bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Glutathione Reductase Gene Expression in Drought-sensitive and Tolerant Soybean Lines using Real-time PCR
Authors: Hassanvand Mohammad , Khaghani Shahab , Changizi Mahdi , Gomarian Masoud , Sedaghatfar Ezatollah 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Global climate change and associated adverse abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, salinity, heavy metals, waterlogging, extreme temperatures, oxygen deprivation, etc., greatly influence plant growth and development, ultimately affecting crop yield and quality, as well as agricultural sustainability in general. This study provides new insights into the analysis of the function of soybean genes in abiotic stress. Drought is one of the significant constraints that limit agricultural productivity. Some factors, including climate changes and acreage expansion, indicate the need for developing drought-tolerant Genotypes.Materials and methods: The study of the expression Glutathione Reductase (GR) gene in soybean drought-tolerant and sensitive cultivars using real-time PCR. Seeds from (drought-sensitive) and (drought-tolerant) lines were planted under specific temperature conditions drought stress treatment, in the research greenhouse of Islamic Azad University of Arak, Iran. Changes in gene expression compared to reference genes were recorded using the formula 2-ΔΔCT. Three technical replications were given for each cDNA sample related to each sampling and used to analyze test data from MINITAB16 software.Results: The results showed that the threshold expression of gene expression (Glutathione) in the Pyramid line had the highest expression of drought resistance and the lowest expression of the Glutathione Reductase gene belonging to the Will line. The theory is also true that chaperone proteins produced during the plant growth cycle are not destroyed to express the Glutathione Reductase gene. The expression cycle of the Glutathione Reductase gene shows that the proteins produced by this gene have a high rate of expression and increase in cell drought stress. This gene expression continues until the pressure ends. The results showed that lines and cultivars with a weak expression against drought stress could have a high expression at the beginning of drought stress but a decrease in gene expression rate during stress. Drought stress-sensitive lines have a decreasing expression in the middle and end of stress during the stress period.
Identification of a Major and Stable QTL on Chromosome 5A Confers Spike Length in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Ji Guangsi , Xu Zhibin , Fan Xiaoli , Zhou Qiang , Yu Qin , Liu Xiaofeng , Liao Simin , Feng Bo , Wang Tao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Spike length (SL) is the key determinant of plant architecture and yield potential. In this study, 193 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between 13F10 and Chuanmai 42 (CM42) were evaluated for spike length in six environments. Sixty RILs consisting of 30 high and 30 low SLs were genotyped using the bulked segregant analysis exome sequencing (BSE-Seq) analysis for preliminary quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. A 6.69 Mb (518.43-525.12 Mb) region on chromosome 5AL was found to have a significant effect on the SL trait. Fifteen kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers were successfully converted from the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SL target region. Combined with four novel simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, a genetic linkage map spanning 21.159 cM was constructed. The mapping result confirmed the identity of a major and stable QTL named QSl.cib-5A in the targeted region that explained 7.88–26.60% of the phenotypic variation in SL. QSl.cib-5A was narrowed to a region of 4.84 cM interval corresponding to a 4.67 Mb (516.60-521.27 Mb) physical region in the Chinese Spring RefSeq v2.0 containing 17 high-confidence genes with 25 transcripts. In addition, this QTL exhibited pleiotropic effects on spikelet density (SD), with the phenotypic variances proportion ranging from 11.34–19.92%. This study provides a foundational step for cloning the QSl.cib-5A, which is involved in the regulation of spike morphology in common wheat.
Association of Obesity and Luminal Subtypes in Prognosis and Adjuvant Endocrine Treatment Effectiveness Prediction in Chinese Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhu Siyi , Tong Yiwei , Chen Weiguo , Chen Xiaosong , Shen Kunwei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Our purpose was to evaluate the influence of obesity on clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer. Secondly we wanted to explore the effect of obesity on the performance of endocrine therapy in Chinese breast cancer patients.
