bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-genome homozygosity mapping reveals candidate regions affecting bull fertility in US Holstein cattle
Authors: Nani Juan Pablo , Peñagaricano Francisco 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Achieving rapid genetic progress while maintaining adequate genetic diversity is one of the main challenges facing the dairy industry. The increase in inbreeding can be used to monitor the loss of genetic diversity. Inbreeding tends to increase the proportion of homozygous loci, some of which cause homozygosity of recessive alleles that results in reduced performance. This phenomenon is known as inbreeding depression and tends to be most prominent on fitness-related traits, such as male fertility. Traditionally, inbreeding has been monitored using pedigree information, or more recently, genomic data. Alternatively, it can be quantified using runs of homozygosity (ROH), i.e., contiguous lengths of homozygous genotypes observed in an individual’s chromosome.

Results
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between ROH and sire conception rate. ROH were evaluated using 268 k genetic markers in 11,790 US Holstein bulls. Interestingly, either the sum, mean, or maximum length of ROH were negatively associated with bull fertility. The association analysis between ROH and sire fertility was performed comparing 300 high-fertility vs. 300 low-fertility bulls. Both the average and sum of ROH length were higher in the low-fertility group. The enrichment of ROH regions in bulls with low fertility was assessed using a Fisher’s exact test. Nine regions were significantly enriched in low-fertility compared to high-fertility bulls. Notably, these regions harbor genes that are closely related to sperm biology and male fertility, including genes exclusively or highly expressed in testis.

Conclusions
The results of this study can help not only to manage inbreeding in genomic selection programs by designing custom mating schemes, but also to better understand the mechanisms underlying male fertility in dairy cattle.
Patient experience with subcutaneous immunoglobulin 20%, Ig20Gly, for primary immunodeficiency diseases: a prespecified post hoc analysis of combined data from 2 pivotal trials
Authors: Meckley Lisa M. , Wu Yanyu , Ito Diane , Berner Todd , McCoy Barbara , Yel Leman 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Often, patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID), which are marked by the absence or loss of functional antibodies, require lifelong treatment with immunoglobulin (IG) replacement therapy administered either intravenously (intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG]) or subcutaneously (subcutaneous immunoglobulin [SCIG]). In patients with PID, the 20% SCIG product, Ig20Gly, was shown to be efficacious and well tolerated in 2 phase 2/3 trials conducted in North America and Europe. This analysis evaluated patient satisfaction with Ig20Gly therapy and treatment preferences.

Methods
This prespecified post hoc analysis showed combined data from 2 Ig20Gly pivotal trials. Treatment satisfaction was assessed in the pre-Ig20Gly period and after ≥11 months of Ig20Gly treatment using the Life Quality Index (LQI; both studies) and the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9 (TSQM-9; North American study only). Treatment preference was assessed using a survey at the end of the European study. Median within-patient differences in LQI and TSQM-9 scores between the pre-Ig20Gly period and the end of the Ig20Gly treatment period were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results
A total of 113 patients (n = 68 [North American]; n = 45 [Europe]) with PID were included in the analysis. In the combined LQI analysis (n = 110), significant improvements were observed in the treatment interference (median ∆: + 2.8; P = 0.006) and therapy setting (median ∆: + 5.6; P < 0.0001) domains, and in the item-level scores for convenience (median ∆: + 1.0; P < 0.0001) and interference with work/school (median ∆: + 1.0; P = 0.0001) categories. In the subgroup analyses, significant improvements in the treatment interference and therapy setting domains and the convenience and interference with work/school items were observed for those who had previously received treatment outside the home, those who had previously received IVIG, and those in the North American study. Significant improvements were observed in the TSQM-9 treatment convenience domain (median ∆: + 11.1; P < 0.0001) and selected item-level scores in the North American study. In the European study, most (88.9%) patients preferred to continue Ig20Gly versus other IG treatments.

Conclusions
After ≥11 months of taking Ig20Gly, patients reported high levels of treatment satisfaction, convenience, and preference for Ig20Gly, with consistent results across studies and use of multiple patient-reported outcome measures.
Fecal microbiota composition is linked to the postoperative disease course in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Strömbeck Anna , Lasson Anders , Strid Hans , Sundin Johanna , Stotzer Per-Ove , Simrén Magnus , Magnusson Maria K. , Öhman Lena 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The role of the fecal microbiota composition for the postoperative disease course of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) who have undergone ileocecal resection remains to be established. In this study, we investigated if the fecal microbiota composition, determined by a high throughput test quantifying a pre-selected set of bacteria, is associated with the postoperative disease course of CD patients.

