bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Target sequencing reveals genetic diversity, population structure, core-SNP markers, and fruit shape-associated loci in pepper varieties
Authors: Du Heshan , Yang Jingjing , Chen Bin , Zhang Xiaofen , Zhang Jian , Yang Kun , Geng Sansheng , Wen Changlong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe widely cultivated pepper (Capsicumspp.) is one of the most diverse vegetables; however, little research has focused on characterizing the genetic diversity and relatedness of commercial varieties grown in China. In this study, a panel of 92 perfect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was identified using re-sequencing data from 35 differentC. annuumlines. Based on this panel, a Target SNP-seq genotyping method was designed, which combined multiplex amplification of perfect SNPs with Illumina sequencing, to detect polymorphisms across 271 commercial pepper varieties.ResultsThe perfect SNPs panel had a high discriminating capacity due to the average value of polymorphism information content, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and minor allele frequency, which were 0.31, 0.28, 0.4, and 0.31, respectively. Notably, the studied pepper varieties were morphologically categorized based on fruit shape as blocky-, long horn-, short horn-, and linear-fruited. The long horn-fruited population exhibited the most genetic diversity followed by the short horn-, linear-, and blocky-fruited populations. A set of 35 core SNPs were then used as kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASPar) markers, another robust genotyping technique for variety identification. Analysis of genetic relatedness using principal component analysis and phylogenetic tree construction indicated that the four fruit shape populations clustered separately with limited overlaps. Based on STRUCTURE clustering, it was possible to divide the varieties into five subpopulations, which correlated with fruit shape. Further, the subpopulations were statistically different according to a randomization test andFststatistics. Nine loci, located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, were identified to be significantly associated with the fruit shape index (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsTarget SNP-seq developed in this study appears as an efficient power tool to detect the genetic diversity, population relatedness and molecular breeding in pepper. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the genetic structure of Chinese pepper varieties is significantly influenced by breeding programs focused on fruit shape.
Advance care planning in Norwegian nursing homes – limited awareness of the residents’ preferences and values? A qualitative study
Authors: Thoresen Lisbeth , Pedersen Reidar , Lillemoen Lillian , Gjerberg Elisabeth , Førde Reidun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
52% of all deaths in Norway occur in nursing homes. Still advance care planning (ACP) is scarce and heterogeneous. To improve the implementation and practice of ACP in nursing homes, knowledge about health care professionals’ views on ACP is vital. The objective of this study is to explore nurses and physicians’ aims and experiences with carrying out ACP in nursing homes.

Methods
Semi-structured group interviews were conducted with 20 health care professionals, recruited from nursing homes where ACP was performed regularly. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results
The primary aim of the nursing home professionals when doing ACP in nursing homes were to build alliances with next of kin to avoid misunderstandings and future conflicts. Two main experiences with ACP were described: i) due to the sensitivity of ACP issues, it was important to balance directness with being sensitive, and ii) when the physicians raised questions concerning future medical treatment, the answers from residents as well as next of kin were often hesitant and unclear.

Conclusion
Our study add insights into how ACP is practiced in nursing homes and the professionals’ agenda. A focus on medical issues and achieving consensus with next of kin may result in lack of involvement of the residents and limited awareness of the residents’ needs. Interdisciplinary approaches, ACP-training and tailored guidelines may improve the implementation and practice of ACP.
Association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations among the elderly in a rural community: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Choi Hye Rin , Lee Seung Won , Jeon Da-Hye , Hur Nam Wook , Youm Yoosik , Kim Hyeon Chang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundReduced glomerular filtration rate and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are prevalent in elderly people. However, most of the studies that have examined the association between the two conditions were performed in patients with renal dysfunction, but not in the general elderly population. Thus, we investigated an association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and ADMA concentration among community-dwelling older Koreans.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 269 men and 382 women (mean age, 71.6 years) enrolled in the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP), a population-based cohort study of health determinants in elderly Koreans. We calculated eGFR using chronic kidney disease- Epidemiology Collaboration Group (CKD-EPI) equation. ADMA concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between eGFR and ADMA concentrations was analyzed by multiple linear regression models.ResultsThe mean ADMA was significantly higher in people with eGFR< 60 mL/min/1.73m2(0.691 μmol/L) than in those with eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73m2(0.667 μmol/L,p = 0.013). The negative correlations between eGFR level and ADMA concentrations were significant in men and women after adjusted age. After adjusting for potential confounders which were sex, age, body surface, blood pressure, total and HDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and drinking, eGFR levels were inversely associated with ADMA concentrations both in men (β = − 0.0015,p = 0.005) and women (β = − 0.001,p = 0.039).ConclusionOur findings suggest that an inverse association exists between eGFR and ADMA concentrations among the Korean elderly in a rural community.
The SURF (Italian observational study for renal insufficiency evaluation in liver transplant recipients): a post-hoc between-sex analysis
Authors:   on behalf of the SURF Study Group, Colombo Delia , Zullo Alessandro , Simoni Lucia , Zagni Emanuela 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Female sex has been reported as an independent predictor of severe post-liver transplantation (LT) chronic kidney disease. We performed a by sex post-hoc analysis of the SURF study, that investigated the prevalence of renal impairment following LT, aimed at exploring possible differences between sexes in the prevalence and course of post-LT renal damage.

