bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endozoochorous dispersal by herbivores and omnivores is mediated by germination conditions
Authors: Karimi Sorour , Hemami Mahmoud-Reza , Esfahani Mostafa Tarkesh , Baltzinger Christophe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is probably the main long distance dispersal mode. Through endozoochory, large mammals act as mobile links between habitats within and among forest patches. Along with other factors, their feeding regimes do affect their contribution as dispersal vectors. We conducted a cross-species comparative experiment involving two herbivores, red deer and roe deer; and two opportunistic omnivores, wild boar and brown bear, all occurring in the forest and steppe-forest ecotone habitats of the south-eastern Caspian region. We compared their role as endozoochorous seed dispersal agents by monitoring seedling emergence in their dungs under greenhouse and natural conditions. Results: In total, 3078 seedlings, corresponding to 136 plant taxa sprouted from 445 paired dung sub-samples, under greenhouse and natural conditions. Only 336 seedlings, corresponding to 36 plant taxa, emerged under natural conditions, among which five taxa did not appear under greenhouse conditions. Graminoids and forbs composed 91% of the seedlings in the greenhouse whereas shrubs were more abundant under natural conditions, representing 55% of the emerged seedlings. Under greenhouse conditions, first red deer and then wild boar dispersed more species than the other two mammals, while under natural conditions brown bear was the most effective vector. We observed remarkably higher species richness and seedling abundance per dung sub-sample under buffered greenhouse conditions than we did under natural conditions. Conclusions: The four sympatric mammals studied provided different seed dispersal services, both in terms of seedling abundance and species richness and may therefore be regarded as complementary. Our results highlight a positive bias when only considering germination under buffered greenhouse conditions. This must be taken into account when planning management options to benefit plant biodiversity based on the dispersal services concluded from greenhouse experiments.
Efficacy of single high-molecular-weight versus triple low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid intra-articular injection among knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Bahrami Mohammad Hasan , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Cheraghi Mohsen , Rahimi-Dehgolan Shahram , Ebrahimpour Adel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose

To compare intra-articular (IA) knee injections of a cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) with a linear low-molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) in terms of pain and functional improvement among knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

Methods

In this single-blinded RCT, the patients were randomly divided into two groups for HA injections. The first group received an HMW-HA (Arthromac) injection, while the other received three weekly LMW-HA (Hyalgan) injections. Pain and function were assessed using the outcome measures including WOMAC, Lequesne and VAS indices, once prior to injection, as well as 2 and 6 months after injections.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics including age and sex between the two groups. Our analysis showed that total WOMAC, Lequesne and VAS mean scores remarkably improved at both follow-up time-points compared to the baseline measurements (p<0.001). There was no significant superiority between the two therapeutic protocols according to our outcome measures at any time-point of follow-up. The only except was about the improvement in WOMAC stiffness subscale that was significantly higher in LMW-HA group compared to HMW-HA (p=0.021). Moreover, no significant difference was observed in minor complications and injection-induced pain scores between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study proved that a single HMW-HA injection is as effective as multiple injections of LMW-HA counterparts in periods of 2 and 6 months follow-up.
The impact of early neuraminidase inhibitor therapy on clinical outcomes in patients hospitalised with influenza A-related pneumonia: a multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Chen Liang , Han Xiudi , Li YanLi , Zhang Chunxiao , Xing Xiqian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Guidelines emphasize prompt antiviral treatment in severe influenza patients. Although nearly a 50% of severe influenza present with pneumonia, the effect of early (≤ 2 days after illness onset) neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) use on the clinical outcomes of influenza A-related pneumonia (FluA-p) has rarely been assessed. Furthermore, data about the administration of NAIs in the real-world management of Flu-p in China are limited.Methods: Data of patients hospitalised with FluA-p from five teaching hospitals in China from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The impact of early NAI therapy on the outcomes in FluA-p patients, and the indications of early NAI administration by clinicians were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.Results: In total, 693 FluA-p patients were included. Of these patients, 33.5% (232/693) were treated early. After adjusting for weighted propensity scores for treatment, systemic corticosteroid and antibiotic use, a multivariate logistic regression model showed that early NAI therapy was associated with decreased risk for invasive ventilation [odds ratio (OR) 0.511, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.312–0.835, p = 0.007) and 30-day mortality (OR 0.533, 95% CI 0.210–0.807, p < 0.001) in FluA-p patients. A multivariate logistic regression model confirmed early NAI use (OR 0.415, 95% CI 0.195–0.858, p = 0.001) was a predictor for 30-day mortality in FluA-p patients and a positive rapid influenza diagnostic test was the only indication (OR 3.586, 95% CI 1.259–10.219, p < 0.001) related to the prescription of early NAI by clinicians.Conclusions: Early NAI therapy is associated with better outcomes in FluA-p patients. Improved education and training of clinicians on the guidelines of influenza are needed.
