bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart disease in a mutant mouse model of spontaneous eosinophilic myocarditis maps to three loci
Authors: Zimmermann Nives , Gibbons William J. , Homan Shelli M. , Prows Daniel R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundHeart disease (HD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hypereosinophilic diseases. Due to a lack of adequate animal models, our understanding of the pathophysiology of eosinophil-mediated diseases with heart complications is limited. We have discovered a mouse mutant, now maintained on an A/J inbred background, that spontaneously develops hypereosinophilia in multiple organs. Cellular infiltration into the heart causes an eosinophilic myocarditis, with affected mice of the mutant line (i.e.,A/JHD) demonstrating extensive myocardial damage and remodeling that leads to HD and premature death, usually by 15-weeks old.ResultsMaintaining the A/JHDline for many generations established that the HD trait was heritable and implied the mode of inheritance was not too complex. Backcross and intercross populations generated from mating A/JHDmales with females from four different inbred strains produced recombinant populations with highly variable rates of affected offspring, ranging from none in C57BL/6 J intercrosses, to a few mice with HD using 129S1/SvImJ intercrosses and C57BL/6 J backcrosses, but nearly 8% of intercrosses and > 17% of backcrosses from SJL/J related populations developed HD. Linkage analyses of these SJL/J derived recombinants identified three highly significant loci: a recessive locus mapping to distal chromosome 5 (LOD = 4.88; namedEmhd1for eosinophilic myocarditis to heart disease-1); and two dominant variants mapping to chromosome 17, one (Emhd2; LOD = 7.51) proximal to the major histocompatibility complex, and a second (Emhd3; LOD = 6.89) that includes the major histocompatibility region. Haplotype analysis identified the specific crossovers that defined theEmhd1(2.65 Mb),Emhd2(8.46 Mb) andEmhd3(14.59 Mb) intervals.ConclusionsThese results indicate the HD trait in this mutant mouse model of eosinophilic myocarditis is oligogenic with variable penetrance, due to multiple segregating variants and possibly additional genetic or nongenetic factors. The A/JHDmouse model represents a unique and valuable resource to understand the interplay of causal factors that underlie the pathology of this newly discovered eosinophil-associated disease with cardiac complications.
Comparative genomics of Leishmania (Mundinia)
Authors: Butenko Anzhelika , Kostygov Alexei Y. , Sádlová Jovana , Kleschenko Yuliya , Bečvář Tomáš , Podešvová Lucie , Macedo Diego H. , Žihala David , Lukeš Julius , Bates Paul A. , Volf Petr , Opperdoes Fred R. , Yurchenko Vyacheslav 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Trypanosomatids of the genus Leishmania are parasites of mammals or reptiles transmitted by bloodsucking dipterans. Many species of these flagellates cause important human diseases with clinical symptoms ranging from skin sores to life-threatening damage of visceral organs. The genus Leishmania contains four subgenera: Leishmania, Sauroleishmania, Viannia, and Mundinia. The last subgenus has been established recently and remains understudied, although Mundinia contains human-infecting species. In addition, it is interesting from the evolutionary viewpoint, representing the earliest branch within the genus and possibly with a different type of vector. Here we analyzed the genomes of L. (M.) martiniquensis, L. (M.) enriettii and L. (M.) macropodum to better understand the biology and evolution of these parasites.

Results
All three genomes analyzed were approximately of the same size (~ 30 Mb) and similar to that of L. (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae, but smaller than those of the members of subgenera Leishmania and Viannia, or the genus Endotrypanum (~ 32 Mb). This difference was explained by domination of gene losses over gains and contractions over expansions at the Mundinia node, although only a few of these genes could be identified. The analysis predicts significant changes in the Mundinia cell surface architecture, with the most important ones relating to losses of LPG-modifying side chain galactosyltransferases and arabinosyltransferases, as well as β-amastins. Among other important changes were gene family contractions for the oxygen-sensing adenylate cyclases and FYVE zinc finger-containing proteins.

