bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression identifies metabolic and functional differences between intramuscular and subcutaneous adipocytes in cattle
Authors: Hudson Nicholas James , Reverter Antonio , Griffiths William J. , Yutuc Eylan , Wang Yuqin , Jeanes Angela , McWilliam Sean , Pethick David W. , Greenwood Paul L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background This study used a genome-wide screen of gene expression to better understand the metabolic and functional differences between commercially valuable intramuscular fat (IMF) and commercially wasteful subcutaneous (SC) fat depots in Bos taurus beef cattle.Results We confirmed many findings previously made at the biochemical level and made new discoveries. The fundamental lipogenic machinery, such as ACACA and FASN encoding the rate limiting Acetyl CoA carboxylase and Fatty Acid synthase were expressed at 1.6-1.8 fold lower levels in IMF, consistent with previous findings. The FA elongation pathway including the rate limiting ELOVL6 was also coordinately downregulated in IMF compared to SC as expected. A 2-fold lower expression in IMF of ACSS2 encoding Acetyl Coenzyme A synthetase is consistent with utilisation of less acetate for lipogenesis in IMF compared to SC as previously determined using radioisotope incorporation. Reduced saturation of fat in the SC depot is reflected by 2.4 fold higher expression of the SCD gene encoding the Δ9 desaturase enzyme. Surprisingly, CH25H encoding the cholesterol 25 hydroxylase enzyme was ~36 fold upregulated in IMF compared to SC. Moreover, its expression in whole muscle tissue appears representative of the proportional representation of bovine marbling adipocytes. This suite of observations prompted quantification of a set of oxysterols (oxidised forms of cholesterol) in the plasma of 8 cattle exhibiting varying IMF. Using LC-MS we found the levels of several oxysterols were significantly associated with multiple marbling measurements across the musculature, but (with just one exception) no other carcass phenotypes.Conclusions These data build on our molecular understanding of ruminant fat depot biology and suggest oxysterols represent a promising circulating biomarker for cattle marbling.
Prevalence and factors associated with Helicobacter Pylori infection among children with sickle cell anemia attending Mulago hospital, in Uganda
Authors: MUBIRU IDRIS SWALEH , Kasirye Phillip Gita , Hume Heather , Ndeezi Grace 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have a high predisposition to a range of infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Studies of children living in low income countries have shown high levels of infection with Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori), however, there are no reports in children with sickle cell anemia.Objectives We aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infection among children with sickle cell anemia at Mulago Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic, in Uganda.Methods A cross sectional design was employed to consecutively enroll 369 children with confirmed sickle cell anemia aged 5-18 years, attending the Mulago hospital sickle cell clinic. Assessments included; abdominal pain (current, recurrent, generalized or epigastric), dyspeptic symptoms, other relevant medical and social histories. Blood and stool samples were collected and an antigen test (test kit SD Bioline) was carried out on the latter to determine H.pylori infection. Ethical approval, consent and assent (for children above 8 years of age) were obtained. Data was entered using EPI DATA version 3.1 and analysed using STATA version 12.0. H. pylori prevalence was determined as a proportion of children with a positive stool test expressed as a percentage. Adjusted Odds ratios (aOR) were used to determine factors associated with H.pylori infection.Results H.pylori infection was detected in 47.7% (176/379), 95% CI (42.9-53.1) of the cases. Having epigastric pain was independently associated with H.pylori infection; aOR 2.22, 95%CI: (1.1 – 4.6), p-value= 0.03 . Pneumococcal vaccination aOR 0.41, 95% (CI 0.2-0.9; p=0.019 ) or H.pyroli combination therapy aOR 0.183, 95% (CI 0.1- 0.6; p=0.006 ) were protective against H.pylori. Recurrent abdominal pain did not predict H.pyroli infection. Conclusions H.pylori infection was common among children with sickle cell anemia and was independently associated with epigastric pain but not recurrent pain. Pneumococcal vaccination and combination H. pylori treatment were protective against the infection. Screening for H.Pylori should be carried out in sickle cell anaemia children with epigastric pain.
