bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of Prasugrel in Elderly/Low Body Weight Japanese Patients with Ischemic Stroke: Randomized PRASTRO-II
Authors: Kitagawa Kazuo , Toyoda Kazunori , Kitazono Takanari , Nishikawa Masakatsu , Nanto Shinsuke , Ikeda Yasuo , Abe Kenji , Ogawa Akira 
Published: March 2020

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The safety of prasugrel in elderly and/or low body weight Japanese patients with ischemic stroke who have a relatively high bleeding risk with antiplatelet therapy remains unknown. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of long-term prasugrel monotherapy for stroke prevention compared with clopidogrel in elderly and/or low body weight Japanese patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this randomized, double-blind, comparative, phase III study, elderly (age ≥75 years) and/or low body weight (≤50 kg) Japanese patients with a previous history of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke were assigned to a prasugrel 3.75 mg (PRA3.75) group, a prasugrel 2.5 mg (PRA2.5) group, or a clopidogrel 50 mg (CLO50) group and followed up for 48 weeks. The primary safety endpoint was the combined incidence of primary safety events, defined as life-threatening, major, and other clinically relevant bleeding. The efficacy endpoint was a composite of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and death from other vascular causes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 654 patients (age 76.4 ± 7.3 years, body weight 55.6 ± 9.3 kg, women 43.9%) from 74 medical institutions within Japan were enrolled. The combined incidence (95% CI) of primary safety events was 4.2% (1.9–7.8%), 1.9% (0.5–4.7%), and 3.6% (1.6–6.9%) in the PRA3.75 group (<i>n</i> = 216), PRA2.5 group (<i>n</i> = 215), and CLO50 group (<i>n</i> = 223), respectively (hazard ratios [HR] PRA3.75/CLO50, 1.13 [0.44–2.93]; PRA2.5/CLO50, 0.51 [0.15–1.69]). The incidences of bleeding leading to treatment discontinuation (95% CI) were 2.3% (0.8–5.3%), 0.9% (0.1–3.3%), and 2.2% (0.7–5.2%) in the PRA3.75, PRA2.5, and CLO50 groups, respectively (HRs PRA3.75/CLO50, 1.01 [0.29–3.48]; PRA2.5/CLO50, 0.41 [0.08–2.12]). There was no significant difference in all bleeding events between groups. The incidence of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and death from other vascular causes was lower, but not significantly so, in patients treated with prasugrel than in patients treated with clopidogrel: PRA3.75, 0.0% (0/216); PRA2.5, 3.3% (7/215); and CLO50, 3.6% (8/223; HRs PRA3.75/CLO50, 0.00 [0.00–0.00]; PRA2.5/CLO50, 0.90 [0.32–2.47]). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Elderly and/or low body weight ­Japanese patients with previous non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke who received PRA3.75 showed similar results in terms of primary safety endpoint, and a numerically lower incidence of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and death from other vascular causes, compared with those who received CLO50.
The Good Country Index, Cognitive Ability and Culture
Authors: Rindermann Heiner , Carl Noah 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The Good Country Index (GCI) measures countries’ contributions to global prosperity in domains such as peace, climate and health. It is known that political institutions and wealth can enhance a country’s ability to be ‘good’. However, past research has shown that the cognitive ability of a society – and of its intellectual classes in particular – as well as education and background factors such as culture and evolutionary history, may be particularly important for socio-economic development. Using correlations, cross-sectional path analyses and longitudinal path analyses, we examined the GCI’s relationships with the following variables: average cognitive ability, cognitive level of intellectual classes, evolutionary history, culture (indicated by religion), consanguinity, education, politics (rule of law, freedom, democracy) and wealth (GDP per capita). There was considerable overlap between measures of politics and the GCI (e.g., freedom; empirically r = .76 to .84). The most important variable for explaining international differences in the GCI was the cognitive level of intellectual classes (around r = .72), followed by indicators of culture (r = .64 to .69). Benefits and limitations of the intellectual class approach are discussed.
Lessons Learned from Cultural Features in Kibbutz Industries
Authors: Moskovich Yaffa 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Research was conducted in a non-privatized community at T Kibbutz Industries. Its aim was to analyze the unique T factory culture and to understand its covert source. The study develops a typology of cultural features observed at kibbutz industries (based on four previous case studies, with focus on T Industries) that can also be applied to other businesses. Research was conducted using qualitative methods, namely a case study including ethnographic interviews and document analysis. The findings identified an organizational culture embodying two contradicting traditions: socialistic and capitalistic values and norms. The former comprised collective principles, transparent information, teamwork, egalitarian and amicable human relationships and future management orientation, while the latter upheld professionalism, innovation, creativity and global aspirations. The managers’ ability to overcome the conflictual culture yielded an open and innovative organization that responded well to competitive environmental markets. The case study was analyzed through development of the typology first devised by Cameron and Quinn (1999, reprinted 2010), perceiving T Industries according to its clanlike, bureaucratic and competitive market attributes, whereas other kibbutz industries studied are more compatible with the combination of bureaucratic and competitive market features.
Regional Economic Growth and Inequality in India: A Sector-wise Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Aneja Ranjan , Barkha  , Banday Umer Jeelanie 
Published: March 2020

