bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health workforce planning in Namibia: assessing a pilot workforce survey of pharmacists
Authors: Rennie Timothy , Nangombe Vulika , Mangombe Tafadzwa , Kibuule Dan , Hunter Christian J 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Southern Africa lacks resources necessary to combat presenting health challenges. This crisis will likely be remedied through the in-country training of healthcare professionals, for example, in Namibia. Monitoring the workforce will be essential to inform planning in health services and training. A national pilot workforce survey in Namibia using a multi-modal sampling approach aimed to test methodology for describing the pharmacy workforce and quantifying preferences towards further training.

Methods
The survey tool included questions relating to socio-demographics, professional and practice aspects. A conjoint analysis approach was utilised to quantify preferences around study programme, modality of study and cost.

Key findings
Respondents (N = 135; ~20% response) represented a diverse range of individuals in various pharmacy sectors in Namibia. The majority of respondents reported female gender, private sector working, studying outside Namibia and societal group membership. Societal membership and pharmacy ownership – indicators of professional engagement – were associated with higher age; ownership was also associated with study outside Namibia and practice in community pharmacy. Regarding further study preferences, respondents placed more importance on study programme and modality over cost with the most preferred scenario being a 2-year full-time Masters programme in pharmaceutical industry/regulation by distance learning at the highest cost bracket.

