bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D characterization of walnut morphological traits using X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Bernard Anthony , Hamdy Sherif , Corre Laurence Le , Dirlewanger Elisabeth , Lheureux Fabrice 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Walnuts are grown worldwide in temperate areas and producers are facing an increasing demand. In a climate change context, the industry also needs cultivars that provide fruits of quality. This quality includes satisfactory filling ratio, thicker shell, ease of cracking, smooth shell and round-shaped walnut, and larger nut size. These desirable traits have been analysed so far using calipers or micrometers, but it takes a lot of time and requires the destruction of the sample. A challenge to take up is to develop an accurate, fast and non-destructive method for quality-related and morphometric trait measurements of walnuts, that are used to characterize new cultivars or collections in any germplasm management process. Results: In this study, we develop a method to measure different morphological traits on several walnuts simultaneously such as morphometric traits (nut length, nut face and profile diameters), traits that previously required opening the nut (shell thickness, kernel volume and filling kernel/nut ratio) and traits that previously were difficult to quantify (shell rugosity, nut sphericity, nut surface area and nut shape). These measurements were obtained from reconstructed 3D images acquired by X-ray computed tomography (CT). A workflow was created including several steps: noise elimination, walnut individualization, properties extraction and quantification of the different parts of the fruit. This method was applied to characterize 50 walnuts of a part of the INRAE walnut germplasm collection made of 161 unique accessions, obtained from the 2018 harvest. Our results indicate that 50 walnuts are sufficient to phenotype the fruit quality of one accession using X-ray CT and to find correlations between the morphometric traits. Our imaging workflow is suitable for any walnut size or shape and provides new and more accurate measurements. Conclusions: The fast and accurate measurement of quantitative traits is of utmost importance to conduct quantitative genetic analyses or cultivar characterization. Our imaging workflow is well adapted for accurate phenotypic characterization of a various range of traits and could be easily applied to other important nut crops.
An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Health Professional Perspectives on Clinical Outcomes in UK Orthotic Practice
Authors: Hall Natalie , Parker Daniel , Williams Anita Ellen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite potential savings to the National Health Service, the collection of data on outcomes of NHS orthotic services is patchy. Indeed, several reports into orthotic services in the UK have reported a lack of data relating to outcomes of care and highlighted the need to routinely measure outcomes to demonstrate efficacy of services. Whilst a previous study provided an overview of the use of outcome measures in orthotic practice and identified some barriers to their use, further questions emerged. Hence, this qualitative study aimed to explore orthotists’ opinions and personal experiences on the influences on outcomes, how appropriate and relevant outcomes can be measured and also how barriers to the use of outcome measures can be overcome. Methods: Following a review of the literature, an initial advisory group informed semi-structured questions. These were used to create dialogue in a focus group of 12 orthotists. Data from the focus group was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis, creating themes and subthemes for discussion.Results: The setting of realistic and agreed goals through managing expectations, compromise and patient education/information were seen as factors that could inform and improve outcomes. Barriers to the collection of outcome measures were associated with inadequate technology to manage the data, lack of time to complete them, lack of training in them and difficulties selecting appropriate outcome measures for patients with complex problems managed by different health professionals. The participants discussed ways of addressing these barriers, such as the use of ‘snapshots’ and delegation of data collection. Conclusions: This study has revealed that measuring outcomes is considered to be an important activity. In order to achieve good outcomes, it is important to address patient expectations, discuss and establish joint goals for care at the outset and inform and include patients in the decision-making process. The identified barriers to measuring outcomes can be overcome with the solutions revealed by these participants. Hence, this study has contributed to current knowledge which has relevance for clinical practice and may provide the theoretical basis for future research.
Evaluation and utility of mitochondrial ribosomal genes for molecular systematics of parasitic nematodes
Authors: Chan Abigail Hui En , Chaisiri Kittipong , Morand Serge , Saralamba Naowarat , Thaenkham Urusa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Molecular advances have accelerated our understanding of nematode systematics and taxonomy. However, comparative analyzes between various genetic markers have led to discrepancies in nematode phylogenies. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of using mitochondrial 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA genes for nematode molecular systematics.

Methods

To study the suitability of mitochondrial 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA genes as genetic markers for nematode molecular systematics, we compared them with the other commonly used genetic markers, nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 regions, nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. After that, phylum-wide primers for mitochondrial 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA genes were designed, and parasitic nematodes of humans and animals from 75 taxa with 21 representative species were inferred through phylogenetic analyzes. Phylogenetic analyzes were carried out using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference algorithms.

