bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Premature menopause among women in India: Evidence from National Family Health Survey‐IV
Authors: Meher Trupti , Sahoo Harihar 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimWomen who experience premature menopause either due to biological or induced reasons have a longer duration of exposure to severe symptoms and adverse health consequences when compared to those who undergo menopause at later age. Despite the fact that premature menopause has a profound effect on the health of women, there has been limited study on this issue. Therefore, this study attempted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with premature menopause among 302 557 women aged 25–39 years in India.MethodsThis study utilized secondary data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey‐IV (NFHS‐4), conducted during 2015–2016 in India. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used for statistical analyses of the data.ResultsThe results revealed that the prevalence of premature menopause in this sample of Indian women was 3.7%, out of which 2.1% of women had experienced natural premature menopause, whereas 1.7% had surgical premature menopause. The prevalence of premature menopause was highest in the southern region of India. Factors like age, education, wealth index, place of residence, smoking status, children ever born, age at first birth, use of hormonal contraception, sterilization, and body mass index were found to be associated with premature menopause in India.ConclusionA sizeable proportion of women in India are attaining menopause prematurely. Furthermore, the percentage and likelihood of experiencing premature menopause are relatively high among rural women, women with higher parity, early age at childbearing, and women who smoke.
Maternal alpha‐1‐antitrypsin as a noval marker for growth restriction in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Nori Wassan , Ali Alaa Ibrahim 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo verify the role of maternal serum levels of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT), an acute‐phase inflammatory protein, as a marker for distinguishing between fetal growth restriction (FGR) and normal birth weight in pre‐eclamptic women. We correlate serum AAT levels to the essential feto‐maternal parameters for an earlier and cost–benefit diagnostic method, thus distinguishing between FGR and normal birth weight in pre‐eclamptic women.MethodsAn observational study conducted at the University hospital recruited 100 pregnant women in 32/34 weeks of a singleton single tone pregnancy; all were pre‐eclampsia cases. All were tested by laboratory and ultrasound examination. Two sets of data were collected; one is maternal parameters such as blood pressure (BP), maternal serum AAT mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and serum uric acid levels, and the other is fetal parameters such as amniotic fluid index (AFI), fetal weight centile and estimated fetal weight.ResultsA strong negative correlation proved between serum levels of AAT and all study variables except fetal weight (systolic BP, diastolic BP, MPV, PDW, serum uric acid, fetal weight percentile, and AFI) with a correlation coefficient of; −0.95, −0.95, −0.85, −0.93, −0.91, −0.94, and −0.93 respectively. The cut‐off value for AAT 0.013 mg/ml showed the highest sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic marker for FGR. Area under the curve was 0.99.ConclusionsNegative correlations between maternal serum AAT and fetal parameters used to assess FGR were confirmed, suggesting that AAT is closely related to the pathophysiology of FGR among pre‐eclamptic patients and may serve as a helpful tool in distinguishing between FGR and normal birth weight babies, pending further validation in feto‐maternal outcomes.
Gestational metformin administration in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control studies
Authors: Cao Qi , Hu Yuanyuan , Fu Jing , Huang Xin , Wu Lukanxuan , Zhang Jiani , Huang Wei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsTo evaluate metformin's effects on pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.MethodsA literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. All randomized controlled trials comparing metformin administration during pregnancy versus placebo or blank in PCOS women were selected. The primary outcomes were the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery, and miscarriage. We combined data with the Review Manager. Bayesian meta‐analysis was employed for further verification with the R software.ResultsSix randomized control trial studies involving 1229 participants were included. Metformin use was associated with reduced risk of preterm delivery (Risk ratios [RR], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.25–0.80; p, 0.007) and higher larger neonatal head circumference (Mean difference (MD), 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20–0.74; p, 0.0006] but had no effect on the incidence of GDM (RR 1.87; 95% CI, 0.58–1.87; p, 0.89), miscarriage (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.45–1.60; p, 0.62), pre‐eclampsia (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.43–3.21; p, 0.75), neonatal length (MD, 0.33; 95% CI, −0.12‐0.78; p, 0.15) and birthweight (MD, 73.78; 95% CI, −52.98‐200.53; p, 0.17).ConclusionsMetformin administration in PCOS pregnancies was associated with reduced preterm delivery risk and larger neonatal head circumference.
