bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bivalves are NO Different: Nitric Oxide as Negative Regulator of Metamorphosis in the Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea Gigas.
Authors: Vogeler Susanne , Carboni Stefano , Li Xiaoxu , Nevejan Nancy , Monaghan Sean J , Ireland Jacqueline H , Joyce Alyssa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Nitric oxide (NO) is a presumed regulator of metamorphosis in many invertebrate species, and although NO pathways have been comparatively well-investigated in gastropods, annelids and crustaceans, there has been very limited research on the effects of NO on metamorphosis in bivalve shellfish.Results In this paper, we investigate the effects of NO pathway inhibitors and NO donors on metamorphosis induction in larvae of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, demonstrating that the nitric oxides synthase (NOS) inhibitors s-methylisothiourea hemisulfate salt (SMIS), aminoguanidine hemisulfate salt (AGH) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) induce metamorphosis in a concentration-dependent manner ranging from 75%, 76–83% respectively. Additional induction resulted from exposures to 1H-[1, 2, 4]Oxadiazole[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, with which NO interacts to catalyse the synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Conversely, high concentrations of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside dihydrate in combination with metamorphosis inducers epinephrine, MK-801 or SMIS, significantly decreased metamorphosis. Expression of CgNOS also decreased in larvae after metamorphosis regardless of the inducers used, but intensified again post-metamorphosis in spat. Fluorescent detection of NO in competent larvae with DAF-FM diacetate and localisation of the oyster nitric oxide synthase CgNOS expression by in-situ hybridisation showed that NO occurs primarily in two key larval structures, the velum and foot. cGMP was also detected in the foot using immunofluorescent assays, and is potentially involved in the foot’s smooth muscle relaxation.Conclusion Together, these results suggest that NO is a negative regulator of metamorphosis in Pacific oyster larvae, and that NO reduction induces metamorphosis by inhibiting swimming or crawling behaviour, in conjunction with a cascade of additional neuroendocrine downstream responses.
Optimization of Extraction Yield and Phytochemical Characterization of Crude Methanolic Extract and Its Fractions of Mitragyna Speciosa Leaves
Authors: Razak Nur Haziqah Zakirat Abd , zakaria fazila binti , Rahman Mohd Basyaruddin bin Abdul , Ashari Siti Efliza 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this study, Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the yield of crude methanolic extract of Mitragyna speciosa leaves using Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The crude methanolic extract and its fractions were quantified in terms of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content, along with characterized using Fourier-transform infrared and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed the maximum yield of 49.72% at the optimal conditions (temperature, 34 °C; time, 25 min; and volume of solvent, 166 mL). The recovery crude methanolic extract for TPC and TFC were 137.3 ± 15.7 mg GAE/g and 90.3 ± 15.3 mg RE/g, respectively.
Genetic Basis of Tiller Dynamics of Rice Revealed by Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Zhao Shuyu , Jang Su , Lee Yoon Kyung , Kim Dong-Gwan , Jin Zhengxun , Koh Hee-Jong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background: Tiller number is the key determinant of rice plant architecture and panicle number and consequently controls grain yield. Thus, it is necessary to optimize the tiller number to achieve the maximum yield in rice. However, comprehensive analyses of the genetic basis of tiller number, considering the development stage, tiller type, and related traits, are lacking.Results: We sequenced 219 Korean rice accessions and constructed a high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset. The tiller number at different development stages and heading traits involved in phase transitions were evaluated. By a genome-wide association study (GWAS), we detected 20 significant association signals for all traits. Five signals were detected in genomic regions near known candidate genes. Most of the candidate genes were involved in the phase transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. In particular, HD1 was simultaneously associated with the productive tiller ratio and heading date, indicating that the photoperiodic heading gene directly controls the productive tiller ratio. Multiple linear regression models of lead SNPs showed coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.49, 0.22, and 0.41 for the tiller number at the maximum tillering stage, productive tiller number, and productive tiller ratio, respectively. Furthermore, the model was validated using independent japonica rice collections, implying that the lead SNPs included in the linear regression model were generally applicable to tiller number prediction.Conclusions: We revealed the genetic basis of tiller number in rice plants during growth by a GWAS and formulated a prediction model by linear regression. Our results improve our understanding of tillering in rice plants and provide a basis for breeding high-yield rice varieties with the optimum tiller number.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CLC gene family in pomegranate (Punica granatum) reveals its role in salt resistance
