bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Breast Milk Cells on the Clinical Outcomes of Neonates With Birth Weight Equal to or Less Than 1800 Grams: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fallahi Minoo , Shafiei Seyed Masoud , Taleghani Naeeme Taslimi , Shariati Maryam Khoshnood , Noripour Shamsollah , Pajouhandeh Fatehemh , Kazemian Sina , Hajipour Mahmood , Kazemian Mohammad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Most premature and very low birth weight infants cannot tolerate feedings in the first few days of life and are deprived of breast milk's beneficial effects. This study aims to evaluate the breast milk cells' effects on neonates' clinical outcomes with a birth weight of ≤1800 grams.Methods: This research is a randomized controlled trial conducted on 156 infants in the neonatal intensive care unit of Mahdieh maternity Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from May 2019 to April 2020. All neonates with a birth weight of ≤1800 grams were enrolled and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. During the first 6-12 hours of delivery, neonates in the intervention group received the extracted breast milk cells (BMCs) provided by centrifuging their own mothers' breast milk for one time. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. We also had a subgroup analysis in neonates with birth weight less than 1500 grams.Results: A total of 156 neonates entered the final analysis. We divided participants into two groups by using a computer-generated block randomization sequence, including 75 patients in the intervention group and 81 neonates in the control group. The mean birth weight of neonates was 1390.1±314.4 grams, with a total mortality rate of 12.2% (n=19). We found that in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in neonates who received BMCs (6.7% vs. 17.3%; P-value: 0.043) compared to the control group, and it was more prominent in neonates with birth weight less than 1500 grams (9.5% vs. 30.2%; P-value: 0.017). We did not find any other significant differences in major complications such as retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the two groups.Conclusion: Our research demonstrated a significantly lower mortality rate in neonates (with a birth weight of ≤1800 grams) who received breast milk cells on the first day of life. Since this is a novel method with minimal intervention, we are looking forward to developing and evaluating this method in larger studies, with more frequent use of BMCs in very low birth weight infants.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20190228042868N1. Registered 25 May 2019, https://irct.ir/trial/38230.
Identification and Expression Analysis of Tubulin Gene Family in Upland Cotton
Authors: Chen Baojun , Zhao Junjie , Fu Guoyong , Pei Xinxin , Pan Zhaoe , Li Hongge , AHMED Haris , He Shoupu , Du Xiongming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is one of the important cash crops. Therefore, improving fiber quality of upland cotton, is one of the current important research directions. Cotton fibers are single-celled extensions of the seed epidermis, which is important pattern material of research cytoskeleton. Tubulin genes act an important role in the synthesis of the microtubules (MT), which is core element of the cytoskeleton. Some tubulin genes in cotton ovule and fiber development are were reported, while the systematic study of its family genes has not yet in cotton. Therefore, identification and expression analyses of G. hirsutum tubulin genes provide pivotal targets for molecular manipulation in cotton breeding.Result: In this study, we investigated all tubulin genes from seven varies plant species, and identified 98 tubulin genes in G. hirsutum. Phylogenetic analysis showed that tubulin family genes were classified into three subfamilies. The protein motifs and gene structure of α, β-tubulin genes are more conservative comparing with γ-tubulin genes. Most tubulin genes are located at the proximate ends of the chromosomes. Spatiotemporal expression pattern by transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that 12 α-tubulin and 7 β-tubulin genes are specific expression in different stages of fiber development. However, Gh.A03G027200, Gh.D03G169300 and Gh.A11G258900 had clear express pattern at distinct stages of ﬁber development in J02508 and ZRI015.Conclusion: In this study, evolutionary analysis showed that the tubulin genes were divided into 3 clades. The genetic structures and molecular functions were highly conserved in different plants. Three candidate genes of Gh.A03G027200, Gh.D03G169300 and Gh.A11G258900 may play key roles during length and strength in fiber development with the expression analysis at different organizations.
Genetic Diversity of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Accessions using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs) Marker
Authors: Abdela Mohammed , Kebede Mulugeta , Feyissa Tiliye 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) belongs to the family Leguminoseae. It is the world’s most important source of edible oil and vegetable protein. To our knowledge, little is known about the genetic variability of cultivated Ethiopian A. hypogaea at a molecular level. It is important to understand the genetic diversity of the crop to collect, conserve and use the germplasm for variety development. In the present study, ISSR markers were used to determine the genetic variability and diversity of 43 accessions of A. hypogaea collected from different regions of Ethiopia.Results: Four ISSR primers were used to generate 56 reproducible bands of which 29 (51.8%) were polymorphic. The band size ranges from 120 bp to 1100 bp. The number of amplified bands varied from 12 in primer UBC841 to 18 in primer UBC 881. The polymorphic bands percentage ranges from 27.8 % of Primer UBC 881 to 84.6 % of primer UBC 857. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranges from 0.29 to 0.76 with the average value 0.49. The mean Nei’s gene diversity and Shannon’s information index were 0.25 and 0.33, respectively. Genetic relationship between A. hypogaea accessions based on Jaccard’s pair wise similarity coefficients varies from 44% to 83% with an average value of 63.5%. The UPGMA dendrogram based on cluster analysis grouped A. hypogaea accessions into five distinct clusters at 63.5% similarity coefficient, and the principal coordinate analysis revealed similar grouping. Conclusions: Even though in both UPGMA and PCoA most of the accessions were grouped in separate clusters irrespective of their geographic origins, the ISSR marker-based analysis shows the presence of genetic variability among the accessions. Moreover, the current study demonstrated the potential informativeness of ISSR markers in estimating the extent of genetic variation in A. hypogaea accessions.
