bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional conservation and divergence of five AP1/FUL-like genes in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Sun Yalin , Wei Ludan , Wang Wenjing , Li Hang , Bao Manzhu , He Yanhong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Members of AP1/FUL subfamily genes play an essential role in the regulation of floral meristem transition, floral organ identity, and fruit ripping. At present, there have been insufficient studies to explain the function of the AP1/FUL-like subfamily genes in Asteraceae. Results: Here, we cloned two euAP1 clade genes TeAP1-1 and TeAP1-2, and three euFUL clade genes TeFUL1, TeFUL2, and TeFUL3 from marigold (Tagetes erecta). Expression profile analysis demonstrated that TeAP1-1 and TeAP1-2 were mainly expressed in receptacles, sepals, petals, and ovules. TeFUL1 and TeFUL3 were expressed in floral buds, stems and leaves as well as in productive tissues, while TeFUL2 was mainly expressed in floral buds and vegetative tissues. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines showed that overexpression TeAP1-2 or TeFUL2 resulted in early flowering, implying that these two genes might regulate the floral transition. Yeast two-hybrid analysis indicated that TeAP1/FUL proteins only interacted with TeSEP proteins to form heterodimers, and that TeFUL2 could also form a homodimer.Conclusion: In general, TeAP1-1 and TeAP1-2 might play a conserved role in regulating sepal and petal identity, just like the role of MADS-box class A genes, while TeFUL genes might display divergent functions. This study provides an insight into molecular mechanism of AP1/FUL-like genes in Asteraceae species.
Fit for Surgery – Effects of short-course multimodal individualized prehabilitation in high-risk frail colon cancer patients prior to surgery: A feasibility study
Authors: Bojesen Rasmus Dahlin , Jørgensen Lars Bo , Grube Camilla , Skou Søren Thorgaard , Johansen Christoffer , Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg , Gögenur Ismail 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Prehabilitation is a promising modality for improving patient-related outcomes after major surgery, however, very little research has been done for those who may need it the most; the elderly and the frail. The study aimed to investigate if high risk, frail patients with colorectal cancer and WHO performance status I and II could adhere to a short course multimodal prehabilitation intervention prior to surgery.Methods The study was conducted as a single-center, prospective one-arm feasibility study with limited-efficacy testing of eight patients. The intervention consisted of a physical training program tailored to the patients with both high-intensity interval training and resistance training three times a week, nutritional support with protein and vitamins, a consultation with a dietician, and medical optimization prior to surgery. The primary outcomes were the increase in maximum oxygen intake (VO2 peak) during the intervention and per-protocol compliance and adherence. Secondary outcomes were: increase in body weight, increase in albumin, adverse events during the intervention, postoperative length of stay, and complications within 30 days after surgery. Results The mean age vas 80 (range: 66-88). Seven completed the intervention. The mean increase in maximum oxygen intake (VO2 peak) was 17 % (range: 0.6% - 28 %), with two patients being non-responders. All patients who had a prediagnostic weight loss increased their body weight with a mean of 2.5 kg (range: 1.3 – 4.0 kg). Adherence to high-intensity interval training was 87 %, whereas adherence to nutritional support was 57 %. The median postoperative length of stay was 3 days (range: 1-26).Conclusions This one-arm feasibility study indicates that multimodal prehabilitation including high-intensity interval training can be performed with high adherence to the program in patients with colorectal cancer and WHO performance status I and II Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04167436, Date of registration November 18 2019. Retrospectively registered.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast surgery and breast reconstruction in a Japanese university hospital setting.
Authors: Shibata Dai , Kawate Takahiko , Komiya Takako , Nakamura Itaru , Ishikawa Takashi , Matsumura Hajime 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide. In Japan, the number of people infected has been increasing since March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on hospitals, although Tokyo, Japan did not experience a collapse of the medical system. Patients were triaged and prioritized due to surgical limitations during the pandemic period. The purpose of this study was to determine how patients with breast cancer or breast reconstruction were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at a university hospital in Tokyo. In this retrospective chart review we investigated how patients were treated, including surgical postponements during three periods: April to July 2020, August to November 2019 (after the Allergan recall), and April to July 2019. More than half of breast surgeries and breast reconstructions had to be postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the number of candidates for surgery was also lower compared to the pre-pandemic periods. Triage of patients with breast cancer did not result in any adverse oncological outcomes for these patients. COVID-19 has had a major impact on breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction, and there was substantial postponement of surgery. Due to triage and prioritization, no patients experienced disease progression in the short-term period, demonstrating that our strategy was appropriate.
