bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The lower methylation of RANK is associated with osteoporosis in male aged general population of Xinjiang: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Shang Junjing , xiang Hong , Bai Xue , Halan Buluhan , Wang Hongmei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

RANK is a candidate gene for osteoporosis on both functional and genetic grounds. The study is to investigate the relationships between the methylation of RANK and osteoporosis in aged general population.
Methods

On the basis of an epidemiological investigation, we detect for methylation CpGs in promoter of RANK in 32 aged subjects (16 males and 16 females) firstly. Secondly, after considering the relationships among osteoporosis and the methylation rate of identified CpGs in male and female subjects, the selected representatives CpGs were detected in 90 male aged general subjects (43 controls and 47 cases) by bisulfite sequencing. Then a case-control study is conducted.
Results

Age and the prevalence of diabetes were significantly difference between the case patients and control individuals (P = 0. 025, P = 0. 005)., There was no statistical significance between the case group and the control group for the following values: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, 25-dihydroxyvitaminD3, folic acid, testosterone, creatinine, serum calcium concentration, and the prevalence of smoking, drinking and hypertension (P > 0.05). The methylation rate of RANK in control group was significant higher than that in osteoporosis group (P < 0.001). In addition, by covariance analysis to adjust age, prevalence of smoking, drinking, hypertension, and diabetes, the methylation rate of RANK in control group was significant higher than that in osteoporosis group in male aged general population of Xinjiang (P = 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors (age, smoking, drinking, and diabetes), multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that lower methylation of RNAK gene were significantly associated with osteoporosis (OR = 0.930, 95% CI = 0.886–0.976)
Conclusions

The lower methylation rate of RANK was associated with osteoporosis in male aged general population of Xinjiang. This confirms that lower methylation of RANK might be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis
Effect of APOE ε4 genotype on amyloid-β and tau accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Baek Min Seok , Cho Hanna , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Jae Hoon , Ryu Young Hoon , Lyoo Chul Hyoung 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess effects of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 genotype on Aβ and tau burden and their longitudinal changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum.Methods: Among 272 individuals who underwent PET scans (18F-florbetaben for Aβ and 18F-flortaucipir for tau) and ApoE genotyping, 187 individuals completed 2-year follow-up PET scans. After correcting for partial-volume effect, we compared the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) for Aβ and tau burden between the ε4+ and ε4- groups. By using a linear mixed-effect model, we measured changes in SUVR in the ApoE ε4+ and ε4- groups.Results: The ε4+ group showed greater baseline Aβ burden in the diffuse cortical regions and greater tau burden in the lateral, and medial temporal, cingulate, and insula cortices. Tau accumulation rate was higher in the parietal, occipital, lateral, and medial temporal cortices in the ε4+ group. In Aβ+ individuals, baseline tau burden was greater in the medial temporal cortex, while Aβ burden was conversely greater in the ε4- group. Tau accumulation rate was higher in the ε4+ group in a small region in the lateral temporal cortex. The effect of ApoE ε4 on enhanced tau accumulation persisted even after adjusting for the global cortical Aβ burden.Conclusions: Progressive tau accumulation may be more prominent in ε4 carriers, particularly in the medial and lateral temporal cortices. ApoE ε4 allele has differential effects on Aβ burden depending on the existing amyloidosis and enhances vulnerability to progressive tau accumulation in the AD spectrum independent of Aβ.
