bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Transformation vs. Environmental Quality: The Experience of the Low-income countries in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Awad Atif 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Structural transformation has been recognized as a critical mechanism for improving living standards for developing countries in Africa. However, the growing evidence indicates that such change is associated with considerable damage to the environment quality and, hence, challenging sustainable development. The present study investigates industrialization's influence on the environment quality for 20 low-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa during 1980-2018. We employed two measurements for environmental quality, which are CO2 and nitrous dioxide emissions. Likewise, the study applied the Fully modified OLS and the Dynamic OLS as the most modern and suitable techniques related to the panel data analysis. Overall, the FMOL and DOLS results show that industrialization has an insignificant influence on environmental quality. The results also show that these countries' population size is the main driver for environmental quality changes. This finding implies that these countries should continue in their current efforts regarding promoting the industrial sector without wondering about sustainable development.
Efficacy of Natural Cycle versus GnRH-a Down Regulation Cycle of Endometrial Preparation in Minimal and Mild endometriosis Patients Undergoing Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer
Authors: Li Ya , Zhong Jing , Tang Songyuan , Wang Lili , Zhong Ying 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Minimal and mild endometriosis patients with infertility are treated by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ET/ICSI) in recent years. However, inconsistencies in findings within and across individual studies raise concerns as to determine which method is the best treatment, especially in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle (FET). We hope to compare the efficacy of natural cycle versus GnRH-a down regulation cycle endometrial preparations in minimal and mild endometriosis patients undergoing FET. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 1170 minimal and mild endometriosis patients receiving FET at the Reproductive Medicine Centre from Chengdu Jinjiang Hospital for Maternal and Child Health Care from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. They were assigned to the natural cycle group and the GnRH-a down regulation cycle group based on endometrial preparation protocols. Baseline characteristics, frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results There were nonsignificant differences in baseline characteristics including age, BMI, types of infertility, the duration of infertility and the delivery history between the natural cycle group and the GnRH-a down regulation cycle group (P>0.05). The biochemical pregnancy rate (63.62% v.s. 53.83%), clinical pregnancy rate (56.10% v.s. 47.49%), implantation rate (43.19% v.s. 34.88%) and live birth rate (44.31% v.s. 35.84%) in the natural cycle group were significantly higher than those in the GnRH-a down regulation cycle group (P<0.05). However, there were nonsignificant differences in the multiple birth rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, premature birth rate, neonatal weight and length between the two groups (P>0.05). The multivariate regression analysis showed that age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), the number of transplanted high-quality blastocysts and endometrial preparation protocols were associated with the live birth rate in minimal and mild endometriosis women undergoing FET (P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with GnRH-a down regulation cycle, natural cycle endometrial preparation of FET is a prominent endometrial preparation method for improving the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in minimal and mild endometriosis patients, which is more cost-effective in clinical practice.
Chronic Maternal Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Pregnancy Outcome - A Single Center Study in Kunming, China
Authors: Sun Qian , Lao Terence Tzu-Hsi , Du Mingyu , Xie Min , Sun Yonghu , Bai Bing , Ma Junnan , Zhu Tianying , Yu Shengnan , Ma Runmei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Chinese population has a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the impact of which on pregnancy outcome remains controversial. A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed in Kunming, a multi-ethnic city in south-western China to examine this issue. Methods: The singleton pregnancies delivering at ≥28 weeks gestation under our care in 2005-2017 constituted the study cohort. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome were compared between mothers with and without seropositivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) determined at routine antenatal screening. Results: Among the 49,479 gravidae in the cohort, the 1624 (3.3%) HBsAg seropositive gravidae had a lower incidence of nulliparity (RR 0.963, 95% CI 0.935-0.992) and having received tertiary education (RR 0.829, 95% CI 0.784-0.827). There was no significant difference in the medical history, pregnancy complications, or labor or perinatal outcome, except that HBV carriers had significantly lower incidence of labor induction (RR 0.827, 95% CI 0.714-0.958) and of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants (RR 0.854, 95% CI 0.734-0.994). On regression analysis, maternal HBV carriage was independently associated with spontaneous labor (aRR 1.231, 95% CI 1.044-1.451) and reduced SGA infants (aRR 0.842, 95% CI 0.712-0.997). Conclusions: Our 3.3% prevalence of maternal HBV infection was around the lower range determined in the Chinese population. The association with spontaneous labor and reduced SGA infants could have helped to promote the perpetuation of the infection through enhanced survival of the offspring infected at birth, thus explaining the high prevalence in the Chinese population.
