOXO1 regulates developmental lymphangiogenesis by upregulating CXCR4 in the mouse-tail dermis
Authors: Niimi Kenta , Kohara Misaki , Sedoh Eriko , Fukumoto Moe , Shibata Satoshi , Sawano Toshinori , Tashiro Fumi , Miyazaki Satsuki , Kubota Yoshiaki , Miyazaki Jun-ichi , Inagaki Shinobu , Furuyama Tatsuo 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Lymphangiogenesis plays important roles in normal fetal development and postnatal growth. However, its molecular regulation remains unclear. Here, we have examined the function of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) transcription factor, a known angiogenic factor, in developmental dermal lymphangiogenesis using endothelial cell-specific FOXO1-deficient mice. FOXO1-deficient mice showed disconnected and dilated lymphatic vessels accompanied with increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis in the lymphatic capillaries. Comprehensive DNA microarray analysis of the causes of in vivo phenotypes in FOXO1-deficient mice revealed that the gene encoding C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) was the most drastically downregulated in FOXO1-deficient primary lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). CXCR4 was expressed in developing dermal lymphatic capillaries in wild-type mice but not in FOXO1-deficient dermal lymphatic capillaries. Furthermore, FOXO1 suppression impaired migration toward the exogenous CXCR4 ligand, C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and coordinated proliferation in LECs. These results suggest that FOXO1 serves an essential role in normal developmental lymphangiogenesis by promoting LEC migration toward CXCL12 and by regulating their proliferative activity. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying developmental lymphangiogenesis.
Reducing Core Stability Influences Lower Extremity Biomechanics in Novice Runners
Authors: CHAUDHARI AJIT M. W. , VAN HORN MARGARET R. , MONFORT SCOTT M. , PAN XUELIANG , OÑATE JAMES A. , BEST THOMAS M. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTPurposeThe role of core stability in running and its influence on injury risk in runners is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core stability (and core fatigue) on running mechanics. We hypothesized that decreasing core stability in novice runners would result in altered running mechanics previously associated with increased risk for common lower extremity running injuries.MethodsThree-dimensional running kinematics and kinetics and seated postural sway on an unstable surface were collected on 25 healthy, novice runners before and after they performed a core stability knockdown protocol (CSKP), designed to temporarily reduce participants’ core stability in a single testing session.ResultsLinear mixed models demonstrated that the CSKP resulted in an increased peak knee flexion moment (0.51%BW·ht increase, effect size = 0.49,P= 0.021) and a decreased vertical average loading rate (4.5 BW·s−1decrease, effect size = 0.44,P= 0.037) during running, but no significant changes in peak knee adduction moment, knee adduction impulse, hip adduction moment, hip adduction impulse, or peak vertical ground reaction force (allP> 0.05). Of 25 runners, 20 demonstrated a measurable decrement in their core stability as defined by their seated postural sway center of pressure excursion changing more than the standard error of measurement of 76 mm.ConclusionsAn experimentally induced decrement in core stability in novice runners caused an increased peak knee flexion moment during stance, which has previously been associated with increased patellofemoral contact pressure during running. Therefore, these results demonstrate that insufficient core stability in novice runners may be a risk factor for developing patellofemoral pain. Other results did not support a role of core stability in other common overuse running injuries in this population.
Διερεύνηση της αξιοποίησης του διαδικτύου και του κινητού τηλεφώνου από τους νεοεισαχθέντες φοιτητές: η περίπτωση των φοιτητών του ΠΤΔΕ του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών
Authors: Σαμαράς Χρήστος , Νιάρη Μαρία , Παναγιωτακόπουλος Χρήστος , Βερύκιος Βασίλειος 
Published: December 2019

Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσματα μιας μεγάλης κλίμακας έρευνας στο Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης (Π.Τ.Δ.Ε) του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, με θέμα τη μετάβαση από το σχολείο στο πανεπιστήμιο και την αξιοποίηση του διαδικτύου και της τεχνολογίας στις σπουδές. Η έρευνα διεξήχθη επί τέσσερα συνεχόμενα ακαδημαϊκά έτη (2013-2017) και αφορούσε τους νεοεισαχθέντες φοιτητές και φοιτήτριες του τμήματος. Για την υλοποίηση της έρευνας αξιοποιήθηκε ερωτηματολόγιο με κλειστές και ανοιχτές ερωτήσεις. Από τα ευρήματα της παρούσας ερευνητικής εργασίας προκύπτει πως ο βαθμός της χρήσης του διαδικτύου και του κινητού τηλεφώνου, ως υποστηρικτικού μέσου στα συμβατικά πανεπιστημιακά ιδρύματα αλλά και από τους φοιτητές, ποικίλει. Για να είναι αποδοτική η χρήση των νέων τεχνολογιών και η επένδυση ενός ιδρύματος σ’ αυτές, χρειάζεται να έχουν τη γνώση και τη δυνατότητα να την αξιοποιήσουν και οι φοιτητές. Άρα, οι φοιτητές χρειάζεται να αναπτύξουν τις αντίστοιχες δεξιότητες.