bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species Diversity and Entomological Inoculation Rate of Anophelines Mosquitoes in an Epidemic Prone Areas of Bure District, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Tilahun Adugna , Gebru Delensaw Yewhelew , Degaga Emana Emana Getu (Prof.) 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria is the leading health problem in Ethiopia. The country has been prevented malaria vectors mostly using long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, the application of indoor residual spraying chemicals, and source reductions. Before interventions, identifying the responsible malaria vector in disease transmission (sporozoite rate) is very vital; hence, the present study was designed to assess species diversity and entomological inoculation rate of Anopheles mosquito in Bure district, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Adult mosquitoes were collected from July 2015 to June 2016 using the center for disease control and prevention light traps, pyrethrum spray catches, and artificial pit shelters. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Following this, An. gambiae s.l was identified molecularly. Head-thorax sporozoite infectivity of the adult female Anopheles mosquitoes was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Morphologically, nine species of the genus Anopheles were identified in the three villages, composed of Anopheles demeilloni, An. arabiensis, An. funestus, An. coustani, An. squamosus, An. cinereus, An. pharoensis, An. rupicolus, and An. natalensis. Of these species, An. demeilloni was the most predominant, whereas An. cinereus, An. rupicolus and An. natalensis were the least representative species (p < 0.0001). Greater number of adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected in Shnebekuma, non-irrigated villages than non- irrigated village (Workmidr) and irrigated village (Bukta) (p < 0.0001). The overall Plasmodium infective rate (P. falciparum and P. vivax) in the district was 0.31%. The overall annual sporozoite rate in non-irrigated villages (Shnebekuma and Workmidr) was 0.35%, whereas zero in irrigated village (Bukta). The overall estimated EIR of Anopheles mosquitoes was 5.7 infectious bites /person /year for both P. falciparum and P. vivax in the district. The annual EIR Anopheles species in non-irrigated villages was 5.65 ib/p/y, which was higher than irrigated village (0 ib/p/y). Conclusions: Both the primary (An. arabiensis) and secondary (An. funestus and An. pharoensis) malaria vectors of Ethiopia were identified in the three villages. Three of Anopheles species, An. arabiensis, An. funestus, and An. coustani were found to be infected only in irrigated villages. Source reduction and proper usage of long-lasting insecticide nets and indoor residual spraying could be implemented in the non- irrigated villages to cut the vector abundance and EIR.
Long non-coding RNA AFAP1-AS1 promotes tumor progression and invasion by regulating the miR-2110/Sp1 axis in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Li Fangyuan , Zhou Yidong , Mao Feng , Lin Yan , Shen Songjie , Li Yuntao , Zhang Sheng , Sun Qiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: LncRNAs have been proved to be involved in the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and other pathological processes of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). And the expression level of LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 in TNBC was found to be significantly higher than that in other subtypes and normal tissue samples, but the specific mechanism of LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 affecting the occurrence and development of TNBC needs to be revealed.Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assays, wound-healing migration, transwell invasion assays and nude mouse xenograft assays were used to confirm the role of LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 in the proliferation, migration of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, and dual-luciferase assays were performed to confirm the interaction between between LncRNA AFAP1-AS1, miR-2110 and Sp1.Results: In the present study, the silencing of AFAP1-AS1 and Sp1 or the upregulation of miR-2110 would result in the suppression of proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, the dual-luciferase reporter assay highlighted that AFAP1-AS1 functioned as a miR-2110 sponge to increase Sp1 expression. AFAP1-AS1 silencing led to a reduction in Sp1 mRNA and protein levels, which could be reverse by the joint transfection of miR-2110 inhibitor.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that AFAP1-AS1 acts as a miR-2110 sponge in TNBC cells, resulting in the regulation of Sp1 expression. And the AFAP1-AS1/miR-2110/Sp1 axis modulated the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and affected the tumorigenesis in mice.
