bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 levels are associated with a higher risk profile in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Bouzina Habib , Hesselstrand Roger , Rådegran Göran 
Published: November 2019

Metabolic abnormalities are proposed to contribute to pulmonary arterial as well as right ventricular remodelling in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Among the proposed abnormalities are altered glucose and lipid processing, mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress as well as vitamin D and iron abnormalities. In the present study, we investigated 11 metabolic plasma biomarkers, with the hypothesis that metabolic proteins may mirror disease severity in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Using proximity extension assays, plasma metabolic biomarkers were measured in 48 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients at diagnosis and, in 33 of them, at an early treatment follow‐up, as well as in 16 healthy controls. Among the studied metabolic biomarkers, plasma fibroblast growth factor‐23 (p < 0.001), fibroblast growth factor‐21 (p < 0.001), fatty acid binding protein 4 (p < 0.001) and lectin‐like oxidised low‐density lipoprotein receptor 1 (p < 0.001) were increased and paraoxonase‐3 was decreased (p < 0.001) in pulmonary arterial hypertension at diagnosis versus controls. Fibroblast growth factor‐23 showed the strongest correlations to studied clinical parameters and was therefore selected for further analyses. Fibroblast growth factor‐23 correlated specifically to mean right atrial pressure (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), six‐min walking distance (r = −0.66, p < 0.001), NT‐proBNP (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), venous oxygen saturation (r = −0.61, p < 0.001), cardiac index (r = −0.39, p < 0.007) and pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). Fibroblast growth factor‐23 correlated moreover to ESC/ERS (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) and the REVEAL risk score (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Comparing early treatment follow‐up with baseline, fibroblast growth factor‐23 decreased (p < 0.02), with changes in fibroblast growth factor‐23 correlating to changes in six‐min walking distance (r = −0.56, p < 0.003), venous oxygen saturation (r = −0.46, p < 0.01), pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.43, p < 0.02), mean right atrial pressure (r = 0.38, p < 0.04) and cardiac index (r = −0.39, p < 0.04). Elevated plasma fibroblast growth factor‐23 levels at pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosis were associated with worse haemodynamics and a higher risk profile, and were decreased after the administration of pulmonary arterial hypertension‐specific treatment.
A quasi-experimental investigation of college students’ ratings of two physical activity mobile apps with varied behavior change technique quantity
Authors: Davis Ashlee , Ellis Rebecca 
Published: November 2019

Background An assessment of how users rate physical activity apps of varying behavior change technique content is necessary to understand if users recognize differences in an app’s ability to promote physical activity. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare user ratings of an app with a lower behavior change technique count to an app with a higher behavior change technique count. Method Participants were randomly assigned to interact with either the high behavior change technique app or the low behavior change technique app using an iPad. Participants then completed a Mobile App Rating questionnaire. Results The final sample included 83 participants with an average age of 22.66 years (SD = 2.13; range = 20–29). Independent t-tests revealed significant group differences for perceived impact, t(81) = 5.27, p < .001, g = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (0.69, 1.62); engagement, t(81) = 6.71, p < .001, g = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (1.02, 1.87); aesthetics, t(81) = 4.29, p < .001, g = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (0.50, 1.38); and subjective quality, t(81) = 6.46, p < .001, g = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (0.75, 1.42), with participants from the high behavior change technique group scoring these qualities more positively than participants from the low behavior change technique group. Conclusion App users rated a physical activity app with higher behavior change technique content more favorably on aesthetics, engagement, subjective quality, and perceived impact than those with reduced behavior change technique content. Additional research is needed to understand how these perceptions influence users during the app selection process, as well as the efficacy of apps for promoting physical activity behavior change.
Adsorption of Cadmium Ions from an Aqueous Solution on a Highly Stable Dopamine-Modified Magnetic Nano-Adsorbent
Authors: Lei Ting , Li Sheng-Jian , Jiang Fang , Ren Zi-Xuan , Wang Li-Lian , Yang Xiang-Jun , Tang Li-Hong , Wang Shi-Xiong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Magnetic nanomaterials were functionalized with dopamine hydrochloride as the functional reagent to afford a core–shell-type Fe3O4 modified with polydopamine (Fe3O4@PDA) composite, which was used for the adsorption of cadmium ions from an aqueous solution. In addition, the effects of environmental factors on the adsorption capacity were investigated. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics of the adsorbents were discussed. Results revealed that the adsorption of cadmium by Fe3O4@PDA reaches equilibrium within 120 min, and kinetic fitting data are consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 > 0.999). The adsorption isotherm of Cd2+ on Fe3O4@PDA was in agreement with the Freundlich model, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 21.58 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that adsorption is inherently endothermic and spontaneous. Results obtained from the adsorption–desorption cycles revealed that Fe3O4@PDA exhibits ultra-high adsorption stability and reusability. Furthermore, the adsorbents were easily separated from water under an enhanced external magnetic field after adsorption due to the introduction of an iron-based core. Hence, this study demonstrates a promising magnetic nano-adsorbent for the effective removal of cadmium from cadmium-containing wastewater.

