bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR319‐targeted OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb regulate tillering and grain yield in rice
Authors: Wang Rongna , Yang Xiuyan , Guo Shuang , Wang Zhaohui , Zhang Zhanhui , Fang Zhongming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMultiple genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) improve grain yield by promoting tillering. MiR319s are known to regulate several aspects of plant development; however, whether miR319s are essential for tillering regulation remains unclear. Here, we report that miR319 is highly expressed in the basal part of rice plant at different development stages. The miR319 knockdown line Short Tandem Target Mimic 319 (STTM319) showed higher tiller bud length in seedlings under low nitrogen (N) condition and higher tiller bud number under high N condition compared with the miR319a‐overexpression line. Through targets prediction, we identified OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb as downstream targets of miR319. Moreover, OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb overexpression lines and STTM319 had increased tiller bud length and biomass, whereas both were decreased in OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb knockout lines and OE319a. These data suggest that miR319 regulates rice tiller bud development and tillering through targeting OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb. Notably, the tiller number and grain yield increased in STTM319 and overexpression lines of OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb but decreased in OE319a and knockout lines of OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb. Taken together, our findings indicate that miR319s negatively affect tiller number and grain yield by targeting OsTCP21 and OsGAmyb, revealing a novel function for miR319 in rice.
Environmental drivers of three neighbouring monodominant stands in Pantanal wetland
Authors: Damasceno‐Junior Geraldo Alves , Oldeland Jens , de Andrade Amador Gisaine , Casagrande Jose Carlos , Twerski Alina 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQuestionsInundation is an important feature linked to monodominance in tropical wetlands. The occurrence of neighbouring monodominant species indicates that soil can also have an important role. This study aimed to determine if variations in densities of three neighbouring monodominant species, Byrsonima cydoniifolia, Copernicia alba and Tabebuia aurea, are related primarily to variation of flooding patterns and secondarily to soil physicochemical variations in the Pantanal.LocationThis study was performed in the southern Pantanal subregion of Miranda.MethodsWe sampled 74 plots of 25 m × 25 m distributed among 15 patches of these species (five patches of each species). In each plot, we sampled all individuals of all shrub and tree species, checked the water mark left on tree trunks by the last flooding, and collected soil samples. Data were analyzed using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and regression trees.ResultsWe found that the main driver splitting these monodominant stands is soil, and that the secondary driver is inundation. The main drivers for Copernicia alba were higher soil pH, higher inundation and soil contents of Mg. For Byrsonima cydoniifolia, the main drivers were low Ca and Mg contents and high content of fine sand. Tabebuia aurea was the only species for which inundation was the main driver.ConclusionsWe reject the hypothesis that inundation is the main driver splitting these monodominant stands. Differences in flooding levels were not crucial for two of the three species. Except for Tabebuia aurea, which was more influenced by inundation, soils were found to play an essential role in this spatial separation.
Muscle strength cut-points for metabolic syndrome detection among adults and the elderly from Brazil
Authors: Lima Tiago Rodrigues de , González-Chica David Alejandro , D’Orsi Eleonora , Sui Xuemei , Silva Diego Augusto Santos 
Published: April 2021

We aimed to determine cut-points for muscle strength based on metabolic syndrome diagnosis. This cross-sectional analysis comprised data from 2 cohorts in Brazil (EpiFloripa Adult, n = 626, 44.0 ± 11.1 years; EpiFloripa Aging, n = 365, 71.6 ± 6.1 years). Metabolic syndrome was assessed by relative handgrip strength (kgf/kg). Metabolic syndrome was defined as including ≥3 of the 5 metabolic abnormalities according to the Joint Interim Statement. Optimal cut-points from Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were determined. Adjusted logistic regression was used to test the association between metabolic syndrome and the cut-points created. The cut-point identified for muscle strength was 1.07 kgf/kg (Youden index = 0.310; area under the curve (AUC)) = 0.693, 95% CI 0.614–0.764) for men and 0.73 kgf/kg (Youden index = 0.481; AUC = 0.768, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.709–0.821) for women (age group 25 to < 50 years). The best cut-points for men and women aged 50+ years were 0.99 kgf/kg (Youden index = 0.312; AUC = 0.651; 95% CI = 0.583–0.714) and 0.58 kgf/kg (Youden index = 0.378; AUC = 0.743; 95% CI = 0.696–0.786), respectively. Cut-points derived from ROC analysis have good discriminatory power for metabolic syndrome among adults aged 25 to <50 years but not for adults aged 50+ years. Novelty: First-line management recommendation for metabolic syndrome is lifestyle modification, including improvement of muscle strength. Cut-points for muscle strength levels according to sex and age range based on metabolic syndrome were created. Cut-points for muscle strength can assist in the identification of adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease.
Transcriptome analysis of nematode-responsive genes in two susceptible Indica rice cultivars
Authors: Chen Jiansong , Lin Borong , Li Zhiwen , Huang Qiuling , Liao Jinling , Zhuo Kan 
Published: April 2021

