bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients without a related family history
Authors: Wang Jin-Rui , Chen Zhongli , Yang Ke , Yang Hui-Jun , Tao Wen-Yu , Li Yi-Ping , Jiang Ze-Jia , Bai Chao-Fang , Yin Yue-Chuan , Duan Jian-Mei , Zhou Yuan-Yuan , Geng Xin-Qian , Yang Ying 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a specific neurovascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Clinically, family history is a widely recognized risk factor for DR, assisting diagnosis and risk strata. However, among a great amount of DR patients without hereditary history like hypertension and diabetes, direct and simple risk factors to assist clinical decisions are still required. Herein, we intend to investigate the associated risk factors for these DR patients based on systemic inflammatory response indexes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Methods: We consecutively enrolled 1030 patients with a definite diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the endocrinology department of the Second hospital of People in Yun Nan. Based on funduscopy and family history checking, we excluded patients with a family history of hypertension and diabetes and finally enrolled 264 patients with DR and 206 patients with non-diabetic retinopathy (NDR). Through correlation analysis, univariate and multivariate regression, we further explore the association between NLR, PLR, and DR. On top of that, we investigate the effect of NLR and PLR on risk reclassification of DR.Results: Compared with NDR patients, NLR and PLR levels are significantly higher among DR patients (NLR: 2.36±1.16 in DR group versus 1.97±1.06 in NDR group, p<0.001; PLR: 11.62±4.55 in DR group versus10.56±4.45 in NDR group, p=0.012). According to univariate analysis, NLR and PLR add risks to DR. After fully adjusting co-founders, NLR, as both continuous and categorical variate, remains an independent risk factor for DR (OR (95%CI): 1.37 (1.06, 1.78) P= 0.018). And though PLR was not independently associated with DR as a continuous variable (OR (95%CI) 1.05 (0.99, 1.11) p= 0.135), the highest quantile of PLR add two-fold increased risk (OR (95%CI) 2.20 (1.05, 4.59) p=0.037) in the fully adjusted model for DR. In addition, addition of PLR and NLR to the established factor hemoglobin (Hb) improved the discriminability of the model and assisted the reclassification of DR. After combining PLR and NLR the Area under curve (AUC) of Hb based model raised from 0.76 to 0.78, with a category-free net reclassiﬁcation improvement (NRI) of 0.532 (p < 0.001) and Integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) of 0.029 (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Systemic inflammatory response indexes NLR and PLR were associated with the presence of DR among patients without associated family history and contributed to improvements in reclassification of DR in addition to Hb.
Ischemia considerations for the development of an organ and tissue donor derived bone marrow bank
Authors: Woods Erik John , Sherry Aubrey M. , Woods John R. , Hardin James W. , LaFontaine Michael , Brandacher Gerald , Johnstone Brian H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Deceased organ donors represent an untapped source of therapeutic bone marrow (BM) that can be recovered in 3-5 times the volume of that obtained from living donors, tested for quality, cryopreserved, and banked indefinitely for future on-demand use. A challenge for a future BM banking system will be to manage the prolonged ischemia times that are inevitable when bones procured at geographically-dispersed locations are shipped to distant facilities for processing. Our objectives were to: (a) quantify, under realistic field conditions, the relationship between ischemia time and the quality of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) derived from deceased-donor BM; (b) identify ischemia-time boundaries beyond which HSPC quality is adversely affected; (c) investigate whole-body cooling as a strategy for preserving cell quality; and (d) investigate processing experience as a variable affecting quality. Methods: Seventy-five bones from 62 donors were analyzed for CD34+ viability following their exposure to various periods of warm-ischemia time (WIT), cold-ischemia time (CIT), and body-cooling time (BCT). Regression models were developed to quantify the independent associations of WIT, CIT, and BCT, with the viability and function of recovered HSPCs. Results: Results demonstrate that under “real-world” scenarios: (a) combinations of warm- and cold-ischemia times favorable to the recovery of high-quality HSPCs are achievable (e.g., CD34+ cell viabilities in the range of 80-90% were commonly observed); (b) body cooling prior to bone recovery is detrimental to cell viability (e.g., CD34+ viability <73% with, vs. >89% without body cooling); (c) vertebral bodies (VBs) are a superior source of HSPCs compared to ilia (IL) (e.g., %CD34+ viability >80% when VBs were the source, vs. <74% when IL were the source); and (d) processing experience is a critical variable affecting quality. Conclusions: Our models can be used by an emerging BM banking system to formulate ischemia-time tolerance limits and data-driven HSPC quality-acceptance standards.
