bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation for tolerance to the downy mildew pathogen Peronospora variabilis in genetic resources of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)
Authors: Colque-Little Carla , Abondano Miguel Correa , Lund Ole Søgaard , Amby Daniel Buchvaldt , Piepho Hans-Peter , Andreasen Christian , Schmöckel Sandra , Schmid Karl 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an ancient grain crop that is tolerant to abiotic stress and has favorable nutritional properties. Downy mildew is the main disease of quinoa and is caused by infections of the biotrophic oomycete Peronospora variabilis Gaüm. Since the disease causes major yield losses, identifying sources of downy mildew tolerance in genetic resources and understanding its genetic basis are important goals in quinoa breeding.

Results
We infected 132 South American genotypes, three Danish cultivars and the weedy relative C. album with a single isolate of P. variabilis under greenhouse conditions and observed a large variation in disease traits like severity of infection, which ranged from 5 to 83%. Linear mixed models revealed a significant effect of genotypes on disease traits with high heritabilities (0.72 to 0.81). Factors like altitude at site of origin or seed saponin content did not correlate with mildew tolerance, but stomatal width was weakly correlated with severity of infection. Despite the strong genotypic effects on mildew tolerance, genome-wide association mapping with 88 genotypes failed to identify significant marker-trait associations indicating a polygenic architecture of mildew tolerance.

Conclusions
The strong genetic effects on mildew tolerance allow to identify genetic resources, which are valuable sources of resistance in future quinoa breeding.
Osteopontin‐induced lncRNA HOTAIR expression is involved in osteoarthritis by regulating cell proliferation
Authors: Liang Quanzhi , Asila Ailijiang , Deng Yingjie , Liao Jun , Liu Zhenfeng , Fang Rui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Osteopontin plays critical roles in osteoarthritis (OA) by regulating the functions of osteoclasts. It is known that osteopontin can induce the expression of lncRNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), indicating the involvement of HOTAIR in OA. This study was carried out to investigate the role of HOTAIR in OA.

Methods
Synovial fluid was extracted from both OA patients (n = 58) and healthy controls (n = 58). Expression of osteopontin and HOTAIR in synovial fluid was determined by RT-qPCR. Osteopontin was used to treat chondrocytes at dosages of 0, 1, 5 and 10 µg/ml, followed by measurement of HOTAIR expression by RT-qPCR. The role of osteopontin and HOTAIR overexpression, as well as HOTAIR knockdown in regulating the proliferation of chondrocytes was analyzed by cck-8 assay.

Results
HOTAIR was upregulated in OA. A positive correlation between HOTAIR and osteopontin was observed. In the primary chondrocytes, osteopontin treatment increased HOTAIR expression, while HOTAIR overexpression and knockdown failed to significantly affect osteopontin expression. In addition, osteopontin and HOTAIR overexpression increased chondrocyte proliferation, while HOTAIRE knockdown decreased chondrocyte proliferation. In addition, HOTAIR knockdown reduced the effects of osteopontin treatment on cell proliferation.

Conclusions
Osteopontin-induced HOTAIR expression is involved in osteoarthritis by regulating cell proliferation.
Life-sustaining treatment preferences in older patients when referred to the emergency department for acute geriatric assessment: a descriptive study in a Dutch hospital
Authors: Ermers Daisy J. M. , van Beuningen-van Wijk Marit P. H. , Rit Evi Peters , Stalpers-Konijnenburg Sonja C. , Taekema Diana G. , Bosch Frank H. , Engels Yvonne , van Mierlo Patricia J. W. B. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
In many cases, life-sustaining treatment preferences are not timely discussed with older patients. Advance care planning (ACP) offers medical professionals an opportunity to discuss patients’ preferences. We assessed how often these preferences were known when older patients were referred to the emergency department (ED) for an acute geriatric assessment.

