bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of genetic parameters and genetic change of first parity reproductive traits in Alpine × Beetal goats
Authors: Sahoo Shweta , Alex Rani , Vohra Vikas , Mukherjee Sabyasachi , Gowane G. R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe study of reproductive traits is crucial for improving genetic potential of goats because of their significant utility in meat production. Hence, genetic analysis was conducted for reproductive traits on Alpine × Beetal goats using animal model for first parity data. Information on 1462 reproductive records were collected over five decades from ICAR‐National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana (1971–2021). Single‐trait and multi‐trait animal models were used for genetic analysis. Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained using Gibbs Sampler for Animal Model due to non‐normal distribution of data. Six single‐trait animal models (including or excluding maternal and environmental effects) were fitted and best models were determined based on Deviance Convergence Criterion values. The prolificacy for the A × B goats for first parity data was 32%, having 68% single births, 31% twins and 1% triplets/quadruplets. The least squares mean for age at first service (AFS), age at first kidding (AFK), service period (SP), dry period (DP), gestation length (GL), kidding interval (KI), litter weight (LW), number of kids born (NKB) and number of females kids born (NFKB) in first parity were 546.15 ± 4.10 days, 679.05 ± 4.07 days, 226.51 ± 4.02 days, 67.96 ± 2.76 days, 150.74 ± 0.13 days, 362.53 ± 3.35 days, 3.99 ± 0.04 kg, 1.32 ± 0.02 and 0.64 ± 0.02, respectively. The heritability estimates obtained from best model for AFS, AFK, GL, KI, SP, and DP were 0.12 ± 0.00, 0.10 ± 0.00, 0.09 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.00, 0.04 ± 0.00, and 0.05 ± 0.00, respectively. For NKB, NFKB and LW, heritability estimates were 0.16 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.03, and 0.04 ± 0.00, respectively. These results imply lower heritability estimates for reproductive traits, and hence meagre scope for selection for further improvement. Maternal effects contributed significantly for traits such as GL, NKB and NFKB. Genetic correlation for number of female kids born was negative with SP and DP which is favourable. Furthermore, genetic correlation was negative for dry period and litter weight which is favourable as number of kids born and litter weight are traits of direct economic importance. Results reveal high genetic potential of this breed for meat industry owing to high prolificacy, provided consistent efforts are made for the genetic improvement of this germplasm.
‘For Few Mean Ill in Vaine’: Roxolana and the Clash of Passion and Politics in the Ottoman Court in Fulke Greville's The Tragedy of Mustapha (1609) and Roger Boyle's The Tragedy of Mustapha (1665)
Authors: Hussain Aisha 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDespite the many historical references to wealth, military strength and political efficiency, Turks were generally represented as violent, lustful and despotic figures in early modern cultural discourses. The stereotyped cultural Turk soon populated the London stages, thus moulding a recognisable dramatic type whose brutality and sexual appetite were also combined with political corruption. However, as this contribution seeks to demonstrate, Fulke Greville's Mustapha (1609) and Roger Boyle's Mustapha (1665) instead discuss characters who digress from traditional Orientalist portrayals of Turks whose sexual incontinence parallels with political corruption. In particular, this article engages with intersections between gender studies and Orientalism to investigate how Roxolana, in both plays, transgresses traditional representations of the female Christian‐to‐Muslim convert, whose lust distracts the Turkish ruler from his political duties. Both playwrights explore Roxolana's active interest in affairs of the Ottoman Court and the unexpected alliance she forms with Hungarian Queen Isabella when she, at the Hungarian Queen's request, protects Isabella's infant son and the Hungarian crown jewels. Their friendship appears to echo gift exchanges between Queen Elizabeth I and Turkish Queen Mother, Safiye Sultan, after the establishment of the Levant Company, which are detailed in various letters exchanged between the two monarchs in 1599. In light of this, I explore how Greville and Boyle could be commenting upon the political turmoil that James I's succession and the Stuart Restoration brought about in England, given that the country was more stable in a religious and political sense under the rule of former monarch Elizabeth I.
