bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Candidate Genes Underlying a Stably Expressed QTL for Low Temperature Germinability in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Yang Tifeng , Zhou Lian , Zhao Junliang , Dong Jingfang , Liu Qing , Fu Hua , Mao Xingxue , Yang Wu , Ma Yamei , Chen Luo , Wang Jian , Bai Song , Zhang Shaohong , Liu Bin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Direct seeding is an efficient cultivation technique in rice. However, poor low temperature germinability (LTG) of modern rice cultivars limits its application. Identifying the genes associated with LTG and performing molecular breeding is the fundamental way to address this issue. However, few LTG QTLs have been fine mapped and cloned so far.

Results
In the present study, the LTG evaluation of 375 rice accessions selected from the Rice Diversity Panel 2 showed that there were large LTG variations within the population, and the LTG of Indica group was significantly higher than that of Japonica and Aus groups (p < 0.01). In total, eleven QTLs for LTG were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS). Among them, qLTG_sRDP2–3/qLTG_JAP-3, qLTG_AUS-3 and qLTG_sRDP2–12 are first reported in the present study. The QTL on chromosome 10, qLTG_sRDP2–10a had the largest contribution to LTG variations in 375 rice accessions, and was further validated using single segment substitution line (SSSL). The presence of qLTG_sRDP2–10a could result in 59.8% increase in LTG under 15 °C low temperature. The expression analysis of the genes within qLTG_sRDP2–10a region indicated that LOC_Os10g22520 and LOC_Os10g22484 exhibited differential expression between the high and low LTG lines. Further sequence comparisons revealed that there were insertion and deletion sequence differences in the promoter and intron region of LOC_Os10g22520, and an about 6 kb variation at the 3′ end of LOC_Os10g22484 between the high and low LTG lines, suggesting that the sequence variations of the two genes could be the cause for their differential expression in high and low LTG lines.

Conclusion
Among the 11 QTLs identified in this study, qLTG_sRDP2–10a could also be detected in other three studies using different germplasm under different cold environments. Its large effect and stable expression make qLTG_sRDP2–10a particularly valuable in rice breeding. The two genes, LOC_Os10g22484 and LOC_Os10g22520, were considered as the candidate genes underlying qLTG_sRDP2–10a. Our results suggest that integrating GWAS and SSSL can facilitate identification of QTL for complex traits in rice. The identification of qLTG_sRDP2–10a and its candidate genes provide a promising source for gene cloning of LTG and molecular breeding for LTG in rice.
Effect of rTMS on Parkinson’s cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yi , Guo Zhiwei , McClure Morgan A. , He Lin , Mu Qiwen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the effects and optimal parameters of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on cognition function of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to estimate which cognitive function may obtain more benefits from rTMS.

Method
The articles dealing with rTMS on cognitive function of PD patients were retrieved from the databases until April 2019. Outcomes of global cognitive function and different cognitive domains were extracted. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of cognitive outcome for different parameters, scales, and cognitive functions were estimated.

Results
Fourteen studies involving 173 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. A significant effect size was observed with the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) for the global cognitive outcome based on the evidence of four published articles. Further subtests for different cognitive domains demonstrated prominent effect for the executive function. The significant effect sizes for executive function were found with multiple sessions of high-frequency rTMS over frontal cortex; especially over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). All of the other cognitive domains, which included memory, attention, and language ability, did not obtain significant effects.

Conclusions
Multiple sessions of high-frequency rTMS over the DLPFC may have positive effect on executive function in PD patients. Further well designed studies with large sample sizes are needed to verify our results and ascertain the long-term effects of rTMS.
Pilot study of ziv-aflibercept in myopic choroidal neovascularisation patients
Authors: Nawar Amin E. , Shafik Heba M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the most common sight-threatening complication associated with high myopia. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept in patients with myopic CNV.

Methods
This prospective interventional study was conducted on 20 eyes of 20 patients with active myopic CNV. Twelve patients were 40 years or older. This study was performed in the Ophthalmology Department of Tanta University Eye Hospital, Tanta University, Egypt. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed for all patients at baseline and monthly after injection during the 6-month follow up period. The main outcome measures were changes in BCVA and CMT. The exploratory outcome measures were CNV size, IOP and the number of injections needed in each age group during the study period.

Results
Patients with myopic CNV younger than 40 years needed fewer injections (2.00 ± 0.76) than patients older than 40 years (2.50 ± 1.00), with no statistical significance detected between the two groups (p-value 0.246). CNV was smaller in the younger age group (p-value 0.209), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly in the younger and older age groups (p-values 0.001 and 0.028, respectively), and central macular thickness (CMT) decreased significantly after 6 months, from 242.88 ± 23.83 μm to 191.13 ± 13.83 μm in the younger age group and from 251.33 ± 26.60 μm to 197.08 ± 17.64 μm in the older age group (p = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the final BCVA and either the spherical equivalent or central macular thickness after 6 months, with p-values of 0.135 and 0.145, respectively. No significant changes in IOP were detected in either group after the intravitreal injection.

