bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of magnesium transporter gene family in grape (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Ge Mengqing , Zhong Rong , Sadeghnezhad Ehsan , Hakeem Abdul , Xiao Xin , Wang Peipei , Fang Jinggui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Magnesium ion is one of the essential mineral elements for plant growth and development, which participates in a variety of physiological and biochemical processes. Since there is no report on the research of magnesium ion transporter in grape, the study of the structure and function of magnesium ion transporters (MGT) is helpful to understand the dynamic balance mechanism of intracellular magnesium ions and their inter- or intra-cellular activities.

Result
In this study, we identified the members of MGT protein family in grape and performed the phylogenetic and expression analysis. We have identified nine VvMGT genes in grape genome, which are distributed on eight different chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MGT family members of grapes were divided into five subfamilies and had obvious homology with Arabidopsis, maize, and pear. Based on transcriptome data from the web databases, we analyzed the expression patterns of VvMGTs at different development stages and in response to abiotic stresses including waterlogging, drought, salinity, and copper. Using qRT-PCR method, we tested the expression of grape VvMGTs under magnesium and aluminum treatments and found significant changes in VvMGTs expression. In addition, four of the MGT proteins in grape were located in the nucleus.

Conclusion
Overall, in this study we investigated the structural characteristics, evolution pattern, and expression analysis of VvMGTs in depth, which laid the foundation for further revealing the function of VvMGT genes in grape.
Characterisation of the Mentha canadensis R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene McMIXTA and its involvement in peltate glandular trichome development
Authors: Qi Xiwu , Chen Zequn , Yu Xu , Li Li , Bai Yang , Fang Hailing , Liang Chengyuan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Mentha canadensis L. has important economic value for the production of essential oils, which are synthesised, secreted and stored in peltate glandular trichomes. As a typical multicellular secretory trichome, glandular trichomes are important biological factories for the synthesis of some specialised metabolites. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of glandular trichome development in M. canadensis.

Results
In this study, the R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene McMIXTA was isolated to investigate its function in glandular trichome development. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that McMIXTA belonged to the subgroup 9 R2R3-MYB, with a R2R3 DNA-binding domain and conserved subgroup 9 motifs. A subcellular localisation assay indicated that McMIXTA was localised in the nucleus. Transactivation analysis indicated that McMIXTA was a positive regulator, with transactivation regions located between positions N253 and N307. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that McMIXTA formed a complex with McHD-Zip3, a trichome development-related HD-ZIP IV transcription factor. Overexpression of McMIXTA in Mentha × piperita L. caused an increase in peltate glandular trichomes density of approximately 25% on the leaf abaxial surface.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that the subgroup 9 R2R3-MYB transcription factor McMIXTA has a positive effect on regulating peltate glandular trichome development and the MIXTA/HD-ZIP IV complexes might be conserved regulators for glandular trichome initiation. These results provide useful information for revealing the regulatory mechanism of multicellular glandular trichome development.
Evaluation of electronic recruitment efforts of primary care providers as research subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mazurenko Olena , Sanner Lindsey , Apathy Nate C. , Mamlin Burke W. , Menachemi Nir , Adams Meredith C. B. , Hurley Robert W. , Erazo Saura Fortin , Harle Christopher A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Recruiting healthcare providers as research subjects often rely on in-person recruitment strategies. Little is known about recruiting provider participants via electronic recruitment methods. In this study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we describe and evaluate a primarily electronic approach to recruiting primary care providers (PCPs) as subjects in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a decision support intervention.

Methods
We adapted an existing framework for healthcare provider research recruitment, employing an electronic consent form and a mix of brief synchronous video presentations, email, and phone calls to recruit PCPs into the RCT. To evaluate the success of each electronic strategy, we estimated the number of consented PCPs associated with each strategy, the number of days to recruit each PCP and recruitment costs.

Results
We recruited 45 of 63 eligible PCPs practicing at ten primary care clinic locations over 55 days. On average, it took 17 business days to recruit a PCP (range 0–48) and required three attempts (range 1–7). Email communication from the clinic leaders led to the most successful recruitments, followed by brief synchronous video presentations at regularly scheduled clinic meetings. We spent approximately $89 per recruited PCP. We faced challenges of low email responsiveness and limited opportunities to forge relationships.