Methods

Patients with luminal/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative early breast cancer were included and categorized into the non-obese (BMI < 28 kg/m²) and obese (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²) groups according to body mass index (BMI). Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment modalities were compared among two groups. Furthermore, the interaction of adjuvant endocrine therapy and efficacy between non-obese and obese groups were analyzed.
Results

A total of 2875 patients were included: 2598 in the non-obese group and 277 in the obese group. A higher rate of patients with comorbidities (OR: 2.83, 95%CI 2.13–3.74, P < 0.001) or PR positive tumor (OR: 1.63, 95%CI 1.03–2.58, P = 0.037) were identified in the obese group. Obesity was not associated with disease recurrence (P = 0.839) or overall survival (P = 0.140) in the whole population. Subgroup analysis did show an association with worse relapse-free survival (RFS, HR 3.48, 95%CI 1.31–9.22, P = 0.012) and overall survival (OS, HR 4.67, 95%CI 1.28–16.95, P = 0.019) in luminal A breast cancer. These results could not be reproduced in the luminal B subtype with a RFS (HR 0.78, 95%CI 0.41–1.49, P = 0.454) or OS (HR 1.17, 95%CI 0.50–2.74, P = 0.727). Furthermore, obesity didn’t impact endocrine therapy effectiveness, neither in Tamoxifen nor aromatase inhibitor group (RFS: interact P = 0.381; OS: interact P = 0.888).
Conclusion

The impact of obesity on prognosis interacted with luminal subtype status in Chinese breast cancer patients, which was not related with endocrine treatment modality.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database Study
Authors: Yang Qinfeng , Wang Jian , Shi Danping , Fu Jinlang , Shi Zhanjun , Zhang Yang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe occurrence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) is disturbing and costly, leading to a variety of adverse effects. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and risk factors of HAPUs following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a large-scale national database. MethodsA retrospective database analysis was performed based on Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2005-2014. Patients who underwent THA were included. Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, length of stay (LOS), total charges during hospitalization, in-hospital mortality, preoperative comorbidities, and perioperative complications were assessed.ResultsA total of 592,174 THAs were captured from the NIS database. The general incidence of HAPUs after THA was 0.05%, with a fluctuating trend annually. Patients suffered from HAPUs were older, less likely through elective admission, more likely in large hospital, more usage of Medicare, and less possibly paying via Private insurance compared to the nonaffected individuals. Additionally, the occurrence of HAPUs was associated with more preoperative comorbidities, longer LOS, extra total charges, and higher in-hospital mortality. Risk factors of HAPUs included advanced age (≥75 years), large hospital, multiple comorbidities (n≥3), diabetes with chronic complications, drug abuse, liver disease, fluid and electrolyte disorders, metastatic cancer, peripheral vascular disorders, psychoses, chronic renal failure, peptic ulcer disease, and weight loss. Besides, HAPUs were associated with inflammatory arthritis and femoral neck fracture (compared with primary/secondary osteoarthritis), frailty/senility, osteoporosis, acute renal failure, pneumonia, postoperative delirium, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, sepsis/septicemia, wound dehiscence/non-healing surgical wound, periprosthetic joint infection, and mechanical prosthesis-related complications. Both elective admission and Private insurance were detected as protective factors. ConclusionsIt is beneficial to study the risk factors of HAPUs after THA to ensure the preventive management and optimize consequences although a really low incidence was identified.
MiR-27a as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bayati Paria , Kalantari Mahsa , Assarehzadegan Mohammad-Ali , Poormoghim Hadi , Mojtabavi Nazanin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) or scleroderma is a multiorgan rheumatoid disease characterized by skin tightening or organ dysfunction due to fibrosis, vascular damage, and autoimmunity. No specific cause has been discovered for this illness, and hence no effective treatment exists for it. On the other hand, due to the lack of diagnostic biomarkers capable of effectively and specifically differentiating the patients, early diagnosis has not been possible. Due to their potent regulatory roles in molecular pathways, microRNAs are among the novel candidates for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like SSc. MiR-27a is a microRNA known for its role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and cancer, both of which employ similar signaling pathways; hence we hypothesized that Mir-27a could be dysregulated in the blood of individuals affected by SSc and it might be useful in the diagnosis or treatment of this disease.
