bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Blood Pressure Variability is an Additional Cardiovascular Risk Factor
Authors: Rodionov A. V.
Published: February 2020

Blood pressure (BP) is a highly variable physiological indicator. Most people have BP changes within 40-50 mmHg during the day. Various external factors (from the patient’s position during BP measurement to poor adherence to therapy and abuse of short-acting antihypertensive drugs) affect the assessed indicators. Evaluation of the average daily, intra-visit, as well as long-term ("from visit to visit") BP variability is used in clinical practice. In the past twenty years a number of major studies demonstrated that increased BP variability is an independent prognostic factor that increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. The largest meta-analysis of 41 studies showed that an increase in long-term BP variability was associated with 15% and 18% increase in total and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. According to the IDHOCO project, the threshold coefficient of variation for day-today variability is >11.0/12.8. Different groups of antihypertensive drugs have an uneven effect on BP variability. Consistent data from ASCOT-BPLA, X-CELLENT and ACCOMPLISH studies indicate that among the main groups of antihypertensive drugs, calcium antagonists, mainly amlodipine, have the greatest potential for the variability reduction. A decrease in BP variability, as shown in a post-hoc analysis of CAMELOT and PREVENT studies, has a positive effect on the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Thus, the BP variability is an important indicator that reflects the prognosis in hypertensive patients. BP variability reduction can be considered as one of the independent goals of therapy. Calcium antagonists can be considered as first-line drugs for patients with high BP variability.
Veronica Strong-Boag. Liberal Hearts and Coronets: The Lives and Times of Ishbel Majoribanks Gordon and John Campbell Gordon, The Aberdeens.
Authors: Barber Marilyn
Published: February 2020

Review of Veronica Strong-Boag,  Liberal Hearts and Coronets: The Lives and Times of Ishbel Marjoribanks Gordon and John Campbell Gordon, The Aberdeens.
Gender, Resistance and Conformity in Early Modern Scotland, 1560-1650
Authors: Burns Ryan
Published: February 2020

The article claims that men and women in mixed marriages often subverted patriarchal norms when attempting to escape ecclesiastical censure in early modern Scotland. Ministers held husbands responsible for ensuring the conformity of their households, and they insisted that Protestant husbands bring their wives into the fold. These husbands then argued that they had no right to compel their wives in matters of conscience. Some even insisted that they had no control over their wives whatsoever. They were willing to appear failing in their patriarchal duties in order to protect their wives from the kirk, which was loath to interfere much further in marital relationships. Married women risked excommunication for their defiance, but local authorities were unable to confiscate any of their assets, which were held in trust by their husbands. Catholic women thus used the patriarchal assumptions of religious authorities as a means of undermining religious conformity.
Victoria Henshaw. Scotland and the British Army, 1700–1750: Defending the Union.
Authors: Bannerman Gordon
Published: February 2020

Review of Victoria Henshaw. Scotland and the British Army, 1700–1750: Defending the Union.
Digital Initiatives in Scottish Studies
Authors: Ewan Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

An introduction to the Digital Humanities Special Feature.
Integrating Reservoir Geomechanics with Multiple Fracture Propagation and Proppant Placement
Authors: Manchanda Ripudaman , Zheng Shuang , Hirose Sho , Sharma Mukul M.
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the formulation and results from a coupled finite-volume (FV)/finite-area (FA) model for simulating the propagation of multiple hydraulically driven fractures in two and three dimensions at the wellbore and pad scale. The proposed method captures realistic representations of local heterogeneities, layering, fracture turning, poroelasticity, interactions with other fractures, and proppant transport. We account for competitive fluid and proppant distribution between multiple fractures from the wellbore. Details of the model formulation and its efficient numerical implementation are provided, along with numerical studies comparing the model with both analytical solutions and field results. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for the comprehensive modeling of hydraulically driven fractures in three dimensions at a pad scale.
An Efficient Hybrid Model for 3D Complex Fractured Vuggy Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Liu Lijun , Huang Zhaoqin , Yao Jun , Di Yuan , Wu Yu-Shu
Published: February 2020

