bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seedling production and choice among cashew farmers in Ghana: a profitability analysis
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Abele Steffen , Osei Tutu Frank , Chaa Kyire Samual Kwabena , Agyina Dickson 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe unavailability and inadequate use of cashew seedlings for propagation are part of the challenges facing the cashew sub-sector in Ghana. However, promoting investment into cashew seedling production should be based on the analysis of the profitability and viability of such a venture as well as the respective determinants of farmers' demand for the planting material.Design/methodology/approachThis study used gross margin/contribution, net margin and contribution ratios to analyse the profitability of cashew seedling production under four different business models. Also, the determinants of choice of planting material for cashew plantation among farmers was analysed via a multinomial probit regression.FindingsThe study revealed that cashew seedling production is profitable with a gross margin of $8,474, $2,242, $1,616 and $1,797 and contribution to sales of 31–53% for the various business models. The positive determinants of the use of cashew seedlings were off-farm job participation and extension contact, whereas farm size and age of plantation negatively influenced the use of seedlings. Land acquisition method also influenced the use of both seedlings and seeds negatively.Practical implicationsThe findings provide empirical evidence of the viability and profitability of cashew seedling production as a viable business venture and off-farm opportunity in rural areas. The information from the study will help major stakeholders in cashew production to understand the type of farmers who use seeds and seedlings as well as the reasons for using or otherwise.Originality/valueSignificant research in the cashew value chain had focussed on the profitability of cashew plantation with little literature on profitability and viability analysis of cashew seedling production. Similarly, this study provides a significant value chain job opportunity as well as literature on the choice of cashew seedlings among current and prospective end-users.
Development and Validation of the Operational Definitions of the Defining Characteristics of the Nursing Diagnosis of Insomnia in the Occupational Health Setting
Authors: Vega‐Escaño Juan , Barrientos‐Trigo Sergio , Romero‐Sánchez José Manuel , de Diego‐Cordero Rocío , Porcel‐Gálvez Ana María 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPURPOSETo develop and validate the operational definition (ODs) for each defining characteristic (DC) contained in the Nursing Diagnosis (ND) “insomnia” (00095) in the occupational health context.METHODSMethodological study carried out in two stages, including a consensus of experts to develop the ODs (Stage 1) and an online Delphi panel, performed in two rounds, to validate them (Stage 2).FINDINGSThe 15 ODs proposed in Stage 1 were narrowed down to six validated ODs in the first round (diagnostic content validity index [DCVI] = 0.80‐0.89). In the second round, five ODs were validated (DCVI = 0.80‐0.94). Finally, the remaining four ODs were validated by the general consensus of experts.CONCLUSIONSThe ODs were validated, although there remains some doubt as to whether some of the DCs can be applied to the field of occupational health.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICEThe ODs developed and validated could improve the diagnostic accuracy of the ND “insomnia” (00095) in the context of occupational health.
Maternal separation increases cocaine intake through a mechanism involving plasticity in glutamate signalling
Authors: Castro‐Zavala Adriana , Martín‐Sánchez Ana , Luján Miguel Ángel , Valverde Olga 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEarly‐life stress (ELS) is associated with negative consequences, including maladaptive long‐lasting brain effects. These alterations seem to increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders. However, the molecular consequences of ELS are poorly understood. In the present study, we tested the impact of ELS induced by maternal separation with early weaning (MSEW) in CD1 male mice at different phases of cocaine self‐administration (SA). We also investigated the subsequent alterations on GluR2, GluR1, cAMP response element‐binding (CREB), and CREB‐phosphorylation (pCREB) in ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) induced by both MSEW and cocaine SA. Our results show that MSEW animals expressed a higher cocaine intake, an increased vulnerability to the acquisition of cocaine SA, and incapacity to extinguish cocaine SA behaviour. MSEW mice showed decreased GluR2 and increased GluR1 and pCREB in NAc. Also, results displayed reduction of basal levels of GluR1 and CREB and an elevation of GluR1/GluR2 ratio in the VTA. Such results hint at an enhanced glutamatergic function in NAc and increased excitability of VTA DA neurons in maternally separated mice. Altogether, our results suggest that MSEW induces molecular alterations in the brain areas related to reward processing, increasing the vulnerability to depression and cocaine‐seeking behaviour.
