bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis reveals the roles of stem nodes in cadmium transport to rice grain
Authors: Liu Ailing , Zhou Zhibo , Yi Yake , Chen Guanghui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Node is the central organ of xylem to phloem transfer of nutrients and ions in plants. Cadmium (Cd)-induced crop pollution threatens food safety. Breeding cultivar with low Cd accumulation is a chance to resolve this universal problem. This study was performed to identify tissue specific genes involved in Cd accumulation in different rice stem nodes. Panicle node and the first node under panicle (node I) were sampled in two rice cultivars: Xiangwanxian No. 12 with low Cd accumulation and Yuzhenxiang with high Cd accumulation in the grains. RNA-seq analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and microRNAs. Results: Xiangwanxian No. 12 had lower Cd concentration in panicle node, node I and grain compared with Yuzhenxiang, and node Ⅰ had the highest Cd concentration in the two cultivars. RNA seq analysis identified 4,535 differentially expressed genes and 70 miRNAs between the two cultivars. Most genes (OsIRT1, OsNramp5, OsVIT2, OsNRT1.5A, and OsABCC1) related to the “transporter activity” play roles in blocking the upward transport of Cd in the low Cd-accumulative cultivar. Among the genes related to “response to stimulus”, we identified OsHSP70 and OsHSFA2d/B2c in Xiangwanxian No. 12, but not in Yuzhenxiang, were all down-regulated by Cd stimulus. The up-regulation of miRNAs (osa-miR528 and osa-miR408) played a potent role in lowering Cd accumulation via down regulation of genes, such as bZIP, ERF, MYB, SnRK1 and HSPs in Xiangwanxian No. 12 cultivar. Conclusions: Both panicle node and node I of Xiangwanxian No. 12 played a key role in blocking the upward transportation of Cd, while node I played a critical role in Yuzhenxiang. Distinct expression patterns of various transporter genes such as OsNRT1.5A, OsNramp5, OsIRT1, OsVIT2 and OsABCC1 resulted in differential Cd accumulation in different nodes. Likewise, distinct expression patterns of these transporter genes are likely responsible for the low Cd accumulation in Xiangwanxian No. 12 cultivar. MiRNAs drove multiple transcription factors, such as OsbZIPs, OsERFs, OsMYBs, to play a role in stress response, which contribute to the response to Cd stress in rice.
Genomic analysis of a riboflavin-overproducing Ashbya gossypii mutant isolated by disparity mutagenesis
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Azegami Junya , Yokomori Ami , Dohra Hideo , Enshasy Hesham A. El , Park Enoch Y. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Ashbya gossypii naturally overproduces riboflavin and has been utilized for industrial riboflavin production. To improve riboflavin production, various approaches have been developed. In this study, to investigate the change in metabolism of a riboflavin-overproducing mutant, namely, the W122032 strain (MT strain) that was isolated by disparity mutagenesis, genomic analysis was carried out.
Results: In the genomic analysis, 33 homozygous and 1377 heterozygous mutations were detected. Among these heterozygous mutations, the proportion of mutated reads in each gene was different, ranging from 21 to 75%. We tried to isolate haploid spores from the MT strain to prove it ploidy, but these spores were never isolated. These results suggest that the MT strain may contain multiple nuclei containing different mutations to survive without any spores. Homozygous and heterozygous mutations were found in genes encoding enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, purine and pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism and the DNA mismatch repair system. Especially, genes encoding enzymes in mitochondria had many homozygous and heterozygous mutations intensively. These results suggest that the overproduction of riboflavin in the MT strain may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Conclusion: This study provides new insights into riboflavin production in A. gossypii and the usefulness of disparity mutagenesis for the creation of new types of mutants for metabolic engineering.