Fractured vuggy reservoir is a typical type of carbonate reservoir. The 3D complex fracture networks and Stokes flow inside vugs make fractured vuggy reservoir simulation remain a challenging problem. Most of the proposed models in previous studies are computation consuming, which cannot meet with the demand of field application. In this paper, a novel and efficient hybrid model, consisting of a modified embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) and a vug model, is proposed to simulate multiphase flow in 3D complex fractured vuggy reservoirs. The modified EDFM improves the fracture-discretization process by using two sets of independent grids for matrix and fracture systems, which promotes the modeling of 3D complex fractures in real geological structures. Meanwhile, the vug model simplifies the coupled porous-free flow with the assumption of multiphase instantaneous gravity differentiation. The accuracy of the modified EDFM and the vug model is demonstrated by comparing the results with those of the conventional EDFM and volume of fluid (VOF) method. After that, a series of case studies, including three conceptual fracture-vug unit models and a real field model, have been conducted to test the proposed hybrid model. The results of the three fracture-vug unit models indicate the significant effect of a local fracture-vug structure on the flow characteristics and production performance. Finally, the application with a real field model with 3D complex fracture and vug geometries further verifies the practicability of our proposed model in real fractured vuggy reservoirs.
Serum-to-urine renalase ratio and renalase fractional excretion in healthy adults and chronic kidney disease patients.
Authors: Serwin Natalia Maria , Wiśniewska Magda , Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Safranow Krzysztof , Skwirczyńska Edyta , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: February 2020

Background: Renalase is a flavoprotein that plays a protective role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular diseases. The secretion and way of action of this protein are still discussed. The aim of our study was to estimate the balance between serum and urine renalase in healthy individuals and CKD patients, using two parameters: fractional excretion (FE) and serum-to-urine renalase ratio (StURR). Methods: Our study involved 28 healthy volunteers and 62 patients with CKD in stages I to IV. The concentration of renalase in serum and urine was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (EIAab, Wuhan, China). We analyzed associations between renalase levels in urine and serum, and other parameters: sex, age, GFR, presence of hypertension, diabetes, and proteinuria, and determined the serum-to-urine renalase ratio and fractional excretion of renalase. Results: Renalase and serum-to-urine ratio were significantly higher in CKD patients in comparison with the control group. Fractional excretion was lower in CKD patients but this difference did not reach the statistical significance (p=0.092). Multivariate analysis performed in the CKD group showed, that from mentioned parameters, serum renalase was the only significant independent factor strongly positively associated with urinary renalase concentration. Conclusions: The serum-to-urine ratio is significantly and about 6.5-fold higher in CKD patients, and the fractional excretion of renalase is 3-fold, but not significantly lower in CKD patients. Renalase levels in both serum and urine are not related to glomerular filtration rate and not associated with blood pressure.
Effect of arsenic stress on 5-methylcytosine, photosynthetic parameters and nutrient content in arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris cretica (L.) var. Albo-lineata
Authors: Zemanová Veronika , Popov Marek , Pavlíková Daniela , Kotrba Pavel , Hnilička František , Česká Jana , Pavlík Milan
Published: February 2020

Background
Arsenic toxicity induces a range of metabolic responses in plants, including DNA methylation. The focus of this paper was on the relationship between As-induced stress and plant senescence in the hyperaccumulator Pteris cretica var. Albo-lineata (Pc-Al). We assume difference in physiological parameters and level of DNA methylation in young and old fronds as symptoms of As toxicity.
Results
The As accumulation of Pc-Al fronds, grown in pots of haplic chernozem contaminated with 100 mg As kg-1 for 122 days, decreased with age. Content of As was higher in young than old fronds. The highest As content was determined in old fronds of Pc-Al grown in pots with 250 mg As kg-1. The increase with age was confirmed for determined nutrients – Cu, Mg, Mn, S and Zn. A significant elevation of analysed nutrients was showed in old fronds. Arsenic accumulation affected DNA methylation status in fronds, but content of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) decreased only in old fronds of Pc-Al (from 25% to 12%). Determined photosynthetic processes showed a decrease of fluorescence, photosynthetic rate and chlorophylls of As treatments in young and old fronds. Water potential was decreased by As in both fronds. Thinning of the sclerenchymatous inner cortex and a reduction in average tracheid metaxylem in the vascular cylinder was showed in roots of As treatment. Irrespective to fronds age, physiological parameters positively correlated with a 5mC while negatively with direct As toxicity. Opposite results were found for contents of Cu, Mg, Mn, S and Zn.
Conclusions
The results of this paper point to changes in the metabolism of the hyperaccumulator plant Pc-Al, upon low and high exposure to As contamination. The significant impact of As on DNA methylation was found in old fronds. Irrespective to fronds age, significant correlations were confirmed for 5mC and As toxicity. Our analysis of the very low water potential values and lignification of cell walls in roots showed that transports of assimilated metabolites and water between roots and fronds were reduced. As was showed by our results, epigenetic changes could affect studied parameters of the As hyperaccumulator Pc-Al, especially in old fronds.
Adolescents’ Perception Of Dietary Behaviour In A Public School In Chile
Authors: Vio Fernando , Olaya Marcela , Yañez Marisol , Montenegro Edith
Published: February 2020

