bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structures and processes required for research, higher education and technology transfer in the agricultural sciences: a policy appraisal
Authors: Whittemore C.T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEvidence is forwarded of a will for rationalisation of higher education, research and technology transfer processes; but the actions which have taken place in all three structures have, in contrast, produced irrationality and inefficiency. Tertiary education institutions are proposed as the spine for reconstruction, but pre‐requisite is a logical hierarchy of missions appropriate to the various educational sectors. This done, research institutions may usefully coalesce with the universities, while development and advisory agencies may beneficially integrate into the polytechnic sector from which their information flow is sourced. There is strong mutually supportive efficiencies from education, research and extension emanating from a single resource base; but that base needs to be tiered according to the aptitude and requirement (science, technology, skills), and integrated with the industry. These proposals are not founded only as coping strategies in the face of funding withdrawals, but as optimisation movements bringing benefits of sharing of common human and physical resource for the three sectors; education, research, and technology transfer. An optimisation lost by their separation, and by competition amongst organisations within each sector (but especially education) striving for similar goals and for limited resources when the national requirement is for diversity.
Trends in China's regional grain production and their implications
Authors: Yang Hong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe paper examines the growth of China's regional grain production during the reform period. Impacts of regional trends on China's interregional grain transfers and international trade are tackled. It linds that there are significant variations between regions in terms of magnitudes and patterns of growth. Northern regions experienced a faster growth than southern regions. There is a tendency to shift grain production centres towards north, leading to a modification of crop composition in total national output, a reversal of the prevailing direction of interregional transfers and a change in contents of grain flows. The study argues that this shift is an inevitable resulf of the uneven progress of reforms and economic development and, consequently, the varying opportunity costs of grain production in different regions. The analysis suggests that for China as a whole, further growth of grain output has been impeded by the lack ot new technologies and increasingly high opportunity costs of grain production. In the northeast region where the potential for increasing maize output is relatively high, production has been constrained by the shortage of transport and storage facilities as well as policy obstacles. The study concludes that there is a necessity for China to decentralize its grain international trade. In doing so, the imports of grain in the south will increase, and so will the exports of maize in the north.
Managerial efficiency under risk for broiler producers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sherif Sherin A. , Al‐Kahtani Safer H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractManagerial efficiency for broiler producers m Saudi Arabia is generally difficult lo achieve. High investment costs coupled with relatively high average production costs and the consequent incompetent market prices, have resulted in projects either working at less than full capacity or being shut down completely. The aim here is to determine the most efficient production alternatives (actions) available to managers under business risk considerations. The ordinary stochastic dominance approach was used to solicit the most efficient production alternatives for broilet producing projects of all sizes in the Central Region of Saudi Arabia. For small‐and medium‐sized projects, the efficient production alternatives concentrated on marketing risk. For large projects, the efficient actions concentrated on both marketing and production risks. For the three sizes of projects, the two production alternatives that proved to be the most efficient, were the one that contains creating morc marketing strategies and the one that adopts good veterinary care systems. On the other hand, the production alternative that deals with selecting good breeds of chicks appeared to be most efficient for small and large projects only.
Export taxes and sectoral economic growth: evidence from cotton and yarn markets in Pakistan
Authors: Hudson Darren , Ethridge Don 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPakistan used an export tax on raw cotton from 1988‐1995 in order to suppress the internal price of cotton to benefit the domestic yarn industry. An analysis was conducted to estimate the impact of this policy on both the cotton and yarn sectors. These effects were simulated using the results ol a structural econometric model of these sectors of Pakistan's economy Results indicated that the export tax had a negative impact on the growth rale in the cotton sector, while having little or no impact on the yarn sector. Thus, the export lax did not achieve its objective of increasing the growth rate of value‐added (yarn) production above what would have occurred naturally.
Tumour suppressive long non‐coding RNA AFDN‐DT inhibits gastric cancer invasion via transcriptional regulation
Authors: Lai Yuexing , Xu Ping , Wang Jing , Xu Kai , Wang Lin , Meng Yuchen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEmerging evidence has revealed that dysregulation of lncRNA is associated with the initiation and progression of cancer. However, the function of these lncRNAs in cancer remains largely unexplored. Here, we reported that AFDN‐DT, an lncRNA that is repressed in gastric cancers (GC), functions as a tumour suppressor by inhibiting cell growth and metastasis through transcriptional repression of genes involved in metastasis. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated that overexpression of AFDN‐DT inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of GC. We found that AFDN‐DT was located at the nucleus and interacted with the chromatin in gastric cells. Further, ChIRP‐seq experiments and RNA‐seq analysis revealed that AFDN‐DT directly bound to the promoter regions and regulated the expression of genes essential for malignant transformation. Moreover, we demonstrated that DNA hypermethylation could repress AFDN‐DT expression and treatment with DNA methylation inhibitors restored its expression. Collectively, the results of our study demonstrated the tumour suppressive role of AFDN‐DT in GC and elucidated the transcription regulatory role of tumour suppressive lncRNAs, which can serve as potential prognostic markers for GC.
