bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osa-miR162a balances rice yield and resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Li Xu-Pu , Ma Xiao-Chun , Wang He , Zhu Yong , Liu Xin-Xian , Li Ting-Ting , Zheng Ya-Ping , Zhao Ji-Qun , Zhang Ji-Wei , Huang Yan-Yan , Pu Mei , Feng Hui , Fan Jing , Li Yan , Wang Wen-Ming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae, the causative agent of rice blast disease. Osa-miR162a targets Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) genes, which play vital roles in miRNA biogenesis and act as negative regulators in rice immunity. Here we demonstrate that Osa-miR162a improves rice immunity against M. oryzae and balances the trade-off between rice yield and resistance. Overexpression of Osa-miR162a compromises rice susceptibility to M. oryzae accompanying enhanced induction of defense-related genes and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In contrast, blocking miR162 by overexpressing a target mimic of miR162 enhances susceptibility to blast fungus associating with compromised induction of defense-related gene expression and H2O2 accumulation. Moreover, the transgenic lines overexpressing Osa-miR162a display decreased seed setting rate resulting in reduced yield per plant, whereas blocking miR162 leads to an increased number of grains per panicle, resulting in increased yield per plant. Altered accumulation of miR162 had limited impact on the expression of OsDCL1. Together, our results indicate that Osa-miR162a improves rice blast resistance and plays a role in the balance of trade-off between resistance and yield.
The Multi-biomarker Disease Activity test for assessing response to treatment strategies using methotrexate with or without prednisone in the CAMERA-II Trial
Authors: Jurgens Maud , Safy-Khan Mary , de Hair Maria , Bijlsma Johannes , Welsing Paco , Tekstra Janneke , Lafeber Floris , Sasso Eric , Jacobs Johannes 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
ObjectivesThe CAMERA-II trial compared two tight-control, treat-to-target strategies, initiating methotrexate with prednisone (MTX+pred) or MTX with placebo (MTX+plac), in early RA-patients. The multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) blood test objectively measures RA disease activity with a score of 1−100. In CAMERA-II, response profiles of the MBDA score, its individual biomarkers and DAS28 were assessed.MethodsWe evaluated 92 patients from CAMERA-II of whom clinical data and serum for MBDA testing at baseline and ≥1 timepoint from months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 or 12 were available. Changes (∆) from baseline for DAS28 and MBDA score and comparisons of ∆DAS28 and ∆MBDA score over time within the MTX+pred versus the MTX+plac strategy, were tested for significance with t-tests. Changes in biomarker concentration from baseline to months 1−5 were tested with Wilcoxon signed rank test and tested for difference between treatment arms by Mann-Whitney U test. ResultsMBDA and DAS28 showed similar response profiles, with gradual improvement over the first 6 months in the MTX+plac group, and in the MTX+pred group faster improvement during month 1, followed by gradual improvement. The 12 MBDA biomarkers could be grouped into 4 categories of response profiles, with significant responses for 4 biomarkers during the MTX+plac strategy and 9 biomarkers during the MTX+pred strategy.ConclusionsMBDA tracked treatment response in CAMERA-II similarly to DAS28. More individual MBDA biomarkers tracked treatment response of MTX+pred than of MTX+plac. Four response profiles could be observed.