Methods
All patients enrolled in the SURF study were considered evaluable for this sex-based analysis, whose primary objective was to evaluate by sex the proportion of patients with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 at inclusion and follow-up visit.

Results
Seven hundred thirty-eight patients were included in our analysis, 76% males. The proportion of patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was significantly higher in females at initial study visit (33.3 vs 22.8%; p = 0.005), but also before, at time of transplantation (22.9 vs 14.7%; p = 0.0159), as analyzed retrospectively. At follow-up, such proportion increased more in males than in females (33.9 vs 26.0%, p = 0.04). Mean eGFR values decreased over the study in both sexes, with no significant differences. Statistically significant M/F differences in patient distribution by O’Riordan eGFR levels were observed at time of transplant and study initial visit (p = 0.0005 and 0.0299 respectively), but not at follow-up.

Conclusions
Though the limitation of being performed post-hoc, this analysis suggests potential sex differences in the prevalence of renal impairment before and after LT, encouraging further clinical research to explore such differences more in depth.
Prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression among women seen at Primary Health Care Centres in Damascus
Authors: Roumieh Mayada , Bashour Hyam , Kharouf Mayada , Chaikha Salah 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn Syria, there are no previous studies on postpartum depression. The aim of this study is was identify the prevalence of postpartum depression and investigate its risk factors among Syrian women seen at the Primary Health Care Centres in Damascus.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between January and December 2017 in Damascus, Syria. Postpartum women seen at a convenience sample of the largest and well-utilized primary health care centres in Damascus were invited to participate in the study. The Arabic version of the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure postpartum depression. A cut-off score of 13 was considered to indicate probable depression.ResultsOut of a total of 1105 women participated in this study, 28.2% had a score of 13 (probable Depression). The multivariate analysis showed that postpartum depression was significantly associated with a reported a health problem during last pregnancy (OR = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–3.5); displacement (OR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.97); perceived exposure to a lot of life stressors (OR = 5.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4–10.5); while antenatal care had a protective effect (OR = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36–0.75).ConclusionsThe prevalence of postpartum depression among Syrian women in this study was relatively high, as compared to other Arab and Non-Arab countries. Displacement due to the Syrian crisis among other factors was associated with postpartum depression. Obstetricians and other professionals should be sensitized about the importance of screening for the problem for better management.
Occupational exposure to formaldehyde and risk of non hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Catalani Simona , Donato Francesca , Madeo Egidio , Apostoli Pietro , De Palma Giuseppe , Pira Enrico , Mundt Kenneth A. , Boffetta Paolo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Formaldehyde, a widely used chemical, is considered a human carcinogen. We report the results of a meta-analyses of studies on the relationship between occupational exposure to formaldehyde and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to international guidelines and we identified 12 reports of occupational populations exposed to formaldehyde. We evaluated inter-study heterogeneity and we applied a random effects model. We conducted a cumulative meta-analysis and a meta-analysis according to estimated average exposure of each study population.

Results
The meta-analysis resulted in a summary relative risk (RR) for NHL of 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.83–1.04). The cumulative meta-analysis suggests that higher RRs were detected in studies published before 1986, while studies available after 1986 did not show an association. No differences were found between different levels of occupational exposure.
Conclusions Notwithstanding some limitations, the results of this meta-analysis do not support the hypothesis of an association between occupational exposure to formaldehyde and risk of NHL.
Neonatal near-misses in Ghana: a prospective, observational, multi-center study
Authors: Bakari Ashura , Bell April J. , Oppong Samuel A. , Bockarie Yemah , Wobil Priscilla , Plange-Rhule Gyikua , Goka Bamenla Q. , Engmann Cyril M. , Adanu Richard M. , Moyer Cheryl A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
For every newborn who dies within the first month, as many as eight more suffer life-threatening complications but survive (termed ‘neonatal near-misses’ (NNM)). However, there is no universally agreed-upon definition or assessment tool for NNM. This study sought to describe the development of the Neonatal Near-Miss Assessment Tool (NNMAT) for low-resource settings, as well as findings when implemented in Ghana.

