bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic Profiling of Cotton Leaves in Response to Cotton Aphid Attack
Authors: Zhang Jianmin , Zhong Xiao , Feng Pei , Ma Qiqi , Su Qi , phD Xiangping , Yang Yazhen 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Main conclusion The molecular mechanism of the interaction between cotton and cotton aphids remains unclear currently. The RNA-Seq study of cotton leaves was performed in response to cotton aphid damage at different time points. The transcriptome analysis revealed that a lot of cotton gene transcripts were regulated by cotton aphid damage.

Cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) are regarded as one of the most harmful insect pests for cotton production. They are usually capable of causing severe yield loss through sucking cotton liquids, secreting honeydews and transmitting plant viral diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of the interaction between cotton and cotton aphids remains unclear currently. Therefore, the RNA-Seq study of cotton leaves was performed in response to cotton aphid damage at different time points (0 h,6 h,12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h). A total of 9, 103 new genes were identified, and 7, 510 of them were annotated functionally. Based on the comparison results, the gene expression was analyzed according to the expression amount of genes in different samples. 24,793 differentially expressed genes were authenticate in all and their functional annotation and enrichment analysis were conducted. Compared with 0 h (without aphid damage, CK), the amount of down-regulated DEGs was largely more than that of the up-regulated genes at different time points under cotton aphid attack except for 48h. As revealed by the functional annotation of DEGs, these genes were involved in all kinds of plant biological process, including various resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, hormone metabolism, signaling transduction and transcriptional regulation. These results established a firm foundation for the study of the molecular mechanism of the interaction between cotton and cotton aphids and would facilitate the development of plant aphid resistant cultivars.
Using poster presentation to assess large classes: A case study for first year undergraduate module in a South African University
Authors: Ross Andrew , Dlungwane Thembelihle , Wyk Jacqueline Van 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background
The massification of higher education is often associated with poor student engagement, poor development of their critical thinking, inadequate feedback and poor student throughput. Novel and innovative methods of teaching, assessing and giving feedback to large groups of learners therefore need to be developed to counter the challenges posed by the large class learning environment. The aim of this study was to obtain the perceptions of 1st year medical students and staff at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine regarding the value of the posters as a teaching, assessment and feedback strategy.

Methods
This observational, descriptive cross sectional study explored student and staff perceptions of using posters to manage the assessment and feedback of 1st year students’ work. A student and staff questionnaire using a five point Likert scale was used from which the data were extracted into Excel spreadsheet and analysed.

Results
230 questionnaires were completed giving a 92% return (230/250). Most students reported that the poster presentations helped them select important material (92%), understand disadvantage (86%) and make a difference in the community (92%). The majority felt that posters where an efficient (81%) and fair method (75%) of assessment and provided opportunity for meaningful feedback.

Discussion and conclusions
Posters have been shown to promote learning and active engagement, and the development of higher order thinking, skills and transformative learning, as students were able to illustrate how they made a difference in the Making a Difference community to which they had been allocated. Poster presentations also allowed for quick and efficient marking, immediate feedback and validation of student participation. Poster presentations should be more widely considered as an innovative way of encouraging deeper engagement and learning in a large class setting.
Summary
Genome Based Search for Reference Genes for Gene Expression Analysis in Oral Cancer: a Data Science Driven Approach
Authors: Dwivedi Nehanjali , Dhar Sujan K , Charitha G , Kuriakose Moni Abraham , Suresh Amritha , Das Manjula 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) remains by far the most cost-effective, fast yet sensitive technique to check the gene expression levels in various systems. The traditionally used reference genes over the years were found to be regulated heavily based on sample sources and/or experimental conditions. This paper therefore presents a data science driven -omic approach for selection of reference genes from ~60,000 candidates from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Broad Institute Cancer Cell Line Encyclopaedia (CCLE) for gene expression studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). mRNA-sequencing data of 500 patient samples and 33 cell lines from publicly available databases were analysed to assess stability of genes in terms of multiple statistical measures. A final set of 12 candidate genes were studied in the Indian set of data in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and validated experimentally using qPCR in 35 different types of samples from platforms like drug sensitive and resistant cell lines, normal and tumor samples, fibroblast and epithelial primary culture derived from HNSCC patients from India.