Authors: Liu Cuiyu , Zhao Yujie , Zhao Xueqing , Dong Jianmei , Yuan Zhaohe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundsPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important commercial fruit tree, with moderate tolerance to salinity. The balance of Cl− and other anions in pomegranate tissues are affected by salinity, however, the accumulation patterns of anions are poorly understood. The chloride channel (CLC) gene family is involved in conducting Cl−, NO3−, HCO3− and I−, but its characteristics have not been reported on pomegranate.ResultsIn this study, we identified seven PgCLC genes, consisting of four antiporters and three channels, based on the presence of the gating glutamate (E) and the proton glutamate (E). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven PgCLCs were divided into two clades, with clade I containing the typical conserved regions GxGIPE (I), GKxGPxxH (II) and PxxGxLF (III), whereas clade II not. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that PgCLC-B had a P [proline, Pro] residue in region I, which is suspected to be a NO3–/H+ exchanger, while PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2, PgCLC-D and PgCLC-G contained a S [serine, Ser] residue, with a high affinity to Cl−. We were determined the content of Cl−, NO3−, H2PO4−, and SO42− in pomegranate tissues after 18 days of salt treatments (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl). Compared with control, the Cl− content increased sharply in tissues and was ranked as leaf > stem > root. The uptake of NO3− and SO42− was inhibited by high salinity, while that of H2PO4− increased. The results of real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that PgCLC genes had tissue-specific expression patterns. The high expression levels of PgCLC-C1, PgCLC-C2 and PgCLC-D in leaves suggested they played roles in sequestrating Cl− into the vacuoles. However, the low expression levels of PgCLCs in roots might be contributed to the exclusion of Cl− from root cells. Also, the non-significantly changed concentration of NO3− in leaves and the up-regulated PgCLC-B indicated an acceleration of transporting NO3− into leaves to mitigate the nitrogen deficiency.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that PgCLC genes played important roles in balance of Cl− and NO3− in pomegranate tissues under salt stress. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for the further functional characterization of CLC genes in pomegranate.
The Costs of Delivering Emergency Care at Regional Referral Hospitals in Uganda: A Micro-Costing Study
Authors: Werner Kalin , Lin Tracy Kuo , Risko Nicholas , Osiro Martha , Kalanzi Joseph , Wallis Lee A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDUganda experiences a high morbidity and mortality burden due to conditions amenable to emergency care, yet few public hospitals have dedicated emergency units. As a result, little is known about the costs and effects of delivering lifesaving emergency care, hindering health systems planning, budgeting and prioritization exercises. To determine healthcare costs of emergency care services at public facilities in Uganda, we estimate the median cost of care for five sentinel conditions and 13 interventions.METHODSA direct, activity-based costing was carried out at five regional referral hospitals over a four-week period from September to October 2019. Hospital costs were determined using bottom up micro-costing methodology from a provider perspective. Resource use was enumerated via observation and unit costs were derived from National Medical Stores lists. Cost per condition per patient and measures of central tendency for conditions and interventions were calculated. Kruskal-Wallis H-tests and Nemyeni post-hoc tests were conducted to determine significant differences between costs of the conditions.RESULTS872 patient cases were captured with an overall median cost of care of $15.17 USD ($14.08 to $18.85). The median cost per condition was highest for post-partum haemorrhage at $16.87 ($14.66 to $20.99), followed by road traffic injuries at $15.59 ($14.15 to $19.93), asthma at $15.53 ($14.39 to $18.87), pneumonia at $15.18 ($14.28 to $19.72), and paediatric diarrhoea at $14.25 ($13.38 to $15.20). The median cost per intervention was highest for fracture reduction and splinting at $27.41 ($21.63 to $31.14). Cost values differ between sentinel conditions (p <0.05) with treatments for paediatric diarrhoea having the lowest median cost of all conditions (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONThis study is the first to describe the direct costs of EC in hospitals in Uganda by observing the delivery of clinical services, using robust activity-based costing and time motion methodology. We find that emergency care interventions for key drivers of morbidity and mortality can be delivered at considerably lower costs than many priority health interventions. Further research assessing acute care delivery would be useful in planning wider health care delivery systems development.
