bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis performance of ultrasonography, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early SPECT/CT and delayed SPECT/CT in preoperative localization of parathyroid gland in secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Author) Rongqin Zhang(Former Corresponding , Zhang Zhanwen , Huang Pinbo , Li Zhi , Hu Rui , Zhang Jie , Qiu Wanglin , Author) Ping Hu(New Corresponding 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) usually need parathyroidectomy when drug regimens fail. However, obtaining an exact preoperative map of the locations of the parathyroid glands is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, dual-phase 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy, early SPECT/CT and delayed SPECT/CT in patients with SHPT. Methods: Sixty patients with SHPT who were undergoing dialysis were evaluated preoperatively with ultrasonography, dual-phase 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy, early SPECT/CT and delayed SPECT/CT. Postoperative pathology served as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate were determined for each method. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of the hyperplastic parathyroid calcification with serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Results: 229 lesions in 60 patients were pathological confirmed to be parathyroid hyperplasia with 209 lesions in typical sites, 15 lesions in upper mediastinum and 5 lesions in the thyroid. 88.33% (53/60) patients had four lesions. US, early and delayed SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy rate (P < 0.001) than did dual-phase 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy. Furthermore, early SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity (χ2 = 17.521, P < 0.001, χ2 = 35.027, P < 0.001) and accuracy rate (χ2 = 11.076, P = 0.001, χ2 = 16.289, P < 0.001) than did US and delayed SPECT/CT. In ectopic hyperplastic parathyroid, the sensitivity of early SPECT/CT (90%) was significantly higher than US (55%) and dual-phase planar (50%) (P = 0.039 and P = 0.039). Spearman correlation results showed a significant linear association between the calcification and serum PTH (r = 0.398, P = 0.002) and AKP (r = 0.415, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The ability of early SPECT/CT to detect hyperplastic parathyroid in patients with SHPT is superior to US, 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy and delayed SPECT/CT, and dual-phase SPECT/CT is not essential. Calcification of parathyroid gland is related to the levels of PTH and AKP and may help provide an evidence for the identification of SHPT.
Genome-wide identification of the peptide transporter family in rice and analysis of the PTR expression modulation in two near-isogenic lines with different nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Yang Xinghai , Xia Xiuzhong , Zeng Yu , Nong Baoxuan , Zhang Zongqiong , Wu Yanyan , Tian Qinglan , Zeng Weiying , Gao Ju , Zhou Weiyong , Liang Haifu , Li Danting , Deng Guofu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Nitrogen (N) is a major nutrient element for crop growth. In plants, the members of the peptide transporter (PTR) gene family are involved in nitrate uptake and transport. Here, we identied PTR gene family in rice and analyzed their expression level in near-isogenic lines.
Results: We identified 96, 85 and 78 PTR genes in Nipponbare, R498and Oryza glaberrima , and the phylogenetic were similar in Asian cultivated rice and African cultivated rice. The number of PTR genes was higher in peanuts (125) and soybeans (127). The 521 PTR genes in rice, maize, sorghum, peanut, soybean and Arabidopsis could be classified into 4 groups, and their distribution was different between monocots and dicots. In Nipponbare genome, the 25 PTR genes were distributed in 5 segmental duplication regions on chromosome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The PTR genes in rice have 0-11 introns and 1-12 exons , and 16 of them have the NPF (NRT1/PTR family) domain. The results of RNA-Seq showed that the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NIL15 and NIL19 at three stages were 928, 1467, and 1586, respectively. Under low N conditions, the number of differentially expressed PTR genes increased significantly. The RNA-Seq data was analyzed using WGCNA to predict the potential interaction between genes. We classified the genes with similar expression pattern into one module, and obtained 25 target modules. Among these modules, three modules may be involved in rice nitrogen uptake and utilization, especially the brown module, in which hub genes were annotated as protein kinase that may regulate rice N metabolism.
Conclusions: In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the PTR gene family in rice. 96 PTR genes were identified in Nippobare genome and 25 of them were located on five large segmental duplication regions. The Ka/Ks ratio indicated that many PTR genes had undergone positive selection. The RNA-seq results showed that many PTR genes were involved in riceNUE, and protein kinases might play an important role in this process. These results provide a fundamental basis to improve the rice NUE via molecular breeding.
