bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Self-construal on Entrepreneurial Orientation and Growth of Micro-enterprises
Authors: Oni Francis Adedara , Khaola Peter , Rambe Patient 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Literature acknowledges the critical role of self-construal in shaping entrepreneurial orientation and behaviour. While explanations for societal differences in entrepreneurial behaviours vary at organisational level, limited attention has been devoted to explaining the influence of self-construal on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and growth of micro-enterprises. This study examined the influence of self-construal of micro-enterprise owners on their EO (risk-taking and innovativeness) and growth of their firms. Data collected using structured interviews administered on 80 micro-enterprise owners from Roma, Maseru, and Teya-Teyaneng in Lesotho were analysed using descriptive correlations, hierarchical regression analyses and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings show that the independent self-construal had positive and significant influence on the EO of micro-enterprises but the inter-dependent self-construal construct did not have a positive and significant effect on the EO. While independent self-construal negatively and significantly influenced enterprise growth, the interdependent self-construal did not have any influence on growth of micro-enterprises. the study recommends that universities and government departments such as Ministry of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing must provide entrepreneurial training to micro-enterprise owners on how to improve enterprise-oriented cultures and self-confidence in independent decision-making for the growth and survival of their enterprises.
Fruitflow attenuates human platelet granule secretion through down-regulating Src/PLCγ2/PKC signaling pathway
Authors: Fan Die , Ma Xilin , Ya Fuli , Tian Zezhong , Shi Yilin , Gao Xiaoli , Wang Sijia , Ling Wenhua , Song Fenglin , Yang Yan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Platelet can release lots of active molecules from granules in active state, which contributes to the progress of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Fruitflow is a water-soluble tomato extract that has been reported to exert protective cardiovascular effects. The present study aims to investigate whether Fruitflow acts on human platelet granule secretion in vitro and further explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Recruit healthy volunteers to collect their peripheral blood and isolate gel-filtered platelets for in vitro experiments. Agonist-induced platelet granule secretion was detected by flow cytometry or ELISA kit. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, the signaling pathway was tested by western blotting. Results: Fruitflow inhibited platelet surface expression of CD62P, CD40L, and CD63. Moreover, agonist-induced release of platelet factor 4 (PF4), β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), Regulated on Activation Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), ATP, Ca 2+ , and serotonin were also significantly attenuated by Fruitflow. Furthermore, Fruitflow down-regulated expression of Lyn and phosphorylation of Src, LAT, Syk, PLCγ2 and PKC. However, PKC inhibitor GF109203X did not show additive effects on platelet granule secretion when combined with Fruitflow. Conclusion: Fruitflow effectively inhibited platelet granule secretion via down-regulating platelet Src/PLC-γ2/PKC signaling pathway in vitro , which may provide a novel evidence for the cardioprotective benefits of tomato.
Men and loneliness in the ‘west’: A critical interpretive synthesis
Authors: Ratcliffe John Martyn , Galdas Paul , Kanaan Mona 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLoneliness has received considerable attention in recent years, but has seldom been investigated through a gendered lens. This review aims to critically summarise research substantively related to men and loneliness.MethodA critical interpretive synthesis, incorporating a pre-defined search strategy, was employed to analyse a broad variety of data. The searches were conducted in July 2019, across seven databases: MEDLINE; PsycINFO; Scopus, ASSIA, SSCI; Sociological Abstracts; and Social Policy and Practice. Included studies were written in English, conducted in high income nations in Western Europe, North America, and Australasia, with no date limitations. Qualitative studies required a substantive focus on sex/men or gender/masculinities and loneliness, and quantitative studies either an explicit focus on sex differences in loneliness, or data substantially relevant to loneliness and men. Seventy-nine studies met the inclusion criteria.ResultsSeven ‘synthetic constructs’ were built: i) men’s loneliness appears more associated with their social network; ii) men may be less emotionally forthright, thus both less inclined to discuss loneliness and less likely to form meaningful relationships; iii) romantic relationships may be more important for preventing loneliness in men; iv) different measurements of loneliness do not show the same sex differences in the prevalence of loneliness; v) lonely men may be more likely to engage in risky/unhealthy behaviour; vi) feeling/being ‘insufficiently masculine’ can result in loneliness; and vii) intersections of identity facilitate different gendered results.ConclusionThese constructs offer a framework that can help inform interventions aimed at preventing/alleviating loneliness in men, and a foundation for future research. Overcoming men’s emotional reticence, and facilitating better quality social networks, appeared critical goals for interventions. Men’s emotional reticence may constitute both a barrier to discussing loneliness, and to forming loneliness preventing relationships. It also appeared to be characterised either by the construction of a masculine persona, or a fear of the repercussions for initiating intimate conversation. When attempting to ascertain whether a man is lonely, acknowledging gendered variation in survey responses is required. However, it is unclear how generalisable these ‘synthetic constructs’ are, and their potential inter-relatedness requires further research.
