bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An atlas-based automatic brain segmentation method for regional SUV quantification in hybrid PET/MR
Authors: Ruan Weiwei , Sun Xun , Hu Xuehan , Liu Fang , Hu Fan , Guo Jinxia , Zhang Yongxue , Lan Xiaoli 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Quantitative analysis of brain positron-emission tomography (PET) depends on structural segmentation, which can be time-consuming and operator-dependent when performed manually. Previous automatic segmentation methods usually fitted subjects’ images onto an atlas template for group analysis, which changed the individuals’ images and affected regional PET segmentation. We proposed an automatic segmentation method, registering atlas template to subjects’ images (RATSI), which created an individual atlas template and may be more accurate for PET segmentation. We segmented two representative brain areas in twenty Parkinson disease (PD) and eight multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients performed in hybrid positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR). The segmentation accuracy was evaluated using the Dice coefficient (DC) and Hausdorff distance (HD). and the standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements of these two automatic segmentation methods were compared, using manual segmentation as a reference. Results The DC of RATSI increased and the HD decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the traditional method in PD, while the results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) found no significant differences in the SUVmean and SUVmax among the two automatic and the manual segmentation methods. Further, RATSI was used to compare regional differences in cerebral metabolism pattern between PD and MSA patients. The SUVmean in the segmented cerebellar gray matter for the MSA group was significantly lower compared with the PD group (P<0.05), which is consistent with previous reports.Conclusion The RATSI was more accurate for the caudate nucleus and putamen automatic segmentation, and can be used for regional PET analysis in hybrid PET/MR.
Transcriptome-based Selection and Validation of Optimal House-keeping Genes for Skin Research in Goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Zhang Jipan , Deng Chengchen , Li Jialu , Zhao Yong-Ju 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments, accurate and reliable target gene expression data is dependent on optimal amplification of house-keeping genes (HKGs). The RNA-seq technology offers a novel approach to detect new HKGs with improved stability. Goat (Capra hircus) is an economically important livestock species, and plays an indispensable role in the world animal fiber and meat industry. Unfortunately, uniform and reliable HKGs be used in skin research of goats have not been identified. Therefore, this study seeks to identify a set of stable HKGs for the skin tissue of C. hircus using the new high-throughput sequencing technology.Results: Based on the transcriptome dataset of 39 goat skin tissues, 8 genes (SRP68, NCBP3, RRAGA, EIF4H, CTBP2, PTPRA, CNBP, and EEF2) with relatively stable expression levels were identified and selected as new candidate HKGs. The classical HKGs including SDHA and YWHAZ from a previous study, and 2 conventional genes (ACTB and GAPDH) were also considered. Four different experimental materials: (1) different development stages, (2) hair follicle cycle stages, (3) breeds and (4) sampling sites were provided for determination and validation. Four algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt method) and a comprehensive algorithm (ComprFinder, developed in-house) were used to assess the stability of each HKG. It was observed that NCBP3+SDHA+PTPRA was more stably expressed than previously used genes, in all conditions analyzed. This combination was effective at normalizing target gene expression. Moreover, a new algorithm, ComprFinder, was developed and released for comprehensive analysis.Conclusion: This study presents the first data of candidate HKGs selection for skin tissues of C. hircus based on an RNA-seq dataset. We propose the use of the NCBP3+SDHA+PTPRA combination as the triplet HKGs in skin molecular biology in C. hircus and other closely related species in order to standardize analyses across studies. In addition, we also encourage researchers who are performing candidate HKG evaluations and have the needs of a comprehensive analysis to adopt our new algorithm, ComprFinder.
Pathways involved in pony body size development
Authors: fang jun , zhang yanru , zhang dong , cao junwei , zhang li , liu chunxia , xing yanping , wang feng , wang chao shi , ling yu , zhou huanmin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The mechanism of body growth in mammal s is poorly understood. Here, we report the regulat ory networks involv ed in body growth through analyzing transcriptomes of pituitary and epiphyseal tissues of Debao pon ies and Mongolian horse s at juvenile and adult stages . Results: We found that Growth hornome receptor ( GHR ) was expressed little in long bones though Growth hornome ( GH ) w as highly expressed in Debao pon ies compared with Mongolian horses. Moreover, m -RAS and ATF3 , involved in the GHR pathway , were found to be significant ly downreg ulated in juvenile pon ies , which slowed the proliferation of bone osteocytes. However, WNT2 and PLCβ2 were obviously upregulated in juvenile Debao ponies, which led to premature mineralization of bone extracellular matrix. Furthermore, we found that the WNT/Ca 2+ pathway may be responsible for the regulation of body growth . W e then demonstrated that GHR was lack ing in long bone s of Debao ponies using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Treatment with WNT antagonist 1 decrease d expression of the WNT pathway (P ≤ 0.05) in vitro. The transduction of ATDC5 cells with GHR-RNAi lentivirus decrease d expression of the GHR pathway (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, detection of plasma hormone concentration s showed that the pon ies had higher levels of IGF-1 as juvenile s and GH in adulthood than Mongolian horse s , indicating that the hormone regulation in Debao pon ies differ s from that in Mongolian horse s . Conclusion: Our work provides an insight into the genetic regulation for dwarf growth in mammals and a reference for therapeutic strategy for dwarfism.