Immediate Effect of Mental Practice on Performance of a Neurodynamic Skill in Physiotherapy Students: A Randomized Control Trial.
Authors: Chheda Kajal Uday , Akulwar-Tajane Isha 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Mental Practice (MP), "the cognitive rehearsal of a task in the absence of overt physical movement," has been used successfully in teaching and rehearsing complex psychomotor tasks in several domains, including sports; music; and recently, in surgical skills acquisition. This study investigates the implementation of MP on performance of a neurodynamic skill in third year undergraduate Physiotherapy students.
Method:

It was a randomized control trial (single-blind) conducted in a Physiotherapy institute. A convenient sample of 40 III year undergraduate students who were novice for the topic were recruited. Some important preliminary steps involved development and validation of the tools used in the study viz. an audio script to guide mental imagery practice and an OSPE checklist to assess the outcome. The OSPE checklist was procedural specific for ULNT-1 and included stations for cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains. A neurodynamic skill (ULNT-1 Median nerve) was taught to all the students (n = 38, 2 drop outs) by a teacher as a didactic lecture followed by physical practice which was supervised and guided by the same teacher. After randomization, the intervention group (n = 19) received MP guided by a structured audio script as a single session for 20 minutes delivered to all the participants together in a group. The control group participants (n = 19) intended to serve as a basis of comparison and received no intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessment was done by a set of examiners who were blinded to the intervention. Comparative analysis was done within the group using Wilcoxon sign rank test and between the groups using unpaired t test.
Results

MP group showed significant improvement in cognitive, psychomotor, affective domain and total score of OSPE post intervention whereas the control group did not show significant difference except for the total score. Between group comparison showed significant differences in all the domains and total score in favor of the MP group. Also, the extent of improvement (effect size calculated using Cohen’s d) was more in the mental practice group than in the control group.
Conclusion

MP as an adjunct to physical practice is a time-and cost-effective strategy to augment traditional training and enhance performance of a neurodynamic skill in Physiotherapy students. This preliminary evidence supported by robust scientific base and ease of integration should facilitate adoption of MP in Physiotherapy education. We recommend future studies to further explore the potential of this promising tool.
Influences on participation in a programme addressing loneliness among people with depression and anxiety: findings from the Community Navigator Study
Authors: Frerichs Johanna , Billings Jo , Barber Nick , Chhapia Anjie , Chipp Beverley , Shah Prisha , Shorten Anna , Stefanidou Theodora , Johnson Sonia , Lloyd-Evans Brynmoor , Pinfold Vanessa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Loneliness is common among people with mental health problems and is associated with depression, anxiety and poorer recovery. In the absence of an existing evidence-based intervention, the Community Navigator programme was developed to help reduce loneliness among people with severe depression and/or anxiety using secondary mental health services. This paper presents a co-produced qualitative analysis of the factors that appear to influence participation in this programme.
Methods
The programme consisted of up to ten meetings with a Community Navigator and three optional group sessions. It was assessed using a feasibility trial. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants (N = 19) shortly after programme completion, by a researcher with experience of depression and anxiety. A two-stage qualitative approach to analysis was undertaken by members of the study’s co-production working group, which included service users, clinicians and researchers, using both a narrative analysis of three interviews to produce case studies as well as a thematic analysis of all nineteen interviews.