Background: The objective of this study was to assess dietary behavior among sixth- to eighth-grade students to inform the delivery and content of nutrition education. Methods: This was a qualitative study through focus groups. Subjects were 57 adolescents 10-14 years old, 30 males and 27 females distributed in six groups. To compare group responses, transcriptions were coded using the original question guide. The information was analyzed using the content analysis technique. Results: The main findings showed that adolescents knew dietary guidelines, but they consumed non-healthy food. They liked to cook but preferred fast food preparations. They increased fast food consumption on weekends and with friends. In utilization of Information Communication Technologies (ICT), all students had access to technology through mobile phones, tablets and computers and were open to have an interactive program with personal information about diet and behavior. Conclusions: Adolescents dietary behavior is not healthy and can be changed with interactive programs considering participation, personal information and utilizing ICT. Keywords: adolescents, community health promotion, dietary behavior, qualitative methods, focus groups
Measuring the Quality of Care in Nursing Home Residents with Early-onset Neurodegenerative Diseases: A scoping review
Authors: Heffels Joyce C.F. , Everink Irma H.J. , Oosterloo Mayke , Roos Raymund A.C. , Schols Jos M.G.A.
Published: February 2020

Background Nursing home residents with early-onset neurodegenerative diseases are often younger in comparison with other residents, and need different, often more complex care. Accordingly, the measurements currently used for measuring quality of care in nursing homes may not be suitable for use in this target group. Little is known about the experiences of these residents and of their (in)formal caregivers regarding the quality of care they receive. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to explore which instruments are available for measuring the quality of care for nursing home residents with early-onset neurodegenerative diseases (excluding dementia), from the perspective of the resident and of (in)formal caregivers. Methods A literature search was performed in the databases Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Cinahl. The search strategy consisted of four main concepts: neurodegenerative diseases, quality of care, nursing homes and perspectives of residents, (in)formal caregivers. Studies were included if they used instruments and/or strategies to measure quality of care, focused on nursing home residents with early-onset neurodegenerative diseases and the perspective of either the resident or (in)formal caregiver. Results From a total of 809 identified articles, 87 full text articles were screened for eligibility. Five studies were included, only one of which described an instrument. The other four used topic lists and/or themes to measure quality of care. In total, 60 items related to quality of care could be derived. From these 60 items, eight overarching domains were found, with a subdivision into items derived, respectively, from the residents’, informal and formal caregivers’ perspective: ‘emotional support’, ‘physical support’, ‘social support’, ‘care’, ‘care content’, ‘expertise’, ‘communication’ and ‘organization of care’. Conclusions Currently, there are no methods for assessing the quality of care specifically focused on nursing home residents with early-onset neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the items retrieved in this review give an overview of important topics for measuring the quality of care for this target group, from the perspective of the resident, and of the informal and formal caregivers. These items might be used to develop a tailored instrument for assessing the quality of care for nursing home residents with early-onset neurodegenerative diseases.
The efficacy of allograft bone using titanium mesh in the posterior-only surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Bingjin , Hua Wenbin , Ke Wencan , Zhang Yukun , Zeng Xianlin , Yang Cao
Published: February 2020

Background The bony fusion of allograft bone using titanium mesh in the posterior-only surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis has not been explained in detail. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of bony fusion of allograft bone using titanium mesh in the posterior-only surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods We treated 32 thoracic or thoracolumbar tuberculosis patients by one-stage posterior debridement, allograft bone graft using titanium mesh, posterior instrumentation, and fusion from May 2011 to September 2015. The American Spinal Injury Association neurological classification, visual analog scale, and Oswestry disability index scores were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final follow-up. The Cobb angles were recorded to evaluate the kyphosis correction and the loss of correction. The bony fusion was evaluated by X-ray and computed tomography images, and the bony fusion classifications were recorded. Results All patients had pain relief. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-response protein, and hepatorenal function were normal at final follow-up. The American Spinal Injury Association neurological classification, visual analog scale, and Oswestry disability index scores were improved in all the patients. All patients achieved bone fusion. Twenty-eight patients achieved complete fusion (Grade I), whereas only four patients achieved partial fusion (Grade II). The preoperative Cobb angle was 33.6±9.3°. The Cobb angle was reduced to 10.6±2.6° postoperatively and was found to be 11.4±3.1° at the final follow-up. The mean angle correction was 23.0±8.9°, and the correction rate was 66.2±12.2%. The mean angle lost was 0.8±0.9°, and the lost rate was 5.8±5.4% at the final follow-up. Conclusions Allograft bone using titanium mesh in the posterior-only surgical treatment is effective for patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. It can correct kyphosis, and most patients can achieve complete bony fusion.
Long-term survival trends in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy: a SEER cancer registry analysis
Authors: Hansen Ryan N , Zhang Yiduo , Seal Brian , Ryan Kellie , Yong Candice , Darilay Annie , Ramsey Scott D
Published: February 2020

Background: To evaluate the value of new therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is necessary to understand overall survival (OS) rates associated with previous standard therapies and how these rates have evolved over time.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients enrolled in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry. Adults with unresectable, stage III NSCLC treated with chemoradiotherapy were grouped by diagnosis year (2000–2002; 2003–2005; 2006–2008; 2009–2011; 2012–2013). The primary endpoint was OS (data cut-off, December 31, 2014), estimated using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Temporal survival-trend significance was tested using a two-sided log-rank trend test.