Exploration of Couple's Experiences of Long-Term Marital Satisfaction: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Samadi Parisa , Salehi Kobra , Alipour Zahra , Kohan Shahnaz , Hashemi Maryam 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Marital satisfaction is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, widely explored in a multitude of disciplines. Repetition of certain positive behaviors can make a big difference in the success of continued married life, and that awareness of such behaviors seems to be critical to recognizing certain warnings. Therefore, further qualitative studies are required to improve the understanding of long-term marriage.Methods: This study was designed to explain the couples' experiences of long-term marital satisfaction and the associated factors. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenology method. The participants comprised 12 person (six couples) with a history of 20 to 30 years of married life expectancy and a marital satisfaction score of above 65. The data required were collected by purposeful sampling and semi-structured interviews, analyzed using Colaizzi method. By categorizing the codes, subcategory divisions, subcategories, and main categories were extracted.Results: An analysis of the experiences of the participants resulted in emergence of three main categories: “Strong Foundation For Living Together”, “Mutual Commitment To Protecting Marital Cohesion”, and " Striving To Improve Sexual Relations”.Conclusions: The results revealed that strong foundation for living together, mutual commitment to protecting marital cohesion and striving to improve sexual relations could help sustain long-term marriage and marital relationship.
Neonatal transitional support with intact umbilical cord in assisted vaginal deliveries: A quality-improvement cohort study
Authors: Sæther Elisabeth , Gülpen Friedrich Reinhart-Van , Jensen Christer André , Myklebust Tor Åge , Eriksen Beate Horsberg 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Deferring cord clamping has proven benefits for both term and preterm infants, and recent studies have demonstrated better cardio-respiratory stability if clamping is based on the infant’s physiology, and whether the infant has breathed. Nevertheless, current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation still recommend early cord clamping (ECC) for compromised babies, unless equipment and competent personnel to resuscitate the baby are available at the mother’s bedside. The objective of this quality improvement cohort study was to evaluate whether implementing a new delivery room protocol involving mobile resuscitation equipment (LifeStart™) reduced the prevalence of ECC in assisted vaginal deliveries.Methods: Data on cord clamping and transitional care were collected 8 months before and 8 months after implementing the new protocol. The Improvement Model was applied to identify drivers and obstacles to practice change. Statistical Process Control analysis was used to demonstrate signals of improvement, and whether these changes were sustainable. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of the new protocol on the primary outcome, adjusted for possible confounders.Results: Overall prevalence of ECC dropped from 13 to 1% (P < 0.01), with a 98% relative risk reduction for infants needing transitional support on a resuscitation table (adjusted OR 0.02, P < 0.001). Mean cord clamping time increased by 43% (p < 0.001). Although fewer infants were placed directly on mothers’ chest (n=43 [42%] vs n=69 [75.0 %], P < 0.001), there were no significant differences in needs for immediate transitional care or transfers to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A pattern of improvement was seen already before the intervention, especially after mandatory educational sessions and cross-professional simulation training.Conclusions: A new delivery-room protocol involving mobile resuscitation equipment successfully eliminated early cord clamping in assisted vaginal deliveries of term and near-term infants. A systematic approach, like the Improvement Model, seemed crucial for both achieving and sustaining the desired results.Trial registration: The study was approved as a service evaluation as defined by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (2018/1755/REK midt).
Delphi consensus on strategies in the management of opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients
Authors: Sarrió Regina Gironés , Calsina-Berna Agnès , García Adoración Gozalvo , Esparza-Miñana José Miguel , Ferrer Esther Falcó , Porta-Sales Josep 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a frequent and bothersome adverse event related with opioid therapy in cancer patients. Despite the high prevalence, medical management of OIC is often uncertain. The current project aimed to investigate expert opinion on OIC management and provide practical recommendations to improve the clinical approach of OIC in cancer patient.Methods : A modified Delphi method was conducted involving 46 multidisciplinary OIC expert panelists. Using a structured questionnaire of 67 items, this project intended to seek consensus on aspects related to diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of cancer patients suffering with OIC.Results : After two rounds, a consensus was reached in 91% of the items proposed, all in agreement. Agreement was obtained on OIC definition (95.7%). Objective and patient-reported outcomes included in that definition should be assessed routinely in clinical practice. Responsive-to-symptom-changes and easy-to-use assessment tools were recommended (87.2%). Successful diagnosis of OIC requires an increase in clinicians’ awareness of OIC and proactivity to discuss symptoms with their patients (100%). Successful management of OIC requires individualization of the treatment (100%), regular reevaluation once it is established, and its maintenance for the duration of opioid treatment (91.5%). Consensus on treatment algorithm was not reached. Oral PAMORAs were considered good alternatives for the treatment of OIC in cancer patients (97.9%). This drugs and laxatives can be co-prescribed if OIC coexists with functional constipation.Conclusions : The panelists, based on their expert clinical practice, presented a set of recommendations for the management of OIC in cancer patients.
