bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct and non‐linear innovation effects of demographic shifts
Authors: Suzuki Kohei , Ha Hyesong , Avellaneda Claudia N. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA varied set of pressures drive organizational innovation. Among these pressures, demographic shifts seem to boost innovation, as the public sector responds to the arrival of migrants and to community changes in race and ethnic composition. However, we know little about innovation by governments in response to expected population decline. In particular, studies have under‐examined how anticipated demographic pressures prompt public organizations to innovate. This study undertakes this task by arguing that innovation is more visible in municipalities facing greater anticipated demographic decline. However, we also argue for a non‐linear relationship in which too strong and/or too weak expected demographic declines lead to less visible innovation (inverted U‐shape effect). These propositions were tested with a data set of Japanese municipalities and employing a dose–response model. Findings show that anticipated demographic declines directly boost innovation visibility. However, too strong and/or too weak unexpected demographic declines make innovation less visible.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for pregnancies at risk for β‐thalassaemia: a retrospective study
Authors: Lv W , Linpeng S , Li Z , Liang D , Jia Z , Meng D , Cram DS , Zhu H , Teng Y , Yin A , Wu L 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical feasibility of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for β‐thalassaemia using circulating single molecule amplification and re‐sequencing technology (cSMART).DesignThrough carrier screening, 102 pregnant Chinese couples carrying pathogenic HBB gene variants were recruited to the study. Pregnancies were managed using traditional invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD). Retrospectively, we evaluated the archived pregnancy plasma DNA by NIPD to evaluate the performance of our cSMART assay for fetal genotyping.SettingChinese prenatal diagnostic centres specialising in thalassaemia testing.PopulationChinese carrier couples at high genetic risk for β‐thalassaemia.MethodsFetal cell sampling was performed by amniocentesis and HBB genotypes were determined by reverse dot blot. NIPD was performed by a newly designed HBB cSMART assay and fetal genotypes were called by measuring the allelic ratios in the maternal cell‐free DNA.Main outcome measuresConcordance of HBB fetal genotyping between IPD and NIPD and the sensitivity and specificity of NIPD.ResultsInvasive prenatal diagnosis identified 29 affected homozygotes or compound heterozygotes, 54 heterozygotes and 19 normal homozygotes. Compared with IPD results, 99 of 102 fetuses (97%) were correctly genotyped by our NIPD assay. Two of three discordant samples were false positives and the other sample involved an incorrect call of a heterozygote carrier as a homozygote normal. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of our NIPD assay was 100% (95% CI 88.06–100.00%) and 97.26% (95% CI 90.45–99.67%), respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that our cSMART‐based NIPD assay for β‐thalassaemia has potential clinical utility as an alternative to IPD for pregnant HBB carrier couples.Tweetable abstractA new noninvasive test for pregnancies at risk for β‐thalassaemia.
Mining maize diversity and improving its nutritional aspects within agro‐food systems
Authors: Palacios‐Rojas Natalia , McCulley Laura , Kaeppler Mikayla , Titcomb Tyler J. , Gunaratna Nilupa S. , Lopez‐Ridaura Santiago , Tanumihardjo Sherry A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAgro‐food systems are undergoing rapid innovation in the world and the system's continuum is promoted at different scales with one of the main outcomes to improve nutrition of consumers. Consumer knowledge through educational outreach is important to food and nutrition security and consumer demands guide breeding efforts. Maize is an important part of food systems. It is a staple food and together with rice and wheat, they provide 60% of the world's caloric intake. In addition to being a major contributor to global food and nutrition security, maize forms an important part of the culinary culture in many areas of Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Maize genetics are being exploited to improve human nutrition with the ultimate outcome of improving overall health. By impacting the health of maize consumers, market opportunities will be opened for maize producers with unique genotypes. Although maize is a great source of macronutrients, it is also a source of many micronutrients and phytochemicals purported to confer health benefits. The process of biofortification through traditional plant breeding has increased the protein, provitamin A carotenoid, and zinc contents of maize. The objective of this paper is to review the innovations developed and promoted to improve the nutritional profiles of maize and outcomes of the maize agro‐food system.