Stability and Clinical Outcomes of A New One Piece Toric Intraocular Lens with Anchor-wing Haptics
Authors: Sugita Iichiro , Ogawa Tomoichiro , Ichikawa Kazuo , Okita Takahide , Negishi Kazuno , Nakano Tadashi , Tsuneoka Hiroshi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new toric intraocular lens (IOL) with anchor-wing haptics.Methods: The new toric IOL with anchor-wing haptics (NS60YT, NIDEK Co., Ltd.) was implanted in eligible patients with age-related cataracts with preoperative corneal astigmatism of 1.0 D or greater at one university hospital and two private hospitals in Japan. Four cylinder powers of the IOL were evaluated as follows: 1.50 D (NS60YT3), 2.25 D (NS60YT4), 3.00 D (NS60YT5) and 4.50 D (NS60YT7). All patients were assessed out to 12 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint was uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) with spherical addition 6 months postoperatively, and the primary analysis calculated the proportion of UCVA with spherical addition of 0.8 or better. The magnitude of rotation was compared to the intended axis of IOL implantation at each postoperative examination. Adverse events were evaluated for the safety analysis. Results: The study enrolled 64 eyes of 53 patients. At 6 months postoperatively, for all models, mean UCVA with spherical addition of 0.8 or better was achieved in 90% [95% confidence interval (CI): 80-96] of eyes. The mean IOL rotation was 5.3±4.3° 12 months after surgery. Between each postoperative examination from 1 day to 12 months, the mean magnitude of rotation ranged between 1.9° to 2.5°.There were no vision threatening intraoperative or postoperative complications for the duration of the study.Conclusions: The NS60YT IOL remained stable after implantation and was efficacious for treating 1.00 D or greater astigmatism in patients with senile cataracts.Trial registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03242486) on August 8, 2017 - Retrospectively registered. (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03242486)
Development of the Labor Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for Pregnant Women (LPRAQ-p)
Authors: Hulsbosch Lianne P , Nyklíček Ivan , Potharst Eva S , Boekhorst Myrthe GBM , Pop Victor JM 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Receiving epidural analgesia during labor can possibly have negative consequences for mother and child. Yet, the use of epidural analgesia rapidly increased in the Netherlands over the last decade. Since antenatal plans for labor pain relief have been related to epidural analgesia use during labor, the aim of the current study was to develop a Labor Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women. Methods: Three focus groups interviews were conducted with pregnant women, new mothers and caregivers and 13 candidate items were derived. Psychometric properties were tested with explorative factor analysis in sample I (N = 429) and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis in a different sample II (N = 432). Results: The explorative factor analysis suggested a two-factor seven-item solution: a ‘women’s perception’ and ‘social environment’ subscale. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an excellent six-item model fit with appropriate internal consistency. Two-tailed t-tests showed that depressed women, women with pregnancy-related distress, nulliparous women and multiparous women with complications during previous delivery were more willing to use labor pain relief during pregnancy. Conclusions: This study showed the Labor Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women to be a valid instrument to evaluate attitude towards labor pain relief in pregnant women. Since high scores suggest low self-efficacy towards labor, this instrument may be a valuable screening instrument to indicate the women who may benefit from extra help and support during pregnancy and labor.
Professional Commitment&nbsp;and&nbsp;Career Maturity of Full-Time Nursing Postgraduates in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: sunzi kejimu , lei cheng , pan jun , ju mei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Nursing is becoming ever more demanding, and is regarded as a stressful occupation because of manpower shortages and various other challenges associated with nursing practice.This article describes the students’ professional commitment and career maturity, and students establish their career objectives during the early stages of their graduate study. Methods: A cross sectional，survey design was conducted at universities in China. A sample of 184 students was selected using the professional commitment scale and career maturity scale to investigate the status quo of professional commitment and career maturity of full-time nursing postgraduates. Data was collected using self-designed demographic characteristics of the student, professional commitment scale, career maturity scale in 2019.Data was analyzed using correlation coefficient test(α < 0.05 ).Results: Participants returned 184 surveys (response rate, 100%) . Career maturity (105.12±11.13), Specialty commitment(90.0 ±12.09),Career maturity was positively correlated with Professional Commitment (r=0.20).Conclusions: The career maturity and professional commitments of full-time nursing postgraduates were of an average level. Career planning courses could be useful to strengthen the vocational education of the post-graduate students.
Introducing NMMF WAMS, an open-source PAMGuard plug-in, and some pilot data for its use as a welfare acoustic monitoring system
Authors: Jones Brittany L , Oswald Michael , Tufano Samantha , Baird Mark , Ridgway Sam H. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe National Marine Mammal Foundation presents a new veterinary and animal welfare monitoring tool, WAMS (i.e., Welfare Acoustic Monitoring System) for open-source use in PAMGuard. While the use of passive acoustic monitoring systems has been invaluable in wild conservation efforts, vocal behavior is a vastly underutilized welfare biomarker for both terrestrial and aquatic species in zoos and aquaria. We describe one successful use for WAMS at the Navy Marine Mammal Program for monitoring a discrete population of dolphins’ acoustic behavior. By constantly recording both five minute and hourly counts of acoustic detections and providing an automated comparison to historical data, WAMS can alert us to rare instances of high vocal rates relative to their typical output. Having a validated acoustic indicator for events such as agnostic social interactions and/or an instance of distress in bottlenose dolphins provides a unique opportunity for acoustic monitoring to be used as a tool for the early identification and possible prevention of rare and unexpected instances of an illness or injury.ResultsWe identified a high success rate (82%) and low false positive rate (1%) for WAMS identification of whistle occurrence. Further, we identified time and money saving applications for use in conservation settings such as marine mammal mitigation surveys and long-term hydrophone deployments. When running in real-time, WAMS used in conjunction with other PAMGuard features saved almost 6.5 days in manual labor for every month processing data (almost 78.5 work days a year). ConclusionsWe propose that this tool could be considered for implementation at any facility that houses marine mammals and wishes to include acoustic monitoring into their preventative healthcare plans. Early identification of atypical social interactions and/or distress calls in both aquatic and terrestrial species can lead to early intervention, better management of social groupings, and better overall health and welfare for all animals.