Association between resistin, adiponectin and leptin and cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese school children
Authors: Matsudaira Toru , Sano Hironari , Miyashita Yumi , Tajima Naoko , Shirasawa Takako , Ochiai Hirotaka , Kokaze Akatsuki , Nishimura Rimei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background It is not clear whether resistin, adiponectin and leptin are as closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk in childhood as in adulthood. Methods A survey was performed on elementary school 4 th graders aged 9 to 10 years in Ina-machi, Saitama, Japan to investigate whether resistin, adiponectin and leptin in these children might be associated with cardiovascular risk factors (atherosclerosis index: AI, waist-to-height ratio: W/H ratio, body mass index: BMI), and how the presence of obesity might affect their association. Results A total of 204 boys and 176 girls participated in the survey. Leptin and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio) were significantly correlated with the cardiovascular risk factors except AI, and adiponectin was shown to be negatively correlated with all the cardiovascular risk factors examined in the entire study population. While the serum resistin concentration was not found to be significantly different among the boys and girls with or without obesity, the resistin-to-adiponectin ratio (R/A ratio) was found to be significantly different between the obese and non-obese boys but not between the obese and non-obese girls. Among the obese boys, there was a significant correlation between resistin and AI and between the R/A ratio and the cardiovascular risk factors, neither of which was noted among the entire boy population or the non-obese boys. Whereas the R/A ratio was significantly correlated with all the cardiovascular risk factors only in the obese boys. (AI: 0.426, p<0.05, Waist Circumference: 0.545, p<0.01, W/Hr: 0.562, p<0.01, BMI: 0.401, p<0.05) Conclusions Our study findings suggest that school children with high leptin and/or low adiponectin levels are placed at higher cardiovascular risk, regardless of gender. It was also suggested that among boys with obesity as a cardiovascular risk factor, cardiovascular risk was higher in those with high leptin and/or low adiponectin levels, regardless of gender. Furthermore, the findings suggest that resistin is elevated and adiponectin is decreased in obese boys who are placed at higher cardiovascular risk.
Dexamethasone can attenuate the inflammatory response in asthma via regulation of the lncH19/miR-324-3p cascade
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhang Chao , Xiao Changxue , Li Xiao-dong , Hu Zhi-li , Xu Feng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective To investigate lncRNAs and their roles in regulating the inflammatory response under treatment of Dexamethasone (Dex) in asthma. Methods IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) was used to induce an inflammatory cell model with A549 cells. Dex was used to attenuate inflammation by IL-1beta, and its effect was assessed by RT-PCR to detect the inflammatory cytokines IKbeta-alpha, IKKbeta,, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha and ELISA to detect the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8. RT-PCR was used to quantify levels of lncRNAs, including lncMALAT1, lncHotair, lncH19, and lncNeat1. lncH19 was most closely correlated with the inflammatory response, which was induced by IL-1beta and attenuated by Dex, Thus, lncH19 was selected for further study. lncH19 expression was inhibited by shRNA transduced by lentivirus. Cell assays for cell viability and apoptosis as well as RT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA for inflammatory cytokines were conducted to confirm the functions of lncH19. Predicted target miRNAs of lncH19 included the following: hsa-miR-346, hsa-miR-324-3p, hsa-miR-18a-3p, hsa-miR-18b-5p, hsa-miR-146b-3p, hsa-miR-19b-3p, and hsa-miR-19a-3p. Following estimation by RT-PCR, hsa-miR-346, hsa-miR-18a-3p, hsa-miR-324-3p showed consistent patterns in A549 NC and A549 shlncH19. miRNA inhibitor was transfected into A549 cells, and expression levels were determined by RT-PCR. hsa-miR-324-3p was inhibited the most relative to hsa-miR-346 and hsa-miR-18a-3p and was subjected to further study. RT-PCR, ELISA and Western Blot for cytokine detection were conducted to validate the functions of the target hsa-miR-324-3p. Results Dex was shown to be effective in attenuating the inflammatory response. During this process, lncH19 significantly increased in expression ( P < 0.05). Under IL-1beta treatment with or without Dex, the inhibition of lncH19 lead to an increase cell viability, a decrease in cell apoptosis, an increase in the protein level of inflammatory-related genes, and the phosphorylation of P65, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and inflammatory cytokines. Following prediction of the targets of lncH19 and validation by RT-PCR, miR-346, miR-18a-3p, and miR-324-3p were found to be negatively correlated to lncH19. Additionally, Dex increased the expression of lncH19, but the expression of the aforementioned miRNAs was reduced. Among miRNAs, miR-324-3p was the most markedly down-regulated following treatment of miRNA inhibitors. The MTS assay and cell apoptosis assay showed that the miR-324-3p inhibitor inhibited cell viability and induced cell apoptosis, thereby significantly attenuating the inflammatory response, which reversed the effect of lncH19 in regulating cell viability and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines ( P < 0.05). Therefore, lncH19 might regulate miR-324-3p during Dex treatment. Conclusion Dex can attenuate the inflammatory response via regulation of the lncH19/miR-324-3p cascade.
