bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Savings-Investment Gap in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does the nexus between Foreign Remittances and Domestic Financial Sector matter?
Authors: Adeniyi Oluwatosin , Ogunjimi Joshua , Adekunle Wasiu , Babatunde Musibau , Omiwale Edward 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In recent times, increasing attention is being paid to examine the developmental impact of remittances inflow, particularly due to the emergence of remittances as the fastest growing source of capital flows for developing countries. To this end, we contribute to the literature by analyzing the interactive effects of remittances and financial development on savings-investment gap for a panel of 18 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period of 1990 to 2017. Our Panel ARDL model estimation showed that higher remittances have significant reducing effect on savings-investment gap in the long run, and this becomes magnified while accounting for individual and interactive effects of remittances and financial development. We also uncovered the widening effects of rising real GDP growth and bank deposits over a long-term horizon, whereas higher private sector credit widens the savings-investment gap only in the short-run. Meanwhile, liquid liabilities have no significant effect on savings-investment gap both in the short run and long run. We further offered evidence on the complementarity and substitutability effects of remittances and financial development over the short-term and long-term horizons, respectively. We also demonstrated the superior forecast accuracy of the predictive savings-investment gap model - that accounts for both individual and interactive effects - over other specifications, and this is robust to the choice of financial development indicators, samples and forecast horizons. Our results underscore the urgent need for a reduction of transfer costs, so as to encourage both migrant workers and their beneficiaries to make use of the official channels for sending and receiving remittances in the region.
Hippocampal overexpression of Nos1ap promotes endophenotypes related to mental disorders
Authors: Freudenberg Florian , Candemir Esin , Chen Xufeng , Li Li-Li , Esen-Sehir Dilhan , Schenk Nicole , Kinoshita Makoto , Grünewald Lena , Frerichs Veronika , Fattakhov Nikolai , Manchen Jessica , Bikas Solmaz , Kumar Anita , O’Leary Aet , Slattery David , Engelhardt Jakob von , Courtney Michael , Reif Andreas 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP; previously named CAPON) is linked to the glutamatergic postsynaptic density through interaction with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). NOS1AP and its interaction with nNOS have been associated with several mental disorders. Despite the high levels of NOS1AP expression in the hippocampus and the relevance of this brain region in glutamatergic signaling as well as mental disorders, a potential role of hippocampal NOS1AP in the pathophysiology of these disorders has not been investigated yet. To uncover the function of NOS1AP in hippocampus, we made use of recombinant adeno-associated viruses to overexpress the murine Nos1ap isoform in the hippocampus of mice. We investigated these mice for changes in gene expression, electrophysiology, neuronal morphology, and relevant behavioral phenotypes. We found that overexpression of hippocampal Nos1ap markedly increased the interaction of nNOS with PSD-95, reduced dendritic spine density and changed dendritic spine morphology without affecting basic synaptic signaling properties at CA1 synapses. At the behavioral level, we observed an impairment in social interaction and social memory, as well as decreased spatial working memory capacity. Our data provide a mechanistic explanation for a highly selective and specific contribution of hippocampal NOS1AP and its interaction with the glutamatergic postsynaptic density to cross-disorder pathophysiology. Our findings allude to therapeutic relevance due to the druggability of this molecule.
