bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
National currency, world currency, cryptocurrency: A Fichtean approach to the Ethics of Bitcoin
Authors: Scharding Tobey 
Published: May 2019

AbstractI investigate ethical questions concerning a novel cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, using a Fichtean account of the ethics of currency. Fichte holds that currencies should fulfill an ethical purpose: providing access, in perpetuity, to the material welfare that underwrites citizens' basic rights. In his nineteenth‐century context, Fichte argues that currencies fulfill this purpose better when nations control them (i.e., when they are “national currencies”) than when foreigners freely trade them (as “world currencies”). After exploring conditions in which national currencies fail to secure material stability over time, e.g., in corrupt regimes, I develop a Fichtean model for ethically evaluating currencies and evaluate the extent to which Bitcoin meets its standards for ethical currency. I argue that Bitcoin undermines the (monetary) power of nations and, as such, threatens their ability to provide access to necessary material goods. While offering citizens a means of defending themselves against corrupt regimes, Bitcoin forsakes the general welfare and is, as such, unethical by Fichtean lights.
Anticholinergic medicines use among older adults before and after initiating dementia medicines
Authors: Narayan Sujita W. , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Litchfield Melisa , Le Couteur David G. , Buckley Nicholas , McLachlan Andrew J. , Zoega Helga 
Published: May 2019

AimsWe investigated anticholinergic medicines use among older adults initiating dementia medicines.MethodsWe used Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing claims to identify patients who initiated donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine or memantine between 1 January 2013 and 30 June 2017 (after a period of ≥180 days with no dispensing of these medicines) and remained on therapy for ≥180 days (n = 4393), and dispensed anticholinergic medicines in the 180 days before and after initiating dementia medicines. We further examined anticholinergic medicines prescribed by a prescriber other than the one initiating dementia medicines.ResultsOne‐third of the study cohort (1439/4393) was exposed to anticholinergic medicines up to 180 days before or after initiating dementia medicines. Among patients exposed to anticholinergic medicines, 46% (659/1439) had the same medicine dispensed before and after initiating dementia medicines. The proportion of patients dispensed anticholinergic medicines increased by 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–3.7) after initiating dementia medicines. Antipsychotics use increased by 10.1% (95% CI: 7.6–12.7) after initiating dementia medicines; driven by increased risperidone use (7.3%, 95% CI: 5.3–9.3). Nearly half of patients dispensed anticholinergic medicines in the 180 days after (537/1133), were prescribed anticholinergic medicines by a prescriber other than the one initiating dementia medicines.ConclusionUse of anticholinergic medicines is common among patients initiating dementia medicines and this occurs against a backdrop of widespread campaigns to reduce irrational medicine combinations in this vulnerable population. Decisions about deprescribing medicines with questionable benefit among patients with dementia may be complicated by conflicting recommendations in prescribing guidelines.
Acute myeloid leukaemia niche regulates response to L‐asparaginase
Authors: Michelozzi Ilaria M. , Granata Valentina , De Ponti Giada , Alberti Gaia , Tomasoni Chiara , Antolini Laura , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Gentner Bernhard , Dazzi Francesco , Biondi Andrea , Coliva Tiziana , Rizzari Carmelo , Pievani Alice , Serafini Marta 
Published: May 2019

SummaryEradicating the malignant stem cell is the ultimate challenge in the treatment of leukaemia. Leukaemic stem cells (LSC) hijack the normal haemopoietic niche, where they are mainly protected from cytotoxic drugs. The anti‐leukaemic effect of L‐asparaginase (ASNase) has been extensively investigated in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, but only partially in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We explored the susceptibility of AML‐LSC to ASNase as well as the role of the two major cell types that constitute the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, i.e., mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and monocytes/macrophages. Whilst ASNase was effective on both CD34+CD38+ and CD34+CD38− LSC fractions, MSC and monocytes/macrophages partially counteracted the effect of the drug. Indeed, the production of cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine protease, by BM monocytic cells and by AML cells classified as French‐American‐British M5 is related to the inactivation of ASNase. Our work demonstrates that, while MSC and monocytes/macrophages may provide a protective niche for AML cells, ASNase has a cytotoxic effect on AML blasts and, importantly, LSC subpopulations. Thus, these features should be considered in the design of future clinical studies aimed at testing ASNase efficacy in AML patients.
