Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel stable QTLs identification for berry quality traits based on high-density genetic linkage map construction in table grape

Background Aroma, berry firmness and berry shape are three main quality traits in table grape production, and also the important target traits in grapevine breeding. However, the information about their genetic mechanisms is limited, which results in low accuracy and efficiency of quality breeding in grapevine. Mapping and isolation of quantitative trait locus (QTLs) based on the construction of genetic linkage map is a powerful approach to decipher the genetic determinants of complex quantitative traits. Results In the present work, a final integrated map consisting of 3411 SLAF markers on 19 linkage groups (LGs) with an average distance of 0.98 cM between adjacent markers was generated using the specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technique. A total of 9 significant stable QTLs for Muscat flavor, berry firmness and berry shape were identified on two linkage groups among the hybrids analyzed over three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. Notably, new stable QTLs for berry firmness and berry shape were found on LG 8 respectively for the first time. Based on biological function and expression profiles of candidate genes in the major QTL regions, 3 genes ( VIT_08s0007g00440 , VIT_08s0040g02740 and VIT_08s0040g02350 ) related to berry firmness and 3 genes ( VIT_08s0032g01110 , VIT_08s0032g01150 and VIT_08s0105g00200 ) linked to berry shape were highlighted. Overexpression of VIT_08s0032g01110 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants caused the change of pod shape. Conclusions A new high-density genetic map with total 3411 markers was constructed with SLAF-seq technique, and thus enabled the detection of narrow interval QTLs for relevant traits in grapevine. VIT_08s0007g00440 , VIT_08s0040g02740 and VIT_08s0040g02350 were found to be related to berry firmness, while VIT_08s0032g01110 , VIT_08s0032g01150 and VIT_08s0105g00200 were linked to berry shape.
C, N and P stoichiometric characteristics in leaves of Suaeda salsa during different growth phase in coastal wetlands of China

Aims Suaeda salsa is a typical species in coastal wetlands, and understanding change in its stoichiometric characteristics would help to assess its health status and target conservation efforts. We investigated which nutrient factor restricts its growth and proposed theories for protecting and managing coastal wetland by comparing the C, N and P stoichiometric characteristics of S. salsa in different growth periods. Methods We collected S. salsa leaves in different growth phases from June to November 2010 in Yancheng coastal wetlands, Jiangsu Province. The C, N and P contents of the leaves were measured. Data were analyzed by correlation analysis between N content and C:N and P content and C:P. N content and P content were also analyzed. Important findings Leaf C content of S. salsa had significant differences among three different growth phases, with the lowest in the growth phase and the highest in the decline phase. Leaf N content in the decline phase is significantly lower than in the mature and growth phases, and no significant difference of leaf P content was found. C:N and C:P were gradually increasing in the growth period while N:P showed a gradually decreasing trend. Correlation analysis indicated that C:N and C:P were negatively correlated with corresponding N, P content in three different phases. N content was positively linearly correlated with P content, indicating consistent demand of N and P by S. salsa. Furthermore, N is a restrictive factor for S. salsa in coastal wetlands during its growth and development.
Density Dependent Sex-reversal in Pink Shrimp, Pandalus Borealis, on the Scotian Shelf

On the Scotian Shelf, transition of P. borealis from male to female occurred at different sizes and ages, and could not be related to a minimum size, age, or number of instars. Our data do not show the positive relationship between density of older females and size at sex transition predicted by sex allocation theory. Size at transition was inversely related to density, which was attributed to density dependent growth affecting all stages. Density appears to become increasingly important as a factor determining growth as densities increase, while at low densities, other factors, including temperature, are also involved. We concluded that males have a growth related physiological threshold at which they are obligated to enter the transitional phase and that final maturation to the female is associated with a separate size related threshold. Transition is a growth phase that is extended in areas of early male maturation until the female threshold is attained. In warmer areas where the difference between male and female thresholds are great the benefits of protandry are decreased and the population may regress to the dioecious state, resulting in more Primary Females.
Interventional Radiological Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

© 2020 Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology | Published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth‐most common cancer worldwide and the fourth‐most common cause of death due to cancers. [1] Its incidence is steadily increasing, and the common etiological factors include hepatitis B and C, alcohol‐induced chronic liver disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. [2,3] Multiple staging systems have been proposed for classifying and guiding treatment decisions based on various factors which include tumor burden, background liver function, and performance status of the patients. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system [Figure 1] is the most widely accepted and followed worldwide. [4,5] However, certain authors have suggested that BCLC is too conservative in treatment recommendations and thus have advocated the usage of the Hong Kong Liver Cancer system [Figure 2]. [6]
Exploring Organizational Culture Regarding Provision and Utilization of Palliative Care in a Nigerian Context: An Interpretive Descriptive Study