Graphical Abstract
AMON: annotation of metabolite origins via networks to integrate microbiome and metabolome data
Authors: Shaffer M. , Thurimella K. , Quinn K. , Doenges K. , Zhang X. , Bokatzian S. , Reisdorph N. , Lozupone C. A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Untargeted metabolomics of host-associated samples has yielded insights into mechanisms by which microbes modulate health. However, data interpretation is challenged by the complexity of origins of the small molecules measured, which can come from the host, microbes that live within the host, or from other exposures such as diet or the environment.

Results
We address this challenge through development of AMON: Annotation of Metabolite Origins via Networks. AMON is an open-source bioinformatics application that can be used to annotate which compounds in the metabolome could have been produced by bacteria present or the host, to evaluate pathway enrichment of host verses microbial metabolites, and to visualize which compounds may have been produced by host versus microbial enzymes in KEGG pathway maps.

Conclusions
AMON empowers researchers to predict origins of metabolites via genomic information and to visualize potential host:microbe interplay. Additionally, the evaluation of enrichment of pathway metabolites of host versus microbial origin gives insight into the metabolic functionality that a microbial community adds to a host:microbe system. Through integrated analysis of microbiome and metabolome data, mechanistic relationships between microbial communities and host phenotypes can be better understood.
Transcriptome profiling of resistance response to Meloidogyne chitwoodi introgressed from wild species Solanum bulbocastanum into cultivated potato
Authors: Bali Sapinder , Vining Kelly , Gleason Cynthia , Majtahedi Hassan , Brown Charles R. , Sathuvalli Vidyasagar 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Meloidogyne chitwoodi commonly known as Columbia root-knot nematode or CRKN is one of the most devastating pests of potato in the Pacific Northwest of the United States of America. In addition to the roots, it infects potato tubers causing internal as well as external defects, thereby reducing the market value of the crop. Commercial potato varieties with CRKN resistance are currently unavailable. Race specific resistance to CRKN has been introgressed from the wild, diploid potato species Solanum bulbocastanum into the tetraploid advanced selection PA99N82–4 but there is limited knowledge about the nature of its resistance mechanism. In the present study, we performed histological and differential gene expression profiling to understand the mode of action of introgressed CRKN resistance in PA99N82–4 in comparison to the CRKN susceptible variety Russet Burbank.

Results
Histological studies revealed that the nematode juveniles successfully infect both resistant and susceptible root tissue by 48 h post inoculation, but the host resistance response restricts nematode feeding site formation in PA99N82–4. Differential gene expression analysis shows that 1268, 1261, 1102 and 2753 genes were up-regulated in PA99N82–4 at 48 h, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days post inoculation respectively, of which 61 genes were common across all the time points. These genes mapped to plant-pathogen interaction, plant hormonal signaling, antioxidant activity and cell wall re-enforcement pathways annotated for potato.

Conclusion
The introgressed nematode resistance in PA99N82–4 is in the form of both pattern-triggered immune response and effector-triggered immune response, which is mediated by accumulation of reactive oxygen species and hypersensitive response (HR). Salicylic acid is playing a major role in the HR. Polyamines and suberin (a component of the Casperian strip in roots) also play an important role in mediating the resistance response. The present study provides the first ever comprehensive insights into transcriptional changes among M. chitwoodi resistant and susceptible potato genotypes after nematode inoculation. The knowledge generated in the present study has implications in breeding for CRKN resistance in potato.
Quantile function modeling with application to salinity tolerance analysis of plant data
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Saade Stephanie , Shahid Mohammad , Tester Mark , Sun Ying 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn plant science, the study of salinity tolerance is crucial to improving plant growth and productivity under saline conditions. Since quantile regression is a more robust, comprehensive and flexible method of statistical analysis than the commonly used mean regression methods, we applied a set of quantile analysis methods to barley field data. We use univariate and bivariate quantile analysis methods to study the effect of plant traits on yield and salinity tolerance at different quantiles.ResultsWe evaluate the performance of barley accessions under fresh and saline water using quantile regression with covariates such as flowering time, ear number per plant, and grain number per ear. We identify the traits affecting the accessions with high yields, such as late flowering time has a negative impact on yield. Salinity tolerance indices evaluate plant performance under saline conditions relative to control conditions, so we identify the traits affecting the accessions with high values of indices using quantile regression. It was observed that an increase in ear number per plant and grain number per ear in saline conditions increases the salinity tolerance of plants. In the case of grain number per ear, the rate of increase being higher for plants with high yield than plants with average yield. Bivariate quantile analysis methods were used to link the salinity tolerance index with plant traits, and it was observed that the index remains stable for earlier flowering times but declines as the flowering time decreases.ConclusionsThis analysis has revealed new dimensions of plant responses to salinity that could be relevant to salinity tolerance. Use of univariate quantile analyses for quantifying yield under both conditions facilitates the identification of traits affecting salinity tolerance and is more informative than mean regression. The bivariate quantile analyses allow linking plant traits to salinity tolerance index directly by predicting the joint distribution of yield and it also allows a nonlinear relationship between the yield and plant traits.
Predictors of Epstein-Barr virus serostatus in young people in England
Authors: Winter Joanne R. , Taylor Graham S. , Thomas Olivia G. , Jackson Charlotte , Lewis Joanna E. A. , Stagg Helen R. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an important human pathogen which causes lifelong infection of > 90% people globally and is linked to infectious mononucleosis (arising from infection in the later teenage years) and several types of cancer. Vaccines against EBV are in development. In order to determine the most cost-effective public health strategy for vaccine deployment, setting-specific data on the age at EBV acquisition and risk factors for early infection are required. Such data are also important to inform mathematical models of EBV transmission that can determine the required target product profile of vaccine characteristics. We thus aimed to examine risk factors for EBV infection in young people in England, in order to improve our understanding of EBV epidemiology and guide future vaccination strategies.