Holocene small mammals hunted by owls and humans in southern Brazil: taphonomic evidence and biological significance
Authors: Fernández Fernando J. , Hadler Patrícia , Cherem Jorge J. , Saldanha João P. , Stutz Narla S. , Dias Adriana S. , Pardiñas Ulyses F. J. 
Published: May 2019

Understanding resource utilization and economic diversification amongst Holocene hunter‐gatherers in southern Brazil requires in‐depth taphonomic analysis of faunal assemblages. Three Early to Late Holocene archaeological sites (Garivaldino, Pilger and Sangão) in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil, revealed large assemblages of small mammal (˂1 kg) remains, composed mainly of rodents. To appreciate depositional processes of fauna in relation to human consumption, taphonomic attributes and processes were evaluated. The results indicated that the remains accumulated through different antemortem taphonomic pathways, apparently linked to the size and natural history of the species represented. The small‐ and medium‐sized (<150 g) cricetid rodents (e.g. Pseudoryzomys simplex and Sooretamys angouya) were represented by a low proportion of teeth with lightly digestive corrosion suggesting that they were derived from the predatory activity of owls, possibly Tyto alba. In contrast, large‐sized cricetids (>150 g; Kunsia tomentosus, Gyldenstolpia sp. and Holochilus sp.), and several caviomorph rodents with aggregated spatial distributions (Echimyidae (†Dicolpomys fossor, Phyllomys sp., †Clyomys riograndensis and †Euryzygomatomys mordax), Caviidae (Cavia sp.) and Ctenomyidae (Ctenomys sp.)) showed evidence of thermoalteration patterns and cut marks on bones, suggesting human exploitation. A postmortem depositional environment was deduced from dendritic and branched patterns of rootlet etching, apparent mostly at Garivaldino and Pilger. Polished areas and holes on bone surfaces, and impregnation of manganese showed moderate (Sangão) or low (Garivaldino and Pilger) incidence, pointing to water transport under moderate (Pilger) and low (Garivaldino and Sangão) energy over short distances. The results obtained here provide the first clear evidence of early human exploitation of small mammals in southern Brazil, suggesting a diversification of economies. In addition, as several of the recorded rodents are today regionally or biologically extinct, a preliminary discussion about the potential impact of humans on this process is provided.
Parent‐directed intervention in promoting knowledge of pediatric nutrition and healthy lifestyle among low‐SES families with toddlers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: LoRe Danielle , Leung Christy Y. Y. , Brenner Louisa , Suskind Dana L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of an interactive, home visiting curriculum tailored to low socio‐economic status families in improving parental knowledge of paediatric nutrition and healthy lifestyle.MethodsParents of toddlers aged 13–16 months living with a household income below 200% of the federal poverty line were randomized into healthy lifestyle intervention and control home visiting curriculum groups. Each curriculum consisted of 12 one‐on‐one educational sessions with parents facilitated by a trained home‐visitor that were administered over a 6‐month intervention period. Knowledge assessments were administered before and after the intervention period.ResultsResults of a one‐way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analysis showed that parents in the intervention group (M = 26.05, SD = 4.24) scored significantly higher than control parents (M = 23.84, SD = 4.26) post‐intervention, controlling for parent education level, F(1, 102) = 7.494 (95% confidence interval [−3.68, −0.59]). One‐way ANCOVA analysis showed no significant mean difference between the parents in the intervention group (M = 24.13, SD = 4.37) and the control group (M = 23.93, SD = 4.16) at baseline, controlling for parent education level, F(1, 163) = 0.002 (95% confidence interval [−1.28, 1.22]).ConclusionsAn interactive healthy lifestyle intervention focused on low‐SES families significantly improved parental knowledge of paediatric healthy lifestyle. Changes in parental knowledge is a key preliminary step in behaviour change to ultimately affect behaviour. Informing and encouraging parents of toddlers to guide healthy lifestyle development early remains a promising point of intervention for prevention, rather than remediation, of childhood obesity.