Conclusions
This national survey sampled the population of pharmacists in Namibia exploring the composition of the profession and preferences towards training. Further work will validate the findings and provide ongoing monitoring of the pharmacy workforce that can be expanded to other professional groups over a larger geographical area.
Effect of palladium on the microstructure and grain boundary complexions in SiC
Authors: Navarro‐Solís David J. , Cancino‐Trejo Félix , López‐Honorato Eddie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOne of the main challenges in the study of TRISO (Tristructural Isotropic) coated fuel particles is the understanding of the diffusion of fission products through SiC. Among the elements produced inside the uranium kernel, it has been suggested that Pd might enhance the diffusion of other fission products. In this work, we have studied the interaction between Pd and SiC. We have observed that as Pd diffuses it can change the chemical composition and microstructure of SiC. Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) analysis showed that Pd increased the amount of high angle grain boundaries from 47% to 59%. Furthermore, we have observed that as Pd diffused, it changed the composition of SiC by leaving a trail of excess carbon at the grain boundary. This change in localized chemical composition and microstructure suggests a grain boundary complexion transition induced by Pd and a new way in which Pd can lead to faster diffusion routes for other fission products.
The mechanochemical route of vaterite synthesis using sodium hexametaphosphate as an inorganic additive
Authors: Hu Chengpei , Chen Chuanjie , Wu Yue , Li Jian , Hu Yuancong , Wei Ligeng , Jiang Jiuxin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractVaterite is a metastable phase of CaCO3 and was prepared mechanochemically for the first time with the assistance of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). First, CaCO3 was prepared without SHMP and was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to study the effect of milling times and speeds on the polymorphs of product. The results indicate that the reaction is complete at 60 minutes producing only calcite. Additionally, amorphous CaCO3 (ACC) was obtained at a milling speed of 300 rpm, while calcite was obtained at 600 and 1000 rpm. Then, the effect of SHMP concentration on the fraction of vaterite was investigated, and the vaterite fraction increased with increasing SHMP amount. Subsequently, the effect of milling speed in the presence of 0.8 g of SHMP was studied, and the vaterite fraction increased with decreasing milling speed. Finally, gentler manual milling was employed, and the effect of the amount of added SHMP on vaterite formation was evaluated. The results confirmed that vaterite increased with increasing amounts of SHMP, and that vaterite formed more readily via manual milling than via mechanical milling. Observations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that calcite and vaterite particles formed by mechanical milling were irregular agglomerates composed of primary nanoparticles while calcite particles formed by manual milling were irregular microparticles. Moreover, vaterite readily aggregated into spherical particles as the amount of SHMP increased. To investigate the reaction process and mechanism, the ethanol‐washed product was characterized using XRD, SEM/EDS and TEM/SAED. The results demonstrate that ACC and calcite were concomitant during the milling process, and ACC transformed into vaterite during subsequent water washing.
Control of electrical leakage in magneto‐electric gallium ferrite via aliovalent substitution
Authors: Singh Vijay , Brajesh Kumar , Sahu Sandeep , Garg Ashish , Gupta Rajeev 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOne of the challenges with magnetoelectric multiferroic gallium ferrite (GaFeO3 or GFO) is its high electrical leakage whose control is essential for realizing any prospect of its practical applications. In this manuscript, we report on the effect of aliovalent doping at Fe site in magnetoelectric gallium ferrite in controlling its electrical leakage via tuning of its grain and grain‐boundary characteristics. Polycrystalline pure as well as zinc (Zn2+) and zirconium (Zr4+)‐doped gallium ferrite samples were synthesized by conventional solid‐state reaction method. Contrary to defect chemistry predictions, Zn2+ substituted samples show marked reduction in the electrical leakage with 10% Zn2+ substituted samples showing two orders of magnitude lower leakage current while Zr4+‐doped samples exhibit increased electrical leakage. This is supported by higher activation energy for conduction in the low frequency regime for Zn2+‐doped samples while nearly temperature independent conduction for Zr4+‐doped GFO samples. The results suggest that while Zn2+ doping leads to increase in resistance of the grain boundaries leading to lower conductivity, Zr4+ doping leads to opposite effect.