Result

The study lead to the choice of five most stable reference genes –TYW5, RIC8B, PLEKHA3, CEP57L1 and GPR89B across three experimental platforms.

Conclusion

In addition to providing a set of five most stable reference genes for future gene expression analysis experiments across different types of samples in HNSCC, the study also presents an objective framework for assessing reference genes for other disease areas as well.
A novel gene rearrangement in the mitochondrial genome of Coenobita brevimanus (Anomura: Coenobitidae) and phylogenetic implications for Anomura
Authors: Gong Li , Lu Xinting , Wang Zhifu , Shi Wei , Zhu Kehua , Liu Liqin , Jiang Lihua , Lü Zhenming , Liu Bingjian 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background:
Gene arrangement in vertebrate mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) is relatively conserved and fewer gene arrangement is discovered. In contrast, that in invertebrate mitogenomes is relatively common. Although a gradually growing number of gene rearrangement in hermit crabs (Paguridae) has been discovered, it is surprising that gene rearrangement in its close relatives, the terrestrial hermit crab (Coenobitidae), was overlooked until 2018. So far, only few studies focused on the phylogenetic studies of Anomura based on molecular evidences.
Results:
In the present study, the complete mitogenome of a terrestrial hermit crab, Coenobita brevimanus, was sequenced, and large-scale gene rearrangements were observed. The genomic features of this terrestrial hermit crab were different from those of any other studied crabs. Five gene clusters (or genes) including eleven tRNAs and two PCGs were found to be rearranged with respect to the pancrustacean ground pattern gene order, which was characterized by multiple translocations and inversions. Two phylogenetic trees (ML and BI tree) arrived at a similar topology based on the nucleotide sequences of the 13 concatenated PCGs.
Conclusions:
We propose tandem duplication-random loss and recombination model to explain the large-scale gene rearrangements in C. brevimanus mitogenome. The phylogenetic trees showed that all Coenobitidae species clustered into one clade. The polyphyly of Paguroidea was well supported, whereas the non-monophyly of Galatheoidea was not in consistence with previous findings. The phylogenetic relationships of Pylochelidae, Lomidae, and Albuneidae were controversial.
MiR-190a Potentially Ameliorates Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction by Regulating Tiam1
Authors: Liu Qiang , Hou Aisheng , Zhang Yongyi , Guo Ying , Li Jingjing , Yao Yinghao , Niu Kaimeng , Li Hao , Ma Yunlong , Cao Jiangbei 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) affects a large number of post-surgery patients, especially for the elderly. However, the etiology of this neurocognitive disorder is largely unknown. Even if several studies have reported a small number of miRNAs as the essential modulatory factors in POCD, these findings are still rather limited. In this study, we used two miRNA microarray datasets to perform differential expression analyses of miRNAs in the hippocampus of POCD model mice. We found that nine miRNAs showed significant associations with POCD in both datasets. Among these miRNAs, mmu-miR-190a-3p was the most significant one. By performing weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we found 25 co-expression modules, of which mmu-miR-190a-3p was significantly anti-correlated with the red module. Moreover, in this red module, 314 genes were significantly enriched in four pathways such as axon guidance and calcium signaling pathway, which are well-documented to be associated with psychiatric disorders and brain development. Also, 169 of the 314 genes were highly correlated with mmu-miR-190a-3p, and four genes (Sphkap, Arhgef25, Tiam1, and Ntrk3) had putative binding sites at 3'-UTR of mmu-miR-190a-3p. Based on protein-protein network analysis, we detected that Tiam1 was a central gene regulated by the mmu-miR-190a-3p. Taken together, we conclude that mmu-miR-190a-3p is involved in the etiology of POCD and may serve as a novel predictive indicator for POCD.
Prevalence of and risk factors for chronic kidney disease and diabetic kidney disease in a central Chinese urban population: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Duan Jiayu , Guang-Cai Duan , Chong-Jian Wang , Dong-Wei Liu , Ying-Jin Qiao , Shao-Kang Pan , Deng-Ke Jiang , Zi-Hao Zhao , Lu-Lu Liang , Fei Tian , Zhang-Suo Liu 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background

This study was conducted to evaluate and update the current prevalence of and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a China.