16p13.11 microdeletion uncovers loss‐of‐function of a MYH11 missense variant in a patient with megacystis‐microcolon‐intestinal‐hypoperistalsis syndrome
Authors: Kloth Katja , Renner Sina , Burmester Gunter , Steinemann Doris , Pabst Brigitte , Lorenz Birgit , Simon Ronald , Kolbe Verena , Hempel Maja , Rosenberger Georg 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMegacystis‐microcolon‐intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS), a rare condition that affects smooth muscle cells, is caused by biallelic null alleles in MYH11. We report on a girl with MMIHS in addition to growth hormone deficiency, central hypothyroidism and a tonically dilated pupil with accommodation deficit. Sanger sequencing and arrayCGH uncovered the novel heterozygous missense variant c.379C>T in MYH11 and a heterozygous 1.3 Mb deletion in 16q13.11 encompassing MYH11, respectively. Her mother carries the deletion, whereas her father is heterozygous for the c.379C>T p.(Pro127Ser) change. Proline 127 is crucial for the formation of the Adenosine triphosphate binding pocket of the MYH11 motor domain and molecular modeling indicated that p.Pro127Ser alters nucleotide binding properties. Thus, the unusual and complex clinical presentation of the patient results from compound heterozygosity for a 16p13.11 microdeletion including the entire MYH11 gene and a loss‐of‐function missense variant on the remaining MYH11 allele. In conclusion, we recommend genetic testing both for MYH11 sequence alterations and copy number imbalances in individuals with MMIHS and smooth muscle cell‐associated abnormalities in additional organs, that is, multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction.
Molecular genetic study of acute intermittent porphyria in Russia: HMBS gene mutation spectrum and problem of penetrance
Authors: Goncharova Maria , Pshenichnikova Olesya , Luchinina Yulia , Pustovoit Yaroslav , Karpova Irina , Surin Vadim 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAcute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is the most common and severe form of porphyrias. This is a dominant inherited disorder with low penetrance, caused by mutations in gene coding hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS). We present the results of our long‐term genetic study of AIP patients and their relatives (N = 153 and 302, respectively). We detected 88 HMBS gene mutations, 24 of which never described before. To identify additional factors conditioning AIP manifestation, we carried out whole exome sequencing on the group of AIP patients (N = 6). Mutation spectra of different patients virtually did not overlap. In 5 out of 6 patients, we found defects in genes regulating nervous system (UNC13A, ALG8, FBXO38, AGRN, DOK7, SCN4A). As usually acute AIP attacks have various neurological symptoms, we proposed a hypothesis of possible contribution of mutations in such genes in AIP manifestation.
Assessing the gap between conservation need and protection status for select rare ecosystems in Alaska
Authors: Flagstad Lindsey A. , Boggs Keith W. , Boucher Tina V. , Carlson Matthew L. , Anjanette Steer M. , Bernard Bonnie , Aisu Megumi , Lema Priscilla , Kuo Tina 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRare ecosystems support unique assemblages of flora and fauna within a small geographic area. As such, their conservation represents an effective method of biodiversity protection. The description, mapping, and assessment of rare ecosystems is a necessary and initial conservation action, yet this has not been completed for Alaska. Here, we provide the first comprehensive treatment of rare terrestrial ecosystems for the state. Thirty‐five rare systems, representing different levels of ecological organization and geographic scale, are presented. In addition, a gap analysis was conducted to evaluate the systems' current level of land management protection relative to their conservation need. Eleven of the mapped ecosystems are considered adequately protected, two are moderately protected, and 22 are less protected. Conservation ranks are incongruously aligned with land management protection levels such that the rarest systems are often not well protected and the less‐imperiled systems are often well protected. On the ecoregion scale, systems with arctic distributions are less protected than are those with boreal and maritime distributions. This rare ecosystem assessment complements species‐ and landscape‐scale conservation studies previously completed for Alaska. Collectively, the recommendations from these assessments provide a science‐based strategy for biological conservation in a vulnerable region of the world.
