bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic capability of a linear discriminant function applied to a novel Spectralis OCT glaucoma-detection protocol
Authors: Bambo Maria Pilar , Fuentemilla Enrique , Cameo Beatriz , Fuertes Isabel , Ferrandez Blanca , Güerri Noemi , Polo Vicente , Larrosa Jose M. , Pablo Luis E. , Garcia-Martin Elena 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Bruch membrane opening–minimum rim width (BMO–MRW) assessment offers a new diagnostic use in glaucoma patients of the Glaucoma Module Premium Edition (GMPE) available for the Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The objective of our research was to evaluate the diagnostic benefits of examining BMO–MRW and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) readings acquired with Spectralis OCT to distinguish between healthy and mild glaucoma patients, comparing those readings with the standard pRNFL application. Moreover, we investigated whether using a particular combination of BMO–MRW and pRNFL parameters with a linear discriminant function (LDF) could further enhance glaucoma diagnosis.
Methods: 136 eyes from 136 individuals were incorporated into this observational, prospective cross-sectional study: 68 mild primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients according to the Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson criteria (mean deviation between 0 and -6 dB) and 68 healthy control subjects selected by Propensity Score Matching. MRW and pRNFL thickness around the disc (diameters: 3.5 mm, 4.1 mm, and 4.7 mm) were obtained using the BMO–MRW protocol, and pRNFL thickness at 3.5 mm was obtained with the standard glaucoma application. The group data were contrasted. One sample was chosen at random to develop the LDF (teaching set: 34 healthy subjects and 34 POAG patients) using a combination of MRW and pRNFL parameters (acquired with the BMO–MRW protocol); the other sample provided a test of how the LDF performed on an independent group (validating set: 34 healthy subjects and 34 POAG patients). The receiver operating curves (ROCs) were plotted for every measurement and contrasted with the proposed LDF. The OCT parameters with the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were determined.
Results: Global MRW and pRNFL thicknesses were significantly thinner in the POAG group (p < 0.001). The BMO–MRW parameters showed good diagnostic accuracy; the largest AUCs reached 0.875 for the LDF and 0.879 for global RNFL thickness using the standard glaucoma application. There were no statistical differences between the AUCs calculated.
Conclusions: BMO–MRW parameters show a strong capability to differentiate between mild glaucoma and control eyes. Our LDF based on the new BMO–MRW OCT protocol did not perform better than isolated parameters.
Whole grain food diet slightly reduces cardiovascular risks in obese/overweight adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Weihao , Li Jianan , Chen Xiaoxi , Yu Miao , Pan Qi , Guo Lixin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The effects of whole grain diet on cardiovascular risks in obese and overweight adults is not well established. Our goal was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of whole grain diet on cardiovascular risks in obese/overweight adults. Methods: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane were systematically scanned for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and studies were selected based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of whole grain food consumption in reducing body weight. The secondary outcomes were the effect of whole grain food consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), insulin resistance index, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and waist circumference in obese/overweight adults. Results: Our results showed that whole grain consumption was associated with lower body weight (mean difference (MD) =-0.5, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-0.74, 0.25], I2 = 35%, P < 0.0001), lower LDL-C (MD =-0.08, 95% CI [-0.16, 0.00], I2 = 27%, P = 0.05), and lower CRP (MD =-0.36, 95% CI [-0.54, -0.18], I2=69%, P<0.0001), compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in waist circumference (MD=-0.12, 95% CI [-0.92, 0.68], I2=44%, P=0.76), systolic blood pressure (MD=-0.11, 95% CI [-1.55, 1.33], I2=3%, P=0.88), diastolic blood pressure (MD=-0.44, 95% CI [-1.44, 0.57], I2=15%, P=0.39), and fasting glucose (MD=-0.05, 95% CI [-0.12, 0.01], I2=31%, P=0.11) between the two groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that whole grain food consumption can slightly reduce body weight, LDL-C and CRP in obese/overweight population.
Thyroid dysfunction and risk factors in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yanli , Yi Min , Deng Xiaoyi , Mosha Singla Sethiel , Li Wangen , Zhang Xiaodan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background : Diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction (TD) are two closely associated disorders. The coexistence of TD could adversely influence metabolic control and even increase the long-term mortality in patients with DM. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of TD in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM).
