bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of right ventricular function in patients with aortic stenosis after transfemoral aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Cao Yunshan , Singh Vikas , Wang Aqian , Zhang Liyan , He Tingting , Su Hongling , Wei Rong , Duan Yichao , Jiang Kaiyu , Wu Wenyu , Huang Yan , Elmariah Sammy , Qi Guanming , Su Xin , Zhang Yan , Zhang Min 
Published: July 2020

Background: Right ventricular function (RVF) is an independent predictor of prognosis for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement: transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The effect of transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) on RVF is uncertain. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the effect of TF-TAVR on RVF in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and compare the effect of TF-TAVR with SAVR. Methods: We searched relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Science. Furthermore, two reviewers (Wang AQ and Cao YS) extracted all relevant data, which were then double checked by another two reviewers (Zhang M and Qi GM). We used the forest plot to present results. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was the primary outcome. Results: This meta-analysis included 11 studies. There were 353 patients who underwent TF-TAVR, and 358 patients who were subjected to SAVR. There was no significant difference in TAPSE at 1 week and 6 months as well as right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) at <2 weeks and 6 months after TF-TAVR. For the SAVR group, TAPSE at 1 week and 3 months as well as fractional area change (FAC) at 3 months post procedure were significantly aggravated, while RVEF did not change significantly. Moreover, TAPSE post-TF-TAVR was significantly improved as compared with post-SAVR. The △TAPSE, the difference between TAPSE post-procedure and TAPSE prior to procedure, was also significantly better in the TF-TAVR group than in the SAVR group. Conclusion: RVF was maintained post TF-TAVR. For SAVR, discrepancy in the measured parameters exists, as reduced TAPSE indicates compromised longitudinal RVF, while insignificant changes in RVEF implicate maintained RVF post procedure. Collectively, our study suggests that the baseline RV dysfunction and the effect of TF-TAVR versus SAVR on longitudinal RVF may influence the selection of aortic valve intervention.
A Beveridge curve decomposition for Austria: did the liberalisation of the Austrian labour market shift the Beveridge curve?
Authors: Christl Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe Austrian Beveridge curve shifted in 2014, leading to the ongoing academic discussions about the reasons behind this shift. While some economists have argued that the shift was caused by a supply shock related to the labour market liberalisation during the course of the eastern enlargement of the European Union (EU), others have stated that a decrease in matching efficiency led to the shift. Using a new decomposition method, we combine labour market flow data and disentangle labour supply, labour demand, separation and matching factors, which can be potential reasons behind the shift in the Austrian Beveridge curve. We find empirical evidence that the increase in the unemployment rate in Austria after 2011 can indeed be attributed to a supply shock related to the EU enlargement. On the contrary, the data reveals that the shift after 2014 and the related increase in unemployment was almost exclusively caused by a decrease in matching efficiency, indicating a rising mismatch problem in the Austrian labour market.
Computational identification of receptor-like kinases “RLK” and receptor-like proteins “RLP” in legumes
Authors: Restrepo-Montoya Daniel , Brueggeman Robert , McClean Phillip E. , Osorno Juan M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn plants, the plasma membrane is enclosed by the cell wall and anchors RLK and RLP proteins, which play a fundamental role in perception of developmental and environmental cues and are crucial in plant development and immunity. These plasma membrane receptors belong to large gene/protein families that are not easily classified computationally. This detailed analysis of these plasma membrane proteins brings a new source of information to the legume genetic, physiology and breeding research communities.ResultsA computational approach to identify and classify RLK and RLP proteins is presented. The strategy was evaluated using experimentally-validated RLK and RLP proteins and was determined to have a sensitivity of over 0.85, a specificity of 1.00, and a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.91. The computational approach can be used to develop a detailed catalog of plasma membrane receptors (by type and domains) in several legume/crop species. The exclusive domains identified in legumes for RLKs are WaaY, APH Pkinase_C, LRR_2, and EGF, and for RLP are L-lectin LPRY and PAN_4. The RLK-nonRD and RLCK subclasses are also discovered by the methodology. In both classes, less than 20% of the total RLK predicted for each species belong to this class. Among the 10-species evaluated ~ 40% of the proteins in the kinome are RLKs. The exclusive legume domain combinations identified are B-Lectin/PR5K domains inG. max,M. truncatula,V. angularis, andV. unguiculataand a three-domain combination B-lectin/S-locus/WAK inC. cajan,M. truncatula,P. vulgaris,V. angularis. andV. unguiculata.ConclusionsThe analysis suggests that about 2% of the proteins of each genome belong to the RLK family and less than 1% belong to RLP family. Domain diversity combinations are greater for RLKs compared with the RLP proteins and LRR domains, and the dual domain combination LRR/Malectin were the most frequent domain for both groups of plasma membrane receptors among legume and non-legume species. Legumes exclusively show Pkinase extracellular domains, and atypical domain combinations in RLK and RLP compared with the non-legumes evaluated. The computational logic approach is statistically well supported and can be used with the proteomes of other plant species.
Genetic analysis of loose smut (Ustilago tritici) resistance in Sonop spring wheat
Authors: Thambugala Dinushika , Menzies Jim G. , Knox Ron E. , Campbell Heather L. , McCartney Curt A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The genetics of resistance to loose smut of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) caused by the fungus Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr. is not well understood. This study examines loose smut resistance in Sonop (TD-14), a South African spring wheat variety. A doubled haploid (DH) population of 163 lines derived from the cross Diamont/TD-14 was studied. The parents and progenies were inoculated with U. tritici races T2, T9, and T39 individually in growth facilities at Morden and Swift Current, Canada. Loose smut incidence (LSI) and partial loose smut resistance (PLSR) were assessed.

