bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotype-by-environment interaction in Holstein heifer fertility traits using single-step genomic reaction norm models
Authors: Shi Rui , Brito Luiz Fernando , Liu Aoxing , Luo Hanpeng , Chen Ziwei , Liu Lin , Guo Gang , Mulder Herman , Ducro Bart , van der Linden Aart , Wang Yachun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The effect of heat stress on livestock production is a worldwide issue. Animal performance is influenced by exposure to harsh environmental conditions potentially causing genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E), especially in highproducing animals. In this context, the main objectives of this study were to (1) detect the time periods in which heifer fertility traits are more sensitive to the exposure to high environmental temperature and/or humidity, (2) investigate G × E due to heat stress in heifer fertility traits, and, (3) identify genomic regions associated with heifer fertility and heat tolerance in Holstein cattle.

Results
Phenotypic records for three heifer fertility traits (i.e., age at first calving, interval from first to last service, and conception rate at the first service) were collected, from 2005 to 2018, for 56,998 Holstein heifers raised in 15 herds in the Beijing area (China). By integrating environmental data, including hourly air temperature and relative humidity, the critical periods in which the heifers are more sensitive to heat stress were located in more than 30 days before the first service for age at first calving and interval from first to last service, or 10 days before and less than 60 days after the first service for conception rate. Using reaction norm models, significant G × E was detected for all three traits regarding both environmental gradients, proportion of days exceeding heat threshold, and minimum temperature-humidity index. Through single-step genome-wide association studies, PLAG1, AMHR2, SP1, KRT8, KRT18, MLH1, and EOMES were suggested as candidate genes for heifer fertility. The genes HCRTR1, AGRP, PC, and GUCY1B1 are strong candidates for association with heat tolerance.

Conclusions
The critical periods in which the reproductive performance of heifers is more sensitive to heat stress are trait-dependent. Thus, detailed analysis should be conducted to determine this particular period for other fertility traits. The considerable magnitude of G × E and sire re-ranking indicates the necessity to consider G × E in dairy cattle breeding schemes. This will enable selection of more heat-tolerant animals with high reproductive efficiency under harsh climatic conditions. Lastly, the candidate genes identified to be linked with response to heat stress provide a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of heat tolerance in dairy cattle.
The impact of gender on early scientific publication and long-term career advancement in Israeli medical school graduates
Authors: Tabo Limor Y. , Greenberg Dan , Haviv Yosef S. , Riesenberg Klaris , Nesher Lior 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Many medical schools and residency programs incorporate research projects into their curriculum, however most remain unpublished. Little is known on the long-term effect of early-career publication, especially in female graduates.

Methods
We collected data on physicians 15–20 years after graduation (representing a mid-career point), and analysed data on early publication, publication volume and impact according to graduates’ gender and professional characteristics. Physicians were divided into those who never published, early-publishers (EP) who published within 2 years of graduation and late-publishers (LP). We analysed and compared the demographics, publication volume, publication quality as well as current mid-career position.

Results
Of 532 physicians, 185 were EP (34.8%), 220 were LP (41.3%), 127 (23.9%) never published, 491 (92.2%) became specialists and 122 (22.3%) achieved managerial position. Of the 405 who published, the average number of publications was 20.3 ± 33.0, and median (IQR) 9(19). H-index was significantly higher in EP, males, surgical specialists, and those holding a managerial position. Male gender was associated with higher publication rate (OR = 1.742; 95% CI 1.193–2.544; P = 0.004). Using quantile regression, female gender was negatively associated with the number of publications in Q50-Q95. Surgical specialty and managerial position were positively associated with publications in Q25 to Q75 and early publication in Q25 and Q75.

Conclusions
We found a strong association between EP and the number, impact, and quality of publications throughout their academic career. This study illuminates the need for further investigations into the causes of gender discrepancies. We should invest in support programs encouraging early high quality research projects for young physicians and female graduates.
MassARRAY multigene screening combined with LDL-C and sdLDL-C detection for more favorable outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy
Authors: Tian Yong , Wang Junhong , Liu Yanxiao , Luo Xiangguang , Yao Ziying , Wang Xinjun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Xu Cheng , Zhao Xiaoyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
To determine the clinical value of multigene polymorphisms, LDL-C and sdLDL-C on T2DM therapy.

