bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus pregenomic RNA status can reveal the long‐term prognoses of chronic hepatitis B patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues
Authors: Luo Hao , Tan Ning , Kang Qian , Pan Jiali , Chen Hongyu , Xi Hongli , Yu Min , Xu Xiaoyuan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe examined whether the hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) status after nucleos(t)ide (NA) treatment can predict the long‐time prognoses of chronic hepatitis B patients. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (98) who were treatment‐naïve and had begun a 7‐year NA therapy regimen were enrolled in this study. Biochemical indicators and serological markers of HBV infection were performed during therapy. HBV pgRNA was quantified by real‐time quantitative PCR with specific primers. During treatment, HBV DNA undetectable rates increased. The aminotransferase (ALT) normalization (ALT < 50 IU/L) and HBeAg‐negative rates also increased. After 48 weeks’ NA treatment, 48.28% (28/58) of HBV DNA undetectable patients still had HBV pgRNA‐positive. After 7 years of treatment, more HBV pgRNA‐negative patients (n = 35) achieved HBeAg clearance than the patients who were HBV pgRNA‐positive (n = 63) (19/23 vs 19/56, P < .00). HBV pgRNA‐positive patients also had an increased risk of failing to achieve HBeAg clearance (OR = 9.25, 95% CI: 2.75‐31.08). The median time to HBeAg clearance in the HBV pgRNA‐positive patients was longer than that of the HBV pgRNA‐negative patients (152 weeks vs 72 weeks). The HBV pgRNA‐positive patients also required more time to achieve HBV DNA undetectable (124 weeks, 95% CI: 103.33‐144.67 vs 48 weeks, 95% CI: 34.80‐61.20). The HBV pgRNA status after NA treatment can predict the long‐term prognoses of patients with chronic HBV. Patients who remain HBV pgRNA‐positive after 48 weeks of NA treatment have an increased risk of not achieving HBeAg clearance, need more time to achieve HBeAg clearance and undetectable HBV DNA load.
Long‐term sponge stranding along the shores of Sardinia Island (Western Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Manconi Renata , Padiglia Andrea , Cubeddu Tiziana , Pronzato Roberto 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe taxonomic richness and geographic distribution of sponges stranded along Sardinian shores were investigated in the long term by means of a revisited ancient sampling method in order to support a comprehensive species inventory. Almost all stranded species were Keratosa (n = 20), plus 6 species of other Demospongiae taxa. Dictyoceratida were dominant, with 6 genera and 19 species of the families Irciniidae, Spongiidae and Thorectidae: 9 Mediterranean endemics, 7 Atlanto‐Mediterranean and 3 widespread species. Regarding Dendroceratida, only the genus Spongionella was found. Some species (n = 8) were recorded for the first time in circum‐Sardinian seas. A high percentage (54.3%; 19 out of the 35 species) of the total Mediterranean Dictyoceratida fauna was recorded, including the most endangered Mediterranean species, that is of the genera Spongia and Hippospongia. Hippospongia communis, Ircinia variabilis, Spongia zimocca and Spongia officinalis were the most common species. Morphotraits of rare and/or poorly known species were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparison among Sardinian sectors, and between Sardinian and adjacent seas, revealed a high similarity of stranded Dictyoceratida, despite the fact that the data from Tyrrhenian and Balearic–Catalan seas were collected mainly from SCUBA records. The cost‐effective sampling method used in the present study seems appropriate to the gross qualitative monitoring of coastal areas (e.g. large unexplored Northern African coasts), in order to assess the conservation status of Mediterranean Keratosa species. The wide distribution of all Mediterranean bath sponge species indicates their good conservation status in circum‐Sardinian seas, a datum that could usefully support the future management of this bioresource, particularly in protected areas.