Correlation between 61 risk factors and vancomycin blood concentration reached based on real world data
Authors: Chen Haiqin , Qing-ping Shi , Kong Lingti , Zhu Yulin , Zhu jinxiu 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background : Vancomycin, an antibiotic produced by microbial fermentation, is used to treat gram-positive infections. With extensive broad-spectrum antibiotics use, bacterial resistance to vancomycin continues to increase. We explored the factors influencing vancomycin blood concentration compliance rate, established a predictive equation for such concentrations, and provided a reference for individual applications. Methods: We used a single-center, retrospective, case-control study design based on real-world data from the Hospital Information Management System of the First Affiliated Hospital of the Teaching Hospital of Bengbu Medical School from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Inpatients whose vancomycin blood concentration was monitored were selected. Single factor and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0 software to screen factors affecting, vancomycin blood concentration compliance rate. Vancomycin blood concentration was then determined. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of influencing factors was then used to establish a prediction model. Results: In total, 168 patients (122 males and 46 females) were enrolled. Eighty-one had their vancomycin blood concentration monitored, and 87 had concentrations that did not reach the standard. Multivariate logistic model analysis showed that patient drug allergy history, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), patient infusion volume, and urine volume influenced vancomycin blood concentration compliance rate. According to logistic model analysis, a history of drug allergy (95% CI: 1.225-24.850, P<0.05), ALT (95% CI: 0.979-0.999, P<0.05), AST (95% CI: 1.003-1.027, P<0.05), patient infusion volume (95% CI: 0.996-0.998, P<0.05), patient urine volume (95% CI: 1.001-1.003, P<0.05), and combined predictors were used to construct ROC curves. For combined predictive factors, area under the ROC curve (0.829, 95% CI: 0.755-0.902, P<0.005) was greater than that of the five individual indicators and was predicted to be the preferred value. Conclusions: In clinical practice, the patient’s daily average infusion and urine volumes can be substituted into the joint predictor calculation formula: P=1/[1+e-(0.940-0.004*X infusion +0.002*X urine )]. By calculating the combined predictive factor to predict vancomycin blood concentration compliance rate, the dosing regimen can be adjusted. Keywords: Real-world research; Vancomycin; Blood concentration monitoring; Influencing factor; Logistic regression analysis
Clinical value of selected markers of angiogenesis, inflammation, insulin resistance and obesity in type 1 endometrial cancer
Authors: Terlikowska Katarzyna M. , Dobrzycka Bozena , Terlikowski Robert , Sienkiewicz Anna , Kinalski Maciej , Terlikowski Sławomir Jerzy 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background It is a well-known fact show that the risk of developing endometrial cancer (type 1 EC) is strongly associated with obesity. In this study, selected markers, such as obesity, insulin resistance, angiogenesis and inflammation markers related to EC type 1 progression and patients’ survival data were analyzed.Methods To measure levels of adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin and C-peptide in 176 preoperative serum samples, the immunoassay technique (EMIT) has been applied.Results Angiopoietin-2 levels increase with age (P=0.005), FIGO stage (p=0.042), myometrial invasion (P=0.009) and LVSI (P<0.001). The CRP levels increase with age (P=0.01), as well as the advancement of the FIGO stage (P<0.001), higher tumor grade (P=0.012), and myometrial invasion (P<0.001). A positive correlation between serum Ang-2 and CRP levels was demonstrated (r=0.44; p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high CRP levels in serum and Ang-2 presented a worse outcome (P=0.03 and P=0.015, respectively). Cox regression analysis of individual predictors revealed that high serum levels of Ang-2, CRP, advanced clinical FIGO stage (P<0.001, respectively), old age (P=0.013) were all significant overall survival predictors. By means of multivariate analysis, their predictive significance was confirmed.Conclusion Our study provides evidence that serum levels of Ang-2 and CRP may serve as predictors for assessment of the clinical stage of type 1 EC and are significantly associated with poor prognosis. It is likely that angiogenesis and inflammation associated with obesity, not only obesity itself, have a significant impact on EC type 1 progression and survival rate of patients.
The analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Xue , Xu Zhen-Zhen , Li Xue-Ying , Jiang Ting-Ting , Lin Zeng-Mao , Wang Dong-Xin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Ultrasound-guided lateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can provide definite analgesia to the anterior abdominal wall. However, whether this method is useful in renal surgery through the lateral abdominal wall pathway remains unknown. The study aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of lateral TAP block for retroperitoneoscopic partial or radical nephrectomy.
Method In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, eligible patients were randomized into two groups. After anaesthesia induction, ultrasound-guided lateral TAP block was performed with either 30 ml of 0.4% ropivacaine (Group T) or an equivalent volume of normal saline (Group C). The primary outcomes were opioid consumption during surgery and in the first 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postsurgical pain intensity immediately awakening from anaesthesia and at 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, as well as recovery variables including the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), sleep quality, time to first ambulation, drainage and length of hospital stay.
Results A total of 104 patients were enrolled and randomized (53 in Group T and 51 in Group C). Laparoscopic surgery was converted to open surgery in one patient of Group T; this patient was excluded from the outcome analysis . The opioid consumption during surgery ( intravenous morphine equivalent dose: median 35.0 mg [interquartile range 18.0, 49.6] in Group C vs. 40.3 mg [20.9, 59.0] in Group T, P=0.281) and in the first 24 hours after surgery ( 10.8 mg [7.8, 21.7] in Group C vs. 13.2 mg [8.0, 26.6] in Group T , P=0.311) did not differ significantly between groups. There were no significant differences between groups regarding the pain intensity at all time points after surgery and the recovery variables (all P>0.05).
