bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does synbiotic supplementation affect the quality of life in children with cystic fibrosis? A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bilan Nemat , Marefat Effat , Nikniaz Leila , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Nikniaz Zeinab 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: There is no clinical trial that assesses the effect synbiotic supplementation on HRQOL in CF children. Considering the importance of HRQOL as an essential primary outcome and determinant of therapeutic benefit in chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis, the present clinical trial aimed to determine the efficacy of synbiotic supplementation on HRQOL in children with CF.Methods: In the present double-blind randomized clinical trial, 40 CF children were randomly allocated to the two groups. The intervention group was supplemented with synbiotics supplements and the patients in the placebo group received maltodextrin for six months. Demographic data and information about antibiotic use were recorded using the questionnaire. The health-related quality of life was assessed using the Persian version of quality of life inventory questionnaires. Paired t-test and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: Totally, 36 participants completed the trial. The mean score of HRQOL was 76.34±17.33. There were no significant differences between synbiotic and placebo groups regarding baseline demographic and quality of life characteristics. Compared with baseline values, the mean total score and subscores of quality of life did not change significantly after synbiotic and placebo supplementation (p>0.05). Moreover, the results of ANCOVA showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the post-trial value of HRQOL total score and subscores. Conclusion: According to results, six-month supplementation with synbiotic did not have a significant effect on the HEQOL in children with CF. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and using more disease-specific questionnaires are needed for a more precise conclusion. The protocol of the study was registered at Iranian registry clinical trials (Registration code: IRCT2017011732004N1; Registration date: 2017-02-14).
Characteristics of acute ischemic stroke in hospitalized patients in Tibet: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Lu Yuxuan , Zhuoga Cidan , Jin Haiqiang , Zhu Feiqi , Zhao Yuhua , Ding Zhijie , He Shihua , Du Ailian , Xu Jun , Luo Jingjing , Sun Yongan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Lots of studies of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) had been conducted at low altitude regions, and related findings were used to instruct clinic management while corresponding studies at high altitude were few. This study aimed to analyse AIS clinic characteristics at high altitude regions by conducting a hospital-based comparative study between Tibet and Beijing. Methods: This study included the diagnoses of AIS patients from People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region (PHOTAR) and Peking University First Hospital (PUFH) between 1st January 2014, and 31st December 2017, where data including patient demographics, treatment time, onset season, risk factors, infarction location, laboratory data, image examination results, treatments, and AIS subtype were collected and compared. Continuous and categorical variables were analysed with a two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test, respectively. Significant risk factors were examined with binary logistic regression analysis.Results: In total, 236 and 1021 inpatients from PHOTAR and PUFH were included, respectively. The PHOTAR patients were younger than the PUFH patients (P<0.001). Young adult stroke, erythrocytosis, and hyperhomocysteinemia were more frequent in PHOTAR patients (all P<0.001). Other vascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, and smoking and alcohol consumption history, were less prevalent in PHOTAR patients than in PUFH patients. The rate of intravenous thrombolysis and the rate of within intravenous thrombolysis window time were also lower in PHOTAR patients (both P<0.001). PHOTAR groups also tended to have anterior circulation infarction. Erythrocytosis and hyperhomocysteinemia were independent risk factors in PHOTAR, and here young adults accounted for a larger proportion of stroke cases. Conclusion: In Tibet, the average age of AIS patients were less, and anterior circulation infarctions were also more common. Erythrocytosis and hyperhomocysteinemia may contribute to these differences. Here young adult stroke also accounted for a higher proportion, and this may be associated with erythrocytosis. Our findings present the first hospital-based comparative study in Tibet and may contribute to policies for stroke prevention in this region.
Effects of Propofol on Intracranial Pressure and Prognosis in Severe Neuropathy Patients Undergoing Endotracheal Suctioning
Authors: Wu Menghang , Yin Xiaorong , Chen Maojun , Liu Yan , Zhang Xia , Li Tingting , Long Yujuan , Wu Xiaomei , Pu Lihui , Zhang Maojie , Hu Zhi , Ye Ling 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate whether intravenous propofol before endotracheal suctioning (ES) in severe neuropathy patients can reduce the sputum suction response, improve the prognosis, and accelerate recovery.Methods A total of 208 severe neuropathy patients after craniocerebral surgery were enrolled in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=104) and the control group (n=104). The experimental group was given intravenous propofol, 0.5-1 mg/kg, before ES, while the control group was subjected to ES only. Changes in vital signs, sputum suction effect, the fluctuation range of intracranial pressure (ICP) before and after ES, choking cough response, short-term complications, and length of stay and hospitalization cost were evaluated. Additionally, the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) prognosis score was obtained at six months after the operation.Results At the baseline, the characteristics of the two groups were comparable (P>0.05). The increase of systolic blood pressure after ES was higher in the control group than in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The average peak value of ICP in the experimental group during the suctioning (15.57 ± 12.31 mmHg) was lower than in the control group (18.24 ± 8.99 mmHg; P < 0.05). The percentage of patients experiencing cough reaction and pain during suctioning in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the fluctuation range of ICP was increased (P < 0.0001). The effect of ES was achieved in both groups. The incidence of short-term complications in the two groups was comparable (P > 0.05). The difference at 6 months after the surgery, the GOS scores were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (4-5 points, 51.54% vs. 32.64%; 1-3 points, 48.46% vs. 67.36%; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of stay and hospitalization cost between the two groups.Conclusions Propofol sedation before ES can reduce the choking cough response, the pain experience of patients, and the intracranial hypertension response. The use of propofol is safe and improves long-term prognosis.The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on May 16, 2015 (ChiCTR-IOR-15006441).
Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis of Histone Modification Genes in Grapevine Predict Their Involvement in Seed Development, Powdery Mildew Resistance, and Hormonal Signaling
Authors: Wang Li , Ahmad Bilal , Liang Chen , Shi Xiaoxin , Sun Ruyi , Zhang Songlin , Du Guoqiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Histone modification genes (HMs) play potential roles in plant growth and development via influencing gene expression and chromatin structure. However, limited information is available about HMs genes in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.).Results: Here, we described detailed genome-wide identification of HMs gene families in grapevine. We identified 117 HMs genes in grapevine and classified these genes into 11 subfamilies based on conserved domains and phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis. We described the genes in terms of their chromosomal locations and exon-intron distribution. Further, we investigated the evolutionary history, gene ontology (GO) analysis, and syntenic relationships between grapes and Arabidopsis. According to results 21% HMs genes are the result of duplication (tandem and segmental) events and all the duplicated genes have negative mode of selection. GO analysis predicted the presence of HMs proteins in cytoplasm, nucleus, and intracellular organelles. According to seed development expression profiling, many HMs grapevine genes were differentially expressed in seeded and seedless cultivars, suggesting their roles in seed development. Moreover, we checked the response of HMs genes against powdery mildew infection at different time points. Results have suggested the involvement of some genes in disease resistance regulation mechanism. Furthermore, the expression profiles of HMs genes were analyzed in response to different plant hormones (Abscisic acid, Jasmonic acid, Salicylic acid, and Ethylene) at different time points. All of the genes showed differential expression against one or more hormones.Conclusion: VvHMs genes might have potential roles in grapevine including seed development, disease resistance, and hormonal signaling pathways. Our study provides first detailed genome-wide identification and expression profiling of HMs genes in grapevine.
Lipid metabolic transcriptome-wide profile and signature of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jinyou , Li Qiang , Su Zhenyu , Sun Qi , Zhao Yong , Feng Tienan , Jiang Jiayuan , Ma Haitao , Zhang Feng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is the cancer with high morbidity and mortality across the globe, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histologic subtype. The disorder of lipid metabolism is related to the development of cancer. Analysis of lipid-related transcriptome helps shed light on diagnosis and prognostic biomarkers of LUAD. Methods: In this study, we performed an expression analysis of 1045 lipid metabolism-related genes between LUAD tumors and normal tissues from the TCGA-LUAD cohort. The interaction network of differential expression genes (DEGs) was constructed to identify. The association between hub genes and overall survival (OS) was evaluated and formed a model to predict the prognosis of LUAD using a nomogram, and the model was validated by another cohort (GSE13213). Results: Finally, a total of 217 lipid metabolism-related DEGs were detected in LUAD. They were significantly enriched in glycerophospholipid and steroid metabolism . Then we identified 6 hub genes through network and cytoHubba, including INS , LPL , HPGDS , DGAT1 , UGT1A6 , and CYP2C9 . The high expression of CYP2C9 , UGT1A6 , and INS , whereas low expressions of DGAT1 , HPGDS , and LPL , were associated with worse OS for 719 LUAD patients. Our model found that the high-risk score group had a worse OS, and the validated cohort had the same result. Conclusion: This study constructed a signature of six lipid metabolic genes, which was significantly associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of LUAD patients. The gene signature can be used as a biomarker for LUAD in the term of lipid metabolic.
