bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated with the spring regrowth vigor trait in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Jiang Xueqian , Zhang Fan , Wang Zhen , Long Ruicai , Li Mingna , He Fei , Yang Xijiang , Yang ChangFu , Jiang Xu , Yang Qingchuan , Wang Quanzhen , Kang Junmei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial forage legume with a reputation as being the “queen of forage”. Spring regrowth vigor refers to the process of perennial alfalfa returning to growth after winter survival. The objective of this research was to identify candidate genes significantly associated with spring regrowth vigor.Results: We used a tetraploid alfalfa F1 population comprised of 392 progenies to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control this trait. The F1 population phenotypic data were collected using a total of three environmental phenotypic data. The mapping population was genotyped using Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and linkage maps were developed based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Fifteen significant QTL for spring regrowth vigor were detected in both parents. Five QTL were identified in the male genetic map, while ten QTL were identified in the female. Four QTL were located on homolog 7D of the male parent, and two QTL were colocalized. Five QTL were mapped on homolog 6D of the female parent, and two QTL were colocalized.Conclusions: The QTL presented in this study can be used to improve the efficiency of alfalfa breeding programs and provide valuable resources for the genetic improvement of alfalfa using marker-assisted selection (MAS).β These authors contributed equally to this research. *Correspondence:Junmei Kangkangjunmei@caas.cn
Hemodynamic changes in regular antipsychotic users after adrenaline-containing lidocaine injection under general anesthesia: a prospective study
Authors: Shionoya Yoshiki , Nakamura Eishi , Tsujimoto Gentaro , Koyata Takayuki , Yasuda Asako , Nakamura Kiminari , Sunada Katsuhisa 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
The correlation between ultrasound-detected synovitis of small joints and the clinical disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Deng Xuerong , Sun Xiaoying , Xie Wenhui , Wang Yu , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronic inflammatory arthritis with multi-joint involvement, especially small synovial joints in hands and feet. So far, the synovitis of which joint in hands or feet is better correlated with clinical disease activity indices is unknown; the correlation of synovitis detected by ultrasound in an individual joint with global disease activity is unclear either.Objectives: To explore the correlation between the ultrasound-detected synovitis in metacarpophalangeal (MCP), metatarsophalangeal (MTP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and the clinical disease activity indices in patients with RA.Methods: 30 joints, including bilateral MCP, PIP and MTP, were scanned for synovitis by ultrasound, semi-quantitatively scored for gray scale(GS) and power Doppler(PD). The correlation between Disease Activity Score-28 joints(DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and ultrasound-detected synovitis score in each joint was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. Results: 211 RA patients were included in this study. The whole GS scores of all MCP joints showed highest correlation with all clinical disease activity indices (r=0.403-0.452, p<0.01), followed by PIPs (r=0.318-0.331, p<0.01) and MTPs (r=0.277-0.301, p<0.01). Likewise, the whole PD scores of all MCP joints also showed highest correlation with the disease activity (r=0.332-0.396, p<0.01), followed by PIPs (r=0.211-0.242, p<0.01), and MTPs (r=0.198-0.222, p<0.01). The highest correlation of GS score with DAS28-ESR (r=0.411, p<0.01), DAS28-CRP (r=0.459, p<0.01), SDAI (r=0.444, p<0.01) was observed in MCP3 joint, while with CDAI (r=0.421, p<0.01) in MCP2 joint. The highest correlation of PD score with DAS28-ESR (r=0.353, p<0.01), DAS28-CRP (r=0.399, p<0.01), CDAI (r=0.368, p<0.01), SDAI (r=0.377, p<0.01) was in MCP5 joint. Conclusions: The ultrasound-detected synovitis at MCP joints, especially MCP2, MCP3, and MCP5 joints, was best correlated with composite disease activity of RA, in contrast to PIP and MTP joints. MCP joints should take greater weight in clinical disease activity assessment.
Postoperative C-reactive protein kinetics predict postoperative complications in patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Asmar Antoine El , Bendavides Melissa , Moreau Michel , Hendlisz Alain , Deleporte Amélie , Khalife Maher , Donckier Vincent , Liberale Gabriel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Relatively high morbidity rates are reported after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, early predictors of complications after CRS plus HIPEC have not been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of early postoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level (Day 2-4) for the detection of post-operative complications. Patients and methods We performed a retrospective study including 94 patients treated with complete CRS (R1) and HIPEC for PC from various primary origins (2011-2016). Post-operative complications were recorded. The values for postoperative inflammatory markers (white blood cells [WBC] and platelet counts, CRP) were compared between the different groups. Results CRP on post-operative days 2-4 was significantly higher in patients with than without complications (124 mg/L vs 46 mg/L; p<0.0001) and higher in those with more major complications (162 mg/L vs 80 mg/L; p< 0.0012). WBC and platelet counts showed no difference within 5 days postoperatively. Conclusion CRP levels, and kinetics mainly, between post-operative day 2 and 4, are decisive predictive markers of early and late post-operative complications after CRS plus HIPEC. The presence of post-operative complications should be suspected in patients with a high CRP mean, and a plateau level (days 2-4).
