bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Studies Dissect the G×E Interaction for Agronomic Traits in a Worldwide Collection of Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.)
Authors: Zhao Huanhuan , Savin Keith W. , Li Yongjun , Breen Edmond J , Maharjan Pankaj , Tibbits Josquin F. , Kant Surya , Hayden Matthew J. , Daetwyler Hans D. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has been cultivated worldwide for centuries, originally as a source of textile dyes. Modern safflower breeding has focused on high grain and oil yield and broad adaptability. Here, a genome-wide association study was conducted using a globally diverse Genebank collection of 406 accessions, which included landraces, breeding lines and elite cultivars. We explored the genetic architecture and genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) patterns of grain yield (YP), days to flowering (DF ), plant height (PH), 500 seed weight (SW), seed oil content (OL), and crude protein content (PR) in four environments (sites) that differed in water availability. Results: Phenotypic variation within the global collection was observed for all traits under differed water stress environments. Two mixed linear models were adopted, and YP exhibited low overall genetic correlations (rGoverall) across sites, while SW and OL had high rGoverall and high pairwise genetic correlations (rGij) across all pairwise sites. Ninety-two marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified using three methods, single locus genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using a mixed linear model (MLM), the Bayesian multi-locus method (BayesR), and meta-GWAS. MTAs with large effects across all sites were detected for OL, SW, and PR, and MTAs specific for the different water stress sites was identified for all traits. Five MTAs were associated with multiple traits, 4 of 5 MTAs were variously associated with the three traits of SW, OL, and PR and marker effects were consistent with phenotypic observations in different environments. The thresholds of different GWAS methods used in the study affected the number of MTAs identified for complex traits. Conclusions: This study provided insights into the phenotypic variability and genetic architecture of important safflower agronomic traits under different environments. This knowledge is essential to breed for high grain and oil yield and local adaption in safflower.
Hospice Care Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Shu Zhiqun , Jing Limei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: In recently years, China has been growing awareness about the hospice service movement although hospice care was Initially introduced 30 years ago. Hospice care providers’ knowledge, attitudes, self-efficiency, and practices status in China should be investigated. This study aims to survey the general actuality of hospice care providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hospice care (KAPHC) in five cities in China, and explore relevant influencing factors.Method: Relying on our KAPHC scale, we randomly surveyed 3647 valid health care providers in five sampled cities of China in 2019, which respectively represent the north, northeast, east, central, and southwest area. In each city, 14 institutions were selected and 50 health providers were surveyed in each institution. Increment of voluntary participation was accepted. The scaling outcomes were compared among each sampled city-groups with Chi-square test or ANOVA. Multiple correspondence analyses were also performed for further results.Results: Of all, 41.46% providers had real experience in providing hospice care, and 58.68% confirmed willingness of providing. The overall knowledge correct rate was 57.13%. The average scores of threats, benefits, barriers, subjective norms, confidence, and self-report behaviour items were 15.40, 41.56, 16.75, 15.65, 41.56, and 38.61. Providers from eastern China, willing to provide hospice care, or experienced death witness in providing hospice care, proved better score in knowledge, threats, benefits, barriers, subjective norms, confidence, and self-report behaviour (P<0.05).Conclusions: The investigation reflected urgent need for systematic training of professional knowledge and skills on hospice care for health care providers. Governments’ attention and policy measures are crucial as most Chinese hospice care providers practiced as “organization actors”. More attention was need on balanced development of different areas.
