bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State and situation of avian influenza in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Badra Rebecca , Abubakar Abdinasir , Tempia Stefano , Alam Noore , ElNaja Hala Abou , Kayali Ghazi , Khan Wasiq 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAvian influenza viruses have had a significant burden of disease on animal and public health in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In this review, we aimed at describing the state of avian influenza in the region from 2011 to 2021. We gathered information available through the peer‐reviewed scientific literature, public gene sequence depositories, OIE World Animal Health Information System platform, World Health Organization FluNet, Joint External Evaluation reports, and governmental, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and World Organization for Animal Health websites. We used an interdisciplinary perspective consistent with the One Health approach to perform a qualitative synthesis and making recommendations. Analysis showed that although avian influenza research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region has gained more attention during the last decade, it was limited to only few countries and to basic science research. Data highlighted the weakness in surveillance systems and reporting platforms causing underestimation of the actual burden of disease among humans and animals. Inter‐sectoral communication and collaboration for avian influenza prevention, detection, and response remain weak. Influenza surveillance at the human‐animal interface and the application of the One Health paradigm are lacking. Countries' animal health and public health sectors rarely publish their surveillance data and findings. This review suggested that surveillance at the human‐animal interface, research, and reporting capacities should be enhanced to improve understanding and control of avian influenza in the region. Implementing a rapid and comprehensive One Health approach for zoonotic influenza in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is recommended.
Separate or combined effects of soil compaction and/or drought on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and physiological traits of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids
Authors: Grzesiak Maciej T. , Maksymowicz Anna , Hura Katarzyna , Dziurka Kinga , Ostrowska Agnieszka , Grzesiak Stanisław 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn the natural environment, plants are subjected to simultaneous or sequential presence of various abiotic and/or biotic stresses, including soil compaction and soil drought. The effects of these stresses tested separately are relatively well understood, but still little is known about their simultaneous effects on plants. Our research involved four single hybrids of maize differing in their degree of susceptibility to soil compaction and drought. We investigated the effects of low and high soil compaction under optimal irrigation (LI, HI) and under three‐week long soil drought (LD, HD), on the gas exchange (Pn, E, gS, Ci) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F0, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm), total leaf area (LA), leaf greening (SPAD), leaf water deficit (WD), leaf water potential (ψ) and membrane injury (MI). The plants experiencing high soil compaction (HI) showed a decrease in all parameters of gas exchange (Pn, E, gS, Ci), leaf area (LA), leaf greening (SPAD) and the maximal quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) in comparison with plants growing in non‐compacted soil (LI). An increase was observed in the other fluorescence parameters, i.e., F0, Fm and Fv and leaf WD, ψ and MI in HI vs. LI variants. In the plants exposed to drought (LD, HD), the changes in the measured traits were greater, especially for the sensitive hybrids P‐8400 and NS‐3023, than for the plants from LI treatment. A significant interaction between the degree of stress susceptibility and relative trait change was observed for practically all of the measured features. Moreover, in the short recovery period after the end of drought, the measured traits in LD and HD plants did not fully return to the control level, especially in the case of the sensitive hybrids (P‐8400 NS‐3023). The physiological reaction of maize hybrids to soil compaction and/or soil drought indicated the genetically determined variability of tolerance to those stresses. Significant correlation between RTC and stress susceptibility indexes (S‐SI) provided suitable criteria for the hybrid selection. Also, our results showed the plasticity and capability of maize hybrids to respond to environmental conditions.