Gaining favorable identities of Iranian EFL teachers: A single case study of transition from elementary schools to universities
Authors: Rostami Farzad , Yousefi Mohammad Hossein - , Amini Davood 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Having adapted the self-concept framework as a lens and intrinsic case study as a methodological tool, the present study set out to examine how the professional identity of an elementary school teacher is socially (re) constructed while his transition from teaching at elementary schools to teaching at universities. The design of the study was the intrinsic case study. The focal participant was an assistant professor of TEFL who has been teaching in elementary, middle and high schools prior to starting his academic work ten years ago. For the purpose of the data collection, in-depth interview was conducted. Another source of the data was the participant's stories as well as the diaries he had kept over the years. For the data analysis, thematic analysis was employed. Results indicate that the transition was seen to be in parallel with the transition from lower identity perception to higher identity perception. The transitions can be best expressed in terms of identity promotion. The results indicate that the transitions were two main and noticeable ones. The data analyses also indicate that three themes including personal-self, social self, and learners were the driving forces for the case's professional identity development. The study has a number of implications for teacher education, policymakers, and teachers.
Fatty liver index and development of cardiovascular disease in Koreans without pre-existing myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke: a large population-based study
Authors: Kim Jun Hyung , Moon Jin Sil , Byun Seok Joon , Lee Jun Hyeok , Kang Dae Ryong , Sung Ki Chul , Kim Jang Young , Huh Ji Hye 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the known association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), whether NAFLD predicts future CVD events, especially CVD mortality, remains uncertain. We evaluated the relationship between fatty liver index (FLI), a validated marker of NAFLD, and risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in a large population-based study. Methods: We identified 3,011,588 subjects in the Korean National Health Insurance System cohort without a history of CVD who underwent health examinations from 2009 to 2011. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular deaths, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemic stroke. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to assess association between the FLI and the primary endpoint. Results: During the median follow-up period of 6 years, there were 46,010 cases of MACEs (7,148 cases of cardiovascular death, 16,574 of non-fatal MI, and 22,288 of ischemic stroke). There was a linear association between higher FLI values and higher incidence of the primary endpoint. In the multivariable models adjusted for factors, such as body weight and cholesterol levels, the hazard ratio for the primary endpoint comparing the highest vs. lowest quartiles of the FLI was 1.99 (95% confidence interval [CIs], 1.91–2.07). The corresponding hazard ratios (95% CIs) for cardiovascular death, non-fetal MI, and ischemic stroke were 1.98 (1.9-2.06), 2.16 (2.01-2.31), and 2.01 (1.90-2.13), respectively (p<0.001). The results were similar when we performed stratified analyses by age, sex, use of dyslipidemia medication, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the FLI, which is a surrogate marker of NAFLD, has prognostic value for detecting individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular events.
Assessing The Youth-Friendliness Of Youth Clinics In Northern Sweden: A Survey Analyzing The Perspective Of The Youth
Authors: Waenerlund Anna-Karin , Sebastian Miguel San , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Wiklund Maria , Christianson Monica , Goicolea Isabel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Sweden has nearly 300 youth clinics that have been offering services since the 1970s. However, no evaluation has been done to assess their youth-friendliness. This study aims to assess: i) to what extent youth clinics are perceived as youth-friendly by the young people using them; and ii) if the level of youth friendliness is equally perceived across different sociodemographic groups of users.
Methods: The four northernmost counties of Sweden were included in the study. Of the total identified 22 youth clinics, 20 participated by giving out questionnaires to the youth after their visits to the respective youth clinics. In total 1,110 youth participated in the study and answered questions according to the World Health Organization’s criteria of accessibility, equity, respect, privacy and confidentiality, no judgement, and quality. Means and frequencies were calculated, and t-test and ANOVA were used to compare means by sociodemographic variables.
Results: Participants perceived the youth clinics as very youth friendly across the measured domains, with scores as high as 4.8 and 4.9 (of a maximum of 5).Youth clinics were perceived in a similar way regardless of gender, but other sociodemographic factors influenced some of the domains, especially ethnic background.
Conclusions: The perception of youth friendliness in youth clinics was very high. Nonetheless, younger users; users who did not categorize themselves as either heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual; users with trans-experiences; and users with non-Swedish backgrounds gave youth clinics lower scores for certain domains.
Keywords: youth clinic, Sweden, youth friendly, health services, health service accessibility, youth, questionnaire
Clinical implication of plasma exchange on life-threatening antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Park Pil Gyu , Yoo Byung-Woo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background We assessed the rate of and the predictor for all-cause mortality in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients receiving plasma exchange (PLEX) and evaluated the survival-benefit of PLEX for diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) between AAV patients receiving PLEX and those not receiving. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 212 AAV patients. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data at the time of PLEX was collected from both 9 patients receiving PLEX and 10 AAV patients with DAH. The follow-up duration was defined as the period from the time of PLEX or DAH occurrence to death for the deceased patients and as that to the last visit for the survived patients. Results The median age of 9 AAV patients receiving PLEX was 71.0 years and 5 patients were men. Four of 9 patients receiving PLEX died at a median follow-up duration of 92.0 days. Three died of sepsis and one died of no response to PLEX. When patients with DAH receiving PLEX and those not receiving were compared, there were no significant differences in variables between the two groups. The cumulative patients’ survival rate between patients with DAH receiving PLEX and those not receiving were also compared using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis but no survival-benefit of PLEX for DAH was observed. Conclusion The rate of all-cause mortality in 9 AAV patients receiving PLEX was assessed as 44.4% and it was controversial that PLEX is beneficial for the improvement of prognosis of AAV-related DAH.