Health‐related quality of life among migrant workers: The impact of health‐promoting behaviors
Authors: Cho Sunghye , Lee Hyeonkyeong , Oh Eui Geum , Kim Gwang Suk , Kim Yong‐Chan , Park Chang‐gi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHealth‐related quality of life is an important aspect of migrant workers' overall well‐being and adaptation. The aims of this study were to develop a structural model and test the health‐related quality of life among migrant workers. A cross‐sectional study design was used, and data were collected from 228 migrant workers from China who are currently living in Korea and using the services of free clinics for health issues. The structured questionnaire disseminated for the study was designed to measure health‐related quality of life, health‐promotion behaviors, barriers, resources, and perceptual factors. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Health‐promotion behaviors and self‐efficacy have significant positive direct effects on health‐related quality of life, and acculturative stress has a significant negative direct effect on health‐related quality of life. These findings suggest that certain strategies are needed for developing health‐promotion programs aimed at the betterment of migrant workers' health‐related quality of life. Specifically, health‐promotion behaviors and self‐efficacy among migrant workers should be encouraged, and strategies for decreasing their acculturative stress should be formulated.
A basic helix–loop–helix protein (GhFP1) promotes fibre elongation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) by modulating brassinosteroid biosynthesis and signalling
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Hao , Chen Yun , Wang Na‐Na , Chen Yi‐Hao , Wei Ning , Lu Rui , Li Yang , Li Xue‐Bao 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) proteins are involved in transcriptional networks controlling a number of biological processes in plants. However, little information is known on the roles of bHLH proteins in cotton fibre development so far.
Here, we show that a cotton bHLH protein (GhFP1) positively regulates fibre elongation. GhFP1 transgenic cotton and Arabidopsis plants were generated to study how GhFP1 regulates fibre cell elongation.
Fibre length of the transgenic cotton overexpressing GhFP1 was significantly longer than that of wild‐type, whereas suppression of GhFP1 expression hindered fibre elongation. Furthermore, overexpression of GhFP1 in Arabidopsis promoted trichome development. Expression of the brassinosteroid (BR)‐related genes was markedly upregulated in fibres of GhFP1 overexpression cotton, but downregulated in GhFP1‐silenced fibres. BR content in the transgenic fibres was significantly altered, relative to that in wild‐type. Moreover, GhFP1 protein could directly bind to the promoters of GhDWF4 and GhCPD to activate expression of these BR‐related genes.
Therefore, our data suggest that GhFP1 as a positive regulator participates in controlling fibre elongation by activating BR biosynthesis and signalling. Additionally, homodimerisation of GhFP1 may be essential for its function, and interaction between GhFP1 and other cotton bHLH proteins may interfere with its DNA‐binding activity.
Metformin in pregnancy to avert gestational diabetes in women at high risk: Meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Doi Suhail A.R. , Furuya‐Kanamori Luis , Toft Egon , Musa Omran A.H. , Islam Nazmul , Clark Justin , Thalib Lukman 
Published: October 2019

SummaryPrevious randomized and observational studies on the efficacy of metformin in pregnancy to reduce incident gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women at high risk (obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], or pregestational insulin resistance) have been conflicting and several groups are planning further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to answer this question conclusively. This work assesses the efficacy of metformin in pregnancy to avert one outcome—incident GDM in women at high risk. We included RCTs comparing metformin with usual care or placebo controls in terms of incident GDM and recruiting women at high risk during early pregnancy. Eleven eligible trials enrolled 2370 adult women whose intervention arm consisted of metformin started at conception or before 20 weeks of gestation. Risk of GDM was similar in intervention compared with controls (risk ratio [RR] 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85‐1.24). The data were of sufficient quality meeting the criteria for consistency and directness. We conclude that metformin does not contribute to averting the GDM outcome in women at high risk when initiated in pregnancy. The evidence provided by this synthesis affirms that further broad clinical trials investigating this question are no longer needed.
