bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Exploration of the Experience and Quality of Life of Patients, and their Family Carers, Admitted to a Specialist Eye Hospital with Microbial Keratitis
Authors: Tranter Shelley Anne , Cabrera-Aguas Maria , Riddell Mandy Lee , McCulloch Joanna , Riley Therese , Watson Stephanie , Perry Lin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Microbial keratitis is a vision-threatening condition requiring intensive treatment. Understanding patients’ and carers’ experience during and after hospitalisation can inform improvements in care and outcomes. This study explored the vision-related quality of life, and the experiences of patients with microbial keratitis and their family carers when admitted to a quaternary referral eye hospital in Australia Methods: The study employed mixed methods, including qualitative interviews and a survey in hospital and a telephone interview post-discharge. A convenience sample was recruited of 33 patients with microbial keratitis who presented to hospital between March and October 2017, and 10 of their family carers. Semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Patient participants completed the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire – 25 (NEIVFQ-25).Results: Qualitative analyses identified two main themes: Saving sight, with subthemes of costs of saving sight, and travel and transportation; Safe-guarding home and normal life with subthemes of family, work and pastimes. A group mean NEIVFQ-25 score of 74 was similar to other ophthalmic disease groups but pain scores were higher.Conclusion: Findings provide insights into the experiences and often unspoken concerns of microbial keratitis patients and their family carers, revealing the priority and the associated costs of saving sight, and the implications for family and lifestyles. These patients reported similarly reduced vision-related quality of life but greater pain compared to other ophthalmic groups. Findings point to ways to improve their experience and potentially reduce the high rates of unplanned representations of this patient group.
Profiles of Immune Cell Infiltration and Immune-Related Genes in the Tumor Microenvironment of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Mingdi , Li Faping , Liu Bin , Jian Yongping , Zhang Dan , Zhou Honglan , Wang Yishu , Xu Zhixiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: As a complex system participating in tumor development and progression, the tumor microenvironment was poorly understood in esophageal cancer especially squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Methods: ESTIMATE algorithm is used to investigate tumor-infiltrating immune cells and prognostic genes which were associated with the tumor microenvironment in ESCC. Results: Based on the immune and stromal scores, ESCC samples were divided into high and low score groups and 299 overlapping differentially expressed genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly involved in muscle-related function. Prognostic genes including COL9A3, GFRA2, and VSIG4 were used to establish a risk prediction model using Cox regression analyses. Then multivariate analysis showed that COL9A3 was an independent discriminator of a better prognosis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the expression of COL9A3 was significantly correlated with the overall survival of ESCC patients. The area under the curve for the risk model in predicting 1- and 3- year survival rates were 0.660 and 0.942, respectively. The risk score was negatively correlated with plasma cells, while positively correlated with the proportions of activated CD4 memory T cells, M1 Macrophages and M2 Macrophages (P<0.001 for each comparison). Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that both immune response and immune system process gene sets were significantly enriched in high-risk group.Conclusions: Our study provided a comprehensive understanding of the TME in ESCC patients. The establishment of the risk model is valuable for the early identification of high-risk patients to facilitate individualized treatment and improve the possibility of immunotherapy response.
