bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Like a rug had been pulled from under you’: The impact of COVID‐19 on teachers in England during the first six weeks of the UK lockdown
Authors: Kim Lisa E. , Asbury Kathryn 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundOn 20 March 2020, in response to COVID‐19, UK schools were closed to most pupils. Teachers were required to put remote teaching and learning in place with only two days’ notice from the government.AimsThe current study explores teachers’ experiences of this abrupt change to their working practices, and during the 5–6 weeks that followed.SampleTwenty‐four teachers from English state schools were interviewed, representing mainstream primary and secondary schools and a range of years of experience and seniority.MethodsParticipants were asked to tell stories of three key scenes during the first 5–6 weeks of lockdown: a low point, a high point, and a turning point. A reflexive thematic analysis of their narratives was conducted.Results and ConclusionsSix themes were identified: uncertainty, finding a way, worry for the vulnerable, importance of relationships, teacher identity, and reflections. Teachers’ narratives suggest that, after an initial period of uncertainty they settled into the situation and found a way forward, supported by strong relationships. However, they remain extremely worried about the most vulnerable pupils and want more joined‐up thinking from the government on how to support them effectively, along with clarity from policymakers to enable planning ahead. Teachers reflected on how to use their learning during this period to improve pupils’ experiences of education post‐COVID‐19, and on how aspects of shared teacher identity have worked as stressors and coping mechanisms. These initial interviews form the baseline for a longitudinal interview study of teachers’ experiences of COVID‐19 in England.
Usability and experience testing to refine an online intervention to prevent weight gain in new kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Castle Ellen M. , Greenwood James , Chilcot Joseph , Greenwood Sharlene A. 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesWeight gain in the first year following kidney transplantation increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Currently, there is no recognized intervention available to prevent weight gain after kidney transplantation. An online kidney transplant‐specific resource, entitled Exercise in Renal Transplant Online (ExeRTiOn), has been co‐created by a multi‐professional team, including patients, to assist with weight prevention. This study aimed to evaluate patient and health care professional usability and experience of the ExeRTiOn online resource.DesignQualitative study utilizing ‘Think‐Aloud’ and semi‐structured interviews.MethodsParticipants (n = 17) were purposively sampled to include new kidney transplant recipients (n = 11) and transplant health care professionals (n = 6). Kidney transplant recipient participants were from a spread of physical activity levels based on scores from the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). ‘Think‐Aloud’ interviews assessed the usability of ExeRTiOn. Semi‐structured interviews explored participants’ experience of ExeRTiOn, weight gain, and physical activity. The data set were analysed thematically. Participant characteristics, including login data and self‐reported body weight, were collected.ResultsData analyses identified valued intervention content and usability aspects which were summarized by two themes. The first theme ‘You need to know how to manage yourself’ included subthemes: (1) the resource filled a guidance gap, (2) expert patient content resonated, and (3) the importance of goal setting and monitoring progress. The second theme ‘room for improvement’ included subthemes: (2) web support and (2) content and operational change suggestions.ConclusionsResults have allowed for identification of potential areas for resource refinement. This has facilitated iterative enhancement of ExeRTiOn in preparation for a randomized controlled feasibility trial.
