bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic acclimation supports higher aluminium-induced secretion of citrate and malate in an aluminium-tolerant hybrid clone of Eucalyptus
Authors: Li Wannian , Finnegan Patrick , Dai Qin , Guo Dongqiang , Yang Mei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Eucalyptus is the main plantation wood species, mostly grown in aluminized acid soils. To understand the response of Eucalyptus clones to aluminum (Al) toxicity, the Al-tolerant Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clone GL-9 (designated “G9”) and the Al-sensitive E. urophylla clone GL-4 (designated “W4”) were employed to investigate the production and secretion of citrate and malate by roots.Results: Eucalyptus seedlings in hydroponics were exposed to the presence or absence of 4.4 mM Al at pH 4.0 for 24 hours. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHM) and anion channel blocker phenylglyoxal (PG) were applied to explore possible pathways involved in organic acid secretion. The secretion of malate and citrate was earlier and greater in G9 than in W4, corresponding to less Al accumulation in G9. The concentration of Al in G9 roots peaked after 1h and decreased afterwards, corresponding with a rapid induction of malate secretion. A time-lag of about 6h in citrate efflux in G9 was followed by robust secretion to support continuous Al-detoxification. Malate secretion alone may alleviate Al toxicity because the peaks of Al accumulation and malate secretion were simultaneous in W4, which did not secrete appreciable citrate. Enhanced activities of citrate synthase (CS) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), and reduced activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), aconitase (ACO) and malic enzyme (ME) were closely associated with the greater secretion of citrate in G9. PG effectively inhibited citrate and malate secretion in both Eucalyptus clones. CHM also inhibited malate and citrate secretion in G9, and citrate secretion in W4, but notably did not affect malate secretion in W4.Conclusions: G9 immediately secrete malate from roots, which had an initial effect on Al-detoxification, followed by time-delayed citrate secretion. Pre-existing anion channel protein first contributed to malate secretion, while synthesis of carrier protein appeared to be needed for citrate excretion. The changes of organic acid concentrations in response to Al can be achieved by enhanced CS and PEPC activities, but was supported by changes in the activities of other enzymes involved in organic acid metabolism. The above information may help to further explore genes related to Al-tolerance in Eucalyptus.
Impact of maternal age on birthweight in frozen embryo transfer cycles: an analysis including 12565 singleton newborns
Authors: Ni Zhexin , Sun Shuai , Cheng Wen , Yu Jin , Zhai Dongxia , Zhang Danying , Cai Zailong , Kuang Yanping , Yu Chaoqin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have investigated the effect of maternal age on assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rates. However, little is known about the relationship between maternal age and neonatal birthweight in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Does maternal age have an impact on singleton birthweight in FET cycles?Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care centre, involving singleton live births born to women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer during the period from January 2010 to December 2017. A total of 12565 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled and were grouped into four groups according to the maternal age: <30, 30–34, 35-39, and ≥40 years old. Maternal age <30 years old was taken as a reference group. Singleton birthweight was the key outcome measure. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to reveal the relationship between maternal age and neonatal birthweight with controlling for a number of potential confounders.Results: A modest decrease but no significant difference in birthweight and gestational age- and gender-adjusted birthweight (Z-scores) was observed in maternal age over 35 years old as compared with group with <30years old. The highest proportions of LBW (4.1%), HBW (1.2%), PTB (5.9%) and very PTB (0.9%) were found in group over 40 years old, but no significant difference was observed among four groups. Additionally, the group with 35-39 years old had the highest very LBW (0.6%) , while the group with 30-34 years old had the lowest SGA (2.7%). However, multivariate analyses revealed that neonatal outcomes including PTB, LBW and SGA were similar between the different maternal age groups.Conclusion: Grouping with different maternal age was not associated with mean birthweight and Z-scores of singletons resulting from FET.
Association between short sleep duration and overweight/obesity among middle-school students: a cross-sectional study in Fuzhou, China
Authors: Li Guobo , Wei Shichao , Zheng Fuhao , Xu Xingyan , Cai Yingying , Wu Siying 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of short sleep duration and explore the association between short sleep duration and overweight or obesity in adolescents from middle school in Fuzhou, China.Methods: A total of 13,063 students (male: 6,500; female: 6,553) from 18 different schools were included in our study. Questionnaires focusing on short sleep duration and overweight or obesity related factors were collected. The sleep duration was self-reported by the subjects. The body weight and height of each subject were measured by the qualified personnel. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of short sleep duration on overweight or obesity in school students.Results: The overall rates of overweight and obesity were 12.1% and 7.1%, respectively. The prevalence of short sleep duration among students was 82.8%. The majority of high school students (92.5%) suffered from short sleep duration. Compared with male children with a sleep duration of 8-10 h day, the odds ratios (95% CI) of overweight/obesity for those with a sleep duration of less than 6 h or 6-8 h, were 1.63 (1.25-2.13) and 1.06 (0.88-1.27)，after adjusting social and demographic status, mental health and lifestyle factors. The homologous odds ratios of female children were 1.38 (0.99-1.93) and 1.04 (0.79-1.35), respectively.Conclusions: A large number of adolescents suffered from short sleep duration. Short sleep duration is associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity in male children.
