bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of genetic divergence among Putative Ethyl Methane Sulfonate Mutants of Super Basmati using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Hameed Kiran , Sadia Bushra , Habib Madiha , Qamar Zia ul , Awan Faisal Saeed 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Mutation is a resource of generating genetic diversity in crop plant for breeding as well as genetic analysis. Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) is frequently applied chemical agents in plants. The present study was completed to investigate the mutagenic effects of different concentration of EMS on yield contributing traits of super basmati. The seeds of rice cultivar (Super basmati) were mutagenized with different doses from 0-2% v/v of EMS with difference of 0.25% for determination LD50. The treated and non-treated plants were observed under different agronomic parameters. A total of 48 putative EMS mutants of super basmati were selected randomly to analyze genetic diversity using 25 SSR primers. These markers were located on twelve chromosomes of rice. SSRs analysis revealed that abroad level of genetic diversity was existed among mutants of super basmati. A sum of 91 alleles was identified of which 82 alleles were originated to be polymorphic and the rest of nine alleles were discovered as monomorphic. The range of allele number was 2-10 with mean of 3.64 alleles/locus. The value of polymorphic information content (PIC) was from 0.039 (RM5) to 0.878 (RM44) with mean of 0.439 for each locus. All mutants differentiated from each other in more than two set of primers due to presence or absence of unique bands on chromosomes at definite base pair. The size base pair range was 75-1000bp. Dendrogram located mutant indices into four major groups. Phylogenic analyses exposed 40-96% similarity. It is concluded that EMS induced genetic variability and SSRs markers (RM44, RM154, RM1, RM252, RM334, RM487, RM110 and RM257) could be employed for the selection of rice mutants throughout molecular breeding program.
Reproductive Tract Microbiota of Women in Childbearing Age Shifts Upon Type of Gynecological Infections and Phase in Physiological Cycle
Authors: Gao Yan , Cheng Lijuan , Xia Qing , Wang Hui , Xie Xiuzhen , Liu Yurong , Shang Heying , Liu Hongyan , Diao Yutao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The association of the normal physiological cycle to the structural pattern of microbiota in reproductive tract of women at reproductive age has not been extensively explored. This study was undertaken to determine whether the vaginal microbes of women at childbearing age is different among groups defined by urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle, respectively.Results: This was a multiple case-control study of women at childbearing age who were assigned to case or control groups according to their states of urogenital tract infections. The participants were also grouped by childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Samples of vaginal swabs were collected and stored at -70℃ until assayed. The V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were amplified using PCR and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We tested the hypothesis of whether the relative abundance of microbial species in vaginal microbiota was different between women with different urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle. We showed that the vaginal microbial richness(Alpha diversity measured by PD_whole tree) was decreased in normal women(without reproductive tract infections) than in those with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and decreased in pregnant women than in other groups of non-pregnancy. Similarly, women from groups of normal and in pregnancy had lower beta diversity on measure of unweighted_unifrac distance in comparison to those of uninfected and non-pregnant. The top 10 genus relative abundance, especially that Lactobacillus was the most dominant genus with the relative abundance of 71.55% among all samples, did not differ significantly between groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle analyzed by ANOVA and nonparametric kruskal_wallis. Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus helveticus have the most abundance, totally account for 97.92% relative abundance of genus Lactobacillus. It is proposed that a higher L.helveticus/L.iners ratio is more likely to present in normal women than in the infected and in pregnant than in non-pregnant, although this comparison lacks statistical significance.Conclusions: The relative abundance of dominant bacterial taxa in vaginal microbial communities of women at childbearing age, characterized with 16S rRNA gene sequence and QIIME based analysis, were not different among groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Women from groups of in pregnancy and without reproductive tract infections had lower alpha and beta diversity. The compositional ratio of the main lactobacillus species may shift depending on the normal physiological cycle and reproductive tract infections.
Comparison of visual field progression in new-diagnosed primary open-angle and exfoliation glaucoma patients in Sweden
Authors: Ayala Marcelo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The present study aimed to compare visual field progression in new-diagnosed exfoliation versus open-angle glaucoma patients.
Methods
Retrospective study. The study included patients with new-diagnosed primary open-angle and exfoliation glaucoma. All patients were followed for three years with reliable visual fields. At least five reliable fields were needed for inclusion. Exfoliation and open-angle glaucoma were defined based on the European Glaucoma Society guidelines. Visual field evaluation was performed using the software threshold 24 − 2 of the Humphrey Field Analysis. Outcomes: Visual field progression. For visual field progression, three different strategies were used: mean deviation (MD), visual field index (VFI), and the guided progression analysis (GPA).