Added predictive value of high uric acid for cardiovascular events in the Ambulatory Blood Pressure International Study
Authors: Reboldi Gianpaolo , Verdecchia Paolo , Saladini Francesca , Pane Marina , Beilin Lawrence J. , Eguchi Kazuo , Imai Yutaka , Kario Kazuomi , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Pierdomenico Sante D. , Schwartz Joseph E. , Wing Lindon , Palatini Paolo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe prognostic value of uric acid (UA) for cardiovascular events (CVE) is still debated. Our purpose was to investigate the association between UA and CVE in 5243 participants of the ABP‐International study with the main aim of identifying optimal sex‐specific cut‐points. In multivariable Cox analyses, the relationship between CVE and UA as a continuous variable was modeled by including both linear and nonlinear terms. Survival models were also estimated with UA as a categorical variable. Optimal UA cut‐points were determined using an outcome‐oriented approach. During a median follow‐up of 5.9 years, there were 423 CVE (93 fatal). In age‐ and sex‐adjusted Cox models, UA as a continuous variable was a significant predictor of CVE in all individuals and in men and women considered separately. The relationship between UA and CVE was linear (P‐value for nonlinearity 0.54 and 0.80 for men and women, respectively). For each 1 mg/dL increase in UA, the relative hazard increase was 16% in men and 19% in women. In fully adjusted models, UA remained a significant predictor of CVE in the whole study cohort. The optimal cut‐point best separating patients at low and high risk of CVE was 6.3 mg/dL for men and 4.4 mg/dL for women. Subjects with high UA had a 38% greater risk of CVE. In a sex‐specific analysis, the association remained significant only in men (hazard ratio, 1.47; P < 0.01). In conclusion, high UA is an independent predictor for subsequent CVE and significantly improves risk discrimination and reclassification over the baseline multivariable model.
Dulaglutide‐combined basal plus correction insulin therapy contributes to ideal glycemic control in non‐critical hospitalized patients
Authors: Fushimi Nobutoshi , Shibuya Takashi , Yoshida Yohei , Ito Shun , Hachiya Hiroki , Mori Akihiro 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe investigated whether dulaglutide (DU)‐combined conventional insulin therapy is beneficial for glycemic control in non‐critically ill hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThis study was a prospective, randomized controlled pilot study. Participants were randomized to either basal‐plus (BP) therapy, where basal insulin and corrective doses of regular insulin were administered before meals, or BP + DU therapy, where BP therapy was combined with DU. Blood glucose (BG) levels before and after every meal were measured for 7 days after assignment to groups. Because we consider the ideal BG during hospitalization to be within 100–180 mg/dL, we defined this range as the hospitalized ideal glucose range (hIGR). We compared the percentage of BG measurements within the hIGR among all BG measurements (%hIGR), mean BG, glucose variability and insulin dose between the two groups.ResultsOf 54 patients, 27 were assigned to the BP group and 27 to the BP + DU group. The %hIGR was significantly higher (44% vs 56%, P < 0.001), and the frequency of BG >240 mg/dL and BG <70 mg/dL was significantly lower in the BP + DU group than in the BP group (both P < 0.001). The mean BG (183 ± 29 vs 162 ± 30 mg/dL, P < 0.05), standard deviation (P < 0.01), coefficient of variation (P < 0.01) and total regular insulin dose (P < 0.05) in the BP + DU group were significantly lower than those in the BP group. No significant side‐effects were observed in either group.ConclusionsBP + DU therapy reduced the frequency of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and resulted in a lower glucose variability.
Inter‐individual variation in colour patterns in noctuid moths characterizes long‐distance dispersers and agricultural pests
