bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rice of Northeast India harbor rich genetic diversity as measured by SSR markers and Zn/Fe content
Authors: Vanlalsanga  , Singh S. Priyokumar , Singh Y. Tunginba 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundRice (Oryza sativaL.) is one of the most important crops of the world and a major staple food for half of the World’s human population. The Northeastern (NE) region of India lies in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and about 45% of the total flora of the country is found in the region. Local rice cultivars from different states of NE India were analyzed for genetic diversity and population structure using microsatellite markers, and their zinc and iron content.ResultsA total of 149 bands were detected using twenty-two microsatellite markers comprising both random and trait-linked markers, showing 100% polymorphism and high value of expected heterozygosity (0.6311) and the polymorphism information content (0.5895). Nali Dhan cultivar of Arunachal Pradesh possessed the highest genetic diversity (0.3545) among studied populations while Moirangphou Khonganbi of Manipur exhibited the lowest genetic diversity (0.0343). The model-based population structure revealed that all the studied 65 rice cultivars were grouped into two clusters. Cluster I was represented by 36 cultivars and cluster II by 29 cultivars. Badalsali cultivar of Assam possessed the highest Zn content (75.8 μg/g) and Kapongla from Manipur possessed the lowest (17.98 μg/g). The highest and the lowest Fe content was found in Fazu (215.62 μg/g) and Idaw (11.42 μg/g) of Mizoram.ConclusionThe result suggested rice cultivars of NE India possessing high genetic diversity (Nali dhan), high Zn (Badalsali) and Fe (Fazu) content can be useful as a source of germplasm for future rice improvement programs.
Inter- and intra-breed genome-wide copy number diversity in a large cohort of European equine breeds
Authors: Solé Marina , Ablondi Michela , Binzer-Panchal Amrei , Velie Brandon D. , Hollfelder Nina , Buys Nadine , Ducro Bart J. , François Liesbeth , Janssens Steven , Schurink Anouk , Viklund Åsa , Eriksson Susanne , Isaksson Anders , Kultima Hanna , Mikko Sofia , Lindgren Gabriella 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Copy Number Variation (CNV) is a common form of genetic variation underlying animal evolution and phenotypic diversity across a wide range of species. In the mammalian genome, high frequency of CNV differentiation between breeds may be candidates for population-specific selection. However, CNV differentiation, selection and its population genetics have been poorly explored in horses.

Results
We investigated the patterns, population variation and gene annotation of CNV using the Axiom® Equine Genotyping Array (670,796 SNPs) from a large cohort of individuals (N = 1755) belonging to eight European horse breeds, varying from draught horses to several warmblood populations. After quality control, 152,640 SNP CNVs (individual markers), 18,800 segment CNVs (consecutive SNP CNVs of same gain/loss state or both) and 939 CNV regions (CNVRs; overlapping segment CNVs by at least 1 bp) compared to the average signal of the reference (Belgian draught horse) were identified. Our analyses showed that Equus caballus chromosome 12 (ECA12) was the most enriched in segment CNV gains and losses (~ 3% average proportion of the genome covered), but the highest number of segment CNVs were detected on ECA1 and ECA20 (regardless of size). The Friesian horses showed private SNP CNV gains (> 20% of the samples) on ECA1 and Exmoor ponies displayed private SNP CNV losses on ECA25 (> 20% of the samples). The Warmblood cluster showed private SNP CNV gains located in ECA9 and Draught cluster showed private SNP CNV losses located in ECA7. The length of the CNVRs ranged from 1 kb to 21.3 Mb. A total of 10,612 genes were annotated within the CNVRs. The PANTHER annotation of these genes showed significantly under- and overrepresented gene ontology biological terms related to cellular processes and immunity (Bonferroni P-value < 0.05). We identified 80 CNVRs overlapping with known QTL for fertility, coat colour, conformation and temperament. We also report 67 novel CNVRs.

Conclusions
This work revealed that CNV patterns, in the genome of some European horse breeds, occurred in specific genomic regions. The results provide support to the hypothesis that high frequency private CNVs residing in genes may potentially be responsible for the diverse phenotypes seen between horse breeds.
Sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal dysfunction are associated with thalamic atrophy in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Niccolini Flavia , Wilson Heather , Giordano Beniamino , Diamantopoulos Konstantinos , Pagano Gennaro , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Politis Marios 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Non-motor symptoms are common aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurring even at the prodromal stage of the disease and greatly affecting the quality of life. Here, we investigated whether non-motor symptoms burden was associated with cortical thickness and subcortical nuclei volume in PD patients.