CREB-TFDP3 Promotes Prostate Carcinoma Cell Growth by Inhibiting E2F1-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Li Rui , Yang Liu , An Yinghong , Dong Lei , Wang Juan , Hao Xiaoke , Ma Yueyun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor that controls cell differentiation and survival. CREB is overexpressed and constitutively phosphorylated in several human cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). However, the regulation of CREB in PCa remains to be deciphered. We previously demonstrated that TFDP3 negatively regulates E2F1 transactivation, which is important in PCa carcinogenesis. And 5 CREB binding sites were found in the upstream of TFDP3 promoter.MethodsLuciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to determine the association between CREB and TFDP3. Immunohistochemical staining and immuno-cytofluorescence assays were performed to determine the expression of CREB and TFDP3 in a prostate cancer tissue microarray and cell lines. Cell lines stably expressing the wild-type, overexpression or knockout of CREB and TFDP3 were established. The protein expression of CREB and TFDP3 were detected by western blot analysis. CCK-8, TUNEL staining and cell cycle analysis were used to analyze the proliferation and apoptosis of the stable cell lines in vitro. The tumor growths were evaluated using nude mice xenograft models.ResultsOur results demonstrated that CREB could bind to the TFDP3 promoter and induce the transcription of TFDP3. Both CREB and TFDP3 were highly expressed in the androgen-independent cell line PC3 and prostate cancer tissues. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that overexpression of CREB could promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in PC3 cell lines as determined using cell CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, and western blotting assays. Knockout of CREB in PC3 cells resulted in a reduction in tumorigenicity in nude mouse xenograft models. Notably, the overexpression of CREB/TFDP3 in the LNCap cell line increased the progression of G1 cells to S phase, while knockout of CREB/TFDP3 arrested LNCaP AI+F cells at the G1 phase. Conclusions﻿Taken together, our results suggested that CREB/TFDP3/E2F1 was involved in the pathogenesis of PCa. This provides novel insights into the mechanism of androgen-resistance in PCa.
Disaster Preparedness Should Represent an Augmentation of the Everyday Trauma System – But Are We Prepared?
Authors: Jørgensen Jørgen Joakim , Monrad-Hansen Peter Wiel , Gaarder Christine , Næss Paal Aksel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background The increased frequency, geographical spread and the heterogenicity in mass casualty incidents (MCI), challenge healthcare systems worldwide. Trauma systems constitute the base for disaster preparedness. The largest MCI in Norway took place 22 July 2011 and several lessons were learnt. Norway is sparsely populated, with four regional trauma centers (TCs) and 35 hospitals treating trauma (non-trauma centers; NTCs). We wanted to assess whether hospitals fill the national trauma system requirements for competence, and the degree of awareness of MCI plans.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of on-call trauma teams in all 39 hospitals during two time periods: July-August (HS; holiday season) and September-June (NHS; non-holiday season). A standardized questionnaire was used to evaluate the MCI preparedness.Results A total of 347 trauma team members participated (173 during HS and 174 during NHS). Over 95% of the team members were aware of the MCI plan, half had read the plan during the last 6 months, whereas 63% at the TCs and 74% at NTCs were confident with their designated MCI role. Trauma team exercises were conducted regularly and 86% had ever participated. Only 63% at the TCs and 53% at the NTCs had participated in an MCI exercise. The proportion of resident surgeons and anesthetists with >4 years clinical experience was significantly higher in TCs (88% and 63%) than in NTCs (27% and 17%). At NTCs 38% of the resident surgeons were on call from home. All the on-call consultant surgeons were at home, leaving interns in charge at several of the hospitals. All resident surgeons at the TCs were ATLS providers compared to 64% at the NTCs and almost 90% of the consultant surgeons had participated in advanced trauma surgical courses. Conclusion Despite increased national focus on disaster preparedness, we identified limited compliance with trauma system requirements concerning competency and training. Strict guidelines to secure immediate notification and early presence of consultants whenever a situation that might turn into an MCI occurs should be a prerequisite. The awareness and content of existing MCI plans should be continuously improved to be able to meet the challenges of future MCIs.
