bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The applicability of the global lung initiative equations and other regional equations on a sample of healthy Middle Eastern adolescents
Authors: Al‐Qerem Walid , Alassi Ameen , Jarab Anan S. , Ling Jonathan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Global Lung Initiative 2012 (GLI‐2012) spirometry equations are multi‐ethnic equations that cover all ages between 3 and 95. However, there is a need to evaluate the suitability of these equations to a sample of Middle Eastern adolescents prior to being applied in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate the suitability of GLI‐2012 equations and two regional equations to a sample of Jordanian adolescents.MethodsSpirometric measures were collected from 1036 healthy 14 to 17‐year‐old Jordanian children. z‐scores, predicted values, percent predicted values, and frequency of measures below lower limit of normal (LLN) were calculated for each adolescent using the studied equations.ResultsThe means of z‐scores produced by GLI‐2012 equations for Caucasians in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC% and mid forced expiratory flow (FEF25‐75) for boys were 0.12, −0.06, 0.34 and 0.09, respectively, while for girls they were −0.09, −0.16, 0.19 and −0.05, respectively. The mean of z‐scores produced by GLI‐2012 Other or Mixed equations in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and FEF25‐75 for boys were 0.74, 072, 021 and 0.33, respectively, and for girls were 0.53, 0.56,0.02 and 0.2, respectively. The frequency of measures below LLN as produced by GLI 2012 for Caucasians were significantly different from the expected 5% in FEV1 and FEF25‐75 in boys only, whereas Other or Mixed produced frequencies significantly different from the expected 5% in most of the parameters.ConclusionSpirometry reference equations formulated for Jordanian adolescents may improve the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in Jordan.
Smokeless tobacco policy in Bangladesh: A stakeholder study of compatibility with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Naznin Eva , Wynne Olivia , George Johnson , Denham Alexandra M. J. , Hoque Mohammad E. , Milton Abul H. , Bonevski Billie , Stewart Kay 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionSmokeless tobacco (ST) is the predominant form of tobacco used in Bangladesh and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Bangladesh ratified the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004. There are concerns that FCTC legislation and implementation of ST control policy is insufficient in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to investigate the achievements and challenges of ST policy in Bangladesh and its alignment with the FCTC.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured key informant interviews with 20 stakeholders from government and non‐government offices and international funding agencies, including tobacco control advocates, policy makers and non‐governmental organisation workers. We used NVivo software to create key themes and the framework method for thematic analysis.ResultsOur findings revealed a lack of national policy in terms of disclosure of harmful contents, illicit trade and standardised packaging of ST. Legislation remains ineffective in relation to graphical health warnings and tax measures. Challenges to ST control identified included inadequate law enforcement; paucity of research, surveillance, and evidence generation; and supply chain control. We identified lack of congruence of ST policies with FCTC due to slow progress in implementation of FCTC measures, lack of a country‐specific policy and industry interference. To comply with FCTC, participants recommended strong leadership and political commitment, co‐ordination between public and private sectors and proper use of tobacco control resources.Discussion and ConclusionsBangladesh has adopted several important FCTC measures, but further strengthening of ST policy is needed to enable full implementation of FCTC.
Early identification of children with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder: a scoping review
Authors: Lee Emily J , Zwicker Jill G 
Published: January 2021

AimTo summarize current evidence for early identification and motor‐based intervention for children aged 5 years and younger with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD).MethodUsing scoping review methodology and after duplicates were removed, 11 115 peer‐reviewed articles and grey literature were independently screened by two authors. Data from 103 included records were extracted and synthesized by both assessors. One author entered the relevant data into tables, while the other author double‐checked the entries.ResultsRecords included peer‐reviewed studies, guidelines, conference presentations, and theses/dissertations. Most literature pertained to early identification (n=78), with fewer studies targeting intervention (n=22) or covering both topics (n=3). Literature was summarized in two main categories: (1) assessments for diagnostic criteria A and B; and (2) motor‐based interventions for young children with/at risk of DCD. This article highlights the findings related to assessments, while a companion article summarizes the intervention literature.InterpretationEmerging evidence shows that children, especially those at greatest risk of DCD, may be identified before formal school entry. Earlier identification will allow for earlier intervention, which may help to improve the developmental trajectories of children with/at risk of DCD and prevent secondary consequences of the disorder. It is recommended that health care providers explicitly use the term ‘at risk of DCD’.