Bone mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with erythropoietin accelerate the repair of acute kidney injury
Authors: zhou song , Qiao Yu-ming , Liu Yong-guang , Liu Ding , Hu Jian-min , Liao Jun , Li Min , Guo Ying , Fan Li-pei , Li Liu-Yang , Zhao Ming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising treatment option for acute kidney injury (AKI).The main drawbacks of MSC therapy including the lack of specific homing following systemic infusion and early death of the cells in the inflammatory microenvironment, directly affect the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. Erythropoietin (EPO)-preconditioning promotes the therapeutic effect of the MSCs, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we sought to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of EPO on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for the treatment of AKI.Results We found that incubation of BMSCs with ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)-induced AKI kidney homogenate supernatant (KHS) caused apoptosis in the BMSCs, which was decreased following EPO pretreatment indicating that EPO protected the cells from apoptosis. Further, we found that EPO upregulated SIRT1 and Bcl-2 expression, and downregulated p53 expression. The EPO-mediated anti-apoptotic mechanism in pretreated BMSCs may be mediated though the SIRT1 pathway. In a rat AKI model, our data showed that 24 h following intravenous infusion, GFP-BMSCs were predominantly in the lungs. However, EPO pretreatment reduced the lung entrapment of BMSCs, and increased the distribution of the BMSCs to the target organs. AKI rats infused with EPO-BMSCs had significantly lower levels of serum IL-1β and TNF-a and significantly higher level of IL-10 compared to rats infused with BMSCs. The administration of EPO-BMSCs after reperfusion was more effective in reducing serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and pathological scores in the I/R-AKI rats than BMSCs.Conclusions Our data suggest that EPO pretreatment enhances the efficacy of BMSCs in improving renal function and pathological presentation in I/R-AKI rats.
Association between suicide risk severity and sarcopenia in non-elderly Chinese inpatients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Fan Xinxin , Yuan Jing , Wei Yujun , Zhou Fang , Xu Li , Zhang Yan , Meng Junyu , Jin Xiaolong , Yang Jianzhong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder. Recent studies showed high rates of suicide in non-elderly adults and the association between muscle health and suicide. But there have been no previous studies on the relationship between suicide risk severity and sarcopenia in major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to explore the association between suicide risk severity and sarcopenia in non-elderly Chinese inpatients with MDD. Methods: The first-episode drug-naïve MDD inpatients aged 20-59 years with the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-24) scores of ＞20 were included, who were then classified into low, intermediate, high and very high suicide risk groups according to the Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk (NGASR). The HAMD-24, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) and the SARC-F questionnaire were used to assess depression severity, anxiety severity and sarcopenia, respectively. The plasma levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured. Results: A total of 192 MDD inpatients (122 females, 70 males; aged 39.3 ± 11.7 years) were included, with 12.5% of sarcopenia. There were significant differences in gender, HAMD score and prevalence of sarcopenia among the suicide risk groups. Adjusted ordinal regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was significantly associated with severer suicide risk (OR=2.39, 95%CI 1.02-5.58, p=.044). Conclusions: This study revealed that sarcopenia was significantly associated with higher suicide risk in non-elderly Chinese MDD inpatients after adjustment for depression severity. Intervention of sarcopenia might be effective to reduce the risk of suicide in non-elderly MDD patients.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease in Oman