Results
A whole genome linkage map was developed consisting of 11,519 SNP loci found on 31 linkage groups spanning 2845 cM. A new major resistance gene Ut11 was located to the distal end of chromosome arm 7BS. Ut11 conferred resistance to U. tritici race T2, but not races T9 and T39. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified four QTL controlling LSI in the Diamont/TD-14 DH population on chromosomes 3B, 4B, 5B, and 7B (at Ut11) with TD-14 contributing the resistance alleles at three of these loci. The major QTL QUt.mrc-5B was effective against all three races and explained up to 81% of the phenotypic variation. The only QTL identified for PLSR coincided with the LSI QTL QUt.mrc-5B indicating that this locus affected both loose smut incidence and partial smutting of spikes.

Conclusions
A race-specific resistance gene Ut11 and a broadly effective resistance QTL QUt.mrc-5B were the main loci controlling loose smut resistance in the differential line TD-14 (cultivar Sonop). This study provides insight into the genetics of loose smut resistance in spring wheat Sonop and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers linked to the resistance gene Ut11 and QTL QUt.mrc-5B will be useful for selecting loose smut resistance in breeding programs.
Association of interleukin 2, interleukin 12, and interferon-γ with intervertebral disc degeneration in Iranian population
Authors: Hanaei Sara , Abdollahzade Sina , Sadr Maryam , Mirbolouk Mohammad Hossein , Fattahi Ehsan , Khoshnevisan Alireza , Rezaei Nima 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an age-related degenerative disease, presenting with low back pain or radicular pain. The inflammatory changes would occur in discs in the process of IVDD. Therefore, the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as their respective genes, have been proposed to play roles in pathophysiology of disease. This study has been conducted to elucidate the role of IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in this disease.MethodSeventy-six patients who were diagnosed with IVDD and 140 healthy controls who complied with eligibility criteria were included. A total volume of 5 cc peripheral blood was obtained from each participant to investigate the IL-2 + 166G/T, IL-2 -330G/T, IL-12 − 1188A/C, and IFN-γ +847A/T SNPs through PCR-SSP method.ResultsThe ‘TG’ and ‘TT’ genotypes of IL-2 − 330G/T polymorphism were significantly more common among patients and healthy controls respectively. The ‘GT’ and ‘TT’ haplotypes of IL-2 (comprised of -330G/T, and + 166G/T SNPs) were also more common among patients and controls respectively.ConclusionThis study indicated the significant role of IL-2 genotypes and haplotypes in IVDD. These SNPs were differently distributed in patients and controls. Therefore, alteration in the structure of IL-2 gene could play an important role in pathophysiology of IVDD.
The application of prenatal ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction
Authors: Yin Chan , Tong Lili , Ma Mingxiang , Tan Xiaoqun , Luo Guoliang , Fei Zhihui , Nie Dan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this research is to summarize the prenatal ultrasound characteristics of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), especially in the diagnosis of duodenal diaphragm and annular pancreas. At present, few researchers have summarized the specific ultrasound features of duodenal diaphragm and annular pancreas.

