bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of 5‐HT1A receptor agonists on the entopeduncular nucleus is modified in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats
Authors: Vegas‐Suárez Sergio , Aristieta Asier , Requejo Catalina , Bengoetxea Harkaitz , Lafuente José Vicente , Miguelez Cristina , Ugedo Luisa 
Published: March 2021

Background and Purposel‐DOPA prolonged treatment leads to disabling motor complications as dyskinesia that could be decreased by drugs acting on 5‐HT1A receptors. Since the internal segment of the globus pallidus, homologous to the entopeduncular nucleus in rodents, seems to be involved in the etiopathology of l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia, we investigated whether the entopeduncular nucleus is modulated by the 5‐HT1A receptor partial and full agonists, buspirone, and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)‐tetralin (8‐OH‐DPAT) in control and 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats with or without long‐term l‐DOPA treatment.Experimental ApproachExtracellular single‐unit electrocorticogram and local field potential recordings under anaesthesia, immunostaining assays and optogenetic manipulation coupled to electrophysiological recordings were performed.Key ResultsSystemic buspirone reduced the entopeduncular nucleus firing rate in the sham animals and burst activity in the 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats (with or without l‐DOPA treatment), while local administration reduced entopeduncular nucleus activity in all the groups, regardless of DA integrity. Systemic 8‐OH‐DPAT also induced inhibitory effects only in the sham animals. Effects triggered by buspirone and 8‐OH‐DPAT were reversed by the 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY‐100635. Neither buspirone nor 8‐OH‐DPAT modified the low‐frequency oscillatory activity in the entopeduncular nucleus or its synchronization with the motor cortex. Buspirone did not alter the response induced by subthalamic nucleus opto‐stimulation in the entopeduncular nucleus.Conclusion and ImplicationsSystemic 5‐HT1A receptor activation elicits different effects on the electrophysiological properties of the entopeduncular nucleus depending on the integrity of the nigrostriatal pathway and it does not alter the relationship between subthalamic nucleus and entopeduncular nucleus neuron activity.
Estimating the trade and welfare effects of Brexit: A panel data structural gravity model
Authors: Oberhofer Harald , Pfaffermayr Michael 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a new panel data structural gravity approach for estimating the trade and welfare effects of Brexit. Assuming different counterfactual post‐Brexit scenarios, our main findings suggest that the UK's exports of goods to the EU are likely to decline within a range between 7.2% and 45.7% six years after Brexit has taken place. For the UK, the negative trade effects are only partially offset by an increase in domestic trade and trade with third countries, inducing a decline in the UK's real income of between 0.3% and 5.7%. The estimated welfare effects for the EU are not different from zero, but some members like Ireland are expected to also experience welfare losses.
Therapeutic and prognostic implications of NOTCH and MAPK signaling in bladder cancer
Authors: Schulz Gerald B. , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Börding Teresa , Schmidt Eva Marina , Elmasry Manal , Stief Christian G. , Kirchner Thomas , Karl Alexander , Horst David 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSignaling pathways that drive bladder cancer (BC) progression may be promising and specific targets for systemic therapy. Here, we investigated the clinical significance and targetability of NOTCH and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling for this aggressive malignancy. We assessed NOTCH1 and MAPK activity in 222 stage III and IV BC specimens of patients that had undergone radical cystectomy, and tested for clinical associations including cancer‐specific and overall survival. We examined therapeutic effects of NOTCH and MAPK repression in a murine xenograft model of human bladder cancer cells and evaluated tumor growth and tumor cell plasticity. In BC, NOTCH1 and MAPK signaling marked two distinct tumor cell subpopulations. The combination of high NOTCH1 and high MAPK activity indicated poor cancer‐specific and overall survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. Inhibition of NOTCH and MAPK in BC xenografts in vivo depleted targeted tumor cell subpopulations and revealed strong plasticity in signaling pathway activity. Combinatorial inhibition of NOTCH and MAPK signaling most strongly suppressed tumor growth. Our findings indicate that tumor cell subpopulations with high NOTCH and MAPK activity both contribute to tumor progression. Furthermore, we propose a new concept for BC therapy, which advocates specific and simultaneous targeting of these different tumor cell subpopulations through combined NOTCH and MAPK inhibition.