Examining consent for interventional research in potential deceased organ donors: a narrative review
Authors: Cooper J. , Harvey D. , Gardiner D. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryIn the last decade, research in transplant medicine has focused on developing interventions in the management of the deceased organ donor to improve the quality and quantity of transplantable organs. Despite the promise of interventional donor research, there remain debates about the ethics of this research, specifically regarding gaining research consent. Here, we examine the concerns and ambiguities around consent for interventional donor research, which incorporate questions about who should consent for interventional donor research and what people are being asked to consent for. We highlight the US and UK policy responses to these concerns and argue that, whereas guidance in this area has done much to clarify these ambiguities, there is little consideration of the nature, practicalities and context around consent in this area, particularly regarding organ donors and their families. We review wider studies of consent in critical care research and social science studies of consent in medical research, to gain a broader view of consent in this area as a relational and contextual process. We contend a lack of consideration has been given to: what it might mean to consent to interventional donor research; how families, patients and health professionals might experience providing and seeking this consent; who is best placed to have these discussions; and the socio‐institutional contexts affecting these processes. Further, empirical research is required to establish an ethical and sensitive model for consent in interventional donor research, ensuring the principles enshrined in research ethics are met and public trust in organ donation is maintained.
Effects of early pregnancy on expression of interferon‐stimulated gene 15, STAT1, OAS1, MX1, and IP‐10 in ovine liver
Authors: Yang Ling , Li Ning , Zhang Leying , Bai Jiachen , Zhao Zimo , Wang Yujiao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInterferon‐tau (IFNT) regulates maternal recognition during early pregnancy in ruminants. The liver can serve as a hematopoietic organ, and it has immune functions. This study hypothesized whether mRNA and proteins of interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) induced by early pregnancy are upregulated in maternal liver. Therefore, we determined the expression of interferon‐stimulated gene 15‐kDa protein (ISG15), 2',5'‐oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MX1), interferon‐gamma‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in maternal livers during early pregnancy in sheep. Ovine livers were sampled on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy, and expression of ISGs was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry analysis. Our results showed that there were increases in expression of the mRNA and proteins of ISG15, OAS1, IP‐10, STAT1, and MX1 during early pregnancy. STAT1 protein was limited to the hepatocytes, and endothelial cells of proper hepatic arteries and hepatic portal veins. In conclusion, the upregulation of ISG15, OAS1, IP‐10, STAT1, and MX1 proteins may be implicated in maternal hepatic immune adjustment and other functions during early pregnancy in sheep.
Regulatory T cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kimura Kimitoshi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRegulatory T (Treg) cells are known to suppress excessive inflammation in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Accumulating evidence suggests that the frequency and suppressive function of Treg cells are altered in patients with MS, which might be involved in the development and exacerbation of the disease. In addition, there are several Treg cell populations with distinct functions, which are differently affected by MS. The importance of these observations is supported by studies using an animal disease model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The environmental factors are also discussed that might underlie the alteration of Treg cells in MS. The perturbation of Treg cell homeostasis could be restored by some disease‐modifying drugs. The beneficial effects of these drugs might be partially mediated by Treg cells. Understanding the dynamics of this population is crucial to reveal the pathogenesis and to develop more effective treatment strategies in MS.
