bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical validation of hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) using dried blood spots (DBS)
Authors: Shimakawa Yusuke , Vernoux Laura , Gabassi Audrey , Mercier‐Delarue Séverine , Vincent Jeanne Perpétue , Simon François , Maylin Sarah 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLimited access to nucleic acid testing (NAT) to quantify HBV DNA levels, an essential tool to determine anti‐HBV treatment eligibility, represents a significant barrier to scale up HBV diagnostic services in resource‐limited countries. Hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) has the potential to become an affordable alternative because of its low cost (US$ <15/assay) and strong correlation with HBV DNA levels in treatment‐naïve patients. However, the current assay requires plasma or serum. To further facilitate its application to decentralized settings, we developed and evaluated a standardized procedure to quantify HBcrAg using dried blood spots as a tool to diagnose HBV‐infected people with high viraemia. We evaluated the following elution method optimized to quantify HBcrAg: suspension of a punched blood‐soaked disc (11 mm) of Whatman 903 Protein Saver Card in 450 µL of PBS 0.05% Tween 20, followed by an incubation for 4 h at room temperature and a centrifugation at 10,000 g for 10 minutes. 150 µL of DBS eluate was used to quantify HBcrAg using chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (LUMIPULSE® G600II, Fujirebio). The limit of detection of dried blood spot HBcrAg in relation with HBV DNA levels was 19,115 IU/mL across the five major HBV genotypes (A/B/C/D/E). A strong linear correlation was confirmed between dried blood spot HBcrAg and HBV DNA levels (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001) in samples with high viral loads (range: 3.7–7.0 log IU/mL). The coefficient of variation ranged between 4.0–11.2% for repeatability and 3.9–12.2% for reproducibility. Analytical specificity was 100% (95% CI: 83.9–100%) in HBV‐negative samples. Using our elution method, it may be possible to identify HBV‐infected patients with high viraemia who need antiviral therapy using dried blood spot and HBcrAg. A large‐scale clinical validation is warranted in resource‐limited countries.
Clinical effects of NTCP‐inhibitor myrcludex B
Authors: Cheng Dongliang , Han Bing , Zhang Wei , Wu Wei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith extensive research on the pathogenesis and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections, the current treatment of interferon and nucleoside or nucleotide analogues provides reasonable control of viral replication in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, drug resistance may occur as a result of long‐term treatment, and continuous covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) can cause disease relapse after drug withdrawal. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safe and effective antiviral drugs or methods to treat HBV and HDV infections. Myrcludex B is the first entry inhibitor that can inactivate HBV and HDV receptors, compete with HBV for the sodium‐taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide, which has been identified as the bona fide receptor for HBV and HDV, block HBV infection in hepatocytes, and participate in HBV transcriptional suppression. Myrcludex B plays an important role in the inhibition of HBV replication and is a potential drug for phase III clinical trials. In this article, we review the progress on the efficacy and clinical application of myrcludex B in recent years.
Reduction in hepatitis C‐related hospitalizations after the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Tackling Hepatitis C in the Spanish National Health System: regional level differences
Authors: Vegas Juan José , Flores‐Herrera Javier , Latasa Pello , Garrido‐Estepa Macarena 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis work evaluates the potential impact at territorial level of the Strategic Plan for Tackling Hepatitis C in the Spanish National Health System on hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated hospitalizations. Chronic HCV‐related hospitalization discharges from 2014 to 2018 were obtained from the National Registry of Hospitalisations. A descriptive analysis of the hospitalizations was performed for all chronic, advanced liver disease and non‐advanced liver disease. Hospitalization rates were calculated at national and regional level. Year 2015 and period 2016–2018 hospitalization rates were compared to 2014 hospitalization rates using a Poisson model. Municipal standardized hospitalization rates ratios adjusted by age‐group were calculated for 2016–2018 period (2014 hospitalization rates as reference). From 2014 to 2018, there were 22,352 chronic HCV‐related hospitalizations. In‐hospital fatality rate was 4.3% for non‐advanced liver disease and 11.7% for advanced liver disease patients. National hospitalization rate decreased 22% (95% CI: 21%–22%), 16% (95% CI: 15%–17%) and 34% (95% CI: 33%–35%) in 2016–2018 compared to 2014 for all chronic, non‐advanced and advanced liver disease, respectively. During 2016–2018 period, 11/19 Spanish regions achieved >20% decrease in the hospitalization rates (p < .001) for non‐advanced liver disease and 19/19 (except Melilla, the rest with p < .001) for advanced liver disease. At municipal level, 84.8% and 90.2% municipalities had <20% of chronic HCV‐related hospitalization need compared to 2014 adjusted by age‐group. Based on the data analysed, a high impact on reducing chronic HCV‐associated hospitalizations have been achieved after the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Tackling Hepatitis C in the Spanish National Health System. However, small differences between regions and rural/urban areas were noticed.