APOL1 high‐risk genotypes and renal transplantation
Authors: Shah Sapna , Shapiro Ron , Murphy Barbara , Menon Madhav C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe discovery of apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene variants and its association with kidney disease in African‐Americans represent a significant breakthrough in understanding the genetic basis of ancestry‐based differences in a public health problem. The role these variants play in renal transplantation is still incompletely understood. This article reviews the epidemiologic data and current reports of APOL1 variant pathogenesis in transplantation. We examine existing data on outcomes in APOL1 high‐risk kidneys, high‐risk APOL1 recipients, live donors with high‐risk mutations and non–renal transplantation of high‐risk APOL1 organs. We discuss the rapidly evolving role and potential pros and cons of APOL1 genotyping of donors and recipients in transplantation. Finally, we highlight the ongoing nationwide National Institutes of Health‐sponsored “APOL1 Long‐term Kidney Transplantation Outcomes (APOLLO)” study, which will quantify outcomes and “second hits” in pertinent to APOL1 high‐risk variants in renal transplantation.
Does good governance matter for FDI? New evidence from emerging countries using a static and dynamic panel gravity model approach
Authors: Younsi Moheddine , Bechtini Marwa 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper assesses the impact of institutional factors on foreign direct investment (FDI) attractiveness using a pool of 25 emerging host countries (ECs) for the period 1996–2012. In particular, the paper aims to examine whether higher institutional quality and good governance do improve FDI attractiveness, and thereby to identify which institutional factors are the main drivers of FDI in ECs. Using a static and dynamic panel gravity model with various estimation techniques, we find that FDI is positively and significantly influenced by political stability, government effectiveness and regulatory quality. The remaining set of governance indicators is found to be statistically significant and negatively linked to FDI. Our findings also show that factors like a larger GDP per capita difference between investing partner and ECs, higher degree of trade openness and better infrastructure have positive and significant effects on FDI attractiveness. These results have important policy implications for ECs. Fostering FDI inflows into these countries requires policymakers to improve the quality of their institutions and business climate through implementing sound economic policies and regulations.
Clinical analysis of Chinese anti‐low‐density‐lipoprotein‐receptor‐associated protein 4 antibodies in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Li M. , Han J. , Zhang Y. , Lv J. , Zhang J. , Zhao X. , Ren L. , Fang H. , Yang J. , Zhang Y. , Cui X. , Zhang Q. , Li Q. , Du Y. , Gao F. 
Published: May 2019

Background and purposeLow‐density‐lipoprotein‐receptor‐associated protein 4 (LRP4) autoantibodies have recently been detected in myasthenia gravis (MG), but little is known about the clinical characteristics associated with this serological type. In this study, the clinical features of Chinese patients with anti‐LRP4 antibody‐positive MG were characterized.MethodsA total of 2172 MG serum samples were collected from patients in various parts of China. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody and titin antibody, and cell‐based assays were used to detect muscle‐specific kinase antibody and LRP4 antibody. Clinical data for patients with MG were collected from different provinces in China.ResultsIn total, 16 (0.8%) patients with LRP4‐MG were found amongst 2172 total patients, including three patients with AChR/LRP4‐MG. Additionally, 13 (2.9%) patients with LRP4‐MG were found amongst 455 patients with double seronegative MG. The ratio of males to females for these 13 patients was 1:1.6, and 53.8% patients were children. A total of 91.7% of cases exhibited initial ocular involvement, and 58.3% of cases exhibited simple eye muscle involvement. Responses to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and prednisone were observed.ConclusionThe expanded sample confirmed that the positive rate of LRP4 antibodies in China is lower than that in western countries. Our results highlighted the differences between LRP4‐MG and other antibody groups. Children and female patients with LRP4‐MG have a higher prevalence, often involving the ocular muscles and limb muscles. The clinical symptoms are mild, and satisfactory responses to treatment are often achieved.
