bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity and Heterotic Orientation of South Africa Maize Inbred Lines Towards Tropical and Temperate Testers
Authors: Shandu Siphiwokuhle Funani , Derera John , Mashingaidze Kingston , Gasura Edmore 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
An efficient hybrid breeding program defines and utilizes few heterotic groups. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic diversity and alignment of South Africa maize inbred lines collection towards tropical and temperate testers. Forty-two maize inbred lines were genotyped with 56110 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) DNA markers, using the Illumina MaizeSNP50 Bead chip. The 42 lines were crossed to two tropical and two temperate inbred line testers. The testcrosses were evaluated across seven environments, in South Africa, during 2014-2016. Genotypes and specific combining ability (SCA) effects of hybrids were significantly different (P<0.05) for grain yield. There was a weak correlation between molecular genetic distances and both grain yield mean and specific combining ability effects of hybrids, indicating that productivity of maize inbred lines could not be reliably determined based on molecular genetic distances. The SCA data was capable of classifying these maize inbred lines into three heterotic groups with respect to both tropical and temperate testers. Only a few lines could not be grouped on the basis of SCA data. The study also indicated high level of diversity among the maize inbred lines, which was shown by both the dendogram and molecular genetic distances. The SNP marker data classified the inbred lines into 11 clusters that could be simplified into three major groups of normal maize endosperm and two groups of quality protein maize (QPM) endosperm types. However, the SNP data indicated that maize lines were more aligned towards tropical than temperate inbred testers. This information would be useful for simplifying heterotic classification of the lines with profound implications for breeding progress.
Effects of Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy on Periodontal Clinical Data in Periodontitis Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhang Zheng , Zheng Youli , Zhao Zhulan , Zhong Yang , Zhang Qingyu , Xia Degeng , Ma Ning , Zhang Li 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: To date, there is still no consensus about the clinical efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with periodontitis. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to summarize available data regarding the clinical efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with RA and periodontitis compared to patients with periodontitis alone.Methods: A meta-analysis of existing randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted. The eligible RCTs were selected through Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and manual retrieval from the earliest records to March 15, 2020 to extract data. The overall effect size of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), attachment loss (AL), probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were calculated by either a fixed or random-effect model, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to the different time points of follow-up. Cochrane Collaboration's tool was responsible for the evaluation of the literature quality and the inter-study heterogeneity was evaluated by Q test and I2 statistic. The authors applied sensitivity analysis for results with heterogeneity. Publication bias was determined by Begg's test, Egger's test and the trim-and-fill method.Results: Eight RCTs eventually met the inclusion criteria for the study. The overall outcomes concerned PI, GI, PD, Al and BOP were 0.42(95% CI 0.02, 0.81), 0.03(95% CI -0.03, 0.10),-0.06mm (95% CI -0.18, 0.06), 0.16mm (95% CI-0.03, 0.36) and 4.15(95% CI -0.26, 8.55), respectively. In subgroup analysis, a larger BOP reduction at 3 months, PI and AL reduction at 6 months were observed in patients with RA and periodontitis group. The results of sensitivity analyses had no significant effect. No evidence of potential publication bias was tested.Conclusions: The authors conclude that SRP is equally effective in patients with periodontitis and RA than in periodontitis ones. This result suggests RA does not affect the clinical efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Serial Tap Test of Patients With Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus - Impact on Cognitive Function and Its Meaning