The Novel Coronavirus – Latest Findings
Authors: Brüssow Harald 
Published: May 2020

SummaryWhat was initially a lung infection epidemic in the metropolitan area of Wuhan followed by a now contained extension to mainland China has now spread to all continents as a major pandemic with current hotspots in Europe and the USA. This minireview is an update of an earlier report on this novel coronavirus infection (Brüssow, 2020, Microb Biotech 13, 607). I am now summarizing the research literature published between end of February to mid‐April 2020.
Unemployment from stable, downsized and closed workplaces and alcohol‐related mortality
Authors: Junna Liina , Moustgaard Heta , Martikainen Pekka 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTAimsTo assess the importance of health selection in the association between unemployment and alcohol‐related mortality by comparing mortalities of those unemployed from workplaces experiencing different levels of downsizing. The more severe the downsizing, the less dependent unemployment would be on personal characteristics and the weaker the role of health selection.DesignWe estimated hazards models of unemployment on alcohol‐related diseases and poisonings and external causes with alcohol as a contributing cause over follow‐ups of 0–5, 6–10 and 11–20 years and at different levels of downsizing (stable, downsized or closed).SettingFinland, 1990 to 2009.ParticipantsA register‐based random sample of employees aged 25–63 in privately owned workplaces (n = 275 738).MeasurementsThe outcome was alcohol‐related death and the exposure was unemployment. We adjusted for age, sex, year, education, marital status, health status, workplace tenure, industry, region and unemployment rate.FindingsAlcohol‐disease mortality was elevated among the unemployed throughout the follow‐up, regardless of the level of downsizing. At 11–20 years after baseline, those unemployed from stable workplaces had a 2.46 hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.14–2.82), those from downsized workplaces 1.94 (95% CI = 1.64–2.30) and those from closed workplaces 2.13 (95% CI = 1.75–2.59), when compared with the controls. Alcohol‐related external‐cause mortality at 0–5 years follow‐up was only associated with unemployment from stable workplaces (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.22–1.58), but over time, an association emerged among those unemployed following downsizing and closure. At 11–20‐year follow‐up, the HR following downsizing was 1.83 (CI 95% = 1.37–2.45) and 1.54 (95% CI = 1.03–2.28) following closure.ConclusionsThere is some indication that alcohol‐related ill‐health may lead to unemployment in Finland. However, the persistent long‐term association between unemployment and alcohol‐related mortality even after workplace closure may imply a causal relation.
Screening for preeclampsia in low‐risk twin pregnancies at early gestation
Authors: Chen Jianping , Zhao Depeng , Liu Yang , Zhou Jia , Zou Gang , Zhang Yun , Guo Ming , Duan Tao , Van Mieghem Tim , Sun Luming 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionPreeclampsia affects about 10% of twin pregnancies and significantly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, screening models for preeclampsia in twin pregnancies remain elusive. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of a multi‐marker first trimester preeclampsia screening model in low‐risk twin pregnancies.Material and methodsBetween 2014 and 2017, we prospectively assessed first trimester biomarkers for preeclampsia in a ‘low‐risk‘ twin pregnancy cohort at a single center. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors for early preeclampsia (occurring prior to 34 weeks) and late preeclampsia (occurring after 34 weeks). The performance of the screening models fitted using the significant predictors was calculated using receiver operating characteristics curves, and internal validation was performed using bootstrapping.ResultsA total of 769 twin pregnancies were included in the study. Early preeclampsia and late preeclampsia developed in 27 (3.5%) and 59 (7.7%) cases, respectively. Logistic regression analyses showed that maternal age, body mass index, mean artery pressure and placental growth factor were significant predictors for early preeclampsia. Maternal age, body mass index, mean artery pressure and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A were significant for late preeclampsia. Uterine artery pulsatility index was not predictive of either early or late preeclampsia. For the fitted screening model of early and late preeclampsia, the areas under receiver operating characteristics curves were 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76‐0.88) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.59‐0.73), which were expected to decrease to 0.77 and 0.60, respectively, based on bootstrapping; the positive predictive values were 10.2% and 12.5%; and the estimated detection rates were 40.7% and 22.0%, respectively, at a false‐positive rate of 10%.ConclusionsA multi‐marker screening model for preeclampsia in low‐risk twin pregnancies, using a modified version of Fetal Medicine Foundation predictors in singletons, does not perform well. Uterine artery pulsatility index is of little value in screening for preeclampsia in low‐risk twin pregnancies.
The hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated 4 channel as a potential anti‐seizure drug target
Authors: Kharouf Qays , Phillips A. Marie , Bleakley Lauren E. , Morrisroe Emma , Oyrer Julia , Jia Linghan , Ludwig Andreas , Jin Liang , Nicolazzo Joseph A. , Cerbai Elisabetta , Romanelli M. Novella , Petrou Steven , Reid Christopher A. 
Published: May 2020

Background and PurposeHyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels are encoded by four genes (HCN1–4) with distinct biophysical properties and functions within the brain. HCN4 channels activate slowly at robust hyperpolarizing potentials, making them more likely to be engaged during hyperexcitable neuronal network activity seen during seizures. HCN4 channels are also highly expressed in thalamic nuclei, a brain region implicated in seizure generalization. Here, we assessed the utility of targeting the HCN4 channel as an anti‐seizure strategy using pharmacological and genetic approaches.Experimental ApproachThe impact of reducing HCN4 channel function on seizure susceptibility and neuronal network excitability was studied using an HCN4 channel preferring blocker (EC18) and a conditional brain specific HCN4 knockout mouse model.Key ResultsEC18 (10 mg·kg−1) and brain‐specific HCN4 channel knockout reduced seizure susceptibility and proconvulsant‐mediated cortical spiking recorded using electrocorticography, with minimal effects on other mouse behaviours. EC18 (10 μM) decreased neuronal network bursting in mouse cortical cultures. Importantly, EC18 was not protective against proconvulsant‐mediated seizures in the conditional HCN4 channel knockout mouse and did not reduce bursting behaviour in AAV‐HCN4 shRNA infected mouse cortical cultures.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data suggest the HCN4 channel as a potential pharmacologically relevant target for anti‐seizure drugs that is likely to have a low side‐effect liability in the CNS.
Prioritizing management strategies to achieve multiple outcomes in a globally significant Indonesian protected area
Authors: Utami Ni Wayan Febriana , Wirawan I Gede Putu , Firn Jennifer , Kepakisan Agus Ngurah Krisna , Kusdyana I Putu Gede Arya , Nicol Sam , Carwardine Josie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe multiple values delivered by protected areas around the world are threatened and in decline. We propose a structured decision science prioritization approach for justifying and guiding increased investments in protected area management to improve outcomes for a suite of important values. Using Bali's only national park, Taman Nasional Bali Barat (TNBB) as a case study, we draw from existing park documentation and 80 participating experts in TNBB's ecology, society and management to define goals that describe a successful outcome for nine core values of the park: threatened species, ecosystem function, ecosystem habitats, scientific research, food and health, spiritual values, traditional fishing, community prosperity, and ecotourism. Participants estimated that without increased investment, the extent of goal achievement is likely to be below 30% for all values at the end of the 15‐year planning time frame. However, implementing nine strategies, at an increased annual investment of 5.5 billion Indonesian rupiah (US$385,666) per year, would achieve the goals for all values. The most cost‐effective strategies were predicted to be collaboration and planning, monitoring and managing invasive species, followed by establishing and using a research and management fund, adapting to climate change, managing illegal resource use, waste and human impacts, as well as improving the captive breeding program for the iconic and critically endangered bird, curik Bali. Our approach may be useful for systematically comparing costed sets of management investments in other conservation areas worldwide.
