bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA barcode trnH-psbA is a promising candidate for efficient identification of forage legumes and grasses
Authors: Loera-Sánchez Miguel , Studer Bruno , Kölliker Roland 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective Grasslands are widespread ecosystems that fulfil many functions. Plant species richness (PSR) is known to have beneficial effects on such functions and monitoring PSR is crucial for tracking the effects of land use and agricultural management on these ecosystems. Unfortunately, traditional morphology-based methods are labor-intensive and cannot be adapted for high-throughput assessments. DNA barcoding could aid increasing the throughput of PSR assessments in grasslands. In this proof-of-concept work, we aimed at determining which of three plant DNA barcodes ( rbcLa , matK and trnH-psbA ) best discriminates 16 key grass and legume species common in temperate sub-alpine grasslands. Results Barcode trnH-psbA had a 100% correct assignment rate (CAR) in the five analyzed legumes, followed by rbcLa (93.3%) and matK (55.6%). Barcode trnH-psbA had a 100% CAR in the grasses Cynosurus cristatus , Dactylis glomerata and Trisetum flavescens . However, the closely related Festuca, Lolium and Poa species were not always correctly identified, which led to an overall CAR in grasses of 66.7%, 50.0% and 46.4% for trnH-psbA , matK and rbcLa , respectively. Barcode trnH-psbA is thus the most promising candidate for PSR assessments in permanent grasslands and could greatly support plant biodiversity monitoring on a larger scale.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the defense mechanism of cotton against Verticillium dahliae in the presence of the biocontrol fungus Chaetomium globosum CEF-082
Authors: ZHANG YUN , Yang Na , Zhao Lihong , Zhu Heqin , Tang Canming 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Verticillium wilt of cotton is a serious soil-borne disease that causes a substantial reduction in cotton yields. A previous study showed that the endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum CEF-082 could control Verticillium wilt of cotton, and induce a defense response in cotton plants. However, the comprehensive molecular mechanism governing this response is not yet clear.
Results: To study the signalling mechanism induced by CEF-082, the transcriptome of cotton seedlings pretreated with CEF-082 was sequenced. The results revealed 5638 DEGs at 24 h post inoculation with CEF-082, and 2921 and 2153 DEGs at 12 and 48 h post inoculation with Verticillium dahliae , respectively. At 24 h post inoculation with CEF-082, KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched mainly in the plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signalling pathway-plant, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. There were 1209 DEGs specifically induced only in cotton plants inoculated with V. dahliae in the presence of the biocontrol fungus CEF-082, and not when cotton plants were only inoculated with V. dahliae . GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were enriched mainly in the following terms: ROS metabolic process, H 2 O 2 metabolic process, defense response, superoxide dismutase activity, and antioxidant activity. Moreover, many genes, such as ERF , CNGC , FLS2 , MYB , GST and CML , that regulate crucial points in defense-related pathways were identified and may contribute to V. dahliae resistance in cotton. These results provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanism by which the biocontrol fungus CEF-082 increases the resistance of cotton to Verticillium wilt.
Conclusions: The results of this study showed that CEF-082 could regulate multiple metabolic pathways in cotton. After treatment with V. dahliae , the defense response of cotton plants preinoculated with CEF-082 was strengthened.
