bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification and expression of GRAS gene family members in cassava
Authors: Shan Zhongying , Luo Xinglu , Wu Meiyan , Wei Limei , Fan Zhupeng , Zhu Yanmei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundCassava is highly tolerant to stressful conditions, especially drought stress conditions; however, the mechanisms underlying this tolerance are poorly understood. The GRAS gene family is a large family of transcription factors that are involved in regulating the growth, development, and stress responses of plants. Currently, GRAS transcription factors have not been systematically studied in cassava, which is the sixth most important crop in the world.ResultsSeventy-sevenMeGRASgenes were identified from the cassava genome database. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MeGRAS proteins could be divided into 14 subfamilies. The gene structure and motif compositions of the proteins were considerably conserved within the same subfamily. Duplication events, particularly segmental duplication, were identified as the main driving force forGRASgene expansion in cassava. Global expression analysis revealed thatMeGRASgenes exhibited similar or distinct expression profiles within different tissues among different varieties. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis revealed the expression patterns ofMeGRASgenes in response to abiotic stress (drought, salt, cold, and H2O2), and the results suggest that these genes may have multiple functions.ConclusionThis study is the first to provide comprehensive information on GRAS gene family members in cassava. The data will increase our understanding of both the molecular basis and the effects ofGRASgenes. In addition, the results will contribute further to identifying the responses to various environmental conditions and provide insights into the potential functions ofGRASgenes.
Aberrant right coronary artery in a grown up congenital cardiac patient, successfully treated 46 years earlier with a double Starr-Edwards silastic ball valve replacement: a case report
Authors: Ponsiglione Andrea , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Spagnuolo Gabriella , Stanzione Arnaldo , Nappi Carmela , Dell’Aversana Serena , Spagnuolo Antonio , Cuocolo Alberto , Imbriaco Massimo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Starr-Edwards ball valve prosthesis was successfully introduced in 1961–62 and largely used for aortic and mitral valve replacement. Even if Starr-Edwards valves have been widely replaced in clinical practice by other mechanical valves, they define a standard concerning long-term durability.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 55-year-old man referred to our Department to perform a cardiac computed tomography (CCT), to better evaluate a severe dilation of ascending aorta discovered at echocardiography. The patient had been surgically treated 46 years earlier to correct a supra-cristal type ventricular septal defect. Both mitral and aortic valves were replaced, respectively due to bacterial mitral endocarditis and a fibrous sub-valvular aortic stenosis. In addition, the right coronary artery (RCA) was found to arise from the left coronary sinus.ConclusionWe report the longest lasting durability (46 years) of aortic and mitral Starr-Edwards valves successfully implanted in a patient simultaneously carrying a malignant anomalous origin of RCA.
A qualitative study on conveyance decision-making during emergency call outs to people with dementia: the HOMEWARD project
Authors: Voss Sarah , Brandling Janet , Pollard Katherine , Taylor Hazel , Black Sarah , Buswell Marina , Cheston Richard , Cullum Sarah , Foster Theresa , Kirby Kim , Prothero Larissa , Purdy Sarah , Solway Chris , Benger Jonathan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Paramedics are increasingly required to make complex decisions as to whether they should convey a patient to hospital or manage their condition at the scene. Dementia can be a significant barrier to the assessment process. However, to our knowledge no research has specifically examined the process of decision-making by paramedics in relation to people with dementia. This qualitative study was designed to investigate the factors influencing the decision-making process during Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls to older people with dementia who did not require immediate clinical treatment.

Methods
This qualitative study used a combination of observation, interview and document analysis to investigate the factors influencing the decision-making process during EMS calls to older people with dementia. A researcher worked alongside paramedics in the capacity of observer and recruited eligible patients to participate in case studies. Data were collected from observation notes of decision-making during the incident, patient care records and post incident interviews with participants, and analysed thematically.

