bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Nystatin Prophylaxis to Prevent Systemic Fungal Infection in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants : A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rundjan Lily , Wahyuningsih Retno , Oeswadi Chrissela Anindita , Marsogi Miske , Purnamasari Ayu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Systemic fungal infection (SFI) is one of leading causes of morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Because early diagnosis of SFI is challenging due to nonspecific manifestations, prophylaxis becomes crucial. This study aimed to assess effectiveness of oral nystatin as an antifungal prophylaxis to prevent SFI in VLBW preterm infants.Methods A prospective, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial was performed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of an academic hospital in Indonesia. Infants with a gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight of < 1500 grams with risk factors of fungal infection were assessed for eligibility and randomized to either an intervention group (nystatin) or control group. The intervention group received 1 ml of oral nystatin three times a day, and the control group received a dose of 1ml of sterile water three times a day. The incidence of fungal colonization and SFI were observed and evaluated during the six-week study period. Overall, mortality rates and nystatin-related adverse drug reactions during the study period were also documented.Results A total of 95 patients were enrolled. The incidence of fungal colonization was lower among infants in nystatin group compared to those in control group (29.79% and 56.25%, respectively; relative risk 0.559; 95% confidence interval 0.357-0.899; p-value=0.009). There were five cases of SFI, all of which were found in the control group (p-value=0.056). There was no difference in overall mortality between the two groups. No adverse drug reactions were noted during the study period.Conclusions Nystatin is effective and safe as an antifungal prophylactic medication in reducing colonization rates in the study population. Whilst the use of nystatin showed a potential protective effect against SFI among VLBW preterm infants, there was no statistical significant difference in SFI rates between groups.
A novel all-in-one strategy for purification and immobilization of β-1,3-xylanase directly from cell lysate as active and recyclable nanobiocatalyst
Authors: Cai Lixi , Chu Yunmeng , Liu Xin , Qiu Yue , Ge Zhongqi , Zhang Guangya 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Exploring a simple and versatile technique for direct immobilization of target enzymes from cell lysate without prior purification is urgently needed. Thus, a novel all-in-one strategy for purification and immobilization of β-1, 3-xylanase was proposed, the target enzymes were covalently immobilized on silica nanoparticles via ELP-based biomimetic silicification and SpyTag/SpyCatcher spontaneous reaction. Thus, the functional carriers that did not require the time-consuming surface modification step were quickly and efficiently prepared. These carriers could specifically immobilize the SpyTag-fused target enzymes from the cell lysate without pre-purification. Results: The ELPs-SpyCatcher hardly leaked from the carriers (0.5%), and the immobilization yield of enzyme was up to 96%. Immobilized enzyme retained 85.6% of the initial activity and showed 88.6% of the activity recovery. Compared with free ones, the immobilized β-1, 3-xylanase showed improved thermal stability, elevated storage stability and good pH tolerance. It also retained more than 70.6% of initial activity after12 reaction cycles, demonstrating its excellent reusability. Conclusions: The results clearly highlighted the effectiveness of the novel enzyme immobilization method proposed here due to the improvement of overall performance of immobilized enzyme in respect to free form for the hydrolysis of macromolecular substrates. Thus, it may have great potential in the conversion of algae biomass as well as other related fields.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review Based on the Efficacy Model
Authors: Assiri Hassan , Dwasaz Ali 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to address the diagnostic efficacy of cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging in periodontics based on a systematic search and analysis of the literature using the hierarchical efficacy model.Methods: A systematic search of the electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane was conducted until February 2019 to identify studies addressing the efficacy of CBCT imaging in Periodontics. The identified studies were subjected to pre-identified inclusion criteria followed by an analysis using a hierarchical model of efficacy (model) designed for an appraisal of the literature on a diagnostic imaging modality. Two examiners performed the eligibility and quality assessment of relevant studies, and consensus was reached where disagreement was found.Results: The search resulted in 64 studies. Of these, 35 publications were allocated to the relevant level of efficacy and quality assessments wherever applicable. The overall diagnostic accuracy studies showed the risk of bias and applicability concerns in the use of CBCT to be low to moderate. In addition, CBCT is accurate in identifying periodontal defects when compared to other modalities. The studies on the level of patient outcomes agreed that CBCT is a reliable tool for the assessment of the outcomes after the treatment of periodontal defects.Conclusion: CBCT was found to be beneficial and accurate in cases of infra-bony defects and furcation involvements.