On the Spatiotemporal Behavior in Biology-Mimicking Computing Systems
Authors: Vegh Janos , Berki Ádám József 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Both the growing demand to cope with "big data" (based on, or assisted by, artificial intelligence) and the interest in understanding the operation of our brain more completely, stimulated the efforts to build biology-mimicking computing systems from inexpensive conventional components and build different ("neuromorphic") computing systems. On one side, those systems require an unusually large number of processors, which introduces performance limitations and nonlinear scaling. On the other side, the neuronal operation drastically differs from the conventional workloads. The conduction time (transfer time) is ignored in both in conventional computing and "spatiotemporal" computational models of neural networks, although von Neumann warned: "In the human nervous system the conduction times along the lines (axons) can be longer than the synaptic delays, hence our procedure of neglecting them aside of the processing time would be unsound" [1], section 6.3. This difference alone makes imitating biological behavior in technical implementation hard. Besides, the recent issues in computing called the attention to that the temporal behavior is a general feature of computing systems, too. Some of their effects in both biological and technical systems were already noticed. Instead of introducing some "looks like" models, the correct handling of the transfer time is suggested here. Introducing the temporal logic, based on the Minkowski transform, gives quantitative insight into the operation of both kinds of computing systems, furthermore provides a natural explanation of decades-old empirical phenomena. Without considering their temporal behavior correctly, neither effective implementation nor a true imitation of biological neural systems are possible.
The new clinical application of bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp in postpartum hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang QianWen , Li Tao , Xu Yu , Hu Yayi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the efficacy and safety of bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp firstly applied in postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine tony of lower segment.Methods: Totally 47 pregnant women with postpartum hemorrhage secondary to lower uterine segment atony in vaginal delivery or after caesarean delivery were included from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. According to patient’s informed consent, 22 women accepted cervical clamp to treat and 25 only used uterotonics in control group.Then hemostatic efficacy and safety of bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp were assessed by retrospective analysis.Results: It was found that mean blood loss in clamp group was much less during vaginal delivery (656.2±72.79g vs 811.8±86.07g, p=0.001) or after caesarean delivery (42.8±6.60g vs 126.3±86.97g, p=0.007), and incidence of uterotonic repeated usage (81.8% vs 36%, 18.2 % vs 64%, p=0.001) or side effect (18.2% vs 48.0%, p=0.031) appeared less than control group, but there was no statistical differences on hospital stay(4.1±1.57days vs 3.8±1.61days, p=0.535), hemoglobin(119±4.10g vs 121.4±4.19g, p=0.058)，blood transfusion(9.1% vs 12%,p=0.746), surgical procedures(4.5% vs 4.0%, p=0.93), also no clamp complications occurred.Conclusions: The bilateral-contralateral cervix clamp was effective and safe, this new technique could be a complementary treatment for postpartum hemorrhage.
Ulrasonography guided Closed Reduction in the Treatment of Displaced Transphyseal Fracture of the Distal Humerus
Authors: Zhou Hai , Zhang Ge , Li Ming , Qu Xiangyang , Cao Yujiang , Liu Xing , Zhang Yuan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes after ulrasonography guided Closed reduction in the treatment of displaced transphyseal fracture of the distal Humerus (TFDH).Methods: Twenty-seven patients with displaced TFDH successfully treated by the ulrasonography guided closed reduction during January 2012 to December 2016 were retrospective reviewed. After mean follow-up of 34.88 months, the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients were evaluated. The cubitus varus of the affected elbow were also assessed at latest follow-up.Results: The successful rate of ultrasonography guided closed reduction in the treatment of displaced TFDH was 84% (27/32). The twenty-seven patients with successful reduction were included for the following analysis. There were 20 male patients and 7 female patients included the study and the mean age at treatment was 15.39±3.10 months, seventeen fractures occurred in right side elbow and ten in left side. At the last follow-up, there were significant decreases in the elbow flexion (3°, P=0.027) and range of motion (5°, P=0.003) between the injured and uninjured elbow, respectively. Whereas no difference in elbow extension was detected (P=0.110). Flynn’s criteria assessment showed that all the patients achieved excellent or good outcomes both in the functional and cosmetic categories. The clinical and radiographic carrying angle at the last follow-up were 11.67 ± 3.11° and 10.46 ± 3.88°, respectively. And the incidence of cubitus varus after treament was 7.4% at last follow-up.Conclusion: The ultrasonography guided closed reduction in the treatment of displaced TFDH is an effective procedure, the adequate fracture reduction can be acquired with the advantages of real-time, non-radioactive, and simple utilization. With the percutaneous pining fixation, satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes can be achieved with low incidence of postoperative cubitus varus.