Conclusions Our results showed that, in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery, preoperative lateral TAP did not decrease intra- and postoperative opioid consumption, nor did it relieve pain intensity or promote postoperative recovery in the first 24 hours after surgery. However, the trial might be underpowered.
Trial registration This study was registered on November 4, 2017, in the Chinese Clinical Trail Registry with the identification number ChiCTR-INR-17013244.
A case study of soil food web components affected by Fallopia japonica (Polygonaceae) in three natural habitats in Central Europe
Authors: Čerevková Andrea , Bobuľská Lenka , Miklisová Dana , Renčo Marek 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This study determined the effect of the invasive plant Fallopia japonica on soil physical properties, microbial respiration, microbial biomass carbon content, enzymatic activities, and soil nematode communities. We established in total 30 plots in three natural habitats (forest, grassland, wetland) that were either uninvaded or mostly monospecifically invaded by F. japonica. The soil physical and microbial properties differed among the investigated plots, but the differences were observed to be non-significant between the invaded and the uninvaded plots. Non-metric multidimensional scaling based on nematode species diversity indicated that the total number of identified nematode species and their abundance were higher in the uninvaded compare to the invaded plots. Negative effect of F. japonica on omnivores, plant parasites, and root-fungal feeder nematodes was confirmed by their lower abundance in the invaded compared to the uninvaded plots. In the invaded plots, we also confirmed lower Maturity and Channel index, but higher Enrichment index. Our results thus indicated that the invasive plant F. japonica could affect nematode communities, more than physical or microbial properties, regardless of habitat.
Description of Ektaphelenchus koreanus n. sp. (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchidae) with morphometrical notes on the Ektaphelenchus species
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Maria Munawar , Fang Yiwu , Liu Lele 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Ektaphelenchus koreanus n. sp. is isolated from Pinus packaging wood from Korea in Ningbo customs. The new species can be characterized by having four incisures in the lateral field, the excretory pore located posterior to nerve ring, female devoid of vulval flap, and having long post-vulval intestinal sac (55–106 μm), tail with a finely rounded terminus. Six caudal papillae in male and spicule short (12.7–13.7 μm), having broad squared to rounded condylus, triangular rounded rostrum, cucullus absent. Morphologically the species is most similar with E. berbericus, E. joyceae, E. oleae, E. ibericus, and E. taiwanensis but it can be differentiated by plenty of morphometrical and morphological characters. In addition, a morphometry table of Ektaphelenchus is also presented.
A Draft Genome Sequence of the Burrowing Nematode Radopholus similis
Authors: Mathew Reny , Burke Mark , Opperman Charles H. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Radopholus similis also known as the burrowing nematode is a devastating pest of banana (Musa spp.) and many economically important crops and ornamentals. In this publication, we present the genome assembly of R. similis.
Grassland Retention in the North America Midwest after Periods of High Commodity Prices and Climate Variability
Authors: Joshi Deepak R. , Ulrich‐Schad Jessica , Wang Tong , Dunn Barry H. , Clay Sharon A. , Bruggeman Stephanie A. , Clay David E. 
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas
Land use change models may overestimate the importance of commodity prices.
Nebraska grasslands relative to total working lands decreased 1.7% from 2006 to 2014.
South Dakota grasslands relative to total working lands decreased 3% from 2006 to 2014.
In 2012, 84,900 km2 of grassland suitable for crops remained as grasslands.
Land stewardship most likely was the reason why grassland was retained.
The conversion of grassland, wetlands, and forest to croplands may contribute to environmental degradation and diminished sustainability. This study determined the impact of land use change from 2006 to 2012 and from 2012 to 2014 on the cultivation suitability of grasslands that were not converted to cropland. The model system, which includes Nebraska and South Dakota, was selected because it contains climatic conditions ranging from humid continental to semiarid and a large number of farms that produced both crops and livestock. During the study, commodity prices reached historically high values, and a severe drought occurred in 2012. Land use benchmarks were obtained by visually identifying land use at 81,600 sample sites in high‐resolution remote sensing images obtained from the National Agricultural Imaging Program. Sampling sites with Land Capability Class values ≤4 were identified as suitable for cultivation if appropriate practices were followed. In 2006, 2012, and 2014, grasslands accounted for 11.0, 10.76, and 10.78 million ha in Nebraska, respectively, whereas in South Dakota, grasslands accounted for 12.12, 11.65, and 11.69 million ha, respectively. In Nebraska, the percentage of grasslands relative to working lands (grassland + croplands) decreased from 60.6% in 2006 to 58.9% in 2014, whereas in South Dakota the percentage of grassland decreased from 69.1% in 2006 to 66.0% in 2014. In eastern Nebraska and South Dakota, 74.1% of the nonconverted grasslands in 2012 were suitable for crop production. Lower‐than‐expected conversion rates were attributed to a growing interest in land stewardship and a desire to maintain income diversification.
