bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Shear Wave Elastography in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules of Thyroid Imaging Report and Data System
Authors: Zheng Jia , Wang Xiaoxin , Han Xianjing , Li Chunyan , Wang Jianan , Zhao Huiji , Liang Guoxin
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore whether shear wave elastography has diagnostic value in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid imaging report and data system (TI-RADS) nodules, so as to provide more accurate information for clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules.
In this study, 134 patients with thyroid nodules who underwent ultrasound examination from February 2018 to October 2018 are collected. Firstly, according to the diagnostic criteria proposed by Horvath, TI-RADS grading is performed on them, and 78 patients with TI-RADS4 single solid nodules
are screened out. Secondly, conventional ultrasound examination is performed on all the researchers, and shear wave elastographies are obtained 1 week after the examination. Thirdly, parameters of each lesion are measured by ultrasound physicians, and the maximum, minimum and average values
of Young's modulus of each lesion are recorded. The results show that the mean and maximum of Young's modulus of benign lesions are (26.31 ± 9.88) kPa and (51.36 ± 14.51) kPa, respectively, the mean and maximum of Young's modulus of malignant lesions are (48.36 ± 16.53)
and (69.15 ± 19.98) kPa, respectively, and the area under the ROC curve of Emean and Emax is 0.852 and 0.748, respectively. Therefore, shear wave elastography is a new type of ultrasound elastography, which has the advantages of objectivity and little influence from operators without
artificial pressure. It has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in diagnosing benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Among them, the average value of Young's modulus has the greatest diagnostic value.
Application of Ultrasonography in the Pathological Study of Breast Cancer in Female Patients with Breast Lesions
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Fu Yuan , Li Guangsen , Jin Tianlang
Published: January 2020

The retrospective analysis of the ultrasonographic features of 108 cases of breast cancer confirmed by surgery and pathology, namely the relationship between mass boundary, posterior echo, calcification and blood flow signal and pathological type, was to explore the features of ultrasound
sonography of breast cancer. The link between pathological typing. The results of the study showed that the ultrasound showed that the border of the nvasive ductal carcinoma was mostly burr-like. The ultrasound showed that the border of the invasive lobular carcinoma was mostly strong echo
halo. The medullary carcinoma had a clear boundary, while the intraductal carcinoma showed more unclear borders. There was no significant difference in the relationship between the boundary of the mass and the pathological types. Ultrasound of invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular
carcinoma showed a posterior echo attenuation, and medullary carcinoma showed more posterior echo enhancement. The relationship between the echo of the posterior mass of the tumor and the pathological types was statistically different. The detection rate of ultrasound calcification in invasive
ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma was higher. The calcification in medullary carcinoma was less common. The calcification in the pathology of intraductal carcinoma was better. High, but ultrasound can only detect half of it. There was no significant difference in the relationship
between calcification and pathological types in the tumor; ultrasound showed that most of the blood flow signals were abundant, suggesting that there was no statistical difference between the blood flow classification and the pathological classification of the tumor. The results of the thesis
indicate that the ultrasound characteristics of breast cancer have a high diagnostic value for its pathological classification.
Diagnostic Value of CT Value of Arterial Angiography in Femoral Artery Obstructive Disease
Authors: Huang Wenming , Zhi Haiyang , Ye Haidong
Published: January 2020

Objective: To compare the changes of CT values of distal femoral artery and radial artery obstructive lesions and whether CTA showed the diagnosis of complete occlusion of lower extremity arteries by CT angiography and DSA. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 consecutive
patients with femoral artery and radial artery occlusion were enrolled and retrospectively studied, aged 32–83 years, mean 68.5 ± 8.7 years old; 35 males and 15 females, reverse descending The sign was defined as the contrast fill gradient in the distal lumen of the vascular occlusion
site, which was characterized by a progressive increase in the CT value of the distal lumen of the obstructed lesion from proximal to distal. DSA was used as the criterion to statistically analyze the incidence of CT angiographic inverse descending signs and collateral circulation in chronic
complete obstructive lesions and partial obstructive lesions of the femoral artery and radial artery, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The rates of reversed CT values in the chronic total occlusion group and the partial occlusion group were 76.9% (20/26) and 20.8% (5/24),
respectively. The signs of reverse degeneration were significantly more common in the chronic complete occlusion group (X2 = 13.1). P < 0.05). The incidence of peripheral collateral circulation in the chronic occlusion group and partial obstruction group was 80.8%
(21/26) and 29.2% (7/24), respectively. The incidence of collateral circulation in the chronic complete occlusion group was significantly higher than that in the partial occlusion group. Blocking group (X2 = 13.5, P < 0.05). The sensitivity of CT and angiographic
collateral signs for the diagnosis of chronic complete occlusion of the femoral artery and radial artery was 92.3%, and the specificity was 70.8%. Conclusions: The inverse degeneration of CT values and the signs of CTA collateral circulation have a high specificity for the diagnosis
of chronic complete occlusion of the femoral artery and radial artery, and help to identify partial occlusion of the femoral artery and radial artery and chronic complete occlusion.
Clinical Value of Ultrasound Fetal Neck Transparent Layer Index in Early Screening of 21-Trisomy Syndrome
Authors: Fan Weibo , Zeng Shuli , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2020

