bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis of RopGEF gene family to identify genes contributing to pollen tube growth in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Kim Eui-Jung , Park Sung-Wook , Hong Woo-Jong , Silva Jeniffer , Liang Wanqi , Zhang Dabing , Jung Ki-Hong , Kim Yu-jin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: In plants, the key roles played by RopGEF-mediated ROP signaling in diverse processes, including polar tip growth, have been identified. Despite their important roles in reproduction, a comprehensive analysis of RopGEF members has not yet been performed in rice (Oryza sativa). To determine whether RopGEF regulators are involved in rice pollen tube growth, we performed genome-wide analysis of this family in rice.Results: Phylogenomic and meta-expression analysis of eleven RopGEFs in rice showed that four genes were preferentially expressed in mature pollen. These four genes contain the plant-specific Rop nucleotide exchanger (PRONE) domain and possible phosphorylated residues, suggesting a conserved role in polar tip growth with Arabidopsis thaliana. In subcellular localization analysis of the four RopGEFs through tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) infiltration, four proteins were predominantly identified in plasma membrane. Moreover, double mutants of RopGEF2/8 exhibited reduced pollen germination, causing partial male sterility. These genes possess unique cis-acting elements in their promoters compared with the other RopGEF genes. Conclusions: In this study, four RopGEF genes were identified as pollen-specific gene in eleven members of rice, and the expression pattern, promoter analysis, and evolutionary relationship of the RopGEF family were studied compared with Arabidopsis. Our study indicated that four RopGEF genes might function during pollen germination in distinct subcellular localization. Our study could provide valuable information on the functional study of RopGEF in rice.
Serum levels of soluble programmed death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in patients with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Cho Inju , Lee Hansang , Yoon Sang Eun , Ryu Kyung Ju , Ko Young Hyeh , Kim Won Seog , Kim Seok Jin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The interaction of programmed death-1 protein (PD-1) and programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1) produces immunosuppressive activity, protecting tumor cells from anti-tumor immunity and possibly releasing soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) from PD-L1 expressing tumor cells. Therefore, we measured serum levels of sPD-L1 in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and explored its clinical implications. Methods Sixty-eight patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and were treated with high-dose methotrexate-containing chemotherapy. The measurement of sPD-L1 and cytokines was performed using serum samples archived at diagnosis, and the tissue expression of PD-L1 was also analyzed from archived paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Disease relapse, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to the extent of sPD-L1 in serum and PD-L1 in tissue. Results The median level of serum sPD-L1 (0.429 ng/mL) was higher than in healthy control patients (0.364 ng/mL). The occurrence of relapse was more frequent in the high sPD-L1 (78%) than the low sPD-L1 group (50%), though the groups did not have different clinical or pathological characteristics at diagnosis. As a result, the OS and PFS for the high sPD-L1 group were significantly lower than those in the low group. PD-L1-positive tumor cells were found in 35 patients (67%), and the extent of PD-L1-postive tumor cells was positively associated with serum sPD-L1 levels ( r = 0.299, P = 0.031). Among the 34 cytokines analyzed, only the serum level of IL-7 correlated with the serum level of sPD-L1 (r = 0.521, P < 0.001). Conclusions Serum levels of sPD-L1 could reflect the expression of PD-L1 in PCNSL tumor cells and predict patient survival outcomes. Therefore, sPD-L1 in serum could be a feasible biomarker for determining a risk-adapted treatment strategy for PCNSL patients.
Plasma HER2ECD a promising test for patient prognosis and prediction of response in HER2 positive breast cancer: Results of a randomized study - SAKK 22/99
Authors: Eppenberger-Castori Serenella , Klingbiel Dirk , Ruhstaller Thomas , Dietrich Daniel , Rufle Daniel Alexander , Rothgiesser Karin , Pagani Olivia , Thürlimann Beat 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The HER2 extracellular domain shed in blood (HER2 ECD ) is reported to rise and fall in parallel with HER2+ breast cancer behavior. In this study, we evaluated the clinical relevance of plasma HER2 ECD values in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated in the SAKK22/99 trial comparing trastuzumab monotherapy followed by trastuzumab-chemotherapy combination at progression versus upfront combination therapy.
