bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A perspective of private health care providers in the state of Madhya Pradesh on adopting key strategies of the India hypertension control initiative
Authors: Krishna Ashish , Pathni Anupam K. , Sharma Bhawna , Shivashankar Roopa , Shrivastava Suyesh , Hering Dagmara 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) has been implemented in public health facilities. This study assessed the perspective of private physicians (PPs) on adopting the core strategies of the IHCI in Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh. A semi‐structured interview was purposely applied to 30 PPs to obtain their opinions on standardized hypertension treatment protocols, patient‐centered services, and easy‐to‐use information system in their private practices. Verbatim data were recorded and analyzed thematically. Only 11 PPs followed the state hypertension treatment protocol. Among the remaining 19 PPs, the major reasons for not adopting protocol were (1) limited availability of single component hypertension drugs, (2) preferences for fixed dose combinations (FDCs), and (3) fear of either losing patients due to a lack of immediate blood pressure control or causing drug‐related adverse effects. None of the interviewed doctors had resources to provide patient‐centered care and use a digital health information system. Overall, the interviewed doctors identified that free supply of hypertension treatment protocol drugs, inclusion of FDCs in treatment protocol, increasing number of staff for follow‐up visits, and patient education, IT‐based solutionsfor patient records, employee incentives, and need for national data sharing policies are the key actions to accelerate the adoption of IHCI strategies in the private sector. This exploratory qualitative study suggests that engagement of private sector in the IHCI is feasible. Plans to expand the IHCI to the private sector should consider ensuring the wider availability of hypertension treatment protocol drugs and developing a simple user‐friendly digital platform for patient monitoring.
Inhibition of c‐MET increases the antitumour activity of PARP inhibitors in gastric cancer models
Authors: Koustas Evangelos , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Sarantis Panagiotis , Schizas Dimitrios , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Activation of c‐MET increases tumour cell survival through the initiation of the DNA damage repair pathway. PARP is an essential key in the DNA damage repair pathway. The primary role of PARP is to detect and initiate an immediate cellular response to single‐strand DNA breaks. Tumours suppressor genes such as BRCA1/2 are closely associated with the DNA repair pathway. In BRCA1/2 mutations or deficiency status, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations and chromosomal instability and can lead to cancer. In this study, we investigate the role of c‐MET and PARP inhibition in a gastric cancer model. We exploited functional in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the antitumour potential of co‐inhibition of c‐MET (SU11274) and PARP (NU1025). This leads to a reduction of gastric cancer cells viability, especially after knockdown of BRCA1/2 through apoptosis and induction of γ‐Η2ΑΧ. Moreover, in AGS xenograft models, the combinatorial treatment of NU1025 plus SU11274 reduced tumour growth and triggers apoptosis. Collectively, our data may represent a new therapeutic approach for GC thought co‐inhibition of c‐MET and PARP, especially for patients with BRCA1/2 deficiency tumours.
Is large loop excision of the transformation zone depth a risk factor for affected endocervical margins?
Authors: Lara‐Peñaranda Rosario , Rodríguez‐López Pilar María , Plitt‐Stevens Javier , Gómez‐Leal Paloma , Remezal‐Solano Manuel , Martínez‐Cendán Juan Pedro 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine if the depth of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is a risk factor for presenting affected endocervical margins.MethodsA cross‐sectional retrospective study was performed on 353 patients that underwent LLETZ after presenting cervical biopsies with CIN grade 2 and grade 3 or persistent CIN grade 1 at Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain, from November 2011 to December 2016. Automatized measurement of the LLETZ depth was performed in microns and added to cervical canal extensions when these were performed. Other variables studied in positive endocervical margins were age (under or over 35 years), premenopause/postmenopause, number of affected quadrants, CIN grading, the presence of HPV 16 before LLETZ, parity (nulliparous vs multiparous) and the location where the LLETZ was performed (operating room vs consultation room).ResultsOur multivariant analysis showed that LLETZ depth ≤ 10 mm did not increase the risk in affected endocervical margins (P= 0.366) and no statistically significant difference between the two groups (affected and nonaffected margins) was found. CIN grading and parity did prove a statistically significant association (P= 0.039 andP= 0.011, respectively). Age, menopause, number of affected quadrants, HPV 16 and the location did not show statistical association with positive endocervix margins.ConclusionsLLETZ depth equal to or lower than 10 mm was not proven to be a risk factor to have affected endocervical margins after the treatment. Therefore, higher LLETZ depth would not be justified to ensure oncological results.
