bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NAL8 encodes a prohibitin that contributes to leaf and spikelet development by regulating mitochondria and chloroplasts stability in rice
Authors: Chen Ke , Guo Tao , Li Xin-Min , Yang Yi-Bing , Dong Nai-Qian , Shi Chuan-Lin , Ye Wang-Wei , Shan Jun-Xiang , Lin Hong-Xuan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Leaf morphology and spikelet number are two important traits associated with grain yield. To understand how genes coordinating with sink and sources of cereal crops is important for grain yield improvement guidance. Although many researches focus on leaf morphology or grain number in rice, the regulating molecular mechanisms are still unclear.

Results
In this study, we identified a prohibitin complex 2α subunit, NAL8, that contributes to multiple developmental process and is required for normal leaf width and spikelet number at the reproductive stage in rice. These results were consistent with the ubiquitous expression pattern of NAL8 gene. We used genetic complementation, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, RNAi gene silenced system and overexpressing system to generate transgenic plants for confirming the fuctions of NAL8. Mutation of NAL8 causes a reduction in the number of plastoglobules and shrunken thylakoids in chloroplasts, resulting in reduced cell division. In addition, the auxin levels in nal8 mutants are higher than in TQ, while the cytokinin levels are lower than in TQ. Moreover, RNA-sequencing and proteomics analysis shows that NAL8 is involved in multiple hormone signaling pathways as well as photosynthesis in chloroplasts and respiration in mitochondria.

Conclusions
Our findings provide new insights into the way that NAL8 functions as a molecular chaperone in regulating plant leaf morphology and spikelet number through its effects on mitochondria and chloroplasts associated with cell division.
Impact of transition in work status and social participation on cognitive performance among elderly in India
Authors: Chanda Srei , Mishra Raman 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionTransition to the oldage marks a change in work and social participation. Socio-economic and physical conditions arising from this change pose a risk for cognitive outcomes among the elderly. Gender shows different pathways to deal with the pattern of participation and to maintain cognitive health. In India, work participation in the oldage is an outcome of financial deprivations and lack of support. At the same time, alterations in social interactions can induce stress and precipitate cognitive decline in oldage. A dearth of studies in this domain motivates us to estimate the effect of change in work and social participation on cognitive performance of the elderly in the Indian context.MethodsThe study has used the cross-sectional data on 5212 elderly from the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGeing and adult health (Wave 1) (2007–08) in India. A composite score for cognition was generated. Interaction between gender, work status and social participation with respect to cognition was performed using multivariate linear regression. A linear prediction of the cognitive scores across all levels of social participation was post-estimated thereafter.ResultsThe study found that the elderly who were ‘presently working’ and showed ‘more’ social participation had a higher mean score for cognitive performance than their counterparts. Results of regression did not indicate any gender interaction with work or social participation. Participation in social activities ‘sometimes’ by those who were ‘retired’ or ‘presently working’ showed a positive and significant co-efficient with cognition among respondents. The post-estimated values for cognition specified that ‘retired’ and ‘presently working’ elderly had higher cognition scores. In the age group of 60–69 years, cognition scores were higher for those who were ‘retired’ and did ‘more’ social participation as compared to the other elderly.ConclusionCognitive aging is attenuated by higher participation in work and social activities. Adequate financial schemes or the pension system can protect the elderly from developing further stress. Retirement at an appropriate age, along with a reasonable amount of social participation, is a boon for cognitive wellbeing. Hence, building more support can contain the detrimental effect of participation restriction on cognitive outcome among elderly.
Genetic variants in CYP4F2 were significantly correlated with susceptibility to ischemic stroke
Authors: Wu Yuan , Zhao Junjie , Zhao Yonglin , Huang Tingqin , Ma Xudong , Pang Honggang , Zhang Ming 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a serious cardiovascular disease and is associated with several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, the role of Cytochrome P450 family 4 subfamily F member 2 (CYP4F2) gene in IS remains unknown. Our study aimed to explore whether CYP4F2 polymorphisms influenced IS risk in the Han Chinese population.

Methods
We selected 477 patients and 495 controls to do a case-control study, and five SNPs in CYP4F2 gene were successfully genotyped. And we evaluated the associations using the Chi-squared test, independent sample t test, and genetic models analyses. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
In this study, rs12459936 and rs3093144 were associated with IS risk in the overall. After stratified analysis by age (> 61 years), rs3093193 and rs3093144 were related to an increased risk of IS, whereas rs12459936 was related to a decreased risk of IS. In addition, we found that three SNPs (rs3093193, rs3093144 and rs12459936) were associated with the susceptibility to IS in males. We also found five SNPs in the CYP4F2 gene had strong linkage.