Determination of new hematologic reference intervals for sows with optimal reproductive performance, according to reproductive stage, parity and body condition: A cohort study
Authors: Baeza Carolina , Gädicke Paula , Ruiz Álvaro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background. Inappropriate feeding and reproductive management according to strategies in sow's reproductive efficiency produce important consequences on sow metabolism. The metabolic alterations can increase mortality and reduce fertility, productivity and lifespan of sows within a farm, decreasing herd output. In according to that, this research aimed to determine the effect of reproductive stage, parity and body condition on hematological parameters of intensive-production sows and also to establish new and representative hematological Reference Intervals for each stage of the reproductive cycle in Chilean sows of optimal reproductive performance. In order to that, a cohort study in 307 healthy sows from two farms was performed. Serial hemograms were obtained and sows were monitored at weaning, prior to artificial insemination, at 35, 60 and 90 days of gestation, and subsequent weaning. Results were analyzed by Repeated-Measures of Anova and Tukey Test to establish differences between times and by the Kruskall-Wallis Test, or Simple Anova Test, to determine differences within times caused by the body condition (BC) or sow age. Results: Significant differences were found in most factors during gestation (P=0,00). At each time frame considered, there was an effect of parity. The sow`s parity history, their BC and the farm`s infrastructure and environment were all relevant factors in each hematological parameter. Additionally, statistically significant differences in almost all the evaluated indicators were contrasted with reference IRs (P=0,00). Hematological indicators supported the interaction between BC and parity in some sows. ConclusionsThis study showed the need of not only specific reference intervals for high-production sows, but also highlights the relevance of considering the different stages of sows´s reproductive cycle. Consideration of sow’s physiological stage and parity, along with body condition appear to be highly relevant to get appropriate hematologic reference intervals.
Challenges and opportunities for use of long-lasting insecticidal nets to prevent malaria during overnight travel in Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Ekusai-Sebatta Deborah , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Mpimbaza Arthur , Nankabirwa Joaniter I , Drakeley Chris , Rosenthal Philip J , Staedke Sarah G , Muyinda Herbert 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background.

Travel is a well-recognized risk factor for malaria. Within sub-Saharan Africa, travellers from areas of lower to higher transmission intensity are potentially at high risk of malaria. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are the primary tool for prevention of malaria, and their widespread use has contributed to substantial reductions in malaria burden. However, travellers often fail to use LLINs. To further explore the challenges and opportunities of using LLINs, we interviewed travellers in Uganda.
Methods.

In August and September 2019, 20 participants attending outpatient clinics at Naguru General Hospital in Kampala with a history of travel out of Kampala within the previous 60 days were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically using NVivo 12.
Results

Of the 20 participants, 13 were male. Thirteen of the participants (65%) tested positive for malaria by microscopy. A total of 25% of the participants reported use of LLINs during travel. The main reasons for travel were to attend social events (weddings, funerals, overnight prayers) and for work. Travelers who attended social events reported using LLINs less commonly than those who travelled for work. Challenges to using LLINs during travel included: 1) limited access to LLINs, 2) inability to plan ahead for travel, 3) lack of space or ability to hang LLINs while traveling, 4) impression that LLINs in lodging places were unhygienic, 5) cultural beliefs discouraging use of LLINs during social events, 6) participation in overnight ceremonies and 7) doubts about efficacy of LLINs. Positive factors influencing use of LLINs during travel included knowledge regarding malaria prevention and good affordability and availability of LLINs.
Conclusion

Despite good traveller knowledge regarding malaria control measures, use of LLINs was limited. Use of LLINs in the prevention of malaria among travellers from low to high transmission settings needs to be prioritized. This calls for increased availability of LLINs and promotion of appropriate malaria prevention messages by the government to facilitate their adoption by overnight travellers.
Development of a Novel Antibacterial Hydrogel Scaffold Based on Guar Gum/poly (Methylvinylether-alt-Maleic Acid) Containing Cinnamaldehyde-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Maroufi Leila Yavari , Ghorbani Marjan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, we produced a novel chemical cross-linked Guar gum/Poly(methylvinylether-alt-maleicacid) (GG/PMVE-MA) hydrogels with various blending weight ratio of GG, and PMVE-MAn (GG/P20, GG/P40, and GG/P70). These produced hydrogels were analyzed by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, swelling degree, and mechanical characteristics. The results demonstrated that with increasing PMVE-MAn content, thermal stability, swelling degree, and mechanical characteristics of hydrogels were improved. As a result, the GG/P70 hydrogel was selected as an optimal hydrogel. Moreover, MTT analyze indicated that these hydrogels were non-toxic and any reduction or stop of cells growth wasn't observed over time. Additionally, encapsulation of cinnamaldehyde (CA)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles CSNPs into optimal hydrogel formulation significantly (P < 0.05) increased scavenging of DPPH radical about 60%. In addition, the inhibition capability of GG/P70/CA-loaded CSNPs hydrogel against E. coli and S. areus, demonstrating that the hydrogel had high antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The general results showed that this composite hydrogel (GG/P70/CA-loaded CSNPs) could be useful for various applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering and food industry.
