bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity
Authors: Martinez-Peinado Nieves , Cortes-Serra Nuria , Torras-Claveria Laura , Pinazo Maria-Jesus , Gascon Joaquim , Bastida Jaume , Alonso-Padilla Julio 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected disease that affects ~7 million people worldwide. Development of new drugs to treat the infection remains a priority since those currently available have frequent side effects and limited efficacy at the chronic stage. Natural products provide a pool of diversity structures to lead the chemical synthesis of novel molecules for this purpose. Herein we analyzed the anti- T. cruzi activity of 9 alkaloids derived from plants of the Amaryllidaceae family. Methods: the activity of each alkaloid was assessed by means of a newly developed anti- T. cruzi phenotypic assay. We further evaluated the compounds that inhibited the parasite growth on two distinct cytotoxicity assays to discard those that were toxic to host cells and assure parasite selectivity. Results: we identified a single compound (hippeastrine 2 ) that was selectively active against the parasite yielding selectivity indexes of 12.7 and 35.2 against Vero and HepG2 cells, respectively. Conclusions: results reported here suggest that natural products are an interesting source of new compounds for the development of drugs against Chagas disease.
SHiNeMaS : A web tool dedicated to seed lots history, phenotyping and cultural practices
Authors: De Oliveira Yannick , Burlot Laura , Goldringer Isabelle , Madi Darkawi , Rivière Pierre , Steinbach Delphine , Frank Gaëlle Van , Thomas Mathieu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Motivation

In 2005, researchers from the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, INRAE) started a collaboration with the French farmers' seed network Réseau Semences Paysannes (RSP) on bread wheat participatory breeding (PPB). The aims were: (1) to study on-farm management of crop diversity; (2) to develop population-varieties adapted to organic and low inputs agriculture (3) to co-develop tools and methods adapted to on-farm experiments. In this project, researchers and farmers' organizations needed to map the history and life cycle of the population-varieties using network formalism to represent relationships between seed lots. All this information had to be centralized and stored in a database.

Results

We describe here SHiNeMaS (Seeds History and Network Management System) a web tool with its database. SHiNeMaS aims to provide useful interfaces to track seed lots history and related data (phenotyping, environment, cultural practices). Although SHiNeMaS has been developed in the context of bread wheat participatory breeding program, the database has been designed to manage any kind of cultivated plant species and even mix of species at the field. SHiNeMaS is available under Affero GPL licence and uses free technologies such as Python language, Django framework or PostgreSQL database management system (DBMS).

Conclusion

We developed SHiNeMaS, a web tool with its database, dedicated to the management of the history of seed lots and related data like phenotyping, environmental information and cultural practices. SHiNeMaS is used in production in our laboratory for 5 years now and farmers' organizations facilitators manages their own information in the system.
Microstructural Observation and Transcriptome Analysis of Pistil Abortion in ‘Li Guang’ Apricot
Authors: Zhao Tong , Cheng Li , Chen Cuilian , Zhang De , Zhang Zhongxing , Wang Shuangcheng , Zhang Jiqiang , Zhu Yanfang , Wang Yan-xiu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: ‘Li Guang’ apricot, a famous local variety, originated in Dunhuang city, Gansu Province,China. It has a long flowering period and a large amount of flowers, but serious pistil abortion has become one of the key factors affecting the fruit set, yield and quality. The distribution and regulation of hormones play an important role in signal molecules of flower abortion. The critical mechanisms of hormone metabolism and the expression levels of genes involved in these processes are, however, poorly understood.
Results: To clarify the critical molecular mechanisms of hormone-induced abortion in apricot, normal and abortive flower buds were taken as materials, the pistil abortion of apricot flower was studied by paraffin section, and the RNA seq was used to identify the genes related to flowering regulation. The pistil style was lower than filament. Microstructure showed that the pollen grains of abortive flowers were decreased sharply, the ovaries shrunk and the ovule primordia developed stagnately. Through RNA-Seq, 6647 differentially expressed genes, including 2543 up-regulated and 4104 down-regulated genes, were identified. According to the KEGG Pathway, the pyruvate metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, spliceosome, RNA transport, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and other metabolic pathways were significantly enriched. It revealed that AUX1, AUX / IAA, TIR1, ARF, GH3 and SAUR , vital genes displayed identical differential expression profiles to auxin transduction pathway, and ABF , SnRK2 , PP2C to abscisic acid, JAZ, MYC2 to jasmonic acid. The qRT-PCR assay with independent samples showed that the expression levels of these selected genes were basically consistent with RNA-Seq results.