Exenatide once weekly decreases urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated albuminuria: Pooled analysis of randomized active controlled clinical trials
Authors: van der Aart ‐ van der Beek Annemarie B. , van Raalte Daniel H. , Guja Cristian , Hoogenberg Klaas , Suchower Lisa J. , Hardy Elise , Sjöström C. David , Heerspink Hiddo J.L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsTo examine the albuminuria‐lowering effect of exenatide once weekly (EQW) compared with active glucose‐lowering comparators in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR).MethodsSix randomized double‐blind and open‐label phase III studies were pooled in a post hoc, exploratory analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EQW versus non‐glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist comparators in patients with type 2 diabetes and baseline uACR ≥30 mg/g. Treatment groups were EQW versus all comparators pooled. Efficacy outcomes were percent change from baseline to week 26/28 in uACR and absolute change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).ResultsBaseline characteristics were generally similar between the two treatment groups (EQW: N = 194, all comparators: N = 274). Relative to the comparator group, EQW changed albuminuria by −26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] −39.5 to −10). Similar improvements were observed with EQW versus oral glucose‐lowering drugs (−29.6% [95% CI −47.6 to −5.3) or insulin (−23.8% [95% CI −41.8 to −0.2]). The effect of EQW on uACR was independent of baseline renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor usage. Adjusted mean decreases in HbA1c, SBP and body weight were more pronounced in the EQW versus the comparator group. Adjustment for changes in HbA1c, eGFR and SBP did not substantially affect the uACR‐lowering effect of EQW. When also adjusting for changes in body weight, the uACR‐lowering effect was reduced to (−13.0% [95% CI −29.9 to 7.8]).ConclusionExenatide once weekly reduced uACR in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated albuminuria compared to commonly used glucose‐lowering drugs.
Christ’s Love, Peace, Justice, and Freedom Seen against the Challenges of the Modern World
Authors:   Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis is an edited version of an address given in Paralimni at the Open University of Cyprus in January 2019 during a meeting of the assembly planning committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), hosted by the Archdiocese of Constantia and Ammochostos. It is a reflection on the theme set for the WCC’s 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2021, “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.”
Proposal of an alternating bending technique for evaluating low‐to‐high cycle fatigue of structural steels
Authors: Fujii Tomoyuki , Tohgo Keiichiro , Fujioka Masafumi , Muhamad Azmi Muhamad Safwan Bin , Kikushima Kodai , Shimamura Yoshinobu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes an alternating bending technique for evaluating fatigue life in the low‐to‐high cycle fatigue regime. A method was developed for estimating the stress, elastic strain, and plastic strain ranges of a plastically deformed specimen subjected to alternating bending with consideration of stress and strain distributions. To evaluate its effectiveness, fatigue testing was conducted using a specimen made of a steel used for pressure vessels. The stress, elastic strain, and plastic strain ranges could be obtained during cyclic bending. The elastic strain amplitude life and plastic strain amplitude life curves were linear in a log–log plot in the low‐to‐high cycle fatigue regime. Hence, the fatigue life under alternating bending could be evaluated using the proposed strain‐based approach. However, these curves could not be predicted using equations with parameters obtained from tensile testing, such as the universal slope method, due to the strain gradient in the specimen.
A Geometrical Interpretation of Collinearity: A Natural Way to Justify Ridge Regression and Its Anomalies
Authors: García‐Pérez José , del Mar López‐Martín María , García‐García Catalina , Salmerón‐Gómez Román 
Published: April 2020

SummaryJustifying ridge regression from a geometrical perspective is one of the main contributions of this paper. To the best of our knowledge, this question has not been treated previously. This paper shows that ridge regression is a particular case of raising procedures that provide greater flexibility by transforming the matrixXassociated with the model. Thus, raising procedures, based on a geometrical idea of the vectorial space associated with the columns of matrixX, lead naturally to ridge regression and justify the presence of the well‐known constantkon the main diagonal of matrixX′X. This paper also analyses and compares different alternatives to raising with respect to collinearity mitigation. The results are illustrated with an empirical application.
