bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Grain Shape Genes Editing on Appearance Quality of Erect-Panicle Geng/Japonica Rice
Authors: Mao Ting , Zhu Mingdong , Sheng Zhonghua , Shao Gaoneng , Jiao Guiai , Mawia Amos Musyoki , Ahmad Shakeel , Xie Lihong , Tang Shaoqing , Wei Xiangjin , Hu Shikai , Hu Peisong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Long grain geng/japonica rice has a higher market preference due its excellent appearance quality. The dense and erect-panicle 1 (dep1) gene has been widely used in the breeding of high-yielding geng/japonica rice cultivars in China. However, this gene causes short and round grain shape thus making it less attractive in global rice markets. Therefore, breeding of high-yielding long-grain geng/japonica rice cultivars by incorporating dep1 with major-effect grain shape gene is of high priority in rice industry. Up to now, multiple grain shape genes’ effect mechanism has been clearly elaborated, however, under the background of erect-panicle geng/japonica rice, the effect of major grain shape genes on the appearance quality need to be further clarified, as detailed reports are limited.
Findings:
Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a series of near-isogenic lines (NILs) (YF47dep1-gw8, YF47dep1-gs3, YF47dep1-gl7, YF47dep1-qgl3 and YF47dep1-tgw6) in Yanfeng 47(YF47dep1) background were created. Grain appearance and yield components analysis showed that: i) All NILs’ grain length to width ratio was significantly increased compared to that of YF47dep1, excepted YF47dep1-gs3, ii) The chalkiness degree was significantly reduced in all of the NILs, iii) In all of the NILs, YF47dep1-gw8 grains exhibited the greatest length to width ratio and the lowest chalkiness degree, iv) The composition of glume cells and filling characteristics of the endosperm were two key factors contributing grain shape and grain chalk variations, respectively, and v) Owning to a substantial increase in the thousand grain weight, the yields of YF47dep1-gs3 and YF47dep1-tgw6 were significantly higher than that of YF47dep1, whereas YF47dep1-qgl3 exhibited the lowest yield because of a dramatic decrease in the effective panicle number and thousand grain weight.
Conclusions
All the results revealed that pyramiding dep1 with major-effect grain shape alleles was an effective approach to improving the appearance quality of erect-panicle geng/japonica rice, owning to both of the appearance quality and yield improvement, GS3 and TGW6 alleles can be applied directly for breeding long-grain shape geng/japonica rice, and editing GW8 resulted in excellent appearance quality but low yield, therefore, this gene would be difficult to use directly but can be considered as the core germplasm resource.
An Investigation of Neonatal Mortality and its Main Risk Factors in Hospitalized Late Preterm Infants
Authors: Basiri Behnaz , sadeghian zohre , Pezeshki Nasrollah , Rabie Mohammad Ali Seif , lakpour Tara 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Late preterm infants are born at a gestational age between 34+1 and 36+6 weeks, they have higher morbidity and mortality rates than term infants (gestational age ≥37 weeks). Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study the medical records of late preterm infant hospitalized in Fatemieh hospital, Hamadan- Iran, were extracted during a one-year period (March 2018– March 2019). Demographic information including sex, birth weight, causes of hospitalization and complications of the disease, length of stay, and outcome were assessed. Results: Out of 150 infants studied in this research, 52% were female and 48% were male. Mean weight was 2775±572 gr with mean admission days of 9.1±4.7 days. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was the most common cause of admission (80.7%). Neonatal mortality rate was overall 7.3%. According to logistic regression, need for resuscitation and ventilation, central nervous system (CNS) involvement (seizure) (P≤0.001), congenital heart disease (P≤0.001), need to surfactant administration (P=0.034), pneumonia (P=0.018), feeding problems (P≤0.001), hypoglycemia (P=0.048) and septicemia (P≤0.001), could all possibly correlate with the occurrence of death in late-preterm infants.Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is high in late preterm infants and can be predicted by the need to intensive supports for respiratory distress syndrome, CNS involvement, congenital heart disease, and septicemia.