Results
From our case study analysis, it was clear how hard it was for participants to work with their feelings of loneliness. Six themes from the thematic analysis were identified to explain both motivation to and barriers towards participation in the programme, which relate to individual and structural factors: desire to connect with others or not; finding meaningful things to do; individual’s social confidence, particularly in group settings; accessibility of resources locally both in terms of practical considerations and financial cost; timing of the programme including in relation to people’s mental health; and, relationship with the Community Navigator.
Conclusions
We found that people with severe depression and/or anxiety supported by secondary mental health services may want to address feelings of loneliness but are aware of the emotional effort this entails. Interventions to address loneliness should be developed that consider the factors that enable and hinder participation and seek to build into their programmes the necessary support structures to address what may be a major personal challenge.
Dynamic manipulation of unknown string by robot arm: Realizing momentary string shapes
Authors: Tabata Kenta , Seki Hiroaki , Tsuji Tokuo , Hiramitsu Tatsuhiro , Hikizu Masatosh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In this paper we propose dynamic manipulation for flexible object by using high speed robot arm. We consider dynamic manipulation for unknown string and describe how to manipulete it. Paticulary, we focus on the achived momentary string shapes. For example, momentary string shapes is like a J , C or d. In our strategy for dynamic manipulation of unknown string, manipulation is achieved through repeating 3steps: manipulation of string by robot arm, string parameter estimation. A string is described as the physical-dased 3D model. And ,motion data for robot arm is given as each joint angular velocity data. For simulation of motion, we input the each joint angular velocity data,and initial paramaretars of modeled string.This simulation calculate not only the motion of robot arm but also motion of modeled ropes which occured by robot motion. Parametar estimation is to string parametar by comparing image of the real manipulation with string model and motion generation by estimated model. Repeatly each step, we realize dynamic manipulation of unknown string. Finaly, we show the some experiment of dynamic manipulation ,and we demonstrate effective of parametar estimation and validity.
Clinical Impact of Estradiol/Testosterone Ratio in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Choi Jung-Won , Ryoo In Woo , Hong Jun Yeong , Lee Kyung-Yul , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Won Chan , Oh Seung-Hun , Kang Jaeku , Lee Hoi Young , Na Sang-Jun , Heo Ji Hoe , Lee Kee Ook 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Sex hormones may be associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke or stroke-related events. In observational studies, lower testosterone concentrations are associated with infirmity, vascular disease, and adverse cardiovascular risk factors. Currently, female sexual hormones are considered neuroprotective agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of sex hormones and the ratio of estradiol/testosterone (E/T) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2016, 146 male patients with AIS and 152 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in this study. Sex hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, were evaluated in the AIS patient and control groups. We analyzed the clinical and physiological levels of sex hormones and hormone ratios in these patients.Results: The E/T ratio was significantly elevated among patients in the stroke group compared to those in the control group (P = 0.001). Categorization of data into tertiles revealed that patients with the highest E/T ratio were more likely to have AIS [odds ratio (OR) 3.084; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.616-5.886; P < 0.001) compared with those in the first tertile. The E/T ratio was also an independent unfavorable outcome predictor with an adjusted OR of 1.167 (95% CI: 1.053-1.294; P = 0.003).Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that increased estradiol and reduced testosterone levels are associated with AIS in men.
Enhanced photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolic capability contributes to heterosis of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) hybrid ‘Huaza Mian H318’ as revealed by genome-wide gene expression analysis
Authors: Ding Yuanhao , Zhang Rui , Zhu Longfu , Wang Maojun , Ma Yizan , Yuan Daojun , Liu Nian , Hu Haiyan , Min Ling , Zhang Xianlong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Heterosis has been exploited for decades in different crops for the dramatic increase in yield but less documented molecular evidences reported in cotton.