Impact of clinical pharmacy interventions on health and economic outcomes in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Desse Tigestu A. , Vakil Krishna , Mc Namara Kevin , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo examine the effectiveness of clinical pharmacy interventions on health and economic outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes in hospital settings.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, COCHRANE Library and citations and reference lists of key articles. We included randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials, cohort and controlled before‐after studies. Primary outcomes were glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), all‐cause mortality, major cardiovascular events, adverse events (AEs), health‐related quality of life and economic outcomes.ResultsWe retrieved 11,853 studies, of which 44 studies were included in the review (n = 8623). We included 29 randomized controlled studies in the meta‐analyses (n = 4055). Clinical pharmacy interventions significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared to usual care (standardized mean difference: −0.52, p < 0.001). The interventions significantly reduced AEs compared to usual care. No studies were reported on the effectiveness of clinical pharmacy interventions on major cardiovascular events. In one study that examined the impact of clinical pharmacy interventions on all‐cause mortality, a non‐significant reduction was observed compared with usual care. There was significant improvement in quality of life and significant reduction in costs of type 2 diabetes care compared to usual care.ConclusionsClinical pharmacy interventions were effective in improving glycaemic control, quality of life and reducing the rate of AEs and costs of type 2 diabetes care.
The utility of a formative one‐station objective structured clinical examination for Substance use disorders in a dental curriculum
Authors: Odusola Folarin , Smith Jennifer L. , Turrigiano Eva , Shulman Matisyahu , Grbic John T. , Fine James B. , Hu Mei‐Chen , Nunes Edward V. , Bisaga Adam , Levin Frances R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSubstance use disorders (SUD) are chronic relapsing medical conditions characterised by compulsive substance seeking and use. They constitute a substantial disease burden globally. Labelling of persons with SUD has created barriers to treatment but there are effective management strategies. The dental profession has embraced reforms designed to address the SUD epidemic by promoting continuing education for practitioners and initiating curriculum changes in dental schools. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence‐based model for managing patients with SUD. The use of a formative 1‐station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for learning and assessment in SBIRT, operationalised with the MD3 rating scale is presented in this study. In 3 years of implementation, the SBIRT OSCE successfully integrated into the curriculum of the College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University. Mean score of total adherent behaviours was 11.80 (SD =4.23) (range: 2 – 24) and Cronbach's coefficient alpha for across‐items reliability in adherent behaviours was 0.66. Adherent behaviours correlated with the global ratings (r = 0.66). Mean of global rating scores were 2.90 (SD =1.01) for collaboration and 2.97 (SD =1.00) for empathy and the global rating scores correlated with each other (r = 0.85). Histograms of global rating scores resembled normal distribution. The 1‐station OSCE is a good model for learning about SBIRT. Psychometric analysis was useful in understanding the underlying construct of the MD3 rating scale and supported its reliability, validity and utility in dental education.
Neuronal, but not glial, Contactin 2 negatively regulates axon regeneration in the injured adult optic nerve
Authors: Savvaki Maria , Kafetzis George , Kaplanis Stefanos‐Ioannis , Ktena Niki , Theodorakis Kostas , Karagogeos Domna 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMammalian adult neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) display limited ability to regrow axons after trauma. The developmental decline in their regenerative ability has been attributed to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including postnatal suppression of transcription factors and non‐neuronal inhibitory components, respectively. The cell adhesion molecule Contactin 2 (CNTN2) is expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes in the CNS. Neuronal CNTN2 is highly regulated during development and plays critical roles in axon growth and guidance and neuronal migration. On the other hand, CNTN2 expressed by oligodendrocytes interferes with the myelination process, with its ablation resulting in hypomyelination. In the current study, we investigate the role of CNTN2 in neuronal survival and axon regeneration after trauma, in the murine optic nerve crush (ONC) model. We unveil distinct roles for neuronal and glial CNTN2 in regenerative responses. Surprisingly, our data show a conflicting role of neuronal and glial CNTN2 in axon regeneration. Although glial CNTN2 as well as hypomyelination are dispensable for both neuronal survival and axon regeneration following ONC, the neuronal counterpart comprises a negative regulator of regeneration. Specifically, we reveal a novel mechanism of action for neuronal CNTN2, implicating the inhibition of Akt signalling pathway. The in vitro analysis indicates a BDNF‐independent mode of action and biochemical data suggest the implication of the truncated form of TrkB neurotrophin receptor. In conclusion, CNTN2 expressed in CNS neurons serves as an inhibitor of axon regeneration after trauma and its mechanism of action involves the neutralization of Akt‐mediated neuroprotective effects.