Prognostic factors for bile leak and long term survival in 23 patients with Klatskin Tumors Type III exclusively
Authors: Asmar Antoine El , Rassi Ziad El 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective A retrospective study, handling the prognostic factors for bile leak and long term survival in 23 patients, with Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma, Bismuth Type III exclusively. Methods Between 2010 and 2017, 23 patients underwent major hepatectomy for Type III Klatskin Tumor at our institution. 11 patients underwent hepatectomy for Type IIIB tumors, 10 patients underwent right hepatectomy for Type IIIA and 2 were omitted for loss of follow-up. Results In 20 patients an R0 resection was achieved. Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was respectively 78.3%, 61.9% and 38.1%. A BMI > 24 kg/m2 at presentation, was associated with a worse prognosis, at 1, 3 and 5 years, with statistical significance (p<0.05). A Creatinine > 0.74 at presentation, was associated with a decreased 5-year survival, with statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusion A BMI > 24 kg/m2, a Creatinine > 0.74, are factors of worse prognosis when present in a Type III Klatskin tumor patient. Age, sex, hemoglobin level, tumor size, cusa use, and the correlation of Type IIIB tumors with bile leakage, are all variables that showed borderline significance, and thus warrant further investigations in larger studies, using multicentric data.
The Reducing Effect of Sirolimus on Angiomyolipoma is Determined by Decrease of Its Fat-Poor Compartments and Is Associated with Striking Reduction of Vascular Structures
Authors: Watanabe Elieser Hitoshi , Coelho Fernando Morbeck Almeida , Filho Hilton Leão , Balbo Bruno Eduardo Pedroso , Neves Precil Diego , Franzin Fernanda Maria , Yamauchi Fernando Ide , Onuchic Luiz Fernando 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Renal angiomyolipomas hemorrhage is strongly associated with their size and vascular constitution. Since previous studies showed that mTOR inhibitors can differentially act in distinct cell lines, we analyzed the effects of sirolimus on the volume of different components of angiomyolipomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, including vascular structures. We retrospectively analyzed 23 angiomyolipomas from 10 patients treated with sirolimus. An approach based on a Hounsfield-unit threshold was used to classify angiomyolipomas in fat-rich, fat-poor and intermediate-fat tumors, and to categorize tumor compartments in fat rich, fat poor, intermediate fat and highly vascularized. Diameter variations were measured to assess the effects on aneurysmatic/ectatic vascular formations. Results: Volume reduction following treatment with sirolimus was higher in fat-poor than fat-rich angiomyolipomas. Tumor reduction was mainly determined by decrease of the fat-poor and highly-vascularized compartments, with a lesser contribution of the intermediate-fat component, while the volume of the fat-rich compartment increased. Broad liposubstitution was observed in some tumors. Massive reduction of aneurysmatic/ectatic vascular structures was observed, with disappearance of such lesions in most cases. Conclusions: Our study showed that sirolimus reduces the size of angiomyolipomas by decreasing primarily their highly-vascularized and fat-poor compartments. This effect is associated with a remarkable reduction of tumoral aneurysms/ectatic vessels and other vascular structures. Our findings revealed, therefore, the likely mechanism responsible for the reported risk-decreasing effect of mTOR inhibitors on angiomyolipoma bleeding. Our findings also expand the understanding the biology of this tumor, supporting a role for mTOR in maintenance, and maybe assembling, of blood vessels in angiomyolipomas.
The epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in the intensive care unit from 2012 to 2018
Authors: Wang Ping , Zou Xiaocui , Zhou Boting , Yin Tao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an increasing globally threat for human health, but the trends and clinical characteristics of CRKP infections in the intensive care unit(ICU) remain uninvestigated.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among ICU patients infected with KP isolates from January 2012 to December 2018. Carbapenem resistant to Klebsiella pneumoniae was defined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. The incidence and changing trend of CRKP were determined. CRKP patient sources, specimen types, infection sources and outcomes were investigated. Results: There were 256(40.13%) patients with CRKP and 382(59.87%) patients with CSKP. The incidence of CRKP increased from 2012(11.11%) to 2017(63.48%) and decreased in 2018(51.52%). The proportion of isolates not susceptible to three carbapenems increased from 0 to 98.04%. The rates of CRKP isolated from blood, wound, urine and pleural fluid were higher than that of CSKP. CRKP infections were mainly ICU acquired, rather than input acquired. Conclusion: The incidence of CRKP was high in ICU, but showed a downward trend. Implementation of different infection control measures to different sources of patients, specimen types, and KP infections are necessary. Surveillance data will be needed for ICU patients to decrease the incidence and mortality of CRKP.