Three‐dimensional echocardiography to identify right ventricular dilatation in patients with corrected Fallot anomaly or pulmonary stenosis
Authors: Trzebiatowska‐Krzynska Aleksandra , Swahn Eva , Wallby Lars , Nielsen Niels Erik , Carlhäll Carl Johan , Engvall Jan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground3‐Dimensional Echocardiography allows measuring volumes and parameters of myocardial deformation (strain). Myocardial strain has been suggested to be superior to conventional echo parameters in the assessment of right ventricular (RV) function. Myocardial strain can be assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) or two‐ and three‐dimensional echocardiography (2D and 3DEcho). We performed a comprehensive assessment of the RV based on 3DEcho and compared the results with those based on CMR and 2DEcho.Methods36 patients with corrected heart defects underwent CMR and 3DEcho to assess RV volume, strain and cardio pulmonary exercise testing with peak VO2 measurement. 2DEcho was used for reference.ResultsThere was a moderate correlation between 3DEcho and CMR for measuring RV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes (r = .82 and .72). 3DEcho tended to underestimate the RV volumes, mean difference EDV 8.5 ± 33 ml (CI −2.8; 19.7 ml) and ESV 13.2 ± 29 ml (CI 3.3; 23 ml). According to method‐specific reference values for RVEDV, 34/35 (3DEcho) and 29/36 (CMR) were dilated. Among those dilated according to CMR, all were identified by 3DEcho. The coefficient of correlation between RV atrioventricular plane displacement measured by CMR and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion measured by 3D and 2DEcho was r = .6 for both. 2DEcho measured lower LV volumes than CMR. LVEF and GLS were similar in 2DEcho, 3DEcho and CMR. Patients with CMR‐determined RV free wall strain ≤ −14% tended to have lower peak VO2.ConclusionsAlthough 3DEcho underestimated RV volumes, it successfully identified all patients with RV dilatation based on method‐specific reference values.
Transcriptional repression of p21 by EIF1AX promotes the proliferation of breast cancer cells
Authors: Li Yuhuan , Guo Lu , Ying Sunyang , Feng Gui‐Hai , Zhang Ying 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveDysregulation of the cell cycle is associated with the progression of malignant cancer, but its precise functional contribution is unknown.Materials and MethodsThe expression of EIF1AX in breast cancer tissues was detected by qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. Colony formation and tumour xenograft assays were used to examine the tumorigenesis‐associated function of EIF1AX in vitro and in vivo. RNA‐Seq analysis was used to select the downstream target genes of EIF1AX. Flow cytometry, ChIP and luciferase assays were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which EIF1AX regulates p21 in breast cancer cells.ResultsEIF1AX promoted breast cancer cell proliferation by promoting the G1/S cell cycle transition. A mechanistic investigation showed that EIF1AX inhibited the expression of p21, which is an essential cell cycle regulator. We identified that the transcriptional regulation of p21 by EIF1AX was p53‐independent. Clinically, EIF1AX levels were significantly elevated in breast cancer tissues, and the high level of EIF1AX was associated with lower survival rates in breast cancer patients.ConclusionsOur results imply that EIF1AX may play a key role in the incidence and promotion of breast cancer and may, thus, serve as a valuable target for breast cancer therapy.
Clinical characteristics and aetiological analysis of 133 patients for pulmonary embolism combined with haemoptysis
Authors: Zou Yong Wei , Duan Jun , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Yang Huan Huan , Chi Jing , Chen Hong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), PE itself can cause haemoptysis and other reasons can also cause haemoptysis. Therefore, the clinical characteristics and the causes of haemoptysis are lacking.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed that involved screening 583 PE patients and determining that haemoptysis occurred in 141 cases. Of these, eight cases were omitted due to anticoagulation‐related haemoptysis or unavailable data, leaving 133 cases that were enrolled in final analysis (127 acute and 6 chronic case of PE). We classified the acute PE patients who combined with diseases which can cause haemoptysis to non‐simple group (n = 61) and those without these diseases to simple group (n = 66).ResultsThe incidence of haemoptysis in PE patients was 23.75%. In the simple group, the amount of haemoptysis ≤ 5 mL was 80.30% (53/66) and ≤ 20 mL was 90.91% (60/66). In the non‐simple group who combined with lung cancer, the amount of haemoptysis ≤ 5 mL was 68.4% (26/38) and ≤ 20 mL was 86.8% (33/38). Further analyses revealed that the amount of haemoptysis in the non‐simple group was larger than that in the simple group (median 5 [5‐125] vs. 5 [5‐5], p < 0.001; volume ≥ 100 mL: 29.5% vs. 6.1%, p< 0.001). Among all the PE patients, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), PE combined with tuberculosis (TB) and PE combined with bronchiectasis were independent risk factors for the amount of haemoptysis ≥ 100 mL (OR = 15.00, (95% CI: 2.235‐100.652); 12.00, (3.101‐46.437); 60.00, (6.552‐549.441), respectively).ConclusionsThe haemoptysis caused by acute PE or PE combined with lung cancer was mild and was characterised by blood in sputum. PE combined with TB, bronchiectasis and CTEPH are associated with moderate to massive haemoptysis, with a greater risk of haemoptysis ≥ 100 mL.