Methods : This is an observational cross-sectional study. A total of 340 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who were admitted to ward of endocrinology department were included for analysis. Thyroid function was examined and its relationship with demographic, metabolic and diabetes-related parameters were evaluated
Results : The prevalence of TD was 21.2% in the total population. The low T3 syndrome was the most frequent TD, in 14.7% of patients. Low FT3 level was associated with diabetic complications including presence of diabetic ketosis (DK) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (r = -0.388, P ≤ 0.001) and microalbuminuria (r = -0.302, P ≤ 0.001). Metabolic and demographic factors, including age, glycemic control and insulin resistance also correlated with levels of thyroid hormones. DK or DKA (OR = 6.161, P ≤ 0.001) and microalbuminuria (OR = 3.950, P = 0.002) were risk factors of low T3 syndrome.
Conclusion : TD is not rarely seen in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Diabetic complications and diabetes-related metabolic and demographic factors are related to the presence of TD.
Astrocyte-derived exosomes enriched with miR-873a-5p inhibit neuroinflammation via microglia phenotype modulation after traumatic brain injury
Authors: long xiaobing , Yao Xiaolong , Jiang Qian , Yang Yiping , He Xuejun , Tian Weidong , zhao kai , Zhang Huaqiu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The interaction between astrocytes and microglia plays a vital role in the damage and repair of brain lesions due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent studies have shown that exosomes act as potent mediators involved in intercellular communication. Methods: In the current study, the expression of inflammatory factors and miR-873a-5p in the lesion area and edema area was evaluated in 15 patients with traumatic brain injury. Exosomes secreted by astrocytes were detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and electron microscopy. A mouse model of TBI and an in vitro model of lps-induced primary microglia were established to study the protective mechanism of exosomes from miR-873a-5p-overexpressing in TBI-induced nerve injury. Results: We discovered that exosomes derived from activated astrocytes promote microglial M2 phenotype transformation following TBI. More than 100 miRNAs were detected in these astrocyte-derived exosomes. miR-873a-5p is a major component that was highly expressed in human traumatic brain tissue. Moreover, miR-873a-5p significantly inhibited LPS-induced microglial M1 phenotype transformation and the subsequent inflammation through decreased phosphorylation of ERK and NF-κB p65. This effect also greatly improved the mNSS score and attenuated brain injury in a strictly controlled cortical impact mouse model. Conclusions: Taken together, our research indicates that miRNAs in the exosomes derived from activated astrocytes play a key role in the astrocyte-microglia interaction. miR-873a-5p, as one of the main components of these astrocyte-derived exosomes, attenuated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and improved neurological deficits following TBI by inhibiting the NF-kB signalling pathway. These findings suggest a potential role for miR-873a-5p in treating traumatic brain injury.
Molecular delimitation of European leafy liverworts of the genus Calypogeia based on plastid super-barcodes
Authors: Ślipiko Monika , Myszczyński Kamil , Buczkowska Katarzyna , Bączkiewicz Alina , Szczecińska Monika , Sawicki Jakub 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Molecular research revealed that some of the European Calypogeia species described on the basis of morphological criteria are genetically heterogeneous and, in fact, are species complexes. DNA barcoding is already commonly used for correct identification of difficult to determine species, to disclose cryptic species, or detecting new taxa. Among liverworts, some DNA fragments, recommend as universal plant DNA barcodes, cause problems in amplification. Super-barcoding based on genomic data, makes new opportunities in a species identification. Results On the basis of 22 individuals, representing 10 Calypogeia species, plastid genome was tested as a super-barcode. It is not effective in 100%, nonetheless its success of species discrimination (95.45%) is still conspicuous. It is not excluded that the above outcome may have been upset by cryptic speciation in C. suecica, as our results indicate. Having the sequences of entire plastomes of European Calypogeia species, we also discovered that the ndhB and ndhH genes and the trnT-trnL spacer identify species in 100%. Conclusions This study shows that even if a super-barcoding is not effective in 100%, this method does not close the door to a traditional single- or multi-locus barcoding. Moreover, it avoids many complication resulting from the need to amplify selected DNA fragments. It seems that a good solution for species discrimination is a development of so-called “specific barcodes” for a given taxonomic group, based on plastome data.