This study used a retrospective analysis method to select 1061 pregnant women from March 2012 to December 2018 to our hospital for obstetrics, and 11–11 weeks +6 days of ultrasound screening for NT values, according to inclusion criteria and exclusion. There were 60 patients who
met the criteria of the experimental group and 313 who met the criteria of the control group. All of them were subjected to fetal villus puncture in early pregnancy or amniocentesis in middle pregnancy. The specimens were divided into two parts, one was cultured through cells and the chromosomes
were prepared. Analysis and send a copy to a collaborative laboratory for highthroughput sequencing of chromosomes. The aim was to investigate the association between simple cervical thickening (NT) thickening and karyotype and chromosomal microdeletion/microreplication in 11–13 weeks
+6 days of gestation. The results of this study show that NT thickening is associated with karyotypic abnormalities, especially with 21-trisomy syndrome; when karyotype is normal, NT thickening is associated with chromosome microdeletions/microduplication; only a single NT increase when thick,
the meaning of CNVs detection is not significant.
Teaching Music to Support Students: How Autonomy-Supportive Music Teachers Increase Students’ Well-Being
Authors: Bonneville-Roussy Arielle , Hruska Emese , Trower Hayley
Published: January 2020

According to self-determination theory (SDT), the learning experiences of music students can be explained partly by the autonomy-supportive style adopted by their music teachers. To provide the first in-depth understanding of how music performance teachers support the autonomy of their students and how this support is related to students’ well-being, we adopted SDT and the PERMA model of well-being. We provide answers to three fundamental questions about teacher-student relationships in music: (1) Do music performance teachers support the autonomy of their students in higher music education? (2) How do students perceive this support? and (3) How does autonomy support affect music students’ well-being? Music performance teachers ( n = 35) and students ( n = 190) were recruited from higher music education institutions in the United Kingdom. Analyses included mean comparisons of teachers’ and students’ answers to survey questions, correlational analyses of teacher-student dyads’ responses on measures, and qualitative analyses of open-ended questions. Results showed that teachers and students mostly agreed that teachers provide autonomy support to their students. Teachers’ transmission of passion for music and autonomy-supportive behaviors were related to students’ well-being, whereas controlling behaviors hindered well-being. Qualitative results showed that although students put well-being at the core of their concerns, music teachers seemed unaware or ill-prepared to face those concerns.
Self-Reported Sleep Need, Subjective Resilience, and Cognitive Performance Following Sleep Loss and Recovery Sleep
Authors: Mantua Janna , Brager Allison J. , Alger Sara E. , Adewale Folarin , Skeiky Lillian , Balkin Thomas J. , Capaldi Vincent F. , Simonelli Guido
Published: January 2020

Objective

Individuals vary in response to sleep loss: some individuals are “vulnerable” and demonstrate cognitive decrements following insufficient sleep, while others are “resistant” and maintain baseline cognitive capability. Physiological markers (e.g., genetic polymorphisms) have been identified that can predict relative vulnerability. However, a quick, cost-effective, and feasible subjective predictor tool has not been developed. The objective of the present study was to determine whether two factors—“subjective sleep need” and “subjective resilience”—predict cognitive performance following sleep deprivation.

Methods

Twenty-seven healthy, sleep-satiated young adults participated. These individuals were screened for sleep disorders, comorbidities, and erratic sleep schedules. Prior to 40 hours of in-laboratory total sleep deprivation, participants were questioned on their subjective sleep need and completed a validated resilience scale. During and after sleep deprivation, participants completed a 5-minute psychomotor vigilance test every 2 hours.

Results

Both subjective resilience and subjective sleep need individually failed to predict performance during sleep loss. However, these two measures interacted to predict performance. Individuals with low resilience and low sleep need had poorer cognitive performance during sleep loss. However, in individuals with medium or high resilience, psychomotor vigilance test performance was not predicted by subjective sleep need. Higher resilience may be protective against sleep loss-related neurobehavioral impairments in the context of subjective sleep need.

Conclusions

Following sleep loss (and recovery sleep), trait resilient individuals may outperform those with lower resiliency on real-world tasks that require continuous attention. Future studies should determine whether the present findings generalize to other, operationally relevant tasks and additional cognitive domains.
Effects of a four-week very low-carbohydrate high-fat diet on biomarkers of inflammation: Non-randomised parallel-group study
Authors: Cipryan Lukas , Maffetone Phil B , Plews Daniel J , Laursen Paul B.
Published: January 2020

Background:

It is commonly assumed that increased dietary fat and/or caloric excess induces chronic inflammatory processes, since the association between obesity and chronic adipose tissue with systemic inflammation has been shown previously. As far as we know, the reported health benefits of a VLCHF or ketogenic diet have not adequately involved an evaluation of biomarkers of inflammation.