FpgMBV1 Alleviates The Pathogenicity of Fusarium Pseudograminearum to Wheat Plants: A Megabirnavirus Case Study
Authors: Xie Yuan , Wang Zhifang , Li Ke , Liu Dongwei , Jia Yifan , Gao Fei , Dai Junli , Zhang Chao , Zhou Lin , Ding Shengli , Zhang Songbai , Zhang Xiaoting , Li Honglian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Fusarium pseudograminearum is the predomenant causal agent of devastating crown rot diseases in cereal crops around the world. Mycoviruses have attracted increasing attention as potential biological control agents on plant diseases. The unique mycoviruse isolated from F. pseudograminearum is Fusarium pseudograminearum megabirnavirus 1 (FpgMBV1), which is a new member of the family Megabirnaviridae. To determine the hypovirulence effects of FpgMBV1 on F. pseudograminearum to wheat plants is critical for the potential application of FpgMBV1 in the control of cereal crown rot disease. Methods: Hyphal tip cultures were conducted to obtain a FpgMBV1-free strain, named as FC136-2A-V－. A hyg gene was transformed into a highly virulent virus-negative stain WZ-8A of F. pseudograminearum to obtain the deduced strain WZ-8A-HygR-V－. WZ-8A-HygR-V－ was used in pairing culture with the FpgMBV1-carrying F. pseudograminearum strain FC136-2A to obtain a FpgMBV1-positive strain WZ-8A-HygR-V+. Then the two pairs of strains, FC136-2A-V－/FC136-2A and WZ-8A-HygR-V－/WZ-8A-HygR-V+, were used to determine the potential effect on F. pseudograminearum by the infection of FpgMBV1 through tests on the growth, sensitivity to stress and cellophane penetrating ability in vitro and the pathogenicity to wheat plants.Results: FpgMBV1 could be cured by hyphal tip culture and horizontally transferred between F. pseudograminearum strains through pairing culture. Reduction of FpgMBV1-carrying strains on hyphal growth were found under the treatment of 0.5% SDS. No differences in the growth rates of tested strains in the treatments with 1 M NaCl, 1 M KCl, or 15 mM H2O2. Comparing to virus-negative strains, the In vitro cellophane penetrating ability was lost in FpgMBV1-carrying strains. The disease index of wheat plants inoculated with FC136-2A-V- was significantly higher than that inoculated with FC136-2A, while the pathogenicity of WZ-8A-HygR-V+ reduced significantly comparing to that of WZ-8A-HygR-V－.Conclusions: FpgMBV1 is the causal agent of the low pathogenicity to wheat plants of its original host F. pseudograminearum strain FC136-2A. And FpgMBV1 could be horizontally transferred to another F. pseudograminearum strain and reduce its pathogenicity to wheat plants.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Metastatic and Recurrent Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Feng Xiaoyao , Li Jing , Li Aomei , Zhou Han , Zhu Xixu , Wang Zhen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSoft tissue sarcoma（STS） is a malignant tumor of highly heterogeneous mesenchymal origin. STS has a biologic pattern and clinical transformation with localized invasive growth and susceptibility to hematogenous metastasis. Metastatic and recurrent soft tissue sarcoma may be treated by local therapeutic options, including surgery and radiation therapy. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of SBRT for metastatic and recurrent soft tissue sarcoma.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 37 STS patients with 58 lesions treated with SBRT from 2009-2019 at our institution. We analyze the local control (LC), overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and toxicity rates of the patients.ResultThe median follow-up was 20 months（range 2 to 120 months）. One and two year LC rates were 75.3% and 55.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 20–25 months]. Median OS was 24 months and the survival rates were 66.6%, 45% and 26.6% at 1, 2 and 3-year after SBRT. Median PFS were 11months (95% CI 8–18 months). No acute or chronic grade ≥ 3 toxicity was observed.Conclusions﻿In patients with metastatic and recurrent STS, LC, OS and PFS were higher than expected. SBRT should be a proper treatment option for STS.
A Study of Natural and Functional Conditions of Poland in the view of the Geothermal Resources Applications in Agriculture
Authors: Skrzypczak Robert , Kępińska Beata , Pająk Leszek , Bujakowski Wiesław 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The agriculture and related sectors present one of the most prospective areas for geothermal energy applications. In many countries they have already been introduced, and new investments in this sector have been also observed. Also Poland has the appropriate resources’ potential – in a wide range of temperatures, for different crops, as well as in the types of applications related to agriculture. The use of this green energy can contribute to sustainable development of agriculture.To achieve this when planning and designing geothermal installations for agriculture, they should be considered from the energy and agricultural points of view, as well as appropriate locations for them shall be selected so that they would be harmoniously incorporated, among others, into existing systems of valuable natural areas (which already play various important functions in the natural environment) and would not interfere with other underground resources of strategic economic importance.The main aspects of such an approach to the sustainable development of the geothermal energy applications in agriculture and related sectors in Poland, as well as natural circumstances, are presented in this article. Also included are basic energy parameters (based on the results of calculations) and technical and economic parameters for greenhouse facilities in one of the selected prospective locations in the Polish Lowlands, which could be supplied by local geothermal resources, contributing to sustainable development of agriculture.
