bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a core outcome set for clinical trials aimed at improving antimicrobial stewardship in care homes
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Q. , Bradley Declan T. , Tunney Michael M. , Hughes Carmel M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Diverse outcomes reported in clinical trials of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions in care homes have hindered evidence synthesis. Our main objective was to develop a core outcome set (COS) for use in trials aimed at improving AMS in care homes.

Methods
A refined inventory of outcomes for AMS interventions in care homes, compiled from a previous study, was rated in a three-round international Delphi survey with 82 participants, using a nine-point Likert scale (from 1, unimportant, to 9, critical). This was followed by an online consensus exercise with 12 participants from Northern Ireland to finalise the COS content. Subsequently, a suitable outcome measurement instrument (OMI) was selected for each outcome in the COS by: identifying existing OMIs through a literature search and experts’ suggestions, assessing the quality of OMIs, and selecting one OMI for each core outcome via a two-round international Delphi survey with 59 participants.

Results
Of 14 outcomes initially presented, consensus was reached for inclusion of five outcomes in the COS after the three-round Delphi survey and the online consensus exercise, comprising the total number of antimicrobial courses prescribed, appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing, days of therapy per 1000 resident-days, rate of antimicrobial resistance, and mortality related to infection. Of 17 potential OMIs identified, three were selected for the two-round Delphi exercise after the quality assessment. Consensus was reached for selection of two OMIs for the COS.

Conclusion
This COS is recommended to be used in clinical trials aimed at improving AMS in care homes.
Transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated autophagy protects bovine mammary epithelial cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in vitro
Authors: Sun Xudong , Chang Renxu , Tang Yan , Luo Shengbin , Jiang Chunhui , Jia Hongdou , Xu Qiushi , Dong Zhihao , Liang Yusheng , Loor Juan J. , Xu Chuang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Bovine mammary epithelial cells after calving undergo serious metabolic challenges and oxidative stress both of which could compromise autophagy. Transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated autophagy is an important cytoprotective mechanism against oxidative stress. However, effects of TFEB-mediated autophagy on the oxidative stress of bovine mammary epithelial cells remain unknown. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to investigate the role of TFEB-mediated autophagy in bovine mammary epithelial cells experiencing oxidative stress.