Genetically Determined Blood Pressure, Antihypertensive Medications, and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ou Ya-Nan , Yang Yu-Xiang , Shen Xue-Ning , Ma Ya-Hui , Chen Shi-Dong , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundObservational studies suggest that the use of antihypertensive medications (AHMs) is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, these findings may be biased by confounding and reverse causality. We aimed to explore the effects of blood pressure (BP) and lowering systolic BP (SBP) via the protein targets of different AHMs on AD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.MethodsGenetic proxies from genome-wide association studies of BP traits and BP-lowering variants in genes encoding AHM targets were extracted. Estimates were calculated by inverse-variance weighted method as the main model. MR Egger regression and leave-one-out analysis were performed to identify potential violations. ResultsThere was limited evidence that genetically predicted SBP/diastolic BP level affected AD risk based on 400/398 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively (all P>0.05). Suitable genetic variants for β-blockers (1 SNP), angiotensin receptor blockers (1 SNP), calcium channel blockers (CCBs, 45 SNPs) and thiazide diuretics (5 SNPs) were identified. Genetic proxies for CCB [odds ratio (OR)=0.959, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.941-0.977, P<0.001], and overall use of AHMs (OR=0.961, 95% CI=0.944-0.978, P<0.001, SNPs=52) were associated with a lower risk of AD. No notable heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy were identified (all P>0.05). No single SNP was driving the observed effects. Conclusions﻿This MR analysis found robust evidence that genetically determined lowering BP was associated with a lower risk of AD and CCB was identified as a promising strategy for AD prevention.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of Landscape Change on Floristic Composition and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Muhammed Annissa , Elias Eyasu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundBale mountains national park (BMNP) is one of the 34 International Biodiversity Hotspots that comprise a variety of life forms. However, it faces a critical challenge from subsistence farming and overgrazing. This study was made to analyze the effects of landscape change on floristic composition, diversity, and structure in BMNP. The vegetation and environmental data were collected from 96 plots that were laid along 8 line transects. Vegetation hierarchical clustering and landscape structural analysis was made using R software version 3.5.2 and FRAGSTATS version 4.2.1, respectively. ResultsA total of 205 species that belongs to 153 genera and 71 families were identified. The overall Shannon diversity and evenness index was 4.34 and 0.81, respectively. Both the species richness and Shannon diversity index were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the edge habitat (40 ± 0.2 and 2.93 ± 0.2, respectively) than the interior (25 ± 4.5 and 2.43 ± 0.4, respectively). Conversely, the basal area was lower in the interior habitat (173.79 m2 ha-1) than the edge (64.15 m2 ha-1). Moreover, as AREA_MN and COA of patches increases, species richness, diversity, evenness, woody species density, basal area, DBH, and height also increases. Whereas, as PN, SHAPE_MN, ED, ENN_MN, and IJI of patches increases, those floristic compositions and structural variables decrease. ConclusionThis study revealed that BMNP is a biologically diverse and ecologically significant area that provides a variety of ecological and economic benefits to the surrounding communities and the country at large. However, its landscape is changing alarmingly and urgent restoration and conservation action needs to be taken to reverse this condition.
Synergies and Fragmentation in Country Level Policy and Program Agenda Setting, Formulation and Implementation for Global Health Agendas: A Case Study of Health Security, Universal Health Coverage, and Health Promotion in Ghana and Sierra Leone
Authors: Agyepong Irene Akua , M’Cormack-Hale Fredline A.O. , Brown-Amoakoh Hannah , Derkyi-Kwarteng Abigail N.C. , Darkwa Theresa Ethel , Odiko-Ollennu Wallace 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Global health agendas have in common the goal of contributing to population health outcome improvement. In theory therefore, whenever possible, country level policy and program agenda setting, formulation and implementation towards their attainment should be synergistic such that efforts towards one agenda promote efforts towards the other agendas. Observation suggests that this is not what happens in practice. Potential synergies are often unrealized and fragmentation is not uncommon. In this paper we present findings from an exploration of how and why synergies and fragmentation occur in country level policy and program agenda setting, formulation and implementation for the global health agendas of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Health Security (HS) and Health Promotion (HP) in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Our study design was a two country case study. Data collection involved document reviews and Key Informant interviews with national and sub-national level decision makers in both countries between July and December 2019. Additionally, in Ghana a stakeholder workshop in December 2019 was used to validate the draft analysis and conclusions. This study is part of a series of country case studies to inform the Lancet Commission on synergies between UHC, HS and HP.Results: National and global context, country health systems leadership and structure including resources were drivers of synergies and fragmentation. How global as well as country level actors mobilized power and exercised agency in policy and program agenda setting and implementation processes within country were also important drivers. Conclusions: There is potential in both countries to pull towards synergies and push against fragmentation in agenda setting, formulation and implementation of global health agendas despite the resource and other structural constraints. It however requires political and bureaucratic prioritization of synergies, as well as skilled leadership. It also requires considerable mobilization of country level actor exercise of agency to counter sometimes daunting contextual, systems and structural constraints.