French translation and preliminary psychometric validation of a skin‐to‐skin contact instrument for nurses (SSC‐F)
Authors: Aita Marilyn , De Clifford Faugère Gwenaëlle , Laporte Geneviève , Colson Sébastien , Feeley Nancy 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeTo translate and conduct the preliminary psychometric validation of a skin‐to‐skin contact instrument in French (SSC‐F) with a sample of nurses from Quebec and France working in neonatal intensive care units.MethodsThe 20 items of the SSC instrument containing four subscales (knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, training and education and implementation), developed by Vittner et al. (2017), was translated into French. The methodological steps used for psychometric validation included assessment of the item and subscale normality distributions, assessment of reliability using internal consistency, and assessment of validity using inter‐item and inter‐scale correlations and principal component analysis.ResultsThe preliminary psychometric validation showed that all four subscales of the French version had adequate internal consistency (0.61–0.77), supporting the calculation of a total score for each subscale based on the English version of the instrument. The structural validity was supported by principal component analysis findings.Practice ImplicationsBased on the findings of the preliminary psychometric validation of our study, the SSC‐F instrument could be used in research with French‐speaking neonatal nurses in Western countries, but gathering more evidence about its reliability and validity is warranted for clinical practice.
Tagging, ranging patterns, and behavior of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) off Argentina and Brazil: Considerations for conservation
Authors: Wells Randall S. , Cremer Marta J. , Berninsone Leonardo G. , Albareda Diego , Wilkinson Krystan A. , Stamper M. Andrew , Paitach Renan L. , Bordino Pablo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is one of the most threatened cetaceans in the Southwestern Atlantic. Within their limited coastal range off Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, franciscanas face human activities, including artisanal gillnet fishing and coastal development. A lack of information on ranging patterns, population structure, and behavior for informing management led to efforts to develop and apply approaches to tag franciscanas in Argentina (Bahía Samborombón [BS], Bahía San Blas [BSB]) and Brazil (Baía Babitonga [BB]) during 2005–2013. Findings from VHF tags deployed in BS in 2005 during feasibility tests for catching and handling franciscanas for tagging suggested residency over periods of weeks. Subsequently, satellite‐linked tags confirmed patterns of residency at each site. Home range size varied, with ranges of 5–7 km2 for BB, 51–312 km2 for BS, and 49–1,014 km2 for BSB. Diving patterns varied across sites, with the animals using the entire water column, exposing them to fishing nets regardless of the depth at which the nets were set. Tracking durations and follow‐up observations indicated that this research approach is useful for studies of franciscanas. Small, definable ranges facilitate relating specific geographically based threats to appropriate population units, increasing the potential for effective conservation.
Validation of hyperacute stroke protocol modification aiming for time saving
Authors: Sakuta Kenichi , Yaguchi Hiroshi , Nakada Ryoji , Mukai Taiji , Miyagawa Shinji , Okuno Kenji , Fuga Michiyasu , Iguchi Yasuyuki 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeSince efforts to save time in hyperacute cerebral infarction largely depend on each facility, evaluation of their effects is indispensable. The effects of modification of the protocol for hyperacute stroke were examined.Materials and methodsThe data of consecutive stroke patients who underwent thrombectomy from October 2017 to February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The stroke protocols before modification were as follows. First, brain MRI was performed, and the indication for thrombectomy was assessed. If indicated, the stroke treatment team sprang into action to obtain informed consent and prepare the needed drugs or devices. The modified protocols were as follows. Once the information was obtained from emergency transportation, preparation for examination began before the patients' arrival. The patient quickly underwent contrast‐enhanced brain CT after arrival. If indicated, thrombolysis was started immediately, and the stroke treatment team began thrombectomy preparation. The cohort was dichotomized according to the period, the first term group and the second term group, and the time courses and outcomes were examined.ResultsA total of 33 patients (21 men, median age 76 years) were enrolled in the study, of whom 12 were in the second term group. Regarding the elapsed times, door to imaging, door to thrombolysis, door to puncture, and onset to reperfusion times were significantly shorter in the second term group.ConclusionThe protocol modification in our facility provided time savings.