Association of Depression and Resilience with Fertility Quality of Life among patients presenting to the infertility Centre for treatment in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Zahid Nida , Zahid Wajeeha , Farooq Salima , Sachwani Saima , Chapman Marilyn , Asad Nargis 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background In Pakistan there is dire need to explore the quality of life among infertile males and females and their undesirable psychological outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was; 1. To compare the QoL of males and females presenting to the infertility centre for treatment, 2. To assess the association of QoL with resilience, depression and other soico-demographic factors among males and females presenting to infertility clinic for treatment Methods An Analytical Cross Sectional study was conducted and study participants were recruited from Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center Karachi (ACIMC) Pakistan. A non-probability (purposive) sampling strategy was used to recruit the participants. The sample size was 668. Data was analyzed using STATA version 12. Results After adjusting for the covariates we observed that males who were less resilient their QoL was 8.47 units significantly lower and those who were depressed their QoL was 17.849 units significantly lower as compared to their counterparts. . Formal education, low monthly income and friends were significantly associated with QoL among males . Similarly, females who were less resilient their QoL was 8.606 units lower and those who were depressed their QoL was 19.387 units significantly lower as compared to their counterparts.. Formal education and low monthly income had a significant association with QoL among females.Conclusion Fertility related QoL of men and women has a significant association with no formal education, number of friends, income, depression and resilience. Therefore, health care professionals in the field of infertility must be adequately trained to respond to the needs of individuals going through these psychological problems.
Split household and smoking behavior of rural migrants in China
Authors: Wang Zicheng , Liu Jiachun , Ming Juan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: With Hukou constraints, a large proportion of rural migrants have to leave part of their family members stay at hometown, the split household may cause serious smoking abuse among rural migrants in destination cites. Objective: This study aims to address the direct effect of split household on the smoking behavior, while sole migration, couple migration and family migration are incorporated to the explore the concise effect of differentiated split household forms. Method: A unique and comprehensive database named Rural Urban Migration in China (RUMiC-2009) is applied to explore the association between split household and the smoking amounts of rural migrants; Analyses are conducted using the Chi-square tests/ ANOVA tests and multiple Tobit regression. Results: The amounts of cigarettes consumed for the family migrants (0.1751±0.3757) are less than those sole migrants (0.2732±0.4218) and couple migrants (0.1892±0.3745). The couple migrants (Coefficient= -0.0575; 95% CI= -0.1378, 0.022717) and family migrants (Coefficient= -0.1313; 95% CI= -0.2127,-0.0498) smoke less than the sole migrants counterparts, but the coefficient of couple migrants is not significant. Conclusions: Split household is associated with smoking abuse. Family migration has a significant effect on smoking control, while couple migration only produces insignificant negative influence on cigarettes consumption.
