bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial protein C receptor supports hematopoietic stem cell engraftment and expansion in Mpl-deficient mice
Authors: Kohlscheen Saskia , Schenk Franziska , Rommel Marcel G. E. , Cullmann Katharina , Modlich Ute 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Thrombopoietin (Thpo)/myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (Mpl) signaling controls hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and quiescence; however, how these 2 seemingly opposing functions are controlled is not well understood. By transplantation of lentiviral-transduced hematopoietic cells in the Mpl-deficient mouse model, we addressed whether known or predicted Thpo target genes were able to rescue the Mpl-deficient phenotype of the mice. Among the tested genes, we identified endothelial protein C receptor (Epcr) to expand HSCs with the long-term (LT)-HSC surface phenotype in Mpl−/− mice and to enable secondary transplantation of Mpl-deficient bone marrow (BM). Epcr-transduced Mpl−/− HSCs enter quiescence earlier after transplantation than control-transduced Mpl−/− cells, and upregulated expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xL. Also, in the wild-type background, Epcr expression marked the engrafting population in the BM. Furthermore, Epcr expression in Mpl−/− hematopoiesis increased the number of megakaryocytes in the BM. In vitro Thpo supported the surface expression of Epcr on primary murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. With these data, we add new insights into Thpo-dependent influence on HSC engraftment after transplantation. This may be of use for the in vitro manipulation of HSCs, also in the context of gene therapy.
Foot structure, pain and functional ability in people with gout in primary care: cross‐sectional findings from the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot
Authors: Petty Helen R. , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Menz Hylton B. , Roddy Edward 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundGout frequently affects the foot yet relatively little is known about the effects of gout on foot structure, pain and functional ability. This study aimed to describe the impact of gout in a UK primary care population.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was nested within an observational cohort study of adults aged ≥50 years with foot pain. Participants with gout were identified through their primary care medical records and each matched on age (±2 years) and gender to four participants without gout. Differences in person‐level variables (SF‐12 Physical Component Score, Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index and Short Physical Performance Battery) between gout and non‐gout participants were determined using regression models. Differences in foot‐level variables (pain regions, skin lesions, deformities, foot posture, and non‐weightbearing range of motion) were determined using multi‐level regression models. All models were adjusted for body mass index. Means and probabilities with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsTwenty‐six participants with gout were compared to 102 participants without gout (77% male; mean age 66 years, standard deviation 11). Subtalar joint inversion and eversion and 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dorsiflexion range of motion were significantly lower in the gout participants compared to the non‐gout participants. Gout participants were more likely to have mallet toes and less likely to have claw toes compared to non‐gout participants. There were no statistically significant differences in person‐level variables, foot posture, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, hallux valgus, pain regions, or skin lesions.ConclusionsNon‐weightbearing range of motion at the subtalar joint and 1st MTPJ was reduced in people with gout. Patients with gout who present with chronic foot problems should therefore undergo appropriate clinical assessment of foot structure.
On Trans* Epistemology
Authors: Radi Blas 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article explores the contents and differential traits of (a) trans* epistemology, as a way to contribute to a dialogue fundamental both from a scholarly perspective and from the point of view of trans* advocacy. The first section offers a brief introduction to trans* studies, highlighting some key aspects in relation to an epistemology rooted in philosophical reflection. The second section presents some of the main critiques trans* scholars have advanced in relation to the processes of knowledge production and its products. The section then moves on to some of the field's main constructive proposals in this respect. The third section builds on the concept of “cis” and “cissexism” to offer considerations on the nuanced relationship between critique and positive contributions, and on the resistance on the part of cis people to being named as such. Finally, the work offers some closing remarks in relation to the specificity and challenges of (a) trans* epistemology.
The development and evaluation of an online application to assist in the extraction of data from graphs for use in systematic reviews
Authors: Cramond Fala , O'Mara-Eves Alison , Doran-Constant Lee , Rice Andrew SC , Macleod Malcolm , Thomas James 
Published: January 2019