Results
H2O2 challenge of the bovine mammary epithelial cell MAC-T increased protein abundance of LC3-II, increased number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes while decreased protein abundance of p62. Inhibition of autophagy via bafilomycin A1 aggravated H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and apoptosis in MAC-T cells. Furthermore, H2O2 treatment triggered the translocation of TFEB into the nucleus. Knockdown of TFEB by siRNA reversed the effect of H2O2 on protein abundance of LC3-II and p62 as well as the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Overexpression of TFEB activated autophagy and attenuated H2O2-induced ROS accumulation. Furthermore, TFEB overexpression attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis by downregulating the caspase apoptotic pathway.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that activation of TFEB mediated autophagy alleviates H2O2-induced oxidative damage by reducing ROS accumulation and inhibiting caspase-dependent apoptosis.
Wing tags severely impair movement in African Cape Vultures
Authors: Curk Teja , Scacco Martina , Safi Kamran , Wikelski Martin , Fiedler Wolfgang , Kemp Ryno , Wolter Kerri 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe use of tracking technologies is key for the study of animal movement and pivotal to ecological and conservation research. However, the potential effects of devices attached to animals are sometimes neglected. The impact of tagging not only rises welfare concerns, but can also bias the data collected, causing misinterpretation of the observed behaviour which invalidates the comparability of information across individuals and populations. Patagial (wing) tags have been extensively used as a marking method for visual resightings in endangered vulture species, but their effect on the aerodynamics of the birds and their flight behaviour is yet to be investigated. Using GPS backpack mounted devices, we compared the flight performance of 27 captive and wild Cape Vultures(Gyps coprotheres), marked with either patagial tags or coloured leg bands.ResultsIndividuals equipped with patagial tags were less likely to fly, travelled shorter distances and flew slower compared to individuals equipped with leg bands. These effects were also observed in one individual that recovered its flight performance after replacing its patagial tag by a leg band.ConclusionsAlthough we did not measure the effects of patagial tags on body condition or survival, our study strongly suggests that they have severe adverse effects on vultures’ flight behaviour and emphasises the importance of investigating the effects that tagging methods can have on the behaviour and conservation of the study species, as well as on the quality of the scientific results.
Improvement in CBR value of soil reinforced with nonwoven geotextile sheets
Authors: Ramjiram Thakur S. , Naveen B. P. , Tegar J. P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGeosynthetics are human made material used to reinforce soils to improve the bearing capacity and permeability of the soil, reducing soil settlement. Geosynthetics application plays a vital role in the highways constructions with no additive layers, such as cement concrete, asphalt concrete, or in a subgrade layer that affects the bearing capacity of unbounded layers. This paper presents the geosynthetics as a tensional material that has been used for reinforcement of clayey soil. Laboratory California bearing ratio (CBR) test samples were prepared with clayey soils. Clayey soil containing unreinforced soil and reinforced soil. The sample comprised thermally bonded nonwoven geotextiles (NW) and superior needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles (SNW) with different characteristics (NW 8, 10, 21, 30 and SNW 14, 25, 62, 75) with three-layered, based on the sample materials to perform defined tests. These tests show that, bearing ratio of reinforced soils with thermally bonded nonwoven geotextiles increases.
Recombinant human epidermal growth factor combined with vacuum sealing drainage for wound healing in Bama pigs
Authors: Wei Shuai , Wang Wei , Li Li , Meng Hao-Ye , Feng Chun-Zhen , Dong Yu-Ying , Fang Xi-Chi , Dong Qi-Qiang , Jiang Wen , Xin Hai-Li , Li Zhan-Zhen , Wang Xin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) both play an important role in the treatment of wounds. This study aims to explore the effects of the combination of VSD and EGF on wound healing and the optimal concentration and time of EGF.

Methods
We tested the proliferation and migration capacity of HaCaT and L929 cells at different EGF concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 100 ng/ml) and different EGF action times (2, 10, and 30 min). A full-thickness skin defect model was established using male, 30-week-old Bama pigs. The experiment included groups as follows: routine dressing change after covering with sterile auxiliary material (Control), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound (VSD), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of EGF 10 min followed by removal by continuous lavage (V + E 10 min), and continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of EGF 30 min followed by removal by continuous lavage (V + E 30 min). The wound healing rate, histological repair effect and collagen deposition were compared among the four groups.

Results
An EGF concentration of 10 ng/ml and an action time of 10 min had optimal effects on the proliferation and migration capacities of HaCaT and L929 cells. The drug dispersion effect was better than drug infusion after bolus injection effect, and the contact surface was wider. Compared with other groups, the V + E 10 min group promoted wound healing to the greatest extent and obtained the best histological score.

