bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population genomics of Zea species identifies selection signatures during maize domestication and adaptation
Authors: Xu Gen , Zhang Xuan , Chen Wenkang , Zhang Renyu , Li Zhi , Wen Weiwei , Warburton Marilyn L. , Li Jiansheng , Li Huihui , Yang Xiaohong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Maize (Zea mays L. ssp. mays) was domesticated from teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) about 9000 years ago in southwestern Mexico and adapted to a range of environments worldwide. Researchers have depicted the maize domestication and adaptation processes over the past two decades, but efforts have been limited either in sample size or genetic diversity. To better understand these processes, we conducted a genome-wide survey of 982 maize inbred lines and 190 teosinte accessions using over 40,000 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers.

Results
Population structure, principal component analysis, and phylogenetic trees all confirmed the evolutionary relationship between maize and teosinte, and determined the evolutionary lineage of all species within teosinte. Shared haplotype analysis showed similar levels of ancestral alleles from Zea mays ssp. parviglumis and Zea mays ssp. mexicana in maize. Scans for selection signatures identified 394 domestication sweeps by comparing wild and cultivated maize and 360 adaptation sweeps by comparing tropical and temperate maize. Permutation tests revealed that the public association signals for flowering time were highly enriched in the domestication and adaptation sweeps. Genome-wide association study identified 125 loci significantly associated with flowering-time traits, ten of which identified candidate genes that have undergone selection during maize adaptation.

Conclusions
In this study, we characterized the history of maize domestication and adaptation at the population genomic level and identified hundreds of domestication and adaptation sweeps. This study extends the molecular mechanism of maize domestication and adaptation, and provides resources for basic research and genetic improvement in maize.
Exosomes derived from human placental mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate myocardial infarction via anti-inflammation and restoring gut dysbiosis
Authors: Yang Libo , Wang Ting , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhang Hua , Yan Ning , Zhang Guoshan , Yan Ru , Li Yiwei , Yu Jingjing , He Jun , Jia Shaobin , Wang Hao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Myocardial infarction (MI) represents a severe cardiovascular disease with limited therapeutic agents. This study was aimed to elucidate the role of the exosomes derived from human placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs-Exos) in MI.

Methods
PMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, with identification by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). To further investigate the effects of PMSC-Exos on MI, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Sham group, MI group, and PMSC-Exos group. After 4 weeks of the intervention, cardiac function was assessed by cardiac echocardiography, electrocardiogram and masson trichrome staining; lipid indicators were determined by automatic biochemical instrument; inflammatory cytokines were measured by cytometric bead array (CBA); gut microbiota, microbial metabolites short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were separately investigated by 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and tachypleus amebocyte lysate kit; transcriptome analysis was used to test the transcriptional components (mRNA\miRNA\cirRNA\lncRNA) of PMSC-Exos.

Results
We found that human PMSC-Exos were obtained and identified with high purity and uniformity. MI model was successfully established. Compared to MI group, PMSC-Exos treatment ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular (LV) remodeling (P < 0.05). Moreover, PMSC-Exos treatment obviously decreased MI molecular markers (AST/BNP/MYO/Tn-I/TC), pro-inflammatory indicators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1), as well as increased HDL in comparison with MI group (all P < 0.05). Intriguingly, PMSC-Exos intervention notably modulated gut microbial community via increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Thauera and Ruminiclostridium, as well as decreasing Firmicutes (all P < 0.05), compared with MI group. Furthermore, PMSC-Exos supplementation increased gut microbiota metabolites SCFAs (butyric acid, isobutyric acid and valeric acid) and decreased LPS in comparison with MI group (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated close correlations among gut microbiota, microbial SCFAs and inflammation in MI.