Methods

Blood was collected from 60 SSc patients (30 limited and 30 diffused) diagnosed by rheumatologist according to ACR/AULAR criteria; following RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis; real-time qPCR was performed on the samples using Taq-Man probes and data were analyzed by the ΔΔCT method. Also, potential targets of miR-27a were evaluated using bioinformatics.
Results

It was revealed that miR-27a was significantly down-regulated in SSc patients in comparison to the healthy individuals, but there was no difference in miR-27 expression between limited and diffused SSc patients. Besides, miR-27a was found to target several contributing factors to SSc.
Conclusion

It seems that miR-27a has a protective role in SSc, and its downregulation could result in the disease's onset. Based on bioinformatics analyses, it is speculated that miR-27a likely targets factors contributing to the pathogenesis of SSc, which are elevated upon the downregulation of miR-27a; hence, miR-27a mimics could be considered as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of SSc in future studies. Since no difference was observed between limited and diffused patient groups, it is unlikely that this microRNA has a role in disease progression. According to ROC analysis of qPCR data, miR-27a could be employed as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for SSc.
Risk Factors of Rapid Lung Function Decline in COPD Patients of Real World
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Lee Jung-Kyu , Lee Myung Goo , Shin Kyung-Chul , Ra Seung Won , Kim Tae-Hyung , Hwang Yong il , Jung Ki-Suck , Yoo Kwang Ha , Kim Deog Kyeom 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Rapid lung function decliners have been considered a unique subgroup of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A rapid decline manifests early and is related with a poor prognosis. Therefore, pre-emptive identification of risk factors for rapid decliner is necessary. We aimed to determine those risk factors in Korean patients.Methods: A longitudinal, observational study was conducted on the KOCOSS cohort (NCT02800499), consisting of patients assessed from January 2012 to December 2019 at 54 medical centers in South Korea. Eligible patients were adults followed up for 3 years with serial spirometric tests. We calculated the annualized percentage change in lung function from baseline. Rapid decliners were defined as the quartile of patients with the highest annualized percentage decline in lung function. Results: Among the 518 included patients, 130 were rapid decliners. Rapid decliners lost 6.2%/year and 100 ml/year of forced expiratory volume in 1 second from baseline. Rapid decliners had a higher rate of severe exacerbations than non-rapid decliners (0.2/year vs. 0.1/year, P=0.032). Upon multivariable logistic regression, male sex, being a current smoker, a blood eosinophil count <150/µl, and a high forced vital capacity were independent risk factors for a rapid decline. In rapid decliners, lung function deteriorated more rapidly in current smokers and patients with more severe dyspnea, while triple combination therapy attenuated lung function decline compared to mono-bronchodilator therapy.Conclusions: Identification of risk and aggravating factors for rapid lung function decline may assist physicians in providing earlier intervention for high-risk patients with COPD.
Sebaceous Carcinoma of The Lip: Report of a Case and Literature Review.
Authors: Ambrosino Mariateresa , somma pasquale , santarelli andrea , staiabano stefania , cosola michele di , Muzio Lorenzo Lo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a very rare, aggressive, malignant tumor arising in the adnexal epithelium of the sebaceous gland. SC in the oral cavity is extremely rare, in literature there are only 14 cases. We reported the 4th case of sebaceous carcinoma involving the lip
Case presentation

A 71-year-old male smoker presented an ulcerated lesion in the lateral region of the lower lip. The patient stated that the lesion had been present for 1 year. The past medical history was unremarkable. Extra-oral examination revealed a markedly ulcerated, exophytic, irregularly shaped, indurated mass of the lower right labial region, measuring 1.8 cm in size. The nodular lesion, located at the point of transition between mucosa and skin, showed a central ulceration. No other intraoral lesions were identified. The clinical differential diagnosis included squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation and salivary gland neoplasms. The operation was performed under local anaesthesia. On histopathological examination, the tumor was composed by nodules or sheet of cells separated by a fibrovascolar stroma. The neoplastic tissue was deeply infiltrating, involving the submucosa and even the underlying muscle. Neoplastic cells showed a range of sebaceous differentiation with finely vacuolated rather than clear cytoplasm. Neoplastic cells were positive for S-100 protein, EMA, but negative for CEA. Therefore, based on these findings, a diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma of the lower lip was rendered.