Conclusions
Three SNPs (rs3093193, rs3093144 and rs12459936) in the CYP4F2 were associated with IS risk in a Chinese Han population. And, CYP4F2 gene may be involved in the development of IS.
Association between prodynorphin gene polymorphisms and opioid dependence susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chang-wang , Ma Min , Lu Wei-guang , Luo Ru-qin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Prodynorphin (PDYN) gene polymorphisms have been linked with opioid dependence (OD) with conflicting outcomes, the aim of this study is to synthesize the existing evidence of the association between PDYN polymorphisms and OD susceptibility.

Methods
Four databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Wanfang were retrieved for relevant studies before August, 2018. All identified studies were evaluated using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated to appraise the association. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results
A total of seven case-control studies with 3129 cases and 3289 controls were recruited in the meta-analysis. For rs910080, rs1997794, rs1022563, and rs2235749 polymorphisms of PDYN gene, there were six, four, five, and four studies eventually included, respectively. The findings indicated that rs910080 polymorphism was significantly correlated with OD among Asian population under allelic model (A vs. G, OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.62, P = 0.02, FDR = 0.05) and dominant model (AA+AG vs. GG, OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.04–1.51, P = 0.02, FDR = 0.05). However, rs1022563, rs1997794 and rs2235749 polymorphisms did not appear to associate with OD susceptibility.

Conclusions
There existed a significant association between rs1022563 polymorphism and OD among Asian population. As the included studies were not adequate to guarantee a robust and convincing conclusion, future studies with larger sample size among more ethnicities are recommended.
Rationale and methods for a cross-sectional study of mental health and wellbeing following river flooding in rural Australia, using a community-academic partnership approach
Authors: Longman J. M. , Bennett-Levy J. , Matthews V. , Berry H. L. , Passey M. E. , Rolfe M. , Morgan G. G. , Braddon M. , Bailie R. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Climate change is associated with greater frequency, duration, intensity and unpredictability of certain weather-related events, including floods. Floods harm mental health. There is limited understanding of the mental health and well-being effects from river flooding, particularly over the longer term and in rural contexts. This paper describes the rationale, aims, objectives, study design and socio-demographic characteristics of the sample for a study measuring associations between flood experience and mental health and wellbeing of residents (particularly those most likely to be negatively impacted and hard to reach) in rural NSW Australia 6 months following a devastating flood in 2017. To our knowledge, the study is the first of its kind within Australia in a rural community and is an important initiative given the likelihood of an increasing frequency of severe flooding in Australia given climate change.

Methods
A conceptual framework (The Flood Impact Framework) drawing on social ecological approaches was developed by the research team. It was based on the literature and feedback from the community. The Framework describes putative relationships between flood exposure and mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Within a community-academic partnership approach, a cross-sectional survey was then undertaken to quantify and further explore these relationships.

Results
The cross-sectional survey was conducted online (including on mobile phone) and on paper between September and November 2017 and recruited 2530 respondents. Of those, 2180 provided complete demographic data, among whom 69% were women, 91% were aged 25–74, 4% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 9% were farmers and 33% were business owners.

Conclusions
The study recruited a wide range of respondents and the partnership facilitated the community’s engagement with the design and implementation of the study. The study will provide a basis for a follow-up study, that will aim to improve the understanding of mental health and wellbeing effects over the longer term. It will provide an important and original contribution to understanding river flooding and mental health in rural Australia, a topic that will grow in importance in the context of human-induced climate change, and identify critical opportunities to strengthen services, emergency planning and resilience to future flooding.
Alarming development of dual snus and cigarette usage among young Finnish males
Authors: Danielsson Maria , Lammi Anelma , Siitonen Simo , Ollgren Jukka , Pylkkänen Liisa , Vasankari Tuula 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The consumption of tobacco products has evolved to include more complex combinations of different products. We investigated the tobacco habits of a representative population of young Finnish male conscripts in order to evaluate the prevalence of dual use of cigarettes and snus as well as the transition from one tobacco product to another. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between the level of education and the use of cigarettes and snus.

Methods
A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in three out of 17 garrisons among conscripts during their first week of service in 2014. A total of 1971 male conscripts were selected by simple random sampling of the 9013 males in the selected garrisons. Of them 1916 participated and filled in the questionnaire. The response rate was 97.2%. The questionnaire consisted of 25 questions including age, gender, basic education, use of tobacco products as well as questions assessing nicotine dependency.

Results
The amount of dual users of cigarettes and snus was 21%. There was a higher probability of dual use of cigarettes and snus among smokers compared to snus users (p < 0.001). One third (35%) of former smokers reported daily snus use and over 40% of the former snus users smoked daily. One third (34%) of the participants reported snus usage and 14% of the study subjects used snus daily. 40% of the study population were smokers and over 25% smoked daily. Of the participants with basic educational background 57% smoked daily (p < 0.001), however, no association between snus and level of education was found (p = 0.69).