Serum osteopontin predicts glycaemic profile improvement in metabolic syndrome: A pilot study
Authors: Caserza Lara , Casula Matteo , Elia Edorado , Bonaventura Aldo , Liberale Luca , Bertolotto Maria , Artom Nathan , Minetti Silvia , Contini Paola , Verzola Daniela , Pontremoli Roberto , Viazzi Franesca , Viviani Giorgio L. , Bertolini Stefano , Pende Aldo , Pisciotta Livia , Montecucco Fabrizio , Carbone Federico 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPrediabetes is often observed in patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and might be associated with metabolic and inflammatory alterations. Here, we investigated whether the inflammatory molecule osteopontin (OPN) might have a prognostic impact in a cohort of MetS patients (n = 85) with baseline normal glycaemia or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) over one year of recommended pharmacological treatments and Mediterranean diet. Patients were then followed up for 12 months with intermediate evaluation after 6 months. At all time points, anthropometric and clinical data were recorded, alongside with haematological and biochemical profiles, including serum concentrations of OPN. As expected, Mediterranean diet improves glycaemic profile in patients with IFG. Baseline serum OPN failed to be associated with baseline anthropometric or biochemical variables. At baseline, higher levels of OPN were shown in patients with IFG as compared to normal glycaemia. Two distinct subgroups of patients in whom OPN decreased or remained stable/increased at follow‐up were identified. When higher serum OPN levels were observed at baseline, greater reduction was observed at 1‐year follow‐up. Reduction in circulating OPN levels was associated with metabolic improvement in terms of blood pressure, LDL‐c, HDL‐c, and glycaemia. At both univariate and adjusted logistic regression analyses, serum OPN emerged as an independent predictor of glycaemic profile improvement at 1‐year follow‐up (adjOR 1.05 [1.00‐1.10];P = .041). In conclusion, pharmacological and dietetic interventions improved glycaemic profile in patients with MetS. In particular, glycaemic improvement was demonstrated in patients who also reduce circulating OPN levels. Higher OPN levels at baseline predict normalization of glycaemic profile.
Circ_0000524/miR‐500a‐5p/CXCL16 axis promotes podocyte apoptosis in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Xu Qingqing , Ma Yali , Yang Suxia , Shi Jun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPodocytes apoptosis is a hallmark of membranous nephropathy (MN). Circ_0000524 has been reported to be associated with patients with MN, whereas the effect of circ_0000524 on podocytes apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms in MN have not been elaborated.MethodsQuantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot were performed to detect the expressions of circ_0000524, microRNA‐500a‐5p (miR‐500a‐5p), and C‐X‐C chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) in MN tissues and podocytes. Podocyte injury was induced by angiotensin II (AngII). Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Caspase‐3 or caspase‐9 activity was evaluated using a caspase‐3 or caspase‐9 activity assay kit, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pull‐down assay were used to address the relationship among circ_0000524,miR‐500a‐5p and CXCL16.ResultsUpregulation of circ_0000524 and CXCL16 and low expression of miR‐500a‐5p were observed in MN tissues. AngII treatment induced the overexpression of circ_0000524 and CXCL16, a decrease of miR‐500a‐5p, and induced cell apoptosis in podocytes. Circ_0000524 negatively modulated the expression of miR‐500a‐5p. Circ_0000524 depletion inhibited podocyte apoptosis, which was rescued by loss of miR‐500a‐5p. miR‐500a‐5p contained the binding sites with CXCL16. Circ_0000524 knockdown hampered CXCL16 expression by upregulating miR‐500a‐5p expression. Additionally, miR‐500a‐5p upregulation suppressed AngII‐induced podocyte apoptosis, which was rescued by enhanced expression of CXCL16.ConclusionCirc_0000524/miR‐500a‐5p/CXCL16 pathway regulated podocyte apoptosis in MN.
