bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rice BZ1 locus is required for glycosylation of arabinogalactan proteins and galactolipid and plays a role in both mechanical strength and leaf color
Authors: Liu Sitong , Tang Yijun , Ruan Nan , Dang Zhengjun , Huang Yuwei , Miao Wei , Xu Zhengjin , Li Fengcheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The cell wall and chloroplast are two fundamental structures determining plant mechanical strength and grain yield. Therefore, understanding mechanisms that improve plants’ ability to develop a robust cell wall and well-developed chloroplast is of utmost importance for agricultural activities. Results: In this study, we report the functional characterization of a novel rice mutant, brittle stem and zebra leaf (bz1), which displays altered cell wall composition and collapsed chloroplast membrane. Molecular and biochemical analysis revealed that BZ1 encodes a functional UDP-galactose/glucose epimerase (UGE) and is ubiquitously expressed with higher expression in stem and leaf tissues. Multiple techniques analyses, including immunoblots, immuno-gold, and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, demonstrated a significantly impaired glycosylation of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and disordered cellulose microfibril deposition in bz1. Lipid profiling assay showed that the amount of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDG), a major chloroplast membrane glycolipid, was significantly decreased in bz1. Taken together, these results strongly demonstrate that BZ1 participates in UDP-galactose supply for the sugar chains biosynthesis of AGPs and MGDG, which thereby, respectively, results in altered cell wall and abnormal chloroplast development. Due to inferior mechanical strength and reduced photosynthesis, bz1 plants displayed detrimental agronomic traits, whereas BZ1 overexpressing lines showed enhanced plant growth. Transcriptome analysis of stems and leaves further showed that numerous key genes involved in AGPs biosynthesis and photosynthesis metabolism were substantially suppressed in bz1.Conclusions: Our finding identifies BZ1 as a dual-targeting UGE protein for glycosylation of AGPs and MGDG and suggests a strategy for breeding robust elite crops.
Pre-application of dentin bonding agent prevents discoloration caused by mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Choi Yoo-Lim , Jang Young-Eun , Kim Bom Sahn , Kim Jin-Woo , Kim Yemi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate tooth discoloration by newly developed calcium silicate-based materials, and to examine the pre-application of dentin bonding agent (DBA) for preventing discoloration caused by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Methods: The roots of 50 premolars were randomly divided into five groups (n=10) and cavities were prepared from resected root surfaces. MTA was placed in the cavities of teeth belonging to the ProRoot MTA (MTA) and RetroMTA (RMTA) groups. For teeth belonging to the ProRoot + DBA (MTA-B) and RetroMTA + DBA (RMTA-B) groups, DBA was first applied to the cavities prior to the addition of MTA. Teeth in the control group were restored with composite resin only (i.e., without MTA). After 12 weeks, MTA was removed from the MTA and RMTA groups and bleaching agents were applied for 3 additional weeks. Color assessments were recorded at baseline, and 1, 4, and 12 weeks, as well as after bleaching. A one-way ANOVA was performed to assess the differences between the two types of MTAs and color changes following DBA pre-application in each MTA group. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered indicative of statistical significance. Results: Following 12 weeks of MTA treatment, there was a significant difference between the discoloration in the MTA and RMTA groups ( p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the RMTA and RMTA-B groups ( p > 0.05). Following bleaching, the color changes (ΔE values) of the MTA group were not significantly different from those of the MTA-B group ( p > 0.05). The difference of ΔE between the RMTA group after internal bleaching and the RMTA-B group was also not significant ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: RetroMTA caused significantly less discoloration than ProRoot MTA. Pre-application of DBA reduced discoloration caused by ProRoot MTA. MTA discoloration was improved equally well between DBA pre-application and post-bleaching. Clinical Relevance: Tooth discoloration by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) limits its use in esthetic regions. The pre-application of dentin bonding agent (DBA) and the use of newly developed RetroMTA could help to prevent the discoloration caused by MTA.
