bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of GmMYB14 improves high‐density yield and drought tolerance of soybean through regulating plant architecture mediated by the brassinosteroid pathway
Authors: Chen Limiao , Yang Hongli , Fang Yisheng , Guo Wei , Chen Haifeng , Zhang Xiaojuan , Dai Wenjun , Chen Shuilian , Hao Qingnan , Yuan Songli , Zhang Chanjuan , Huang Yi , Shan Zhihui , Yang Zhonglu , Qiu Dezhen , Liu Xiaorong , Tran Lam‐Son Phan , Zhou Xinan , Cao Dong 
Published: October 2020

SummaryMYB transcription factors (TFs) have been reported to regulate the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, as well as to mediate plant adaption to abiotic stresses, including drought. However, the roles of MYB TFs in regulating plant architecture and yield potential remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the roles of the dehydration‐inducible GmMYB14 gene in regulating plant architecture, high‐density yield and drought tolerance through the brassinosteroid (BR) pathway in soybean. GmMYB14 was shown to localize to nucleus and has a transactivation activity. Stable GmMYB14‐overexpressing (GmMYB14‐OX) transgenic soybean plants displayed a semi‐dwarfism and compact plant architecture associated with decreased cell size, resulting in a decrease in plant height, internode length, leaf area, leaf petiole length and leaf petiole angle, and improved yield in high density under field conditions. Results of the transcriptome sequencing suggested the involvement of BRs in regulating GmMYB14‐OX plant architecture. Indeed, GmMYB14‐OX plants showed reduced endogenous BR contents, while exogenous application of brassinolide could partly rescue the phenotype of GmMYB14‐OX plants. Furthermore, GmMYB14 was shown to directly bind to the promoter of GmBEN1 and up‐regulate its expression, leading to reduced BR content in GmMYB14‐OX plants. GmMYB14‐OX plants also displayed improved drought tolerance under field conditions. GmBEN1 expression was also up‐regulated in the leaves of GmMYB14‐OX plants under polyethylene glycol treatment, indicating that the GmBEN1‐mediated reduction in BR level under stress also contributed to drought/osmotic stress tolerance of the transgenic plants. Our findings provided a strategy for stably increasing high‐density yield and drought tolerance in soybean using a single TF‐encoding gene.
An investigation into uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire versus German Saddleback)
Authors: König Nicola Lea , Wähner Martin , Seeger Johannes , Sigmarsson Haukur Lindberg , Kauffold Johannes 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLitter size in modern so called hyperprolific pig (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) breeds such as of crossbred Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire (LY/YL) sows increased remarkably over recent years, however, commonly associated with reduced piglet birth weight and higher within litter birth weight variability likely due to a limited uterine capacity. Since investigation into this issue is patchy, the aim of this study was to investigate uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy, that is crossbred Danish genetic (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire; DG; n = 14) and purebred German Saddleback (GS) sows (n = 12). Parameters recorded were litter size, piglet birth weight and vitality, placental weight and surface area as well as placental vascularization. Litters of DG were on average larger than of GS (p < .001). Piglets of DG weighed on average less than GS (p < .001) and were less vital (p < .001–.142). Increasing litter size was associated with reduced piglet birth weight and increased within litter birth weight variability in GS, but not in DG. DG had on average a lower placental weight (p < .001) and smaller placentae (p < .001) than GS, but the placenta was on average more efficient than of GS (based on the quotient of piglet and corresponding placental weight; p < .001). Vascularization of placentae was on average not or only slightly different between breeds (p < .05 – .982). Remarkably, however, vascularization of the lateral and apical chorionic epithelium of the chorionic ridges as the immediate foetal/maternal interface was on average slightly higher in DG than GS (p < .05–.111). Results thus demonstrate that uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics is higher in DG than GS sows.