Authors: Rocha Samanta Fabricio Blattes da , Kowacs Pedro Andre , Souza Ricardo Krause Martinez de , Pedro Matheus Kahakura Franco , Ramina Ricardo , Teive Hélio Afonso Ghizoni 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIdiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is characterized by gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and cognitive decline. Symptoms are potentially reversible and treatment is based on cerebrospinal fluid shunting. The tap test (TT) is used to identify patients that will benefit from surgery. This procedure consists on the withdrawal of 20 to 50 mL of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through a lumbar puncture (LP) after which the symptoms of the triad are tested. Improvement in the quality and speed of gait are already recognized but cognitive improvement depends on several factors such as tests used, time elapsed after LP for re-testing, and number of punctures. Serial punctures may trigger similar conditions as external lumbar drainage (ELD) to the organism. ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify how serial punctures affect cognition in order to increase the sensitivity of the test and consequently the accuracy of surgical indication. MethodsSixty-one patients with INPH underwent baseline memory and executive tests repeatedly following the 2-Step Tap Test protocol (2-STT – two procedures of 30 mL lumbar CSF drainage separated by a 24-hour interval). The baseline scores of INPH patients were compared with those of 55 healthy controls, and with intragroup post-puncture scores of the 2-STT. ResultsThe group with INPH had lower performance than the control group in all cognitive tests (RAVLT, Stroop, CFT, FAR-COWA, FAB, MMSE, orientation, mental control), except for the forward digit span test (p = 0.707). After conducting LP procedures, the Stroop test (words, colors and errors), RAVLT (stage A1, A6 and B1), and CFT (immediate and delayed R) scores were equal to those of the control group (p > 0.05). The INPH group presented significant improvement after the first puncture in MMSE (p = 0.031) and in the Stroop Test (points) (p < 0.001). After the second puncture, subjects improved in orientation, MMSE, RAVLT (B1), Stroop (points, words, errors) and CFT (IR). ConclusionProgressive cognitive improvement occurred over the 2-STT and changes were more significant after the second LP in all cognitive domains except for RAVLT (A7). Encephalic alert system ‘arousal’ seems to participate in early improvements observed during 2-STT. The second LP increased the sensitivity of the drainage test to detect changes in cognitive variables, and consequently improved the quality of the method.
CT-based Radiomic Analysis for Prediction of Treatment Response of Salvage Chemoradiotherapy for Loco-regional Lymph Node Recurrence After Curative Esophagectomy
Authors: Gu Liang , Guo Xinwei , Ye Hongxue , Zhou Shaobin , Liu Yangchen , Gao Fei , Tian Ye 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the capability of computed tomography (CT) radiomic features to predict the therapeutic response and local control of the loco-regional recurrence lymph node (LN) after curative esophagectomy by chemoradiotherapy (CRT).Methods: This retrospective study included 129 LN from 77 patients (training cohort: 102 LN from 59 patients; validation cohort: 27 LN from 18 patients) with postoperative esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The region of the tumor was contoured in pretreatment contrast-enhanced CT images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with logistic regression was used to identify radiomic predictors in the training cohort. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the local recurrence time of cancer.Results: Seven features were selected to construct a radiomics model for predicting therapeutic response. The AUCs in the training and validated cohorts were 0.777 (95%CI: 0.667–0.878) and 0.765(95%CI: 0.556–0.975), respectively. A significant difference of radiomic score (Rad-score) between the response and non-response was observed in the two cohorts (P < 0.001, 0.034, respectively). Two features were identified for classifying whether to relapse in two years. AUC was 0.857(95%CI: 0.780–0.935) in the training cohort. The local control time of the high Rad-score group was higher than the low group in both cohorts (P < 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). After the Cox regression analysis, the Rad-score indicated high-risk factors for local recurrence within two years.Conclusions: The radiomics approach can be used as a potential imaging biomarker to predict treatment response and local control of recurrence LN in ESCC patients.