Strategies For Strengthening High Risk Pregnancy Care In Primary Healthcare Services
Authors: Aratani Nathan , Tanaka Oswaldo Yoshimi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: In the Brazilian Public healthcare system (The Unified Healthcare System - Sistema Único de Saúde), Primary Healthcare has expanded from implementing healthcare networks, an organization form of services with centrality to primary care services. Due to the extension and heterogeneity of Brazilian municipalities, several organization forms of primary care services existed. In the city of São Paulo they were organized by three modalities of Basic Health Units. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the care continuity in high-risk pregnancy care in different models of the basic health units. Methods:Data analysis defined performing prenatal care in primary care even after referral to the high-risk pregnancy service as the dependent variable. The independent variables were the sociodemographic and organizational aspects of health services. Logistic regression was used as the statistical technique. Results:Care is provided in a similar way in all basic health unit models, without prioritizing pregnant women with greater vulnerabilities (under 15 years and over 35 years, with education less than 7 years). Regarding women of black or brown color, it was observed that they were more likely (OR 1.997) to have care continuity in family health units. Home visiting and knowing the community health agent proved to be tools for organizing health services which are capable of producing better care. Conclusion: Primary healthcare services in Brazil for high-risk pregnancy care are organized without considering individual vulnerabilities. The home visits and the presence of the community health agent need to be strengthened in organizing the services, as they are able to modify the process of producing healthcare.
Acute effects of systemic inflammation upon the neuro-glial-vascular unit and cerebrovascular function.
Authors: Brezzo Gaia , Simpson Julie , Ameen-Ali Kamar E. , Berwick Jason , Martin Chris 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Brain health relies on a tightly regulated system known as neurovascular function whereby the cellular constituents of the neuro-glial-vascular unit (NGVU) regulate cerebral haemodynamics in accordance with neuronal metabolic demand. Disruption of neurovascular function impairs brain health and is associated with the development of disease, including Alzheimer’s disease. The NGVU is also a key site of action for neuroinflammatory responses and contributes to the transition of systemic inflammation to neuroinflammatory processes. Thus, systemic inflammatory challenges may cause a shift in NGVU operation towards neuroimmune over neurovascular actions, leading to altered neurovascular function. Methods To investigate this, rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2mg/kg) to induce a systemic inflammatory response, or vehicle, and brain haemodynamic responses to sensory and non-sensory (hypercapnia) stimuli were assessed in vivo using optical imaging techniques. Following imaging, animals were perfused and their brains extracted to histologically characterise components of the NGVU to determine the association between altered underlying pathology and in vivo blood flow regulation. Results LPS-treated animals showed altered haemodynamic function and cerebrovascular dynamics six hours after LPS administration. Histological assessment identified a significant increase in astrogliosis, microgliosis and endothelial activation in LPS-treated animals. Conclusions Our data shows that an acutely induced systemic inflammatory response is able to rapidly alter in-vivo haemodynamic function and is associated with significant changes in the cellular constituents of the NGVU. We suggest that these effects are initially mediated by endothelial cells, which are directly exposed to the circulating inflammatory stimulus and have been implicated in regulating functional hyperaemia.
Investigating Psychometric Properties of the Thai Version of Zarit Burden Interview using Rasch Model
Authors: Pinyopornpanish Kanokporn , Pinyopornpanish Manee , Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Soontornpun Atiwat , Kuntawong Pimolpun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective: The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) has been widely used to assess caregiver’s burden. Research investigating the Thai version of the ZBI is few. The study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of both the full length (ZBI-22) and short versions (ZBI-12) using Rasch analysis among a sample of Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. Results: The ZBI-22 fitted the Rasch measurement model regarding unidimensionality but not for ZBI-12. Five items from ZBI-22, and two items from ZBI-12 were shown to be misfitting items. The model of ZBI-12 was improved when item “should do more” and “could do a better job caring” were removed. Reliability was good for both forms of the ZBI (a = 0.86 - 0.92). Significant correlations were found with caregiver’s perceived stress and caregiver's depression. Significant correlation with subscales of anxiety/depression, pain and mobility were indicative of discriminant validity but not with self-care and usual activity (p > 0.05). To conclude, the Thai version ZBI was supported for the reliability and validity in both the full length and 12 short forms among Alzheimer’s disease caregivers; however, some misfitting items of the ZBI undermined the unidimensionality of the scale, and need revision.
