bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo assessment of a single adenine mutation in 5′UTR of Endothelin-1 gene in paediatric cases with severe pulmonary hypertension: an observational study
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Choudhury Minati , Batra Sakshi Dhingra , Sikri Kriti , Gupta Anushree 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective
Endothelin-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of severe pulmonary hypertension. The + 139 ‘A’, adenine insertion variant in 5′UTR of edn1 gene has been reported to be associated with increased expression of Endothelin-1 in vitro. The aim of present study was to explore the association of this variant with the circulating levels of Endothelin-1 in vivo using archived DNA and plasma samples from 38 paediatric congenital heart disease (cyanotic and acyanotic) patients with severe pulmonary hypertension.

Results
The plasma Endothelin-1 levels were highly varied ranging from 1.63 to75.16 pg/ml. The + 139 ‘A’ insertion variant in 5′UTR of edn1 was seen in 8 out of 38 cases with only one acyanotic sample demonstrating homozygosity of inserted ‘A’ allele at + 139 site (4A/4A genotype). The plasma Endothelin-1 levels in children with homozygous variant 3A/3A genotype were comparable in cyanotic and acyanotic groups. Lone 4A/4A acyanotic sample had ET-1 levels similar to the median value of ET-1 associated with 3A/3A genotype and was absent in cyanotic group presumably due to deleterious higher ET-1 levels. The discussed observations, limited by the small sample size, are suggestive of homozygous adenine insertion variant posing a risk in cyanotic babies with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension.
Construction and application of a CRISPR/Cas9-assisted genomic editing system for Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Yao Chengzhen , Hu Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaoyuan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCorynebacterium glutamicum is widely used as microbial cell factory for various bioproducts, but its genomic editing efficiency needs to be improved. In this study, a highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9-assisted genomic editing system for C. glutamicum was constructed. This system mainly involves a plasmid and can be used for both gene insertion and deletion in the chromosome of C. glutamicum. The recombinant plasmid for the target gene containing all the editing elements, and first constructed it in E. coli, then purified and transformed it into C. glutamicum. This temperature-sensitive plasmid was cured at high temperature after the genomic editing was completed in C. glutamicum. Using this genetic editing system, the genetic editing efficiency in C. glutamicum ATCC 13032 could reach 95%. The whole work of editing could be done in 8–9 days and showed most time-saving compared to the reported. Using this system, the native promoter of gdhA1 in ATCC 13032 has been replaced with the strong promoter PtacM, and more than 10 genes in ATCC 13032 have been deleted. The results demonstrate that this CRISPR/Cas9-assisted system is highly efficient and very suitable for genome editing in C. glutamicum.
Extinction and persistence of a stochastic SICA epidemic model with standard incidence rate for HIV transmission
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Wang Chunxia , Wang Kai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a stochastic SICA epidemic model with standard incidence rate for HIV transmission is proposed. The sufficient conditions of the extinction and persistence in mean for the disease are established. Numerical simulations show that random perturbations can suppress disease outbreaks and the risk of HIV transmission can be reduced by reducing the transmission coefficient of HIV while increasing the strength of the stochastic perturbation.
Generalizations of some contractions in b-metric-like spaces and applications to boundary value problems
Authors: Zoto Kastriot , Aydi Hassen , Alsamir Habes 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper provides two wide classes of contractions, which are obtained by using notions of $\alpha _{s^{p}} $

α

s
p

-admissibility and the rich set of C-class functions in the setting of a complete b-metric-like space under more general contractive conditions. An application is provided and many known results in the literature can be derived.
Fixed point results for a pair of fuzzy mappings and related applications in b-metric like spaces
Authors: Rasham Tahair , Marino Giuseppe , Shahzad Aqeel , Park Choonkill , Shoaib Abdullah 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper is devoted to finding out some realization of the concept of b-metric like space. First, we attain a fixed point for two fuzzy mappings satisfying a suitable requirement of contractiveness. Subsequently, we apply such a result to graphic contractions. Also, we attain a unique solution for a system of integral equations, and lastly we give an application to ensure that there exists a common bounded solution of a suitable functional equation in dynamic programming.
The method of upper and lower solutions for a class of fractional differential coupled systems
Authors: Quan Huan , Liu Xiping , Jia Mei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate a class of nonlocal boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional functional differential coupled systems with state dependent delays. The method of upper and lower solutions is established and some new results for the multiplicity of solutions of the boundary value problem are obtained. An example is also presented to illustrate our main results.
The nature of food promotions over one year in circulars from leading Belgian supermarket chains
Authors: Vandevijvere Stefanie , Van Dam Iris 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
To examine the proportion of healthier and less healthy food promotions in circulars of major Belgian supermarket chains.