Authors: Alawi Intisar Al , Molinari Elisa , Salmi Issa Al , Rahbi Fatma Al , Mawali Adhra Al , Sayer John A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background There is a high prevalence of rare genetic disorders in the Middle East, and their study provides unique clinical and genetic insights. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is one of the leading causes of kidney and liver-associated morbidity and mortality in Oman. We describe the clinical and genetic profile of cohort of ARPKD patients.Methods We studied patients with a clinical diagnosis of ARPKD ( n =40) and their relatives [parents ( n =24) and unaffected siblings ( n =10)] from 32 apparently unrelated families, who were referred to the National Genetic Centre in Oman between January 2015 and December 2018. Genetic analysis of PKHD1 was performed through next generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing.Results A clinical diagnosis of ARPKD was made prenatally in 8 patients, 21 were diagnosed during infancy (0-1 year), 9 during early childhood (2-8 years) and 2 at later ages (9-13 years). Clinical phenotypes included polycystic kidneys, hypertension, hepatic fibrosis and splenomegaly. 24 patients had documented chronic kidney disease. 24 out of the 32 families had a family history suggesting an autosomal recessive pattern of inherited kidney disease, and there was known consanguinity in 21 families (66%). A molecular genetic diagnosis with biallelic PKHD1 mutations was confirmed in 38 patients from 30 different families, giving a detection rate of 94%. Two unrelated patients remained genetically unsolved. In all of the solved cases, only four different PKHD1 missense pathogenic variants were identified: c.107C>T, p.(Thr36Met); c.406A>G, p.(Thr136Ala); c.4870C>T, p.(Arg1624Trp) and c.9370C>T, p.(His3124Tyr) located in exons 3, 6, 32 and 58, respectively. The c.406A>G, p.(Thr136Ala) missense mutation was detected homozygously in one family and heterozygously with a c.107C>T, p.(Thr36Met) allele in 5 other families. Overall, the most commonly detected pathogenic allele was c.107C>T; (Thr36Met), which was seen in 24 families.Conclusion Molecular genetic screening of PKHD1 in clinically suspected ARPKD cases produced a high diagnostic rate. The four PKHD1 missense variants identified suggest there may be common founder alleles in the Omani population. Cost effective targeted PCR analysis of these specific alleles can be a useful diagnostic tool for future cases of suspected ARPKD in Oman.
Clinical and molecular basis of hepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome in Japan: Evaluation of outcomes after liver transplantation
Authors: Shimura Masaru , Kuranobu Naomi , Ogawa-Tominaga Minako , Akiyama Nana , Sugiyama Yohei , Ebihara Tomohiro , Fushimi Takuya , Ichimoto Keiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Tsuruoka Tomoko , Kishita Yoshihito , Umetsu Shuichiro , Inui Ayano , Fujisawa Tomoo , Tanikawa Ken , Ito Reiko , Fukuda Akinari , Kasahara Mureo , Murakami Jun , Kaji Shunsaku , Shiraki Kazuo , Ohtake Akira , Okazaki Yasushi , Murayama Kei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MTDPS) is a disease caused by defects in mitochondrial DNA maintenance and leads to liver failure and neurological complications during infancy. Liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial due to poor outcomes associated with extrahepatic symptoms. The purposes of this study were to clarify the current clinical and molecular features of hepatocerebral MTDPS and to evaluate outcomes LT in MTDPS patients in Japan.ResultsWe retrospectively assessed the clinical and genetic findings, as well as the clinical courses, of 23 hepatocerebral MTDPS patients from a pool of 999 patients who were diagnosed with mitochondrial diseases between 2007 and 2019. Causative genes were identified in 20 of 23 patients: MPV17 (n=13), DGUOK (n=4), POLG (n=1), MICOS13 (n=1), and TWNK (n=1). Eight MPV17-deficient patients harbored c.451dupC and all four DGUOK-deficient patients harbored c.143-307_170del335. The most common initial manifestation was failure to thrive (n=13, 56.5%). The most frequent liver symptom was cholestasis (n=21, 91.3%). LT was performed on 11 patients, including eight MPV17-deficient and two DGUOK-deficient patients. Four patients, including one with mild intellectual disability, survived; seven who had remarkable neurological symptoms before LT died. Five of the MPV17-deficient survivors had either c.149G>A or c.293C>T.ConclusionsMPV17 was the most common genetic cause of hepatocerebral MTDPS. The outcome of LT for MTDPS was not favorable, as previously reported, but patients who had MPV17 mutations associated with mild phenotypes such as c.149G>A or c.293C>T and no marked neurologic manifestations before LT, had moderately better outcomes.