Personal need for structure as a protective factor on beliefs and coping with COVID‐19: A crowd‐sourced multicultural exploration
Authors: Cook Corey L. , Demanarig Donna , Metviner Sierra , Stoppa Tara , Milius Hannah , Grahe Jon , Kawabata Yoshito , Schmidt Kathleen , Sonnentag Tammy L. , DeNigris Danielle , Norvilitis Jill , Berry Stephen D. , Keum Brian TaeHyuk , Cuccolo Kelly , Gosnell Courtney L. , Kagialis Antonios , Hawkins Gina , Ogba Kalu T. U. , Farahani Hojjatollah , Azadfallah Parviz , Shane‐Simpson Christina , Rosen Lisa , Obeid Rita , Koch Chris , Fletcher Tifani , Volkan Eliz , Weaver Amie , Greenup Christina , Cascalheira Cory , Redker Christopher , Girod Claire , Lu Yang , Tan David , Edlund John E. , Bell Justin S. , London Lisseth , Stults Christopher , Otto Natasha , Moreno Eries Jay , Balaghi Danielle , Cummings Jeremy , Kalibatseva Zornitsa , Knapp Brandilynn , Anderson James , Garote Jacklyn , Moore Robin , Carpenter Kimberly , Holloway Steven , Schults BriAnne , Cooper Camryn , Stoeckl Sara Elizabeth , Kaplan Sabrina , Wu Connor , Sinclair James , Ferreira Nuno , Jia Fanli , Zlokovich Martha S. , Irgens Megan S. , Rogers Mary Moussa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA pre‐registered, crowd‐sourced, multicultural study assessed how the personal need for structure (PNFS) predicted perceptions, behaviors, and coping mechanisms in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Collaborators, invited to collect online survey data through Psi Chi's Network for International Collaborative Exchange crowd‐sourcing initiative (Edlund et al., 2019), recruited approximately 100 participants across 22 data‐collection locations (final N = 4620). Participants completed randomized online surveys, which inquired about an individual's PNFS, and current perceptions, behaviors and knowledge surrounding the pandemic. Results indicated that individuals with higher PNFS fared better at navigating the rules and restrictions that came with the pandemic. Specifically, and contrary to hypotheses, higher PNFS positively predicted knowledge of COVID‐19 and support for government restrictions and negatively predicted belief in pandemic misinformation. Additionally, PNFS significantly positively predicted the use of problem and emotion‐focused coping strategies and did not predict dysfunctional coping mechanisms. Our findings emphasize the role individual differences play in navigating the pandemic, and future research should evaluate PNFS in light of COVID‐19 and in relation to other behavioral and psychological outcomes.
A versatile CRISPR‐based system for lineage tracing in living plants
Authors: Donà Mattia , Bradamante Gabriele , Bogojevic Zorana , Gutzat Ruben , Streubel Susanna , Mosiolek Magdalena , Dolan Liam , Mittelsten Scheid Ortrun 
Published: July 2023

SUMMARYIndividual cells give rise to diverse cell lineages during the development of multicellular organisms. Understanding the contribution of these lineages to mature organisms is a central question of developmental biology. Several techniques to document cell lineages have been used, from marking single cells with mutations that express a visible marker to generating molecular bar codes by CRISPR‐induced mutations and subsequent single‐cell analysis. Here, we exploit the mutagenic activity of CRISPR to allow lineage tracing within living plants with a single reporter. Cas9‐induced mutations are directed to correct a frameshift mutation that restores expression of a nuclear fluorescent protein, labelling the initial cell and all progenitor cells with a strong signal without modifying other phenotypes of the plants. Spatial and temporal control of Cas9 activity can be achieved using tissue‐specific and/or inducible promoters. We provide proof of principle for the function of lineage tracing in two model plants. The conserved features of the components and the versatile cloning system, allowing for easy exchange of promoters, are expected to make the system widely applicable.