Methods
Fecal samples were obtained from healthy subjects as well as from CD patients, 3–10 weeks and 1 year after ileocaecal resection. The fecal microbial composition was analyzed by Genetic Analysis GA-map Dysbiosis test, targeting ≥300 bacteria on different taxonomic levels. Postoperative disease status was assessed endoscopically according to Rutgeerts scoring system 1 year after surgery. Differences in fecal microbiota composition between groups were analyzed by multivariate factor analyses and cluster analysis. Microbial stability over time was determined using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity.

Results
One year after surgery, the fecal microbiota composition differed between CD patients (n = 21) and healthy subjects (n = 7). At this time point, the microbiota composition of CD patients was associated with disease course, clearly separating patients with disease relapse (n = 8) and patients in remission (n = 13). Further, the microbial within-patient stability was high during the first year after surgery, irrespective of disease course.

Conclusion
The fecal microbiota composition of CD patients, analyzed by GA-map Dysbiosis test, is subject to little variation over time, and may potentially be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the postoperative disease course.
Day centres for older people - attender characteristics, access routes and outcomes of regular attendance: findings of exploratory mixed methods case study research
Authors: Orellana Katharine , Manthorpe Jill , Tinker Anthea 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSocial prescribing is encouraged to promote well-being, reduce isolation and loneliness. Traditional, generalist day centres for older people could be suggested by social prescribing, but little is known about their clientele or their outcomes. As part of a larger study of the role, outcomes and commissioning of generalist English day centres for older people, the characteristics of attenders at 4 day centres, their reasons for attendance and outcomes were explored.MethodsThis mixed-methods study used qualitative interviews and standardised tools within an embedded multiple-case study design. Semi-structured interviews with older day centre attenders (n = 23, 62% of eligible attenders) of 4 day centres in south-east England, recruited purposively to reflect organisational differences, were analysed.ResultsParticipants reported non-elective withdrawal from socialisation following health or mobility decline, or losses. Apart from living arrangements and marital status, attenders’ profiles differed between centres. Access had been mostly facilitated by others. Day centre attendance enhanced quality of life for this group of socially isolated people with mobility restrictions and at risk of declining independence and wellbeing. The positive impact on attenders’ social participation and involvement and on meaningful occupation was significant (p-value < 0.001, 99% CI), with an average ASCOT gain score of 0.18. Ten outcome themes were identified.ConclusionOutcomes of day centre attendance are those targeted by social care and health policy. Centres were communities that ‘enabled’ and offset loss or isolation, thus supporting ageing in place through wellbeing and contributed something unique to their attenders’ lives. By monitoring attenders’ health and wellbeing and providing practical support, information and facilitating access to other services, centres offered added value. Attendance needs to be set in the context of other social engagement and care provision which may not overlap or duplicate centre support. Professionals may wish to explore the benefits of social prescriptions to day centres but should map local centres’ provision, engage with their organisers, and seek information on attenders, who may differ from those in this study.
Effectiveness of lidocaine/prilocaine cream on cardiovascular reactions from endotracheal intubation and cough events during recovery period of older patients under general anesthesia: prospective, randomized placebo-controlled study
Authors: Lv Linsheng , Yan Lei , Liu Xun , Chen Miaoxia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Endotracheal intubation is known to pose significant physiological, pharmacokinetic, and dynamic changes and postoperative respiratory complications in patients under general anesthesia.

Method
An RCT trial was organized by the Third Affiliated Hospital at Sun Yat-sen University, China. Patients were eligible for inclusion in the trial if they were over 60 years old and had upper-abdominal surgery during the induction of anesthesia and had enrolled in endotracheal intubations. The primary end point included cardiovascular reactions during the induction of anesthesia and endotracheal intubations and cough events during the recovery period. In the test group, 2 g of lidocaine/prilocaine cream (and in the control group, 2 g of Vaseline) were laid over the surface of the tracheal tube cuff.

Results
The systolic blood pressure (F value = 62.271, p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (F value = 150.875, p < 0.001), and heart rate (F value = 75.627, p < 0.001) of the test group were significantly lower than the control group. Cough events during the recovery period in the test group were better (spontaneous cough, χ2 value = 10.591, p < 0.001; induced cough, χ2 value =10.806, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
In older patients, coughing and cardiovascular reactions under anesthesia and endotracheal intubations were reduced, as a result of using lidocaine/prilocaine cream on the surface of the tracheal tube cuff.

