bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study and FST Analysis Reveal Four Quantitative Trait Loci and Six Candidate Genes for Meat Color in Pigs
Authors: Liu Hang , Hou Liming , Zhou Wuduo , Wang Binbin , Han Pingping , Gao Chen , Niu Peipei , Zhang Zongping , Li Qiang , Huang Ruihua , Li Pinghua 
Published: April 2022

Meat color is the primary criterion by which consumers evaluate meat quality. However, there are a few candidate genes and molecular markers of meat color that were reported for pig molecular breeding. The purpose of the present study is to identify the candidate genes affecting meat color and provide the theoretical basis for meat color molecular breeding. A total of 306 Suhuai pigs were slaughtered, and meat color was evaluated at 45 min and 24 h after slaughter by CIELAB color space. All individuals were genotyped using GeneSeek GGP-Porcine 80K SNP BeadChip. The genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs), heritability, and genetic correlation of meat color were calculated by DMU software. The genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and the fixation index (FST) tests were performed to identify SNPs related to meat color, and the candidate genes within 1 Mb upstream and downstream of significant SNPs were screened by functional enrichment analysis. The heritability of L* 45 min, L* 24 h, a* 45 min, a* 24 h, b* 45 min, and b* 24 h was 0.20, 0.16, 0.30, 0.13, 0.29, and 0.22, respectively. The genetic correlation between a* (a* 45 min and a* 24 h) and L* (L* 45 min and L* 24 h) is strong, whereas the genetic correlation between b* 45 min and b* 24 h is weak. Forty-nine significant SNPs associated with meat color were identified through GWAS and FST tests. Among these SNPs, 34 SNPs were associated with L* 45 min within a 5-Mb region on Sus scrofa chromosome 11 (SSC11); 22 SNPs were associated with a* 45 min within a 14.72-Mb region on SSC16; six SNPs were associated with b* 45 min within a 4.22-Mb region on SSC13; 11 SNPs were associated with b* 24 h within a 2.12-Mb region on SSC3. These regions did not overlap with meat color–associated QTLs reported previously. Moreover, six candidate genes (HOMER1, PIK3CG, PIK3CA, VCAN, FABP3, and FKBP1B), functionally related to muscle development, phosphatidylinositol phosphorylation, and lipid binding, were detected around these significant SNPs. Taken together, our results provide a set of potential molecular markers for the genetic improvement of meat color in pigs.
Effect of Multi-Source Ultrasonic on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Large Scale 2219 Al Alloy Ingot During Casting
Authors: Li Anqing , Jiang Ripeng , Liu Zhilin , Li Ruiqing , Zhang Yun 
Published: April 2022

Usage of high-energy ultrasonic vibration is an effective approach that can dramatically improve the performance of large-scale ingots. In this work, it was applied to manufacture large 2219 aluminum alloy ingots (630 mm in diameter and 4,500 mm in length). The degassing efficiency, the average size of α-Al grains, the morphology of the Al2Cu phase under double-source ultrasound (DSU), and three-source ultrasound (TSU) were compared. Meanwhile, the influence of the ultrasonic field on the macroscopic segregation of the Cu content and mechanical properties was scientifically investigated. It was found that the degassing efficiency of TSU was significantly higher than that of DSU. The results also indicated that α-Al grains were effectively refined under the TSU technology from the center to the edge of the ingot. Additionally, the distribution of the macroscopic Cu content was more uniform, and the area fraction of the Al2Cu phase was evidently decreased. The mechanical properties of the ingot were superior to samples with DSU technology. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the stress concentration of the coarse Al2Cu phase at the center of the DSU process led to the deterioration of the mechanical properties.