Conclusions
A recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) concentration of 10 ng/ml can promote the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells and fibroblasts to the greatest extent in vitro. VSD combined with rhEGF kept in place for 10 min and then washed, can promote wound healing better than the other treatments in vivo.
Social isolation, mental health, and use of digital interventions in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationally representative survey
Authors: Rauschenberg Christian , Schick Anita , Goetzl Christian , Roehr Susanne , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Koppe Georgia , Durstewitz Daniel , Krumm Silvia , Reininghaus Ulrich 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPublic health measures to curb SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates may have negative psychosocial consequences in youth. Digital interventions may help to mitigate these effects. We investigated the associations between social isolation, COVID-19-related cognitive preoccupation, worries, and anxiety, objective social risk indicators, and psychological distress, as well as use of, and attitude toward, mobile health (mHealth) interventions in youth.MethodsData were collected as part of the “Mental Health And Innovation During COVID-19 Survey”—a cross-sectional panel study including a representative sample of individuals aged 16–25 years (N = 666; Mage = 21.3; assessment period: May 5, 2020 to May 16, 2020).ResultsOverall, 38% of youth met criteria for moderate or severe psychological distress. Social isolation worries and anxiety, and objective risk indicators were associated with psychological distress, with evidence of dose–response relationships for some of these associations. For instance, psychological distress was progressively more likely to occur as levels of social isolation increased (reporting “never” as reference group: “occasionally”: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.3–19.1,p < 0.001; “often”: aOR 22.2, CI 9.8–50.2,p < 0.001; “very often”: aOR 42.3, CI 14.1–126.8,p < 0.001). There was evidence that psychological distress, worries, and anxiety were associated with a positive attitude toward using mHealth interventions, whereas psychological distress, worries, and anxiety were associated with actual use.ConclusionsPublic health measures during pandemics may be associated with poor mental health outcomes in youth. Evidence-based digital interventions may help mitigate the negative psychosocial impact without risk of viral infection given there is an objective need and subjective demand.
Machine Learning-based Prediction Model for Treatment of Acromegaly With First-generation Somatostatin Receptor Ligands
Authors: Wildemberg Luiz Eduardo , da Silva Camacho Aline Helen , Miranda Renan Lyra , Elias Paula C L , de Castro Musolino Nina R , Nazato Debora , Jallad Raquel , Huayllas Martha K P , Mota Jose Italo S , Almeida Tobias , Portes Evandro , Ribeiro-Oliveira Antonio , Vilar Lucio , Boguszewski Cesar Luiz , Winter Tavares Ana Beatriz , Nunes-Nogueira Vania S , Mazzuco Tânia Longo , Rech Carolina Garcia Soares Leães , Marques Nelma Veronica , Chimelli Leila , Czepielewski Mauro , Bronstein Marcello D , Abucham Julio , de Castro Margaret , Kasuki Leandro , Gadelha Mônica 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML), may be used to deeply analyze biomarkers of response to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) in the treatment of acromegaly.

Objective
To develop a prediction model of therapeutic response of acromegaly to fg-SRL.

Methods
Patients with acromegaly not cured by primary surgical treatment and who had adjuvant therapy with fg-SRL for at least 6 months after surgery were included. Patients were considered controlled if they presented growth hormone (GH) &lt;1.0 ng/mL and normal age-adjusted insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels. Six AI models were evaluated: logistic regression, k-nearest neighbor classifier, support vector machine, gradient-boosted classifier, random forest, and multilayer perceptron. The features included in the analysis were age at diagnosis, sex, GH, and IGF-I levels at diagnosis and at pretreatment, somatostatin receptor subtype 2 and 5 (SST2 and SST5) protein expression and cytokeratin granulation pattern (GP).

Results
A total of 153 patients were analyzed. Controlled patients were older (P = .002), had lower GH at diagnosis (P = .01), had lower pretreatment GH and IGF-I (P &lt; .001), and more frequently harbored tumors that were densely granulated (P = .014) or highly expressed SST2 (P &lt; .001). The model that performed best was the support vector machine with the features SST2, SST5, GP, sex, age, and pretreatment GH and IGF-I levels. It had an accuracy of 86.3%, positive predictive value of 83.3% and negative predictive value of 87.5%.