Conclusions
We suggest that adaptation of Mundinia to different vectors and hosts has led to alternative host-parasite relationships and, thereby, made some proteins redundant. Thus, the evolution of genomes in the genus Leishmania and, in particular, in the subgenus Mundinia was mainly shaped by host (or vector) switches.
Mixed mating system and variable mating patterns in tropical woody bamboos
Authors: Xie Ning , Chen Ling-Na , Dong Yu-Ran , Yang Han-Qi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSo far, little is known in detail about mating systems of woody bamboos. Paternity analysis of offspring improved our understanding of these systems, and contributed to their germplasm conservation and genetic improvement.ResultsIn this study, a paternity analysis of offspring from two consecutive mass or sporadically flowering events ofDendrocalamus membranaceusandD. sinicuswere conducted to determine their mating system and pollen dispersal using the program COLONY based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Two sporadically flowering populations ofD. sinicus(C1, C2) obtained relatively high paternity assignments rates (69.0–71.4%). Meanwhile, among three populations ofD. membranaceus, the sporadically flowering population A also had much higher paternity assignments rates (56.4%) than mass flowering populations B1(28.6%) and B2 (42.5%). BothD. membranaceusandD. sinicushad mixed mating systems while their mating patterns were variable depending on pollination conditions. The maximum pollen dispersal distances were 90 m and 4378 m forD. membranaceusandD. sinicuspopulations, respectively, and the mating distances of these two species focused on ranges of ca. 0–50 m and 0–1500 m, respectively.ConclusionsThese results revealed for the first time variable mating patterns in woody bamboos. This suggests half-sib seeds from the same bamboo clump may have different male parents and it is crucial to clarify genetic origin in woody bamboos’ breeding programs. The results also indicate the importance of pollinators in the mating systems of tropical woody bamboos.
Transcriptomic analysis of early fruit development in Chinese white pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) and functional identification of PbCCR1 in lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Su Xueqiang , Zhao Yu , Wang Han , Li Guohui , Cheng Xi , Jin Qing , Cai Yongping 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe content of stone cells and lignin is one of the key factors affecting the quality of pear fruit. In a previous study, we determined the developmental regularity of stone cells and lignin in ‘Dangshan Su’ pear fruit 15-145 days after pollination (DAP). However, the development of fruit stone cells and lignin before 15 DAP has not been heavily researched.ResultsIn this study, we found that primordial stone cells began to appear at 7 DAP and that the fruit had formed a large number of stone cells at 15 DAP. Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing was performed on fruits at 0, 7, and 15 DAP and identified 3834 (0 vs. 7 DAP), 4049 (7 vs. 15 DAP) and 5763 (0 vs. 15 DAP) DEGs. During the 7-15 DAP period, a large number of key enzyme genes essential for lignin biosynthesis are gradually up-regulated, and their expression pattern is consistent with the accumulation of lignin in this period. Further analysis found that the biosynthesis of S-type lignin in ‘Dangshan Su’ pear does not depend on the catalytic activity ofPbSADbut is primarily generated by the catalytic activity of caffeoyl-CoA through CCoAOMT, CCR, F5H, and CAD. We clonedPbCCR1,2and analysed their functions in Chinese white pear lignin biosynthesis.PbCCR1and2have a degree of functional redundancy; both demonstrate the ability to participate in lignin biosynthesis. However,PbCCR1may be the major gene for lignin biosynthesis, whilePbCCR2has little effect on lignin biosynthesis.ConclusionsOur results revealed that ‘Dangshan Su’ pear began to form a large number of stone cells and produce lignin after 7 DAP and mainly accumulated materials from 0 to 7 DAP.PbCCR1is mainly involved in the biosynthesis of lignin in ‘Dangshan Su’ pear and plays a positive role in lignin biosynthesis.
Traffic police officers’ experience of post-crash care to road traffic injury victims: a qualitative study in Tanzania”
Authors: Lukumay Gift G. , Outwater Anne H. , Mkoka Dickson A. , Ndile Menti L. , Saveman Britt-Inger 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Recently, road traffic injuries (RTIs) have become a major health problem affecting health systems in many low- and middle-income countries. Regardless of whether an ambulance is available for evacuation, police officers have been shown to arrive at the crash scene first, becoming, in effect, the first responders to RTI victims. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the experiences of traffic police officers in regard to the provision of care to RTI victims in the prehospital environment, including the role of traffic police upon arriving at the crash scene, the challenges they face, and their opinions about how to improve care to RTI victims.

Method
The study used a qualitative approach in which data were obtained from 10 individual interviews and three focus group discussions. There were 41 participants, 27 of them were male and 14 were female. About half (48.7%) of the study participants were aged between 30 to 39 years. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse all the materials.

Results
Three themes emerged from the analysis. The theme “Maintain safety while saving injured victims’ lives and facilitating access to a health facility” was comprised of safety, sorting, initial help, and assisting access to hospital care. “Overwhelmed working with limited resources and support” included limited care and transport resources, police fatigue, and little or no support. “Improving supportive system and empowering frontline personnel” included the need for an emergency care system, availability of resources and an emergency medical support system, and training for police and drivers regarding victims’ first-aid care, and road safety.