Spiders follow an ideal free distribution based on traits of the plant community
Authors: Cardoso João Custódio Fernandes , Gonzaga Marcelo Oliveira 
Published: September 2020

1. Understanding the distribution of organisms is a central issue in ecology. Some animal densities are directly determined by resource availability(i.e.the ideal free distribution model, IFD). Hence, animals freely occupy the available patches so that the payoff is ideally maximised according to resource exploitation and competition. Based on its assumptions, tests of the IFD should be made with animals presenting high motility and sensitivity to specific habitat characteristics.2. This study demonstrates how traits from the plant community influence the distribution of two cobweb spiders,Helvibis longicaudaandChrysso intervales, on a forest understory.3. Spider abundance was positively correlated to the availability of broadleaves (i.e. suitable sites) along patches. They show high topophilia (i.e.preferences based on microhabitat structural characteristics) for roof‐like leaves, which provide shelter to build webs underneath. Alternatively, higher numbers of pinnate fern fronds, a trait that is unsuitable to support the three‐dimensional webs of those species, translated to decreased abundance. Numbers of suitable and unsuitable sites were negatively correlated, indicating that their proportion on patches drives spider abundance. Finally, spider abundance along 22 suitable plant species was influenced by the number of microhabitats provided per species rather than by their phylogenetic identities.4. We corroborate the IFD, demonstrating that simple consumer–resource relationships may occur on complex/multi‐species environments, such as forests. Dispersion and topophilic microhabitat selection may be driven by substrate availability and competition. Importantly, we provide insights based on the whole plant community, while previous evidence was limited to a single or a few species.
Habitat complexity and individual variation in diet and morphology of a fish species associated with macrophytes
Authors: Paz Cardozo Ana Lúcia , Quirino Bárbara Angélio , Yofukuji Kátia Yasuko , Ferreira Aleixo Matheus Henrique , Fugi Rosemara 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPopulations of generalist fish can be composed of individuals specialised to a small subset of food resources, a process known as individual specialisation. In this study, we hypothesised that variation in the diet and morphology of individuals is related to habitat complexity and that greater levels of individual specialisation are found at intermediate levels of macrophyte biomass. Fish and aquatic plants were sampled in 15 multispecific macrophyte stands with different biomasses in the Baía River (Upper Paraná River floodplain). We assessed habitat complexity using the biomass of aquatic macrophytes (three levels of classification: low, intermediate and high). The diet of Moenkhausia forestii was evaluated with the volumetric method. To assess individual diet specialisation, we used the IS (specialisation index) and NODF (nestedness based on overlap and decreasing fill) index and for individual morphological specialisation we used ecomorphological metrics. We tested for a correlation between diet and morphology with a Mantel test. Contrary to our hypothesis, IS and NODF values indicated greater individual specialisation in the diet of M. forestii from low macrophyte biomass. However, the greatest individual morphological specialisation was found in macrophyte stands with intermediate biomasses. The Mantel test showed that there was no significant correlation between diet and morphology. Thus, individual specialisation of M. forestii diet may be related to an increase in competition (likely intraspecific) in stands with low macrophyte biomass, while morphological specialisation is probably related to greater resources availability and accessibility within stands of intermediate macrophyte biomass.