Methods
Quantitative assessment of plasma HER2 ECD was performed in 133 patients at baseline; after 2-24 hours; at 3 weeks; at first response evaluation (8-9 weeks); and at tumor progression. Associations with tumor characteristics, disease course and trial treatment were evaluated.
Results
Baseline HER2 ECD levels were stable within 24 hours after the first trastuzumab injection. These plasma values correlated positively with the HER2 gene ratio (r s =0.39, P <0.001) and HER2 protein expression levels (r s =0.36, P <0.001) but not with ER/PR status of the primary tumor. HER2 ECD baseline levels were positively associated with the presence of visceral disease ( P =0.05) and poor patients’ outcome (Cox-regression: P =0.009). Patients with high baseline levels ( > 35ng/ml) had the worst overall survival ( P =0.03) if treated with upfront combination therapy. Conversely, patients with low HER2 ECD baseline values (<15ng/ml) had longer time to progression on combined trastuzumab-chemotherapy when first treated with trastuzumab monotherapy ( P =0.02). Monitoring HER2 ECD levels during the course of the trial revealed significant time ( P =0.001) and time-treatment arm interactions ( P =0.0007). Under upfront trastuzumab alone, the HER2 ECD levels remained stable until just before disease progression. In patients responding to combination treatment HER2 ECD levels decreased to > 20%.
Conclusions
Plasma HER2 ECD levels in patients with metastatic breast cancer reflect HER2 disease status. This robust biomarker might help identifying patients without visceral disease profiting from a sequential treatment’s modality. Monitoring HER2 ECD levels during trastuzumab monotherapy could help defining the optimal time to introduce chemotherapy.
Brucella Melitensis B115-Based Elisa to Unravel False Positive Serologic Reactions in Bovine Brucellosis: A Field Study
Authors: trotta adriana , Marinaro Mariarosaria , Cirilli Margie , Sposato Alessio , Adone Rosanna , Beverelli Matteo , Buonavoglia Domenico , Corrente Marialaura 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis is a zoonosis whose incidence is not declining worldwide despite the global effort to control the disease. Accurate and precise diagnosis is a crucial step in any prophylaxis program but single tests to unequivocally detect animals infected with Brucella spp. are currently unavailable. In Italy, serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis is performed with two official tests: a rapid agglutination test (i.e., Rose Bengal Plate test, RBPT) and a complement fixation test (CFT) that detect antibodies directed mainly to the smooth lipopolysaccharide (S-LPS). Neither of the two tests is able to avoid the detection of false positive serological reactions (FPSRs) caused by bacteria sharing S-LPS components with Brucella spp. and responsible for the single reactors (SR) phenomenon. A B. melitensis R strain-based ELISA showed a good diagnostic performance in unravelling FP animals; however, since a limited number of animals were analyzed in that study, a large field study was conducted here to discriminate between Brucella-infected from FP animals, with the final aim of reducing the unnecessary slaughter of the latter. An ELISA based on a R strain of Brucella, i.e., Brucella melitensis B115, was employed to measure specific IgG responses in a collection of bovine sera (n=648). Sera were obtained from 180 farms (either officially brucellosis-free or not brucellosis-free) recruited during an extended period of time (2014-2018) and were preliminarily assayed with the official tests by the Italian Reference Centers and then subjected to the ELISA.Results: Negative sera, when subjected to the ELISA, gave O.D. values below the cutoff; SR sera, i.e. RBPT positive and CFT negative, as well as double positive (DP) sera, i.e. RBPT and CFT positive, gave O.D. values that were below the cutoff. All positive sera, i.e. from Brucella-infected animals, were RBPT positive and CFT positive (ICFTU ranging from 20 to 1280) and gave ELISA O.D. values above the cutoff. Conclusions: The B. melitensis B115-based ELISA systematically unravelled all false positive (FP) sera while confirming the diagnosis in Brucella-infected animals. Thus, the test employed in the present study may complement the official assays to avoid the costly slaughter of FP animals.