The marine‐derived furanone reduces intracellular lipid accumulation in vitro by targeting LXRα and PPARα
Authors: Li Ting , Hu Shu‐Mei , Pang Xiao‐Yan , Wang Jun‐feng , Yin Jia‐Yu , Li Fa‐Hui , Wang Jin , Yang Xiao‐Qian , Xia Bin , Liu Yong‐Hong , Song Wei‐Guo , Guo Shou‐Dong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated that commercially available lipid‐lowering drugs cause various side effects; therefore, searching for anti‐hyperlipidaemic compounds with lower toxicity is a research hotspot. This study was designed to investigate whether the marine‐derived compound, 5‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐butylfuran‐2(5H)‐one, has an anti‐hyperlipidaemic activity, and the potential underlying mechanism in vitro. Results showed that the furanone had weaker cytotoxicity compared to positive control drugs. In RAW 264.7 cells, the furanone significantly lowered ox‐LDL‐induced lipid accumulation (~50%), and its triglyceride (TG)‐lowering effect was greater than that of liver X receptor (LXR) agonist T0901317. In addition, it significantly elevated the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARα) and ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which could be partially inhibited by LXR antagonists, GSK2033 and SR9243. In HepG2 cells, it significantly decreased oleic acid‐induced lipid accumulation, enhanced the protein levels of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), ABCG5, ABCG8 and PPARα, and reduced the expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (~32%). PPARα antagonists, GW6471 and MK886, could significantly inhibit the furanone‐induced lipid‐lowering effect. Furthermore, the furanone showed a significantly lower activity on the activation of the expression of lipogenic genes compared to T0901317. Taken together, the furanone exhibited a weak cytotoxicity but had powerful TC‐ and TG‐lowering effects most likely through targeting LXRα and PPARα, respectively. These findings indicate that the furanone has a potential application for the treatment of dyslipidaemia.
Drivers of Government Activity in European Countries: Do Partisan Politics Still Divide East and West?
Authors: Beckmann Joscha , Schweickert Rainer , Ahlborn Markus , Melnykovska Inna 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article takes a novel look at the relationship between government activity, partisan preferences and varieties of capitalism. Evidence from panel regressions for 25 EU countries from 1990 to 2014 suggests that there are major divides among European countries in terms of the drivers of government activity, that is, government spending and government regulation. The European divide appears to be even more pronounced between liberal and coordinated economic systems than between the classical geographical divide of east and west, which is typically used in most contributions. While both divides apply to the determinants of government activity in general, a reversal of the classical partisan effect for the east is to be found only in specific cases and, is most likely in government spending in liberal eastern countries.
Is visceral abdominal fat area a better indicator for hyperglycemic risk? Results from the Pinggu Metabolic Disease Study
Authors: Zhang Fang , Li Yufeng , Zhao Yingxi , Zhou Xianghai , Ji Linong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to analyze the strength of association between fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2‐h postprandial glucose (2h PPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), disposition index (DI) and nine anthropometrics measures, to explore the best indicator for hyperglycemia.Materials and MethodsAnalyses were based on the cross‐sectional data of 3,572 adults from the Pinggu Metabolic Disease Study. Anthropometrics were measured, visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area were calculated using an abdominal computed tomography scan. Linear regression was used to analyze the association between FPG, 2h PPG, HbA1c, DI and nine anthropometrics measures (height, weight, waist circumference [WC], body mass index and waist‐to‐hip ratio [WHR], waist‐to‐height ratio, VFA, subcutaneous fat area, and visceral‐to‐subcutaneous ratio). Logistic regression was further carried out to understand the association between per standard increase and risk for hyperglycemia.ResultsHigher VFA and subcutaneous fat area were associated with higher FPG, 2h PPG, HbA1c and DI after adjusting for other covariates. The strongest association observed after adjustment was WC for FPG, with one standard deviation greater WC being associated with 1.70 increased odds; WHR for 2h PPG, with one standard deviation greater WHR being associated with 1.83 increased odds. The strength of the association between VFA and FPG, 2h PPG, HbA1c, and DI was less than WHR and WC, but slightly stronger than body mass index. Stratified analyses showed that VFA performs better as an anthropometrics indicator in predicting hyperglycemic risk in women than men.ConclusionsWHR and WC remain the best indicators for hyperglycemic risk among ahealthy Chinese population.