A predictive model for early diagnosis of keratoconus
Authors: CASTRO-LUNA GRACIA , PÉREZ-RUEDA ANTONIO 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of keratoconus in the early stages of the disease is necessary to initiate an early treatment of keratoconus. Furthermore, to avoid possible refractive surgery that could produce ectasias. This study aims to describe the topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry characteristics in patients with keratoconus, subclinical keratoconus and normal corneas. Additionally to propose a diagnostic model of subclinical keratoconus based in binary logistic regression models Methods: The design was a cross-sectional study. It included 205 eyes from 205 patients distributed in 82 normal corneas, 40 early-stage keratoconus and 83 established keratoconus. The rotary Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam® type) analyzed the topographic, pachymetric and aberrometry variables. It performed a descriptive and bivariate analysis of the recorded data. A diagnostic and predictive model of early-stage keratoconus was calculated with the statistically significant variables Results: Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing normal corneas with early-stage keratoconus/ in variables of the vertical asymmetry to 90º and the central corneal thickness. The binary logistic regression model included the minimal corneal thickness, the anterior coma to 90º and posterior coma to 90º. The model properly diagnosed 92% of cases with a sensitivity of 97.59%, specificity 98.78%, accuracy 98.18% and precision 98.78%Conclusions: The differential diagnosis between normal cases and subclinical keratoconus depends on the mínimum corneal thickness, the anterior coma to 90º and the posterior coma to 90º.
The Effect of Oral Sildenafil Therapy on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension related to Uncorrected Secundum Atrial Septal Defect: A Quasi Experimental Study
Authors: Hidayati Fera , Gharini Putrika , Hartopo Anggoro Budi , Anggrahini Dyah Wulan , Dinarti Lucia Kris 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are often measured as an important patient-reported outcome (PRO) in clinical studies. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of atrial septal defect (ASD). This study aimed to compare the HRQoL of PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD at pre and post therapy with oral sildenafil therapy. Methods: We conducted quasi experimental study at Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta since April 2016 to August 2017. Adults with PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD, listed on Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension (COHARD-PH) registry, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited as subject. Interview was done at pre and 12 weeks post oral sildenafil therapy 3 x 20 mg using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using paired T-test to determine the differences of EQ5D utility and EQVAS score at pre and post therapy. Results: A total of 18 adult patients with PAH related to uncorrected secundum ASD were enrolled in this study (83.33% female; mean age 38.72 ± 10.81 years old). The most frequent reported problems pre therapy were pain/discomfort A total of 18 adult patients with PAH related to uncorrected secundum ASD were enrolled in this study (83.33% female; mean age 38.72 ± 10.81 years old). The most frequent reported problems pre therapy were pain/discomfort (83%) and anxiety/depression (78%). Wilcoxon signed rank test showed the median of EQ-5D utility score were increased after sildenafil therapy (before= 0.604, after=0.664; Z= -2,703; p:0.007), respectively. Meanwhile, the paired T-test results showed an increase of EQ-VAS mean difference 6.67±8.75 (p:0.005; 95% CI 2.32-11.02) after sildenafil therapy.(83%) and anxiety/depression (78%). Paired T-test results showed the mean value of EQ5D utility score pre and post therapy were 0.558 and 0.664 post therapy (p:0.014; 95% CI 0.024-0.187). Meanwhile, the mean of EQ-VAS pre and post therapy were 65 and 71.67, respectively (p:0.005; 95% CI 2.32-11.02). Conclusion: The administration of oral sildenafil therapy 3 x 20 mg during 12 weeks in adult patients with PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD gives better HRQoL.
Risk Factors of Infective Endocarditis in Persons Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Shah Meera , Wong Ryan , Ball Laura , Puka Klajdi , Tan Charlie , Shojaei Esfandiar , Koivu Sharon , Silverman Michael 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The rising incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) among people who inject drugs (PWID) has been a major concern across North America. The coincident rise in IE and change of drug preference to hydromorphone-controlled release (CR) among our PWID population in London, Ontario, intrigued us to study the details of injection practices leading to IE, which have not been well characterized in literature. Methods: A case-control study, using one-on-one interviews to understand risk factors and injection practices associated with IE among PWID was conducted. Eligible participants included those who had injected drugs within the last 3 months, were >18 years old and either never had or were currently admitted for an IE episode. Cases were recruited from the tertiary care centers and controls without IE were recruited from outpatient clinics and addiction clinics in London, Ontario. Results: 33 cases (PWID IE+) and 102 controls (PWID but IE-) were interviewed. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that the odds of having IE were 4.65 times higher among females (95% CI 1.85, 12.28; p=.001), and 5.76 times higher among PWID who did not use clean injection equipment from the provincial distribution networks (95% CI 2.37, 14.91; p<.001). Injecting into multiple sites and heating hydromorphone-CR prior to injection were not found to be significantly associated with IE. Hydromorphone-CR was the most commonly injected drug in both groups (90.9% cases; 81.4% controls, p = 0.197). Discussion: Our study highlights the importance of distributing clean injection materials for IE prevention. Furthermore, our study showcases that females are at higher risk of IE, which is contrary to the reported literature. Gender differences in injection techniques, which may place women at higher risk of IE, require further study. We suspect that the very high prevalence of hydromorphone-CR use made our sample size too small to identify a significant association between its use and IE, which has been established in the literature.