Conclusion
Ziv-aflibercept is a highly effective and safe drug in cases of active myopic CNV; however, a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period are needed to confirm our results.
This study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT04290195) on 26-2-2020.
Isolation, characterization and in vitro anti-salmonellal activity of compounds from stem bark extract of Canarium schweinfurthii
Authors: SOKOUDJOU Jean Baptiste , ATOLANI Olubunmi , NJATENG Guy Sedar Singor , KHAN Afsar , TAGOUSOP Cyrille Ngoufack , BITOMBO André Nehemie , KODJIO Norbert , GATSING Donatien 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundBacteria belonging to theSalmonellagenus are major concern for health, as they are widely reported in many cases of food poisoning. The use of antibiotics remains a main stream control strategy for avian salmonellosis as well as typhoid and paratyphoid fevers in humans. Due to the growing awareness about drug resistance and toxicities, the use of antibiotics is being discouraged in many countries whilst advocating potent benign alternatives such as phyto-based medicine. The objective of this work was to isolate, characterise the bioactive compounds ofCanarium schweinfurthii; and evaluate their anti-salmonellal activity.MethodsThe hydro-ethanolic extract ofCanarium schweinfurthiiwas fractionated and tested for their anti-salmonellal activity. The most active fractions (i.e. chloroform and ethyl acetate partition fractions) were then explored for their phytochemical constituents. Fractionation on normal phase silica gel column chromatography and size exclusion chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 led to the isolation of four compounds (maniladiol, scopoletin, ethyl gallate and gallic acid) reported for the first time inCanarium schweinfurthii.ResultsResult indicated that scopoletin and gallic acid had greater activity than the crude extracts and partition fractions. Among the isolated compounds, scopoletin showed the highest inhibitory activity with a MIC of 16 μg/ml againstSalmonellaTyphimurium andSalmonellaEnteritidis.ConclusionsThe overall results of this study indicates that the hydro-ethanolic extract as well as some of isolated compounds have interesting anti-salmonellal activities that could be further explored for the development of potent therapy for salmonellosis. Furthermore, the study adds credence to the folkloric applications of the plant.
Endothelial dysfunction in neuroprogressive disorders—causes and suggested treatments
Authors: Morris Gerwyn , Puri Basant K. , Olive Lisa , Carvalho Andre , Berk Michael , Walder Ken , Gustad Lise Tuset , Maes Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPotential routes whereby systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may drive the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, even in an environment of low cholesterol, are examined.Main textKey molecular players involved in the regulation of endothelial cell function are described, including PECAM-1, VE-cadherin, VEGFRs, SFK, Rho GEF TRIO, RAC-1, ITAM, SHP-2, MAPK/ERK, STAT-3, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, eNOS, nitric oxide, miRNAs, KLF-4 and KLF-2. The key roles of platelet activation, xanthene oxidase and myeloperoxidase in the genesis of endothelial cell dysfunction and activation are detailed. The following roles of circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of endothelial cell dysfunction are then described: paracrine signalling by circulating hydrogen peroxide, inhibition of eNOS and increased levels of mitochondrial ROS, including compromised mitochondrial dynamics, loss of calcium ion homeostasis and inactivation of SIRT-1-mediated signalling pathways. Next, loss of cellular redox homeostasis is considered, including further aspects of the roles of hydrogen peroxide signalling, the pathological consequences of elevated NF-κB, compromised S-nitrosylation and the development of hypernitrosylation and increased transcription of atherogenic miRNAs. These molecular aspects are then applied to neuroprogressive disorders by considering the following potential generators of endothelial dysfunction and activation in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: NF-κB; platelet activation; atherogenic miRs; myeloperoxidase; xanthene oxidase and uric acid; and inflammation, oxidative stress, nitrosative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.ConclusionsFinally, on the basis of the above molecular mechanisms, details are given of potential treatment options for mitigating endothelial cell dysfunction and activation in neuroprogressive disorders.
Variability of forced vital capacity in progressive interstitial lung disease: a prospective observational study
Authors: Veit Tobias , Barnikel Michaela , Crispin Alexander , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Ceelen Felix , Arnold Paola , Munker Dieter , Schmitzer Magdalena , Barton Jürgen , Schiopu Sanziana , Schiller Herbert B. , Frankenberger Marion , Milger Katrin , Behr Jürgen , Neurohr Claus , Leuschner Gabriela 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is often associated with poor outcomes, but has few predictors of progression. Daily home spirometry has been proposed to provide important information about the clinical course of idiopathic pulmonary disease (IPF). However, experience is limited, and home spirometry is not a routine component of patient care in ILD. Using home spirometry, we aimed to investigate the predictive potential of daily measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC) in fibrotic ILD.