Outcome and prognostication after cardiac arrest
Authors: Henson Theresa , Rawanduzy Cameron , Salazar Marco , Sebastian Adonai , Weber Harli , Al‐Mufti Fawaz , Mayer Stephan A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe outcome after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest has historically been grim at best. The current overall survival rate of patients admitted to a hospital is approximately 10%, making cardiac arrest one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The situation is improving with the incorporation of therapeutic temperature modulation, aggressive prevention of secondary brain injury, and improved access to advanced cardiovascular support, all of which have decreased mortality and allowed for better outcomes. Mortality after cardiac arrest is often the direct result of active withdrawal of life‐sustaining therapy based on the perception that neurological recovery is not possible. This reality highlights the importance of providing accurate estimates of neurological prognosis to decision makers when discussing goals of care. The current standard of care for assessing neurological status in patients with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy emphasizes a multimodal approach that includes five elements: (1) neurological examination off sedation, (2) continuous electroencephalography, (3) serum neuron‐specific enolase levels, (4) magnetic resonance brain imaging, and (5) somatosensory‐evoked potential testing. Sophisticated decision support systems that can integrate these clinical, imaging, and biomarker and neurophysiologic data and translate it into meaningful projections of neurological outcome are urgently needed.
Morphological diversity, evolution and biogeography of early Pleistocene rabbits (Genus Oryctolagus)
Authors: Pelletier Maxime 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe early Pleistocene is the key period for understanding the evolutionary history and palaeobiogeography of rabbits (Genus Oryctolagus). In western Europe, many species were endemic, making them a reliable indicator of the evolution of the terrestrial ecosystems in which many species have evolved. However, the morphological variability of rabbit species is still poorly understood and their phylogeny remains a subject of debate. Through both qualitative (morphological description) and quantitative (linear measurements and two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics) approaches, we address here the morphometric diversity of the third lower premolar (p3), a tooth commonly used to distinguish leporid species, in order to assess intra‐ and inter‐regional morphological variations in several early Pleistocene rabbit populations. Our results suggest that the different approaches are complementary and allow, on different levels, a full characterization of the p3 variability of early Pleistocene rabbits and to imply relations between populations. The size and shape variations of this tooth reflect the taxonomic and phylogenetic signals of the different species but were probably also significantly impacted by geographical position and local climatic conditions. In view of the great morphometric variability highlighted in this work, we suggest a careful reconsideration of certain dental criteria previously considered ‘diagnostic’ in the characterization of these species. However, the overall results allowed us to discuss the phylogeny of the genus Oryctolagus and to hypothesize the ecological requirements and different phases of the dispersal of taxa in western Europe, probably associated with global climate changes.
Determinants of the market choice and the consumers behavior on the Macedonian MTPL insurance market: Empirical application of the Markov chain model
Authors: Blazheska Angela , Ivanovski Igor 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMarkov chain models are widely used for capturing the switching behavior of economic agents and its impact on the prospective market developments in various industries. The aim of this paper is to analyze the customers' altered behavior on the Motor Third Party Liability Insurance market in Republic of North Macedonia for the period of 2016–2018, in a setting where the policy tariff rates are equal for all the Insurance providers, that is, prices are excluded as a factor of transition. For that purpose, a stationary, homogeneous, first‐order Markov Chain model is deployed to detect the flows and the reasoning behind the decisions for customers' transition across companies. This approach is applied for the first time on the Macedonian Insurance Market and the findings offer valuable information to many interested parties including policymakers, insurance providers, as well as researchers in the field.