Comparison of early results of Vesselplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture
Authors: mei jun , Wu Dou , Song Xu Xiao , Liu Qiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective To investigate the early clinical effect of vesselplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of elderly patients osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 22 patients (10 males and 12 females, aged 60~85 years old （73.1±9.6）with osteoporosis fracture treated by vesselplasty in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from March 2017 to December 2018..During the same period, 56 patients (20 males and 36 females, aged 60-80 years (70.3±9.4) were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporosis fractures.Preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Score (VAS), operative time, intraoperative bone cement leakage, preoperative and postoperative vertebral body anterior margin height were recorded to evaluate the clinical efficacy.ResultsIn the vesselplasty group, preoperative VAS score was 7.9±0.9, postoperative VAS score was 3.8±0.8, postoperative recovery rate of vertebral height was 19.9%±19.1%, operative time (33.6±6.2)min, and bone cement leakage was observed in 3 cases.In the PVP group,preoperative VAS score was 7.9±0.9, postoperative VAS score was 3.7±0.8, postoperative recovery rate of vertebral height was 18.8%±18.2%, operative time (35.8±6.6)min, and bone cement leakage was observed in 15 cases.Compared with the PVP group（26.8%, the bone cement leakage rate of the vesselplasty group （13.6%）was significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant, but there was no significant difference in other data. ConclusionBoth vesselplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty can achieve satisfactory early clinical efficacy in the treatment of senile osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures. Bone cement leakage rate of vesselplasty is smaller and it is safer.
Baroreflex Sensitivity with Different Lags for the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Subjects with Diabetes
Authors: Petry Daiana , Marques Claudia Mirian de Godoy , Marques Jefferson Luiz Brum 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Impaired Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) may indicate cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), which often remains undiagnosed during the initial course of diabetes mellitus. The baroreflex mechanism can be considered negative feedback because of baroreflex delay, the time delay between a change in blood pressure, and the counteracting heart rate response. This work sought to analyze BRS through the sequence method, but establishing delays in checking the RR interval, from 1 to 10 RR intervals lag after systolic blood pressure change. We hypothesized that diabetic patients with subclinical CAN would have a detectable delay in autonomic nervous system activity and that it would differ from other patients. Results: The study included 30 subjects with diabetes mellitus. Eleven patients had established CAN (mean ± SD age 37 ± 8 years), 9 patients had subclinical CAN (age 35 ± 10 years), and 10 patients did not have CAN (age 35 ± 6 years). Indexes related to the delay in response of the BRS were proposed and obtained. The three variables that showed potential to separate patients with and without CAN were highest BRS index, BRS with the largest number of sequences, and lag of the largest number of sequences. Several variables were observed to distinguish between individuals with subclinical and established CAN, including the number of sequences of the highest BRS, lag of the highest BRS, and the highest number of sequences. Conclusions: Thus, analysis of BRS and the reaction delay in the heart rate variability signal may contribute to the detection of CAN in its asymptomatic stage.