Aim:

This study investigated the effects of a four-week very low-carbohydrate high-fat (VLCHF) diet in healthy young individuals on biomarkers of inflammation.

Methods:

Eighteen moderately trained males (age 23.8 ± 2.1 years) were assigned to two groups. One group switched to a non-standardised VLCHF diet for four weeks, while the second group remained consuming their normal habitual diet (HD). Biomarkers of inflammation (adiponectin, leptin, resistin and interleukin-6) and substrate metabolism (fasting glucose and triacylglyceride concentrations) were analysed from blood at baseline and after four weeks.

Results:

There was moderate evidence for substantial changes in leptin serum concentrations in the VLCHF group, with small to large decreases compared to the HD group after four weeks (effect size = 0.78, 95% CI 0.42, 0.93, p = 0.008; Bayes Factor10 = 5.70). No substantial between-group change differences over time were found across any other biomarkers.

Conclusions:

A four-week period of consuming a VLCHF diet in healthy young men was not associated with any considerable changes in markers of inflammation but showed evidence for lowered serum leptin concentrations relative to the HD group.
Promoting Self-Advocacy Among Older Adults: Lessons From Boston’s Senior Civic Academy
Authors: Bui Cindy N. , Coyle Caitlin E. , Freeman Alison
Published: January 2020

Fostering ways for older residents to be civically engaged is one dimension of an age-friendly community. While research on civic engagement among older adults often focuses on volunteering, this study focuses on advocacy and political involvement as another important form. The Age-Friendly Boston Initiative developed the Senior Civic Academy (SCA) program as a self-advocacy course that simultaneously educates older residents about policy-making processes and engages them in advocacy training to incorporate their voices in local policy and planning. This study details the formative evaluation of the SCA, and utilizes mixed methods to evaluate the program’s impact on the participants ( N = 49). Lessons learned from the SCA serve as a guide for other communities to develop programs that encourage civic engagement and advocacy among older adults.
Introduction: The minor in question
Authors: Boutaghou Maya , Jean-François Emmanuel Bruno
Published: January 2020

Dedicated to “the minor in question,” this issue of Cultural Dynamics investigates the renewed potential and conceptual valence of the “minor,” both as a critical category and a methodological framework, for thinking through questions of positionality and performance, of agency and ways of being, for marginal subjects whose creative and expressive cultures circumvent dominant influences and hierarchical systems of power. Grounded in the work of comparative literature and theory, the volume gathers contributions by scholars from a variety of disciplines in the Humanities, whose works lie at the intersection of various linguistic expressions, geographical arrangements, cultural formations, and so-called minor orientations within established area studies programs. Considering how aesthetic forms convey the “minor” as a cultural entity, they approach it both as a dynamic category and a fluid positionality, not only to uncover the diverse forms that violence, domination, and inequalities take across multiple contexts, but also to challenge static representations of minor subjects and communities as passive, isolated, and/or disempowered.
Parents ASSIST (Advancing Supportive and Sexuality-Inclusive Sex Talks): Iterative Development of a Sex Communication Video Series for Parents of Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Male Adolescents
Authors: Flores Dalmacio D. , Rosario Andre A. , Bond Keosha T. , Villarruel Antonia M. , Bauermeister Jose A.
Published: January 2020

Effective parent–child sex communication enhances heterosexual youths’ efficacy to engage in health promotive behaviors, yet there is scarce research on parent–child sex communication with gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) sons during adolescence. Our aim is to describe the development of Parents ASSIST, a web-based series of animated videos for parents of GBQ adolescent males focused on (a) parental education about sexual health topics pertinent to this population’s same-sex concerns, (b) modeling of communication skills for parents to broach and sustain inclusive discussions at home, and (c) norming the role of providers as reliable sources of support when parents seek GBQ-related health information. Community-based advisory boards, comprised of parents and health care providers, respectively, informed the intervention development. Based on study notes and the research team’s reflections, we present lessons learned that focus on content-based and logistical challenges that arose during the intervention development process. This study extends practice and patient education by providing an innovative, primary intervention that partners with parents of an underserved youth population.
Microlearning: A New Learning Model
Authors: Dolasinski Mary Jo , Reynolds Joel
Published: January 2020

Changes in the current workplace are creating changes in traditional processes. One such process is the way that the millennial and subsequent generations joining the workplace consume learning. The hospitality industry is an ever-changing service industry in which organizations need to continue to adapt to stay relevant. Trained employees providing excellent guest experiences are a competitive advantage. Some barriers to training include lack of time, lack of resources, and changing learning expectations. The aim of this article was to propose a new learning model that integrates performance workflow and microlearning. Microlearning is an approach that focuses on a single concept, utilizing multisensory and multimodality in a focused short amount of time. It can be easily incorporated to the job workflow. The model, future research, and implications are discussed.
Large-eddy spray simulation under direct-injection spark-ignition engine-like conditions with an integrated atomization/breakup model
Authors: Li Hongjiang , Rutland Christopher J , Hernández Pérez Francisco E , Im Hong G
Published: January 2020