Advances in “omics” approaches to tackle drought stress in grain legumes
Authors: Jha Uday Chand , Bohra Abhishek , Nayyar Harsh 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGrain legumes being affordable sources of proteins, vitamins and essential micronutrients are key to human nutrition worldwide. However, frequent drought episodes present serious threat to grain legume production worldwide. Advances in legume omics in concert with evolving phenotyping and breeding techniques hold great promise to improve drought response of these crops. These resources could underpin prebreeding efforts to expedite discovery and deployment of novel drought tolerance traits into elite backgrounds. Fast‐track transfer of traits that confer drought tolerance using marker technologies has been demonstrated in grain legumes like chickpea. However, complex genetic architecture of drought tolerance demands embracing more efficient tools like genomic selection (GS) for accelerated trait improvement. Recent studies on GS for addressing complex traits like drought tolerance have yielded encouraging results in these crops. Recently, speed breeding (SB) protocols have also been optimized for the improvement of long‐day/day‐neutral grain legumes. Efficacy of SB protocols with regard to complex traits awaits further evidences though. There remains immense scope for integrating SB with GS and gene editing to deliver drought‐tolerant cultivars.
Food restriction, nutrition status, and growth in toddlers with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Low Dy‐Win , Jamil Adawiyah , Md Nor Norazirah , Kader Ibrahim Sabeera Begum , Poh Bee Koon 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMultiple factors affect growth in children with atopic dermatitis (AD). We investigated food restriction practice, nutrition, and growth in children with AD. Food restriction is defined as restriction ≥3 types of food due to AD or food allergy.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed in 150 children aged 12‐36 months. Exclusion criteria: recurrent infections, moderate to severe asthma, recent systemic steroid, other diseases affecting growth/nutrition. Growth parameters, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), hemoglobin, hematocrit, sodium, potassium, albumin, protein, calcium, phosphate, B12, iron, and folate values were determined. Parents completed a 3‐day food diary.ResultsThe prevalence of food restriction was 60.7%. Commonly restricted foods were shellfish 62.7%, nuts 53.3%, egg 50%, dairy 29.3%, and cow's milk 28.7%. Food‐restricted children have significantly lower calorie, protein, fat, riboflavin, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus and iron intakes and lower serum iron, protein and albumin values. Z scores of weight‐for‐age (−1.38 ± 1.02 vs −0.59 ± 0.96,P = .00), height‐for‐age (−1.34 ± 1.36 vs −0.51 ± 1.22,P = .00), head circumference‐for‐age (−1.37 ± 0.90 vs −0.90 ± 0.81,P = .00), mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC)‐for‐age (−0.71 ± 0.90 vs −0.22 ± 0.88,P = .00), and BMI‐for‐age (−0.79 ± 1.15 vs −0.42 ± 0.99,P = .04) were significantly lower in food‐restricted compared to non‐food‐restricted children. More food‐restricted children were stunted, underweight with lower head circumference and MUAC. Severe disease was an independent risk factor for food restriction with OR 5.352; 95% CI, 2.26‐12.68.ConclusionFood restriction is common in children with AD. It is associated with lower Z scores for weight, height, head circumference, MUAC, and BMI. Severe disease is an independent risk factor for food restriction.
Lifestyle‐related risk factors among patients with coronary artery disease in Nepal
Authors: Gaudel Pramila , Kaunonen Marja , Neupane Subas , Joronen Katja , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Rantanen Anja 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death and morbidity globally. South Asia, including Nepal, has higher risks for CAD due to relatively higher exposures to risk factors. This study evaluated the prevalence of lifestyle‐related risk factors and the associations of risk factors with socio‐demographic variables among CAD patients.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among CAD patients (n = 224) admitted to a national heart centre in Nepal. Data on dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, physical activity, overweight or obesity and adherence to medication were collected using standard questionnaires. The numbers of risk factors were categorised into three groups (1–2 = low, 3 = medium, 4–7 = high). Data analysis was performed by cross‐tabulation and multinomial logistic regression. Prevalence odds ratios (POR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the measure of the associations.ResultsThe prevalence of risk factors among patients varied from 23% to 97%, with stress being the most prevalent, and current alcohol consumption the least. The majority of study patients had multiple lifestyle‐related risk factors. Male patients (POR for medium vs. low 2.83; 95% CI 1.3, 6.18) and patients with high incomes (POR for high vs. low 2.53; 95% CI 1.10, 5.83) had higher odds of being in the medium‐ and high‐risk group, respectively.ConclusionsLifestyle‐related risk factors were highly prevalent among CAD patients. Various socio‐demographic variables were associated with the risk groups. Intervention studies on lifestyle risk factor modifications among this target group are recommended.