Methods
In total, 352 T2DM patients before and after treatment and 48 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. LDL-C and sdLDL-C were detected in 352 T2DM patients and 48 healthy individuals by Quantimetrix Lipoprint System. The 11 gene polymorphisms—HTR3B (rs2276307, A > G), APOE (rs7412, c.526C > T), APOE (rs429358, c.388 T > C), CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910, c.1075A > C), KIF6 (rs20455, c.2155 T > C), HMGCR (rs17238540, T > G), HMGCR (rs17244841, A > T), ABCB1 (rs2032582, A > C/T), HTR7 (rs1935349, C > T), SLCO1B1 (rs4149056, c.521 T > C), and CETP (rs708272, G > A)—were screened in these 352 T2DM patients by the Agena Bioscience MassARRAY system before therapy.

Results
Genetic polymorphisms associated with T2DM and statin effects in pretreatment patients were detected, then results showed that all 11 genes had heterozygous mutation, and 7 genes had homozygous mutation in 352 T2DM patients, more specifically reflected that these gene polymorphisms were common in Chinese T2DM patients. LDL-C and sdLDL-C were detected before and after treatment, sdLDL mainly existed in T2DM patients, and T2DM patients had higher mean levels of sdLDL-C than healthy people. After pharmacotherapy, the coincidence rates of decreases in LDL-C and sdLDL-C levels were 88.35% (311/352) and 84.09% (296/352), consistent with patients in remission.

Conclusions
Gene polymorphisms related to pharmacotherapy were common in Chinese T2DM patients. And the expression of LDL-C and sdLDL-C was consistent with the T2DM disease course. Combined multigene screening before therapy and LDL-C and sdLDL-C detection before and after therapy could better assist T2DM treatment.
One healthy live birth after preimplantation genetic testing of a cryptic balanced translocation (9;13) in a family with cerebral palsy and glaucoma: a case report
Authors: Wang Xiliang , Wu Changsheng , Hao Dongmei , Zhang Jinyan , Tan Chang , Cheng De-hua , Fei Jia , Yu Yuexin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Cryptic balanced translocations often evade detection by conventional cytogenetics. The preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) technique can be used to help carriers of balanced translocations give birth to healthy offspring; however, for carriers of cryptic balanced translocations, there is only one report about trying assisted reproduction using the PGT technique but with no pregnancy.

Case presentation
A couple had 3 births out of 4 pregnancies, and all died very young, with two of them having both cerebral palsy and glaucoma. The husband with oligoasthenospermia was found to be a cryptic balanced translocation carrier for t (9,13) (p24.3, q31.3) with G-banding, FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization), and MicroSeq techniques; live birth of a healthy baby girl was achieved with PGT/NGS (next-generation sequencing) for the couple.

Conclusion
Here, we report for the first time a successful live birth of a healthy baby through the PGT technique for a family in which the husband is a carrier of the cryptic balanced translocation t (9,13) (p24.3, q31.3), presumably causative for cerebral palsy and glaucoma. Our study showed that the PGT/NGS technique can effectively help families with a cryptic balanced translocation have healthy offspring.
How COVID-19 lockdown and reopening affected daily steps: evidence based on 164,630 person-days of prospectively collected data from Shanghai, China
Authors: Ding Ding , Cheng Minna , del Pozo Cruz Borja , Lin Tao , Sun Shuangyuan , Zhang Li , Yang Qinping , Ma Zhicong , Wang Jing , Jia Yingnan , Shi Yan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 lockdowns may lead to physical inactivity, a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aims to determine: 1) the trajectory in daily step counts before, during and after the lockdown in China, and 2) the characteristics associated with the trajectories.MethodsFrom December 2019 to July 2020, smartphone-based step counts were continuously collected in 815 Chinese adults residing in Shanghai over 202 days across three phases: before, during, and after the lockdown. Participant characteristics were reported, and height, weight and body composition measured before the lockdown. A ‘sharp’ regression discontinuity design with cluster robust standard errors was used to test the effect of the lockdown and reopening on daily steps and a linear mixed model was used to examine the characteristics associated with trajectories during the observed period.ResultsBased on 164,630 person-days of data, we found a sharp decline in daily step counts upon the lockdown (24/01/2020) by an average of 3796 (SE = 88) steps, followed by a significant trend of increase by 34 steps/day (SE = 2.5;p < .001) until the end of the lockdown (22/03/2020). This increasing trend continued into the reopening phase at a slower rate of 5 steps per day (SE = 2.3;p = 0.029). Those who were older, married, university educated, insufficiently active, had an ‘at risk’ body composition, and those in the control group, were slower at recovering step counts during the lockdown, and those who were older, married, without university education and with an ‘at risk’ body composition recovered step counts at a slower pace after the reopening.ConclusionsDespite later increases in step counts, COVID-19 lockdown led to a sustained period of reduced physical activity, which may have adverse health implications. Governments and health professionals around the world should continue to encourage and facilitate physical activity during the pandemic.
The impact of the Nutri-Score front-of-pack nutrition label on purchasing intentions of unprocessed and processed foods: post-hoc analyses from three randomized controlled trials
Authors: Egnell Manon , Galan Pilar , Fialon Morgane , Touvier Mathilde , Péneau Sandrine , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Hercberg Serge , Julia Chantal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The Nutri-Score summary graded front-of-pack nutrition label has been identified as an efficient tool to increase the nutritional quality of pre-packed food purchases. However, no study has been conducted to investigate the effect of the Nutri-Score on the shopping cart composition, considering the type of foods. The present paper aims to investigate the effect of the Nutri-Score on the type of food purchases, in terms of the relative contribution of unpacked and pre-packed foods, or the processing degree of foods.

