bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological, genetic and evolutionary drivers of regional genetic differentiation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Castilla Antonio R. , Méndez-Vigo Belén , Marcer Arnald , Martínez-Minaya Joaquín , Conesa David , Picó F. Xavier , Alonso-Blanco Carlos 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundDisentangling the drivers of genetic differentiation is one of the cornerstones in evolution. This is because genetic diversity, and the way in which it is partitioned within and among populations across space, is an important asset for the ability of populations to adapt and persist in changing environments. We tested three major hypotheses accounting for genetic differentiation—isolation-by-distance (IBD), isolation-by-environment (IBE) and isolation-by-resistance (IBR)—in the annual plantArabidopsis thalianaacross the Iberian Peninsula, the region with the largest genomic diversity. To that end, we sampled, genotyped with genome-wide SNPs, and analyzed 1772 individuals from 278 populations distributed across the Iberian Peninsula.ResultsIBD, and to a lesser extent IBE, were the most important drivers of genetic differentiation inA. thaliana. In other words, dispersal limitation, genetic drift, and to a lesser extent local adaptation to environmental gradients, accounted for the within- and among-population distribution of genetic diversity. Analyses applied to the four Iberian genetic clusters, which represent the joint outcome of the long demographic and adaptive history of the species in the region, showed similar results except for one cluster, in which IBR (a function of landscape heterogeneity) was the most important driver of genetic differentiation. Using spatial hierarchical Bayesian models, we found that precipitation seasonality and topsoil pH chiefly accounted for the geographic distribution of genetic diversity in IberianA. thaliana.ConclusionsOverall, the interplay between the influence of precipitation seasonality on genetic diversity and the effect of restricted dispersal and genetic drift on genetic differentiation emerges as the major forces underlying the evolutionary trajectory of IberianA. thaliana.
Replication origin location might contribute to genetic variability in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: de Araujo Christiane Bezerra , da Cunha Julia Pinheiro Chagas , Inada Davi Toshio , Damasceno Jeziel , Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Hiraiwa Priscila , Marques Catarina , Gonçalves Evonnildo , Nishiyama-Junior Milton Yutaka , McCulloch Richard , Elias Maria Carolina 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundDNA replication in trypanosomatids operates in a uniquely challenging environment, since most of their genomes are constitutively transcribed.Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, presents high variability in both chromosomes size and copy number among strains, though the underlying mechanisms are unknown.ResultsHere we have mapped sites of DNA replication initiation across theT. cruzigenome using Marker Frequency Analysis, which has previously only been deployed in two related trypanosomatids. The putative origins identified inT. cruzishow a notable enrichment of GC content, a preferential position at subtelomeric regions, coinciding with genes transcribed towards the telomeres, and a pronounced enrichment within coding DNA sequences, most notably in genes from the Dispersed Gene Family 1 (DGF-1).ConclusionsThese findings suggest a scenario where collisions between DNA replication and transcription are frequent, leading to increased genetic variability, as seen by the increase SNP levels at chromosome subtelomeres and in DGF-1 genes containing putative origins.
Biochar addition alleviate the negative effects of drought and salinity stress on soybean productivity and water use efficiency
Authors: Zhang Yaojun , Ding Jiaqi , Wang Hong , Su Lei , Zhao Cancan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Environmental stress is a crucial factor restricting plant growth as well as crop productivity, thus influencing the agricultural sustainability. Biochar addition is proposed as an effective management to improve crop performance. However, there were few studies focused on the effect of biochar addition on crop growth and productivity under interactive effect of abiotic stress (e.g., drought and salinity). This study was conducted with a pot experiment to investigate the interaction effects of drought and salinity stress on soybean yield, leaf gaseous exchange and water use efficiency (WUE) under biochar addition.

Results
Drought and salinity stress significantly depressed soybean phenology (e.g. flowering time) and all the leaf gas exchange parameters, but had inconsistent effects on soybean root growth and WUE at leaf and yield levels. Salinity stress significantly decreased photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration and transpiration rate by 20.7, 26.3, 10.5 and 27.2%, respectively. Lower biomass production and grain yield were probably due to the restrained photosynthesis under drought and salinity stress. Biochar addition significantly enhanced soybean grain yield by 3.1–14.8%. Drought stress and biochar addition significantly increased WUE-yield by 27.5 and 15.6%, respectively, while salinity stress significantly decreased WUE-yield by 24.2%. Drought and salinity stress showed some negative interactions on soybean productivity and leaf gaseous exchange. But biochar addition alleviate the negative effects on soybean productivity and water use efficiency under drought and salinity stress.