Nationwide Study of Mortality After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in France 2010- 2019
Authors: Raffort Juliette , Lareyre Fabien , Fabre Roxane , Mallat Ziad , Pradier Christian , Bailly Laurent 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this nationwide study was to analyze mortality in patients undergoing AAA repair and to explore the association between cardio-metabolic factors with clinical presentation and post-operative mortality. MethodsThis ten-year retrospective, multicenter study based on the French National electronic health data included patients undergoing AAA repair between 2010 and 2019. Post-operative mortality was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curve survival and Log-Rank tests. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to calculate Hazard Ratios.ResultsOver 79 935 patients who underwent AAA repair, 61 146 patients (76.5%) had at least one hospital-readmission after the AAA repair, for a mean follow-up of 3.5 years +/- 2.5. The in-hospital mortality was 4 581 (5.8%) and the total post-operative mortality was 12 400 (20.3%). Age over 64 years old, the presence of AAA rupture and in-hospital readmission at 30-day were predictors of post-operative mortality (HR=1.59 CI95%=1.51 - 1.67; HR=1.49 CI95%=1.36 - 1.62 and HR=1.92, CI95%=1.84 - 2.00). Cardio-metabolic factors were negatively associated with AAA rupture (OR= 0.44 CI95%=0.41-0.47 for dyslipidemia, OR=0.75 CI95%=0.70-0.8 for hypertension). Conclusion﻿The negative association observed between cardio-metabolic comorbidities and AAA rupture suggests that AAA may be underdiagnosed in patients without known comorbidities and highlights the interest of AAA screening.
Stromal-Cell-Derived Factor-1(SDF-1) Down-Regulates ANKH via NF-kB Promote Formation of Chondrocyte Mineralization.
Authors: Zhu Yunong , Liu Tianzhu , Tong Yuchun , Gu Mingxi , Li Junlei , Hao Ruihu , Wang Changcheng , Guo Lin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis. However, the pathogenesis of OA remains unclear. Previous studies suggested that stromal-cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 was associated with some characteristic changes in cartilage. The aim of this study is, therefore, to explore the mechanism of SDF-1 promotes chondrocyte mineralization in OA. The effect of SDF-1 was analyzed with human C-28/I2 chondrocytes. The chondrocytes were transfected with pEX-4-ANKH or siRNA and treated with related inhibitor. The chondrocytes were subjected to Alizarin red S staining, PiPer phosphate assay kit, Alkaline phosphatase staining , RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In vitro, SDF-1 markedly promoted the mineralization of chondrocytes and suppressed the expression of ANKH, the endogenous mineralization inhibitor. ANKH overexpressed in the chondrocytes significantly decreased the levels of the mineralization in response to SDF-1 treatment. Moreover, SDF-1 promoted an increase in the expression of p-TAK1 and p-IKKβ、p-IkB、p-NF-kB p65. Furthermore, SDF-1 induced decrease in ANKH expression was blocked by IKKβVI (IkB kinase inhibitor). To conclude, SDF-1 suppresses the expression of ANKH via activating NF-kB pathway to aggravate human chondrocytes calcification, suggesting blockade of SDF-1 might be a novel therapy for treatment of OA patients.
Tracheoinnominate Fistula: Acute Bleeding and Hypovolemic Shock Due to a Trachea-Innominate Artery Fistula After Long-Term Tracheostomy, Treated With a Stent-Graft
Authors: Khanafer Ali , Hellstern Victoria , Meißner Helfried , Harmening Christoph , Schneider Klaus , Henkes Hans 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundA tracheo-innominate fistula is a rare but life-threatening complication of tracheostomy and has a mortality rate of 100% without therapy. The underlying cause is an acquired fistula between the brachiocephalic trunk and the trachea, induced by a tracheostomy cannula's mechanical impact.Case presentationA 25-year-old female was admitted with pulsatile bleeding from a tracheostomy. The cause of the bleeding was a tracheo-innominate artery fistula, which was difficult to recognize. Said fistula was treated with implantation of a self-expanding stent-graft. The bleeding stopped immediately after the implantation of the stent-graft. Dual antiplatelet medication with aspirin IV and ticagrelor PO, bridged with a bolus of eptifibatide IV, was started right after the stent deployment. ConclusionsEndovascular self-expanding stent-graft implantation is a viable treatment option for tracheo-innominate artery fistulae, especially in hemorrhagic emergencies. Antiplatelet medication is required to prevent distal emboli from the implant.
