bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Cardiac Fibrosis by Interference With YAP-Dependent Transactivation
Authors: Garoffolo Gloria , Casaburo Manuel , Amadeo Francesco , Salvi Massimo , Bernava Giacomo , Piacentini Luca , Chimenti Isotta , Zaccagnini Germana , Milcovich Gesmi , Zuccolo Estella , Agrifoglio Marco , Ragazzini Sara , Baasansuren Otgon , Cozzolino Claudia , Chiesa Mattia , Ferrari Silvia , Carbonaro Dario , Santoro Rosaria , Manzoni Martina , Casalis Loredana , Raucci Angela , Molinari Filippo , Menicanti Lorenzo , Pagano Francesca , Ohashi Toshiro , Martelli Fabio , Massai Diana , Colombo Gualtiero I. , Messina Elisa , Morbiducci Umberto , Pesce Maurizio 
Published: June 2022

Background:
Conversion of cardiac stromal cells into myofibroblasts is typically associated with hypoxia conditions, metabolic insults, and/or inflammation, all of which are predisposing factors to cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. We hypothesized that this conversion could be also mediated by response of these cells to mechanical cues through activation of the Hippo transcriptional pathway. The objective of the present study was to assess the role of cellular/nuclear straining forces acting in myofibroblast differentiation of cardiac stromal cells under the control of YAP (yes-associated protein) transcription factor and to validate this finding using a pharmacological agent that interferes with the interactions of the YAP/TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif) complex with their cognate transcription factors TEADs (TEA domain transcription factors), under high-strain and profibrotic stimulation.

Methods:
We employed high content imaging, 2-dimensional/3-dimensional culture, atomic force microscopy mapping, and molecular methods to prove the role of cell/nuclear straining in YAP-dependent fibrotic programming in a mouse model of ischemia-dependent cardiac fibrosis and in human-derived primitive cardiac stromal cells. We also tested treatment of cells with Verteporfin, a drug known to prevent the association of the YAP/TAZ complex with their cognate transcription factors TEADs.

Results:
Our experiments suggested that pharmacologically targeting the YAP-dependent pathway overrides the profibrotic activation of cardiac stromal cells by mechanical cues in vitro, and that this occurs even in the presence of profibrotic signaling mediated by TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta-1). In vivo administration of Verteporfin in mice with permanent cardiac ischemia reduced significantly fibrosis and morphometric remodeling but did not improve cardiac performance.

Conclusions:
Our study indicates that preventing molecular translation of mechanical cues in cardiac stromal cells reduces the impact of cardiac maladaptive remodeling with a positive effect on fibrosis.
‘Humanizing’ the Law of Self-Determination – the Chagos Island Case
Authors: Hilpold Peter 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Human rights are perceived more and more as a set of norms of all-encompassing effects determining all international action, in particular also those by the United Nations. The recent icj Opinion in the Chagos case seems to suggest, however, that the field of self-determination is not yet really affected by this development. The icj has dealt with this case in a very traditional manner declaring, as it was foreseeable, that the de-colonisation process of the Chagos Islands has not been lawfully completed. At the same time, the icj widely ignored the direful lot of the Chagossians. This article investigates whether it is still tenable to deal with a decolonisation case exclusively from the perspective of ‘classic colonial self-determination’ while barely considering the lot of the people directly affected by these events. The main proposition of this article is that the process of humanization of international law must not stop short from affecting also the law of self-determination. It is suggested, on the contrary, that in the 21th century the law of self-determination has to set the individuals composing the people in the forefront.
Access to Information and Data in International Law
Authors: Mazur Joanna , Słok-Wódkowska Magdalena 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The sharing of data between States, particularly during a transnational public emergency, is essential for, e.g., monitoring adequate responses. Yet, in the digital economy, it is the private sector that leads in the collection and processing of huge amounts of data on a global scale, while the public sector often lags behind. We begin the article by examining the shortcomings of the solutions developed in human rights law and in international economic law concerning access to public sector information and data. Afterwards, we propose three possibilities to provide adjustments of the regulatory framework governing data sharing in the era of big data: sectoral approach to data sharing, establishment of common standards for public sector information re-use, and the idea of ‘data altruism’ introduced in the Data Governance Act. We indicate how these solutions could facilitate the development of an international regulatory framework for data sharing on an international level.
Observed Characteristics of the Tornadic Supercells of 27–28 April 2011 in the Southeast United States
Authors: Lyza Anthony W. , Flournoy Matthew D. , Rasmussen Erik N. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
An historic outbreak of tornadoes impacted a large swath of the eastern United States on 26–28 April 2011. The most severe series of tornadoes was associated with numerous classic supercell thunderstorms that developed across the Southeast during the afternoon and evening of 27 April and continued into the predawn of 28 April. This study documents characteristics of these storms with respect to tornado production and mesocyclone strength during different periods of each storm’s life cycle. The supercells initiated in four quasi-distinct spatiotemporal regions, with each cluster exhibiting slightly different evolutionary traits and tornado production. These included differences in the mean times between convection initiation and the time of first tornadogenesis for each supercell, as well as variations in overall and significant tornado production. This suggests that mesoscale environmental differences, such as proximity to a mesoscale boundary, and/or storm-scale events strongly influenced the variety of supercell evolutionary paths that were observed during this event, even in the presence of a synoptic-scale background environment extremely favorable for supercell and tornado production. The azimuthal shear products from the Multi-Year Reanalysis of Remotely Sensed Storms database perform well in discriminating between mesocyclones associated with ongoing weak, strong, and violent tornadoes during the event. Furthermore, mean azimuthal shear values during pre-tornadic (e.g., within 30 min of tornadogenesis) and tornadic phases are significantly larger than those during nontornadic phases. This warrants further study of azimuthal shear characteristics in different environments and its potential usefulness in aiding real-time forecasting efforts.