A Probabilistic Approach for Economic Evaluation of Occupational Health and Safety Interventions: A Case Study of Silica Exposure Reduction Interventions in the Construction Sector
Authors: Mofidi Amirabbas , Tompa Emile , Mortazavi SeyedBagher , Esfahanipour Akbar , Demers Paul A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background: Construction workers are at a high risk of exposure to various types of hazardous substances such as crystalline silica. Though multiple studies indicate the evidence regarding the effectiveness of different silica exposure reduction interventions in the construction sector, the decisions for selecting a specific silica exposure reduction intervention are best informed by an economic evaluation. Economic evaluation of interventions is subjected to uncertainties in practice, mostly due to the lack of precise data on important variables. In this study, we aim to identify the most cost-beneficial silica exposure reduction intervention for the construction sector under uncertain situation. Methods: We apply a probabilistic modeling approach that covers a large number of variables relevant to the cost of lung cancer, as well as the costs of silica exposure reduction interventions. To estimate the societal lifetime cost of lung cancer, we use an incidence cost approach. To estimate the net benefit of each intervention, we compare the expected cost of lung cancer cases averted, with expected cost of implementation of the intervention in one calendar year. Sensitivity analysis is used to quantify how different variables effects interventions net benefit. Results: A positive net benefit is expected for all considered interventions. The highest number of lung cancer cases are averted by combined use of wet method, local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment, about 107 cases, with expected net benefit of $45.9 million. Results also suggest that the level of exposure is an important determinant for the selection of the most cost-beneficial intervention. Conclusions: This study provides important insights for decision makers about silica exposure reduction interventions in the construction sector. It also provides an overview of the potential advantages of using probabilistic modeling approach to undertake economic evaluations, particularly when researchers are confronted with a large number of uncertain variables.
Exploring the Roles of Fecundity-related Long Non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in the Adrenal Gland of Small-tailed Han Sheep
Authors: Xia Qing , Li Qiuling , Gan Shangquan , Guo Xiaofei , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Chu Mingxing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground:Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play important roles in uterine and ovarian functions. However, little researches have been done on the role of lncRNAs in the adrenal gland of sheep. Herein, RNA sequencing was used to compare and analyze gene expressions in adrenal tissue between follicular phase and luteal phase inFecBBB(MM) andFecB++(WW) sheep, respectively, and differentially expressed lncRNAs and genes associated with reproduction were identified.Results:In MM sheep, 38 lncRNAs and 545 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the adrenal gland between the luteal and follicular phases; In WW sheep, 513 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 2481 mRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that differentially expressed lncRNAs and their target genes are mainly involved in the circadian rhythm, the mitogen activated protein kinase, thyroid, ovarian steroidogenesis and transforming growth factor beta signaling pathways. Differentially expressed lncRNAs can regulate reproduction by modulating genes involved in these signaling pathways and biological processes. Specifically,XLOC_254761,XLOC_357966,105614839andXLOC_212877targetingCREB1,PER3,SMAD1andTGFBR2, respectively, appear to play key regulatory roles.Conclusion:These results broaden our understanding of lncRNAs in adrenal gland of sheep and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sheep reproduction.