Laparoscopic versus open pancreatic resection for ductal adenocarcinoma: separate propensity score matching analyses of distal pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Chen Ke , Pan Yu , Huang Chao-jie , Chen Qi-long , Zhang Ren-chao , Zhang Miao-zun , Wang Guan-yu , Wang Xian-fa , Mou Yi-ping , Yan jiafei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Currently, laparoscopic pancreatic resection (LPR) is extensively applied to treat benign and low-grade diseases related to the pancreas. The viability and safety of LPR for PDAC needs to be understood better. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) are the two main surgical approaches for PDAC. We performed separate propensity score matching (PSM) analyses to assess the surgical and oncological outcomes of LPR for PDAC by comparing LDP with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) as well as LPD with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Methods: We assessed the data of patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy (DP) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between January 2004 and February 2020 at our hospital. A one-to-one PSM was applied to prevent selection bias by accounting for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and tumour size. The DP group included 86 LDP patients and 86 ODP patients, whereas the PD group included 101 LPD patients and 101 OPD patients. Baseline characteristics, intraoperative effects, postoperative recovery, and survival outcomes were compared. Results: Compared to ODP, LDP was associated with shorter operative time, lesser blood loss, and similar overall morbidity. Of the 101 patients who underwent LPD, 10 patients (9.9%) required conversion to laparotomy. The short-term surgical advantage of LPD is not as apparent as that of LDP due to conversions. Compared with OPD, LPD was associated with longer operative time, lesser blood loss, and similar overall morbidity. For oncological and survival outcomes, there were no significant differences in tumour size, R0 resection rate, and tumour stage in both the DP and PD subgroups. However, laparoscopic procedures appear to have an advantage over open surgery in terms of retrieved lymph nodes. These two groups did not show a signiﬁcant difference in the pattern of recurrence and overall survival rate. Conclusions: Laparoscopic DP and PD are feasible and oncologically safe procedures for PDAC, with similar postoperative outcomes and long-term survival among patients who underwent open surgery.
Predictors of thyroglobulin in the lymph nodes recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing total thyroidectomy
Authors: Xing Zhichao , Qiu Yuxuan , Li Zhe , Zhang Lingyun , Fei Yuan , Zhu Jingqiang , Su Anping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the association between postoperative lymph nodes (LN) recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with different serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels. Methods: This study included PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) with at least central neck dissection and then re-operated due to LNs recurrence between January 2013 and June 2018 These patients were divided by serum Tg levels. Results: Of all the 60 included patients, 49 underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Maximum unstimulated Tg (uTg) ≥ 0.2 ng/mL were associated with larger diameter of recurrent LNs (P = 0.027), higher possibility of diameters of recurrent LNs ≥ 25mm (P = 0.023) and higher ratio of metastatic LNs (P < 0.001). Serum-stimulated Tg (off-Tg) ≥ 1ng/mL and unstimulated Tg detected at 1 week after RAI ablation (on-Tg) ≥ 0.2 ng/mL were associated with larger diameter of recurrent LNs and higher possibility of diameters of recurrent LNs ≥ 25mm. Number of metastatic LNs ≥ 8 was an independent predictor for maximum uTg ≥ 0.2 ng/mL (OR = 8.767; 95% CI =1.392-55.216; P = 0.021). Ratio of metastatic LNs ≥ 25% was an independent predictor for off-Tg ≥ 1 ng/mL (OR = 20.997; 95% CI =1.649-267.384; P = 0.019). Conclusion: Postoperative Tg-positive status was associated with larger size of recurrent LNs. Number of metastatic LNs ≥8 and ratio of metastatic LNs ≥ 25% was an independent predicator for uTg-positive and off-Tg-positive status, respectively.