In this work, a hybrid breakup model tailored for direct-injection spark-ignition engine sprays is developed and implemented in the OpenFOAM CFD code. The model uses the Lagrangian–Eulerian approach whereby parcels of liquid fuel are injected into the computational domain. Atomization and breakup of the liquid parcels are described by two sub-models based on the breakup mechanisms reported in the literature. Evaluation of the model has been carried out by comparing large-eddy simulation results with experimental measurements under multiple direct-injection spark-ignition engine-like conditions. Spray characteristics including liquid and vapor penetration curves, droplet velocities, and Sauter mean diameter distributions are examined in detail. The model has been found to perform well for the spray conditions considered in this work. Results also show that after the end of injection, most of the residual droplets that are still in the breakup process are driven by the bag and bag–stamen breakup mechanisms. Finally, an effort to unify the breakup length parameter is made, and the given value is tested under various ambient density and temperature conditions. The predicted trends follow the measured data closely for the penetration rates, even though the model is not specifically tuned for individual cases.
Study of situation awareness of cultural security based on social media analysis
Authors: Li Jianjun , Dai Yonghui , Shi Qinghua , Xian Jin
Published: January 2020

With the intercultural exchanges between different countries becoming more and more frequent, the degree of cultural exchanges is gradually deepening, which brings more and more cultural security problems. As an important part of national security, cultural security is closely related to national interests. This article takes Chinese college students and social workers who just graduated as research objects, takes online comments on “hip-hop” culture and “funeral culture” as research objects, and uses literature research and empirical research methods to analyze social media comments and study the cultural security situation in China. It is concluded that online comments have a significant impact on cultural identity and cultural security, and negative online comments have a greater impact on both than positive online comments. In addition, cultural identity has a significant impact on cultural security. At the same time, the impact of cultural identity on online comments and cultural security is partly mediated. The results of this study will help to provide reference and guidance for the maintenance of cultural security.
Differential effects of integrin‐linked kinase inhibitor Cpd22 on severe pulmonary hypertension in male and female rats
Authors: Shen Yuanjun , Goncharov Dmitry A. , Avolio Theodore , Ray Arnab , Okorie Evelyn , DeLisser Horace , Mora Ana L. , Vanderpool Rebecca , Kudryashova Tatiana V. , Goncharova Elena A.
Published: January 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive fatal disease with no cure. Inhibition of integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) reverses experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) in male mice, but its effect on severe experimental PH in either male or female animals is unknown. We examined effects of ILK inhibitor Cpd22 on rats with SU5416/hypoxia‐induced PH; treatment was performed at six to eight weeks after PH initiation. Five weeks after PH initiation, male and female rats developed similar levels of PH. Eight weeks after PH induction, vehicle‐treated male rats had more severe PH than females. Cpd22‐treated males, but not females, showed complete suppression of phospho‐Akt in small pulmonary arteries (PAs), significantly lower PA medial thickness and percentage of fully occluded arteries, decreased systolic right ventricle (RV) pressure, PA pressure, RV hypertrophy, RV end‐diastolic pressure, and improved RV contractility index compared to vehicle‐treated group. Cpd22 suppressed proliferation of human male and female PAH pulmonary artery vascular smooth muscle cell (PAVSMC). 17β‐estradiol had no effect as a single agent but significantly attenuated Cpd22‐dependent inhibition of proliferation in female, but not male, PAH PAVSMC. Taken together, these data demonstrate that male rats develop more severe PH than females but respond better to Cpd22 treatment by reducing pulmonary vascular remodeling, PH, and RV hypertrophy and improving RV functional outcomes. 17β‐estradiol diminishes anti‐proliferative effect of Cpd22 in female, but not male, human PAH PAVSMC. These findings suggest potential attractiveness of ILK inhibition to reduce established PH in males and suggest that the combination with estrogen‐lowering drugs could be considered to maximize anti‐proliferative and anti‐remodeling effects of ILK inhibitors in females.
Whole-genome sequencing of wild Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) provides insights into its genetic features
Authors: Yi Li , Dalai Menggen , Su Rina , Lin Weili , Erdenedalai Myagmarsuren , Luvsantseren Batkhuu , Chimedtseren Chimedragchaa , Wang Zhen , Hasi Surong
Published: January 2020

Background

Siberian musk deer, one of the seven species, is distributed in coniferous forests of Asia. Worldwide, the population size of Siberian musk deer is threatened by severe illegal poaching for commercially valuable musk and meat, habitat losses, and forest fire. At present, this species is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. However, the genetic information of Siberian musk deer is largely unexplored.