Methods

A total of 5231 participants were randomly recruited for this study. CKD and DKD were defined according to the combination of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), presence of albuminuria and diabetes. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing lifestyle and relevant medical history, and blood and urinary specimens were taken. Serum creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and urinary albumin were assessed. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalences of CKD and DKD were calculated, and risk factors associated with the presence of reduced eGFR, albuminuria, DKD, severity of albuminuria and progression of reduce renal function were analyzed by binary and ordinal logistic regression.

Results

The overall adjusted prevalence of CKD was 16.8% (15.8 – 17.8%) and that of DKD was 3.5% (3.0 – 4.0%). Decreased renal function was detected in 132 participants [2.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5 – 3.2%], whereas albuminuria was found in 858 participants (14.9%, 95% CI: 13.9 – 15.9%). In all participants with diabetes, the prevalence of reduced eGFR was 6.3% (95% CI = 3.9 – 8.6%) and that of albuminuria was 45.3% (95% CI = 40.4 – 50.1%). The overall prevalence of CKD in participants with diabetes was 48.0% (95% CI = 43.1 – 52.9%). The results of the binary and ordinal logistic regression indicated that factors independently associated with higher risk of reduced eGFR and albuminuria were older age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia.

Conclusions

Our study shows the current prevalences of CKD and DKD in residents of Central China. The high prevalence suggests an urgent need to implement interventions to relieve the high burden of CKD and DKD in China.
Cycling as Transportation: Sociocultural Meanings from a Gender Perspective in Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Suárez María Viviana Caballero , González-Uribe Catalina 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Physical inactivity is a risk factor for chronic diseases and ischemic cardiomyopathy, which is the leading cause of death in Bogota, Colombia. Cycling is a sustainable strategy to increase levels of physical activity, especially for college students; however, fewer women than men engage in this activity due to gender roles, creating an avoidable inequity. The aim of this study was to understand the socio-cultural significance perceived by a group of medical students in women’s use of bicycles as a mode of transportation in Bogotá. Qualitative research based on grounded theory was conducted. Sixteen students participated in three focus groups and four interviews from February to April 2018. We found that the meaning of the cycling experience resulted from identity construction. The cycling experience involved both sociodemographic conditions and a transitional gender model with competing notions from a traditional and a contemporary model. The traditional view on bicycling emphasised the insecurity of women based on underestimation of their capacities. This model generated perceived vulnerability and affected undermined women’s self-efficacy. In the contemporary model, bicycle use facilitated well-being and served as an efficient means to commute. To increase female students’ participation in urban cycling, it is essential to encourage the construction of self-efficacy. It is also necessary to improve safety in public spaces and facilitate bicycles’ convenience of use. This actions could support sustainable transportation, gender equity and reduction of health risks related to physical inactivity.
Schur-Convexity for a Class of Completely Symmetric Function Dual
Authors: Shi Huan-Nan , Du Wei-Shih 
Published: June 2019

By using the decision theorem and properties of the Schur-convex function, the Schur-geometric convex function and the Schur-harmonic function, the Schur- convexity, Schur-geometric convexity and Schur-harmonic convexity of a class of complete symmetric functions are studied. As applications, some symmetric function inequalities are established.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES AND WEAR RATE OF ALUMINUM MATRIX NANOCOMPOSITE (AMNC) OF AA7100/Al2O3
Authors: Hasan Athraa S , Oudah Manal K , Faraj Sahar R , Al-Alkawi Hussain J.M 
Published: June 2019