Implementing Circular Economy Concept by Converting Cassava Pulp and Wastewater to Biogas for Sustainable Production in Starch Industry
Authors: Lerdlattaporn Ruenrom , Phalakornkule Chantaraporn , Trakulvichean Sivalee , Songkasiri Warinthorn 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This research integrated the circular economy (CE) concept in the cassava starch industry in Thailand, and revealed the benefits of biogas generation from both the wastewater and waste cassava pulp with a focus on the identification and analysis of the key drivers and challenges to increase the efficiency of the biogas system. The research methodology applied the CE concept for scenarios of cassava pulp utilization for biogas production, compared to the no waste treatment and anaerobic wastewater treatment scenarios, in termsof an economic assessment, resource efficiency, water recovery, land use, and global warming potential. Proposed options mainly involved the conservation of energy, water, land use, and reduction of greenhouse gases emissions. These included the reuse and recycling of water and use of biogas to substitute for fuel oil for burners and electricity in the cassava starch production process.
Noninvasive, Accurate Diagnosis of Chronic Liver Diseases Using Whole-Transcriptome Profiling of Platelets
Authors: Wu Huikun , Chen Gang , Zhang Tianyuan , Xiao Mingzhong , Xia Ye , Han Miaojun , Lee Liam C. , Su Hao , Qiu Xin , Wang Ying , Tao Junxiu , Shao Zuoyu , Zhang Xudong , Chen Min , Niu Yan , Lu Chenxia , Teng Hongli , Li Xiaodong , Song Chi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most serious tumor in the world. It generally undergoes a series of processes from HBV infection, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC from early to late stages. Patients could benefit from early detection of chronic liver diseases (CLD). Tumor-Educated Platelets play an important role in tumor progression, which maybe a potential biomarker for CLD early diagnosis. Here, we developed a noninvasive liquid biopsy technique using platelet RNA for the early screening of patients with liver diseases. Methods: This study included a total of 163 individuals, including 50 healthy individuals, 39 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, 40 liver cirrhosis (LC) and 34 patients with HCC. Blood was collected before initiation of treatment. Platelet RNA-Seq combined with Support Vector Machine (SVM), was used for the first time to distinguish the different stages of CLD in Asian patients.Results: Developed diagnostic model could distinguished with 92.4% accuracy between 34 HCC and 50 healthy, 89.92% accuracy between 34 patients HCC and 129 non-cancer individuals, and 83.67% between 50 healthy and 113 CLD. Across four different individual types, the accuracy of distinction (healthy/chronic hepatitis B/liver cirrhosis/hepatocellular carcinoma) was 65.31%. This model was internally validated, resulting in optimism-corrected AUC's of 86.8%.Conclusions: Our data indicate that the developed platelet RNA-Seq is a valuable platform for the diagnosis of CLD, providing an effective solution for its diagnosis.
Are MOOCs a Good Strategy for Democratizing Access to Health Knowledge? Insights from an Implementation Evaluation
Authors: Torres Pilar , Eguiluz Itzel , Guerra German , Magaña-Valladares Laura , Salgado-de-Snyder V. Nelly 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Offering widespread access to training, massive open online courses (MOOCs) are regarded in the literature as a tool for democratizing knowledge. However, to be universal they must be culturally contextualized and have access to broadband Internet with adequate connectivity. Aiming to strengthen capacities in low- and middle-income countries, the SDH-Net multicenter consortium created a 10-hour MOOC specifically designed to enhance understanding of the social determinants of health (SDH). Methods: This is crucial for tackling health inequalities through public policy. Using a mixed methods approach, we evaluated the implementation of the SDH-Net MOOC from the perspective of e-literacy, Internet connectivity, course contents and instructional design: we administered a questionnaire to a pilot group of 29 course participants from Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa and Tanzania, and conducted semi-structured interviews with a subset of 15 individuals who had completed the course. Results: While participants in general considered the content of the course adequate, those who were not English speakers found certain instructions somewhat unclear and 55% of respondents experienced difficulties with Internet connectivity and speed. Therefore, a key finding of this study was that binomial e-literacy-technological access play a major role in enrollment in, and completion of MOOCs. Conclusions: Course design is reflected in all course elements, such as the definition of competencies, instructional objectives, learning activities using multimedia resources and evaluations for each thematic unit, and these are central to the acceptability and effectiveness of MOOCs. These results shed light on the discussion regarding the function of MOOCs as a tool for democratizing knowledge and cast doubts on their usefulness in mainstreaming global health knowledge.