Dielectric polarizability of SiO2 in niobiosilicate glasses
Authors: Gerace Katy S. , Lanagan Michael T. , Mauro John C. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms contributing to dielectric properties of glasses is critical for designing new compositions for microwave frequency applications. In this work, dielectric permittivity was measured using a cavity perturbation technique at 10 GHz for a series of niobiosilicate glasses with the compositions (100‐2x)SiO2‐ xNb2O5‐ xLi2O where x = 32.5, 30, 25, and 15 mol%. Permittivity measurements and glass compositions were used to calculate the polarizability of each cation‐anion unit in the glass network using the Clausius‐Mossotti equation. The SiO2 polarizability in niobiosilicates was calculated to be 6.16 Å3, which is much higher than the SiO2 polarizability in fused silica glass (5.25 Å3), alkali modified silicates (5.37 Å3), and aluminosilicates (5.89 Å3). The increasing trend in SiO2 polarizability is attributed to the disruption in the connectivity of the SiO4 tetrahedral network as it accommodates different network formers. The high SiO2 polarizability of 6.16 Å3 accurately predicts measured dielectric permittivity when Nb2O5 = 25, 30, and 32.5 mol%, but overpredicts measured permittivity when Nb2O5 ≤ 15 mol%, which is attributed to a decrease in SiO2 polarizability as the percentage of corner sharing SiO4 tetrahedra with NbO6 octahedra goes down. This work demonstrates that SiO2 polarizability depends on chemistry and connectivity of the glass, which has important implications in designing glass compositions for microwave frequency applications.
Defining practice variation and exploring influencing factors on needs assessment in home care nursing: A Delphi study
Authors: Van Dorst Johanna (Jose) Isabella Elisabeth , Schwenke Marit , Bleijenberg Nienke , De Jong Judith Daniëlle , Brabers Adriana (Anne) Elisabeth Maria , Zwakhalen Sandra M. G. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimTo describe a Delphi study regarding practice variation in needs assessment by Dutch home care nurses, to define practice variation in home care nursing and explore which factors may have a role in this needs assessment.DesignA Delphi study was conducted with the participation of home care representatives.MethodA Delphi questionnaire was developed, preceded by literature research and an expert meeting. The Delphi study took place between December 2020 and February 2021. The goal was to achieve a consensus level of at least 70%.ResultsAfter three rounds, 32 experts reached a consensus about definitions regarding variation in needs assessment, warranted and unwarranted variation. In total, 59 factors were determined related to (1) the client and health, (2) the clients' context, (3) nurses and (4) the nurses' context. Thirty‐four factors scored warranted of influence and 18 (of 34) were client related. Most of the factors that scored unwarranted influencing needs assessment (17 of 26) were related to the home care nurses' context.ConclusionHaving a consensus about the definition of practice variation in needs assessment and possible influencing factors support the professionals to discuss and improve the unity and quality of their decision‐making process in home care. This may contribute to more righteous care for clients in need of home care.ImpactSince 2015, home care nurses in the Netherlands are responsible for determining the amount, type and duration of care for clients in need of home care. This so‐called needs assessment legitimizes the payment by health insurers. Signals of practice variation in needs assessment are heard in home care field. Although practice variation may be justified, it can lead to over or underuse of care, which may affect clients' outcomes. If we can identify influencing factors and find patterns that contribute to practice variation, we might gain a better understanding of the process and improve home care.Patient or public contributionIn this study, there was no patient or public involvement. Client representatives were included in this research as experts in the home care field, and they participated in three rounds of the Delphi study. They contributed by sharing their expert opinion on the definitions presented and the factors possibly influencing needs assessment.
AtMAC stabilizes the phragmoplast by crosslinking microtubules and actin filaments during cytokinesis
Authors: Du Pingzhou , Liu Yu , Deng Lu , Qian Dong , Xue Xiuhua , Yang Ting , Li Tonghui , Xiang Yun , Ren Haiyun 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe phragmoplast, a structure crucial for the completion of cytokinesis in plant cells, is composed of antiparallel microtubules (MTs) and actin filaments (AFs). However, how the parallel structure of phragmoplast MTs and AFs is maintained, especially during centrifugal phragmoplast expansion, remains elusive. Here, we analyzed a newArabidopsis thalianaMT and AF crosslinking protein (AtMAC). When AtMAC was deleted, the phragmoplast showed disintegrity during centrifugal expansion, and the resulting phragmoplast fragmentation led to incomplete cell plates. Overexpression of AtMAC increased the resistance of phragmoplasts to depolymerization and caused the formation of additional phragmoplasts during cytokinesis. Biochemical experiments showed that AtMAC crosslinked MTs and AFsin vitro, and the truncated AtMAC protein, N‐CC1, was the key domain controlling the ability of AtMAC. Further analysis showed that N‐CC1(51–154) is the key domain for binding MTs, and N‐CC1(51–125) for binding AFs. In conclusion, AtMAC is the novel MT and AF crosslinking protein found to be involved in regulation of phragmoplast organization during centrifugal phragmoplast expansion, which is required for complete cytokinesis.