Trajectory of performance: The role of selection criteria on student achievement in a Bachelor of Oral Health programme
Authors: Gardner Suzanne , Liu Pingzhou , Roberts‐Thomson Kaye 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo determine whether discontinuing the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) in 2011 for selection and changes to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) requirements in 2012 when the new Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) was introduced impacted on students' accumulative level of achievement and performance in the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) programme.MethodsBoard of Examiner's course results for end of year performance were collected for BOH cohorts from 2006 to 2017 (n = 347). Overall performance and achievement level attained were calculated and formed the dependent variables, Performance and Achievement. Group‐based trajectory modelling (GBTM) characterised trajectories of yearly academic achievement and the likelihood of each case belonging to the latent group classified as individual group membership. Chi‐square (or Fischer's exact) tests were conducted on groups and selected independent variables, using SAS 9.4.ResultsA 2‐group academic Performance trajectory was selected as Consistent (n = 290; 83.6%) and Inconsistent (n = 57; 16.4%), and Achievement level (credit number) trajectory as Low (n = 154; 44.4%) and High (n = 193; 55.6%). Statistically significant findings in relation to achievement level were found; female students, those who enrolled after UMAT was discontinued, students enrolled since SACE changes, and those who nominated BOH as their first career preference, were more likely to achieve higher grades than their counterparts.ConclusionDiscontinuing the UMAT for selection and SACE changes have shown no adverse changes in students' level of achievement in the BOH programme, although enrolling in a course not their first preference was shown to affect performance level.
The role of USP34 in the fixation of titanium implants in murine models
Authors: Xue Hanxiao , Guo Yuchen , Zhang Shiwen , Xu Tong , Wen Junru , Kang Ning , Yuan Quan 
Published: May 2020

Ubiquitin‐specific protease 34 (USP34), a member of the ubiquitin‐specific protease family, regulates osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via bone morphogenetic protein signaling. This study aimed to investigate the role of USP34 in fixation of titanium implants in mouse models. Eight‐week‐old Usp34‐knockout (Prx1‐Cre;Usp34f/f) mice and their Usp34 wild‐type (Usp34f/f) control littermates were used. Experimental titanium implants were inserted into the distal ends of femurs and the edentulous area of maxillae. Two and four weeks after surgery, samples of femur and maxilla were obtained, and micro‐computed tomography scanning, histomorphometric analyses, and push‐in tests were performed on the samples. Compared with controls, Prx1‐Cre;Usp34f/f mice showed reduced bone volume for both femurs and maxillae; a decreased femoral bone–implant contact ratio (BIC) at 2 wk [mean (standard error of the mean): 62.17% (2.15%) vs. 44.06% (3.45%)] and 4 wk [72.46% (1.61%) vs. 64.53% (1.93%)]; decreases in femoral bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and push‐in resistance; and lower BIC and BV/TV of the maxillae. Taken together, our data demonstrate that specific deletion of Usp34 in mesenchymal stem cells impairs fixation of titanium implants in mice.
Outreach and diagnosis: Saudi Arabia's experience
Authors: Owaidah Tarek 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and sustaining the lives of individuals with haemophilia. According to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) annual global survey, haemophilia A has a prevalence of 105 per million males and 28 per million males of haemophilia B in a global population of 6 billion. The annual global survey reported 295 000 individuals with haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders in 113 countries. WFH estimated approximately 70% of patients with haemophilia under diagnosed globally. The variability of occurrence of these disorders in different ethnicities, lack of awareness and diagnostic facilities/expertise led to the prevalence of other bleeding disorders being much more underestimated. The main reason for the gap between detected (reported) and estimated numbers of patients with bleeding disorders includes the lack of laboratory facilities and trained personnel required to establish an accurate diagnosis for bleeding disorders.
