bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Level of folic acid awareness for the prevention of neural tube defects and associated factors among pregnant women in Adama, South East Ethiopia
Authors: DESSIE MESELECH AMBAW , Berihun Ayanaw Worku 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Abstract Background: Neural tube defects are congenital anomalies of the brain, spinal cord, and their surrounding structures. Folic acid intake before and during the early weeks of pregnancy could reduce neural tube and other birth defects. Folic acid usage in the protective period of pregnancy against the neural tube defects is related to high level of awareness. This study aimed at evaluating the level of folic acid awareness for the prevention of neural tube defects and associated factors among pregnant women in Adama, South East Ethiopia. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. 398 consented pregnant women attending antenatal care in Adama were the participants of the study. The women were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. A structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was concerned with participants’ demographic information, and their awareness about folic acid, roles of folic acid, and the recommended time of intake. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statical software. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. 95% confidence interval and p-value were used to evaluate the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: Of the interviewed women, 20.9% reported having heard or read something about folic acid supplements. But only 1.01% and 6.03% were aware of the recommended time of intake and the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies respectively. The healthcare providers were the primary source of information about folic acid, which account 78.3%. Folic acid awareness was associated with age, educational status, household monthly income, week of pregnancy at the first antenatal visit, any complication during current pregnancy, and use of folic acid during current pregnancy. Conclusions: Most of the pregnant women were not aware of folic acid, its importance and the recommended time of intake for preventing neural tube defects. Further effort is required from policymakers, healthcare providers, the media, and community to increase women's awareness about folic acid. Keywords: Folic acid, Awareness, Neural tube defects
Can we optimise doxorubicin treatment regimens for children with cancer? Pharmacokinetic simulations and a Delphi consensus procedure
Authors: Siebel Christian , Würthwein Gudrun , Lanvers-Kaminsky Claudia , André Nicolas , Berthold Frank , Castelli Ilaria , Chastagner Pascal , Doz François , English Martin , Escherich Gabriele , Frühwald Michael C. , Graf Norbert , Groll Andreas , Ruggiero Antonio , Hempel Georg , Boos Joachim 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Despite its cardiotoxicity doxorubicin is widely used for the treatment of paediatric malignancies. Current treatment regimens appear to be suboptimal as treatment strategies vary and do not follow a clear pharmacological rationale. Standardisation of dosing strategies in particular for infants and younger children is required but is hampered by scarcely defined exposure-response relationships. The aim is to provide a rational dosing concept allowing for a reduction of variability in systemic therapy intensity and subsequently unforeseen side effects.

Methods

Doxorubicin plasma concentrations in paediatric cancer patients were simulated for different treatment schedules using a population pharmacokinetic model which considers age-dependent differences in doxorubicin clearance. Overall drug exposure and peak concentrations were assessed. Simulation results were used to support a three round Delphi consensus procedure with the aim to clarify the pharmacological goals of doxorubicin dosing. A group of 28 experts representing paediatric trial groups and clinical centres were invited to participate in this process.

Results

Pharmacokinetic simulations illustrated the substantial differences in therapy intensity associated with current dosing strategies. The Delphi panel members recognised the clinical relevance of variability in therapy intensity and the need for optimisation of treatment regimens. Consensus among the panel members was obtained on a standardised a priori dose adaptation that individualises doxorubicin doses based on age and body surface area targeting uniform drug exposure.

Conclusions

A Delphi consensus procedure informed by pharmacokinetic simulations was successfully applied to specify the pharmacological goals of doxorubicin dose adaptations in children with cancer and to formulate a consistent dosing concept potentially improving the safety of doxorubicin administration.
Identification of candidate genes responsible for morphological and yield-related traits via genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) in oil palm (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis)
Authors: Osorio Jaime , Garzón Gina , Delgadillo Paola , Bastidas Silvio , Moreno Leidy , Enciso Felix , Cornejo Omar , Barrero Luz Stella 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
The genus Elaeis has two species of economic importance for the oil palm agroindustry: Elaeis oleifera (O), native to the Americas, and Elaeis guineensis (G), native to Africa. The breeding program in Colombia relies on interspecific OxG crossing populations with tolerance to pests and diseases, high oil quality, and acceptable fruit bunch production. The identification of loci associated to morphological and yield-related traits and the dissection of their genetic architecture will provide essential insights for oil palm breeding strategies.