Significance Statement
This study documents the prolific supercell tornado outbreak that occurred in the southeastern United States on 27–28 April 2011. We associate tornado families with their parent supercells and use a radar-derived database to quantify changes in mesocyclone strength. We show that a variety of supercell evolutionary paths occurred during the event that were somewhat distinct based on where and when each supercell initiated. We also find significant differences between supercell intensity, characterized using azimuthal shear as a measure of mesocyclone strength, during nontornadic periods as opposed to the 30-min window prior to tornadogenesis. These findings are relevant for both researchers and operational forecasters and motivate future work to better understand relationships and processes influencing supercells and their background environments.
Benefits, Barriers and Determinants of Clinical Pathway Use in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A pilot study
Authors: Noehammer Elisabeth , Ponweiser Matthias , Romeyke Tobias , Eibinger Florian 
Published: June 2022

Background Performance-oriented financing of healthcare aims at demand-based and efficient resource allocation. Often, clinical pathways (CPs) are introduced in this context. Purpose For CP success (a) the degree of utilization of and divergence, (b) cost effects and (c) health professionals’ acceptance rate of and satisfaction are relevant. There are gaps in research regarding these issues in general, and more specifically in the German speaking part of Europe. Methodology/Approach Employing a two-stage mixed-methods pilot study, we studied (a) and (b) quantitatively in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and (c) qualitatively in Germany and Austria. Results Many hospitals already implemented CPs, but the utilization varies. They are expected to yield middle-range savings, but intangible benefits are more important. In general, employees are in favor of CPs, but several conditions need to be met, e.g. adaptability to local requirements. Conclusion Linking the results to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research showed many criteria are covered, which might lead to the positive evaluations, but also highlights the complexity of the intervention. Practice Implication As enhanced acceptance rates are expected to lead to higher benefits and vice versa, management team should safeguard employee participation and perceived benefits in all phases of the CP cycle.
Flexible conservatism in the skull modularity of convergently evolved myrmecophagous placental mammals
Authors: Ferreira-Cardoso Sérgio , Claude Julien , Goswami Anjali , Delsuc Frédéric , Hautier Lionel 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The skull of placental mammals constitutes one of the best studied systems for phenotypic modularity. Several studies have found strong evidence for the conserved presence of two- and six-module architectures, while the strength of trait correlations (integration) has been associated with major developmental processes such as somatic growth, muscle-bone interactions, and tooth eruption. Among placentals, ant- and termite-eating (myrmecophagy) represents an exemplar case of dietary convergence, accompanied by the selection of several cranial morphofunctional traits such as rostrum elongation, tooth loss, and mastication loss. Despite such drastic functional modifications, the covariance patterns of the skull of convergently evolved myrmecophagous placentals are yet to be studied in order to assess the potential consequences of this dietary shift on cranial modularity.

Results
Here, we performed a landmark-based morphometric analysis of cranial covariance patterns in 13 species of myrmecophagous placentals. Our analyses reveal that most myrmecophagous species present skulls divided into six to seven modules (depending on the confirmatory method used), with architectures similar to those of non-myrmecophagous placentals (therian six modules). Within-module integration is also similar to what was previously described for other placentals, suggesting that most covariance-generating processes are conserved across the clade. Nevertheless, we show that extreme rostrum elongation and tooth loss in myrmecophagid anteaters have resulted in a shift in intermodule correlations in the proximal region of the rostrum. Namely, the naso-frontal and maxillo-palatine regions are strongly correlated with the oro-nasal module, suggesting an integrated rostrum conserved from pre-natal developmental processes. In contrast, the similarly toothless pangolins show a weaker correlation between the anterior rostral modules, resembling the pattern of toothed placentals.