Innovation Practices for Enhancing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) Performance and Survival during Coronavirus (COVID-19) Epidemic Crisis: The Moderating Role of External Support
Authors: Adam Nawal Abdalla , Alarifi Ghadah Abdulrahman 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Global epidemic crises, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19), usually put the lives of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in danger. However, studies have demonstrated the vital role of innovation in improving enterprises’ performance and increasing the likelihood of their viability. This study aims to develop a theoretical model to provide insights about the association between innovation practices and the SMEs’ performance and survival while underlining the auxiliary role of external support in such a relationship. Online questionnaire has been used to collect the data from 259 randomly selected SME managers in Saudi Arabia, and the data was analyzed using SmartPLS3 software. The structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) bootstrap results indicated that external support aids strengthen the positive impact of SMEs’ innovation practices on business survival. These findings have significant implications for policy makers and SME managers.
Impacts of Cucurbit Chlorotic Yellows Virus (CCYV) on Biological Characteristics of Its Vector Bemisia Tabaci
Authors: He Haifang , Li Jingjing , Zhang Zelong , Tang Xuefei , Song Danyang , Yan Fengming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: It is known that plant viruses, to facilitate their transmission, can change the phenotypes and defense pathways of the host plants and thereby the performance of their vectors. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), a newly reported virus occurring on cucurbit plants and many other plant species, is transmitted specifically by B and Q biotypes of tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in a semipersistent manner. This study evaluated the direct and indirect effects of CCYV on B. tabaci performance to better understand the plant-virus-vector interaction in terms of its impacts on the biological characteristics of its vector.Methods: In this study, by using CCYV-B. tabaci-cucumber as the model, we investigated whether or how a semipersistent plant virus impacts the biology of its whitefly vectors directly and/or indirectly. Virion titer, body size, life table parameters, survival rate of nymphs and adults, reproduction capacity of both adult sexes as well as sex ratio were compared between whiteflies on CCYV-infected plants and ones on healthy plants. Results: CCYV virions were detectable in nymphs from 1st to 4th instar and adults of B. tabaci with different titers. Female nymph duration and female adult longevity greatly extended on CCYV-infected plants, but male nymph duration and male adult longevity were not significantly influenced. In addition, on CCYV-infected plants, the body length and oviposition of adult B. tabaci increased, but the egg hatching rate and survival rate of different stages of the whiteflies were not affected. Most interestingly, the sex ratio (female:male) significantly increased up to 66.40% in whitefly populations on CCYV-infected plants, while the female ratio remained about 50.53% on healthy plants. Conclusions: These results indicated that CCYV can significantly impact the biological characteristics of its vector B. tabaci through the host plants. It is speculated that CCYV and B. tabaci have established a typical mutualist relationship mediated by host plants.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific Antibodies via Rapid Diagnostic Immunoassays in COVID-19 Patients with Positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA Real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR Results
Authors: Chansaenroj Jira , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Posuwan Nawarat , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Chirathaworn Chintana , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Efficient monitoring and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires access to diagnostic tests, and serological diagnostic testing is desirable. In the current study antibodies were investigated in patients recently diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.Methods: Cross-sectional data derived from 245 patients in whom SARS-CoV-2 infection had been confirmed via real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were obtained. Samples were acquired at the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or the first detection of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic patients, and at another timepoint within 8 weeks thereafter. All specimens were tested simultaneously using an IgM/IgG rapid diagnostic test (RDT), nucleocapsid-based and spike protein-based IgG immunoassays, and a spike protein‑based IgA immunoassay. Blood donor samples obtained in 2018 were used as negative controls, and to assess cross-reactivity with seasonal coronaviruses. Results: The IgM/IgG RDT exhibited 97.5% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity compared with a nucleocapsid-IgG-based chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and 98.4% sensitivity and 93.6% specificity compared with a spike protein-based ELISA. IgG RDT detection was 100% concordant with IgG and IgA immunoassays (P < 0.001). IgM, IgG, and IgA were low during the first week after COVID-19 symptom onset or the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. IgM began decreasing after 4 weeks, whereas IgG and IgA remained at appreciable levels over the 8-week study period. No cross-reactivity with seasonal coronaviruses was detected.Conclusions: IgM/IgG RDTs alone or combined with molecular diagnostic tests may be useful for identifying recent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Discussion on the Necessity of Bilateral Inguinal Lymphatic Area Irradiation for Cervical Cancer with Invasion of the Lower One Third of Vagina
Authors: Wang Lina , Huang Kejin , Wang Yuxia , Wang Le , Li Qi , Cheng Haiyan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