Results
The genotypes of 471 oil palms, including 62 E. oleifera (O), 31 E. guineensis (G) and 378 OxG samples were analyzed in this study. A total of 3,776 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were detected across the 16 oil palm chromosomes using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technique. The genetic variation and population structure analyses grouped the samples into two clades according to the parental relatedness. A genome wide association analysis (GWAS) was conducting using the OxG hybrid population, resulting in 12 SNPs significantly associated with ten different morphological and yield-related traits.

Conclusions
The work presented herein provides to our knowledge the first association mapping study in an interspecific OxG hybrid population of oil palm. We provide new insights on candidate genes involved in tissue development and plant architecture associated to traits such as: rachis length, trunk diameter, bunch number, and bunch weight. The genes identified in our analysis are putative candidates for future targeted functional analysis. They are valuable resources for the development of marker-assisted selection in oil palm breeding.

Keywords: Association mapping, Elaeis guineensis, Elaeis oleifera, genotyping-by-sequencing, plant architecture, yield.
Alterations in leaf photosynthetic electron transport in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) under different light intensity and soil water conditions
Authors: Liu Xuena , Gao Song , Liu Ying , Xu Kun 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Welsh onions are often affected by stressful environments, such as high light and drought, during summer cultivation, which hinders their growth. To date, few studies have focused on leaf photosynthesis of Welsh onions during summer. We used carbon dioxide assimilation and OJIP transient and MR curves to analyze the photosynthetic characteristics of Welsh onions.
Results: The results showed that strong light and drought could lead to a decrease in leaf pigment content. Simple high light stress caused a decrease in the net photosynthetic rate through stomatal limitation, while the simple drought treatment and the two stress factors combined caused a nonstomatal limitation. PSII energy distribution indicated that strong light and drought stress reduced the photochemical quantum efficiency of PSII. OJIP curve analysis showed that FO and FJ were increased, Fm was decreased, and a distinct K-phase was induced. In addition, OJIP parameters, including RC/CSO, TRO/ABS, ETO/TRO, and PIABS, were significantly reduced. MR analysis showed that strong light and drought stress blocked MR transients, leading to a gradual decrease in VPSI and VPSII-PSI.
Conclusions: In general, the photosynthesis of Welsh onion was inhibited by high light and drought, which destroyed the receptor and donor side of PSII and reduced the electron transport capacity of PSII and PSI.
Transcriptome analysis of drought-tolerant sorghum genotype SC56 in response to water stress reveals an oxidative stress defense strategy
Authors: Olden Farida , Hunt Arthur G. , Dinkins Randy 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background Drought tolerance is a crucial trait for crops to curtail the yield loss inflicted by water stress to crops, yet genetic improvement efforts are challenged by the complexity of this character. The adaptation of sorghum to abiotic stress, its genotypic variability, and relatively small genome make this species well-suited to dissect the molecular basis of drought tolerance. One efficient approach to this question is the use of differential transcriptome analysis, which provides a snapshot of the processes underlying drought response as well as genes that might be determinants of the drought tolerance trait. Results RNA sequencing was used to compare the transcriptome profiles of two sorghum lines, the drought-tolerant SC56 and the drought-sensitive Tx7000. The differential expression analysis revealed unambiguous genotypic disparities, including a massive increase of upregulated transcripts in SC56. Concomitantly, gene ontology enrichment showed that SC56 biologically outperformed Tx7000 in wet conditions, since it upregulated processes driving growth and guaranteeing homeostasis. The drought tolerance of SC56 seems to be an intrinsic trait that occurs through the overexpression of stress