Risk Factors Associated With Infection of Blood-Borne Virus among People Who Used Methamphetamine
Authors: Cai Yilin , Dai Zheng , Wen Sijin , Bhandari Ruchi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The surge of methamphetamine use has been a complicating factor compounding the steeply increasing number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Infection from blood-borne viruses (BBVs) including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, related to methamphetamine use continue to grow. This study aimed to examine the risk factors associated with HBV, HCV and HIV among people who used methamphetamine.Methods: People who ever used methamphetamine were identified from five National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts, 2007 to 2016. The outcome was either tested positive or negative for blood-borne viruses as identified from laboratory tests. Weighted statistics for the combined ten years of data were calculated by multiplying the sample weight WTMEC2YR by 0.2. We examined the association of sexual activities (sexual partners, sexual identity), drug use behaviors (poly-drug use, injection drug use, frequency of drug use, age started using methamphetamine), demographics, and socio-economic status with BBV using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: There were 943 participants representing approximately 10,149,002 persons who ever used methamphetamine in the U.S. Blood-borne viruses’ positive rate was 13.3 per 100,000. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed significant associations of blood-borne infections with age 50-59 years (vs. age 20-29 years, adjusted odds ratio 6.61, 95% CI 1.37 - 31.90), living within poverty index 1-1.9 (vs. poverty index >=2, 2.89; 1.33 – 6.31), living below the poverty threshold (vs. poverty index >=2, 2.64; 1.21 – 5.77), having lower than high school education (vs. equal or higher than high school education, 3.38; 1.65 – 6.91), sexual identity as other than heterosexual (vs. heterosexual, 7.81; 2.54 – 24.03), using methamphetamine and heroin and cocaine (vs. using methamphetamine alone, 4.98; 1.20 – 20.68), injection drug use (vs. no injection drug use, 3.57; 1.81 – 7.03), and started using methamphetamine at age above 25 (vs. started using methamphetamine at age between 10-17, 2.26; 1.03 – 4.97).Conclusions: Among people who use methamphetamine, those who use polysubstance, or who inject substance, are in urgent need for vaccination and interventions to avoid further harm from blood borne infections.
Accounting for regional transmission variability and the impact of malaria control interventions in Ghana: A population level mathematical modelling approach
Authors: Awine Timothy , Silal Sheetal P 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This paper investigates the impact of malaria preventive interventions in Ghana and the prospects of achieving program goals using mathematical models based on regionally diverse climatic zones of the country. Methods: Using data from the District Health Information Management System of the Ghana Health Service from 2008 to 2017 and historical intervention coverage levels, ordinary non-linear differential equations models were developed incorporating transistions between various disease compartments for the three main ecological zones in Ghana. The Approximate Bayesian Computational sampling approach, with a distance based rejection criteria, was adopted for calibration. A leave-one-out approach was used to validate model parameters and the most sensitive evaluated using a multivariate regression analysis. The impact of insecticide treated bed nets and their usage and indoor residual spraying as well as their protective efficacy on the incidence of malaria were simulated at various levels of coverage and protective effectiveness in each ecological zone to investigate the prospects of achieving goals of the Ghana malaria control strategy for 2014-2020. Results: Increasing the coverage levels of both long lasting insecticide treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying activities without a corresponding increase in their recommended utilisation does not impact highly on averting predicted incidence of malaria. Improving proper usage of long lasting insecticide treated bed nets could lead to substantial reductions in the predicted incidence of malaria. Similar results were obtained with indoor residual spraying across all ecological zones of Ghana. Conclusions: Projected goals set in the national strategic plan for malaria control 2014-2020 as well as WHO targets for malaria pre-elimination by 2030 are only likely to be achieved if a substantial improvement in treated bed net usage is achieved coupled with targeted deployment of indoor residual spraying with high community acceptability and efficacy.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yang Fan , Dong Fushuang , Hu Fanghui , Liu Yongwei , Chai Jianfang , Zhao He , Lv Mengyu , Zhou Shou 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Plant calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) proteins play important roles in hormone signal transduction, developmental regulation, and environmental stress tolerance. However, in wheat, the CAMTA gene family has not been systematically characterized. Results: In this work, 15 wheat CAMTA genes were identified using a genome-wide search method. Their chromosome location, physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, gene structure, protein domain, and promoter cis-elements were systematically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis classified the TaCAMTA genes into three groups (groups A, B, and C), numbered 7, 6, and 2, respectively. The results showed that most TaCAMTA genes contained stress-related cis-elements. Finally, to obtain tissue-specific and stress-responsive candidates, the expression profiles of the TaCAMTAs in various tissues and under biotic and abiotic stresses were investigated. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that all of the 15 TaCAMTA genes were expressed in multiple tissues with different expression levels, as well as under abiotic stress, the expressions of each TaCAMTA gene could respond to at least one abiotic stress. It also found that 584 genes in wheat genome were predicted to be potential target genes by CAMTA, demonstrating that CAMTA can be widely involved in plant development and growth, as well as coping with stresses. Conclusions: This work systematically identified the CAMTA gene family in wheat at the whole-genome-wide level, providing important candidates for further functional analysis in developmental regulation and the stress response in wheat.
