bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degrees of ‘eliteness’ in higher education systems: A comparison between Germany and France
Authors: Winkler Oliver , Sackmann Reinhold 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEducation systems worldwide differ in their degree of eliteness. They range from being non‐elitist with dominant patterns of horizontal differentiation (e.g., Germany) to being strongly elitist and having established elite education sectors (e.g., France). Quantitatively, it remains relatively unclear how the eliteness of education systems can be assessed and evaluated. We identify several theoretical mechanisms that are assumed to increase or decrease vertical differentiation between education institutions. For the analyses, we use two large secondary datasets of student beginners’ higher education choices in Germany and France and test different measures of inequality and concentration (Gini index, Duncan’s D, inverse Pareto coefficient, percentile ratios) to describe the degree of eliteness. We estimated the shares of students from higher status groups (high achievers, upper‐tier service class academic milieu) in higher education institutions and fields of study and compared their distribution. Our findings indicate that analyses of percentiles, percentile ratios and inverse Pareto coefficient confirm an expected stronger concentration of high achieving students in the top of the distribution of higher education institutions and fields of study in France than in Germany. In comparison to students’ achievement, social origin proved to be less important for country‐specific differences in concentration.
Revisiting patient expectations and experiences of antibiotics in an era of antimicrobial resistance: Qualitative study
Authors: Boiko Olga , Gulliford Martin C. , Burgess Caroline 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate contemporary patient expectations and experiences of antibiotic prescribing in England.BackgroundPrimary care providers’ compliance with patient influences has been identified as a motivation for antibiotic‐prescribing behaviour. Since 2013, there have been concerted efforts to publicize and address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. A fresh qualitative insight into patient expectations and experiences is needed.DesignQualitative study using semi‐structured interviews.Setting and participantsTwo English regions, one an urban metropolitan area and the other a town in rural England. Patients who recently consulted for infections were recruited. The information power approach was used to determine the number of participants, yielding a sample of 31 participants.Main measuresThematic analysis was carried out to analyse the interview data.ResultsFive themes were identified: beliefs, expectations, experiences of taking antibiotic, experience of antimicrobial resistance and side‐effects, and experiences of consultations. The accounts reflected improved public knowledge: antibiotics were perceived to be much‐needed medicines that should be prescribed when appropriate. The data showed that patients formed expectations of expectations, trying to read the prescribers’ intentions and reflect on the dependency between what prescribers and patients wanted. Patient experiences featured as nuanced and detailed with knowledge of AMR and side‐effects of antibiotics in the context of positive consultation experiences.ConclusionsThe study highlighted complex interplays between adherence to antibiotics and consuming antibiotics in reflexive, informed ways. Ensuring that present and future patients are informed about potential benefits and harms of antibiotic use will contribute to future antimicrobial stewardship.
Severe and moderate seasonal influenza epidemics among Italian healthcare workers: A comparison of the excess of absenteeism
Authors: Gianino Maria Michela , Kakaa Omar , Politano Gianfranco , Scarmozzino Antonio , Benso Alfredo , Zotti Carla Maria 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to quantify the excess of sickness absenteeism among healthcare workers (HCWs), to estimate the impact of a severe versus moderate influenza season and to determine whether the vaccination rates are associated with reduced sickness absence.MethodsWe investigated the excess absenteeism that occurred in a large Italian hospital, 5300 HCWs, during the severe influenza season of 2017/2018 and compared it with three moderate flu seasons (2010/2013). Data on influenza vaccinations and absenteeism were obtained from the hospital's databases. The data were split into two periods: the epidemic, from 42 to 17 weeks, and non‐epidemic, defined as 18 to 41 weeks, which was used as the baseline. We stratified the absenteeism among HCWs in multiple variables.ResultsOur study showed an increased absenteeism among HCWs during the epidemic period of severe season in comparison with non‐epidemic periods, the absolute increase correlated with a relative increase of 70% (from 4.05 to 6.68 days/person). Vaccinated HCWs had less excess of absenteeism in comparison with non‐vaccinated HCWs (1.74 vs 2.71 days/person). The comparison with the moderate seasons showed a stronger impact on HCW sick absenteeism in the severe season (+0.747days/person, P = .03), especially among nurses and HCWs in contact with patients (+1.53 P < .01; +1.19 P < .01).ConclusionsIn conclusion, a severe influenza epidemic has greater impacts on the absenteeism among HCWs than a moderate one. Although at a low rate, a positive effect of vaccination on absenteeism is present, it may support healthcare facilities to recommend vaccinations for their workers.