Experimental Study on the Ratio Model of Similar Materials in the Simulation Test of Coal and Gas Outburst
Authors: Sun Peng , Sun Haitao , Lin Fujin , Yang Xuelin , Jiang Wangang , Wu Wenbin , Jia Quanmin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In order to obtain similar materials with specific physical and mechanical parameters and adsorption and desorption indexes used in coal and gas outburst simulation tests, pulverized coal was selected as aggregate, sodium humate as cementing agent and river sand as auxiliary materials. Based on this, an orthogonal test with 6 factors and 5 levels was designed, and the tests of weighing, uniaxial compression, firmness and adsorption and desorption were carried out. The parameters such as density, uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, firmness coefficient and adsorption-desorption index of similar materials with different ratios were obtained, and the sensitivity of each factor was analyzed by range analysis. The influence law of various factors on the parameters of similar materials was studied, the ratio model of similar materials was obtained and the reliability of the model was verified, and a complete method for determining the ratio model of similar materials of outburst coal was put forward. The results show that the density of similar materials increases with the increase of river sand content, the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus increase significantly with the increase of pulverized coal ratio and sodium humate content, and the firmness coefficient increases linearly with the increase of pulverized coal ratio. The adsorption constant an increases linearly with the increase of sodium humate content, while the adsorption constant b decreases linearly with the increase of sodium humate content. The initial elution rate △p of similar materials increases at first and then decreases with the increase of sodium humate content.
Grain Yield Performance of Hybrid Rice in Multi-Environment Tests for Thirty-two Years in India
Authors: MURALIDHARAN KALAMBUR , Prasad Gogineni S. V. , Rao Chilukuri S. , Srid Ranganathan , Siddiq Ebrahim A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Hybrid F1genotypes with higher yields or improvement in other traits of economic value due to heterosis as compared to inbred local check varieties (ILCV), are identified and released as hybrid commercial varieties. We analyzed the yield data of 2070 hybrid F1 genotypes with ILCV evaluated over 32 years (1988 to 2019) in 2376 multi-environment experiments executed at 102 locations in the irrigated ecosystem across India. Results: The genetic gain or loss in yield of hybrid F1 genotypes estimated over the test duration was non-significant. Hybrid F1 genotypes produced 10% more grains (728-2588 kg/ha) than ILCV in many experiments at several locations. Our analyses have established that grain yields of 7.0 to 7.9 t/ha, were harvested in hybrid F1 genotypes with early, mid-early and medium maturity duration, and in those with medium slender grains at many locations in 362 experiments. A higher level of rice productivity per day (62 to 63 kg/ha) was recorded with the early maturing and mid-early maturing hybrid F1 genotypes in these tests. The N requirement to produce 8 t/ha of hybrid rice grains was 15 kg N/t as compared with a minimum of 20 kg N/t used in China. Both the hybrids and inbreds in these experiments produced grain yields that were easily attained previously with high yielding (≥10 t/ha) commercial inbreds since 1968. Unless the attainable yields are reached in inbred checks with the proven appropriate crop production practices in an experiment, it is futile to estimate a genetic gain or loss for grain yields in new genotypes developed.Conclusions: Hybrid genotypes bred in India produced yields of 7 to 8 t/ha which matched with reports from China on hybrids and green super rice; these India-bred hybrids showed higher productivity per day and shorter maturity periods than super hybrids of China. Opportunities still exist to breed indica/japonica hybrids to obtain more heterotic early and mid-early maturing hybrids, and develop efficient agronomical practices to realize the potential advantages from hybrids. There is scope for breeders to limit test locations to represent specific target areas to avoid data loss. Focusing on removing obstacles in hybrid seed production is essential to exploit yield heterosis in hybrids, and to make hybrid rice technology profitable to farmers.