Comparison of Bacterial Communities from the Surface and Adjacent Bottom Layers Water of Billings Reservoir
Authors: Marcondes Marta Angela , Nascimento Andrezza , Pessôa Rodrigo , Victor Jefferson Russo , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Sanabani Sabri Saeed 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Here, we describe the microbial diversity and physicochemical properties in freshwater samples from the surface and bottom layer of Billings reservoir in São Paulo state, Brazil. Twenty-two matched samples were characterized using the 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq platform. Taxonomical composition revealed an abundance of Cyanobacteria phyla, followed by Proteobacteria, with 1903 and 2689 known bacterial genera in the surface and deep-water layers, respectively. Shannon diversity index ranging from 2.3 - 5.39 and 4.04 - 6.86 in the surface and bottom layer, respectively. Among the 120 pathogenic genera identified, Flavobacterium was the most predominant genus. Temperature and phosphorus concentration were the most influential factors in shaping the microbial communities of both layers. Predictive functional analysis suggests that the reservoir is enriched in motility genes involved in the flagellar assembly. The overall results present new information on the significantly altered diversity composition of the bacterial community detected in Billings freshwater reservoir.
Hydroxychloroquine for Treatment of COVID‐19 Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Moraes Vinícius Y , Marra Alexandre R , Matos Leandro L , Neto Ary Serpa , Rizzo Luiz Vicente , Neto Miguel Cendoroglo , Lenza Mário 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS (2019 to March 2021) for patients aged 18 years or older, who had COVID-19 and were treated with hydroxychloroquine versus placebo or standard of care. We also searched the WHO Clinical Trials Registry for ongoing and recently completed studies, and the reference lists of selected articles and reviews for possible relevant studies, with no restrictions regarding language or publication status. Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled mean differences of treatment effect on mortality, and serious adverse effects between hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and the control group (standard of care or placebo); heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and the Cochran´s Q statistic. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in mortality rate between patients treated with HCQ compared to standard of care or placebo (16.7% vs. 18.5%; pooled risk ratio 1.09; 95%CI: 0.99-1.19). Also, therate of serious adverse effects was similar between both groups, HCQ and control (3.7% vs. 2.9%; pooled risk ratio 1.22; 95%CI: 0.76-1.96). Conclusion: Hydroxychloroquine is not efficacious in reducing mortality of COVID-19 patients.Systematic review registration: Prospero database, registration number: CRD42020197070.
Event-Triggered Control and Application for A Class of Nonlinear Multi-Agent Systems With Time Delay
Authors: Zhang Jiancheng , Wang Xinsheng , Cao Qi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Linear multi-agent systems (MAS) have been studied a lot. Since nonlinear MAS with time delay and directed graph by using the event-triggered technique are seldom studied, the distributed control of a class of nonlinear leader-following MAS is considered in this paper. Firstly, we linearize the nonlinear MAS composed of N agents with directed graph by feedback, and transform the research object into a linear system. Furthermore, we proposed an event-triggered consensus algorithm for the leader-following MAS. Then we prove the consensus of the proposed algorithm by using related theorems. It is proved that the algorithm converges exponentially and avoids Zeno-behavior of triggering time sequences. Finally, we apply the designed event-triggered consensus algorithm to an engineering example. A simulation system is established in Matlab environment and the simulation example results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. It effectively reduces the number of communication among agents and achieves the consistency of control objectives.