Background: Palliative care (PC) continues to be underutilized in Nigeria, but there is a lack of studies that explore organizational cultural dynamics regarding PC in Nigeria. The study aimed to understand the organizational culture in order to identify organizational enablers and inhibitors of the provision and utilization of PC in a Nigerian context. Methods: Identification of the organizational culture was developed using a qualitative interpretive descriptive design. Cultural enablers and inhibitors were mapped out using semi-structured interviews with 38 participants, consisting of medical staff, patients, and their relatives. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyze patterns within the collected data. Results: Three themes were identified: cross-departmental collaborative practice, financial support practice, and continuity of care. The findings suggest that fundamental cultural changes, such as a policy for intradepartmental referral practices, telemedicine, and a welfare support system, are typically required as remedies for the failure to use PC in Nigeria and other similar contexts. Conclusions: This study offered a new understanding that not revealing deeper shared assumptions, and a shared way of thinking that underpins the PC practice within an organization, will have a negative bearing on organizational PC outcomes.
Impact of Applying Palliative Care on Symptoms and Survival of Patients with Advanced Chronic Disease Admitted to the Emergency Department

Introduction: In the emergency department, there is a need to provide palliative care; however, they are not usually administered. The present study evaluates the evolution of the intensity of the symptoms when applying palliative care, in adult patients with advanced chronic disease admitted to the emergency room, and compares survival between those who receive this care and those who do not. Materials and Methods: A clinical intervention study was conducted including patients older than 18 years with advanced chronic disease admitted to the emergency room with an indication of palliative support according to the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool 2015. Three hundred and seven patients were studied (74 in the intervention group and 233 in the group not intervened). In the intervention group, the intensity of pre- and postintervention symptoms was compared (Wilcoxon test). The survival of both the groups were then compared (logrank test). Results: There was a significant decrease in pain and dyspnea at 24 and 48 h postintervention (P < 0.01), respectively, while drowsiness increased significantly at 24 h (P < 0.01) but did not change at 48 h (P = 0.38). Excluding patients with better functional status, there was less survival at 3 months in the intervention group (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Dyspnea and pain decreased with the application of palliative care but not drowsiness. Survival in the intervention group was lower than in the nonintervention group. However, the reason for providing palliative care is to relieve suffering at the end of life.
Death Attitudes as Possible Predictors of Death Preparedness across Lifespan among Nonclinical Populations in Nairobi County, Kenya

Context: Death is an important part of lifespan development, yet it remains trivialized or feared across many cultures. The perpetuation of death as a taboo subject continues to negatively affect the society. Death anxiety inhibits death preparedness which could affect the quality of dying. The pool of unclaimed assets held by different organizations continues to increase, intestate deaths remain high, and post death conflicts continue to affect many families. Aims: This study intended to examine death attitudes as possible predictors of death preparedness and explore the rationale for various death attitudes across lifespan in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: The study adopted the mixed-methods explanatory sequential research design combining cross-sectional and phenomenological designs. The study targeted young adults, middle-aged adults, and seniors with a sample of 335 participants selected using multistage, stratified, and extreme case sampling designs. Data were collected using the Death Attitude Profile-Revised and interview guides. Analysis: Data were analyzed using univariate and thematic analyses. Results: The findings indicated that negative death attitudes declined with increase in age, whereas positive death attitudes increased with increase in age. Some of the reasons for negative death attitudes included threatening dying process, unfulfilled life goals, fear of hell, unresolved past deaths, and families with young children among others. The reasons for positive death attitude included reuniting with deceased loved ones and peers, meeting the creator, and end to a prolonged miserable life and fulfilled past life. Conclusion: This study implies that mental health practitioners need to target younger adults with death education programs to promote death preparedness and quality dying. For the older adults, addressing life regrets, family conflicts, and past unresolved deaths would significantly improve the quality of dying.
Cerebral Sinus Venous Thrombosis in Indian Pediatric Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome

Abstract Background Cerebral sinus venous Thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, with an incidence rate ranging from 1.1% to 2.9%. Steroids and L-asparaginase (LASP) are the major risk factors. Methods The aim of this study was to find the incidence rate and risk factors for CSVT in our patients. Ninety-two pediatric ALL diagnosed and treated with ALL-Berlin–Frankfurt–Munster-95 protocol over a period of 5 years (2013–2017) were the subject of the study. Six (6.5%) patients developed CSVT during their therapy and were further analyzed. Results Six (five males and one female) patients had a CSVT event. The mean age at presentation was 13.5 ± 4.1 years. CSVT event occurred during the induction/re-induction phase of chemotherapy. The superior sagittal sinus was the most frequent site of thrombosis. The timing of CSVT was related to using of LASP and steroids. High-risk disease was associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Infection and dehydration were other important risk factors. No association was observed between the risk of CSVT and age, sex, immunophenotype, and white blood cell count. All the patients were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin and one patient developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. No death occurred due to CSVT. Conclusions The Incidence of CSVT was 6.5% in our study which is significantly high but comparable with studies from other Asian countries. It is, therefore, important to be vigilant for the detection of CSVT during treatment of ALL and initiate the appropriate treatment to prevent adverse events.
Venetoclax – The Game-changer in Hematology

Abstract The introduction of small molecule inhibitors in many hematological malignancies made a landmark achievement in this field with a dramatic change in the survival outcome. Venetoclax is a B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibitor which has become the game-changer molecule in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. This review is intended to summarize the mechanism of action, side effects, dosage, and different phases of clinical trials of this drug with review of literature.
Relationship between Human Novel Gene LAPTM4B Polymorphism and Susceptibility of Lymphoma

Objective To investigate the possible association between the allelic variation of LAPTM4B and the genetic susceptibility of lymphoma.Methods The genotype of LAPTM4B was analyzed in 350 unrelated healthy adult individuals and 166 patients with lymphoma by utilizing polymerase chain reaction based on special primers.The genotypical distribution of LAPTM4B was analyzed by χ2 test.Results The allelic frequencies of the 2 were 34.94% and 24.14% in the lymphoma group and the healthy control group respectively,which was significantly different between the two groups(P0.001). The risk of suffering from gastric cancer was increased 1.475 times in the individuals of the 1/2 genotype(95%CI:0.994-2.189)and 3.532 times in the individuals of the 2/2 genotype of LAPTM4B(95%CI:1.802-6.923)compared with the 1/2 genotype.No association between the genotypical distribution of LAPTM4B and the clinical information on patients of lymphoma such as age,gender,pathological type,differentiation classification of TNM,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),β2-MG and infection of HBV.Conclusion The allele 2 of LAPTM4B might be the risk factor of lymphoma,which could be associated with genetic susceptibility of lymphoma.
The speciation and bioavailability of heavy metals pollutants in soil along highway in Erdos

The concentration and speciation of heavy metals and pH in soil along the highway were analyzed for assessing their bioavailability and potential ecological risk in Erdos. The results indicated that valid state percentage of heavy metal in soil followed the order of Zn Pb Ni、Cr Cu whereas the heavy metals concentration in plants followed another order of Zn Cu Ni、Cr、As、Pb Cd Hg, suggesting that there was not consistency between concentration and speciation of heavy metals in soil. The valid state percentage of heavy metal in soil of three various roads were 15.7%~46.1%, 8.0%~40.9% and 9.1%~33.9%, respectively. The higher organic state and Fe-Mn oxygenation speciation were dominant. A higher Cu concentration was observed in different organs of different plants. These might be implied that there was Cu accumulation in plants due to their physiological function such as transpiration, water and nutrient transportation. The higher valid state and lower rudimental percentage of Zn in soil implied that it should be paid attention to potential effects of heavy metals on regional ecosystem.
The Relationship between “Self-Care Ability” and Psychological Changes among Hemodialysis Patients

Aim: The study investigates and analyzes the relationship among the concepts of demoralization, posttraumatic growth, and self-care ability in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted in 2017 on 150 hemodialysis patients selected through census in Buali Hospital, Ardabil, Iran. Demoralization scale, the posttraumatic growth inventory, and self-care questionnaire were used for cross-sectional data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The mean and standard deviation of demoralization, posttraumatic growth, and self-care were 36.25 ± 18.84, 63.17 ± 17.71, and 33.89 ± 6.40, respectively. Self-care ability was positively associated with posttraumatic growth (r = 0.287) and negatively related to demoralization (r = −0.168). Self-care ability was also found to be desirable in 84.7% of the patients. Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients can experience both positive and negative psychological changes. Self-care ability is associated with reductions in negative psychological problems and increases in positive psychological changes. Health-care providers can, therefore, help hemodialysis patients to improve their psychological conditions by making plans for improving self-care abilities.
Vitamin D, lung functions, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Quod non erat demonstrandum