Results

Here, we produced 3.10 Gb draft assembly of wild Siberian musk deer with a contig N50 of 29,145 bp and a scaffold N50 of 7,955,248 bp. We annotated 19,363 protein-coding genes and estimated 44.44% of the genome to be repetitive. Our phylogenetic analysis reveals that wild Siberian musk deer is closer to Bovidae than to Cervidae. Comparative analyses showed that the genetic features of Siberian musk deer adapted in cold and high-altitude environments. We sequenced two additional genomes of Siberian musk deer constructed demographic history indicated that changes in effective population size corresponded with recent glacial epochs. Finally, we identified several candidate genes that may play a role in the musk secretion based on transcriptome analysis.

Conclusions

Here, we present a high-quality draft genome of wild Siberian musk deer, which will provide a valuable genetic resource for further investigations of this economically important musk deer.
Zmat2 in mammals: conservation and diversification among genes and Pseudogenes
Authors: Rotwein Peter , Baral Kabita
Published: January 2020

Background

Recent advances in genetics and genomics present unique opportunities for enhancing our understanding of mammalian biology and evolution through detailed multi-species comparative analysis of gene organization and expression. Yet, of the more than 20,000 protein coding genes found in mammalian genomes, fewer than 10% have been examined in any detail. Here we elucidate the power of data available in publicly-accessible genomic and genetic resources by querying them to evaluate Zmat2, a minimally studied gene whose human ortholog has been implicated in spliceosome function and in keratinocyte differentiation.

Results

We find extensive conservation in coding regions and overall structure of Zmat2 in 18 mammals representing 13 orders and spanning ~ 165 million years of evolutionary development, and in their encoded proteins. We identify a tandem duplication in the Zmat2 gene and locus in opossum, but not in other monotremes, marsupials, or other mammals, indicating that this event occurred subsequent to the divergence of these species from one another. We also define a collection of Zmat2 pseudogenes in half of the mammals studied, and suggest based on phylogenetic analysis that they each arose independently in the recent evolutionary past.

Conclusions

Mammalian Zmat2 genes and ZMAT2 proteins illustrate conservation of structure and sequence, along with the development and diversification of pseudogenes in a large fraction of species. Collectively, these observations also illustrate how the focused identification and interpretation of data found in public genomic and gene expression resources can be leveraged to reveal new insights of potentially high biological significance.
Transcriptome analyses of liver in newly-hatched chicks during the metabolic perturbation of fasting and re-feeding reveals THRSPA as the key lipogenic transcription factor
Authors: Cogburn Larry A. , Trakooljul Nares , Wang Xiaofei , Ellestad Laura E. , Porter Tom E.
Published: January 2020

Background

The fasting-refeeding perturbation has been used extensively to reveal specific genes and metabolic pathways that control energy metabolism in the chicken. Most global transcriptional scans of the fasting-refeeding response in liver have focused on juvenile chickens that were 1, 2 or 4 weeks old. The present study was aimed at the immediate post-hatch period, in which newly-hatched chicks were subjected to fasting for 4, 24 or 48 h, then refed for 4, 24 or 48 h, and compared with a fully-fed control group at each age (D1-D4).

Results

Visual analysis of hepatic gene expression profiles using hierarchical and K-means clustering showed two distinct patterns, genes with higher expression during fasting and depressed expression upon refeeding and those with an opposing pattern of expression, which exhibit very low expression during fasting and more abundant expression with refeeding. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs), identified from five prominent pair-wise contrasts of fed, fasted and refed conditions, were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. This enabled mapping of analysis-ready (AR)-DEGs to canonical and metabolic pathways controlled by distinct gene interaction networks. The largest number of hepatic DEGs was identified by two contrasts: D2FED48h/D2FAST48h (968 genes) and D2FAST48h/D3REFED24h (1198 genes). The major genes acutely depressed by fasting and elevated upon refeeding includedANGTPL, ATPCL, DIO2, FASN, ME1, SCD, PPARG, SREBP2andTHRSPA—a primary lipogenic transcription factor. In contrast, major lipolytic genes were up-regulated by fasting or down-regulated after refeeding, includingALDOB, IL-15, LDHB, LPIN2, NFE2L2, NR3C1, NR0B1, PANK1, PPARA, SERTAD2andUPP2.

Conclusions

Transcriptional profiling of liver during fasting/re-feeding of newly-hatched chicks revealed several highly-expressed upstream regulators, which enable the metabolic switch from fasted (lipolytic/gluconeogenic) to fed or refed (lipogenic/thermogenic) states. This rapidhomeorheticshift of whole-body metabolism from a catabolic-fasting state to an anabolic-fed state appears precisely orchestrated by a small number of ligand-activated transcription factors that provide either a fasting-lipolytic state (PPARA, NR3C1, NFE2L2, SERTAD2, FOX01, NR0B1, RXR)or a fully-fed and refed lipogenic/thermogenic state (THRSPA, SREBF2, PPARG, PPARD, JUN, ATF3, CTNNB1).THRSPAhas emerged as the key transcriptional regulator that drives lipogenesis and thermogenesis in hatchling chicks, as shown here in fed and re-fed states.
Quantitative trait loci analysis of seed oil content and composition of wild and cultivated soybean
Authors: Yao Yanjie , You Qingbo , Duan Guozhan , Ren Jianjun , Chu Shanshan , Zhao Junqing , Li Xia , Zhou Xinan , Jiao Yongqing
Published: January 2020

Background

Soybean oil is a major source of edible oil, and the domestication of wild soybean has resulted in significant changes in oil content and composition. Extensive efforts have been made to identify genetic loci that are related to soybean oil traits. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to soybean seed oil and compare the fatty acid composition between wild and cultivated soybean.