Background:The extraction of data from the reports of primary studies, on which the results of systematic reviews depend, needs to be carried out accurately. To aid reliability, it is recommended that two researchers carry out data extraction independently. The extraction of statistical data from graphs in PDF files is particularly challenging, as the process is usually completely manual, and reviewers need sometimes to revert to holding a ruler against the page to read off values: an inherently time-consuming and error-prone process.Methods:To mitigate some of the above problems we integrated and customised two existing JavaScript libraries to create a new web-based graphical data extraction tool to assist reviewers in extracting data from graphs. This tool aims to facilitate more accurate and timely data extraction through a user interface which can be used to extract data through mouse clicks. We carried out a non-inferiority evaluation to examine its performance in comparison to standard practice.Results:We found that the customised graphical data extraction tool is not inferior to users’ prior preferred current approaches. Our study was not designed to show superiority, but suggests that there may be a saving in time of around 6 minutes per graph, accompanied by a substantial increase in accuracy.Conclusions:Our study suggests that the incorporation of this type of tool in online systematic review software would be beneficial in facilitating the production of accurate and timely evidence synthesis to improve decision-making.
Periodic Little’s Law
Authors: Whitt Ward , Zhang Xiaopei 
Published: January 2019

Motivated by our recent study of patient flow data from an Israeli emergency department (ED), we establish a sample path periodic Little’s law (PLL), which extends the sample path Little’s law (LL). The ED data analysis led us to propose a periodic stochastic process to represent the aggregate ED occupancy level, with the length of a periodic cycle being 1 week. Because we conducted the ED data analysis over successive hours, we construct our PLL in discrete time. The PLL helps explain the remarkable similarities between the simulation estimates of the average hourly ED occupancy level over a week using our proposed stochastic model fit to the data and direct estimates of the ED occupancy level from the data. We also establish a steady-state stochastic PLL, similar to the time-varying LL. The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2018.1766 .
Same- vs Different-Hospital Readmissions in Patients With Cirrhosis After Hospital Discharge
Authors: Okafor Philip N. , Nnadi Augustine K. , Okoli Okwuchukwu , Huang Alice E. , Nwaiwu Obioma 
Published: January 2019

INTRODUCTION:
There is a lack of data on the impact of readmission to the same vs a different hospital following an index hospital discharge in cirrhosis patients.

METHODS:
We sought to describe rates and predictors of different-hospital readmissions (DHRs) among patients with cirrhosis and also determine the impact on cirrhosis outcomes including all-cause inpatient mortality and hospital costs. Using the national readmissions database, we identified cirrhosis hospitalizations in 2013. Regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of DHRs. A time-to-event analysis was performed to assess the impact on subsequent readmissions and all-cause inpatient mortality.