Conclusions : In the whole differentiate stage of flower, pistil abortion represent versatile style . In this process, the changes of hormones play an important role in pistil abortion, especially IAA,GA,and CTK. Related genes involved in hormones synthesis expression regulate the content of hormones and to adapt to the occurrence of pistil abortion under adversity. At the same time, the ethylene response signal factor ERF1/2 (DN70415) was up-regulated in normal flowers, which further indicated that ethylene might be the key regulatory factor affecting the abortion of ‘Liguang’ apricot flowers.
Effectiveness of oral health education on eight to ten year old school children in rural area of Magway Region, Myanmar
Authors: Swe Kyu Kyu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Oral diseases are common and widespread around the world. Many oral health problems are preventable and early onset is reversible. Myanmar faces many challenges in rendering oral health services and about 70 percent of total population resides in rural areas. These relate to the availability and accessibility of oral health services. Therefore, oral health education is one key element to prevent oral diseases and to promote oral health.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out at Basic Education Middle Schools in rural areas of Magway Township to study the effectiveness of oral health education on knowledge and behavior of eight to ten years old school children. A total of 220 school children, 110 from intervention school and 110 from control school, participated in this study from 2015 to 2017. Data for knowledge and behavior were collected before and after intervention in the two groups by using self-administered questionnaire. Tooth brushing method data were collected by direct observation with checklist. Oral health education was provided at eight weekly intervals for one year in the intervention group. After one year and six months, oral health knowledge and behavior were determined in the intervention group only to measure retention. Chi-square test, two samples t test, One way repeated measure ANOVA were used for data analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Review Committee of University of Public Health in Yangon, Myanmar.Results: After education, a positive net effect of intervention and significant improvement was found in the intervention group compared to the control group regarding oral health knowledge (p<0.05) except one that is foods that can cause dental caries (p=0.107) and behavior (p<0.001). Retention of mean ± standard deviation on knowledge and behavioral scores were 2.45±1.12, 3.79±1.12, 4.07±0.98 and 1.56±0.90, 3.60±1.21, 3.24±1.31 at baseline, at one year after education and at six months after cessation of education respectively, and, total knowledge and behavioral scores were significantly improved (p<0.001) among the school children in the intervention group.Conclusion: The repeated oral health education was effective to promote and sustain oral health knowledge and behavior. Word counts: 342
Determinants of ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women attending referral hospitals in Southwestern parts of Oromia regional state, Southwest Ethiopia: A multi-center case control study
Authors: Gerema Urge , Alemayehu Tilahun , Chane Getachew , Desta Diliab , Diriba Amenu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal condition in which implantation of the blastocyst occurs outside the endometrium of the uterus. It is gynecological important, particularly in the developing world, because of the associated enormous rate of high morbidity, during the first trimester of pregnancy. A better understanding of its risk factors can help to prevent its prevalence. However, the determinants of ectopic pregnancy are not well understood and few researches conducted in our country were based on secondary data covering small scale area. Objective: This study aimed to identify determinants of ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women attending referral hospitals in Southwestern part of Oromia regional state, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: Hospital based case control study was employed from June 1 to September 30, 2019. The study was conducted in five referral hospitals in Southwestern part of Oromia regional state. 59 cases and 118 controls were sampled. Data were entered by using Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the data. All explanatory variables with p -value of <0.25 in bi-variable analysis, then entered into multivariable logistic regression. Associated factors were identified at 95% confidence interval (p <0.05). Results : One hundred seventy-four pregnant women (58 cases and 116 controls) were participating in the study. Prior two or more induced abortions [AOR=3.95:95% CI: 1.22-13.05], previous history of caesarean section [AOR=3.4:95% CI: 1.11-10.94], marital status (being single) [AOR=4.04:95%CI: 1.23-13.21], reporting prior recurrent sexual transmitted infection [AOR=2.25:95%CI: 1.00-5.51], prior history of tubal surgery [AOR= 3.32:95%CI: 1.09-10.13] , were more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy with their respective AOR with 95%CI. Conclusion and Recommendation: It was found that having a history of more than two induced abortions during previous pregnancies, marital status (single) , recurrent Sexual transmitted infection, prior history of tubal surgery and experiencing prior caesarean section were found to be determinants of ectopic pregnancy. Hospitals should give emphasis on prevention and early detection of risks of ectopic pregnancy and create awareness in order to reduce the burden of ectopic pregnancy.