Methods
Between September 2016 and April 2017, three consecutive randomized controlled trials were conducted in three specific populations – students (N = 1866), low-income individuals (N = 336) and subjects suffering from cardiometabolic diseases (N = 1180) – to investigate the effect of the Nutri-Score on purchasing intentions compared to the Reference Intakes and no label. Using these combined data, the proportion of unpacked products in the shopping carts, as well as the distribution of products across food categories taking into account the degree of processing (NOVA classification) were assessed by trials arm.

Results
The shopping carts of participants simulating purchases with the Nutri-Score affixed on pre-packed foods contained higher proportion of unpacked products – especially raw fruits and meats, i.e. with no FoPL –, compared to participants purchasing with no label (difference of 5.93 percentage points [3.88–7.99], p-value< 0.0001) or with the Reference Intakes (difference of 5.27[3.25–7.29], p-value< 0.0001). This higher proportion was partly explained by fewer purchases of pre-packed processed and ultra-processed products overall in the Nutri-Score group.

Conclusions
These findings provide new insights on the positive effect of the Nutri-Score, which appears to decrease purchases in processed products resulting in higher proportions of unprocessed and unpacked foods, in line with public health recommendations.
Uncovering sex differences of rodent microglia
Authors: Han Jinming , Fan Yueshan , Zhou Kai , Blomgren Klas , Harris Robert A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere are inherent structural and functional differences in the central nervous systems (CNS) of females and males. It has been gradually established that these sex-specific differences are due to a spectrum of genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal factors which actively contribute to the differential incidences, disease courses, and even outcomes of CNS diseases between sexes. Microglia, as principle resident macrophages in the CNS, play a crucial role in both CNS physiology and pathology. However, sex differences of microglia have been relatively unexplored until recently. Emerging data has convincingly demonstrated the existence of sex-dependent structural and functional differences of rodent microglia, consequently changing our current understanding of these versatile cells. In this review, we attempt to comprehensively outline the current advances revealing microglial sex differences in rodent and their potential implications for specific CNS diseases with a stark sex difference. A detailed understanding of molecular processes underlying microglial sex differences is of major importance in design of translational sex- and microglia-specific therapeutic approaches.
Nomadic Tibetan women’s reproductive health: findings from cross-sectional surveys with a hard-to-reach population
Authors: Gipson Jessica D. , Moucheraud Corrina , Gyaltsen Kunchok , Tsering Lumo , Nobari Tabashir Z. , Gyal Lhusham 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Western China has undergone substantial sociodemographic change, yet little is known about the health status of ethnic minority populations living in these areas.

Methods
We report findings from two cross-sectional surveys conducted with female Tibetan nomads living in rural areas of Western China/Eastern Tibet. We present results of descriptive analyses of data collected from reproductive-aged females who attended community health fairs in 2014 (n = 193) and 2016 (n = 298).

Results
On average, sexual debut preceded marriage among study participants, with fertility near replacement levels (2.7 and 2.1 in 2014 and 2016, respectively). Contraceptive use was common, and dominated by use of IUDs and female sterilization. Although over three-quarters (76%) of 2016 survey participants reported ever having at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptom, there was low awareness of STIs (59%) and action to prevent STIs (21%). Younger women (< 40) were more likely to report having had had an STI symptom, as compared to older women (84% versus 71%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions
We demonstrate feasibility of collecting data with this hard-to-reach population. Reporting of STI symptoms warrants further investigation to identify and address health conditions in this population of Tibetan nomadic women, especially amidst broader social and contextual changes that may affect the Tibetan population.
Anterolateral approach with two incisions versus posterior median approach in the treatment of middle- and distal-third humeral shaft fractures
Authors: Huang Qiang , Lu Yao , Wang Zhi Meng , Sun Liang , Ma Teng , Wang Qian , Li Ming , Liu Hong Liang , Hou Ming Ming , Xue Han Zhong , Zhang Kun , Li Zhong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The surgical approaches remain controversial for the treatment of middle and distal-third humeral shaft (MDTHS) fractures. This study compared clinical effects of the anterolateral approach with two incisions (AATI) and the posterior median approach (PMA) in the treatment of MDTHS fractures.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was carried out. One hundred sixty-six patients with MDTHS fractures were selected from January 2015 to January 2017 in Xi’an Hong Hui Hospital. According to surgical approaches, patients were divided into AATI (86 cases) and PMA group (80 cases). All patients were treated with open reduction and plate fixation. Operation indexes were compared, including incision length, operation time, and bleeding. Bryan-Morrey score was used to evaluate elbow joint function. Complication incidence was compared, such as incision infection, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and nonunion.

