bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis of lateral buds from Phyllostachys edulis rhizome during germination and early shoot stages
Authors: Shou Yuting , Zhu Yihua , Ding Yulong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The vegetative growth is an important stage for plants when they conduct photosynthesis, accumulate and collect all resources needed and prepare for reproduction stage. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant species. The rapid growth of Phyllostachys edulis results from the expansion of intercalary meristem at the basal part of nodes, which are differentiated from the apical meristem of rhizome lateral buds. However, little is known about the major signaling pathways and players involved during this rapid development stage of bamboo. To study this question, we adopted the high-throughput sequencing technology and compared the transcriptomes of Moso bamboo rhizome buds in germination stage and late development stage. Results: We found that the development of Moso bamboo rhizome lateral buds was coordinated by multiple pathways, including meristem development, sugar metabolism and phytohormone signaling. Phytohormones have fundamental impacts on the plant development. We found the evidence of several major hormones participating in the development of Moso bamboo rhizome lateral bud. Furthermore, we showed direct evidence that Gibberellic Acids (GA) signaling participated in the Moso bamboo stem elongation. Conclusion: Significant changes occur in various signaling pathways during the development of rhizome lateral buds. It is crucial to understand how these changes are translated to Phyllostachys edulis fast growth. These results expand our knowledge on the Moso bamboo internodes fast growth and provide research basis for further study.
Epidemiology and clinico-pathological characteristics of current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam
Authors: Hong Trang Pham , Lila Mohd Azmi Mohd , Rahaman Nor Yasmin Abd. , Lan Huong Lai Thi , Thi Lan Nguyen , Van Khien Do , Noordin Mohamed Mustapha 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In view of the current swine fever outbreak and the government aspiration to increase the goat population, a need arises to control and prevent outbreaks of goat pox. Despite North Vietnam facing sporadic cases of goat pox, this most recent outbreak had the highest recorded morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate. Thus, owing to the likelihood of a widespread recurrence of goat pox infection, an analysis of that outbreak was done based on selected signalment, management and disease pattern (signs and pathology) parameters. This includes examination of animals, inspection of facilities, tissue sampling and analysis for confirmation of goatpox along with questionaires. Results: It was found that the susceptible age group were between 3-6 months old kids while higher infection rate occurred in those under the free-range rearing system. The clinical signs of pyrexia, anorexia, nasal discharge and lesions of pocks were not restricted to the skin but have extended into the lung and intestine. The pathogen had been confirmed in positive cases via PCR as goat pox with prevalence of 79.69%. Conclusions: The epidemiology of the current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam denotes a significant prevalence which may affect the industry. This signals the importance of identifying the salient clinical signs and post mortem lesions of goat pox at the field level in order to achieve an effective control of the disease.
Distal locked versus unlocked intramedullary nailing for stable intertrochanteric fractures, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yan-Hui , Yu Tiecheng , Shao Wenjing , Liu Yanwei , Zhu Dong , Tan Lei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Intramedullary nails have become the main treatment for intertrochanteric fractures. However, a distal locking procedure during nailing gradually raised controversy. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed to summarize existing evidence, aiming to determine the safety and efficacy of distal locking or unlocking in the nailing of stable intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: Appropriate articles were identified using the most common public databases, such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from the inception of each database to April 2019, without restriction of language, publication date, and considering ongoing trials. Eligible studies were represented by randomized controlled trials or retrospective cohort studies, comparing distal locking and unlocking for the treatment of acute stable intertrochanteric fractures in adult patients. Information regarding methodological quality, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes were extracted independently by two reviewers. Subsequently, patients were divided into a locking and unlocking group.Results: This study included 9 articles, comprising a total of 1978 patients with a similar baseline. The results showed that the unlocking group had a shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, lower transfusion rate, and less thigh pain after the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture when compared with the distal locking group. No significant differences were observed in safety-related outcomes, including mortality, infection rate, cutting out, loss of reduction, backing out of lag screws, cephalic screw breakage, nail breakage, and peri-implant fractures between the two groups. In addition, efficacy-related outcomes including nonunion, delayed healing rates, and the Harris functional score were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Our pooled analysis demonstrated that distal unlocking of stable intertrochanteric fractures can shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative bleeding, and reduce the blood transfusion rate. The use of locked or unlocked intramedullary nailing does not affect long-term outcomes regarding complications and function.