Methods
We conducted a descriptive study on patients referred to the ED for an acute geriatric assessment in a Dutch hospital. Patients were referred by general practitioners (GPs), or in the case of nursing home residents, by elderly care physicians. The referring physician was asked if preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments were known. The primary outcome was the number of patients for whom preferences were known. Secondary outcomes included which preferences, and which variables predict known preferences.

Results
Between 2015 and 2017, 348 patients were included in our study. At least one preference regarding life-sustaining treatments was known at referral in 45.4% (158/348) cases. In these cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) policy was always included. Preferences regarding invasive ventilation policy and ICU admission were known in 17% (59/348) and 10.3% (36/348) of the cases respectively. Known preferences were more frequent in cases referred by the elderly care physician than the GP (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
In less than half the patients, at least one preference regarding life-sustaining treatments was known at the time of referral to the ED for an acute geriatric assessment; in most cases it concerned CPR policy. We recommend optimizing ACP conversations in a non-acute setting to provide more appropriate, desired, and personalized care to older patients referred to the ED.
Prevalence, serotypes and virulence genes of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from pregnant women with 35–37 weeks of gestation
Authors: Bobadilla Fernando J. , Novosak Marina G. , Cortese Iliana J. , Delgado Osvaldo D. , Laczeski Margarita E. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
In pregnant women Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) can be transmitted to newborn causing severe infections. It is classified into 10 serotypes (Ia, Ib, II-IX). The severity of neonatal disease is determined by the capsular serotype and virulence factors such as the polysaccharide capsule, encoded by the cps gene, protein C, which includes the Cα surface proteins (bca gene), Rib (rib gene) and Cβ (bac gene); the proteins Lmb (lmb gene), FbsB (fbsB gene), FbsA (fbsA gene), the cyl operon encoding a β-hemolysin (hylB gene), the CAMP factor (cfb gene) and the C5a peptidase (scpB gene). The aim of this work was to determine the degree of GBS colonization in pregnant women, the serotypes distribution and to investigate virulence-associated genes.

Methods
We worked with 3480 samples of vagino-rectal swabs of women with 35–37 weeks of gestation. The identification of the strains was carried out using conventional biochemical tests and group confirmatory serology using a commercial latex particle agglutination kit. Two hundred GBS strains were selected. Their serotype was determined by agglutination tests. The monoplex PCR technique was used to investigate nine virulence-associated genes (cps, bca, rib, bac, lmb, fbsB, fbsA, hylB and scpB).