Contrast administration via ultrasound‐guided injection of the cranial tibial artery results in contrast enhancement of the soft tissues of the metatarsus in horses undergoing CT
Authors: Acutt Elizabeth V. , Zhou Tianjian , Mama Khursheed , Nelson Brad B. , Selberg Kurt T. , Barrett Myra F. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDelivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) via intravascular techniques to treat diffuse and/or inaccessible soft tissue injuries has grown in popularity. The purpose of the current prospective, analytical pilot study was to utilize CT to validate this novel technique and provide additional evidence to support its use for injectate delivery to specific soft tissue structures. Of particular interest was the proximal suspensory ligament, which presents a challenging injection target. Six adult horses without lameness underwent CT of the distal hindlimbs. Scans were obtained prior to ultrasound‐guided catheterization of the cranial tibial artery, in addition to early and delayed scans acquired following intra‐arterial contrast administration. Region of interest analysis of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and suspensory ligament was used to assess contrast enhancement within these structures. Linear mixed models were used to determine statistical significance. Significant (P < 0.05) mean contrast enhancement was seen in all postinjection time points in all soft tissue structures of interest. This indicates that ultrasound‐guided injection of the cranial tibial artery results in perfusion of injectate throughout the distal hind limb, including the major soft tissue structures of the metatarsus. This provides further support for this technique as a method of MSC delivery to multifocal or inaccessible injury of these structures, including the proximal suspensory ligament.
DRUG-RESISTANCE AND COMPENSATORY MUTATIONS IN MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Auganova D. , Akisheva A. , Tsepke A. , Tarlykov P. 
Published: July 2023

Gram-positive bacteria of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are causative agents of tuberculosis disease. According to the report of the World Health Organization, tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Moreover, epidemiological data shows that due to the COVID-19 pandemic tuberculosis mortality has risen in comparison with previous years. Drug resistance is another threatening issue when the resistance to antitubercular (anti-TB) drugs makes therapy less effective. Furthermore, drug resistance is often burdened with compensatory mechanisms that overcome fitness defects related to drug-resistant mutations. This review discusses the drug resistance and compensatory mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the current situation with anti-TB drug resistance in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Addressing sociodemographic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among youth in Zimbabwe
Authors: Larsson Leyla , Dziva Chikwari Chido , Simms Victoria , Tembo Mandikudza , Mahomva Agnes , Mugurungi Owen , Hayes Richard J , Mackworth-Young Constance R S , Bernays Sarah , Mavodza Constancia , Taruvinga Tinotenda , Bandason Tsitsi , Dauya Ethel , Ferrand Rashida Abbas , Kranzer Katharina 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionCOVID-19 vaccine acceptance research has mostly originated from high-income countries and reasons why youth may not get vaccinated may differ in low-income settings. Understanding vaccination coverage across different population groups and the sociocultural influences in healthcare delivery is important to inform targeted vaccination campaigns.MethodsA population-based survey was conducted in 24 communities across three provinces (Harare, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East) in Zimbabwe between October 2021 and June 2022. Youth aged 18–24 years were randomly selected using multistage sampling. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccination uptake and reasons for non-uptake were collected, and odds of vaccination was investigated using logistic regression.Results17 682 youth were recruited in the survey (n=10 742, 60.8% female). The median age of participants was 20 (IQR: 19–22) years. Almost two thirds (n=10 652, 60.2%) reported receiving at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. A higher proportion of men than women had been vaccinated (68.9% vs 54.7%), and vaccination prevalence increased with age (<19 years: 57.5%, 20–22: 61.5%, >23: 62.2%). Lack of time to get vaccinated, belief that the vaccine was unsafe and anxiety about side effects (particularly infertility) were the main reasons for not getting vaccinated. Factors associated with vaccination were male sex (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.58 to 1.80), increasing age (>22 years: OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.21), education level (postsecondary: OR=4.34, 95% CI 3.27 to 5.76) and socioeconomic status (least poor: OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.47).ConclusionThis study found vaccine inequity across age, sex, educational attainment and socioeconomic status among youth. Strategies should address these inequities by understanding concerns and tailoring vaccine campaigns to specific groups.