Bank loan supply shocks and alternative financing of non‐financial corporations in the euro area
Authors: Mandler Martin , Scharnagl Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe analyse the macroeconomic effects of exogenous contractions in bank lending to non‐financial corporations in the euro area, Germany, France, Italy and Spain using a BVAR model with endogenous hyperparameter selection and identification via sign restrictions. We investigate the behaviour of firms’ external financing sources alternative to bank loans: financing via equity, debt securities, trade credit and lending from non‐banks. We analyse the comovement of these financing sources with bank lending using the joint posterior distribution of their impulse responses with that of bank loans. For the euro area our results show equity, debt securities and non‐bank loans to be substitutes for bank loans in general equilibrium with negative responses to a positive loan supply shock while trade credit is a complement and responds positively. Quantitatively, the developments in bank loans and trade credit dominate the response of the overall sum of external financing. However, whether and which of the alternative financing sources are substitutes for or complements to bank loans in general equilibrium differs across countries.
Professional Development on the Science of Learning and teachers' Performative Thinking—A Pilot Study
Authors: A. Howard‐Jones Paul , Jay Tim , Galeano Laura 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThis pilot study investigated how a brief professional development session on the science of learning impacted teachers' attributions of usefulness to both scientific and performative concepts about teaching. Ratings were collected from teachers attending five events across the United Kingdom (N = 585) before and after receiving a 90‐min training session. Initial ratings of scientific concepts were positively correlated with age, while initial ratings of performative concepts were negatively correlated with years of experience. Immediately following professional development, the value teachers attributed to scientific concepts for understanding their practice increased, while their valuing of performative concepts decreased. A follow‐up study with a subsample (N = 153) revealed the impact was reduced but persisted 6–12 weeks later. Results are discussed in terms of the potential for a scientific understanding of learning to empower educators as expert professionals.
Daphnia magna modifies its gene expression extensively in response to caloric restriction revealing a novel effect on haemoglobin isoform preference
Authors: Hearn Jack , Clark Jessica , Wilson Philip J. , Little Tom J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCaloric restriction (CR) produces clear phenotypic effects within and between generations of the model crustacean Daphnia magna. We have previously established that micro‐RNAs and cytosine methylation change in response to CR in this organism, and we demonstrate here that CR has a dramatic effect on gene expression. Over 6,000 genes were differentially expressed between CR and well‐fed D. magna, with a bias towards up‐regulation of genes under caloric restriction. We identified a highly expressed haemoglobin gene that responds to CR by changing isoform proportions. Specifically, a transcript containing three haem‐binding erythrocruorin domains was strongly down‐regulated under CR in favour of transcripts containing fewer or no such domains. This change in the haemoglobin mix is similar to the response to hypoxia in Daphnia, which is mediated through the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1, and ultimately the mTOR signalling pathway. This is the first report of a role for haemoglobin in the response to CR. We also observed high absolute expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in normally fed individuals, which contrasts with observations of high SOD levels under CR in other taxa. However, key differentially expressed genes, like SOD, were not targeted by differentially expressed micro‐RNAs. Whether the link between haemoglobin and CR occurs in other organisms, or is related to the aquatic lifestyle, remains to be tested. It suggests that one response to CR may be to simply transport less oxygen and lower respiration.