Authors: Betzholtz Per‐Eric , Forsman Anders , Franzén Markus 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA high capacity for long‐distance dispersal is a key to success for species confronted with environmental heterogeneity, habitat modification, fragmentation and loss. However, dispersal capacity is difficult to quantify and therefore poorly known in most taxa. Here, we report on a test for an association of variation in dispersal capacity with variable colouration of noctuid moths. First, using data from 12 experienced lepidopterologists, we showed that despite variation among experts in average assessments, different species are consistently classified as having non‐variable, variable or highly variable colour patterns when assessed by different experts. We then compared the incidence of non‐resident species with high inter‐individual variation in colour patterns recorded on the isolated island Utklippan (n = 47), with that in a species pool of potential long‐distance dispersers from the nearest mainland (n = 295). Species with high inter‐individual colour pattern variation were over‐represented on the island compared with species having non‐variable colouration. This finding constitutes rare evidence from the wild of long‐distance dispersal, measured on a spatial scale relevant for moths when tracking habitats in fragmented and changing landscapes or when keeping pace with environmental challenges associated with climate change. Finally, we showed that Swedish noctuid moths classified as agricultural pests (n = 28) had more variable colour patterns compared with non‐pests (n = 368). The majority of agricultural pests were also recorded on the isolated island, an outcome that is indicative of pest species having high dispersal capacity. Data on colour pattern variation may thus offer a simple and cost‐effective proxy to estimate dispersal capacity and can also help identify potential pest species. Our findings are potentially useful when modelling and predicting population and range dynamics of species in spatiotemporally heterogeneous environments, with direct implications for conservation biology and pest management.
Changes in temperament over time in young children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays: a follow‐up comparison study
Authors: Reyes N. , Walsh C. , Soke N. , Hepburn S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough in the last decade some research has emerged on temperament in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this research has primarily focused on the differences between children with ASD and their typically developing peers rather than the stability or change in temperament in this population. Thus, the goal of this study was to examine temperament over time in children with ASD, developmental delays (DD) and typical development (TD). Temperament differences were also compared among the three groups.MethodsTo accomplish this, parents rated children's temperament at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2) using the Carey Temperament Scales (CTS).ResultsResults from the study showed that at T1, parents of children with ASD rated their children as more withdrawn (i.e. approach), and emotionally negative (i.e. mood), and less distractible and adaptable than parents of children with TD and DD. Also, children with ASD were rated as more intense and children with DD as less distractible than their TD peers. Similarly, at T2, children with ASD were rated more withdrawn, and emotionally negative, and less persistent, rhythmic, adaptable and distractible than children with TD and DD. Also, children with ASD were rated as more active than their DD peers. Regarding stability, parent ratings of temperament appeared stable over time in the TD group, but ratings varied substantially in the ASD or DD groups. That is, for the ASD group, activity and approach at T1 were significantly associated with their corresponding dimensions at T2. However, for the TD group, rhythmicity, approach, intensity and mood at T1 were significantly associated with those dimensions at T2. No associations were found in the DD group. Regarding change, parents reported change in rhythmicity, persistence and threshold between T1 and T2 in the ASD group. Similarly, parents reported change in rhythmicity, approach and threshold between T1 and T2 in the DD group. Lastly, parents of TD children reported change in adaptability, persistence and distractibility between T1 and T2.ConclusionsThese findings are novel in that children with ASD appear to have less stable temperament profile and different change patterns than children with TD or DD. Similar to previous research, children with ASD were described by their parents as experiencing more temperamental difficulties.
Novel cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion for enhanced antihepatotoxicity in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice
Authors: Adu-Frimpong Michael , Qiuyu Wei , Firempong Caleb Kesse , Mukhtar Yusif Mohammed , Yang Qiuxuan , Omari-Siaw Emmanuel , Lijun Zhen , Xu Ximing , Yu Jiangnan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion (CuA-SEN) was prepared and optimised to improve its oral bioavailability and antihepatotoxicity.