Exosome-Derived microRNAs in Sertoli Cells Inhibit Spermatogonial Apoptosis
Authors: Gao Huihui , Cao Heran , Jin Tianqi , Peng Guofan , Chen Yining , Zeng Wenxian , Zhu Chao , Du Jian , Dong WuZi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSpermatogenesis is a highly complicated biological process that occurs in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. It is regulated by a complex network of endocrine and paracrine factors and juxtacrine testicular cross-talk . Sertoli cells (SCs) play a key role in spermatogenesis due to their production of trophic, differentiation and immune-modulating factors. However, many of the molecular pathways of SCs action remain controversial and unclear. Recently, research has focused on exosomes as an important mechanism of intercellular communication. ResultsW e found that the exosomes derived from SCs ( SC-Exos ) significantly inhibited the apoptosis of the primary spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Total of 1016 miRNAs in SCs and 556 miRNAs in SC-Exos were detected using microRNA (miRNA) high-throughput sequencing. Further, 294 miRNAs were differentially expressed between SCs and SC-Exos. Based on the GO and KEGG analyses, the target genes of 37 (high-expressed in exosomes and RPM>1000) selected miRNAs were involved in multiple biological pathw ays, including the MAPK signaling pathway and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. And miR-10b is one of the top ten exosomes with relatively large enrichment of microRNA. In addition, the overexpression of miR-10b down-regulated expression of the target KLF4 to reduce spermatogonial apoptosis in SSCs or C18-4 cell line. ConclusionsThe study indicated a large number of small RNAs loaded in exosomes was secreted form the donor SCs to target spermatogonial regulated the apoptosis. And miR-10b inhibits the apoptosis of spermatogonia through the target gene KLF4.
MMP1 and MMP9 are potential prognostic biomarkers and targets for uveal melanoma
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Bai Jianhao , Xue Yawen , Peng Qing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the leading cause of eye-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to explore the expression and prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in UVM.Methods: Gene expression levels were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Oncomine databases. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database. GeneMANIA was then applied to construct a protein-protein interaction network and identify the hub genes. Moreover, overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) analysis for the hub genes was performed using the UALCAN and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) online tool. Furthermore, TRRUST was used to predict the targets of the MMPs. Results: Our results revealed that the transcriptional levels of MMP1, MMP9, MMP10, MMP11, MMP13, MMP14, and MMP17 were upregulated in UVM tissues compared to normal tissues. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and the top 50 hub genes were identified. The functions of MMPs and their neighboring proteins are mainly associated with ECM-receptor interaction, proteoglycans in cancer, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and microRNAs in cancer. Among the MMPs, MMP1/2/9/11/14/15/16/17/24 played significant roles in the progression of UVM from stage 3 to stage 4. We also found that the expression of MMP1, MMP 2, MMP 9, and MMP 16 was positively correlated with OS and DFS in patients with UVM. Additionally, 18 transcription factors associated with nine MMPs were identified.Conclusions: The results of this study may provide potential biomarkers and targets for UVM. However, further studies are required to confirm these results.
The Long-Lasting Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Li Shan , Wu Chaojie , Zhang Mingshun , Zhou Lianzheng , Xiang Jie , Zhang Wei , Ma Yuan , Ding Wenqiu , Wang Zhengxia , Huang Mao , Ji Ningfei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Although recurring cases of COVID-19 have been sporadically reported, the long-persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still arguable. We aimed to provide the evidences of recovered COVID-19 patients with long-lasting positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA tests in a Chinese hospital. Case presentations: We reported 4 discharged patients with COVID-19 patients relapsed during the period of self-quarantine, leading to an extended disease course. All of four patients were historically healthy without known underlying diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, i.e.) which may influence the disease course. Conclusion: The persistent course of SARS-COV-2 nucleic acid test positive in these 4 cases was prolonged, which provided some ideas for the long-term existence of SARS-COV-2 RNA in convalescent patients.