Conclusions
Our study highlighted that PMSC-Exos intervention alleviated MI via modulating gut microbiota and suppressing inflammation.
Answering complex hierarchy questions in network meta-analysis
Authors: Papakonstantinou Theodoros , Salanti Georgia , Mavridis Dimitris , Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido , Nikolakopoulou Adriani 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Network meta-analysis estimates all relative effects between competing treatments and can produce a treatment hierarchy from the most to the least desirable option according to a health outcome. While about half of the published network meta-analyses present such a hierarchy, it is rarely the case that it is related to a clinically relevant decision question.

Methods
We first define treatment hierarchy and treatment ranking in a network meta-analysis and suggest a simulation method to estimate the probability of each possible hierarchy to occur. We then propose a stepwise approach to express clinically relevant decision questions as hierarchy questions and quantify the uncertainty of the criteria that constitute them. The steps of the approach are summarized as follows: a) a question of clinical relevance is defined, b) the hierarchies that satisfy the defined question are collected and c) the frequencies of the respective hierarchies are added; the resulted sum expresses the certainty of the defined set of criteria to hold. We then show how the frequencies of all possible hierarchies relate to common ranking metrics.

Results
We exemplify the method and its implementation using two networks. The first is a network of four treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease where the most probable hierarchy has a frequency of 28%. The second is a network of 18 antidepressants, among which Vortioxetine, Bupropion and Escitalopram occupy the first three ranks with frequency 19%.

Conclusions
The developed method offers a generalised approach of producing treatment hierarchies in network meta-analysis, which moves towards attaching treatment ranking to a clear decision question, relevant to all or a subset of competing treatments.
An investigation into the optimal wear time criteria necessary to reliably estimate physical activity and sedentary behaviour from ActiGraph wGT3X+ accelerometer data in older care home residents
Authors: Airlie Jennifer , Forster Anne , Birch Karen M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Research protocols regarding the use of ActiGraph wGT3X+ accelerometers in care home residents are yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to identify the minimal wear time criteria required to achieve reliable estimates of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in older care home residents.

Methods
Ninety-four older adults from 14 care homes wore an ActiGraph wGT3X+ accelerometer on the right hip for 7 consecutive days. A pragmatic, staged approach was adopted in order to explore the effect of: monitoring day; minimum daily wear time and number of wear days on estimates of four outcomes derived from the accelerometer data: counts.day− 1, counts.minute− 1, PA time and SB time.

Results
Data from 91 participants (mean age: 84 ± 9 years, 34% male) was included in the analysis. No effect of monitoring day was observed. Lowering the daily wear time to ≥ 8 h (compared to ≥10 h) had no effect on the outcomes of interest. Four days of monitoring was sufficient to provide reliable estimates of all four outcomes.

Conclusion
In this study, a minimum wear time criterion of ≥ 8 h on any 4 days was required to derive reliable estimates of PA and SB from ActiGraph wGT3X+ accelerometer data in older care home residents.
Dosimetric analysis of radiation-induced brainstem necrosis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with IMRT
Authors: Fan Xigang , Huang Yecai , Xu Peng , Min Yanmei , Li Jie , Feng Mei , Xu Guohui , Lang Jinyi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Radiation-induced brainstem necrosis (RIBN) is a late life-threatening complication that can appear after treatment in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the relationship between RIBN and radiation dose is not still well-defined.

Methods
During January 2013 and December 2017, a total of 1063 patients with NPC were treated at Sichuan cancer hospital with IMRT. A total of 479 patients were eligible for dosimetric analysis. Dosimetric parameters of the RIBN, Dmax(the maximum dose), D0.1c (maximum average dose delivered to a 0.1-cc volume), D1cc, D2cc, D3cc, D5cc, D10cc and Dmean (mean does) were evaluated and recorded. ROC curve was used to analyze the area under curve (AUC) and cutoff points. Logistic regression for screening dose-volume parameter and logistic dose response model were used to predict the incidence of brainstem necrosis.