Prevalence of major wood‐decay Agaricomycetes in artificial, managed near‐natural and undisturbed forests of South Moravia, Czechia
Authors: Dálya László Benedek , Sedlák Petr 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMost wood‐decay fungi contribute to the healthy functioning of forest ecosystems, whereas others cause infectious diseases of woody plants and high economic losses for forest management. In this study, we pursued the hypothesis that pathogenic wood‐rotting Agaricomycetes occur less frequently in undisturbed forests than in managed stands, especially artificial monocultures. The prevalence of two important pathogens, Armillaria spp. and Heterobasidion annosum s.l., was assessed in managed and unmanaged beech, oak and mixed forests, and spruce plantations in South Moravia, Czechia. In addition, the presence of saproparasitic fungi in decayed wood was examined. Identification of fungal species from wood, soil, basidiome and rhizomorph samples was performed by DNA‐based methods. Possible ecological patterns in the distribution of fungi were investigated. Armillaria spp. were ubiquitous; A. cepistipes seems to act as a decomposer, A. gallica is potentially hazardous to oak stands, while A. ostoyae threatens spruce plantations. Basidiomes and epiphytic rhizomorphs of Armillaria were absent in unmanaged stands. Heterobasidion annosum s.s. and H. abietinum basidiocarps were present in 21% and 4% of managed stands, respectively, mostly on conifer stumps. Fomitopsis pinicola, Schizophyllum commune and Stereum spp. were detected in a wide range of hosts and stand types. The results indicate that near‐natural forests are less endangered by root rot disease than monoculture plantations.
The neuropharmacology of cannabinoid receptor ligands in central signaling pathways
Authors: Brunt Tibor M. , Bossong Matthijs G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system is a complex neuronal system involved in a number of biological functions, like attention, anxiety, mood, memory, appetite, reward, and immune responses. It is at the centre of scientific interest, which is driven by therapeutic promise of certain cannabinoid ligands and the changing legalization of herbal cannabis in many countries. The endocannabinoid system is a modulatory system, with endocannabinoids as retrograde neurotransmitters rather than direct neurotransmitters. Neuropharmacology of cannabinoid ligands in the brain can therefore be understood in terms of their modulatory actions through other neurotransmitter systems. The CB1 receptor is chiefly responsible for effects of endocannabinoids and analogous ligands in the brain. An overview of the neuropharmacology of several cannabinoid receptor ligands, including endocannabinoids, herbal cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid receptor ligands is given in this review. Their mechanism of action at the endocannabinoid system is described, mainly in the brain. In addition, effects of cannabinoid ligands on other neurotransmitter systems will also be described, such as dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, noradrenaline, opioid, and GABA. In light of this, therapeutic potential and adverse effects of cannabinoid receptor ligands will also be discussed.
Visceral adiposity index and cervical arterial atherosclerosis in northeast China: a population based cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Yu Y. , Zhang F.‐L. , Yan X.‐L. , Zhang P. , Guo Z.‐N. , Yang Y. 
Published: September 2020

Background and purposeThe burden of cervical arterial atherosclerosis, which is an important risk factor of stroke, is huge in China. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a convenient index that is related to a series of metabolic abnormalities and a variety of diseases, including cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the relationship between VAI and cervical arterial atherosclerosis.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study used the multistage stratified random cluster sampling method to acquire a representative sample of residents aged ≥40 in the general population of northeast China. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire and provided blood samples. Cervical vascular ultrasound was performed by experienced ultrasound doctors. VAI was calculated by a well‐established formula and analyzed by quartiles (Q1–Q4).ResultsA total of 3688 people aged ≥40 years who underwent cervical arterial ultrasound were finally included, amongst whom 3.2% had increased intima‐media thickness (IMT), 48.6% had carotid plaque and 4.0% had cervical artery stenosis (CAS). After adjusting for several parameters, little statistical significance was found between VAI and increased IMT; compared with the VAI‐Q1 group, the VAI‐Q2, VAI‐Q3 and VAI‐Q4 groups were more likely to have CAS [odds ratio (OR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–3.43; OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.05–3.15; OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.03–3.12] and the VAI‐Q3 and VAI‐Q4 groups were at greater risk of carotid plaque (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05–1.62; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.67).ConclusionsThe VAI was related to carotid plaque and CAS in the general population that is older than 40 years.