This article attempts to examine the behaviour of various sectors, with emphasis on the role of income inequality. First, the article estimates the sectoral decomposition in terms of net state domestic product (NSDP) among different states from years 1991–1992 to 2016–2017. Second, we analyse the sector-wise decomposition of regional inequality in term of per capita income. Finally, we analyse the role of developmental expenditure in regional inequalities in term of per capita developmental expenditure across various states. Based on empirical results, India has witnessed a high growth in per capita income in the post-reform period. With high growth rate, the sectoral composition of income has also registered a major change. The tertiary sector is the major contributor to growth in the post-reform period. At the sectoral level, disparity decreased within the sectors in case of primary and tertiary sector and increased in secondary sector. However, overall, the tertiary and secondary sectors are more responsible for raising the income inequality among the states while primary sector is offsetting this gap. JEL: O15, I14, I32, O12
TAS2R38 PAV Haplotype Predicts Vegetable Consumption in Community-Dwelling Caucasian Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Smith Jennifer L. , Estus Steven , Lennie Terry A. , Moser Debra K. , Chung Misook L. , Mudd-Martin Gia 
Published: March 2020

Introduction: A heart-healthy diet might reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Genetic variants that affect taste are associated with food choices. This study aims to investigate the associations of the TAS2R38 haplotype with consumption of sodium, sugar, saturated fats, and vegetables. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that, compared to people who are alanine-valine-isoleucine (AVI) homozygous for the TAS2R38 gene, those who are heterozygous or homozygous for the proline-alanine-valine (PAV) haplotype would have (a) a higher intake of sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, and (b) a lower vegetable intake. Methods: DNA from participants at risk for CVD was genotyped, and participants were assigned to groups by haplotype. Intake for sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and vegetables was assessed using the Viocare Food Frequency Questionnaire. Intake was categorized as higher versus lower consumption, divided at the median, and examined by logistic regressions. All models controlled for age, sex, smoking status, body mass index, education level, and financial status. Results: The 175 participants had a mean age of 52 ± 13 years, 72.6% were female, 100% were Caucasian, 89.1% were overweight or obese, and 82.9% were nonsmokers. Participants with one or two PAVs were grouped together, as PAV is the dominant gene, and comprised a majority of the sample (80.6%). Haplotype did not predict intake of sodium, sugar, or saturated fats. Compared to AVI homozygotes, participants with PAV homozygous or heterozygous haplotype had lower odds of being in the higher vegetable intake group (95% CI [0.17, 0.92], p = .032). Conclusions: PAV haplotype predicted lower consumption of vegetables. Variants of taste-related genes appear to play a role in food choices.
Options to enhance the veracity of Australian health service accreditation assessments
Authors: Hinchcliff Reece , Debono Deborah , Carter David , Glennie Miriam , Robertson Hamish , Travaglia Joanne 
Published: March 2020