A non-randomised trial of video and written educational adjuncts in undergraduate ophthalmology
Authors: Hogg Henry David Jeffry , Pereira Michael , Purdy Julian , Fre Richard J.R. , Lau Gordon B. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Provision of relevant pre-learning materials has been shown to increase student engagement and improve outcomes in medical education. This non-randomised study attempts to quantify the educational gains, and relative efficacy of video and written pre-learning materials, in ophthalmology undergraduate teaching.Methods 98 final year medical students were contacted prior to their three-day ophthalmology placements at a British tertiary ophthalmology unit. All participants were sent welcome packs prior to arrival requesting they undertake 90 minutes of work focusing on a list of specified ophthalmic conditions. One cohort (N=33) were sent written materials, another (N=32) was provided with video materials and a third cohort (N=33) were not sent any materials. On arrival participants completed a simple knowledge test, a questionnaire estimating the time they spent preparing for the placement and a self-reported knowledge score. The teaching on placement was the same for all cohorts. At the conclusion of each placement participants completed a challenging knowledge test, a clinical skills test and repeated self-reported knowledge scores.Results 87% of students receiving specified materials claimed to complete pre-placement work compared to 70% of those receiving learning outcomes alone (p=0.05). Students receiving learning materials scored higher in the post-placement tests of knowledge (p<0.001), 74.8% (72.4-77.2%) vs 63.6% (95%CI 59.3-67.9%) and skills (p=0.04), 86.9% (83.9-89.9%) vs 81.3% (77.2-85.4%). Students using video resources outperformed students using written materials in their visual acuity assessment test (p=0.03), 90.4% (86.6-94.2%) vs 83.6% (80.1-87.1%) whilst those receiving written rather than video material performed better in the end of placement knowledge test (p=0.03), 77.7% (74.3-81.1%) vs 72.0% (68.9%-75.1%).Conclusion This study showed that providing pre-placement learning materials improves undergraduates’ commitment and achievement. Written materials better facilitate knowledge acquisition while video materials preferentially promote skill acquisition. This is a novel demonstration within ophthalmology and can help address the imbalance between the expectations placed on undergraduates and the resources committed to ensuring they are met.
Inflammation biomarker discovery in Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms
Authors: Santaella Anna , Kuiperij H. Bea , Rumund Anouke van , Esselink Rianne A.J. , Gool Alain J. van , Bloem Bas R. , Verbeek Marcel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonisms (APD) have overlapping symptoms challenging an early diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy is important because PD and APD have different prognosis and response to treatment. We aimed to identify diagnostic inflammatory biomarkers of PD and APD in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using the multiplex proximity extension assay (PEA) technology and to study possible correlations of biomarkers with disease progression. Methods: CSF from a longitudinal cohort study consisting of PD and APD patients (PD, n = 44; multiple system atrophy (MSA), n = 14; vascular parkinsonism (VaP), n = 9; and PD with VaP, n = 7) and controls (n = 25) were analyzed. Results: Concentrations of CCL28 were elevated in PD compared to controls (p = 0.0001). Five other biomarkers differentiated both MSA and PD from controls (p < 0.05) and 10 biomarkers differentiated MSA from controls, of which two proteins, i.e. beta nerve growth factor (β-NGF) and Delta and Notch like epidermal growth factor-related receptor (DNER), were also present at lower levels in MSA compared to PD (both p = 0.032). Two biomarkers (MCP-1 and MMP-10) positively correlated with PD progression (rho > 0.650; p < 0.01). Conclusions: PEA technique identified potential new CSF biomarkers to help to predict the prognosis of PD. Also, we identified new candidate biomarkers to distinguish MSA from PD.
Evaluation of the effect of MTNR1B rs10830963 gene polymorphism on the therapeutic efficacy of nateglinide in treating type 2 diabetes among Chinese Han patients
Authors: song jinfang , Zhang Mingzhu , Ni Jiang , Wang Tao , Zhao Yi-Qing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Several studies have shown the association of polymorphisms in the MTNR1B gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is no evidence about the impacts of its genetic polymorphism on the therapeutic efficacy of nateglinide. Therefore, this prospective case-control study was designed to investigate the effect of MTNR1B rs10830963 gene polymorphism on the therapeutic efficacy of nateglinide in treating T2DM.
Methods: We genotyped 200 healthy subjects using the method of the high resolution of melting curve (HRM). A total of 60 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were enrolled and given nateglinide (360 mg/d) for 8 weeks orally who had the same genotypes CYP2C9*1 and SLCO1B1 521TT respectively. The outcome was measured by collecting the venous blood samples before and at the 8th week of the treatment. Also, anthropometric measurements, glucose, and lipid metabolism were determined before and after the nateglinide treatment.
Result: It was found that the risk G allelic frequency of MTNR1B rs10830963 was higher in T2DM patients when compared with the healthy subjects (P<0.05). A total of 60 newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes after completing the eight weeks treatment came for the follow-up visit and showed a less reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels with a less increase in homeostasis model assessment for β cell HOMA-β in the carriers of G allele at rs10830963, when compared with the wild-type CC (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Thus, it was found that the MTNR1B rs10830963 polymorphism was associated with the therapeutic efficacy of nateglinide in T2DM patients. Also, the CC homozygotes had a better effect than G allele carriers.
The efficacy of superior oblique posterior tenectomy in the treatment of A-pattern exotropia without ocular intorsion: A retrospective study
Authors: Wei Yan , Dong Ling-Yan , Kang Xiao-li , Zhao Pei-quan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Superior oblique weakening is a common method to treat A-pattern strabismus. This study aims to evaluate the surgical results of the bilateral superior oblique posterior tenectomy procedure to treat A-pattern strabismus patients who had bilateral superior oblique overaction without objective ocular intorsion.