Trial registration
International Clinical Trials Network NCT02017392, 2013-12-16.
The predictive role of serum calprotectin on mortality in hemodialysis patients with high phosphoremia
Authors: Kanki Tomoko , Kuwabara Takashige , Morinaga Jun , Fukami Hirotaka , Umemoto Shuro , Fujimoto Daisuke , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Hayata Manabu , Kakizoe Yutaka , Izumi Yuichiro , Tajiri Saeko , Tajiri Tetsuya , Kitamura Kenichiro , Mukoyama Masashi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe inflammatory mediator calprotectin (CPT, myeloid-related protein 8/14) is known as an endogenous ligand contributing to pathophysiology in inflammatory diseases. Serum CPT reportedly became a potential biomarker in these conditions, though there is no report predicting the prognosis in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive role of serum CPT on mortality in hemodialysis patients.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, observational cohort study of 388 Japanese subjects undergoing hemodialysis. Serum CPT were measured using an ELISA. The potential associations between serum CPT and clinical variables were cross-sectionally examined. Multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate the association between serum CPT, high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count and mortality. Median follow-up was 6.6 years.ResultsThe median CPT level was 6108 ng/ml (median in healthy subjects, 2800) at baseline. Serum CPT positively correlated with WBC count (ρ = 0.54,P < 0.001) and hs-CRP values (ρ = 0.35, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, hs-CRP was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality after adjusting confounding factors (middle vs. low: hazard ratio [HR] 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–3.66; high vs. low: 2.47, 1.40–4.47). In the analysis by stratum of phosphate levels, elevated CPT levels were significantly associated with all-cause mortality in the highest tertile (18.1; 3.15–345.9) among the high-phosphate group, but not among the low-phosphate group.ConclusionsSerum CPT would become a potential predictive marker on mortality in hemodialysis patients with high-phosphate levels.
Prevalence of myopia among secondary school students in Welkite town: South-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Gessesse Sara Abebaw , Teshome Addisu Worku 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Refractive error, especially myopia, is the most common eye disorder in the world and a significant cause of correctable visual impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of myopia among secondary school students in Welkite town, South-Western Ethiopia.

Methods
A school based cross sectional study was carried out among secondary school students of 13 to 26 years of age. The students were selected using a multi stage-stratified cluster sampling technique from four secondary schools. The students’ socioeconomic background, usage of eyeglasses and parental myopia was assessed by a questionnaire before visual acuity assessment. Students with visual acuity of less than or equal to 6/12 in the worse eye, who showed vision improvement with pinhole, underwent non-cycloplegic retinoscopy and subjective refraction. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of less than or equal to − 0.50 diopters. Logistic regression was used to see the association of myopia with age, sex, grade level, ethnicity, parental history of myopia and severity.

Results
A total of 1271 students with a response rate of 89.4% were evaluated. The mean age was 16.56+ 1.51 years. Eighty three students were identified to have myopic refractive error making the prevalence of 6.5% (95% CI: 5.30, 8.02). Of 648 females, 50 (7.7%) had myopia while 33 (5.3%) of 623 males had myopia making females relative risk to be 1.5 times that of males. From the total students diagnosed to have refractive error (n = 92), myopia constituted 83/92 (90.2%) of the students indicating that it is the commonest type of refractive error found amongst secondary school students. Only 36.1% of students with myopia wore eyeglasses when they attended the survey. Myopia was more common among older age group 17–21 years (OR: 1.54 95% CI 0.986–2.415) and higher grade level 11–12 (OR: 1.14 95% CI 0.706–1.847).

Conclusions
The prevalence of myopia is high in our study. Attention to the correction of myopia in secondary schools students of Welkite town using eyeglasses can prevent a major proportion of visual impairment.
Purchase and use of home healthcare devices for the elderly: a pilot study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Duojin , Liu Shiyu , Wu Jing , Lin Qinglian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
In China, home-based healthcare/rehabilitation has always been advocated by the government and is the most prevalent healthcare pattern. However, there is currently no data on how many each product has been purchased, and it is not clear what factors are associated with their use. The research aims to clarify the current practices and attitudes of the elderly on such matters, and further analyze their influence factors.

Methods
This pilot study consisted of two-round regional survey, conducted from July 25 to August 3, 2015 and July 20 to August 10, 2018 respectively. Both surveys released on-site paper questionnaires and collected after filling out in different communities.

Results
Two hundred forty-four valid questionnaires from 52 communities were collected. Compared with 2015 (30.8%), the number of people who did not purchase home healthcare devices in the same area decreased in 2018 (28.2%). Hemopiezometer (44.3%), glucometer (18.4%), massager (21.3%) and walking devices (19.3%) are the four main types of products that urbanites are most willing to buy. In addition, users’ age group, education level, and income level were significantly correlated with the purchase of certain products.

Conclusions
The types of home healthcare devices purchased by respondents are consistent with the distribution of chronic diseases of urban residents in China. The analysis of product brands also revealed the existing problems and huge growth space of the industry market, which also requires the government to introduce relevant policies and measures to regulate the market and accelerate the development of the industry.
The combined effect of socioeconomic status and metabolic syndrome on depression: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)
Authors: Kim B. , Park E. Y. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Depression shows different patterns depending on socioeconomic status (SES) and metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the nature of this association remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine whether the combination of MS and lower SES was associated with the prevalence of depression, based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

Methods
Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of 24,102 adults (> 19 years of age) who participated in the KNHANES during 2008–2013 and for whom MS and depression data were available. MS was defined using the diagnostic criteria of the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Measure of depression was ascertained from self-reports of physician diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between depression and MS as well as SES (alone and in combination).