Results
An elite cotton hybrid variety ‘Huaza Mian H318’ (H318) and its parental lines was used to explore the source of its yield heterosis. A four years’ investigation of yield related traits showed that the boll number of the H318 was stable higher compare with its two parents whether in the climate suitable or unsuitable years. Besides, the hybrid H318 grows faster and showed higher fresh and dry weight than its parental lines at the seedling stage. Transcriptome analysis of seedlings identified 17,308 differential expressed genes (DEGs) between H318 and its parental lines, and 945 extremely changed DEGs were screened out for later analysis. In which, most DEGs (931/945) were gathered between H318 and its paternal line (4–5), but only 78 DEGs were found between H318 and its maternal line (B0011), which implied that H318 display more similar gene action with its maternal parent. GO and KEGG analysis showed that these DEGs highly enriched in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolic processes, the expression level of these DEGs was significantly higher in the H318 relative to its parental lines, which implies that sucrose and starch biosynthesis were enhanced in H318.
Conclusion
The enhanced photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolic capability contributes to the heterosis of H318 at seedling stage, and establish the material foundation for later higher boll setting rates in the complex field environments.
Objectively Measured Association Between Air Pollution and Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among College Students in Beijing
Authors: Yu Miao , Wu Yin , Gordon Shelby Paige , Cheng Jiali , Chen Panpan , Wang Yangyang , Yu Hongjun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Air pollution has become a major environmental health risk factor, notably in China. Air pollution potentially has the impact of human populations’ health behavior. Gaps in scientific literature remain regarding more accurately estimates the relationship between air pollution and sedentary behavior in China. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between hourly air pollution AP on hourly physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among college students in Beijing, China. The secondary aim was to examine such associations varied at specific times. Methods: A total of 340 participants were recruited from the Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China. Accelerometers provided PA measures, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), walking steps, energy expenditure and sedentary time for 7 consecutive days. Corresponding AP data by the Beijing Municipal Ecological Environment Bureau in the closed site (Wan Liu site) at Tsinghua University were collected to include average hourly air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 (µg/m³). Associations were estimated using linear individual fixed-effect regressions.Results: A one level increase in hourly air quality index (AQI) was associated with a reduction in one-hour MVPA by 0.083 minutes (95% CI =[-0.137, -0.029]), 8.8 walking steps (95% CI = [-15.0, -2.6]), and 0.65 kcals of energy expenditure (95% CI =-[1.03, -0.27]). A 10µg/m³ increase in AP concentration in hourly PM2.5 was associated with a reduction in one-hour MVPA by 0.021 minutes (95% CI = [-0.033, -0.010]), 2.2 walking steps (95% CI = [-3.5, -0.9]), 0.170 kcals of energy expenditure (95% CI = [-0.250, -0.089]), and an increase in one-hour SB by 0.045 (95% CI = [0.005, 0.0845]). At a specific time, there are stronger negative associations of AQI and PM2.5 to PA at 8 am, 4 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm. Similarly, stronger positive associations were found at one hour AQI and PM2.5 with SB at 8 am, 9 am, 11 am, and 7 pm. Conclusions: AP may discourage PA and increases SB among freshman students living in Beijing, China. The impact of AP on PA and sedentary behavior at a specific time may be different.
First Realizations of Spinal Anesthesia in Neonates and Infants - Preterms or Ex prematures - in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Randriamizao Harifetra Mamy Richard , Rakotondrainibe Aurelia , Razafindrabekoto Lova Dany Ella , Ravoaviarivelo Prisca Funken , Rajaonera Andriambelo Tovohery , Andriamanarivo Mamy Lalatiana 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the first realizations of spinal anesthesia in neonates and infants (preterms or ex prematures) in Antananarivo - Madagascar, because spinal anesthesia – a low cost technique – can limit respiratory complications and postoperative apnea and also general anesthesia can present perioperative risks for pediatric patients.Results: In a retrospective, descriptive, seven-year (2013 to 2019) period study, conducted in the University Hospital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, data files of 69 babies planned to have spinal anesthesia were recorded. These pediatric patients were predominantly male (sex ratio = 2.8) and 37 [28 - 52] days old. The smallest anesthetized child weighed 880 g; the youngest was 4 days old. Twenty-seven (27) of them were premature and 20.3% presented respiratory diseases. They were mostly scheduled for hernia repair (97.1%). Spinal anesthesia was performed, with a Gauge 25 Quincke spinal needle, after 2 [1 - 2] attempts with hyperbaric bupivacaine of 4 [3.5 - 4] mg. Failure rate was 5.8% needing general anesthesia conversion. The heart rate was stable throughout perioperative period and no complications were observed.
Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of alfalfa in response to microRNA156 under high temperature
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Puri Alpa , Simkovich Aaron J , Renaud Justin , Gruber Margaret Y , Marsolais Frédéric , Hannoufa Abdelali 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Abiotic stress, including heat, is one of the major factors that affect alfalfa growth and forage yield. The small RNA, microRNA156 (miR156), regulates multiple traits in alfalfa during abiotic stress. The aim of this study was to explore the role of miR156 in regulating heat response in alfalfa at the protein level. Results In this study, we compared an empty vector control and miR156 overexpressing (miR156OE) alfalfa plants after exposing them to heat stress (40 ° C) for 24 hours. We measured physiological parameters of control and miR156OE plants under heat stress, and collected leaf samples for protein analysis. A higher proline and antioxidant contents were detected in miR156OE plants than in controls under heat stress. Protein samples were analyzed by label-free quantification proteomics. Across all samples, a total of 1878 protein groups were detected. Under heat stress, 45 protein groups in the empty vector plants were significantly altered (P < 0.05; |log 2 FC| > 2). Conversely, 105 protein groups were significantly altered when miR156OE alfalfa was subjected to heat stress, of which 91 were unique to miR156OE plants. The identified protein groups unique to miR156OE plants were related to diverse functions including metabolism, photosynthesis, stress-response and plant defenses. Furthermore, we identified transcription factors in miR156OE plants, which belonged to squamosa promoter binding-like protein, MYB, ethylene responsive factors, AP2 domain, ABA response element binding factor and bZIP families of transcription factors. Conclusions These results suggest a positive role for miR156 in heat stress response in alfalfa. They reveal a miR156-regulated network of mechanisms at the protein level to modulate heat responses in alfalfa.
Identifying and Supporting Students at Risk of Failing the National Medical Licensure Examination in Japan Using a Predictive Pass Rate
Authors: Tsunekawa Koji , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Shioiri Toshiki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Students who fail to pass the National Medical Licensure Examination (NMLE) pose a huge problem from the educational standpoint of healthcare professionals. In the present study, we developed a formula of predictive pass rate (PPR)” which reliably predicts medical students who will fail the NMLE in Japan, and provides an adequate academic support for them.
Methods
Six consecutive cohorts of 531 medical students between 2012 and 2017, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, were investigated. Using 7 variables before the admission to medical school and 10 variables after admission, we developed a prediction formula to obtain the PPR for the NMLE using logistic regression analysis. In a new cohort of 106 medical students in 2018, we applied the formula for PPR to them to confirm the capability of the PPR and predicted students who will have a strong likelihood of failing the NMLE.
Results
Medical students who passed the NMLE had the following characteristics: younger age at admission, graduates of high schools located in the surrounding area, high scores in the graduation examination and in the comprehensive computer-based test provided by the Common Achievement Test Organization in Japan. However, total score of examination in pre-clinical medical sciences and Pre-CC OSCE score in the 4th year were not correlated with the PPR. Ninety-one out of 531 students had a strong likelihood of failing the NMLE between 2012 and 2017 and 33 of these 91 students failed NMLE. Using the PPR, we predicted 12 out of 106 students will have a strong likelihood of failing the NMLE. Actually, five of these 12 students failed NMLE.
Conclusions
The PPR can be used to predict medical students who have a higher probability of failing the NMLE. This prediction would enable focused support and guidance by faculty members. Prospective and longitudinal studies for larger and different cohorts would be necessary.