bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal characterization of S- and M/L-cone degeneration in the Rd1 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Narayan Daniel S. , Ao Jack , Wood John P. M. , Casson Robert J. , Chidlow Glyn 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
The Pde6brd1 (Rd1) mouse is widely used as a murine model for human retinitis pigmentosa. Understanding the spatio-temporal patterns of cone degeneration is important for evaluating potential treatments. In the present study we performed a systematic characterization of the spatio-temporal patterns of S- and M/L-opsin + cone outer segment and cell body degeneration in Rd1 mice, described the distribution and proportion of dual cones in Rd1 retinas, and examined the kinetics of microglial activation during the period of cone degeneration.

Results
Outer segments of S- and M/L-cones degenerated far more rapidly than their somas. Loss of both S- and M/L-opsin + outer segments was fundamentally complete by P21 in the central retina, and 90% complete by P45 in the peripheral retina. In comparison, degeneration of S- and M/L-opsin + cell bodies proceeded at a slower rate. There was a marked hemispheric asymmetry in the rate of S-opsin + and M/L-opsin + cell body degeneration. M/L-opsin + cones were more resilient to degeneration in the superior retina, whilst S-opsin + cones were relatively preserved in the inferior retina. In addition, cone outer segment and cell body degeneration occurred far more rapidly in the central than the peripheral retina. At P14, the superior retina comprised a minority of genuine S-cones with a much greater complement of genuine M/L-opsin cones and dual cones, whilst the other three retinal quadrants had broadly similar numbers of genuine S-cones, genuine M/L-cones and dual cones. At P60, approximately 50% of surviving cones in the superior, nasal and temporal quadrants were dual cones. In contrast, the inferior peripheral retina at P60 contained almost exclusively genuine S-cones with a tiny minority of dual cones. Microglial number and activity were stimulated during rod breakdown, remained relatively high during cone outer segment degeneration and loss of cone somas in the central retina, and decreased thereafter in the period coincident with slow degeneration of cone cell bodies in the peripheral retina.

Conclusion
The results of the present study provide valuable insights into cone degeneration in the Rd1 mouse, substantiating and extending conclusions drawn from earlier studies.
Mouse Corticospinal System Comprises Different Functional Neuronal Ensembles Depending On Their Hodology
Authors: Olivares-Moreno Rafael , López-Hidalgo Mónica , Altamirano-Espinoza Alain , González-Gallardo Adriana , Antaramian Anaid , Lopez-Virgen Veronica , Rojas-Piloni Gerardo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Movement performance depends on the synaptic interactions generated by coherent parallel sensorimotor cortical outputs to different downstream targets. The major outputs of the neocortex to subcortical structures are driven by pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) located in layer 5B. One of the main targets of PTNs is the spinal cord through the corticospinal (CS) system, which is formed by a complex collection of distinct CS circuits. However, little is known about intracortical synaptic interactions that originate CS commands and how different populations of CS neurons are functionally organized. To further understand the functional organization of the CS system, we analyzed the activity of unambiguously identified CS neurons projecting to different zones of the same spinal cord segment using two-photon calcium imaging and retrograde neuronal tracers.
Results: Sensorimotor cortex slices obtained from transgenic mice expressing GCaMP6 funder the Thy1 promoter were used to analyze the spontaneous calcium transients in layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Distinct subgroups of CS neurons projecting to dorsal horn and ventral areas of the same segment show more synchronous activity between them than with other subgroups.
Conclusions: The results indicate that CS neurons projecting to different spinal cord zones segregated into functional ensembles depending on their hodology, suggesting that a modular organization of CS outputs controls sensorimotor behaviors in a coordinated manner.