Adherence to 24‐h movement guidelines among Chinese children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Xu W. H. , Wang L. J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundMeeting 24‐h movement guidelines for children and adolescents has been associated with improved health indicators. However, the literature examining adherence to 24‐h movement guidelines among Chinese children and adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) remains lacking. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of meeting the 24‐h movement guidelines and its socio‐demographic correlates for this population.MethodsThe sample includes 319 Chinese students with ID. Accelerometers are used to measure moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity time and sleep duration. Questionnaires are adopted to measure screen time (ST) and demographic factors. Associations among socio‐demographic factors, body mass index and 24‐h movement are analysed by using multivariable logistic regressions.ResultsThe proportions of participants who meet none, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, ST, sleep duration and all three recommendations are 8.15%, 33.54%, 54.23%, 75.55% and 17.55%, respectively. In general, multivariable logistic regression analysis indicates that older participants are less likely to meet the ST guidelines [odds ratio (OR): 0.931; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.869–0.998] and more likely to meet the sleep guidelines (OR: 1.106; 95% CI: 1.016–1.204) than younger individuals. Participants with moderate ID are less likely to meet the sleep guidelines (OR: 0.345; 95% CI: 0.140–0.850) than those with profound ID. Individuals from families with middle‐income (OR: 0.434; 95% CI: 0.226–0.836) and high‐income (OR: 0.219; 95% CI: 0.080–0.605) levels were less likely to meet the physical activity guidelines than those from low‐income families. Furthermore, participants from high‐income families were less likely to meet ST (OR: 0.426; 95% CI: 0.187–0.969) and all three movement guidelines (OR: 0.083; 95% CI: 0.010–0.659) than those in the low household income groups.ConclusionsInterventions that improve the health‐related behaviours of children and adolescents with ID are needed, particularly those that target their increased engagement in physical activity.
Long‐term health‐related quality of life of total hip arthroplasty patients and cost‐effectiveness analysis in the Japanese universal health insurance system
Authors: Yakushiji Kanako , Fujita Kimie , Tabuchi Yasuko , Matsunaga‐Myoji Yuriko , Tanaka Satomi , Mawatari Masaaki 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimTotal hip arthroplasty can effectively improve patients' motility with end‐stage osteoarthritis. This study aimed to: (1) compare gradual changes in utility values with total hip arthroplasty and estimated values without; (2) evaluate total hip arthroplasty cost‐effectiveness; and (3) evaluate cost‐effectiveness by age, diagnosis, and comorbidity.MethodsPatients who underwent total hip arthroplasty between January 2008 and December 2009 were included. Patients completed the EuroQol preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years postoperatively. To derive the quality‐adjusted life years gained, a utility score was obtained from the EuroQol item scores and combined with 7 years, and estimates were obtained by discounting the postoperative 1‐year utility value at an annual rate of 2%–4%. Mixed‐effects regression models were used to compare the estimated and the measured utility values.ResultsMean total cost was 1,921,849 yen, and quality‐adjusted life years gain score was 1.746 with per cost as 1,100,715 yen. Compared with actual measurements, the estimated values from 1 to 7 years post‐surgery differed significantly, and interaction was observed. Regarding age, the older the patient, the higher the cost per quality‐adjusted life years. Patients with lower preoperative physical function had higher quality‐adjusted life years gains, while the cost per quality‐adjusted life years was lower.ConclusionsTotal hip arthroplasty was cost‐effective. Compared with actual measurements, the estimated utility values from 1 to 7 years post‐surgery significantly differed. Even among older patients and those with impaired preoperative physical functions, its cost was lower than patients' willingness to pay in Japan.