Long-Term Observation of Higher-Order Aberrations and Microdistortions in Bowman’s Layer After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for the Correcting Myopia With Spherical Equivalent Higher Than −9.0 Diopters
Authors: Zhou Xueyi , Qin Bing , Han Tian , Shang Jianmin , Chen Zhuoyi , Zhao Jing , Yao Peijun , Zhou Xingtao 
Published: April 2022

PurposeTo evaluate the outcomes in corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and microdistortions in the Bowman’s layer after femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for correcting extremely high myopia.MethodsThis prospective study included patients with myopia with spherical equivalent ≥ -9.0 Diopters (D). SMILE was performed in forty eyes of 40 patients. Pentacam was used to evaluate HOAs before and at 1 day, 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years after surgery. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography was used to evaluate microdistortions at 2 years postoperatively. Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients receiving femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) were enrolled as the control group. HOAs were measured before, at 1 day and at least 1 year postoperatively.ResultsAfter SMILE, the long-term safety and effectiveness index was 1.25 and 0.85, respectively. Microdistortions were observed in 73.5% of the eyes at 2 years, with an average number of 1.20 ± 1.22 microdistortions and an average width of 287.37 ± 259.00 μm. We detected more microdistortions in the horizontal meridian than in the vertical meridian (p = 0.035). The average number and width of microdistortions were both higher in the central region (≤4 mm) than in the peripheral region (4–8 mm) (both p &lt; 0.001). With the exception of horizontal trefoil in the SMILE group and vertical trefoil in the FS-LASIK group, significant changes over time were observed in all other HOAs (all p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, we detected significant increases in the total corneal HOA, spherical aberration (SA), and coma at all time-points after both surgeries (all p &lt; 0.01). Compared with FS-LASIK, SMILE induced less SA (p &lt; 0.001) and more horizontal coma (p = 0.036). In the SMILE group, the HOA, SA, and trefoil were more in the small optical zone (≤6.0 mm) than in the large optical zone (&gt;6.0 mm) (all p &lt; 0.05). The increase in SA and most trefoil correlated with the mean number of central microdistortions number (all p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionFor myopia over −9.0D, the microdistortions in the Bowman’s layer were still detectable in most eyes long-term after SMILE. Both SMILE and FS-LASIK induced more HOAs, mainly HOA, SA, and coma. The small optical zone and microdistortions may affect postoperative aberrations.
Simulation-Based Medical Education and Training Enhance Anesthesia Residents' Proficiency in Erector Spinae Plane Block
Authors: Torrano Vito , Zadek Francesco , Bugada Dario , Cappelleri Gianluca , Russo Gianluca , Tinti Giulia , Giorgi Antonio , Langer Thomas , Fumagalli Roberto 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundAdvances in regional anesthesia and pain management led to the advent of ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks, which represent a new and promising route for the administration of local anesthetics. Both practical and theoretical knowledge of locoregional anesthesia are therefore becoming fundamental, requiring specific training programs for residents. Simulation-based medical education and training (SBET) has been recently applied to ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) with remarkable results. With this in mind, the anesthesia and intensive care residency program of the University of Milano-Bicocca organized a 4-h regional anesthesia training workshop with the BlockSim® (Accurate Srl, Cesena) simulator. Our study aimed to measure the residents' improvement in terms of reduction in time required to achieve an erector spinae plane (ESP) block.MethodsFifty-two first-year anesthesia residents were exposed to a 4-h training workshop focused on peripheral blocks. The course included an introductory theoretical session held by a locoregional anesthetist expert, a practical training on human models and mannequins using Onvision® (B. Braun, Milano) technologies, and two test performances on the BlockSim simulator. Residents were asked to perform two ESP blocks on the BlockSim: the first without previous practice on the simulator, the second at the end of the course. Trainees were also also asked to complete a self-assessment questionnaire.ResultsThe time needed to achieve the block during the second attempt was significantly shorter (131 [83, 198] vs. 68 [27, 91] s, p &lt; 0.001). We also observed a reduction in the number of needle insertions from 3 [2, 7] to 2 [1, 4] (p = 0.002), and an improvement aiming correctly at the ESP from 30 (58%) to 46 (88%) (p &lt; 0.001). Forty-nine (94%) of the residents reported to have improved their regional anesthesia knowledge, 38 (73%) perceived an improvement in their technical skills and 46 (88%) of the trainees declared to be “satisfied/very satisfied” with the course.ConclusionsA 4-h hands-on course based on SBET may enhance first-year residents' UGRA ability, decrease the number of punctures and time needed to perform the ESP block, and improve the correct aim of the fascia.