Conclusions
The results of the present study indicated that drought and salinity stress could significantly depress soybean growth and productivity. There exist interactive effects of drought and salinity stress on soybean productivity and water use efficiency, while we could employ biochar to alleviate the negative effects. We should consider the interactive effects of different abiotic restriction factors on crop growth thus for sustainable agriculture in the future.
Genome-wide association analysis reveals loci and candidate genes involved in fiber quality traits in sea island cotton (Gossypium barbadense)
Authors: Su Xiujuan , Zhu Guozhong , Song Xiaohui , Xu Haijiang , Li Weixi , Ning Xinzhu , Chen Quanjia , Guo Wangzhen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Sea island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) has markedly superior high quality fibers, which plays an important role in the textile industry and acts as a donor for upland cotton (G. hirsutum) fiber quality improvement. The genetic characteristics analysis and the identification of key genes will be helpful to understand the mechanism of fiber development and breeding utilization in sea island cotton.

Results
In this study, 279 sea island cotton accessions were collected from different origins for genotyping and phenotyping fiber quality traits. A set of 6303 high quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained by high-density CottonSNP80K array. The population characteristics showed that the sea island cotton accessions had wide genetic diversity and were clustered into three groups, with Group1 closely related to Menoufi, an original sea island cotton landrace, and Group2 and Group3 related to widely introduced accessions from Egypt, USA and Former Soviet Union. Further, we used 249 accessions and evaluated five fiber quality traits under normal and salt environments over 2 years. Except for fiber uniformity (FU), fiber length (FL) and fiber elongation (FE) were significantly decreased in salt conditions, while fiber strength (FS) and fiber micronaire (MIC) were increased. Based on 6303 SNPs and genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis, a total of 34 stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for the five fiber quality traits with 25 detected simultaneously under normal and salt environments. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that candidate genes in the 25 overlapped QTLs were enriched mostly in “cellular and biological process”. In addition, “xylem development” and “response to hormone” pathways were also found. Haplotype analyses found that GB_A03G0335 encoding an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase in QTL TM6004 had SNP variation (A/C) in gene region, was significantly correlated with FL, FS, FU, and FE, implying a crucial role in fiber quality.

Conclusions
The present study provides a foundation for genetic diversity of sea island cotton accessions and will contribute to fiber quality improvement in breeding practice.
Late discovery of left atrial appendage occluder device embolization: a case report
Authors: Mansour Mohamad Jihad , Bénic Clément , Didier Romain , Noel Antoine , Gilard Martine , Mansourati Jacques 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been well evaluated in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Device embolization remains one of the most common complications. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of late discovery of LAA occluder device embolization at 1.5 years after implantation.

Case presentation
We describe the case of a 77-year-old man who underwent uneventful LAA closure. Echocardiography performed the next day showed the device in place. The patient was discharged but was then lost to follow-up. 1.5 years later, he was admitted for ischemic stroke. Transesophageal echocardiography showed the absence of the occluder device in the LAA. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed the device in the abdominal aorta. Due to the high cardiovascular risk, the device was kept in place and the patient was treated medically.

Conclusions
Per-procedural and late device embolization are not uncommon. Review of the literature however showed no report of late discovery of device embolization at 1.5 years. Follow-up echocardiography is mandatory for the detection of endothelialization or embolization.
Predicting non-elective hospital readmission or death using a composite assessment of cognitive and physical frailty in elderly inpatients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Yao Si-Min , Zheng Pei-Pei , Liang Yao-Dan , Wan Yu-Hao , Sun Ning , Luo Yao , Yang Jie-Fu , Wang Hua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
We aimed to assess the utility of the combination of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) + clock drawing test (CDT) and the Fried phenotype for predicting non-elective hospital readmission or death within 6 months in elderly inpatients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods
A single-center prospective cohort was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019. Inpatients ≥65 years old were recruited. Predictive validity was tested using a Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis, and the discriminative ability was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
A total of 542 patients were included. Overall, 12% (64/542) screened positive for cognitive impairment, 16% (86/542) were physically frail and 8% (44/542) had cognitive impairment combined with physical frailty, showing an older age (P < 0.001) and a lower education level (P < 0.001) than physically frail patients. A total of 113 patients (20.9%) died or were readmitted at 6 months. Frail participants with a normal (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–2.82, P = 0.028) or impaired cognition (HR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.27–4.91, P = 0.008) had a higher risk of non-elective hospital readmission or death than robust patients after adjusting for the age, sex, education level, marital status, the presence of diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and history of stroke. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed that the discriminative ability in relation to 6 months readmission and death for the MMSE + CDT + Fried phenotype was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.60–0.71), and the AUC for men was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.63–0.78), while that for women was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.51–0.69).

Conclusions
Accounting for cognitive impairment in the frailty phenotype may allow for the better prediction of non-elective hospital readmission or death in elderly inpatients with CVD in the short term.

