bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Mapping and Genomic Prediction for Adult Stage Sclerotinia Stem Rot Resistance in Brassica Napus (L) Under Field Environments
Authors: Roy Jayanta , Shaikh T M , Mendoza Luis E. del Río , Hosain Shakil , Chapara Venkat , Rahman Mukhlesur 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) is a fungal disease of rapeseed/canola that causes significant seed yield losses and reduces its oil content and quality. In the present study, the reaction of 187 diverse canola genotypes to SSR was characterized at full flowering stage using the agar plug to stem inoculation method in four environments. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) using three different algorithms identified 133 significant SNPs corresponding with 123 loci for disease traits like stem lesion length (LL), lesion width (LW), and plant mortality at 14 (PM_14D) and 21 (PM_21D) days. The explained phenotypic variation of these SNPs ranged from 3.6–12.1%. Nineteen significant SNPs were detected in two or more environments, disease traits with at least two GWAS algorithms. The strong correlations observed between LL and other three disease traits evaluated, suggest they could be used as proxies for SSR resistance phenotyping. Sixty-nine candidate genes associated with disease resistance mechanisms were identified. Genomic prediction (GP) analysis with all the four traits employing genome-wide markers resulted in 0.43–0.63 prediction accuracy. However, the prediction efficiency was further improved 0.55–0.88 when we integrated the GWAS information in the GP model. From our study, the identified resistant genotypes and stable significant SNP markers will serve as a valuable resource for future SSR resistance breeding. Our study also suggests that genomic selection holds promise for accelerating canola breeding progress by enabling breeders to select SSR resistance genotypes at the early stage by reducing the need to phenotype large numbers of genotypes.
Multiple Mechanisms Synergistically Induce Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Multiple Drug Resistance
Authors: Yang Lulu , Jiao Fangyan , Bajinka Ousman , Abdelhalim Khalid A , Wu Guojun , Tan Yurong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to detect the molecular epidemiological characteristics and resistant mechanism of carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) which provide reference for the prevention and treatment of hospital CRPA infection. Methods: 34 strains of CRPA from 2018 to 2019 were isolated and their resistance to 13 commonly used antibiotics was detected using TDR-300B Plus VitEK-2 compact automatic bacterial identification instrument. Then carbapenemase production was detected using Carbe NP test. The efflux pumps MexA and outer membrane protein OprD proteins were detected using RT-PCR and class Ⅰ integron carried with drug-resistant genes were detected using PCR and sequences analysis. Results: Among 34 strains of CRPA, 22 strains were multiple drug resistance (MDR) and 5 strains were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). The results of class Ⅰ integron carried drug-resistant gene sequencing analysis showed the class Ⅰ integron mainly carried aminoglycoside or quinolone antibacterial drug resistant genes. Conclusion: Multiple mechanisms play an important role in the formation and development of MDR or XDR resistance.
Peripheral Perfusion Index as a Marker of Sepsis in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Singh Jasmine , Jain Suksham , Chawla Deepak , Randev Shivani , Khurana Supreet 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Neonatal sepsis is a major contributor to neonatal mortality in India. Blood culture, the gold standard for the diagnosis of sepsis takes 48-72 hours while the serological markers have suboptimal diagnostic test characteristics. Perfusion Index (PI) is a real time, non-invasive marker that can detect microcirculatory changes before other clinical manifestation of sepsis. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of PI in detecting hospital-acquired sepsis before overt clinical manifestations. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a tertiary care hospital. Participants: Term and preterm neonates admitted to NICU. Methods: PI was continuously monitored in all enrolled neonates. Clinical sepsis was defined using the Neonatal Krankenhaus-Infektions-Surveillance-System (NeoKISS). PI below 1.24 and 0.88 for term and preterm neonates, respectively, was defined as low PI. The time of fall of PI below this value and time of clinical sepsis as per NeoKISS was noted and the difference was calculated. Results: Among 72 neonates (gestational age:32.2±3.2 weeks, birth weight:1420, IQR 1100-1855 g), a total of 93 events of suspected sepsis were noted, of which 70 were sepsis screen positive. 16 events were associated with culture positive sepsis. Using a cut off of 0.88 in preterm neonates, PI yielded a sensitivity of 89.47% (95% CI 78.48% to 96.04%), specificity of 56% (95% CI 34.93% to 75.60%), positive predictive value of 82.26% (95% CI 74.70% to 87.92%), and negative predictive value of 70% (95% CI 50.36% to 84.29%) in detection of hospital acquired sepsis. The positive and negative likelihood ratios came to be 2.03 (95% CI 1.30 to 3.19) and 0.19 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.43), respectively.Conclusion: This study shows that PI might serve as an early, non-invasive marker of hospital acquired sepsis in preterm neonates.