A comprehensive analysis of cotton VQ gene superfamily reveals their potential and extensive roles in regulating cotton abiotic stress
Authors: Chen Pengyun , wei Fei , Cheng Shuaishuai , Ma Liang , Wang Hantao , Zhang Meng , Mao Guangzhi , Lu Jianhua , Hao Pengbo , Ahmad Adeel , Gu Lijiao , Ma Qiang , Wu Aimin , Wei Hengling , Yu Shuxun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Valine-glutamine (VQ) motif-containing proteins play important roles in plant growth, development and abiotic stress response. For many plant species, the VQ genes have been identified and their functions have been described. However, little is known about the origin, evolution, and functions (and underlying mechanisms) of the VQ family genes in cotton.Results: In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of 268 VQ genes from four Gossypium genomes and found that the VQ proteins evolved into ten clades, and each clade had a similar structural and conservative motif. The expansion of the VQ gene was mainly through segmental duplication, followed by dispersal. Expression analysis revealed that many GhVQs might play important roles in response to salt and drought stress, and GhVQ18 and GhVQ84 were highly expressed under PEG and salt stress. Further analysis showed that GhVQs were co-expressed with GhWRKY transcription factors (TFs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) could hybridize to their cis-regulatory elements.Conclusions: The results in this study broaden our understanding of the VQ gene family in plants, and the analysis of the structure, conserved elements, and expression patterns of the VQs provide a solid foundation for exploring their specific functions in cotton responding to abiotic stresses. Our study provides significant insight into the potential functions of VQ genes in cotton.
Accuracy of Implant Surgical Guides Fabricated Using Computer Numerical Control Milling for Edentulous Jaws: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Chai Jinyou , Liu Xiaoqian , Schweyen Ramona , Setz Jürgen , Pan Shaoxia , Liu Jianzhang , Zhou Yongsheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the accuracy of a computer numerical control (CNC) milled surgical guide for implant placement in edentulous jaws.Methods: Edentulous patients seeking implants treatment were recruited in this prospective cohort study. Radiographic guides with diagnostic templates were fabricated from wax-up dentures. Patients took cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) wearing the radiopaque radiographic guides. Implant positions were virtually designed in the planning software based on the CBCT data, and the radiographic templates were converted into surgical guides using CNC milling technique. Forty-four implants were placed into 12 edentulous jaws following guided implant surgery protocol. Post-surgery CBCT scans were made for each jaw, and the deviations between the planned and actual implant positions were measured. Deviation of implant position was compared between maxilla and mandible, and between cases with and without anchor pins using independent t-test.Results: Nine patients (3 males and 6 females) with 12 edentulous jaws were recruited. The mean age of patients was 59.2±13.9 years old. All 44 implants was placed without complication and survived, The mean three dimensional linear deviation of implant position between virtual planning and actual placement was 1.53 ±0.48mm at the implant neck and 1.58 ±0.49 mm at the apex. The angular deviation was 3.96 ±3.05 degrees. No significant difference was found in the deviation of implant position between maxilla and mandible (P=0.28 at neck, 0.08 at apex), nor between cases with and without anchor pins (P=0.87 at neck, 0.06 at apex). Conclusions: The guides fabricated using the CNC milling technique provided comparable accuracy as those fabricated by Stereolithography. The displacement of the guides on edentulous arch might be the main contributing factor of deviation.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-ONC-17014159 (July 26, 2017)
Immediate reactions of newly-diagnosed HIV-positive persons to the initial news of being HIV-positive: Implications for public health
Authors: Owusu Adobea Yaa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Ready acceptance of the first news of HIV-positive diagnosis is a known personal and public health safety-net. Its beneficial effects include prompt commencement and sustenance of HIV-positive treatment and care, better management of transmission risk, and disclosure of the HIV-positive status to significant others. Yet, no known study has explored this topic in Ghana; despite Ghana’s generalised HIV/AIDS infection rate. Existing studies have illuminated the effects of such reactions on affected significant others; not the infected.Methods: This paper studied qualitatively the initial reactions of 26 persons living with HIV/AIDS upon receiving the initial news of their diagnosis. Sample selection was combined purposive and random, from two hospitals in a district in Ghana heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. The paper applied the theory of hopelessness.Results: As expected, the vast majority of respondents reacted to the initial announcement of their HIV-positive infection with a myriad of negative psychosocial reactions, including thoughts of committing suicide. Yet, few of them received the news with resignation. For the vast majority of respondents, having comorbidities from AIDS prior to the diagnosis primarily shaped their initial reactions to their diagnosis. The respondents’ transitioning to self-acceptance of their HIV-positive status was mostly facilitated by receiving counselling from healthcare workers.Conclusions: Although the first news of an HIV-positive diagnosis was immobilising to most respondents, the trauma faded, paving the way for beneficial public health actions. The results imply the critical need for continuous education on HIV/AIDS by public health advocates, using mass media, particularly, TV. Healthcare workers in VCTs should empathise with persons who are informed of their HIV-positive status for the first time.