Hierarchical porous ceramics with multiple open pores from boehmite gel emulsions
Authors: Zheng Yu , Luo Xudong , You Jiegang , Li Ting , Hou Qingdong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Ceramic foams with highly porous microstructure play significant roles in increasing area, especially those with open channels and superior specific surface area. A simple and versatile route to prepare ceramic foams with open pores has been put forward in this research, via gelation of boehmite nanoparticles-assembled emulsions. Notably, hierarchical porous microstructure with open channels and uniform pore structure was prepared. High specific surface area up to 389.4 m2/g is attainable, making them excellent adsorption material, when combining the merit of hierarchical pore structure. Furthermore, lattice-shaped ceramics are prepared via direct ink printing gelled emulsion, displaying the potential of forming lightweight material with complex shape and designable macro-structure. The 3D printed foams exhibit multiple open pores, which cover the length scale from mm-scale, to μm-scale and nm-scale, making them promising materials in several fields, including adsorption, catalysts supports, and filtrations, etc.
Cost-effectiveness of ceritinib in previously untreated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Hong Kong
Authors: Loong Herbert , Wong Carlos K H , Leung Linda K S , Chan Catherine P K , Chang Andrea , Zhou Zheng-yi , Xie Jipan , Gibbs Meaghan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Lower-dose ceritinib (450mg) once-daily with food was approved in 2018 in Hong Kong (HK) for first-line treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study examined the cost-effectiveness of ceritinib vs. crizotinib in the first-line treatment of ALK+ NSCLC from a HK healthcare service provider's or government's perspective.Methods: Costs and effectiveness of first-line ceritinib vs. crizotinib over a 20-year time horizon was evaluated using a partitioned survival model with three health states (stable disease, progressed disease, and death). The efficacy data for ceritinib were obtained from ASCEND-4 and extrapolated using parametric survival models. Long-term survival associated with crizotinib were estimated using hazard ratio of crizotinib vs. ceritinib obtained from matching-adjusted indirect comparison based on ASCEND-4 and PROFILE 1014 trials. Drug acquisition, administration, adverse events costs, and medical costs associated with each health state were obtained from public sources and converted to 2018 US Dollars. Incremental costs per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) and life-year (LY) gained were estimated for ceritinib vs. crizotinib.Results: The base case results showed that ceritinib was associated with 3.22 QALYs, 4.51 LYs, and total costs of $157,581 over 20 years. Patients receiving crizotinib had 2.68 QALYs, 3.85 LYs, and $150,424 total costs over the same time horizon. The incremental cost per QALY gained for ceritinib vs crizotinib was $13,343. Results were robust to deterministic sensitivity analyses in most scenarios.Conclusion: Ceritinib offers a cost-effective option compared to crizotinib for previously untreated ALK+ advanced NSCLC in HK.New knowledge added by this study• In order to optimize patient outcomes and effectively allocate healthcare resources, rigorous economic evaluations are needed to inform reimbursement decision-making regarding the cost-effectiveness of available therapies.• With ceritinib's recent introduction as a first-line targeted therapy, these results provide important insight for decision-makers considering treatments for ALK+ advanced NSCLC in Hong Kong.Implication for clinical practice or policy• Ceritinib offers a cost-effective option compared to crizotinib for previously untreated ALK+ advanced NCSLC in HK with an incremental cost per QALY of $13,343 USD, which is significantly lower than the willingness to pay threshold in Hong Kong.• In previously untreated adult patients with ALK+ advanced NCSLC, ceritinib is predicted to offer marked benefits in PFS, LYs, and QALYs compared to crizotinib.• Ceritinib offers a valuable treatment option for front-line treatment of patients with ALK+ advanced NCSLC in HK.