Methods
Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion was developed through the self-nanoemulsification method using Box–Behnken Design (BBD) tool while appropriate physicochemical indices were evaluated. The optimised CuA-SEN was characterised via droplet size (DS), morphology, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency, in-vitro release, and pharmacokinetic studies while its antihepatotoxicity was evaluated.

Key findings
Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion with acceptable characteristics (mean DS-48.83 ± 1.06 nm; PDI-0.232 ± 0.140; ZP-29.92 ± 1.66 mV; EE-91.51 ± 0.44%; and drug-loading capacity (DL)-9.77 ± 0.75%) was formulated. In-vitro drug release of CuA-SEN significantly increased with an oral relative bioavailability of 171.02%. Oral administration of CuA-SEN to CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity mice markedly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase in serum. Also, CuA-SEN reduced the levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in both serum and liver tissues while aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and malonaldehyde levels were significantly decreased.

Conclusions
These findings showed that the improved bioavailability of cuminaldehyde via SEN provided an effective approach for enhancing antioxidation, anti-inflammation and antihepatotoxicity of the drug.
Hit and Run? Income Shocks and School Dropouts in Latin America
Authors: Cerutti Paula , Crivellaro Elena , Reyes Germán , Sousa Liliana D. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHow do labor income shocks affect household investment in upper secondary and tertiary schooling? Using longitudinal data from 2005 to 2015 for Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, this paper explores the effect of a negative household income shock on the enrollment status of youth ages 15–25. The findings suggest that negative income shocks significantly increase the relative risk of students exiting upper secondary and tertiary education in Argentina and Brazil, but not in Mexico. For the three countries, the analysis finds evidence that youth who exit school due to a household income shock have worse employment outcomes than similar youth who exit without a household income shock. Differences in labor markets and safety net programs likely play an important role in the decision to exit school as well as the employment outcomes of those who exit across these three countries.
Serum coding and non‐coding RNAs as biomarkers of NAFLD and fibrosis severity
Authors: Di Mauro Stefania , Scamporrino Alessandra , Petta Salvatore , Urbano Francesca , Filippello Agnese , Ragusa Marco , Di Martino Maria T. , Scionti Francesca , Grimaudo Stefania , Pipitone Rosaria M. , Privitera Graziella , Di Pino Antonino , Scicali Roberto , Valenti Luca , Dongiovanni Paola , Fracanzani Anna , Rabuazzo Agata M. , Craxì Antonio , Purrello Michele , Purrello Francesco , Piro Salvatore 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsIn patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver biopsy is the gold standard to detect non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and stage liver fibrosis. We aimed to identify differentially expressed mRNAs and non‐coding RNAs in serum samples of biopsy‐diagnosed mild and severe NAFLD patients with respect to controls and to each other.MethodsWe first performed a whole transcriptome analysis through microarray (n = 12: four Control: CTRL; four mild NAFLD: NAS ≤ 4 F0; four severe NAFLD NAS ≥ 5 F3), followed by validation of selected transcripts through real‐time PCRs in an independent internal cohort of 88 subjects (63 NAFLD, 25 CTRL) and in an external cohort of 50 NAFLD patients. A similar analysis was also performed on liver biopsies and HepG2 cells exposed to oleate:palmitate or only palmitate (cellular model of NAFL/NASH) at intracellular/extracellular levels. Transcript correlation with histological/clinical data was also analysed.ResultsWe identified several differentially expressed coding/non‐coding RNAs in each group of the study cohort. We validated the up‐regulation of UBE2V1, BNIP3L mRNAs, RP11‐128N14.5 lncRNA, TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 coding/lncRNA in patients with NAS ≥ 5 (vs NAS ≤ 4) and the up‐regulation of HBA2 mRNA, TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 coding/lncRNA in patients with Fibrosis stages = 3‐4 (vs F = 0‐2). In in vitro models: UBE2V1, RP11‐128N14.5 and TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 had an increasing expression trend ranging from CTRL to oleate:palmitate or only palmitate‐treated cells both at intracellular and extracellular level, while BNIP3L was up‐regulated only at extracellular level. UBE2V1, RP11‐128N14.5, TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 and HBA2 up‐regulation was also observed at histological level. UBE2V1, RP11‐128N14.5, BNIP3L and TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 correlated with histological/biochemical data. Combinations of TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 + Fibrosis Index based on the four factors (FIB‐4) showed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.891 (P = 3.00E‐06) or TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 + Fibroscan (AUC = 0.892, P = 2.00E‐06) improved the detection of F = 3‐4 with respect to F = 0‐2 fibrosis stages.ConclusionsWe identified specific serum coding/non‐coding RNA profiles in severe and mild NAFLD patients that possibly mirror the molecular mechanisms underlying NAFLD progression towards NASH/fibrosis. TGFB2/TGFB2‐OT1 detection improves FIB‐4/Fibroscan diagnostic performance for advanced fibrosis discrimination.
Re‐acquisition of the brittle rachis trait via a transposon insertion in domestication gene Q during wheat de‐domestication
Authors: Jiang Yun‐Feng , Chen Qing , Wang Yan , Guo Zhen‐Ru , Xu Bin‐Jie , Zhu Jing , Zhang Ya‐Zhou , Gong Xi , Luo Cui‐Hua , Wu Wang , Liu Cai‐Hong , Kong Li , Deng Mei , Jiang Qian‐Tao , Lan Xiu‐Jin , Wang Ji‐Rui , Chen Guo‐Yue , Zheng You‐Liang , Wei Yu‐Ming , Qi Peng‐Fei 
Published: June 2019

Summary

De‐domestication is a unique evolutionary process during which crops re‐acquire wild‐like traits to survive and persist in agricultural fields without the need for human cultivation. The re‐acquisition of seed dispersal mechanisms is crucial for crop de‐domestication. Common wheat is an important cereal crop worldwide. Tibetan semi‐wild wheat is a potential de‐domesticated common wheat subspecies. However, the crucial genes responsible for its brittle rachis trait have not been identified.

Genetic mapping, functional analyses and phylogenetic analyses were completed to identify the gene associated with Qbr.sau‐5A, which is a major locus for the brittle rachis trait of Tibetan semi‐wild wheat.

The cloned Qbr.sau‐5A gene is a new Q allele (Qt) with a 161‐bp transposon insertion in exon 5. Although Qt is expressed normally, its encoded peptide lacks some key features of the APETALA2 family. The abnormal functions of Qt in developing wheat spikes result in brittle rachises. Phylogenetic and genotyping analyses confirmed that Qt originated from Q in common wheat and is naturally distributed only in Tibetan semi‐wild wheat populations.

The identification of Qt provides new evidence regarding the origin of Tibetan semi‐wild wheat, and new insights into the re‐acquisition of wild traits during crop de‐domestication.