bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive selection signatures in Anqing six‐end‐white pig population based on reduced‐representation genome sequencing data
Authors: Guo L. , Sun H. , Zhao Q. , Xu Z. , Zhang Z. , Liu D. , Qadri Q. R. , Ma P. , Wang Q. , Pan Y. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryAnqing six‐end‐white (AQ) pig performs well on resistance to coarse fodder and disease, reproduction and meat quality, offering high potential for exploitation. Environmental conditions and strict selections from local farmers have cultivated the AQ pig to be an outstanding and unique local pig breed. Thus we aim to detect genetic positive selection signatures within the AQ pig population to explore underlying genetic mechanisms. A relative extended haplotype homozygosity (REHH) test was performed in the population of 79 AQ pigs to seek evidence demonstrating that selective actions have left an imprint on the whole genome. In total, 430 500 REHH tests were performed on 53 067 core regions with average REHH tests of 8.11, average lengths of 11.50 kb and an overall length of 610.38 Mb which accounted for 26.94% of the whole genome. Finally, a total of 1819 core haplotypes (P < 0.01) and 586 candidate genes were obtained. These genes were mainly related to meat quality (MYOG, SNX19), resistance to disease (CRISPLD2, CD14) and reproduction traits (ERBB2, NRP2). A panel of genes within the 30 top significant REHH tests was mainly categorized to traits of meat quality and disease resistance. Among 13 KEGG pathways, MAPK, GnRH and Oxytocin signaling pathways, associated with the biological processes of crucial economic traits, were noteworthy. The excellent characteristics of the AQ pig benefited from the combination of natural and human factors. We provide a sketch map that shows the distribution of selection footprints on the whole genome of AQ pig and found potential genes for future studies.
Ward round checklist improves patient perception of care
Authors: Read Joshua , Perry William , Rossaak Jeremy I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundChecklists have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in medicine by improving documentation and reducing errors. In the modern era of care, where patients are the centre of decision‐making, this study examines patient perception of care and error prevention with the use of ward round checklist.MethodsWe conducted a prospective stepped‐wedge cluster randomized controlled checklist intervention study using a standardized questionnaire to investigate patients' perception of ward rounds before and after implementation of a ward round checklist.ResultsA total of 124 patients completed the questionnaire. The overall percentage of items endorsed increased significantly by 5.1% from 64.8% to 70.0% (P = 0.014). Statistically significant improvements were seen in patients knowing their diagnosis (P = 0.027), the day's plan (P = 0.038), observing a medication chart (P < 0.001) and observation chart review (P = 0.008).ConclusionOur study indicates that the use of a ward round checklist leads to patient‐perceived improvements in aspects of quality of care.
The use of computer‐aided design/ computer‐aided manufacturing technologies in the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy
Authors: Petrenko Oksana , Prusak Olha 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo study the advantages of using Computer‐Aided Design (CAD)/Computer‐Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies in the treatment of Graves Orbitopathy (GO).MethodsResearch analysis of contemporary scientific medical publications on the subject, The 2018 European Group on Graves ‘Orbitopathy Guidelines for the Management of Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO), Philips Diamond Select Brilliance CT64, software environment Sim Plant 13.02 and Geomagic Freeform Plus.ResultsGraves Orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease that results in dysteroid optic neuropathy (DON) in 3–5% of patients and progressive vision loss. According to the recommendations of EUGOGO 2018, orbital decompression is performed at the first stage of surgical treatment as scheduled with moderate inactive GO or immediately in patients with DON and/or rupture of the cornea with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of radiodiagnosis, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist and maxillofacial surgeon. To increase the volume of bone orbit, surgeons extend the medial, lateral walls of the orbit, or the floor of the orbit, and remove a certain amount of infraorbital fat, but the only correct approach to date has not been determined (EUGOGO 2016). Given the need for an individual approach to the patient, the use of CAD/CAM technology to obtain three‐dimensional models of the skull expands the ability to study the features of the anatomy of the walls of the orbit, its volume, planning of surgery.ConclusionsThe result of a carefully planned orbit decompression using CAD/CAM technology is not only the reduction of intraocular pressure and exophthalmos for optimal treatment, but also the reduction of intraoperative complications (traumatization of the neurovascular bundles, muscles, etc.), shortening the duration of surgery.