RESULTS:
In 2013, there were 109,039 cirrhosis readmissions with 67% of these being same-hospital readmissions and 33% being DHRs (P < 0.001). Two percent of readmitted patients were treated at ≥4 different hospitals. The 30-day readmission rate was 29.1%. Predictors of DHR included Medicaid payer (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01–1.14), age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.978–0.982), elective admission (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.17), hepatic encephalopathy (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.16–1.25), hepatorenal syndrome (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.16), and low socioeconomic status (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.25). No difference was observed in 30-day readmission risk following a DHR (adjusted hazard ratio 1.044, 95% CI 0.975–1.118). In addition, there was no increased risk of inpatient death observed during a DHR within 30 days (adjusted hazard ratio 1.08, 95% CI 0.94–1.23). However, patients with DHR had significantly higher hospital costs and length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS:
Majority of cirrhosis readmissions are same-hospital readmissions. Different-hospital readmissions do not increase the risk of 30-day readmissions and inpatient mortality but are associated with higher hospital costs.
The mir-35 Family Links Maternal Germline Sex to Embryonic Viability in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Benner Lars Kristian , Prothro Katherine Perkins , McJunkin Katherine 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The germline sex determination pathway in C. elegans determines whether germ cells develop as oocytes or sperm, with no previously known effect on viability. The mir-35 family of microRNAs are expressed in the C. elegans germline and embryo and are essential for both viability and normal hermaphroditic sex determination, preventing aberrant male gene expression in XX hermaphrodite embryos. Here we show that combining feminizing mutations with partial loss of function of the mir-35 family results in enhanced penetrance embryonic lethality that preferentially kills XO animals. This lethal phenotype is due to altered signaling through the germline sex determination pathway, and maternal germline feminization is sufficient to induce enhanced lethality. These findings reveal a surprising pleiotropy of sperm-fate promoting pathways on organismal viability. Overall, our results demonstrate an unexpectedly strong link between sex determination and embryonic viability, and suggest that in wild type animals, mir-35 family members buffer against misregulation of pathways outside the sex determination program, allowing for clean sex reversal rather than deleterious effects of perturbing sex determination genes.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Fitness Components in Experimental Evolution
Authors: Liu Jingxian , Champer Jackson , Langmüller Anna Maria , Liu Chen , Chung Joan , Reeves Riona , Luthra Anisha , Lee Yoo Lim , Vaughn Andrew H , Clark Andrew G , Messer Philipp W 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Estimating fitness differences between allelic variants is a central goal of experimental evolution. Current methods for inferring such differences from allele frequency time series typically assume that the effects of selection can be described by a fixed selection coefficient. However, fitness is an aggregate of several components including mating success, fecundity, and viability. Distinguishing between these components could be critical in many scenarios. Here, we develop a flexible maximum likelihood framework that can disentangle different components of fitness from genotype frequency data, and estimate them individually in males and females. As a proof-of-principle, we apply our method to experimentally evolved cage populations of Drosophila melanogaster, in which we tracked the relative frequencies of a loss-of-function and wild-type allele of yellow. This X-linked gene produces a recessive yellow phenotype when disrupted and is involved in male courtship ability. We find that the fitness costs of the yellow phenotype take the form of substantially reduced mating preference of wild-type females for yellow males, together with a modest reduction in the viability of yellow males and females. Our framework should be generally applicable to situations where it is important to quantify fitness components of specific genetic variants, including quantitative characterization of the population dynamics of CRISPR gene drives.
A poesia intimista-militante guineense: elos entre a literatura e o engajamento político
Authors: Melo Luís Carlos Alves de 
Published: January 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo central promover uma reflexão sobre a poesia engajada produzida na Guiné-Bissau desde os movimentos de libertação nacional até os dias atuais, desaguando no que conhecemos como literatura intimista-militante, como meio hábil para se demonstrar os elos de aproximação entre literatura e política. A literatura guineense é, sem sombra de dúvidas, exemplo de como esses dois elementos são parte de um mesmo contexto e de como podemos estar diante de obras poéticas que se transfiguram em verdadeiros manifestos políticos, assim como discursos políticos que podem ser vertidos em peças poéticas de grande valor estético. *** The intimate-militant Guinean poetry: links between literature and political engagement ***This article has as main objective to promote a reflection on the engaged poetry produced in Guinea Bissau since the national liberation movements to present day, in what we know as intimate-militant literature as a way to demonstrate the links between literary and political approaches. Guinean literature’s, without doubt, an example of how these two elements are part of the same context, and how we can be in touch with poetic works that transform into real political manifests, as well as political speeches that can be understood as poetic pieces of great aesthetic value.Keywords: Guinean literature; intimate poetry; engagement; political literature.
A prospective randomized comparative study of Misoprostol and balloon tamponade using condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage at M. Y. H., Indore, India in vaginal delivered patients
Authors: Yadav Sumitra , Malhotra Anjali 
Published: January 2019