Conclusion
PCPs can be efficiently recruited at low costs as research subjects using primarily electronic communications, even during a time of high workload and stress. Electronic peer leader outreach and synchronous video presentations may be particularly useful recruitment strategies.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04295135. Registered 04 March 2020.
Incidence and predictors of organ failure among COVID-19 hospitalized adult patients in Eastern Ethiopia. Hospital-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Birhanu Abdi , Ayana Galana Mamo , Merga Bedasa Taye , Alemu Addisu , Negash Belay , Seid Ahmed , Dessie Yadeta 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Organ failure is incapability of at least one of the body organs to carry out a normal body functions. Identifying the predictors of the organ failure is crucial for improving COVID-19 patients’ survival. However, the evidence related to this information is not well-established in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of organ failure among adult patients admitted to Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital (HFSUH) COVID-19 treatment center from 1st May 2020 to 20th August 2021, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods
A hospital-based retrospective cohort study design was implemented. Descriptive measures such as mean with standard deviation (SD), median with interquartile range (IQR), percentages, and frequencies were computed. The binary logistic regression was used to identify the association between outcome variables (organ functional status) and independent variables with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval. A significance level was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results
The mean age of study participants was 47.69 years with the standard deviation (SD) of ± 17.03. The study participants were followed for the median time of 8 days with IQR of 4, 14. The incidence of organ failure was 11.9 per 1000 person-day contribution (95% CI: 9.5, 14.9). Predictors such as age above 60 years (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.44, 4.53), smoking history (AOR = 5.07, 95% CI: 1.39, 8.15), cardiovascular disease (AOR = 5.00, 95% CI: (1.83, 11.72), and critical clinical stages of COVID-19 (AOR = 5.42, 95%: 1.47, 14. 84) were significantly associated with organ failure among COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Conclusions
The incidence of organ failure was 11.9 per 1000 person-day contribution. Age, smoking, comorbidity, and clinical stages were significantly associated with organ failure among COVID-19 hospitalized cases. Therefore, clinicians should stringently follow the patients experiencing modifiable predictors of organ failure, especially patients with comorbidities and severe clinical stages. Moreover, the prevention programs that target elders and smokers should be strengthening to save this segment of populations before suffering from organ failure following COVID-19.
Preoperative prediction of extramural venous invasion in rectal cancer by dynamic contrast-enhanced and diffusion weighted MRI: a preliminary study
Authors: Ao Weiqun , Zhang Xian , Yao Xiuzhen , Zhu Xiandi , Deng Shuitang , Feng Jianju 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
To explore the value of the quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters in assessing preoperative extramural venous invasion (EMVI) in rectal cancer.

Methods
Eighty-two rectal adenocarcinoma patients who had underwent MRI preoperatively were enrolled in this study. The differences in quantitative DCE-MRI and DWI parameters including Krans, Kep and ADC values were analyzed between MR-detected EMVI (mrEMVI)-positive and -negative groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to build the combined prediction model for pathologic EMVI (pEMVI) with statistically significant quantitative parameters. The performance of the model for predicting pEMVI was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
Of the 82 patients, 24 were mrEMVI-positive and 58 were -negative. In the mrEMVI positive group, the Ktrans and Kep values were significantly higher than those in the mrEMVI negative group (P < 0.01), but the ADC values were significantly lower (P < 0.01). A negative correlation was observed between the Ktrans vs ADC values and Kep vs ADC values in patients with rectal cancer. Among the four quantitative parameters, Ktrans and ADC value were independently associated with mrEMVI by multivariate logistic regression analysis. ROC analysis showed that combined prediction model based on quantitative DCE parameters and ADC values had a good prediction efficiency for pEMVI in rectal cancer.

Conclusion
The quantitative DCE-MRI parameters, Krans, Kep and ADC values play important role in predicting EMVI of rectal cancer, with Ktrans and ADC value being independent predictors of EMVI in rectal cancer.
The effect of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors on continuous and binary kidney outcomes in subgroups of patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Alsalemi Noor , Sadowski Cheryl A. , Elftouh Naoual , Louis Maudeline , Kilpatrick Kelley , Houle Sherilyn K. D. , Lafrance Jean-Philippe 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of kidney failure. Clinical practice guidelines recommend prescribing renin–angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) to prevent diabetic nephropathy at any stage. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of RAASi with placebo and other antihypertensive agents in adults with diabetes on continuous and binary kidney outcomes to provide a comprehensive review of the class effect of RAASi on several subgroups.

Methods
A systematic electronic search to identify randomized clinical trials of a duration of ≥ 12 months that recruited ≥ 50 adult participants with type 1 or 2 diabetes with any stage of chronic kidney disease and proteinuria was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane library with no language restriction. Studies were screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two reviewers independently.