Soil Water Dynamics with Spring Camelina in a Three‐Year Rotation in Washington's Winter Wheat–Fallow Region
Authors: Wuest Stewart B. , Schillinger William F. 
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas
The soil water dynamics of 3‐yr winter wheat–camelina–summer fallow and 2‐yr winter wheat–summer fallow rotations were measured for 8 yr.
At harvest, there was less soil water after camelina than after winter wheat in the 2‐yr rotation.
The water deficit persisted through the 13‐mo fallow period and decreased the yield of 3‐yr vs. 2‐yr winter wheat.
Increased cropping intensity may increase risk and variability in dry environments.
Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] of the Brassicaceae family is a short‐season drought‐ and frost‐tolerant oilseed. Camelina has been promoted as an alternative crop for the low‐precipitation (<350 mm annually) Mediterranean‐like climate region of the US inland Pacific Northwest, where a monoculture 2‐yr winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (WW)–summer fallow (SF) rotation is widely practiced. An 8‐yr experiment was conducted to compare a 3‐yr WW–camelina–SF rotation with the typical 2‐yr WW–SF rotation to analyze the soil water dynamics of these two crop rotations. Growing spring‐planted camelina reduced soil water content at the beginning of the fallow; this reduction resulted in an average of 21 mm less water at WW planting and a 170 kg ha‐1 reduction in grain yield compared with WW–SF. We show that (i) the deep‐rooted broadleaf weed Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) present in camelina most years was the most likely reason for greater in‐crop soil water use than with WW–SF, and (ii) the limited camelina residue was probably responsible for greater evaporative loss during the spring to late summer segment of the fallow. We report the first findings from the Pacific Northwest drylands of greater water use by a cool‐season spring crop versus WW and greater evaporative loss during the summer caused by lack of residue in a minimum‐tillage SF comparison. Here, extending the crop rotation to include camelina was costly in terms of water use, surface soil residue cover, soil water storage during the fallow, and WW grain yield.
A fault diagnosis method of bearing using energy spread spectrum and genetic algorithm
Authors: Ding Feng , Qiu Manyi , Chen Xuejiao 
Published: September 2019

Considering the shortcomings of the traditional energy spectrum algorithm applied to the rolling bearing fault diagnosis, which can only represent the tendency of fault feature transformation with a certain scale, but not adjacent scales contained. In this paper, we propose a fault diagnosis method of rolling bearing based on Support Vector Machine, combining energy spread spectrum and genetic optimization. The extracted signal is denoised and decomposed using wavelet packets, the energy spectrums and energy spread spectrums are calculated based on the decomposed different frequency signal components. The genetic algorithm is used to select the important parameters of the Support Vector Machine and bring the determined parameter values into the Support Vector Machine to generate the GA-SVM model. Then, energy spectrums and energy spread spectrums are inputted into GA-SVM as the characteristic parameters for identification. The experimental results show the two new points of energy spread spectrums and GA-SVM improve the diagnostic rate by up to 28.5 %, it can effectively improve the fault recognition rate of the rolling bearing.
Density Functional Theory Study of Antioxidant Adsorption onto Single- Wall Boron Nitride Nanotubes: Design of New Antioxidant Delivery Systems
Authors: Ghazanfary Samereh , Oroojalian Fatemeh , Yazdian-Robati Rezvan , Dadmehr Mehdi , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: September 2019

Background:Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) have recently emerged as an interesting field of study, because they could be used for the realization of developed, integrated and compact nanostructures to be formulated. BNNTs with similar surface morphology, alternating B and N atoms completely substitute for C atoms in a graphitic-like sheet with nearly no alterations in atomic spacing, with uniformity in dispersion in the solution, and readily applicable in biomedical applications with no obvious toxicity. Also demonstrating a good cell interaction and cell targeting.Aim and Objective:With a purpose of increasing the field of BNNT for drug delivery, a theoretical investigation of the interaction of Melatonin, Vitamin C, Glutathione and lipoic acid antioxidants using (9, 0) zigzag BNNTs is shown using density functional theory.Methods:The geometries corresponding to Melatonin, Vitamin C, Glutathione and lipoic acid and BNNT with different lengths were individually optimized with the DMOL3 program at the LDA/ DNP (fine) level of theory.Results:In the presence of external electric field Melatonin, Vitamin C, Glutathione and lipoic acid could be absorbed considerably on BNNT with lengths 22 and 29 Å, as the adsorption energy values in the presence of external electric field are considerably increased.Conclusion:The external electric field is an appropriate technique for adsorbing and storing antioxidants on BNNTs. Moreover, it is believed that applying the external electric field may be a proper method for controlling release rate of drugs.