Results

Using the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method, a total of 181 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between wild soybean ZYD00463 (Glycine soja) and cultivated soybean WDD01514 (Glycine max) were genotyped. Finally, a high-density genetic linkage map comprising 11,398 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on 20 linkage groups (LGs) was constructed. Twenty-four stable QTLs for seed oil content and composition were identified by model-based composite interval mapping (CIM) across multiple environments. Among these QTLs, 23 overlapped with or were adjacent to previously reported QTLs. One QTL, qPA10_1 (5.94–9.98 Mb) on Chr. Ten is a novel locus for palmitic acid. In the intervals of stable QTLs, some interesting genes involved in lipid metabolism were detected.

Conclusions

We developed 181 RILs from a cross between wild soybean ZYD00463 and cultivated soybean WDD01514 and constructed a high-density genetic map using the SLAF-seq method. We identified 24 stable QTLs for seed oil content and compositions, which includes qPA10_1 on Chr. 10, a novel locus for palmitic acid. Some interesting genes in the QTL regions were also detected. Our study will provide useful information for scientists to learn about genetic variations in lipid metabolism between wild and cultivated soybean.
Sequential Paleotetraploidization shaped the carrot genome
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Yu Jigao , Li Yuxian , Wei Chendan , Guo He , Liu Ying , Zhang Jin , Li Xiuqing , Wang Xiyin
Published: January 2020

Background

Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carotaL.) is an important root crop with an available high-quality genome. The carrot genome is thought to have undergone recursive paleo-polyploidization, but the extent, occurrences, and nature of these events are not clearly defined.

Results

Using a previously published comparative genomics pipeline, we reanalysed the carrot genome and characterized genomic fractionation, as well as gene loss and retention, after each of the two tetraploidization events and inferred a dominant and sensitive subgenome for each event. In particular, we found strong evidence of two sequential tetraploidization events, with one (Dc-α) approximately 46–52 million years ago (Mya) and the other (Dc-β) approximately 77–87 Mya, both likely allotetraploidization in nature. The Dc-β event was likely common to all Apiales plants, occurring around the divergence of Apiales-Bruniales and after the divergence of Apiales-Asterales, likely playing an important role in the derivation and divergence of Apiales species. Furthermore, we found that rounds of polyploidy events contributed to the expansion of gene families responsible for plastidial methylerythritol phosphate (MEP), the precursor of carotenoid accumulation, and shaped underlying regulatory pathways. The alignment of orthologous and paralogous genes related to different events of polyploidization and speciation constitutes a comparative genomics platform for studying Apiales, Asterales, and many other related species.

Conclusions

Hierarchical inference of homology revealed two tetraploidization events that shaped the carrot genome, which likely contributed to the successful establishment of Apiales plants and the expansion of MEP, upstream of the carotenoid accumulation pathway.
Development of a senior-specific, citizen-oriented healthcare service system in South Korea based on the Canadian 48/6 model of care
Authors: Kim Yoon-Sook , Lee Jongmin , Moon Yeonsil , Kim Hee Joung , Shin Jinyoung , Park Jae-Min , Uhm Kyeong Eun , Kim Kyoung Jin , Yoo Jung A. , Oh Yun Kyoung , Byeon Pilsuk , Lee Kunsei , Han Seol-Heui , Choi Jaekyung
Published: January 2020

Background

In the age of aging, Korea’s current medical delivery system threatens to increase the number of medical and caring refugees. This study attempts to develop an integrated senior citizen-oriented healthcare service system in which daily care, professional care, and rehabilitation are organically organized between medical institutions and local communities, thereby meeting the daily life needs of the elderly and inducing well-being, wellness, and well-dying.

Methods

To develop the integrated healthcare system, data collection and analyses were conducted through a systematic review, literature review, benchmarking, focus group interviews, and expert consultation.

Results

The senior-specific, citizen-oriented healthcare service system developed in this study is designed to screen patients aged 65 or older within 24 h of being admitted, using the Geriatric Screening for Care-10. If there is reason for concern as a result of the screening, further evaluation is performed through assessment. Doctors and nurses create a care plan and a discharge plan based on the results from the screening and assessment. The nurse further uses the screening to monitor the patient’s condition before discharge. Based on the screening results at the time of discharge, a transitional care plan is prepared and provided to elderly patients and/or their families. This process enables a systematic link between medical institutions and community resources, aiming for the continuous management of health issues. It also establishes a multidisciplinary treatment plan that considers patients and their families so that diseases common to the elderly are diagnosed and treated promptly.