Conclusion

The histogenesis, differential diagnosis, and clinicopathologic conditions of this disease in the literature were reviewed. SC should be distinguished from other tumors full of vacuolated clear cells. Some useful biomarkers can be Ki-67, P53, CK, PAS, S-100, EMA, and AR.
Spot Specimen Testing With GeneXpert® MTB/RIF Results In More Complete TB Diagnostic Results Than Morning Specimens
Authors: Massou Faridath , Fandohan Merlin , Wachinou Ablo Prudence , Agbla Schadrac Christin , Agodokpessi Gildas , Rigouts Leen , de Jong Bouke Catherine , Affolabi Dissou 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) using smear microscopy has been based on testing 2 specimens: one spot and one early morning sputum. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended to replace, whenever possible, microscopy with GeneXpert® MTB/RIF performed on a single specimen. However, as the bacterial load is higher in early morning specimens than in spot specimens, one could expect lower sensitivity of GeneXpert® MTB/RIF performed only on spot specimens. In this study, we compared results of GeneXpert® MTB/RIF on spot specimens versus early morning specimens, under programmatic conditions in Cotonou, Benin. Methods: From June to September 2018, all sputa received from presumptive TB patients at the Supranational Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis of Cotonou were included in the study. From each patient, two specimens were collected (one spot and one early morning) and GeneXpert® MTB/RIF was performed on both specimens. Results: In total, 886 participants were included in the study, of whom 737 provided both sputa and 149 (16.8%) gave only the spot specimen. For the 737 participants who provided both sputa, GeneXpert® MTB/RIF was positive for both specimens in 152 participants; for three participants GeneXpert® MTB/RIF was positive on spot specimen but negative on morning specimen while for another three, the test was positive on morning specimen but negative on spot specimen. The overall percentage of agreement was excellent (99.2%) with a very positive and negative percent agreement greater than 98%.Conclusions: For TB diagnosis under programmatic conditions in Cotonou, GeneXpert® MTB/RIF in spot specimens gave similar results with the test in morning specimens. Performing GeneXpert® MTB/RIF in both specimens did not significantly increase the number of cases detected. To avoid losing patients from the diagnostic cascade, it is preferable to test sputa produced at the time of visit.
In-Vivo Toxicity of Bioreactor-Grown Biomass And Exopolysaccharides From Malaysian Tiger Milk Mushroom Mycelium For Potential Future Health Applications
Authors: Usuldin Siti Rokhiyah Ahmad , Wan-Mohtar Imad , Ilham Zul , Jamaludin Adi Ainurzaman , Abdullah Nur Raihan , Rowan Neil 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Natural mycelial biomass (MB) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced from bioreactor-grown Malaysian Tiger Milk Mushroom Lignosus rhinocerus are considered high-end components due to their high commercial potential value in drug discovery. Both MB (0.16-10 mg/mL) and EPS (0.16-10 mg/mL) extracts were tested for Zebrafish Embryo Toxicity (ZFET) and early development effects on Zebrafish Embryos (ZE) during 24-120 h post-fertilization (HPF) in order to assess toxicity given potential application as a new therapy for treating asthma. Finding revealed that MB was deemed to be safe with an LC50 of 0.77 mg/mL; EPS was shown to be non-toxic (LC50 of 0.41 mg/mL). Neither MB nor EPS delayed hatching nor teratogenic defects in treated ZE at a dose of 2.5 mg/mL. There were no significant changes in the ZE heart rate after MB or EPS treatments with MB (0.16-10 mg/mL: 130 beats/min) and EPS (0.16-10 mg/mL: 140 beats/min), as compared to normal ZE (120-180 beats/min). In addition, mixing of both natural compounds MB and EPS did not affect toxicity using ZFET testing; thus, intimating their safe future use as therapeutic interventions.