Meta‐analysis shows the evidence for context‐dependent mating behaviour is inconsistent or weak across animals
Authors: Dougherty Liam R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAnimals often need to invest significantly in mating behaviour in order to successfully mate. However, the expression of mating behaviour can be costly, especially in unfavourable environments, so animals are expected to adjust their behaviour in a context‐dependent way to mitigate these costs. I systematically searched the literature for studies measuring animal mating behaviour (sexual signalling, response to sexual signals or the strength of mate choice) in more than one environment, and used a phylogenetically controlled meta‐analysis to identify environmental factors influencing these behaviours. Across 222 studies, the strength of mate choice was significantly context‐dependent, and most strongly influenced by population density, population sex ratio and predation risk. However, the average effect sizes were typically small. The amount of sexual signalling and the strength of response to sexual signals were not significantly related to the environment. Overall, this suggests that the evidence for context‐dependent mating behaviour across animals is surprisingly weak.
Increasing temperature elevates the variation and spatial differentiation of pesticide tolerance in a plant pathogen
Authors: Lurwanu Yahuza , Wang Yan‐Ping , Wu E‐Jiao , He Dun‐Chun , Waheed Abdul , Nkurikiyimfura Oswald , Wang Zhen , Shang Li‐Ping , Yang Li‐Na , Zhan Jiasui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractClimate change and pesticide resistance are two of the most imminent challenges human society is facing today. Knowledge of how the evolution of pesticide resistance may be affected by climate change such as increasing air temperature on the planet is important for agricultural production and ecological sustainability in the future but is lack in scientific literatures reported from empirical research. Here, we used the azoxystrobin‐Phytophthora infestans interaction in agricultural systems to investigate the contributions of environmental temperature to the evolution of pesticide resistance and infer the impacts of global warming on pesticide efficacy and future agricultural production and ecological sustainability. We achieved this by comparing azoxystrobin sensitivity of 180 P. infestans isolates sampled from nine geographic locations in China under five temperature schemes ranging from 13 to 25°C. We found that local air temperature contributed greatly to the difference of azoxystrobin tolerance among geographic populations of the pathogen. Both among‐population and within‐population variations in azoxystrobin tolerance increased as experimental temperatures increased. We also found that isolates with higher azoxystrobin tolerance adapted to a broader thermal niche. These results suggest that global warming may enhance the risk of developing pesticide resistance in plant pathogens and highlight the increased challenges of administering pesticides for effective management of plant diseases to support agricultural production and ecological sustainability under future thermal conditions.
Evolutionary fusion of classifiers trained on linear prediction based features for replay attack detection
Authors: Nasersharif Babak , Yazdani Morteza 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRecently, linear prediction analysis (LP) related features have been successfully used for replay attack detection due to the imperfection in the LP‐based signal produced by recording and playback devices. In this paper, we propose a weighted linear combination of classifier scores for replay attack detection where our classifiers, including Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) and support vector machines (SVMs), are trained on a variety of LP and LP residual‐based features. In this way, we can benefits from all of the LP‐related features when we combine classifiers trained on these features. We determine classifier weights using two evolutionary algorithms: genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. Furthermore, we propose a new feature based on performing LP residuals analysis of Mel sub‐band energies. We also propose a deep structure for extracting deep features from LP‐based coefficients to consider the class labels (genuine or spoofed speaker) in the feature extraction process. Results of our classifier system on the ASVspoof 2017 version 2 dataset show equal error rates of 0.3% and 4.8% for its development and evaluation subset, respectively. We also applied our proposed replay attack detection method to an ASV system that has acceptable results.
Exploring political personalities: The micro‐foundation of local policy innovation in China
Authors: Lewis Orion A. , Teets Jessica C. , Hasmath Reza 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article argues that policymakers' individual attributes influence their willingness to engage in policy innovation, and that this influence is responsive to, but not determined by, changes in the institutional structure. We derive these findings by employing principal component analysis of original data from surveys of local policymakers in China, to inductively locate different personalities. We find statistically significant personalities that influence a willingness to innovate, and that this influence is responsive to changes such as heightened risk. In addition to parsing the influence of extrinsic and intrinsic motivations on policy innovation, we further find that the traditional risk‐acceptant policy‐entrepreneur personality does not explain innovation well.