Conclusions

The most important issue for the elderly is to be able to live healthily and independently for the rest of their lives through well-being, wellness, and well-dying. The senior-specific, citizen-oriented healthcare service proposed in this study is an integrated medical treatment system for elderly users the implementation of which requires the daily care, professional care, and rehabilitation of elderly members of society to be organically organized according to the role of the patients, their families, and the caregiver.
The association between cognition and gait in a representative sample of very old people – the influence of dementia and walking aid use
Authors: Öhlin Jerry , Ahlgren Anders , Folkesson Robert , Gustafson Yngve , Littbrand Håkan , Olofsson Birgitta , Toots Annika
Published: January 2020

Background

Cognition has been related with gait speed in older adults; however, studies involving the oldest age group, where many have mobility disability and cognitive impairment, are few. The aim was to investigate the association between global cognitive function and gait speed in a representative sample of very old people, and whether the association was affected by dementia, and walking aid use.

Method

This cross-sectional study included 1317 participants, mean age 89.4 years, and 68% women, from the Umeå85+/Gerontological Regional Database. Self-paced gait speed was measured over 2.4 m, with or without walking aids, and global cognitive function with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The association between cognition and gait speed was analyzed using multiple linear regression and stratified according to dementia. The influence of missing gait speed values was explored using multiple imputation. An interaction analysis was performed to investigate the influence of walking aid use.

Results

In comprehensively adjusted analyses, MMSE associated with gait speed (unstandardized β (β) 0.011 m/s, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.009, 0.013, p < 0.001) in the total sample. No association was found in people with dementia (β 0.003 m/s, 95%CI = 0.000, 0.006, p = 0.058), until missing gait speed values were compensated for by multiple imputation (β 0.007 m/s, 95% [CI] = 0.002, 0.011, p = 0.002). In interaction analysis the use of walking aids attenuated the association between cognition and gait speed (β − 0.019 m/s, 95%CI = − 0.024, − 0.013, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Global cognitive function appears to associate with gait speed in very old people. However, in people with dementia selection bias was indicated since unless missing gait speed values were accounted for no association was observed. Walking aid use attenuated cognitive load, which may not apply to walking in daily activities, and requires further investigation.
Molecular characterization of metallo-β-lactamase- producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex isolated in Heilongjiang Province of China
Authors: Zhao Yongxin , Zhang Jisheng , Fu Yanjun , Li Chunjiang , Hu Kewang , Su Shanshan , Yu Lan , Guo Yuhang , Fu Yu , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: January 2020

Background

Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) is one of the most common extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing pathogen that threatens millions of the elderly and vulnerable sick persons. The objective of this study was to perform the molecular characteristics of the carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae complex (CREC) emerged in Heilongjiang Province of China.

Methods

Six CREC strains were isolated from the patients with infectious diseases. The identities of ECC isolates were confirmed by sequencing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of 16S rRNA gene. The characterization of the CREC isolates were analyzed by sequencing PCR products of the carbapenemase, ampC and fluoroquinolone resistance genes and performing multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole genome sequencing.

Results

All 6 isolates harbored multiple resistance genes. Of them, 5 carried metallo-β-lactamases and one was blaKPC-2-positive. The levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin-resistant strains had substitutions of gyrA83, gyrA87, and parC80 in the quinolone-resistance determining regions. The MLST analyses revealed that 6 isolates belonged to five sequence types (ST520, ST528, ST1119, ST1120, and ST93) while the PFGE patterns of the isolates fallen into four clusters. The strain ST1120 was found to carry two separated plasmids that encode blaNDM-1 and blaIMP-4.

Conclusions

Our study, for the first time, identified a CREC strain that co-produces blaNDM-1 and blaIMP-4 in the Northeast China. Our finding emphasizes an urgent need for more intensive surveillance and precaution measures to prevent the CERC spread.
Exploring womens’ experiences and decision making about physical activity during pregnancy and following birth: a qualitative study
Authors: Findley Amy , Smith Debbie M. , Hesketh Kathryn , Keyworth Chris
Published: January 2020

Background

Physical activity (PA) tends to decline during pregnancy, and remains low in the early postpartum period, despite the known physical and psychological benefits. This study aimed to explore: (1) women’s experiences of PA during pregnancy and following birth; and (2) decision-making processes related to PA during this time.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 16 women who were either pregnant or had recently given birth. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