Summary
Meloidogyne graminicola is a major plant pathogen damaging rice. Altering a plant susceptibility gene that critically facilitates compatibility is considered one of the most effective strategies to control plant pathogens. However, no resource is currently available regarding M. graminicola susceptibility genes in Indica rice cultivars. In this study, transcriptome analysis was used to elucidate nematode-responsive genes to the two susceptible Indica rice cultivars ‘Guinongzhan’ and ‘Wushansimiao (R534)’ with distinct levels of susceptibility to M. graminicola at 3 days post-inoculation (dpi). A total of 33157 transcripts corresponded to the predicted genes in the Indica rice genome. Among these, 2062 and 1386 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in ‘Guinongzhan’ and ‘Wushansimiao (R534)’, respectively, as a result of nematode infection. Cluster analysis showed that 2184 DEGs were commonly regulated and 503 DEGs were differentially regulated in ‘Guinongzhan’ and ‘Wushansimiao (R534)’. These DEGs were involved in defence responses, the Ca2+ signal pathway, cell wall, hormone pathways, the ubiquitin proteasome system and transcription factors. In addition, candidate genes that may be involved in rice defence responses and susceptibility to M. graminicola were identified, and some of them were further validated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The transcription data reveal insights into the susceptible rice gene expression pattern changes upon nematode infection, and provide a novel set of candidate defence-related and susceptibility genes in Indica rice cultivars for M. graminicola.
In the Glance of the Logos
Authors: Berchman Robert M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Stoic concepts of ekpyrosis and diacosmesis are examined in light of later Platonic, Aristotelian and Epicurean critiques of Stoic determinism. Questions emerge out of this debate centered on the problem of evil. A series of theodicies are proposed ending in a later Stoic interpretation of the cosmic cycle that equates each phase of the cosmic cycle with an ethical one allegorized as periods of Satiety (Koros) and Dearth (Chresmosyne).
Lidocaine coinfusion alleviates vascular pain induced by hypertonic saline infusion: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Song Zhiping , Chen Shibiao , Zhang Yang , Shi Xiaoyun , Zhao Na , Liao Zhengyu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Hypertonic saline solution has been frequently utilized in clinical practice. However, due to the nonphysiological osmolality, hypertonic saline infusion usually induces local vascular pain. We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of lidocaine coinfusion for alleviating vascular pain induced by hypertonic saline.

Methods
One hundred and six patients undergoing hypertonic saline volume preloading prior to spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups of 53 each. Group L received a 1 mg/kg lidocaine bolus followed by infusion of 2 mg/kg/h through the same IV line during hypertonic saline infusion; Group C received a bolus and infusion of normal saline of equivalent volume. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of vascular pain were recorded every 4 min.

Results
The vascular pain severity in Group L was significantly lower than that in Group C for each time slot (P < 0.05). The overall incidence of vascular pain during hypertonic saline infusion in Group L was 48.0%, which was significantly lower than the incidence (79.6%) in Group C (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Lidocaine coinfusion could effectively alleviate vascular pain induced by hypertonic saline infusion.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, number: ChiCTR1900023753. Registered on 10 June 2019.
Methylprednisolone or dexamethasone, which one is superior corticosteroid in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ranjbar Keivan , Moghadami Mohsen , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Khaloo Vahid , Shahriarirad Reza , Erfani Amirhossein , Khodamoradi Zohre , Gholampoor Saadi Mohammad Hasan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Although almost a year has passed since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and promising reports of vaccines have been presented, we still have a long way until these measures are available for all. Furthermore, the most appropriate corticosteroid and dose in the treatment of COVID-19 have remained uncertain. We conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of methylprednisolone treatment versus dexamethasone for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods
In this prospective triple-blinded randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 86 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from August to November 2020, in Shiraz, Iran. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg/day; intervention group) or dexamethasone (6 mg/day; control group). Data were assessed based on a 9-point WHO ordinal scale extending from uninfected (point 0) to death (point 8).

Results
There were no significant differences between the groups on admission. However, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better clinical status compared to the control group at day 5 (4.02 vs. 5.21, p = 0.002) and day 10 (2.90 vs. 4.71, p = 0.001) of admission. There was also a significant difference in the overall mean score between the intervention group and the control group, (3.909 vs. 4.873 respectively, p = 0.004). The mean length of hospital stay was 7.43 ± 3.64 and 10.52 ± 5.47 days in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p = 0.015). The need for a ventilator was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (18.2% vs 38.1% p = 0.040).

