bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outdoor air pollution and diminished ovarian reserve among infertile Korean women
Authors: Kim Hannah , Choe Seung-Ah , Kim Ok-Jin , Kim Sun-Young , Kim Seulgi , Im Changmin , Kim You Shin , Yoon Tae Ki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundMounting evidence implicates an association between ambient air pollution and impaired reproductive potential of human. Our study aimed to assess the association between air pollution and ovarian reserve in young, infertile women.MethodsOur study included 2276 Korean women who attended a single fertility center in 2016–2018. Women’s exposure to air pollution was assessed using concentrations of particulate matter (PM10and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) that had been collected at 269 air quality monitoring sites. Exposure estimates were computed for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months prior to the ovarian reserve tests. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) ratio (defined as an observed-to-expected AMH based on age) and low AMH (defined as < 0.5 ng/mL) were employed as indicators of ovarian reserve. We included a clustering effect of 177 districts in generalized estimating equations approach. A secondary analysis was conducted restricting the analyses to Seoul residents to examine the association in highly urbanized setting.ResultsThe mean age was 36.6 ± 4.2 years and AMH level was 3.3 ± 3.1 ng/mL in the study population. Average AMH ratio was 0.8 ± 0.7 and low AMH was observed in 10.3% of women (n=235). The average concentration of six air pollutants was not different between the normal ovarian reserve and low AMH groups for all averaging periods. In multivariable models, an interquartile range (IQR)-increase in 1 month-average PM10was associated with decrease in AMH ratio among total population (β= −0.06, 95% confidence interval: −0.11, 0.00). When we restrict our analysis to those living in Seoul, IQR-increases in 1 and 12 month-average PM2.5were associated with 3% (95% CI: −0.07, 0.00) and 10% (95% CI: −0.18, −0.01) decrease in AMH ratio. The ORs per IQR increase in the six air pollutants were close to null in total population and Seoul residents.ConclusionsIn a cohort of infertile Korean women, there was a suggestive evidence of the negative association between ambient PM concentration and ovarian reserve, highlighting the potential adverse impact of air pollution on women’s fertility.
Knowledge of non-healthcare individuals towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross-sectional study in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhussein Reema M. , Albarrak Mansoor M. , Alrabiah Abdulaziz A. , Aljerian Nawfal A. , Bin Salleeh Hashim M. , Hersi Ahmad S. , Wani Tariq A. , Al Aseri Zohair A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Most sudden cardiac arrests occur at home, with low rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation being performed. We aimed to assess knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among individuals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, who are not involved in health care.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2020 in 4 different areas in Riyadh City: North, South, East, and West. The participants were surveyed using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 was used for inferential statistics and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results
A total of 856 participants completed the questionnaire, 51.8% were unaware of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only 4.4% of the participants had attended a formal cardiopulmonary resuscitation training course, 5.1% were campaign attendees, and 38.7% acquired their experience through the media. Having a higher level of education was positively associated with having knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The main concern among attendees of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training courses and campaigns was legal issues, whereas inadequate knowledge was the major barrier for those who had learned about cardiopulmonary resuscitation through the media.

Conclusion
The level of knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among non-health care individuals in Riyadh City was found to be insufficient. Therefore, coordinated efforts among different authorities should be considered to implement a structured strategy aiming to increase awareness and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among non-health care individuals.
Two Novel QTLs for the Harvest Index that Contribute to High-Yield Production in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Saito Hiroki , Fukuta Yoshimichi , Obara Mitsuhiro , Tomita Asami , Ishimaru Tsutomu , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Fujita Daisuke , Kobayashi Nobuya 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The harvest index (HI) is a measure of the biological success of forming harvestable products. However, our understanding of the genetic basis of HI in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is limited, because it is a complex trait consisting of various yield-related traits and physiological attributes. YTH183 is a high-yielding line with large panicles and high HI derived from a cross between the Indica Group variety IR 64 and the NPT line IR 69093-41-2-3-2 (YP5).