Results
The AATI group showed smaller incision length, less bleeding, lower iatrogenic radial nerve injury rate, and better elbow function than that of PMA group (P<0.05).

Conclusions
The middle and distal-third humeral shaft fractures can be successfully cured by both approaches. Compared with the posterior median approach, it has better clinical effects of the anterolateral approach with two incisions, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.
Bioconversion variation of ginsenoside CK mediated by human gut microbiota from healthy volunteers and colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Guo Yin-Ping , Shao Li , Wang Li , Chen Man-Yun , Zhang Wei , Huang Wei-Hua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundGinsenoside CK (GCK) serves as the potential anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type saponin, which could be mainly bio-converted to yield PPD by gut microbiota. Meanwhile, the anti-CRC effects of GCK could be altered by gut microbiota due to their different diversity in CRC patients. We aimed to investigate the bioconversion variation of GCK mediated by gut microbiota from CRC patients by comparing with healthy subjects.MethodsGut microbiota profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were collected from healthy volunteers and CRC patients. GCK was incubated with gut microbiota in vitro. A LC-MS/MS method was validated to quantify GCK and PPD after incubation at different time points.ResultsThe bioconversion of GCK in healthy subjects group was much faster than CRC group, as well as the yield of PPD. Moreover, significant differences of PPD concentration between healthy subjects group and CRC group could be observed at 12 h, 48 h and 72 h check points. According to 16S rRNA sequencing, the profiles of gut microbiota derived from healthy volunteers and CRC patients significantly varied, in which 12 differentially abundant taxon were found, such asBifidobacterium,Roseburia,BacteroidesandCollinsella. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed bacteria enriched in healthy subjects group were positively associated with the biotransformation of GCK, while bacteria enriched in CRC group displayed non correlation character. Among them,Roseburiawhich could secreteβ-glycosidase showed the strongest positive association with the bioconversion of GCK.ConclusionsThe bioconversion of GCK in healthy subjects was much faster than CRC patients mediated by gut microbiota, which might alter the anti-CRC effects of GCK.
Fibronectin as a multiregulatory molecule crucial in tumor matrisome: from structural and functional features to clinical practice in oncology
Authors: Spada Sheila , Tocci Annalisa , Di Modugno Francesca , Nisticò Paola 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDeciphering extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and architecture may represent a novel approach to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cancer. Among the ECM components, fibronectin and its fibrillary assembly represent the scaffold to build up the entire ECM structure, deeply affecting its features. Herein we focus on this extraordinary protein starting from its complex structure and defining its role in cancer as prognostic and theranostic marker.
Acute dorsal myelopathy resulting from intramedullary cysticercus: a case report
Authors: Lahiri Durjoy , Chowdhury Abhishek , Dubey Souvik , Ray Biman Kanti 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system, brain being the most frequent site. Intramedullary location of cysticercus is a rarely described entity in literature. Widespread dissemination of cysticercus is also considered a rare occurrence, and only a handful of cases are documented, almost exclusively from tropical nations. Here we present a case of disseminated cysticercosis with rare initial presentation as acute dorsal myelopathy resulting from intramedullary cysticercus.

Case presentation
A 62-year-old male patient from India (Asian) presented with features of dorsal myelopathy as manifested by acute-onset symmetric paraparesis, sensory loss below umbilicus, and double sphincter dysfunction. General physical examination revealed pea-sized nodules in skin and tongue. On spinal cord imaging, it was found that he had intramedullary cysticercus with diffuse perilesional edema. Brain and muscle imaging showed extensive cysticercosis suggestive of dissemination. Histological examination from skin nodule and antibody assay confirmed the diagnosis of cysticercosis. Following steroid administration, our patient showed improvement with observable increase in power of the lower limbs. He was subsequently discharged with antiepileptics, symptomatic therapy, and regular physiotherapy. Antihelminthic agents were initially avoided in view of extensive cysticercosis in brain including crucial areas such as brainstem.

Conclusion
Rare manifestation of a rare but treatable disorder makes it an important reportable observation in the context of tropical medicine.