Engineering Resistance Against Cotton Leaf Curl Kokhran Virus-Burewala Strain Using CRISPR-Cas9 System in Nicotiana Benthamiana
Authors: Hamza Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Zuhaib , Mustafa Roma , Kamal Hira , Hussain Aneela , Mansoor Shahid , Amin Imran 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and associated Cas9 nuclease (CRISPR-Cas9) systems provide adaptive immunity to prokaryotes against infectious phage particles that can be engineered as a genome-editing tool. Guided by an RNA strand, the class II type II CRISPR-Cas9 system can be employed to provide resistance against plant DNA viruses. Here we describe an efficient CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system based on simultaneous targeting of the highly conserved intergenic region (IR) of the virus that can provide resistance against Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus-Burewala strain (CLCuKoV-Bur) in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The data revealed that upon infection, the transgenic plants harboring CRISPR-Cas9 and two gRNAs showed complete resistance against CLCuKoV-Bur/Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB). All efforts failed to find the intact virus in CLCuKoV-Bur/CLCuMB challenged transgenic (OX:Cas9NB:IR) plants using either gene specific PCR primers or CLCuKoV-Bur as a probe in southern blot hybridization. Thus, our results have demonstrated an efficient CRISPR-Cas9 approach to engineer durable resistance against CLCuKoV-Bur in a model system. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Statin-ezetimibe Combination Therapy With Statin Monotherapy in Patients With Diabetes: A Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Studies
Authors: Shin Kwang-Hee , Choi Hye Duck 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and aims: Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterised by very high levels of triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and slightly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Additionally, the potentially increased risk of morbidity and mortality following atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases should be considered in the treatment of dyslipidaemia in patients with diabetes. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of the published data to compare the effects of statin-ezetimibe combination therapy and statin monotherapy on lipid and glucose parameters in patients with diabetes. Additionally, the safety based on the reported adverse events was compared between the two groups. Results: Seventeen articles were included in this meta-analysis. In the efficacy assessment, the combination treatment afforded a significantly greater reduction in LDL cholesterol than did statin monotherapy (standard difference in means = 0.894; 95% confidence interval 0.598–1.191). A significantly greater improvement effect was observed in the levels of HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein B, but not apolipoprotein A1, with combination therapy than with statin monotherapy. Additionally, combination therapy reduced the fasting blood glucose levels more significantly than did statin monotherapy. In terms of safety, there were no significant differences in treatment-related adverse events between the two treatments. Conclusions: Statin-ezetimibe combination therapy appears to enhance LDL cholesterol and other lipid levels without an increased risk of adverse events, compared with statin monotherapy. The present meta-analysis presents valid evidence for appropriate drug regimens to treat dyslipidaemia in patients with diabetes.
Lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal adenocarcinoma: what is the optimal lymph nodes dissection?
Authors: Wu Yahua , Lin Mingqiang , Zhang Mengyan , Liu Tianxiu , Wang Zhiping , Li Jiancheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

The optimal lymph nodes dissection (LND) for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) is controversial.
Methods

Patients were selected from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to identify predictors of overall survival (OS). Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) was used to examine the relationship between the number of LND and OS.
Result

2,019 patients with non-metastatic EAC underwent NCRT were stratified into three groups according to LND using X-tile software: group 1: 1–8, group 2: 9–14, group 3: ≥15. In Multivariable Cox Regression analysis, the death risk was reduced by 22% (P = 0.001), 43% (P < 0.001) respectively, for patients in groups 2, 3 compared with those in group 1. The results were similar for patients with pathological lymph node-negative (ypN0) EAC patients. But for pathological lymph node-positive (ypN+) patients, a significantly reduced hazard was present only in group 3 (P < 0.001). RCS exhibited a nonlinear relationship between the number of lymph nodes removed and OS for ypN0 EAC (P = 0.002). The risk of death sharply dropped until around 24 nodes removed and then started to steadily increase afterward. However, for ypN + EAC, it showed a linear relationship between LND and OS (P = 0.205), with a better OS when an increase in the number of lymph nodes removed.
Conclusions

For ypN0 patients, the optimal LND was approximately 24 lymph nodes, with the number of lymph nodes removed beyond 24 nodes did not provide additional benefit. However, for ypN + patients, a more extensive lymphadenectomy could favor survival.