Results: Of 12,865 eligible patients, 59.1% were male, 59.9% had stage IIIB disease, and 62.7% had non-squamous histology. Median age at diagnosis was 67 years. Overall, 10,899 (84.7%) patients died and 1,966 (15.3%) were censored/lost to follow-up. Median follow-up (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 80 (77–82) months; median OS (95% CI) was 15 (15–16) months; 1- and 3-year survival probabilities (95% CI) were 57.7% (56.9–58.6) and 24.1% (23.3–24.8), respectively. Stratification by diagnosis year showed consistent improvements in survival over time ( p < 0.0001 for trend). Median OS was 12, 14, 15, 18, and 19 months in successive cohorts.

Conclusions: OS in patients diagnosed with unresectable, stage III NSCLC between 2003 and 2013 was consistent with that from clinical studies of sequential/concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Despite improvement over time, median OS was <2 years and mortality remained high during the first year post-diagnosis.
MetaCNV - a consensus approach to infer accurate copy numbers from low coverage data
Authors: Friedrich Stefanie , Barbulescu Remus , Helleday Thomas , Sonnhammer Erik LL
Published: February 2020

Background : The majority of copy number callers requires high read coverage data that is often achieved with elevated material input, which increases the heterogeneity of tissue samples. However, to gain insights into smaller areas within a tissue sample, e.g a cancerous area in a heterogeneous tissue sample, less material is used for sequencing, which results in lower read coverage. Therefore, more focus needs to be put on copy number calling that is sensitive enough for low coverage data. Results : We present MetaCNV, a copy number caller that infers reliable copy numbers for human genomes with a consensus approach. MetaCNV specializes in low coverage data, but also performs well on normal and high coverage data. MetaCNV integrates the results of multiple copy number callers and infers absolute and unbiased copy numbers for the entire genome. MetaCNV is based on a meta-model that bypasses the weaknesses of current calling models while combining the strengths of existing approaches. Here we apply MetaCNV based on ReadDepth, SVDetect, and CNVnator to real and simulated datasets in order to demonstrate how the approach improves copy number calling. Conclusions : MetaCNV, available at https://bitbucket.org/sonnhammergroup/metacnv , provides accurate copy number prediction on low coverage data and performs well on high coverage data.
“The Hardest Job You Will Ever Love”: Nurse Recruitment, Retention, and Turnover in the Nurse-Family Partnership Program in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Campbell Karen A , Borek Natasha Van , Marcellus Lenora , Landy Christine Kurtz , Jack Susan M
Published: February 2020