Methods
In this study, a retrospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with CDO between January 2016 and December 2019 was carried out. Data on the diagnosis, ultrasound images and outcomes of the patients were gathered, and the features of the patients were analyzed.

Results
The results showed that there were 17 patients (42.5%) of congenital duodenal diaphragm, all with a ‘rat tail’ sign on the ultrasound images. Moreover, there were 4 patients (10.0%) of CDO caused by annular pancreas, all with a ‘pliers’ sign on the ultrasound images. We summarized the imaging features of the ‘rat tail’ sign and the ‘pliers’ sign.

Conclusion
The main conclusion of this study was that the ‘rat tail’ sign could be used as an indirect ultrasound feature to diagnose duodenal diaphragm. The ‘pliers’ sign could be used as a direct ultrasound feature in the diagnosis of annular pancreas in CDO.
Improved clinical outcomes of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy using MALBAC-NGS compared with MDA-SNP array
Authors: Niu Wenbin , Wang Linlin , Xu Jiawei , Li Ying , Shi Hao , Li Gang , Jin Haixia , Song Wenyan , Wang Fang , Sun Yingpu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To assess whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy with next generation sequencing (NGS) outweighs single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array in improving clinical outcomes.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent PGT-A treatment in a single center from January 2013 to December 2017.A total of 1418 couples who underwent PGT-A treatment were enrolled, of which 805 couples used NGS for PGT-A, while the remaining 613 couples used SNP array for PGT-A. Clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and healthy baby rate were compared between the MALBAC-NGS-PGT-A and MDA-SNP-PGT-A groups.

Results
After testing karyotypes of 5771 biopsied blastocysts, 32.2% (1861/5771) were identified as chromosomally normal, while 67.8% were chromosomally abnormal. In terms of clinical outcomes, women in the MALBAC-NGS-PGT-A group had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (50.5% vs 41.7%, p = 0.002) and healthy baby rate (39.6% vs 31.4%, p = 0.003), and a lower miscarriage rate (15.5% vs 22.8%, p = 0.036).