Conclusions
This study provides better understanding of the complex tobacco habits of young adult males. The simultaneous usage of multiple tobacco products as well as the high tendency to transition from one tobacco product to another should be taken into consideration when planning cessation interventions in health care settings and tobacco control policies at societal levels.
Does sexual behaviour of people with HIV reflect antiretroviral therapy as a preventive strategy? A cross-sectional study among outpatients in Kenya
Authors: Nkhoma Kennedy , Ahmed Aabid , Alli Zipporah , Sherr Lorraine , Harding Richard 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates early initiation of HIV treatment as a prevention strategy among people living with HIV. There is strong evidence for the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) as a preventive tool for HIV transmission. We aimed to determine the sexual behaviour of HIV outpatients and assess if it reflects the current preventive strategy for HIV transmission.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among adult (aged at least 18 years) patients with confirmed HIV diagnosis, and aware of their diagnosis, attending HIV outpatient care in Kenya. Data were gathered through self-report (using validated questionnaires) and file extraction. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the association between sexual risk taking behaviour controlling for gender, HIV clinical stage, HIV treatment status, Tuberculosis (TB) treatment status, and CD4 count.

Results
We recruited n = 400 participants (n = 280[70%] female gender). The mean age was 39.4 (SD = 9.9) years. The mean CD4 count was 393.7 (SD = 238.2) and ranged from 2 to 1470 cells/mm3. N = 61 (15.64%) were on TB treatment. The majority (n = 366, 91.5%) were on ART. Just over half (n = 202, 50.5%) reported having a sexual partner. Of these n = 33 (16.1%) reported having unprotected sexual intercourse with a person of unknown HIV status in the previous 3 months.
Multivariate analysis showed that participants not on ART (HIV treatment) were more likely to report unprotected sexual intercourse compared to those who were on ART (odds ratio .25, 95% CI .09 to .69; P = 0.007).
Participants at early stage of HIV infection (stages 1/2) were more likely to report unprotected sexual intercourse compared to participants at advanced HIV infection (stages 3/4) (odds ratio .34, 95% CI .13 to .92; P = 0.035). Males participants were more likely to be involved in sexual risk taking behaviours compared to female participants (odds ratio .36, 95% CI .16 to .82; P = 0.015). TB treatment status, and CD4 count were not significantly associated with sexual risk taking.

Conclusion
Participants not on ART have more unprotected sexual intercourse than those who are on ART. This calls for the need to scale up coverage and early ART initiation in order to reduce transmission of HIV.
Does body mass index affect restoration of femoral offset, leg length and cup positioning after total hip arthroplasty? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Al-Amiry Bariq , Pantelakis Georgios , Mahmood Sarwar , Kadum Bakir , Brismar Torkel B. , Sayed-Noor Arkan S. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
In obese patients, total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be technically demanding with increased perioperative risks. The aim of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on radiological restoration of femoral offset (FO) and leg length as well as acetabular cup positioning.

Methods
In this prospective study, patients with unilateral primary osteoarthritis (OA) treated with THA between September 2010 and December 2013 were considered for inclusion. The perioperative plain radiographs were standardised and used to measure the preoperative degree of hip osteoarthritis, postoperative FO, leg length discrepancy (LLD), acetabular component inclination and anteversion.

Results
We included 213 patients (74.5% of those considered for inclusion) with a mean BMI of 27.7 (SD 4.5) in the final analysis. The postoperative FO was improper in 55% and the LLD in 15%, while the cup inclination and anteversion were improper in 13 and 23% of patients respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model identified BMI as the only factor that affected LLD. Increased BMI increased the risk of LLD (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25). No other factors included in the model affected any of the primary or secondary outcomes.

Conclusion
Increased BMI showed a negative effect on restoration of post-THA leg length but not on restoration of FO or positioning of the acetabular cup. Age, gender, OA duration or radiological severity and surgeon’s experience showed no relation to post-THA restoration of FO, leg length or cup positioning.
Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ileum: case report and literature review
Authors: Lee Jong Eun , Hong Sung Hoon , Jung Hae Il , Son Myoung Won , Ahn Tae Sung , Han Sun Wook , Cho Jun Hun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) originating from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are rare and very highly malignant disease with a poor prognosis. Poorly differentiated NECs most commonly arise in the esophagus and the large bowel; however, they may occur within virtually any portion of the GI tract. It is known, however, that they do not typically occur in the small intestine.