Background: Nurse turnover is a significant issue and complex challenge for all sectors of healthcare and is exacerbated by a global nursing shortage. Nurse-Family Partnership is a community health program for first-time pregnant and parenting girls and young women living in situations of social and economic disadvantage, delivered exclusively by public health nurses and only within a research context in Canada. The aim of this article is to explore and describe factors that contribute to recruitment, retention, and turnover of public health nurses delivering Nurse-Family Partnership in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Interpretive description was used to guide sampling, data collection and analytic decisions in this qualitative component drawn from the British Columbia Healthy Connections Project mixed methods process evaluation. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with 28 public health nurses who practiced in and then exited Nurse-Family Partnership. Results: Nurses were motivated to join this program because they wanted to deliver an evidence-based program for vulnerable young mothers that fit with their personal and professional philosophies and offered nurse autonomy. Access to program resources attracted nursing staff, while delivering a program that prioritizes maintaining relationships and emphasizes client successes was a positive work experience. Opportunities for ongoing professional development/ education, strong team connections, and working at full-scope of nursing practice were significant reasons for nurses to remain in Nurse-Family Partnership. Personal circumstances (retirement, family/health needs, relocation, career advancement) were the most frequently cited reasons leading to turnover. Other factors included: involuntary reasons, organizational and program factors, and geographical factors. Conclusions: Public health organizations that deliver Nurse-Family Partnership may find aspects of job embeddedness theory useful for developing strategies for supporting recruitment and retention and reducing nurse turnover. Hiring nurses who are the right fit for this type of program may be a useful approach to increasing nurse retention. Fostering a culture of connectivity through team development along with supportive and communicative supervision are important factors associated with retention and may decrease turnover. Many involuntary factors were specific to being in a study environment. Program, organizational, and geographical factors affecting nurse turnover are modifiable.
Feasibility of combining two individualized lung recruitment maneuvers at birth for very low gestational age infants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kanaan Zalfa , Bloch-Queyrat Coralie , Boubaya Marouane , Lévy Vincent , Bolot Pascal , Waszak Paul
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND Lung recruitment at birth has been advocated as an effective method of improving the respiratory transition at birth. Sustained inflations (SI) and dynamic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were assessed in clinical and animal studies to define the optimal level. Our working hypothesis was that very low gestational age infants (VLGAI) < 32 weeks’ gestation require an individualized lung recruitment based on combining both manoeuvers. METHODS Between 2014 and 2016, 91 and 72 inborn VLGAI, requiring a respiratory support beyond a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) = 5 cmH2O, were enrolled before and after introducing these manoeuvers based on progressive increase in SI up to 15 seconds, with simultaneous gradual increase in PEEP up to 15 cmH2O, according to the cardiorespiratory response. Retrospective comparisons of the rate of mechanical ventilation (MV) < 72h of life, short-term and before discharge morbidity were then performed. RESULTS Among extremely low gestational age infants (ELGAI) < 29 weeks’ gestation, the following outcomes decreased significantly: intubation (90% to 55%) and surfactant administration (54% to 12%) in the delivery room, MV (92% to 71%) and its mean duration < 72h of life (45h to 13h), administration of a 2nd dose of surfactant (35% to 12%) and postnatal corticosteroids (52% to 19%), and the rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (23 to 5%). Among VLGAI, all of these results were also significant. Neonatal mortality and morbidity were not different. CONCLUSIONS In our setting, combining two individualized lung recruitment maneuvers at birth was feasible and may be beneficial on short-term and before discharge pulmonary outcomes. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these results.
Prognostic potential of pre-partum blood biochemical and immune variables for postpartum mastitis risk in dairy cows
Authors: Guan Ruowei , Wang Diming , Wang Beibei , Jiang Luyi , Liu Jianxin
Published: February 2020

Background: Mastitis is the most frequent diseases for transition cows. Identification of potential biomarkers for diagnosis of mastitis is important for its prevention. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate blood variables related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation, and serum variables that are related to health in postpartum cows. Results: Seventy-six healthy Holstein dairy cows at week 4 before calving were selected to collect blood samples from weeks -4 to 4 weekly relative to calving, respectively. Milk yield and composition were recorded weekly. According to the cut-off of somatic cell counts (SCC) for diagnosis of mastitis, 33 cows with SCC ≥ 500,000 cells ml-1, 20 cows with 200,000 cells ≤ SCC < 500,000 cells ml-1, and 23 cows with SCC < 200,000 cells ml-1 were defined as high, middle, and low SCC, respectively. Serum concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate were higher (P < 0.01) during all weeks, and non-esterified fatty acids were higher in high SCC than in low SCC cows from weeks -3 to 2 relative to calving. Higher serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01) and lower malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.01) in low SCC than in high SCC cows indicate that the latter suffered from oxidative stress. The difference analysis of the three groups suggested that none of the above-mentioned variables can be used as potential prognostic candidates. On the other hand, high SCC cows exhibited higher blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, P < 0.01) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR, P < 0.01) than low SCC cows, with a higher NLR (P < 0.01) in middle SCC than in low SCC cows. The high SCC cows had lower levels of anti-inflammatory factors including IL-10 (P = 0.05), but higher levels of proinflammatory factors such as IL-6 (P < 0.01), TNF-α (P < 0.05), and PSGL-1 (P < 0.01) than low SCC cows.Conclusions: The significantly different NLR and PLR pre-partum between the middle and low SCC cows suggest their prognostic potential for postpartum mastitis risk.
Predicting deceased donor kidney transplant outcomes: Comparing KDRI/KDPI with machine learning
Authors: Pahl Eric , Street Nick , Johnson Hans , Reed Alan
Published: February 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Hcfc1a regulates neural precursor proliferation and asxl1 expression in the developing brain.
Authors: Castro Victoria L. , Reyes Joel F. , Reyes-Nava Nayeli , Paz David , Quintana Anita M
Published: February 2020