Evaluation of a sitting light volleyball intervention to adults with physical disabilities: Qualitative study using social–ecological approach
Authors: Leung Ka Man , Chung Pak-Kwong , Chu William 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: This study was part of a 15-week sitting light volleyball (SLVB) intervention programme which examined the effectiveness of the intervention on physical and psychological attributes of adults with physical disabilities (PWPD) in Hong Kong. SLVB was a new sport, combing Paralympic volleyball and light volleyball. Gaining an in-depth understanding of the perceptions and experiences of PWPD in the SLVB intervention is critical to further develop SLVB as a PA intervention and sport. Using a social–ecological model (SEM), (a) the participants’ experiences regarding the intervention were assessed and (b) the suitability and feasibility of the SLVB intervention to PWPD were qualitatively examined. Methods: Twenty participants (mean age = 53.52 years standard deviation (SD = 9.02), 60% female participants; 25% had at least a college degree) attended our semi-structured interviews. Results: Using content analysis, their experiences at the individual or intrapersonal level (physical and psychological health, enjoyment, novelty, competence autonomy); interpersonal levels (socialization, teamwork, social support); organizational and community levels (perceived sport venue environment, venue accessibility, safety, dissemination of information, and community facilities); and policy level (resources allocation by the government) were obtained. The participants also commented on the suitability and feasibility of the SLVB intervention for PWPD, contents and coaching, modified rules, duration of session and scheduling, and number of participants and coaches. Conclusion: This qualitative study identified several themes for engaging PWPD in SLVB, and demonstrated that adopting a multilevel approach to intervention in SLVB has positive outcomes to participants. In general, SLVB is suitable and feasible to PWPD. The study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the experiences among PWPD in the SLVB intervention, which is very critical to the further development of SLVB in terms of a PA intervention and sport.
Associations between maternal BMI, breastfeeding practices and infant anthropometric status in Colombia; secondary analysis of ENSIN 2010.
Authors: Aldana-Parra Fanny , Olaya Gilma , Fewtrell Mary 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Maternal malnutrition and infant feeding mode impact short and long term infant and child morbidity and mortality. The period of lactation may provide an opportunity to modulate the risk of disease later in life. Our aim was to estimate the effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) and infant feeding mode, particularly breastfeeding practices, on the anthropometric status of children under two years in Colombia.
Methods: A secondary analysis was performed using the data from ENSIN 2010. Term infants under 2y, singleton, with a mother older than 18y, were included in the analysis. Outcomes were wasting (WLZ<-2SD), overweight (WLZ>+2SD) and stunting (LAZ<-2SD). Predictors were infant feeding (exclusive and predominant BF constructed from 24-hour recall, age at introduction of liquids, semisolids and solids) and maternal BMI. Socioeconomic variables, maternal education and age, conditions during pregnancy and birth weight were analyzed as covariates.
Results: Mothers of overweight infants had higher BMI (Mean dif=1.47 kg/m2; 95% CI=2.1, 0.8) than those with normal weight infants. Stunting and wasting were not predicted by maternal anthropometry or infant feeding mode. Fewer maternal years of education were associated with wasting (OR=0.90; 95% CI=0.86, 0.97; p=0.003) and stunting (OR=0.92; 95% CI=0.89, 0.94; p<0.0001), while more maternal years of education were associated with overweight (OR=1.06; 95% CI=1.02, 1.01; p=0.001); higher birth weight was associated with overweight (OR=1.001; 95% CI=1.00, 1.001; p<0.0001) and lower birth was associated with stunting (OR=0.99; 95% CI=0.89; p<0.0001) in the final regression model.
Conclusions: Maternal BMI is a modifiable target for public health policy to promote healthy infant growth. Infant nutritional status is affected by direct and indirect factors that need to be addressed in further studies.
Countertransference feelings and personality disorders: A psychometric evaluation of a brief version of the Feeling Word Checklist (FWC-BV)
Authors: Breivik Randi , Wilberg Theresa , Evensen Julie , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Dahl Hanne Sofie , Pedersen Geir A. Feigum 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The Feeling Word Checklist (FWC) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure therapists’ countertransference (CT) feelings. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief version of the Feeling Word Checklist (FWC-BV) comprising 12 feeling words. The second aim was to validate the factor structure by examining the associations between the FWC-BV factors, patients’ personality pathology and therapeutic alliance (TA).
Methods
Therapists at 13 different outpatient units within the Norwegian Network of Personality Disorders completed the FWC-BV every 6 months during the course of treating a patient with a personality disorder (PD), over a period of 2.5 years. A large sample of patients (N=2425) with personality pathology participated in the study. The data were analysed with exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis. Internal consistency was estimated using Mc Donald’s coefficient Omega (ωt). The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV – Axis II (SCID II) and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were used as diagnostic instruments, and patient-rated TA was assessed using the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-SR).