Canadian after-school care providers’ perceived role promoting healthy lifestyles: A focused ethnography
Authors: Elias Pierrette H. , Montemurro Genevieve , Sulz Lauren , Torrance Brian , Storey Kate Elizabeth 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: After-school care programs have garnered interest in recent years as the hours of 3:00–6:00p.m. are an opportune time for children to engage in healthy behaviours, specifically healthy eating and physical activity. Care providers are major influencers within the after-school care setting, impacting health promoting opportunities for children. However, little is known regarding the role care providers play in health promotion interventions in the after-school care setting, specifically those using comprehensive approaches. The purpose of this research was to explore care providers’ role and experience promoting healthy eating and physical activity through the after-school care health promotion intervention School’s Out…Let’s Move (SOLMo). SOLMo was guided by the evidence-based comprehensive school health framework.SOLMo had two main goals: (1) to serve a healthy snack with vegetable or fruit, and milk or water as the drink; (2) to include 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The intervention included resources and coaching for care providers to promote healthy eating and physical activity for children and took place in four after-school sites over a six-month period. Three of four sites were located in a school. The primary researcher was engaged with the sites over 22-months. METHODS: This research was guided by the qualitative method focused ethnography. Semi-structured interviews with care providers (n=13) taking part in SOLMo were conducted. Participant observation was included as part of data generation to further understand care provider roles. Latent content analysis was utilized iteratively and concurrently throughout data generation. RESULTS: Overall, care providers were supportive of promoting health behaviours in the after-school setting. Through analysis, five themes and eight subthemes emerged related to care providers’ role and experience promoting healthy eating and physical activity through SOLMo: 1) enhanced awareness; 2) improved programming; 3) strong relationships; 4) collaborative approach; and 5) role tension. CONCLUSIONS: As major influencers, care providers play a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours for children. This research provides valuable insight into this role and the implementation of comprehensive health promotion approaches in the after-school setting. Findings contribute to the implementation knowledge base and help inform the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviours for children.
Prevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV among incarcerated people who inject drugs in Iran: a cross sectional study
Authors: Moradi Ghobad , Mohamadi Parvin , Zareie Bushra , Rasouli Mohammad Aziz , Gouya Mohammad Mehdi , Jafari Saeede 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among incarcerated people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran during 2015-16. Methods : The required data was collected from a database provided by Iranian national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys (BBSSs) of 11988 prisoners who were selected using multi-stage sampling method from among 55 prisons in 19 provinces during 2015-16. The data on demographics and behavioral status of subjects were collected through interviews and the status of HBV and HCV exposure were determined using ELISA blood test. A total of 1387 individuals with a lifetime history of drug injection were enrolled into the study. Data were analyzed using the survey package in Stata/SE 14.0. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to investigate the relationships between risk factors and outcomes. Results : The mean age of the incarcerated PWID was 36.83 ± 8.13 years. Of all, 98.46% were male and 50.97% were married. The prevalence of HCV and HBV were 40.52% and 2.46%, respectively. HCV prevalence was associated with age≥30 years, being single, illiteracy and low level of education, prison term>5 years, history of piercing, and extramarital sex in a lifetime (P<0.05). Conclusions : The prevalence of HCV is alarmingly high. In general, it is recommended to adopt measures for HCV screening and treatment and HBV vaccination for incarcerated PWID without a history of vaccination.