Preparedness for practice: Is there a disparity between what undergraduate medical students are taught and what is felt to be essential knowledge in the postgraduate paediatric domain?
Authors: McCrossan Patrick , Nicholson Alf , O'Donoghue Dara , McCallion Naomi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate how undergraduate students and junior paediatric doctors performed against an examination of knowledge set by non-academic consultants at a “must –know “ level for starting in paediatrics. We named this the Minimum Accepeted Competency (MAC) examination.MethodsExamination (comprised of 30 MCQ questions) was delivered to undergraduates also to new junior paediatric doctors. Results of this examination ascertained if participants had reached a clinician determined MAC, were compared with official university examination results and compared students to junior doctor performance.ResultsTotal of 478 participants. Mean MAC score was 45.9% for students and 64.2% for doctors (significantly higher [p < 0.01]). A significantly reduced number of students passed the MAC compared with their official university examinations 68% V 97%). A Spearman’s rank co-efficient showed a moderate but statistically significant positive correlation between students results in their official university examinations and their score in the MAC examination.ConclusionThis work demonstrates a disparity between student and junior doctor levels of knowledge with consultant expectations from an exam based on what front-line paediatricians determined to as “must-know” standards. This study demonstrates the importance of involvement of end-users and future supervisors in undergraduate teaching.
Validity and Reliability of Institutional Assessments in Predicting USMLE STEP 1 Scores: Lessons from a Traditional 2 x 2 Curricular Model
Authors: Puri Nitin , Graham-Smith Sydney , McCarthy Michael , Miller Bobby 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose: We have observed that students’ performance in our PreClerkship curriculum does not align well with their USMLE STEP1 scores. Students at-risk of failing or underperforming on STEP1 have often excelled in our institutional assessments. We sought to test the validity and reliability of our course-assessments in predicting STEP1 scores, and in the process generate and validate a more accurate prediction model for STEP1 performance.Methods: Student pre-matriculation and course assessment data of the Class of 2020 (n = 76) is used to generate a stepwise STEP1 prediction model, which is tested with the students of the Class of 2021 (n = 71). Predictions are generated for the end of each course in the programing language R. For the Class of 2021, predicted STEP1 score is correlated with their actual STEP1 scores and data-agreement is tested with means-difference plots. A similar model is generated and tested for the Class of 2022.Results: STEP1 predictions based pre-matriculation data are unreliable and fail to identify at-risk students (R2 = 0.02). STEP1 predictions for most year 1 courses (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology) correlate poorly with students’ actual STEP1 scores (R2 = 0.30). STEP1 predictions improve for year 2 courses (microbiology, pathology and pharmacology), but reliable predictions are based on truly integrated courses with customized NBMEs as comprehensive exams (0.66). Predictions based on these NBMEs and integrated courses are reproducible for the Class of 2022.Conclusion: MCAT and undergraduate GPA are poor predictors of students’ STEP1 scores. Partially integrated courses with biweekly assessments do not promote problem-solving skills and leave students’ at-risk of failing STEP1. Only truly integrated courses with comprehensive assessments are reliable indicators of students STEP1 preparation.
Non-associative phase separation in an evaporating droplet as a model for prebiotic compartmentalization
Authors: Guo Wei , Kinghorn Andrew , Zhang Yage , Li Qingchuan , Poonam Aditi , Tanner Julian , Shum Ho 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a mechanism by which membraneless organelles form inside cells, and has been hypothesized as a mechanism for prebiotic compartmentalization. Here we present a prebiotically plausible pathway for non-associative phase separation, which could drive biopolymer self-organization and compartmentalization to form the earliest membraneless compartments, within an evaporating all-aqueous sessile droplet. Through a quantitative understanding of the kinetic pathway of phase separation, we find that non-uniform evaporation rates across the droplet surface induce compositional gradients and surface tension differences, triggering LLPS and polymer self-organization inside the sessile droplet. With the ability to undergo LLPS, the drying droplets provide a robust mechanism for formation of prebiotic membraneless compartments. These self-organized membraneless compartments, with volumes comparable to subcellular structures, could represent a mechanism for the enrichment of information-carrying molecules and formation of RNA-containing organelles. We demonstrated compartmentalized localization and storage of nucleic acids, in vitro transcription, as well as a three-fold enhancement of ribozyme activity. This model system demonstrates a cell-like, aqueous, macromolecular crowded and thermodynamically non-equilibrium microenvironment. Such a mechanism for compartmentalization is feasible on wet organophilic silica-rich surfaces during early molecular evolution.