Climatic determinants of lowland rice development
Authors: Stuerz Sabine , Shrestha Suchit P. , Schmierer Marc , Vu Duy H. , Hartmann Julia , Sow Abdoulaye , Razafindrazaka Ando , Abera Bayuh Belay , Chuma Boshuwenda Andre , Asch Folkard 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAccurate modelling of plant development is the basis for any assessment of climate change impact on crop yields. Most rice models simulate development (phenology) based on temperature and photoperiod, but often the reliability of these models is reduced beyond the environment they were calibrated for. In our study, we tested the effects of relative air humidity and solar radiation on leaf appearance rate in greenhouse experiments and analysed data sets from field studies conducted in two extremely different rice‐growing environments in Nepal and Senegal. We also analysed environmental effects on duration to flowering of one popular IRRI material (IR64) for eight different sites covering the entire temperature range where rice is widely cultivated. Both low relative air humidity and low solar radiation significantly decreased leaf appearance rate. Mean air temperature explained 81% of the variation in duration to flowering across sites, which was furthermore significantly influenced by relative air humidity. Across all sites, a simple linear regression approach including mean air temperature and mean relative humidity in the calculation of duration to flowering led to a root mean square error (RMSE) of 10 days, which was slightly lower than the RMSE of 11 days achieved with an automated calibration tool for parameter optimization of cardinal temperatures and photoperiod sensitivity. Parameter optimization for individual sites led to a much smaller prediction error, but also to large differences in cardinal temperatures between sites, mainly lower optimum temperatures for the cooler sites. To increase the predictive power of phenological models outside their calibration range and especially in climate change scenarios, a more mechanistic modelling approach is needed. A starting point could be including relative air humidity and radiation in the simulation procedure of crop development, and presumably, a closer link between growth and development procedures could help to increase the robustness of phenological models.
Altitude, temperature, and N Management effects on yield and yield components of contrasting lowland rice cultivars
Authors: Chuma Boshuwenda Andre , Cotter Marc , Kalisa Alain , Rajaona Arisoa , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Stuerz Sabine , Vincent Isaac , Asch Folkard 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNitrogen (N) is one of the main nutrients that drive rice grain yield and is intensely managed especially in lowlands under irrigated conditions. A set of experiments was conducted in mid‐ and high‐altitude sites in Rwanda to investigate the response of five genotypes under different sowing dates and different N management. Genotype grain yields were higher and more stable at mid‐altitude across sowing dates. N rates strongly affected grain yield at mid‐altitude (p < .0001), but not at high altitude. Postponing basal N had positive effects on yield and yield components in both sites, with more pronounced effects at high altitude. Increasing N rate beyond 120 kg/ha led to a decrease in percentage of panicles per tiller and spikelet fertility and a decrease in grain yield due to excessive tillers at both high altitude and mid‐altitude. Thus, basal N application should be recommended at high altitude and the increase in N rate up to 120 kg/ha at mid‐altitude. A strict observation of recommended planting date should be followed at high altitude, and the use of cold‐tolerant genotypes is encouraged.