Modeling Corporate Bond Returns
Authors: KELLY BRYAN , PALHARES DIOGO , PRUITT SETH 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTWe propose a conditional factor model for corporate bond returns with five factors and time‐varying factor loadings. We have three main empirical findings. First, our factor model excels in describing the risks and returns of corporate bonds, improving over previously proposed models in the literature by a large margin. Second, our model recommends a systematic bond investment portfolio whose high out‐of‐sample Sharpe ratio suggests that the credit risk premium is notably larger than previously estimated. Third, we find closer integration between debt and equity markets than found in prior literature.
Potential mechanism for hyperhomocysteinemia in Greyhound dogs
Authors: Johnson Kelsey L. , Tiedeman Torrey , Peterson Hannah , Steiner Joerg M. , Trepanier Lauren A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundGreyhounds have been reported to have hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC), but the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications are unclear.HypothesisOur primary aim was to assess serum concentrations of homocysteine (HCy) and related analytes in Greyhounds and to identify a likely metabolic pathway for HHC. A secondary aim was to determine whether HHC is associated with evidence of oxidative stress.AnimalsHealthy pet Greyhounds (n = 31) and non‐sighthound control dogs (n = 15).MethodsAnalysis of serum HCy, cobalamin, folate, and methionine, and plasma cysteine, glutathione, and total 8‐isoprostane concentrations.ResultsHomocysteine concentrations were higher in Greyhounds (median, 25.0 μmol/L) compared to controls (13.9 μmol/L; P < .0001). Cobalamin concentrations were lower in Greyhounds (median, 416 ng/L) compared to controls (644 ng/L; P = .004) and were inversely correlated with HCy (r = −0.40, P = .004). Serum concentrations of folate, which is regenerated when HCy is converted to methionine, also were inversely correlated with HCy (r = −0.47, P = .002). Serum methionine concentrations were more than 4‐fold lower in Greyhounds (median, 3.2 μmol/L) compared to controls (median, 15.0 μmol/L), but this difference was not significant (P = .3). Plasma cysteine, glutathione, and 8‐isoprostane concentrations did not differ significantly between groups.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOur findings suggest a primary defect in conversion of HCy to methionine in Greyhounds, with related impaired folate generation. Ineffective cycling by methionine synthase could lead to secondary cobalamin depletion. Notably, low serum folate and cobalamin concentrations can be observed in Greyhounds without signs of intestinal disease.
Detrimental role of SIX1 in hepatic lipogenesis and fibrosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gao Xiaoliang , Chu Yi , Wang Weijie , Li Wenjiao , Zhang Wenyao , Cao Jiayi , Fu Xin , Liu Hui , Chen Di , Fan Daiming , Nie Yongzhan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. Aberrant lipid metabolism and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins are hallmarks of the disease, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the key role of sine oculis homeobox homologue 1 (SIX1) in the development of NAFLD.MethodsAlb‐Cre mice were administered the AAV9 vector for SIX1 liver‐specific overexpression or knockdown. Metabolic disorders, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation were monitored in mice fed with HFHC or MCD diet. High throughput CUT&Tag analysis was employed to investigate the mechanism of SIX1 in diet‐induced steatohepatitis.ResultsHere, we found increased SIX1 expression in the livers of NAFLD patients and animal models. Liver‐specific overexpression of SIX1 using adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) provoked more severe inflammation, metabolic disorders, and hepatic steatosis in the HFHC or MCD‐induced mice model. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that SIX1 directly activated the expression of liver X receptor α (LXRα) and liver X receptor β (LXRβ), thus inducing de novo lipogenesis (DNL). In addition, our results also illustrated a critical role of SIX1 in regulating the TGF‐β pathway by increasing the levels of type I and II TGF‐β receptor (TGFβRI/TGFβRII) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Finally, we found that liver‐specific SIX1 deficiency could ameliorate diet‐induced NAFLD pathogenesis.ConclusionOur findings suggest a detrimental function of SIX1 in the progression of NAFLD. The direct regulation of LXRα/β and TGF‐β signalling by SIX1 provides a new regulatory mechanism in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