Case report
A 21-year-old woman visited an emergency room with acute abdominal pain that commenced 2 days prior to her presentation. Thereafter, a computed tomography (CT) scan was notable for a small-intestine perforation, and huge masses were observed in the small intestine and the mesentery. The mass that was located at the ileum site is approximately 100 cm above the ileocecal (IC) valve, and while it is located on the anti-mesenteric border and it seems that luminal narrowing had occurred, an obstruction is absent. Also, a same-nature mass is on the mesentery. The pathologic reports confirmed a small-cell-type NEC with a mass size of 7.5 × 6.5 cm. The mitotic count is up to 24/10 high-power fields (HPFs), the results of the immunohistochemical stain are positive for CD56 and synaptophysin, and the Ki-67 level is 50%. %. After the operation, she was treated with Etoposide-Cisplatin (EP) chemotheraphy. Stable disease was seen during Etoposide-Cisplatin chemotheraphy. Liver metastasis was also confirmed after chemotheraphy. Additionally, Irinotecan and cisplatin were used for 3 cycles, but progression of disease, neutropenic fever, thrombocytopenia, general weakness persisted. Eventually, she died 1 year and 6 months after surgery.

Conclusion
Ileum-located NECs are diagnosed very rarely. The most common locations for these tumors along the GI tract are the esophagus and the large intestine, but they can arise anywhere. The prognosis for NECs is poor due to the metastatic disease of most patients at the time of diagnosis. The role of adjuvant treatment requires further evaluation for the attainment of a better understanding of the overall treatment effect.
Preferred, small-scale foraging areas of two Southern Ocean fur seal species are not determined by habitat characteristics
Authors: Wege Mia , de Bruyn P. J. Nico , Hindell Mark A. , Lea Mary-Anne , Bester Marthán N. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
To understand and predict the distribution of foragers, it is crucial to identify the factors that affect individual movement decisions at different scales. Individuals are expected to adjust their foraging movements to the hierarchical spatial distribution of resources. At a small local scale, spatial segregation in foraging habitat happens among individuals of closely situated colonies. If foraging segregation is due to differences in distribution of resources, we would expect segregated foraging areas to have divergent habitat characteristics.

Results
We investigated how environmental characteristics of preferred foraging areas differ between two closely situated Subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) colonies and a single Antarctic fur seal (A. gazella) colony that forage in different pelagic areas even though they are located well within each other’s foraging range. We further investigated the influence of the seasonal cycle on those environmental factors. This study used tracking data from 121 adult female Subantarctic and Antarctic fur seals, collected during summer and winter (2009–2015), from three different colonies. Boosted Regression Tree species distribution models were used to determine key environmental variables associated with areas of fur seal restricted search behaviour. There were no differences in the relative influence of key environmental variables between colonies and seasons. The variables with the most influence for each colony and season were latitude, longitude and magnitude of sea-currents. The influence of latitude and longitude is a by-product of the species’ distinct foraging areas, despite the close proximity (< 25 km) of the colonies. The predicted potential foraging areas for each colony changed from summer to winter, reflecting the seasonal cycle of the Southern Ocean. The model predicted that the potential foraging areas of females from the three colonies should overlap, and the fact they do not in reality indicates that factors other than environmental are influencing the location of each colony’s foraging area.

Conclusions
The results indicated that small scale spatial segregation of foraging habitats is not driven by bottom-up processes. It is therefore important to also consider other potential drivers, e.g. competition, information transfer, and memory, to understand animal foraging decisions and movements.
Perceptions of intercultural competence and institutional intercultural inclusiveness among first year medical students: a 4-year study
Authors: Malau-Aduli Bunmi S. , Ross Simone , Adu Mary D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study sought to examine the awareness/perception of intercultural competence and institutional intercultural inclusiveness among first year students at an Australian medical school over four consecutive years (2014–2017); to identify existing gaps in the curriculum and proffer recommendations.MethodsThe study employed an adapted 20-item questionnaire for data collection. The reliability and interrelations of the survey items were examined. Descriptive statistics was used to examine students’ perceptions, while Mann-U Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess items scores in relation to participant characteristics.ResultsOver the 4 years of study, there were 520 respondents with between 53 to 69% response rates per year. Cronbach’s alpha for the instrument was 0.88 and factor analysis showed all items loading strongly on two components. Participants’ mean score on self-reported intercultural competence levels ranged from 3.8–4.6 out of 5; indicating relatively high awareness, valuing and understanding of cultural differences among this group of students. However, their mean scores (3.4–4.2) for institutional intercultural inclusiveness were slightly lower.ConclusionThe instrument used in this study is effective in assessing level of intercultural competence among medical students. However, the results highlight the need for increased institutional support and professional development for faculty members to foster institutional intercultural inclusiveness.