Reduction of Preterm Births in South West England During The COVID-19 Pandemic: Staff Perceptions Versus Evidence
Authors: Maslin Kate , McKeon-Carter Roisin , Hosking Joanne , Stockley Lauren , Southby Clara , Shawe Jill , Latour Jos 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown had a series of intended and unintended consequences, including reduced infections, changes in activities and work practices. Some of these changes may have been beneficial to perinatal outcomes, however other factors such as reduced access to face-to-face healthcare and/or reluctance to attend hospital for fear of exposure to infection may have contributed negatively to antenatal care. A systematic review suggests that preterm births have not significantly changed overall, but they have decreased in high-income countries. The aim of this audit was to compare neonatal admissions in the South West of England during 2020 to 2018 and 2019. Anonymised birth and neonatal admission rates from January-December 2020 was obtained and compared to data from 2018–2019. The results demonstrate a decreasing of neonatal unit admissions between 2018–2020 (p = 0.002). However, the reduction in neonatal unit admissions is observed from 2018 and there were no significant differences across gestational groups. It is unclear without nationwide data whether the trends observed in our audit are generalisable and related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the data have clinical significance and revisiting clinical practices like organisational and workforce issues is warranted. Future research exploring the impact of lockdowns on behaviour change during pregnancy is required to understand the reality of pregnancy and preterm birth.
Patient Understanding Of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Status
Authors: Khadka Sushmita , Suwal Kriti , Adhikari Nirajan , Dadeboyina Chandrakala , Thomas Litty , Senapathi Sri , Walsh James 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Code status discussion usually happen late in the hospital admission. Lack of clear communication, various level of training of providers and discrepancy in health literacy among patient act as barrier in proper understanding of code status understanding. In this study we utilized brief video and validated survey to determine if viewing a short, educational video could improve patient understanding of CPR and code status at Robert Packer Hospital.MethodThis study was conducted as single center randomized study at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital. Total number of participants was 150. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to Intervention group where they viewed brief educational video. The primary end point was the composite score ranging from 0 to 15 generated based on correct responses to the questionnaire (supplemental file). ResultThere was statistically significant high understanding of code status among intervention group with mean composite score of 8.6 with a significant difference between the video group (10.3) and control group (6.9) with a p-value < 0.001. The multivariate linear model had a significant F-statistic with a p-value of < 0.001. We found age and randomization group significantly changes the composite scores. On average, the composite score of the intervention group was 3.36 points higher than the control group with 95% confidence interval of 2.36 – 4.35, p<0.001, when adjusted for age and gender of the patient.ConclusionUnderstanding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation status holds important place in guiding management of a patient. Use of short video explaining CPR and code status was found to be effective in improving patient understanding of these issues. It has the potential to save time and improve patient’s understanding if incorporated into code status discussions with hospitalized patients.
Microstructural and Physical Properties of Thermoplastic Corn Starch/Polystyrene Blend Foams Affected by Different Contents and Combinations of Plasticizers
Authors: Zabihi Amirreza , Fasihi Mohammad , Rasouli Sajad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A comprehensive study was performed on thermoplastic corn starch (TPS)/polystyrene (PS) blend foam to optimize the formulation from the aspects of plasticizer content and the blend ratio. Plasticization of native starch was implemented with various contents of plasticizer (water + glycerol), 21, 23, 25 and 29%, and water/glycerol ratio of 1/2, 2/3, 3/2 and 2/1 using melt extrusion process. The influence of plasticizer loading content and also its combination on the microstructural and physical properties of the blend foam were investigated. The morphological consideration was also carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the distribution and regularity of the foam cells. In the following, full factorial method in Minitab software was used to optimize the formulation according to the properties. Moreover, the effect of PS content on the moisture absorption and cell structure of TPS/PS blend foam was evaluated. The addition of 20% PS to TPS caused to 6 times higher expansion ration than PS and 60 % higher than TPS, while 50 % lower moisture absorption than TPS. This combination can be a good alternative candidate for warm food packing applications.
Targeted Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Containing Galangin as a Promising Adjuvant for Improving Anticancer Effects of Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Hajipour Hamed , Nouri Mohammad , Ghorbani Marjan , Bahramifar Ali , Emameh Reza Zolfaghari , Taheri Ramezan Ali 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is the main limitation of cancer therapy. The combination use of anticancer agents and Galangin (a naturally active flavonoid) amplifies the effectiveness of cancer treatment. This study aimed to prepare Arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) containing nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC-RGD) to improve the bioavailability of Galangin and explore its ability in improving the anti-cancer effects of doxorubicin (DOX).
Methods

Galangin loaded-NLC-RGD was prepared by hot homogenization method and characterized by diverse techniques. Then, cytotoxicity, uptake, and apoptosis induction potential of prepared nanoparticles beside the DOX were evaluated. Finally, the expression level of some ABC transporter genes was evaluated in Galangin loaded-NLC-RGD treated cells.