Findings
Four main themes emerged from the data concerning the way that paramedics make conveyance decisions when called to people with dementia: 1) Physical condition; the key factor influencing paramedics’ decision-making was the physical condition of the patient. 2) Cognitive capacity; most of the participants preferred not to remove patients with a diagnosis of dementia from surroundings familiar to them, unless they deemed it absolutely essential. 3) Patient circumstances; this included the patient’s medical history and the support available to them. 4) Professional influences; participants also drew on other perspectives, such as advice from colleagues or information from the patient’s General Practitioner, to inform their decision-making.

Conclusion
The preference for avoiding unnecessary conveyance for patients with dementia, combined with difficulties in obtaining an accurate patient medical history and assessment, mean that decision-making can be particularly problematic for paramedics. Further research is needed to find reliable ways of assessing patients and accessing information to support conveyance decisions for EMS calls to people with dementia.
Patient-related factors associated with an increased risk of being a reported case of preventable harm in first-line health care: a case-control study
Authors: Fernholm Rita , Holzmann Martin J. , Wachtler Caroline , Szulkin Robert , Carlsson Axel C. , Pukk Härenstam Karin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Patient safety issues in primary health care and in emergency departments have not been as thoroughly explored as patient safety issues in the hospital setting. Knowledge is particularly sparse regarding which patients have a higher risk of harm in these settings. The objective was to evaluate which patient-related factors were associated with risk of harm in patients with reports of safety incidents.

Methods
A case–control study performed in primary health care and emergency departments in Sweden. In total, 4536 patients (cases) and 44,949 controls were included in this study. Cases included patients with reported preventable harm in primary health care and emergency departments from January 1st, 2011 until December 31st, 2016.

Results
Psychiatric disease, including all psychiatric diagnoses regardless of severity, nearly doubled the risk of being a reported case of preventable harm (odds ratio, 1.96; p < 0.001). Adjusted for income and education there was still an increased risk (odds ratio, 1.69; p < 0.001). The preventable harm in this group was to 46% diagnostic errors of somatic disease.

Conclusion
Patients with psychiatric illness are at higher risk of preventable harm in primary care and the emergency department. Therefore, this group needs extra attention to prevent harm.
Quantitative comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional strain measurement using MRI feature tracking in repair Fontan patients and normal child volunteers
Authors: Hu Liwei , Wang Qian , Gregory Barton P. , Ouyang Rong Zhen , Sun Aimin , Guo Chen , Han Tongtong , Zhong Yumin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The accuracy of 2D and 3D strain analyses was evaluated by comparing strain and cardiac function parameters in Fontan repair patients and normal child volunteers.

Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 32 patients with Fontan circulation and 32 child volunteers who had undergone clinical cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment of the dominant ventricle with a 1.5-Tesla MRI scanner. Global and regional strain (2D and 3D) of the dominant ventricle in both groups was assessed using CMR feature-tracking. Correlations between cardiac function and strain data were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient values. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CoV) were determined to evaluate repeatability and agreement.

Results
The 2D GLS showed significant differences between the Fontan repair patients and volunteers (− 16.49 ± 5.00 vs. -19.49 ± 2.03; p = 0.002). The 2D GRS and 2D GCS showed no significant differences between two groups. 2D GRS: 38.96 ± 14.48 vs. 37.46 ± 7.77; 2D GCS: − 17.64 ± 5.00 vs. -16.89 ± 2.96, respectively; p > 0.05). The 3D global radial strain (GRS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) showed significant differences between the Fontan repair patients and volunteers (3D GRS: 36.35 ± 16.72 vs. 44.96 ± 9.98; 3D GLS: − 8.86 ± 6.84 vs. -13.67 ± 2.44; 3D GCS: − 13.70 ± 7.84 vs. -18.01 ± 1.78; p < 0.05, respectively). The ejection fraction (EF) and 3D GCS were significantly associated (r = − 0.491, p = 0.004). The 3D GCS showed correlations with the indexed end-diastolic volume (EDV) (r = 0.523, p = 0.002) and indexed end-systolic volume (ESV) (r = 0.602, p < 0.001). 3D strain showed good reproducibility, with GCS showing the best inter-observer agreement (ICC = 0.87 and CoV = 5.15), followed by GLS (ICC = 0.84 and CoV = 5.36).