Methods: The records of 18 consecutive patients who underwent surgery of superior oblique posterior tentomy close to its insertion with superior oblique overaction (SOOA)-associated A-pattern strabismus between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Ocular alignment, objective torsion, A-pattern and ocular motility were assessed. Ocular alignment was measured in the primary position, 25° upgaze, and 25° downgaze using the prism bar cover test, and torsion was measured using fundus photographs.
Results: A total of 18 patients (mean age: 15 years; 6 female, 12 male) underwent bilateral superior oblique posterior tenectomy and simultaneous horizontal rectus muscle surgery were included. The mean preoperative A-pattern deviation was 15 PD and the mean postoperative A-pattern deviation was 2.25 PD with a mean reduction of 12.75 PD. The mean preoperative superior oblique overaction was 2.28 and the mean postoperative superior oblique overaction was 0.43 with a mean reduction of 1.85. There was no significant correlation between the ocular torsional, vertical and horizontal alignment change and the superior oblique posterior tenectomy procedure.
Conclusions: Superior oblique posterior tenectomy surgery selectively improved the A-pattern and superior oblique overaction but not affect the primary position vertical and horizontal deviation, as well as the ocular torsion. It is an effective procedure to treat the mild to moderate superior oblique overaction (SOOA)-associated A pattern strabismus without ocular intorsion.
Comparison of the effects of empagliflozin and glimepiride on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Tamura Haruka , Kondo Yoshinobu , Ito Kohei , Hasebe Masanori , Satoh Shinobu , Terauchi Yasuo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Among patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, those receiving empagliflozin have a lower rate of primary composite cardiovascular outcomes and death from any cause. Alternatively, treatment with sulfonylurea reduces microvascular complications in diabetes but appears to increase cardiovascular hospitalization or mortality in combination with metformin. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed the effects of empagliflozin and glimepiride, a sulfonylurea, on endothelial function using flow–mediated dilation (FMD) to estimate arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group comparison, 58 patients with type 2 diabetes were administered metformin and glargine before bedtime for 12 weeks, followed by the random addition of 10 mg empagliflozin or 0.5 mg glimepiride for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the FMD measurement (DFMDs), which was measured prior to and following 12 weeks of additional treatment. Secondary outcomes comprised changes in metabolic markers and body composition. Results: Analysis of the empagliflozin group (n = 30) and glimepiride group (n = 28) showed no significant differences in DFMDs (empagliflozin, −0.19 ± 2.34%; glimepiride, −0.37 ± 2.77%; P = 0.79). Likewise, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) changes were similar between the two groups. Body weight changes significantly differed (empagliflozin, –0.59 ± 2.5 kg; glimepiride, 1.2 ± 3.0 kg; P = 0.02). However, analysis of the body composition revealed that body fluid volume significantly decreased only after empagliflozin treatment (baseline, 35.8 ± 6.8 L; after 12 weeks, –0.33 ± 0.72 L; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Empagliflozin did not improve endothelial function compared with glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes, but decreased their body fluid volume. This suggested that the coronary protective effect of empagliflozin is not derived by protecting endothelial function but rather from reducing the risk of heart failure.
Gross Motor Developmental Dysfunctional Outcomes in Infantile and Toddler Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Survivors
Authors: Yang Chun-Feng , Xue Yang , Feng Jun-Yan , Jia Fei-Yong , Zhang Yu , Li Yu-Mei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Increasing studies have focused on motor function/dysfunction in PICU survivors; however, most studies have focused on adults and older children. This study investigated gross motor developmental function outcomes in infantile and toddler pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors and the factors associated with gross motor developmental functions.
Methods: This observational study was conducted in the PICU of the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2019 and March 2019. Thirty-five eligible patients were divided into the dysfunctional (n=24) or non-dysfunctional (n=11) group according to the results of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2). Baseline gross motor function for all participants before PICU admission was measured via the Age and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3). The PDMS-2 was used to evaluate gross motor development function before PICU discharge.
Results: The gross motor developmental dysfunction incidence was 68.6%. Linear correlation analysis showed that the gross motor quotient (GMQ) was positively correlated with the pediatric critical illness score (PCIS, r=0.621, P<0.001), and negatively correlated with length of PICU stay (r=-0.556, P=0.001), days sedated (r=-0.602, P<0.001), days on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV; r=-0.686, P<0.001), and days on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT; r=-0.538, P=0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that IMV days (β=-0.736, P=0.001), sepsis (β=-18.111, P=0.003) and PCIS (β=0.550, P=0.021) were independent risk factors for gross motor developmental dysfunction
Conclusions: Gross motor developmental dysfunction in infantile and toddler PICU survivors is more common and may be exacerbated by experiences associated with longer IMV days and increasing illness severity combined with sepsis.