First Principles Study in the Electronic Structures and Optical Properties of Chalcogenide-doped AgInS2
Authors: Sukkabot Worasak 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is adopted to simulate the electronic structures and optical properties of AgInS2 semiconductors with S substitution by chalcogenides. The chalcogenide-doped AgInS2 semiconductor can be synthesized at the normal conditions due to the formation energies. O and Se doping in AgInS2 remain the semiconductor with the narrow band gaps, while Te doping converts semiconductor to metal. In the presence of the impurities, the contributions from p states of chalcogenides are involved, accountable for the reduction of the band gaps. Using the reflectivity and absorption coefficients, the optical properties with extensive absorption range and low reflectivity are attained by incorporating AgInS2 semiconductors with chalcogenides. Finally, this theoretical work launches a broader understanding of the absorber materials and also predicts the natural properties as the alternative for the solar cell applications.
First-principles Calculations of Effects of Pressure on Paramagnetic, Ferromagnetic and Antiferromagnetic spin-web Cu3TeO6
Authors: Du Yi-Hua , Zeng Wei , Tang Bin , Zhong Mi , Liu Qi-Jun , Liu Fu-Sheng , Ma Xiao-Juan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The structure, electronic and magnetic properties have been investigated by the first-principles calculations for paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic Cu3TeO6 under pressure from 0 to 100 GPa. The calculated lattice parameters at 0 GPa are in excellent agreement with the available calculated and experimental values. With increasing pressure, the lattice parameters and volume decrease, but Cu3TeO6 keep a stable cubic structure. The electronic calculations show that paramagnetic and ferromagnetic Cu3TeO6 are metallic, and antiferromagnetic Cu3TeO6 has the non-metallic nature with a direct band gap which decreases with the increasing pressure. Under the pressure, their non-locality of density of states enhances and the electrons becomes more active. Moreover, for antiferromagnetic Cu3TeO6, the spin moments of Cu atoms are affected obviously by pressures, and Te atoms show nonmagnetic performance. The total magnetic moment which is mainly contributed by Cu, reaches the maximum at 20 GPa, and decreases with the increasing pressure. The knowledge of these properties will provide reference and guidance for the subsequent study of Cu3TeO6.
Iron Reduces the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Heart of STZ- and HFD-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Khajvand-Abedini Maryam , Ziamajidi Nasrin , Nourian Alireza , Bahmani Mahdi , Abbasalipourkabir Roghayeh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of iron and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementations in the heart tissue of Wistar male rats with T2DM. After diabetes induced by HFD-STZ in animals, oxidative stress markers, including TOS, TAC, OSI (oxidative stress index), MDA, expression of RAGE, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TNF-α, tissue level of triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol in the heart of the rats receiving Ferrous sulfate and ω-3 PUFA supplements were studied. Histopathological analysis was also performed to determine cardiac injury.RESULTS: Significant changes in the level of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors revealed the positive effect of ω-3 PUFA supplementation on diminishing the inflammatory and oxidative stress status. After comparing the group D.ω.F with the group D.ω, a significant decrease in the expression level of RAGE genes; inflammatory factors of TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1; the levels of MDA and OSI (P <0.05); and tissue level of TNF-α protein (P <0.01) was observed, indicating a negative effect of iron supplementation on ω-3 PUFA anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, a substantial increment was found in the tissue levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in groups D and D.ω.F compared to the group CN, which indicates the effect of diabetes on increasing tissue accumulation of these two lipids. So, the consumption of these two supplements at the same time could intensify the effects of diabetes.CONCLUSION: Ferrous sulfate supplementation neutralizes the anti-inflammatory properties of ω-3 PUFA by increasing the oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and tissue levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol.