Methods
We studied 41 non-demented PD patients. Non-motor symptoms burden was assessed using the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale grading (NMSS). Cortical thickness and subcortical nuclei volume analyses were carried out using Free-Surfer. PD patients were divided into two groups according to the NMSS grading: mild to moderate (NMSS: 0–40) and severe (NMSS: ≥ 41) non-motor symptoms.

Results
Thalamic atrophy was associated with higher NMSQ and NMSS total scores. The non-motor symptoms that drove this correlation were sleep/fatigue and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. We also found that PD patients with severe non-motor symptoms had significant thalamic atrophy compared to the group with mild to moderate non-motor symptoms.

Conclusions
Our findings show that greater non-motor symptom burden is associated with thalamic atrophy in PD. Thalamus plays an important role in processing sensory information including visceral afferent from the gastrointestinal tract and in regulating states of sleep and wakefulness.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and Oxalis – evidence for a vertically inherited bacterial symbiosis
Authors: Jooste Michelle , Roets Francois , Midgley Guy F. , Oberlander Kenneth C. , Dreyer Léanne L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Plant-endophyte symbioses often revolve around nitrogen metabolism, and involve varying degrees of intimacy. Although evidence for vertical inheritance of nitrogen-fixing endophytic bacteria is increasing, it is confined mostly to crop plants, and to date no such system has been reported for geophytes.

Methods
Bacterial endophytes associated with Oxalis, the most species-rich geophytic genus form the Cape Flora in southern Africa was studied. Culturable endophytes were isolated from surface-sterilized vegetative and reproductive plant organs for six host species at three locations. Colonies of microbes on various artificial media were morphotyped, enumerated and identified using sequence data. Filter exclusion experiments were conducted to determine if endophytes were vertically transmitted to seeds, determine if mucilage plays a role to actively attract microbes from the soil and to assess microbial richness isolated from the mucilage of Oxalis seedlings. Fluorescent microscopy was implemented in order to visualize endophytic bacteria in cryo-sectioned seeds.

Results
Evidence for a novel, vertically transmitted symbiosis was reported. Communities of nitrogen-fixing and plant growth-promoting Bacillus endophytes were found to associate with selected Oxalis hosts from nitrogen-deficient environments of the Cape. Bacillus endophytes were ubiquitous and diverse across species and plant bodies, and were prominent in seeds. Three common nitrogen-fixing Bacillus have known oxalotrophic properties and appear to be housed inside specialised cavities (containing oxalates) within the plant body and seeds.

Conclusions
The discovery of vertical transmission and potential benefits to both host and endophyte suggest a particularly tight mutualism in the Oxalis-endophyte system. This discovery suggests unexpected ways in which geophytes might avoid nitrogen deficiency, and suggest that such symbioses are more common than previously expected.
Can a ‘consent to contact’ community help research teams overcome barriers to recruitment? The development and impact of the ‘Research for the Future’ community
Authors: Grady Katherine , Gibson Martin , Bower Peter 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Recruitment to health research remains a major challenge. Innovation is required to meet policy commitments to help patients take part in health research. One innovation that may help meet those policy goals is the development of ‘consent to contact’ systems, where people give generic consent to be contacted about research opportunities. Despite their potential, there are few empirical assessments of different ways of recruiting patients to such communities, or of the value of such communities to local research teams.

Main text
We describe the development of the ‘Research for the Future‘consent to contact community, outline the recruitment of patients to the community, and present data on their participation in research.

Discussion
Over 5000 people have been registered across 3 clinical areas. A range of recruitment strategies have been used, including direct recruitment by clinicians, postal invitations from primary care, and social media. In a 1 year period (2016–2017), the community provided over 1500 participants for a variety of research projects. Feedback from research teams has generally been positive.

Summary
The ‘Research for the Future‘consent to contact community has proven feasible and useful for local research teams. Further evaluation is needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of different recruitment strategies, explore patient and researcher experience of its advantages and disadvantages, and explore how the community can be more reflective of the wider population.
Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in HIV-positive patients and evaluation of risk factors for colonization
Authors: Fontanelli Sulekova Lucia , Gabrielli Simona , Furzi Federica , Milardi Giovanni Luigi , Biliotti Elisa , De Angelis Maurizio , Iaiani Giancarlo , Fimiani Caterina , Maiorano Myriam , Mattiucci Simonetta , Taliani Gloria 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in human faecal samples with uncertain impact on public health. Studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in HIV-positive patients are limited and dated.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 156 HIV-positive patients to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis-subtypes by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA), to identify the risk factors for its transmission, to examine the relationship between the presence of the protist and gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the evaluation of the faecal calprotectin by immunoassay from a sample of subjects was performed to evaluate the gut inflammation in Blastocystis-carriers.