Results
Among the 479 patients with NPC, 6 patients were diagnosed with RIBN, the incidence of RIBN was 1.25% (6/479), and the median time to RIBN after treatment was 28.5 months (range 18–48 months). The dose of the brainstem in patients with RIBN were higher than that in patients without necrosis. ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of Dmax was the largest (0.987). Moreover, logistic stepwise regression indicated that Dmax was the most important dose factor. The RIBN incidence at 5% over 5 years (TD5/5) and 50% incidence over 5 years (TD50/5) was 69.59 Gy and76.45 Gy, respectively.

Conclusions
Brainstem necrosis is associated with high dose irritation. Dmax is the most significant predictive dosimetric factor for RIBN. Dmax of brainstem should be considered as the dose limitation parameter. We suggest that the limitation dose for brainstem was Dmax < 69.59 Gy.
A review of economic evaluations of health care for people at risk of psychosis and for first-episode psychosis
Authors: Shields Gemma E. , Buck Deborah , Varese Filippo , Yung Alison R. , Thompson Andrew , Husain Nusrat , Broome Matthew R. , Upthegrove Rachel , Byrne Rory , Davies Linda M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Preventing psychotic disorders and effective treatment in first-episode psychosis are key priorities for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. This review assessed the evidence base for the cost-effectiveness of health and social care interventions for people at risk of psychosis and for first-episode psychosis.

Methods
Electronic searches were conducted using the PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Embase databases to identify relevant published full economic evaluations published before August 2020. Full-text English-language studies reporting a full economic evaluation of a health or social care intervention aiming to reduce or prevent symptoms in people at risk of psychosis or experiencing first-episode psychosis were included. Screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal were performed using pre-specified criteria and forms based on the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (EED) handbook and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist for economic evaluations. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42018108226). Results were summarised qualitatively.

Results
Searching identified 1,628 citations (1,326 following the removal of duplications). After two stages of screening 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Interventions were varied and included multidisciplinary care, antipsychotic medication, psychological therapy, and assertive outreach. Evidence was limited in the at-risk group with only four identified studies, though all interventions were found to be cost-effective with a high probability (> 80%). A more substantial evidence base was identified for first-episode psychosis (11 studies), with a focus on early intervention (7/11 studies) which again had positive conclusions though with greater uncertainty.

Conclusions
Study findings generally concluded interventions were cost-effective. The evidence for the population who are at-risk of psychosis was limited, and though there were more studies for the population with first-episode psychosis, limitations of the evidence base (including generalisability and heterogeneity across the methods used) affect the certainty of conclusions.
Prevalence of eosinophilic, atopic, and overlap phenotypes among patients with severe asthma in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Jahdali Hamdan , Wali Siraj , Albanna Amr S. , Allehebi Riyad , Al-Matar Hussein , Fattouh Mohamed , Beekman Maarten 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Eosinophilia is a significant factor in asthma severity; however, the prevalence of severe eosinophilic asthma in Saudi Arabia is largely unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of the eosinophilic (defined in this study as ≥ 300 cells/mm3 in blood), atopic (atopic phenotype 1, defined in this study as > 100 IU/mL total serum IgE; atopic phenotype 2, defined in this study as > 150 IU/mL), and overlap phenotypes among patients with severe asthma in Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in centers specialized in severe asthma management. Patients aged ≥ 12 years with severe asthma were enrolled. Study patients responded to the Global Initiative for Asthma 2018 assessment of asthma control questionnaire and provided study investigators with current information related to the study objectives. Additional medical record data and a blood sample for total serum IgE and complete blood count were collected.

Results
A total of 101 patients were enrolled; 83% were female and the mean (standard deviation) age was 48.7 (13.2) years. Forty-five (45%) patients had the eosinophilic phenotype, 50 (50%) had atopic phenotype 1, and 25 (25%) had phenotypic overlap (eosinophilic and atopic 1). Forty-one (41%) patients had atopic phenotype 2 and 23 (23%) had phenotypic overlap (eosinophilic and atopic 2). Asthma control and oral corticosteroid use patterns were similar and there were no significant differences in number of asthma exacerbations across phenotypes.