Results
The maternal colonization was 9.09%. The serotypes found were: Ia (33.50%), III (19.00%), Ib (15.50%), II (14.00%), V (7.00%) and IX (5.50%). 5.50% of strains were found to be non-serotypeable (NT). The nine virulence genes investigated were detected simultaneously in 36.50% of the strains. The genes that were most frequently detected were scpB (100.00%), fbsA (100.00%), fbsB (100.00%), cylB (95.00%), lmb (94.00%) and bca (87.50%). We found associations between serotype and genes bac (p = 0.003), cylB (p = 0.02), rib (p = 0.01) and lmb (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The frequency of vaginal-rectal colonization, serotypes distribution and associated virulence genes, varies widely among geographical areas. Therefore, epidemiological surveillance is necessary to provide data to guide decision-making and planning of prevention and control strategies.
Observational study of compliance with infection control practices among healthcare workers in subsidized and private residential care homes
Authors: Au Jessie Kit Ling , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping , Lam Simon Ching 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe elderly population in Hong Kong is rapidly growing, and the need for residential care homes (RCHs) is increasing. The risk of being infected with micro-organisms increases among the frail and the vulnerable elderly population as their immunity system begins to deteriorate. Furthermore, the residents in RCHs are at high risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to the confined living environments and individual co-morbidities. In relation to this, infection control practice (ICP) is considered a crucial and effective approach in preventing HAIs. This study aimed to observe the daily ICP of healthcare workers in RCH settings.MethodsAn observational study was conducted to observe daily ICP among healthcare workers in private and subsidized RCHs. Each RCH was separated into different units based on the location (common area and bedroom area) and nature of residents for successive days. The ICP episodes were observed until 200 opportunities in each unit. The ICP episodes were recorded by an electronic tool called “eRub,” which is an ICP checklist based on international guidelines.ResultsThe most frequent observed ICP episodes were hand hygiene (n = 1053), the use of gloves (n = 1053) and respiratory protection (n = 1053). The overall compliance of hand hygiene was poor, with only 15% of participants performing this during the “five moments for hand hygiene.” Furthermore, the observations showed that 77.9% improperly performed the use of gloves, and 31.8% failed to wear a mask during the care provision for the elderly. However, the results showed that most healthcare workers can wear the mask in a proper way when they should. Generally, the personal care workers were the worst in terms of hand hygiene and use of gloves compared with the other types of healthcare workers.ConclusionsDespite the fact that the practice of hand hygiene, the use of gloves, and respiratory protection were the important elements of ICP, overall compliance to these elements was still poor. Personal care workers had the most frequent contact with the residents, but they had the worst compliance rate. Hence, continued monitoring and training among healthcare workers is needed, particularly personal care workers, in this healthcare service setting.
Ethnic disparities in stillbirth risk in Yunnan, China: a prospective cohort study, 2010-2018
Authors: Wu Yanpeng , Pan Jianhong , Han Dong , Li Lixin , Wu Yanfei , Liao Rui , Liu Zijie , You Dingyun , Chen Pingyan , Wu Ying 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Racial and ethnic disparities in stillbirth risk had been documented in most western countries, but it remains unknown in China. This study was to determine whether exist ethnic disparities in stillbirth risk in mainland China.

Methods
Pregnancy outcomes and ethnicity data were obtained from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NEPHEP), a nationwide prospective population-based cohort study conducted in Yunnan China from 2010-2018. The Han majority and other four main minorities including Yi, Dai, Miao, Hani were investigated in the analysis. The stillbirth hazards were estimated by life-table analysis. The excess stillbirth risk (ESR) was computed for Chinese minorities using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Compared with other four minorities, women in Han majority were more likely to more educated, less multiparous, and less occupied in agriculture. The pattern of stillbirth hazard of Dai women across different gestation intervals were found to be different from other ethnic groups, especially in 20-23 weeks with 3.2 times higher than Han women. The ESR of the Dai, Hani, Miao, and Yi were 45.05, 18.70, -4.17 and 12.28%, respectively. Adjusted for maternal age, education, birth order and other general risk factors, the ethnic disparity still persisted between Dai women and Han women. Adjusted for preterm birth further (gestation age <37 weeks) can reduce 16.91% ESR of Dai women and made the disparity insignificant. Maternal diseases and congenital anomalies explained little for ethnic disparities.

Conclusions
We identified the ethnic disparity in stillbirth risk between Dai women and Han women. General risk factors including sociodemographic factors and maternal diseases explained little. Considerable ethnic disparities can be attributed to preterm birth.
Mask use among pedestrians during the Covid-19 pandemic in Southwest Iran: an observational study on 10,440 people
Authors: Rahimi Zahra , Shirali Gholam Abbas , Araban Marzieh , Mohammadi Mohammad javad , Cheraghian Bahman 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Many countries have recommended the use of face masks for general population in public places to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of face mask usage and investigate about different types of face mask and their distribution among pedestrians in southwest Iran during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2020 in Ahvaz, southwest Iran. Using a multistage sampling method, a total of 10,440 pedestrians selected from 8 urban districts and 92 neighborhoods of the city. The data gathered by observation method. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the variables. Chi-square test, fisher exact test and Chi-square for trend used to assess relationship between two categorical variables. We used unconditional logistic regression model to control confounders.

