bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification of loci associated with growth in rainbow trout
Authors: Ali Ali , Al-Tobasei Rafet , Lourenco Daniela , Leeds Tim , Kenney Brett , Salem Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background Growth is a major economic production trait in aquaculture. Improvements in growth performance will reduce time and cost for fish to reach market size. However, genes underlying growth have not been fully explored in rainbow trout. Results A previously developed 50K gene-transcribed SNP chip, containing ~21K SNPs showing allelic imbalances potentially associated with important aquaculture production traits including body weight, muscle yield, was used for genotyping a total of 789 fish with available phenotypic data for bodyweight gain. Genotyped fish were obtained from two consecutive generations produced in the NCCCWA growth-selection breeding program. Weighted single-step GBLUP (WssGBLUP) was used to perform a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with bodyweight gain. Using genomic sliding windows of 50 adjacent SNPs, 247 SNPs associated with bodyweight gain were identified. SNP-harboring genes were involved in cell growth, cell proliferation, cell cycle, lipid metabolism, proteolytic activities, chromatin modification, and developmental processes. Chromosome 14 harbored the highest number of SNPs (n = 50). An SNP window explaining the highest additive genetic variance for bodyweight gain (~6.4%) included a nonsynonymous SNP in a gene encoding inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase OCRL-1. Additionally, based on a single-marker GWA analysis, 33 SNPs were identified in association with bodyweight gain. The highest SNP explaining variation in bodyweight gain was identified in a gene coding for thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) (R 2 = 0.09). Conclusion The majority of SNP-harboring genes, including OCRL-1 and THBS1, were involved in developmental processes. Our results suggest that development-related genes are important determinants for growth and could be prioritized and used for genomic selection in breeding programs.
Dried blood spot versus venous blood sampling for phenylalanine and tyrosine
Authors: Vliet Kimber van , Ginkel Wiggert G. van , Dam Esther van , de Blaauw Pim , Koehorst Martijn , Kingma Hermi A. , Spronsen Francjan J. van , Heiner-Fokkema M. Rebecca 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: To investigate agreement between various dried blood spot (DBS) and venous blood sample measurements of phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations in Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Tyrosinemia type 1 (TT1) patients.STUDY DESIGN: Phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations were studied in 45 PKU/TT1 patients in plasma from venous blood in lithium heparin (LH) and EDTA tubes; venous blood from LH and EDTA tubes on a DBS card; venous blood directly on a DBS card; and capillary blood on a DBS card. Plasma was analyzed with an amino acid analyzer and DBS were analyzed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Agreement between different methods was assessed using Passing and Bablok fit and Bland Altman analyses. RESULTS: In general, phenylalanine concentrations in LH plasma were comparable to capillary DBS, whereas tyrosine concentrations were slightly higher in LH plasma (constant bias of 6.4 µmol/L). However, in the low phenylalanine range, most samples had higher phenylalanine concentrations in DBS compared to LH plasma. Remarkably, phenylalanine and tyrosine in EDTA plasma were higher compared to all other samples (slopes ranging from 7-12%). No differences were observed when comparing capillary DBS to other DBS.CONCLUSIONS: Overall agreement between plasma and DBS is good. However, bias is specimen- (LH vs EDTA), and possibly concentration- (low phenylalanine) dependent. Because of the overall good agreement, we recommend the use of a DBS-plasma correction factor for DBS measurement. Each laboratory should determine their own factor dependent on filter card type, extraction and calibration protocols taking the LH plasma values as gold standard.