Effectiveness of direct‐acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C treatment in migrant and non‐migrant populations in France
Authors: Djaogol Tchadine , Fontaine Hélène , Baudoin Maël , Protopopescu Camelia , Marcellin Fabienne , Dorival Céline , Simony Mélanie , Petrov‐Sanchez Ventzislava , Bourlière Marc , Delarocque‐Astagneau Elisabeth , Pol Stanislas , Carrat Fabrice , Carrieri Patrizia ,   the ANRS CO22 Hepather study group
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite universal health coverage in France, migrants face specific socioeconomic barriers that increase the likelihood of a suboptimal cascade of care for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and impaired treatment effectiveness in this sub‐population. We selected data collected from 2012 to 2018 from the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER prospective cohort study for chronic HCV participants with available data on treatment failure (defined as the presence of a detectable HCV‐RNA load 12 weeks after their first DAA treatment ended). We performed multivariable Poisson regression models to test whether treatment failure rates differed significantly between HCV‐infected migrants and non‐migrants receiving DAA in France (cross‐sectional analysis), while taking into account the former's world region of birth and other potential social vulnerability factors. Among the study population's 7,879 patients, 5,829 (74%) were non‐migrants and 2,050 (26%) migrants. Median [interquartile range] age was 57 [51‐65] years, 4433 (56%) were men and 369 (5%) of the entire study population had treatment failure. After multivariable adjustment, only migrants from Central Asia were at higher risk of treatment failure than non‐migrants (aIRR = 2.83; 95% CI [1.72, 4.65]). Results from this large‐scale study performed in France suggest a higher risk of DAA treatment failure in migrants from Central Asia than in non‐migrants and confirm the overall low treatment failure rate in chronic HCV patients treated with DAA (whether migrants or not). Simplified models of care taking into account language and cultural barriers are needed to improve DAA effectiveness in migrants from Central Asia.
OrpR is a σ54‐dependent activator using an iron‐sulfur cluster for redox sensing in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough
Authors: Fiévet Anouchka , Merrouch Meriem , Brasseur Gaël , Eve Danaé , Biondi Emanuele G. , Valette Odile , Pauleta Sofia R. , Dolla Alain , Dermoun Zorah , Burlat Bénédicte , Aubert Corinne 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEnhancer binding proteins (EBPs) are key players of σ54‐regulation that control transcription in response to environmental signals. In the anaerobic microorganism Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH), orp operons have been previously shown to be coregulated by σ54‐RNA polymerase, the integration host factor IHF and a cognate EBP, OrpR. In this study, ChIP‐seq experiments indicated that the OrpR regulon consists of only the two divergent orp operons. In vivo data revealed that (i) OrpR is absolutely required for orp operons transcription, (ii) under anaerobic conditions, OrpR binds on the two dedicated DNA binding sites and leads to high expression levels of the orp operons, (iii) increasing the redox potential of the medium leads to a drastic down‐regulation of the orp operons expression. Moreover, combining functional and biophysical studies on the anaerobically purified OrpR leads us to propose that OrpR senses redox potential variations via a redox‐sensitive [4Fe–4S]2+ cluster in the sensory PAS domain. Overall, the study herein presents the first characterization of a new Fe–S redox regulator belonging to the σ54‐dependent transcriptional regulator family probably advantageously selected by cells adapted to the anaerobic lifestyle to monitor redox stress conditions.