Effects of&nbsp;Stocking&nbsp;Density and FeedingfFrequency on the Growth Performance,&nbsp;Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Tissues Histology of&nbsp;Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus Fuscoguttatus♀×E. Lanceolatus♂)
Authors: Chen Yan , Huang Hai , Ma Jun , Liu Wenkan , Zhong Honggan , Zhang Jiechao , Zhong Jiaohao , Ye Feng , Li Chengcai , Wang Xiaomei , Xu Chenxi , Zhu Jiajie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A 6-week 5×2 factorial study was conducted to examine the effects of stocking density and feeding frequency on growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, and tissue histology of juvenile hybrid groupers raised in an indoor circulating water system. Triplicate groups of fish were reared in tanks following a factorial design consisting of ten treatments including 5 stocking densities (SD) [1.1 kg m−3(0.55 kg fish per tank, SD1.1), 2.2 kg m-3(1.1 kg fish per tank, SD2.2), 3.3 kg m−3(1.65 kg fish per tank, SD3.3), 4.4 kg m−3(2.2 kg fish per tank, SD4.4) and 5.5 kg m−3(2.75 kg fish per tank, SD 5.5)] and 2 feeding frequencies (FF) [3 meals a day (FF3) and 2 meals a day (FF2)]. The resulting 10 treatments were G1(SD1.1,FF3), G2(SD2.2,FF3), G3(SD3.3,FF3), G4(SD4.4,FF3), G5(SD5.5,FF3), G6(SD1.1,FF2), G7(SD2.2, FF2), G8(SD3.3, FF2), G9(SD4.4, FF2) andG10 (SD5.5, FF2). Feed consumption and temperature were recorded throughout the experiment. After 6 weeks, the results indicated that the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish in the G7 group were significantly higher than those of other groups (P< 0.05), followed by G1, with G3 being the lowest. Weight gain and specific growth rates were generally higher in fish fed twice a day than those fed three times a day. The variations in protein content between groups were consistent with the muscle protein content trends. Feeding frequency and stocking density had significant effects on serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides (TGs), and cholesterol (CHO) (P < 0.05). Regarding immune function, grouper albumin (ALB), serum lysozyme (LZY), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were significantly affected by stocking density and feeding frequency (P< 0.05). Pepsin and lipase activities in the stomach, intestine, and liver were also affected. The histological structure of the stomach, liver, and intestine in G1, G2, G7, and G8 fish was relatively normal, whereas those of the remaining groups exhibited varying degrees of damage. Overall, the optimum stocking densities were 1.343 kg/m3 (approximately 10 fish) and 2.004 kg/m3 (approximately 20-30 fish) when the fish were fed 3 and 2 times per day, respectively.
Quality Blues: An Assessment of Cultural and Chemical Factors Used to Define Indigo Quality in China
Authors: Shi Yuru , Zhang Libin , Wang Lu , Li Shan , Qiu Zuchuan , Ding Xiaoyong , wang yuhua 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The appearance of synthetic indigo has caused most people to forget the past brilliance of natural indigo. However, in parts of southern China, the folk still use and trade in natural indigo paste. The aims of this study were to i) document the traditional knowledge and experience of how people identify the quality of indigo paste and ii) explore the rationality of the quality judgment index used by local people.Method: We interviewed 283 traditional indigo paste artisans in 3 markets and 15 villages in Guizhou, Yunnan, and Fujian Provinces. Frequency of citation (FC), Mention index (QI), and Fidelity level (FL) of each indigo paste quality judgment index were calculated to determine the most commonly used, most recognized, and most important quality judgment index. A quantitative study was conducted on 21 indigo paste samples of different quality grades using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD), an acidity meter, and particle size analyzer. The relationship between the content of the effective components, pH, and particle size of the indigo paste and quality was explored. Results: The people divided indigo paste into five quality grades i.e., best, good, general, poor, and worst. Four main quality judgment indices were color, taste, touch, and dyeing ability. Among all study areas, color was the most commonly used, most important, and most recognized index. Effective ingredient content and pH differed significantly with different quality graded indigo pastes, but there was no significance difference between particle size and quality. In addition to indigo, indirubin played an important role in identifying the quality of indigo paste.Conclusion: Our study confirmed that the quality of indigo paste could be evaluated using the four indices (color, taste, touch, and dyeing ability). The people used indigo and indirubin content together to determine the quality of the indigo paste, while synthetic indigo is determined by indigo content only. The simple knowledge and experience of traditional folk has guiding significance for the modern development of indigo paste production.