Association of diabetes, education level, and care dependency with use of temporary vascular access in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chih , Lai Meng‐Jie , Wu Wan‐Chen , Lee Chi‐Yu , Lin Hsuan‐Jen , Lin Chung‐Chih , Chang Chiz‐Tzung , Wang Charles C. N. , Chou Che‐Yi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTemporary vascular access (TVA) is frequently used during the first dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it is associated with an increased risk of infection, central vein stenosis, and mortality. Here, factors associated with TVA in patients with CKD were explored.MethodsThis study included patients in a single‐center CKD care program who initiated long‐term renal replacement therapy. The primary outcome was TVA use at first dialysis. Factors possibly associated with TVA use were analyzed using Cox regression.ResultsTemporary vascular access was used in 53.2% of the patients at first dialysis. In total, 73.2% (n = 865) and 26.8% (n = 317) of the patients were on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TVA use in patients with CKD was associated with diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28‐1.81, p < 0.001), lower albumin (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75‐0.91, p < 0.001), lower education level (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56‐1.00, p = 0.055), and total care dependency (HR 1.92, CI 1.44‐3.43, p = 0.003).ConclusionDiabetes, education level, and care dependency are associated with TVA at dialysis initiation in patients with CKD.
Measurement of dermal water content by confocal RAMAN spectroscopy to investigate intrinsic aging and photoaging of human skin in vivo
Authors: Kourbaj Ghaith , Bielfeldt Stephan , Seise Matthias , Wilhelm Klaus‐Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS) revealed a clear correlation of age and dermal water content, indicating increasing water content of the dermis with increasing age. This enhancement of water has been interpreted as an age‐dependent depletion, of proteins, mainly of collagen. Chronical sun exposure is known to destroy the collagen network of the skin, which leads to the signs of photoaging as the formation of wrinkles. Noninvasive in vivo measuring techniques for photoaging are limited. Therefore, sensitive techniques to quantify even mild degrees of photoaging in a clinical setting are of high interest. We used CRS to measure the water content in human dermis in vivo, assuming that additionally to the increase of water content in intrinsic aging, photoaging would lead to further collagen depletion and an additional increase in water content of the dermis.Materials and MethodsA panel of 24 female subjects of different age‐groups and scores of photoaging was recruited. A ranking of high resolution dorsal forearm photographs was used to classify the degree of photoaging with high precision. After that, CRS water content and collagen measurements were performed in the photoexposed dorsal as well as the photoprotected volar dermis of the subjects.ResultsA positive correlation of water content in the dermis with age could be confirmed (r = .550). Further, a positive correlation between water content of dorsal dermis and photoaging ranks was observed (Pearson's r = .417).ConclusionAssessment of water content in the dermis with confocal Raman spectroscopy was found to be a promising method to measure the degree of photoaging in human subjects in vivo.
Reflectance confocal microscopy role in mycosis fungoides follow‐up
Authors: Melhoranse Gouveia Bruna , Wells Jillian , Kim Jennifer , Collgros Helena , Guitera Pascale , Longo Caterina , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundReflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a useful tool for many skin cancers, allowing non‐invasive evaluation over time and identifying areas of active disease. Its role to follow‐up mycosis fungoides (MF) patients has not yet been evaluated.ObjectiveTo assess the level of agreement between RCM and histopathology and to develop a RCM checklist that could help monitoring MF patients.MethodProspective study in a cutaneous lymphoma clinic of a tertiary hospital in Australia. RCM and biopsies were performed on the same area at baseline, before commencing or changing treatment, and at 6 months after starting treatment. Normal skin sites were also analysed and acted as controls. RCM features and histopathological findings were blindly evaluated by the confocalist and pathologist. Correlation between RCM and histology was measured by overall per cent of agreement (OPA), kappa and ROC curves. Additionally, RCM images before and after treatment were assessed blinded from clinical information and correlated to clinical assessment.ResultsThirty‐eight MF lesions were included. Nineteen of these 38 were re‐assessed by RCM 6 months later. Fifty biopsies were performed (38 at baseline and 12 after 6 months). The combination of four RCM features corresponding to Pautrier's microabscess, epidermal and junctional lymphocytes and interface dermatitis formed the RCM checklist for MF that predicted the severity of disease with AUC of 0.95 (P = .003).ConclusionReflectance confocal microscopy can assess activity within a lesion and over time and assist in the clinical management of patients with MF.