A Delphi consensus to address unmet needs in the management of patients at risk of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Layana Alfredo García , Garhofer Gerhard , Minnella Angelo Maria 
Published: January 2021

PurposeProvide recommendations on preventive measures to adopt and follow‐up needed for patients at low, moderate and high risk of AMD using a Delphi consensus process.MethodsA Steering Committee drafted 25 statements on preventive measures and follow‐up for patients at risk of AMD; 14 comprised general recommendations, evaluation tools, lifestyle advice, and AREDS supplementation; based on STARS® score (1) (moderate, score 10–19; high, score ≥20), age (50–70 and >70) and AREDS classification (2), there were 5 statements for subjects at moderate risk of AMD and 6 for those at high risk. A panel of 30 experts voted on their level of agreement with the statements using an online platform.ResultsIn the first round, consensus was reached for 24 of the 25 statements. Among specific recommendations, it was held that the STARS® questionnaire and AREDS classification should be used to evaluate risk of AMD and define the best prevention strategy. In addition, all subjects at risk of AMD should be advised to stop smoking, adopt a Mediterranean diet and carry out regular physical activity. It was agreed that an AREDS‐based formulation significantly reduces the overall risk of moderate vision loss and developing advanced AMD in the long term. Subjects with moderate STARS® score, AREDS category 2, and 55–70 years of age should be asked to carry out self‐monitoring and have follow‐up every 2–3 years. Those with the same risk profile but with age >70 years should carry out self‐monitoring, be recommended specific nutritional supplements, and have annual follow‐up. All subjects with high‐risk and either AREDS category 1 or 2 over the age of 55 should be asked to carry out self‐monitoring. Patients with high‐risk STARS® score, AREDS category 1 and age >70 years should be recommended specific nutritional supplements, as should high‐risk subjects with AREDS category 2 >55 years. Independently of age, high‐risk subjects with AREDS category 2 should undergo follow‐up every 6 months.ConclusionsThese new consensus statements on preventive measures and follow‐up for patients at low, moderate and high risk of AMD can provide additional guidance for clinicians in routine practice.References1. Delcourt C, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2017;58(14):6399–6407.2. AREDS Research Group. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(10):1417–36.
Internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Christodoulou Eleni , Batsos Georgios , Christou Evita Evangelia , Paroikakis Efstratios , Karagiannis Dimitrios , Kontomichos Lukas , Stefaniotou Maria 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo study the effect of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in removal of idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERMs) through meta‐analysis.MethodsWe searched PubMed for studies published until 30/4/2018. Inclusion criteria included cases of idiopathic epiretinal membranes, treated with vitrectomy with or without ILM peel. Exclusion criteria consisted of coexisting retinal pathologies and use of ICG to stain the ILM. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 16 published studies as well as a case series of 50 eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) treated in our department. We compared the results of surgical removal of epiretinal membrane, with or without ILM peel, in terms of best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical restoration of the macula (central foveal thickness—CFT). Studies or subgroups of patients that had indocyanine green (ICG) used as an ILM stain were excluded from the study, due to evidence of its retinal toxicity.ResultsThere was a consistency in results for post‐operative/pre‐operative BCVA and CFT levels in both groups of patients (with or without ILM peel). In all cases, we found a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in post‐operative BCVA and decrease (p < 0.05) in post‐operative CFT levels versus pre‐operative levels.ConclusionsVitrectomy for the removal of ERM combined with ILM peeling is an effective method for the treatment of patients with idiopathic ERM.