Methods
This prospective, observational study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in southern Ghana from April – July 2015. Newborns with evidence of complications and those admitted to the NICUs were screened for inclusion using the NNMAT. Incidence of suspected NNM at enrollment and confirmed near-miss (surviving to 28 days) was determined and compared against institutional neonatal mortality rates. Suspected NNM cases were compared with newborns not classified as a suspected near-miss, and all were followed to 28 days to determine odds of survival. Confirmed near-misses were those identified as suspected near-misses at enrollment who survived to 28 days. The main outcome measures were incidence of NNM, NNM:mortality ratio, and factors associated with NNM classification.

Results
Out of 394 newborns with complications, 341 (86.5%) were initially classified as suspected near-misses at enrollment using the NNMAT, with 53 (13.4%) being classified as a non-near-miss. At 28-day follow-up, 68 (17%) had died, 52 (13%) were classified as a non-near-miss, and 274 were considered confirmed near-misses. Those newborns with complications who were classified as suspected near-misses using the NNMAT at enrollment had 12 times the odds of dying before 28 days than those classified as non-near-misses. While most confirmed near-misses qualified as NNM via intervention-based criteria, nearly two-thirds qualified based on two or more of the four NNMAT categories. When disaggregated, the most predictive elements of the NNMAT were gestational age < 33 weeks, neurologic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, and hemoglobin < 10 gd/dl. The ratio of near-misses to deaths was 0.55: 1, yet this varied across the study sites.

Conclusions
This research suggests that the NNMAT is an effective tool for assessing neonatal near-misses in low-resource settings. We believe this approach has significant systems-level, continuous quality improvement, clinical and policy-level implications.
Stable clinical course in three siblings with late-onset isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency: a case series and literature review
Authors: Tian Maoqiang , Qu Yi , Huang Lingyi , Su Xiaojuan , Li Shiping , Ying Junjie , Zhao Fengyan , Mu Dezhi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of sulfite oxidase, which is encoded by the sulfite oxidase gene (SUOX). Clinically, the disorder is classified as one of two forms: the late-onset mild form or the classic early-onset form. The latter is life-threatening and always leads to death during early childhood. Mild ISOD cases are rare and may benefit from dietary therapy. To date, no cases of ISOD have been reported to recover spontaneously. Here, we present three mild ISOD cases in one family, each with a stable clinical course and spontaneous recovery.

Case presentation
All three siblings had two novel compound heterozygous mutations in the SUOX gene (NM_000456; c.1096C > T [p.R366C] and c.1376G > A [p.R459Q]). The siblings included two males and one female with late ages of onset (12–16 months) and presented with specific neuroimaging abnormalities limited to the bilateral globus pallidus and substantia nigra. The three patients had decreased plasma homocysteine levels. They exhibited a monophasic clinical course continuing up to 8.5 years even without dietary therapy.

Conclusion
This is the first report of mild ISOD cases with a stable clinical course and spontaneous recovery without dietary therapy. Our study provides an expansion for the clinical spectrum of ISOD. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of including ISOD in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with late-onset symptoms, bilaterally symmetric regions of abnormal intensities in the basal ganglia, and decreased plasma homocysteine levels.
Original research Socio-demographic patterning of self-reported physical activity and sitting time in Latin American countries: findings from ELANS
Authors:   on behalf of the ELANS Study Group, Luis de Moraes Ferrari Gerson , Kovalskys Irina , Fisberg Mauro , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Sanabria Lilia Yadira Cortés , García Martha Cecilia Yépez , Torres Rossina Gabriella Pareja , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Zimberg Ioná Zalcman , Guajardo Viviana , Pratt Michael , King Abby C. , Solé Dirceu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Low levels of physical activity (PA) and prolonged sitting time (ST) increase the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality, and can be influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. The aim of this study was to use self-report data to characterise socio-demographic patterns of PA and ST in eight Latin American countries.

Methods
Data were obtained from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), a household population-based, multi-national, cross-sectional survey (n = 9218, aged 15–65 years), collected from September 2014 to February 2015. Transport and leisure PA and ST were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–long version. Overall and country-specific mean and median levels of time spent in transport and leisure PA and ST were compared by sex, age, socioeconomic and education level.

Results
Mean levels of transport and leisure PA were 220.3 min/week (ranging from 177.6 min/week in Venezuela to 275.3 min/week in Costa Rica) and 316.4 min/week (ranging from 272.1 min/week in Peru to 401.4 min/week in Ecuador). Transport and leisure PA were higher (p < 0.005) in men than women with mean differences of 58.0 and 34.0 min/week. The mean and median for transport PA were similar across age groups (15–29 years: mean 215.5 and median 120 min/week; 30–59 years: mean 225.0 and median 120 min/week; ≥60 years: mean 212.0 and median 120 min/week). The median time spent in transport and leisure PA between three strata of socioeconomic and education levels were similar. The prevalence of not meeting PA recommendations were 69.9% (95% CI: 68.9–70.8) for transport and 72.8% (95% CI: 72.0–73.7) for leisure. Men, younger people (15–29 years), individuals with higher socioeconomic and education levels spent significantly (p < 0.001) more time sitting than women, older people (30–59 years and ≥ 60 years) and those in the middle and low socioeconomic and education groups, respectively.