1. The population recruited in this study seems to be a “heterogeneous” one as the following questions beg to be answered: • Were COPD patients with exacerbation also included? • Were included patients admitted for respiratory or only nonrespiratory causes? • The exclusion criteria as mentioned by the authors included “hemodynamically unstable patients” but were the patients critically ill? Low 25(OH) Vitamin D is known to be associated with various disease processes apart from COPD, e.g., sepsis[2] • As 82% of COPD cases had neutrophilic leukocytosis, it might imply that patients with active infection were also included in the study? • Were cases and controls on Vitamin D? And if yes for what duration? – as it can potentially confound the results.
Comparison of spray catheter with “spray-as-you-go” technique for airway anesthesia during flexible bronchoscopy – A randomized trial

Background: Administration of local airway anesthesia is the principal determinant of procedural comfort during flexible bronchoscopy. However, the ideal method of administration is still unknown. In this study, we compared lignocaine administration using a spray catheter (SC) with “spray-as-you-go” technique. Methods: Patients undergoing bronchoscopy were randomized to receive airway anesthesia with 2% lignocaine through the SC (SC group) or “spray-as-you-go” technique through the working channel (WC group). The primary outcome parameter was cough count, and the secondary outcome parameters compared were need for sedation, operator-rated procedural satisfaction and cough, and patient-rated comfort on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: One hundred and thirty patients were randomized with comparable baseline parameters. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) cough count was 28 (19, 37) in the WC group and 15 (9, 23) in the SC group (P < 0.001). Requirement for sedation was lower in the SC group (5 vs. 18; P = 0.003). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) VAS score for operator-rated satisfaction was 66.5 (16.8) in the WC group and 80.6 (14.2) in the SC group; P < 0.001. The median (IQR) VAS score for operator-rated cough was 35 (23, 44) in the WC group and 18 (11, 28) in the SC group; P < 0.001. However, there was no difference in the patient-rated comfort VAS (mean [SD] of 66.4 [14.5] in the WC group and 69.9 [13.0] in the SC group; P = 0.07). Conclusion: Lignocaine instillation using the SC during bronchoscopy reduced cough, need for sedation, and improved operator satisfaction.
Evidence of Scatter in C-band Spatio-temporal Signals using Machine Learning Models

Signal propagating through free space in wireless communication is subject to additive noise by line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight objects in the propagation medium. This leads to a lot of interference and scattering due to multipath effects. This research work aims to identify such contributors in the propagation channel and characterize them based on their signal scattering property. A data-driven modelling approach is used in place of the traditional math-based modelling. K-means clustering along with other data interpretation methods were used to identify the scatterers. The scatterers are either characterized as absorbing or reflecting type based on the way the signal is affected. Five independent datasets using the C-band frequency were collected under laboratory conditions and used for the study. The ideal dataset from the manufacturer was used as the benchmark. The results identified the scatterers from the experimental dataset and enabled the estimation of their dimensions and material composition in laboratory conditions.
Natural history of human papillomavirus and vaccinations in men: A literature review

Infection with high‐risk (HR) genotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is necessary for and causative of almost all cervical cancers and their precursor condition, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. These conditions have been sharply reduced by cervical cytology screening, and a further decrease is expected because of the recent introduction of prophylactic HPV vaccinations. While significant attention has been given to gynecologic HPV disease, men can be affected by HPV‐related cancers of the anus, penis, and oropharynx. This literature review aims to address disparities in HPV‐related disease in men, and certain HR male subpopulations, compared with women.
Distributed Algorithm for Opportunistic Spectrum Access in Dynamic Ad Hoc Networks

The opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) algorithms allow secondary users (SUs) to exploit vacant channels with an aim to maximize overall spectrum utilization/throughput. The design of OSA algorithm is challenging for ad hoc networks due to lack of coordination among SUs and unknown channel statistics. It becomes even more challenging for the dynamic networks where the SUs can enter or leave the network any time without prior agreement. Most of the existing algorithms assume either prior knowledge of the number of SUs or need wideband sensing to sense all channels simultaneously to guarantee optimal channel allocation among SUs. Our goal in this paper is to develop distributed OSA algorithm for dynamic ad hoc networks that offers higher throughput without compromising on the number of SUs collisions. The proposed distributed algorithm is based on multi-player multi-arm bandit framework and they allow SUs to independently estimate the number of other SUs and channel statistics. We derive the upper bounds on the throughput loss (regret) and number of collisions. Exhaustive synthetic results and experimental results on universal software radio peripherals (USRP) based testbed validate our claims and superiority of the proposed algorithm.