The rate of inguinal lymph node metastasis is relatively low in cervical cancer patients.According to the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines for cervical cancer,patients with cervical cancer invading the lower 1/3 of the vagina require bilateral inguinal lymphatic area preventive irradiation. But do they need preventive inguinal area irradiation?
Methods

A total of 184 patients with cervical cancer accompanied by the lower 1/3 of the vagina invasion were selected as the study subjects.In this study, a trial and control method was used to select 180 patients without inguinal lymph node metastasis.The patients were divided into preventive radiotherapy group (109 cases) and non-preventive radiotherapy group (71 cases). During and after treatment, the occurrence of inguinal skin damage, lower extremity edema and femoral head necrosis was observed.
Results

Thirteen cases (7.07%) of 184 patients were found with inguinal lymph node enlargement by imaging examination, and only 4 cases (2.17%) were further confirmed by pathology.In prophylaxis irradiation group, there were 26(23.85%) cases of side injury.In the follow-up of two groups after treatment there was no recurrence in the inguinal lymph nodes.
Conclusion

The inguinal lymph node metastasis rate in patients with cervical cancer invading the lower third of the vagina is 2.17%.In order to avoid such a low incidence, we carry out preventive irradiation, which will cause 23.85% of local secondary injuries .And even if we do not perform preventive inguinal lymph node irradiation, there is no difference in the recurrence rate of inguinal lymph nodes between the two groups. Preventive inguinal lymph node irradiation isn’t necessary for these patients.
SMAD4 Loss is Associated with Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Hydroxychloroquine in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fei Naomi , Wen Sijin , Ramanathan Rajesh , Hogg Melissa E. , Zureikat Amer , Lotze Michael T. , Bahary Nathan , Singhi Aatur D. , Zeh Herbert J. , Boone Brian A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

SMAD4, a tumor suppressor gene, is inactivated or deleted in 60–90% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas (PDA). Loss of SMAD4 allows tumor progression by limiting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and increasing metastases. SMAD4 deficient PDA cells are resistant to radiotherapy by upregulating autophagy, a cell survival mechanism that counteracts apoptotic mechanisms and allows intracellular recycling of macromolecules and organelles. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an orally available autophagy inhibitor with an established toxicity profile. We studied whether HCQ treatment in SMAD4 deficient PDA may prevent therapeutic resistance induced by autophagy upregulation.
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the SMAD4 status of PDA patients enrolled in two prospective clinical trials evaluating administration of preoperative HCQ. The first dose escalation trial demonstrated the safety of preoperative gemcitabine with HCQ (NCT01128296). More recently, a randomized trial of gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel +/- HCQ evaluated Evans Grade histopathologic response (NCT01978184). Immunohistochemistry of resected specimens for SMAD4 was previously performed. Patients not treated at the max HCQ dose (n = 5), not resected (n = 2) or with SMAD4 staining unavailable were excluded (n = 10). The effect of SMAD4 loss on response to HCQ and chemotherapy was studied for association with clinical outcome. Fisher’s exact test and log-rank test were used to assess response and survival.
Results

52 patients receiving HCQ with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were studied. 25 of these patients had SMAD4 loss (48%). 76% of HCQ treated patients with SMAD4 loss obtained a histopathologic response ≥ 2A, compared to only 37% with SMAD4 intact (p = 0.006). In contrast with prevailing views, loss of SMAD4 was not associated with a detriment in median overall survival in HCQ treated patients (34.43 months in SMAD4 loss vs. 27.27 months in SMAD4 intact, p = 0.18).
Conclusions

The addition of HCQ to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with PDA may improve treatment response in those with SMAD4 loss. Further study of the relationship between SMAD4, autophagy and treatment outcomes in PDA is warranted.