RNA demethylase ALKBH5 promotes ovarian carcinogenesis in a simulated tumour microenvironment through stimulating NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Jiang Yi , Wan Yicong , Gong Mi , Zhou Shulin , Qiu Jiangnan , Cheng Wenjun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMethylation is the main form of RNA modification. N6‐methyladenine (m6A) regulates the splicing and translation of mRNA. Alk B homologue 5 (ALKBH5) participates in the biological regulation of various cancers. However, its role in ovarian carcinogenesis has not been unveiled. In the present study, ALKBH5 showed higher expression in ovarian cancer tissue than in normal ovarian tissue, but lower expression in ovarian cancer cell lines than in normal ovarian cell lines. Interestingly, Toll‐like receptor (TLR4), a molecular functioning in tumour microenvironment (TME), demonstrated the same expression trend. To investigate the effect of abnormal TME on ovarian carcinogenesis, we established an in vitro model in which macrophages and ovarian cancer cells were co‐cultured. In the ovarian cancer cells co‐cultured with M2 macrophages, the expression of ALKBH5 and TLR4 increased. We also verified that TLR4 up‐regulated ALKBH5 expression via activating NF‐κB pathway. Depending on transcriptome sequencing, m6A‐Seq and m6A MeRIP, we found that NANOG served as a target in ALKBH5‐mediated m6A modification. NANOG expression increased after mRNA demethylation, consequently enhancing the aggressiveness of ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, highly expressed TLR4 activated NF‐κB pathway, up‐regulated ALKBH5 expression and increased m6A level and NANOG expression, all contributing to ovarian carcinogenesis. Our study revealed the role of m6A in ovarian carcinogenesis, providing a clue for inventing new target therapy.
Cathepsin B inhibition blocks neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons by regulating lysosomal trafficking and remodeling
Authors: Jiang Muzhou , Meng Jie , Zeng Fan , Qing Hong , Hook Gregory , Hook Vivian , Wu Zhou , Ni Junjun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLysosomes are known to mediate neurite outgrowth in neurons. However, the principal lysosomal molecule controlling that outgrowth is unclear. We studied primary mouse neurons in vitro and found that they naturally develop neurite outgrowths over time and as they did so the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B (CTSB) mRNA levels dramatically increased. Surprisingly, we found that treating those neurons with CA‐074Me, which inhibits CTSB, prevented neurites. As that compound also inhibits another protease, we evaluated a N2a neuronal cell line in which the CTSB gene was deleted (CTSB knockout, KO) using CRISPR technology and induced their neurite outgrowth by treatment with retinoic acid. We found that CTSB KO N2a cells failed to produce neurite outgrowths but the wild‐type (WT) did. CA‐074Me is a cell permeable prodrug of CA‐074, which is cell impermeable and a specific CTSB inhibitor. Neurite outgrowth was and was not suppressed in WT N2a cells treated with CA‐074Me and CA‐074, respectively. Lysosome‐associated membrane glycoprotein 2‐positive lysosomes traffic to the plasma cell membrane in WT but not in CTSB KO N2a cells. Interestingly, no obvious differences between WT and CTSB KO N2a cells were found in neurite outgrowth regulatory proteins, PI3K/AKT, ERK/MAPK, cJUN, and CREB. These findings show that intracellular CTSB controls neurite outgrowth and that it does so through regulation of lysosomal trafficking and remodeling in neurons. This adds valuable information regarding the physiological function of CTSB in neural development.