Planning of Food-Energy-Water-Waste (FEW2) nexus for sustainable development
Authors: Feng Bowen , Dam Koen H. van , Guo Miao , Shah Nilay , Passmore Stephen , Wang Xiaonan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
It is critical for reliable infrastructure planning to address the Food-Energy-Water-Waste (FEW2) nexus at system level. This paper presents the applicability of resilience.io platform across water, energy and waste sectors (including food and agricultural waste) with focus on waste-to-energy pathway, aiming to establish the optimal FEW2 nexus based on economic and environmental indicators. A rich array of technology options, including water production facilities, clean energy technologies and waste-to-energy conversions are evaluated to meet the demand of water and energy (mainly gas and electricity), and the treatment requirement of waste and wastewater. A case study of Hunter Region, the largest region in Australia, is presented in this study, featuring the supply and demand context of developed countries. A full set of scenarios, including business-as-usual (BAU), water and wastewater, power plant decommission, waste-to-energy and policy intervention, is created to present FEW2 nexus from the perspective of individual nodes and the whole system. The results signal the benefits of biogas and syngas generation from anaerobic digestion and gasification for waste-to-energy pathway, alongside findings in water and energy sectors. The outcome of this analysis can then form the foundation of regional planning involving relevant stakeholders, with the modelling tools supporting scenario evaluation and collaborative learning to reach consensus in view of different performance indicators including financial and environmental metrics.
Do Bacteremic Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Have a Fever When Presenting to The Emergency Department? A Paired, Retrospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Weatherall Sarah L. , Chambers Alison B. , Mermel Leonard 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Fever is a common symptom when patients present to Emergency Departments. It is unclear if the febrile response of bacteremic hemodialysis-dependent patients differs from bacteremic patients not receiving hemodialysis. The objective of this study was to compare Emergency Departments triage temperatures of patients with and without hemodialysis-dependent end-stage rental disease who have Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and determine the incidence of afebrile S. aureus bacteremia. Methods: Paired, retrospective cohort study of 37 patients with and 37 patients without hemodialysis hospitalized with Methicillin-resistant or Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus bacteremia. Emergency Department triage temperatures were reviewed for all patients, as were potential confounding variables. Results: 54% (95% CI, 38-70%) and 82% (95% CI 65-91%) of hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis patients did not have a detectable fever (<100.4°F) at triage. Triage temperatures were 100.5°F (95% CI 99.9-101.2°F) and 99.0°F (95% CI 98.4-99.6°F) in the hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis cohorts, respectively (p<0.001). Triage temperature in patients with and without diabetes mellitus was 99.2°F (95% CI 98.4-99.9°F) and 100.4°F (95% CI 99.7-101.0°F), respectively (p=0.03). We were unable to detect a significant effect of diabetes mellitus and other potential confounding variables on differences in temperature between the hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis cohorts (all interactions p > 0.19). Conclusions: Hemodialysis-dependent patients with S. aureus bacteremia had significantly higher temperatures than non- hemodialysis-dependent end stage renal disease patients but more than half of patients were without detectable fever at triage, possibly reflecting use of insensitive methods for measuring temperature. Absence of fever at presentation to the Emergency Department should not delay blood culture acquisition in patients who are at increased risk of S. aureus bacteremia.
Phenolics and related in vitro functional activities of different varieties of fresh waxy corn: a whole grain
Authors: Chen Lirong , Guo Yuqiu , Li Xiaoyue , Gong Kuijie , Liu Kaichang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The polyphenol distribution in fresh waxy corns of different color varieties and their functional activities, which may be useful for treating various chronic diseases, were investigated. The in vitro antioxidant activity, and hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of the free and bound corn phenolics were determined to evaluate the edible value of fresh waxy corn. The colored varieties contained more phenols than the common varieties (white and/or yellow). The total free phenolic acid content of the six varieties was 6637.73 μg/g DW (dry weight), which was slightly higher (p >0.05) than that of the total bound form (6276.65 μg/g DW). The total free flavonoid content was 5850.09 μg/g DW, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that of the total bound form (4874.51μg/g DW). No bound anthocyanin was detected in the methanol extracts of the tested varieties. For all the varieties, free polyphenols contributed 86-100% and 70-78% of the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities, respectively, and 100% of the ferric reducing capacity. The free phenolics in fresh waxy corn showed significantly better (p< 0.05) hypoglycemic effect than the bound form in terms of inhibition of α-amylase activity, whereas the bound phenolics of most varieties showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the free forms. The free phenolics showed significantly better (p < 0.05) glycocholesterol binding than the bound form for all varieties. The bound polyphenols showed better sodium cholate and taurocholate binding than the free form for most varieties. In conclusion, the difference between free and bound polyphenol content and functional activities indicates that fresh waxy corn can be potentially used for the development of functional food.