Results
The study included 128 subjects, of the 54 in the open-angle and 74 in the exfoliation glaucoma group. The MD difference values were higher in the exfoliation (-3.17 dB) than in the primary open-angle (-1.25 dB) glaucoma group in the three-year follow-up period. The difference between groups was significant (t-test, p = < 0.001). The difference in VFI was calculated for the three years follow-up period. The difference was higher in the exfoliation (-7.65%) than in the primary open (-1.90%) glaucoma group (t-test, p = < 0.001). The GPA showed progression in 58% of cases in exfoliation, and 13% in primary open glaucoma group (Chi-square, p = < 0.001).
Conclusion
The present study found a more frequent and faster visual field progression in exfoliation than in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. New-diagnosed exfoliation glaucoma patients must be controlled and treated more strictly than primary open-angle glaucoma patients to avoid visual field deterioration.
Factors affecting exercise self-efficacy in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Weihong , Liao Jing , Wang Hui , Huang Liuyan , Shen Qiyun , Zhang Huachun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) places a continuous burden on public health worldwide, partially attributable to a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise self-efficacy has emerged as a priority for improving physical activity. Here we conduct a survey to determine exercise self-efficacy and factors associated with lower exercise self-efficacy in non-dialysis patients with CKD.
Methods

A single-center cross-sectional study was performed from October 2018 to April 2019 using the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES) to assess exercise self-efficacy. In addition to socio-demographic data, Leicester Uremic Symptom Score (LUSS) was used to evaluated symptom burden for non-dialysis CKD patients. Multiple linear regression was carried out to identify factors that were significantly associated with exercise self-efficacy.
Results

One hundred and thirty-seven patients participated in the current study. The median score on the ESES was 48.89 (interquartile range: 33.31–64.72). A significantly negative correlation with ESES and symptom burden was observed. The results of multiple linear regression showed a significantly positive association between exercise self-efficacy and higher average monthly income, higher level of daily physical activity.
Conclusion

The study reveals several important variables that can be taken into consideration when dealing with exercise self-efficacy in non-dialysis CKD patients. our findings reinforce the need to educate patients who are elderly, female, underweight, lower-income, physical inactivity, and higher symptom burden to promote their exercise self-efficacy.
A 1p/19q Codeletion Associated Immune Signature for Predicting Lower Grade Glioma Prognosis
Authors: Xu Jie , Liu Fang , Li Yuntao , Shen Liang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Lower grade gliomas (LGGs) with codeletion of chromosomal arms 1p and 19q (1p/19 codeletion) has a favorable outcome. However, its overall survival (OS) varies. Here, we established an immune signature associated with 1p/19q codeletion for accurate prediction of prognosis of LGGs.Methods: We extracted RNA sequencing and corresponding clinical data of LGGs from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The CGGA and TCGA databases were dichotomized into training group and testing group. The immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with 1p/19q codeletion were screened using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. A prognostic signature was established using dataset from CGGA and tested in TCGA datasets. Subsequently, we explored the correlation between the prognostic signature and immune response.Results: Thirteen immune genes associated with 1p/19q codeletion were identified and used to construct a prognostic signature. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of the low-risk group were approximately 97%, 89%, and 79%, while those of the high-risk group were 81%, 50% and 34%, respectively in the training group. The nomogram which comprised of age, world health organization (WHO) grade, primary or recurrent types, 1p/19q codeletion status and risk score provided accurate prediction for the survival rate of glioma. DEGs that were highly expressed in the high-risk group clustered with many immune-related pathways. Immune checkpoints including T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM3), programmed cell death 1 (PD1), PD1 interacting with programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), long non-coding RNA MIR 155 host gene (MIR155HG), and CD48 were correlated with the risk score. VAV3 and TNFRFSF11B were found to be candidate immune checkpoints. Conclusion: The 1p/19q codeletion-associated immune signature provides accurate prediction of OS. VAV3 and TNFRFSF11B are novel immune checkpoints.