Methods
Food promotions were collected from all circulars over 1 year from the five largest Belgian supermarket chains. Foods promoted were classified according to the World Health Organization Europe nutrient profile model categories and the level and purpose of processing as per the NOVA classification. In addition, promotional characters (i.e. cartoons, licensed characters, celebrities) and premium offers within the promotions were analysed.

Results
In total, 15,271 food promotions were analyzed. The most frequently promoted foods in circulars were processed meat, poultry and fish (11.8%); fresh and frozen fruit, vegetables and legumes (9.5%); soft drinks and sweetened beverages (9.0%); fresh and frozen meat, poultry, fish and eggs (8.6%); cakes, sweet biscuits and pastries (8.1%); ready-made and convenience foods (8.0%); chocolate and sugar confectionery; energy bars and sweet toppings (7.7%) and cheeses (5.7%). About 52.2% of food promotions across all circulars were for ultra-processed foods, with considerable variation across chains (42.9–61.6%).
Promotional characters and premium offers were found within 5.3 and 19.5% of promotions respectively. For all chains, circular covers were healthier compared to entire circulars, with a lower proportion of ultra-processed foods and a higher proportion of fresh fruit and vegetables promoted.

Conclusions
Food promotions in circulars were most frequently for ultra-processed foods, with considerable variation across chains. Circular covers were healthier than entire circulars. Policies to reduce less healthy food promotions could contribute to improving the healthiness of supermarket food purchases.
Health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan: evidence from the 2017–18 Jordan demographic and health survey
Authors: Fernandes Petula , Odusina Emmanuel Kolawole , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Kota Komlan , Yaya Sanni 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite the relationship between health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization, previous studies in Jordan on the use of maternal healthcare services have mainly focused on patterns and determinants of maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between health insurance coverage and maternal healthcare services utilization in Jordan.MethodsThis study used secondary data published in 2017-18 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey on 4656 women of reproductive age (15–49 years). The independent variable was health insurance coverage and the outcome variable was maternal healthcare services utilization, measured through timing of first antenatal visit, four or more antenatal care visits, and skilled birth attendance. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.ResultsOut of the total number of women who participated in the study, 38.2% were not covered by health insurance. With maternal healthcare utilization, 12.5%, 23.2%, and 10.1% respectively, failed to make early first antenatal care visit, complete four or more antenatal care visits and have their delivery attended by a skilled worker. After controlling for the socio-demographic factors, health insurance coverage was associated with increased odds of early timing of first antenatal care visits and completion of four or more antenatal care visits (aOR = 1.33,p < 0.05, aOR = 1.25,p < 0.01, respectively). However, women who were covered by health insurance were less likely to use skilled birth attendance during delivery (aOR = 0.72p < 0.001).ConclusionsJordanian women with health insurance coverage were more likely to have early first antenatal care visits and complete four or more antenatal care visits. However, they were less likely to have their delivery attended by a skilled professional. This study provides evidence that health insurance coverage has contributed to increased maternal healthcare services utilization, only in terms of number and timing of antenatal care visits in Jordan. It is recommended that policy makers in Jordan should strengthen the coverage of health insurance in the country, especially among women of reproductive age in order to enhance the use of maternal healthcare services in the country.
Analyzing German consumers’ willingness to pay for green electricity tariff attributes: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Danne M. , Meier-Sauthoff S. , Musshoff O. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
In order to achieve an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy supply, it is necessary that this goal is supported by society. In different countries worldwide it has been shown that one way consumers want to support the energy transition is by switching to green electricity. However, few people make the leap from their intention to a buying decision. This study explores parameters that influence whether German consumers would hypothetically decide to switch to a green electricity tariff.

Methods
A quota-representative online survey including a discrete choice experiment with 371 German private households was conducted in 2016. For the econometric analysis, a generalized multinomial logit model in willingness-to-pay space was employed, enabling the estimation of WTP values to be as realistic as possible.