Proportion of neonatal sepsis and determinant factors among neonates admitted in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital neonatal Intensive care unit Northwest Ethiopia 2017
Authors: Yismaw Ayenew Engida , Abebil Tirngo Yihunie , Biweta Mulunesh Abuhay , Araya Bilen Mekonnen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes for neonatal hospitalization in developing countries. It is also a major cause of mortality in the world affecting both developed and developing countries. Diagnosis and management of sepsis are a great challenge facing neonatologists in neonatal intensive care units due to nonspecific signs and symptoms. This study, therefore, was aimed to determine proportion and risk factors of neonatal sepsis at university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, North West Ethiopia. Result Proportion of neonatal sepsis was 11.7%. Factors significantly associated with neonatal sepsis were: Neonatal related factors were: Premature rupture of membrane (AOR=2.74; 95%Cl (1.39, 5.38), congenital anomaly (AOR=3.14; 95%CI (1.09, 10.28), and low Apgar score (AOR=2.69; 95%Cl (1.37, 5.26). Maternal factors were: foul smelling vaginal discharge (AOR=2.75; 95%Cl (1.40, 5.38), and Intrapartum fever (AOR=3.35; 95%Cl (1.7, 6.62). In this finding proportion of Neonatal sepsis was low. Measures targeting the prevention of premature rupture of membranes and low Apgar score need to be taken, like strengthening maternal birth preparedness and complication readiness plans. Also, identification of congenital anomalies earlier in pregnancy may decrease neonatal sepsis.
Phenotypic and genotypic detection of metallo-β-lactamases in A. baumanii isolates obtained from clinical samples in Shahrekord, southwest Iran
Authors: Khaledi Mansoor , Abadi Milad Shahini Shams , Validi Majid , Zamanzad Behnam , Vafapour Rezvan , Gholipour Abolfazl 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: Acinetobacter baumanii is a pathogenic bacterium that is the cause of many nosocomial infections. This study aimed to determine metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) produced by the A . baumanii isolated obtained from clinical samples in Shahrekord, southwest Iran .
Results: A total of 100 A . baumanii isolates were isolated from 250 clinical samples between June 2013 and June 2014. Then, the isolates were identified by biochemical tests and MBL screening conducted by the phenotypic tests modified Hodge, EDTA-disk synergy (EDS), combined disk (CD) and AmpC disc after antibiotic sensitivity test, and the bla genes detected by PCR. Eighty-five (85%) isolates were resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Phenotypic tests showed that out of the 100 isolates, 46, 59, 50, 65 and 65 isolates were positive: AmpC disk, CD, EDS, Modified Hodge and Etest MBL, suggesting MBL production, respectively. Gene detection by PCR showed that 23 isolates carried the VIM-1 gene and only three isolates carried the IMP-1 gene. The prevalence of metallo-β-lactamases-containing A . baumanii isolates is increasing, and the coexistence of various carbapenemases is a problem. Continuous monitoring of the infections due to these bacteria should be taken into account in planning for alternative and new therapeutic strategies.
Can Hospital Accreditation Enhance Patient Experience? Longitudinal Evidence from a Hong Kong Hospital Patient Experience Survey
Authors: Andres Ellie Bostwick , Song Wen , Song Wei , Johnston Janice Mary 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Hospital accreditation is expected to improve health care quality and patient satisfaction. However, little and conflicting evidence is currently available to support its effect on patient outcomes, particularly patient experience. Hong Kong recently launched a pilot programme to test an infrastructure for accreditation of both private and public hospitals with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards. This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal impact of hospital accreditation on patient experience in a publicly-funded university teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Methods Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted at three time points: nine months pre- accreditation as baseline (T1), three (T2) and fifteen months (T3) post-accreditation. Acute care inpatients aged 18 to 80 were recruited on the second day of hospital admission to complete the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 (PPE-15). Baseline data was first compared to the 2005 Hong Kong average for public hospitals using t-tests. Data was then analyzed using ANOVA and multiple linear regression to evaluate differences across the three cross-sections and examine the effect of accreditation over time while controlling for covariates. Results 3,083 patients (T1=896, T2=1093, T3=1094) completed the survey for a response rate of 83.5%, 86.1%, and 83.8%, respectively. The hospital baseline domain and summary patient experience scores differed from the Hong Kong public hospital average obtained from the 2005 Thematic Household Survey. All domain and summary patient experience scores declined (improved) over the study period (T1 to T3). The multiple regression results confirmed the time point score comparisons with declining (improving) parameter estimates for T2 and T3 for all domain and summary scores except the ‘continuity and transition’ domain, for which the declining coefficient was only significant at T3. Conclusions While hospital accreditation has not been shown to improve patient outcomes, this study suggests the accreditation exercise may enhance patient experience. Moreover, it suggests the quality improvement initiatives associated with accreditation may address areas of concern emphasized by Hong Kong patients, such as involvement in care and emotional support from providers.