Background: PPH is responsible for quarter of maternal deaths occurring worldwide and its incidence is increasing in developed world. According to Confidential Enquiries into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) report obstetric hemorrhage occurs in around3.7 per 1000 births. The objective of the study is that it was a prospective randomized comparative study of misoprostol and balloon tamponade via condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in normal delivered patients at MYH.Methods: A sample size of 200 normal delivered patients between age group 18 and 45 years is chosen with excessive bleeding after third stage of labour and after administration of oxytocics. These 200 patients are divided into two groups: First group receiving Misoprostol and applying condom catheter in other group. Both groups are evaluated for PPH.Results: It was found that CG balloon condom catheter was a much better and more effective alternative in controlling PPH than Misoprostol as the failure rate with CG balloon condom catheter were much less than that with misoprostol. Due to its cost effectiveness and being easily available at primary health center and due to absence of any drug reactions and easy technique of formation makes it a better modality in controlling PPH even at PHC.Conclusions: Patients with condom catheter in situ must show better result than patients receiving misoprostol.
Effect of transdermal nitroglycerin patch on severe preeclamptic women with abnormal Doppler indices
Authors: S. El-Ebshehy El-Sayed , M. Hagras Ahmed , T. Elbadry Amr , M. Awara Ahmed 
Published: January 2019

Background: The aim is to evaluate the effect of maternal transdermal nitro-glycerine patch administration on blood flow resistance on maternal uterine artery, fetal umbilical and middle cerebral arteries in patients with severe pre-eclampsia in early gestational age (24 weeks to 33 weeks) associated with abnormal Doppler indices (placental insufficiency) and also its effect on maternal mean arterial blood pressure.Methods: This is a prospective interventional clinical trial conducted on (50) pregnant women with singleton pregnancy diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia admitted in high-risk pregnancy unit at the Department of Obstetrics in Tanta University Hospitals, A 50-mg transdermal GTN patch (Novartis Pharma) was applied to the abdominal skin, releasing nitroglycerin at a rate of 0.4 mg/h. Doppler ultrasonography and measurement of maternal blood pressure were performed before application of transdermal GTN patch, after 4 hours of application, after 24 hours and after 48 hours.Results: the application of a 50-mg transdermal GTN patch to the maternal abdomen was associated with a significant decline in the PI of the uteroplacental and fetoplacental blood flow. No change was observed in the PI of the cerebral circulation. And also, there was a significant decrease in maternal blood pressure (MAP).Conclusions: Nitroderm patch (nitric oxide donors) may be used as initial therapy in cases of severe preeclampsia complicated by placental insufficiency in the form of abnormal Doppler indices.
ABO incompatibility: its impact on pregnancy and neonate
Authors: Nagashree U. , P. Swetha , Manohar Sumana , Parthasarathy Latha Kanchi 
Published: January 2019

ABO incompatibility is one of the most common cause of haemolytic disease of fetus and new-born (HDFN). The expression of ABO incompatibility in most of the cases is mild due to the lower expression of A and B Antigens on fetal red cells. ABO incompatibility has affected the first pregnancy and is milder in the subsequent pregnancies. However, we describe this case with unusually severe form of ABO incompatibility which had an effect not only in her first pregnancy but also in all her subsequent pregnancies, evident as recurrent abortions and both her neonates developed pathological jaundice requiring exchange transfusion. It also emphasizes the fact that ABO incompatibility is not always a benign condition and should be considered in all babies whose mothers have O blood group, even in the presence of a negative DAT. Anticipation of ABO incompatibility not only in the first pregnancy but also in the subsequent pregnancies is necessary. Early diagnosis with cord blood bilirubin can prevent neonatal morbidity.
Evaluation of the efficacy of 150 micrograms of intrathecal morphine with bupivacaine compared to 250 micrograms for postoperative analgesia following abdominal hysterectomy: a double blinded randomized control study
Authors: Prudhvi G. S. Sai Ram , Shyam N. S. S. Naga , Acharya Anand 
Published: January 2019