Association of Endogenous Erythropoietin Levels and Iron Status With Cognitive Functioning in the General Population
Authors: Ayerdem Gizem , Bosma Matthijs J. , Vinke Joanna Sophia J. , Ziengs Aaltje L. , Potgieser Adriaan R. E. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , De Borst Martin H. , Eisenga Michele F. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundEmerging data suggest that erythropoietin (EPO) promotes neural plasticity and that iron homeostasis is needed to maintain normal physiological brain function. Cognitive functioning could therefore be influenced by endogenous EPO levels and disturbances in iron status.ObjectiveTo determine whether endogenous EPO levels and disturbances in iron status are associated with alterations in cognitive functioning in the general population.Materials and MethodsCommunity-dwelling individuals from the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) study, a general population-based cohort in Groningen, Netherlands, were surveyed between 2003 and 2006. Additionally, endogenous EPO levels and iron status, consisting of serum iron, transferrin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed by scores on the Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT), as a reflection of executive function, and the Visual Association Test (VAT), as a reflection of associative memory.ResultsAmong 851 participants (57% males; mean age 60 ± 13 years), higher endogenous EPO levels were independently associated with an improved cognitive function, reflected by RFFT scores (ß = 0.09, P = 0.008). In multivariable backward linear regression analysis, EPO levels were among the most important modifiable determinants of RFFT scores (ß = 0.09, P = 0.002), but not of VAT scores. Of the iron status parameters, only serum ferritin levels were inversely associated with cognitive function, reflected by VAT scores, in multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.95; P = 0.02 for high performance on VAT, i.e., ≥11 points). No association between iron status parameters and RFFT scores was identified.ConclusionThe findings suggest that endogenous EPO levels and serum ferritin levels are associated with specific cognitive functioning tests in the general population. Higher EPO levels are associated with better RFFT scores, implying better executive function. Serum ferritin levels, but not other iron status parameters, were inversely associated with high performance on the VAT score, implying a reduced ability to create new memories and recall recent past. Further research is warranted to unravel underlying mechanisms and possible benefits of therapeutic interventions.
Safety and Efficacy of Early Rehabilitation After Stroke Using Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Wei , Wei Ming , Cheng Yuanyuan , Zhao Hua , Du Hutao , Hou Weijia , Yu Yang , Zhu Zhizhong , Qiu Lina , Zhang Tao , Wu Jialing 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundEarly rehabilitation (ER) has been reported to be both safe and feasible for patients' post-stroke. To date, however, ER-related outcomes concerning patients who have undergone mechanical thrombectomy (MT) have not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of ER and whether it improves prognosis in such patients.MethodsIn this single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled study involving 103 patients who met the study criteria (i.e., has undergone MT), we randomly divided patients (1:1) into ER and conventional rehabilitation groups. The primary outcome was mortality, while secondary outcomes included favorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale of 0–2), the incidence of non-fatal complications, and Barthel Index (BI) scores. We assessed outcomes at 3 months and 1-year post-stroke.ResultsNo significant between-group differences were found in terms of mortality and favorable outcomes at 3 months and 1-year post-stroke. At 3 months, 15 (28.8%) patients in the ER group and 29 (56.9%) in the conventional rehabilitation group (p = 0.002) had non-fatal complications. The BI in the ER and conventional rehabilitation groups was 100 (85–100) and 87.5 (60–100), respectively, (p = 0.007). At 1 year, the incidence of non-fatal complications was similar between both groups [BI in the ER group, 100 (90–100), p = 0.235; BI in the conventional rehabilitation group, 90 (63.8–100); p = 0.003].ConclusionEarly rehabilitation (ER) reduces the incidence of early immobility-related complications and effectively improves patients' activities of daily living on a short- and long-term basis. Our results indicate that MT contributes to ER in patients with stroke.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR1900022665.