Results

Nanoparticles with appropriate characteristics of the delivery system (size: 120 nm, PDI: 0.23, spherical morphology, and loading capacity: 59.3 mg/g) were prepared. Uptake experiments revealed that NLC-RGD promotes the accumulation of Galangin into cancerous cells by integrin-mediated endocytosis. Results also showed higher cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of DOX + Galangin loaded-NLC-RGD in comparison to DOX + Galangin. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that Galangin loaded-NLC-RGD downregulates ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCC2 more efficiently than Galangin.
Conclusion

These findings indicated that delivery of Galangin by NLC-RGD makes it an effective adjuvant to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer treatment.
The Effect of Laser Remelting on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Bonding Interface in a Hybrid Metal Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: Xue Fei , Cui Xin , Zheng Longfei , Li Mian , Fang Xuewei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In order to realize both high-efficient forming with the wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and precise forming with the laser metal deposition (LMD) for some complex-structure and high-precision parts, a hybrid metal additive manufacturing method is proposed. The part is decomposed into sub volumes, then the sub volumes with relatively simple-structure features are formed through WAAM as a substrate, and the other sub volumes with more complex-structure or small-sized features are formed through LMD on the former substrate. However, the mechanical properties of the bonding interface would be reduced, if the later sub volumes are directly deposited by LMD on the rough WAAM substrate surface. In order to avoid unnecessary machining process between WAAM and LMD for high efficiency, and ensure the mechanical properties of WAAM-LMD bonding interface the laser remelting method is applied for improving the profile of WAAM substrate surface. The simulation model of heat transfer and fluid flow in the laser remelting process is established, the influence of the laser power and the scanning speed on the surface-profile improvement is researched by simulation and verified by experiments, Based on that the remelting process parameters are optimized. Furthermore, based on the WAAM formed substrate, the LMD formed volumes are deposited directly, after surface milling and after laser remelting, respectively. Then the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the bonding interface are compared among the three process methods, the feasibility of the laser remelting method for improving the bonding interface performance is verified.
Long-term and Combined Effects of N-[2-(Nitrooxy)ethyl]-3-pyridinecarboxamide and Fumaric Acid on Methane Production, Rumen Fermentation, and Lactation Performance in Dairy Goats
Authors: Li Zongjun , Lei Xinjian , Chen Xiaoxu , Zhang Yu , Shen Jing , Yao Junhu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years, nitrooxy compounds have been identified as promising inhibitors of methanogenesis in ruminants. However, when animals receive a nitrooxy compound, a high portion of the spared hydrogen is eructated as gas, which partly offsets the energy savings of CH4 mitigation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the long-term and combined effects of supplementation with N-[2-(nitrooxy)ethyl]-3-pyridinecarboxamide (NPD), a methanogenesis inhibitor, and fumaric acid (FUM), a hydrogen sink, on enteric CH4 production, rumen fermentation, bacterial populations, apparent nutrient digestibility, and lactation performance of dairy goats.ResultsTwenty-four primiparous dairy goats were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: supplementation without or with FUM (32 g/d) or NPD (0.5 g/d). All samples were collected every 3 wks during a 12-wk feeding experiment. Both FUM and NPD supplementation persistently inhibited CH4 yield (L/kg DMI, by 18.8% and 18.1%, respectively) without negative influence on DMI or apparent nutrient digestibility. When supplemented in combination, no additive CH4 suppression was observed. FUM showed greater responses in increasing the molar proportion of propionate when supplemented with NPD than supplemented alone (by 10.2% vs. 4.4%). The rumen microbiota structure in the animals receiving FUM was different from that of the other animals, particularly changed the structure of phylum Firmicutes. Daily milk production and serum total antioxidant capacity were improved by NPD, but the contents of milk fat and protein were decreased, probably due to the bioactivity of absorbed NPD on body metabolism.ConclusionsSupplementing NPD and FUM in combination is a promising way to persistently inhibit CH4 emissions with a higher rumen propionate proportion. However, the side effects of this nitrooxy compound on animals and its residues in animal products need further evaluation before it can be used as an animal feed additive.
Effect of Silica and Carbon-reducing Agents on Ni and Ti iImpurities During Silicon Production
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Chen Zhengjie , Wen Jianhua , Ma Wenhui , Cao Shijie 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The Ni and Ti contents of industrial silicon has a significantly affect the of organic silicon. On the basis of large specific production data, the chemical component of silica and the carbon-reducing agent effect of the Ni and Ti contents of silicon were investigated using statistical techniques. Two furnaces were also studied—an 8.5 MVA furnace and a 12.5 MVA furnace. The effects of TiO2 and NiO impurities on the power consumption of both furnaces were also evaluated using the correlation of the TiO2 and NiO impurities in raw materials with specific power consumption. The consumption of raw materials exhibited a high negative correlation with the TiO2 and NiO impurities in industrial silicon, as determined by linear regression—that is, 82% < |r| < 99%. The influence of Ni on industrial silicon production was also stronger than that of Ti. With an increase in Ni, the power consumption of the 8.5 MWA furnace significantly decreased, whereas that of the 12.5 MWA furnace is increased. Adjusting the content of Ni content can reduce the power consumption of industrial silicon production in the large furnace.