The Pre-Conception Maternal Exposure To Sofosbuvir Impacts The Mitochondrial Biogenesis In Prenatal Fetal Tissues: Experimental Study On Rats
Authors: Shaker Sara. A. , Abdel-Aziz Maryam. M. , Khafaga Rana HM. , Hafez Hala A. , Kamel Maher A. , Mahmoud Shimaa A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem and Egypt has the highest HCV prevalence worldwide. Hence, global efforts target to eliminate HCV by 2030. Sofosbuvir is a nucleotide analogue inhibitor of HCV polymerase essential for viral replication. Animal studies prove that Sofosbuvir metabolites cross the placenta and are excreted in the milk of nursing animals. We aimed to investigate the possible effects of preconception maternal exposure to Sofosbuvir on the mitochondrial biogenesis in prenatal fetal liver, skeletal muscle and placental tissues using female rats. The study was conducted on 20 female albino rats classified into 2 groups, control group including 10 healthy rats receiving placebo, and exposed group including 10 rats receiving 4 mg/kg of Sofosbuvir. At the end of the 3-month treatment period, pregnancy was induced in both groups by mating with healthy male rats overnight. At gestational day 17, all pregnant female rats were sacrificed. Each fetus was dissected to obtain the fetal liver, skeletal muscle and placental tissues. The results of our study indicated that the preconception exposure of young female rats to Sofosbuvir affects pregnancy outcomes, decreases fertility, and impacts mitochondrial biogenesis and functions in prenatal fetal liver, skeletal muscle and placental.
Comparison of ‘In-Person’ Vs ‘Online’ Teaching, According To Student Perception; A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study From A Medical School In Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Priyantha Julian , Rajakaruna Mithila Manjaree , Perera Prabash Sandeep 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Along with all other human activities, education at all levels has been severely curtailed by the Covid 19 pandemic. Most educational institutions responded to this challenge by shifting their teaching activities from the traditional ‘in-person’ teaching to the ‘online’ platform. Though ‘online teaching’ has been around for some time, it was a novelty at many educational settings. This novelty was eagerly embraced by most of the students, but with time, especially in recourse limited settings student opinion might have altered. This study from a newly established medical school in Sri Lanka, discuss the student perceptions comparing ‘in-person’ vs ‘online’ teaching.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at the Medical faculty of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, between 01.08. 21 and 31.08.21. Medical students currently studying in second and third years, had experienced both ‘in-person’ and ‘online teaching’. They were sent a questionnaire, in the form of a google form. Questionnaire compared ‘in-person’ vs ‘online’ teaching, with regard to different aspects of teaching and teacher- students interactions. Z score for comparing proportions was used to assess statistical significance, which was set at 95% confidant level.Results: Out of 145 google forms sent out, 133 were returned fully completed. Irrespective of the mode of delivery of lessons, there was no significant difference in student’s student active participation or ability to understand contents. However, attendance at lessons, ability to focus during a lessons, and teacher’s enthusiasm during the activity were perceived significantly higher during ‘in-person’ teaching compared to online teaching. A statistically significant number of students had a better overall impression about ‘in-person’ teaching than ‘online’ teaching. However, majority of students preferred online teaching to continue along with ‘in-person’ teaching as a highbred system.Conclusions: Majority of students wanted ‘online’ teaching to continue even after pandemic is over, though there are some shortcomings related to ‘online’ teaching. Educational institutions should constantly evaluate their online teaching program to identify the strengths and shortcomings. Regular student and teacher feedback will be useful in this regard. A highbred system of education, combining online and in-person teaching is recommended for the future.