Novel design of a contractible, tubular continuum manipulator
Authors: Xing Zhiguang , Wang Pengyuan , Zhao Jianwen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Continuum manipulators have advantages in narrow space detections and operations than the rigid-body robots. In this paper, we novel designed a continuum manipulator with contractible/extensive abilities that give the manipulator more agile and flexible motion than those without these. The robotic system is composed of the continuum deforming body, driving tendons, and a mechanism. To enhance the displacement accuracy of the tendons and compact the package, the mechanism was designed as a controlled winding roller with rotation and translation motion. A prototype of the robotic system was made to evaluate the motion ability of the proposed design.
Survival and Biomarkers of COVID-19 Patients Treated with Remdesivir and Favipiravir in ICU: A Single Center Experience in Bangladesh
Authors: M Nasir , RA Perveen , M Murshed , R Nazneen , KA Talha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Since the first detection of a bunch of COVID-19 in late 2019, it become a global concern due to its transmissibility and ability to progress patients in severe respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which need intensive care unit support for a long time. We observed the repurposing use of remdesivir and favipiravir whether considered as a therapeutic option or not through survival rate and changes in biomarker during 10-day treatment stay in ICU.Materials and method: The retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital dedicated to COVID-19 at Dhaka, Bangladesh was done at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The mortality rate, length of ICU stays and eight prognostic biomarkers of patients treated with remdesivir and favipiravir was observed as one of the first ever reported experience in Bangladesh.Results: Among the critically ill patients in ICU, 26 (44.8%) died and 32 (55.2%) were cured during the study period and highest mean duration of stay in ICU was observed (14.33 days and 18.13 days) in FPV-treated patients. Mean of means for all biomarkers CRP (26.0) and d-Dimer (2.64) was recorded higher in favipiravir treated patients in death cases, but NLR, d-NLR, platelet, PLR was much higher in remdesivir treated patient of both death and improved cases. Though overall outcome variables between death and improved cases were not statistically significant (p<0.39)Conclusion: The severity of disease progression in critically ill COVID-19 patients in ICU depends on comorbidities and hyper responsive inflammatory or immunological biomarkers to predict. Though the emergency use authorization and repurposing use of different antivirals are still on trial, but remdesivir and favipiravir revealed not much hope in improving prognostic biomarkers, survival rate and disease progression at the initial peak of pandemic in Bangladesh.
Gene Expression Profiling of Inflammatory Cytokines in Esophageal Biopsies of Different Phenotypes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zavala-Solares Monica , Fonseca-Camarillo Gabriela , Valdovinos Miguel , Granados Julio , Grajales-Figueroa Guido , Zamora-Nava Luis , Aguilar-Olivos Nancy , Valdovinos-García Luis , Yamamoto-Furusho Jesus K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients clinical endoscopic phenotypes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are classified as: Barrett's esophagus (BE), erosive esophagitis (EE) and non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). NERD are subclassified in Abnormal acid exposure (AAE) and Normal acid exposure (NAE) according to pH monitoring study. The aim of this study was to characterize genes involved in the pathophysiology and immune response of GERD. Methods: This is an observational and cross-sectional study. All patients with BE, EE, AAE, NAE and control group were subjected to a superior endoscopy (with biopsies of esophageal mucosa). The cytokine mRNA relative quantification of target genes was conducted by RT-PCR. Changes in gene expression were assessed of the genes associated with inflammation in each disease phenotype. Statistical analysis of differential gene expression was performed by using Dunn's Multiple Comparison non-parametric test. A p value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 82 patients were included and they were divided into the following groups: Group BE 16 (19.51%), Group EE 23 (28.04%), Group AAE 13 (15.86%), NAE (15.86%) and Control Group 17 (20.73%). When comparing with control group we found: patients with BE showed an increased expression of IL-8 (P<0.005) and higher levels of: IL-10 and MMP-3, MMP-9 as well; patients with EE had higher levels of IL-1B, IL-6 and IL-10 (P<0.005), patients with AAE showed an increased expression of Il-1B, Il-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α (P<0.005). AAE had a higher expression of Il-1B and TNF-α than NAE (P<0.005). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the differential expression of mediators of inflammation in the esophageal mucosa of patients in GERD endoscopic phenotypes. MMP3 could be implicated in damage to esophageal mucosa. IL-1B and TNF-α could be a differential diagnosis between AAE and NAE in the non-erosive phenotype from endoscopic biopsies.