Results
In this meta-analysis, evidence was drawn from 26,551 patients with diabetes from 46 studies. Our analysis shows that RAASi were better than placebo in reducing SrCr (the raw mean difference [RMD] = -13.4 μmol/L; 95%CI: -16.78; -10.01) and albuminuria levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1; 95%CI: -1.57, -0.44, I2 = 96%). When compared to other active treatments, RAASi did not reduce SrCr (RMD = 0.03 μmol/L; 95%CI: -6.4, 6.10, I2 = 76%), caused a non-significant reduction of GFR levels (RMD = -1.21 mL/min; 95%CI: -4.52, 2.09, I2 = 86%), and resulted in modest reduction of albuminuria levels (SMD = -0.55; 95%CI: -0.95, -0.16, I2 = 90%). RAASi were superior to placebo in reducing the risks of kidney failure (OR = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.56, 0.97) and doubling of serum creatinine levels (SrCr; OR = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.55, 0.91), but not in promoting the regression of albuminuria (OR = 3.00; 95%CI: 0.96, 9.37). RAASi, however, were not superior to other antihypertensives in reducing the risks of these outcomes. Patients with type 2 diabetes, macroalbuminuria and longer duration of diabetes had less risk of developing kidney failure in placebo-controlled trials, while longer duration of diabetes, normal kidney function, and hypertension increased the probability of achieving regression of albuminuria in active-controlled trials.

Conclusion
While our findings revealed the non-superiority of RAASi over other antihypertensives and portrayed a class effect on several subgroups of study participants, it raised a challenging question on whether RAASi deserve their place as first-line therapy in managing diabetic nephropathy.
Comprehensive analysis of the associations between clinical factors and outcomes by machine learning, using post marketing surveillance data of cabazitaxel in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Kazama Hirotaka , Kawaguchi Osamu , Seto Takeshi , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Matsubara Nobuaki , Tajima Yuki , Fukao Taro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
We aimed to evaluate relationships between clinical outcomes and explanatory variables by network clustering analysis using data from a post marketing surveillance (PMS) study of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients.

Methods
The PMS was a prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients with metastatic, docetaxel-refractory CRPC treated with cabazitaxel in Japan after its launch in 2014. Graphical Markov (GM) model-based simulations and network clustering in ‘R’ package were conducted to identify correlations between clinical factors and outcomes. Factors shown to be associated with overall survival (OS) in the machine learning analysis were confirmed according to the clinical outcomes observed in the PMS.

Results
Among the 660 patients analyzed, median patient age was 70.0 years, and median OS and time-to-treatment failure (TTF) were 319 and 116 days, respectively. In GM-based simulations, factors associated with OS were liver metastases, performance status (PS), TTF, and neutropenia (threshold 0.05), and liver metastases, PS, and TTF (threshold 0.01). Factors associated with TTF were OS and relative dose intensity (threshold 0.05), and OS (threshold 0.01). In network clustering in ‘R’ package, factors associated with OS were number of treatment cycles, discontinuation due to disease progression, and TTF (threshold 0.05), and liver and lung metastases, PS, discontinuation due to adverse events, and febrile neutropenia (threshold 0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis of patient subgroups demonstrated that visceral metastases and poor PS at baseline were associated with worse OS, while neutropenia or febrile neutropenia and higher number of cabazitaxel cycles were associated with better OS.

Conclusions
Neutropenia may be a predictive factor for treatment efficacy in terms of survival. Poor PS and distant metastases to the liver and lungs were shown to be associated with worse outcomes, while factors related to treatment duration were shown to positively correlate with better OS.
Interventions to improve social circumstances of people with mental health conditions: a rapid evidence synthesis
Authors: Barnett Phoebe , Steare Thomas , Dedat Zainab , Pilling Stephen , McCrone Paul , Knapp Martin , Cooke Eleanor , Lamirel Daphne , Dawson Sarah , Goldblatt Peter , Hatch Stephani , Henderson Claire , Jenkins Rachel , K T , Machin Karen , Simpson Alan , Shah Prisha , Stevens Martin , Webber Martin , Johnson Sonia , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundPoor social circumstances can induce, exacerbate and prolong symptoms of mental health conditions, while having a mental health condition can also lead to worse social outcomes. Many people with mental health conditions prioritise improvement in social and functional outcomes over reduction in clinical symptoms. Interventions that improve social circumstances in this population should thus be considered a priority for research and policy.MethodsThis rapid evidence synthesis reports on randomised controlled trials of interventions to improve social circumstances across eight social domains (Housing and homelessness; money and basic needs; work and education; social isolation and connectedness; family, intimate and caring relationships; victimisation and exploitation; offending; and rights, inclusion and citizenship) in people with mental health conditions. Economic evaluations were also identified. A comprehensive, stepped search approach of the Cochrane library, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted.ResultsOne systematic review and 102 randomised controlled trials were included. We did not find RCT evidence for interventions to improve family, intimate and caring relationships and only one or two trials for each of improving money and basic needs, victimisation and exploitation, and rights, inclusion and citizenship. Evidence from successful interventions in improving homelessness (Housing First) and employment (Individual Placement and Support) suggests that high-intensity interventions which focus on the desired social outcome and provide comprehensive multidisciplinary support could influence positive change in social circumstances of people with mental health conditions. Objective social isolation could be improved using a range of approaches such as supported socialisation and social skills training but interventions to reduce offending showed few benefits. Studies with cost and cost-effectiveness components were generally supportive of interventions to improve housing and vocational outcomes. More research is needed to ensure that social circumstances accompanied by high risks of further exacerbation of mental health conditions are adequately addressed.ConclusionsAlthough there is a large body of literature examining how to support some aspects of life for people with mental health conditions, more high-quality evidence is required in other social domains. Integration into mental health services of interventions targeting social circumstances could significantly improve a number of social outcomes.
Understanding the effect of loneliness on unemployment: propensity score matching
Authors: Morrish N , Mujica-Mota R , Medina-Lara A 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Loneliness and unemployment are each detrimental to health and well-being. Recent evidence suggests a potential bidirectional relationship between loneliness and unemployment in working age individuals. As most existing research focuses on the outcomes of unemployment, this paper seeks to understand the impact of loneliness on unemployment, potential interaction with physical health, and assess bidirectionality in the working age population.