Topical Administration of the Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Nalfurafine Suppresses Corneal Neovascularization and Inflammation
Authors: Shokirova Hurramhon , Inomata Takenori , Saitoh Tsuyoshi , Zhu Jun , Fujio Kenta , Okumura Yuichi , Yanagawa Ai , Fujimoto Keiichi , Sung Jaemyoung , Eguchi Atsuko , Miura Maria , Nagino Ken , Hirosawa Kunihiko , Kuwahara Mizu , Akasaki Yasutsugu , Nagase Hiroshi , Murakami Akira 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CNV) causes higher-order aberrations, corneal edema, ocular inflammation, and corneal transplant rejection, thereby decreasing visual acuity. Here, we investigated the effects of topical administration of the kappa opioid receptor agonist nalfurafine (TRK-820) on CNV. To induce CNV, intrastromal corneal sutures were placed on the corneal stroma of BALB/c mice for 2 weeks. Nalfurafine (0.1 µg/2 μL/eye) was topically administered to the cornea once or twice a day after CNV induction. The CNV score, immune cell infiltration, and mRNA levels of angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors in neovascularized corneas were evaluated using slit-lamp microscopy, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA expression of the kappa opioid receptor gene Oprk1 was significantly upregulated following CNV induction. Topical administration of nalfurafine twice a day significantly suppressed CNV and lymphangiogenesis, as well as reduced the mRNA levels of angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors in the neovascularized corneas. Moreover, nalfurafine administration twice a day reduced the numbers of CD45+ infiltrating leukocytes and interferon-γ-producing CD4+ T cells in the neovascularized corneas. Thus, we demonstrated that topical administration of nalfurafine suppressed local CNV in a mouse model along with the activation of KOR. Therefore, nalfurafine may be useful for preventing and controlling CNV in humans.
Single Cell Proteomics Profiling Revealing that Embryo Secreted TNF-α play Critical Role during Embryo Implantation to Endometrium
Authors: Jiao Lv , Xudong Shan , Haoxuan Yang , Yuting Wen , Xueguang Zhang , Hanxiao Chen , Hengli Li , Dongmei Tian , Chiu Wang Chi , Ruizhe Zhang , Chiu Li Tin , Xiaohu Zhang , Xiaomiao Zhao , Yao Lu , Lang Qin , Minghui Zhu , Wenming Xu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Problem: Although it has long been known that endometrium secreted cytokines play critical role during embryo implantation, whether cytokines secreted from embryo is relevant to embryo quality and is actively involved in embryo attachment remain unclear.Method of study: The concentration of cytokines in embryo culture medium were tested by a new developed high-sensitive single cell proteomic platform, compared with embryo quality and clinical outcome. The effect of TNF-α on embryo and endometrium Ishikawa cell was investigated using immunofluorescence staining, CCK- 8 assay, TUNEL staining, and RT-qPCR reaction.Results: Of the 10 cytokines measured, only TNF-α concentration is significantly higher in group of embryo implantation failure. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of TNF-α was unevenly distributed in blastocysts, and the expression level was significantly correlated with blastocysts inner cell mass (ICM) quality score. Adding TNF-α caused significant increase of apoptotic cells, which could be inhibited by TNF-α receptor blocker entanecept (ETA). Gene profiling showed that adding TNF-α lead to increased expression of TNFR1 and apoptosis related genes, as well as ion channel genes, including CFTR, ENaCA, AQP3 and CRISP2, and the increase can be inhibited by ETA. Conclusion: In conclusion, our result showed that higher TNF-α level is associated with implantation failure through activation of TNF-α receptor, and TNF-α maybe an independent predictor for pre-transfer assessment of the embryo development potential in IVF patients.