Exploring general practitioners’ perceptions about the primary care gatekeeper role in Indonesia
Authors: Mulyanto Joko , Wibowo Yudhi , Kringos Dionne S. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background In the current healthcare delivery system funded by National Health Insurance (NHI) in Indonesia, the gatekeeper role of primary care services is critical to ensuring equal healthcare access for the population. To be effective, gatekeeping relies on the performance of general practitioners (GPs). However, the perceptions held by Indonesian GPs about their gatekeeper role are not yet well documented. This study describes the self-perceived knowledge, attitudes and performance of Indonesian GPs with respect to the gatekeeper role and explores associated factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of all primary care facilities (N = 75) contracted by the regional NHI office in the Banyumas district. The 73 participating GPs completed a written questionnaire that assessed their knowledge, attitudes and performance in relation to the gatekeeper role. Personal and facility characteristics were analysed in a generalised linear model as possible associating factors.Results GPs scored relatively high in the domains of knowledge and performance but scored lower in their attitudes towards the gatekeeper role of primary care. In the full-adjusted model, no factors were significantly associated with the knowledge score. Work experience as GPs, private or civil service employment status and rural or urban location of the primary care facility were linked to attitude scores. Full- or part-time employment and type of facility were factors associated with the performance score. Conclusion GPs in Indonesia are knowledgeable and report that they adequately perform their function as gatekeepers in primary care. However, their attitudes towards the gatekeeper function are less positive. Attitudes and performance with respect to the primary care gatekeeper role are likely influenced more by contextual factors such as location and type of facility than by personal factors. Efforts to address contextual issues could include improvements in practice standards for privately practising physicians and public information campaigns about gatekeeping regulations. Such efforts will be crucial to improving the gatekeeper role of primary care in Indonesia and assuring efficient access to high-quality care for all.
Effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-supplemented parenteral nutrition on postoperative complications for patients with Crohn’s disease: a cohort study
Authors: Wu Yan , Liu Huaying , Qi Weilin , Liu Wei , Tang Shasha , Ye Lingna , Cao Qian , Ge Xiaolong , Zhou Wei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Most patients with Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory disease, need surgery but exhibit elevated postoperative complication incidences. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered beneficial for nutrition, anti-inflammation, immunity and intestinal microflora balance in humans. This study assessed the effects of ω-3 PUFA-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) on postoperative complications in CD.Methods: Overall, 186 CD patients undergoing bowel resection were eligible. Patient data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. After surgery, 103 patients received ω-3 PUFA-supplemented PN; 83 did not. Postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Complication risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: Patients with ω-3 PUFA-supplemented PN after surgery had lower C-reactive protein levels (57.2±5.3 mg/L vs 43.5±3.9 mg/L, P=0.047) and shorter postoperative hospital stays (12.1±1.1 days vs 9.3±0.6 days, P=0.041) than those without. The ω-3 PUFA group exhibited significantly reduced incidences of overall complications (40.8% vs 24.1%, P=0.016) and major complications (23.3% vs 9.6%, P=0.014). Postoperative complications were associated with infliximab, ω-3 PUFAs, C-reactive protein, operative time, and laparoscopic surgery. Multivariate regression revealed that preoperative infliximab use and postoperative ω-3 PUFA-supplemented PN were independent risk factors in CD. Conclusions: ω-3 PUFA-supplemented PN reduced post-surgery inflammatory response in CD patients, thus decreasing postoperative complications and accelerating recovery.Trial registration: This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier was NCT03901937. The date of registration was 03/04/2019.
Discriminative Validity of the Lower and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test Performance in Healthy Youth
Authors: Schwiertz Gerrit , Beurskens Rainer , Muehlbauer Thomas 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The Lower (YBT-LQ) and Upper (YBT-UQ) Quarter Y Balance Test have been widely used for the assessment of dynamic balance and shoulder mobility/stability, respectively. However, investigations on the validity of the two tests in youth are lacking. Therefore, we performed two studies to determine discriminative validity of the YBT-LQ (study 1) and the YBT-UQ (study 2) in healthy youth.Methods: Sixty-nine male soccer players (age: 14.4 ± 1.9 yrs) and 69 age-matched untrained male subjects (14.3 ± 1.6 yrs) participated in study 1 and 37 young swimmers (age: 12.3 ± 2.1 yrs) as well as 37 age-/sex-matched individuals (age: 12.5 ± 2.0 yrs) took part in study 2. Normalized maximal reach distances per reach direction and the composite score of the YBT-LQ/UQ were used as outcome measures. One-way analysis of variance and the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis (i.e., calculating the area under the curve [AUC]) were conducted to assess discriminative validity.Results: Youth athletes showed significantly better YBT-LQ (study 1: p < 0.001, d = 0.86-1.21) and YBT-UQ (study 2: p < 0.001, d = 0.88-1.48) test performances compared to age- and sex-matched untrained subjects. Further, AUC-values indicated a chance of ≥74% (YBT-LQ) and ≥71% (YBT-UQ) to discriminate between youth athletes and controls.Conclusions: In healthy youth, the YBT-LQ and the YBT-UQ seem to be valid test instruments for the discriminative assessment of dynamic balance and shoulder mobility/stability, respectively.