Results
The results show that consumers’ decision whether or not to make the switch to green energy is mainly influenced by the source of green energy, whether a person can outsource the switching process, and a person’s attitude towards the renewable energy sources levy that currently exist in Germany.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that politics should focus on supporting wind and solar energy as German consumers prefer these sources over biogas. As the results suggest, the EEG levy is a reason why consumers have lower WTP for switching to a green tariff. Therefore, a switching bonus with a specifically “framed” bonus in the amount of the current EEG levy could be a promising strategy for the increase of green energy tariff acceptance. Furthermore, attention should be given to psychological and behavioral aspects, as the results indicate that these factors influence the consumer’s choice for a green electricity tariff.
Inhibition of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration promotes radiosensitisation of neuroblastoma and glioma cells
Authors: Nile Donna L. , Rae Colin , Walker David J. , Waddington Joe Canning , Vincent Isabel , Burgess Karl , Gaze Mark N. , Mairs Robert J. , Chalmers Anthony J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Neuroblastoma accounts for 7% of paediatric malignancies but is responsible for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Despite rigorous treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, the 5-year overall survival rate of high-risk disease remains < 40%, highlighting the need for improved therapy. Since neuroblastoma cells exhibit aberrant metabolism, we determined whether their sensitivity to radiotherapy could be enhanced by drugs affecting cancer cell metabolism.

Methods
Using a panel of neuroblastoma and glioma cells, we determined the radiosensitising effects of inhibitors of glycolysis (2-DG) and mitochondrial function (metformin). Mechanisms underlying radiosensitisation were determined by metabolomic and bioenergetic profiling, flow cytometry and live cell imaging and by evaluating different treatment schedules.

Results
The radiosensitising effects of 2-DG were greatly enhanced by combination with the antidiabetic biguanide, metformin. Metabolomic analysis and cellular bioenergetic profiling revealed this combination to elicit severe disruption of key glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolites, causing significant reductions in ATP generation and enhancing radiosensitivity. Combination treatment induced G2/M arrest that persisted for at least 24 h post-irradiation, promoting apoptotic cell death in a large proportion of cells.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that the radiosensitising effect of 2-DG was significantly enhanced by its combination with metformin. This clearly demonstrates that dual metabolic targeting has potential to improve clinical outcomes in children with high-risk neuroblastoma by overcoming radioresistance.
Specialized post-inpatient psychotherapy for sustained recovery in anorexia nervosa via videoconference – study protocol of the randomized controlled SUSTAIN trial
Authors: Giel Katrin Elisabeth , Martus Peter , Schag Kathrin , Herpertz Stephan , Hofmann Tobias , Schneider Antonius , Teufel Martin , Voderholzer Ulrich , von Wietersheim Jörn , Wild Beate , Zeeck Almut , Bethge Wolfgang , Schmidt Ulrike , Zipfel Stephan , Junne Florian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
A major barrier to long-term recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN) are early and frequent relapses after inpatient treatment. There is an urgent need for enhanced continuity of specialized care involving effective aftercare interventions and relapse prevention strategies in order to improve the long-term outcome for patients with AN.

Methods
SUSTAIN is a multi-center, prospective, randomized-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of a novel post-inpatient aftercare intervention for patients with AN as compared to optimized treatment-as-usual (TAU-O). The SUSTAIN aftercare intervention is based on the cognitive-interpersonal maintenance model of AN and specifically tailored to achieve sustained recovery in AN following inpatient treatment. The SUSTAIN aftercare intervention comprises 20 treatment sessions over eight months and will be predominantly delivered via videoconference to overcome discontinuity of care. TAU-O refers to routine outpatient psychotherapy as generally offered in the German health care system. A total number of 190 patients receiving inpatient or day-hospital treatment for AN will be randomized and assessed over a 14-month period following randomization including a 6 months follow-up. Minimum Body Mass Index (BMI) is 15 kg/m2 at trial inclusion. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in BMI between baseline (T0) and end of treatment (T2) adjusted for baseline BMI. Key secondary outcomes comprise eating disorder and general psychopathology, quality of life, proportion of relapse and of weight restoration, and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion
The results of the present trial will provide evidence if the novel aftercare intervention fosters sustained recovery in patients affected by severe courses of AN.

