bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical Research Conduct and Publication During Higher Education in Syria: Attitudes, Barriers, Practices, and Possible Solutions
Authors: Hanafi Ibrahem , Kassem Luma Haj , Hanafi Mouaz , Ahmad Sulafa , Abbas Ola , Hajeer Mohammad Younis , Alahdab Fares 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Introduction:The huge workload on doctors especially residents, who are the main healthcare providers in public hospitals, in addition to the vanishing incomes and lack of personal safety during the decade-long Syrian crisis, led to further hurdles for the focus on research. Postgraduate students in the medical and paramedical fields must conduct original research projects as part of their graduation requirements. However, that does not reflect on the research publications coming from Syria.Methods:A nation-wide cross-sectional study targeting medical, dental, and pharmacy postgraduate students who are at the phase of planning for their required projects. The questionnaire aimed to capture their attitudes towards research, perceived barriers, and previous research experiences.Results:The sample consisted of 429 residents representing about 21.5% of the target population. Nearly all the participants had positive opinion towards the important role of medical research and the significance of their participation. Agreement was also clear regarding perceived barriers including the lack of adequate training, and research facility. Seventy-one percent of the participants were not involved in any research before the time of their master theses, less than 13% of them had submitted an article for publication, and less than 5% had submitted more than one paper. Poor internet connectivity and poor reading and writing English skills were decisive negative factors in previous research experiences. Active mentors’ support and self-paced education on research skills had a significant positive impact on students’ research contributions with odds ratios of 2.24 [1.34-3.74] (P=0.003) and 2.28 [1.47-3.52] (P<0.001) respectively.Conclusion:The attitudes of postgraduate students towards research were quite positive but hindered by several obstacles. Further integration of research practical training in the curriculums, allowing long-distance mentoring, enhancing collaboration between peers, as well as narrowing the distance between students and mentors may significantly boost research productivity in Syria despite the conflicts.
An eruption of LTR retrotransposons in the autopolyploid genomes of Chrysanthemum nankingense (Asteraceae)
Authors: Wang Haibin , He Jun , Yu Zhongyu , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Fang Weimin , Guan Zhiyong , Liao Yuan , Chen Fadi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Whole genome duplication, associated with the induction of widespread genetic changes, has played an important role in the evolution of many plant taxa. The majority of extant angiosperm species have undergone at least one polyploidization event, forming either an auto- or allopolyploid organism. Compared with allopolyploidization, however, few studies have examined autopolyploidization, and almost no studies have focused on the response of genetic changes to autopolyploidy.
Results

In the present study, newly synthesized C. nankingense autotetraploids (Asteraceae) were employed to characterize the genome shock following autopolyploidization. Available evidence suggested that the genetic changes primarily involved the loss of old fragments and the gain of novel fragments, and some novel sequences were potential long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. As Ty1-copia and Ty3-gypsy elements represent the two main superfamilies of LTR retrotransposons, the dynamics of Ty1-copia and Ty3-gypsy were evaluated using RT-PCR, transcriptome sequencing and LTR retrotransposon-based molecular marker techniques. These results suggest that autopolyploidization might also be accompanied by perturbations of LTR retrotransposons, and the emergence retrotransposon insertions might show more rapid homologue divergence, resulting in diploid-like behaviour, potentially accelerating the evolutionary process among progenies.
Conclusions