Behavioural activity pattern, genetic factors, and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A prospective study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Ge Xinyuan , Wang Xiao , Yan Yuqian , Zhang Lu , Yu Chengxiao , Lu Jing , Xu Xin , Gao Jiaxin , Liu Maojie , Jiang Tao , Ke Bibo , Song Ci 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground & AimsPhysical activity, sedentary behaviour, and genetic variants have been associated with the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, whether and how the degree of healthy activity patterns may modify the impact of genetic susceptibility on NAFLD remains unknown.MethodsBehaviour activity factors were determined according to total physical activity (TPA) and sedentary time. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated by variants in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, and GCKR. Cox regression was used to analyse the associations of genetic and behaviour activity factors with incident NAFLD in the UK Biobank (N = 338 087).ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 12.4 years, 3201 incident NAFLD cases were ascertained. Analyses of TPA and sedentary time simultaneously showed a dose–response association with the risk of NAFLD (ptrend < .001). The association of behaviour activity patterns with NAFLD varied by genetic variants. Of the subjects with high genetic risk, we observed a null protective effect of moderate or high TPA on NAFLD risk, while sitting less than three hours a day significantly decreased the risk of NAFLD (p = 3.50 × 10−4). The high genetic risk of NAFLD can also be offset by the combination of moderate physical activity and shorter sedentary time. Moreover, the high genetic risk group has the greatest reduction of 10‐year absolute risk (6.95 per 1000 person‐years) if reaching both healthy activities.ConclusionsModerate‐to‐high physical activity and favourable sedentary behaviour may be lifestyle modifications in preventing NAFLD, which could offset the harmful effect of predisposing genetic factors.
Women's empowerment, children's nutritional status, and the mediating role of household headship structure: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Christian Aaron K. , Atiglo D. Yaw , Okyere Michael A. , Obeng‐Dwamena Akua , Marquis Grace S. , Jones Andrew D. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe aimed to examine the association between women's empowerment and childhood nutritional status while accounting for the mediating role of household headship structure. Cross‐country, cross‐sectional quantitative data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2015–2018) were used. Women's empowerment was measured as a composite index of participation in household decision‐making, attitude towards domestic violence, and asset ownership. Childhood nutrition status was measure as anaemia (haemoglobin concentration < 110g/L), stunting (height‐for‐age z‐scorescore <−2) and the co‐occurrence of anaemia and stunting. Applying the Lewbel two‐stage least squares, women's migration status was used as an instrumental variable. We used data on 25,665 woman‐child dyads from eight sub‐Saharan African countries: Burundi (2016), Ethiopia (2016), Guinea (2018), Malawi (2016), Mali (2018), Zimbabwe (2015), Uganda (2016), and Tanzania (2015). The women were in their reproductive ages (15–49 years) and children were under 5 years old. The findings showed that an increase in women's empowerment index reduces children's likelihood of being anaemic and having a co‐occurrence of anaemia and stunting [coeff (SE), −0.114 (0.025) and −0.072 (0.032), respectively]. Specifically, an increase in asset ownership or decision‐making dimensions of empowerment significantly reduces the likelihood of anaemia and the co‐occurrence of anaemia and stunting among children. Children of empowered women from male‐headed households were more likely to be anaemic and be concurrently anaemic and stunted compared to their counterparts whose mothers were from female‐headed households. Interventions designed to improve childhood nutrition through women's empowerment approaches need to consider asset ownership and instrumental agency of women while acknowledging the mediating effect of household headship typology.