Trial registration
The SUSTAIN trial was prospectively registered on November 18, 2020, under the registration number DRKS00023372 at the German Clinical Trials Register (https://www.drks.de/drks_web/) which is an acknowledged primary register of the World Health Organization (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/).
Protocol version: 1.2.
Australian mental health care practitioners’ construing of non-White and White people: implications for cultural competence and therapeutic alliance
Authors: Dune Tinashe , Caputi Peter , Walker Beverly M. , Olcon Katarzyna , MacPhail Catherine , Firdaus Rubab , Thepsourinthone Jack 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The development of cultural competence is central to the therapeutic alliance with clients from diverse backgrounds. Given that the majority of Australia’s population growth is due to migration, mental health practitioner construing of non-White and White people has a significant role and impact on client engagement.

Method
To examine the impact of mental health practitioner construing on their strategies for cultural competence and the therapeutic alliance, 20 White and non-White mental health practitioners and trainees providing mental health services were purposively sampled and interviewed face-to-face or via videoconferencing. Data was analysed thematically and the impact of construing on practitioner cultural competence and the therapeutic alliance were interpreted using Personal Construct Psychology.

Results
Practitioners demonstrated cultural competence in their acknowledgement of the impact of negative construing of ethnic, cultural, religious, social, racial and linguistic diversity on client wellbeing. Practitioners sought to address these negative impacts on clients by drawing on the client-practitioner relationship to improve the therapeutic alliance.

Conclusions
The results reinforce the need for mental health care workers to develop cultural competence with a focus on developing awareness of the impact of frameworks of Whiteness on the experiences of non-White people. This is central to the development of a therapeutic alliance where clients feel understood and assured that their mental health concerns will not be constructed (and treated) through a framework that constrains both White and non-White people’s opportunities for improved mental health and wellbeing.
A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap
Authors: Allen Laura , Munroe Kelti , Taylor S. Mark 
Published: May 2021

Background The V to Y advancement flap offers an excellent option for reconstructing defects of the lobule and adjacent structures of the external ear. We demonstrate its utility for small defects of the earlobe including those extending to the antitragal and conchal bowl regions. To our knowledge use of this technique for earlobe reconstruction has not been reported. Methods A review of the literature was performed on the use of the V to Y flap for earlobe reconstruction. We then described its use in reconstructing lobular defects in 6 patients. All patients had a non-melanoma skin cancer involving the earlobe. All surgeries were performed under local anesthetic at a tertiary care centre in Halifax, Canada. Defects ranged in size from 1.0 to 1.4 cm. All defects were reconstructed with only a V to Y advancement flap. Patient photographs were taken intra-operatively and post-operatively. For all patients, satisfaction of the final aesthetic result was assessed on a 10 point scale in follow-up at 6 months. Results A review of the literature did not reveal any reports of the V to Y flap used in isolation for lobular reconstruction. At our centre from 2018 to 2020, this method was well tolerated under local anesthetic in 6 patients with non-melanoma skin cancers of the earlobe. All patients reported an aesthetically satisfying result at 6 months with scores ranging between 8 and 10. Scarring in all cases was minimal. Conclusion The V to Y advancement flap is a simple technique for reconstructing small defects of the lobule. This method is technically straight-forward, poses minimal risk to the patient, and in our experience, yields a favourable cosmetic outcome. Graphical Abstract
Modelling customers credit card behaviour using bidirectional LSTM neural networks
Authors: Ala’raj Maher , Abbod Maysam F. , Majdalawieh Munir 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWith the rapid growth of consumer credit and the huge amount of financial data developing effective credit scoring models is very crucial. Researchers have developed complex credit scoring models using statistical and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to help banks and financial institutions to support their financial decisions. Neural networks are considered as a mostly wide used technique in finance and business applications. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to help bank management in scoring credit card clients using machine learning by modelling and predicting the consumer behaviour with respect to two aspects: the probability of single and consecutive missed payments for credit card customers. The proposed model is based on the bidirectional Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) model to give the probability of a missed payment during the next month for each customer. The model was trained on a real credit card dataset and the customer behavioural scores are analysed using classical measures such as accuracy, Area Under the Curve, Brier score, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and H-measure. Calibration analysis of the LSTM model scores showed that they can be considered as probabilities of missed payments.The LSTM model was compared to four traditional machine learning algorithms: support vector machine, random forest, multi-layer perceptron neural network, and logistic regression. Experimental results show that, compared with traditional methods, the consumer credit scoring method based on the LSTM neural network has significantly improved consumer credit scoring.