In this study AA7100/6wt% Al2O3 metal matrix composite (AMMS) wassuccessfully manufactured using stir casting route. The influence of 6wt% Al2O3content on microstructure, electrical properties and wearresistance were investigated . The microstructure of composite revealed thathomogeneity of Al2O3 particles in the matrix and also the reinforcement ofgrains compared to matrix grains. The homogeneity and reinforcement can beattributed to enhance the electrical and wear properties and this perhaps coulddue to efficiency of stirring process during the casting. The 6wt% Al2O3content shifted the conductivity and permittivity from reducing in matrix toincreasing in the composite when the frequency increased. The wear resistancewas improved due to addition of 6wt% Al2O3 compared to matrix.
Damned if You Do and Damned if You Don't
Authors: Dilley Steve , Tafacory Nicholas 
Published: June 2019

We argue that a number of biology (and evolution) textbooks face a crippling dilemma. On the one hand, significant difficulties arise if textbooks include theological claims in their case for evolution. (Such claims include, for example, ‘God would never design a suboptimal panda’s thumb, but an imperfect structure is just what we’d expect on natural selection.’) On the other hand, significant difficulties arise if textbooks exclude theological claims in their case for evolution. So, whether textbooks include or exclude theological claims, they face debilitating problems. We attempt to establish this thesis by examining 32 biology (and evolution) textbooks, including the Big 12—that is, the top four in each of the key undergraduate categories (biology majors, non-majors, and evolution courses). In Section 2 of our article, we analyze three specific types of theology these texts use to justify evolutionary theory. We argue that all face significant difficulties. In Section 3, we step back from concrete cases and, instead, explore broader problems created by having theology in general in biology textbooks. We argue that the presence of theology—of whatever kind—comes at a significant cost, one that some textbook authors are likely unwilling to pay. In Section 4, we consider the alternative: Why not simply get rid of theology? Why not just ignore it? In reply, we marshal a range of arguments why avoiding God-talk raises troubles of its own. Finally, in Section 5, we bring together the collective arguments in Sections 2-4 to argue that biology textbooks face an intractable dilemma. We underscore this difficulty by examining a common approach that some textbooks use to solve this predicament. We argue that this approach turns out to be incoherent and self-serving. The poor performance of textbooks on this point highlights just how deep the difficulty is. In the end, the overall dilemma remains.
History in the Light of Spirituality
Authors: Ilnytskyi Mykola 
Published: June 2019

The paper deals with the historic novels written by Ukrainian writer Roman Ivanychuk in 1960s – 1980s. The emphasis is given to the peculiarities that distinguish his works among the similar novels on the Ukrainian history written at the same period. The researcher sees the main difference in the fact that R.Ivanychuk focused not so much on the heroic acts of his characters as on their characteristics of representatives of the epoch. He paid the most attention to the spiritual awakening of the nation being under pressure of the forced assimilation and in danger of extinction. These features of the historic novels by this writer were already noticeable in his first novel “Malvy” (“Mallows”, 1968). The work focused on the problem of “janissaries”, especially relevant at that time. It was interpreted as the loss of historical memory and national identity on the one hand, and the inevitable end of the empire that exploits enslaved neighbors on the other. The aesthetic symbolism is realized in the image of a luxuriant plane tree which is drained by mistletoe, with the fatal end of a tree. The symbolism of this image is related to the idea of the Arabic philosopher of the 16th cent. Ibn Khaldun who stated that decline of an empire is caused by the loss of its vital sources.
The novels “Cherlene vyno” (“Red Wine”, 1977) and “The Manuscript from Ruska Street” (1979) contain the aesthetic models that sound in tune with the scholarly ideas of contemporary historians (O. Apanovych, Y. Isaievych, M. Braichesvkyi). In particular it was the interest to the development of the education system and research studies, emergence of Brotherhood schools and book printing. Historic novels by R.Ivanychuk emphasize the conflict between the Artist and the system of ruling power (“Shramy na Skali”/“Scars on Rock”, 1982), where one can see allusions to the movement of the Sixtiers. The writer raised the problem of the moral choice between strict loyalty to the principles and the compromise. Then he explored the limits of justifying the compromise.
Intraarticular corticosteroid injections in the management of osteoarthritis knee
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Qayoom Asif , Ahmad Manzoor 
Published: June 2019