Psychological Distress and Social Support among Conflict Refugees in Urban, Semi-rural and Rural Settlements in Uganda: Burden and Mechanisms of Association
Authors: Lawoko Stephen , Nakidde Catherine , Lugada Eric , Ssematiko Maria , Ddamulira Dunstan P. , Masaba Andrew , Luswata Brian , Ochen Eric A. , Okot Betty , Muhangi Denis , Seruwagi Gloria 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent research shows that psychological distress is on the rise globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed on populations to manage it. We estimated the burden of psychological distress and scrutinized the role that social support may play in moderating psychological distress among conflict refugees in urban, semi-rural and rural settlements in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Cross-sectional survey data on psychological distress, social support, demographics, socio-economic and behavioral variables was gathered from 1014 adult refugees randomly sampled from urban, semi-rural and rural refugee settlementsin Uganda, using two-staged cluster sampling. Research instruments were checked for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. T-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multivariable Linear Regression were applied to analyse the data in SPSS-version 22. Statistical significance was assumed at p<0.05.Results: Refugees resident in rural/semi-rural settlements exhibited higher levels of psychological distress, lower levels of social interaction and lower levels of social attachment than peers resident in urban settlements. However, they reported, on the other hand, higher adequacy of social interaction and higher adequacy of social attachment than peers resident in urban settlements. Adequacy of social interaction and attachment were directly associated with psychological distress and acted as stress buffers in the relationship between psychological distress and rural/urban settlement. Conclusions: There is a settlement-inequality (i.e. rural vs. urban) in psychological distress and social support among conflict refugees in Uganda. Both the direct and buffering effects of adequacy of social interaction and attachment can explain the rural/urban discrepancy in psychological distress, with important implications for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) interventions.
“What Are The Challenges of Treating Mentally Impaired Patients in The Era of a Pandemic?” : Qualitative Exploration Caregivers
Authors: Yusuf Ah , Acob Joel Rey U. , Tristiana Roro Dian , Nafisa Intan Faizatun , Putri Verantika Setya , Kotijah Siti , Solikhah Fitriana Kurniasari , Aditya Ronal Surya 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Caregivers provide support for mental disorders in the form of care such as assistance in daily life activities, but during a pandemic it is a challenge in itself. Objective: To explore the caregiver's experience in caring for clients with mental disorders in remote areas during a pandemic. Methods: Using a phenomenological qualitative research design with 25 participants. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with data collection techniques using in-depth interviews and field notes then analyzed using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis). Results: This study found 6 themes, namely: Caregiver Workload and Tension, Threats to Caregivers' Physical and Psychological Well-Being, The Need for a Continuing Family Role, Holistic Care, Coping Strategy, Communication is getting harder.Conclusion: our research provides unique findings about the experience of treating mental disorders needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers of mental disorders struggle with parenting difficulties during the pandemic, which poses a threat to their well-being and potential harm to the mental disorder survivor-caregiver relationship.
Effects of temperature and salinity interaction on Vibrio spp and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the intercontinental Euro-African Atlantic
Authors: Ruiz-Cayuso Jesus , Trujillo-Soto Teresa , Rodriguez-Iglesias Manuel , Almagro-Moreno Salvador 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Vibrionaceae include several human pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus or Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The risk of vibriosis is increasing worldwide due to the effects of climate change and modified patterns of food consumption, leading to a considerable economic and public health interest in understanding the factors related to the greater abundance of vibrios. Fluctuations in Vibrio populations are strongly affected by changes in temperature and salinity, nonetheless, there is substantial variability in their effect and discrepancies in their specific roles. In this study, we analyzed the abundance, and spatiotemporal distribution of Vibrio in the Euro-African Atlantic area, focusing the investigation on associations with environmental factors and with an emphasis on V. parahaemolyticus. Using membrane-filtration, cultures and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, 191 samples from 12 locations were analysed and a biochemical and proteomic profile created. We developed two multivariate linear regression models for the density of Vibrio spp (adjusted R2 = 0.32 and 0.27) and a logistic regression model for the occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus (R2Nagelkerke = 0.32, Accuracy = 77%). Including the interaction between sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity in linear regression helps to explain the discrepancies found in several studies on the effect of these variables on the abundance of vibrios.
