bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deciphering miRNAs involved in crosstalk between auxin and cold stress in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Aslam Mohammad , Sugita Kenji , Qin Yuan , Rahman Abidur 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The phytohormone auxin and microRNA-mediated regulation of gene expressions are key regulators for plant growth and development at both optimal and under low-temperature stress conditions. However, the mechanistic link between microRNA and auxin in regulating plant cold stress response remains elusive. Results: To better understand the role of microRNA in the crosstalk between auxin and cold stress responses, we took advantage of the mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana with altered response to auxin transport and signal. Screening of the mutants for root growth recovery after cold stress at 4°C revealed that the auxin signaling mutant, solitary root 1 ( slr1; mutation in Aux/IAA14), shows a hypersensitive response to cold stress. Genome-wide expression analysis of miRNA in wild-type and slr1 mutant roots using next-generation sequencing revealed 180 known and 71 novel cold-responsive microRNAs. Cold stress also increased the abundance of 26 nt-31 nt small RNA population in slr1 compared with wild-type. Comparative analysis of microRNA expression shows significant differential expression of 13 known and 7 novel miRNAs in slr1 at 4°C compared with wild-type. Target gene expression analysis of the members from one potential candidate miRNAs, miR169 revealed the possible involvement of miR169- NF-YA module in the auxin-mediated cold stress response. Conclusions: Taken together, these results indicate that SLR/IAA14, a transcriptional repressor of auxin signaling, plays a crucial role in integrating miRNA in auxin and cold responses.
Effects of circadian clock and light on melatonin concentration in Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s Wort)
Authors: Ming-Hsiu Chung , Deng Tzu-Shing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Melatonin acts as a signaling hormone and entraining agent in many organisms. We studied the spatiotemporal regulation and influence of light (photoperiods, intensities, and spectral qualities) on melatonin concentration in the medicinal herb Hypericum perforatum L. Furthermore, melatonin concentrations in the leaves of eight species of the Hypericum genus were compared and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Melatonin concentration was found to be the highest in its flowers and leaves. The leaves exhibited a rhythmic variation in melatonin concentration of approximately 24 h under both light–dark entrained (Zeitgeber time) and constant light [circadian time (CT)] conditions, with melatonin concentration peaking at approximately CT6 in the middle of the subjective day. Melatonin concentration was influenced significantly by not only photoperiods but also applied light’s wavelength and intensity. It was approximately six times higher under long-day conditions (18-h light:6-h dark) than under short-day photoperiods (10-h light:14-h dark) and was the highest (131 μg/g fresh weight [FW]) under treatment with blue light at an intensity of 45 µmol·m 2 /s of photons. The melatonin concentration of the two examined Hypericum spp. , namely H. kouytchense Lev. and H. coris L., were approximately twice that of H. perforatum L.