Long-term efficacy and recurrence of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Wu Qianru , Chen Xiaoyong , Feng Kang , Liu Yuling , Zhang Chun , Zhao Lin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common cause of visual impairment. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs has previously shown to be effective in the treatment of ICNV. However, the prognostic factors and incidence of recurrence has not been fully demonstrated. The follow-up period in previous studies has also been relatively short. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and recurrence of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV). Methods This retrospective study included 35 patients (35 eyes) with ICNV from Peking University Third Hospital from July 2012 to October 2017. All patients received “treat and extend” treatment regimen. Intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab were administered for each injection. To evaluate CNV recurrence, we continued to follow-up 27 of the 35 patients for at least 2 years after the initial diagnosis, and the longest period was 5 years. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded. Parameters that affect prognosis and recurrence were analyzed. Results The mean follow-up period after diagnosis was 168.0±34.82 months. BCVA improved from 56.20 ± 14.13 to 73.31±12.57 ( P <0.01) and CRT decreased from 353.6±98.70μm to 273.1±53.56μm ( P <0.001) one month after the last injection during the initial follow-up period. Better baseline BCVA indicated a better morphological improvement ( P =0.026) in OCT. Those with high baseline BCVA (more than 60 letters) showed significant resolution of CNV lesions ( P =0.036). 6 patients (22.2%) relapsed. The mean recurrence period was 90.83±49.02 weeks after diagnosis. Patients with recurrence underwent 3.67±0.816 injections, which was significantly higher than that without recurrence. The morphological improvement was compared between the two groups, and there was no statistical difference. Conclusions Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy was effective on ICNV, which could improve BCVA and make CNV lesions subsided. High baseline BCVA indicated a better prognosis. Re-treatment with anti-VEGF could effectively lead to resolution of recurrent ICNV. Disease recurrence had no significant effect on the long-term prognosis and had no correlation with the morphological improvement during treatment, suggesting that long-term follow-up should be performed in all ICNV patients.
Association of 5p15.2 and 15q14 with High Myopia in Tujia and Miao Chinese Populations
Authors: Wang Junwen , Liu Fang , Song Xiusheng , Li Tuo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background In previous studies, rs6885224 and rs634990 polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with high myopia in many populations. In Tujia and Miao minority area, there is still no report on whether the two SNPs are associated with myopia, so we conducted a replication study to evaluate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5p15.2 and 15q14 regions with high myopia in Tujia and Miao Chinese populations. Methods We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of 3816 cases and 4516 controls to assess whether rs6885224 in the 5p15.2 region and rs634990 in the 15q14 region were associated with high myopia. Then a total of 804 individuals were enrolled in our replication study. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous leukocytes. The two SNPs of interest, rs6885224 and rs634990, were genotyped by Sanger sequencing. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes were analysed using χ 2 tests, and ORs and 95%CIs were calculated. Results According to the results of the meta-analysis, rs6885224 in the CTNND2 gene showed no association with myopia [ p =0.893, OR=1.005, 95%CI (0.936-1.079)]. However, rs634990 in the 15q14 region showed a significant association with myopia [ p <0.05, OR=0.818, 95%CI (0.750-0.892)]. In our replication study, neither rs634990 nor rs6885224 showed any association with high myopia in the Tujia and Miao populations. In the allele frequency analysis of rs6885224, p =0.175, the OR=0.845, and the 95%CI=0.662-1.078, and in the analysis of rs634990, p =0.087, the OR=0.84, and the 95%CI=0.687-1.026. In the genotype frequency analysis of rs6885224, p =0.376, and in the analysis of rs634990, p =0.243. Conclusions Our meta-analysis results show that rs634990 was significantly associated with myopia, while rs6885224 was not. Nevertheless, in our replication study, these two SNPs showed no association with myopia in the Tujia and Miao Chinese populations. This is the first report involving Tujia and Miao ethnic groups from Enshi minority areas, but the sample size needs to be expanded and more stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria need to be formulated to verify this study result.
The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Women over 50 Years Old Deserves More Attention
Authors: Jiao Yang , Xie Xuan , Zhang Chunhong , Ming Jie , Xu Shaoyong , Wang Yangwei , Yao Xiaoli , Jia Aihua , Li Hui , Sui Jing , Qin Jianjun , Li Wenjie , Zhang Haixiong , Zhao Xin , Ji Qiuhe 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Aims This study aimed to understand the characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in populations (especially females) over 50 years old in Xi’an, China, to avail adjusting prevention strategies in similar regions. Methods 3001 people were included, based on data from “Xi'an Community-Based Management of Diabetes in the Elderly”. The prevalence rate was calculated and analyzed stratifying by gender, age and geography. Results The overall prevalence rates for males and females were 41.9±8.3% and 41.4±11.3% according to 2019 Chinese Diabetes Society diagnosis criteria, 32.0±9.0% and 49.7±9.8% according to International Diabetes Federation diagnosis criteria. The prevalence increased with age in females, but not in males. The prevalence of MetS, as well as abdominal obesity and hypertension, was higher in rural females than in urban and suburban females. Logistic regression analysis showed the risk factors included age, premature menopause, low family income and education level, sedentary time >9 hours/day, weight-gain, and family history of hypertension. Conclusions In Xi'an, China, under the current social-economic conditions, the prevalence of MetS in females over 50 years of age stands higher level than that in males, and the prevalence in rural females is higher than that in urban and suburban females, which deserves more attention.