Elementary preservice teachers' integration of engineering into STEM lesson plans
Authors: Maiorca Cathrine , Mohr‐Schroeder Margaret J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractScience, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) integration is a desired outcome according to Next Generation Science Standards. However, learning to teach integrated STEM content has been challenging for teachers. Consequently, the purpose of this qualitative study was to describe how 16 preservice teachers enrolled in a mathematics methods course created integrated STEM lesson plans that incorporated an authentic engineering problem. Content analysis of the completed integrated STEM lesson plans used the Quality K‐12 Engineering Education Framework to identify any characteristics of engineering. We found that 15 of 16 preservice teachers demonstrated at least an emerging ability to create an integrated STEM lesson that contained an engineering problem, constraints, a prototype or model, model testing, and data collection and analysis related to the model. We concluded that giving preservice teachers opportunities to experience engineering design problems could better prepare them to design and implement integrated STEM education in their classrooms. The findings from this study have practical implications for mathematics methods teacher educators who teach the pedagogy behind STEM education. This study also has theoretical implications because socially situated learning theory was extended to Model‐Eliciting Activities and connected them to the K‐12 Framework for Quality Engineering Education.
A novel ABO allele with a 21‐bp duplication identified in two unrelated European individuals with weak A expression
Authors: Jakobsen Marianne A. , Hult Annika K. , Hellberg Åsa , Crottet Sofia Lejon , Sprogøe Ulrik , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo carry out genetic and serological analyses of a Swiss blood donor and a Danish patient carrying an aberrant ABO phenotype with weak A expression.BackgroundABO is the most clinically important blood group system but also one of the most complex. The system antigens are determined by carbohydrate structures generated by A and B glycosyltransferases encoded by the ABO gene. Genetic variants of ABO may encode a glycosyltransferase with reduced activity, leading to weak expression of A antigen.MethodsSamples from two individuals were examined using genetic testing and extended immunohaematological evaluation, including standard serological methods, flow cytometry and analysis of plasma glycosyltransferase activity.ResultsBoth individuals were serologically determined to be AweakB. Genetic testing revealed that both were heterozygous for a novel ABO*A1.01‐like allele with an in‐frame duplication of 21 nucleotides in exon 7 (c.543_563dup), leading to the insertion of seven amino acids (QDVSMRR). Flow cytometric testing of native red blood cells (RBCs) showed very weak A antigen expression. This was in accordance with the enzyme activity test.ConclusionIn summary, we describe a novel A allele with a duplication of 21 nucleotides in exon 7 that significantly decreases the enzyme activity and leads to very weak expression of A antigen. (200 words)
The haemoglobinopathy survey: The reality of transfusion practice in sickle cell disease and thalassaemia in England
Authors: Trompeter Sara , Estcourt Lise , Mora Ana , Wong Esther , Collett David , Bolton‐Maggs Paula , Poles Debbi , Deary Alison , Watt Alison 
Published: October 2020

SummaryObjectivesTo establish, in an unselected population of London haemoglobinopathy patients, transfusion requirements, blood antigens/alloantibodies, transfusion modalities, burden of transfusion reactions and donor exposure.BackgroundHaemoglobinopathy patients are among the most highly transfused patient populations, and the overall population and number of patients on long‐term transfusion programmes are increasing. To provide a safe and efficacious transfusion service for patients, it is important to understand current practice, morbidity associated with transfusion, efficacy of different transfusion modalities and geno‐/phenotype requirements.MethodsData on 4451 transfusion episodes in 760 patients from 12 London hospitals were collected retrospectively over a 6‐month period in 2011.ResultsAlloimmunisation prevalence was 17% for sickle cell disease (SCD) and 22% for thalassaemia, most commonly anti‐Rh/Kell/Kpa/Cw. Rh phenotypes differed between SCD (Ror 59.8%/R1r 15.9%/R2r 15.6%) and thalassaemia (R1R1 29.6%/R1r 28.4%/R1R2 15.4%). Recording of pheno‐/genotypes fell below recommendations. A 2‐weekly manual exchange and 3‐weekly automated exchange came closest to achieving presumptive targets. In adults with thalassaemia, the mean blood requirement was 36 units per year; for SCD, erythrocytapheresis was carried out every 7 weeks with 66 units; for manual exchange, it was 38 units every 4 weeks; and for simple transfusion, it was 30 units p.a. every 4 weeks.ConclusionTransfusion modality choice was influenced by the resources available—children mostly received simple transfusions, and adults received erythrocytapheresis; the relationships between frequency of exchanges/transfusion modality/target HbA% were not simple, possibly reflecting the difference in recipient erythropoiesis and consequent transfusion modality selection bias; adherence to existing and current guidelines regarding geno‐/phenotyping was limited; and alloimmunisation had a low incidence and high prevalence in both disorders.