Bisphenol S Leads to Cytotoxicity-Induced Antioxidant Responses and Oxidative Stress in Isolated Rainbow Trout (Oncorhyncus Mykiss) Hepatocytes
Authors: Kaptaner Burak , Yılmaz Can , Aykut Handan , Doğan Emine , Fidan Ceylan , Bostancı Müşerref , Yıldız Fatoş 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Bisphenol S (BPS) is a chemical compound that is utilized in the plastic industry as an alternative to bisphenol A (BPA). The toxic effects of BPS in fish is less known and limited. Therefore, in the present study, it was aimed to investigate the influence of BPS on rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) hepatocytes in vitro.Methods and Results: For this purpose, the hepatocytes of the fish were isolated, and then the cultured cells were treated with increasing concentrations of BPS (0, 15.63, 31.25, 62.50, 125, 250, and 500 µM) for 24 h. The cytotoxic impact of BPS was determined in the culture media using lactate dehydrogenase assay and then, the antioxidant defence indicators were assayed. The results showed that concentration-dependent increases were observed in the percentage of cytotoxicity. The superoxide dismutase activity was reduced, while the catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity was elevated with all of the BPS concentrations. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly increased with a BPS concentration of 31.25 µM or higher, while GST theta 1-1 activity was decreased with the same concentrations of BPS. The reduced glutathione content was decreased significantly with a BPS concentration of 31.25 µM or higher, and the malondialdehyde content increased with BPS concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 µM.Conclusions: The findings determined herein suggested that BPS causes cytotoxicity in fish hepatocytes and could lead to oxidative stress, resulting hepatotoxicity in fish. Thus, the utilization of BPS instead of BPA as safe alternative in industry should be re-evaluated in the future for environmental health.
Sarcopenia adversely impacts postoperative complications in living-donor liver transplantation recipients
Authors: Wu Mei-Yun , Lim Wei-Xiong , Cheng Yu-Fan , Chang Ching-Di , Hsu Hsien-Wen , Lin Chih-Che , Chen Chao-Long , Chang Wan-Ching , Yu Chun-Yen , Tsang Leung-Chit , Chuang Yi-Hsuan , Ou Hsin-You 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Despite technological and immunological innovations, living-donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients still face substantial risk of postoperative complications. Sarcopenia is being recognized more and more as a biomarker that correlates with poor outcomes in surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and significant surgical complications in LDLT recipients.
Materials and Methods

This retrospective review included patients who had received LDLT at our institute from 2005 to 2017. Sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle index (PMI) in cross-sectional images. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the ability of PMI to predict postoperative complications. Correlations between major postoperative complications and sarcopenia were evaluated using regression analysis.
Results

A total of 271 LDLT recipients were included. No significant differences were found between PMI and major postoperative complications in male patients. Female recipients with major postoperative complications had significantly lower mean PMI values (P = 0.028), and the PMI cut-off value was 2.63 cm2/m2. Postoperative massive pleural effusion requiring pigtail drainage occurred more frequently in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (P = 0.003). One-, three-, five- and 10-year overall survival rates were significantly poorer in the sarcopenia group (n = 14) than in the non-sarcopenia group (n = 108), at 92.9% versus 97.2%, 85.7% versus 95.4%, 85.7% versus 92.5% and 70.1 versus 82.0%, respectively (P = 0.041).
Conclusions

Sarcopenia is associated with a significantly higher risk of major postoperative complications in females. PMI and sarcopenia together are predictive of major postoperative complications and survival rates in female LDLT recipients.