Trial registration
ChiCTR1800017204; date of registration: 07/18/2018.
Physical activity in people with dementia attending farm-based dementia day care – a comparative actigraphy study
Authors: Finnanger Garshol B. , Ellingsen-Dalskau L. H. , Pedersen I. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite public focus on the importance of physical activity and findings showing the benefits of such activity, research has shown that people with dementia are less physically active and have more sedentary behaviour compared to others in similar age groups. In Norway, there is a focus on day care services as a means to allow people with dementia to experience social, physical and cultural activities. Farm based services have been highlighted as an innovative and customized day care service, but little research has been done on physical activity and such services. This study therefor aims to investigate the potential of farm-based day care services as services that can promote physical activity for people with dementia.

Methods
Actigraphy data from people with dementia attending farm-based day care services (n = 29) and people with dementia attending regular day care services (n = 107) was used to assess levels of physical activity in each group and to compare the two groups.

Results
People attending farm-based day care had significantly higher levels of moderate activity, approximately 23 min each day, compared with persons attending ordinary day care (p = 0.048). Time spent in sedentary or light activity were similar for both groups. For the group attending farm-based day care services, days at the service, were significantly associated with less time spent in sedentary activity (p = 0.012) and more time spent in light (p < 0.001) and moderate activity (p = 0.032), and in taking more steps (p = 0.005) compared to days not at the service.

Conclusion
The findings indicate that participants in farm-based day care for people with dementia have higher levels of physical activity compared to ordinary day care and that farm-based day care increases levels of physical activity for its attendees. Farm based day care services has the potential to help their participants reach or maintain recommended levels of physical activity. Further research is needed to investigate what facilitates this increase in activity and how such knowledge could be used in all types of day care services.
Iodine adequacy in reproductive age and pregnant women living in the Western region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Azzeh Firas , Refaat Bassem 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite the serious maternal and foetal complications associated with iodine deficiency during pregnancy, surveys related to pregnant women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are lacking. This study, therefore, measured urine iodine concentrations (UIC) alongside the potential socioeconomic factors contributing towards iodine inadequacy in reproductive age and pregnant Saudi women from the Western province of KSA.MethodsSpot urine samples were collected from 1222 pregnant and 400 age-matched non-pregnant/non-lactating reproductive age women. The socioeconomic characteristics were obtained through a structured questionnaire. The WHO criteria for iodine sufficiency in non-pregnant (100–199 μg/L) and pregnant (150–249 μg/L) women were applied.ResultsThe median UIC in the non-pregnant women (101.64 μg/L; IQR: 69.83–143.55) was at the lowermost WHO recommended cut-off, whereas the pregnant group was iodine deficient (112.99 μg/L; IQR: 81.01–185.57). Moreover, the median UIC was below adequacy across the different trimesters. The use of non-iodised salt significantly increased the risk of iodine deficiency in the non-pregnant (OR = 2.052; 95%CI: 1.118–3.766) and pregnant women (OR = 3.813; 95%CI: 1.992–7.297), whereas taking iodine supplements significantly lowered the risk in both groups (OR = 0.364; 95%CI: 0.172–0.771 and OR = 0.002; 95%CI: 0.001–0.005, respectively). Passive smoking was also an independent risk factor for iodine deficiency in the non-pregnant (OR = 1.818; 95%CI: 1.097–3.014) and pregnant (OR = 1.653; 95%CI: 1.043–2.618) groups. Additionally, BMI correlated independently and significantly with median UIC in the non-pregnant and pregnant populations. However, multiparity (OR = 3.091; 95%CI: 1.707–5.598) and earning below the minimum wage (2.520; 95%CI: 1.038–6.119) significantly increased the risk of iodine deficiency only in the non-pregnant women.ConclusionsThis study is the first to show borderline iodine sufficiency in reproductive age Saudi women from the Western province, whereas mild iodine deficiency was observed in the pregnant population and could represent a serious public health problem. This study also advocates the necessity to establish routine iodine dietary advice services by the health authorities to foster adequate iodine intake in pregnant women to avoid the perilous consequences of iodine deficiency on maternal-foetal health.
Sophoridine exerts tumor-suppressive activities via promoting ESRRG-mediated β-catenin degradation in gastric cancer
Authors: Peng Zhiyang , Guan Qing , Luo Jianfei , Deng Wenhong , Liu Jiasheng , Yan Ruicheng , Wang Weixing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
As a natural alkaloid product isolated from Sophora alopecuroides. L, Sophoridine reshapes gastric cancer immune microenvironment via inhibiting chemotaxis and M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). However, the exact effects and underlying mechanism of Sophoridine on gastric cancer cells remains poorly known.