Conclusion
The study findings characterize an environment in which the police first responders have no knowledge or skills and no equipment and supplies to provide care to RTI victims at the scene before rushing them to definitive care. The results suggest a favorable climate for training and equipping officers so that they can deliver competent postcrash care at the scene while emergency medical services are yet to be established. However, more research will be needed to determine the efficacy of such training and its acceptability in the Tanzanian context.
Why do general practitioners not refer patients to behaviour-change programmes after preventive health checks? A mixed-method study
Authors: Kamstrup-Larsen Nina , Broholm-Jørgensen Marie , Dalton Susanne O. , Larsen Lars B. , Thomsen Janus L. , Tolstrup Janne S. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
This study was embedded in the Check-In randomised controlled trial that investigated the effectiveness of general practice-based preventive health checks on adverse health behaviour and early detection of non-communicable diseases offered to individuals with low socioeconomic positions. Despite successful recruitment of patients, the intervention had no effect. One reason for the lack of effectiveness could be low rates of referral to behaviour-change programmes in the municipality, resulting in a low dose of the intervention delivered. The aim of this study is to examine the referral pattern of the general practitioners and potential barriers to referring eligible patients to these behaviour-change programmes.

Methods
A mixed-method design was used, including patients’ questionnaires, recording sheet from the health checks and semi-structured qualitative interviews with general practitioners. All data used in the study were collected during the time of the intervention. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios for being eligible and for receiving referrals. The qualitative empirical material was analysed thematically. Emerging themes were grouped, discussed and the material was re-read. The themes were reviewed alongside the analysis of the quantitative material to refine and discuss the themes.

Results
Of the 364 patients, who attended the health check, 165 (45%) were marked as eligible for a referral to behaviour-change programme by their general practitioner and of these, 90 (55%) received referrals. Daily smoking (OR = 3.22; 95% CI:2.01–5.17), high-risk alcohol consumption (OR = 2.66; 95% CI:1.38–5.12), obesity (OR = 2.89; 95% CI:1.61–5.16) and poor lung function (OR = 2.05; 95% CI:1.14–3.70) were all significantly associated with being eligible, but not with receiving referral. Four themes emerged as the main barriers to referring patients to behaviour-change programmes: 1) general practitioners’ responsibility and ownership for their patients, 2) balancing information and accepting a rejection, 3) assessment of the right time for behavioural change and 4) general practitioners’ attitudes towards behaviour-change programmes in the municipality.

Conclusion
We identified important barriers among the general practitioners which influenced whether the patients received referrals to behaviour-change programmes in the municipality and thereby influenced the dose of intervention delivered in Check-In. The findings suggest that an effort is needed to assist the collaboration between general practices and the municipalities’ primary preventive services.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials NCT01979107; October 25, 2013.
A systematic literature review of the assessment of treatment burden experienced by patients and their caregivers
Authors: Sheehan Orla C. , Leff Bruce , Ritchie Christine S. , Garrigues Sarah K. , Li Lingsheng , Saliba Debra , Fathi Roya , Boyd Cynthia M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Many older adults with multiple chronic conditions, particularly those who are functionally impaired, spend considerable time juggling the competing demands of managing their conditions often assisted by caregivers. We examined methods of assessing the treatment burden experienced by this population as a first step to identifying strategies to reduce it.

Methods
Systematic searches were performed of the peer-reviewed and grey-literature (PubMed, Cochrane library, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, New York Academy of Medicine Grey Literature Review, NLM catalog and ProQuest Digital Theses and Dissertations). After title and abstract screening, both qualitative and quantitative articles describing approaches to assessment of treatment burden were included.

Results
Forty-five articles from the peer reviewed and three items from the grey literature were identified. Most articles (34/48) discussed treatment burden associated with a specific condition. All but one examined the treatment burden experienced by patients and six addressed the treatment burden experienced by caregivers. Qualitative studies revealed many aspects of treatment burden including the burdens of understanding the condition, juggling, monitoring and adjusting treatments, efforts to engage with others for support as well as financial and time burdens. Many tools to assess treatment burden in different populations were identified through the qualitative data. The most commonly used instrument was the Treatment Burden Questionnaire.