Our results strongly suggest a need to expand current evolutionary framework to encompass a genetic dimension when seeking to understand genomic shock following autopolyploidization in Asteraceae.
Quality of Antenatal Care in Selected Public Health Facilities of West Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Markos Desalegn , Nemomsa Amanuel , Wirtu Desalegn , Getachew Motuma , Kejela Gemechu , Merdassa Emiru , Diriba Workineh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Ante natal care is a key entry point for a pregnant woman to receive abroad range of promotion and preventive health services. Objective: was to assess the quality of antenatal care services at public health facilities of western Ethiopia. Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 30th to June 30th, 2016. All public health facilities in the zone were audited, 316 medical records were reviewed, and 316 pregnant women were interviewed. The data was entered using EPI Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics, binary, and multiple logistic regressions were conducted. Variables with a P-value of <0.05 were considered as statistically significant predictors of the outcome variable.Results: A total of 316 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. All facilities were categorized as “good” by the possession of necessary equipment, 3/4 by basic amenities and 87.34% by general and gynecologic examination. The information was provided for 222(86.21%), which is categorized as poor.252 (79.7%) of the women were satisfied with ANC. A urine sample taken during ANC visit AOR 3.36(1.70, 6.61) and counseling on food eaten during pregnancy AOR 2.27(1.16, 4.45) were predictors of client satisfaction on ANC. Conclusions: The majority of pregnant women were satisfied with the ANC they received. A urine sample taken during the ANC visits and being counseled on the types of food eaten during pregnancy were predictors for client satisfaction on ANC. Concerned bodies need to improve laboratory tests and information provision.
Modeling the risk of introduction of non-native species by biofouling on ships' hulls: case study of Arzew port (Algeria)
Authors: KACIMI Adel , BOUDA Abderrahmane , BENSARI Bilel , BACHARI Nour El Islam , HOUMA Fouzia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Biofouling of ship hulls is considered as one of the oldest vectors for the transfer of aquatic invasive species. However, the introduction of non-native species by ballast water has received much more research attention. In this study, an alternative approach to dealing with biofouling was proposed for the port of Arzew, based on ship characteristics and transit routes. The strategy consisted of calculation of the surface area of biofouling of all ships calling at the port of Arzew during the period (2013–2016), to which was added spatial modeling using a Geographic Information System to highlight the most relevant information. We identified the areas that represented a high risk of species introduction according to their respective ecoregions of origin; those areas that constituted a minor risk, the type of ship that most likely promotes the establishment of non-native species by comparing the environmental similarity of the ecoregions assigned to the different ships with the environmental characteristics of the port of Arzew obtained by satellite imagery. The study showed that over a period of four years, 5,733 ships called at the port of Arzew, accumulating a total surface area of 35 million square meters. These results can be used for invasive species management purposes; such as: the application of specific regulations on ships of a certain tonnage that most promote the transfer of non-indigenous species, as well as their ecoregions of origin that present a great environmental similarity with the western Mediterranean, in order to minimize the transfer of aquatic invasive species.
Socio-economic inequality in anthropometry failure in children under 5 years in India: Evidence from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016–18
Authors: Porwal Akash , Acharya Rajib , Ashraf Sana , Agarwal Praween Kumar , Ramesh Sowmya , Khan Nizamuddin , Sarna Avina , Johnston Robert 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Conventional indicators used to access the nutritional status of children tend to underestimate the overall undernutrition in the presence of multiple anthropometric failures. Further, factors contributing to the rich-poor gap in the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) have not been explored.
Objective
To estimate the prevalence of CIAF and quantify the contribution of factors that explain the rich-poor gap in CIAF.
Methods
The present study used data of 38,060 children under the age of five and their biological mothers, drawn from the nationally representative Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey of children and adolescents aged 0–19 years in India. The CIAF outcome variables in this study provide an overall prevalence of undernutrition, with six mutually exclusive anthropometric measurements of height-for‐age, height‐for‐weight, and weight‐for‐age, calculated using the WHO Multicenter Growth Reference Study. Multivariate regression and decomposition analysis were used to examine the association between covariates with CIAF and to estimate the contribution of different covariates in the existing rich-poor gap.
Results
An overall CIAF prevalence of 48.2% among children aged 0–4 years was found in this study. 6.0% children had all three forms of anthropometric failures. The odds of CIAF were more likely among children belonging to poorest households (AOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 2.12–2.75) and those residing in urban area (AOR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.11). Children of underweight mothers and those with high parity were at higher risk of CIAF (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.42–1.61) and (AOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08–1.22), respectively. Children of mother exposed to mass media were at lower risk of CIAF (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81–0.93).
Conclusion
This study estimated a composite index to assess the overall anthropometric failure, which also provides a broader understanding of the extent and pattern of undernutrition among children. Findings show that maternal covariates contribute the most to the rich-poor gap. As well, the findings suggest that intervention programs with a targeted approach are crucial to reach the most vulnerable groups and to reduce the overall burden of undernutrition.
The Factors Influencing Clinician Use of Hypertension Guidelines in Different Resource Settings: a Qualitative Study Investigating Clinicians’ Perspectives and Experiences.
Authors: Golestaneh Amelia Kataria , Clarke Jonathan M , Appelbaum Nicholas , Gonzalvez Carmen Rodriguez , Jose Arun P , Philip Richu , Poulter Neil , Beaney Thomas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypertension accounts for the greatest burden of disease worldwide, yet hypertension awareness and control rates are suboptimal, especially within low- and middle-income countries. Guidelines can enable consistency of care and improve health outcomes. A small body of studies investigating clinicians’ perceptions and implementation of hypertension guidelines exists, mostly focussed on higher income settings. This study aims to explore how hypertension guidelines are used by clinicians across different resource settings, and the reasons for preferential use of certain hypertension guidelines.Methods: A qualitative approach was employed using convenience sampling and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Seventeen medical doctors were interviewed over video or telephone call from March to August 2020. Two clinicians worked in low-income countries, ten in middle-income countries, and five in high-income countries. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded inductively. Thematic analysis was used. Results: Three main themes emerged, each a level at which clinicians perceived influencing factors to be operating: health system, healthcare worker and patient. Within each theme, influencing factors were described as barriers to and facilitators of guideline use. Variation in themes occurred across income settings. Influencing factors at the health system level were accessibility of equipment and medications, workforce, and access to healthcare settings. At the healthcare worker level, usability of guidelines, trust in guidelines, attitudes and views about guidelines’ purpose, and relevance to patient populations were identified as subthemes. Patient centred influences were clinician perceived patient motivation and health literacy, and access to, and cost of treatment, although these represented doctors’ perceptions rather than patient perceived factors.Conclusions: This study adds a high level global view to previous studies investigating clinician perspectives on hypertension guideline use. Guidelines should be evidence-based, regularly updated and attention should be given to increasing applicability to LMICs and a range of healthcare professionals.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis in the era of biological therapy: how the disease changed in 14 years of observation in a tertiary referral center in Rome (Italy)
Authors: Giudice Emanuela Del , Simio Claudia , Scala Andrea , Coste Annalisa Di , Torre Giuseppe La , Spadea Luca , Lubrano Riccardo , Duse Marzia , Paroli Maria Pia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives

To describe the ophthalmological characteristics in a Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) cohort and to evaluate how therapeutic advances have changed the course of the uveitis.
Methods

Analysis of a retrospective cohort study of consecutive JIA pediatric patients including JIA-associated uveitis (JIA-U) and comparison with a previous study in the same uveitis center assessed before the wide-spread of biological therapy.
Results

49 JIA patients analyzed, of whom 18 JIA-U, compared with a JIA-U past cohort of 66 patients. Systemic corticosteroids were used significantly less in the current JIA-U group (p = 0.008) than in the past one. JIA-U present cohort were on therapy more frequently with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), than the past group (p = 0.039), mostly treated with methotrexate (93.3%). Furthermore, a larger use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) was described in the current JIA-U group (p = 0.005) also associated with csDMARDs (p = 0.003). Adalimumab was used more (72.7%) in the present JIA-U cohort compared to a larger treatment with infliximab (61.5%) in the past (p = 0.005). Higher number of uveitis recurrences was observed in the previous cohort compared to the current one (p = 0.005). Fewer complications were described in this study than in the previous: posterior synechiae (p = 0.007), cataract (p < 0.001), band keratopathy (p < 0.001), elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (p = 0.047)
Conclusion.

Current therapies reduced the uveitis recurrences and ocular complications including cataract due also to the lower use of corticosteroids. The new close collaboration with the pediatric rheumatologic center in the same University has contributed to the care improvement and decrease of uveitis complications.
Signal Processing and Recognition Technology and Simulation of Radar Communication Integrated System
Authors: Zhang Na , Zhang Xiaomei , Tao Dongxiang , Ji Xiaojia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The integrated radar communication system combines the functions of radar and communication systems. It has attracted wide attention because of its advantages in effectively reducing electromagnetic interference between equipment and reducing equipment volume. However, there is no complete radar communication integrated signal design scheme so that the radar and communication system can operate well at the same time to achieve better detection and communication performance. In order to achieve better results for the integration of radar communication, this article summarizes and analyzes the existing research on integration of radar communication, and summarizes the realization of two design ideas of superimposed signal and single signal. The basic system composition of pulse radar and continuous wave radar, the working mechanism of radar speed and distance measurement and the basic composition of communication system are described. Research has proved that through the integration of radar communication, signal processing and identification are greatly improved, the signal transmission strength is more than 30% stronger than that without integration, and the transmission distance is 20% higher. Moreover, there are also great differences between the different integration methods. The fuzzy function used in this article is better than other experimental methods. This shows that the integrated radar communication system is the trend of future research on signal processing and recognition.
In vivo cartilage-formation potency of somatic stem cells is associated with responsiveness to TGFβ stimulation in vitro
Authors: Chijimatsu Ryota , Miwa Satoshi , Okamura Gensuke , Miyahara Junya , Tachibana Naohiro , Ishikura Hisatoshi , Higuchi Junya , Maenohara Yuji , Tsuji Shinsaku , Sameshima Shin , Takagi Kentaro , Nakazato Keiu , Kawaguchi Kohei , Yamagami Ryota , Inui Hiroshi , Taketomi Shuji , Tanaka Sakae , Saito Taku 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Somatic stem cell transplantation has been performed for cartilage injury, but the reparative mechanisms are still conflicting. The chondrogenic potential of stem cells are thought as promising features for cartilage therapy, however the correlation between their potential for chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo remains undefined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intrinsic chondrogenic condition depends on cell types and explore an indicator to select useful stem cells for cartilage regeneration.Methods: The chondrogenic potential of two different stem cell types derived from adipose tissue (ASCs) and synovium (SSCs) of mice and humans was assessed using bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). Their reparative potential was also validated through transplantation into a mouse osteochondral defect model.Results: All cell types showed apparent chondrogenesis under the combination of BMP2 and TGFβ1 in vitro, as assessed by the formation of proteoglycan- and type 2 collagen (COL2)-rich tissues. However, our