bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of different pesticides treatments on the nutritional quality of kiwifruit
Authors: Shan Tingting , Wei Jianping , Wang Yuan , Zhao Xubo , Zhao Yuyao , Ge Qian , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPesticides are widely used in the process of kiwifruit growth to promote fruit expansion. This study was aimed to assess the effects of pesticides on the quality of kiwifruit by applying high and normal concentrations of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and thidiazuron (TDZ) to “Xuxiang” (XX) green kiwifruit and “Jinyan” (JY) gold kiwifruit. Sixty kiwifruit trees were used to comprehensively evaluate the effects on the pulp and whole kiwifruit. In addition to the weight gain effect and basic physical‐chemical properties (vitamin C, total protein, glucose and fructose, organic acids), the main nutritional qualities (in vitro and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA), and dietary minerals) were also evaluated. The vitamin C content of XX was not affected by pesticides, but the use of CPPU reduced vitamin C of JY pulp by 23% (p < 0.05). Pesticides did not reduce the antioxidant values of XX pulp in vitro but significantly reduced CAA values (32%–47%). In JY pulp, pesticides treatments had no significant effect on antioxidant values in vitro except that CPPU treatments significantly reduced the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value by 21% (p < 0.05). Reasonable use of pesticides can effectively improve taste of kiwifruit, increasing kiwifruit weight and the content of certain nutrients.Practical ApplicationBased on observed changes in nutritional components, CPPU may be more suitable for XX while TDZ may be more suitable for JY. The significance of this study may affect kiwifruit farmers and ultimately help improve the sensory quality of kiwifruit.
Clinical outcomes and resource utilization after surgical resection with curative intent among patients with non‐small cell lung cancer treated with adjuvant therapies in a community oncology setting: A real‐world retrospective observational study
Authors: Cai Beilei , Fulcher Nicole , Boyd Marley , Spira Alexander 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsAdjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in patients with completely resected early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study evaluated real‐world relapse rates and healthcare resource utilization in patients with stage II–IIIB NSCLC receiving adjuvant therapy in a community oncology setting after complete resection.Patients and MethodsThe study included patients with stage II–IIIB NSCLC and complete resection receiving any adjuvant therapy during 06/2008–04/2017 at US Oncology Network clinics, with follow‐up through 04/2019. Primary endpoints were rate of relapse, time to relapse (TTR), disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and monthly emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations before and after relapse.ResultsThe study identified 456 patients; median age was 66 years, 50% were male. In patients with relapse (45.2%), median follow‐up was 31.7 months and median TTR was 13.7 months. Median DFS in the overall population was 42.9 months. Median OS was 82.4 months in the overall population and shorter in patients with relapse than without relapse (41.6 months vs. not reached, p < 0.0001). Patients with relapse had significantly more monthly ED visits (mean [SD] 0.10 [0.24] vs. 0.03 [0.08], p < 0.0001) and hospitalizations (mean [SD] 0.20 [0.43] vs. 0.05 [0.10], p < 0.0001) following relapse than before relapse.ConclusionsPatients with stage II–IIIB NSCLC treated with adjuvant therapy after complete resection had high relapse rates, reduced survival, and significantly increased healthcare resource use when relapse occurred. New therapeutic options to reduce relapse rates in patients with early‐stage NSCLC could reduce healthcare utilization and costs.
Optimal radiotherapy dose in cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy: A population based study
Authors: Li Chia‐Chin , Chen Chih‐Yi , Chou Ying‐Hsiang , Huang Chih‐Jen , Ku Hsiu‐Ying , Chien Chun‐Ru 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal radiotherapy dose for locally advanced cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (C‐ESqCC) treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT) is unclear. Here, we aimed to compare the survival of those treated with high dose versus standard dose via a population based approach.MethodsEligible C‐ESqCC patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 were identified via the Taiwan Cancer Registry. We used propensity score (PS) weighting to balance observable potential confounders between groups. The hazard ratio (HR) of death and incidence of esophageal cancer mortality (IECM) were compared between high (60–70 Gy) and standard dose (50–50.4 Gy). We also evaluated the outcome in supplementary analyses via alternative approaches.ResultsOur primary analysis consisted of 141 patients in whom covariates were well balanced after PS weighting. The HR of death when high dose was compared with standard dose was 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4–1.03, p = 0.07). The HR of IECM was 0.74 (p = 0.45). The HR of OS remained similarly insignificant in supplementary analyses.ConclusionsWe observed a trend in favor of high radiotherapy dose versus standard dose for C‐ESqCC treated with dCCRT in this population‐based nonrandomized study. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of the study.
A kernel‐based change detection method to map shifts in phytoplankton communities measured by flow cytometry
Authors: Jones Corinne , Clayton Sophie , Ribalet François , Armbrust E. Virginia , Harchaoui Zaid 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Automated, ship‐board flow cytometers provide high‐resolution maps of phytoplankton composition over large swaths of the world's oceans. They therefore pave the way for understanding how environmental conditions shape community structure. Identification of community changes along a cruise transect commonly segments the data into distinct regions. However, existing segmentation methods are generally not applicable to flow cytometry data, as these data are recorded as ‘point cloud’ data, with hundreds or thousands of particles measured during each time interval. Moreover, nonparametric segmentation methods that do not rely on prior knowledge of the number of species are desirable to map community shifts.