Postnatal home visits by health extension workers in rural areas of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design
Authors: Tesfau Yemane Berhane , Kahasay Alemayehu Bayray , Gebrehiwot Tesfay Gebregzabher , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Godefay Hagos 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : In low-income countries like Ethiopia, where families have poor access to or do not utilize services of formal health care systems, community health workers provide postnatal care services through home visits. However, the extent and effectiveness of home-based postnatal visits by community health workers such as the Ethiopian health extension workers (HEWs) are not well explored. This community -based study aimed to determine the coverage, contents of postnatal home visits and associated factors by health extension workers in Northern Ethiopia.Methods : We conducted a community based cross-sectional study in the rural Districts in Northern Ethiopia from August to September 2018. A total of 705 mothers who gave a live birth in the year preceding the survey were selected using multistage random sampling. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect data by interviewing mothers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 statistical software. Association of postnatal home visits with possible explanatory variables was investigated using logistic regression.Results : One hundred two (14.5%) mothers and newborns received PNC home visit within three days after birth from HEW and 170(24.1%) reported postnatal home visits within 42 days. Among the mothers who received postnatal home visits, 6.5% measured their blood pressure, 11.2% measured their temperature, 20% counseled about family planning, 16.5% counseled on newborn danger signs, 11.2% counseled on the skin to skincare of the newborn and 14.1% of their newborns were measured their weight at home. Mothers who received at least one home visit during pregnancy (AOR, 7.58; CI 3.59-15.98), participated in pregnant women forum (AOR, 3.21; CI 1.70-6.05), notified their birth (AOR, 6.15; CI 3.50-10.80) and those member of community health insurance (AOR, 1.88; CI 1.14-3.12) were significantly associated factors with postnatal home visit by a health extension worker.Conclusion : The coverage of postnatal home visits by health extension workers remains low in rural districts of Northern Ethiopia. Existing health systems should consider interventions that improve pregnancy and birth notification strategies and more efforts should be made at improving community-based participation and linkages with community health workers.
Examining the accuracy of trackways for predicting gait selection and speed of locomotion
Authors: Marmol-Guijarro Andres , Nudds Robert , Folkow Lars , Codd Jonathan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Using Froude numbers (Fr) and relative stride length (stride length: hip height), trackways have been widely used to determine the speed and gait of an animal. This approach, however, is limited by the ability to estimate hip height accurately and by the lack of information related to the substrate properties when the tracks were made, in particular for extinct fauna. By studying the Svalbard ptarmigan moving on snow, we assessed the accuracy of trackway predictions from a species-specific model and two additional Fr based models by ground truthing data extracted from videos as the tracks were being made.Results The species-specific model accounted for more than 60% of the variability in speed for walking and aerial running, but only accounted for 19% when grounded running, likely due to its stabilizing role while moving faster over a changing substrate. The error in speed estimated was 0-35% for all gaits when using the species-specific model, whereas Fr based estimates produced errors up to 55%. The highest errors were associated with the walking gait. The transition between pendular to bouncing gaits fell close to the estimates using relative stride length described for other extant vertebrates. Conversely, the transition from grounded to aerial running appears to be species specific and highly dependent on posture and substrate.Conclusion Altogether, this study highlights that using trackways to derive predictions on the locomotor speed and gait, using stride length as the only predictor, are problematic as accurate predictions require information from the animal in question.
Correlation between carotid stenosis and cognitive impairment
Authors: HUANG YAO , He Lanying , Wang Feng , Ma Yuanye 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Severe internal carotid artery stenosis significantly affects the cognitive function of patients, but the effect of different degree and different side of stenosis on cognitive function was still controversial.This study aims to investigate the correlation between different degrees and different sides of internal carotid artery stenosis and cognitive impairment.Methods There were 34 patients with internal carotid stenosis and 31 controls without stenosis who underwent CTA, DSA, memory scale and modified WCST. Stenosis group was divided into mild stenosis group (n=15) and moderate-severe stenosis group (n=19) according to the degree of stenosis, and was divided into left stenosis group (n=24) and right stenosis group (n=10) according to the sides. Overall vascular examination results,cognitive function scores were computed and analysised.Results Stenosis group and no-stenosis group did not differ in age,education level, BMI, hyperlipidemia, gender, hypertention, diabetes, smoking drinking and right-handedness.Stenosis group had worse memory scale and modified WCST scores for cognitive function. There were statistically significant differences in memory scale and modified WCST scores between mild stenosis group, moderate-severe stenosis group and no-stenosis group,but no differences between mild stenosis group and moderate-severe stenosis group,no differences between left stenosis group and right stenosis group.Conclusions Internal carotid artery stenosis affects the cognitive function represented by memory and executive ability significantly.