Methods
In this prospective observational study, patients with fibrotic ILD and clinical progression were provided with home spirometers for daily measurements over 6 months. Hospital based spirometry was performed after three and 6 months. Disease progression, defined as death, lung transplantation, acute exacerbation or FVC decline > 10% relative was assessed in the cohort.

Results
From May 2017 until August 2018, we included 47 patients (IPF n = 20; non-IPF n = 27). Sufficient daily measurements were performed by 85.1% of the study cohort. Among these 40 patients (IPF n = 17; non-IPF n = 23), who had a mean ± SD age of 60.7 ± 11.3 years and FVC 64.7 ± 21.7% predicted (2.4 ± 0.8 L), 12 patients experienced disease progression (death: n = 2; lung transplantation: n = 3; acute exacerbation: n = 1; FVC decline > 10%: n = 6). Within the first 28 days, a group of patients had high daily variability in FVC, with 60.0% having a variation ≥5%. Patients with disease progression had significantly higher FVC variability than those in the stable group (median variability 8.6% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.002). Cox regression identified FVC variability as independently associated with disease progression when controlling for multiple confounding variables (hazard ratio: 1.203; 95% CI:1.050–1.378; p = 0.0076).

Conclusions
Daily home spirometry is feasible in IPF and non-IPF ILD and facilitates the identification of FVC variability, which was associated with disease progression.
The role of Allied Health Professions and Nursing Research Internships in developing a research culture: a mixed-methods exploration of stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Nightingale J. , Fowler-Davis S. , Grafton K. , Kelly S. , Langham C. , Lewis R. , Bianco B. , Harrop D. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Developing research capability and capacity within the healthcare professions is a challenge throughout diverse international settings. Within England, the National Institute for Health Research aimed to address these challenges through the Integrated Clinical Academic (ICA) research careers escalator for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. Poor academic progression has been identified in the advanced stages of the pathway, though progression from the earlier entry point (Internship) has not previously been investigated. A national evaluation of four completed Internship cohorts was undertaken to explore stakeholder perspectives and progression beyond the Internship programme.

Methods
A mixed methods project used sequential qualitative and quantitative data collection phases commencing with two stakeholder focus groups (n = 10); the findings informed the development of an online survey distributed to previous cohorts of interns (n = 104), their managers (n = 12) and academic mentors (n = 36). Eight semi-structured interviews subsequently explored the challenges and opportunities afforded by the internships. Thematic analysis was used to review qualitative data from focus groups and interviews, with survey data analysed and displayed using descriptive statistics. Synthesis of data from each phase is displayed within the four level evaluation framework outlined within the New World Kirkpatrick® Training Evaluation Model.

Results
Important regional differences exist yet the internships are highly valued by all stakeholders. Representation varied between different professions, with nursing and some service-based professions poorly represented. All interns successfully completed the programme (n = 104), with evidence of positive impacts on interns, colleagues and patient care. Balancing research commitments with clinical activity was challenging; middle managers were seen as gatekeepers to programme success. Progression to the next stage of the ICA pathway is highly competitive and was achieved by only a quarter of interns; access to mentors outside of the funded programme is vital for a successful transition.

Conclusions
The Internship programme succeeds in providing a range of important early experiences in research, though progression beyond the programme is challenging due, in part, to a widening gap between Internship and the next level of the ICA framework. Vital mentorship support to bridge this gap is threatened by a lack of time and funding; therefore, the pursuit of a clinical-academic career will continue to be elusive for many nurses and allied health professionals. A partnership approach to clinical academic support at institutional level is needed with several international models offering alternative strategies for consideration.
How much the Iranian government spent on disasters in the last 100 years? A critical policy analysis
Authors: Seddighi Hamed , Seddighi Sadegh 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDuring the past 20 years, Iran has been experiencing a significant increase in the occurrence of disasters mainly due to the emergence of anthropogenic climate change. This paper aims at analyzing the trend of national budget allocation in Iran over the last 100 years to evaluate the focus of the Iranian state on the four phases of Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery and propose modifications.MethodsIt is used a critical policy analysis with what’s the problem represented approach. In this approach is focused on problematization and policy gaps. The most important policy statement in any government is the budget. During the first screening, 1028 regulations and laws were found from 1910 to 2020. After full text screening, 494 regulations and laws related to budget allocation to disasters were analyzed.ResultsThe Iranian government has spent around 29 billion USD on disasters during the last 100 years. Droughts, earthquake and flood have costs the government more than other disasters, accounting for more than 14, 6.9, and 6.1 billion USD, respectively, in the allocated budget. Most of the Iranian government expenditure during the last 100 years on various disasters such as drought, flood, earthquake, and COVID-19 has been spent on involuntary costs including Response and Recovery. Mitigation and Preparedness are the two critical disaster management phases with very small shares of national budgeting.ConclusionsFrom policy audit and policy gaps it is concluded that Iranian governments during last 100 years, problematized the issue of “disasters strike” and not “disasters’ risks”. In time of disasters, governments tried to solve the issues or impacts of disasters with budgeting to response and recovery. Nevertheless, disasters’ prevention or mitigation or preparedness was not a problem for Iranian governments from 1920 to 2020.
Social network-based measurement of abortion incidence: promising findings from population-based surveys in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Rajasthan, India
Authors: Bell Suzanne O. , Shankar Mridula , Omoluabi Elizabeth , Khanna Anoop , Andoh Hyacinthe Kouakou , OlaOlorun Funmilola , Ahmad Danish , Guiella Georges , Ahmed Saifuddin , Moreau Caroline 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Monitoring abortion rates is highly relevant for demographic and public health considerations, yet its reliable estimation is fraught with uncertainty due to lack of complete national health facility service statistics and bias in self-reported survey data. In this study, we aim to test the confidante methodology for estimating abortion incidence rates in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Rajasthan, India, and develop methods to adjust for violations of assumptions.