Efficacy of a simple intraoperative stem-anteversion measuring device in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Iwakiri Kentaro , Ohta Yoichi , Ohyama Yohei , Minoda Yukihide , Kobayashi Akio , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Background: Stem anteversion is important in reducing postoperative complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). THA utilizing the combined-anteversion theory requires stem anteversion angle (SAA) measurement intraoperatively; however, intraoperative SAA estimation is difficult for surgeons without computer-assisted navigation system. We evaluated the accuracy of the SAA measured intraoperatively using a newly developed device by comparing the three-dimensional measurements using postoperative computed tomography (CT).Materials & Methods In 127 hips in 127 patients who underwent unilateral THA at our hospital, we used our newly developed device that can be easily attached to rasping broach handles for measuring the SAA intraoperatively, which required the addition of the correction angle obtained in the preoperative epicondylar view. Postoperative SAA and its discrepancies from the measured intraoperative SAA with or without adding the correction angle were compared between the groups to evaluate the usefulness of the device.Results The intraoperative SAA measured by the device was 17.93 ± 7.53°. The true SAA measured on postoperative CT was 26.40 ± 9.73°. The discrepancy between the intraoperative SAA and true SAA was 8.94 ± 5.44° (without the correction angle), and 4.93 ± 3.85° (with the correction angle). Accuracy with a discrepancy of <5 degrees was achieved in 77 (60.6%) and <10 degrees was achieved in 113 (89.0%). The accuracy was unaffected by the stem placement angle (varus/valgus, or flexion/extension), or ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis.Conclusion The SAA measuring device, easily attachable to various rasping handles, is useful to measure the intraoperative SAA in a simple, economical, and noninvasive manner during THA.Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV.
Correlation Between Quantitative Perfusion Histogram Parameters of DCE-MRI and PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR in Different Pathological Types of Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Bingqian , Zhao Zhenhua , Huang Ya'nan , Mao Haijia , Zou Mingyue , Wang Cheng , Yu Guangmao , Zhang Minming 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To explore if the quantitative perfusion histogram parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) correlates with the PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR protein in lung cancer.Methods: Thirty‐three patients with 33 lesions who had been diagnosed with lung cancer were enrolled in this study. They were divided into three groups: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 15 cases), adenocarcinoma (AC, 12 cases) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, 6 cases). Preoperative imaging (conventional imaging and DCE-MRI) was performed on all patients. The Exchange model was used to measure the phar- macokinetic parameters, including Ktrans, Vp, Kep, Ve and Fp, and then the histogram parameters meanvalue, skewness, kurtosis, uniformity, energy, entropy, quantile of above five parameters were analyzed. The expression of PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Spearman correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between the quantitative perfusion histogram parameters and PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR in different pathological subtypes of lung cancer.Results: The expression of m-TOR (P = 0.013) and P-Akt (P = 0.002) in AC was significantly higher than those in SCC. Vp (uniformity) in SCC group, Ktrans (uniformity), Ve (kurtosis, Q10, Q25) in AC group, Fp (skewness, kurtosis, energy), Ve (Q75, Q90, Q95) in SCLC group was positively correlated with PTEN, and Fp (entropy) in the SCLC group was negatively correlated with PTEN (P <0.05); Kep (Q5, Q10) in the SCLC group was positively correlated with P-Akt, and Kep (energy) in the SCLC group was negatively correlated with P-Akt (P < 0.05); Kep (Q5) in SCC group and Vp (meanvalue, Q75, Q90, Q95) in SCLC group was positively correlated with m-TOR, and Ve (meanvalue) in SCC group was negatively correlated with m-TOR (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The quantitative perfusion histogram parameters of DCE-MRI was correlated with PTEN, P-Akt and m-TOR in different pathological types of lung cancer, which may be used to indirectly evaluate the activation status of P13K / Akt / mTOR signal pathway gene in lung cancer, and provide important reference for clinical treatment.
Intrinsic Brain Abnormalities of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: A Preliminary Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Ao Weiqun , Cheng Yougen , Chen Mingxian , Wei Fuquan , Yang Guangzhao , An Yongyu , Mao Fan , Mao Guoqun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to explore the brain active characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) using resting-state funcational magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) technology.Methods: Thirteen IBS-D patients and fourteen healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All subjects underwent head MRI examination during resting state. A voxel-based analysis of fractional amplitude of lowfrequency fluctuation (fALFF) maps between IBS-D and HC was performed using a two-sample t-test. The relationship between the fALFF values in abnormal brain regions and the scores of Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Compared with HC, IBS-D patients had lower fALFF values in the left medial superior frontal gyrus and higher fALFF values in the left hippocampus and right precuneus. There was a positive correlation between the duration scores of IBS-SSS and fALFF values in the right precuneus. Conclusion: The altered fALFF values in the medial superior frontal gyri, left hippocampus and right precuneus revealed changes of intrinsic neuronal activity, further revealing the abnormality of gut-brain axis of IBS-D.