Reduced risk of suicidal behaviours associated with the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with tumour necrosis factor alpha antagonists: results from the US FDA Adverse Events Reporting System pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Gupta M.A. , Vujcic B. , Sheridan A.D. , Gupta A.K. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent condition that presents as painful, suppurating lesions in the apocrine gland‐bearing skin regions. HS has been associated with increased suicidal behaviours (SB), independent of any treatment. TNF‐alpha antagonists are used to treat moderate‐to‐severe HS and have also been associated with SB, a factor that could confound the decision to use the TNF‐α antagonists in the moderately to severely affected HS patients, who may already be experiencing increased SB risk.ObjectivesTo determine presence or absence of a safety signal for SB when HS is treated with TNF‐α antagonists.MethodsWe calculated the reporting odds ratios (ROR) with 95% CI of SB associated with treatment for HS with TNF‐α antagonists vs. the reference group of all other treatments for HS in the US Food and Drug Administration pharmacovigilance database from 1 January 2004 to 31 March 2019. A second analysis excluded isotretinoin (which has been used to treat HS and has also been associated with SB) from the reference group.ResultsThere was a signal for decreased risk of SB with TNF‐α antagonists (ROR = 0.1959, 95% CI 0.1247–0.3079; z = 7.071, P < 0.0001] vs. all other HS treatments; the ROR did not change significantly after isotretinoin was excluded from the reference group.ConclusionsTreatment of HS with TNF‐α antagonists is associated with a decreased risk of SB.
Regional variations in the use of statutory skin cancer screenings in Germany: population‐based spatial multisource analysis
Authors: Augustin J. , Sorbe C. , Augustin M. , Zander N. , Kis A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundDue to the increasing incidence of skin cancer, programmes for the prevention of skin cancer have been developed and implemented in Germany. However, utilization of skin cancer screenings shows marked regional differences. Reasons and predictors of such variations are unclear.ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to identify predictors for regional use of skin cancer screening variations in Germany.MethodsAnalysis of the population set of ambulatory claims data (2009–2015) of the statutory health insurances (SHI) in Germany (70.2 million people in 2015). Skin cancer screening utilization rate was determined on county level. Descriptive, cluster and multivariate analyses were performed to identify spatial patterns in skin cancer screening utilization.ResultsOverall, 6.5–7.9 million people participated in skin cancer screenings. Utilization rates of people ≥35 years of age were 9.74% (2009) and 10.96% (2015). Marked regional variations were identified between the counties. Dermatologists in Saxony and Westphalia‐Lippe as well as general practitioners in Lower Saxony and North Rhine showed particularly high utilization rates. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated e.g. positive associations between the skin cancer screening utilization rates and employees with higher vocational qualifications and shorter travel time by car to the nearest major urban centre.ConclusionUtilization rates of skin cancer screening vary largely in Germany with specific spatial patterns. Multivariate analyses demonstrate associations with socio‐economic and geographical determinants. The results indicate the importance of health policy measures. These should be used in a more targeted manner in the regions in order to increase utilization of skin cancer screening.
The risk of treated anxiety and treated depression among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treated with apremilast compared to biologics, DMARDs and corticosteroids: a cohort study in the United States MarketScan database
Authors: Vasilakis‐Scaramozza C. , Persson R. , Hagberg K.W. , Jick S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety and depression are common among psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, but rates may differ by treatment.ObjectiveTo quantify the risk of incident treated anxiety, depression and mixed anxiety + depression in users of apremilast compared with users of other treatments for psoriasis and PsA.MethodsWe conducted two separate cohort studies of psoriasis and PsA patients treated with apremilast, tumour necrosis factor inhibitor biologics, interleukin‐17, ‐23 or ‐12/23 inhibitor biologics, conventional DMARDs or systemic corticosteroids in the United States MarketScan database. Cohort entry was date of first study drug after 21 March 2014. We identified cases who had a depression and/or anxiety diagnosis with a prescription for antidepressant/antianxiety medication within 30 days of the diagnosis code. We calculated incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for treated anxiety, treated depression and treated anxiety + depression per 1000 patient‐years (PY) among patients.ResultsAmong the psoriasis cohort, IRs for each outcome were similar between exposure categories and highest among users of systemic corticosteroids alone. IRs (95% CI) for apremilast alone were 9.2 (6.6–12.5), 4.6 (2.8–7.1) and 4.6 (2.8–7.1) per 1000 PY for treated anxiety, treated depression and treated anxiety + depression, respectively. In the PsA cohort, the rate of anxiety was highest among users of apremilast alone; rates of depression and anxiety + depression were similar for apremilast compared with other PsA treatments. IRs for each outcome were also high for users of corticosteroids in both the psoriasis and PsA cohorts.ConclusionsAmong patients with psoriasis, users of apremilast had similar rates of anxiety and depression as users of other non‐corticosteroid systemic psoriasis treatments. Among PsA patients, users of apremilast had similar rates of depression and anxiety + depression compared with users of other systemic non‐corticosteroid PsA drugs; however, the rate of anxiety was slightly higher.