A Cognitive Learning Account of the Avoidance, Omission and Exaggerated Phenomena and Expressions in Young Adolescents’ Drawings of the Human Figure in the Visual Culture Art Education Context
Authors: Lau Chung‐yim 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt is common in the everyday art class to find many examples of avoidance, omission and exaggeration in young adolescents’ depictions of the human figure. When students depict sophisticated human images, they make every effort to avoid the difficult parts, and some students tend to exaggerate the size or distort the shape of the human image. Art educators see these types of behaviour and modes of expression as unnatural, and claim that they may hinder the development of the creativity of young adolescents. Relevant discussions in the literature from a psychological perspective are mainly concerned with the negative impact of such behaviour and modes of expression on the formation of young adolescents’ identities. However, in the context of popular visual culture, the findings of recent studies on young adolescents’ comic drawings have suggested that when young adolescents draw comic characters, they use their everyday life experiences in their drawings. This article reports on a five‐year qualitative longitudinal study conducted in a Hong Kong secondary school. The aim of the study was to deepen our understanding of this behaviour on the part of adolescents in art classes. The findings of the study confirmed the view that these aspects should be interpreted from a cognitive learning perspective. It is suggested that art educators reconsider these types of behaviour and modes of expression as a potential means for improving secondary students’ learning of the art of popular visual culture.
His bundle pacing insights from electroanatomical mapping: Topography and pacing targets
Authors: Orlov Michael V. , Jahangir Ahad , McKelvey Daniel , Armstrong James , Maslov Mikhail , Monin AJ. , Koulouridis Ioannis , Casavant David , Wylie John V. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo characterize 3D electroanatomical mapping (EAM) of the His bundle (HB) region.BackgroundVisualization of selective (S) and nonselective (NS) HB capture areas by EAM has not been described and may help guide HB pacing (HBP).MethodsEAM was performed via NavX system in 17 patients (pts) undergoing HBP. HB cloud, S‐HB, NS‐HB, and right bundle (RB) capture areas were mapped.ResultsS‐HBP areas were identified in 11, NS‐HBP in 14, and RB in 11 pts. Two NS‐HBP areas (upper and lower) either separated by S‐HBP (8 pts) or almost contiguous (5 pts) were observed. S‐HBP area measured: 1.1 ± 0.9 cm2, NS upper: −1.2 ± 0.9 cm2, NS lower: −1.2 ± 0.9 cm2, RB: −1.7 ± 1.3 cm2, total His cloud: −4.1 ± 2.7 cm2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) pacemaps were different between upper and lower NS‐HBP areas in 13/14 pts (p = .006). ECG differences between NS clouds were present in inferior leads in 9 pts (more negative QRS complex from lower NS area) and in precordial leads in 5 pts. There was no correlation between HBP lead location and capture threshold. R‐wave amplitude was higher at more distal locations on HB cloud (p = .02).Conclusion(1) Pacemapping identifies distinct regions that may correspond to HB anatomy. (2) A linear S‐HBP area is typically surrounded by two separate NS areas. (3) Pace‐map ECGs from upper and lower NS‐HBP areas have different morphologies. (4) These EAM features and pace‐mapping may be helpful to the implanter.
Extracellular vesicle‐enclosed miR‐486‐5p mediates wound healing with adipose‐derived stem cells by promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Lu Yingjie , Wen Huicai , Huang Jinjun , Liao Peng , Liao Huaiwei , Tu Jun , Zeng Yuanlin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAdipose‐derived stem cells (ASC) are said to have a pivotal role in wound healing. Specifically, ASC‐secreted extracellular vesicles (EV) carry diverse cargos such as microRNAs (miRNAs) to participate in the ASC‐based therapies. Considering its effects, we aimed to investigate the role of ASC‐EVs in the cutaneous wound healing accompanied with the study on the specific cargo‐medicated effects on wound healing. Two full‐thickness excisional skin wounds were created on mouse dorsum, and wound healing was recorded at the indicated time points followed by histological analysis and immunofluorescence staining for CD31 and α‐SMA. Human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) were co‐cultured with EVs isolated from ASC (ASC‐EVs), respectively, followed by the evaluation of their viability and mobility using CCK‐8, scratch test and transwell migration assays. Matrigel‐based angiogenesis assays were performed to evaluate vessel‐like tube formation by HMECs in vitro. ASC‐EVs accelerated the healing of full‐thickness skin wounds, increased re‐epithelialization and reduced scar thickness whilst enhanced collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in murine models. However, miR‐486‐5p antagomir abrogated the ASC‐EVs‐induced effects. Intriguingly, miR‐486‐5p was found to be highly enriched in ASC‐EVs, exhibiting an increase in viability and mobility of HSFs and HMECs and enhanced the angiogenic activities of HMECs. Notably, we also demonstrated that ASC‐EVs‐secreted miR‐486‐5p achieved the aforesaid effects through its target gene Sp5. Hence, our results suggest that miR‐486‐5p released by ASC‐EVs could be a critical mediator to develop an ASC‐based therapeutic strategy for wound healing.