Growth and Elongation of Axons through Mechanical Tension Mediated by Fluorescent-Magnetic Bifunctional Fe3O4·Rhodamine 6G@PDA Superparticles
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Binxi , Xu Hao , Du Shulin , Liu Ting , Ren Jingyan , Zhang Jiayi , Zhang Hao , Liu Yi , Lu Laijin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The primary strategy to repair peripheral nerve injuries is to bridge the lesions by promoting axon regeneration. Thus, the ability to direct and manipulate neuronal cell axon regeneration has been one of the top priorities in the field of neuroscience. A recent innovative approach for remotely guiding neuronal regeneration is to incorporate magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into cells and transfer the resulting MNP-loaded cells into a magnetically sensitive environment to respond to an external magnetic field. To realize this intention, the synthesis and preparation of ideal MNPs is an important challenge to overcome. Results: In this study, we designed and prepared novel fluorescent-magnetic bifunctional Fe 3 O 4 ·Rhodamine 6G@polydopamine superparticles (FMSPs) as neural regeneration therapeutics. With the help of their excellent biocompatibility and ability to interact with neural cells, our in-house fabricated FMSPs can be endocytosed into cells, transported along the axons, and then aggregated in the growth cones. As a result, the mechanical forces generated by FMSPs can promote the growth and elongation of axons and stimulate gene expression associated with neuron growth under external magnetic fields. Conclusions: Our work demonstrates that FMSPs can be used as a novel stimulator to promote noninvasive neural regeneration through cell magnetic actuation.
New contributions to two ciliate genera (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea) based on morphological and molecular analyses, with description of a new Gruberia species
Authors: Chi Yong , Li Yuqing , Zhang Qianqian , Ma Mingzhen , Warren Alan , Chen Xiangrui , Song Weibo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Heterotrichous ciliates are common members of microeukaryote communities which play important roles in both the transfer of material and the flow of energy in aquatic food webs. This group has been known for over two centuries due to their large body size and cosmopolitan distribution. Nevertheless, species identification and phylogenetic relationships of heterotrichs remain challenging due to the lack of accurate morphological information and insufficient molecular data.Results: The morphology and phylogeny of two heterotrichous ciliates, namely Gruberia foissneri spec. nov. and Linostomella vorticella (Ehrenberg, 1833) Aescht in Foissner et al., 1999, were studied using rigorous methods (living morphology, stained preparations, and small subunit rDNA sequence data). Gruberia foissneri spec. nov. is morphologically very similar to G. uninucleata Kahl, 1932, however, it can be distinguished from the latter by having more ciliary rows (about 32 vs. about 20) and macronuclear shape (sausage-shaped vs. ellipsoid). Based on a combination of previous and present studies, an improved diagnosis of L. vorticella is supplied and several taxonomic anomalies are clarified. In addition, phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data support the generic assignment of these two species.Conclusions: Modern ciliate taxonomy should be performed by means of detailed living observation, stained preparations and molecular information. For those species that have been reported in previous studies, it is necessary to provide as much useful information as possible using state-of-the-art methods in order to resolve taxonomic anomalies.