Independent and reproducible hippocampal radiomic biomarkers for multisite Alzheimer’s disease: diagnosis, longitudinal progress and biological basis
Authors: Zhao Kun , Ding Yanhui , Han Ying , Fan Yong , Alexander-Bloch Aaron F. , Han Tong , Jin Dan , Liu Bing , Lu Jie , Song Chengyuan , Wang Pan , Wang Dawei , Wang Qing , Xu Kaibin , Yang Hongwei , Yao Hongxiang , Zheng Yuanjie , Yu Chunshui , Zhou Bo , Zhang Xinqing , Zhou Yuying , Jiang Tianzi , Zhang Xi , Liu Yong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Hippocampal morphological change is one of the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The primary aim of this study is to explore whether radiomics feature is a robust biomarker for AD and further explore the biological basis of those features.Methods: Hippocampal radiomic features were extracted for classification and prediction using a support vector machine (SVM) with 1943 subjects (multi-site).Results: Multivariate classifier-based SVM analysis provided individual-level predictions for distinguishing AD patients (N=261) from normal controls (NCs; N=231) with accuracy=88.21% with inter-site cross-validation. Further analyses of a large, independent ADNI dataset (N=1228) reinforced these findings. In mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups, a systemic analysis demonstrated that the identified features were significantly associated with clinical features (e.g., apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, polygenic risk scores, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ, CSF Tau), and longitudinal changes in cognition ability; more importantly, the radiomic features have a consistently altered pattern with changes in the MMSE scores over 5 years of follow-up.Conclusion: These comprehensive results suggest that hippocampal radiomic features can serve as robust biomarkers for clinical applications in AD/MCI.
Epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of anemia in premature newborn babies in Centre Hospitalierd’Essos, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Authors: Ahanda Larissa , Sandie Arsene Brunelle , Ndombo Paul Olivier Koki , NjomNlend Anne Esther 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
IntroductionAt birth, all newborns experience a decrease in hemoglobin levels; this decrease is more emphasized in premature babies. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological, therapeutic and outcomesof anemia amongst preterm birthsin a reference hospital in Cameroon.MethodologyThis was a two-year retrospective cohort study (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017). All premature infants with a hemoglobin level below 14g/dl at a given time of hospitalization were included in the study; these were divided into two groups: group A transfusion recipients and group B non-transfusion recipients. The main measurements were prevalence of premature anemia and incidence of blood transfusion, features of population and outcomes.Results142 cases of anemic premature infants (56.34% female) with a mean gestationalage of 31.58 +/- 2.81 weeks of amenorrhea and a mean birth weight of 1652.78 +/- 514.77g were included in the study. The prevalence of premature anemia was 24.2%. Blood transfusion was the most widely used therapeutic method with an incidence of 57.75%, follow by iron (56.34%) and Erythropoietin (EPO) (4.93%). Out of the 142 cases recruited, 82 were in the transfusion group and 60 in the non-transfusion group. Predictive factors of blood transfusion were gestational age (33 weeks), birth weight (less than 1500g) and non-administration of vitamin K and Uvesterol®. Premature infants transfused compared to those not transfused had a longer duration of hospitalisation (p<0,001) and more complications during hospitalization (p<0,001). The overall mortality rate was 21.13% with a higher rate in the transfused group (12,68% vs. 8, 45%) but no significant (p=0.96).ConclusionAnemia of prematurity isa frequent pathology in this setting, with Blood transfusion as main therapy. Administration of vitamin K and Uvesterol®should be ensured in this population while advocating for the access to EPO.
A nationwide survey on the use of Heated Humidified High Flow Oxygen therapy on the paediatric wards in the UK: current practice and research priorities
Authors: Hosheh Osama , Edwards Christopher T , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundHeated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy (HHFNC) is increasingly used on the paediatric wards and High Dependency Units (HDU) for different types of pathologies and different age groups. We aimed to describe current practice related to the use of HHFNC on the paediatric wards and HDUs, weaning practices and preferred outcome measures for future research.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional online survey of UK paediatric consultants or their delegates working on the paediatric wards. Descriptive analysis of the their geographical, and organizational characteristics, their specialties, and their level of experience was investigated. Reasons for HHFNC initiation, weaning criteria, patients’ characteristics and their primary pathologies were also analysed.ResultsParticipation of 218 paediatricians from 81 hospitals (Median: 2.7, Range: 1-11) was registered. HHFNC was provided in most of the surveyed hospitals (93%, 75/81). A High Dependency Unit (HDU) was available in 47 hospitals (58%); less than a third of those have a dedicated paediatrician. Decisions around HHFNC were made solely by paediatricians in (75%) of the cases, mostly at hospitals with no HDU compared to those with dedicated HDUs (70.3% VS 36.6%, 95%CI:22.6%-50.4%, P< .001). Most respondents (72%) agreed that HHFNC is either the same or superior to nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (nCPAP). Failure rate while on HHFNC was identified as the most important outcome measure in any future research followed by the length of need for HHFNC support (37.1%, and 28% respectively). ConclusionThis survey showed support for developing a paediatric-specific national guidance on the use of HHFNC on the wards. Our list of defined research priorities may help guide further collaborative research efforts in this field.