Evaluation of the contribution of tropical cyclone seeds to changes in tropical cyclone frequency due to global warming in high-resolution multi-model ensemble simulations
Authors: Yamada Yohei , Kodama Chihiro , Satoh Masaki , Sugi Masato , Roberts Malcolm J , Mizuta Ryo , Noda Akira T , Nasuno Tomoe , Nakano Masuo , Vidale Pier Luigi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Previous projections of the frequency of tropical cyclone genesis due to global warming, even in terms of sign of the change, depends on the chosen model simulation. Here, we systematically examine projected changes in tropical cyclones using six global atmospheric models with medium-to-high horizontal resolutions included in the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project/High-Resolution Model Intercomparison Project. Changes in the frequency of tropical cyclone genesis could be broken down into the contributions from (i) the tropical cyclone seed, a depression having a closed contour of sea level pressure with a warm core and (ii) the survival rate, the ratio of the frequency of tropical cyclone genesis to that of tropical cyclone seeds. The multi-model ensemble mean indicates that tropical cyclone genesis frequencies are significantly decreased during the period 1990–2049, which is attributable to changes in tropical cyclone seeds. Analysis of the individual models shows that although most models project a more or less decreasing trend in tropical cyclone genesis frequencies and seeds, the survival rate also contributes to the result in some models. The present study indicates the usefulness of decomposition into the frequency of the tropical cyclone seeds and the survival rate to understand the cause of uncertainty in projected frequencies of tropical cyclone genesis.
Integrated analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network and the potential prognosis indicators in sarcomas
Authors: Gao Lu , Zhao Yu , Ma Xuelei , Zhang Ling 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) has been demonstrated to play crucial roles in multiple biological processes and in the development of neoplasms that potentially serve as diagnostic and prognosis markers as well as therapeutic targets.Methods: In this work, we identified differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs), lncRNAs (DELs) and miRNAs (DEMs) in sarcoma by comparing the genes expression profiles between sarcoma samples and normal tissue samples in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were applied to investigate the primary functions of the overlapped DEGs. Then, lncRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interactions were predicted, and the ceRNA regulatory network was constructed in Cytoscape. In addition, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and survival analysis was performed.Results: A total of 1296 DEGs were identified in sarcoma samples by combining the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, 338 DELs were discovered after the probes were reannotated, and 36 DEMs were ascertained through intersecting two different expression miRNAs sets. Further, through target gene prediction, a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network that contained 113 mRNAs, 69 lncRNAs and 29 miRNAs was constructed. The PPI network identified the six most significant hub proteins. Survival analysis revealed that seven mRNAs, four miRNAs and one lncRNA were associated with overall survival of sarcoma patients.Conclusions: Overall, we constructed a ceRNA network in sarcomas, which likely provides insights for further research on the molecular mechanism and potential prognosis biomarkers.
A real world feasibility trial of the PLAYshop: a brief intervention to facilitate parent engagement in developing their child’s physical literacy
Authors: Lane Cassandra , Carson Valerie , Morton Kayla , Reno Kendra , Wright Chris , Predy Madison , Naylor Patti-Jean 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Development of physical literacy, defined as “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life”, can support children’s physically active behaviors and consequent health benefits. Little research exploring interventions to improve children's physical literacy exist, although substantive evidence shows parents play a key role in children's physically active behaviors and development of fundamental movement skills. The purpose of this study is to explore a novel, physical literacy intervention designed to assist parents to engage with their child in purposeful play; play that facilitates the development of physical literacy. Methods: The PLAYshop was a 75-minute workshop to build parents' self-efficacy to support their child’s physical literacy through interactive activities and educational messages as well as educational resources focused on core physical literacy concepts. We collected quantitative pre- and post-workshop surveys of parents’ satisfaction, knowledge, confidence and intention to adopt practices as well as qualitative follow-up implementation focused interviews from both parents and facilitators. We used paired t-tests to examine changes in parents' self-reported physical literacy knowledge and confidence and thematic analysis of interviews to explore workshop feasibility.Results: Six workshops were delivered to 33 parents of young children (3-8 years of age). Twenty-three parents completed both pre- and post-workshop surveys. Follow-up interviews were completed with 11 parents and four workshop facilitators. Parents’ self-reported knowledge and confidence to support their child’s physical literacy development significantly increased after PLAYshop participation. Further, the majority of parents were satisfied with the workshop and motivated to apply workshop learnings at-home with their child. Workshop facilitators identified seven workshop strengths (e.g., workshop champions and skilled facilitators) and four challenges (e.g., recruitment and unfavorable spaces).Conclusions: The PLAYshop was perceived positively by parents and facilitators and appeared to improve parent self-efficacy and intention to promote physical literacy with their child. Recruitment and attendance were key implementation challenges. The findings from this real world trial address an important evidence gap, highlighting areas for adaptations to improve the intervention and recruitment and suggesting that the PLAYshop is ready for efficacy testing in a more rigorous randomized controlled trial.