We present CytoSegmenter, a kernel‐based change‐point estimation method for segmenting point cloud data. Our method allows us to represent and summarize a point cloud of data points by a single element in a Hilbert space. The change‐point locations can be found using a fast dynamic programming algorithm.

Through an analysis of 12 cruises, we demonstrate that CytoSegmenter allows us to locate abrupt changes in phytoplankton community structure. We show that the changes in community structure generally coincide with changes in the temperature and salinity of the ocean. We also illustrate how the main parameter of CytoSegmenter can be easily calibrated using limited auxiliary annotated data.

CytoSegmenter is generally applicable for segmenting series of point cloud data from any domain. Moreover, it readily scales to thousands of point clouds, each containing thousands of points. In the context of flow cytometry data collected during research cruises, it does not require prior clustering of particles to define taxa labels, eliminating a potential source of error. This represents an important advance in automating the analysis of large datasets now emerging in biological oceanography and other fields. It also allows for the approach to be applied during research cruises.
Patient perceptive focus on recovery: An exploratory study on follow‐up after major emergency abdominal surgery
Authors: Kristiansen Puk , Oreskov Jakob Ohm , Ekeloef Sarah , Gögenur Ismail , Burcharth Jakob 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundOptimal recovery can be defined as the adequate in‐hospital length of stay with minimal postoperative complications and readmissions. The quality of recovery beyond the immediate postoperative period after major emergency abdominal surgery is yet to be fully described. We hypothesized that long‐term measures of overall recovery were affected after surgery. The study aimed to investigate patient‐focused recovery‐related parameters 1 year after major emergency abdominal surgery.MethodThis is a prospective study including patients undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery at a Danish secondary referral center. Three questionnaires were answered regarding the recovery following the procedure; Activities Assessment Scale (AAS); Quality of Recovery‐15 (QoR‐15), and Self‐complete Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S‐LANSS). All questionnaires were answered at postoperative days (PODs) 14, 30, 90, and 365.ResultsEighty‐two patients were included, and 68 were available for follow‐up until 1 year after surgery. The response rates differed between the follow‐up time points, with a response rate of 85% (n = 59) at POD30 and 50% (n = 36) at POD365. A decrease in the level of physical function following surgery was observed in 60% of the patients at POD14, which improved to 36% at POD365. Twenty‐four patients (48%) reported postoperative pain at POD14, which declined to 9 (26%) at POD365. The maximum overall recovery was reached at POD30, which remained stable throughout the study period.ConclusionOne in three patients reported physical functional impairment, and one in four patients reported pain 1 year after their surgical procedure.
Associations between psychosis and visual acuity impairment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shoham Natalie , Eskinazi Michelle , Hayes Joseph F. , Lewis Gemma , Theodorsson Magnus , Cooper Claudia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesSeveral theories propose that visual acuity impairment is associated with psychosis. Visual impairment could lead to psychosis or the converse, or they may share underlying pathology or risk factors. In the first evidence synthesis in this area for over 25 years, we collated studies measuring the association between visual acuity impairment and psychosis.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases for studies published from 1992 to 2020, using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale to assess risk of bias. We narratively synthesized findings and meta‐analyzed sufficiently homogenous results.ResultsWe included 40 papers, which reported on 31 studies. Evidence from seven cohort studies was inconsistent, which precluded meta‐analysis of this study design. These contradictory results also made it difficult to draw conclusions regarding a temporal association. We found evidence for an association from eight cross‐sectional studies treating visual acuity impairment as the exposure and psychosis as the outcome [pooled odds ratio (OR) =1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–2.31], and four with the reverse exposure and outcome (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.17–2.92). Seven case–control studies with mixed findings were found, but only two primarily addressed our research question, and these findings were mixed.ConclusionsAlthough evidence supports a cross‐sectional association between visual acuity impairment and psychosis, further research is needed to clarify the temporal direction, given the mixed findings in cohort studies. Understanding the association may give insights into prevention strategies for people at risk of visual acuity impairment and psychosis.
Targeted sequencing reveals candidate causal variants for dairy bull subfertility
Authors: Abdollahi‐Arpanahi R. , Pacheco H. A. , Peñagaricano F. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryBull fertility is a key factor for successful reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Since the semen from a single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of cows, one subfertile bull could have a major impact on herd reproductive efficiency. We have previously identified five genomic regions, located on BTA8 (72.2 Mb), BTA9 (43.7 Mb), BTA13 (60.2 Mb), BTA17 (63.3 Mb), and BTA27 (34.7 Mb), that show large dominance effects on bull fertility. Each of these regions explained about 5–8% of the observed differences in sire conception rate between Holstein bulls. Here, we aimed to identify candidate causal variants responsible for this variation using targeted sequencing (10 Mb per region). For each genomic region, two DNA pools were constructed from high‐fertility and low‐fertility Holstein bulls. The DNA‐sequencing analysis included reads quality control (using FastQC), genome alignment (using BWA and ARS‐UCD1.2), variant calling (using GATK) and variant annotation (using Ensembl). The sequencing depth per pool varied from 39× to 51×. We identified a set of nonsense mutations, missense mutations, and frameshift variants carried by low‐fertility bulls. Notably, some of these variants were classified as strong candidate causal variants, i.e., mutations with deleterious effects located on genes exclusively/highly expressed in testis. Genes affected by these candidate causal variants include AK9, TTLL9, TCHP, and FOXN4. These results could aid in the development of novel genomic tools that allow early detection and culling of subfertile bull calves.
Comparative analysis of swine leukocyte antigen gene diversity in European farmed pigs