Conclusion
In hospitalized hypoxic COVID-19 patients, methylprednisolone demonstrated better results compared to dexamethasone.

Trial registration
The trial was registered with IRCT.IR (08/04/2020-No. IRCT20200204046369N1).
Stillbirth and infant death: mental health among low-income mothers in Mumbai
Authors: Roberts Lisa , Renati Solomon J. , Solomon Shreeletha , Montgomery Susanne 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundIndia has the highest number of stillbirths and the highest neonatal death rate in the world. In the context of its pronatalist society, women who experience perinatal loss often encounter significant social repercussions on top of grief. Furthermore, even when pregnancy outcomes were favorable, adverse life circumstances put some women at risk for postnatal depression. Therefore, perinatal loss and postnatal depression take a heavy toll on women’s mental health. The purpose of this study is to assess mental health among a sample of Mumbai slum-dwelling women with a history of recent childbirth, stillbirth, or infant death, who are at risk for perinatal grief, postnatal depression, or mental health sequelae.MethodsWe conducted a mixed method, cross-sectional study. A focus group discussion informed the development of a comprehensive survey using mainly internationally validated scales. After rigorous forward and back-translation, surveys were administered as face-to-face structured interviews due to low literacy and research naiveté among our respondents. Interviews were conducted by culturally, linguistically, gender-matched, trained research assistants.ResultsOf our reproductive age (N = 260) participants, 105 had experienced stillbirth, 69 had a history of infant death, and 25 had experienced both types of loss. Nearly half of the sample met criteria for postnatal depression, and 20% of these women also met criteria for perinatal grief. Anxiety and depression varied by subgroup, and was highest among women desiring an intervention.ConclusionsUnderstanding factors contributing to women’s suffering related to reproductive challenges in this pronatalist context is critically important for women’s wellbeing.
Mathematical pattern of Kessler psychological distress distribution in the general population of the U.S. and Japan
Authors: Tomitaka Shinichiro , Furukawa Toshiaki A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Although the 6-item Kessler psychological scale (K6) is a useful depression screening scale in clinical settings and epidemiological surveys, little is known about the distribution model of the K6 score in the general population. Using four major national survey datasets from the United States and Japan, we explored the mathematical pattern of the K6 distributions in the general population.

Methods
We analyzed four datasets from the National Health Interview Survey, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in the United States, and the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan. We compared the goodness of fit between three models: exponential, power law, and quadratic function models. Graphical and regression analyses were employed to investigate the mathematical patterns of the K6 distributions.

Results
The exponential function had the best fit among the three models. The K6 distributions exhibited an exponential pattern, except for the lower end of the distribution across the four surveys. The rate parameter of the K6 distributions was similar across all surveys.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that, regardless of different sample populations and methodologies, the K6 scores exhibit a common mathematical distribution in the general population. Our findings will contribute to the development of the distribution model for such a depression screening scale.
A mixed methods approach to determine the climate of interprofessional education among medical and health sciences students
Authors: Sulaiman Nabil , Rishmawy Youssef , Hussein Amal , Saber-Ayad Maha , Alzubaidi Hamzah , Al Kawas Sausan , Hasan Hayder , Guraya Salman Y. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
High-quality patient care is a complex phenomenon that requires collaboration among healthcare professionals. Research has shown that Interprofessional Education (IPE) carries promise to improve collaborative work and patient care. So far, collaboration among various health professionals remains a challenge. Very few focus group discussions to determine the medical students’ readiness and positive attitudes towards IPE have been reported from the Arabian context.

Methods
A two-staged sequential mixed methods study was conducted among medical, dental, pharmacy, and health sciences students of the University of Sharjah United Arab Emirates. The perspectives of students toward IPE and collaborative practice were first gathered by administering a validated instrument, Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). This was followed by focused group discussions. A quantitative as well as a qualitative data analysis was performed.