Results

The phylogenetic relationships of nematodes based on the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene supported the monophyly of nematodes in clades I, IV, and V, reinforcing the potential of this gene as a genetic marker for nematode systematics. In contrast, the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene only supported the monophyly of clades I and V, providing evidence that the 12S rRNA gene is more suitable for nematode molecular systematics. In this study, subclades of clade III containing various nematode families were not monophyletic when the 16S or 12S rRNA gene was used as the genetic marker. This is similar to the phylogenetic relationship revealed by previous studies using whole mitochondrial genomes as genetic markers.

Conclusions

This study supports the use of the 12S rRNA gene as a genetic marker for studying the molecular systematics of nematodes to understand intra-phyla relationships. Phylum-wide primers for nematodes using mitochondrial ribosomal genes were prepared, which may enhance future studies. Furthermore, sufficient genetic variation in the mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes between species also allowed for accurate taxonomy to species level, revealing the potential of these two genes as genetic markers for DNA barcoding.
Advance Directives and End-of-Life Care: Knowledge and Preferences of Patients with Brain Tumours from Anhui, China
Authors: Wang Yi Xin , Zhang Yong Kang , Hong Yang , Zeng Ping , Hu Zong Tao , Xu Xiu Li , Wang Hong Zhi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In Mainland China, the advance directives (ADs) and end-of-life care of patients with tumours, especially patients with brain tumours who may have lost consciousness or the ability to speak at the early stage of their illness, have been poorly acknowledged. Thus, this study aims to clarify the knowledge and preferences of the ADs and end-of-life care of patients with brain tumours and to investigate the predictors of patients’ preferences.Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional survey that was conducted via face-to-face interviews. Information on the sociodemographic factors, brain tumour illness, knowledge and preferences of the advance decisions and end-of-life care of the patients were collected.Results: A total of 88.61% of the participants had never heard of ADs, but 65.18% would like to make ADs. Knowledge of ADs, receiving surgical treatment or radiotherapy, less than 70 years old, male, educational qualifications of college or beyond, childless, had medical insurance for nonworking or working urban residents and self-payment of medical expenses were predictors of preference for making ADs. A total of 79.43% participants would like to discuss end-of-life arrangements with medical staff, and 63.29% of participants were willing to receive end-of-life care although it could not delay death. A total of 65.82% patients with brain tumours wanted resuscitation, and as high as 45.45% of the patients thought that they did not need life support if they were in a persistent vegetative state. Brain primary tumours, ages of less than 70 years old, male, educational qualification of junior middle school or below, had children, had new rural cooperative medical insurance and had medical expenses paid by children or spouses were predictors of choosing appropriate palliative care.Conclusions：ADs and end-of-life care have been poorly acknowledged amongst patients with brain tumours in mainland China. Additional efforts should be encouraged amongst patients with primary brain tumours, those are undergoing surgery and radiotherapy and those who have low socioeconomic status. Appropriate decision-making timing is encouraged to promote AD amongst Chinese patients with brain tumours.
Plasma Ephrin-A1 level in a cohort of diabetic retinopathy patients
Authors: Mao Danna , Hu Ying , Bao Qi , Wu Kewei , Zheng Yaoding , Yang Yukun , Jiang Ying , Lei Bo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To determine plasma ephrin-A1 and VEGF165 levels in a cohort of diabetic retinopathy patients.Methods: Plasma ephrin-A1 and VEGF165 levels in fifty-five subjects including 19 individuals without diabetes (non-DM), 16 patients with diabetes (DM) but without diabetic retinopathy, and 20 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), were determined by ELISA. Serum creatinine, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were also measured. One-way ANOVA , Kruskal-Wallis Test, Mann-Whitney U Test corrected by Bonferroni, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Spearman Correlation Coefficient Analysis were used for data analysis.Results: Ephrin-A1 expression could be detected in human plasma with an average of 1.52 ± 0.43 (mean ± SEM) ng/ml. In DR subjects, the plasma ephrin-A1concentration was 3.63 ± 4.63 ng/ml, which was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (non-DM: 0.27 ± 0.13 ng/ml, DM: 0.35 ± 0.34 ng/ml). The expression of VEGF165 in human plasma was 34.00 ± 42.55 pg/ml, with no statistical difference among the three groups. There was no correlation between ephrin-A1 and VEGF165 in human plasma, but there was a correlation between plasma ephrin-A1 and duration of diabetes.Conclusions: Plasma ephrin-A1 was highly expressed in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and there was no difference of plasma VEGF165 expression in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared to the other two groups, suggesting that changes of plasma ephrin-A1 may be a more sensitive biomarker than plasma VEGF165 in detecting diabetic retinopathy.
Embryonic stem cell microenvironment enhances proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelium cells by activating the PI3K signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Yang Liu , Wang Xiaoran , Wang Shoubi , Huang Zheqian , Li Chaoyang , Liu Ying , Cheng Yaqi , Liu Chengxiu , Wang Zhichong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether the mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) microenvironment improves the stem cell phenotype and proliferation properties of human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells by regulating the PI3K signaling pathway.