Results
The most common age group was 10 to 39 years and 67.9% of the participants were male. The overall prevalence of face mask usage was 45.6% (95% CI, 44.6–46.5). In general, as the age increased, the prevalence of face mask use significantly increased (p for trend < 0.001). Women used face masks significantly higher than men (60.2% vs. 38.7%, p < 0.001). Among the pedestrians who used the mask, 75.6% wore facemask correctly. The most common type of facemask used by the pedestrians were surgical (medical) masks (63.8%). In total, the prevalence of facemask usage was significantly higher during a.m. (49.4%) compared to p.m. (43.9%), (p < 0.001). Besides, in our study, 1.7 and 0.3% of Pedestrians had worn gloves and shielded respectively. Women used shields and gloves significantly higher than men (3.6% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001). Also, women used shields more than men (0.5% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.036).

Conclusion
We concluded that the prevalence rate of face mask use in Ahvaz was fairly low especially in men and younger people. Hence, the observed rates probably cannot protect the community against COVID-19 spread. Therefore, it is important to implement educational programs as well as to establish laws and regulations governing the use of face masks in public places.
Predictors of resignation and sick leave after cancer diagnosis among Japanese breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mitsui Kiyomi , Endo Motoki , Imai Yuya , Ueda Yuito , Ogawa Hiroko , Muto Go , Yan Yan , Deshpande Gautam A. , Terao Yasuhisa , Takeda Satoru , Tanigawa Takeshi , Nishimura Katsuji , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Saito Mitsue , Kokaze Akatsuki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn Japan, 55.5% of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are of working age, so various perspectives regarding return to work (RTW) after cancer diagnosis need to be considered. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the risk factors for resignation and taking sick leave (SL) among BCSs in continued employment at the time of diagnosis.MethodsA web-based retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on BCSs using data from a 2018 Japanese national research project (Endo-Han) commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. The subjects were women aged 18–69 years who had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time at least 1 year previously. The risk factors for resignation and taking SL after breast cancer diagnosis, including age at diagnosis, education level, cancer stage, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, employment status, and occupational type, were then analyzed using a logistic regression model.ResultsIn total, 40 (14.9%) of 269 BCSs quit their jobs at least 1 year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that lower education level (odds ratio [OR]: 3.802; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.233–11.729), taking SL (OR: 2.514; 95%CI: 1.202–5.261), and younger age at diagnosis (OR: 0.470; 95%CI: 0.221–0.998) were predictors of resignation. Of 229 patients who continued working, SL was taken by 72 (31.4%). In addition, undergoing surgery was found to be a predictor of taking SL (OR: 8.311; 95%CI: 1.007–68.621).ConclusionsIn total, 40 (14.9%) of 269 BCSs quit their jobs at least 1 year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The results of this study indicated that younger age, lower education level, and taking SL were predictors of resignation after breast cancer diagnosis.
Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life 10 years after implant placement
Authors: Wang Yan , Bäumer Daniel , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Körner Gerd , Bäumer Amelie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Implant survival and implant success (freedom of biologic complications) are important factors in assessing the success of implant therapy. However, these factors are not the only determinants. Patients’ satisfaction also plays a very important role in daily practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess patients’ satisfaction regarding function (phonetics, chewing comfort, stability, cleanability) and aesthetics in patients treated with XiVE and Frialite implants in a private periodontal practice ten years after implant placement. Furthermore, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated.

Methods
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) regarding overall satisfaction, phonetics, chewing comfort, stability, cleanability, and aesthetics were examined on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 10 years ± 6 months after implant placement in a cross-sectional survey. OHRQoL and psychological impact were assessed via the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ). Potential influence of patient-related factors (age, gender, smoking, peri-implantitis, implant position, type of restoration) on VAS, OHRQoL and PIDAQ were investigated using regression analyses.