Conclusion
This is the largest study reporting the extensive application of NGS-based PGT-A, whilst comparing the clinical outcomes of MALBAC-NGS-PGT-A and MDA-SNP-PGT-A. The results provide greater evidence supporting the wider use of NGS in PGT-A, not only for its lower cost but also for its improved clinical outcomes compared to SNP-based PGT-A.
Design and methods of a national, multicenter, randomized and controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a physical activity program to improve health-related quality of life and reduce fatigue in women with metastatic breast cancer: ABLE02 trial
Authors: Delrieu Lidia , Anota Amélie , Trédan Olivier , Freyssenet Damien , Maire Aurélia , Canada Brice , Fournier Baptiste , Febvey-Combes Olivia , Pilleul Frank , Bouhamama Amine , Caux Christophe , Joly Florence , Fervers Béatrice , Pialoux Vincent , Pérol David , Pérol Olivia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with a metastatic breast cancer suffer from a deteriorated health-related quality of life and numerous symptoms such as pain, severe fatigue and a decrease of their physical fitness. As the feasibility of a physical activity program has been demonstrated in this population, ABLE02 aims to assess the efficacy of a 6 month-physical activity program using connected devices to improve health-related quality of life and to reduce fatigue in women with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods
ABLE02 is a prospective, national, multicenter, randomized, controlled and open-label study. A total of 244 patients with a metastatic breast cancer, with at least one positive hormone receptor and a first-line chemotherapy planned, will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to: (i) the intervention arm to receive physical activity recommendations, an activity tracker to wear 24 h a day during the whole intervention (6 months) with at least three weekly walking sessions and quizzes each week on physical activity and nutrition (ii) the control arm to receive physical activity recommendations only. Health-related quality of life will be assessed every 6 weeks and main assessments will be conducted at baseline, M3, M6, M12 and M18 to evaluate the clinical, physical, biological and psychological parameters and survival of participants. All questionnaires will be completed on a dedicated application.

Discussion
An activity program based on a smartphone application linked to an activity tracker may help to improve quality of life and reduce fatigue of patients with a metastatic breast cancer. The growth of e-health offers the opportunity to get real-time data as well as improving patient empowerment in order to change long-term behaviors.

Trial registration
NCT number: NCT04354233.
Access to sexual and reproductive health commodities in East and Southern Africa: a cross-country comparison of availability, affordability and stock-outs in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Authors: Ooms Gaby I. , Kibira Denis , Reed Tim , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Buckland-Merrett Gemma 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccess to sexual and reproductive health services continues to be a public health concern in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia: use of modern contraceptives is low, and unmet family planning needs and maternal mortality remain high. This study is an assessment of the availability, affordability and stock-outs of essential sexual and reproductive health commodities (SRHC) in these countries to inform interventions to improve access.MethodsThe study consisted of an adaptation of the World Health Organization/Health Action International methodology,Measuring Medicine Prices, Availability, Affordability and Price Components. Price, availability and stock-out data was collected in July 2019 for over fifty lowest-priced SRHC from public, private and private not-for-profit health facilities in Kenya (n = 221), Tanzania (n = 373), Uganda (n = 146) and Zambia (n = 245). Affordability was calculated using the wage of a lowest-paid government worker. Accessibility was illustrated by combining the availability (≥ 80%) and affordability (less than 1 day’s wage) measures.ResultsOverall availability of SRHC was low at less than 50% in all sectors, areas and countries, with highest mean availability found in Kenyan public facilities (46.6%). Stock-outs were common; the average number of stock-out days per month ranged from 3 days in Kenya’s private and private not-for-profit sectors, to 12 days in Zambia’s public sector. In the public sectors of Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, as well as in Zambia’s private not-for-profit sector, all SRHC were free for the patient. In the other sectors unaffordability ranged from 2 to 9 SRHC being unaffordable, with magnesium sulphate being especially unaffordable in the countries. Accessibility was low across the countries, with Kenya’s and Zambia’s public sectors having six SRHC that met the accessibility threshold, while the private sector of Uganda had only one SRHC meeting the threshold.ConclusionsAccessibility of SRHC remains a challenge. Low availability of SRHC in the public sector is compounded by regular stock-outs, forcing patients to seek care in other sectors where there are availability and affordability challenges. Health system strengthening is needed to ensure access, and these findings should be used by national governments to identify the gaps and shortcomings in their supply chains.
Deformity progression in congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia: a report of 44 cases
Authors: Di Gennaro Giovanni Luigi , Gallone Giovanni , Martinez Vazquez Edgar Alejandro , Marchesini Reggiani Leonardo , Racano Costantina , Olivotto Eleonora , Stilli Stefano , Trisolino Giovanni 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
congenital posteromedial bowing of tibia (CPMBT) is a very rare birth defect, characterized by shortened bowed leg and ankle deformity. We described a single institution experience in the management of CPMBT.