Interactions between lncRNA TUG1 and miR-9 modulate the resistance of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin by regulating eIF5A2
Authors: Wang Shuqian , Cheng Mengjing , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Zheng Li , Liu Hao , Lu Jianju , Liu Yu , Chen Wei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Chemoresistance of BC remains a major unmet clinical obstacle. TUG1 (Taurine upregulated gene 1), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA) are implicated in therapeutic resistance. However, the interactions between TUG1 and miRNAs that regulate doxorubicin (Dox) resistance in BC remain elusive. Methods: Expression of TUG1 and miR-9 was measured by qRT-PCR (Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). EIF5A2 (Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A-2) was detected by western blot. Transfection of siRNAs or miRNA inhibitors was applied to silence lncRNA TUG1, eIF5A2 or miR-9. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 (Cell counting kit-8), flow cytometry, and EdU (5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine) assays, respectively. The regulatory relationship between TUG1 and miR-9 was determined by a luciferase assay. Results: LncRNA TUG1 was highly expressed in BC tissues and positively associated with doxorubicin resistance in BC cell lines. SiRNA knockdown of TUG1 reversed doxorubicin resistance in MCF-7/ADR cells. Mechanistically, TUG1 acted as a ‘sponge’ for miR-9 and downregulated miR-9. Treatment with a miR-9 inhibitor blocked the effect of TUG1 siRNA, and knockdown of TUG1 inhibited the effects of miR-9. Furthermore, TUG1 inhibition of apoptosis induced by doxorubicin involved miR-9 targeting of eIF5A2.Conclusions: TUG1 modulates the susceptibility of BC cells to doxorubicin by regulating the expression of eIF5A2 via a miR-9-dependent mechanism.
Successful Implementation of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy at a Pediatric HIV Clinic in Tanzania
Authors: Hunter Olivia , Kyesi Furaha , Ahluwalia Amrit , Daffé Zeinabou Niamé , Munseri Patricia , von Reyn C. Fordham , Adams Lisa V. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: In accordance with international guidance for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health recommends isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for children aged 12 months and older who are living with HIV. Concerns about tolerability, adherence, and potential mistreatment of undiagnosed TB with monotherapy have limited uptake of IPT globally, especially among children, in whom diagnostic confirmation is challenging. We assessed pediatric IPT implementation and adherence at a pediatric HIV clinic in Tanzania. Methods: Eligible HIV-infected children aged 1-15 years receiving care at the DarDar Pediatric Program in Dar es Salaam who screened negative for TB disease signs and symptoms were offered a 6-month regimen of daily isoniazid. Patients could choose to receive their IPT via facility- or community-based care. Isoniazid was dispensed with the child’s antiretroviral therapy every 1-3 months. IPT adherence and treatment completion was determined by pill counts, appointment attendance, and self-report. Patients underwent TB symptom screening at every visit. Results: We enrolled 66 children between July and December 2017. No patients/caregivers declined IPT. Most participants were female (n=43, 65.1%) and the median age was 11 years (interquartile range [IQR] 8, 13). 63 (95.5%) participants chose the facility-based model; due to the small number of participants who chose the community-based model, valid comparisons between the two groups could not be made. Forty-nine participants (74.2%) completed IPT within 10 months. Among the remaining 17, most (n=11, 64.7%) had IPT discontinued by their provider due to adverse drug reactions; 5 patients (29.4%) lacked documentation of completion. Of those who completed IPT, the average monthly adherence was 98.0%. None of the participants were diagnosed with TB while taking IPT or during a median of 4 months of follow-up. Conclusions: High adherence and treatment completion rates can be achieved when IPT is integrated into routine, self-selected facility-based pediatric HIV care. Improved record-keeping may yield even higher completion rates. IPT was well tolerated and no cases of TB were detected. IPT for children living with HIV is feasible and should be implemented throughout Tanzania and in similar high TB/HIV-burden settings.