Effects of volume-based procurement policy on the usage and expenditure of first-generation targeted drugs for non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutation in China: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Huang Huang , Sun Yan , Zhu Zheng , Jiang Bin , Yang Li 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesIn December 2018, China launched national volume-based procurement (NVBP) to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers. Gefitinib was one of the 25 pilot drugs, which is used for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in China and targeted drugs like gefitinib have been proven to provide clinical benefits to patients. This study aims to explore the impact of NVBP policy on the usage and expenditure of anticancer drugs.MethodsGefitinib and alternative drugs (icotinib and erlotinib) were used as objects of study. Quarterly data from the China Hospital Pharmaceutical Audit database in 9454 hospitals in China were used for analysis. Descriptive analysis was conducted using purchase volume and expenditure as variables. Interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis was applied to further analyse the effect of NVBP policy on the medicines under study.ResultsDuring the 12-month period before (2018Q2–2019Q1) and after (2019Q2–2020Q1) the NVBP policy, the total purchase volume of medicines rose from 4.48 million defined daily dose (DDD) to 7.02 million DDD, with an increase of 56.66%. Purchase volume of gefitinib and alternative drugs increased 100.61% and 14.88%, respectively. After the implementation of NVBP policy, procurement volume of alternative drugs decreased by 72 051 DDD (p value=0.044) and trend change decreased by 56 738 DDD (p value<0.01). The overall expenditure reduction was 14.7%, with the expenditure of gefitinib reducing by 38.47% and alternative drugs increasing by 10.70%. ITS analysis indicated statistically significant differences in level and trend changes for expenditure of total drugs and gefitinib.ConclusionsThe evidence provided in this study indicated that the implementation of NVBP policy was related to the expenditure reduction of the first generation of anti-EGFR lung cancer drugs. The policy effectively controlled the increase in expenditures for corresponding drugs while ensuring the use of drugs.
Resective Epilepsy Surgery, QUality of life and Economic evaluation (RESQUE): the change in quality of life after resective epilepsy surgery–protocol for a multicentre, prospective cohort study
Authors: Kellenaers Julia T F , Rijkers Kim , van Mastrigt Ghislaine A P G , Schijns Olaf E M G , Hoogland Govert , Dings Jim , van Kuijk Sander , Vlooswijk Marielle C G , Wagner Louis G L , Idema Sander , van Straaten Ilse E C W , van der Salm Sandra M A , Majoie Marian H J M 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionResective epilepsy surgery is often seen as a last resort when treating drug-resistant epilepsy. Positive results on quality of life (QoL) and economic benefits after surgery argue for a less restrictive attitude towards epilepsy surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy. QoL and economic benefits are country-dependent. The objective of the Resective Epilepsy Surgery, QUality of life and Economic evaluation (RESQUE) trial is to evaluate the change in QoL before and after epilepsy surgery in Dutch people with drug-resistant epilepsy. The results will form part of an economic evaluation of epilepsy surgery in people with epilepsy (PWE) in The Netherlands.Methods and analysisA longitudinal prospective multicentre cohort study involving 100 PWE undergoing epilepsy surgery between 2019 and 2025 is being performed in three Dutch academic hospitals. Excluded are PWE who have a lower level of intelligence (TIQ<70) or who do not master the Dutch language. Before surgery and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, PWE receive validated online questionnaires (QOLIE-31, EQ-5D, iMCQ and iPCQ) on QoL, cost of care, expectations and satisfaction. Primary outcome is the change in QoL. Secondary outcomes are change in generic QoL, seizure reduction (International League Against Epilepsy Outcome Classification), medical consumption, productivity, the correlation between QoL and seizure reduction and expectation of and satisfaction with the surgery.Ethics and disseminationThe study design has been approved by the Medical Ethics Review Committee (METC) of Maastricht UMC+ (2019–1134) and the Amsterdam UMC (vu). At the time of writing, UMC Utrecht is in the process of considering approval. The study will be conducted according to the Dutch Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act and the Declaration of Helsinki. The results will be publicly disclosed and submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed scientific journals. There is no veto on publication by the involved parties.Trial registrationNL8278; Pre-results.