Sharing sound: Avian acoustic niches in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Kleyn Tristan , da Cruz Kaizer Mariane , Passos Luiza F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn tropical birds, survival is dependent on the ability to effectively communicate with others against a background of high ambient noise. The Acoustic Niche Hypothesis proposes that the deterrent selective force of signal masking has caused animals sharing a habitat to partition their calling behavior among the acoustic bandwidths available, so as to minimize interference between one another. Whether and why species share the so‐called “acoustic space” remains a gap in our understanding of animal ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate differences between the acoustic structure of avian communities in two distinct habitats in the montane tropical forests of the Caparaó National Park in south‐eastern Brazil, and to test whether the distribution of birdsong at each conformed to the ANH. Birdsong from nine hours of passive acoustic recordings at each study site was analyzed using principal component analyses. The results contradicted the ANH, revealing strikingly similar patterns of synchronized vocal behavior (WAleixo = 0.63, p < 0.0001, RA = 0.48; WSanta Marta = 0.66, p < 0.0001, RSM = 0.41). No correlation was evident between the acoustic and temporal partitioning behavior of songbirds (pA » 0.05, dfA = 55; pSM » 0.05; dfSM = 27). This study provides a novel comparative analysis of the acoustic dynamics in two separate and diverse avian communities and support for theories of synchronized vocal behavior in such groups.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
In vitro systems: A new window to the segmentation clock
Authors: Diaz‐Cuadros Margarete , Pourquie Olivier 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSegmental organization of the vertebrate body plan is established by the segmentation clock, a molecular oscillator that controls the periodicity of somite formation. Given the dynamic nature of the segmentation clock, in vivo studies in vertebrate embryos pose technical challenges. As an alternative, simpler models of the segmentation clock based on primary explants and pluripotent stem cells have recently been developed. These ex vivo and in vitro systems enable more quantitative analysis of oscillatory properties and expand the experimental repertoire applicable to the segmentation clock. Crucially, by eliminating the need for model organisms, in vitro models allow us to study the segmentation clock in new species, including our own. The human oscillator was recently recapitulated using induced pluripotent stem cells, providing a window into human development. Certainly, a combination of in vivo and in vitro work holds the most promising potential to unravel the mechanisms behind vertebrate segmentation.
Neuroendocrine and neuroimmune responses in male and female rats: evidence for functional immaturity of the neuroimmune system during early adolescence
Authors: Marsland Paige , Parrella Allissa , Orlofsky Maya , Lovelock Dennis F. , Vore Andrew S. , Varlinskaya Elena I. , Deak Terrence 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAdolescence is a developmental period characterized by rapid behavioral and physiological changes, including enhanced vulnerability to stress. Recent studies using rodent models of adolescence have demonstrated age differences in neuroendocrine responses and blunted neuroimmune responding to pharmacological challenges. The present study was designed to test whether this neuroimmune insensitivity would generalize to a non‐pharmacological stress challenge. Male and female adolescent (P29‐33) and adult (P70‐80) Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to intermittent footshock for one‐, two‐, or two‐hours + recovery. Plasma corticosterone and progesterone levels as well as gene expression of several cytokines and c‐Fos gene expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), the medial amygdala (MeA), and the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) were analyzed. The results of the present study demonstrated differences in response to footshock, with these differences dependent on age, sex, and brain region of interest. Adult males and females demonstrated time‐dependent increases in IL‐1β and IL‐1R2 in the PVN, with these changes not evident in adolescent males and substantially blunted in adolescent females. TNFα expression was decreased in all regions of interest, with adults demonstrating more suppression relative to adolescents and age differences more apparent in males than in females. IL‐6 expression was affected by footshock predominantly in the vHPC of adolescent and adult males and females, with females demonstrating prolonged elevation of IL‐6 gene expression. In summary, central cytokine responses to acute stressor exposure are blunted in adolescent rats, with the most pronounced immaturity evident for the brain IL‐1 signaling system.