Methods
The Health Survey for England (HSE) is an annual, cross-sectional representative survey of households in England during which data are collected via questionnaires and blood samples. We randomly selected individuals who participated in the HSE 2002, aiming for 25 participants of each sex in each single year age group from 11 to 24 years. Stored samples were tested for EBV and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies. We undertook descriptive and regression analyses of EBV seroprevalence and risk factors for infection.

Results
Demographic data and serostatus were available for 732 individuals. EBV seroprevalence was strongly associated with age, increasing from 60.4% in 11–14 year olds throughout adolescence (68.6% in 15–18 year olds) and stabilising by early adulthood (93.0% in those aged 22–24 years). In univariable and multivariable logistic regression models, ethnicity was associated with serostatus (adjusted odds ratio for seropositivity among individuals of other ethnicity versus white individuals 2.33 [95% confidence interval 1.13–4.78]). Smoking was less strongly associated with EBV seropositivity.

Conclusions
By the age of 11 years, EBV infection is present in over half the population, although age is not the only factor associated with serostatus. Knowledge of the distribution of infection in the UK population is critical for determining future vaccination policies, e.g. comparing general versus selectively targeted vaccination strategies.
Automatic labeling of the fanning and curving shape of Meyer’s loop for epilepsy surgery: an atlas extracted from high-definition fiber tractography
Authors: Shan Yong-Zhi , Wang Zhen-Ming , Fan Xiao-Tong , Zhang Hua-Qiang , Ren Lian-Kun , Wei Peng-Hu , Zhao Guo-Guang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Visual field defects caused by injury to Meyer’s loop (ML) are common in patients undergoing anterior temporal lobectomy during epilepsy surgery. Evaluation of the anatomical shapes of the curving, fanning and sharp angles of ML to guide surgeries is important but still challenging for diffusion tensor imaging. We present an advanced diffusion data-based ML atlas and labeling protocol to reproduce anatomical features in individuals within a short time.

Methods
Thirty Massachusetts General Hospital-Human Connectome Project (MGH-HCP) diffusion datasets (ultra-high magnetic gradient & 512 directions) were warped to standard space. The resulting fibers were projected together to create an atlas. The anatomical features and the tractography correspondence rates were evaluated in 30 MGH-HCP individuals and local diffusion spectrum imaging data (eight healthy subjects and six hippocampal sclerosis patients).

Results
In the atlas, features of curves, sharp angles and fanning shapes were adequately reproduced. The distances from the anterior tip of the temporal lobe to the anterior ridge of Meyer’s loop were 23.1 mm and 26.41 mm on the left and right sides, respectively. The upper and lower divisions of the ML were revealed to be twisting. Eighty-eight labeled sides were achieved, and the correspondence rates were 87.44% ± 6.92, 80.81 ± 10.62 and 72.83% ± 14.03% for MGH-HCP individuals, DSI-healthy individuals and DSI-patients, respectively.

Conclusion
Atlas-labeled ML is comparable to high angular resolution tractography in healthy or hippocampal sclerosis patients. Therefore, rapid identification of the ML location with a single modality of T1 is practical. This protocol would facilitate functional studies and visual field protection during neurosurgery.
Effect of short-term orthokeratology lens or ordinary frame glasses wear on corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cells and vision correction in adolescents with low to moderate myopia
Authors: Yuan Shuyi , Zhang Shuxian , Jiang Yanglin , Li Lihua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
We aimed to investigate the effect of short-term orthokeratology lens or frame glasses wear on corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cells and vision correction in adolescents with low to moderate myopia.