Conclusions
3D GCS is feasible, highly reproducible, and strongly correlated with conventional cardiac function measures. 3D GCS assessments may be useful for monitoring abnormal myocardial motion in patients with Fontan circulation.
Ambrisentan use in a HIV-1 infected patient with end-stage renal disease and pulmonary hypertension: minimal removal by hemodialysis - a case report
Authors: Santos José Ramón , Merino Ana , Haefeli Walter E. , Miranda Cristina , Prats Marisol , Bancu Ioana , Bailón Lucía , Moltó José 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Ambrisentan is a selective endothelin receptor antagonist used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Little is known about ambrisentan removal by hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Case presentation
A 53-year-old woman with HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection, PAH and ESRD on regular hemodialyis was admitted in our hospital due to refractory heart failure while on treatment with bosentan (125 mg twice daily) and tadalafil (20 mg once daily) for PAH and antiretroviral treatment (cART) including darunavir/cobicistat (800/150 mg once daily). Excessive exposure to bosentan due to drug interactions between bosentan and darunavir/cobicistat was suspected. Bosentan was replaced by ambrisentan, with progressive improvement in her clinical condition. Pre- and postdialyzer cocentrations of ambrisentan in plasma were determined and hemodialysis extraction ratio for ambrisentan was 2%.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that hemodialysis results in minimal ambrisentan removal, and therefore no specific ambrisentan dosage adjustment seems to be required in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Advanced ultrasound methods in assessment of carotid plaque instability: a prospective multimodal study
Authors: Zamani M. , Skagen K. , Scott H. , Russell D. , Skjelland M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
A significant proportion of ischemic strokes are caused by emboli from atherosclerotic, unstable carotid artery plaques. The selection of patients for endarterectomy in current clinical practice is primarily based on the degree of carotid artery stenosis and clinical symptoms. However, the content of the plaque is known to be more important for stroke risk. Intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) has recently emerged as a possible surrogate marker for plaque instability. Neo-microvessels from the adventitial vasa vasorum grow into the full thickness of the vessel wall in an adaptive response to hypoxia, causing subsequent intraplaque haemorrhage and plaque rupture. Conventional ultrasound cannot detect IPN. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI), have, however, shown promise in IPN assessment. Recent research using Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) has also reported reduced tissue stiffness in the artery wall (reduced mean Young’s modulus) in unstable compared to stable plaques. The purpose of this study is to identify unstable carotid artery plaques at risk of rupture and future ischemic stroke risk using multimodal assessments.

Methods
Forty five symptomatic and 45 asymptomatic patients > 18 years, with > 50% carotid stenosis referred to Oslo University Hospital ultrasound lab will be included in this on-going project. Patients will undergo contrast enhanced ultrasound, SMI, carotid-MRI and PET-(18F-FDG). Contrast enhanced ultrasound will be analyzed semi-quantitatively (5-levels visual classification) and quantitatively by plotting time-intensity curve analyses to obtain plaque peak contrast enhancement intensity. Plaques removed at carotid endarterectomy will be assessed histologically and the number of microvessels, areas of inflammation, granulation, calcification, lipid and fibrosis will be measured.

Discussion
This multimodality study will primarily provide information on the clinical value of advanced ultrasound methods (SMI, SWE) for the detection of unstable carotid artery plaque in comparison with other methods including contrast-enhanced ultrasound, carotid-MRI and PET-(18F-FDG) using histology as the gold standard. Secondly, findings from the methods mentioned above will be related to cerebrovascular symptoms, blood tests (leukocytes, CRP, ESR, lipoproteins and inflammatory markers) and cardiovascular risk factors at inclusion and at 1-year follow-up. The overall aim is to optimize detection of plaque instability which can lead to better preventive decisions and reduced stroke rate.
Relationship between caesarean section and breastfeeding: evidence from the 2013 Turkey demographic and health survey
Authors: Paksoy Erbaydar Nüket , Erbaydar Tuğrul 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The mode of delivery influences breastfeeding practices. High rates of caesarean section and low breastfeeding rates are important public health concerns for all developing countries. This study aimed to determine the relationship between caesarean section and early breastfeeding practices among primiparae.