Conclusion
We developed a ML-based prediction model with high accuracy that has the potential to improve medical management of acromegaly, optimize biochemical control, decrease long-term morbidities and mortality, and reduce health services costs.
An early global role for Axin is required for correct patterning of the anterior-posterior axis in the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Sun Hongyan , Peng Chieh-fu Jeff , Wang Lingyu , Feng Honglin , Wikramanayake Athula H. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Activation of Wnt/β-catenin (cWnt) signaling at the future posterior end of early bilaterian embryos is a highly conserved mechanism for establishing the anterior-posterior (AP) axis. Moreover, inhibition of cWnt at the anterior end is required for development of anterior structures in many deuterostome taxa. This phenomenon, which occurs around the time of gastrulation, has been fairly well characterized, but the significance of intracellular inhibition of cWnt signaling in cleavage-stage deuterostome embryos for normal AP patterning is less well understood. To investigate this process in an invertebrate deuterostome, we defined Axin function in early sea urchin embryos. Axin is ubiquitously expressed at relatively high levels in early embryos and functional analysis revealed that Axin suppresses posterior cell fates in anterior blastomeres by blocking ectopic cWnt activation in these cells. Structure-function analysis of sea urchin Axin demonstrated that only its GSK-3β-binding domain is required for cWnt inhibition. These observations and results in other deuterostomes suggest that Axin plays a crucial conserved role in embryonic AP patterning by preventing cWnt activation in multipotent early blastomeres, thus protecting them from assuming ectopic cell fates.
Characterization of Halyomorpha halys TAR1 reveals its involvement in (E)-2-decenal pheromone perception
Authors: Finetti Luca , Pezzi Marco , Civolani Stefano , Calò Girolamo , Scapoli Chiara , Bernacchia Giovanni 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
In insects, tyramine receptor 1 (TAR1) has been shown to control several physiological functions, including olfaction. We investigated the molecular and functional profile of the Halyomorpha halys type 1 tyramine receptor gene (HhTAR1) and its role in olfactory functions of this pest. Molecular and pharmacological analyses confirmed that the HhTAR1 gene codes for a true TAR1. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that HhTAR1 is expressed mostly in adult brain and antennae as well as in early development stages (eggs, 1st and 2nd instar nymphs). In particular, among the antennomeres that compose a typical H. halys antenna, HhTAR1 was more expressed in flagellomeres. Scanning electron microscopy investigation revealed the type and distribution of sensilla on adult H. halys antennae: both flagellomeres appear rich in trichoid and grooved sensilla, known to be associated with olfactory functions. Through an RNAi approach, topically delivered HhTAR1 dsRNA induced a 50% downregulation in gene expression after 24 h in H. halys 2nd instar nymphs. An innovative behavioural assay revealed that HhTAR1 RNAi-silenced 2nd instar nymphs were less susceptible to the alarm pheromone component (E)-2 decenal as compared with controls. These results provide critical information concerning the role of TAR1 in olfaction regulation, especially alarm pheromone reception, in H. halys. Furthermore, considering the emerging role of TAR1 as target of biopesticides, this work opens the way for further investigation on innovative methods for controlling H. halys.
Aortic root measurement on CT: linear dimensions, aortic root area and comparison with echocardiography. A retrospective cross sectional study
Authors: Leong Kai'En , Knipe Henry , Binny Simon , Pascoe Heather , Better Nathan , Langenberg Francesca , Lui Elaine , Joshi Subodh B 
Published: March 2021

Objective:We sought to assess the different CT aortic root measurements and determine their relationship to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).Methods:TTE and ECG-gated CT images were reviewed from 70 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 18 years; 67% male) with tricuspid aortic roots (trileaflet aortic valves) between Nov 2009 and Dec 2013. Three CT planes (coronal, short axis en face and three-chamber) were used for measurement of nine linear dimensions. TTE aortic root dimension was measured as per guidelines from the parasternal long axis view.Results:All CT short axis measurements of the aortic root had excellent reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC 0.96–0.99), while coronal and three-chamber planes had lower reproducibility with ICC 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.94) and ICC 0.92 (0.87–0.95) respectively. CT coronal and short axis maximal dimensions were systematically larger than TTE (mean 2 mm larger, p &lt; 0.001), while CT cusp to commissure measurements were systematically smaller (CT RCC-comm mean 2 mm smaller than TTE, p &lt; 0.001). All CT short axis measurements had excellent correlation with aortic root area with CT short axis maximal dimension marginally better than the rest (Pearson’s R 0.97).Conclusion:Systematic differences exist between CT and TTE dependent on the CT plane of measurement. All CT short axis measurements of the aortic root had excellent reproducibility and correlation with aortic root area with maximal dimension appearing marginally better than the rest. Our findings highlight the importance of specifying the chosen plane of aortic root measurement on CT.Advances in knowledge:Systematic differences in aortic root dimension exist between TTE and the various CT measurement planes. CT coronal and short axis maximal dimensions were systematically larger than TTE, while CT cusp to commissure measurements were smaller. CT readers should indicate the plane of measurement and the specific linear dimension to avoid ambiguity in follow-up and comparison.
Comparison of lumbar degenerative disc disease using conventional fast spin echo T
2W MRI and T
2 fast spin echo dixon sequences
Authors: Saifuddin Asif , Rajakulasingam Ramanan , Santiago Rodney , Siddiqui Mateen , Khoo Michael , Pressney Ian 
Published: March 2021