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Occult hepatitis B virus infection predicts non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in severely obese individuals from Italy
Authors: Raimondo Giovanni , Saitta Carlo , Lombardo Daniele , Giraudi Pablo J. , Rosso Natalia , Ieni Antonio , Lazzara Salvatore , Palmisano Silvia , Bonazza Deborah , Alibrandi Angela , Navarra Giuseppe , Tiribelli Claudio , Pollicino Teresa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsObesity is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), which may progress towards non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) may contribute to hepatic damage in patients with chronic liver disease of different aetiologies (eg HCV, alcohol). However, information on the prevalence and clinical impact of OBI in obese individuals is lacking. The aims of this study were to investigate NASH prevalence and risk factors in obese people who underwent bariatric surgery.MethodsTwo‐hundred and twenty‐six subjects (160 females; mean age 42.9 years ±10.8 SD) without evidence of any further cause of liver disease consecutively underwent bariatric surgery in two Italian liver centers. During surgery, all patients underwent liver biopsy for histological evaluation and molecular studies. Liver DNA extracts were tested for PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, IRGM polymorphisms and for OBI. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of NASH.ResultsHistology showed NASH in 115 (50.9%) and NAFL in 111 cases (49.1%). Twenty‐nine/226 (12.8%) cases had OBI, 24 (82.8%) of whom had NASH and 5 (17.2%) NAFL, whereas among the 197 OBI‐negative cases, 91 (46.2%) had NASH and 106 (53.8%) NAFL (P = .0002). Multivariate analysis showed that older age (P = .03, OR 1.034), alanine aminotransferase values (P = .005, OR 1.023), insulin resistance/diabetes (P = .02, OR 2.257), TM6SF2 polymorphism (P = .04, OR 3.168) and OBI (P = .004, OR 5.503) were independent predictors of NASH.ConclusionNASH is highly prevalent in obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. OBI is one of the strongest risk factors of NASH in these patients.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme of 2009 and Nigerian Oil Production: a disaggregate econometric analysis
Authors: Walls W.D. , During Adegboyega 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe analyse the impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme on crude oil production in Nigeria. The President of Nigeria instituted an amnesty programme in June 2009 to end the disruptive protests in the oil‐producing Niger Delta. Between 2006 and 2009, it is estimated that crude oil production losses exceeded 650,000 barrels per day, dramatically reducing government revenue. The amnesty programme provided militants a state pardon, educational training and a monthly stipend in exchange for the surrender of weapons. In this research, we use disaggregate oil‐well‐level data to estimate a difference‐in‐difference model of Nigerian crude oil production. The estimates reveal that the Presidential Amnesty Programme increased the oil output in the Niger Delta by about 40 per cent above the level that would have been achieved in the absence of the policy.
Oil prices and European household consumption expenditures
Authors: Vizek Maruška , Lee Junsoo , Payne James E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study examines the influence of changes in oil prices on total household consumption along with its sub‐components from 1996 to 2018, a period characterised in the literature by the declining impact of oil price shocks on macroeconomic activity. Using several dynamic panel VAR econometric approaches, we examine the role of oil prices alongside income, wealth and debt on household consumption expenditures of 30 European countries. Results from the Granger causality tests and impulse response analysis suggest an unanticipated increase in oil prices lowers household consumption. These results are robust to changes in proxies for income, wealth and oil prices, variable ordering, estimation method and the addition of household debt service. Moreover, the inclusion of a Fourier function to the baseline panel specifications to control for unobserved non‐linear structural breaks does not change our main findings. A threshold panel VAR model with median oil price changes used as a threshold indicator suggests the reaction of household consumption to oil price shocks is regime‐dependent; i.e., consumption only reacts to oil price shocks during periods when oil prices grow faster than the median rate of change. All consumption sub‐components decrease in response to increasing oil prices, but as expected, the consumption of durable goods exhibits the largest decline after an oil price shock.
Acral lentiginous melanoma: Basic facts, biological characteristics and research perspectives of an understudied disease
Authors: Basurto‐Lozada Patricia , Molina‐Aguilar Christian , Castaneda‐Garcia Carolina , Vázquez‐Cruz Martha Estefania , Garcia‐Salinas Omar Isaac , Álvarez‐Cano Alethia , Martínez‐Said Héctor , Roldán‐Marín Rodrigo , Adams David J. , Possik Patricia A. , Robles‐Espinoza Carla Daniela 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAcral lentiginous melanoma is a histological subtype of cutaneous melanoma that occurs in the glabrous skin of the palms, soles and the nail unit. Although in some countries, particularly in Latin America, Africa and Asia, it represents the most frequently diagnosed subtype of the disease, it only represents a small proportion of melanoma cases in European‐descent populations, which is partially why it has not been studied to the same extent as other forms of melanoma. As a result, its unique genomic drivers remain comparatively poorly explored, as well as its causes, with current evidence supporting a UV‐independent path to tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the aetiology and diagnostic criteria of acral lentiginous melanoma, as well as its epidemiological and histopathological characteristics. We also describe what is known about the genomic landscape of this disease and review the available biological models to explore potential therapeutic targets.