Conclusion

Our findings provide first insights on melatonin-related functions and mechanisms in the circadian system of H. perforatum and useful resources for further melatonin-oriented research and possible applications in agriculture and pharmaceutical industries.
Evaluation of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Images Acquired with a Reduced Scan Time Duration in Prostate Cancer Patients using the Digital Biograph Vision
Authors: Weber Manuel , Hofferber Regina , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang Peter , Conti Maurizio , Wetter Axel , Kersting David , Rischpler Christoph , Jentzen Walter , Costa Pedro Fragoso 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aim: 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT allows for a superior detection of prostate cancer tissue, especially in the context of a low tumor burden. Digital PET/CT bears the potential of reducing scan time duration / administered tracer activity due to, for instance, its higher sensitivity and improved time coincidence resolution. It might thereby expand 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT that is currently limited by 68Ge/68Ga-generator yield. Our aim was to clinically evaluate the influence of a reduced scan time duration in combination with different image reconstruction algorithms on the diagnostic performance.Methods: Twenty prostate cancer patients (11 for biochemical recurrence, 5 for initial staging, 4 for metastatic disease) sequentially underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT on a digital Siemens Biograph Vision. PET data were collected in continuous-bed-motion mode with a mean scan time duration of 16.7 min (reference acquisition protocol) and 4.6 min (reduced acquisition protocol). 4 iterative reconstruction algorithms were applied using a time-of-flight (TOF) approach alone or combined with point-spread-function (PSF) correction, each with 2 or 4 iterations. To evaluate the diagnostic performance, the following metrics were chosen: (a) per-region detectability, (b) the tumor maximum and peak standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVpeak) and (c) image noise using the liver’s activity distribution.Results: Overall, 98% of regions (91% of affected regions) were correctly classified in the reduced acquisition protocol independent of the image reconstruction algorithm. Two nodal lesions (each ≤4 mm) were not identified (leading to downstaging in 1/20 cases). Mean absolute percentage deviation of SUVmax (SUVpeak) was approximately 9% (6%) for each reconstruction algorithm. The mean image noise increased from 13% to 21% (4 iterations) and from 10% to 15% (2 iterations) for PSF+TOF and TOF images.Conclusions: High agreement at 3.5-fold reduction of scan time in terms of per-region detection (98 % of regions) and image quantification (mean deviation ≤ 10 %) was demonstrated; however, small lesions can be missed in about 10% of patients leading to downstaging (T1N0M0 instead of T1N1M0) in 5 % of patients. Our results suggest that a reduction of scan time duration or administered 68Ga-PSMA activities can be considered in metastatic patients, where missing small lesions would not impact patient management. Limitations include the small and heterogeneous sample size and the lack of follow-up.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Enhancing Provider Well-Being in a Metropolitan Medical Group in the United States
Authors: Shields Lisa Barbara , Jennings James T. , Honaker Joshua T. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Physician burnout refers to depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of lower personal accomplishment. Affecting approximately 50% of physicians in the United States, physician burnout negatively impacts both the physician and patient. Over a 3-year-period, this prospective study evaluated the multidisciplinary approach to decreasing provider burnout and improving provider well-being in our metropolitan community. Methods: A multidisciplinary Well-Being Task Force was established at our Institution in 2017 to assess the myriad factors that may play a role in provider burnout and offer solutions to mitigate the stressors that may lead to decreased provider well-being. Four multifaceted strategies were implemented: (1) provider engagement & growth; (2) workflow/office efficiencies; (3) relationship building; and (4) communication. Providers at our Institution took the Mayo Clinic’s well-being index survey on 3 occasions over 3 years. Their scores were compared to those of providers nationally at baseline and at 1 and 2 years after implementing organizational and individualized techniques to enhance provider well-being. Lower well-being index scores reflected better well-being. Results: The average overall well-being index scores of our Institution’s providers decreased from 1.76 at baseline to 1.32 2 years later compared to an increase in well-being index scores of physicians nationally (1.73 to 1.85). Both male and female providers’ average well-being index scores at our Institution decreased over the 3 years of this study, from 1.72 to 1.58 for males and 1.78 to 1.21 for females, while physicians’ scores nationally increased for both genders. The average well-being index scores were highest for providers at our Institution who graduated from medical school less than 5 years earlier (2.0) and who graduated 15-24 years earlier (2.3), whereas the average lowest scores were observed in providers who graduated ³ 25 years earlier (1.37). Obstetricians/gynecologists and internal medicine physicians had the highest average well-being index scores (2.48 and 2.4, respectively) compared to other medical specialties. The turnover rate of our Institution’s providers was 5.6% in 2017 and 3.9% in 2019, reflecting a 30% decrease. Conclusion: This study serves as a model to reduce provider burnout and enhance well-being through both organizational and individual interventions.
Inflammatory potential of diet and risk of incident knee osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Qiang , Hebert James R. , Shivappa Nitin , Guo Jianjun , Tao Ke , Zeng Chao , Lei Guanghua , Lin Jianhao , Zhang Yuqing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background To examine the relation between inflammatory potential of diet and incident knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the role of BMI in the association of interest. Methods In the Osteoarthritis Initiative, the energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DIITM) scores were calculated based on the Block Brief 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire and categorized into sex-specific quartiles. Outcomes were incident: (1) radiographic knee OA (ROA) (i.e., a KL grade ≥2), (2) symptomatic knee OA (SxOA) (i.e., a combination of a frequent knee pain and ROA). We fitted generalized estimating equation models to examine the association between E-DII scores and incident knee OA. We performed mediation analyses to assess potential mediation by BMI in the DII-OA relation. Results Over a 48-month follow-up period, 232 and 978 knees developed ROA and SxOA, respectively. Compared with the lowest (most anti-inflammatory) E-DII quartile, the odds ratio (OR) of incident ROA for the highest (most pro-inflammatory) E-DII quartile was 1.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15 to 2.62, Ptrend= 0.007). The corresponding OR for SxOA was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.16 to 1.76, Ptrend = 0.001). The DII-OA association was significantly mediated via BMI with an indirect effect of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04,1.13) for ROA and 1.13 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.16) for SxOA, accounting for 20.4% and 44.5% of total effect, respectively. Conclusions A higher inflammatory potential of diet increased the risk of knee OA. The association was significantly mediated via BMI. Targeting inflammatory potential of diet may be beneficial to reduce risk of knee OA.
Social determinants of male partner involvement in women's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission care Program in Malawi
Authors: Triulzi Isotta , Keiser Olivia , Somerville Claire , Salimu Sangwani , Ciccacci Fausto , Palla Ilaria , Sagno Jean Baptiste , Gondwe Jane , Marazzi Cristina , Orlando Stefano , Palombi Leonardo , Turchetti Giuseppe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Male partners are rarely present during PMTCT (Prevention-Mother-To-Child-Transmission) services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Men’s involvement is increasingly recognised as an important element of women’s access to care. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among women accompanied and not accompanied by their male partners.