In vitro propagation of three mosaic disease resistant cassava cultivars
Authors: SESSOU Amitchihoué Franck , Kahia Jane W. , Houngue Jerome Anani , Ateka Elijah Miinda , Dadjo Colombe , Ahanhanzo Corneille 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Cassava is a staple food for over 800 million people globally providing a cheap source of carbohydrate. However, the cultivation of cassava in the country is facing to viral diseases, particularly cassava mosaic disease (CMD) which can cause up to 95% yield losses. With aim to supply farmers demand for clean planting materials, there is need to accelerate the production of the elite cultivars by use of tissue culture in order to cope with the demand. Methods Nodal explants harvested from the greenhouse grown plants were sterilised using different concentrations of a commercial bleach JIK (3.85% NaOCl) and varying time intervals. Microshoots induction was evaluated using thidiazuron (TDZ), benzyl amino purine (BAP), and kinetin. Rooting was evaluated using different auxins (Naphthalene acetic acid NAA and Indole-3-butyricacid IBA). PCR-based SSR and SCAR markers were used to assess the presence of CMD2 gene in the regenerated plantlets. Results The highest (90%) clean explants were obtained when 20% Jik was used for 15 minutes. The best cytokinin for microshoots regeneration was found to be kinetin with optimum concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 µM for Agric-rouge, Atinwewe, and Agblehoundo respectively. Medium without growth regulators was the best for rooting the three cultivars. A survival rate of 100%, 98%, and 98% was recorded in the greenhouse for Agric-rouge, Atinwewe, and Agblehoundo respectively and the plantlets appeared to be morphologically normal. The SSR and SCAR analysis of micropropagated plants showed a profile similar to that of the mother plants indicating that the regenerated plantlets retained the CMD2 gene after passing through in vitro culture. Conclusion The nodal explants was established to be 20% of Jik (3.85% NaOCl) with an exposure time of 15 minutes. Kinetin was proved to be the best cytokinins for microshoot formation with the optimum concentration of 5, 10 and 20µM for Agric-rouge, Atinwewe, and Agblehoundo respectively. The protocol developed during this study will be useful for mass propagation of the elite cassava cultivars.
Electroacupuncture at Governor Vessel improves neurobehavioral function via silencing complexin I
Authors: Xu Yang , Liu Jia , Xu Yang , Xiong Liu-Ling , Li Cui-Yun , Jiang Ya , Wang Yang-Yang , Wang Ting-Hua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture (GV), as a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved that it can reduce scar and promote axon regeneration. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, complexin I (CPLX1), as a candidate protein involved in the process of GV treatment on spinal cord contusion (SCC), was found by using protein chip. Therefore, using a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout approach, we silenced CPLX1 to assess its role in the process of GV treatment. Additionally, eIF5A1 promotes translation of CPLX1 with PPG sequence, we attempt to uncover whether eIF5A1 play a role in GV treatment. Indeed, GV can reduce scar and promote axon regeneration after SCC. CPLX1-/+ SCC rats demonstrated that decreased CPLX1 improved the microenvironment of injured area via reducing the components of fibrotic scar and further enhanced the synaptic plasticity, which benefit the regeneration of axons. And eIF5A1 could regulate the expression of CPLX1 in the process of GV treatment. Therefore, GV contributes to axon regeneration and synapse plasticity via eIF5A1 regulating CPLX1 following SCC, providing a convincible mechanism for improving the therapeutic efficacy of GV for SCC.
Economising learning: How nurses maintain competence with limited resources. A grounded theory study exploring Registered Nurses’ use of mobile devices in postgraduate education
Authors: Rees Sharon , Farley Helen , Moloney Clint 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNurses have limited time outside of work for continuing professional development. Consequently, strategies need to be explored to enable them to better maintain their competence. This article describes recent research to ascertain how nurses used mobile technologies to determine if these behaviours could be leveraged for mobile learning. It addresses a gap in the existing literature around how nurses resource their own professional development in the absence of appropriate resourcing in the workplace.MethodsThe Theory of Economising Learning emerged from research employing a classic grounded theory methodology which was conducted with registered nurses from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory and postgraduate nursing students at the University of Southern Queensland.ResultsThe Theory of Economising Learning describes how nurses maintain competence with limited resources. Unfavourable staffing levels and a fast-paced workplace mean that nurses rarely prioritise their professional learning while at work. Instead, it requires the nurse to contribute personal resources including time and money.Though the research revealed that nurses were unconcerned about using mobile technologies, they were concerned about maintaining competence with limited resources. To counter this, nurses economised their learning by balancing personal resources against their motivation to maintain competence. The process of economising learning begins and ends with the development of the nurse’s personal curriculum in response to what they identify as being the most significant knowledge deficits at work that jeopardise their competence. A learning opportunity that addresses the knowledge deficit is sought. Nurses balance the opportunity to address the deficit against the cost of personal resources, to decide if they will engage with the opportunity and update their personal curriculum accordingly.ConclusionsIt is suggested that workplaces need to create reasonable expectations within nurses to address knowledge deficits and provide the resources, including time, to allow them to do so without personal cost. It is also necessary for workplaces to moderate the flow of learning opportunities so as not to overwhelm and demotivate the nurses. Currently, nurses use several strategies to optimise their learning using mobile technologies. These could be leveraged in the workplace to help nurses maintain professional competence.