Methods
The potential anti-tumor effects of Sophoridine on gastric cancer cell lines, including AGS and SGC7901 cells, were detected by CCK-8, EDU and colony forming assay, immunofluorescence, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Molecular mechanisms of Sophoridine were investigated by siRNA transfection, nuclear/cytoplasmic extraction and western blot. The synergistic effects of Sophoridine with cisplatin on gastric cancer cells were further investigated in in vitro functional studies.

Results
Sophoridine exhibited potent tumor-suppressive activities in gastric cancer cells, including inhibition of proliferation, colony formulation, migration and invasion, as well as induction of apoptosis. In addition, we further showed that Sophoridine induced G2/M cell cycle arrest via inhibiting double-stranded DNA breaks repair and enhanced the efficacy of cisplatin in gastric cancer cells. Molecular studies further revealed that Sophoridine promoted β-catenin degradation by enhancing Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) expression, but not depended on ubiquitination-proteasome pathway, either TRIM33-mediated (GSK3β-independent) or altered GSK3β activity, and thus exerted potent tumor-suppressive activities.

Conclusion
Sophoridine depends on targeting ESRRG/β-catenin pathway to exert tumor-suppressive activities in gastric cancer cells and enhances the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin. Our study provided the promising preclinical anti-tumor evidence for the potential application of Sophoridine against gastric cancer.
Prognostic significance of branched-chain amino acid transferase 1 and CD133 in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Song Yu , Zhao Bin , Xu Yali , Ren Xinyu , Lin Yan , Zhou Liangrui , Sun Qiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown that branched-chain amino acid transferase 1 (BCAT1) is associated with tumour progression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Furthermore, CD133 has emerged as a novel cancer stem cell marker for indicating tumour progression. However, the prognostic significance of these two markers remains to be verified. This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between BCAT1 and CD133 expression and clinicopathological features, as well as the prognosis of patients with TNBC.

Methods
The study cohort included 291 patients with TNBC. Tissue microarrays were constructed for both cancer and normal tissues. The expression of BCAT1 and CD133 was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the levels were evaluated using an H-scoring system. Cut-off points for BCAT1 and CD133 expression were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results
The median follow-up time for the study participants was 68.73 months (range: 1.37–103.6 months). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of the 291 patients with TNBC were 72.51 and 82.47%, respectively. Higher levels of BCAT1 and CD133 expression independently indicated shorter DFS and OS. High levels of both BCAT1 and CD133 expression were detected in 36 (12.37%) patients, who had significantly shorter DFS and OS (both P < 0.001) compared to other patients.

Conclusion
BCAT1 and CD133 can be considered as biomarkers with prognostic significance for TNBC.
Eiology and prognosis of canalicular laceration repair using canalicular anastomosis combined with bicanalicular stent intubation
Authors: Guo Tao , Qin Xiuhong , Wang Hongwei , Lu Yang , Xu Li , Ji Jiali , Xiao Caiwen , Zhang Zhenzhen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the etiology of lacrimal canalicular laceration and explore the possible risk factors influencing prognosis.

Methods
The data of 142 patients (142 eyes) with lacrimal canalicular lacerations who were surgically treated using canalicular anastomosis combined with bicanalicular stent intubation between March 2017 and March 2018 were reviewed. The analyzed data contained demographic information, types of trauma, injury locations, associated additional ocular injuries, and surgical outcomes at follow-up. The main outcome measures were anatomic success rate, functional success rate, and complications of surgery.

Results
The mean patient age was 42.07 years (ranging from 1 to 75 years). Among the 142 patients, 112 (78.87%) were males. Upper and lower canalicular lacerations were found in 14 (9.86%) and 112 (78.87%) patients, respectively. Meanwhile, both upper and lower canalicular lacerations were found in 16 (11.27%) patients. Electric bike accidents comprised the leading cause of injury, accounting for 76 (53.52%) cases. There were 100 (70.42%) patients who had lid lacerations without tarsal plate fracture and 42 (29.58%) patients who had lid lacerations with tarsal plate fractures. The anatomic success rate was 98.59% and the functional success rate was 83.8%. The functional reconstruction failure rates were higher in patients with indirect injuries, lid lacerations with tarsal plate fractures, and those with punctum splitting (P < 0.05). Surgical complications were detected in the form of lacrimal punctum ectropion in 3 (2.11%) patients, punctum splitting in 2 (1.41%) patients, and stent extrusion and loss in 2 (1.41%) patients.

Conclusions
Electric bike accidents have become the leading cause of injury instead of motor vehicle accidents because of the changes in the lifestyles of people. Indirect injuries, lid lacerations with tarsal plate fractures, and those with punctum splitting were significantly more likely to lead to poor prognosis, as confirmed by the lower functional success rate of surgery.