Results
Blastocystis-subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were identified in 39 HIV-positive patients (25%). No correlation was found between the presence of the protist and virological or epidemiological risk factors. Blastocystis was more frequently detected in homosexual subjects (p = 0.037) infected by other enteric protozoa (p = 0.0001) and with flatulence (p = 0.024). No significant differences in calprotectin level was found between Blastocystis-carriers and free ones.

Conclusions
Blastocystis is quite common in HIV-positive patients on ART showing in examined patients 25% prevalence. Homosexual behaviour may represent a risk factor for its transmission, while CD4 count and viremia didn’t correlate with the presence of the protist. The pathogenetic role of Blastocystis remains unclear and no gut inflammation status was detected in Blastocystis-carriers. The only symptom associated with Blastocystis was the flatulence, evidencing a link between the presence of the protist and the composition and stability of gut microbiota.
Acute liver failure due to visceral leishmaniasis in Barcelona: a case report
Authors: Martinez de Narvajas Iratxe , Díaz Alba , Bassegoda Octavio , Carpio Adriá , Fuster Carla , Valls María Eugenia , Alvarez-Martínez Miriam J. , García-Vidal Carolina , Soriano Alejandro , Martínez José Antonio , Ambrosioni Juan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Leishmaniasis is an emerging infectious disease. Due to human migration and tourism, visceral leishmaniasis may become more common in non-endemic areas. In the Mediterranean basin, visceral leishmaniasis typically occurs in rural regions.

Case presentation
We present an unusual urban case of acute liver failure due to visceral leishmaniasis, following a prolonged fever of unknown origin. After obtaining negative results from the bone marrow aspirate, we performed a liver biopsy that elucidated the diagnosis. The liver involvement in visceral leishmaniasis may appear as chronic granulomatous hepatitis. However diffuse hepatitis process, a necro-inflammatory pattern, without forming granulomas were observed in the liver biopsy specimens in this case. Intracytoplasmic Leishmania amastigotes were observed in the liver biopsy specimens and a polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis. Only five pathological confirmed cases of acute hepatitis due to visceral leishmaniasis have been described so far, just two in adults and both from Barcelona. A revision of the literature is performed.

Conclusions
Acute hepatitis is an uncommon debut of visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompetent patients. Furthermore there are only few cases in the literature that describe the histopathological changes that we found in this patient. In conclusion, in case of acute hepatitis leading to liver failure, leishmaniasis should be considered a differential diagnosis (even in non-endemic countries and without clear epidemiological exposure) and liver biopsy can elucidate the diagnosis.
Cancer care in Brazil: structure and geographical distribution
Authors: da Silva Mario Jorge Sobreira , O’Dwyer Gisele , Osorio-de-Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe organisation and systematisation of health actions and services are essential to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care. The objective of this study was to analyse the structure of cancer care envisaged in Brazilian norms, describe the types of accreditations of cancer services and their geographic distribution, and determine the planning and evaluation parameters used to qualify the health units that provide cancer care in Brazil.MethodsThis observational study identified the current organisation of cancer care and other health services that are accredited by Brazil’s national health system (SUS) for cancer treatment as of February 2017. The following information was collected from the current norms and the National Registry of Health Establishments: geographic location, type of accreditation, type of care, and hospital classification according to annual data of the number of cancer surgeries. The adequacy of the number of licensed units relative to population size was assessed. The analysis considered the facilitative or restrictive nature of policies based on the available rules and resources.ResultsThe analysis of the norms indicated that these documents serve as structuring rules and resources for developing and implementing cancer care policies in Brazil. A total of 299 high-complexity oncology services were identified in facilities located in 173 (3.1%) municipalities. In some states, there were no authorised services in radiotherapy, paediatric oncology and/or haematology-oncology. There was a significant deficit in accredited oncology services.ConclusionsThe parameters that have been used to assess the need for accredited cancer services in Brazil are widely questioned because the best basis of calculation is the incidence of cancer or disease burden rather than population size. The results indicate that the availability of cancer services is insufficient and the organisation of the cancer care network needs to be improved in Brazil.
Migration of gastric cancer is suppressed by recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rL-RVG) via regulating α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors/ERK- EMT
Authors: Bu Xuefeng , Zhang Anwei , Chen Zhengwei , Zhang Xuanfeng , Zhang Riting , Yin Chaoyun , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yao , Yan Yulan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been reported to be overexpressed in malignancies in humans and is associated with tumorigenesis and cell migration. In previous studies of gastric cancer, alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) overexpression leads to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes the migration of gastric cancer cells. Recombinant avirulent LaSota strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein (rL-RVG) may promote apoptosis of gastric cancer cells and reduces the migration of lung cancer metastasis. However, whether rL-RVG inhibits migration of gastric cancer cells and what the underlying functional mechanism is remains unknown.