Monitoring epidermal growth factor receptor C797S mutation in Japanese non–small cell lung cancer patients with serial cell‐free DNA evaluation using digital droplet PCR
Authors: Ariyasu Ryo , Uchibori Ken , Sasaki Takaaki , Tsukahara Mika , Kiyotani Kazuma , Yoshida Ryohei , Ono Yusuke , Kitazono Satoru , Ninomiya Hironori , Ishikawa Yuichi , Mizukami Yusuke , Yanagitani Noriko , Fujita Naoya , Nishio Makoto , Katayama Ryohei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOsimertinib is a third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) that is effective in treating both naïve and T790M‐mutated EGFR‐TKI‐resistant non–small cell lung cancer patients. The EGFR C797S mutation is the major osimertinib resistance mechanism. The present study monitored the EGFR C797S mutation during osimertinib treatment in Japanese patients using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). In our first cohort, C797S detection was validated with tumor specimens and/or plasma samples from 26 patients using ddPCR with custom‐designed probes detecting and discriminating T790M and C797S in cis and trans positions. In our second cohort, 18 patients with EGFR‐T790M who were going to start osimertinib were analyzed using ddPCR by collecting the plasma samples every month from the beginning of the course of osimertinib. In the first cohort, C797S was detected in 15.4% of patients. C797S and T790M in cis and trans positions were distinguished using ddPCR. In the second cohort, serial cfDNA evaluation revealed that the rate of EGFR mutation changes with disease state. Increases of EGFR mutation were detected, including C797S several months before the diagnosis of disease progression. As with the first cohort, C797S and T790M in cis and trans position were distinguished by ddPCR at disease progression. Coincidentally, in the first cohort, next generation sequencing detected NRAS Q61K mutation and the resistance with NRAS Q61K mutation was overcome by trametinib. In the second cohort, serial cfDNA analysis was useful for evaluating bone oligo‐progression and local radiation therapy.
Inherited retinal diseases: Therapeutics, clinical trials and end points—A review
Authors: Georgiou Michalis , Fujinami Kaoru , Michaelides Michel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by photoreceptor degeneration or dysfunction. These disorders typically present with severe vision loss that can be progressive, with disease onset ranging from congenital to late adulthood. The advances in genetics, retinal imaging and molecular biology, have conspired to create the ideal environment for establishing treatments for IRDs, with the first approved gene therapy and the commencement of multiple clinical trials. The scope of this review is to familiarise clinicians and scientists with the current management and the prospects for novel therapies for: (1) macular dystrophies, (2) cone and cone‐rod dystrophies, (3) cone dysfunction syndromes, (4) Leber congenital amaurosis, (5) rod‐cone dystrophies, (6) rod dysfunction syndromes and (7) chorioretinal dystrophies. We also briefly summarise the investigated end points for the ongoing trials.
Radiomics study on pulmonary infarction mimicking community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Gao Li , Li Yuze , Zhai Zhenguo , Liang Tian , Zhang Qiang , Xie Sheng , Chen Huijun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesPulmonary infarction (PI) shares similar symptoms and imaging presentations with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), which might delay diagnosis and lead to devastating consequences. Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) is the first‐line examination for the patients with the respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to investigate a radiomics method to differentiate PI from CAP using noncontrast‐enhanced CT.MethodsNoncontrast‐enhanced CT images of 54 patients with PI and 64 patients with CAP were retrospectively selected. All patients were confirmed using computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). A radiomics model was built with 18 texture features that showed significant differences between PI and CAP patients. For comparison, a clinical model using clinical biomarkers and an integrated model combining the radiomics and clinical biomarkers were also generated. An experienced radiologist performed diagnoses using the noncontrast‐enhanced CT images. The parameters of the models were generated using a training dataset of 61 patients, whereas the performance of the models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Harrell's concordance index (C‐index) applied to a separate validation dataset of 57 patients.ResultsThe integrated model achieved the best performance (C‐index 0.760, sensitivity 0.703, specificity 0.867, positive predictive value [PPV] 0.826, and negative predictive value [NPV] 0.765). The radiomics model was better than both the clinical model and the radiologist's interpretations (C‐index 0.721, 0.707, 0.665, respectively; sensitivity 0.667, 0.630, 0.593; specificity 0.800, 0.785, 0.733; PPV 0.750, 0.739, 0.667; and NPV 0.727, 0.706, 0.667).ConclusionsRadiomics features generated from noncontrast‐enhanced CT images allow PI to be differentiated from CAP with considerable accuracy. The radiomics‐based method could provide useful information in clinical practice.