Results
Overall, 622 of the 24,102 subjects (2.6%) met the criteria for depression. The prevalence of depression was associated with MS, a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, an elevated triglyceride level, a lower education level, and a lower household income. Participants with MS and a low SES had a higher likelihood of depression than those without MS and a high SES (odds ratio [OR] = 4.180 for low education level and OR = 3.994 for low household income level).

Conclusions
This study suggests that the combination of SES and MS may play an important role in depression, which has implications for healthcare policy and depression management.
A diver’s dilemma – a case report on bronchopulmonary sequestration
Authors: Tan Timothy Xin Zhong , Li Andrew Yunkai , Sng James Jie , Lim Mark , Tan Zhi Xiang , Ang Hope Xian’en , Ho Boon Hor , Law David Zhiwei , Hsu Anne Ann Ling 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
An asymptomatic SCUBA (Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diver was discovered to have an intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration during routine pre-course screening. This is the first reported case of a diver who, having previously completed several recreational and military diving courses, was subsequently diagnosed with a congenital lung condition, possibly contraindicating diving. Presently, there is no available literature providing guidance on the diving fitness of patients with such a condition.

Case presentation
An asymptomatic 26-year-old male diver was nominated to attend an overseas naval diving course. Prior to this, he had been medically certified to participate in, and had successfully completed other military and recreational diving courses. He had also completed several hyperbaric dives up to a depth of 50 m and 45 recreational dives up to a depth of 30 m. He did not have a history of diving-related injuries or complications. He had never smoked and did not have any medical or congenital conditions, specifically recurrent respiratory infections. As part of pre-course screening requirements, a lateral Chest X-ray was performed, which revealed a left lower lobe pulmonary nodule. This was subsequently diagnosed as a cavitatory left lower lobe intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration on Computed Tomography Thorax. The diver remains asymptomatic and well at the time of writing and has been accepted to participate in another overseas course involving only dry diving in a hyperbaric chamber, with no prerequisites for him to undergo surgery.

Conclusion
Although bronchopulmonary sequestrations lack communication with the tracheobronchial tree, they may still contain pockets of air, even if not radiologically visible. This can be attributed to anomalous connections which link them to other bronchi, lung parenchyma and/or pores of Kohn. As such, there is a higher theoretical risk of pulmonary barotrauma during diving, leading to pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or cerebral arterial gas embolism. Taking these into consideration, the current clinical consensus is that bronchopulmonary sequestrations and all other air-containing lung parenchymal lesions should be regarded as contraindications to diving. Patients who have undergone definitive and uncomplicated surgical resection may be considered fit to dive.
miR-185 inhibits prostate cancer angiogenesis induced by the nodal/ALK4 pathway
Authors: Li Youkong , Zhong Wen , Zhu Min , Li Mengbo , Yang Zhenwei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Inhibition of angiogenesis in prostatic cancer could be a brand-new method to suppress tumour progression. Nodal/ALK4 has been associated with vascularization in many cancers. However, the relationship between and role of Nodal/ALK4 and miR-185 in human prostatic cancer is still unknown.

Methods
Prostatic cancer DU145 cells and LNCaP cells were used to investigate the angiogenic effect induced by Nodal and the anti-angiogenic roles of miR-185. Colony formation assay, MTT assay, transwell assay and tube formation assay were used to explore cell proliferation, migration and tube-forming ability, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding relationship between miR-185 and ALK4. The expression levels of miR-185, ALK4 and VEGF were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The effects of miR-185 and Nodal in prostate cancer were also investigated in animal experiments.

Results
VEGF expression was increased in DU145 cells and LNCaP cells after Nodal incubation, and Nodal activated the proliferation ability of prostatic cancer cells and the migration and tube-forming ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were all inhibited by treatment with the Nodal inhibitor SB431524. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay were used to verify miR-185 as a target of ALK4. Prostatic cancer cell proliferation was inhibited by overexpression of miR-185, which was shown to regulate the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs by targeting ALK4 for suppression. miR-185 also showed a significant inverse correlation with Nodal treatment and reversed the angiogenic effects induced by Nodal. More importantly, for the first time, xenograft experiments indicated that overexpression of miR-185 suppressed tumour development.

Conclusion
The Nodal/ALK4 pathway is important in the angiogenesis of prostate cancer and can be inhibited by targeting miR-185 to downregulate ALK4. These findings provide a new perspective on the mechanism of prostate cancer formation.