Background: Assessment processes applied within some health service accreditation programs have been criticised at times for being inaccurate, inconsistent or inefficient. Such criticism has inspired the development of innovative assessment methods. Objective: The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care considered the use of three such methods: short-notice or unannounced methods; patient journey or tracer methods; and attestation by governing bodies. Method: A systematic search and synthesis of published peer-reviewed and grey literature associated with these methods. Results and Conclusion: The published literature demonstrates that the likely benefits of these three assessment methods warrant further evaluation, real-world trials and stakeholder consultation to determine the most appropriate models to introduce into national accreditation programs. Implications: The subsequent introduction of models of short-notice assessments and attestation by governing bodies into the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme in January 2019 demonstrates how the findings presented in this article influenced the national change in assessment practice, providing an example of evidence-informed accreditation development.
TNIIIA2, The Peptide of Tenascin-C, as a Candidate for Preventing Articular Cartilage Degeneration
Authors: Hattori Tetsuya , Hasegawa Masahiro , Unno Hironori , Iino Takahiro , Fukai Fumio , Yoshida Toshimichi , Sudo Akihiro 
Published: March 2020

Objective TNIIIA2 is a peptide of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C. We evaluated whether intra-articular injection of TNIIIA2 could prevent articular cartilage degeneration without inducing synovitis in an osteoarthritis mice model. Design Ten micrograms per milliliter of TNIIIA2 were injected into the knee joint of mice (group II) to evaluate the induction of synovitis. The control group received an injection of phosphate buffered saline (group I). Synovitis was evaluated using synovitis score 2 and 4 weeks after injection. The ligaments of knee joints of mice were transected to make the osteoarthritis model. After transection, 10 µg/mL of TNIIIA2 was injected into the knee joint (group IV). The control group received an injection of phosphate buffered saline after transection (group III). Histologic examinations were made using hematoxylin and eosin and safranin-O staining at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. An in vitro study was also performed to determine the mechanism by which TNIIIA2 prevents cartilage degeneration. Human chondrocytes were isolated, cultured, and treated with TNIIIA2. The expressions of various mRNAs, including inflammatory cytokines, and anabolic and catabolic factors for cartilage were compared using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results There were no differences between groups in the study of intra-articular injection of mice (group I vs. group II). In the osteoarthritis model, we found development of osteoarthritis was suppressed in group IV at 4 and 8 weeks. TNIIIA2 upregulated the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase 3, and basic fibroblast growth factor. Conclusion We demonstrated that TNIIIA2 could prevent cartilage degeneration without synovitis.
Runx1 negatively regulates inflammatory cytokine production by neutrophils in response to Toll-like receptor signaling
Authors: Bellissimo Dana C. , Chen Chia-hui , Zhu Qin , Bagga Sumedha , Lee Chung-Tsai , He Bing , Wertheim Gerald B. , Jordan Martha , Tan Kai , Worthen G. Scott , Gilliland D. Gary , Speck Nancy A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
RUNX1 is frequently mutated in myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. It has been shown to negatively regulate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling through nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in lung epithelial cells. Here we show that RUNX1 regulates TLR1/2 and TLR4 signaling and inflammatory cytokine production by neutrophils. Hematopoietic-specific RUNX1 loss increased the production of proinflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), by bone marrow neutrophils in response to TLR1/2 and TLR4 agonists. Hematopoietic RUNX1 loss also resulted in profound damage to the lung parenchyma following inhalation of the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, neutrophils with neutrophil-specific RUNX1 loss lacked the inflammatory phenotype caused by pan-hematopoietic RUNX1 loss, indicating that dysregulated TLR4 signaling is not due to loss of RUNX1 in neutrophils per se. Rather, single-cell RNA sequencing indicates the dysregulation originates in a neutrophil precursor. Enhanced inflammatory cytokine production by neutrophils following pan-hematopoietic RUNX1 loss correlated with increased degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB signaling, and RUNX1-deficient neutrophils displayed broad transcriptional upregulation of many of the core components of the TLR4 signaling pathway. Hence, early, pan-hematopoietic RUNX1 loss de-represses an innate immune signaling transcriptional program that is maintained in terminally differentiated neutrophils, resulting in their hyperinflammatory state. We hypothesize that inflammatory cytokine production by neutrophils may contribute to leukemia associated with inherited RUNX1 mutations.
Helicobacter pylori infection as a risk factor for diabetes: a meta-analysis of case-control studies
Authors: Mansori Kamyar , Moradi Yousef , Naderpour Sara , Rashti Roya , Moghaddam Ali Baradaran , Saed Lotfolah , Mohammadi Hedyeh 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are several studies with varied and mixed results about the possible relationship betweenH. pyloriand diabetes. Therefore, this current meta-analysis performed to determine the association betweenH. pyloriinfection and the risk of diabetes mellitus.MethodsA systematic literature searches of international databases, including Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, Scopus, EMBASE, and CINHAL (January 1990–March 2019) was conducted to identify studies investigating the relationship betweenH. pyloriinfection and diabetes mellitus. Only case–control studies were analyzed using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stratified and subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity between studies and assess effects of study quality. Logarithm and standard error logarithm odds ratio (OR) were also used for meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 41 studies involving 9559 individuals (case; 4327 and control; 5232) were analyzed. The pooled estimate of the association betweenH. pyloriinfection with diabetes was OR = 1.27 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.45,P = 0.0001, I2 = 86.6%). The effect ofH. pyloriinfection on diabetes mellitus (both types), type 1 and type 2 diabetes was 1.17 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.45), 1.19 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.45), and 1.43 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.85) respectively. Subgroup analysis by the geographical regions showed in Asian population risk of the effect ofH. pyloriinfection on diabetes was slightly higher than other population,ConclusionIn overall a positive association betweenH. pyloriinfection and diabetes mellitus was found.
Perinatal asphyxia and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sendeku Fikadu Waltengus , Azeze Getnet Gedefaw , Fenta Selamawit Lake 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite different preventive strategies that have been implemented in different health institutions in the country, neonatal mortality and morbidity are still significantly increasing in Ethiopia. Perinatal asphyxia is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of perinatal asphyxia in Ethiopia.