Risk of opportunistic infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis initiating abatacept: cumulative clinical trial data
Authors: Simon Teresa A , Dong Lixian , Winthrop Kevin L. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with abatacept in clinical trials.Methods: This pooled analysis of 16 randomized, double-blind/open-label trials, with ≥1 abatacept (intravenous or subcutaneous) arm, and with/without placebo control covered cumulative (controlled short-term and open-label long-term) abatacept exposure periods. OIs were analyzed separately in controlled (abatacept and placebo individually) and cumulative periods. OIs were identified using a prespecified list; events were independently adjudicated. Unadjusted incidence rates (IRs; per 100 patient-years) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: In cumulative periods, 7,044 patients received abatacept, with mean (standard deviation) duration of exposure of 36.9 (26.2) months (21,274 patient-years of exposure). IRs (95% CI) of OIs for abatacept were low in both controlled (0.17 [0.05–0.43]), placebo (0.56 [0.22–1.15]), and cumulative (0.21 [0.15–0.28]) periods. There was 1 case of tuberculosis in both the abatacept (IR [95% CI]: 0.04 [0.00-0.24]) and placebo (IR [95% CI]: 0.08 [0.00-0.44]) groups during the controlled periods; 16 verified tuberculosis cases (IR [95% CI]: 0.08 [0.05-0.12]) were reported in the cumulative period. Herpes zoster was reported numerically more often with abatacept (IR 1.9 [1.4–2.5]), versus placebo (1.7 [1.1–2.6]) in the controlled periods; within the cumulative period, herpes zoster IR (95% CI) was 1.53 (1.36–1.71) for abatacept-treated patients.Conclusion: In controlled periods of the clinical trials, abatacept-treated patients had similarly low rates of OIs compared with placebo-treated patients. Overall, OI rates were similar among abatacept-treated patients in the controlled and cumulative periods.
Response rate and diagnostic accuracy of early PET/CT during neo-adjuvant therapies in oesophageal adenocarcinoma: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Jeffries Jacqueline , Coles Bernadette , Bradley Kevin , Holborow Alex , Smyth Elizabeth , Spezi Emiliano , Foley Kieran 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with potentially curable oesophageal adenocarcinoma have a staging positron emission tomography (PET) examination combined with a computed tomography (CT) to assess loco-regional and distant disease. Although only 20-30% of patients are suitable for surgical resection, the majority receive neo-adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy) before their operation. However, less than 25% experience any clinically meaningful benefit from the neo-adjuvant therapy. A repeat PET/CT after one cycle of treatment can assess for early metabolic response but remains exploratory. Patients without an early response could be offered alternative treatment strategies. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the early response rate defined by PET/CT, its diagnostic accuracy and explore associated factors.

Methods
Primary studies reporting response rates and diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT will be identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Peer-reviewed randomised control trials, observational cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies reporting original response rate data, published from 2005 onwards will be included. Studies recruiting mixed cohorts and with PET/CT repeated after more than one neo-adjuvant treatment cycle will be excluded. The reference standard will be pathological response, defined by either validated Becker or Mandard tumour regression grade (TRG) classifications. The primary outcome will be metabolic response rate after one neo-adjuvant treatment cycle, defined by a reduction in maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of 35%. Secondary outcome will be the sensitivity and specificity of early metabolic response to predict pathological response at this SUVmax reduction threshold. Pooled early response rate, sensitivity and specificity will be calculated using a random effects model with data extracted from selected studies. Heterogeneity between studies, risk of bias and methodological quality will be assessed.

Discussion
This systematic review and meta-analysis will identify and synthesise evidence to determine early response rates to neo-adjuvant therapies and the corresponding diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT to guide future clinical trials. This strategy could identify patients that will not respond to neo-adjuvant therapy and to offer this group alternative treatment strategies.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019147034)
Magnaporthe oryzae Systemic Defense Trigger 1 (MoSDT1)-Mediated Metabolites Regulate Defense Response in Rice
Authors: Duan Guihua , Li Chunqin , Liu Yanfang , Ma Xiaoqing , Luo Qiong , Yang Jing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Some of the pathogenic effector proteins play an active role in stimulating the plant defense system to strengthen plant resistance.Results: In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was implemented to identify altered metabolites in transgenic rice containing over-expressed M. oryzae Systemic Defense Trigger 1 (MoSDT1) that was infected at three-time points. The characterized dominating metabolites were organic acids and their derivatives, organic oxygen compounds, lipids, and lipid-like molecules. Among the identified metabolites, shikimate, galactinol, trehalose, D-mannose, linolenic acid, dopamine, tyramine, and L-glutamine are precursors for the synthesis of many secondary defense metabolites Carbohydrate, as well as amino acid metabolic, pathways were revealed to be involved in plant defense responses and resistance strengthening.Conclusion: The increasing salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content enhanced interactions between JA synthesis/signaling gene, SA synthesis/receptor gene, raffinose/fructose/sucrose synthase gene, and cell wall-related genes all contribute to defense response in rice. The symptoms of rice after M. oryzae infection were significantly alleviated when treated with six identified metabolites, i.e., galactol, tyramine, L-glutamine, L-tryptophan, α-terpinene, and dopamine for 72 h exogenously. Therefore, these metabolites could be utilized as an optimal metabolic marker for M. oryzae defense.