Dental Students’ Preference and Perception on Intraoral Scanning and Impression Making
Authors: Lam Walter , Mak Ken , Maghami Ebrahim , Molinero-Mourelle Pedro 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the preference and perception on intraoral scanning and impression making among dental students.Methods: Final-year dental students from the 2019 and 2020 cohorts were invited to complete an online questionnaire via Google-Form. Their preference on the intraoral-scanning/impression making techniques and their perception on these techniques including the ease of defect identification, ease of infection control, need of chairside support, ease to master the technique as a beginner, efficiency in their hands and ease to handle the scanner software (yes/no) were collected. The results were analysed using McNemar tests and binary logistic regression test. All tests were performed at significance level α=0.05.Results: Ninety-seven students participated in this study with a response rate of 96.0%. Eighty-one students (83.5%) have tried intraoral scanning on peers. Fifty-three (54.6%) students preferred intraoral-scanning and were categorized as Pro-scanning group. Forty-four (45.4%) students either preferred impression-making (n=21) or not sure (n=23) were categorized as Others. More than half of students in both groups felt that intraoral-scanning is easier to identify defect, easier in infection control and require less chairside support. Higher proportion of students in the Pro-scanning group felt that intraoral-scanning requires less chairside support, easier to master as a beginner, more efficient in their hands and they can deal well with the scanner software than that in Others (P<0.05). Regression shown that students preferred a technique that they perceived is more efficient (P=0.000).Conclusion: While intraoral scanning has perceived advantages, many students still prefer impression making that works more efficient to them.
Plasticity in visual cortex is disrupted in a mouse model of tauopathy and neurodegeneration
Authors: Papanikolaou Amalia , Rodrigues Fabio , Holeniewska Joanna , Phillips Keith , Saleem Aman , Solomon Samuel 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a hallmark of many dementias and thought to underlie a progressive impairment of neural plasticity. Previous work in mouse models of neurodegeneration shows pronounced changes in artificially-induced plasticity in hippocampus, perirhinal and prefrontal cortex. However, it is not known how neurodegeneration disrupts intrinsic forms of brain plasticity. Here we characterised the impact of tau-driven neurodegeneration on a simple form of intrinsic plasticity in the visual system, which allowed us to track plasticity at both long (days) and short (minutes) timescales. We studied rTg4510 transgenic mice at early stages of neurodegeneration (5 months) and a more advanced stage (8 months). We recorded local field potentials in the primary visual cortex while animals were repeatedly exposed to a stimulus over 9 days. We found that both short- and long-term visual plasticity were already disrupted at early stages of neurodegeneration, and further reduced in older animals, such that it was abolished in mice expressing mutant tau. Additionally, visually evoked behaviours were disrupted in both younger and older mice expressing mutant tau. Our results show that visual cortical plasticity and visually evoked behaviours are disrupted in the rTg4510 model of tauopathy.
Assessment of the Usefulness of Prognostic Van Nuys Prognostic Index in the Treatment in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ in 15-year Observation
Authors: Kunkiel Michał , Niwińska Anna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Ductal carcinoma in situ, a marginal fraction of the mammary gland diseases, is recognized in 25% of breast cancers detected with mammographic screening. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of Van Nuys Prognostic Index, serving to determine the method of treatment according to the recurrence risk From the 737 of cases of DCIS detection patients treated in our department in the years 1996–2011. The remaining 525 patients whose treatment began from excision of local DCIS and whose further course of treatment was determined after histopathological examination, who were left for observation, treated with radiation therapy of breast part left or mastectomy, were qualified for the assessment of mentioned index. The 5-, 10- and 15- year disease recurrence-free survival for the group of 525 patients was 88%, 74% and 62%, respectively. The percentage of 5-, 10- and 15-year disease recurrence-free survival in patients treated in compliance with the VNP Index in individual risk groups did not differ in a statistically significant way. In the low-risk group the percentage of recurrences after local excision, after 5, 10 and 15 years of observation amounted to 8.8%, 22.8% and 28.8%. In patients from this group, the recurrence risk after breast conserving treatment and mastectomy was 2% and 0%, respectively. VNP Index is not an optimal tool for patients with DCIS. It can be helpful only in some clinically difficult cases as one of methods of assessing the risk of recurrence.