The paradoxes of dairy farmers in Catalonia (Spain): Crisis and ‘double bind’
Authors: Barbeta‐Viñas Marc , Requena‐i‐Mora Marina 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe article analyses the crisis and ‘double bind’ situation to which Catalan dairy farmers find themselves subjected. Two contradictory commands are being imposed on them: ‘act as if nature does not matter and increase production because, otherwise, the abandonment of livestock activity threatens you’; and ‘reduce production and protect the environment to avoid an environmental catastrophe’. In the first part of the article, we study the socioeconomic crisis facing cattle farmers. In the second, we analyse farmers’ discourse on the matter as a ‘double bind’. Our conclusions indicate that in order to escape this paradoxical situation and gain some autonomy with respect to industry, farmers must establish a collective conscience and unite their interests: Although the path of producer cooperativism may be among the most realistic, it is not an easy one to follow.
A tomato NAC transcription factor, SlNAM1, positively regulates ethylene biosynthesis and the onset of tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Gao Ying , Fan Zhong‐Qi , Zhang Qiang , Li Hong‐Li , Liu Gang‐Shuai , Jing Yuan , Zhang Yi‐Ping , Zhu Ben‐Zhong , Zhu Hong‐Liang , Chen Jian‐Ye , Grierson Donald , Luo Yun‐Bo , Zhao Xiao‐Dan , Fu Da‐Qi 
Published: September 2021

SUMMARYFruit ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the result of selective expression of ripening‐related genes, which are regulated by transcription factors (TFs). The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) TF family is one of the largest families of plant‐specific TFs and members are involved in a variety of plant physiological activities, including fruit ripening. Fruit ripening‐associated NAC TFs studied in tomato to date include NAC‐NOR (non‐ripening), SlNOR‐like1 (non‐ripening like1), SlNAC1, and SlNAC4. Considering the large number of NAC genes in the tomato genome, there is little information about the possible roles of other NAC members in fruit ripening, and research on their target genes is lacking. In this study, we characterize SlNAM1, a NAC TF, which positively regulates the initiation of tomato fruit ripening via its regulation of ethylene biosynthesis. The onset of fruit ripening in slnam1‐deficient mutants created by CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR‐associated protein 9) technology was delayed, whereas fruit ripening in OE‐SlNAM1 lines was accelerated compared with the wild type. The results of RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) and promoter analysis suggested that SlNAM1 directly binds to the promoters of two key ethylene biosynthesis genes (1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase: SlACS2 and SlACS4) and activates their expression. This hypothesis was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of ethylene production and enrich understanding of the tomato fruit ripening regulatory network.
The RLK protein TaCRK10 activates wheat high‐temperature seedling‐plant resistance to stripe rust through interacting with TaH2A.1
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Wang Jingjing , Li Juan , Shang Hongsheng , Chen Xianming , Hu Xiaoping 
Published: September 2021

SUMMARYPlants sense various pathogens and activate immunity responses through receptor‐like kinases (RLKs). Cysteine‐rich receptor‐like kinases (CRKs) are involved in massive transduction pathways upon perception of a pathogen. However, the roles of CRKs in response to stripe rust are unclear. In the present study, we identified a CRK gene (designated TaCRK10) from wheat variety Xiaoyan 6 (XY6) that harbors high‐temperature seedling‐plant (HTSP) resistance to stripe rust caused by fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). The expression level of TaCRK10 was induced by Pst inoculation and high temperature treatment. Knockdown of TaCRK10 by virus‐induced gene silencing resulted in attenuated wheat HTSP resistance to Pst, whereas there is no effect on Pst development and host responses under normal temperatures. Notably, overexpression of TaCRK10 in susceptible variety Fielder provided resistance only under normal temperatures at 14 days with reactive oxygen species accumulation and defense‐related gene expression of the salicylic acid pathway. Moreover, TaCRK10 physically interacted with and phosphorylated a histone variant TaH2A.1, which belongs to the H2A.W group. Silencing of TaH2A.1 suppressed wheat resistance to Pst, indicating that TaH2A.1 plays a positive role in wheat resistance to Pst. Thus, TaCRK10 serves as an important sensor of Pst infection and high temperatures, and it activates wheat resistance to Pst through regulating nuclear processes. This knowledge helps elucidate the molecular mechanism of wheat HTSP resistance to Pst and promotes efforts in developing wheat varieties with resistance to stripe rust.