Molecular analyses of confiscated shark fins reveal shortcomings of CITES implementations in Germany
Authors: Villate‐Moreno Melany , Pollerspöck Jürgen , Kremer‐Obrock Friederike , Straube Nicolas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA three‐ton shipment of dry shark fins was examined by German customs in 2017 leading to the confiscation of 405 kg of potential CITES species. We analyzed a subsample of this material (115 specimens) using DNA sequence‐based identification and compared results to morphological screening of CITES species. We found a mixture of CITES regulated (4 of 11 species) and unregulated shark species. Our results demonstrate the difficulties of identifying CITES species morphologically in large fin shipments of mixed species composition. Correct identification of CITES species based on morphology alone may be hindered by missing characters or those altered by drying. We therefore suggest random molecular screening as a uniform approach for German customs authorities to check species composition and identify CITES regulated species in transit shipments.
I know better! Emerging metacognition allows adolescents to ignore false advice
Authors: Moses‐Payne Madeleine E. , Habicht Johanna , Bowler Aislinn , Steinbeis Nikolaus , Hauser Tobias U. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdolescents aspire for independence. Successful independence means knowing when to rely on one's own knowledge and when to listen to others. A critical prerequisite thus is a well‐developed metacognitive ability to accurately assess the quality of one's own knowledge. Little is known about whether the strive to become an independent decision maker in adolescence is underpinned by the necessary metacognitive skills. Here, we demonstrate that metacognition matures from childhood to adolescence (N = 107) and that this process coincides with greater independent decision‐making. We show that adolescents, in contrast to children, take on others’ advice less often, but only when the advice is misleading. Finally, we demonstrate that adolescents’ reduced reliance on others’ advice is explained by their increased metacognitive skills, suggesting that a developing ability to introspect may support independent decision‐making in adolescence.
Are dominant platforms good for consumers?
Authors: Ko Chiu Yu , Shen Bo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe develop a two‐sided market model where both platforms and sellers charge buyers for access. When network effects are moderate, a dominant platform that attracts more sellers and buyers is more likely to arise. Compared to when platforms split the market equally, a dominant platform always leads to higher consumer surplus and total welfare. Moreover, both of these measures improve as network effects increase. Our results suggest that competition authorities should be cautious regarding complaints related to dominant platforms in two‐sided markets, as they may be good for consumers.
Chinese validation of the Rasch‐Built Overall Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Scale
Authors: Sun Can , Fournier Christina N. , Ye Shan , Zhang Nan , Ma Yan , Fan Dongsheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThe Rasch‐Built Overall Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Scale (ROADS) was developed using Rasch methodology. This scale has been demonstrated as a reliable outcome measure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) trials. To date, there are no similar interval‐weighted scales to assess disability in ALS patients. The current study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the ROADS via Rasch methodology.MethodsThe Chinese version of the ROADS was obtained through a standardized forward–backward translation and cultural adaptation. ALS patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China to complete the ROADS and the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R). Overall, 254 participants with ALS finished the Chinese scale. Rasch analysis was performed on the ROADS for validation and the ALSFRS‐R for comparison.ResultsThe Chinese version of the ROADS was modified according to the statistical results. A final 28‐question scale was constructed that fulfilled all the requirements of the Rasch model with proper validity and reliability. Furthermore, the ROADS showed improved item targeting compared to the ALSFRS‐R. Conversely, the ALSFRS‐R did not fit the Rasch model expectations due to misfit values and disordered thresholds for all 12 items.ConclusionsThe Chinese adaptation of the ROADS is a linearly weighted scale that specifically captures overall disability in ALS patients. This scale indicates a wider range of item difficulties and better responsiveness than the ALSFRS‐R. The ROADS could be used as a valuable tool for use in ALS trials and in the clinic in Chinese settings.