Results
Factor analyses revealed three clinically meaningful factors: Inadequate, Idealised and Confident. These factors had acceptable psychometric properties. Most notably, a number of borderline PD criteria correlated positively with the factors Inadequate and Idealised, and negatively with the factor Confident. All the factors correlated significantly with at least one of the WAI-SR subscales
Conclusions
The FWC-BV measures three clinically meaningful aspects of therapists’ CT feelings. This brief version of the FWC seems satisfactory for use in further research and in clinical contexts.
Keywords: Countertransference, Feeling Word Checklist, factor analysis, personality disorder, psychometrics
Genome-wide analysis of the citrus B3 superfamily and their association with somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Liu Zheng , Ge Xiao-Xia , Wu Xiao-Meng , Xu Qiang , Atkinson Ross G. , Guo Wen-Wu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: In citrus, genetic improvement via biotechnology is hindered by the obstacle of in vitro regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE). Although a few B3 transcription factors are reported to regulate embryogenesis, little is known about the B3 superfamily in citrus, and which members might be involved in SE.Results: Genome-wide sequence analysis identified 72 (CsB3) and 69 (CgB3) putative B3 superfamily members in the genomes of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis, polyembryonic) and pummelo (C. grandis, monoembryonic), respectively. Genome duplication analysis indicated that segmental and tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of the B3 superfamily in citrus, and that the B3 superfamily evolved under the effect of purifying selection. Phylogenetic relationships were well supported by conserved gene structure and motifs outside the B3 domain, which allowed possible functions to be inferred by comparison with homologous genes from Arabidopsis. Expression analysis identified 23 B3 superfamily members that were expressed during SE in citrus and 17 that may play functional roles at late SE stages. Eight B3 genes were identified that were specific to the genome of polyembryonic sweet orange compared to monoembryonic pummelo. Of these eight B3 genes, CsARF19 was found to be specifically expressed at higher levels in embryogenic callus (EC), implying its possible involvement in EC initiation. Conclusions: This study provides a genome-wide analysis of the citrus B3 superfamily, including its genome organization, evolutionary features and expression profiles, and identifies specific family members that may be associated with SE.
The diagonal branches and outcomes inpatients with anterior ST- elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Shuning , Deng Xin , Yang Wenlong , Xia Liping , Yao Kang , Lu Hao , Ge Lei , Li Shen , Sun Aijun , Zou Yunzeng , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The management of diagonal branch (D) occlusion is still controversary. The association between the flow loss of D and the prognosis remains unclear. We aim to detect the impact of D flow on cardiac function and clinical outcomes in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: Patients with anterior STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)at our clinic between October 2015 and October 2018were reviewed. Anterior STEMI due to left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion with or without loss of the main D flow (TIMI grade 0-1 or 2-3) was enrolled in the analysis. The short- and long-term incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, a composite of all-cause death, target vessel revascularization and reinfarction) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were analyzed. Results: A total of 392 patients (mean age of 63.9years) with anterior STEMI treated with primary PCI was enrolled in the study. They were divided into two groups, loss (TIMI grade 0-1, n=69) and no loss (TIMI grade2-3, n=323) of D flow, before primary PCI. Compared with the group without loss of D flow, the group with loss of D flow showed a lower LVEF post PCI (41.0% vs. 48.8%, p=0.003). Meanwhile, loss of D flow resulted in the higher in-hospital, one-month, and 18-month incidence of MACEs, especially in all-cause mortality (all p<0.05). Landmark analysis further indicated that the significant differences in 18-month outcomes between the two groups mainly resulted from the differences during the hospitalization. In addition, multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis found that D flow loss before primary PCI was independent factor predicting short- and long-term outcomes in patients with anterior STEMI. Conclusion: Loss of the main D flow in anterior STEMI patients was independently associated with the higher in-hospital incidences of MACEs and all-cause death as well as the lower LVEF.