Show me the evidence: Effectiveness of low‐dose prophylaxis
Authors: Gouider Emna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProphylaxis is the gold standard treatment for haemophilia but requires more amount of clotting factor concentrates, than on demand therapy. Low dose prophylaxis is an alternative for countries with limited resources. There are data of evidence showing the superiority of low‐dose prophylaxis than episodic treatment. Studies from China, India, Tunisia, Thailand and Indonesia reported experiences with low dose prophylaxis using outcome assessment. These studies have shown the effectiveness of various protocols regimen with once, twice or thrice injection of 10‐15 UI Kg‐1 per injection. These protocols allow reduction of joint bleeds and at least delay of joint damages. There is not enough long‐term data nowadays, but low dose prophylaxis is certainly better than on demand therapy and should be considered as a first step of prophylaxis in some countries but not the final goal.
Low‐dose surgical prophylaxis: Optimization of use of World Federation of Hemophilia Humanitarian Aid donated clotting factor concentrates to developing countries
Authors: El Ekiaby Magdy , Haffar Assad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with hemophilia (PWH) might need surgical interventions during the course of their lives. Such medical interventions pose hemostatic challenges and requests infusion of clotting factor concentrates (CFCs) during peri and postoperative for variable periods to prevent bleeding and until complete wound healing. Access to CFCs to PWH living in resource limited settings is usually a challenge which makes surgical interventions either risky or not practical. Recently World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) started a humanitarian aid program to channel CFCs into resource limited countries and which allowed the possibility to perform surgical interventions for PWH in these countries.Aim of workTo study safety and efficacy of using lower doses of CFCs for surgical prophylaxis.MethodsReview of literature and our center experience to demonstrate safety and efficacy of low dose surgical prophylaxis using CFCsResultsSeveral elements can help using lower doses of CFCs for surgical prophylaxis in resource limited setting. These elements include severity of hemophilia, type of surgical procedure, the use of hemostatic surgical techniques, the type of CFCs, the mode of infusion of CFCs and finally the use of adjunctive therapiesConclusionManagement of surgical procedures for PWH in a multidisciplinary specialized hemophilia treatment centers with proper understanding of hemostatic and surgical challenges of the procedure can allow for safe and effective use of lower doses of CFCs for surgical prophylaxis.
The biomechanical behaviour of ankle and foot joints during walking with shoes in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Eerdekens Maarten , Peerlinck Kathelijne , Staes Filip , Hermans Cédric , Lobet Sébastien , Deschamps Kevin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionPatients with haemophilia (PwH) often prefer shod walking over barefoot walking as footwear offers ankle joint stability and comfort during gait. Yet, the biomechanical mechanisms contributing to the latter remain poorly understood.AimTo explore the effect of shoes on the biomechanical functioning of the ankle and foot complex in PwH with and without haemophilic ankle arthropathy and to determine the amount of ankle joint loading during shod walking.MethodsWe analysed data of PwH without haemophilic ankle arthropathy (n = 5) and PwH with severe haemophilic ankle arthropathy (n = 17) and a control group (n = 17). During 3D gait analysis, a four‐segment kinetic foot model was used to calculate kinematic and kinetic parameters of the ankle, Chopart, Lisfranc and first metatarsophalangeal (MTP 1) joints during both barefoot and shod walking.ResultsWe found a significantly greater ankle joint power generation during shod walking compared to barefoot walking in PwH with severe haemophilic ankle arthropathy (P < .001). Chopart joint biomechanics were significantly lowered in all three groups during shod walking compared to barefoot walking. During shod walking, the ankle joint load was significantly lowered in both PwH groups (P = .039 and P = .002), but not in the control group (P = .952).ConclusionExplorations in this study uncover a tendency that shoes alter the biomechanical functioning of the ankle and foot complex in PwH and simultaneously lower the ankle joint load during walking.