Investigation of the geotechnical properties and estimation of the relative density from the standard penetration test in sandy soils (Case study: north east of Iran)
Authors: Amini Omid , Khoshghalb Arman , Etemadifar Mahin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the present research, SPT results are adopted to establish relationships for estimation of the relative density in a sandy soil. SPTs are performed in 20 boreholes in Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh city in Iran. Laboratory tests including mineralogy, relative density, soil gradation, Atterberg limits, and unit weight were performed on the soil samples. The SPT numbers were then properly corrected. In particular, the correct procedure for correction of the SPT number against the existing overburden effective stress is discussed when the SPT is performed in the vadose zone where the soil may be unsaturated. The soil in the study area is dominantly classified as SP-SM. The relationship between the relative density as one of the most important parameters for dominantly granular soils, with the corrected SPT number (N 1(60) ) and fines content is then investigated and discussed using artificial neural network and statistical analysis. Results showed that for the soil of interest, the developed relationship performs better than those established in the literature, hence demonstrating the value of developing locally tuned relationships for important projects.
On-Line Monitoring of the Axial Thermal Displacement of Machine Tools by Using a Laser Mouse Sensor
Authors: Cheng Wen-Nan , Cheng Chih-Chun , Tsai Chih-Ming , Kuo Yu-Hsin , Cheng Wei-Ren 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a low-cost on-line system for monitoring the axial thermal displacement of machine tools. The proposed monitoring system includes an embedded optical sensor derived from a laser mouse; an image acquisition microcontroller; speckle patterns; and an edge computer that hosts software including an image display module, a displacement calculation module, an image enhancement module, and a data visualization module. The proposed sensing system can measure the displacement in two orthogonal directions simultaneously by employing digital image correlation; thus, the proposed system is a two-dimensional displacement sensor. The sensing system benefits from image enhancement techniques and customized optimal speckle patterns printed using a standard low-cost monochrome laser printer. Experimental results indicate that the proposed displacement sensing system has an accuracy and a precision of less than 5 mm in both orthogonal directions; however, the measurement range is only 1 mm for a static measurement. The two-dimensional displacement sensing system was used for the on-line monitoring of the thermal deformation of a feed drive system for machine tools, and the performance of the sensing system was assessed experimentally.
Investigating equity in access to Australian clinical genetic health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Authors: Luke Joanne , Dalach Philippa , Tuer Lindsay , Savarirayan Ravi , Ferdinand Angeline , McGaughran Julie , Kowal Emma , Massey Libby , Garvey Gail , Dawkins Hugh , Jenkins Misty , Paradies Yin , Pearson Glenn , Stutterd Chloe , Baynam Gareth , Kelaher Margaret 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Globally, there is a recognised need for a greater commitment to an equity agenda in clinical genomics and precision medicine. Fundamental to this, is the equitable access by all to services providing genomic health care. However, achieving this remains constrained by a paucity of evidence that quantifies (in)equity of access to clinical genomics, particularly amongst Indigenous populations. Using administrative data from clinical genetic health services located in three jurisdictions (States/Territories) in Australia, we investigate equity in the scheduling and attendance of appointments among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, compared to non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. For 15554 appointments scheduled between 2014-2018, adjusted Multivariate Poisson Regression models revealed that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people were scheduled fewer appointments (IRR 0.73 [0.68-0.80], <0.001) and attended at lower rates (IRR 0.85 [0.78-0.93], <0.001). Within this population, adults, females, people living in remote locations, and those presenting in relation to cancer or prenatal indications experienced the greatest disparity in access. As the first quantitative, multi-jurisdictional study to measure access to clinical genetic health services, these results provide important baseline data related to the reach and equity of these services in Australia and contribute to the global effort to address equity in genomic health.