Development&nbsp;of&nbsp;an&nbsp;Educational-Training&nbsp;Program&nbsp;for&nbsp;Infection&nbsp;Control&nbsp;Practitioners&nbsp;in&nbsp;Long-Term&nbsp;Care&nbsp;Hospitals&nbsp;Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;Dacum&nbsp;Method:&nbsp;A&nbsp;Descriptive&nbsp;Study
Authors: Jeong Sun Y , Kim Og Son 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Elderly persons in Korea are at risk of infection due to underlying diseases and weak immune systems. In addition, they require care in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) that have well-trained infection control practitioners (ICPs). This study aimed to develop an educational-training program for ICPs working in LTCHs using the Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) method. Methods: A total of 209 ICPs participated in a survey and rated 12 duties and 51 tasks according to frequency, importance, and difficulty. Tasks that scored above the mean for each of the three factors were selected as key tasks and divided into five modules. Subsequently, 29 of the ICPs participated in a pilot educational-training program.Results: Of a maximum of 5.00, the mean task frequency, importance, and difficulty were 2.71, 3.90, and 3.67, respectively. The mean program satisfaction level was 93.23 (standard deviation: ±3.79 points) out of 100 points. The total knowledge, skills, and teaching efficacy scores were significantly higher after the program (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.006, respectively).Conclusions: The DACUM method was used to develop an educational-training program based on the duties of ICPs. This systematically developed program was effective and has the potential to improve ICP performance and the quality of care in LTCHs.
Developing senior hospital managers: does ‘one size fit all’? – evidence from the evolving Chinese Health System
Authors: Liang Zhanming , Howard Peter F , Wang Jian , Xu Min , Zhao Mei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To improve the effectiveness and efficiency of health service provision in China, the National Health Commission has emphasised that training of all health service managers is essential. However, the implementation of that policy has proven challenging for various reasons, one of which is the lack of understanding of the competency requirements and gaps.Methods: A three-component survey including the use of a validated management competency assessment tool was conducted with three senior executive groups (n=498) from three categories of hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China.Results: The survey confirmed that formal and informal management training amongst participants before commencing their management positions was inadequate, the applicability of core competencies identified in the Australia context to the management roles in Chinese hospitals, and the low confidence of the senior executives in their management competence. In addition, the data showed significant differences between hospital categories and management levels in terms of their commitment to formal and informal training and self-perceived management competence.Conclusions: The study suggests that management training and support should be provided using a systematic approach with specific consideration to hospital types and management levels and positions. Such an approach should include clear competency requirements to guide management position recruitment and performance management.