Exploration of shared genetic susceptibility loci between type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis in the Pakistani population
Authors: Author) Muhammad Muaaz Aslam(Former Corresponding , John Peter , Fan Kang-Hsien , Bhatti Attya , Jahangir Sidrah , Feingold Eleanor , Demirci F. Yesim , Author) M. Ilyas Kamboh(New Corresponding 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are autoimmune diseases. It is known that certain genetic loci and factors that increase the overall autoimmunity risk can be shared among different autoimmune diseases. We sought to replicate seven T1D-related SNPs that have been previously reported to be associated with RA susceptibility in a small set of mixed family-based and case-control Pakistani sample in a relatively large and independent RA case-control sample from the same population. Seven T1D-associted SNPs (GLIS3/rs7020673, BACH2/rs11755527, SKAP2/rs7804356, GDSMB/rs2290400, C6orf173/rs9388489, LOC399716/rs947474 and DLK1-MEG2/rs941576) were genotyped in a large Pakistani RA case-control sample (n=1,959) using TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. Results None of the tested SNPs showed statistically significant association with RA susceptibility; however, one SNP (GLIS3/rs7020673) showed a trend for association (OR= 0.88, p=7.99E-02). Our study has failed to replicate the previously reported association of seven T1D-associted SNPs with RA risk in a large sample from the same population. Thus, our results do not support a major role of these T1D SNPs in affecting RA susceptibility in the Pakistani population.
UPLC-MS based urine untargeted metabolomic analyses to differentiate bladder cancer from renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhan , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Xiang , Sun Haidan , Guo Zhengguang , Zheng Guoyang , Zhang Yushi , Sun Wei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract:

Background: To discover biomarker panels that could distinguish cancers(BC & RCC) from healthy controls(HCs) and bladder cancers(BC) from renal cell carcinoma(RCC), regardless of whether with hematuria.

Methods: Totallys, 403 participants were enrolled in our study, with 146 BC patients(77 without hematuria and 69 with hematuria), 115 RCC patients (94 without hematuria and 21 with hematuria) and 142 gender- and age- matched HCs. Their midstream urine samples were collected and analysed by performing UPLC-MS. The statistical methods and pathway analyses were applied to discover potential biomarker panels and altered metabolic pathways.

Results: The panel of α-CEHC, β-cortolone, deoxyinosine, flunisolide, 11b,17a,21-trihydroxypreg-nenolone and glycerol tripropanoate could distinguish the cancers from the HCs(the AUC was 0.950) and the external validation also displayed a good predictive ability (the AUC was 0.867). The panel consisiting of 4-ethoxymethylphenol, prostaglandin F2b, thromboxane B3, hydroxybutyrylcarnitine, 3-hydroxyphloretin and N'-formylkynurenine could differentiate BC from RCC without hematuria. The AUC was 0.829 in the discovering group and 0.76 in the external validation. The metabolite panel comprising 1-hydroxy-2-oxopropyl tetrahydropterin, 1-acetoxy-2-hydroxy-16-heptadecyn-4-one, 1,2-dehydrosalsolinol and L-tyrosine could significantly discriminate BC from RCC with hematuria(AUC was 0.913). Pathway analyses revealed there existed alterd lipid and purine metabolism between cancers and HCs, together with disordered amino acid and purine metablism between BC and RCC with hematuria.

Conclusions: The UPLC-MS urine metabolomic analyses could not only differentiate the cancers from HCs but also discriminate the BC from RCC. Besides, pathway analyses could demonstrate the deeper metabolic mechanism of BC and RCC.