Temporal Changes in Serum S100B Levels From Prehospital to Early In-Hospital Sampling in Patients Suffering Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Seidenfaden Sophie-Charlott , Kjerulff Julie Linding , Juul Niels , Kirkegaard Hans , Fogh Møller Mette , Bloch Münster Anna-Marie , Thingemann Bøtker Morten 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe biomarker S100B is used for the rule-out of intracranial lesions in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is suggested for prehospital use in Europe. Early kinetics of S100B are not exhaustively investigated in human TBI. This post hoc descriptive study of the data from the PreTBI studies aimed to characterize the early temporal changes of S100B using two-sample timepoints.Materials and MethodsTwo consecutive blood samples were taken prehospital and in-hospital after injury and assayed for S100B. The endpoint adjudication of the outcome intracranial lesion was done by the evaluation of electronic medical patient journals. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, scatterplots, and temporal changes estimated by the locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) regression line.ResultsA total of 592 adult patients with TBI were included; 566 with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 14-15, 20 with GCS 9-13, and 6 with GCS 3-8. Intracranial lesions were diagnosed in 44/566 (7.4%) of patients. In 90% of patients, S100B concentrations decreased from prehospital to in-hospital sampling. The mean decrease was−0.34 μg/L. S100B concentrations seem to decline already within 60 min. Patients sampled very close to trauma and patients suffering intracranial lesions may express a slight incline before this decline. Temporal changes of S100B did not differ in patients &gt;65 years of age, in antiplatelet/-coagulant treatment, alcohol intoxicated, or suffering extra-cranial injuries.ConclusionS100B concentrations may peak earlier than expected from previous studies of temporal changes in human TBI. Patterns of S100B stand robust to parameters stated as limiting factors to the use for early rule-out of intracranial lesions in the current guidelines. Further studies are needed to investigate the ultra-early temporal profiles of other novel TBI biomarkers to assess prehospital applicability and optimal diagnostic performance in TBI.
Aberrant Inter-hemispheric Connectivity in Patients With Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder: A Multimodal MRI Study
Authors: Zheng Guo , Yingli Zhang , Shengli Chen , Zhifeng Zhou , Bo Peng , Gangqiang Hou , Yingwei Qiu 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveInter-hemispheric network dysconnectivity has been well-documented in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it has remained unclear how structural networks between bilateral hemispheres relate to inter-hemispheric functional dysconnectivity and depression severity in MDD. Our study attempted to investigate the alterations in corpus callosum macrostructural and microstructural as well as inter-hemispheric homotopic functional connectivity (FC) in patients with recurrent MDD and to determine how these alterations are related with depressive severity.Materials and MethodsResting-state functional MRI (fMRI), T1WI anatomical images and diffusion tensor MRI of the whole brain were performed in 140 MDD patients and 44 normal controls matched for age, sex, years of education. We analyzed the macrostructural and microstructural integrity as well as voxel-mirrored homotopic functional connectivity (VMHC) of corpus callosum (CC) and its five subregion. Two-sample t-test was used to investigate the differences between the two groups. Significant subregional metrics were correlated with depression severity by spearman's correlation analysis, respectively.ResultsCompared with control subjects, MDD patients had significantly attenuated inter-hemispheric homotopic FC in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, and impaired anterior CC microstructural integrity (each comparison had a corrected P &lt; 0.05), whereas CC macrostructural measurements remained stable. In addition, disruption of anterior CC microstructural integrity correlated with a reduction in FC in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, which correlated with depression severity in MDD patients. Furthermore, disruption of anterior CC integrity exerted an indirect influence on depression severity in MDD patients through an impairment of inter-hemispheric homotopic FC.ConclusionThese findings may help to advance our understanding of the neurobiological basis of depression by identifying region-specific interhemispheric dysconnectivity.