Authors: Hammer S. E. , Duckova T. , Groiss S. , Stadler M. , Jensen‐Waern M. , Golde W. T. , Gimsa U. , Saalmueller A. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryIn Europe, swine represent economically important farm animals and furthermore have become a preferred preclinical large animal model for biomedical studies, transplantation and regenerative medicine research. The need for typing of the swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) is increasing with the expanded use of pigs as models for human diseases and organ‐transplantation experiments and their use in infection studies and for design of veterinary vaccines. In this study, we characterised the SLA class I (SLA‐1, SLA‐2, SLA‐3) and class II (DRB1, DQB1, DQA) genes of 549 farmed pigs representing nine commercial pig lines by low‐resolution (Lr) SLA haplotyping. In total, 50 class I and 37 class II haplotypes were identified in the studied cohort. The most common SLA class I haplotypes Lr‐04.0 (SLA‐1*04XX‐SLA‐3*04XX(04:04)‐SLA‐2*04XX) and Lr‐32.0 (SLA‐1*07XX‐SLA‐3*04XX(04:04)‐SLA‐2*02XX) occurred at frequencies of 11.02 and 8.20% respectively. For SLA class II, the most prevalent haplotypes Lr‐0.15b (DRB1*04XX(04:05/04:06)‐DQB1*02XX(02:02)‐DQA*02XX) and Lr‐0.12 (DRB1*06XX‐DQB1*07XX‐DQA*01XX) occurred at frequencies of 14.37 and 12.46% respectively. Meanwhile, our laboratory has contributed to several vaccine correlation studies (e.g. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Classical Swine Fever Virus, Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus and Swine Influenza A Virus) elucidating the immunodominance in the T‐cell response with antigen specificity dependent on certain SLA‐I and SLA‐II haplotypes. Moreover, these SLA–immune response correlations could facilitate tailored vaccine development, as SLA‐I Lr‐04.0 and Lr‐32.0 as well as SLA‐II Lr‐0.15b and Lr‐0.12 are highly abundant haplotypes in European farmed pigs.
Ultrasound‐guided de‐roofing of epithelialised tunnels of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Der Sarkissian Sam , Frew John W 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease manifesting in painful nodules, abscesses and malodorous draining tunnels with a pre‐disposition to flexural regions of skin. Traditional surgical interventions include excision of clinically visible lesions and in severe cases – excision down to fascia of entire anatomical regions (axilla, groin) and repair with split‐thickness grafting or skin substitutes. However, such techniques are plagued by long healing times (up to several months), extensive tissue loss and high recurrence rates given that a large proportion of disease is not clinically visible. Deroofing is a tissue‐saving surgical technique, ideal for Hurley Stage 2 disease, which when combined with bedside pre‐operative sonography can allow for the accurate identification and removal of occult dermal tunnels whilst minimising the risks of pain, infection, minimising healing times and can be safely conducted in the setting of immunomodulatory therapy.
The prenatal phase of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Dammann Olaf , Rivera José Carlos , Chemtob Sylvain 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo explore the current literature on prenatal inflammation‐associated risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).MethodsSubjective summary of selected experimental and epidemiological publications that support the authors’ central hypothesis that the aetiology of ROP begins before birth.ResultsBased on current evidence we suggest that, contrary to current aetiological models, the process of ROP development begins with a prephase in utero. This beginning is likely initiated by inflammatory responses that are associated with intrauterine infection.ConclusionWe propose a novel aetio‐pathogenetic model of ROP and suggest that the effects of postnatal exposure to inflammatory stressors (resulting from infection or hyperoxia or both) as well as those of other pre‐ and postnatal contributors to the complex pathogenesis of ROP might be modified by the prenatal phase of the disease.
Amelioration of sperm fertilizability, thyroid activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in rabbit bucks treated with phytogenic extracts
Authors: El‐Ratel Ibrahim T. , Wafa Wael M. , El‐Nagar Hamdy A. , Aboelmagd Abdelrhman M. , El‐Kholy Khaled H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the beneficial effect of phytogenic extracts on semen quality, reproductive hormones, thyroid activity, immunity, hepatic antioxidant activity, and fertility in rabbit bucks. We divided 70 bucks into seven groups (10 in each). Group 1 was fed a basal diet (control); groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control diet with 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of turmeric, respectively; and groups 5, 6, and 7 were fed the control diet with 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of garlic extract, respectively, for 8 weeks. Rectal and skin temperatures decreased, while follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, testosterone, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and interleukin‐6 in blood serum and glutathione peroxidase in the liver increased in all groups (p < .05). Garlic extract (100 mg/kg diet) increased adenosine triphosphate and glutathione in the liver tissues. All treatments significantly increased net semen volume, percentages of progressive motility, livability, curled tail, and intact acrosomes of spermatozoa, sperm cell concentration, and outputs of total and motile spermatozoa, while significantly decreased percentage of sperm abnormality. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of turmeric or garlic extract can be used as a suitable tool for enhancing the hepatic antioxidant activity, immunity, and semen quality in rabbit bucks.
Designing personalised instruction: A research and design framework
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia , Gerard Libby , Linn Marcia C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAdvances in technology have increased the opportunities for designers to personalise instruction based on student actions. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with an international sample of educational professionals including researchers, teachers and designers, and reviewed interdisciplinary literature on personalisation to propose a framework for personalisation research and design. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that professionals value each type of personalisation opportunity (eg, customising for age‐appropriate content, supports for student choice, automated guidance based on learner responses) and identify challenges (eg, trade‐offs between adaptive and standardised instruction). Three research/design dilemmas emerged: individualisation and equity; group customisation and individual benefit; and adaptation and validity of measurement. We discuss these dilemmas in relation to three categories of personalisation: customisation by designers or teachers to support a specific audience (grade level, course, community); individualisation to support user choice (of book to read, project topic); and adaptation of instructional activities based on automated analysis of logged user performance (performance metrics, natural language processing, cumulative indicators). We suggest some guiding questions for a generative agenda for future research on personalised instruction.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Personalised learning is popular among educational professionals.