Results
Here, we detected two novel QTLs for HI, designated qHI5.1 on chromosome 5 and qHI8.1 on chromosome 8, by using 155 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between IR 64 and YTH183. The YTH183 allele at qHI5.1 contributed to a wide grain, resulting in heavy grain weight and panicle weight, and was consistently effective under the different environmental conditions of subtropical (Ishigaki) and temperate (Tsukuba) regions. Genetic polymorphism revealed that qHI5.1 was identical to GSE5/GW5, which is known to control the grain weight. On the other hand, although qHI8.1 functioned additively with qHI5.1 for higher HI, it did not show any significant effect on grain or panicle weight. In addition, its effects on HI were shown only in the first seasons at Ishigaki but not at Tsukuba or in the second season at Ishigaki.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that qHI5.1 controls the grain size, regardless of whether environmental conditions are of subtropical or temperate regions, while qHI8.1 might be involved in controlling the physiological processes of source ability or the translocation of photosynthesis products from vegetative organs to grains depending on environmental conditions during the maturing stage. These QTLs will be useful genetic resources for future breeding programs to break through the ceiling of maximum yield in Indica Group varieties.
Laboratory and field studies on the use of artificial mussels as a monitoring tool of platinum exposure in the freshwater environment
Authors: Labuschagne Marelize , Zimmermann Sonja , Smit Nico J. , Erasmus Johannes H. , Nachev Milen , Sures Bernd , Wepener Victor 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The artificial mussel (AM) is a passive sampling device that was originally developed for monitoring metal concentrations in the marine environment, but is also increasingly used in freshwater environments. The AM consists of a non-permeable Perspex tube, which is closed on both sides with a semi-permeable membrane. The space in between contains Chelex-100 beads, which bind metals. The AM allows the determination of the dissolved, bioaccessible metal fraction in water bodies without killing organisms, as well as environments with unfavorable conditions for living bioindicators. In the present study, the use of the AM was adapted for the monitoring of platinum (Pt) in a freshwater ecosystem.

Results
The elution of Pt from the Chelex-100 beads was optimized. Two modifications to the original method for the use of AMs are recommended, i.e., washing and separation of the beads through centrifugation and elution with a mixture of 4.5 mL HNO3 and 0.5 mL HCl for approximately 2–3 h to ensure the release of all Pt bound to the beads. Additionally, the uptake kinetics of the AM were determined under laboratory conditions over a wide exposure concentration range (0.1–1000 µg/L) showing highly correlated Pt accumulation in the AMs with the aqueous exposure concentration. For the tested Pt exposure concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L, the Pt concentrations in the AMs increased during the exposure period of 6 weeks. At the highest exposure concentration of 1000 µg/L, the increase stagnated after 3 weeks. To validate the AM in the field, the Pt accumulation of the AM was assessed together with that of freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminalis africana), muscle and liver tissue of the three fish species sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), as well as water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) at two sampling sites in the Pt mining area of South Africa.

Conclusion
Results from the present study showed that the AM is a promising tool to monitor Pt concentrations in the freshwater environment at contaminated sites.
Optimum mating designs for exploiting dominance in genomic selection schemes for aquaculture species
Authors: Fernández Jesús , Villanueva Beatriz , Toro Miguel Angel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
In commercial fish, dominance effects could be exploited by predicting production abilities of the offspring that would be generated by different mating pairs and choosing those pairs that maximise the average offspring phenotype. Consequently, matings would be performed to reduce inbreeding depression. This can be achieved by applying mate selection (MS) that combines selection and mating decisions in a single step. An alternative strategy to MS would be to apply minimum coancestry mating (MCM) after selection based on estimated breeding values. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by computer simulations, the potential benefits that can be obtained by implementing MS or MCM based on genomic data for exploiting dominance effects when creating commercial fish populations that are derived from a breeding nucleus.

Methods
The selected trait was determined by a variable number of loci with additive and dominance effects. The population consisted of 50 full-sib families with 30 offspring each. Males and females with the highest estimated genomic breeding values were selected in the nucleus and paired using the MCM strategy. Both MCM and MS were used to create the commercial population.

Results
For a moderate number of SNPs, equal or even higher mean phenotypic values are obtained by selecting on genomic breeding values and then applying MCM than by using MS when the trait exhibited substantial inbreeding depression. This could be because MCM leads to high levels of heterozygosity across the whole genome, even for loci affecting the trait that are in linkage equilibrium with the SNPs. In contrast, MS specifically promotes heterozygosity for SNPs for which a dominance effect has been detected.

Conclusions
In most scenarios, for the management of aquaculture breeding programs it seems advisable to follow the MCM strategy when creating the commercial population, especially for traits with large inbreeding depression. Moreover, MCM has the appealing property of reducing inbreeding levels, with a corresponding reduction in inbreeding depression for traits beyond those included in the selection objective.
Male genital lobe morphology affects the chance to copulate in Drosophila pachea
Authors: Lefèvre Bénédicte M. , Catté Diane , Courtier-Orgogozo Virginie , Lang Michael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Male genitalia are thought to ensure transfer of sperm through direct physical contact with female during copulation. However, little attention has been given to their pre-copulatory role with respect to sexual selection and sexual conflict. Males of the fruitfly Drosophila pachea have a pair of asymmetric external genital lobes, which are primary sexual structures and stabilize the copulatory complex of female and male genitalia. We wondered if genital lobes in D. pachea may have a role before or at the onset of copulation, before genitalia contacts are made.