Comparison of ED95 of Butorphanol and Sufentanil for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Sedation: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhu Xiaona , Chen Limei , Zheng Shuang , Pan Linmin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Butorphanol, a synthetic opioid partial agonist analgesic, has been widely used to control perioperative pain. However, the ideal dose and availability of butorphanol for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluated the 95% effective dose (ED95) of butorphanol and sufentanil in GI endoscopy and compared their clinical efficacy, especially regarding the recovery time. Methods: The study was divided into two parts. For the first part, voluntary patients who needed GI endoscopy anesthesia were recruited to measure the ED95 of butorphanol and sufentanil needed to achieve successful sedation before GI endoscopy using the sequential method (the Dixon up-and-down method). The second part was a double-blind, randomized study. Two hundred cases of painless GI endoscopy patients were randomly divided into two groups (n= 100), including group B (butorphanol at the ED95 dose) and group S (sufentanil at the ED95 dose). Propofol was infused intravenously as the sedative in both groups. The recovery time, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, hand grip strength, fatigue severity scores, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and incidence of dizziness were recorded.Results: The ED95 of butorphanol for painless GI endoscopy was 9.07 μg/kg (95% confidence interval: 7.81-19.66 μg/kg). The ED95 of sufentanil was 0.1 μg/kg (95% CI, 0.079-0.422 μg/kg). Both butorphanol and sufentanil provided a good analgesic effect for GI endoscopy. However, the recovery time for butorphanol was significantly shorter than that for sufentanil (P < 0.05, group B vs. group S:21.26 ± 7.70 vs. 24.03 ± 7.80 min).Conclusions: Butorphanol at 9.07μg/kg was more effective than sufentanil for GI endoscopy sedation and notably reduced the recovery time.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (Registration number # ChiCTR1900022780; Date of Registration on April 25rd, 2019) http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj= 37972.
Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors for non- malignancy associated secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children
Authors: Pan Hua , Wang Gaoyan , Guan Enben , Song Liang , Song Aiqin , Liu Xiaodan , Yi Zhi , SUN Li-rong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A risk-stratification model that could be used to identify high-risk pediatric patients with HLH who should be considered for second-line therapies, including salvage regimens and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), was developed. Methods: The medical records of 88 pediatric patients (median age 1.4 years, range 0.2-15 years) with non-malignancy associated secondary HLH were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment strategies included dexamethasone, etoposide, and cyclosporine. Results: Survival analysis showed HLH patients with infections other than Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and unknown causes experienced better 5-year overall survival (OS) than patients with HLH due to autoimmune disease, EBV or immunodeficiency (76% vs. 65%, 33.3 %, 11%, p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, among all patients, non-response at 8 weeks was the most powerful predictor of poor OS. When treatment response was excluded, hemoglobin <60g/L and albumin <25g/L at diagnosis were associated with poor OS. In patients with EBV-HLH, hemoglobin <60g/L at diagnosis was associated with poor OS. A prognostic risk score was established and weighted based on hazard ratios calculated for three parameters measured at diagnosis: hemoglobin <60g/L (2 points), platelets <30x109/L (1 point), albumin < 25g/L (2 points). Five-year OS of low-risk (score 0-1), intermediate-risk (score 2), and poor-risk (score ≥3) patients were 88%, 38%, and 22%, respectively (p<0.001).Conclusions: These findings indicate that clinicians should be aware of predictive factors at diagnosis and consider 8-week treatment response to identify patients with high-risk of disease progression and the need for second-line therapy and allogeneic HCT.