Impact of a community-based pilot intervention to tackle childhood obesity: a ‘whole-system approach’ case study
Authors: Gadsby Erica Wirrmann , Hotham Sarah , Eida Tamsyn , Lawrence Christopher , Merritt Rowena 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Go-Golborne was a 3-year pilot programme to test an innovative, community-based approach to preventing overweight in children in Golborne ward, London. This paper describes the findings of the evaluation of Go-Golborne. The evaluation uses a case study design, a theory of change approach and multiple methods to assess the effectiveness of the intervention according to a range of expected outcomes and with consideration to unanticipated outcomes. The RE-AIM framework is used to synthesise findings and examine public health impact. Methods Height/weight measurements of primary school children in the six participating primary schools were recorded each year for four years. For behavioural outcomes, children aged 6-11 completed four annual on-line surveys (with a total of 4331 responses). Parents were surveyed in year 1 and year 4 (177 responses). Three focus group discussions were held with children aged 10-11 (N=21); interviews were conducted with parents (N=11), and school representatives (N=4). For other intermediate outcomes, stakeholders were surveyed twice (37 responses), and interviews were conducted with key stakeholders (N=11). An extensive range of programme documents were reviewed and additional process data was collected from the programme team. Results Go-Golborne achieved excellent reach through the engagement of a diverse range of partners and schools. The proportion of children in the above healthy weight categories remained stable over time. A number of changes in home, school and neighbourhood environments to support healthy behaviour change were evidenced. There was some qualitative evidence of positive changes in children’s behaviours, though significant or sustained changes were not evidenced by the quantitative data. Conclusions Go-Golborne is an example of a ‘whole systems approach’ to obesity at local level which helped stakeholders and parents to develop a shared commitment to improving healthy weight in children, to identify barriers to a healthy lifestyle, and to start to make changes in their services/behaviours. The campaigns and changes made at micro-level appeared to be insufficient, in the face of counteracting forces and personal factors, to achieve significant behaviour change within three years. This highlights the need for local initiatives to be reinforced by supporting action at regional, national and global levels.
Patients with pheochromocytoma exhibit low aldosterone renin ratio
Authors: Yamada Tomoko , Fukuoka Hidenori , Hosokawa Yusei , Odake Yukiko , Yoshida Kenichi , Matsumoto Ryusaku , Bando Hironori , Okada Yuko , Hirota Yushi , Iguchi Genzo , Ogawa Wataru , Takahashi Yutaka 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Plasma renin activity (PRA) is generally increased in patients with pheochromocytoma (PCC) due to low circulating plasma volume and activation of β-1 adrenergic receptor signaling. However, there has been no study on the aldosterone renin ratio (ARR) in patients with PCC. To elucidate the issue, this study aimed to determine the PRA, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), and ARR in patients with PCC and compare them with those in patients with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (SCS) and non-functioning adrenal adenoma (NFA). Methods In this retrospective single-center, cross-sectional study, 67 consecutive patients with adrenal tumors (PCC (n =18), SCS (n =18), and NFA (n =31)) diagnosed at Kobe University Hospital between 2008 and 2014 were enrolled. Results PRA was significantly higher in patients with PCC than in those with SCS and NFA (2.1 (1.3~2.8) vs. 0.7 (0.5~1.8) and 0.9 (0.6~1.4) ng/mL/h; p =0.018 and p =0.025). Although PACs were comparable among the three groups, ARR was significantly lower in patients with PCC than in those with SCS and NFA (70.5 (45.5~79.5) vs. 156.0 (92.9~194.5) and 114.9 (90.1~153.4); p =0.001 and p <0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that, in differentiating PCC from NFA, PRA >1.55 ng/mL/h showed a sensitivity of 70.0% and specificity of 80.6%. Interestingly, ARR <95.4 showed a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 86.7%, which were higher than those in PRA. Conclusions ARR decreased in patients with PCC, which was a more sensitive marker than PRA. Further study is necessary to understand the usefulness of this convenient marker in the detection of PCC.