Conclusions
In Saudi Arabia, 45% of patients with severe asthma had the eosinophilic phenotype, which is most likely an underestimation as no clinical features of eosinophilia were taken into account in the definition of eosinophilia. Approximately half of them had phenotypic overlap with the atopic phenotype.
Trial registration NCT03931954; ClinicalTrials.gov, April 30, 2019.
Long-segment fixation VS short-segment fixation combined with kyphoplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fracture
Authors: Lai Oujie , Zhang Xinliang , Hu Yong , Sun Xiaoyang , Zhu Binke , Dong Weixin , Yuan Zhenshan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
To retrospectively compare clinical and radiological results of long-segment fixation (LF) and six-screw short-segment fixation combined with kyphoplasty (SSFK) for osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fracture (OTBF).

Methods
Forty patients affected by OTBF with mean age of 61.85 years were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.63 months. Twenty-four patients were treated by SSFK, and 16 patients were treated by LF. Clinical outcomes, radiological parameters and complications were assessed and compared.

Results
The mean operative time and blood loss were 89.71 ± 7.62 min and 143.75 ± 42.51 ml for SSFK group, respectively; 111.69 ± 12.25 min (P < 0.01) and 259.38 ± 49.05 ml (P < 0.01) for LF group, respectively. The two groups were similar in terms of preoperative radiological and clinical results. Compared with preoperative values, both groups achieved significant improvement in terms of VAS, ODI, Cobb angle and anterior vertebral body height (AVH) ratio at final follow-up. However, during the follow-up period, significant loss of Cobb angle and AVH ratio were observed for both groups. Five cases (20.83%) of asymptomatic cement leakage were observed in SSFK group. One case of implant failure and two cases of adjacent or non-adjacent vertebral fractures were observed in LF group.

Conclusions
Both SSFK and LF are safe and effective for treatment of OTBF. Comparatively, SSFK is less invasive and can preserve more motion segments, which may be a more valuable surgical option in some elderly patients. A high-quality randomized controlled study is required to confirm our finding in the future.
Laminate veneer ceramics in aesthetic rehabilitation of teeth with fluorosis: a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Demirekin Zeynep Basagaoglu , Turkaslan Suha 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Fluorosis is one of the color anomalies seen in teeth. White lines and blurred areas associated with mild fluorosis are barely noticeable; in its severe form, tooth enamel surface changes ranging from staining and pitting may be observed. The treatment of fluorosis not only provides aesthetic and functional correction but also helps to improve the patient's self-esteem.

Methods
The present retrospective study evaluated the clinical quality, success rate, and estimated survival of porcelain laminate veneers in teeth with anterior fluorosis. Three hundred fifty-eight porcelain laminate veneers (254 in the anterior maxilla and 104 in the mandible) were "functional" restorations that covered the incisal edge and part of the palatal/lingual side of the tooth with a 1 mm high palatal bevel. Ceramic veneers were fabricated with lithium disilicate reinforced glass–ceramic material (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). The modified United States Public Health Service criteria were used for clinical evaluation of the restorations.

Results
On the basis of these criteria, marginal adaptation, color match, marginal discoloration, surface roughness, restoration fracture, tooth fracture, restoration wear, antagonist tooth wear, caries and postoperative sensitivity were evaluated yearly. The survival rate in the current study was ≥ 0.997 for 10 years.