Conclusions
These results reveal that despite some integration shifts related to extreme functional and morphological features of myrmecophagous skulls, cranial modular architectures have conserved the typical mammalian scheme.
Chronic, acute and protocol-dependent effects of exercise on psycho-physiological health during long-term isolation and confinement
Authors: Abeln V. , Fomina E. , Popova J. , Braunsmann L. , Koschate J. , Möller F. , Fedyay S. O. , Vassilieva G. Y. , Schneider S. , Strüder H. K. , Klein T. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractExercise could prevent physical and psychological deteriorations, especially during pandemic times of lock-down scenarios and social isolation. But to meet both, the common exercise protocols require optimization based on holistic investigations and with respect to underlying processes. This study aimed to explore individual chronic and acute effects of continuous and interval running exercise on physical and cognitive performance, mood, and affect and underlying neurophysiological factors during a terrestrial simulated space mission. Six volunteers (three females) were isolated for 120 days. Accompanying exercise training consisted of a continuous and interval running protocol in a cross-over design. Incremental stage tests on a treadmill were done frequently to test physical performance. Actigraphy was used to monitor physical activity level. Cognitive performance, mood (MoodMeter®), affect (PANAS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and saliva cortisol were investigated prior to, four times during, and after isolation, pre- and post-exercise on two separate days, respectively. As a chronic effect, physical performance increased (and IGF-1 tended) in the course of isolation and training until the end of isolation. Subjective mood and affect state, as well as cognitive performance, basal BDNF and VEGF levels, were well-preserved across the intervention. No acute effects of exercise were detected, besides slower reaction time after exercise in two out of nine cognitive tests, testing sensorimotor speed and memory of complex figures. Consistently higher basal IGF-1 concentrations and faster reaction time in the psychomotor vigilance test were found for the continuous compared to the interval running protocol. The results suggest that 120 days of isolation and confinement can be undergone without cognitive and mental deteriorations. Regular, individual aerobic running training supporting physical fitness is hypothesized to play an important role in this regard. Continuous running exercise seems to trigger higher IGF-1 levels and vigilance compared to interval running. Systematic and prolonged investigations and larger sample size are required to follow up on exercise-protocol specific differences in order to optimize the exercise intervention for long-term psycho-physiological health and well-being.
Association study between polymorphisms in MIA3, SELE, SMAD3 and CETP genes and coronary artery disease in an Iranian population
Authors: Rayat Sima , Ramezanidoraki Nasim , Kazemi Nima , Modarressi Mohammad H. , Falah Masoumeh , Zardadi Safoura , Morovvati Saeid 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common heart disease. Several studies have shown association between some polymorphism in different genes with CAD. Finding this association can be used in order to early diagnosis and prevention of CAD.

Method
101 CAD patients with ≥ 50% luminal stenosis of any coronary vessel as case group and 111 healthy individuals as control group were selected. the polymorphisms were evaluated by ARMS-PCR and RFLP-PCR methods.

Result
The results of this study show that there is no significant association between rs17228212, rs17465637, and rs708272 and risk of CAD. But there is significant association between risk of CAD and rs5355 (p-value = 0.022) and rs3917406 (p-value = 0.006) in total cases, and rs5882 (p-value = 0.001) in male cases.

Conclusions
Our findings revealed a significant interaction between CETP SNPs and CETP activity for affecting HDL-C levels. The SELE gene is a known cell adhesion molecule with a significant role in inflammation. Studies about possible linkage between SELE gene polymorphisms and the development of CAD are conflicting. We have found a significant association between polymorphisms of SELE gene and risk of CAD.
An evaluation of ascitic calprotectin for diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with cirrhosis
Authors: Honar Naser , Nezamabadipour Najmeh , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Haghighat Mahmood , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Ataollahi Maryam , Shakibazad Nader , Javaherizadeh Hazhir 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The most common infection in children with the hepatic disease with or without cirrhotic ascites is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which occurs in the absence of an evident intra-abdominal source of infection. The present study aims to assess the value of calprotectin in ascitic fluid in the diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with liver cirrhosis.

Materials and methods
In this cross-section study, 80 children with underlying liver disease who attended the Hepatology and Emergency Department in Shiraz University Hospitals were studied. All the patients were evaluated by a thorough history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, diagnostic paracentesis with PMNLs count, and Calprotectin, which was measured in 1 mL ascitic fluid by ELISA.

Results
Thirty-five patients (43.75%) were diagnosed with ascitic fluid infection. Of these children 6 cases had positive ascitic fluid culture (SBP). Calprotectin was high in AFI patients with a statistically significant difference in AFI patients compared to non-AFI patients. The cut-off levels were 91.55 mg /L and the area under the curve was 0.971. So it can serve as a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for detection of AFI in children with underlying liver disease.