Effect of Winter Feeding Frequency on Growth Performance, Biochemical Blood Parameters, Oxidative Stress, and Appetite-Related Genes in Takifugu Rubripes
Authors: gao Xiao-Qiang , Wang Xin-Yi , Wang Xi , Li Hong-Xu , Xu Liang , Fang Ying-Ying , Cao Shu-Quan , Huang Bin , Chen Hai-Bin , Xing Rui , Liu Bao-Liang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We evaluated the effect of winter feeding frequencies (F1: one daily meal; F2: two daily meals; F3: four daily meals; F4: continuous diurnal feeding using a belt feeder) on the growth performance, biochemical blood parameters, oxidative stress, and appetite-related genes in Takifugu rubripes held at a constant temperature (18.0 ± 1.0°C) for 60 days. The results showed that the final weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and survival of tiger puffer in the F3 group showed the best growth performance. The total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels were significantly higher with the increased feeding frequency. We also observed the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase) and the digestive enzyme activities (trypsin, amylase, and lipase) in tiger puffers cultured in the F1 group were significantly higher than those in the F3 and F4 groups. In addition, the tiger puffers in the F1 group exhibited the highest expression of orexin and the lowest contents of glucose, tachykinin, cholecystokinin, and leptin among all the groups. In contrast, the mRNA levels of tachykinin, cholecystokinin, and leptin in the tiger puffers in the F4 group may be attributed to the negative feedback mechanism in the brain-hypothalamus-neuropeptide axis. All parameters exhibited relatively optimal levels in the F3 group. In conclusion, inappropriate feeding frequencies could have negative effects on growth and physiological indicators. The optimal feeding frequency for enhanced growth performance while maintaining a relatively good physical condition in juveniles of this species was four times a day.
Scenario-based Analysis of the Impacts of Lake Drying on Sustainable Food Production
Authors: Feizizzadeh Bakhtiar , Lakes Tobia , Omarzadeh Davoud , Sharifi Ayyoob , Blaschke Thomas , Karimzadeh Sadra 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In many parts of the world, lake drying is caused by water management failures, while the phenomenon is exacerbated by climate change. Lake Urmia in Northern Iran is drying up at such an alarming rate that it is considered to be a dying lake, which has dire consequences for the whole region. While salinization caused by a dying lake is well understood and known to influence the local and regional food production, other potential impacts are as yet unknown. Food production in the Urmia region has predominantly been regionally-oriented and sustainable, particularly in terms of water demand. To explore current and projected impacts of the dying lake on sustainable food production (SFP) we investigated changes in climatic conditions, land use, and land degradation for the period 1990-2020. We examined the environmental impacts of lake drought on SFP through an integrated scenario-based geoinformation framework. The results show that the lake drought has significantly affected food production and has reduced the proportion of SFP over the past three decades. Based on a combination of cellular automata and Markov modelling, the conditions are projected for the next 30 years and are predicted to exacerbate further. To mitigate these issues and support SFP, this research provides some policy recommendations and results for tangible action plans. We consider the modification of cropping patterns towards low water demand crops as one the cheapest and most efficient solutions for reducing the overall agricultural water consumption.
Precise Discrimination for Multiple Underlying Pathologies of Dementia Cases Based on Deep-Learning with Electroencephalography
Authors: Hata Masahiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Tanaka Takumi , Awata Kimihisa , Miyazaki Yuki , Fukuma Ryohei , Taomoto Daiki , Satake Yuto , Suehiro Takashi , Kanemoto Hideki , Yoshiyama Kenji , Iwase Masao , Ikeda Shunichiro , Nishida Keiichiro , Takekita Yoshiteru , Yoshimura Masafumi , Ishii Ryouhei , Kazui Hiroaki , Harada Tatsuya , Kishima Haruhiko , Ikeda Manabu , Yanagisawa Takufumi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Developing accurate and universally available biomarkers for dementia diseases is demanded under world-wide rapid increasing of patients with dementia. Electroencephalogram (EEG) offers promising examinations due to their inexpensiveness, high availability, and sensitiveness to neural functions. EEG applicability can be expanded by deep-learning.Methods: We analyzed EEG signals based on novel deep neural network in healthy volunteers (HV, N=55), patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD, N=101), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB, N=75), and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH, N=60) to evaluate the discriminative accuracy of these diseases.Results: High discriminative accuracies were archived between HV and patients with dementia, yielding 81.7 %(vs AD), 93.9% (vs DLB), and 93.1% (vs iNPH).Conclusions: This study revealed that the EEG data of patients with dementia were successfully discriminated from healthy volunteers based on deep learning and could produce a new purpose of EEG measurement in screening for dementia diseases.