Background: Precise regulation of neural precursor cell (NPC) proliferation and differentiation is essential to ensure proper brain development and function. The HCFC1 gene encodes a transcriptional co-factor that regulates cell proliferation, and previous studies suggest that HCFC1 regulates NPC function. However, the molecular mechanism underlying these cellular deficits has not been completely characterized. Methods: Here we created a zebrafish harboring mutations in the hcfc1a gene (the hcfc1a co60/+ allele), one ortholog of HCFC1 and utilized immunohistochemistry and RNA-sequencing technology to understand the function of hcfc1a during neural development. Results: The hcfc1a co60/+ allele results in an increased number of NPCs, neurons, and radial glial cells. These deficits are associated with the abnormal expression of asxl1 , a polycomb transcription factor, which we identified as a downstream effector of hcfc1a using high throughput RNA sequencing technology. Inhibition of asxl1 activity and/or expression in larvae harboring the hcfc1a co60/+ allele completely restored the number of NPCs to normal levels. Conclusion: Collectively, our data demonstrate a novel pathway in which hcfc1a regulates NPCs and neurogenesis.
Operative versus nonoperative treatment in children with painful rigid flatfoot and talocalcaneal coalition. Results from a retrospective comparative study.
Authors: Gennaro Giovanni Luigi Di , Stallone Stefano , Olivotto Eleonora , Zarantonello Paola , Magnani Marina , Tavernini Tullia , Stilli Stefano , Trisolino giovanni
Published: February 2020

Background: The management of painful rigid flatfoot (RFF) with talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) is controversial. We aimed to compare operative and nonoperative treatment in children with RFF and TCC.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiographs of children with RFF and TTC treated between 2005 and 2015. The nonoperative treatment consisted of manipulation under anesthesia, cast immobilization and shoe insert after cast removal. The operative treatment consisted of combined TCC resection, graft interposition and subtalar arthroereisis.
Results: Thirty-four Children (47 feet) in the nonoperative group and twenty-one children (34 feet) in the operative group were included. No differences were found between groups, concerning baseline characteristics. The mean age at treatment was 11.8 years (9-17): 11.6 (9-17) for the nonoperative group, 12.2 (10-15) for the operative group. The mean follow-up averaged 6.6 (3-12) years and was significantly longer in the nonoperative group (7.8 versus 4.7 years; p < 0.0005), since the operative procedure was increasingly practiced in the latest years.
There were no complications in either groups, but 6 patients (7 feet) in the nonoperative group were unsatisfied and required surgery. At the latest follow-up, the AOFAS-AHS improved in both groups, although the operative group showed significantly better improvement. The operative group reported also significantly better FADI score, after adjustment for follow-up and baseline variables.
Conclusions: The operative treatment showed better results compared to the nonoperative treatment. Symptomatic RFF with TCC in children can be effectively treated in one step with resection, graft interposition and subtalar arthroereisis. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings and to identify the best operative strategy in this condition.
Validation of the Spanish version of Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire (MIDAS) in migraine university students.
Authors: Rodríguez-Almagro Daniel , Achalandabaso Alexander , Rus Alma , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Zagalaz-Anula Noelia , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: February 2020

Background. The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire is widely used to determine the degree of migraine-related disability of subjects. So far, and to the best of our knowledge, no Spanish version of this tool has been validated. The questionnaire comprises seven items, with the first five constituting the main scale while the sixth and seventh items referring, respectively, to the frequency and intensity of headache. The present study aims to analyze the clinimetric properties of the Spanish version of the MIDAS questionnaire in a population of university students. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study of validation for this measuring instrument. A total of 153 subjects participated in the study. We analyzed construct validity using factor analysis, test-retest reliability by the Intraclass Correlation Coeficient (ICC), internal consistency, and concurrent validity with respect to the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results. Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure. The questionnaire has good reliability for the MIDAS main-scale score ([ICC=0.81; 95% CI: 0.63 – 0.90]), excellent reliability for headache frequency (ICC=0.90; 95%; CI: [0.79 – 0.95]), and moderately good reliability for headache intensity (ICC=0.63; 95% CI: [0.34 – 0.80]). The analysis also yielded good internal consistency results (α Cronbach=0.797) and a moderate correlation between MIDAS-main scale and the physical summary component of SF-12 (Rho=-0.326; p < 0.001). Conclusions. The Spanish version of the MIDAS questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to measure migraine-related disability in university subjects. The two additional items provide information that could help clinicians in making decisions.
Bone transport versus acute shortening for the management of infected tibial bone defects: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Hongjie , Zhu Shouyan , Li Canzhang , Xu Yongqing
Published: February 2020