Ethnomedicine investigation of the medicinal plants and animals in Daur, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Bi Ya-Qiong , Yi Le-Tai , Zhang Lei , Sun Ya-Hong , Li Minhui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The classification and application of Daur medicine is an essential part of Chinese ethnomedicinal knowledge. However, the cataloging of traditional Daur medicine is still limited. As Daur medicine is gradually being replaced by traditional Chinese and modern medicine, further research is urgently needed.Methods: We collected ethnobotany and ethnozoology data via semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and extensive literature reviews. Medicinal samples and specimens were collected during field investigations from June 2015 to October 2018. Attending diseases and ailments were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases 11th (ICD-11). The expression correlation of medicine classification, medicine and disease was assessed using Cytoscape 3.6.1 software. Use values were calculated to determine the importance of tradition medicinal plants and animals.Results: We documented 30 plant species (from 19 families) and 21 animal species (from 11 families). The majority of the species were previously collected from natural habitats but they have gradually become cultivated. The most widely utilized plants were herbs (21 species), followed by shrubs (4), trees (3), and fungus (2). The most utilized groups of animals were mammals (14 species), followed by birds (5), amphibians (1), and reptiles (1). Medicines were mostly administered orally (39), but were also externally applied (11), or via both routes (9). Informants indicated that medicines were prepared via decoction (21), grinding (11), boiling (10), extraction (8), and burning (7). Most medicines are taken/consumed as a drink (37), eaten (16), or made into pills and powders (7), but also used as an anointment/wash (6), wrap/dressing (5), in the nose, eyes, and mouth (4), or as a fumigate (2). The reported traditional Daur medicines treated 76 human diseases or ailments classified under 13 disease categories, based on the ICD-11. The most commonly used medicinal species were Cervus elaphus, Cervus nippon, Capreolus capreolus, Gallus gallus, Canis lupus familiaris, Betula platyphylla, and Artemisia integrifolia.Conclusions: A wealth of ethnobiological and ethnozoological knowledge exists, which may lead to the development of new drugs; thus, such knowledge urgently requires documentation. The information documented in the present study will be useful for future studies on the ethnopharmacological and traditional knowledge of the Daur region.
Higher prevalence of multi-antimicrobial resistant Bacteroides spp. strains isolated at a tertiary teaching hospital, China
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Han Yanqiu , Shen Huimin , Lv Yingying , Zheng Wenqi , Wang Junrui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The antimicrobial resistance of Bacteroides spp. isolates is reported to be increasing among different districts around the world, and few reports found that multi-antimicrobial resistant strains emerged. However, less is known about the prevalence of multi-antimicrobial resistant isolates in China, especially for carbapenem resistance. Methods: Bacteroides spp. clinical strains were isolated from inpatients at a 3000 bed tertiary teaching hospital , and were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and VITEK-2 anaerobes and corynebacterium (ANC) card. Broth microdilution method was employed to detect the antimicrobial sensitivities of Bacteroides spp. isolates and PCR method was used to detect the resistance genes, including cfxA, cepA, cfiA, ermF and nim. The upstream insertion sequence (IS) element of cfiA gene was further detected and verified. Results: Among 115 Bacteroides spp. strains enrolled in this study, 80 isolates were Bacteroides fragilis and 35 isolates were non-Bacteroides fragilis. The total resistance rates of 115 Bacteroides spp. isolates to ampicillin/sulbactam, amoxicillin/clavulanic, cefoxitin, piperacillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, moxifloxacin, clindamycin, metronidazole, imipenem and meropenem were 22.6%, 19.6%, 3.5%, 27.8%, 8.7%, 16.5%, 80.0%, 5.2%, 13.9% and 13.9% , respectively. Except cefoxitin and moxifloxacin, the resistance rates of B. fragilis isolates to the above antibiotics were all higher than those of non-B. fragilis isolates. The positive rates of carbapenem resistance gene cfiA were 38.9% and 8.6% for B. fragilis and non-B. fragilis isolates, respectively. For 15 carbapenem resistant B. fragilis isolates, the co-carrying rates of carbapenem resistance gene cfiA and its upstream IS element were 86.7% (13/15). Conclusions: The overall resistance rates of Bacteroides spp. isolates toward multiple antibiotics were at a higher level, especially for B. fragilis. CfiA gene carrying rate among B. fragilis isolates was high up to 38.9% and its mediated carbapenem resistance was a major resistance mechanism for B. fragilis. The findings of this study imply that the actual resistance tendency of Bacteroides spp. may be underestimated and need to be given more attention to.