Methods
We included pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT programme between August 2018 and November 2019 in the Southern Region of Malawi. Eligible women were aged 18 years or older, living with a male partner, enrolled for the first time in one of the four selected facilities. We provided a KAP survey to women and their partners attending the facilities. Our primary objective was to assess and analyse the proportion of women who were accompanied by their partner at least once. We applied descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to study the association between being accompanied and explanatory variables.

Results
We enrolled 128 HIV-positive women: 82 (64.1%) were accompanied by their male partners and 46 (35.9%) were alone. Women’s unemployment and possession of a vehicle are negatively associated with male attendance (respectively adjusted OR 0.32 [95% CI, 0.13-0.83] and 0.23 [95% CI, 0.07-0.77]), whereas high women’s level of knowledge of HIV is positively associated with male attendance (adjusted OR 2.33 [95% CI, 1.01-5.40]). Level of attitude and practice toward HIV were not significantly associated to our study variable.

Conclusions
Our study shows a high male involvement in Malawi compared to other studies performed in SSA. This study highlights the factors affecting male attendance which are women’s level of knowledge on HIV, economic condition (employment and means of transport) and healthcare system inequality including geographical accessibility. Moreover, the study points out that gender power relationships and stringent gender norms play a crucial role thus they should be considered to enhance male involvement.
Establishment of assay method- and trimester-specific reference intervals for thyroid hormones during pregnancy in Chengdu, China
Authors: Huang Cheng , Wu Ying , Chen Linong , Yuan Zhiya , Yang Shuzhe , Liu Chenggui 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The reference intervals of thyroid hormone will change at different stages of pregnancy because of physiological alterations. On the other hand, the reference intervals of hyroid hormone will also change in different detection systems due to manufacturer’s methodology as well as different race. The objective in this study was to establish the assay method- and trimester-specific reference intervals for thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine for pregnant women in the Chengdu.Methods: A prospective, population-based cohort study involved 23701 reference samples of pregnant women during the three trimesters and 8646 non-pregnant women with pre-pregnancy clinical and laboratory tests. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated as the reference intervals for thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine at each trimester of pregnant women according to ATA Guidelines.Results: The reference interval of thyroid stimulating hormone in the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles has a significant increasing trend from first trimester, to second trimester, and to third trimester, which was 0.08-3.79 mIU/L for first trimester, and 0.12-3.95 mIU/L for second trimester, and 0.38-4.18 mIU/L for third trimester, respectively (P < 0.001). However, the reference intervals of free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine in the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles have significant decreasing trends from first trimester, to second trimester, and to third trimester, which were 11.87-18.83 pmol/L and 3.77-5.50 pmol/L for first trimester, and 11.22-18.19 pmol/L and 3.60-5.41 pmol/L for second trimester, and 10.19-17.42 pmol/L and 3.37-4.79 pmol/L for third trimester, respectively (both P < 0.001).Conclusion: It is necessary to establish assay method- and trimester-specific reference intervals for thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine because the reference intervals of these thyroid hormones are significantly different at different stages of pregnancy.
Real-time PCR on skin biopsies for super-spreaders’ detection in bovine besnoitiosis.
Authors: Grisez Christelle , Bottari Leslie , Prévot Françoise , Alzieu Jean-Pierre , Liénard Emmanuel , Corbière Fabien , Rameil Marie , Desclaux Xavier , Lacz Christophe , Boulon Christian , Petermann Julie , Mével Jeanne Le , Vilardell Carine , Jacquiet Philippe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Bovine besnoitiosis, an emerging disease in Europe that can be transmitted by vectors, is caused by the Apicomplexa Besnoitia besnoiti. Bovine besnoitiosis is difficult to control due to the complexity of its diagnosis in the acute stage of the disease, poor treatment success and chronically asymptomatic cattle acting as parasite reservoirs. When serological prevalence is low, detection and specific culling of seropositive cattle is feasible; however, economic considerations preclude this approach when serological prevalence is high. The aims of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of detection of super-spreaders in highly infected herds and to test their selective elimination as a new control strategy for bovine besnoitiosis. Methods: Previous real-time PCR analyses performed on skin tissues from 160 asymptomatic animals sampled at slaughterhouses showed that the tail base was the best location to evaluate the dermal parasite DNA load. All seropositive animals (N = 518) from eight dairy or beef cattle farms facing a high serological prevalence of besnoitiosis were sampled at the tail base and their skin sample analysed by real-time PCR. A recommendation of rapid and selective culling of super-spreaders was formulated and provided to the cattle breeders. Subsequent serological monitoring of naïve animals was used to evaluate the interest of this control strategy over time.Results: Among the 518 seropositive animals, a low proportion of individuals (14.5%) showed Ct values below 36, 17.8% had doubtful results (36 < Ct ≤ 40) and 67.8% had negative PCR results. These proportions were grossly similar on the eight farms, regardless of their production type (beef or dairy cattle), size, geographic location or history of besnoitiosis. Within two weeks of the biopsy, the rapid culling of super-spreaders was implemented on only three farms. The numbers of newly infected animals were lower on these farms compared to those where super-spreaders were maintained in the herd. Conclusions: Real-time PCR analyses performed on skin biopsies of seropositive cattle showed huge individual variabilities in parasite DNA load. The rapid culling of individuals considered as super-spreaders seems to be a new and encouraging strategy for bovine besnoitiosis control.
Baseline total metabolic tumor volume combined with international peripheral T-cell lymphoma project may improve prognostic stratification for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)
Authors: Jiang Chong , Teng Yue , Chen Jieyu , Wang Zhen , Zhou Zhengyang , Ding Chongyang , Xu Jingyan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) at baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).Materials and methods: Eighty-four newly diagnosed PTCL patients who underwent baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT prior to treatment between March 2009 and January 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The FDG-avid lesions in each patient were segmented using semiautomated software to calculate the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) values using the boundaries of voxels presenting with the 41% SUVmax threshold method. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were used as end points to evaluate patient prognosis. The log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate PFS and OS.Results: ROC curve analysis indicated an ideal TMTV cut-off value of 228.8 cm3. During the 4-131 month (29.2±28.5 months) follow-up period, high TMTV was significantly associated with worse PFS and OS. TMTV and the international peripheral T-cell lymphoma project score (IPTCLP) were independent predictors of PFS and OS with multivariate analysis. The combination of TMTV and the IPTCLP may provide significantly better risk substratification in PFS and OS of PTCL patients.Conclusions: Both TMTV and IPTCLP are independent predictors of PTCL patient survival outcomes. Moreover, the combination of TMTV and IPTCLP improved patient risk stratification and may contribute to personalized therapeutic regimens.
Thoughts on Higher Medical Education Under Major Public Health Emergencies: Thinking Ahead After COVID-19 Outbreak — A Descriptive study
Authors: Lin Wei , Chen Yan , Shi Songchang , Liang Jixing , Huang Huibin , Li Liantao , Cai Liangchun , Zong Liyao , Wang Nengying , Wen Junping , Chen Gang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed great threat to the global population’s health and nearly every medical school throughout the world suspended classes as a precaution against the virus. The aim of this research is to explore a more advanced online teaching and learning pattern for medical school in the future especially during a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Methods