Otoferlin is a prognostic biomarker in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A systematic expression analysis
Authors: Cox Alexander , Tolkach Yuri , Stein Johannes , Kristiansen Glen , Ritter Manuel , Ellinger Jörg 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesTo comprehensively investigate the role of otoferlin as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.MethodsThree independent cohorts were used to study otoferlin in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort (messenger ribonucleic acid expression; clear cell renal cell carcinoma n = 514, normal renal tissue n = 81); study validation cohort (messenger ribonucleic acid expression; clear cell renal cell carcinoma n = 79, normal renal tissue n = 44); and immunohistochemistry cohort (protein expression; clear cell renal cell carcinoma n = 142, normal renal tissue n = 30). Otoferlin gene expressions were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas database or determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry staining against otoferlin on tissue microarrays. Correlations between otoferlin messenger ribonucleic acid/protein expression and clinicopathological data/patient survival were statistically tested.ResultsOtoferlin messenger ribonucleic acid expression was significantly upregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma compared with normal renal tissue. High expression levels correlated with advanced stage, higher grade and metastatic tumors, accompanied by independent prognostic significance for overall and cancer‐specific survival. In contrast, otoferlin protein expression was downregulated in tumor tissue. Although, high otoferlin expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma was positively correlated with histological grading and independently predictive of a shortened progression‐free survival.ConclusionOur data suggest otoferlin as an indicator of tumor aggressiveness and as a prognostic biomarker for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, leading to the conclusion that otoferlin could promote the malignancy of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1987 protein induces M2 polarization of macrophages through activating the PI3K/Akt1/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Sha Shanshan , Shi Yang , Tang Yawei , Jia Liqiu , Han Xiuyan , Liu Yuxin , Li Xia , Ma Yufang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) can subvert host immune responses and survive in macrophages. Specific Mtb antigens play a critical role in this process. Rv1987, a secretory protein encoded by the gene rv1987 in the region of difference‐2 (RD2) of the Mtb genome, is specifically expressed in pathogenic mycobacteria. Our previous work proved that Rv1987 induced a Th2 response in mice and enhanced mycobacterial survival in mouse lungs, but its effect on macrophages, the most important effector immune cell involved in killing Mtb, remains unclear. In this study, we used an M. smegmatis strain overexpressing Rv1987 protein to infect alveolar macrophages and the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and analyzed the effect of Rv1987 protein on macrophage polarization. Rv1987 induced M2 polarization in macrophages both in vivo and in vitro. The bactericidal ability of these M2 polarized macrophages decreased remarkably, which resulted in the increased survival of bacteria in macrophages. Proteomics, RT‐qPCR and western blotting results revealed that the PI3K/Akt1/mTOR signaling pathway was activated in Rv1987‐induced M2 macrophages. Meanwhile, the SHIP molecule, a negative regulator of the PI3K/Akt1/mTOR signaling pathway, was significantly downregulated. These results suggest that Rv1987 plays an important role in modulating the host immune response and could be established as a potential drug target.
Alcohol misuse and critical care admissions in the Northern Territory
Authors: Secombe Paul , Campbell Lewis , Brown Alex , Bailey Michael , Pilcher David 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Northern Territory (NT) has a long history of heavy alcohol consumption with a correspondingly high attributable morbidity and mortality.AimsTo describe the number of admissions to intensive care associated with alcohol misuse.MethodsThis is a prospective case–control study including all admissions to NT intensive care units (ICU) between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. Characteristics and outcomes of patients who had an admission associated with alcohol misuse (a composite measure of acute and/or chronic misuse) were compared to those who did not. Primary outcome was the number of admissions associated with alcohol misuse. Secondary outcomes included measures of resource use (length of stay (LoS), need for mechanical ventilation) and mortality adjusted for illness severity.ResultsOver the sampling period there were 1664 admissions. After exclusions, 1471 admissions were analysed, of which 307 (21%) were associated with alcohol misuse. Acute or chronic misuse was associated with 3.7% and 12.1% of admissions respectively, while 5.1% met criteria for both. Admissions associated with alcohol misuse more frequently required ventilation (38.4% vs 20.7%, P < 0.01) and had longer ICU (2.8 vs 2.1 days, P < 0.01) and hospital LoS (9.1 vs 7.1 days, P < 0.01). There was no difference in hospital mortality (7.2% vs 7.7%, P = 0.94), even after adjustment for illness severity, hospital and diagnostic category.ConclusionsAlcohol misuse is associated with a substantial number of critical care admissions and consumes considerable acute care resources. Further policy directed at harm minimisation and epidemiological work at jurisdictional and national level is necessary.
Economic evaluations in paediatric dentistry clinical trials
Authors: Rogers Helen Jessica , Freitas Raiza Dias , Beeson Morgan James , Vernazza Christopher Robert 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEconomic evaluations play an important role in identifying the cost‐effectiveness of alternative healthcare programmes, informing decisions surrounding funding and the allocation of resources. This paper outlines the basic principles of economic evaluation and how it can be conducted alongside a clinical trial. Furthermore, it considers the ways in which evidence from these studies can be used, and the challenges researchers are faced with when conducting economic evaluations in the field of children’s oral health.