Overexpression of GmNFYA5 confers drought tolerance to transgenic Arabidopsis and soybean plants
Authors: Ma Xiao-Jun , Yu Tai-Fei , Li Xiao-Hui , Cao Xin-You , Ma Jian , Chen Jun , Zhou Yong-Bin , Chen Ming , Ma You-Zhi , Zhang Jun-Hua , Xu Zhao-Shi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Crop productivity is challenged by abiotic stresses, among which drought stress is the most common. NF-Y genes, especially NF-YA genes, regulate tolerance to abiotic stress. Results: Soybean NF-Y gene GmNFYA5 was identified to have the highest transcript level among all 21 NF-YA genes in soybean ( Glycine max L.) under drought stress. Drought-induced transcript of GmNFYA5 was suppressed by the ABA synthesis inhibitor naproxen (NAP). GmNFYA5 transcript was detected in various tissues at vegetative and reproductive growth stages with higher levels in roots and leaves than in other tissues, which was consist with the GmNFYA5 promoter:GUS fusion assay. Overexpression of GmNFYA5 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants caused enhanced drought tolerance in seedlings by decreasing stomatal aperture and water loss from leaves. Overexpression and suppression of GmNFYA5 in soybean resulted in increased and decreased drought tolerance, respectively, relative to plants with an empty vector (EV). Transcript levels of ABA-dependent genes ( ABI2 , ABI3 , NCED3 , LEA3 , RD29A , P5CS1 , GmWRKY46 , GmNCED2 and GmbZIP1 ) and ABA-independent genes ( DREB1A , DREB2A , DREB2B , GmDREB1 , GmDREB2 and GmDREB3 ) in transgenic plants overexpressing GmNFYA5 were higher than those of wild-type plants under drought stress; suppression of GmNFYA5 transcript produced opposite results. GmNFYA5 probably regulated the transcript abundance of GmDREB2 and GmbZIP1 by binding to the promoters in vivo. Conclusions: Our results suggested that overexpression of GmNFYA5 improved drought tolerance in soybean via both ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways.
covRNA - Discovering covariate associations in large-scale gene expression data
Authors: Urban Lara H , Remmele Christian W , Dittrich Marcus , Schwarz Roland F , Müller Tobias 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective The biological interpretation of gene expression measurements is a challenging task. While ordination methods are routinely used to identify clusters of samples or co-expressed genes, these methods do not take sample or gene annotations into account. We aim to provide a tool that allows users of all backgrounds to assess and visualize the intrinsic correlation structure of complex annotated gene expression data and discover the covariates that jointly affect expression patterns. Results The Bioconductor package covRNA provides a convenient and fast interface for testing and visualizing complex relationships between sample and gene covariates mediated by gene expression data in an entirely unsupervised setting. The relationships between sample and gene covariates are tested by statistical permutation tests and visualized by ordination. The methods are inspired by the fourthcorner and RLQ analyses used in ecological research for the analysis of species abundance data, that we modified to make them suitable for the distributional characteristics of both, RNA-Seq read counts and microarray intensities, and to provide a high-performance parallelized implementation for the analysis of large-scale gene expression data on multi-core computational systems. CovRNA provides additional modules for unsupervised gene filtering and plotting functions to ensure a smooth and coherent analysis workflow.
Long term comparison between flipped classroom and team-based learning on a prosthodontic class
Authors: Hayama Rika , Okura Kazuo , Oshima Masamitsu , Hosoki Maki , Suzuki Yoshitaka , Miyagi Mayu , Inoue Miho , Rodis Omar Marianito Maningo , Matsuka Yoshizo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Active learning is a concept that allows students to study and learn actively by themselves to get knowledge. There are several methods of active learning, including flipped classroom (FC) and team-based learning (TBL). In FC, students are required to study before classes. In TBL, students also study before class. The students take individual readiness assurance test (IRAT) and group readiness assurance test (GRAT), then discuss group assignment projects (GAPs) during class. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness between FC and TBL using longitudinal term-end examination data.Methods FC and TBL effectiveness was assessed from the results of the term-end examinations from 2014 to 2017. The students were asked to answer questions on the favorable and unfavorable responses of FC and TBL. To check the difficulty of the term-end examinations, control dentists took the same examinations.Results Multi-way ANOVA showed that the correct answer rate in term-end examinations was significantly different in comparison with the time of the trial, and for the participants (students and dentists). The term-end examination score of FC and TBL did not show a statistical difference. According to the students, the favorable responses of FC and TBL were on the study habit and the video contents, while the unfavorable responses were mainly on the study materials.Conclusions There is no statistical difference between FC and TBL on term-end examination scores. There were no interactions between the test period and the participants (students or dentists), and the test period and class format.