In-Silico Identification, Expressional Profile and Regulatory Network Analysis of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAPKKK) Gene Family in Tea (C. Sinensis)
Authors: Paul Abhirup , Srivas Anurag P. , Subrahmanya Shreya , Shen Guoxin , MISHRA NEELAM 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) form the upstream component of MAPK cascade. It is well characterized in several plants such as Arabidopsis and rice however the knowledge about MAPKKKs in tea plant is largely unknown.Result: In the present study, MAPKKK genes of tea were obtained through a genome wide search using Arabidopsis thaliana as the reference genome. Among 59 candidate MAPKKK genes in tea, 17 genes were MEKK-like, 31 genes were Raf-like and 11 genes were ZIK- like. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships were established along with structural analysis which includes gene structure, its location as well as conserved motifs and functional domain signatures that were systematically examined and further, predictions were validated by the results. Also, on the basis of orthologous genes in Arabidopsis, functional interaction was carried out in C. sinensis. The expressional profiles indicated major involvement of MAPKKKK genes from tea in response to various abiotic stress factors.Conclusion: The present study provides the targets for additional inclusive identification, functional study, and also might provide comprehensive knowledge for a better understanding of the MAPKKK cascade regulatory network in C. sinensis.
Co-Expression Network Analyses of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Genes in Ruellia (Wild Petunias; Acanthaceae)
Authors: Tripp Erin , Zhuang Yongbin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background. Anthocyanins are major pigments contributing to flower coloration and as such knowledge of molecular architecture underlying the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (ABP) is key to understanding flower color diversification. To identify ABP structural genes and associated regulatory networks, we sequenced 16 transcriptomes generated from 10 species of Ruellia and then conducted co-expression analyses among resulting data. Results. Complete coding sequences for 12 candidate structural loci representing eight genes plus nine candidate regulatory loci were assembled. Analysis of non-synonymous/synonymous (dn/ds) mutation rates indicated all identified loci are under purifying selection, suggesting overall selection to prevent the accumulation of deleterious mutations. Additionally, upstream enzymes have lower rates of molecular evolution compared to downstream enzymes. However, site-specific tests of selection yielded evidence for positive selection at several sites, including four in F3'H2 and five in DFR3, and these sites are located in protein binding regions. A species-level phylogenetic tree constructed using a newly implemented hybrid transcriptome–RADseq approach implicates numerous flower color transitions among the 10 species. We found evidence of both regulatory and structural mutations to F3'5'H in helping to explain the evolution of red flowers from purple-flowered ancestors.Conclusions. Sequence comparisons and co-expression analyses of ABP loci revealed that mutations in regulatory loci are likely to play a greater role in flower color transitions in Ruellia compared to mutations in underlying structural genes.
A Modified Delphi to Define Drug Dosing Errors in Pediatric Critical Care
Authors: Roumeliotis Nadia , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Rochon Paula , Taddio Anna , Parshuram Chris 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background There is no globally accepted definition for dosing error in adult or pediatric practice. The definition of pediatric dosing error varies greatly in the literature. The objective of this study was to develop a framework, informed by a set of principles, for a clinician-based definition of drug dosing errors in critically ill children, and to identify the range that practitioners agree is a dosing error for different drug classes and clinical scenarios.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide three staged modified Delphi from May to December 2019. Expert clinicians included Canadian pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) physicians, pharmacists and nurses, with a least 5 years’ experience.Outcomes were dosing principles and error thresholds, as defined by proportion above and below reference range, for common PICU medications and clinical scenarios. ResultsForty-four participants met eligibility, and response rates were 95, 86 and 84% for all three rounds respectively. Consensus was achieved for 13 of 15 principles, and 23 of 30 error thresholds. An over-dosed drug that is intercepted, an under-dose of a possibly life-saving medication, dosing 50% above or below target range and not adjusting for a drug interaction were agreed principles of dosing error. Expert clinicians agreed, for most medication categories and clinical scenarios, that dosing over or below 10% of reference range was considered an error threshold.ConclusionExpert clinicians in the PICU agree that, for most intermittent medications and clinical scenarios, dosing over 10% below or above reference range is considered a dosing error.The threshold may be larger for non-toxic medications, and narrower for very toxic medications. This consensus driven definition will help guide routine clinical dosing practice, standardized reporting and drug quality improvement in pediatric critical care.