Everything but racism: A critical analysis of Latina/o college sorority and fraternity research
Authors: Orta David 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe persisting disparity in college graduation rates along racial and ethnic lines combined with growing Latina/o college‐age population has compelled an increasing number of researchers to examine inequalities in higher education outcomes. Some of these researchers have attempted to better understand Latina/o college experiences by researching Latina/o Greek life. In this article, I review the literature on Latina/o sororities and fraternities. I identify four approaches in the scholarship: Latina/o student development through campus involvement, Latina/o ethnic identity development through sorority or fraternity participation, finding cultural congruence in sorority and fraternity membership, and perceived discrimination and racial climates in college. This article reveals that scholarship about Latina/o Greek life examining race and racism is severely limited. Given the scope of existing work, I suggest that analysts have examined “everything but racism.” I conclude by highlighting some of the research on higher education that centers race and ethnicity as an analytical focus, demonstrating deeply embedded processes that impact Latina/o college student success. I argue that research about race and racism in college points to significant opportunities for researchers seeking to examine how Latinas/os navigate such environments, as Greek life is woven into the social and academic fabric of higher education institutions.
Land use capability classification adaptation in low and intermediate technology farming systems: A soil erosion indicator
Authors: Taveira Luís R. S. , Weindorf David C. , De Menezes Michele D. , de Carvalho Teotonio Soares , Da Motta Paulo Emílio F. , Teixeira Anita Fernanda dos Santos , Curi Nilton 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLand classification assists in identifying optimal crop selection for a given field, and land use capability gives an indication of potential agronomic productivity. However, these approaches are most germane to farming systems managed with high technology. This study sought to adapt land use capability to farming systems managed with low and intermediate levels of technology. Assessment of the classification criteria was conducted using erosion data as a primary indicator. The adapted (and currently in effect) criteria were compared in three regions in Minas Gerais, Brazil, each one representing one of the management levels. Erosion often results from inappropriate practices in land use or management. Therefore, maps of adequacy of land use and management were used to measure how well each one corresponded to the erosion map. The adapted criteria changed the spatial distribution of the classes of land use capability in different ways. Correspondence between the land use/management map and the erosion map increased from 71% to 88.5% when the criteria adapted to an intermediate level of management were used. It also increased from 62.9% to 66.7% when the criteria adapted to a low level of management were considered, better reflecting current erosion. Therefore, adopting adapted classification criteria is recommended for planning land use in locations where farming systems with low and intermediate levels of management are common, requiring re‐adaptation and reassessment depending on socio‐environmental factors.
The evolution of the axonal transport toolkit
Authors: Surana Sunaina , Villarroel‐Campos David , Lazo Oscar M. , Moretto Edoardo , Tosolini Andrew P. , Rhymes Elena R. , Richter Sandy , Sleigh James N. , Schiavo Giampietro 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNeurons are highly polarized cells that critically depend on long‐range, bidirectional transport between the cell body and synapse for their function. This continual and highly coordinated trafficking process, which takes place via the axon, has fascinated researchers since the early 20th century. Ramon y Cajal first proposed the existence of axonal trafficking of biological material after observing that dissociation of the axon from the cell body led to neuronal degeneration. Since these first indirect observations, the field has come a long way in its understanding of this fundamental process. However, these advances in our knowledge have been aided by breakthroughs in other scientific disciplines, as well as the parallel development of novel tools, techniques and model systems. In this review, we summarize the evolution of tools used to study axonal transport and discuss how their deployment has refined our understanding of this process. We also highlight innovative tools currently being developed and how their addition to the available axonal transport toolkit might help to address key outstanding questions.