tolerance genes in wet conditions, notably those acting in defense against oxidative stress (SOD1, SOD2, VTC1, MDAR1, MSRB2, and ABC1K1). Under drought conditions, SC56 enhanced its transmembrane transport and maintained growth-promoting mechanisms similar to those implemented under wet conditions. SC56 also appears to preserve its biological function, in a limiting environment, by relying on reported validated stress tolerance genes that heighten the antioxidant capacity (SOD1, RCI3, VTE1, UCP1, FD1, and FD2), regulatory factors (CIPK1 and CRK7), and repressors of premature senescence (SAUL1). Of the stress tolerance genes overexpressed under both wet and drought conditions, DHAR2 might be a key determinant of drought tolerance since its role in recycling ascorbic acid was described to be directly linked to protection against reactive oxygen species-mediated damage, positive effects on photosynthetic activity, higher rate of plant growth, and delayed leaf aging. Conclusion The differential expression analysis uncovered biological processes which upregulation enables SC56 to be a better accumulator of biomass and connects the drought tolerance trait to key stress tolerance genes, making this genotype a judicious choice for isolation of tolerance genes.
OsPDR2 Mediates the Regulation on the Development Response and Maintenance of Pi Homeostasis in Rice
Authors: Cao Yue , Jain Ajay , Ai Hao , Liu Xiuli , Wang Xiaowen , Hu Zhi , Sun Yafei , Hu Siwen , Shen Xing , Lan Xiaoxia , Xu Guohua , Sun Shubin 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Phosphate (Pi), is the least accessible macronutrient in many natural and agricultural ecosystems and its low availability often limits plant growth and productivity. In Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), Phosphate Deficiency Response2 (AtPDR2), interacts genetically with Low Phosphate Root1 (AtLPR1) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), play a key role in Pi deficiency-mediated inhibition of the primary root growth and remodeling of the root system architecture (RSA). However, the role of OsPDR2, the homolog of AtPDR2, either in roots response to Pi deficiency and/or in growth and development has not been elucidated as yet.
Results: Therefore, we investigated the spatiotemporal effects and the availability of Pi on the relative expression levels of OsPDR2 by employing qRT-PCR. OsPDR2 showed variable levels of relative expression pattern in vegetative and/or reproductive tissues analyzed at different stages of growth and development (5-17 weeks). Transient expression analysis revealed its subcellular localization to the ER. Further, the reverse genetics approach was employed for determining the function of OsPDR2 by RNAi-mediated suppression. Three independently generated RNAi lines (Ri2, Ri9, and Ri18) were compared with the wild-type (WT) for various vegetative and reproductive traits. The study revealed significant inhibitory effects of RNAi-mediated suppression of OsPDR2 on the root and male reproductive traits, and yield. Moreover, 32P isotope labeling and split-root experiments under different Pi regime with RNAi lines and the WT revealed the role of OsPDR2 in the maintenance of Pi homeostasis.
Conclusions: The results from this study revealed the key role of OsPDR2 in the growth and development of rice and maintenance of phosphate homeostasis.
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding therapeutic communication among nurses in Kandy District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Dilrukshi , jayasinghe Rasika Manori , Abeysundara Sachith 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Therapeutic communication is considered as a skill required for all health care workers in order to improve understanding the patient in a better manner and encouraging the patient to express feelings & ideas. It has also been accepted as a high standard of nursing care which is to be practiced at every hospital and nursing facility. As practice of therapeutic communication improves outcome of nursing care, objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding therapeutic communication among nurses in teaching hospitals in the Kandy district, Sri Lanka. Specific objectives were to determine the factors affecting practice of therapeutic communication and to evaluate the self- satisfaction of therapeutic communication among participants.