Risk Factors for Unilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Ge Xiuhong , Wang Luoyu , Pan Lei , Ye Haiqi , Zhu Xiaofen , Feng Qi , Ding Zhongxiang 
Published: April 2022

PurposeNeurovascular compression (NVC) is considered as the main factor leading to the classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN), and a part of idiopathic TN (ITN) may be caused by NVC (ITN-nvc). This study aimed to explore the risk factors for unilateral CTN or ITN-nvc (UC-ITN), which have bilateral NVC, using machine learning (ML).MethodsA total of 89 patients with UC-ITN were recruited prospectively. According to whether there was NVC on the unaffected side, patients with UC-ITN were divided into two groups. All patients underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The bilateral cisternal segment of the trigeminal nerve was manually delineated, which avoided the offending vessel (Ofv), and the features were extracted. Dimensionality reduction, feature selection, model construction, and model evaluation were performed step-by-step.ResultsFour textural features with greater weight were selected in patients with UC-ITN without NVC on the unaffected side. For UC-ITN patients with NVC on the unaffected side, six textural features with greater weight were selected. The textural features (rad_score) showed significant differences between the affected and unaffected sides (p &lt; 0.05). The nomogram model had optimal diagnostic power, and the area under the curve (AUC) in the training and validation cohorts was 0.76 and 0.77, respectively. The Ofv and rad_score were the risk factors for UC-ITN according to nomogram.ConclusionBesides NVC, the texture features of trigeminal-nerve cisternal segment and Ofv were also the risk factors for UC-ITN. These findings provided a basis for further exploration of the microscopic etiology of UC-ITN.
Folate, Vitamin B12, and Homocysteine Levels in Women With Neural Tube Defect-Affected Pregnancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kucha Winner , Seifu Daniel , Tirsit Abenezer , Yigeremu Mahlet , Abebe Markos , Hailu Dawit , Tsehay Dareskedar , Genet Solomon 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundNeural tube defects (NTDs) are prevalent congenital defects associated with pre-pregnancy diet with low levels of maternal folate. They are linked to severe morbidity, disability, and mortality, as well as psychological and economic burdens.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine the levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine in the blood of women who had a pregnancy impacted by NTDs.Subjects and MethodsA hospital-based case–control study was undertaken between September 2019 and August 2020. The study comprised a total of 100 cases and 167 controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine in the serum.ResultsOnly 39% of the cases and 54.5% of control mothers reported periconceptional use of folic acid/multivitamin, which indicated a statistically significant difference (p = 0.014). Logistic regression indicated that periconceptional use of folic acid/multivitamin was associated with NTDs (p = 0.015, OR = 1.873, 95% CI: 1.131–3.101). We found that 57% of the cases and 33.5% of controls, as well as 43% of cases and 20.4% of controls had serum folate and vitamin B12 levels below the cut-off value, respectively. Twenty-seven percent of the cases and 6.6% of controls had hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The median concentrations of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine in cases and controls were 4.78 and 8.86 ng/ml; 266.23 and 455 pg/ml; 13.43 and 9.7 μmol/l, respectively. The median concentration of folate (p &lt; 0.001) and vitamin B12 (p &lt; 0.001) were significantly lower in the cases than controls, while the homocysteine concentration (p &lt; 0.001) was significantly lower in the controls than cases. Folate [OR (95% CI) = 1.652 (1.226–2.225; p = 0.001)], vitamin B12 [OR (95% CI) = 1.890 (1.393–2.565; p &lt; 0.001], and homocysteine [OR (95% CI) = 0.191 (0.09–0.405; p &lt; 0.001)] levels were associated with NTDs.ConclusionFolate and vitamin B12 are deficient in both cases and control mothers. The lower levels of folate and vitamin B12 with an elevated homocysteine level in NTD-affected pregnancy may be an indication that these biochemical variables were risk factors for NTDs. Folate/multivitamin supplementation and/or food fortification should be promoted.