Results
This study cohort included 282 students. All respondents showed readiness to adopt IPE as all statements of the RIPLS inventory scored high median scores. All participants showed positive attitudes and readiness towards IPE. Three main domains of themes were generated from focus group discussions; prior knowledge, need for IPE framework and its implementation. Information workload, lack of clarity and less focused teaching pedagogies of IPE were considered as perceived barriers.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated a substantial agreement of medical and health sciences students towards readiness and perceived effectiveness of IPE. Educators are urged to embed new IPE programs into existing curricular frameworks, which can potentially enhance collaborative learning and improve quality of patient care.
Development and evaluation of a spiral model of assessing EBM competency using OSCEs in undergraduate medical education
Authors: Kumaravel B. , Stewart C. , Ilic D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundMedical students often struggle to understand the relevance of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) to their clinical practice, yet it is a competence that all students must develop prior to graduation. Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are a valued assessment tool to assess critical components of EBM competency, particularly different levels of mastery as they progress through the course. This study developed and evaluated EBM based OSCE stations with an aim to establish a spiral approach for EBM OSCE stations for undergraduate medical students.MethodsOSCE stations were developed with increasingly complex EBM tasks. OSCE stations were classified according to the classification rubric for EBP assessment tools (CREATE) framework and mapped against the recently published core competencies for evidence-based practice (EBP). Performance data evaluation was undertaken using Classical Test Theory analysing mean scores, pass rates, and station item total correlation (ITC) using SPSS.ResultsSix EBM based OSCE stations assessing various stages of EBM were created for use in high stakes summative OSCEs for different year groups across the undergraduate medical degree. All OSCE stations, except for one, had excellent correlation coefficients and hence a high reliability, ranging from 0.21–0.49. The domain mean score ranged from 13.33 to 16.83 out of 20. High reliability was demonstrated for the each of the summative OSCE circuits (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.67–0.85).In the CREATE framework these stations assessed knowledge, skills, and behaviour of medical students in asking, searching, appraising, and integrating evidence in practice. The OSCE stations were useful in assessing six core evidence-based practice competencies, which are meant to be practiced with exercises. A spiral model of OSCEs of increasing complexity was proposed to assess EBM competency as students progressed through the MBChB course.ConclusionsThe use of the OSCEs is a feasible method of authentically assessing leaner EBM performance and behaviour in a high stakes assessment setting. Use of valid and reliable EBM-based OSCE stations provide evidence for continued development of a hierarchy of assessing scaffolded learning and mastery of EBM competency. Further work is needed to assess their predictive validity.
Moesin as a prognostic indicator of lung adenocarcinoma improves prognosis by enhancing immune lymphocyte infiltration
Authors: Li Yan-Qi , Zheng Zhi , Liu Quan-Xing , Lu Xiao , Zhou Dong , Zhang Jiao , Zheng Hong , Dai Ji-Gang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) have been explored in many cancer processes. Moesin, as its component, has also been found to play an important role in the prognosis of cancer patients, tumor metastasis, drug resistance, and others. Especially in regulating the immunity, but most results came from direct studies on immune cells, there is no clear conclusion on whether moesin has similar effects in tumor cells. And moesin has certain research results in many cancers in other aspects, but there are few about moesin in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods
We detect the expression of moesin in 82 LUAD and matched normal tissue samples by immunohistochemistry. Besides, for the pathological feature, we did a detailed statistical analysis. And with the help of various databases, we have done in-depth exploration of moesin’s ability to enhance the extent of immune lymphocyte infiltration.

Results
Moesin is a poor expression in lung cancer tissues than the corresponding normal samples. And this phenomenon had a strongly associated with the prognosis and TNM stage of these LUAD patients. Moesin can enhance the infiltration of multiple immune lymphocytes in lung cancer. And this may be related to the interaction between moesin and various inflammatory molecules.

Conclusions
Moesin is a newly index for the prognosis of LUAD and improves the prognosis of LUAD patients by regulating a variety of inflammation-related molecules to enhance immune lymphocytes infiltration.
Hypertrophy of unaffected cardiomyocytes correlates with severity of cardiomyopathy in female patients with Fabry disease
Authors: Chimenti Cristina , Verardo Romina , Frustaci Andrea 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aim
To investigate the contribution of unaffected cardiomyocytes in Fabry disease cardiomyopathy.

Findings
Left ventricular (LV) endomyocardial biopsies from twenty-four females (mean age 53 ± 11 ys) with Fabry disease cardiomyopathy were studied. Diagnosis of FD was based on the presence of pathogenic GLA mutation, Patients were divided in four groups according with LV maximal wall thickness (MWT): group 1 MWT ≤ 10.5 mm, group 2 MWT 10.5–15 mm, group 3 MWT 16–20 mm, group 4 MWT > 20 mm. At histology mosaic of affected and unaffected cardiomyocytes was documented. Unaffected myocytes’ size ranged from normal to severe hypertrophy. Hypertrophy of unaffected cardiomyocytes correlated with severity of MWT (p < 0.0001, Sperman r 0,95). Hypertrophy of unaffected myocytes appear to concur to progression and severity of FDCM. It is likely a paracrine role from neighboring affected myocytes.