Transcription factor OsbZIP49 controls tiller angle and plant architecture through the induction of indole‐3‐acetic acid‐amido synthetases in rice
Authors: Ding Chaohui , Lin Xianhui , Zuo Ying , Yu Zhilin , Baerson Scott R. , Pan Zhiqiang , Zeng Rensen , Song Yuanyuan 
Published: September 2021

SUMMARYTiller angle is an important determinant of plant architecture in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Auxins play a critical role in determining plant architecture; however, the underlying metabolic and signaling mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, we have identified a member of the bZIP family of TGA class transcription factors, OsbZIP49, that participates in the regulation of plant architecture and is specifically expressed in gravity‐sensing tissues, including the shoot base, nodes and lamina joints. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsbZIP49 displayed a tiller‐spreading phenotype with reduced plant height and internode lengths. In contrast, CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of OsbZIP49 resulted in a compact architecture. Follow‐up studies indicated that the effects of OsbZIP49 on tiller angles are mediated through changes in shoot gravitropic responses. Additionally, we provide evidence that OsbZIP49 activates the expression of indole‐3‐acetic acid‐amido synthetases OsGH3‐2 and OsGH3‐13 by directly binding to TGACG motifs located within the promoters of both genes. Increased GH3‐catalyzed conjugation of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in rice transformants overexpressing OsbZIP49 resulted in the increased accumulation of IAA‐Asp and IAA‐Glu, and a reduction in local free auxin, tryptamine and IAA‐Glc levels. Exogenous IAA or naphthylacetic acid (NAA) partially restored shoot gravitropic responses in OsbZIP49‐overexpressing plants. Knockout of OsbZIP49 led to reduced expression of both OsGH3‐2 and OsGH3‐13 within the shoot base, and increased accumulation of IAA and increased OsIAA20 expression levels were observed in transformants following gravistimulation. Taken together, the present results reveal the role transcription factor OsbZIP49 plays in determining plant architecture, primarily due to its influence on local auxin homeostasis.
Sequence variants in the proximal promoter and +5.8‐kb site of ABO in Koreans with weak B phenotypes
Authors: Yu HongBi , Kim Tae Yeul , Moon Sue Jin , Chung Yoo Na , Yoo Hwa Jong , Kim Jeong Hoon , Cho Duck 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSeveral studies on Chinese and Japanese populations have revealed that a substantial proportion of weak B subgroups are caused by variants in the major regulatory regions of ABO, the proximal promoter, CCAAT‐binding factor/NF‐Y binding site and +5.8‐kb site. We performed molecular analyses of these regions in Koreans with weak B phenotypes.Materials and MethodsThis study included 16 samples with weak B phenotypes (4 B3, 1 Bw, 5 A1B3 and 6 A1Bw) harbouring no subgroup‐causing variants in ABO exons 6 and 7. These samples were subjected to sequencing analysis of exons 1–5 and the major regulatory regions of ABO.ResultsOf the 16 samples, 14 were found to carry a sequence variant either in the proximal promoter (g.4991_5008del [n = 3]) or the +5.8‐kb site (g.10893G>A [n = 4] and g.10925C>T [n = 7]). The remaining two samples were found to contain no subgroup‐causing variants.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that sequence variants in the proximal promoter and +5.8‐kb site account for a substantial proportion of weak B subgroups in Koreans, suggesting that molecular analysis of these regions is essential for the accurate determination of ABO genotypes in Koreans with weak B phenotypes.