Health Education Services Utilization and Its Determinants Among Migrants : a Cross-sectional Study in Urban-rural Connection Districts of Beijing, China
Authors: Shao Shuang , Zhang Huirong , Chen Xiaolei , Xu xiaojingyuan , Zhao Yali , Wang Meirong , Du Juan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Domestic migration poses a challenge for China as migrants have little access to preventive healthcare services and are vulnerable to certain risks and diseases. This research sought to unveil and explore the determinant factors associated with health education utilization as a key aspect in basic public health services for migrants in Beijing, China.Methods: A sample of 863 inter-provincial migrants, 18 years old and above, was selected by three-stage stratified cluster sampling method in urban-rural fringe areas of Beijing during 2016 to 2017. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted in the questionnaire survey. The effects of the explanatory variables on health education utilization from predisposing, enabling, health behaviors and need variables were used to demonstrate by Anderson health service utilization model. Results: The study revealed that 61.6% migrants desired to receive health education, while only 53.8% of them received in the past year. There were differences in the utilization and needs of health education among the migrants in different ages and genders. Many migrants desired to gain access to various types of health education information from the internet. Chi-square independence test lists such major determinant factors in migrants whole health education as age, "Hukou" registration system, marital status, education level, long-term residence plan in Beijing, 1 or more children in Beijing, employment status, housing source, average daily working time, exercises, health knowledge, smoking, self-rated health. The binary logistic regression indicates that the migrants with younger age, high education level, one or more children in Beijing, exercises and good self-rated health were more likely to receive whole health education. The results also show that average daily working time of enabling variables and exercise of health behavior variables were the strong and consistent determinants of three types of health education utilization, including communicable, non-communicable and occupational diseases.Conclusion: Gaps exist between the needs and utilization in health education and more attention should be given to the migrants with heavy workload and low education level. Feasible policies and measures, such as multiple health information channels, should be vigorously implemented to ensure equitable and easy access to health education for migrants.
Characteristics of the Completed Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Xanthium Spinosum: Comparative Analyses, Identification of Mutational Hotspots and Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: Raman Gurusamy , Park KyuTae , Kim Joo Hwan , Park SeonJoo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The invasive alien species, Xanthium spinosum has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for many years. Unfortunately, there are no extensive molecular studies for this plant. Results: Here, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of X. spinosum was assembled and analyzed. The cp genome of X. spinosum was 152,422 bp and possessed quadripartite circular structure. The cp genome contained 115 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. Comparative analysis revealed that X. spinosum encoded a higher number of repeats (999 repeats) and 701 SSRs in their cp genome. Also, fourteen divergences (Pi > 0.03) were found in the intergenic regions. The accD gene underwent positive selection within Heliantheae, which contributes to further investigation of the adaptive plant evolution in the ecosystem. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that Parthenium is a sister clade to both Xanthium and Ambrosia and it is an early-diverging lineage of subtribe Ambrosiinae though it supports with very weak bootstrap value. Conclusion: The identified hotspot regions were thought to be useful molecular markers for resolving phylogenetic relationships and species validation of Xanthium.
Differences in Standing and Sitting Spinopelvic Sagittal Alignment for Patients with Posterior Lumbar Fusion: Important Considerations for the Changes of Unfused Adjacent Segments Lordosis
Authors: Sun Zhuoran , Zhou Siyu , Wang Wei , Zou Da , Li Weishi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to describe the changes in spinopelvic sagittal alignment in the sitting position after posterior lumbar fusion, and to identify the factors influencing unfused adjacent segment lordosis.Methods: Consecutive patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion between December 2010 and April 2012 were recruited. Lateral full spine radiographs were obtained in the standing, erect sitting, and natural sitting positions. Spinopelvic parameters were measured preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: The data of 63 patients were analyzed in this study. The average age was 61.6±11.0 years. When changing from standing to sitting at the final follow-up, all spinopelvic sagittal parameters with the exceptions of pelvic incidence and thoracic kyphosis were significantly altered. The most noticeable changes occurred in the natural sitting position, with the spine slumped toward achieving a C-shaped sagittal profile. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that when changing to a natural sitting position, age and fusion levels reflected the changes in lumbar lordosis (ΔLL), age and lumbosacral fusion reflected the changes in upper residual lordosis (ΔURL). Conclusion: The most noticeable changes in spinopelvic sagittal alignment occurred in the natural sitting position after lumbar fusion. Age, fusion levels, and lumbosacral fusion significantly influenced the differences in LL and URL between the standing and natural sitting position. These characteristics should be fully considered when planning spinal realignment surgery and investigating the etiological factors of junctional complications.