Methods
In population-based surveys in each setting, female respondents of reproductive age reported separately on their two closest confidantes’ experience with abortion, in addition to reporting about their own experiences. We used descriptive analyses and design-based F tests to test for violations of method assumptions. Using post hoc analytical techniques, we corrected for biases in the confidante sample to improve the validity and precision of the abortion incidence estimates produced from these data.

Results
Results indicate incomplete transmission of confidante abortion knowledge, a biased confidante sample, but reduced social desirability bias when reporting on confidantes' abortion incidences once adjust for assumption violations. The extent to which the assumptions were met differed across the three contexts. The respondent 1-year pregnancy removal rate was 18.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 14.9–22.5) abortions per 1000 women of reproductive age in Nigeria, 18.8 (95% CI 11.8–25.8) in Cote d’Ivoire, and 7.0 (95% CI 4.6–9.5) in India. The 1-year adjusted abortion incidence rates for the first confidantes were 35.1 (95% CI 31.1–39.1) in Nigeria, 31.5 (95% CI 24.8–38.1) in Cote d’Ivoire, and 15.2 (95% CI 6.1–24.4) in Rajasthan, India. Confidante two’s rates were closer to confidante one incidences than respondent incidences. The adjusted confidante one and two incidence estimates were significantly higher than respondent incidences in all three countries.

Conclusions
Findings suggest that the confidante approach may present an opportunity to address some abortion-related data deficiencies but require modeling approaches to correct for biases due to violations of social network-based method assumptions. The performance of these methodologies varied based on geographical and social context, indicating that performance may be better in settings where abortion is legally and socially restricted.
High Smad7 in the early post-operative recurrence of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zorzi Francesca , Calabrese Emma , Di Fusco Davide , De Cristofaro Elena , Biancone Livia , Casella Sara , Palmieri Giampiero , Monteleone Giovanni 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn Crohn’s disease (CD), one of the major inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in human beings, there is over-expression of Smad7, an intracellular inhibitor of the suppressive cytokine TGF-β1. The aim of this study was to assess whether Smad7 over-expression occurs in the early and/or late phases of CD.MethodsMucosal samples were taken from the neo-terminal ileum of CD patients undergoing ileocolonic resection, with or without (early CD) post-operative endoscopic recurrence, and terminal ileum of CD patients with long-standing disease undergoing intestinal resection (late CD). Smad7 was examined by immunohistochemistry and cytokine expression was analysed by flow-cytometry.ResultsBefore the appearance of endoscopic lesions, the mucosa of the neo-terminal ileum contained high number of Smad7-expressing cells in both the epithelial and lamina propria compartments. Transition from this stage to endoscopic recurrence was marked by persistence of high number of Smad7-positive cells, which reduced significantly in the late stages of the disease, where Smad7 expression remained, however, greater than that seen in normal controls. In samples with early lesions, Smad7 expression positively correlated with the number of interferon-γ-secreting cells.ConclusionsSmad7 induction is an early event in the inflammatory sequence occurring in CD, thus suggesting that knockdown of Smad7 can help prevent post-operative recurrence.
Commentary on human pluripotent stem cell-based blood–brain barrier models
Authors: Lippmann Ethan S. , Azarin Samira M. , Palecek Sean P. , Shusta Eric V. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn 2012, we provided the first published evidence that human pluripotent stem cells could be differentiated to cells exhibiting markers and phenotypes characteristic of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In the ensuing years, the initial protocols have been refined, and the research community has identified both positive and negative attributes of this stem cell-based BBB model system. Here, we give our perspective on the current status of these models and their use in the BBB community, as well as highlight key attributes that would benefit from improvement moving forward.