Methods

Primary hRPE cells were cocultured with either ESCs or human corneal epithelial cells (CECs) for 72 hours, after which their proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and colony formation were assayed to evaluate changes in their biological characteristics. Gene expression was detected by real-time PCR and protein levels were determined by western blotting or immunofluorescence. LY294002, an antagonist of the PI3K signaling pathway, was used to further confirm the mechanism involved.

Results

In comparison to hRPE cells cultured alone, hRPE cells cocultured with ESCs had an increased proliferative capacity, reduced apoptotic rate, and higher colony-forming efficiency. The expression of the stem cell-associated marker KLF4 and the differentiation marker CRALBP increased and decreased, respectively, in hRPE cells isolated from the ESC coculture. Furthermore, PI3K pathway-related genes were significantly up-regulated in hRPE cells after exposure to ESCs. LY294002 reversed the pro-proliferative effect of ESCs on hRPE cells. In contrast, CECs did not share the ability of ESCs to influence the biological behavior and gene expression of hRPE cells.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the ESC microenvironment enhances stemness and proliferation of hRPE cells, partially via activation of the PI3K signaling pathway. This study may have a significant impact and clinical implication on cell therapy in regenerative medicine, specifically for age-related macular degeneration.
Factors Associated with the Uptake of Immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices(PPIUCD) in Rwanda: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Kanakuze Chris Adrien , Dan Kaye K , Musabirema Priscilla , Pascal Nkubito , Mbalinda Scovia Nalugo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Rwanda has a high unmet need for family planning which could be reduced by improving access to postpartum intrauterine contraceptives device (PPIUCD) insertion. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the uptake of PPIUCD among postpartum women in Muhima Hospital.Methods: A concurrent mixed method study was used. Three hundred eight three (383) immediate postpartum mothers, and 10 health services providers were interviewed using structured questionnaire and in-depth interview respectively. Logistics regression was done to assess for factors associated with PPIUCD uptake and thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.Results: The prevalence for PPIUCD use was 28.1% , women who had normal delivery were more likely to take up PPIUCD (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.623, 95%CI=2.017-6.507 compared to those who had cesarean section; women who received PPIUCD counselling during antenatal period were more likely to use PPIUCD ((AOR 2.072, 95%CI=1.018-4.218) as compared to those who didn’t receive any form of counselling ; mothers who received spouse approval were more likely to use PPIUCD (AOR 2.591,95%CI= 1.485-4.492);as compared to those who didn’t receive any spousal approval; women who had more than one child were more likely to use PPIUCD (AOR =2.265, 95%CI=1.472-3.163) as compared to prime gravida; Mothers with birth to pregnancy interval less than two years were more likely to use PPIUCD (AOR =2.123, CI =1.477-2.706) as compared to those who had birth to pregnancy interval more than 2 years. From the qualitative, health education of mothers and partners on PPIUCD, training of health care providers and availability of supplies to provide PPIUCD influenced use of PPIUCD.Conclusion: The acceptability to use for PPIUCD was high in this population. PPIUCD uptake was associated with normal birth, PPIUCD counselling, spousal approval, parity, birth interval, level of education. Health education of mothers and partners on PPIUCD, training of health providers and availability of supplies to provide PPIUCD influenced use PPIUCD.
A Survey of Self-Perceived Knowledge and Knowledge Gaps of Medicines Research and Development Among Finnish General Public
Authors: Minh Mirjami Tran , Tamminen Manu , Tamminen-Sirkiä Jenni , Majumder Muntasir Mamun , Tabassum Rubina , Lahti Tuuli 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: This study explored self-reported knowledge and willingness to learn more about medicines research, development and health technology assessment among Finnish general public. It also aimed to define possible knowledge gaps and needs for public education regarding medicines research, development as well as health technology assessment.This questionnaire was originally developed as a part of the Needs Assessment Work Package of the European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI) Project. The questionnaire was translated from English to Finnish and the survey was carried out in Finland in 2019.Methods: The survey was conducted as an online survey by Kantar TNS Gallup Forum online panel. The data was analyzed by using the freely available R program. Relationships between the demographic characteristics (such as age, gender and education level) of respondents and their knowledge or interest in medicines research and development were determined using Pearson’s chi-squared tests.Results: Of the 503 respondents (age 16-64) only 12% reported having good or very good knowledge of medicines research and development in general. Regarding health technology assessment, pharmacoeconomics and regulation, the percentage of respondents reporting good or very good knowledge was as low as 8%.Respondents were most interested in learning more about predictive and personalised medicine (47 %) and least interested in medicines regulation (30%) and pharmacoeconomics (31%). Those who had participated in a clinical trial had better knowledge and were significantly more interested in learning more about several aspects of medicines research, development and health technology assessment. Conclusions: Self-reported knowledge about medicines research and development and health technology assessment appears to be very low in Finland. Patient and public participation is recognized as an important and essential element in up-to-date medical research and assessment of new treatments. In order to participate as an active and equal partner in these processes, the public needs more information and education in these topics.Trial registrationNot applicable
Deciphering the archaeal communities in tree rhizosphere of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Chai Liwei , Huang Muke , Jia Weiqian , Guo Jiabao , Huang Yi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau represents one of the most important component of the terrestrial ecosystem and a particularly vulnerable region, which harbouring complex and diverse microbiota. The knowledge about their underground microorganisms have largely been studied, but the characteristics of rhizosphere microbiota, particularly archaeal communities remains unclear. Results: High-throughput Illumina sequencing was used to investigate the rhizosphere archaeal communities of two native alpine trees (Picea crassifolia and Populus szechuanica) living on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The archaeal community structure in rhizospheres significantly differed from that in bulk soil. Thaumarchaeota was the dominant archaeal phylum in all soils tested (92.46-98.01%), while its relative abundance in rhizospheres were significantly higher than that in bulk soil. Ammonium nitrogen, soil organic matter, available phosphorus and pH were significantly correlated with the archaeal community structure, and the deterministic processes dominated the assembly of archaeal communities across all soils. In addition, the network structures of the archaeal community in the rhizosphere were less complex than they were in the bulk soil, and an unclassified archaeal group (Unclassified_k_norank) was identified as the keystone species in all archaeal networks. Conclusions: Overall, the structure, assembly and co-occurrence patterns of archaeal communities are significantly affected by the presence of roots of alpine trees living on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. This study provides new insights into our understanding of archaeal communities in vulnerable ecosystems.
Knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes in Cotonou, Southern Benin
Authors: Alaofe Halimatou , Hounkpatin Waliou Amoussa , Djrolo Francois , Ehiri John , Rosales Cecilia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is becoming an epidemic with significant disability and premature death in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin. However, little is known about the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) necessary for diabetic patients to enhance therapeutic outcomes, and prevent and manage diabetes complications. The study aimed to assess patients’ KAP levels and identify the factors associated in Cotonou, southern Benin.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2019 among 300 diabetic patients from four health centers. Data was collected using validated questionnaires. Levels of KAP were determined by calculating the scores, and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore factors influencing KAP scores.
Results
About 53%, 52%, and 47% of all patients had good knowledge, attitude, and practice towards diabetes. In logistic regression, factors such as being female, married, educated, government/non-government employee, and longer duration of diabetes were significantly associated with good knowledge. Being married, having a longer duration of diabetes, and good knowledge were significantly associated with a good attitude while being educated, having a longer duration of diabetes, and good knowledge with good practice.
Conclusions
Lack of knowledge, poor attitude, and inadequate practice were found in this surveyed community, suggesting a need for structured educational programs to assist diabetic patients. However, education should be considered a priority for male, newly diagnosed, and uneducated patients.