Oestrogen induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in endometriosis via circ_0004712/miR‐148a‐3p sponge function
Authors: He Xin , Liu Nana , Mu Tianyi , Lu Dan , Jia Chanwei , Wang Shuyu , Yin Chenghong , Liu Lingyan , Zhou Liying , Huang Xiaowu , Ma Yanmin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEndometriosis is a common, chronic gynaecologic disease affecting up to 10% of women in their reproductive age and leading to pain and infertility. Oestrogen (E2)‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process has been considered as a key factor of endometriosis development. Recently, the dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been discovered in endometriosis tissues. However, the molecular mechanism of circRNAs on the E2‐induced EMT process in endometriosis is still unknown. Here, we demonstrated that circ_0004712 up‐regulated by E2 treatment in endometrial epithelial cells. Knock‐down the expression of circ_0004712 significantly suppressed E2‐induced cell migration activity. Meanwhile, we identified miR‐148a‐3p as a potential target miRNA of circ_0004712. Inhibited the expression of miR‐148a‐3p could recovered the effect of circ_0004712 knock‐down in E2‐treated endometrial epithelial. Furthermore, Western blot assay showed that E2 treatment could increase the expression and activity of β‐catenin, snail and N‐cadherin and reduce the expression of E‐cadherin. The expression and activity of β‐catenin pathway were recovered by circ_0004712 knock‐down or miR‐148a‐3p overexpression. Altogether, the results demonstrate that circ_0004712/miR‐148a‐3p plays an important role in E2‐induced EMT process in the development of endometriosis, and the molecular mechanism may be associated with the β‐catenin pathway. This work highlighted the importance of circRNAs in the development of endometriosis and provide a new biomarker for diagnosis and therapies.
Mesenchymal stromal cell‐derived factors promote the colonization of collagen 3D scaffolds with human skin cells
Authors: Tutuianu Raluca , Rosca Ana‐Maria , Albu Kaya Madalina Georgiana , Pruna Vasile , Neagu Tiberiu Paul , Lascar Ioan , Simionescu Maya , Titorencu Irina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe development of stem cell technology in combination with advances in biomaterials has opened new ways of producing engineered tissue substitutes. In this study, we investigated whether the therapeutic potential of an acellular porous scaffold made of type I collagen can be improved by the addition of a powerful trophic agent in the form of mesenchymal stromal cells conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) in order to be used as an acellular scaffold for skin wound healing treatment. Our experiments showed that MSC‐CM sustained the adherence of keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as the proliferation of keratinocytes. Moreover, MSC‐CM had chemoattractant properties for keratinocytes and endothelial cells, attributable to the content of trophic and pro‐angiogenic factors. Also, for the dermal fibroblasts cultured on collagen scaffold in the presence of MSC‐CM versus serum control, the ratio between collagen III and I mRNAs increased by 2‐fold. Furthermore, the gene expression for α‐smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 and 2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐14 was significantly increased by approximately 2‐fold. In conclusion, factors existing in MSC‐CM improve the colonization of collagen 3D scaffolds, by sustaining the adherence and proliferation of keratinocytes and by inducing a pro‐healing phenotype in fibroblasts.