HRCT Features of COVID-19 Patients Admitted out of Wuhan: Comparison against Common Pneumonia
Authors: Diao Kai-yue , Han Pei-lun , Pang Tong , Huang Shan , Deng Yu-ping , Chu Zhi-gang , You Xing-pan , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi-gang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Chest CT is working as a first-line imaging modality for diagnosing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Whether the CT findings could differentiate between the COVID-19 admitted out of Wuhan and common pneumonia has not been investigated. This study aimed to compare the chest CT features of patients with COVID-19 admitted out of Wuhan, as against the patients with common pneumonia. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 37 individuals with COVID-19 from six medical centers out of Wuhan from January 17 th to February 26 th . Another group of 41 patients with acute pneumonia collected from the same timeframe in 2019 were enrolled as the control group. All the patients had high-resolution chest CT (HRCT) scans. Clinical variables were recorded including exposure history, clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. For each HRCT, pulmonary lesions including ground-glass opacification (GGO), consolidation, and evidence of fibrosis were recorded. The Student’s t test or Wilcoxon’s test was used for comparison between COVID-19 and common pneumonia. Spearman correlation was used to evaluate correlations between the pneumonia findings on CT and clinical variables. Results: A total of 37 patients (M/F:19/18; 43.73±16.71 years) in COVID-19 group and 41(M/F:13/28; 49.77±15.00 years) in common pneumonia group were evaluated. Patients with COVID-19 demonstrated a typical pattern of bilateral, multi-lobal GGO, sometimes with consolidation and fibrosis, but a mild degree of pneumonia findings than the control group ( P = 0.0024). 23/37 (62.16%) patients with COVID-19 had a preferable subpleural distribution, while the patients with common pneumonia had higher frequency of peribronchovascular pattern (16/41, 39.02%, P =0.0046). The duration between the illness onset and CT were significantly correlated with the severity scores in both groups. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 admitted out of Wuhan demonstrated a milder pulmonary change and a preferable subpleural pattern on HRCT when comparing with the patients with common pneumonia.
Association of ESR1 polymorphism rs2234693 and rs9340799 with Postmenopausal osteoporosis in a Chinese Population
Authors: Shu Jin , Li Jun Ling , Fu Yujuan , Hui Xuelian , Jin Yani , Chen Mengjie , Zheng Xin , Shi Yaowu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is the most common type of primary osteoporosis. ESR1 polymorphism rs2234693 and rs9340799 has been widely studied as a candidate gene associated with PMO, however, the findings were inconclusive. The present study aims to explore the relationship of ESR1 polymorphism rs2234693 and rs9340799 with PMO risk in a Chinese Han population. Methods A total of 230 unrelated PMO patients and 150 control were recruited. DNA of all participants was extracted from the peripheral blood samples and genotyped by Mass Array method. A meta-analysis of case control studies was also conducted to further elucidate the relationship of polymorphism with PMO. Results Our results revealed that there were no associations of the rs2234693 with PMO. However,GG genotype of rs9340799 was associated with a higher risk of PMO (OR=1.51, 95%CI:1.08-4.34, p=0.03), even adjusting for risk factors (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.12-5.04, p=0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed the dominant model was associated with a higher risk of PMO (OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.02-5.16, p=0.02) after correcting the risk factors (OR=2.14, 95%CI:1.12-5.64, p=0.04); In addition, the Meta-analysis results revealed that both two polymorphisms were not associated with PMO. Conclusion In conclusion,ESR1 polymorphism rs9340799 was associated with PMO, However, well designed study with larger sample sizes, is required to further elucidate these association.
Lumbar plain radiograph is not reliable to identify lumbosacral transitional vertebra types according to Castellvi Classification principle
Authors: Hou Lisheng , Bai Xuedong , Li Haifeng , Gao Tianjun , Li Wei , Wen Tianyong , He Qing , Ruan Dike , Shi Lijing , Bing Wei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The anteroposterior view of lumbar plain radiograph (AP-LPR) was chosen as the original and first radiographic tool to determine and classify lumbosacral transitional vertebra with morphological abnormality (MA-LSTV) according to Castellvi Classification. However, recent studies found that AP-LPR might not sufficient to detect or classify MA-LSTV correctly. The present study aims to verify the reliability of AP-LPR on detecting and classifying MA-LSTV types, taking coronal reconstructed CT images (CT-CRIs) as gold criteria. Methods : Patients with suspected MA-LSTVs determined by AP-LPR were initially enrolled. Among them, those who received CT-CRIs were formally enrolled to verify the sensitivity of AP-LPR on detecting and classifying MA-LSTV types according to Castellvi classification principle. Results : 298 cases were initially enrolled as suspected MA-LSTV ones, among whom 91 cases who received CT-CRIs were enrolled into the final study group. All suspected MA-LSTVs were verified to be real MA-LSTV ones by CT-CRIs. However, 35.2% of the suspected MA-LSTVs types judged by AP –LPR were not consistent with final types judged by CT-CRIs. Two suspected type IIIa and 20 suspected IIIb ones were verified to be true, while 9 of 39 suspected IIa, 9 and 3 of 17 suspected IIb , and 11 of 13 suspected IV ones were verified to be real type IIIa, IIIb, IV and IIIb ones by CT-CRIs, respectively. Incomplete joint-like structure (JLS) or bony union structure (BUS), and remnants of sclerotic band (RSB) between the transverse process (TP) and sacrum were considered to be the main reasons for misclassification. Conclusion : Although AP-LPR could detect MA-LSTV correctly, it could not give accurate type classification. CT-CRIs could provide detailed information between the TP and sacrum area, and could be taken as gold standard to detect and classify MA-LSTV.