Conclusion
Elevated ascitic calprotectin levels in cirrhotic patients are a diagnostic and reliable marker for the detection of AFI and are considered a surrogate marker for PMN.
Financing COVID-19 vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from a nation-wide willingness to pay (WTP) survey in Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Robert Kaba , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward , Immurana Mustapha , Abuosi Aaron Asibi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Over 13 million doses of the corona virus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been administered in Ghana as at March, 2022; 28.5% of the population have received one dose while 16.3% have been fully vaccinated. Cost associated with COVID-19 vaccinations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires rethinking on sustainable funding arrangements to consolidate gains made towards containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective
Ascertain the determinants of willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 vaccination among adult eligible population in Ghana, and prefer evidence-based policy recommendations on sustainable financing regime for COVID-19 vaccination in the global south.

Methods
Setting/design: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among adult population aged 18 years and above across the sixteen (16) administrative regions of Ghana.
Participants: A sub-sample of 697 participants willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was used as the unit of analysis.
Outcome measures: main outcome measures of interests were willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccination and the specific amount respondents were willing to pay. The odds of WTP and specific amount were predicted using the step-wise backward logistic regression and backward step-wise OLS, respectively.

Results
A total of 2,107 adult respondents aged 18 years and above were reached out to answer the questionnaire; 1,556 successfully completed the questionnaire, representing 74% response rate. Out of the 1,556 valid responses, 697 said they will receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Out of the 697 sub-sample willing to accept the vaccine, 386 (55%) were willing to pay an average of US$6.00 for the vaccine. Positive predictors of WTP were: being an educated male (OR = 0.55, 95% [CI = 0.366, 0.826], p = 0.004), married and educated (OR = 2.19, 95% [CI = 1.077, 4.445], p = 0.030), being a married health worker (OR = 0.43, 95% [CI = 0.217, 0.845], p = 0.015), and having positive perception of the vaccine (OR = 2.40, 95% [CI = 1.144, 5.054], p = 0.021). High WTP amounts correlated positively with adherence to COVID-19 prevention protocols (Coef. = 10.30, 95% [CI = 0.463, 20.137], p = 0.040) and being a health worker with tertiary education (Coef. = 56.339, 95% [CI = 8.524, 104.154], p = 0.021). Christians who are also health workers by occupation were less likely to pay higher amounts for the vaccine (Coef. = -71.431, 95% [CI = 118.821, -24.040], p = 0.003).

Conclusions
WTP for COVID-19 vaccination in Ghana is low relative to comparative studies in the sub-region. There is the need for accelerated, advocacy and public education on the benefits of vaccination. Likewise, there should be broader stakeholder engagement and national dialogue on sustainable financing options for COVID-19 vaccination as donor support continues to dwindle for LIMCs like Ghana.
National geographical pattern of COVID-19 hospitalization, case fatalities, and associated factors in patients covered by Iran Health Insurance Organization
Authors: Damiri Soheila , Shojaee Ali , Dehghani Mohsen , Shahali Zahra , Abbasi Sadrollah , Daroudi Rajabali 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Understanding the Spatio-temporal distribution and interpersonal comparisons are important tools in etiological studies. This study was conducted to investigate the temporal and geographical distribution of COVID-19 hospitalized patients in the Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) insured population (the second largest social health insurance organization) and the factors affecting their case fatality rate (CFR).

Methods
In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, the demographic and clinical data of all insured of the IHIO who were hospitalized with COVID-19 in hospitals across the country until March 2021 was extracted from the comprehensive system of handling the inpatient documents of this organization. The Excel 2019 and GeoDA software were used for descriptive reporting and geographical distribution of variables. A multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) of death in patients with COVID-19 using STATA 14 software.

Results
During the first 14 months of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran, 0.72% of the IHIO insured (303,887 individuals) were hospitalized with COVID-19. Hospitalization per 100,000 people varied from 192.51 in East Azerbaijan to 1,277.49 in Yazd province. The overall CFR in hospitalized patients was 14%. Tehran and Kohgiluyeh & BoyerAhmad provinces had the highest and lowest CFR with 19.39% and 5.19%, respectively. The highest odds of death were in those over 80 years old people (OR = 9.65), ICU-admitted (OR = 7.49), Hospitalized in governmental hospitals (OR = 2.08), Being a foreign national (OR = 1.45), hospitalized in November (OR = 1.47) and Residence in provinces such as Sistan & Baluchestan (OR = 1.47) and Razavi Khorasan (OR = 1.66) respectively. Furthermore, the odds of death were lower in females (OR = 0.81) than in males.

Conclusions
A sound understanding of the primary causes of COVID-19 death and severity in different groups can be the basis for developing programs focused on more vulnerable groups in order to manage the crisis more effectively and benefit from resources more efficiently.