Background: The treatment for infected tibial bone defects can be a great challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy between bone transport (BT) and the acute shortening technique (AST) in the treatment of infected tibial bone defects. Methods: A literature survey was conducted by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases together with the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Wanfang database for articles published up to 9 August 2019. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was adapted to evaluate the bias and risks in each eligible study. The data of the external fixation index (EFI), bone grafting, bone and functional results, complications, bone union time and characteristics of participants were extracted. RevMan v.5.3 was used to perform relevant statistical analyses. Standard mean difference (SMD) was used for continuous variables and relative risk (RR) for the binary variables. All of the variables included its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Five studies, including a total of 199 patients, were included in the study. Statistical significance was observed in the EFI (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.01, P = 0.001) and bone grafting (RR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.46, P <0.00001); however, no significance was observed in bone union time (SMD = –0.02, 95% CI: –0.39, 0.35, P = 0.92), bone results (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.04, P = 0.41), functional results (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.08, P = 0.50) and complications (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.39, P = 0.37). Conclusions: AST is preferred from the aspect of minimising the treatment period, whereas BT is superior to AST for reducing bone grafting. Due to the limited number of trials, the meaning of this conclusion should be taken with caution for infected tibial bone defects.
Construction and analysis of an artificial consortium based on fast-growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 to produce platform chemical 3-hydroxypropionic acid from CO2
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Lei , Diao Jinjin , Song Xinyu , Shi Mengliang , Zhang Weiwen
Published: February 2020

Background: Cyanobacterial carbohydrates, such as sucrose, have been considered as a potential renewable feedstock to support the production of fuels and chemicals. However, the separation and purification processes of these carbohydrates will increase the production cost of chemicals. It has been proposed that co-culture fermentation is an efficient and economical way to utilize these cyanobacterial carbohydrates. However, studies about the application of co-culture system to achieve the green biosynthesis of platform chemicals are still rare.Results: In this study, we successfully achieved one-step conversion of sucrose derived from cyanobacteria to fine chemicals by constructing a microbial consortium consisted of fast-growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 and Escherichia coli to sequentially produce sucrose and then platform chemical 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) from CO2 under photoautotrophic growth condition. First, efforts were made to overexpress sucrose permease coding gene cscB under strong promoter Pcpc560 in S. elongatus UTEX 2973 for efficient sucrose secretion. Second, sucrose catabolic pathway and malonyl CoA-dependent 3-HP biosynthetic pathway were introduced into E. coli BL21(DE3) for heterologous biosynthesis of 3-HP from sucrose. By optimizing the cultivation temperature from 37℃ to 30℃, a stable artificial consortium system was constructed with the capability of producing 3-HP up to 68.29 mg/L directly from CO2. In addition, cell growth of S. elongatus UTEX 2973 in the consortium was enhanced, probably due to the quick quenching of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the system by E. coli, which in turn improved photosynthesis of cyanobacteria. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the feasibility of achieving the one-step conversion of sucrose to fine chemicals using an artificial consortium system. The study also confirmed that the heterotrophic bacteria could promote cell growth of cyanobacteria by relieving oxidative stress in this microbial consortium, which further suggests the potential values of this system for the future industrial application.
Influence of talent management practices on service delivery of doctors in Nairobi, Kenya: A descriptive research study
Authors: Onuko Christine , Onyango Joseph
Published: February 2020

Background : A reliable and dedicated health workforce is instrumental in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three on health. This is even more appropriate for Kenya where there is a dire shortage of health workers, and where health workforce management has been devolved to county governments. This study focusses on the influence of talent management practices (attraction, training and development, and retention) on doctor’s service delivery in four county hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. Method : The study through a descriptive research design used quantitative questionnaires to gather data from 108 doctor respondents from four County Hospitals (Mbagathi, Mama Lucy Kibaki, Pumwani Maternity, and Mutuini Hospitals) in Nairobi, Kenya. Inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results : Findings show that there is a positive correlation between attraction, training and development and service delivery of doctors. Employee retention, however, did not have an association with service delivery. Conclusions : As Kenya adjusts to a devolved system of governance in relation to health, it is important that the attraction, training and development, as well as retention of doctors is given serious consideration if service delivery is to be improved.
Comparison of the Level of Familiarity of IT Units' Staff and students with Big Data Analyzes
Authors: Nazari Elham , Asgari Parnian , tabesh hamed
Published: February 2020