Postnatal growth retardation is associated with intestinal mucosa mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant energy status in piglets
Authors: Qi Ming , Wang Jing , Tan Bie , Liao Simeng , Long Cimin , Yin Yulong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIndividuals with postnatal growth retardation (PGR) are prone to developing chronic disease. Abnormal development in small intestine is casually implicated in impaired growth performance. However, the exact mechanism is still unknown. In this present study, PGR piglets (aged 42 days) were employed as a good model to analyse changes in nutrient absorption and energy metabolism in the intestinal mucosa. The results showed lower serum concentrations of free amino acids, and lipid metabolites in PGR piglets, which were in accordance with the down‐regulated mRNA expressions involved in fatty acid and amino acid transporters in the jejunal and ileal mucosa. The decreased activities of digestive enzymes and the marked swelling in mitochondria were also observed in the PGR piglets. In addition, it was found that lower ATP production, higher AMP/ATP ratio, deteriorated mitochondrial complex III and ATP synthase, and decreased manganese superoxide dismutase activity in the intestinal mucosa of PGR piglets. Furthermore, altered gene expression involved in energy metabolism, accompanied by decreases in the protein abundance of SIRT1, PGC‐1α and PPARγ, as well as phosphorylations of AMPKα, mTOR, P70S6K and 4E‐BP1 were observed in intestinal mucosa of PGR piglets. In conclusion, decreased capability of nutrient absorption, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aberrant energy status in the jejunal and ileal mucosa may contribute to PGR piglets.
Acupuncture for pain, mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life in patients with masticatory myofascial pain: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: de Salles‐Neto Franklin Teixeira , de Paula Janice Simpson , Romero João Gabriel de Azevedo José , Almeida‐Leite Camila Megale 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundMasticatory myofascial pain is the most prevalent muscular temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It primarily affects masseter and temporal muscles. Several treatments, including acupuncture, have been recommended. However, systematic reviews have highlighted gaps in studies and absence of conclusive results.ObjectivesWe performed a randomised controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving pain, mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life in women with masticatory myofascial pain.MethodsThirty‐six patients diagnosed with masticatory myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were divided into the following two groups: acupuncture and control (non‐penetrating acupuncture).Treatment was performed weekly for 5 weeks, and pain, mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life were evaluated one week before treatment, one week after treatment and one month after treatment. Non‐parametric and parametric tests were used for comparisons between times and treatment groups (significance level ofP ≤ .05).ResultsThe acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in pain (P ≤ .01), which was not observed in the control group. Pain intensity was reduced by 61% and 84% at 1 week and 1 month after treatment, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvements in mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life over time (P ≤ .01). Statistical analysis did not show a significant difference between the groups for any other evaluated outcome (P > .05).ConclusionAlthough acupuncture was effective in pain reduction, non‐specific factors may have influenced mandibular function and oral health‐related quality of life improvements in both groups, and this needs to be further addressed.
Culturally Relevant Resilience: A Psychometric Meta‐Analysis of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM)
Authors: Renbarger Rachel L. , Padgett R. Noah , Cowden Richard G. , Govender Kaymarlin , Yilmaz Münübe Z. , Scott Lakia M. , Makhnach Alexander V. , Novotny Jan Sebastian , Nugent Geoff , Rosenbaum Lacey , Křeménková Lucie 
Published: July 2020

Measuring key components of resilience is vital for understanding cross‐cultural dynamics among youth and the environment. The Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM‐28) was developed as a cross‐cultural measure of resilience and has been used globally. To examine the cross‐cultural utility of the CYRM‐28, we conducted a systematic review of the literature reporting on the psychometric properties of the measure. Using data representing six countries (N = 6,232) that were supplied from authors of the studies reviewed, a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted to estimate the variability of the measurement properties among communities, ages, and sex. Results indicate that the literature generally did not include reliability and validity information for the instrument. From the multilevel confirmatory factor analysis, the measure was invariant between adolescent age‐groups and sexes but not across communities.