Objectives:
To compare the grading of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), Modic end-plate changes (MEPC) and identification of high intensity zones (HIZ) on a combination of sagittal T 1weighted turbo spin echo (T 1W TSE), T 2weighted fast spin echo (T 2W FSE) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences (routine protocol) with a single sagittal T 2W FSE Dixon MRI sequence which provides in-phase, opposed-phase, water only and fat only images in a single acquisition (Dixon protocol).

Methods:
50 patients underwent lumbar spine MRI using the routine protocol with the addition of a T 2W FSE Dixon sequence. DDD grade, MEPC and HIZ for each disc level were assessed on the routine and Dixon protocols. Each protocol was reviewed independently by three readers (consultant musculoskeletal radiologists with 26-, 8- and 4 years’ experience), allowing assessment of inter-reader agreement and inter protocol agreement for each assessed variable.

Results:
The study included 17 males and 33 females (mean age 51 years; range 8–82 years). Inter-reader agreement for DDD grade on the routine protocol was 0.57 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.63 (p = 0.08). Inter-reader agreement for MEPC on the routine protocol was 0.45 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.53 (p = 0.02), and inter-reader agreement for identification of the HIZ on the routine protocol was 0.52 and for the Dixon protocol was 0.46 (p = 0.27). Intersequence agreement for DDD grade ranged from 0.61 to 0.97, for MEPC 0.46–0.62 and for HIZ 0.39–0.5.

Conclusion:
A single sagittal T 2W FSE Dixon MRI sequence could potentially replace the routine three sagittal sequence protocol for assessment of lumbar DDD, MEPC and HIZ resulting in ~60% time saving.

Advances in knowledge:
Grading of lumbar DDD, presence of Modic changes and high intensity zones were compared on sagittal T 1W TSE, T 2W FSE and STIR sequences with a T 2W FSE Dixon sequence, with fair-to-good correlation suggesting that three conventional sequences could be replaced by a single Dixon sequence.
Credit Default Swaps and Debt Overhang
Authors: Wong Tak-Yuen , Yu Jin 
Published: March 2021

We analyze the impact of credit default swaps (CDSs) trading on firm investment, long-term debt financing, and valuation. In our model, the firm is endowed with a real option to initiate a project and enhance its future growth. Its creditors have access to CDS contracts that hedge them against default losses. We show that CDS protection increases the firm’s pledgable income: that is, the maximum amount of debt it can raise. However, at the same time CDS protection decreases asset growth and impedes project initiation. As a result, CDS trading could reduce firm value, and the negative effects are stronger when the firm is riskier, where shareholders have stronger bargaining power, and growth opportunities are less valuable. Using simulated cross-sections of firms, we find that CDS trading increases corporate default rates and deters investment. Altogether, CDS firms tend to have a lower firm value and more volatile equity returns than non-CDS firms. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Práticas afrorreligiosas, literatura e ensino de história: por uma educação decolonial
Authors: Serafim Vanda Fortuna , Fialho Laís Azevedo 
Published: March 2021

A finalidade desse artigo é pensar possibilidades para o ensino da história e cultura afro-brasileira por meio da literatura, atentando às práticas afrorreligiosas, mas problematizando os discursos colonizadores presentes na maioria das narrativas existentes. A obra literária escolhida para tanto consiste em Deuses de dois mundos – a trilogia épica dos orixás, de autoria de PJ Pereira, que teve amplo sucesso literário, especialmente entre o público juvenil, e chama a atenção pelo modo como o autor contava uma história contemporânea utilizando os mitos dos orixás, tornando-se uma boa ferramenta para o ensino de história e cultura afro-brasileira. Rica em detalhes sobre a cultura iorubana, ainda assim, exige preparo do (a) professor (a) para reconhecer o processo de “embranquecimento cultural” operado na obra