Blockade of angiogenin by thalidomide inhibits the tumorigenesis of murine hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Guo Lifang , Wan Zirui , Xu Benshan , Ren Lulu , Liu He , Song Nan , Liu Lihong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThalidomide, a well‐known immunomodulatory compound, has an anti‐angiogenic activity, which may be utilized for the treatment of angiogenesis‐related diseases such as hemangioendothelioma. The aim of the present study was to investigate both the antitumor role of thalidomide on hemangioendothelioma and the underlying mechanism. By using the xenograft mouse model, we found that thalidomide can inhibit the progression of hemangioendothelioma in vivo. Moreover, thalidomide shows no effect on the proliferation of hemangioendothelioma endothelial cell (EOMA), but significantly impairs the pro‐angiogenic capacity of the EOMA cells in vitro. By qRT‐PCR screening, we observed that the expression of angiogenin was downregulated by thalidomide treatment. We next performed tissue array analysis and found a positive correlation between angiogenin expression level and hemangioendothelioma occurrence in patients. Moreover, we confirmed that the antitumoral role of thalidomide is dependent on angiogenin expression both in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, we concluded that thalidomide can inhibit the progression of hemangioendothelioma by downregulating the expression of pro‐angiogenic factor angiogenin and therefore can be used as a potent therapeutic to treat hemangioendothelioma.
Alternative interaction sites in the influenza A virus nucleoprotein mediate viral escape from the importin‐α7 mediated nuclear import pathway
Authors: Resa‐Infante Patricia , Bonet Jaume , Thiele Swantje , Alawi Malik , Stanelle‐Bertram Stephanie , Tuku Berfin , Beck Sebastian , Oliva Baldo , Gabriel Gülsah 
Published: May 2019

Influenza A viruses are able to adapt to restrictive conditions due to their high mutation rates. Importin‐α7 is a component of the nuclear import machinery required for avian‐mammalian adaptation and replicative fitness in human cells. Here, we elucidate the mechanisms by which influenza A viruses may escape replicative restriction in the absence of importin‐α7. To address this question, we assessed viral evolution in mice lacking the importin‐α7 gene. We show that three mutations in particular occur with high frequency in the viral nucleoprotein (NP) protein (G102R, M105K and D375N) in a specific structural area upon in vivo adaptation. Moreover, our findings suggest that the adaptive NP mutations mediate viral escape from importin‐α7 requirement likely due to the utilization of alternative interaction sites in NP beyond the classical nuclear localization signal. However, viral escape from importin‐α7 by mutations in NP is, at least in part, associated with reduced viral replication highlighting the crucial contribution of importin‐α7 to replicative fitness in human cells.
Hyaluronan preconditioning of monocytes/macrophages affects their angiogenic behavior and regulation of TSG‐6 expression in a tumor type‐specific manner
Authors: Spinelli Fiorella M. , Vitale Daiana L. , Icardi Antonella , Caon Ilaria , Brandone Alejandra , Giannoni Paula , Saturno Virginia , Passi Alberto , García Mariana , Sevic Ina , Alaniz Laura 
Published: May 2019

Hyaluronan is a glycosaminoglycan normally present in the extracellular matrix in most tissues. Hyaluronan is a crucial player in many processes associated with cancer, such as angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. However, little has been reported regarding the action of hyaluronan on monocytes/macrophages (Mo/MØ) in tumor angiogenesis and its consequences on tumor development. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hyaluronan of different sizes on human Mo/MØ angiogenic behavior in colorectal and breast carcinoma. In vitro, the treatment of Mo/MØ with lysates and conditioned media from a breast but not from colorectal carcinoma cell line plus high‐molecular weight hyaluronan induced: (a) an increased expression of angiogenic factors VEGF, IL‐8, FGF‐2, and MMP‐2, (b) an increased endothelial cell migration, and (c) a differential expression of hyaluronan‐binding protein TSG‐6. Similar results were observed in Mo/MØ derived from breast cancer patients treated with tumor lysates. Besides, macrophages primed with high‐molecular weight hyaluronan and inoculated in human breast cancer xenograft tumor increased blood vessel formation and diminished TSG‐6 levels. In contrast, the effects triggered by high‐molecular weight hyaluronan on Mo/MØ in breast cancer context were not observed in the context of colorectal carcinoma. Taken together, these results indicate that the effect of high‐molecular weight hyaluronan as an inductor of the angiogenic behavior of macrophages in breast tumor context is in part consequence of the presence of TSG‐6.