Functional comparison of MERS-coronavirus lineages reveals increased zoonotic potential of the recombinant lineage 5
Authors: Schroeder Simon , Mache Christin , Kleine-Weber Hannah , Muth Doreen , Corman Victor , Fatykhova Diana , Memish Ziad Al , Stanifer Megan , Boulant Steeve , Dijkman Ronald , Richter Anja , Eggeling Stefan , Hocke Andreas , Hippenstiel Stefan , Thiel Volker , Pöhlmann Stefan , Wolff Thorsten , Müller Marcel , Drosten Christian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) can cause severe pneumonia in humans. The virus is enzootic in dromedary camels across the Middle East and Africa. It is acquired through animal contact and undergoes limited onward transmission particularly in hospitals. Because of this initial potential for human-to-human transmission, we monitor the virus for phenotypic changes related to its pandemic potential. Potential phenotypic changes have been suspected since the year 2015, when a novel recombinant clade (MERS-CoV lineage 5) caused large nosocomial outbreaks in Saudi Arabia and South Korea that effectively swept other, hitherto co-circulating viral lineages. To this day, lineage 5 remains the only circulating MERS-CoV lineage on the Arabian Peninsula. In spite of available sequence data, no studies of viral phenotype have been carried out to date. Here we performed a comprehensive in-vitro and ex-vivo comparison of live virus isolates taken in Saudi Arabia immediately before and after the shift toward lineage 5. We characterized seven isolates representing the recombination-parental lineage 3, eight isolates representing parental lineage 4, as well as eight isolates representing lineage 5. Replication of lineage 5 viruses is significantly increased over isolates from parental lineages in cell culture and ex-vivo lung models. Transcriptional profiling by real-time RT-PCR shows that several key immune genes (IFNb1, CCL5, IFNL1) are significantly less induced in lung cells infected with lineage 5 MERS-CoV compared to parental strains. In IFN receptor knock out cells, as well as under chemical inhibition of IFN signalling, the differences in replication level between lineage 5 and parental lineages are reduced, suggesting that phenotypic differences may be determined by IFN antagonism. Concordantly, lineage 5 shows increased resilience against interferon (IFN) pre-treatment of Calu-3 cells and maintains a 10-fold higher replication level under low and high concentrations of IFN. Reduced immune activation combined with enhanced virus replication and IFN resilience may explain the dominance of lineage 5 on the Arabian Peninsula. This phenotypic difference is highly relevant with regard to pandemic potential, and has remained undiscovered in spite of viral sequence surveillance.
Overexpression of AtAHL20 causes delayed flowering in Arabidopsis via repression of FT expression
Authors: Tayengwa Reuben , Sharma-Koirala Pushpa , Pierce Courtney F. , Werner Breanna E , Neff Michael M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The 29-member Arabidopsis AHL gene family is classified into three main classes based on nucleotide and protein sequence evolutionary differences. These differences include the presence or absence of introns, type and/or number of conserved AT-hook and PPC domains. AHL gene family members are divided into two phylogenetic clades, Clade-A and Clade-B. A majority of the 29 members remain functionally uncharacterized. Furthermore, the biological significance of the DNA and peptide sequence diversity, observed in the conserved motifs and domains found in the different AHL types, is a subject area that remains largely unexplored.
Results
Transgenic plants overexpressing AtAHL20 flowered later than the wild type. Transcript accumulation analyses showed that 35S:AtAHL20 plants contained reduced FT, TSF, AGL8 and SPL3 mRNA levels. Similarly, overexpression of AtAHL20’s orthologue in Camelina sativa, Arabidopsis’ closely related Brassicaceae family member species, conferred a late-flowering phenotype via suppression of CsFT expression. In addition, 35S:AtAHL20 seedlings exhibited suppressed hypocotyl length and enhanced water stress tolerance. However, overexpression of an aberrant AtAHL20 gene harboring a missense mutation in the AT-hook domain’s highly conserved R-G-R core motif abolished the late-flowering phenotype. Data from targeted yeast-two-hybrid assays showed that AtAHL20 interacted with itself and several other Clade-A Type-I AHLs which have been previously implicated in flowering-time regulation: AtAHL22, AtAHL27 and AtAHL29.
Conclusion
We showed via gain-function analysis that AtAHL20 is a negative regulator of FT expression, as well as other downstream flowering time regulating genes. A similar outcome in Camelina sativa transgenic plants overexpressing CsAHL20 suggest that this is a conserved function. Additionally, overexpression of AtAHL20 resulted in shorter hypocotyls and enhanced drought stress tolerance compared to wild-type plants. Our results demonstrate that AtAHL20 is a negative regulator of transition to flowering and hypocotyl elongation, but a positive regulator of drought stress tolerance.