Parental School‐Involvement and Substance Use? A Novel Family‐Based Prevention Strategy for Latino Youth
Authors: Cox Ronald B. , Washburn Isaac J. , Croff Julie M. , Ringwalt Christopher L. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the association of parental school involvement with reductions in adolescent substance initiation among Latino immigrant youth.BackgroundParental school involvement is an important determinant of children's academic achievement. Likewise, academic achievement is associated with multiple adolescent health risk behaviors. Little research has examined whether parental school involvement is associated with adolescent drug use, and no research has examined this link among Latino immigrant youth.MethodUsing a census of Latino students (N = 661; mean age = 13.1 years) in 12 urban middle schools, we used a multilevel model with zero‐inflated outcomes to test whether (a) parental school involvement is inversely associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; (b) school‐level parental involvement affects individual‐level drug use; and (c) child gender moderates these associations.ResultsParental school involvement was negatively associated with lifetime prevalence of all substances and with increases in the age of first alcohol use. School‐level parental involvement was negatively associated with lifetime prevalence of substance use and age of first use for girls and marginally significant with boys.ConclusionParental school involvement is a promising target for prevention efforts to reduce early‐onset substance use.ImplicationsParental school involvement may address multiple negative outcomes in youth even for youth whose parents are relatively uninvolved, and may increase program dosage.
Silicon Isotope Analyses of Soil and Plant Reference Materials: An Inter‐Comparison of Seven Laboratories
Authors: Delvigne Camille , Guihou Abel , Schuessler Jan A. , Savage Paul , Poitrasson Franck , Fischer Sebastian , Hatton Jade E. , Hendry Katharine R. , Bayon Germain , Ponzevera Emmanuel , Georg Bastian , Akerman Alisson , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Meunier Jean‐Dominique , Deschamps Pierre , Basile‐Doelsch Isabelle 
Published: March 2021

The use of silicon (Si) isotopes has led to major advances in our understanding of Si cycling in modern and past environments. This inter‐laboratory comparison exercise provides the community with the first set of soil and plant reference materials with an analytically challenging matrix containing organic material that is known to induce isotopic bias, for use as secondary reference materials in Si isotope measurement. Seven laboratories analysed four soil reference materials (GBW‐07401, GBW‐07404, GBW‐07407, TILL‐1) and one plant reference material (ERM‐CD281). Participating laboratories employed a range of chemical preparation methods and analytical setups but all analyses were performed by MC‐ICP‐MS. Irrespective of the chemical preparation method or analytical conditions, the results show excellent agreement among laboratories within 2s for at least three replicates. Data were combined together to calculate δ29Si and δ30Si mean values (relative to NBS 28) and their expanded uncertainties (U, coverage factor k = 2). The δ30Si values are as follow: GBW‐07401: −0.27 ± 0.06‰, GBW‐07404: −0.76 ± 0.12‰, GBW‐07407: −1.82 ± 0.17‰, TILL‐1: −0.16 ± 0.06‰ and ERM‐CD281: −0.28 ± 0.11‰. Also, a compilation of published data provides an up‐to‐date mean δ30Si for BHVO‐2 of −0.28 ± 0.08‰.