Knowledge, uptake of preconception care and associated factors among reproductive age group women in west shoa zone, Ethiopia, 2018. DANIEL BELEMA FEKENE 1 * BENYAM SEIFU WOLDEYES2 MARU MOSSISA ERENA2
Authors: Fekene Daniel Belema , WOLDEYES BENYAM SEIFU , ERENA MARU MOSSISA , DEMISSE GETU ALEMU 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Preconception care is a set of interventions that are to be provided before pregnancy, to promote the health and well-being of women and couples.Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was employed among 669 reproductive aged women from November 2017 to the end of January 2018. The data were collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaire . The collected data were coded and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 25 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to determine factors associated with outcome variable .Association presented in Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and significance determined at P-value less than 0.05.Result

A total of 669 participants had participated with response rate of 98.3%. Among them only 179(26.8%) had good PCC knowledge and 97(14.5%) of women of reproductive age group have utilized preconception care. Factors that show significant association with good knowledge of PCC are history of institutional delivery (AOR = 1.43 (95%CI (1.31 -7.33), PNC service utilization, (AOR = 5.02 (95%CI (3.22-7.84), history of using modern contraceptive, (AOR = 1.44 (95%CI (1.37-6.98)) higher educational status (AOR= 4.12 (95%CI (1.22-6.52)and being regularly employed (AOR = 1.8 (95%CI (1.01-3.22). Factors like better family monthly income (AOR = 4.1 (95%CI (1.57-9.35)), history of PNC (AOR = 6.33 (95%CI (3.94-10.17) and good knowledge of PCC (AOR = 4.3 (95%CI (2.67-6.98) had showed positive association towards uptake of PCC.
Remotely controlled mandibular positioning of oral appliance therapy during polysomnography and drug-induced sleep endoscopy compared with conventional subjective titration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: protocol for a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Dieltjens Marijke , BRAEM Marc J. , de Beeck Sara Op , VROEGOP Anneclaire V.M.T. , KAZEMEINI Elahe , BEYERS Jolien , KASTOER Chloé , WOUTERS Kristien , WILLEMEN Marc , VERBRAECKEN Johan A. , VANDERVEKEN Olivier M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The amount of mandibular protrusion is a key factor in optimizing the efficacy of mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy in the individual patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This process is called titration and is generally based on resolution of subjective symptoms like snoring and/or daytime sleepiness as a function of protrusion. An objective approach uses a remotely controlled mandibular positioner (RCMP) during a full-night polysomnography, in analogy with CPAP titration. More recently, the feasibility of RCMP use during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) titration was reported. Methods This randomized crossover trial will compare DISE-assisted titration with PSG-guided-titration, as well as with the conventional subjective titration method. The primary outcome is the actual mandibular protrusive position found to be the most optimal for each tested titration procedure. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy will be compared among the different titration modalities using level 1 sleep studies. Discussion Currently, the optimal titration of MAD therapy is most often based on ‘trial and error’. The conventional method relies on subjective improvement in symptoms, although this may not provide the most accurate indicator for efficient titration. Therefore, relying on objective criteria in the titration process should be advantageous. In analogy with CPAP, titration of the most optimal mandibular protrusion could be performed using RCMP during an overnight titration PSG. Recently, it was shown that titration under direct visualization of upper airway patency and collapsibility is feasible using the RCMP during DISE. However, no clinical results of such a procedure are available yet. This study is the first to compare the most optimal mandibular protrusive position according to three titration procedures, as well as to compare the therapeutic efficacy of these titration methods.