Genetic biomarkers for intravenous immunoglobulin response in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Kuitwaard Krista , van Doorn Pieter A. , Bengrine Thiziri , van Rijs Wouter , Baas Frank , Nagelkerke Sietse Q. , Kuijpers Taco W. , Fokkink Willem‐Jan R. , Bunschoten Carina , Broers Merel C. , Willemsen Sten P. , Jacobs Bart C. , Huizinga Ruth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a clinical and electrophysiological heterogeneous immune‐mediated polyneuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), corticosteroids, and plasma exchange are proven effective treatments for CIDP. The clinical response to IVIg is variable between patients and currently unexplained. Finding biomarkers related to treatment response can help to understand the diversity of CIDP and personalise treatment choice.MethodsWe investigated whether genetic variation between patients may explain some of these differences in treatment response. Based on previous publications, we selected six candidate genes that might affect immune and axonal functions, IVIg metabolism, and treatment response in CIDP. Genetic variants were assessed in 172 CIDP patients treated with at least one course of IVIg (2 g/kg). A response to IVIg was defined by ≥1 grade improvement on the modified Rankin Scale. Blood samples were tested for variations in CNTN2, PRF1, FCGRT, FCGR2B, GJB1, and SH2D2A genes.ResultsIn univariate analysis, patients with the FCGR2B promoter variant 2B.4/2B.1 responded more often to IVIg than patients with the 2B.1/2B.1 variant (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–30; p = 0.003). Patients with the p.(Ala91Val) variant of PRF1 were less often IVIg responsive (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.13–0.91; p = 0.038). In multivariate analysis, both PRF1 and FCGR2B showed discriminative ability to predict the chance of IVIg response (area under the curve = 0.67).ConclusionsVariations in PRF1 and the promoter region of FCGR2B are associated with the response to IVIg in CIDP. These findings, which require validation, are a first step towards the understanding of the heterogeneity in the treatment response in CIDP.
The role of P2P platforms in enhancing financial inclusion in the United States: An analysis of peer‐to‐peer lending across the rural–urban divide
Authors: Maskara Pankaj Kumar , Kuvvet Emre , Chen Gengxuan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the role of peer‐to‐peer (P2P) platforms in enhancing financial inclusion from the borrowers’ point of view across the rural–urban dimension. We show that when number of bank branches decrease in a rural community, the P2P loan requests increase if there is at least one bank branch in the community allowing people to participate in the P2P market. We also find that the number of P2P loan requests from urban areas is higher when such areas have fewer pawnshops per capita. Our results suggest that P2P enhances financial inclusion of those lacking traditional institutions in rural communities and offers an alternative to those with fewer fringe banks in urban communities.
How do university systems' features affect academic inbreeding? Career rules and language requirements in France, Germany, Italy and Spain
Authors: Seeber Marco , Mampaey Jelle 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStudies on academic inbreeding have mostly focused on institutional inbreeding and its negative effects, whereas little research has explored its causes. We identify current explanations of the macro‐, meso‐ and micro‐level factors that sustain academic inbreeding as well as research gaps. We address a main research gap regarding what macro‐level factors contribute to academic inbreeding, by analysing systems’ norms and rules regulating access to senior academic positions and teaching language requirements in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, the largest public university systems of the European Union. The analysis reveals that career rules designed to guarantee quality may have unintended effects in terms of academic inbreeding. Most importantly, the habilitation procedures pose greater challenges to international candidates and often increase barriers between disciplines as well. In some disciplines and regions, language requirements contribute substantially to academic inbreeding.
