bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association studies for yield component traits in a macadamia breeding population
Authors: O'Connor Katie , Hayes Ben , Hardner Craig , Nock Catherine , Baten Abdul , Alam Mobashwer , Henry Robert , Topp Bruce 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Breeding for new macadamia cultivars with high nut yield is expensive in terms of time, labour and cost. Most trees set nuts after four to five years, and candidate varieties for breeding are evaluated for at least eight years for various traits. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are promising methods to reduce evaluation and selection cycles by identifying genetic markers linked with key traits, potentially enabling early selection through marker-assisted selection. This study used 295 progeny from 32 full-sib families and 29 parents (18 phenotyped) which were planted across four sites, with each tree genotyped for 4,113 SNPs. ASReml-R was used to perform association analyses with linear mixed models including a genomic relationship matrix to account for population structure. Traits investigated were: nut weight (NW), kernel weight (KW), kernel recovery (KR), percentage of whole kernels (WK), tree trunk circumference (TC), percentage of racemes that survived from flowering through to nut set, and number of nuts per raceme.
Results: Seven SNPs were significantly associated with NW (at a genome-wide false discovery rate of <0.05), and four with WK. Multiple regression, as well as mapping of markers to genome assembly scaffolds suggested that some SNPs were detecting the same QTL. There were 44 significant SNPs identified for TC although multiple regression suggested detection of 16 separate QTLs.
Conclusions: These findings have important implications for macadamia breeding, and highlight the difficulties of heterozygous populations with rapid LD decay. By coupling validated marker-trait associations detected through GWAS with MAS, genetic gain could be increased by reducing the selection time for economically important nut characteristics. Genomic selection may be a more appropriate method to predict complex traits like tree size and yield.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the cytokinin gene family in Brassica oleracea L. reveals its role in clubroot resistance
Authors: Zhu Mingzhao , Ning Yu , Yan Longxiang , Cao Wenxue , Kong Congcong , Zhuang Mu , Zhang Yangyong , Lv Honghao , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Limei , Yong Wang , Hou Xilin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: cytokinins have important functions in regulating plant growth and response to abiotic stress. cytokinin family genes have been described in several plant species, but a comprehensive analysis of the cytokinin family genes in Brassica oleracea has not been reported to date, especially their roles in dealing with the invasion of P. brassicae. Results: Cytokinins are a class of phytohormones that promote cell division and differentiation and are thought to affect plant immunity to multiple pathogens. To reveal the mechanisms of the Brassica oleracea cytokinin family genes in response to clubroot disease, a total of 36 cytokinin genes were identified using a genome-wide search method. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into three groups. They were distributed unevenly across nine chromosomes in B. oleracea, and 15 of them did not contain introns. The results of colinear analysis showed that each cytokinin gene in the B. oleracea genome had at least one homologous gene in the Arabidopsis genome. A cis-element analysis indicated that these genes possessed several stress response cis-elements. The heatmap of the cytokinin gene family showed that these genes were expressed in various tissues and organs. Five and eight genes were up- and downregulated, respectively, in the susceptible material after inoculation. In addition, two and one genes were up- and downregulated, respectively, in resistant material. This may indicate that these cytokinin genes play important roles in the host plant response to clubroot disease. In addition, the results provide insights for better understanding the role of cytokinin in the B. oleracea–P. brassicae interaction. Conclusions: Our results are helpful to elucidate the role of cytokinin family genes in cabbage response to infection by P. brassicae, and lay a foundation for further study on the function of these genes. Keywords: Brassica oleracea, genome-wide, cytokinin family genes, clubroot
Indigenous uses of wild and tended plant biodiversity maintain ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes of the Terai Plains of Nepal
Authors: Thorn Jessica P. R. , Thornton Thomas F. , Helfgott Ariella , Willis Katherine J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Despite a rapidly accumulating evidence base quantifying ecosystem services, the role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services in shared human-nature environments is still understudied, as is how indigenous and agriculturally dependent communities perceive, use and manage biodiversity. The present study aims to document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of the ecosystem service benefits derived from wild and tended plants in rice-cultivated agroecosystems, compare this to botanical surveys, and analyse the extent to which ecosystem services contribute social-ecological resilience in the Terai Plains of Nepal. Method Sampling was carried out in four landscapes, 22 Village District Committees and 40 wards in the monsoon season. Data collection was based on transects walks to collect plant specimens, structured and semi-structured interviews, and participatory fieldwork in and around home gardens, farms, and production landscapes. We asked 180 farmers to free-list vernacular names and describe use-value of biological material. Uses were categorized into eight broad groupings, and 61 biomedical ailment classifications. We assessed if knowledge of plant species diversity and abundance differed with regard to caste, age and gender. Results Nepalese farmers have a deep knowledge of the use and management of the 390 vascular plant specimens identified, which provide key provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural ecosystem services. Altogether, plants belong to 75 distinct plant species from 49 phylogenetic families: 56 are used to cure 61 ailments, 27 for rituals, 25 for food, 20 for timber, 17 for fuel, 16 for fodder, 11 for soil enhancement, and 8 for pesticides. Four caste groups have statistically different knowledge, and younger informants report a lower average number of useful plants. Conclusion Agricultural landscapes in Nepal are reservoirs of biodiversity. The knowledge of the use of wild and tended plant species in and around these farms differs by the caste and age group of land manager. Conducting research on agroecosystems will contribute to a deeper understanding of how nature is perceived by locals, to more efficient management and conservation of the breadbasket of Nepal, and to the conservation of valuable, but disappearing traditional knowledge and practice.