Nationalisation, banal nationalism and everyday nationhood in a dictatorship: The Franco regime in Spain
Authors: Hernández Burgos Claudio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article explores the nature of the process of nationalisation and the construction of nationality in Franco's Spain. Despite that nationalism constituted the principle axis of the narratives and the policies of the Francoist State, there has been scant research into the reach, the channels, and the role of Spaniards in the process of nationalisation. From a starting point of a complex conception of the Francoist national project, this essay seeks to reframe its analysis in light of the theoretical contributions of ‘banal nationalism’ and ‘everyday nationalism’. As such, on the one hand, I intend to make clear the heterogeneity and the dynamism of Francoist nationalism and, on the other, to include individuals within the scene and further, and in particular, to take into account the role of daily experiences and the capacity for agency on the part of Spaniards on the ground, as participants and constructors of the national community.
Population structure of Rosa spinosissima L. on the Frisian Islands and introgression from cultivated material
Authors: Mayland‐Quellhorst Eike , Wissemann Volker 
Published: February 2021

Rosa spinosissima L. is part of the highly dynamic coastal habitat of the Wadden Sea, between the coast of northwestern continental Europe and the Frisian Islands. Plants of this species grow clonally via root suckers to form large patches, which stabilize dunes and help to protect the islands and used for this purpose locally on the island Sylt. Rosa spinosissima plants are affected by both water and wind in their harsh environment, and are threatened by human impact via habitat destruction and introduction of foreign species. In these northern parts of its range R. spinosissima is categorized as endangered.The population structure of R. spinosissima was investigated using ten microsatellite loci and 195 individuals of Frisian Island populations and European coastal continental samples. DAPC, Kmeans and Structure analyses were conducted to study the genetic composition and integrity of these natural populations relative to cultivated and nursery material mostly consisting of central continental genotypes.The DAPC and Structure analyses differentiated populations of the Frisian Islands between each other and separated them from nursery samples, but some natural populations showing an impact of nursery and cultivated genotypes. In addition, some clonal patches of R. spinosissima were detected. Our results show that the natural Frisian Island populations of R. spinosissima are threatened by the introduction of nonadaptive genotypes into the gene pool.
Identification of QTL for seed yield and agronomic traits in 944 soybean (Glycine max) RILs from a diallel cross of early‐maturing varieties
Authors: Zhu Xintian , Leiser Willmar L. , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIncreasing soybean yield plays a key role in meeting the high demand for protein in Europe and other countries. The aim of this study was to dissect the genetic architecture underlying seed yield, plant height, protein yield and thousand‐seed weight in early‐maturing soybean. To this end, we performed QTL mapping based on 944 RILs derived from a half‐diallel crossing design of five parents. We identified five to eight QTL for each of the four agronomic traits and some explained a considerable proportion of the genotypic variance. The three major QTL showed pleiotropic effects on two or more traits. Fine characterization revealed the maturity genes E1 and E3, and the stem growth habit gene Dt2 as likely candidates underlying these QTL. In general, the allele increasing seed yield also resulted in taller plants, which needs to be considered during selection due to an increased risk of lodging. Collectively, our results underline the strong effect of some loci like the E1 gene on a range of traits including seed yield, making them attractive targets for a marker‐assisted selection.