Assessment of Carbon Stock Potential of Parkland Agroforestry Practice: The Case of Minjar Shenkora; North Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Eshetu Reta , Muhie Seid , Mulu Solomon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The anthropogenic global climate change has negative impacts on various sectors and communities who particularly rely on rain-fed agriculture. Parkland agroforestry practice can contribute to mitigate and adapt to the forthcoming climate change through carbon sequestration. However, empirical studies on carbon stocks potential of parklands agroforestry practices are scarce in different localities. This study assessed carbon stocks of parkland agroforestry practice at Minjar Shenkora woreda. Methodology: By using two-stage stratified random sampling technique, 4 kebeles from two agro ecology were selected and 8 farms/plots/ of 40 m*40 m sample size were selected from each kebele for the vegetation inventory. Tree species-specific allometric equations were used to determine carbon stock potential of parkland agroforestry practice. Results: The result reveal that, AGC, BGC, SOC and Total Carbon have significant variation (p<0.05) across kebeles. The mean total carbon stock of Bolo Giorgis, Bolo Slase, Agirat and Korma Agere is 48.87 Mg C ha-1, 58.21 Mg C ha-1, 57.81 Mg C ha-1and 73.71 Mg C ha-1; respectively. On average, carbon stock of parklands practice in Minjar shenkora was 59.65 Mg C ha-1. Conclusions: The parkland agroforestry practice has a large potential to deliver regulating ecosystem services like opportunities to mitigate the impending climate-changing through carbon sequestration and increasing the resilience of the agricultural system at Minjar shenkora woreda. To enhance the multiple ecosystem services of the parkland agroforestry practices in sustainable way: local by-laws should be strengthened to avoid illegal tree cutting and free grazing.
The Contribution of GUDO Forest Conservation Culture is Key to Biodiversity Conservation.
Authors: Shoddo Getaneh Haile 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Sheka people have long been sustainably managing and conserving the Sheka forest by utilizing different procedures. Shockingly, these indigenous methods for natural resource management are ordinarily absent from scientific forest management and not archived. This paper aims to document “the GUDO culture” and demonstrate how the Sheka people through their indigenous culture can provide valuable, appropriate, and effective forest conservation strategies. The GUDO is a designated forest area mostly found in the mountainous and the rocky area of the Sheka zone. It is found mostly in rocky and mountainous parts of the Sheka zone. They are cultural symbols related to indigenous beliefs and signify spiritual connections to the forestland.MethodsA framework based on ethnographic information is proposed in this paper; accordingly, Qualitative methods involving interviews and focus group discussions with villagers were used to gather data. The traditional leaders because of their rich indigenous knowledge and participation in cultural ceremonies and rituals purposively selected the participants. ResultsThe study found wide conservation practices (a) People’s beliefs, (b) conservation mechanisms, (c) taboos and totems, and (d) People’s knowledge of the sacred forest (e) Forbidden Forest (f) spiritual significance of sacred forests (g) Conservation and management of sacred forests (h) Cutting of trees in the sacred forest (i) Protection of the sacred forest (j) Conservation of biodiversity . ConclusionsThis paper concludes that the GUDO forest conservation culture is illustrated in the Sheka people forest utilization, protection, and management. Therefore, the GUDO forest conservation culture provides important insights into the protection of various forest types and tree species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
Preoperative Plasma Fibrinogen Level: An Independent Predictor for Survival in Adult Patients With Xp11.2 Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dong Jie , Xu Weifeng , Ji Zhigang , Pan Boju 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundXp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (Xp11.2 RCC) is a rare malignancy which is more common in children than in adults. It manifests with an aggressive course in adults and relatively indolent in children. Prognostic studies for adult patients are scare for the rarity of the disease; and the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen level awaits further illumination.MethodsThis retrospective single-center study enrolled 24 consecutive newly diagnosed Xp11.2 RCC adult patients. Clinical presentations, baseline laboratory results and follow-up data were collected. Possible risk factors for progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were first scanned with chi-square tests and t-tests to compare patients who suffered from progression or death and who did not. Independent risk factors for survival were further investigated with multivariate Cox regression.ResultsTwenty-four adult patients (median age 32, range 16-73), with a male-to-female ratio of 12:12, was included from 2010.4 to 2020.3. After a mean follow-up of 35.7months, seven patients died. With univariate analysis, higher C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (p=0.028), higher baseline fibrinogen level (p=0.006), and presence of distant metastasis(p=0.007) were associated with progression of disease; higher preoperative fibrinogen level (p=0.014) and distant metastasis (p= 0.020) were associated with death. With multivariate Cox regression, only baseline fibrinogen level (p=0.001) was identified as an independent risk factor for progression free survival; meanwhile, fibrinogen level (p= 0.048) and distant metastasis (p= 0.043) were identified as independent risk factors for survival.ConclusionsPreoperative plasma fibrinogen level, a routinely tested parameter before surgery, is a promising tool for risk stratification in adult patients with Xp11.2 RCC.