Results
High satisfaction with implant-supported restorations was seen in all 95 patients ten years after implant placement. Mean VAS-score for general satisfaction with implant-supported restoration was 93.0% (SD ± 9.4, median: 96.3%, range 50.0–100%). Mean OHIP score was 11.3 (SD ± 10.8, median: 9.0, range 0–45), mean PIDAQ score 20.5 (SD ± 11.37, median: 17.0, range 0–52). A slight tendency that presence of a moderate/severe peri-implantitis lowers satisfaction could be detected (overall satisfaction: ordinal, p = 0.012, VAS, p = 0.026). Also, the factors age, implant position and type of restoration might have an impact on patient’s satisfaction.

Conclusions
Patients restored with mostly fixed implant-supported restorations showed a very high patient satisfaction regarding function and aesthetics 10-year after implant placement. The presence of a moderate/severe peri-implantitis showed a slight tendency for influencing patient satisfaction. Due to the cross-sectional design results have to be interpreted with care.
The efficacy and safety of high-dose tranexamic acid in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shrestha Indra K. , Ruan Tian-Yi , Lin Lan , Tan Miao , Na Xue-Qing , Qu Qi-Cai , Chen Jian-Chun , Si Yong-Yu , Tao Jian-Ping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using high-dose intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss in idiopathic scoliosis surgery.

Methods
This study was a meta-analysis, which consisted of retrospective cohort studies (RCSs) and randomized control trials (RCTs) found by searching electronic databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Google Scholar Database, dating from 1960 to 2019. The points of interest included total blood loss, a need for transfusion and transfusion criteria, surgery time, and the evidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, such as seizures or thromboembolic events. The weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of blood loss in the TXA intervention group compared to the control or placebo group were extracted and combined using the random effects model.

Results
In this meta-analysis, there was a total of three RCSs and two RCTs, which involved 334 patients. The results showed that blood loss is significantly reduced, with a weighted mean difference in the TXA group (WMD = − 525.14, P = 0.0000, CI ranged from − 839.83, − 210.44, I2 = 82%). Heterogeneity was assessed using the random effects model.

Conclusions
A high dose of intravenous TXA reduced blood loss during adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery and did not lead to any significant thromboembolic event. Therefore, a high dose appears to be effective and safe for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery. However, more high-quality research based on larger randomized controlled trials is still needed.
Low expression of miR-142-3p promotes intervertebral disk degeneration
Authors: Xue Jianmin , Hu Baoyang , Xing Wenhua , Li Feng , Huang Zhi , Zheng Wenkai , Wang Bo , Zhu Yong , Yang Xuejun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) is a degenerative disease characterized by cytoplasm loss and extracellular matrix degradation. Numerous evidence reported that miRNAs participated in IDD development. Nevertheless, the function of miR-142-3p in IDD development remains unknown. This study mainly explored the potential role and function of miR-142-3p in IDD development.

Methods
One percent fetal bovine serum was used to induce the degeneration of ATDC5 cells, and miR-142-3p level was examined by qRT-PCR. Then, miR-142-3p mimic/inhibitor and its corresponding negative control were transfected into ATDC5 normal and degenerative cells. Viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis, cycle, Bax, Bcl-2, P62, and Beclin1 expression levels were assessed using CCK8, wound healing assay, annexin V-FITC/PI staining, western blot, and qRT-PCR, respectively.

Results
The results revealed that the expression levels of MMP13, ADAMTS5, MMP3, and Col-X were increased as well as the expression levels of SOX-9 and Col-II were reduced in ATDC5 degenerative cells, indicating the degeneration model was constructed. We observed that miR-142-3p was decreased in ATDC5 degenerative cells and its suppression could promote ATDC5 cell degeneration. However, miR-142-3p overexpression could reverse the cell viability inhibition, as well as apoptosis and autophagy enhancement in ATDC5 degenerative cells.

Conclusions
Our results proved that miR-142-3p may play an important role in disk degeneration. Further animal study is needed to illustrate the role of the miR-142-3p in IDD development.