Methods
Data for primiparae with a singleton birth (N = 777) obtained from the 2013 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey were used in this retrospective cohort study. Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery and exclusive breastfeeding during the first three days following birth were evaluated. Standardised incidence rates and standardised rate ratios of non-early initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding were calculated according to the mode of delivery.

Results
The late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding incidence rates were 42.7 and 41.0%, respectively. The standardised incidence rate of late initiation of breastfeeding among women with vaginal delivery was 35.34%, versus 50.49% among those with caesarean delivery. The standardised rate ratios for late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding were 1.428 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.212–1.683) and 1.468 (95% CI: 1.236–1.762), respectively. Women who underwent caesarean section had a higher risk of late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding during the three days following delivery, after controlling for sociodemographic and delivery-related factors.

Conclusions
This study provides useful evidence for the implementation of strategies to prevent unnecessary caesarean sections, which negatively affect not only maternal health but also neonatal health. The promotion of mother-friendly policies by healthcare institutions, implemented in a baby-friendly manner, is essential.
Key genes with prognostic values in suppression of osteosarcoma metastasis using comprehensive analysis
Authors: Li Mi , Jin Xin , Li Hao , Wu Gang , Wang Shanshan , Yang Caihong , Deng Sisi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant tumor originating from mesenchymal tissue, with a poor distant metastasis prognosis. The molecular mechanisms of osteosarcoma metastasis are extremely complicated.

Methods
A public data series (GSE21257) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in osteosarcoma patients that did, or did not, develop metastases. Functional enrichment analysis, a protein-protein interaction network, and survival analysis of DEGs were performed. DEGs with a prognostic value were considered as candidate genes and their functional predictions, different expression in normal and malignant tissues, and immune infiltration were analyzed.

Results
The DEGs were mainly enriched in the immune response. Three candidate genes (ALOX5AP, CD74, and FCGR2A) were found, all of which were expressed at higher levels in lungs and lymph nodes than in matched cancer tissues and were probably expressed in the microenvironment.

Conclusions
Candidate genes can help us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying osteosarcoma metastasis and provide targets for future research.
Combination therapy with Olaratumab/doxorubicin in advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma -a single-Centre experience
Authors: Striefler Jana Käthe , Brandes Franziska , Baur Alexander , Pfitzner Berit Maria , Kaul David , Rau Daniel , Dörr Anne , Schmiester Maren , Koulaxouzidis Georgios , Bullinger Lars , Märdian Sven , Flörcken Anne 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe antibody targeting platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), olaratumab, was approved in 2016 for metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in combination with doxorubicin based on promising results of a phase Ib/II trial by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, recently the phase III ANNOUNCE trial could not confirm the additional value of olaratumab in this context.MethodsHere, in a retrospective analysis we share our single-centre experience with olaratumab/doxorubicin in STS by includingn = 32 patients treated with olaratumab/doxorubicin between 2016 and 2019.ResultsMedian progression-free survival (PFS) in the overall cohort was 3.1 months (range 0.6–16.2). A response [complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR) or stable disease (SD)] was seen inn = 11 (34%) cases, whereasn = 21 (66%) patients showed progressive disease (PD). Inn = 9 patients surgery was performed subsequently in an individual therapeutic approach. Out ofn = 5 patients receiving additional regional hyperthermia,n = 3 achieved PR or SD.ConclusionsThis single-centre experience does also not support the promising phase Ib/II results for olaratumab/doxorubicin in STS. However, our findings do not preclude that olaratumab combination therapy could be valuable in a neoadjuvant setting. This warrants further exploration also taking into account the heterogeneous nature of STS.
Multisystem mitochondrial diseases due to mutations in mtDNA-encoded subunits of complex I
Authors: Danhelovska Tereza , Kolarova Hana , Zeman Jiri , Hansikova Hana , Vaneckova Manuela , Lambert Lukas , Kucerova-Vidrova Vendula , Berankova Kamila , Honzik Tomas , Tesarova Marketa 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Maternally inherited complex I deficiencies due to mutations in MT-ND genes represent a heterogeneous group of multisystem mitochondrial disorders (MD) with a unfavourable prognosis. The aim of the study was to characterize the impact of the mutations in MT-ND genes, including the novel m.13091 T > C variant, on the course of the disease, and to analyse the activities of respiratory chain complexes, the amount of protein subunits, and the mitochondrial energy-generating system (MEGS) in available muscle biopsies and cultivated fibroblasts.