Nomogram for Prediction of fatal outcome in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Yang Yun , Zhu Xiaofei , Huang Jian , Chen Cui , Zheng Yang , He Wei , Zhao Linghao , Gao Qian , Huang Xuanxuan , Fu Lijuan , Zhang Yu , Chang Yanqin , Zhang Huojun , Lu Zhijie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background & Aims: To develop an effective model of predicting fatal Outcome in the severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.Methods: Between February 20, 2020 and April 4, 2020, consecutive COVID-19 patients from three designated hospitals were enrolled in this study. Independent high- risk factors associated with death were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard model. A prognostic nomogram was constructed to predict the survival of severe COVID-19 patients.Results: There were 124 severe patients in the training cohort, and there were 71 and 76 severe patients in the two independent validation cohorts, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that age ≥ 70 years (HR 1.184, 95% CI 1.061-1.321), Panting(breathing rate ≥ 30/min) (HR 3.300, 95% CI 2.509-6.286), lymphocyte count < 1.0 × 109/L (HR 2.283, 95% CI 1.779-3.267), and IL-6 >10pg/mL (HR 3.029, 95% CI 1.567-7.116) were independent high-risk factors associated with fatal outcome. We developed the nomogram for identifying survival of severe COVID-19 patients in the training cohort (AUC 0.900, [95% CI 0.841-0.960], sensitivity 95.5%, specificity 77.5%); in validation cohort 1 (AUC 0.862, [95% CI 0.763-0.961], sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 64.5%); in validation cohort 2 (AUC 0.811, [95% CI 0.698-0.924], sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 73.5%). The calibration curve for probability of death indicated a good consistence between prediction by the nomogram and the actual observation. Conclusions: This nomogram could help clinicians to identify severe patients who have high risk of death, and to develop more appropriate treatment strategies to reduce the mortality of severe patients.
Evaluation of associations between asthma exacerbations and distance to roadways using geocoded electronic health records data
Authors: He Jingyi , Ghorveh Mohsen Ghiasi , Hurst Jillian H. , Tang Monica , Alhanti Brooke , Lang Jason E. , Goldstein Benjamin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Asthma exacerbations in children often require medications, urgent care, and hospitalization. Multiple environmental triggers have been associated with asthma exacerbations, including particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO), which are primarily generated by motor vehicle exhaust. There is mixed evidence as to whether proximity to highways increases risk of asthma exacerbations. Methods To test this hypothesis, we assessed the association between asthma exacerbations and the distance to two types of roadways in Durham County, accounting for other patient-level factors. We abstracted data from the Duke University Health System electronic health record (EHR), identifying 6,208 children with asthma between 2014 – 2019. We geocoded each child’s distance to roadways (both 35 MPH+ and 55 MPH+). We classified asthma exacerbation severity into four tiers and fitted a recurrent event survival model to account for multiple exacerbations. Results There was a consistent weak effect of residential distance from 55+ MPH highway and any asthma exacerbation (Hazard Ratio: 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.94, 1.01)), but there was no effect from distance to 35+ MPH roadway (Hazard Ratio: 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.15)). Conclusions While the results were negative, characteristics of a study sample – namely farther distance to roadways and generally good ambient environmental pollution may contribute to this. Compared to previous work which often relied on self-report measures, we are able to obtain a more objective assessment of outcomes. Overall, this work highlights the opportunity to use EHR data to study environmental impacts of disease.
Feasibility of Remote Digital Monitoring using Wireless Bluetooth Monitors, the Smart AngelTM Apps and an Original Web Platform for Patients Following Outpatient Surgery: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study.
Authors: Chevallier Thierry , Buzancais Gautier , Occean Bob-valery , Rataboul Pierre , Boisson Christophe , simon natacha , Lannelongue Ariane , Chaniaud Noemie , Gricourt Yann , Lefrant Jean-Yves , cuvillon philippe 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRemote monitoring of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) or oxygen saturation (SpO2) remains a challenge in outpatient surgery. This study evaluates a new digital technology (SmartAngelTM) for remotely monitoring hemodynamic data in real time.Methods Adults scheduled for elective outpatient surgery were prospectively enrolled. In the first 5 postoperative days, patients used a tablet three times a day to complete a self-report questionnaire (pain, comfort, nausea, vomiting) and two wireless Bluetooth monitors (oximetry for SpO2 and HR; MAP) connected to a 4G tablet that transmits data to a website, in real time, using SmartAngelTM software. Before transmission to the website, these data were also self-reported by the patient on a paper basis. The primary endpoint was the number of data recorded in the website using the app compared to paper basis. A system usability scale survey (SUS; score 1-100) was performed at day 5.Results From May 2018 to September 2018, data were available for 29 out of 30 enrolled (1 patient failed to discharge at home after surgery). The paper-basis recorded 2656 (82%) data versus 2038 (62%) for the remote monitoring technology (p=0.001). The most common errors with the remote technology were software malfunctioning when starting the MAP monitor and malfunctioning between the tablet and Bluetooth monitor. No serious adverse events were noted. SUS score was 85 (68-93) for 26 patients.ConclusionThis work evaluates the ability of a pilot system to monitor remote physiological data using digital technology after ambulatory surgery and highlights the digital limitations of this technology. Technological improvement is needed in order to reduce malfunction (4G access, transmission between apps).Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03464721)(March 8, 2018)