The cis‐expression of the coat protein of turnip mosaic virus is essential for viral intercellular movement in plants
Authors: Dai Zhaoji , He Rongrong , Bernards Mark A. , Wang Aiming 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTo establish infection, plant viruses are evolutionarily empowered with the ability to spread intercellularly. Potyviruses represent the largest group of known plant‐infecting RNA viruses, including many agriculturally important viruses. To better understand intercellular movement of potyviruses, we used turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) as a model and constructed a double‐fluorescent (green and mCherry) protein‐tagged TuMV infectious clone, which allows distinct observation of primary and secondary infected cells. We conducted a series of deletion and mutation analyses to characterize the role of TuMV coat protein (CP) in viral intercellular movement. TuMV CP has 288 amino acids and is composed of three domains: the N‐terminus (amino acids 1–97), the core (amino acids 98–245), and the C‐terminus (amino acids 246–288). We found that deletion of CP or its segments amino acids 51–199, amino acids 200–283, or amino acids 265–274 abolished the ability of TuMV to spread intercellularly but did not affect virus replication. Interestingly, deletion of amino acids 6–50 in the N‐terminus domain resulted in the formation of aberrant virions but did not significantly compromise TuMV cell‐to‐cell and systemic movement. We identified the charged residues R178 and D222 within the core domain that are essential for virion formation and TuMV local and systemic transport in plants. Moreover, we found that trans‐expression of the wild‐type CP either by TuMV or through genetic transformation‐based stable expression could not rescue the movement defect of CP mutants. Taken together these results suggest that TuMV CP is not essential for viral genome replication but is indispensable for viral intercellular transport where only the cis‐expressed CP is functional.
COVID‐19, nationalism, and the politics of crisis: A scholarly exchange
Authors: Woods Eric Taylor , Schertzer Robert , Greenfeld Liah , Hughes Chris , Miller‐Idriss Cynthia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this article, several scholars of nationalism discuss the potential for the COVID‐19 pandemic to impact the development of nationalism and world politics. To structure the discussion, the contributors respond to three questions: (1) how should we understand the relationship between nationalism and COVID‐19; (2) will COVID‐19 fuel ethnic and nationalist conflict; and (3) will COVID‐19 reinforce or erode the nation‐state in the long run? The contributors formulated their responses to these questions near to the outset of the pandemic, amid intense uncertainty. This made it acutely difficult, if not impossible, to make predictions. Nevertheless, it was felt that a historically and theoretically informed discussion would shed light on the types of political processes that could be triggered by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In doing so, the aim is to help orient researchers and policy‐makers as they grapple with what has rapidly become the most urgent issue of our times.
Pediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease predicted by anthropometric values through transient elastography
Authors: Song Shih‐Hsi , Wong Ying‐Chi , Wu Tzee‐Chung , Huang Ching‐Feng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of pediatric chronic liver disease, which is strongly associated with obesity. Transient elastography, together with anthropometric values including waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI) z‐scores are a more precise diagnostic method of NAFLD than ultrasonography. Through transient elastography, we investigate the principal anthropometric values associated with pediatric NAFLD.MethodsHealthy children between the ages of 6–18 years whose BMIs were ≥85% of normal were recruited as the overweight‐and‐obese group, and children whose BMIs ranged between 5%–85% were recruited as the control group. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was evaluated via transient elastography. BMI z‐score and WHtR were measured.ResultsA total of 107 (58 overweight‐and‐obese, 49 control) children were recruited. As evaluated by transient elastography, children in the overweight‐and‐obese group had significantly higher controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurement values than the control group. To detect fatty liver, WHtR with a cut‐off point of 0.481 and BMI z‐score with cut‐off point of 1.075 had the best sensitivity and specificity. To identify liver stiffness or inflammation, WHtR with cut‐off point of 0.514 and BMI z‐score with cut‐off point of 1.62 had the best sensitivity and specificity. Controlled attenuation parameter demonstrated a fair correlation with WHtR and BMI z‐scores, even in the normal range of these parameters.ConclusionsTransient elastography together with anthropometric measurements demonstrate that pediatric NAFLD may develop earlier than expected. We present principal anthropometric values associated with pediatric NAFLD.