Adapting school physical activity and health surveys for children with disabilities
Authors: Ng Kwok , Asunta Piritta , Kärnä Eija , Rintala Pauli 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The physical activity (PA) and health behaviours among pupils in special education classes and schools (SECS) is largely understudied. Results from surveys need to be comparable to data from children in general education. However, there is no systematic way to modify existing surveys to the SECS environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to report the process of converting PA and health surveys that can be comparable with the general population. Methods: There were a series of studies to address the purpose of this study. 1. Usability of the survey in SECS, 2. Pilot study data collection, 3. Further testing with a basic version, 4. National data collection among pupils in SECS. Items from the Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) were continuously developed. Detailed information from researchers who administered the surveys, results from the teachers, focus groups of pupils in the pilot studies, as well as data from the main data collection were used to guide the development of each sequential study. Results: The proposed questions were completed in 25min by pupils in SECS in study 1. Visual analogue scales were tested in study 2 for the CFM, and feedback generated from the researchers led to the development of a simplified version that was tested in study 3. In total, three versions of the survey were created and instructions were given to teachers to administer. The majority of the respondents (n=889) completed the simplified version of the survey (n=396) and the average time taken ranged from 13min to 21mins. Teachers reported positively about the administration of surveys. Conclusions: In national representative surveys, it is important to give teachers clear instructions on the allocation and study protocol for school-aged children surveys. Pupils in SECS may need help to explain the questions in the surveys and more development work is needed to investigate the effects it has on survey completion. The process of adapted PA and health behaviour surveys developed in this project could be implemented for other countries to adopt.
INDICATORS OF THE COMPACT CITY CONCEPT – NECESSARY DATA AND THE POSSIBILITY OF APPLICATION
Authors: OGRODNIK Karolina 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The main objective of the study is to analyze the availability of statistical and spatial data necessary to define a set of indicators of a modern compact city model, as well as, to propose a multi-criteria method to determine the importance of individual indicators. An accessible and relatively easy to use set of compact city indicators is a necessary tool, both at the stage of evaluating a unit for a selected concept, as well as, during the implementation of its main postulates. The modern compact city model is now the key direction of the Polish urban policy and has been implemented in many cities around the world for years in connection with the principle of sustainable development. The paper presents the previous interpretations of the selected urban concept, its main assumptions, as well as, the author’s set of measurable indicators with sample weights, which were analyzed in the framework of the case study. To determine the weights, multi-criteria decision-making method (AHP – Analytic Hierarchy Process) was used, while GIS technologies were used at the stage of presentation of the values of selected indicators.
ANALYSIS OF WIND CONDITIONS AROUND A BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AS A PART OF ITS FORM DESIGNING PROCESS, A CASE STUDY
Authors: ZIELONKO-JUNG Katarzyna 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Aerodynamic phenomena that occurs around building developments exert a significant impact on the quality of climate in cities. Environmental wind engineering is a dynamically developing field of knowledge that offers a chance to study and, in consequence, regulates the air flow around buildings and complexes of building developments. The following paper discusses the issue of wind conditions that may be experienced on pedestrian level. Such conditions should allow for a proper ventilation of city spaces, at the same time eliminating uncomfortable, sudden accelerations in the wind speed and wind turbulence. The present paper discusses whether it is possible to include the above mentioned issues in the process of urban and architectural design of medium-high urban building development units on the example of a particular project. The paper is aimed to test the validity of the use of aerodynamic tests and the possibilities of their introduction in the conceptual phase of architectonic design. Design methods based on the realities of common practices and legal conditions in Poland have been juxtaposed to research methods in the field of aerodynamics. Experimental studies in wind tunnel, using oil visualization method have been applied, as such a method allows to promptly arrive at a qualitative identification of the airflow around the building on pedestrian level.
LACK OF ATTENTION TO GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS INVESTING IN LAND PLOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
Authors: URBANAVICIENE Vita , SKUODIS Sarunas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Decisions – where and what type of building to build – are very important, determine the quality of life of residents, profitability and returns of companies. Considering of long-term asset acquisition decisions, purchasers or investors seek for proper and worth to invest land plot for construction. In real estate valuation literature usually the list of 7 or 12 factors influencing value and price of land plot is presented and broadly discussed. Certain factors raise property prices and others bring them down. Despite its importance, the influence of geological conditions on the appraised land plot are seldom investigated. Authors discuss how strongly land plot geological conditions can affect costs of prospect construction, thus decrease net present value of real estate investment project and profitability of property. In this paper the implication of negligence or underestimation of soil conditions valuation is highlighted and illustrated by case studies which show how such inobservance has resulted in a huge rise of unexpected costs of construction and loss of time.