Current Smoking With or Without Chronic Bronchitis is Independently Associated With Goblet Cell Hyperplasia in Healthy Smokers and COPD Subjects: an Analysis of the SPIROMICS Cohort
Authors: Kim Victor , Jeong Stephanie , Zhao Huaqing , Kraft Jennifer , Kesimer Mehmet , Boucher Richard , Wells James Michael , Christenson Stephanie , Han Meilan K , Dransfield Mark , Paine Robert , Cooper Christopher B , Barjaktarevic Igor , Bowler Russell P , Curtis Jeffrey L , Kaner Robert J , O'Beirne Sara L , O'Neal Wanda K , Rennard Stephen I , Martinez Fernando J , Woodruff Prescott G 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: COPD, chronic bronchitis (CB) and active smoking have all been associated with large airway goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH) in small studies. Active smoking is strongly associated with CB, but there is a disconnect between CB clinical symptoms and pathology. Chronic cough and sputum production poorly correlate with the presence of GCH or COPD. We hypothesized that the primary determinant of GCH in ever smokers with or without airflow obstruction is active smoking. Methods: Goblet Cell Density (GCD) was measured in 71 current or former smokers [32 subjects without COPD and 39 COPD subjects] in which endobronchial mucosal biopsies were obtained during the SPIROMICS bronchoscopy substudy. Biopsies were stained with Periodic Acid Schiff-Alcian Blue, and GCD was measured as number of goblet cells/mm basement membrane by two independent observers in a blinded fashion. GCD was divided into tertiles (1=low, 2=medium, 3=high) based on log10 transformed values. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were performed with CB and current smoking as the independent variables of interest and demographics and FEV1% predicted smoking as covariates.Results: Log10 GCD was greater in current smokers compared to former smokers (1.16±0.28 [n=31] vs. 0.85±0.42 [n=40], p=0.001). Those with classically defined CB had a greater log10 GCD compared to those without CB (1.21±0.31 [n=13] vs. 0.94±0.39 [n=58], p=0.024). Similarly, those with CB by the SGRQ definition had a greater log10 GCD compared to those without CB (1.13±0.39 [n=25] vs. 0.91±0.39 [n=43], p=0.028). Tertiles 2 and 3 had a greater percent of current smokers compared to tertile 1 (16.7, 50.0 and 63.6% in tertiles 1, 2 and 3, respectively, p=0.004). Current smoking was independently associated with tertile 3 (high GCD) (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.17, 14.71) whereas CB was not in multivariable logistic regression. Similar results were found with multivariable linear regression for log10 GCD.Conclusions: GCD is higher in current smokers with and without airflow obstruction and in CB. However, current smoking, but not CB, is independently associated with GCD. These results suggest that GCH is induced by active smoke exposure and does not necessarily correlate with the clinical symptoms of CB.
Barium enema findings in total colonic aganglionosis: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Yan Jiayu , Sun Jihang , Wu Rongchang , Siyin Sarah Tan , Chen Yongwei , Peng Yun , Chen Yajun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Preoperative diagnosis of total colonic aganglionosis is important for the rational choice of treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiographic signs on preoperative barium enema in patients with total colonic aganglionosis.
Methods
Forty-four patients [41 (3-659) days] with total colonic aganglionosis, including 17 neonatal patients, who received preoperative barium enema at our center, from January 2007 to December 2019 were included. All radiographs were retrospectively restudied by 2 pediatric radiologists to ascertain radiographic signs including rectosigmoid index, transition zone, irregular contraction, gas-filled small bowel, microcolon, question-mark-shaped colon and ileocecal valve reflux. Kappa test was performed to assess the accuracy and consistency of the radiographic signs.
Results
The 2 radiologists showed slight agreement for gas-filled small bowel, microcolon and rectosigmoid index, fair agreement for transition zone and irregular contraction, and moderate agreement for question-mark-shaped colon and ileocecal valve reflux (Kappa values, 0.043, 0.075, 0.103, 0.244, 0.397, 0.458 and 0.545, respectively). In neonatal patients, the 2 radiologists showed moderate agreement for ileocecal valve reflux and substantial agreement for question-mark-shaped colon (Kappa values, 0.469 and 0.667, respectively). In non-neonatal patients, the 2 radiologists showed substantial agreement for ileocecal valve reflux (Kappa value, 0.628). In 36 patients with total colonic aganglionosis extending to the ileum, the accuracies of question-mark-shaped colon, ileocecal valve reflux and the combination of both were 47%, 53%, and 75%, respectively, in one radiologist and 53%, 50% and 72%, respectively, in the other.
Conclusion
Ileocecal valve reflux was a reliable radiographic sign for diagnosing total colonic aganglionosis and could improve the accuracy by combination with question-mark-shaped colon.