Prevalence, risk factors, phenotypic and molecular characteristics for Staphylococcus aureus carriage in community-based drug users in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yingying , Lin Jialing , Zhou Junli , Han Zhigang , Yao Zhenjiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), remains the predominant cause of infections in drug users. The cross-sectional study aims to elucidate the prevalence, risk factors, phenotypic and molecular characteristics of S. aureus carriage among community-based drug users.Methods: All eligible drug users, both intravenous and oral drug users, were asked to complete questionnaires and collect nasal swabs during the period between May and December 2017 in Guangzhou, China. Swabs were processed for identification of S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility test and polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect phenotypic and molecular characteristics for identified isolates. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess risk factors for S. aureus carriage.Results: Overall, 353 drug users were included in the study and the prevalence of S. aureus carriage was 15.01% (53/353). The prevalence of MRSA carriage was 6.80% (24/353). Cohabitation was a risk factor for S. aureus (adjusted OR=8.80, 95% CI: 1.89-40.99). The proportion of multidrug resistance was 54.72% for S. aureus isolates and most of these isolates were resistant to penicillin, erythromycin and clindamycin. Seventeen MRSA isolates were multidrug resistant. The results of clonal complexes (CCs) and sequence types (STs) for S. aureus were diverse. The three predominant types for CCs were CC5 (64.15%, 34/53), CC59 (11.32%, 6/53), and CC7 (7.55%, 4/53); and for STs were ST188 (20.75%, 11/53), ST5 (11.32%, 6/53), and ST59 (11.32%, 6/53). Conclusion: The prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage was lower when the prevalence of MRSA carriage was moderate. Phenotypic and molecular characteristics of S. aureus isolates, particularly MRSA isolates, revealed serious antibiotic resistance, indicating the existence of cross-circulation, and implying high opportunity of virulence-related diseases. Decolonization might be considered for drug users with MRSA carriage.
Circulating sex hormone levels in relation to male sperm quality
Authors: Zhao Wei , Jing Jun , Shao Yong , Zeng Rong , Wang Cencen , Hang Dong , Yao Bing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Although sex hormones play critical roles in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, it remains inconclusive whether circulating sex hormones can serve as non-invasive biomarkers to determine sperm quality. Methods We systematically evaluated the association of various sex hormones in serum with sperm quality among 338 subfertile males. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), total estradiol (E2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Free testosterone and estradiol were calculated using a validated algorithm. A generalized liner regression model controlling for lifestyle factors was used to assess the associations with sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology. Results After adjusting for age, body mass index, current smoking and alcohol drinking, LH, FSH, and TT levels were all inversely associated with sperm motility (all P for trend < 0.05); however, in mutual adjustment analysis, only LH remained an inverse association with sperm motility after adjusting for FSH and TT levels ( P for trend = 0.04 ). Higher concentrations of LH were also associated with lower sperm progressive motility ( P for trend = 0.04 ). Moreover, LH and FSH levels were both inversely associated with normal sperm morphology ( P for trend = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively ). Conclusions Increased levels of LH are associated with poor sperm motility and morphology. Our findings suggest that LH might play a central role in sperm maturation, which represents a potential biomarker to improve clinical evaluation of male infertility.
Distribution of Parkinson’s disease associated RAB39B in mouse brain tissue
Authors: Gao Yujing , Wilson Gabrielle R. , Stephenson Sarah E.M. , Oulad-Abdelghani Mustapha , Charlet-Berguerand Nicolas , Bozaoglu Kiymet , McLean Catriona A. , Thomas Paul Q. , Finkelstein David I. , Lockhart Paul 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the small GTPase Ras analogue in Brain 39b (RAB39B) are associated with early-onset parkinsonism. In this study we investigated the expression and localization of RAB39B (RNA and protein) in mouse brain tissue to gain a better understanding of its normal physiological function(s) and role in disease. We developed novel resources, including monoclonal antibodies directed against RAB39B and mice with Rab39b knockout, and performed real-time PCR and western blot analysis on whole brain lysates. To determine the spatial localization of Rab39b RNA and protein, we performed in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on fresh frozen and fixed brain tissue. Our results show that RAB39B is localized throughout the cortex, hippocampus and substantia nigra of mice throughout postnatal life. We found high levels of RAB39B within MAP2 positive cortical and hippocampal neurons, and TH positive dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Our studies support and extend current knowledge of the localization of RAB39B. We validate RAB39B as a neuronally-enriched protein and demonstrate that is present throughout the mouse cortex and hippocampus. Further, we observe high levels in the substantia nigra pars compacta, the brain region most affected in Parkinson’s disease pathology. The distribution of Rab39b is consistent with human disease associations with parkinsonism and cognitive impairment. We also describe and validate novel resources, including monoclonal antibodies directed against RAB39B and mice with Rab39b knockout, both of which are valuable tools for future studies of the molecular function of RAB39B.