The Adaptation and Validation of the Satisfaction with Stroke Care Questionnaire (Homesat) (SASC10-MyTM) for use in public primary healthcare facilities caring for long- term stroke survivors residing at home in the community.
Authors: Aziz Aznida Firzah Abdul , Tan Chai-Eng , Ali Mohd Fairuz , Aljunid Syed Mohamed 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Satisfaction with post stroke services would assist stakeholders in addressing gaps in service delivery. Tools used to evaluate satisfaction with stroke care services need to be validated to match healthcare services provided in each country. Studies on satisfaction with post discharge stroke care delivery in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are scarce, despite knowledge that post stroke care delivery is fragmented and poorly coordinated. This study aims to modify and validate the HomeSat subscale of the Dutch Satisfaction with Stroke Care-19 (SASC-19) questionnaire for use in Malaysia and in countries with similar public healthcare services in the region.Methods The HomeSat subscale of the Dutch SASC-19 questionnaire (11 items) underwent back-to-back translation to produce a Malay language version. Content validation was done by Family Medicine Specialists involved in community post-stroke care. Community social support services in the original questionnaire were substituted with equivalent local services to ensure contextual relevance. Internal consistency reliability was determined using Cronbach alpha. Exploratory factor analysis was done to validate the factor structure of the Malay version of the questionnaire (SASC10-My TM ). The SASC10-My TM was then tested on 175 post-stroke patients who were recruited at ten public primary care health centres across Peninsular Malaysia, in a trial-within a trial study.Results One item from the original Dutch SASC19 (HomeSat) was dropped. Internal consistency for remaining 10 items was high (Cronbach alpha 0.830). Exploratory factor analysis showed the SASC10-My TM had 2 factors: discharge transition and social support services after discharge. The mean total score for SASC10-My TM was 10.74 (SD 7.33). Overall, only 18.2% were satisfied with outpatient stroke care services (SASC10-My TM score ≥ 20). Detailed analysis revealed only 10.9% of respondents were satisfied with discharge transition services, while only 40.9% were satisfied with support services after discharge.Conclusions The SASC10-My TM questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to measure caregiver or patient satisfaction with outpatient stroke care services in the Malaysian healthcare setting. Studies linking discharge protocol patterns and satisfaction with outpatient stroke care services should be conducted to improve care delivery and longer-term outcomes.Trial registration: ﻿No.: ACTRN12616001322426 (Registration Date: 21st September 2016
What Lies Beneath: Clinical and Resource-use Characteristics of Institutionalized Older People. A Retrospective, Population-based Cohort Study in Catalonia
Authors: Amblàs-Novellas Jordi , Gonzàlez Sebastià J. Santaeugènia , Vela Emili , Clèries Montse , Contel Joan C. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Planning population care in a specific health care setting requires deep knowledge of the clinical characteristics of the target care recipients, which tend to be country specific. Our area virtually lacks any descriptive, far-reaching publications about institutionalized older people (IOP). We aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of institutionalized older people (IOP) ≥65 years old and compare them with those of the rest of the population of the same age.Methods Retrospective analysis (total cohort approach) of clinical and resource-use characteristics of IOP and non-IOP older than 65 years in Catalonia (North-East Spain). Variables analysed included age and sex, diagnoses, morbidity burden—using Adjusted Morbidity Groups (GMA, Grupos de Morbilidad Ajustada)—, mortality, use of resources, and medications taken. All data were obtained from the administrative database of the local healthcare system.Results This study included 93,038, 78,458, 68,545 and 67,456 IOP from 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017, respectively. In this interval, an increase in median age (83 vs. 87 years), in women (68.64% vs. 72.11%) and in annual mortality (11.74% vs. 20.46%) was observed. Compared with non-IOP (p<0.001 in all comparisons), IOP showed a higher annual mortality (20.46% vs. 3.13%), a larger number of chronic diseases (specially dementia: 46.47% vs. 4.58%), higher multimorbidity (15.2% vs. 4.2% with GMA of maximum complexity), and annual admissions to acute care (47.6% vs. 27.7%) and skilled nursing facilities (27.8% vs. 7.4%), mean length of hospital stay (10.0 vs. 7.2 days) and mean of medications taken (11.7 vs. 8.0). Conclusions There is a growing gap between the clinical and demographic characteristics of age-matched IOP and non-IOP, which overlaps with a higher mortality rate of IOP. The profile of resources utilization of IOP compared with non-IOP strongly suggests a deficiency of preventive actions and stresses the need to rethink the care model for IOP from a social and health care perspective.