Personalised design has multiple and inconsistent definitions.

A shared framework for personalised instruction would facilitate research and design.

What this paper adds

A succinct but comprehensive definition of personalised education.

Perspectives on personalisation from an international group of practitioners and designers.

A framework including three dilemmas to guide future research on the design and practice of personalised instruction.

Implications for practice and/or policy

A shared definition of personalisation can support communication across diverse stakeholders.

The framework can guide future design and instruction with personalised educational technology.

The framework identifies dilemmas that illustrate ethical pathways for policy‐makers responsible for personalised education.
Gender‐related differences in the outcomes and genomic landscape of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm overlap syndromes
Authors: Karantanos Theodoros , Gondek Lukasz P. , Varadhan Ravi , Moliterno Alison R. , DeZern Amy E. , Jones Richard J. , Jain Tania 
Published: May 2021

SummaryMyelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN) overlap syndromes show a male predominance and men with MDS/MPN have worse outcomes, but it is unknown if the mutational burden differs between genders. We reviewed 167 patients with MDS/MPN and found that men had worse overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2·09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·16–3·75; P = 0·013] independent of subtype, Revised International Prognostic Scoring System score and age at diagnosis. We analysed the genomic data of a subset of 100 patients. Men had 0·88 more somatic mutations on average (95% CI 0·20–1·56, P = 0·011) independent of subtype, sample source and blast percentage. More somatic mutations was associated with a higher incidence of transformation to acute myeloid leukaemia (subdistribution HR 1·30, 95% CI 1·01–1·70; P = 0·046). Men had 0·70 more mutations in high‐risk genes [additional sex combs like‐1 (ASXL1), enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), Runt‐related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), SET binding protein 1 (SETBP1), NRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase (NRAS), stromal antigen 2 (STAG2)] on average (95% CI 0·11–1·29, P = 0·021), and 13‐times higher odds of harbouring an EZH2 mutation (95% CI 1·64–102·94, P = 0·015). The presence of an EZH2 mutation was associated with worse survival among men (HR 2·98, 95% CI 1·1–8·0; P = 0·031). Our present findings suggest that the worse outcomes in men with MDS/MPN are associated with a higher number of somatic mutations, especially in high‐risk genes. These results warrant validation in larger cohorts and investigation of the underlying mechanisms.