Conclusions
Transport and leisure PA and ST range widely by country, sex, and age group in Latin America. Programs for promoting leisure and transport PA and reducing ST in Latin America should consider these differences by age and gender and between countries.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.
Characteristics and health burden of the undiagnosed population at risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China
Authors: Koch Marco , Butt Thomas , Guo Wudong , Li Xue , Chen Yirong , Tan Diana , Liu Gordon G. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in China. However, identifying patients has proved challenging, resulting in widespread under-diagnosis of the condition. We examined the prevalence of COPD diagnosis and COPD risk among adults in urban mainland China, the factors associated with having a COPD diagnosis or COPD risk, and the healthcare resource use and health outcomes of these groups compared with controls.

Methods
Respondents to the 2017 National Health and Wellness Survey in China (n = 19,994) were classified into three groups: ‘COPD Diagnosed’, ‘COPD Risk (undiagnosed)’, and Control (unaffected), based on their self-reported diagnosis and Lung Function Questionnaire (LFQ) score. The groups were characterised by sociodemographic, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), productivity impairment, and healthcare resource use. Pairwise comparisons (t tests and chi-squared tests) and multivariable regression analyses were used to investigate factors associated with being at risk of, or diagnosed with, COPD.

Results
3320 (16.6%) respondents had a suspected risk of COPD but did not report receiving a diagnosis. This was projected to 105.3 million people, or 16.9% of adult urban Chinese. Of these respondents with an identified risk, only 554 (16.7%) were aware of COPD by name. Relative to those without COPD, those with a risk of COPD (undiagnosed) had significantly greater healthcare resource use, lower productivity and lower HRQoL not only compared to those without COPD, but also compared to people with a COPD diagnosis. Factors associated with increased odds of being at risk of COPD were older age, smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight BMI, occasional exercise, higher comorbidities, asthma diagnosis, being female, lower education, not being employed, and living in a high pollution province (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
There is a substantial group of individuals, undiagnosed, but living with a risk of COPD, who have impaired HRQoL, lower productivity and elevated healthcare resource use patterns. Case-detection tools such as the LFQ may prove a quick and cost-effective approach for identifying these at-risk individuals for further definitive testing and appropriate treatment in China.
The challenge of managing mild to moderate distress in patients with end stage renal disease: results from a multi-centre, mixed methods research study and the implications for renal service organisation
Authors: Damery Sarah , Sein Kim , Nicholas Johann , Baharani Jyoti , Combes Gill 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Lower-level emotional and psychological difficulties (‘distress’) in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), can lead to reduced quality of life and poor clinical outcomes. National guidelines mandate provision of emotional and psychological support for renal patients yet little is known about the support that patients may require, or the challenges that staff experience in identifying and responding to patient distress.

Methods
Mixed methods study in renal units at four NHS Trusts in the West Midlands, UK involving cross-sectional surveys of ESRD patients and renal unit staff and semi-structured interviews with 46 purposively-sampled patients and 31 renal unit staff. Interviews explored patients’ experience of distress and personal coping strategies, staff attitudes towards patient distress and perceptions of their role, responsibility and capacity.

Results
Patient distress was widespread (346/1040; 33.3%), and emotional problems were frequently reported. Younger patients, females, those from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups and patients recently initiating dialysis reported particular support needs. Staff recognised the value of supporting distressed patients, yet support often depended on individual staff members’ skills and personal approach. Staff reported difficulties with onward referral to formal counselling and psychology services and a lack of immediate access to less formalised options. There was also a substantial training/skills gap whereby many staff reported lacking the confidence to recognise and respond to patient distress. Staff fell broadly into three groups: ‘Enthusiasts’ who considered identifying and responding to patient distress as integral to their role; ‘Equivocators’ who thought that managing distress was part of their role, but who lacked skills and confidence to do this effectively, and ‘Avoiders’ who did not see managing distress as part of their role and actively avoided the issue with patients.

Conclusions
Embedding the value of emotional support provision into renal unit culture is the key to ‘normalising’ discussions about distress. Immediately accessible, informal support options should be available, and all renal staff should be offered training to proactively identify and reactively manage patient distress. Emotional support for staff is important to ensure that a greater emphasis on managing patient distress is not associated with an increased incidence of staff burnout.