This is a descriptive study conducted in a medical school. We applied a new blended teaching model, that is, online TBL via 5G network (hereinafter referred as blended teaching model) before the outbreak and when universities responded to the COVID-19 outbreak by closing campuses, they shifted to home-based online learning which is not based on TBL via other prevalent forms of wireless internet connection(hereinafter referred as traditional online teaching model). Fifty fourth-year medical students receiving the “5 + 3” pattern courses regarding internal medicine were enrolled in the study. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire that contains 20 items was used to compare the effect of the two kinds of teaching patterns. It evaluated the indicators of core competencies of students including professionalism, attitude towards learning, knowledge and learning skills, teamwork skills, motivation in learning, adaptability and acceptance of the courses and network environment.
Results

According to the descriptive statistical analysis of the first part of the questionnaire (question 1–16), the average score of adaptability and acceptance of the courses is 2.60 less than 3, indicating that students are more adapted to traditional online teaching model; the average score of the rest of the questions is greater than 3, indicating that blended teaching model is superior to traditional online teaching model. The number of male students who are inclined to blended teaching model is 0.13 times as much as that of female students (95%CI:0.028 ~ 0.602, p = 0.009).
Conclusion

Blended teaching model makes up for some deficiencies of the traditional online teaching methods. For instance, it can monitor students’ learning efficiency and test their real-time learning effectiveness; 5G network meets the requirement of multiple user access in the online TBL. It is a more advanced online teaching and learning pattern for medical school and may be a more suitable method during PHEIC in the future. However, as the students can hardly quickly adapt to this new model, teachers should change their ideas to form a "student-centered" teaching concept, acquire more knowledge of online teaching, and get fully prepared for online TBL before class to ensure a better study experience.