Methods
we identified 44 CPMBT in 44 children. The age at presentation was 5.5 ± 5.6 years and the mean age at the final review was 10.1 ± 4.8 years. Radiographic evaluation included the antero-posterior and lateral inter-physeal angle (AP-IPA and L-IPA), the limb length discrepancy (LLD), the morphology of the distal tibia and the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA). During the study period, 26 children underwent surgical treatment.

Results
the estimated curves showed a progressive spontaneous correction of both AP-IPA and L-IPA during growth, but a progressive increase of the LLD. The L-IPA showed a more predictable behaviour while the AP-IPA showed a scattered correction, with a wider variation of the estimated final angle. The final LDTA was 85.3° ± 4.2° and was correlated with the L-IPA (r = 0.5; p = 0.02).
Among the 26 children who underwent surgical treatment, 23 cases had limb lengthening, 1 case had contralateral epiphysiodesis, 1 child underwent tibial osteotomy, 1 patient was treated by hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal tibia to correct ankle valgus deformity.

Conclusions
our study described the largest case series of CPMBT. A combination of surgical treatments, in a staged surgical process, should be tailored to the developmental characteristics of this abnormality. An experience-based algorithm of treatment is also proposed. Further studies are needed to understand which is the best strategy to correct this deformity during childhood.

Level of evidence
level IV prognostic study.
A risk calculator to inform the need for a prostate biopsy: a rapid access clinic cohort
Authors: Jalali Amirhossein , Foley Robert W. , Maweni Robert M. , Murphy Keefe , Lundon Dara J. , Lynch Thomas , Power Richard , O’Brien Frank , O’Malley Kieran J. , Galvin David J. , Durkan Garrett C. , Murphy T. Brendan , Watson R. William 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) represents a significant healthcare problem. The critical clinical question is the need for a biopsy. Accurate risk stratification of patients before a biopsy can allow for individualised risk stratification thus improving clinical decision making. This study aims to build a risk calculator to inform the need for a prostate biopsy.

Methods
Using the clinical information of 4801 patients an Irish Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator (IPRC) for diagnosis of PCa and high grade (Gleason ≥7) was created using a binary regression model including age, digital rectal examination, family history of PCa, negative prior biopsy and Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level as risk factors. The discrimination ability of the risk calculator is internally validated using cross validation to reduce overfitting, and its performance compared with PSA and the American risk calculator (PCPT), Prostate Biopsy Collaborative Group (PBCG) and European risk calculator (ERSPC) using various performance outcome summaries. In a subgroup of 2970 patients, prostate volume was included. Separate risk calculators including the prostate volume (IPRCv) for the diagnosis of PCa (and high-grade PCa) was created.

Results
IPRC area under the curve (AUC) for the prediction of PCa and high-grade PCa was 0.6741 (95% CI, 0.6591 to 0.6890) and 0.7214 (95% CI, 0.7018 to 0.7409) respectively. This significantly outperforms the predictive ability of cancer detection for PSA (0.5948), PCPT (0.6304), PBCG (0.6528) and ERSPC (0.6502) risk calculators; and also, for detecting high-grade cancer for PSA (0.6623) and PCPT (0.6804) but there was no significant improvement for PBCG (0.7185) and ERSPC (0.7140). The inclusion of prostate volume into the risk calculator significantly improved the AUC for cancer detection (AUC = 0.7298; 95% CI, 0.7119 to 0.7478), but not for high-grade cancer (AUC = 0.7256; 95% CI, 0.7017 to 0.7495). The risk calculator also demonstrated an increased net benefit on decision curve analysis.

Conclusion
The risk calculator developed has advantages over prior risk stratification of prostate cancer patients before the biopsy. It will reduce the number of men requiring a biopsy and their exposure to its side effects. The interactive tools developed are beneficial to translate the risk calculator into practice and allows for clarity in the clinical recommendations.