Objective:- The aim of the study was to assess therapeutic efficacy, adverse events and patient satisfaction of intraarticular (IA) corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods:- Thirty-two (96) patients with OA of the knee participated in the present study. The inclusion criteria included (1) Resting visual analog scale pain >50 mm (2) Radiographic evidence for osteoarthritis (as per Kellgren-Lawrence scale) plus; age ≥50yrs, morning stiffness ≤ 30 min and crepitus on motion. Baseline Western Ontario and MacMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analogue score (VAS) were documented. Patients received intra-articular injections of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg in the affected knee. The patients were reviewed at 1 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks post-injection with final analysis at 3 months. Use of over the counter analgesia in the form of acetaminophen was allowed for concomitant analgesia.
Results:- Ninety-six patients (male =45, female=51) with mean age of 50±5 years (range 45-55); duration of symptoms 5.7 ± 0.5 years and mean body mass index (BMI) 29.4kg/m2 were available at final follow-up. The VAS scores at baseline were:- at rest=71 and after 30 meter walk=80 and improved to 35 and 40, respectively. Improvement in pain and disability based on the WOMAC scores were significant. The overall efficacy “Knee Society Score” was judged as excellent in 56.25%, satisfactory in 21.87%, fair in 18.75%, and poor in 3.12%. The beneficial effects stayed till 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion:- Intra-articular steroid injections for knee OA is safe and effective. The symptomatic relief is prompt, particularly in presence of inflammation (Effusion/synovitis). Proper patient selection and aseptic precautions yield satisfactory results. The need for concomitant analgesia is reduced.
Pure Primary Extragonadal Yolk Sac Tumor involving stomach in a Young Child: A Case Report
Authors: Guru Faisal R , Zaffar Saquib , Noor Huma , Gull Salma , Bhat Gull Muhammad 
Published: June 2019

Germ Cell Tumors (GCTs) constitute approximately only 3% of all malignancies in children younger than 15 years of age. Primary extragonadal GCTs constitute only 1-5% of all GCTs and a retroperitoneal site is seen only in 4% of all extragonadal GCTs. Yolk sac tumor is the predominant variant in newborns and younger children. GCTs of stomach are very very rare.We report for the first time, the presentation of a primary yolk sac tumor arising from the stomach of a small child.
Comparison of Percutaneous versus Open Surgical techniques for placement of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Wani Imtiyaz Ahmad , Sheikh Rayees Yousuf , Wani Muzafar Masood , Hamid Arif , Bhat Gh Mohammad , Bhat Nucksheeba Aziz 
Published: June 2019

Background: Nephrologists have used percutaneous placements of peritoneal dialysis catheters (PDCs) with or without fluoroscopic guidance. PDCs are also placed using mini-laparotomy and laparoscopic techniques by surgeons. Percutaneous PDC placement by nephrologists is a simple, non-invasive technique with minimum intraoperative morbidity. We compared operative and immediate complications of PDCs using percutaneous versus open surgical mode of insertion.
Methods: Data of all patients entering into CAPD programme in our center between July 2011 to July 2015 was collected. A total of 377 PDCs had been inserted over 48 months in 358 patients. Of 377 catheters inserted, 224 had been inserted by percutaneous method and 153 by surgical technique.
Results: Wound hematoma developed in 3.5% of percutaneously placed catheters vs 2.6% of catheters placed by surgical technique, p-0.061. Haemorrhagic effluent was seen in 4.46% of percutaneously placed catheters vs 3.92% of surgically placed catheters, p-0.068. Bowel injury occurred in 1.33% of percutaneously placed catheters vs 0.65% of surgically placed catheters, p-0159. Dialysate leak occurred in 2.6% of catheters placed percutaneously vs 6.5% of catheters placed by surgical technique, p-0.068. Percutaneous PDC allowed a significantly shorter hospital stay, smaller wound size and less break-in period
Conclusions: Percutaneously placed CAPD catheters by nephrologists ensues significantly less hospital stay, small sized incision, lesser break-in period and less post-surgical morbidity as compared with surgically placed catheters. Percutaneous PDC placement is minimally invasive, safe, less time consuming and dependable peritoneal access technique.