Time Spent Away from Home in the Year Following High‐Risk Cancer Surgery in Older Adults
Authors: Suskind Anne M. , Zhao Shoujun , Boscardin W. John , Smith Alexander , Finlayson Emily 
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVESTo understand where older adults spend time (at home, in the hospital, or in a nursing home) in the year following high‐risk cancer surgery.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGMedicare beneficiaries using data from Medicare Inpatient claims to ascertain hospital days and the Minimum Data Set to ascertain nursing home days.PARTICIPANTSBeneficiaries who underwent high‐risk cancer surgery (cystectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, gastrectomy, or esophagectomy) were identified to determine cumulative time spent away from home in the year following surgery.MEASUREMENTSAdjusted percentages of time spent away from home (ie, days in a hospital or nursing home) were modeled for the year following surgery.RESULTSA total of 37 748 beneficiaries underwent high‐risk cancer surgery during the study period, and 28.3% died within 1 year. Overall, beneficiaries spent 13.9 ± 26.2 days in the hospital (over 1.5 ± 2.0 hospital readmissions) and 37.2 ± 50.6 days in the nursing home (over 1.5 ± 1.0 admissions) in the year following surgery. Among beneficiaries who were alive and dead at 1 year, 18.5% and 30.1% of time was spent away from home, respectively. Beneficiaries who were initially discharged to a facility following surgery and died within 1 year spent 44.4% of their final year away from home.CONCLUSIONTime spent away from home in the hospital and/or nursing home in the year following high‐risk cancer surgery is substantial among Medicare beneficiaries. This information is crucial in counseling patients on postoperative expectations and may additionally influence preoperative decision making. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:505–510, 2020
Experiences of Reproductive Coercion Among Latina Women and Strategies for Minimizing Harm: “The Path Makes Us Strong”
Authors: Grace Karen Trister , Alexander Kamila A. , Jeffers Noelene K. , Miller Elizabeth , Decker Michele R. , Campbell Jacquelyn , Glass Nancy 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionLatina women disproportionately report experiencing reproductive coercion (RC), a set of behaviors that interfere with autonomous reproductive decision making. Given RC's associations with intimate partner violence (IPV) and unintended pregnancy, it is critical to identify and address RC to assist women to achieve safety, autonomy, and reproductive life plans. The purpose of this study was to describe and understand the context of RC and the use of RC safety strategies among Latina women receiving services at an urban clinic, through listening to the experiences of the women in their own words.MethodsQualitative descriptive methodology was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 13 Latina women recruited from a Federally Qualified Health Center in the Washington, DC, area.ResultsData were organized into 3 a priori categories: (1) RC behaviors, (2) co‐occurrence of RC and IPV, and (3) RC harm reduction strategies. New RC behaviors emerged, and immigration status was used as a method of coercive control. From these a priori categories emerged 4 themes: impact of immigrant and citizenship status, machismo, strength and bravery, and importance of family. Harm reduction strategies included less detectable contraception; some sought community services, but others resorted to deception and stalling as the only tools available to them.DiscussionLess detectable methods of contraception remained useful harm reduction strategies for women experiencing RC. Midwives should inquire about method fit and be mindful of honoring the request when patients ask to change methods. Women's strength and resilience emerged as a vital source of power and endurance. This diverse sample and the powerful voices of the women who participated make a significant contribution to the understanding of RC experienced by Latina women in the United States.
Smoke Free? Public Health Policy, Coercive Paternalism, and the Ethics of Long‐Game Regulation
Authors: Coggon John 
Published: January 2020

AbstractContemporary public health advocacy promotes a ‘fifth wave of public health’: a ‘cultural’ shift wherein the public's health becomes recognized as a common good, to be realized through concerted developments in the institutional, social, and physical environments. With reference to examples from anti‐tobacco policy, in this article I critically examine the fifth‐wave agenda in England. I explore it as an approach that, in the face of liberal individualism, works through a ‘long‐game’ method of progressive social change. Given the political context, and a predominant concern with narrow understandings of legal coercion, I explain how efforts are made to apply what are presented as less ethically contentious framings of regulatory methods, such as are provided by ‘libertarian paternalism’ (‘nudge theory’). I argue that these fail as measures of legitimacy for long‐game regulation: the philosophical foundations of public health laws require a greater – and more obviously contestable, but also more ambitious – critical depth.