Differences and Similarities in Clinical and Functional Responses Among Patients Receiving Tofacitinib Monotherapy, Tofacitinib Plus Methotrexate, and Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate: A Post-hoc Analysis of Data From Oral Strategy
Authors: Takeuchi Tsutomu , Fleischmann Roy , Iikuni Noriko , Shi Harry , Soma Koshika , Paulissen Jerome , Hirose Tomohiro , Smolen Josef S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis post-hoc analysis assessed clinical and functional responses to tofacitinib monotherapy, tofacitinib + methotrexate (MTX), and adalimumab + MTX, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in the ORAL Strategy study, including evaluation of patient-level data using cumulative probability plots.MethodsIn the 12-month, phase IIIb/IV ORAL Strategy study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to MTX were randomized to receive tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily (BID), tofacitinib 5 mg BID + MTX, or adalimumab 40 mg every other week + MTX. In this post-hoc analysis, cumulative probability plots were generated for mean percent change from baseline (%∆) in Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI; clinical response) and mean change from baseline (∆) in Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI; functional response) at month 12. Median C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by time period were summarized by CDAI remission (≤2.8) status at months 6 and 12. ResultsData for 1146 patients were analyzed. At month 12, cumulative probability plots for %∆CDAI and ∆HAQ-DI were similar across treatments in patients with greater response. At lower levels of response, patients receiving tofacitinib monotherapy did not respond as well as those receiving combination therapies. With tofacitinib + MTX, numerically higher baseline CRP levels and numerically larger post-baseline CRP reductions were seen in patients achieving CDAI remission at months 6 and 12 vs those who did not.ConclusionsThese results suggest that patients with a greater response did well, irrespective of which therapy they received. Patients with lesser response had better outcomes with combination therapies vs tofacitinib monotherapy, suggesting they benefitted from MTX. High pre‑treatment CRP levels may be associated with better response to tofacitinib + MTX. Trial registration﻿ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02187055. Registered 08 July 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02187055?term=NCT02187055&draw=2&rank=1
Sediment Thickness and Moho Depth Beneath Western Indonesian Region From Teleseismic Receiver Function
Authors: Bahri Syaiful , Suryanto Wiwit , Ngadmanto Drajat 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Earth's crust layer and sediment in Western Indonesia has been studied using the inversion of teleseismic receiver function from BMKG’s seismic network. Earthquake events were analyzed in this study with a moment magnitude greater than 6.0 with epicentral distances of 30° to 90°. A total of 60 earthquake events were observed and recorded by 91 stations around the study area. Furthermore, an inversion process was carried out using the initial velocity model from the modification of the AK135f velocity model to obtain the shear wave velocity structure below each stations. The velocity model from the azimuthally stacked vertical receiver function showed that the sediment layer had a relatively medium shear wave velocity value with an average of 2.1 km/s, while the crust layer had 4.60 km/s. The sedimentary layer thickness in this region also varies between 2 km to 10 km. A relatively thick sediment layer of about 8 km to 10 km was observed in two locations, in East Kalimantan associated with the Kutai Basin and Northern part of Sumatera in the North Sumatera Basin, a two major oil producer basinal area in Indonesia. The Moho discontinuity was also found at depths that vary between 16 km to 50 km. In addition, the most shallow Moho depth is 16 km below the North Kalimantan and North part of West Java, while the deeper Moho depth of 50 km is located below East Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Sumatera and South Sumatera.