Integrated sRNAome and RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals miRNA Effects on Betalain Biosynthesis in Pitaya
Authors: Chen Canbin , Xie Fangfang , Hua Qingzhu , Zur Noemi Tel , Zhang Lulu , Zhang Zhike , Zhang Rong , Zhao Jietang , Hu Guibing , Qin Yonghua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory functions in anthocyanin, carotenoid, and chlorophyll accumulation have been extensively characterized in many plant species. However, the miRNA regulatory mechanism in betalain biosynthesis remains mostly unknown. Results In this study, 126 conserved miRNAs and 41 novel miRNAs were first isolated from Hylocereus monacanthus , among which 95 conserved miRNAs belonged to 53 miRNA families. 34 candidate miRNAs related to betalain biosynthesis were differentially expressed. The expression patterns of those differential expressed miRNAs were analyzed in various pitaya tissues by RT-qPCR. A significantly negative correlation was detected between the expression levels of half those miRNAs and corresponding target genes. Target genes of miRNAs i.e. Hmo-miR157b- HmSPL6-like , Hmo-miR160a- Hpcyt P450-like3 , Hmo-miR6020- HmCYP71A8-like , Hmo-novel-2- HmCYP83B1-like , Hmo-novel-15- HmTPST-like , Hmo-miR828a- HmTT2-like , Hmo-miR858- HmMYB12-like , Hmo-miR858- HmMYBC1-like and Hmo-miR858- HmMYB2-like were verified by 5′RACE and transient expression system in tobacco. Conclusions Hmo-miR157b, Hmo-miR160a, Hmo-miR6020 Hmo-novel-2, Hmo-novel-15, Hmo-miR828a and Hmo-miR858 play important roles in pitaya fruit coloration and betalain accumulation. Our findings provide new insights into the roles of miRNAs and their target genes of regulatory functions involved in betalain biosynthesis of pitaya.
Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes stimulate cutaneous wound healing mediates through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Tiechao , Wang Zhongyu , Sun Ji 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Cutaneous wound healing represents a morphogenetic response to injury, and is designed to restore anatomic and physiological function. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (hBM-MSCs-Ex) is a promising source for cell-free therapy and skin regeneration. Methods: In this study, we investigated the cell regeneration effects and its underlying mechanism of hBM-MSCs-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in rats. In vitro studies, we evaluated the role of hBM-MSCs-Ex in the two types of skin cells: human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) for the proliferation. For in vivo studies, we used a full-thickness skin wound model to evaluate the effects of hBM-MSCs-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Results: The results demonstrated that hBM-MSCs-Ex promote both two types of skin cells growth effectively and accelerate the cutaneous wound healing. Interestingly, we found that hBM-MSCs-Ex significantly down-regulated TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 expression, while up-regulated TGF-β3 and Smad7 expression in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that hBM-MSCs-Ex effectively promote the cutaneous wound healing through inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway. The current results providing a new sight for the therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cutaneous wounds.
Factors and Predictors of Length of stay in Offenders diagnosed with schizophrenia- A Machine-learning-based approach
Authors: Kirchebner Johannes , Günther Moritz , Sonnweber Martina , King Alice , Lau Steffen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Prolonged forensic psychiatric hospitalizations have raised ethical, economic, and clinical concerns. Due to the confounded nature of factors affecting length of stay of psychiatric offender patients, prior research has called for the application of a new statistical methodology better accommodating this data structure. The present study attempts to investigate factors contributing to long-term hospitalization of schizophrenic offenders referred to a Swiss forensic institution, using machine learning algorithms that are better suited than conventional methods to detect nonlinear dependencies between variables. Methods: In this retrospective file and registry study, multidisciplinary notes of 143 schizophrenic offenders were reviewed using a structured protocol on patients’ characteristics, criminal and medical history and course of treatment. Via a forward selection procedure, the most influential factors for length of stay were preselected. Machine learning algorithms then identified the most efficient model for predicting length-of-stay. Results: Two factors have been identified as being particularly influential for a prolonged forensic hospital stay, both of which are related to aspects of the index offense, namely (attempted) homicide and the extent of the victim's injury. The results are discussed in light of previous research on this topic. Conclusions: In this study, length of stay was determined by legal considerations, but not by factors that can be influenced therapeutically. Results emphasize that forensic risk assessments should be based on different evaluation criteria and not merely on legal aspects.