Demand- and supply-side factors affecting utilisation and provision of maternal health services under the free maternal health care policy in one municipality in Northern Ghana
Authors: Dalinjong Philip Ayizem , Wang Alex Y , Homer Caroline SE 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundA free maternal health care policy was introduced in Ghana in 2008 to cater for the health needs of pregnant women for the reduction of maternal deaths. Experiences from other regions and countries show that demand- and supply-side factors often affect the success of such policies although this is unknown in this context. The study aimed to assess demand- and supply-side factors affecting the utilisation and provision of services during pregnancy under the policy. MethodsA convergent parallel mixed methods study was undertaken, collecting quantitative and qualitative data. The study was carried out in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality in Ghana. Questionnaire were used to collect data from women (n=406) who utilised services during pregnancy. Focus group discussions with women (n=10) and in-depth interviews with midwives and nurses (n=25) were also conducted. Quantitative data were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using themes and sub-themes. ResultsBoth demand- and supply-side factors impacted the use and provision of services. Distance and time to facilities challenged the use of services. Supply-side factors such as laboratory services, equipment, drugs and supplies were not adequately available. Antenatal, childbirth and postnatal services were carried out together in the same rooms at the community-based health planning and services (CHPS) compounds. Emergency transport was also unavailable for referral of emergencies. ConclusionDemand- and supply-side factors were reported to impede the use and provision of services. Government and stakeholders should prioritise building as well as expanding the infrastructure of CHPS compounds. Emergency transport for women should also be provided. These together may contribute to improving the use and provision of services, leading to a reduction in maternal deaths and achievement of universal health coverage.
AK098656 – A New Biomarker of Coronary Stenosis Severity in Hypertensive and Coronary Heart Disease Patients
Authors: Wang Xin , Wu Ya-li , Zhang Yuan-yuan , Ke Jing , Zhang Bao-yu , Ma Yan , Yang Long-yan , Zhao Dong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: AK098656 may be an adverse factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), especially in patients with hypertension. This study aimed to analyze the effect of AK098656 on CHD and CHD with various complications.Methods: A total of 117 CHD patients and 27 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Plasma AK098656 expression was determined using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Student’s t-test was used to compare AK098656 expression levels in different groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to quantify the discrimination ability between CHD patients and health controls and between CHD and CHD+complications patients. The relationship between AK098656 and coronary stenosis was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation.Results: AK098656 expression was remarkably higher in CHD patients than in healthy controls (P=0.03). The ROC curve revealed an effective predictive AK098656 expression value for CHD risk, with an AUC of 0.656 (95% CI: 0.501–0.809). Moreover, AK098656 expression was increased in CHD+complications patients compared to CHD patients alone (P=0.005), especially in patients with hypertension (CHD+hHTN, P=0.030). The ROC curve revealed a predictive AK098656 prognostic value for discriminating between CHD and CHD+hHTN patients, with an AUC of 0.666 (95% CI: 0.528–0.805). There was no significant difference in AK098656 expression in CHD patients with diabetes mellitus compared to CHD patients alone. In addition, AK098656 expression in CHD patients was positively correlated with stenosis severity (R=0.261, P=0.006).Conclusion: AK098656 expression was significantly increased in patients with CHD, especially those with hypertension, and its expression level was positively correlated with the degree of coronary stenosis. This implied that AK098656 may be a risk factor for CHD and can potentially be applied in clinical diagnosis or provide a novel target for treatment.