Naturally monozygotic quadruplets in a Braford cow confirmed by DNA analysis: A case report
Authors: Rogberg‐Muñoz Andrés , Castillo Nadia S. , Zappa María E. , Crespi Julián A. , Villegas‐Castagnasso Egle E. , Gómez Paula M. , Peral‐García Pilar , Giovambattista Guillermo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCattle are a monotocous species, despite naturally conceived multiple births are sometimes observed. Although the number of twins has consistently increased, triplet and quadruplet pregnancies represent 0.015% and 0.004% of the total births, respectively. Multiple births are the result of multiple ovulation and/or the spontaneous cleavage of one fertilized oocyte, which is known as monozygotic (MZ) twinning. In cattle, approximately 5% to 14% of all twin births are MZ, and births with more than two MZ calves are extremely rare. Monozygotic animals are genetically identical, and those derived from two or more zygotes are genetically different. Furthermore, the presence of placental vascular anastomosis can result in foetal chimerism. Notwithstanding, animals born as single calves can be chimeras when one of the foetal twins dies undetected in utero. Here, we used DNA testing to study the zygotic condition of an unusual female quadruplet born from a Braford cow bred in a multi‐sire natural mating system without hormone stimulation. Two tissues with different embryological origin were sampled to test zygosity and possible chimerism. The results showed an identical genotype, confirming they all originated in an MZ pregnancy and suggesting the lack of chimerism in all animals. The use of MZ twins in breeding and selection systems provides an alternative to the conventional progeny testing. Some works have suggested a genetic background of MZ twins in humans. This female and her daughters could be the founders of a lineage to study the possible inheritance of MZ multiple births in cattle.
Leaders and Tenures in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Chisadza Carolyn 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWhile there has been extensive evidence provided on the varying effects of leaders’ extended tenures on economic growth, political institutions and conflict, little attention in the empirical literature has been given to the determinants that may contribute to long tenures. Without being cognisant of these underlying factors, any efforts aimed at limiting tenures to progress economic development and democratic institutions will have little effect, as evidenced by several leaders’ attempts to subvert constitutional laws in this regard. Using panel data analysis for sub‐Saharan African countries between 1960 and 2015, this study looks at the likely determinants (both at individual and country level) that can increase or decrease political survival. The preliminary results suggest that at an individual level, the leader’s age, political career and rebel experience increase the likelihood of extended tenure, while the leader’s education reduces the probability of extended tenure. At a country level, the country’s wealth is likely to increase tenures, while increased conflict and strong institutions decrease a leader’s tenure.
Deformation patterns of upper Quaternary strata and their relation to active tectonics, Po Basin, Italy
Authors: Amorosi Alessandro , Bruno Luigi , Campo Bruno , Costagli Bianca , Hong Wan , Picotti Vincenzo , Vaiani Stefano Claudio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDespite increased application of subsurface datasets below the limits of seismic resolution, reconstructing near‐surface deformation of shallow key stratigraphic markers beneath modern alluvial and coastal plains through sediment core analysis has received little attention. Highly resolved stratigraphy of Upper Pleistocene to Holocene (Marine Isotope Stage 5e to Marine Isotope Stage 1) alluvial, deltaic and coastal depositional systems across the southern Po Plain, down to 150 m depth, provides an unambiguous documentation on the deformation of previously flat‐lying strata that goes back in time beyond the limits of morphological, historical and palaeoseismic records. Five prominent key horizons, accurately selected on the basis of their sedimentological characteristics and typified for their fossil content, were used as highly effective stratigraphic markers (M1 to M5) that can be tracked for tens of kilometres across the basin. A facies‐controlled approach tied to a robust chronology (102 radiocarbon dates) reveals considerable deformation of laterally extensive nearshore (M1), continental (M2 and M3) and lagoon (M4 and M5) marker beds originally deposited in a horizontal position (M1, M4 and M5). The areas where antiformal geometries are best observed are remarkably coincident with the axes of buried ramp anticlines, across which new seismic images reveal substantially warped stratal geometries of Lower Pleistocene strata. The striking spatial coincidence of fold crests with the epicentres of historic and instrumental seismicity suggests that deformation of marker beds M1 to M5 might reflect, in part at least, syntectonically generated relief and, thus, active tectonism. Precise identification and lateral tracing of chronologically constrained stratigraphic markers in the 14C time window through combined sedimentological and palaeoecological data may delineate late Quaternary subsurface stratigraphic architecture at an unprecedented level of detail, outlining cryptic stratal geometries at the sub‐seismic scale. This approach is highly reproducible in tectonically active Quaternary depositional systems and can help to assess patterns of active deformation in the subsurface of modern alluvial and coastal plains worldwide.