Engagement of private healthcare providers for case finding of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus in Pakistan
Authors: Habib Shifa Salman , Rafiq Sana , Jamal Wafa Zehra , Ayub Shaikh Mohammad , Ferrand Rashida Abbas , Khan Aamir , Zaidi Syed Mohammad Asad 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The rising co-epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is a challenge for constrained health systems in low and middle-income countries. Diabetes is a known risk factor for tuberculosis and associated with poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes, while tuberculosis is associated with worsening glycemic control. We investigated the performance of bi-directional TB and DM case finding approaches through a private-sector engagement model in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: Between July 2016 and July 2018, private health care providers were engaged to generate referrals for bi-directional TB and DM screening at private diagnostic and treatment centers in Karachi, Pakistan. Individuals diagnosed with TB underwent glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing at the time of anti-tuberculous treatment initiation and at three -month follow up stage. All individuals with a history of diabetes or random blood sugar of greater than 200 mg/dl were screened for TB using a chest X-ray and Xpert MTB/RIF. Results: A total of 6,312 persons with tuberculosis were tested on HbA1c at treatment initiation, of whom 1,516 (24%) were newly diagnosed with DM. About one third of those with HbA1c in the diabetic range (≥ 6.5%) at baseline were found to have a normal HbA1c (<5.7%) result at 3-month follow-up. A total of 3,824 individuals with DM, of whom 2,396 (63%) were known cases and 1,428 (37%) were newly identified with random blood sugar >200mg/dl, underwent chest x-ray and Xpert MTB/RIF testing, with 321 (13.4%) known and 54 (3.8%) new diabetics respectively identified with tuberculosis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high yield of TB and DM through bidirectional screening and the feasibility of engagement of private sector in finding missing cases of tuberculosis and diabetes. Given the high prevalence of undiagnosed DM in individuals with TB tuberculosis patients, there is a need to scale-up DM screening within TB programmes. Increased awareness of the high risk of TB among individuals with DM is needed among private health providers and screening for TB among diabetics should be strongly considered.
The burden and outcomes of stroke in young adults at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: A comparison with older adults
Authors: Matuja Sarah Shali , Munseri Patricia , Khanbhai Khuzeima 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Stroke burden in young adults is growing associated with unique risk factors and devastating outcomes. We aimed to investigate the magnitude, risk factors and outcomes of first ever stroke in young adults ≤45 years compared to older adults >45 years.Methods: All patients with a World Health Organization clinical definition of stroke at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania were enrolled. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Modified Rankin Scale were used to assess admission stroke severity and outcomes respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe survival and Cox-proportional hazards model was used to examine predictors of fatality.Results: We enrolled 369 first ever stroke participants over 8 months. First strokes accounted for one quarter of medical admissions in both younger and older groups, 123/484 {(25.4%) [95% CI 21.5% - 29.3%]} and 246/919 {(26.8%) [95% CI 23.9% - 29.6%]} respectively. Hemorrhagic stroke occurred in 47 (42.3%) vs 62 (27.2%) for the young and old respectively p=0.005. Factors associated with stroke in the young were: a new diagnosis of hypertension in 33 (26.8%) vs 23 (9.3%) p<0.001, HIV infection 12 (9.8%) vs 7 (2.8%) p=0.005, use of hormonal contraception in females 33 (48.5%) vs 13 (9.4%) p<0.001, elevated serum low density lipoproteins 28 (27.7%) vs 29 (16.4%) p=0.024, hypercholesteremia 34 (31.2%) vs 40 (20.2%), p=0.031, sickle cell disease 11 (9.7%) vs 9 (4.2%) p=0.047 and thrombocytosis 12 (16.9%) vs 8 (5.6%) p=0.007. The overall 30-day fatality rate was 215 (61.3%); 57 (49.1%) vs 158 (67.2%) in the young and old respectively. Independent predictors of fatality were: severe stroke {HR 10.35 (95% CI: 1.397–76.613)}, leukocytosis {HR 2.23 (95% CI: 1.448–3.419)} and fever {HR 1.79 (95% CI: 1.150–2.776)}.Conclusions: There is a high burden of stroke in young adults that is coupled with a high 30-day fatality rate. Screening and management of hypertension is crucial in the prevention of stroke. More research is needed to identify factors which cause death, allowing the development of sustainable interventions to reduce early post stroke fatality in this group.