The current state of the platelet supply in the US and proposed options to decrease the risk of critical shortages
Authors: Stubbs James R. , Homer Mary J. , Silverman Toby , Cap Andrew P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDue to circumstances such as increased demand and an aging donor pool, the likelihood of critical platelet shortages is increasing. The platelet supply could be improved through the expansion of the donor pool, the identification and sustained utilization of high‐quality donors, and changes in component processing and storage that result in a longer platelet shelf‐life. Refrigerated platelets, stored at 1° to 6°C, have the potential to improve patient safety by decreasing the risk of bacterial contamination while concurrently allowing for a longer storage period (eg, 14 days) and improved hemostatic effectiveness in actively bleeding patients. An approach utilizing remuneration of apheresis platelet donors combined with pathogen reduction of the platelet components could be used as a means to increase the donor pool and identify and sustain safe, reliable, high‐quality donors. Remuneration might provide an incentive for underutilized populations (eg, individuals <30 years old) to enter the apheresis platelet donor population resulting in a significant expansion of the platelet donor pool. Over time, approaches such as the use of refrigerated platelets, platelet donor remuneration, and the application of pathogen reduction technology, might serve to attract a large, reliable, and safe donor base that provides platelet collections with high yields, longer shelf‐lives and, excellent hemostatic function.
The Missing Link? Middle School Students’ Procedural Knowledge on Fitness
Authors: Zhang Tan , Deng Anqi , Chen Ang 
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Guided by the declarative−procedural knowledge framework, the study attempts to identify middle school students’ declarative (knowing what) and procedural (knowing how) fitness knowledge and the relationship between the two. Methods: A sample of students (n = 291, age 11–14 years) from 24 middle schools took a grade-relevant standardized knowledge test on declarative fitness knowledge and received a semistructured interview designed to clarify their declarative and procedural knowledge. Results: Most students were lacking in procedural knowledge to conduct fitness-enhancing physical activities. A few students who had mastered declarative fitness knowledge demonstrated a high level of procedural knowledge consistent with personal fitness goals. Discussion: The findings suggest that incapability to engage in fitness-enhancing physical activities could be a result of lacking procedural fitness knowledge. Future school-based interventions may prioritize procedural knowledge learning for actual physical activity participation.
Running (for) the Military: An Ethnography of Sport Militarism at the Canada Army Run
Authors: Desjardins Bridgette M. 
Published: October 2020

In September 2019, 19,000 amateur runners participated in the Canada Army Run, a road race hosted by the Canadian Forces (CF). This ethnographic study explores the event as a site of socialization, demonstrating that the Army Run: (a) focuses on promoting the CF rather than maximizing race results, (b) promotes the CF by exceptionalizing its members, and (c) is a celebratory site of promilitary socialization and recruitment that precludes critical engagement with the CF. These findings indicate that military promotional strategies have evolved since the immediate post 9/11 era; whereas previous initiatives used sport to tie local military agendas into larger neoliberal military imperatives, the 2019 Army Run demonstrates a new tactic, depoliticizing the CF and reifying an idealized, decontextualized Canadian military.