Ethnic and Gender Biases in Clinical Performance Assessment (CPA) in Healthcare Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chao Iris C.I. , Violato Efrem , Concannon Brendan , McCartan Charlotte , Nicpon Katarzyna , King Sharla , Roberts Mary Roduta 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Several forms of bias, including ethnic and gender bias, are thought to impact evaluations on Clinical Performance Assessments (CPAs). Unfairness may influence student learning attitudes if a loss of trust causes a lack of engagement in learning. Understanding the biases occurring in CPAs can lead to well-designed examiner training to ensure equality and fairness. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the current evidence in the literature for ethnic and/or gender bias by examiners evaluating pre-licensure healthcare students in CPAs using standardized patients (SPs). Methods: Literature was systematically searched in CINAHL, PubMed and Medline from inception to February 2019, and no date range was set. Studies related to the investigation of ethnic and/or gender biases occurring in CPAs using SPs for examining health professions students were selected. A systematic review was conducted to assess the methodological quality and strength of evidence of relevant research and to identify if any potential ethnic and/or gender bias occurred in CPAs. The Guidelines for Critical Review were used to appraise the selected studies. Results: Nine studies published from 2003 to 2017 were retrieved for review. Three studies met all the Guidelines for Critical Review quality criteria, indicating stronger evidence of their outcomes, two of the studies reported ethnic and/or gender bias existing in the CPAs. Overall, four studies found ethnic and/or gender bias in CPAs, but all study results had small effect sizes. Conclusions: No systematic and consistent bias was found across the studies; nonetheless, the possibility of ethnic or gender bias by some examiners cannot be ignored. To minimize potential examiner bias, the investigation of Frame of Reference training, multiple examiners per station, and combination assessments in CPAs is recommended.
The behavioural and neuropathologic sexual dimorphism and absence of MIP-3α in tau P301S mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sun Yao , Guo Yongqing , Feng Xuejian , Jia Meng , Ai Ning , Dong Yue , Zheng Yayuan , Fu Lu , Yu Bin , Zhang Haihong , Wu Jiaxin , Yu Xianghui , Wu Hui , Kong Wei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Tau hyper-phosphorylation has been considered a major contributor to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies, and has gained prominence in therapeutic development for AD. To elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AD and evaluate therapeutic approaches targeting tau, numerous transgenic mouse models that recapitulate critical AD-like pathology have been developed. Tau P301S transgenic mice is one of the most widely used mouse models in AD research. Extensive studies have demonstrated that sex significantly influences AD pathology, behavioral status and therapeutic outcomes, suggesting that studies using mouse models of AD must consider sex- and age-related differences in neuropathology, behavior, and plasma content. Method: We systematically investigated differences in tau P301S transgenic mice (PS19 line) and wildtype littermates of different sex behavioral performance, tau neuropathology and biomarkers in plasma and brain. Results: Male P301S transgenic mice exhibited significant changes in weight loss, survival rate, clasping, kyphosis, composite phenotype assessment, nest building performance, tau phosphorylation at Ser202/Thr205 and astrocyte activation compared to that of wild type littermates. In contrast, female P301S transgenic mice were only sensitive in the Morris Water Maze and open field test. In addition, we characterized the absence of macrophage-inflammatory protein (MIP-3α) and the upregulation of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-5, and IL-6 and. Male P301S transgenic mice expressed more plasma biomarkers than those of female P301S mice. Conclusion: Our findings highlight sexual dimorphism in the behavior, neuropathology, and biomarkers in tau P301S transgenic AD mice, indicating that the use of male P301S transgenic mice may be more suitable for assessing anti-phosphorylated tau therapeutic strategies for AD and related tauopathies, and the MIP-3α may be a new potential plasma biomarker.
The efficacy of Narrative Exposure Therapy for Children (KIDNET) as a Treatment for Traumatized Young Refugees versus Treatment as Usual: Study Protocol for a Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial (YOURTREAT)
Authors: Wilker Sarah , Catani Claudia , Wittmann Jasmin , Preusse Melissa , Schmidt Telja , May Theodor , Ertl Verena , Doering Bettina , Rosner Rita , Zindler Areej , Neuner Frank 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Germany hosts a large number of refugees from war-affected countries. The integration of refugees, in particular young refugees from the Middle East, is one of the major current social challenges in Germany. Mental disorders, first of all post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that results from war experiences, are common among young refugees and interfere with quality of life as well as functional integration. Evidence regarding effective treatment options for this population is scarce. In this trial, we aim to evaluate the pragmatic, short-term psychotherapy Narrative Exposure Therapy for Children (KIDNET) for the treatment of young refugees in Germany. Methods: In a rater-blinded multi-center randomized-controlled trial, KIDNET is compared to treatment as usual (TAU) within the general health care system. A total number of 80 young refugees who fulfill the diagnostic criteria of PTSD will be randomized to either KIDNET or TAU. Diagnostic interviews will take place at baseline before treatment as well as six and 12 months thereafter. They will assess exposure to traumatic events, PTSD and comorbid symptoms, as well as parameters of integration. Discussion: The results of this study will provide evidence regarding effective treatment options for young refugees in Germany, a population that has been understudied and received only limited access to mental health care so far. Next to the effects of treatment on mental health outcomes, integration parameters will be investigated. Therefore, this study will provide broad insights into treatment options for young refugees and their potential implications on successful integration. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; DRKS), registered on May 15 th , 2019. The trial registration number is DRKS00017222 (www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017222)