Factors associated with purchasing pesticide from shops for intentional self‐poisoning in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasinghe Manjula , Konradsen Flemming , Eddleston Michael , Pearson Melissa , Jayamanne Shaluka , Knipe Duleeka , Hawton Keith , Gunnell David , Agampodi Suneth 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveIn South Asia, up to one in five individuals who ingest pesticides for self‐poisoning and survive purchased them from a shop immediately prior to the event. Thus far, no research has taken place to determine whether interventions implemented through the pesticide sellers might be acceptable or effective, despite the hundreds of thousands of such risk purchases each year. We aimed to investigate factors associated with purchasing pesticides for self‐poisoning in Sri Lanka.MethodsWe used a case–control study. Cases (n = 50) were individuals who ingested pesticides after purchasing them for the act, and controls (n = 200) were customers who bought pesticides but did not use them for self‐harm. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess socio‐demographic and purchase‐specific risk factors.ResultsAlcohol intoxication (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 36.5, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.7–783.4) and being a non‐farmer AOR 13.3, 95% CI 1.8–99.6 were the main distinguishing factors when purchasing pesticides for self‐poisoning. The positive predictive values were 93.3% (95% CI 68.0–99.8%) and 88.2% (95% CI 72.5–96.7%), respectively. One and/or other of these factors characterised 72.0% of cases but only 2.5% controls.ConclusionWhile results need to be interpreted cautiously, sales restrictions to prevent alcohol‐intoxicated persons and non‐farmers purchasing pesticides for self‐poisoning may be effective.
GMP‐grade CD34+ selection from HLA‐homozygous licensed cord blood units and short‐term expansion under European ATMP regulations
Authors: Liedtke Stefanie , Korschgen Lutz , Korn Janine , Duppers Almuth , Kogler Gesine 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundBased on a synergistic consortium, the cord blood (CB) bank Düsseldorf was responsible for the selection of HLA‐homozygous (HLA‐h) donors, contacting/re‐consenting the mothers, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)‐grade CD34+ enrichment, followed by short‐term expansion of CD34+ cells and qualification of the resulting CD34+ population as advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP)‐starting material. Among 20 639 licensed Düsseldorf cord blood units (CBUs), 139 potential HLA‐h donors were identified with the most frequent 10 German haplotypes. 100% of the donors were contacted, and for 47·5%, consent was obtained. HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DR, ‐DQ and ‐DP were determined by sequencing.MethodsThawing/washing of the CBUs was performed in the presence of Volulyte/HSA with Sepax®, CD34+ selection by automated CliniMACS®‐system (Miltenyi), expansion with qualified GMP‐grade cytokines and media in the GMP facility.ResultsHere, we specify minimal criteria (≥5 x 105 viable CD34+‐count, ≥80% CD34+‐purity and ≥70% viability) and confirm that n = 10 CB units (max storage time 16 years) could be qualified for an ATMP starting material. The mean fold change expansion of isolated CD34+ cells at Day 3/4 (d3/4) was 3·38 ± 3·02 with a mean purity of 86·90 ± 10·38% and a high viability of 96·07 ± 4·72%.ConclusionAs of March 2019, approval was obtained by the Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf for the GMP‐compliant production. The production of HLA‐homozygous expanded CD34+ cells from cryopreserved CB under European ATMP regulations presented here describes the successful clinical translation and implementation of a qualified manufacturing process. This approach considers the main obstacle of rejection of transplanted cells (due to the immunological HLA barrier) by preselection of HLA‐homozygous transplants.