Methods
Data of 100 adolescents with low to moderate myopia were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were assigned into two groups. The experimental group were treated with night-wear orthokeratology lens, and control group were treated with ordinary frame glasses. Follow up was carried out at the 3rd, 6th and 12th months of treatment. The naked-eye vision, diopter, corneal curvature, intraocular pressure, axial length, endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness were examined. Complications within 12 months were observed, and corneal fluorescein staining was graded.

Results
The naked-eye vision of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group at the 3rd, 6th and 12th months, while the diopter of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group at these time points. The corneal curvature of the experimental group was significantly decreased when comparing with that of the control group at the above 3 time points. The increase of axial length in the experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group at the 6th and 12th months.

Conclusions
Short-term orthokeratology lens wear can effectively improve the naked-eye vision in adolescents with low to moderate myopia without significant impact on the central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial cells. It is a relatively safe method to correct myopia.
Associated factors of modern contraceptive use among women infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Enemay District, Northwest Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kebede Yibeltal Bimrew , Geremew Tesfahun Taddege , Mehretie Yohannes , Abejie Ayenew Negesse , Bewket Liknaw , Dellie Endalkachew 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The prevention of unplanned pregnancy among women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is critical for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Of the prevention strategies, deployment of modern contraceptives is principal one. However, there were limited facts on utilization of modern contraceptives and associated factors among HIV infected women, in particular of resource-limited settings in Ethiopia. Hence, we aimed to quantify the proportion of modern contraceptive utilization and the possible related factors among women infected HIV.

Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 632 women infected with HIV from 05 February to 25 March 2018. Data on their treatment, socio-economic, and demographic background were collected through a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the associated factors of modern contraceptive use among women infected with HIV.

Result
We found 61.4% (95% CI, 57.6–65.2) were using modern contraceptives. Greater than four family size (AOR:2.17; 95%CI: 1.31–3.59), family planning counseling service (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.44–3.91), discussing contraceptive issues with sexual partner (AOR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.12–2.77), history of giving birth (s) (AOR:2.21; 95%CI:1.20–4.05) and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage III or IV (AOR: 3.59; 95%CI: 1.37, 9.44) were positively associated with modern contraceptives use, whereas, older age (AOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24–0.81) and being widowed (AOR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14–0.83), abridged the chances of modern contraceptives use.

Conclusion
The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women infected with HIV is low. Higher family size, counseling on contraceptives, discussing contraceptives issues with partner, history of giving births and WHO clinical stage III/IV were positively related with contraceptives use, whereas, older age and being widowed abridged the chances of contraceptives use among HIV infected women. Therefore, our findings support calls for the district health office and the antiretroviral treatment clinics of the resource-limited settings to work more on family planning counseling services and promoting more dialogues with sexual partners on modern contraceptives use.
Feeding practices and risk factors for chronic infant undernutrition among refugees and migrants along the Thailand-Myanmar border: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Hashmi A. H. , Nyein P. B. , Pilaseng K. , Paw M. K. , Darakamon M. C. , Min A. M. , Charunwatthana P. , Nosten F. , McGready R. , Carrara V. I. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of maternal risk factors, infant risk factors and maternal infant feeding practices among refugees and migrants along the Thailand-Myanmar border.MethodsThis study employed a mixed-methods approach with two components: (1) cross-sectional survey (n = 390) and (2) focus group discussions (n = 63). Participants were chosen from one of three clinics providing antenatal and delivery services for Karen and Burman refugees and migrants along the border. Participants were pregnant women and mother-infant dyads.ResultsRefugee and migrant mothers demonstrated high rates of suboptimal breastfeeding and low rates of minimum dietary diversity and acceptable diet. Multivariable regression models showed infant stunting (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.84,p = 0.020) and underweight (AOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.36,p = 0.015) to have increased odds among migrants, while each 5 cm increase in maternal height had decreased odds of stunting (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.66,p < 0.001) and underweight (AOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.85,p = 0.002). In addition, small-for-gestational-age adjusted for length of gestation, infant age and gender increased odds of infant’s stunting (AOR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.88, 6.22, p < 0.001) and underweight (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 2.36, 8.34,p < 0.001). Using the Integrated Behavioural Model, focus group discussions explained the cross-sectional findings in characterising attitudes, perceived norms, and personal agency as they relate to maternal nutrition, infant malnutrition, and infant feeding practices.ConclusionsInadequate infant feeding practices are widespread in refugee and migrant communities along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Risk factors particular to maternal nutrition and infant birth should be considered for future programming to reduce the burden of chronic malnutrition in infants.