Autism Screening at 18 Months of Age: a Comparison of the Q-CHAT and the M-CHAT
Authors: Sturner Raymond , Howard Barbara , Bergmann Paul , Attar Shana , Stewart Lydia , Bet Kerry , Allison Carrie , Baron-Cohen Simon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Autism screening is recommended at 18 and 24-month pediatric well visits. The M-CHAT-R screen requires a follow-up interview (M-CHAT-R/F) when positive. M-CHAT-R/F may be less accurate for 18- than 24-month-olds and accuracy for identification prior to two years is not known in samples including children passing screens. Since autism symptoms may emerge gradually, items with ordinal responses, such as Q-CHAT-10, might better capture autism signs than the dichotomous (i.e., yes/no) items in M-CHAT-R. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of the M-CHAT-R/F and the Q-CHAT-10 for predicting autism in a sample of children who screen positive or negative at 18 months old.Methods: This is a community pediatrics validation study with screen positive (96) and age and practice-matched screen negative children (314) recruited for diagnostic evaluations completed prior to two years old.Clinical diagnosis of autism based on results of in-person diagnostic autism evaluations by research reliable testers blind to screening results and using the ADOS-2 Toddler module, Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) per standard guidelines, and ADOS-T algorithm.Results: While the M-CHAT-R/F had higher specificity and PPV compared to M-CHAT-R as expected, performance characteristics, including improved sensitivity with similar PPV, favored Q-CHAT-10 (scoring adjusted to capture the full range of frequency items). Limitations: Many parents declined participation and the sample skewed toward higher educated parents. Results cannot be extended to older ages. Conclusions: The limitations of the M-CHAT-R/F at the 18-month-visit include low sensitivity with minimal balancing benefit of improved PPV from the follow-up interview. The Q-CHAT-10 shows advantages over M-CHAT-R/F including requiring half the number of items and no follow-up interview, yet it did not improve the low PPV at 18 months. Ordinal, rather than dichotomous, scoring of autism screening items appears to be beneficial at this age. The Q-CHAT-10 with adjusted scoring is thus a better alternative to the M-CHAT at the 18-month-visit, providing better detection of children who can be diagnosed at this age even though psychometrics of both approaches still fall below recommended standards, consistent with growing recognition that screening needs to also occur repeatedly beyond this age.
The first Chinese chest EIT device for ICU applications: system introduction and evaluation
Authors: Qu Shuo-yao , Dai Meng , Wu Shuo , Lv Zhi-rang , Ti Xin-yu , Fu Feng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Chest electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a promising application which is used to monitor the ventilation and perfusion of the lung at the bedside dynamically. The aim of the study was to introduce the first Chinese made chest EIT device for ICU application (Pulmo EIT-100). The system design of the hardware and software was briefly introduced. The performance of the system was compared to PulmoVista 500 (Dräger Medical) in healthy volunteers.
Methods

The EIT system Pulmo EIT-100 consists of impedance measurement module, power supply module, PC all-in-one machine, medical cart and accessories. The performance of the system current source and voltage measurement unit was tested. A total of 50 healthy lung volunteers were prospectively examined. Subjects were asked to perform repetitive slow vital capacity (SVC) maneuvers with a spirometer. EIT measurements were performed in the following sequence during each SVC with: (1) Pulmo EIT-100, (2) PulmonVista500, (3) Pulmo EIT-100 and (4) PulmonVista500. Linearity and regional ventilation distribution of the reconstructed images from two devices were compared.
Results

The output frequency stability of the current source was 2ppm. The amplitude error within one hour was less than 0.32‰. The output impedance of the current source was about 50 KΩ. The signal-to-noise ratio of each measurement channel was ≥ 60 dB. For fixed resistance measurements, the measured values drifted about 0.08% within one hour. For human subjects, the correlations between the spirometry volume and EIT impedance from two devices were both 0.99 ± 0.01. No statistical significances were found in the parameters investigated. The repeatability (variability) of measures from the same device was comparable.
Conclusion

Our EIT device delivers reliable data and might be used for patient measurement in a clinical setting.