Profiling novel alternative splicing within multiple tissues puts insight into the porcine genome annotation
Authors: Liu Jian-Feng , Feng Wen , Zhao Pengju , Zheng Xianrui 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Alternative splicing (AS) is a process that mRNA precursor splices intron to form the mature mRNA. AS plays important roles in contributing to transcriptome and proteome divert. However, to date there is no research about pig AS in genome-wide level by RNA sequencing. Results To characterize the AS in pigs, herein we detected genome-wide transcripts and events by RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) 34 different tissues in Duroc pigs. In total, we identified 138, 403 AS events and 29, 270 expressed genes. We found alternative donor site was the most common AS form, which is accounted for 44% of the total AS events. The percentage of the other 3 AS forms are all around 19%. The results showed that the most common AS events (alternative donor site) can produce different transcripts or different proteins which affect the biological process. Among these AS events, 109, 483 were novel AS events, and the number of alternative donor splice site has increased the most (Accounting for 44% of the novel AS events).Conclusions The expression of gene with tissue specific AS events showed that the functions of these genes were consistent with the tissue function. AS increased proteome diversity and resulted in novel proteins that gained and lost important functional domains. In summary, these findings extend genome annotation and highlight roles that AS acts in tissue identity in pig.Key words: Alternative splicing; transcript; protein; SNP
Unilateral Inferior Oblique Anterior Transposition for Markedly Asymmetric Dissociated Vertical Deviation with Unilateral Inferior Oblique Over-action
Authors: Wu Shuang-Qing , Xu Qi-Bin , Sheng Wen-Yan , Zhu Li-Wei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the results of unilateral inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) for markedly asymmetric dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) combined with inferior oblique over-action (IOOA).
Methods ： Retrospective chart review of the records of all patients with asymmetric DVD combined with unilateral IOOA in the non-dominant eye who received unilateral IOAT on the non-dominant eye. No other muscles were operated on simultaneously. The amount of DVD and IOOA were measured before and after the operation and statistically analysed.
Results: Seventeen patients were included. The mean age at surgery was 23.5 ± 8.4 (range 12 – 38) years old. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 15.7 ± 7.2 (range 6–32) months. The primary position DVD was 19.6 ± 5.4 (range 14–36) PD preoperatively and decreased significantly to 2.9 ± 2.0 (range 0–8) PD postoperatively ( P < 0.01 ). Preoperatively, there were 2, 7, and 8 patients with +1, +2, and +3 IOOA, respectively, and these were reduced from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.4 postoperatively ( P < 0.01). None of the patients were complicated obvious hypotropia, anti-elevation syndrome or IOOA in the contralateral eye.
Conclusions: Unilateral IOAT was recommended in patients with asymmetric DVD coexists with unilateral IOOA.
Comparison of vascular parameters between normal cynomolgus macaques and healthy humans by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Peng Jingyi , Zhong Liuxueying , Ma Li , Jin Jiayi , Zheng Yongxin , Jin Chenjin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The metabolic activity of retina is higher than other human tissues and is crucial to the vision. Cynomolgus macaques is widely used in ophthalmic disease research. The evaluation and comparison of macular and optic disc vascular circulation parameters between normal adult cynomolgus macaques and healthy adult humans using OCT-A can promote better use of nonhuman primate models in studies of ophthalmic vascular disease.
Methods: 12 normal adult cynomolgus macaques with a mean age of 4.91±0.43 years were studied for data collection. The macula of 28 adult healthy humans (14 males and 14 females), with a mean age of 25.11±6.21 years and the optic discs of 9 adult healthy humans (4 males and 5 females) with a mean age of 28.56±6.78 years were measured. The vessel density (VD) was measured using an RTVue XR with AngioVue. The scan sizes of the macular and optic discs were 3×3 mm and 4.5×4.5 mm, respectively.
Results: OCT-A can image the superficial and deep capillary plexuses and radial peripapillary capillary network. In RPC layer of the optic disc, the VD in the nasal quadrant was lower than the VD in the inferior temporal quadrant. Similarities and significant differences in VD between healthy humans and cynomolgus macaques were obtained using OCT-A.
Conclusions: This study provides normal vascular parameters for adult cynomolgus macaques using OCT-A to help establish an optical parameter database for cynomolgus macaques and compare VD between healthy humans and cynomolgus macaques to promote choroid-retinopathy research.
Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials NCT03692169, retrospectively registered on 26 sept 2018
Keywords: Cynomolgus macaques, Healthy humans, Vascular, Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), Vessel density (VD)