Methods
Online databases (PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE, Google Scholar and African Journals), other gray and online repository accessed studies were searched using different search engines. Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used for critical appraisal of studies. The analysis was done using STATA 11 software. The Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were used to test the heterogeneity of studies. The funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to detect publication bias of the studies. The pooled prevalence of perinatal asphyxia and the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval was presented using forest plots.

Result
Nine studies were included in this review, with a total of 12,249 live births in Ethiopia. The overall pooled prevalence of perinatal asphyxia in Ethiopia was 24.06% (95 95%CI: 18.11–30.01). Associated factors of perinatal asphyxia included prolonged labor (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.98, 3.93), low birth weight (OR = 6.52, 95% CI: 4.40, 9.65), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR = 5.91, 95% CI: 3.95, 8.83) and instrumental delivery (OR = 4.04, 95% CI: 2.48, 6.60) were the determinant factors of perinatal asphyxia in Ethiopia.

Conclusions
The overall pooled prevalence of perinatal asphyxia was remarkably high. Duration of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, instrumental deliveries, and birth weight were the associated factors of perinatal asphyxia in Ethiopia. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve the quality of intrapartum care service to prevent prolonged labor and fetal complications and to identify and make a strict follow up of mothers with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. This finding is important to early recognition and management of its contributing factors, might modify hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and may improve the implementation of the standard guideline effectively and consistently.
How to ensure basic competencies in end of life care – a mixed methods study with post-graduate trainees in primary care in Germany
Authors: Schwill Simon , Reith Dorothee , Walter Tobias , Engeser Peter , Wensing Michel , Flum Elisabeth , Szecsenyi Joachim , Krug Katja 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Providing end of life care (EoLC) is an important aspect of primary care, which reduces the risk of hospital admission for most patients. However, general practitioners (GPs) seem to have low confidence in their ability to provide EoLC. Little is known about an adequate volume and kind of training in EoLC among GP trainees.