Development of codominant SCAR markers to detect the Pto, Tm22, I3 and Sw5 genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Zhang Jianbo , Panthee Dilip R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMarker‐assisted selection (MAS) can speed up the plant breeding process and reduce the labour and field costs. The sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker allows the elimination of the restriction digestion step. Hence, it is more efficient and reliable than the cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker in gel‐based screening. But we still only have CAPS marker for many tomato disease resistance genes. By comparing the coding region and its flanking sequences of the disease‐resistant genes between the resistant and the susceptible varieties, we designed primers that can amplify fragments with different sizes from these varieties for the Pto, Tm22, Sw5 and I3 genes conferring resistance to bacterial speck (BS), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Fusarium wilt (FW) race 3, respectively in tomato. We tested these new markers using our tomato breeding lines and hybrids. All the new SCAR markers worked as expected. The fragments' sizes were amplified from the resistant variety, and the susceptible variety is 1,512 and 450 bp for Pto, 885 and 583 bp for Tm22, 521 and 451 bp for Sw5 and 673 and 480 bp for I3 genes. All the new markers are tightly‐linked to the resistant genes; the markers of Pto, Tm22, Sw5 and I3 are 3,306, 4,888, 0 and 8,310 bp from their corresponding coding sequences, respectively. These new markers may be useful for MAS in tomato breeding.
Long‐term adaptation of Arabidopsis thaliana to far‐red light
Authors: Hu Chen , Nawrocki Wojciech J. , Croce Roberta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVascular plants use carotenoids and chlorophylls a and b to harvest solar energy in the visible region (400–700 nm), but they make little use of the far‐red (FR) light. Instead, some cyanobacteria have developed the ability to use FR light by redesigning their photosynthetic apparatus and synthesizing red‐shifted chlorophylls. Implementing this strategy in plants is considered promising to increase crop yield. To prepare for this, a characterization of the FR light‐induced changes in plants is necessary. Here, we explore the behaviour of Arabidopsis thaliana upon exposure to FR light by following the changes in morphology, physiology and composition of the photosynthetic complexes. We found that after FR‐light treatment, the ratio between the photosystems and their antenna size drastically readjust in an attempt to rebalance the energy input to support electron transfer. Despite a large increase in PSBS accumulation, these adjustments result in strong photoinhibition when FR‐adapted plants are exposed to light again. Crucially, FR light‐induced changes in the photosynthetic membrane are not the result of senescence, but are a response to the excitation imbalance between the photosystems. This indicates that an increase in the FR absorption by the photosystems should be sufficient for boosting photosynthetic activity in FR light.
Induced pluripotent stem cells from urine of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Ghori Fareeha Faizan , Wahid Mohsin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe most common muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is a lethal, X‐linked disorder with no widespread cure. Worldwide, in vitro studies involving new, mutation‐specific cures and regenerative therapies are employing disease‐specific patient‐specific cells. However, these may not be completely relevant for Pakistani children because of the human genome diversities and geographic variation in mutation type and frequency. Therefore, this study aimed to generate DMD induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the urine of Pakistani children with DMD, to serve as a precious source of differentiated cells, such as Pakistani DMD‐cardiomyocytes, for future disease‐modelling, drug testing, and gene therapy.MethodsUrine‐derived cells (UDCs) isolated from mid‐stream urine underwent molecular characterization and cellular reprogramming towards iPSCs using the episomal vector system followed by molecular profiling of the iPSCs.ResultsColonies of elongated and spindle‐shaped or rounded rice‐grain like UDCs were spotted 4–7 days after plating and expanded rapidly with a second passage at 2–3 weeks. Multicolor flow cytometry confirmed the expression of mesenchymal stem‐cell markers. The reprogramed iPSCs consisted of colonies of round, tightly‐packed cells with large nuclei that were positively fluorescent for the pluripotency markers octamer binding transcription factor‐4 (OCT‐4), tumour resistance antigen 1–60 (TRA‐1‐60), and stage specific embryonic 4 antigen (SSEA‐4), but not for the negative pluripotency marker SSEA‐1. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time DMD‐iPSCs have been generated for Pakistani children.ConclusionThis integration‐free, feeder‐free, efficient, and reproducible reprogramming method employed UDCs. Urine is a low‐cost, non‐invasive, painless, and repeatable source of rapidly expandable cells from children and morbid individuals for obtaining autologous cells for drug‐assays and disease‐modelling, suitable for DMD and other debilitating diseases.