Randomized controlled trial on the effect of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Real-Time Therapist Support Via a Video Conference for patients with chronic pain: A study protocol
Authors: Taguchi Kayoko , Numata Noriko , Kutsuzawa Kana , Yoshimura Kensuke , Shimizu Eiji 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic pain, which persists for at least 12 weeks, is a serious medical condition that not only causes numerous physical and mental conditions, but also affects a person's entire life. Previous studies concerning cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with chronic pain have shown low to intermediate effectiveness. This paper describes the study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of our newly developed Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Real-Time Therapist Support Via a Video Conference (vCBT) as an adjunct to usual care compared with only usual care for chronic pain. Methods: The RCT comprises two parallel groups (vCBT + usual care and usual care alone) of 20 participants each (n=40) who were diagnosed with chronic pain. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention over 16 weeks. The primary outcome is pain intensity, which will be assessed by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at week 16. Secondary outcomes are pain catastrophic perception and daily life impairment degree, each assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PADS). In addition, anxiety, depression, and quality of life will be assessed. All measures will be assessed at weeks 1 (baseline), 8 (middle), and 16 (post). Discussion: This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of Internet-based CBT with Real-Time Therapist Support Via a Video Conference for patients with chronic pain. The findings of this study will show a feasibility and safety of online CBT for chronic pain, valuable addition to the treatment options for these patients. And we expect that many therapists will be able to universally provide CBT of comparable quality in the treatment of chronic pain by using the CBT protocol which we have developed. Trial registration: UMIN000031124 ; Open public recruiting
Scaled-Up Nutrition Education on Pulse-Cereal Complementary Food in Ethiopia: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Teshome Getenesh Berhanu , Whiting Susan J. , Green Timothy J. , Mulualem Demelash , Henry Carol J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Improving children's weight status through nutrition education (NE) for mothers about using pulses in complementary feeding has been demonstrated in pilot studies, but no effect on stunting was reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 9-month pulse-nutrition education program on mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards pulses, as well as its impact on children's dietary diversity, and nutritional status. The NE was delivered by Health Extension Workers (HEWs). Methods A cluster randomized study was employed for the community-based interventional study. Twelve randomly selected villages in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia were included in the study. A total of 772 mother-child pairs involved in the study; where 386 mother-child pairs in the intervention group received additional messages about pulse-cereal complementary food, and 386 pairs (the control) received only routine health education for 9 months. A survey on mothers’ KAP and anthropometric measurements of the children were taken at baseline, midline, and endline. Results At baseline and endline, maternal KAP and the dietary diversity score of the children (mean age at endline 18.8 ± 2.9 mo) were assessed. Results : Intervention mothers’ KAP improved ( p <0.001) at midline and endline compared to that of the control group, as did frequency of pulse consumption and DDS among children. At 9 months, the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group ( p =0.001). Conclusions NE delivered by HEWs improved KAP of mothers regarding pulse consumption and dietary diversity of children led to improved nutritional status of the children. Training HEWs on the use of pulses for CF may be an effective way to improve the health of children in Ethiopian communities.
Neuronal Glutamate-Glutamine Homeostasis is Perturbed in a Patient-Derived iPSC Model of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Aldana Blanca Irene , Zhang Yu , Jensen Pia , Christensen Sofie Kjellerup , Nielsen Troels Tolstrup , Nielsen Jørgen , Hyttel Poul , Larsen Martin Røssel , Waagepetersen Helle , Freude Kristine Karla 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is amongst the most prevalent early onset dementias and even though it is clinically, pathologically and genetically heterogeneous, a crucial involvement of metabolic perturbations in FTD pathology is being recognized. However, changes in metabolism at the cellular level, implicated in FTD and in neurodegeneration in general, are still poorly understood. Here we generate induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from patients carrying mutations in CHMP2B (FTD3) and isogenic controls generated via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with subsequent neuronal differentiation and characterization. FTD3 neurons show a dysregulation of glutamate-glutamine related metabolic pathways mapped by 13 C-labelling coupled to mass spectrometry. Using quantitative proteomics and seahorse analyses, we elucidate molecular determinants and functional alterations of neuronal energy metabolism in FTD3. Importantly, correction of the mutations rescues such pathological phenotypes. Notably, these findings implicate dysregulation of key enzymes crucial for glutamate-glutamine homeostasis in FTD3 pathogenesis which may underlie vulnerability to neurodegeneration.
Coagulation tests or Standardized questionnaire, which is better as a predictor of bleeding? A prospective study among children before tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
Authors: Masalha Muhamed , DeRowe Ari , Mazzawi Salim , chen Tzvi , Ghanayim Rami , Landsberg Roee , Koren Ariel 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective: The value of pre-operative coagulation testing for adenotonsillar surgery is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of routine coagulation tests and a standardized questionnaire in children before tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Results: A total of 143 children were prospectively enrolled in the study between 2013 and 2017, 81 males (56.6%) and 62 females (43.4%), age range 1 to 18 years (median age 5 years). Eighteen bleeding events were documented, three of them required treatment in the operating room. Abnormal coagulation tests were not associated with higher odds of bleeding after surgery. Higher risk of bleeding (p=0.01) was associated with an abnormal standardized medical questionnaire.