Methods
The gastric cancer cell lines BGC and SGC were randomly divided into 3 groups: rL-RVG, NDV and Phosphate Buffered Solution (PBS) control groups. Furthermore,we adopted ACB and MLA,α7nAChR-siRNA for the overexpression and silencing of α7-nAChR.Corynoxenine was used for inhibiting the MEK-ERK pathway. Western blot, Immunofluoresce,cell proliferation assays,cell migration analyses through wound-healing assays and Transwell assays were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. A mouse xenograft model was used to investigate the effects of rL-RVG,NDV on tumor growth.

Results
In this study, our findings demonstrate that rL-RVG suppressed the migration of gastric cancer cells and reduced EMT via α7-nAChR in vitro. Furthermore rL-RVG decreased the phosphorylation levels of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway such as down-regulating the expression of P-MEK and P-ERK. Additionally, rL-RVG also reduced the expression level of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and Vimentin and enhanced the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Lastly, rL-RVG inhibited nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to suppress cell migration and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cell. We also found that rL-RVG suppresses the growth of gastric cancer subcutaneous tumor cells in vivo.

Conclusion
rL-RVG inhibits α7-nAChR-MEK/ERK-EMT to suppress migration of gastric cancer cells.
Improved clinical outcome using transarterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation for patients in Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage A or B hepatocellular carcinoma regardless of tumor size: results of a single-center retrospective case control study
Authors: Ren Yanqiao , Cao Yanyan , Ma Hong , Kan Xuefeng , Zhou Chen , Liu Jiacheng , Shi Qin , Feng Gansheng , Xiong Bin , Zheng Chuansheng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
To determine the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (hereafter, TACE-RFA) in treating Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage A or B (hereafter, BCLC A/B) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to explore the range of tumor sizes suitable for combination therapy.

Methods
This retrospective study assessed the consecutive medical records of HCC patients with BCLC A/B who received TACE-RFA or TACE from September 2009 to September 2018. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), therapeutic response, and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results
Among 2447 patients who received TACE-RFA or TACE, 399 eligible patients were enrolled in our study, including 128 patients in the TACE-RFA group and 271 patients in the TACE group. Compared with the TACE group, the PFS and OS rates of 1,3,5,8 years in the TACE-RFA group were significantly better, with higher objective tumor regression rate and better disease control rate. RFA treatment did not increase the risk of death in patients with HCC, and both liver subcapsular hematoma and bile duct injury were improved by symptomatic treatment. Serum α-fetoprotein level and treatment method were important independent prognostic factors for OS, whereas albumin, hepatitis B and treatment method were important independent prognostic factors for PFS. Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the TACE-RFA group always showed better OS and PFS.

Conclusions
TACE-RFA had an advantage over TACE alone in prolonging PFS and improving OS in HCC patients with BCLC A/B, and can benefit patients regardless of tumor size.
The cost of lost productivity due to premature lung cancer-related mortality: results from Spain over a 10-year period
Authors: Darbà Josep , Marsà Alicia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Cancer mortality is one of the major causes of productivity loss; and within all cancer sites, malignant neoplasms of the lung continue to be the principal cancer-related cause of death in Spain, with a survival rate of only 10.7%. Thus its effects in labour productivity are a major concern and represent a great social impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity losses that occur as a result of premature deaths due to lung cancer in Spain.

Methods
The human capital approach was used to calculate the costs derived from the premature mortality due to lung cancer, via the extraction of data on mortality, reference salaries and unemployment rates.

Results
Deaths due to lung cancer represented the 28.90% and the 10.83% of all cancer-related deaths in 2017 in males and females respectively, with an increasing tendency in this last group. In addition, the YPPLL count increased in the study period among females. Lung cancer was responsible annually for 60,846 YPPLL, and productivity losses summed €13.1 billion over the 10 year period.

Conclusions
The assessment of productivity losses due to lung cancer provides new information that may assist decision makers in the allocation of resources, reducing the burden it supposes in working-age individuals.