Meanings of suicidal behavior from the perspective of primary care professionals
Authors: de Almeida Aline Siqueira , Silva Aline Conceição , Almeida de Moura André , Miasso Adriana Inocenti , Graziani Giacchero Vedana Kelly 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the meaning of suicidal behavior from the perspective of family health professionals.MethodA qualitative study developed during 2017–2018 with 18 primary care professionals from a Brazilian municipality. Grounded theory was used as the methodological framework. Semi‐oriented interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed by open, axial, and selective coding.FindingsThe professionals perceived themselves as unprepared, emotionally affected, and fearful to work in suicide prevention, prioritizing the referral of people to specialized services regardless of the severity of the situation. Suicide was represented as both a choice and a condition of vulnerability, being more reprehensible when associated with individual choice.ConclusionWe identified beliefs related to suicidal behavior that could affect the care of people at risk. Our findings reinforce the need for education and training in the prevention of suicidal behavior in primary care.
Comparison of nurse effect zones of shrubs versus trees for dryland rehabilitation in Northeast China
Authors: Miyasaka Takafumi , Miyamori Eriko , Okuro Toshiya , Zhao Xueyong , Takeuchi Kazuhiko 
Published: February 2021

Nurse plants can form islands of fertility to rehabilitate degraded land. Areas outside plant canopies may not recover as much as areas under canopies, but the spatial extent of nurse plants' beneficial impacts is not fully understood. This study aimed to quantify the spatial and temporal aggregate nurse effects (zones of influence) of shrubs compared with trees planted for land rehabilitation in a desertified region of Inner Mongolia, China. We conducted vegetation surveys in pairs of replicate 20 × 20 m plots, each subdivided into 100 subplots (each 2 × 2 m), on four types of rehabilitation sites: shrub (Caragana microphylla) plantation sites managed for 6 or 24 years and tree (Populus simonii) plantation sites managed for 5 or 24 years. Surface soil physiochemical properties and litter amount were also measured inside and outside of nine canopies on each site. The aggregate nurse effects of improved understory vegetation and surface soil conditions extended beyond the canopies of individual plants in C. microphylla and P. simonii plantations. However, these effects were more concentrated under the canopies of C. microphylla, whereas the effects under P. simonii were spread evenly over the plantation site. This difference resulted in faster rehabilitation at the site scale in P. simonii plantations. A major factor contributing to the higher rehabilitation performance of P. simonii appeared to be larger plant height, which provides greater windbreak and shading effects compared to shrubs. Xerophytic native trees that require less water than P. simonii may be a better option for rehabilitation.
An Updated Economic Analysis of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Kalkowska Dominika A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite a strong global commitment, polio eradication efforts continue now more than 30 years after the 1988 World Health Assembly resolution that established the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), and 20 years after the original target of the year 2000. Prior health economic analyses estimated incremental net benefits of the GPEI of 40–50 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars (US$2008, equivalent to 48–59 billion US$2019), assuming the achievement of polio eradication by 2012. Given the delays in achieving polio eradication and increased costs, we performed an updated economic analysis of the GPEI using an updated integrated global model, and considering the GPEI trajectory as of the beginning of 2020. Applying similar methods and assuming eradication achievement in 2023, we estimate incremental net benefits of the GPEI of 28 billion US$2019, which falls below the prior estimate. Delays in achieving polio eradication combined with the widescale introduction of relatively expensive inactivated poliovirus vaccine significantly increased the costs of the GPEI and make it less cost‐effective, although the GPEI continues to yield expected incremental net benefits at the global level when considered over the time horizon of 1988–2029. The overall health and financial benefits of the GPEI will depend on whether and when the GPEI can achieve its goals, when eradication occurs, the valuation method applied, and the path dependence of the actions taken. Reduced expected incremental net benefits of the GPEI and the substantial economic impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic pose large financial risks for the GPEI.