Liver fibrosis assessments using FibroScan, Virtual-Touch tissue quantification, the FIB-4 index, and Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer levels compared with pathological findings of liver resection specimens in patients with hepatitis C infection
Authors: Ueda Naoyuki , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Aikata Hiroshi , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Yokozaki Michiya , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background and purpose: Viral infection promotes fibrosis through repeated regeneration of hepatocytes. Evaluation of fibrosis stage is important to monitor progression of liver disease and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While liver biopsy is the gold standard, the method is invasive and faces several limitations. The aim of this study was to determine correlations among METAVIR scores and Fibroscan, Virtual-Touch tissue quantification (VTQ), fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4 index), and Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) level to examine differences in reliability of non-invasive methods to evaluate fibrosis.Methods: We used liver resection specimens from patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Correlations were assessed between METAVIR scores and each test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and cut off values of the tests.Results: Among the four tests, VTQ had the best correlation with the METAVIR score, followed by FibroScan. In ROC curves, the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosis of fibrosis grade ≥F2 were as follows: 0.94 for FibroScan, 0.89 for VTQ, 0.85 for the FIB-4 index, and 0.77 for M2BPGi level. The respective values for diagnosis of grade ≥F3 were 0.85, 0.84, 0.74, and 0.73, and those for a diagnosis of F4 were 0.91, 0.88, 0.67, and 0.78.Conclusions: FibroScan and VTQ best reflected the results of hepatic fibrosis diagnosis using liver resection specimens among the four examination methods evaluated.
Ewing Sarcoma of the Jejunum: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Shadhu Kamleshsingh , Ramlagun Dadhija , Ping Xiaochun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Ewing sarcomas (ES) are highly aggressive malignancy and are predominant in the long bones of extremities of children and young adults with a slight male predilection and rarely presents at extra skeletal locations.Case Summary: A 55 year-old lady came to our hospital after finding out her elevated tumour biomarkers during her physical examination. Her enhanced CT scan showed a jejunal mass. The patient underwent laparoscopic enterectomy. The mass was later diagnosed as Ewing sarcoma, evidenced by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) whereby the GLP EWSR1 probe was used, showing that more than 10% of the cells showed a red-green-yellow signal proving the breakpoint rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene in chromosome 22.Conclusion: We described a case of localised ES at the jejunum, in China, based on literatures.
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and stem cell factor (SCF) maintained the stemness of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) during long-term expansion by preserving mitochondrial function via the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways
Authors: Cao Zeyuan , Xie Yunyi , Yu Le , Li Yi , Wang Yan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a limited self-renewal ability, impaired multi-differentiation potential, and undetermined cell senescence during in vitro series expansion. To address this concern, we investigated the effects of the microenvironment provided by stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in maintaining the stemness of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and identified the key factors and possible mechanisms responsible for maintaining the stemness of MSCs during long-term expansion in vitro.Methods: The passage 3 (P3) to passage 8 (P8) hBMSCs were cultured in the conditioned medium from SHED (SHED-CM). The percentage of senescent cells was evaluated by β-galactosidase staining. In addition, the osteogenic differentiation potential was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and stem cell factor (SCF) as key factors. Thus, the effects of HGF and SCF on mitochondrial function were assessed by measuring the ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential levels. Finally, selected mitochondrial-related proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways were investigated to determine the effects of HGF and SCF in preserving the mitochondrial function of hBMSCs during long-term expansion.Results: SHED-CM had significantly enhanced the cell viability, reduced the senescent cells, and maintained the osteogenesis and pro-angiogenic capacity in P8 hBMSCs during long-term expansion. In addition, hBMSCs treated with 100 ng/ml HGF and 10 ng/ml SCF had reduced ROS levels, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential compared with P8 hBMSCs during long-term expansion. Furthermore, HGF and SCF upregulated the expression of mitochondrial-related proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways, possibly contributing to the maintenance of hBMSCs stemness by preserving mitochondrial function.Conclusion: Both HGF and SCF are key factors in maintaining the stemness of hBMSCs by preserving mitochondrial function through the expression of proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways. This study provides new insights into the anti-senescence capability of HGF and SCF, as well as new evidence for their potential application in optimizing the long-term culture of MSCs.