Musculoskeletal symptoms and relationship with laboratory findings in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Batur Elif Balevi , Korez Muslu Kazim , Gezer Ilknur Albayrak , Levendoglu Funda , Ural Onur 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the frequency of fatigue and musculoskeletal symptoms and their correlation with laboratory data in patients with COVID‐19.MethodsThis study included 80 patients hospitalised and treated for COVID‐19 in the infectious diseases clinic between March 2020 and May 2020. Data analysis was performed retrospectively from the hospital medical charts. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings were noted. Clinical symptoms and correlations with laboratory results were assessed. Besides, an analysis of patients with and without chronic disease was performed for clinical symptoms and laboratory findings.ResultsThe frequencies of myalgia and fatigue were 46.1% and 50%, respectively. In the laboratory data, there was a significant increase in creatinine kinase (CK) level and lymphocyte count in the patients with myalgia symptoms (P < .05). There were no other significant results in the laboratory data. Of the patients with chronic disease, it has been shown that hemoglobin levels were significantly decreased (P < .05), while D‐dimer was markedly increased (P < .05).ConclusionThe laboratory findings of COVID‐19‐related myalgia suggested that patients might have a risk of progressive muscle injury. Therefore, these patients should also be followed up in terms of the myopathic process.
The development and psychometric evaluation of the Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome‐Scale (MH‐NURSE‐POS) for inpatient psychiatric hospital settings
Authors: Desmet Karel , Duprez Veerle , Deproost Eddy , Beeckman Dimitri , Goossens Peter J.J. , Vandewalle Joeri , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMental health nurses are struggling to describe their nursing identity as professional discipline in a changing mental health care. Measuring nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes and demonstrating nursing’s effect(s) experienced by patients contribute to (re)discover the specific nursing identity. However, a valid and reliable scale is currently lacking. The aim of this study was the development and psychometric evaluation of the Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome Scale (MH‐NURSE‐POS) for inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. This three‐staged study resulted in a scale capturing how inpatients experience the contribution of nurses in their treatment in psychiatric hospitals. First, a draft questionnaire was developed based on a literature review, an independent expert’s advice, and an experts panel. Second, the content validity was tested in a two‐round Delphi‐procedure and focus groups with patients. A pilot test, based on cognitive interviews, confirmed the feasibility of the questionnaire. Third, the psychometric properties of the mental health nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes were determined in a sample of 353 patients. The cross‐sectional study included a convenience sample of five psychiatric hospitals (Belgium). The factor structure (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy 0.924; Bartlett’s test of sphericity χ2 = 4162.537; df = 231; P < 0.001), convergent validity by the Individualized Care Scale (Pearson correlation 0.660; P < 0.001), and reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha 0.854) were evaluated. The factor analysis resulted in a four‐factor solution representing growth, expression, control, and motivation. The Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome Scale is a valid and reliable tool to measure the effectiveness of mental health nurses from the patient perspective.
Small SNP panels for breed proportion estimation in Indian crossbred dairy cattle
Authors: Strucken Eva M. , Swaminathan Marimuthu , Gibson John P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReliably identifying breed proportions in crossbred cattle in smallholder farms is a crucial step to improve mating decisions and optimizing management in these systems. High‐density genotype information is able to estimate higher‐order breed proportions accurately, but, are too expensive for mass application in smallholder systems. We used high‐density genotype information (777 k SNPs) of 623 crossbred cattle from India that had Holstein‐Friesian (HFX) and/or Jersey and indigenous breeds in their ancestry to select a smaller number of SNPs for breed proportion estimation. The accuracy of estimates obtained from panels with 100–500 SNP was compared to estimates based on all SNPs. Panels were selected for highest absolute allele frequency difference between exotic dairy versus indigenous Bos indicus, or between HFX versus Jersey breeds. A step‐wise pruning approach was developed showing that and increased physical distances between markers of 8.5 Mb improved breed proportion estimation compared to a standard 1 Mb distance. A panel of 500 SNPs optimized to estimate HFX versus Jersey versus indicine ancestry was able to estimate indicine breed proportions with r2 = .991, HFX proportions with r2 = .979 and Jersey proportions with r2 = .949. The number of markers was a deciding factor in estimation accuracy, together with the distribution of markers across the genome.