Lack of Sexual Behavior Disclosure May Distort STI Testing Outcomes
Authors: Kumar Navin , Forastiere Laura , Zhang Tiange , Yang Fan , Li Katherine T , Tang Weiming , Tucker Joseph D , Christakis Nicholas A , Alexander Marcus 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background. To evaluate whether Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) selectan STI test (rectal vs urethral) appropriate for their sexual behavior (insertive and/orreceptive).Methods. We studied uptake of gonorrhea and chlamydia testing among ChineseMSM (N=431) in a multi-site randomized controlled trial (RCT) (December 2018 toJanuary 2019). We collected socio-demographics, relevant medical and sexual history,and disclosure of sexual behavior (outness). Drawing data from the RCT, we estimatedthe decision to test and test choice, and the extent to which disclosure plays a role indecision-making. Results. Among 431 MSM, mean age was 28 years (SD=7.10) and 65% were outto someone. MSM who indicated versatile sexual behavior and were out to someone hada 26.8% (95%CI=6.1, 47.5) increased likelihood for selecting the rectal test vs the ure-thral test, compared to those versatile and not out. Versatile MSM out to their healthprovider outside of the study context had a 29.4% (95%CI=6.3, 52.6) greater likelihoodfor selecting the rectal STI test vs the urethral test, compared to versatile MSM not outto their health provider. Conclusions. Sexual behavior and outness may affect gonorrhea and chlamydia test-ing provision. Apart from clinicians, community-based efforts may reduce stigma-basedbarriers to testing. Keywords. MSM; Sexual Health; Sexual Behavior Disclosure; China
Comparison of Hand-sewn and Modified Mechanical Anastomosis in Esophageal Cancer Patients Undergoing Transhiatal Esophagectomy: An Iranian Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rasihashemi Seyed Ziaeddin , Ramouz Ali , Beheshtirouy Samad , Amini Hassan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: There are controversies over the efficacy of mechanical stapler when compared with the hand-sewn (HS) technique in patients who underwent esophagogastric anastomosis in terms of efficacy and post-operative advantages. The purpose of the present study is to compare the clinical outcomes of manual and a modified mechanical stapled (MMS) anastomosis (double stapled technique) during esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 409 patient’s medical records who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between March 2010 and March 2016. All patients were operated using HS technique or MMS technique. All cases were visited in two weeks, four, eight and twelve months after surgery and were evaluated in terms of postoperative complications including anastomotic leakage, regurgitation, anastomotic stricture, dysphagia and need for anastomotic dilatation.Results: 259 (63.3%) patients were operated using HS technique and 150 patients (36.7%) were operated by MMS technique. The mean operative time was 211.45± 82.25 min for the MMS anastomosis group, whereas for the manual group it was 251.42±52.81 min, respectively (P = 0.023). Postoperatively, 38 (14.67%) anastomotic leakage were detected in the HS group compared to 8 (5.33%) the MMS group (P= 0.002). The results showed lesser anastomotic stricture in patients who underwent MMS anastomosis (P= 0.004). However, during the one-year follow-up period, patients with HS anastomosis required more anastomotic dilatation (P= 0.021).Conclusions: Using a MMS anastomosis may reduce operation time and lead to lower rates of anastomotic leak, decrease anastomotic stricture and anastomotic dilatation.
High Level of Vaccination and Protection Against Hepatitis B with Low Rate of Hepatitis C HCV infection Markers among Hospital Health Care Personnel in North of Iran: A cross-Sectional study.
Authors: Saffar Hiva , Khoshayand Negar , Parsaei Mohammad-Reza , Ghorbani Gholam-Reza , Aarabi Mohsen , Ghara Ali-Asghar Nadi , Saffar mohammed-Jafar 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Health care personnel (HCP) are subjected to increased risk of these infections. Therefore, HBV vaccination and post-vaccination serologic testing (PVST) are recommended for them. Our Objectives in this study were investigate how well the vaccination guidelines for hospital HCPs were implemented. Moreover, the prevalence rates of HBV and HCV infections were calculated. To determine the presence of immunological memory, vaccinated personnel negative to antibody against HB surface antigen with one dose of HB vaccine were boosted.