Stability of perception of the hand's aperture in a grasp
Authors: Butler Annie A. , Héroux Martin E. , van Eijk Tess , Gandevia Simon C. 
Published: October 2019

Key points
How we judge the location of our body parts can be affected by a range of factors that change how our brain interprets proprioceptive signals.
We examined the effect of several such factors on how we perceive an object's width and the spacing between our thumb and fingers when grasping. Grasp‐related perceptions were slightly wider when using all digits, in line with our tendency to grasp larger objects with the entire hand.
Surprisingly, these perceptions were not affected by the frames of reference for judgements (object width versus grasp aperture), whether the object was grasped actively or passively, or the strength of the grasp.
These results show that the brain maintains a largely stable representation of the hand when grasping stationary objects. This stability may underpin our dexterity when grasping a vast array of objects.
AbstractVarious factors can alter how the brain interprets proprioceptive signals, leading to errors in how we perceive our body and execute motor tasks. This study determined the effect of critical factors on hand‐based perceptions. In Experiment 1, 20 participants grasped without lifting an unseen 6.5 cm‐wide object with two grasp configurations: thumb and all fingers, and thumb and index finger. Participants reported perceived grasp aperture (body reference frame) or perceived object width (external reference frame) using visual charts. In Experiment 2, 20 participants grasped the object with three grasp intensities (1, 5 and 15% maximal grasp force) actively or passively and reported perceived grasp aperture. A follow‐up experiment addressed whether results from Experiment 2 were influenced by the external force applied during passive grasp. Overall, there was a mean difference of 0.38 cm (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12 to 0.63) between the two grasp configurations (all digits compared to thumb and index finger). Perceived object width compared to perceived grasp aperture differed by only −0.04 cm (95% CI, −0.30 to 0.21). There was no real effect of grasp intensity on perceived grasp aperture (−0.01 cm; 95% CI, −0.03 to 0.01) or grasp type (active versus passive; 0.18 cm; 95% CI, −0.19 to 0.55). Overall, grasp‐related perceptions are slightly wider when using all digits, in line with our tendency to grasp larger objects with the entire hand. The other factors – frame of reference, grasp intensity and grasp type – had no meaningful effect on these perceptions. These results provide evidence that the brain maintains a largely stable representation of the hand.
Analysis and Selection Criteria of Lakes and Dams of Pakistan for Floating Photovoltaic Capabilities
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Bilal Awan Ahmed , Ghuffar Sajid , Butt Arslan Dawood , Farhan Muhammad 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The gross domestic product (GDP) of Pakistan is deteriorating by power shortage. The floating PV (FPV) on lakes and dams can address this problem by generating energy at cheaper rates and reducing evaporation of water at the same time. The best location is selected by comparing the available solar resources, nearby load, storage of land, and performance parameters such as energy yield (EY), capacity factor (CF), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and net present cost (NPC). The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) shows that the best location for the FPV in Pakistan is Chinna Creek in the megacity of Karachi. The global horizontal irradiance (GHI) in Chinna Creek is 6.1 kWh/m2/day, where land is scarce. This site can generate electrical energy by the FPV system at an energy yield of 2345 kWh/kW, which is 8.6% higher than the land-based PV (LBPV) system. The total national installed capacity (IC) of Pakistan in 2017 is 28 GW, while the analysis shows that Pakistan has capabilities of 190 GW IC in the form of FPV systems. A detailed analysis of the FPV system and its comparison with the LBPV is provided as a guideline for policymakers.