Sickness absence among young and middle-aged workers in Norway: The impact of a population-level intervention
Authors: Hanvold Therese Nordberg , Kristensen Petter , Corbett Karina , Hasting Rachel Louise , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The study objective was to evaluate the impact of a population-level intervention (the IA Agreement) on the reduction of sickness absence (SA) among young and middle aged workers in Norway. Methods Using an observational design we conducted a quasi-experimental study to analyse registry data on individual SA for all employed individuals in 2000 (n=298 690) and 2005 (n=352 618), born in Norway between 1976 and 1967. The intervention of interest was the tripartite agreement for a more inclusive working life (the IA Agreement). We estimated difference in pre-post differences (DID) in SA between individuals working in IA companies with the intervention and companies without, in 2000 and 2005. We used logistic regression models and present odds ratios (DID OR) with accompanying 95% CI. We stratified analyses by sex, industry and company size. Results. We found no significant impact on the overall risk of sickness absence after implementing the intervention among young and middle aged workers. Stratified by sex, the intervention resulted in a slight decrease in SA among female workers (DID OR 0.93 (0.91-0.96)) while the intervention showed no impact among male workers (DID OR 1.01 (0.97-1.06)). We found that companies signing the IA Agreement were large companies (≥50­ employees) often within the manufacturing and health and social sectors. In large manufacturing companies, we found a reduction in SA among workers both in companies with and without the intervention, resulting in no statistically significant impact of the actual IA intervention on SA. In large health and social companies, we found an increase in SA among workers both in companies with and without the intervention. The increase was smaller among the workers in companies offering the IA intervention compared with workers in companies without, resulting in a positive impact of the actual IA intervention in the health and social industry. This impact was statistically significant only among female workers. Conclusions The results indicate that the impact of the IA Agreement on SA varies considerably depending on sex and industry. These findings suggest that reducing SA may warrant industry-specific interventions.
A Multi- country Perspectives on Social Networking Sites Utilization, Perceived Benefits &amp; Potential for Improving Study Habits among Nursing Students
Authors: Valdez Glenn Ford D. , Cayaban Arcalyd Rose , AL-Fayyadh Sadeq , Korkmaz Mehmet , Obeid Samira , Sanchez Cheryl Lyn A , Ajzoon Muna B , Fouly Howeida , Cruz Jonas P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The abundance of easy and accessible information and the fast developing social networking sites (SNS) have proven the world is small and within reach. The great implication of this interconnectedness can be somehow attributed to the change in the learning and sharing environment— something a classroom is lacking; and considering the potential implication of SNS in nursing education reveals that the benefit allows the students to communicate and interact with wider audience and beyond the classroom. The aim of this study is to identify the extent of social networking site utilization, the perceived benefits and the potential for improving study habits of nursing students in five countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, Philippines & Turkey). Methods: The Study is a Quantitative –Cross-sectional study that determines the relationship between the utilization, the perceived benefits of social networking sites, and the potential for improving study habits among nursing students in the five participating countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, Philippines, and Turkey). The basis of this paper is the careful analysis survey of students’ responses from a sample of 1,137 students from an online hosting site. The online instrument study focuses on the extent of utilization and benefits of social networking sites according to its accessibility, usability, efficiency and reliability. Results: Our findings in correlation using Pearson R- reveals a significant positive correlation between the extent of doing possible study habits and the extent of utilization of social networking sites in terms of the four domains, namely, accessibility (r=0.246), usability (r=0.377), reliability (r=0.287) and efficiency (r=0.387). Conclusion: It can be concluded that a significant positive correlation between students’ study habits and the extent of utilization means that the more students devote themselves on study habits, the higher the level of social networking site utilization. There are positive and negative implications in using social networking sites among nursing students and there is greater potential in further improving the approaches to nursing education through adaptation of curricula based around the proper utilization of social networking sites.