Results
We tested this hypothesis with a D. pachea stock where males have variable lobe lengths. In 92 mate competition trials with a single female and two males, females preferentially engaged into a first copulation with males that had a longer left lobe and that displayed increased courtship vigor. In 53 additional trials with both males having partially amputated left lobes of different lengths, we observed a weaker and non-significant effect of left lobe length on copulation success. Courtship durations significantly increased with female age and when two males courted the female simultaneously, compared to trials with only one courting male. In addition, lobe length did not affect sperm transfer once copulation was established.

Conclusion
Left lobe length affects the chance of a male to engage into copulation. The morphology of this primary sexual trait may affect reproductive success by mediating courtship signals or by facilitating the establishment of genital contacts at the onset of copulation.
Multi-scale comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and metabolic reprogramming processes associated with oil palm fruit abscission
Authors: Fooyontphanich Kim , Morcillo Fabienne , Joët Thierry , Dussert Stéphane , Serret Julien , Collin Myriam , Amblard Philippe , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Roongsattham Peerapat , Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan , Verdeil Jean-Luc , Tranbarger Timothy J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Fruit abscission depends on cell separation that occurs within specialized cell layers that constitute an abscission zone (AZ). To determine the mechanisms of fleshy fruit abscission of the monocot oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) compared with other abscission systems, we performed multi-scale comparative transcriptome analyses on fruit targeting the developing primary AZ and adjacent tissues.

Results
Combining between-tissue developmental comparisons with exogenous ethylene treatments, and naturally occurring abscission in the field, RNAseq analysis revealed a robust core set of 168 genes with differentially regulated expression, spatially associated with the ripe fruit AZ, and temporally restricted to the abscission timing. The expression of a set of candidate genes was validated by qRT-PCR in the fruit AZ of a natural oil palm variant with blocked fruit abscission, which provides evidence for their functions during abscission. Our results substantiate the conservation of gene function between dicot dry fruit dehiscence and monocot fleshy fruit abscission. The study also revealed major metabolic transitions occur in the AZ during abscission, including key senescence marker genes and transcriptional regulators, in addition to genes involved in nutrient recycling and reallocation, alternative routes for energy supply and adaptation to oxidative stress.

Conclusions
The study provides the first reference transcriptome of a monocot fleshy fruit abscission zone and provides insight into the mechanisms underlying abscission by identifying key genes with functional roles and processes, including metabolic transitions, cell wall modifications, signalling, stress adaptations and transcriptional regulation, that occur during ripe fruit abscission of the monocot oil palm. The transcriptome data comprises an original reference and resource useful towards understanding the evolutionary basis of this fundamental plant process.
Anemia predicts poor outcomes of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: a prospective study in Iran
Authors: Faghih Dinevari Masood , Somi Mohammad Hossein , Sadeghi Majd Elham , Abbasalizad Farhangi Mahdieh , Nikniaz Zeinab 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
There are limited number of studies with controversial findings regarding the association between anemia at admission and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. Therefore, in this research, we aimed to investigate the prospective association between anemia and COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized patients in Iran.

Methods
In this prospective study, the data of 1274 consecutive patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 were statistically analyzed. All biomarkers, including hemoglobin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured using standard methods. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of less than 13 g/dL and 12 g/dL in males and females, respectively. Assessing the association between anemia and COVID-19 survival in hospitalized patients was our primary endpoint.

Results
The mean age of the participants was 64.43 ± 17.16 years, out of whom 615 (48.27%) were anemic subjects. Patients with anemia were significantly older (P = 0.02) and had a higher frequency of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer (P < 0.05). The frequency of death (anemic: 23.9% vs. nonanemic: 13.8%), ICU admission (anemic: 27.8% vs. nonanemic:14.71%), and ventilator requirement (anemic: 35.93% vs. nonanemic: 20.63%) were significantly higher in anemic patients than in nonanemic patients (P < 0.001). According to the results of regression analysis, after adjusting for significant covariate in the univariable model, anemia was independently associated with mortality (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.57, P = 0.01), ventilator requirement (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.54, P = 0.004), and the risk of ICU admission (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.90, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
The prevalence of anemia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was high and was associated with poor outcomes of COVID-19.
Persistent inflammation worsens short-term outcomes in massive stroke patients
Authors: Hou Duanlu , Wang Chunjie , Ye Xiaofei , Zhong Ping , Wu Danhong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Persistent inflammation is an important driver of disease progression and affects prognosis. Some indicators of inflammation predict short-term outcomes. The relationship between prognosis, especially mortality, and persistent inflammation in massive stroke has not been studied, and this has been the subject of our research.