Conclusions
Many instruments are available to assess treatment burden, but no one standardized assessment method was identified. Few articles examined approaches to measuring the treatment burden experienced by caregivers. As people live longer with more chronic conditions healthcare providers need to identify patients and caregivers burdened by treatment and engage in approaches to ameliorate treatment burden. A standard and validated assessment method to measure treatment burden in the clinical setting would help to enhance the care of people with multiple chronic conditions, allow comparison of different approaches to reducing treatment burden, and foster ongoing evaluation and monitoring of burden across conditions, patient populations, and time.
Impact and clinical profiles of Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-detection in childhood community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Zhao Meng-chuan , Wang Le , Qiu Fang-zhou , Zhao Li , Guo Wei-wei , Yang Shuo , Feng Zhi-shan , Li Gui-xia 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing number of hospitalized children with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is co-detected withMycoplasma pneumoniae(Mp). The clinical characteristics and impact ofMpco-detected with other bacterial and/or viral pathogens remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical features of CAP children withMpmono-detection andMpco-detection.MethodsA total of 4148 hospitalized children with CAP were recruited from January to December 2017 at the Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, affiliated to Hebei Medical University. A variety of respiratory viruses, bacteria andMpwere detected using multiple modalities. The demographic and clinical features of CAP children withMpmono-detection andMpco-detection were recorded and analyzed.ResultsAmong the 110 CAP children withMppositive, 42 (38.18%) of them were co-detected with at least one other pathogen. Co-detection was more common among children aged ≤3 years. No significant differences were found in most clinical symptoms, complications, underlying conditions and disease severity parameters among various etiological groups, with the following exceptions. First, prolonged duration of fever, lack of appetite and runny nose were more prevalent among CAP children withMp-virus co-detection. Second,Mp-virus (excludingHRV) co-detected patients were more likely to present with prolonged duration of fever. Third, patients co-detected withMp-bacteria were more likely to have abnormal blood gases. Additionally, CAP children withMp-HRVco-detection were significantly more likely to report severe runny nose compared to those withMpmono-detection.ConclusionMpco-detection with viral and/or bacterial pathogens is common in clinical practice. However, there are no apparent differences betweenMpmono-detection andMpco-detections in terms of clinical features and disease severity.
The EKiTE network (epidemiology in kidney transplantation - a European validated database): an initiative epidemiological and translational European collaborative research
Authors:   the EKiTE consortium, Lorent M. , Foucher Y. , Kerleau K. , Brouard S. , Baayen C. , Lebouter S. , Naesens M. , Bestard Matamoros O. , Åsberg A. , Giral M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Kidney transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice for people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, due to the shortage of available organs and the increase in the ESRD prevalence in Europe, it is essential to improve transplantation outcomes by studying the related prognostic factors. Today, there is no European registry collecting data to perform such clinical epidemiology studies.

Main body
Entitled EKiTE, for European cohort for Kidney Transplantation Epidemiology, this prospective and multicentric cohort includes patients from Spanish (Barcelona), Belgian (Leuven), Norwegian (Oslo) and French (Paris Necker, Lyon, Nantes, Nancy, Montpellier, Nice and Paris Saint Louis) transplantation centers and currently contains 13,394 adult recipients of kidney (only) transplantation from 2005 and updated annually. A large set of parameters collected from transplantation until graft failure or death with numbers of post-transplantation outcomes. The long-term follow-up and the collected data enable a wide range of possible survival and longitudinal analyses.

Conclusion
EKiTE is a multicentric cohort aiming to better assess the natural history of the ESRD in European kidney transplant recipients and perform benchmarking of clinical practices. The data are available for clinical epidemiology studies and open for external investigators upon request to the scientific council. Short-term perspectives are to extend EKITE network to other European countries and collect additional parameters in respect of the common thesaurus.
Nightmare experience and family relationships in healthy volunteers and nightmare disorder patients
Authors: Wang Chu , Shao Xu , Jia Yanli , Shen Chanchan , Wang Wei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Nightmares are associated with parental bonding styles and various psychiatric disorders, but the exact connections between different nightmare experience features and family relationships in healthy volunteers and nightmare disorder patients are still unclear.

Methods
We therefore invited 62 nightmare disorder patients and 135 healthy volunteers to undergo tests of the Nightmare Experience Questionnaire (NEQ), the Family Relationship Questionnaire (FRQ), and the Plutchik - van Praag Depression Inventory (PVP).

Results
Besides the higher nightmare frequency and the higher PVP and four NEQ scale scores, the nightmare disorder patients had higher scores of FRQ Paternal Abuse, and lower ones of General Attachment, Maternal Encouragement, Maternal Freedom Release, and Paternal Freedom Release. The PVP was correlated with some NEQ and FRQ scales in both healthy volunteers and patients, and it functioned as a mediator between Physical Effect and Maternal Dominance in patients. Regarding predicting NEQ by FRQ, Paternal Abuse predicted Physical Effect, Maternal Dominance predicted Physical Effect and Horrible Stimulation, General Attachment predicted Horrible Stimulation (−) in healthy volunteers; Maternal Dominance predicted Physical Effect, Meaning Interpretation, and Horrible Stimulation, Paternal Freedom Release predicted Physical Effect (−), and Paternal Dominance predicted Meaning Interpretation and nightmare frequency in patients.

Conclusions
Our study has demonstrated that the inappropriate family relationships were linked with different aspects of nightmare experience, especially in nightmare disorder patients.