Conclusions
The results of this clinical study should encourage clinicians to consider ceramic veneers over crown restorations when restoring the smile of patients with advanced fluorosis.
Improving peripheral venous cannula insertion in children: a mixed methods study to develop the DIVA key
Authors: Schults Jessica A. , Kleidon Tricia M. , Gibson Victoria , Ware Robert S. , Monteagle Emily , Paterson Rebecca , Charles Karina , Keys Adam , McBride Craig A. , McTaggart Steven , Lawton Benjamin , Macfarlane Fiona , Sells Chloe , Rickard Claire M. , Ullman Amanda J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and validate a difficult intravenous access risk assessment and escalation pathway, to increase first time intravenous insertion success in paediatrics.MethodsMixed methods underpinned by literature and co-production principles. Iterative development of the instrument was informed through semi-structured interviews and stakeholder workshops. The instrument includes a risk assessment, inserter skill self-assessment, and escalation pathways. Reproducibility, reliability, and acceptability were evaluated in a prospective cohort study at a quaternary paediatric hospital in Australia.ResultsInterview data (three parents, nine clinicians) uncovered two themes: i) Recognition of children with DIVA and subsequent escalation is ad hoc and problematic; and ii) Resources and training impact inserter confidence and ability. Three workshops were delivered at monthly intervals (February–April 2020) involving 21 stakeholders culminating in the co-production of the “DIVA Key”. The DIVA Key was evaluated between May–December 2020 in 78 children; 156 clinicians. Seventy-eight paired assessments were undertaken with substantial agreement (concordance range = 81.5 to 83.0%) between the assessors. Interrater reliability of the DIVA risk assessment was moderate (kappa = 0.71, 95% CI 0.63–0.80). The DIVA Key predicted multiple insertion attempts for red (high risk) DIVA classification (relative risk ratio 5.7, 95% CI 1.2–27.1; reference low risk). Consumer and clinician satisfaction with DIVA Key was high (median (IQR) = 10 [8–10]; 8 [8–10 respectively).ConclusionThe DIVA Key is a straightforward, reliable instrument with inbuilt escalation pathway to support the identification of children with difficult intravenous access.
Implementation of a campus-based and peer-delivered HIV self-testing intervention to improve the uptake of HIV testing services among university students in Zimbabwe: the SAYS initiative
Authors: Mukora-Mutseyekwa Fadzai , Mundagowa Paddington Tinashe , Kangwende Rugare Abigail , Murapa Tsitsi , Tirivavi Mandla , Mukuwapasi Waraidzo , Tozivepi Samantha Nokuthula , Uzande Charles , Mutibura Queen , Chadambuka Elizabeth Marian , Machinga Mazvita 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The uptake of HIV testing services among adolescents and young adults in Zimbabwe is low due to stigma associated with the risk of mental and social harm. The WHO recommends HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an innovative approach to improve access to HIV testing for this hard-to-reach populations. This study describes the development and implementation of a coordinated multifaceted and multidisciplinary campus-based approach to improve the uptake of HIV testing among university students in Zimbabwe.

Methods
We utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment Framework. A formative survey, in-depth interviews, and a scoping review were conducted as part of the situation analysis. Implementers (peer educators and health workers) were trained and community dialogue sessions were conducted to ascertain the determinants (enablers and barriers) influencing both the inner and outer contexts. Self-test kits were disbursed over 6 months before a summative evaluation survey was conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically while the chi-squared test was used to analyze quantitative data.

Results
The formative evaluation showed that 66% of students intended to test and 44% of the enrolled students collected HIVST test kits. Giving comprehensive and tailored information about the intervention was imperative to dispel the initial skepticism among students. Youth-friendly and language-specific packaging of program materials accommodated the students. Despite the high acceptability of the HIVST intervention, post-test services were poorly utilized due to the small and isolated nature of the university community. Implementers recommended that the students seek post-test services off-site to ensure that those with reactive results are linked to treatment and care.

Conclusions
Peer-delivered HIVST using trained personnel was acceptable among adolescents and young adults offered the intervention at a campus setting. HIVST could increase the uptake of HIV testing for this population given the stigma associated with facility-based HTS and the need for routine HIV testing for this age group who may not otherwise test. An off-site post-test counseling option is likely to improve the implementation of a campus-based HIVST and close the linkage to treatment and care gap.