Methods
From April 1, 2017 to February 1, 2020, consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. Clinical data, laboratory data, imaging data and follow-up infections morbidity were compared between 2 groups according to modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores (mRS < 3 and ≥ 3) at 1 month. The binomial logistic analysis was used to determine independent factors of 1-month prognosis. Short-term functional outcome, mortality and infection rates in massive stroke with and without persistent inflammation were compared.

Results
One hundred thirty-nine patients with massive stroke were included from 800 patients. We found that admission blood glucose levels (p = 0.005), proportions of cerebral hemispheric (p = 0.001), posterior circulatory (p = 0.035), and lacunar (p = 0.022) ischemia were higher in poor outcome patients; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (odd ratio = 1.87, 95%CI 1.14–3.07, p = 0.013) and blood glucose concentrations (odd ratio = 1.34, 95%CI 1.01–1.79, p = 0.043) can independently predict the short-term prognosis in massive stroke patients. We also found that the incidence of pulmonary infection (p = 0.009), one-month mortality (p = 0.003) and adverse outcomes (p = 0.0005) were higher in patients with persistent inflammation.

Conclusions
This study suggested that persistent inflammation is associated with poor prognosis, 1-month mortality and the occurrence of in-hospital pulmonary infection and that higher baseline inflammation level predicts short-term poor outcomes in massive stroke.
Colostrum avoidance practice among primipara mothers in urban Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayalew Tilksew , Asmare Eden 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Breast milk is the ideal and complete form of nutrition for infants colostrum contains all the necessary nutrients for infants’ growth and development and antibodies that can protect from many childhood illnesses. Understanding the extent of and barriers to colostrum avoidance in Ethiopia is important for learning how to best improve optimal breastfeeding. No single study has been conducted on primigavida mothers in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the rate of colostrum avoidance practice and associated factors among primigavida mothers.

Method
A community- based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2016 among (n = 398) randomly selected primigavida mothers in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version25. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of association. Statistical significance was declared at P-value ≤0.05.

Results
Out of 398 primipara mothers, 8.8% discarded colostrum. The most common reasons for discarding colostrum were; yellow and creamy (39.2%), bad for infant (35.2%), traditional/cultural reason (17.1%) and infant unable to feed (8.5%). Married mothers (AOR = 4.52, 95%CI: 1.13, 18.16), unemployed mothers (AOR = 3.46, 95%CI: 1.15, 10.51), mothers underwent normal delivery (AOR = 5.20, 95%CI: 1.87, 20.90) and mothers who initiated breastfeeding within 1 h (AOR = 2.79, 95%CI: 0.96, 8.16) were less likely to discard colostrum.

Conclusion
The current study revealed that colostrum was discarded by 8.8% of primipara mothers. Primipara mothers who were married, unemployed, underwent normal delivery and initiated breastfeeding within 1 h were less likely to discard colostrum. These results suggest that multi-sectorial and multi-disciplinary approaches are needed to decrease colostrum avoidance among primipara mothers in Ethiopia.
Association of screen time with parent-reported cognitive delay in preschool children of Kerala, India
Authors: John Jijo Joseph , Joseph Reny , David Alice , Bejoy Ann , George Kalyan Varghese , George Lisa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Screen use is increasing rapidly among preschool children and excess screen use in these children has been associated with cognitive side effects and speech delay. We undertook this study to estimate the risk associated with screen time in children, parental supervision, and parent-reported cognitive development among preschool children aged 2–5 years.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was done between July 2019 and January 2020 involving parents of all students aged 2–5 years, attending 2 kindergarten schools in Thiruvalla using a self-administered questionnaire. Parents also used the Werner David Development pictorial scale (WDDPS), a screening tool to report cognitive development. The schools were sampled based on convenience.

Results
Of the 189 children included in the study, 89.4% had excess screen use (> 1 h per day) and the average use was 2.14 h. 45.0% of parents supervised screen use inconsistently (self-reported). Meal-time screen use (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3–10.8), receiving screen on demand (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.2–11.3), and using devices other than computers (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.6–26.8) were significantly associated with excess screen use in pre-school children. Similarly, those children with inconsistently supervised screen time were significantly more likely to have suspected deficits in attention (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–8.2), intelligence (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.3–13.3), and social skills (OR 15.3, 95% CI 1.9–121.2), compared to children whose screen use was consistently supervised.

Conclusion
Screen time in the majority of preschool children is above the recommended limits, and inconsistent supervision by parents was seen in almost half of the study participants. Inconsistently supervised screen time is associated with suspected cognitive delays in children.