Methods
The respiratory chain complex activities were measured by spectrophotometry, MEGS were analysed using radiolabelled substrates, and protein amount by SDS-PAGE or BN-PAGE in muscle or fibroblasts.

Results
In our cohort of 106 unrelated families carrying different mtDNA mutations, we found heteroplasmic mutations in the genes MT-ND1, MT-ND3, and MT-ND5, including the novel variant m.13091 T > C, in 13 patients with MD from 12 families. First symptoms developed between early childhood and adolescence and progressed to multisystem disease with a phenotype of Leigh or MELAS syndromes. MRI revealed bilateral symmetrical involvement of deep grey matter typical of Leigh syndrome in 6 children, cortical/white matter stroke-like lesions suggesting MELAS syndrome in 3 patients, and a combination of cortico-subcortical lesions and grey matter involvement in 4 patients. MEGS indicated mitochondrial disturbances in all available muscle samples, as well as a significantly decreased oxidation of [1-14C] pyruvate in fibroblasts. Spectrophotometric analyses revealed a low activity of complex I and/or complex I + III in all muscle samples except one, but the activities in fibroblasts were mostly normal. No correlation was found between complex I activities and mtDNA mutation load, but higher levels of heteroplasmy were generally found in more severely affected patients.

Conclusions
Maternally inherited complex I deficiencies were found in 11% of families with mitochondrial diseases in our region. Six patients manifested with Leigh, three with MELAS. The remaining four patients presented with an overlap between these two syndromes. MEGS, especially the oxidation of [1-14C] pyruvate in fibroblasts might serve as a sensitive indicator of functional impairment due to MT-ND mutations. Early onset of the disease and higher level of mtDNA heteroplasmy were associated with a worse prognosis.
Age-period-cohort projection of trends in blood pressure and body mass index in children and adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Kwok Man Ki , Wong Irene Oi Ling , Schooling C. Mary 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI) trends during childhood and adolescence are complex, making context-specific projections necessary to inform prevention and presage changes.

Objective
This study aimed to project BP and BMI in Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescents from 2015 to 2024 based on trends in BP and BMI observed from 1996/99 to 2014.

Methods
We decomposed recent trends into sex-specific contributions of age, period and cohort using age-period-cohort linear regression with Bayesian inference and autoregressive priors based on BP in children and adolescents aged 9–18 years from 1999 to 2014 and BMI in those aged 6–18 years from 1996 to 2014. We then used the resultant models to project BP and BMI from 2015 to 2024.

Results
During the study period, systolic BP decreased from 1999 to 2004/5 before gradually increasing to 2014 during childhood (for boys: from 104.6 to 101.9 and then to 103.4 mmHg) and during adolescence. Similar patterns were observed for diastolic BP. BMI generally increased from 1996 to 2009 before falling to 2014 during childhood (e.g. for boys: from 17.2 to 18.0 and then to 17.1 kg/m2). From 2015 onwards, systolic BP was projected to increase in girls, but remain stable in boys. For both sexes, diastolic BP was projected to increase, whereas BMI was projected to decrease to 2024.

Conclusions
In this economically developed Chinese setting, future trends in BP and BMI in children and adolescents are predicted to be divergent, consistent with prior discordant trends in BP and BMI.