Activated CAMKKb-AMPK Signaling Promotes Autophagy in a Spheroid Model of Ovarian Tumour Metastasis
Authors: Laski Jeremi , Singha Bipradeb , Wang Xu , Valdés Yudith Ramos , Collins Olga , Shepherd Trevor 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: A hallmark of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasis is the process of spheroid formation, whereby tumour cells aggregate into 3D structures while in suspension in the peritoneal cavity. EOC spheroids are subjected to bioenergetic stress, thereby activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling to enter a metabolically quiescent state, which can facilitate cell survival under nutrient-limiting conditions. Independently, we have also demonstrated that EOC spheroids induce autophagy, a process that degrades and recycles intracellular components to restore energy and metabolites. Herein, we sought to examine whether AMPK controls autophagy induction as a cell survival mechanism in EOC spheroids.Results: We observed a co-ordinate increase in phosphorylated AMPK and the autophagy marker LC3-II during EOC spheroid formation. Reduced AMPK expression by siRNA-mediated knockdown of PRKAA1 and PRKAA2 blocked autophagic flux in EOC spheroids as visualized by fluorescence microscopy using the mCherry-eGFP-LC3B reporter. A complementary approach using pharmacologic agents Compound C and CAMKKb inhibitor STO-609 to inhibit AMPK activity both yielded a potent blockade of autophagic flux as well. However, direct activation of AMPK in EOC cells using oligomycin and metformin was insufficient to induce autophagy. STO-609 treatment of EOC spheroids resulted in reduced viability in 7 out of 9 cell lines, but with no observed effect in non-malignant FT190 cell spheroids.Conclusions: Our results support the premise that CAMKKb-mediated AMPK activity is required, at least in part, to regulate autophagy induction in EOC spheroids and support cell viability in this in vitro model of EOC metastasis.
LIG4 Syndrome: Clinical and Molecular Characterization in a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Sun Bijun , Chen Qiuyu , Wang Ying , Liu Danru , Hou Jia , Wang Wenjie , Ying Wenjing , Hui Xiaoying , Zhou Qinhua , Sun Jinqiao , Wang Xiaochuan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: DNA Ligase IV (LIG4) syndrome is a rare disease with few reports to date. Patients suffer from a broad spectrum of clinical features, including microcephaly, growth retardation, developmental delay, dysmorphic facial features, combined immunodeficiency, and malignancy predisposition. There is thought to be a potential association between genotypes and phenotypes. Here, we investigated the characteristics of LIG4 syndrome in a Chinese cohort.Results: All seven patients had growth restriction. Most patients (6/7) had microcephaly (< -3 SD). Recurrent bacterial infections of the lungs and intestines were the most common symptoms. One patient had myelodysplastic syndromes. One patient presented with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like phenotype. Patients presented with combined immunodeficiency. The proportions of naive CD4+ and naive CD8+ T cells decreased notably in five patients. All patients harbored compound heterozygous mutations in the LIG4 gene, consisting of a missense mutation (c.833G>T, p.R278L) and a deletion shift mutation, primarily c.1271-1275delAAAGA (p.K424Rfs). Two other deletion mutations, c.1144-1145delCT and c.1277-1278delAA, were novel. Patients with p.K424RfsX20/p.R278 might lead to milder dysmorphism, but more significant IgA/ IgM deficiency, compared with the frequent genotype p.R814X/p.K424RfsX20 reported. One patient underwent umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation (UCBSCT) but died.Conclusions: This study reported the clinical and molecular characteristics of a Chinese cohort, further expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum, and the understanding of genotype-to-phenotype correlations in LIG4 syndrome. The results may help to characterize the status of the disease in China.
Nurse’s clinical skill utilisation: An opinion from public health institutions
Authors: mahindrakar santosh , Jat Man Singh , Varghese Besty Ann 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Nurses are the backbone of health care systems worldwide. In India the assessment of existing knowledge of nursing workforce and the utilization of skills is not evaluated and properly used to ensure good quality in health care. Methods Using the Delphi technique a survey was developed and sent to nurses. Self- rating methods (on a likert scale) were used in order to operationalize the personal skills. Results Almost half (48%) of the participants have a Bachelor degree. Out of this 27.2% qualified for a higher education (e.g. Master in related subject). Most nurses (56% in sample were females) are permanent employed working as staff nurse or nursing officers in the public sector. Among the participants 20% have sufficient teaching experience between 1 to 3 years. Self-rating of skills was high in almost all topics. Conclusion Having attained higher education most of the participants remain working as staff nurses. The good self-rating of participants underlines their ability to take over much higher positions and responsibilities. Moreover, teaching experience is hardly acknowledged by institutions since teaching staff is usually recruited from outside. The study suggests that a majority of the population has an interest to work in rural area. Better work conditions are needed in order to gain workforce in this areas.