Feasibility of serum Cystatin C for predicting Vancomycin concentration in abdominal cancer patients with severe infectious disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaowu , Wang Donghao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to investigate the population pharmacokinetics and impact indicator of vancomycin in abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease. Methods: A total of 78 patients abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease were included. Vancomycin serum trough concentrations were measured using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) method. The patients were divided into early and delayed groups based on whether they achieve the target concentration. And clinical factors were compared between two groups.Results: The average initial therapeutic dose of vancomycin was 15.18±3.29 mg/kg (q12h). The research revealed that the abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease had significantly lower initial vancomycin trough concentrations (median [IQR]: 6.90[5.28-11.20] mg/L). Multiple regression analysis revealed that Cys-C was the most important variable for vancomycin target trough achievement. The duration of mechanical ventilation in Early group was considerably shorter compared with group Delayed group (χ2=4.532; p < 0.05; Fig 1E). Propensity score weighting further confirmed that the duration of mechanical ventilation (χ2=6.607; p < 0.05; Fig 1F) and vasoactive agent (χ2=6.106; p < 0.05; Fig 1D) was considerably shorter compared with group Delayed group. Conclusions: The steady-state initial vancomycin trough concentration was significantly reduced in abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease. The baseline Cys-C level measured prior to administration of vancomycin is suggested to be the most suitable parameter to predict whether vancomycin trough concentration is up to standard dosage.
Prevalence of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in a Tertiary Hospital in Beijing, China, January 2013 to December 2018
Authors: Huang Jing-jing , Li Ying-xing , Zhao Ying , Yang Wen-hang , Xiao Meng , Kudinha Timothy , Xu Ying-chun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background To investigate the species distribution of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) among tuberculosis (TB) specimens collected from January 2013 to December 2018 at Peking Union Medical Hospital (Beijing), China. NTM species identification was carried out by DNA microarray chip. Results Mycobacterial species were detected in 1514 specimens from 1508 patients, among which NTM accounted for 37.3% (565/1514), increasing from a prevalence of 15.6% in 2013 to 46.1% in 2018 ( P <0.001). Among the 565 NTM positive specimens, the majority (55.2%) were from female patients. Furthermore, patients aged 45-65 years accounted for 49.6% of the total patients tested. Among 223 NTM positive specimens characterized further, the majority (86.2%) were from respiratory tract, whilst 3.6% and 3.1% were from lymph nodes and pus, respectively. Mycobacterium intracellulare (31.8%) and Mycobacterium chelonae / Mycobacterium abscessus (21.5%) were the most frequently detected species, followed by M. avium (13.5%), M. gordonae (11.7%), M. kansasii (7.6%), and others. Conclusion The proportion of NTM among mycobacterial species detected in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China, increased rapidly from year 2013 to 2018. Middle-aged patients are more likely to be infected with NTM, especially females. Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium chelonae / Mycobacterium abscessus were the most frequently detected NTM pathogens. Accurate and timely identification of NTM is important for diagnosis and treatment.