introduction The rapid development of technology in recent decades has led to the production of a huge amount of data. This type of data analysis that is called Big Data Analysis obtain Many benefits, including reducing costs. One of the challenges of these analyses is the lack of specialized expertise and knowledge in this area. The purpose of this study was to compare the familiarity of IT staff and students with big data analyzes at various universities and organizations. Materials and method This analytical study was conducted on IT units' staff and students of different organizations and universities in Mashhad, Iran. A questionnaire was designed based on reviewing the texts published in PubMed, google scholar, science direct, and EMBASE databases and using the Delphi method and the attendance of 10 specialists in different disciplines. The designed questionnaire evaluated the participants' knowledge about the Big Data analyzes in two parts. The participants were 265 IT units' staff and students of different organizations, completing the designed questionnaire. Participants' opinion was evaluated using two descriptive and analytical approaches. The relationship between knowledge scores and individual characteristics such as gender, age, work experience, Field of study, degree, the average number of hours’ scientific study and non-scientific study per week was examined. To investigate the synchronous and reciprocal effects GLM was used. Results Scores earned by students and staff were 2.66 ± 1.13 and 2.28 ± 1.21 respectively that p =. 012 represented a significant correlation between the level of knowledge of students and staff. In other words, the level of knowledge of staff about big data was more than the level of knowledge of the students.The correlation of each of the variables was not significant with the score of the Big Data Analysis Knowledge.But There was a significant correlation between experience and gender with the knowledge scores. Conclusions In general, the level of knowledge in analyzing big data in different groups of people was at a low level that implementing measures such as holding training courses in this field seems necessary.
Genome-wide identification of the peptide transporter family in rice and analysis of the PTR expression modulation in two near-isogenic lines with different nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Yang Xinghai , Xia Xiuzhong , Zeng Yu , Nong Baoxuan , Zhang Zongqiong , Wu Yanyan , Tian Qinglan , Zeng Weiying , Gao Ju , Zhou Weiyong , Liang Haifu , Li Danting , Deng Guofu
Published: February 2020

Background: Nitrogen (N) is a major nutrient element for crop yield improvement, but it also causes environmental problems. Therefore, N use efficiency (NUE) enhancement is an important strategy to solve this problem. In plants, the members of the peptide transporter (PTR) gene family are involved in nitrate uptake and transport. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis on PTR genes in Nipponbare, R498, and Oryza glaberrima, and identified 96, 85, and 78 PTR genes respectively. Results: Phylogenetic tree showed that the 96 PTR genes could be classified into 8 groups, and the distributions of PTR genes in Asian cultivated riceand African cultivated rice were consistent. The number of PTR gene was higher in peanuts and soybeans, which were 125 and 127, respectively. The 521 PTR genes in rice, maize, sorghum, peanut, soybean and Arabidopsis could be classified into 4 groups, and the PTR gene distribution was different between monocots and dicots. In Nipponbare genome, the 25 PTR genes were distributed in 5 segmental duplication regions on chromosome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Rice PTR genes have 0-11 introns and 1-12 exons , and 16 PTR genes have the NPF (NRT1/PTR family ) domain. The results of RNA-Seq showed that the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NIL15 and NIL19 were 928, 1467, and 1586 at three stages, respectively. Under low N conditions, the number of differentially expressed PTR genes increased significantly. The RNA-Seq data was analyzed using WGCNA to predict the potential interaction between genes. We classified the genes with similar expression pattern into one group, and obtained 25 target modules. Among these modules, three modules may be involved in rice nitrogen uptake and utilization, especially the brown module, in which hub genes were annotated as protein kinase that may regulate rice N metabolism. Conclusions: In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the PTR gene family in rice. Ninety-six PTR genes were identified in Nippobare genome and twenty-five genes locates on five large segmental duplication regions. The Ka/Ks ratio indicated that many PTR genes had nudergone positive selection. The RNA-seq results showed that many PTR genes were involved in rice UNE. Protein kinases may play an important role in regulating NUE in rice. These results will provide a fundamental basis for molecular breeding of NUE in rice.
Response of phytohormone mediated plant homeodomain (PHD) family to abiotic stress in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum spp.)
Authors: Wu Huanhuan , Zheng Lei , Qanmber Ghulam , Guo Mengzhen , Wang Zhi , Yang Zuoren
Published: February 2020

Background The sequencing and annotations of cotton genomes provide strong theoretical support to reveal more physiological phenomena and functions. Plant homeodomain (PHD) protein family have been reported to be involved in regulating diverse biological processes in plants. However, their functions have not yet been carried out in cotton. Results In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the PHD genes in cotton, including the chromosomal location, phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, and conserved domains. Using a phylogenetic analysis, we divided the 297 PHD genes into five subgroups. The GhPHDs were unevenly distributed across all 26 chromosomes in upland cotton, and whole genome duplication events analyses showed that purifying selection might contributed greatly to the maintenance of function in the GhPHD family. Expression pattern analysis based on RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR results showed that the most of GhPHD genes have significant tissue-specific spatial and temporal expression patterns, indicating GhPHD have multiple functions in growth and development. We further summarized the cis -acting elements in response to abiotic stresses and plant hormones, and treated cotton seedlings with abiotic stresses and plant hormones, respectively. Then, GhPHD gene expression level were detected by qRT-PCR, which indicated that GhPHD could response to stresses and plant hormones. Co-expression network analysis also indicated that GhPHDs were essential for plant growth and development, and phytohormone mediate GhPHD response to abiotic stress can improve plant tolerance to adverse environment. Conclusion This study provides useful information to facilitate the further study of the function of the GhPHD family.