Methods: From 1 July to 30 November 2017, a cross-Sectional study among HCPs working in public hospitals were conducted. All HCPs from various professional categories potentially at risk of exposure to contaminated sources were included. The information was gathered via interview and self-administered questionnaire. The questions were focused on the demographic characteristics, HB vaccination and immunity status and time elapsed since initial vaccination series, and frequency of needelstick injuries during the past 12 months of their work. Moreover, the prevalence rate of HBV and HCV infections were calculated. To determine the presence of immunological memory, subjects negative to HBV seromarkers received a booster dose of the vaccine.
Results: A total of 186 out of 766 participants were male and nurses comprised 71% of personnel. Although all HCP were vaccinated, 84% of them completed the course and less than 5% of them received PVST. According to the results, 0.78%, 4.6%, and 83% were serologically positive to HBV surface antigen, antibodies against HBV core, and S antigens, respectively. Approximately, 91% of seronegative participants responded to a booster dose and only 0.91% of the personnel had HCV was Anti-HCV positive.
Conclusion: Most HCP received full HBV vaccination course. Although a minority did PVST, the HBV vaccine-induced long-term protection and HBV booster were not required. Therefore, policies should be made to increase the rate PVST after immunization. According to the results, the HCV infection rate was low and thus pre-recruitment screening was not necessary.
Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) immunization on the gonadal transcriptome and proteome of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Wang Rui , Wen Luting , Ma Huawei , Yang Huizan , Lv Min , Chen Zhong , Du Xuesong , Zeng Lan , Lin Yong , Huang Liming , Chen Tao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) plays an important role in the regulation of vertebrate reproduction. Studies have shown that immunization against GnRHa can induce sexually sterile tilapia. To explore the mechanism behind this, in this study, RNA-seq and data-independent acquisition (DIA) techniques were used to study the transcriptome and proteome of the gonad of tilapia immunized with GnRHa. Results : 644 differentially expressed genes (80 upregulated and 564 downregulated) and 1150 differentially expressed proteins (351 upregulated and 799 downregulated) were identified. There were 209 genes with consistent differential expression patterns in the transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, of which 9 were upregulated and 200 downregulated, indicating that the gonad gene expression was inhibited by GnRHa immunization. The downregulated genes were particularly involved in the functions of single-organism process, binding, cellular process, metabolic process and catalytic activity, and associated with the pathways including ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, cardiac muscle contraction and oxidative phosphorylation. The expression of six differentially expressed genes involved in the GnRH signaling pathway was all downregulated. In addition, several important functional genes related to gonadal development after GnRHa immunization were screened. Conclusions: This study confirmed the expression of corresponding genes was affected by GnRHa on the gonad development in tilapia at the molecular level, and laid a foundation for elucidating the mechanism of GnRHa immunization.
Bone-targeted extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells for osteoporosis therapy
Authors: Wang Yayu , Yao Jie , Cai Lizhao , Liu Tong , Wang Xiaogang , Zhang Ye , Zhou Zhiying , Li Tingwei , Liu Minyi , Lai Renfa , Liu Xiangning 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common chronic diseases, but the drugs used to treat OP have strong side effects. Recently, bone regeneration in stem cell derivatives represented by extracellular vesicles (EVs) has provided a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of OP. EVs derived from mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) have a positive effect on bone regeneration, yet their clinical application has been hampered by the lack of bone-targeting. Alendronate (Ale) has a specifically affinity for bone tissue through a high affinity with hydroxyapatite. Herein, we used copper-free "click chemistry” to combine EVs with Ale together for OP targeted therapy. Bone targeting was facilitated via Ale binding to hydroxyapatite, which is highly expressed on the bone surface. Methods In vitro, bone targeting of Ale-EVs was confirmed by flow cytometry. Also, Ex vivo ﬂuorescent imaging data revealed strong ﬂuorescent signals in bone tissues in mice treated with Ale-EVs-DiD compared to bone tissues of mice treated with EVs-DiD. Importantly, the modified EVs were well tolerated and showed no evidence of nonspecific side effects or immune response. Besides, our results showed that Ale-EVs could promote the proliferation and differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. And it had the antiosteoporotic effects in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis rat model. Conclusions A novel bone-targeting nanoparticle delivery system was developed for osteoporosis therapy. We used the Ale-N3 to modify mMSCs derived EVs by copper-free "click chemistry” to generate a Ale-EVs system. The Ale-EVs had a high affinity for bone and have great potential for clinical applications in osteoporosis therapy with low systemic toxicity.