­­­Control and Anti-control of Chaos Based on the Moving Largest Lyapunov Exponent Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Han Yanyan , Ding Jianpeng , Du Lin , Lei Youming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this work, we propose a method of control and anti-control of chaos based on the moving largest Lyapunov exponent using reinforcement learning. In this method, we design a reward function for the reinforcement learning according to the moving largest Lyapunov exponent, which is similar to the moving average but computes the corresponding largest Lyapunov exponent using a recently updated time series with a fixed, short length. We adopt the density peaks-based clustering algorithm to determine a linear region of the average divergence index so that we can obtain the largest Lyapunov exponent of the small data set by fitting the slope of the linear region. We show that the proposed method is fast and easy to implement through controlling and anti-controlling typical systems such as the Henon map and Lorenz system.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Utilization in Iran
Authors: Ramandi Sajad , Abbasi Mahya , Mosadeghrad Ali Mohammad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The increased use of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment and services increases the costs of the health system and insurance organizations. Evaluating the status of utilizing these services can provide a clear picture of the demand rate, responding process and methods of providing the relevant services. This study aimed to examine the status of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services among the insured people by one of the insurance companies.Methods: This research was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The studied statistical population included all insured persons covered by a private insurance company that had used the MRI services provided in hospitals and other diagnostic and treatment centers in 2018-2019. The data were analyzed using STATA and GIS statistical software.Results: In one contractual year, 22,738,215 medical expenses records have been filed in the entire country, out of which, 119,761 records (0.5% of all cases) were related to MRI services. The shares of the basic (main) insurer and supplemental insurance related to this service of the total MRI costs were estimated as 52,946,159,376 Rials (1,259,860.6077 USD) and 231,303,021,838 Rials (5,503,884.87252 USD), respectively. In the study, 102,024 people have used MRI at least once a year. The average cost of using MRI services at each time in the country was 2,373,470 Rials (56.47702 USD). The average number of referrals in the whole country was 0.07 times. The highest frequency of referrals was in Lorestan and Qom provinces, while Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces had the lowest frequency of referrals. The overall rate of utilization of MRI services in the country was estimated to be 6%.Conclusion: In general, the study results suggested a high rate of using MRI services in Iran, which can be due to the 100% coverage of costs by insurance companies and the increased access to health diagnostic and treatment services in the country.
DUSP4 is an Oncogenic Gene for the Carcinogenesis of Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Xianyou , Zhu Changyan , Zhu Xianxin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
DUSP4 is considered as an oncogenic gene. However, the effect of DUSP4 on the oncogenesis of Clear cell Renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) is still unclear. In this study, we explored the expression pattern of DUSP4 in CCRCC cancer tissues and CCRCC cell lines by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we investigated the roles of DUSP4 in CCRCC using gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays. Here, DUSP4 mRNA levels were significantly increased in CCRCC tissues and cell lines. DUSP4 overexpression promotes the proliferation, migration and tumorigenicity of CCRCC cells while DUSP4 silencing showed the opposite effects. DUSP4 serves as an oncogenic gene in CCRCC carcinogenesis, indicating the potential value of DUSP4 in the diagnosis and treatment of CCRCC.
Analysis of the Effect of Phototherapy on Intestinal Probiotics and Its Metabolism in Newborns With Jaundice
Authors: Fan Sainan , Zhang Kun , Zheng Fang , Zhang Jiahui , Wu Zhimin , Lv Anping , Ma Yanan , Fang Xiaohui , Zhang Jinping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Both long-term and short-term side effects of phototherapy are being increasingly recognized by clinicians. The purpose of this article is to study the changes of intestinal probiotics and their metabolic indexes in newborns with jaundice receiving phototherapy. Method: Intestinal flora and metabolic changes in newborns were studied through macrogene sequencing and metabonomics. Results: We found that Bifidobacterium is the main probiotic strain present in the newborn intestinal tract, along with a small amount of Lactobacillus. Both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus decreased significantly (p<0.05) in neonatal intestinal flora after phototherapy for 24 hours and 48 hours. A correlation analysis between changed probiotics and intestinal short-chain fatty acid metabolites after phototherapy showed that acetic acid, butyric acid, caproic acid, and propionic acid decreased; these metabolites were significantly correlated with Bifidobacterium (p<0.05). After phototherapy, non-targeted metabolites also changed significantly (p<0.05) and were correlated with many probiotics (p<0.05). Significantly changed probiotics demonstrated a significant correlation with some intestinal non-targeted metabolites (p<0.05).Conclusion: Phototherapy can significantly affect the intestinal probiotic flora and its metabolic indicators in newborns with jaundice, which may contribute to phototherapy side effects. These findings also provide a theoretical basis for administering suitable probiotics to newborns with jaundice.