Social media influencer marketing: A systematic review, integrative framework and future research agenda
Authors: Vrontis Demetris , Makrides Anna , Christofi Michael , Thrassou Alkis 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOver the past few years, the popularity of social media influencers (SMIs) has been growing exponentially, making influencer marketing (IM) prevalent in firm strategies. Despite the mounting interest of researchers and practitioners, the resulting scholarly work remains divergent, partial and fragmented. In light of the pivotal role of SMIs on the consumer decision journey and as this research domain is still developing, a comprehensive and critical overview of extant research on this topic is sorely needed. In response, this paper is the first to consolidate the present state of research on IM within social media settings. More specifically, a systematic review of relevant studies published in peer‐reviewed academic journals across diverse fields was conducted in order to identify key themes and dominant concepts. The analysis of 68 articles from 29 Chartered Association of Business Schools‐ranked journals forges a robust understanding of this phenomenon, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the appeal of SMIs and their influential power in shaping consumer attitudes and behaviour. Based on the analysis, an integrative multidimensional framework is presented that considers antecedents, mediators and moderators of potential outcomes, as well as contextual factors that translate into consumer behaviour. In so doing, various research gaps are identified and avenues for future research are proposed that reflect important emerging areas and unexplored realms with reference to theory, context and methodology. Conclusively, implications of this study for theory and practice are discussed.
From Ousia to Sophia: The Patristic and Classical Background to Twentieth‐Century Essentialism and Personalism
Authors: Bouteneff Peter C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBoth Classical Greek philosophy and the early Christian theology that often drew upon it reflected a tension in their understanding of essence (οὐσία). Was it a concrete thing, something that could assume agency and be related to, or did it refer only to the shared characteristics that reflect things and persons of a common kind? In this article I first establish that this question pertains, mutatis mutandis, to the Platonic forms, as well as to Christian concepts of essence and nature. I then argue that the Christian theology of the conciliar period sided against the reification of essence/nature, noting that their misplaced concreteness resulted in problematic doctrines. In conclusion I briefly explore how this same dynamic plays out in twentieth‐century Orthodox theology, as expressed by Sergius Bulgakov, Vladimir Lossky and John Zizioulas.
Neuroprotective effect of anthocyanin oligomers demonstrated by ischemic insults and lipid peroxidation
Authors: Kim Suah 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to determine whether the flavonoid, anthocyanin oligomers is effective at blunting the negative influence of ischemia/reperfusion to the rat retina in situ and of various insults to a retinal precursor cells (R28) in culture.MethodsR28 in culture were given one of three different insults, light (1000 lux for 2 days), hydrogen peroxide (200 µM H2O2 for 24 hours) or serum deprivation (48 hours). Cell survival and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were assayed. Lipid peroxidation assay was used to compare the antioxidant capacity of anthocyanin oligomers. In animal studies, anthocyanin oligomers were administered intraperitoneally just before and after an ischemic insult, and ischemia was delivered by raising the intraocular pressure above the systolic blood pressure(50 min). Retinas were analysed for the localisation of various antigens, and retinal extracts were also analysed for various mRNAs.ResultsIschemia/reperfusion to the retina affected the localisation of Thy‐1 and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the content of various proteins (optic nerve and retina) and mRNAs (retina). Importantly, anthocyanin Oligomers statistically blunted most of the effects induced by ischemia/reperfusion. Only the increase in caspase‐8 caused by ischemia/reperfusion was unaffected by anthocyanin oligomers treatment. Anthocyanin oligomers also attenuated significantly the negative insult of light, hydrogen peroxide and serum withdrawal to R28 cells. In the lipid peroxidation studies, anthocyanin oligomers was also found to be equally effective as EGCG to act as an antioxidant. Significantly, the negative insult of serum withdrawal on R28 cell survival was blunted by anthocyanin oligomers but not by EGCG revealing the different properties of the two flavonoids.ConclusionsOur results demonstrates the powerful antioxidant characteristics of anthocyanin oligomers. Together with anti‐apoptotic effects of anthocyanin oligomers suggest its potential use for the treatment of various ocular diseases such as glaucoma, where oxidative stress has been suggested to be involved in many aspects of pathogenesis.