Glycated albumin and hemoglobin A1c levels and cause-specific mortality by patients’ conditions among hemodialysis patients with diabetes: a 3-year nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hoshino Junichi , Abe Masanori , Hamano Takayuki , Hasegawa Takeshi , Wada Atsushi , Ubara Yoshifumi , Takaichi Kenmei , Nakai Shigeru , Masakane Ikuto , Nitta Kosaku 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionDifferences in mortality and cause-specific mortality rates according to glycated albumin (GA) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels among dialysis patients with diabetes based on hypoglycemic agent use and malnutrition status remain unclear. Here, we examine these associations using a nationwide cohort.Research design and methodsWe examined 40 417 dialysis patients with diabetes who met our inclusion criteria (female, 30.8%; mean age, 67.3±11.2 years; mean dialysis duration, 5.4±4.6 years). The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria were used to assess malnutrition. Adjusted HRs and 95% confidence limits were calculated for 3-year mortality after adjustment for 18 potential confounders. HRs and subdistribution HRs were used to explore cause-specific mortality.ResultsWe found a linear association between 3-year mortality and GA levels only in patients with GA ≥18% and not in patients with low GA levels, with a U-shaped association between HbA1c levels and the lowest morality at an HbA1c 6.0%–6.3%. This association differed based on patient conditions and hypoglycemic agent use. If patients using hypoglycemic agents were malnourished, mortality was increased with GA ≥24% and HbA1c ≥8%. In addition, patients with GA ≥22% and HbA1c ≥7.6% had significantly higher infectious or cardiovascular mortality rates. On the other hand, an inverse association was found between GA or HbA1c levels and cancer mortality. Patients with GA ≤15.8% had a higher risk of cancer mortality, especially those not using hypoglycemic agents (HR 1.63 (1.00–2.66)).ConclusionsTarget GA and HbA1c levels in dialysis patients may differ according to hypoglycemic agent use, nutritional status, and the presence of cancer. The levels may be higher in malnourished patients than in other patients, and a very low GA level in dialysis patients not taking hypoglycemic agents may be associated with a risk of cancer.Trial registration numberUMIN000018641.
Study protocol: a multicentre, prospective, phase II trial of isotoxic hypofractionated concurrent chemoradiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Yue-E , Xue Xiao-Ying , Zhang Rui , Chen Xue-Ji , Ding Yu-Xia , Liu Chao-Xing , Qin Yue-Liang , Li Wei-Qian , Ren Xiao-Cang , Lin Qiang 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionConcurrent chemoradiotherapy with conventional fractionation has been acknowledged as one of the standard treatments for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The radiotherapy dose of 60 Gy is far from enough for local tumour control. Due to this fact, hypofractionated radiotherapy can shorten the total treatment duration, partially counteract the accelerated repopulation of tumour cells and deliver a higher biological effective dose, it has been increasingly used for NSCLC. In theory, concurrent hypofractionated chemoradiotherapy can result in an enhanced curative effect. To date, the vast majority of radiotherapy prescriptions assign a uniform radiotherapy dose to all patients. However this kind of uniform radiotherapy prescription may lead to two consequences: excess damage to normal tissues for large tumours and insufficient dose for small tumours. Our study aims to evaluate whether delivering individualised radiotherapy dose is feasible using intensity-modulated radiotherapy.Methods and analysisOur study of individualised radiotherapy is a multicenter phase II trial. From April 2019, a total of 30 patients from three Chinese centres, with a proven histological or cytological diagnosis of inoperable NSCLC, will be recruited. The dose of radiation will be increased until one or more of the organs at risk tolerance or the maximum dose of 69 Gy is reached. The primary end point is feasibility, with response rates, progression-free survival and overall survival as secondary end points. The concurrent chemotherapy regimen will be docetaxel plus lobaplatin.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by medical ethics committees from three research centres. The trial is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.The trial results will be disseminated through academic conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberNCT03606239