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The synergistic action of local anesthetics and morphine is well known, morphine probably more superior for postoperative analgesia, when compared to other opioids. Preservative-free morphine is now available in India making intrathecal administration possible. The present randomized double blind study was designed to evaluate the effect of adding preservative free morphine to hyperbaric bupivacaine given intrathecally for abdominal hysterectomy.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Following approval by the institutional review board and institutional research grant committee, eighty patients presenting for elective abdominal hysterectomy were included in this randomized, double blind study. All drugs used for spinal anesthesia were autoclaved as per the departmental protocol. 3.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% [heavy] was given in both groups along with preservative free morphine according to study group.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 27.5% (11/40) patients in group A, 17.5% (7/40) patients in group B received one dose of rescue analgesia (ketorolac 10 mg),during the 24 hours for pain relief while 29 patients is group A (72.5%) and 82.5% (33/40) patients in group B received 2 doses of rescue analgesia. 10% patients in Group A (4/40) and 10% patients in Group B (4/40) had a sedation score of 1 (drowsy and arousable).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The mean duration of analgesia in patients who received 250 μgms of intrathecal morphine was 18.725±1.38 hours while in patients who received 150 μgms it is 16.075±1.23 hours. We conclude that 250 µgms of preservative-free intrathecal morphine provides longer duration of analgesia when compared to 150 µgms morphine, with hardly any additional adverse effects.</p>
Nutritional assessment of school going children in district Abbottabad, K.P. Pakistan
Authors: Marwat Zahid Irfan , Nawaz Shah , Wazir Anwar Khan , Afzal Ejaz , Gul Chaman , Khan Muhammad Junaid , Ahmad Aftab 
Published: January 2019

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> To assess the nutritional assessment of the primary school children in Abbottabad.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among children of private and public sectors primary schools of Abbottabad from January - September 2018 by simple random sampling. 200 students from each school (7 and 13 years), present on the day of data collection were included in this study and those who were absent, sick or not willing, were excluded. The data was collected on a pre-tested questionnaire. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Total 200 students, males 49.5% (n=99) and females 50.5% (n=101) were interviewed and assessed for their nutritional assessment. Their mean age was 11.67±1.66years, height was 144.93±12.34 cms and weight was 37.69±12.96 kgs. Male students (n=67) 67.7% and from private schools (n=67) 65.7% were healthier then female (n=55) 55.4% and government schools (57.1%), P valve 0.085 and 0.026. Most of the students with grade C in last year school performance were underweight (100%). Raven Test for both types of school gave 0.012 P value which indicated more intelligent students resides in private schools. Furthermore, children of well-serviced fathers and qualified mothers were healthy, more intelligent and practiced good hygiene. Also, children of a private school who has better nutritional status scored more than Public school children.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Nutritional status of children have a direct effect on their cognitive abilities. Private school children who have scored better in the intelligence test, have better nutritional status. Socioeconomic status and mother qualification have a direct effect on children’s nutrition, health status, school performance and hygiene.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>
Receptory błonowe wiążące cząsteczki typu MAMP/PAMP i DAMP aktywujące pierwszą linię obrony lokalnej układu odpornościowego roślin
Authors: Hetmann Anna , Kowalczyk Stanisław 
Published: January 2019

Plants have evolved a multilevel immune system to protect them against infection by a diverse range of pathogens. The first line of plant defense consists of the integral plasma membrane receptors, known as pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), which recognize MAMP/PAMP or DAMP molecules. PRRs activate downstream signaling cascades that culminate in generation of the innate immune response, called PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI). The activation of PTI leads to the induction of basal defense responses, which include influx of Ca2+ in the cytosol, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, callose deposition, stomatal closure, phytoalexins biosynthesis, defence hormone biosynthesis and transcriptional induction of a large suite of defence-related genes.