Lead Poisoning; a Neglected Potential Diagnosis in Abdominal Pain
Authors: Shabani Mahtab , Hadeiy Seyed Kaveh , Parhizgar Parinaz , Zamani Nasim , Mehrad Hamid , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Phillips Scott 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Abdominal pain may be a presenting symptom of lead poisoning, and is often difficult to diagnose. We aimed to determine the prevalence of abdominal pain in patients seen in the Laghman Hakim Hospital ED and GI clinic who were lead-intoxicated, with or without opiate use disorder.Methods Between July 2017 and January 2018, patients seen in the ED and GI clinic of Loghman Hakim Hospital with unexplained abdominal pain or abdominal pain resistant to treatment were enrolled. Informed consent was obtained from potential enrollees. For standardization, a pre-designed data collection tool was developed for uniform data acquisition. Opiate use was determined historically. For this study, lead poisoning was defined as a blood lead level (BLL) greater than or equal to 30 μg/dL (1.45 micromoles/L) with concomitant GI symptoms.Results Of 125 patients admitted, 28 (22.4%) had BLLs higher than 30 μg/dL. None of the patients had signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndrome during evaluation. Elevated BLLs were significantly correlated with oral opium use/abuse, history of addiction for over the preceding 12 years. The daily opium use was more than 2.75 grams. There was a statistical correlation between lead toxicity and abdominal pain consistency and intensity, constipation, and paresthesias. Anemia, leukocytosis, and abnormal liver enzyme tests were laboratory findings associated with lead toxicity. Four patients died, one of whom was diagnosed with lead toxicity.Conclusion Lead toxicity should be considered in the potential differential diagnosis of severe and resistant abdominal pain in patients referring to general EDs or GI clinics if a positive history of opium abuse exists.
Impact of spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma rupture on surgical outcome after liver resection: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Huang Zhi-Yong , Shu Chang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Spontaneous tumor rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The impact of spontaneous ruptured HCC on long-term survival after liver resection (LR) remains unclear. Our aim was to compare the surgical outcome in patients who underwent LR with ruptured and non-ruptured HCC . Methods A comprehensive search using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Science Citation Index Expanded databases was performed. The primary outcomes were the hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival ( OS) and disease free survival (DFS). The secondary outcomes included morbidity, hospital mortality and recurrence rate . Results Ten retrospective studies including 3222 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis revealed a significantly poorer OS and DFS for patients with ruptured HCC compared to patients with non-ruptured HCC (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.61-2.54; P< 0.00001 and HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.56-2.35; P<0.00001, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, both the propensity score matching (PSM) and non-PSM studies demonstrated a significantly poorer OS in the ruptured HCC group (P=0.02 and P<0.00001, respectively). However, meta-analysis of two PSM studies showed that there was not significant difference in the DFS between the two groups (P=0.50). Patients in the ruptured HCC group had a higher mortality and recurrence rate than the non-ruptured HCC group, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.05 and P = 0.06, respectively) Conclusions Surgical outcomes of the patients with the ruptured or non-ruptured HCC undergoing LR were not only affected by tumor rupture itself, but also by the tumor characteristics and liver functional status. Therefore, classifying all ruptured but resectable HCC as T4 stage is unable to accurately represent their true prognosis.
Managerial competences in public organisations: the healthcare professionals’ perspective
Authors: Fanelli Simone , Lanza Gianluca , Enna Cristiana , Zangrandi Antonello 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Human resources play a critical role in encouraging efficient performance within organisations, especially for public healthcare organisations, where competences of staff are key aspects of the quality of services provided. In this context, the enhancement of competences are strategic objectives for Human Resources Management (HRM) in order to achieve excellent and lasting results. However, competences of healthcare professionals are both clinical and managerial. This study identifies specific managerial competences perceived as crucial by healthcare professionals in order to improve their performance and develop suitable HRM practices. Methods: The research methodology was divided into three main phases using mixed methods, commencing with literature review to identify the initial framework about managerial competences. Focus groups were then used to discuss evidence from the literature. Feedback from focus groups was used to draft the final questionnaire. Finally, the answers to the questionnaire were analysed through statistical software. Results: The results show that managers and professionals share a view of what should be specific managerial competences for healthcare organisations. Main competences are: quality evaluation based on outcomes; enhancement of professional competences; programming based on process management; project cost assessment; informal communication style; and participatory leadership. Conclusions: Although the issue of managerial skills in healthcare is widely discussed in literature, findings are often fragmentary. Our work includes a systematic literature review useful for more empirical studies. Furthermore, our results can support public managers who want to set up positive HRM practices for healthcare professionals.