Methods
This study utilised data from waves 9 (2017–19) and 10 (2018–2020) of the Understanding Society UK Household Longitudinal Study. Nearest-neighbour probit propensity score matching with at least one match was used to infer causality by mimicking randomisation. Analysis was conducted in three steps: propensity score estimation; matching; and stratification. Propensity scores were estimated controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, household composition, number of own children in household and region. Findings were confirmed in panel data random effect models, and heterogeneous treatment effects assessed by the matching-smoothing method.

Results
Experience of loneliness in at least one wave increased the probability of being unemployed in wave 10 by 17.5 [95%CI: 14.8, 20.2] percentage points. Subgroup analysis revealed a greater effect from sustained than transitory loneliness. Further exploratory analysis identified a positive average treatment effect, of smaller magnitude, for unemployment on loneliness suggesting bidirectionality in the relationship. The impact of loneliness on unemployment was further exacerbated by interaction with physical health.

Conclusions
This is the first study to directly consider the potentially bidirectional relationship between loneliness and unemployment through analysis of longitudinal data from a representative sample of the working age population. Findings reinforce the need for greater recognition of wider societal impacts of loneliness. Given the persisting and potentially scarring effects of both loneliness and unemployment on health and the economy, prevention of both experiences is key. Decreased loneliness could mitigate unemployment, and employment abate loneliness, which may in turn relate positively to other factors including health and quality of life. Thus, particular attention should be paid to loneliness with additional support from employers and government to improve health and well-being.
A mixed methods investigation of the relationship between blood donor policy, interest in donation, and willingness to donate among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Armstrong JP , Brennan David J. , Collict David , Kesler Maya , Bekele Tsegaye , Souleymanov Rusty , Grace Daniel , Lachowsky Nathan J. , Hart Trevor A. , Adam Barry D. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
As of 2019, men who have sex with men (MSM) in Canada are ineligible to donate blood if they have had oral or anal sex with another man in the last 3 months. Deferral policies targeting MSM are largely interpreted as unjust by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) – shaping their desire to donate blood and engage with blood operators. This mixed methods study explores interest in blood donation among GBMSM as well as willingness (and eligibility) to donate under four different deferral policies.

Methods
We surveyed 447 GBMSM who were recruited from the Ontario-wide #iCruise study. Participants were asked whether they were interested in blood donation and if they were willing to donate under each of our four deferral policies. We also completed interviews with 31 of these GBMSM. Participants were asked to describe their feelings about blood donation, their views on our different deferral policies, the impact of a policy change, as well as other means of redress.

Results
Most participants (69%) indicated that they were interested in donating blood. Despite this, an interpretation of the MSM deferral policy as discriminatory was common among all participants. Our mixed methods findings indicate that, among those who were interested in blood donation, the adoption of one of the alternative policies presented in this study (specifically Policy 2 or Policy 3) would significantly increase the number of participants willing to donate and be viewed as “a step in the right direction.” However, many participants who were not interested in blood donation argued that a gender-neutral deferral policy would need to be implemented for them to donate. Participants recommended that blood operators consider efforts to repair relations with GBMSM beyond policy change, including pop-up clinics in predominantly queer areas and diversity sensitivity training for staff.

Conclusion
We argue that the most impactful policy shift would be the implementation of an individual risk-based deferral policy that is applied to all donors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, given MSM’s historical exclusion from blood donations, blood operators should pair this policy shift with community relationship-building efforts.