DNA methylome and lncRNAome Analysis Provide Insights Into Mechanism of Genome-dosage Effects in Autotetraploid Cassava
Authors: Xiao Liang , Lu Liuying , Zeng Wendan , Shang Xiaohong , Cao Sheng , Yan Huabing 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDuring newly formed polyploidy, one of the most intriguing aspects is that whole-genome duplication (WGD) increase the dosage of all coding and non-coding genes. However, the molecular implications of genome-dosage effects remain elusive.ResultsWe conducted integrated maps of methylomes and lncRNAomes in autotetraploid cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and its donor parent, both of which were independently clonal propagated for three years. DNA methylation variation of transposable elements (TEs) was observed as widespread in autotetraploid cassava. The hypermethylation of DNA transposons in mCG and mCHH sites may be an effective way to suppress the expression of nearby PCGs in autotetraploid cassava, resulting in similar expression levels for most of PCGs between autotetraploid and diploid cassava. The decreased methylation levels of retrotransposons in mCHG and mCHH sites, which partly attributed to reduction methylation of Cypsy neighboring long intergenic noncoding RNAs in autotetraploid cassava, may be a mechanism that may suppress the expression levels of nearby lncRNA, leading to no significant differences in transcriptome alterations for major of lncRNAs from its diploid parent.ConclusionsThis work highlighted that WGD-induced DNA methylation variation in DNA transposons and retrotransposons may be as direct adaptive responses to dosage of all coding-genes and lncRNAs, respectively.
Three-level algorithm to control COVID-19 spreading
Authors: Dieguez Giovanni M. , Batistela Cristiane M. , Piqueira José Roberto C. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
As the main ways of the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading are airand physical contact, actions to mitigate and suppress its spreading must bedeveloped in order to change population behavior, providing efficient controlstrategies. Here, these actions are described as a simple heuristic frameworkto establish public policies. The possible effects of these actions are modeledas a stratified control algorithm applied to an extension of the Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) compartmental model. The model dynamics is an-alyzed and validated with simulations considering parameters obtained fromepidemiological data from Brazil and Uruguay. Model simulations allow theproposition of a three-level control strategy that, as the numerical experimentsshow, presents promising results for the development of strategies to reducethe spread of COVID-19.
Tuning Paclitaxel Release Behavior Using Dually-Responsive Nanomicellar Assemblies with Multiple Diselenide/Disulfide Linkages
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Yan Xiangji , Zhang Yue , Tu Kangsheng , Shen Wen , Li Guoliang , Tian Zhaoqing , Zhao Wei , Zhang Mingzhen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: There are many reasons that lead to the failure of cancer chemotherapy, such as uncontrolled drug release, low drug utilization, and severe side effects. Methods: To overcome these obstacles, we designed two kinds of copolymers with thermal and redox-responsive properties containing multiple diselenide/disulfide bonds polyethylene glycol -alt- diselenodipropionate/disulfhydryldipropionate-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (abbreviated as PEG-alt-DSeDP-b-PNIPAM and PEG-alt-DSDP-b-PNIPAM) by alternative esterification and following atom transfer radical polymerization. Afterward, these prepared copolymers were mixed with the mass ratio of 8:0, 5:3, 3:5, 0:8 (denoted as S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively), and self-assembled with paclitaxel (PTX) to obtain PTX-loaded S1, S2, S3, and S4 nanomicellar assemblies, aiming to realize PTX controlled and on-demand release. Results: The chemical structures of these two copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), indicating eight diselenide/disulfide linkages and eight PEG units were contained in these copolymers. Moreover, the thermal-responsive property was detected by UV-vis spectroscopy, meanwhile, the redox-responsive property was observed by TEM in the presence of 10 mM glutathione (GSH). We found that 76.90% of PTX was released from S1 nanomicelles within 23 h. In contrast, this percentage decreased to 64.53% for S4 nanomicelles even the incubation time prolonged to 82 h, indicating explosive and slow release behaviors of S1 and S4 nanomicelles, respectively. In addition, gradually decreased fluorescence intensity around the cellular nucleus was occurred from S1 to S4 orderly, which was consistent with cellular uptake and in vivo anti-tumor experiments. Conclusion: This work not only provides a strategy for the controlled and effective release of PTX, but also improves drug bioavailability in cancer treatment.