Challenges in the Diagnostic Performance of Parasitological and Molecular Tests in the Detection of African Trypanosomiasis in Cattle in Mambwe District in Eastern Zambia
Authors: Mulenga Gloria , Namangala Boniface , Chilongo Kalinga , Mubamba Chrisborn , Hayashida Kyoko , Henning Lars , Gummow Bruce 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Trypanosomiasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease with serious health and economic implications. Disease eradication and control programs rely on active case detection through mass population screening. Screening tools and techniques therefore need to be adequately sensitive, practically quick to perform, and affordable. This study compared the field application of the polymerase chain reaction, the loop mediated isothermal amplification technique, and microscopy, in the detection of trypanosomes in cattle blood in Mambwe district in eastern Zambia. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 227 cattle into three heparinised micro capillary tubes, and tested for trypanosomiasis infection using microscopy, ITS-PCR and RIME-LAMP. The comparative diagnostic performance of each of the methods was evaluated using the chi-square test, kappa test and receive operator curves. Results: Microscopy on buffy coat detected 17 cases (n=227), by thin smears detected 26 cases (n=227), and by thick smears detected 28 cases (n=227). In total, microscopy detected 40 cases (n=227). ITS-PCR- on blood spots stored on filter paper detected 47 cases (n=227), ITS-PCR- on blood spots stored on FTA cards detected 83 cases (n=227) and RIME-LAMP-FTA detected 18 cases (n = 131). Using microscopy as gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of ITS-PCR was compared. ITS-PCR-FTA had a better specificity and sensitivity (SE=77.5%; SP=72.2%; k = 0.35) than ITS-PCR-FP (SP = 88%; SE = 60%; kappa = 0.45). Prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei s.l. was higher on RIME-LAMP-FTA (18/131) than ITS-PCR-FTA (19/227). Conclusion: Our results are not perfect but are a good illustration of the current diagnostic challenges in rural Africa. Findings showed that none of the diagnostic tests could be taken as having performed better than the others and that each of the tests offered some advantages and limitations. In endemic rural areas of Africa, the use of PCR and LAMP requires specialised staff, laboratory supplies and infrastructure which is often not available. For this reason, microscopy remains the most practical option for field diagnosis of trypanosomes but understanding its limitations is critical particularly when applied for surveillance purposes.
Mining&nbsp;the&nbsp;Roles&nbsp;of&nbsp;Wheat (Triticum&nbsp;Aestivum)&nbsp;SnRK&nbsp;Gene&nbsp;Family in&nbsp;Biotic&nbsp;and&nbsp;Abiotic&nbsp;Responses
Authors: Song Jinghan , He Yiqin , Yin Junliang , Huang Wendi , Hou Zehao , Liu Yike , Fang Zhengwu , ma dongfang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase (SnRK) is a class of Ser/Thr protein kinases and plays vital functions in the plant stress responses. However, little is known about the SnRK in Triticum aestivum (TaSnRK).ResultsIn this study, 149 TaSnRKs were identified from wheat and divided into three subfamilies, which may be due to the polyploidization induced gene duplication and high rate of homologous retention. A combination of public microarray datasets and quantitative real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) have further revealed the distinct expression patterns of TaSnRKs under specific abiotic/biotic stress responses. TaSnRK2.4-B, a member of SnRK2 subfamily, was located in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane and showed ubiquitous expression in wheat life cycle, suggesting the possible response to polyethylene glycol (PEG), NaCl, heat, and cold stress, as well as the high concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA) application. Besides, transient Agro-infiltration assays showed that TaSnRK2.4-B was also involved in the resistance to pathogen.ConclusionsThese results imply that TaSnRK2.4-B may act as a multifunctional regulatory factor involved in multiple stress response pathways. Overall, our study provides new insights into the roles of TaSnRKs in biotic and abiotic responses.