There were two over-arching themes: (1) ownership of body, which consisted of the sub-themes: others try to take ownership, important to maintain fitness into pregnancy and motherhood, expectations of PA, and pressure to conform; and (2) unknown territory, which consisted of the sub-themes: engaging in PA with caution, and unclear advice. Decision-making about PA during pregnancy was influenced by: pressure from others who felt responsible to protect the woman from coming to harm; pressure from social media to lose weight postpartum; participant’s beliefs about the benefits of maintaining fitness and participants expectations of how active they thought they would be able to be during pregnancy. Participants felt that pregnancy was an ‘unknown territory’ in terms of the unfamiliar feelings in their body and the inability to continually monitor their baby for reassurance of baby’s health. Advice received from midwives was often lacking, or not tailored to the individual. Advice from friends and family was often regarded as incorrect, but still caused doubt and fear of PA during pregnancy.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to the understanding of women’s experiences of PA during pregnancy and post-partum, and their decision-making processes about PA during pregnancy. Developing accurate and tailored advice as part of midwifery care, that considers the physical and psychological aspects of engaging in PA during pregnancy, will help to ensure that women are supported to make informed decisions about their PA behaviour.
A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and factors associated with symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety in Rwanda
Authors: Umuziga Marie Providence , Adejumo Oluyinka , Hynie Michaela
Published: January 2020

Background

Perinatal depression and anxiety are increasingly recognized as important public health issues in low and middle-income countries such as Rwanda and may have negative consequences for both mothers and their infants. Maternal mental health may be particularly challenged in Rwanda because of the prevalence of risk factors such as poverty, low education levels, negative life events and marital problems. However, there are limited data about perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms in Rwanda. This study thus aimed to explore the prevalence of symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety in Rwanda, and factors associated with them.

Methods

A sample of 165 women in the perinatal period (second and third trimester of pregnancy, up to 1 year postnatal) were interviewed individually over 1 month in October 2013. Women were interviewed at 5 of 14 health centres in the Eastern Province or the affiliated district hospital. Participants answered socio-demographic questions and scales measuring symptoms of perinatal depression (EPDS: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and anxiety (SAS: Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale).

Results

Among women in the antenatal period (N = 85), 37.6% had symptoms indicating possible depression (EPDS ≥10) and 28.2% had symptoms associated with clinical levels of anxiety (SAS > 45). Among women within the postnatal period (N = 77), 63.6% had symptoms of possible depression, whereas 48,1% had symptoms of probable anxiety. Logistic regression showed that symptoms of postnatal depression were higher for respondents who had four or more living children relative to those having their first child (Odds Ratio: 0.07, C.I. = 0.01–0.42), and for those with a poor relationship with their partner (Odds Ratio: .09, C.I. =0.03–0.25). Any lifetime exposure to stressful events was the only predictor of symptoms of postnatal anxiety (Odds Ratio = 0.20, C.I. = 0.09–0.44).

Conclusions

Symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety were prevalent in this Rwandan sample and most strongly predicted by interpersonal and social factors, suggesting that social interventions may be a successful strategy to protect against maternal mental health problems in the Rwandan context.
Prelabor rupture of membranes and the association with cerebral palsy in term born children: a national registry-based cohort study
Authors: Mynarek Maren , Bjellmo Solveig , Lydersen Stian , Strand Kristin Melheim , Afset Jan Egil , Andersen Guro L. , Vik Torstein
Published: January 2020

Background

Guidelines regarding management of prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) at term vary between immediate induction and expectant management. A long interval between PROM and delivery increases the risk for perinatal infections. Severe perinatal infections are associated with excess risk for cerebral palsy (CP) and perinatal death. We investigated if increasing intervals between PROM and delivery were associated with perinatal death or CP.

Methods

Eligible to participate in this population-based cohort-study were term born singletons without congenital malformations born in Norway during 1999–2009. Data was retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) and the Cerebral Palsy Register of Norway. In line with the registration in the MBRN, intervals between PROM and delivery of more than 24 h was defined as ‘prolonged’ and intervals between 12 and 24 h as ‘intermediate’. Outcomes were stillbirth, death during delivery, neonatal mortality and CP. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for adverse outcomes in children born after prolonged and intermediate intervals, compared with a reference group comprising all children born less than 12 h after PROM or without PROM.

Results

Among 559,972 births, 34,759 children were born after intermediate and 30,332 were born after prolonged intervals. There was no association between increasing intervals and death during delivery or in the neonatal period, while the prevalence of stillbirths decreased with increasing intervals. Among children born after intermediate intervals 38 (0.11%) had CP, while among those born after prolonged intervals 46 (0.15%) had CP. Compared with the reference group, the OR for CP was 1.16 (CI; 0.83 to 1.61) after intermediate and 1.61 (CI; 1.19 to 2.18) after prolonged intervals. Adjusting for antenatal factors did not affect these associations. Among children with CP the proportion with diffuse cortical injury and basal ganglia pathology on cerebral MRI, consistent with hypoxic-ischemic injuries, increased with increasing intervals.

Conclusion

Intervals between PROM and delivery of more than 24 h were associated with CP, but not with neonatal mortality or death during delivery. The inverse association with stillbirth is probably due to reverse causality.