Molecular detection and genetic characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in poultry in Myanmar
Authors: Yang Zhiyuan , Murata Shiro , Fujisawa Sotaro , Takehara Masaki , Katakura Ken , Hmoon Myint Myint , Win Shwe Yee , Bawm Saw , Konnai Satoru , Ohashi Kazuhiko 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, poultry farming is a major industry. Although it is known that infectious respiratory pathogens like infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) are the major threat to poultry farms, there are no data currently available on the epidemiology of ILTV in Myanmar. In this study, therefore, we conducted molecular detection of ILTV in 20 poultry farms in Myanmar. Results Of the 57 tested oropharyngeal swabs, 10 were positive for ITLV by PCR of a 647 bp region of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene, giving a prevalence of ITLV of 17.5% (10/57). Further sequencing analysis of infected cell protein 4 ( ICP4 ) gene and glycoprotein B, G, and J ( gB , gG , and gJ ) genes indicated that these isolates were field strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Myanmar strains clustered together in a single branch and were closely related to other reference strains isolated from Asian countries. Conclusions This study demonstrated the presence of ILTV in poultry farms in Myanmar. The genetic characterization analysis performed provides the fundamental data for epidemiological studies monitoring circulating strains of ILTV in Myanmar.
Intersectional equity in health care: Assessing complex inequalities in primary and secondary care utilization by gender and education in Northern Sweden
Authors: Nyamande Fortune N , Mosquera Paola A , Sebastián Miguel San , Gustafsson Per 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Knowledge remains scarce about inequities in health care utilization between groups defined, not only by single, but by multiple and intersecting social categories. This study aims to estimate intersectional horizontal inequities in health care utilization by gender and educational level in Northern Sweden, applying a novel methodological approach. Methods Data on participants (N=23587) aged 16-84 years from Northern Sweden came from the 2014 Health on Equal Terms cross sectional survey. Primary (general practitioner) and secondary (specialist doctor) health care utilization and health care needs indicators were self-reported, and sociodemographic information came from registers. Four intersectional categories representing high and low educated men, and high and low educated women, were created, to estimate intersectional (joint, referent, and excess) inequalities, and needs-adjusted horizontal inequities in utilization. Results Joint inequalities in primary care were large; 8.20 percentage points difference (95%CI: 6.40-9.99) higher utilization among low-educated women than high-educated men. Only the gender referent inequity remained after needs adjustment, with high- (but not low-) educated women utilizing care more frequently than high-educated men (3.66 percentage points difference (95%CI: 2.67-5.25)). In contrast, inequalities in specialist visits were dominated by referent educational inequalities, (5.69 percentage points difference (95%CI: 2.56−6.19), but with no significant horizontal inequity – by gender, education, or their combination – remaining after needs adjustment. Conclusion This study suggests a complex interaction of gender and educational inequities in access to care in Northern Sweden, with horizontal equity observable for secondary but not primary care. The study thereby illustrates the unique knowledge gained from an intersectional perspective to equity in health care.
Vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome in elderly Chinese individuals: evidence from CLHLS
Authors: Liu Ling , Cao Zhaojin , Lu Feng , Liu Yingchun , Lv Yuebin , Qu Yingli , Gu Heng , Li Chengcheng , Cai Jiayi , Ji Saisai , Li Yawei , Zhao Feng , Shi Xiaoming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives : Both low vitamin D status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are worldwide concerns, and low vitamin D levels are associated with MetS; however, related epidemiological evidence based on elderly Chinese individuals, especially those over 80 years of age, is limited. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and MetS in elderly Chinese individuals. Method: Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D3) was measured in a cross-sectional sample of 2493 elderly people aged 65-112 years from eight areas of China in which the density of centenarians is exceptionally high. MetS was diagnosed according to blood pressure, lipid, and blood sugar levels; waist circumference; and body mass index (BMI). Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between vitamin D and MetS based on different diagnostic criteria. Results: A total of 890 (35.7%) of the recruited elderly individuals had insufficient levels of vitamin D, and 1029 participants (41.3%) were vitamin D deficient. High serum vitamin D concentrations were associated with a low prevalence of MetS according to the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria for adequate versus deficient vitamin D levels (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88) and inadequate versus deficient vitamin D levels (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.92). Each 10 ng/ml increase in serum vitamin D was significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of MetS according to the modified ATP III criteria for people with normal waist circumference (WC) (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.43,0.71). However, no significant statistical correlation was found among elderly people with a high WC. Additionally, in the analysis of the individual components, the ORs of adequate versus deficient vitamin D levels were 0.46 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.71) for elevated triglycerides and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.97) for reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) after adjustment for other components. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is very common among elderly Chinese individuals. Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for MetS; however, the association was only statistically significant among elderly people with noncentral obesity. Further studies are needed to examine the causal direction of the association.