A systematic review of PTSD to the experience of Psychosis: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Buswell Georgina , Haime Zoë , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Billings Jo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Psychosis can be a sufficiently traumatic event to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has focussed on the trauma of first episode psychosis (FEP) and the only review to date of PTSD beyond the first episode period was not systematic and is potentially outdated. Methods: We searched electronic databases and reference lists using predetermined inclusion criteria to retrieve studies that reported prevalence rates and associated factors of psychosis-related PTSD across all stages of the course of psychosis. Studies were included if they measured PTSD specifically related to the experience of psychosis. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results were synthesised narratively.Results: Six papers met inclusion criteria. Prevalence estimates of psychosis-related PTSD varied from 14% to 47%. Studies either assessed first-episode samples or did not specify the number of episodes experienced. Depression was consistently associated with psychosis-related PTSD. Other potential associations included treatment-related factors, psychosis severity, childhood trauma, and individual psychosocial reactions to trauma. Conclusions: Psychosis-related PTSD is a common problem in people with psychosis. There is a lack of published research on this beyond first episode psychosis. Further research is needed on larger, more generalizable samples. Our results tentatively suggest that prevalence rates of psychosis-related PTSD have not reduced over the past decade despite ambitions to provide trauma-informed care. Prospero registration number: CRD42019138750
Health anxiety and related factors among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study from Iran
Authors: Saadati Najmieh , Afshari Poorandokht , Boostani Hatam , Beheshtinasab Maryam , Abedi Parvin , Maraghi Elham 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 affected many countries around the world and Iran was no exception. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health anxiety of the Iranian pregnant women during the pandemic of the COVID-19. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 pregnant women in different trimesters (n=100 in each trimester) were recruited. A demographic questionnaire and the Health Anxiety questionnaire were used to collect the data. The total score < 27 of means low health anxiety, scores between 27-34 mean moderate health anxiety, and scores more than 35 means high health anxiety. Due to nationwide restrictions, data were collected through social media groups. The chi-square, ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The total score of anxiety was 22.3±9.5, 24.6±9.3 and 25.4±10.6 in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, respectively. Particularly, 9%, 13% and 21% of the women had severe anxiety or scores≥35 in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy respectively. Pregnant women in the third trimester had significantly higher health anxiety score and higher scores of “total health anxiety” than did those in the first trimester (p=0.045). Conclusion: At the time of the pandemic of COVID-19, women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy were more worried about consequences of disease, but the total score of health anxiety was significantly higher among women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Health care providers should pay more attention to the mental health of pregnant women in times of crises such as Corona pandemic.
The novel E-subgroup pentatricopeptide repeat protein DEK55 is responsible for RNA editing at multiple sites and for the splicing of nad1 and nad4 in maize
Authors: Ren Ru Chang , Yan Xu Wei , Zhao Ya Jie , Wei Yi Ming , Lu Xiaoduo , Zang Jie , Wu Jia Wen , Zheng Guang Ming , Ding Xin Hua , Zhang Xian Sheng , Zhao Xiang Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins compose a large protein family whose members are involved in both RNA processing in organelles and plant growth. Previous reports have shown that E-subgroup PPR proteins are involved in RNA editing. However, the additional functions and roles of the E-subgroup PPR proteins are unknown. Results: In this study, we developed and identified a new maize kernel mutant with arrested embryo and endosperm development, i.e., defective kernel (dek) 55 (dek55). Genetic and molecular evidence suggested that the defective kernels resulted from a mononucleotide alteration (C to T) at +449 bp within the open reading frame (ORF) of Zm00001d014471 (hereafter referred to as DEK55). DEK55 encodes an E-subgroup PPR protein within the mitochondria. Molecular analyses showed that the editing percentage of 24 RNA editing sites decreased and that of seven RNA editing sites increased in dek55 kernels, the sites of which were distributed across 14 mitochondrial gene transcripts. Moreover, the splicing efficiency of nad1 introns 1 and 4 and nad4 intron 1 significantly decreased in dek55 compared with the wild type (WT). These results indicate that DEK55 plays a crucial role in RNA editing at multiple sites as well as in the splicing of nad1 and nad4 introns. Mutation in the DEK55 gene led to the dysfunction of mitochondrial complex I. Moreover, yeast two-hybrid assays showed that DEK55 interacts with two multiple organellar RNA-editing factors (MORFs), i.e., ZmMORF1 (Zm00001d049043) and ZmMORF8 (Zm00001d048291).Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that a mutation in the DEK55 gene affects the mitochondrial function essential for maize kernel development. Our results also provide novel insight into the molecular functions of E-subgroup PPR proteins involved in plant organellar RNA processing.