8q24 Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Germline Variant is Associated with VHL Mutation Status and Clinical Aggressiveness
Authors: Eckel-Passow Jeanette E , Yan Huihuang , Kosel Matthew , Serie Daniel , Decker Paul , Jenkins Robert , Costello Brian , Leibovich Bradley , Ho Thai , Parker Alexander 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The four most commonly-mutated genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors are BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 and VHL. And, there are currently 14 known RCC germline variants that have been reproducibly shown to be associated with RCC risk. However, the association of germline genetics with tumor genetics and clinical aggressiveness are unknown.Methods: We analyzed 420 ccRCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Molecular subtype was determined based on acquired mutations in BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 and VHL. Aggressive subtype was defined clinically using Mayo SSIGN score and molecularly using the ccA/ccB gene expression subtype. Publically-available Hi-C data were used to link germline risk variants with candidate target genes. Results: The 8q24 variant rs35252396 was significantly associated with VHL mutation status (OR=1.6, p=0.0037) and SSIGN score (OR=1.9, p=0.00094), after adjusting for multiple comparisons. We observed that, while some germline variants have interactions with nearby genes, some variants demonstrate long-range interactions with target genes.Conclusions: These data further demonstrate the link between rs35252396, HIF pathway and ccRCC clinical aggressiveness, providing a more comprehensive picture of how germline genetics and tumor genetics interact with respect to tumor development and progression.
Minimal invasive versus open esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant treatments
Authors: Chen Dongni , Wang Weidong , Mo Junxian , Ren Qiannan , Miao Huikai , Chen Youfang , wen zhesheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Although previous studies have discussed whether the minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is superior to open surgery, the data concerning esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment followed by radical resection is limited. The purpose of our study was to compare the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of the two surgical approaches in treating ESCC patients.MethodsBetween January 2010 and December 2016, ESCC patients who had received neoadjuvant therapy and underwent Mckeown esophagectomy at our institute were eligible. The baseline characteristics, pathological data, short-and long-term outcomes of these patients were collected and compared based on the surgical approach. ResultsA total of 195 patients was included in the current study. Compared to patients underwent open surgery, patients underwent MIE had shorter operative time and less intraoperative bleeding (390 min vs 330 min, P=0.001; 204 ml vs 167 ml, P=0.021). In addition, the risk of anastomotic leakage was decreased in MIE group (20.0% vs 3.3%, P<0.001), while the occurrence of other complications did not have statistical significance between two groups. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was no difference in patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy between the two approaches. For the patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, OS was significantly better in the MIE group (log rank=6.197; P=0.013). ConclusionMinimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy is safe and feasible for ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. MIE approach presented better perioperative results than open esophagectomy. The effect of surgical approaches on survival was depending on the scheme of neoadjuvant treatment.
Genomic analysis of circular RNAs in heart
Authors: Dong Kunzhe , He Xiangqin , Su Huabo , F David J.R. , Zhou Jiliang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered class of RNA that have been found to have important physiological and pathological roles. In the current study, we de novo analyzed existing whole transcriptome data from 5 normal and 5 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) human heart samples and compared the results with circRNAs that have been previously reported in human, mouse and rat hearts. Results: Our analysis identifies a list of cardiac circRNAs that are reliably detected in multiple studies. We have also defined the top 30 most abundant circRNAs in healthy human hearts which include some with previously unrecognized cardiac roles such as circHIPK3_11 and circTULP4_1. We further found that many circRNAs are dysregulated in DCM, particularly transcripts originating from DCM-related gene loci, such as TTN and RYR2. In addition, we predict the potential of cardiac circRNAs to sponge miRNAs that have reported roles in heart disease. We found that circALMS1_6 has the highest potential to bind miR-133, a microRNA that can regulate cardiac remodeling. Interestingly, we detected a novel class of circRNAs, referred to as read-though (rt)-circRNAs which are produced from exons of two different neighboring genes. Specifically, rt-circRNAs from SCAF8 and TIAM2 were observed to be dysregulated in DCM and these rt-circRNAs have the potential to sponge multiple heart disease-related miRNAs.Conclusions: In summary, this study provides a valuable resource for exploring the function of circRNAs in human heart disease and establishes a functional paradigm for identifying novel circRNAs in other tissues.