Methods

A cross sectional study design was employed to gather data by a structured self-administered questionnaire involving 200 nurses working in teaching hospitals in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Results were analyzed by MINITAB version 18.

Results

Around 63.63% nurses were strongly favorable towards the fact that active listening is the most important part in therapeutic communication between patient and the nurse. The majority of participants were with the attitude that therapeutic communication prevents medical errors which could occur when treating patients. Fifty-nine percent of nurses always applied therapeutic communication in pre-operative & post-operative care. There was a statically significant association between socio-demographic variables and knowledge, attitudes and practice of therapeutic communication among the study population. Majority agree to promote the therapeutic communication in their clinical setting. However, increased workload at the hospital was named a barrier by many participants.

Conclusions

A statistically significant association exists between educational status,position & number of years in service and knowledge, attitude & practice of therapeutic communication. Active listening is considered the most important part in therapeutic communication which prevents medical errors of patients. Majority agree to promote the practice in their clinical setting, but consider that it would increase their workload. Findings reveal the necessity of introducing awareness programs and workshops preferably by the authorities concerned highlighting advantages of applying therapeutic communication in the nursing practice.
A Qualitative Study of Physician Perspectives on Adaptation to Electronic Health Records
Authors: Sieck Cynthia Judine , Pearl Nicole , Bright Tiffani J. , Yen Po-Yin 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have the potential to improve many aspects of care and their use has increased in the last decade. Because of this, acceptance and adoption of EHRs is less of a concern than adaptation to use. To understand this issue more deeply, we conducted a qualitative study of physician perspectives on EHR use to identify factors that facilitate adaptation.Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 9 physicians across a range of inpatient disciplines at a large Academic Medical Center. Interviews were conducted by phone, lasting approximately 30 minutes, and were transcribed verbatim for analysis. We utilized inductive and deductive methods in our analysis.Results We identified 4 major themes related to EHR adapation: impact of EHR changes on physicians, how physicians managed these changes, factors that facilitated adapation to using the EHR and adapting to using the EHR in the patient encounter. Within these themes, physicians felt that a positive mindset toward change, providing upgrade training that was tailored to their role, and the opportunity to learn from colleagues were important facilitators of adaption.Conclusions As EHR use moves beyond implementation, physicians continue to be required to adapt to the technology and to its frequent changes. Our study provides actionable findings that allow healthcare systems to focus on factors that facilitate the adaptation process for physicians.
The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease in Hangzhou, China, 2016-2018
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhou Jun , Xie Guoliang , Zheng Shufa , Lou Bin , Chen Yu , Wu Yidong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is most frequently caused by several serotypes of human enterovirus (EV) including Enterovirus 71 (EV71), Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) or other types of EV. Children under 5 years old are the most susceptible to HFMD. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics and the relationship between severe and mild HFMD. Methods We collected 4760 probable HFMD cases with skin papular or vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, mouth or buttocks in Hangzhou from 2016 to 2018. Specimens of these cases were collected and the pathogen of EV71, CV-A16, CV-A6, CV-A10, CV-A2 and CV-A5 was classified by RT-PCR. Then the pathogen distribution and clinical status of children with HFMD were described. Results From Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2018, the incidence and prevalence of HFMD were seasonal each year. Among the 4760 probable HFMD cases, 3559 cases were confirmed (74.8%, 3559/4760), including 426 cases of EV71 infections (8.9%, 426/4760, 249 cases of CV-A16 infections (5.2%, 249/4760) and 2884 cases of other enteroviruses infections (60.6%, 2884/4760). The percentage of EV positive HFMD cases with non-EV71 and non-CV-A16 was more than 80% (2884/3559), which increased year by year. The percentage of EV71 decreased year by year in the last three years especially in 2018. Among the 1297 cases randomly selected of other EV infections in 2017 and 2018, there were 835 (64.4%) cases of CV-A6 infections, 177 (13.6%) cases of CV-A10 infections, 100 (7.7%) cases of CV-A2 infections, 40 (3.1%) cases of CV-A5 infections, 3 (0.02%) cases of mixed infections and 11.0% untyped enteroviruses infections. Preschool children were still the primary population susceptible to HFMD, and the age of the children infected with other enteroviruses tended to be younger. In severe cases, EV71 infection was the main cause. Conclusions The other EV especially CV-A6 increased obviously and EV71 decreased obviously in the three years. Characterizing the epidemiology and the relationship between severe and common cases of HFMD would provide relevant evidences for the prevention and treatment of HFMD.
Eosinophilia and Risk of Incident End Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Tariq Anam , Okamato Keisuke , Tariq Azka , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Soliman Karim , Ploth David W. , Atta Mohamed G. , McMahon Blaithin A. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
Eosinophils in kidney disease are poorly understood and are often incidental findings on kidney biopsy. Eosinophilia in blood and renal biopsy tissue is associated with a host of immune and non-immune kidney diseases. The significance of eosinophilia in renal diseases has not been well addressed. We evaluated the incidence of peripheral eosinophilia (>4% of blood leukocytes) with biopsy tissue eosinophilia and their association with end-stage-kidney-disease (ESKD).

Methods
A nested case-control of patients who underwent kidney biopsies at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical University of South Carolina from 2004-2018 were included in the study. From the 616 eligible patients, 178 patients were identified through the registry of kidney biopsies as 18 years or older without missing biopsy reports or hematology results. Controls had no ESKD at the time of case definition and assembled using incident density sampling, matched on age and sex. The association of peripheral eosinophilia (>4% of peripheral blood leukocytes) with the risk of progression to ESKD was evaluated using conditional logistic model after adjusting for clinical demographics.

Results
Among 178 patients, 65 (37%) had peripheral eosinophilia and 113 (63%) had no eosinophilia. Compared to patients without eosinophilia, patients with peripheral eosinophilia were notably male and had a higher serum creatinine at the time of their biopsy. Peripheral eosinophilia was significantly associated with higher risk of ESKD (OR 6.2 [1.6, 23.8]) adjusted for patient demographics including hypertension, proteinuria, race and eGFR at the time of kidney biopsy. Peripheral eosinophilia had a significant linear association with tissue eosinophilia, 22 (SD 20) per high power field (hpf) in 4-10% peripheral eosinophilia, 19 (SD 18) hpf in >10% eosinophilia and 3 (SD 7) hpf in no eosinophilia (P <0.001).

Conclusions
Peripheral eosinophilia is an independent predictor of tissue eosinophilia and subsequent progression to ESKD. Peripheral eosinophilia may be an early biomarker for underlying inflammation and disease, but further studies to investigate this clinical association are warranted.