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: May 2020

Abstract
Adopting the self-concept framework as a lens and interpretative 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 teach 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 transition 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.
Mood, Activity Participation, and Leisure Engagement Satisfaction (MAPLES): A randomised controlled pilot feasibility trial for low mood in acquired brain injury
Authors: Kusec Andrea , Murphy Fionnuala C. , Peers Polly V. , Lawrence Cara , Cameron Emma , Morton Claire , Bateman Andrew , Watson Peter , Manly Tom 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects approximately 79.3 million individuals annually and is linked with elevated rates of depression and low mood. Existing methods for treating depression in ABI have shown mixed efficacy. Behavioural Activation (BA) is a potentially promising intervention. Its premise is that individuals with low mood avoid planning and engaging in activities due to low expectations of a positive outcome. Consequently, their exposure to positive reinforcement is reduced, exacerbating low mood. BA aims to break this cycle by encouraging activity planning and engagement. It is unknown whether cognitive demands of traditional BA may undermine efficacy in ABI. Here we assess the feasibility and acceptability of two groups designed to increase activity engagement. In the Activity Planning Group (traditional BA) the importance of meaningful and positive activity will be discussed and participants encouraged to plan/engage in activities in everyday life. The Activity Engagement Group (experiential BA) instead focuses on engagement in positive experiences (crafts, games, discussion) within the group. The primary aims are to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the two groups in ABI. A secondary aim is to explore relative efficacy of the groups compared to an equivalent period of waitlist controls. Method: This study outlines a parallel-arm pilot feasibility trial for individuals with low mood and ABI that compares a traditional vs experiential BA group vs. waitlist controls. Adults (>18 years) will be recruited from local ABI services and randomised to condition. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance, and participant feedback. Groups will be compared (pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) by assessing self-reported activity engagement. Secondary outcomes include self-report measures of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress related to the ABI, motivation, participation, and sense of control over one’s life. Ethics and Dissemination: The trial has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the NHS in the UK (East of England – Cambridge Central, REF: 18/EE/0305). Results will inform future research on interventions for mood in ABI and be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and social media. Trial Registration: NCT03874650 Pre-results.Protocol Version: 2.1, March 5 2019Funding Source: Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit Intramural funding (TM) and the Gates Cambridge Trust (AK).
lncRNA HOTAIR Overexpression Induced Downregulation of c-Met Signaling Promotes Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Phenotype in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Topel Hande , Bagirsakci Ezgi , Comez Dehan , Bagci Gulsun , Cakan-Akdogan Gulcin , Atabey Nese 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) are both reversible processes, and regulation of phenotypical transition is very important for progression of several cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, it is defined that cancer cells can attain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (hybrid E/M) phenotype. Cells with hybrid E/M phenotype comprise mixed epithelial and mesenchymal properties, they can be more resistant to therapeutics and also more capable of initiating metastatic lesions. However, the mechanisms regulating hybrid E/M in HCC are not well described yet. In this study, we investigated the role of the potential crosstalk between lncRNA HOTAIR and c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, which are two essential regulators of EMT and MET, in acquiring of hybrid E/M phenotype in HCC. Methods: Expression of c-Met and HOTAIR were defined in HCC cell lines and patient tissues through HCC progression. lncRNA HOTAIR was overexpressed in SNU-449 cells and its effects on c-Met signaling were analyzed. c-Met was overexpressed in SNU-398 cells and its effect on HOTAIR expression was analyzed. Biological significance of HOTAIR/c-Met interplay was defined in means of adhesion, proliferation, motility behavior, invasion, spheroid formation and metastatic ability. Effect of ectopic HOTAIR expression on phenotype was defined with investigation of molecular epithelial and mesenchymal traits. Results: In vitro and in vivo experiments verified the pivotal role of lncRNA HOTAIR in acquisition of hybrid E/M phenotype through modulating expression and activation of c-Met and its membrane co-localizing partner Caveolin-1, and membrane organization to cope with the rate limiting steps of metastasis such as survival in adhesion independent microenvironment, escaping from anoikis and resisting to fluidic shear stress (FSS) in HCC. Conclusions: Our work provides the first evidence suggesting a role for lncRNA HOTAIR in the modulation of c-Met to promote hybrid E/M phenotype. The balance between lncRNA HOTAIR and c-Met might be critical for cell fate decision and metastatic potential of HCC cells.