Perspectives from primary health care providers on supporting adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions transitioning to adult care: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Schraeder Kyleigh , Dimitropoulos Gina , McBrien Kerry , Li Jessica (Yijia) , Samuel Susan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Transitioning from pediatric care to adult-oriented care at age 18 (the age of transfer in most countries and jurisdictions) is a complex process for adolescents and young adults affected by chronic physical health and/or mental health conditions. The role of primary health care providers for this population is poorly understood. Perspectives from these providers, such as family physicians and other members of the primary care team, have not been explored in depth. Methods: A total of 18 participants (e.g., family physicians, social workers, nurses) were recruited from 6 Primary Care Networks in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, and transcribed verbatim. A qualitative description approach was used to analyze the data, and included thematic analysis. Results: Five distinct, yet overlapping, roles of primary health care providers for adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult care resulted from our analysis: (1) being the “common thread” (continuous accessible care); (2) caring for the “whole patient” (comprehensive care); (3) “knowing families” (family-partnered care); (4) “empowering” adolescents and young adults to develop “personal responsibility”(developmentally-appropriate care); and (5) “quarterbacking” care (coordination of specialist and/or community-based care). Participants identified potential benefits of these roles for adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult care, and barriers in practice (e.g., lack of time, having minimal involvement in pediatric care). Conclusions: Input from family physicians, who follow their patients across the lifespan and provide the majority of primary care in Canada, are critical for informing and refining recommended transition practices. Our findings provide insights, from PHC providers themselves, to bolster the rationale for primary care involvement during transitions from pediatric specialty and community-based care for AYAs. Solutions to overcome barriers for integrating primary care and specialty care for adolescents and young adults need to be identified, and tested, with input from key stakeholders.
Oleic acid-based nanosystems for mitigating acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice through neutrophil suppression: how the particulate size affects therapeutic efficiency
Authors: Fang Jia-You , Yu Huang-Ping , Liu Fu-Chao , Umoro Ani , Lin Zih-Chan , Elzoghby Ahmed O. , Hwang Tsong-Long 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Oleic acid (OA) is reported to show anti-inflammatory activity toward activated neutrophils. It is also an important material in nanoparticles for increased stability and cellular internalization. We aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of injectable OA-based nanoparticles for treating lung injury. Different sizes of nanocarriers were prepared to explore the effect of nanoparticulate size on inflammation inhibition. Results: The nanoparticles were fabricated with the mean diameters of 105, 153, and 225 nm. The nanocarriers were ingested by isolated human neutrophils during a 5-min period, with the smaller sizes exhibiting greater uptake. The size reduction led to the decrease of cell viability and the intracellular calcium level. The OA-loaded nanosystems dose-dependently suppressed the superoxide anion and elastase produced by the stimulated neutrophils. The inhibition level was comparable for the nanoparticles of different sizes. In the in vivo biodistribution study, the pulmonary accumulation of nanoparticles increased following the increase of particle size. The nanocarriers were mainly excreted by the liver and bile clearance. Mice were exposed to intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), like lung damage. The lipid-based nanocarriers mitigated myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cytokines more effectively as compared to OA solution. The larger nanoparticles displayed greater reduction on MPO, TNF-α, and IL-6 than the smaller ones. The histology confirmed the decreased pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and lung-architecture damage after intravenous administration of larger nanoparticles. Conclusions: Nanoparticulate size, an essential property governing the anti-inflammatory effect and lung-injury therapy, had different effects on activated neutrophil inhibition and in vivo therapeutic efficacy.
Levels of sex steroid hormones and their receptors in women with preeclampsia
Authors: Lan Kuo-Chung , Lai Yun-Ju , Cheng Hsin-Hsin , Tsai Ni-Chin , Su Yu-Ting , Tsai Ching-Chang , Hsu Te-Yao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Pregnant women have high serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones, which are major regulators of paracrine and autocrine responses for many maternal and placental functions. The main purpose of this study is to compare patients with preeclampsia and patients with uncomplicated pregnancies in terms of serum of steroid hormones (estradiol [E2), progesterone [P4), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS), and testosterone [T)) throughout pregnancy, and the levels of cord blood and placental steroid receptors during the third trimester. Methods: Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the levels of steroid hormones in the serum and cord blood, and the placental levels of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), ERβ, androgen receptor (AR), and progesterone receptor (PR). Results: There were 45 women in the uncomplicated pregnancy group and 30 women in the preeclampsia group. Serum levels of T were greater and serum levels of E2 were reduced in the preeclampsia group, but the two groups had similar levels of P4 and DHEAS during the third trimester. Cord blood had a decreased level of DHEAS in the preeclampsia group, but the two groups had similar levels of P4, E2, and T. The two groups had similar placental mRNA levels of ERα, ERβ, AR, and PR, but the preeclampsia group had a higher level of ERβ protein and a lower level of ERα protein. Immunohistochemistry indicated the preeclampsia group had a greater level of ERβ in the nucleus and cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts and stromal cells. Conclusions: Women with preeclampsia had lower levels of steroid hormones, estrogen, and ERα, but higher levels of T and ERβ. These molecules may have roles in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Exosomal microRNA Expression Profiling Analysis of the Effects of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Mice