Methods
We performed a before-after comparison in all post-graduate GP trainees who were registered in the vocational training program (KWBW VerbundweiterbildungPLUS). They were offered participation within a two-day seminar focussing on palliative care in 2017. Those who attended the seminar (intervention group I) completed a paper-based questionnaire directly before the intervention (T1) and 6 months after (T2). None-attendees (group C) were also asked to fill out the questionnaire once. The questionnaire covered previous experiences in palliative care, self-assessment of competencies in EoLC in the organisation of patient care as well as in control of symptoms, attitudes towards death and caring for dying patients and questions about GPs’ role in EoLC.

Results
In total, 294 GP trainees (I: n = 219; C: n = 75) participated in the study. Of those, more than 90% had previously gained experience in EoLC mainly during vocational training in the hospital rotation. Around a third had previously gained competencies in EoLC in medical school. Between groups I (T1) and C no significant differences were observed in socio-demographic characteristics, pre-existing experience or overall expertise. At T2, 75% of participants of group I declared they have extended their competencies in EoLC after the intervention and 70% classified the intervention as helpful or very helpful. Overall, they rated their competencies significantly higher than at T1 (p < 0.01). In detail, competencies in organisation of EoLC and competencies in handling of symptoms significantly improved (p < 0.01). Due to the intervention, 66% could reflect their attitudes towards dying, death and grief and 18% changed their attitudes. Group I highlighted palliative care as one of GPs tasks (Likert 4.47/5, SD 0.75).

Conclusions
The intervention fostered personal competencies, understanding and self-confidence in EoLC among GP trainees. This is crucial for the aim to broadly provide EoLC.
Dietary patterns of Brazilian farmers and their relation with sociodemographic, labor, and lifestyle conditions
Authors: Cattafesta Monica , Petarli Glenda Blaser , da Luz Tamires Conceição , Zandonade Eliana , de Paula Alves Bezerra Olívia Maria , Salaroli Luciane Bresciani 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The eating habits have changed in the last few decades, but few studies prioritize the food consumption of farmers and the rural population. Therefore, the objective of this study was explore the sociodemographic, occupational and lifestyle factors to the high adherence these dietary patterns.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study of 740 farmers (51.5%, n = 381 males; 48.5%, n = 359 females) from a municipality in Southeastern Brazil. Food intake data were obtained by applying multipass 24-h recall and dietary intake was presented in dietary patterns determined by Principal Component Analysis with varimax orthogonal rotation.

Results
Three dietary patterns were identified. The first pattern, “local traditional”, was associated with sociodemographic and labor variables, being considered typical of the region’s farmer as white race/color (p = 0.003), not extra-physical activity (p = 0.014) and cultivating 5 or more crops (p = 0.005). The permanence of a “traditional Brazilian” pattern and the occurrence of an “industrialized” pattern were also observed. Farmers working in non-conventional agriculture were 54% less adhere to “traditional Brazilian” pattern (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25–0.86, p = 0.014). Individuals aged 50 and over years were 82% less likely (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.10–0.30) to adhere to “industrialized” pattern. Still, individuals of lower socioeconomic class were 52% less likely to adhere to this pattern (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24–0.96). Farmers who spent R$ 200 or more per capita to buy food were more than twice as likely to adhere to this food pattern (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.32–3.73), and who had the habit of frequently eating out were 1.62 as likely adhere to “industrialized” pattern (95% CI 1.11–2.36).

Conclusions
The findings indicate changes in dietary patterns in rural areas of the country, maintaining a traditional Brazilian pattern, as well as a local and an industrialized pattern. This last pattern demonstrates that the contemporary rural population also opts for a diet with ultra-processed products, being associated with the characteristic habits of a more urbanized rural region.