Teleconsultation in the Management of Elective Orthopaedic and Spinal Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Melian Christina , Frampton Christopher , Wyatt Michael Charles , Kieser David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The global adoption of teleconsultation has been expedited as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By allowing remote communication, teleconsultation may help limit the spread of the virus while maintaining the crucial patient-provider relationship. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of teleconsultation compared to in-person visits in the management of elective orthopaedic and spinal procedures.Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study of 853 patients receiving orthopaedic and spinal care at a private outpatient clinic in New Zealand. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) patients receiving telephone consultation remotely; and (2) patients receiving in-person office consultations at the outpatient clinic. All patients received telephone consultations for four weeks during the mandated COVID-19 lockdown, followed by four weeks of telephone or in-person consultation. Patient preference, satisfaction, and duration of visit were recorded. Comparisons of patient preference between groups, visit type, sex, and location were performed using Chi-square tests; similarly, satisfaction scores and visit durations were compared using a general linear model. Results: We report that 91% of patients in the telephone group preferred teleconsultation over in-person office visits during the COVID-19 lockdown (p=0.000). A combined-group analysis shows that 55.3% of all patients preferred teleconsultation compared to 31.2% who preferred in-person office visits (p=0.000). Patients in the telephone group reported significantly higher satisfaction scores (9.95 +/- 0.04, 95% CI [9.87-10.03]) compared to patients in the in-person group (9.53 +/- 0.04, 95% CI [9.45-9.62]; p=0.000). Additionally, in-person consultations were significantly longer in duration compared to telephone consultations, with a mean visit time of 6.70 min +/-0.18, 95% CI [6.32-7.02] compared to 5.10 min +/-0.17, 95% CI [4.73-5.42], respectively (p=0.000).Conclusion: Patients who utilize telephone consultations are more likely to prefer it over traditional, in-person visits in the future. This increased preference, coupled with higher patient satisfaction scores and shorter duration of visits, suggests that teleconsultation has a role in orthopaedic surgery, which may even extend beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Intestinal Involvement in Behçet’s Syndrome Patients：A Cross-Sectional Study from a Single Center
Authors: Hou Cheng-cheng , Ye Jing-fen , Ma Hai-fen , Guan Jian-Long 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Intestinal Behçet’s syndrome (BS) has high morbidity and mortality rates with serious complications. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators of intestinal BS compared with mucocutaneous BS patients in China and analyzed the risk factors of intestinal complications in BS patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis was used to collect the demographic data and laboratory results from 97 patients newly diagnosed with intestinal BS and 154 patients newly diagnosed with mucocutaneous BS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the demographic data and laboratory indexes whether a risk factor of intestinal involvement in BS patients.Results: The most common clinical manifestations of first onset in intestinal BS patients were oral ulceration (100.00%), followed by genital ulcers (62.89%) and erythema nodule (28.87%), gastrointestinal lesions (28.87%), pseudofolliculitis (25.77%), fever (17.53%), arthritis (16.49%), ocular involvement (5.15%), while the least common were vascular involvement (2.06%) and blood system involvement (2.06%). The most common intestinal segment involved in intestinal BS patients was terminal ileum (30.9%), followed by ileocecal (18.6%), colon (15.5%). Most intestinal BS patients (89.7%) used ≥ 3 immunosuppressants to control disease while most mucocutaneous BS patients (92.9%) used 1 or 2 immunosuppressant. By univariate logistic regression analysis, we found gender, age at hospitalization, age of disease onset, BDCAF, T-SPOT, fever, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), serum amyloid A (SAA), complement 3 (C3), albumin, total cholesterol(TCH), high-density lipoprotein(HDL) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were all risk factors of intestinal involvement in BS patients (P<0.05 or P=0.00). Additionally, gender (male), BDCAF (≥2), ESR (≥15mm/H), CRP (>10mg/L), HGB (<130g/L) and IL-6 (>7pg/ml) were the independent risk factors of intestinal involvement in BS patients (all P<0.05).Conclusions: More attention should be paid to gender, BDCAF, ESR, CRP, HGB and IL-6 of intestinal involvement in BS patients and therapeutic regiment should be adjusted timely to prevent the occurrence of serious clinical complication in BS patients.