Authors: Xiao Ya , Chen Weihao , Chen Ruixue , Luo Anling , Chen Dayi , Liang Qiuer , Liu Tianhao , Chen Xudong , Tan Wei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pathological condition, affecting an increasing number of pregnant women worldwide. Safe and effective treatment for GDM is very important for the public health. In this study, we utilized a high-fat diet induced GDM model to evaluate the effects of LBP on GDM and examined the changes of exosomal microRNA expression profiling to decipher the potential underlying mechanism of LBP.Methods Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet, HFD, or 150 mg/kg LBP- supplemented HFD for 6 weeks before conception and throughout gestation. Oral glucose tolerance test and plasma lipid levels were determined and liver histopathology was assessed. Sequencing was used to define the microRNA expression profiling of plasma exosomes in the three groups of mice and proteins expression levels of the candidate target genes were analyzed.Results LBP significantly relieved glucose intolerance, abnormal plasma lipid levels and pathomorphological changes of liver histopathology in HFD induced GDM mice. Moreover, we found that this effect of LBP was mediated by down-regulation of the increase of 6 miRNAs (miR-93-3p, miR-188-5p, miR-466k, miR-1188-5p, miR-7001-3p and miR-7115-5p) and reversing the increase protein expression of CPT1A, which is the target gene of miR-188-5p.Conclusions Our findings provide novel insights into the biological activities of LBP in the treatment of GDM.
Cultural adaptation of the mental health first aid guidelines for depression used in English-speaking countries for China: a Delphi expert consensus study
Authors: Lu Shurong , Li Wenjing , Oldenburg Brian , Wang Yan , Jorm Anthony , He Yanling , Reavley Nicola 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Most people who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of depression in China do not receive treatment. Family and friends can play a role in recognising the signs of depression and encouraging the person to seek treatment. However, many of them may lack the knowledge and skills to offer such help. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the existing English-language mental health first aid (MHFA) guidelines for helping a person with depression to the Chinese context. Methods: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted, in which two Chinese expert panels of mental health professionals (with experience in the field of clinical management of depression, n = 37) and consumers and carers (with lived experience, n = 30) rated the importance of actions that could be taken to help a person experiencing depression in mainland China. Results: Data were collected over 3 survey rounds. In the 1st round questionnaire, 175 statements translated into Chinese from the English-language guidelines were presented to the expert panels and 12 new statements were generated from panellists’ comments. Of these 187 statements, 173 were endorsed for inclusion in the adapted guidelines for China. Conclusions: Although the adapted guidelines were still quite similar to the guidelines for English-speaking countries, they also incorporated some new actions for the Chinese context, including those relating to different ways of respecting the autonomy of a person with depression and the role of their families. Further research is needed to explore the use of these guidelines by the Chinese public, including how they may be incorporated in Mental Health First Aid training.
A novel construct of anhedonia revealed in a Chinese sample via the Revised Physical and Social Anhedonia Scales
Authors: Wu Qiongqiong , He Jiayue , Fang Shulin , Zhang Panwen , Luo Xingwei , Zhang Jianghua , Xiong Yan , Luo Fusheng , Wang Xiaosheng , Yao Shuqiao , Wang Xiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Anhedonia is experienced as a symptom of a number of mental disorders including major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophreniaand schizotypal personality disorder, and schizophrenia (as a negative symptom). The Revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (RPAS) and the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS) have been applied in clinical and non-clinical samples since 1980s. However, the factor structure of the RPAS has not been determined and the structure of the RSAS remains controversial. The construct of a unified RPAS&RSAS has never been explored. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the factor structure of the RPAS, the RSAS and the unified RPAS&RSAS.Methods: The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the RPAS and the RSAS were determined in a sample of 3,435 Chinese young adults. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were each conducted in halves of the sample to reveal the constructs of the RPAS and the RSAS. CFA was used to evaluate first- and second-order models for the unified RPAS&RSAS .Results: The psychometric robustness of the RPAS and the RSAS were confirmed by high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.884, 0.835) and test-retest reliablity (r = 0.572, 0.602) values. EFA and CFA indicated 2-factor structures for both scales, with the factors being defined as anticipatory physical/social anhedonia and consummatory physical/social anhedonia. The second-order model of the unified RPAS&RSAS had satisfactory ﬁt index values (CFI=0.901, RMSEA=0.055).Conclusions: The unified simplified Chinese RPAS&RSAS can be used to assess anhedonia in young adults. A novel second-order structure of anhedonia was revealed.