results vastly differed with those observed following single stimulation among species and cell types; apparent chondrogenesis of mouse ASCs, mouse SSCs, and human SSCs was observed with supplementation of BMP2, either BMP2 and TGFβ1, and BMP2, respectively. Human ASCs showed no chondrogenesis following single stimulation. Among human SSCs, two of six donors formed partially COL2-positive tissues in response to TGFβ1. However, unlike mouse cells, human cells showed fibrous components (COL1/3) with all treatments. Mouse SSCs formed hyaline-like cartilage (proteoglycan+/COL2+/COL1-/COL3-) in the transplanted site in vivo, but other cell types mainly formed COL1/3-positive fibrous tissues. Remarkably, only donors that showed chondrogenic response to TGFβ1 in vitro formed partially COL2-positive tissues in vivo. However, the area was mainly composed of COL1/3, indicating fibrous cartilage-like tissues.Conclusion: The chondrogenic response to TGFβ1 may represent the fate of stem cells when locally transplanted into cartilage defects.
Phenotype and genotype characteristics of neonatal onset inflammatory bowel disease with combined immunodeficiency of TTC7A deficiency in mainland China
Authors: Chen Yun e , Chen Jing fang , Guo Wen xing , Zhang Yan hong , Li Jia ling , Xie Hui , Shen Tong , Ge Yun sheng , Huang Yan ru , Zheng Wen ying , Lu Mei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: To explore the characteristics of genotype and phenotype of neonatal onset inflammatory bowel disease with combined immunodeficiency caused by a novel TTC7A mutant. Methods: We summarized the clinical manifestations, imagings, endoscopic and histological findings, biochemical analyses,whole exon sequencing(WES), in silico and intervention of the patient. Results: The boy showed severe diarrhea, malnutrition, electrolyte disturbance, dehydration and recurrent infections after birth. X-ray and ultrasonic images displayed no specific changes. Endoscopic and histological findings showed chronic inflammation. Immune functions indicated combined immunodeficiency. WES identified compound heterozygote TTC7A mutations c.2355+4A>G/c.643G>T in the infant. No abnormal splicing sequence by c.2355+4A>G mutation was found in TTC7A expression analysis, but the mRNA expression decreased. There was no improvement after treatment with methylprednisolone and leflunomide. The infant died when he was given up at 5 months 19 days old. Conclusion: The compound heterozygote mutations (c.2355+4A>G, c.643G>T) in TTC7A gene were firstly described and confirmed. Our report expands the phenotypic spectrum of TTC7A mutaions and genotypic spectrum of very early onset inflammatory bowel disease with combined immunodeficiency.
Health-related quality of life and its influencing factors in individuals with high cardiovascular disease risk: a cross-sectional study based on EQ-5D utility scores in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Cao Ning , Xi Yunfeng , Gao Yumin , Li Hailing , Liu Yanchao , Niu Liwei , Zhang Nan , Zhu Hao , Bao Han , Qiao Liying , Yan Tao , Fang Xin , Xu Xiaoqian , Li Lehui , Xia Yuan , Su Xiong , Wang Wenrui , Zhang Xingguang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

The high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) being associated with impaired Health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, few studies have assessed the HRQoL of individuals with a high risk of CVD in Inner Mongolia, or even in China. We aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among individuals in Inner Mongolia with a high risk of CVD and its risk factors, to provide a reference to improve HRQoL in individuals with high CVD risk.
Methods

From 2015 to 2017, residents of six villages or communities in Inner Mongolia, selected using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, were invited to complete a questionnaire and undergo physical examination and laboratory testing. We selected participants whose predicted 10-year risk for CVD exceeded 10% as those with high CVD risk. HRQoL in individuals with high CVD risk was investigated based on the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) scale. The Chinese utility value integral system was used to calculate EQ-5D utility scores, and the Tobit regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of HRQoL among individuals with high CVD risk.
Results

Of 13,359 participants with high CVD risk, 65.63% reported no problems in any of the five dimensions; the most frequently reported difficulty was pain/discomfort. The mean utility score was 1.000 (0.869, 1.000). Tobit regression analysis showed that sex, age, education level, residence area, household income, physical activity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were influencing factors of HRQoL.
Conclusion

We found that female sex, older age, living in an urban area, lower education level, lower household income, and lower physical activity levels were associated with reduced HRQoL. People with a high risk of CVD should maintain their blood glucose and lipid levels within the normal range.