miR-454 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer by targeting E2F6
Authors: An Yunhe , Zhang Jun , Tian Yanjie , Li Baoming , Cheng Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhao Fangqi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: It has been reported that hypoxia is closely related to the tumor malignancy and recurrence and regulates multiple hub genes in ovarian cancer. MicroRNA-454 (miR-454) has been confirmed to be involved in tumorigenesis and tumor development. However, the functional role of miR-454 in ovarian cancer remains unclear.Methods: The expression of miR-454 in ovarian cancer cells and serum of ovarian cancer patients was detected by RT-PCR. CCK8, colony formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were conducted to assess the effects of miR-454 on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-454 and E2F6. The expression pattern of E2F6 in ovarian cancer tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry assay. The relative expression of related proteins was examined using western blot analysis.Results: miR-454 was markedly down-regulated by hypoxia in ovarian cancer cells. Compared with normal serum, the expression of miR-454 was up-regulated in the serum of ovarian cancer patients, and was correlated with the clinicopathological stage of ovarian cancer patients. Next, we found that miR-454 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells, as well as promoted apoptosis. In addition, the Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were inhibited by miR-454. Bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that E2F6 was a target of miR-454 and negatively regulated by miR-454 in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis showed that E2F6 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues. Finally, we found that the increasing cell proliferation and migration triggered by E2F6 overexpression were abolished by miR-454 overexpression.Conclusion: Taken together, these results highlight the role of miR-454 as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by targeting E2F6, indicating that the hypoxia/miR-454/E2F6 pathway may be a novel therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.
Transcriptional responses in Parascaris univalens after in vitro exposure to ivermectin, pyrantel citrate and thiabendazole
Authors: Martin Frida , Dube Faruk , Lindsjö Oskar Karlsson , Eydal Matthías , Höglund Johan , Bergström Tomas F. , Tydén Eva 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Parascaris univalens is a pathogenic parasite of foals and yearlings worldwide. In recent years Parascaris spp. worms have developed resistance to several of the commonly used anthelmintics, though currently the mechanisms behind this development is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional responses in adult P. univalens worms after in vitro exposure to different concentrations of three anthelmintic drugs, focusing on drug targets and drug metabolising pathways. Methods: Adult worms were collected from the intestines of two foals at slaughter. The foals were naturally infected and had never been treated with anthelmintics. Worms were incubated in cell culture media containing different concentrations of either ivermectin (10-9 M, 10-11 M, 10-13 M), pyrantel citrate (10-6 M, 10-8 M, 10-10 M), thiabendazole (10-5 M, 10-7 M, 10-9 M) or without anthelmintics (control) at 37 °C for 24 h. After incubation the viability of the worms was assessed and RNA extracted from the anterior end of 36 worms and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 system. Results: All worms were alive at the end of the incubation but showed varying degrees of viability depending on the drug and concentration used. Differential expression (p < 0.05 and fold change ≥ 2) analysis showed similarities and differences in the transcriptional response after exposure to the different drug classes. Candidate genes up- or downregulated in drug exposed worms include members of the phase I metabolic pathway short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily (SDR), flavin containing monooxygenase superfamily (FMO) and cytochrome P450-family (CYP) as well as members of the membrane transporters major facilitator superfamily (MFS) and solute carrier superfamily (SLC). Generally, different targets of the anthelmintics used were found to be up- and downregulated in an unspecific pattern after drug exposure, apart from the GABA receptor subunit lgc-37, which was upregulated only in worms exposed to 10-9 M of ivermectin. Conclusions: This is the first time the expression of these genes has been described in P. univalens and future work should be focused on characterising these candidate genes further to explore their potential involvement in drug metabolism and anthelmintic resistance.