Characteristics of RCTs focusing on health promotion in community samples: a scoping review protocol based on the d-CoSPICO framework
Authors: López-González M. Angeles , Rodríguez-Cifuentes Francisco , Rubio-Garay Fernando , Amor-Hernández Paloma , Saúl Luis Angel 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionDeveloping the capabilities of individuals, groups and communities to enhance their health has received a great deal of attention in the literature. One essential source of results is evidence-based intervention programmes, which often involve a number of different variables. This paper describes a methodology for carrying out a scoping review that maps available evidence on randomised controlled trials focusing on health promotion intervention programmes.Methods and analysisThe scoping review protocol follows the general Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. It also incorporates some modifications to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review flowchart and complements its methodological framework. This new format, called documents, Concept, Studies, Participants, Interventions, Comparator, and Outcomes (d-CoSPICO), guides the review sequence, which is represented in a flowchart. The search will focus on different sources of information using formal (searches in thematic –PubPsych, ERIC, MedLine, PsychINFO– and multidisciplinary databases –Academic Search Ultimate, Core Collection Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest–, repositories and other websites), informal (contact with researchers), and retrospective (previous reviews on this topic) strategies to identify relevant publications until 2021, including grey literature. Coding, identification, selection, and data extraction will be carried out following the generation of a database in which each retrieved record’s content (abstract and/or full text) can be analysed. The review is expected to be completed in 2023.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this review. The d-CoSPICO framework and the results will be disseminated through (a) peer-reviewed publications; (b) presentations at scientific dissemination events and (c) training activities for applying this protocol.
Factors influencing the decision to use state-funded healthy lifestyle centres in a low-income setting: a qualitative study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Herath Thilini , Perera Manuja , Kasturiratne Anuradhani 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveHealthy lifestyle centres (HLCs) in Sri Lanka provide screening and lifestyle modification services targeting major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Even though the service is highly accessible and affordable, HLCs are underused by its target population (adults >35 years). We aimed to explore the factors that influence the decision-making process of utilisation of HLCs in Sri Lanka.SettingTwo districts (Gampaha and Kalutara) from the highest populous province (Western) located adjacent to the capital district of Sri Lanka.ParticipantsNine service providers, 37 HLC clients and 52 community participants were selected using judgemental, convenient and purposive sampling methods. Theoretical sampling method was used to decide the sample size for each category.MethodA qualitative study design based on constructivist grounded theory was used. Data collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions during January to July 2019 and were analysed using the constant comparison method.ResultsThe decision-making process of utilisation of HLCs was found to be a chain of outcomes with three main steps, such as: intention, readiness and utilisation. Awareness of HLCs, positive attitudes on health, intrinsic or extrinsic motivators, positive attitudes on NCDs and screening were internal factors with a positive influence on intention. Readiness was positively influenced by positive characteristics of the HLCs. It was negatively influenced by negative attitudes on staff and services of HLCs and negative past experiences related to services in state healthcare institutions and HLCs, service provider-related barriers and employment-related barriers. Family-related factors, social support and norms influenced both intention and readiness, either positively or negatively.ConclusionThe decision-making process of utilisation of HLCs links with factors originating from internal, family, service provider and societal levels. Thus, a multifactorial approach that addresses all these levels is needed to improve the utilisation of HLCs in Sri Lanka.