bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression kinetics of Exaiptasia pallida innate immune response to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection
Authors: Seneca Francois , Davtian David , Boyer Laurent , Czerucka Dorota 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Recent sequencing projects on early-diverging metazoans such as cnidarians, have unveiled a rich innate immunity gene repertoire; however, little is known about immunity gene regulation in the host’s early response against marine bacterial pathogens over time. Here, we used RNA-seq on the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida (Ep) strain CC7 as a model to depict the innate immune response during the onset of infection with the marine pathogenic bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) clinical strain O3:K6, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) exposure. Pairwise and time series analyses identified the genes responsive to infection as well as the kinetics of innate immune genes over time. Comparisons between the responses to live Vp and purified LPS was then performed.Results Gene expression and functional analyses detected hundreds to thousands of genes responsive to the Vp infection after 1, 3, 6 and 12 hours, including a few shared with the response to LPS. Our results bring to light the first indications that non-canonical cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as NOD-like and RIG-I-like receptor homologs take part in the immune response of Ep. Over-expression of several members of the lectin-complement pathways in parallel with novel transmembrane and Ig containing ficolins (CniFLs) suggest an active defense against the pathogen. Although lacking typical Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Ep activates a TLR-like pathway including the up-regulation of MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB and AP-1 genes, which are not induced under LPS treatment and therefore suggest an alternative ligand-to-PRR trigger. Two cytokine-dependent pathways involving Tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) and several other potential downstream signaling genes likely lead to inflammation and/or apoptosis. Finally, both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways were strongly supported by over-expression of effector and executioner genes.Conclusions To our knowledge, this pioneering study is first to follow the kinetics of the innate immune response in a cnidarian during the onset of infection with a bacterial pathogen. Overall, our findings reveal the involvement of both novel immune gene candidates such as NLRs, RLRs and CniFLs, and previously identified TLR-like and apoptotic pathways in anthozoan innate immunity with a large amount of transcript-level evidence.
Geographic location of health facility and immunization program performance in Hoima district, western Uganda, a Health Facility level assessment
Authors: Kwikiriza Nicholas Magambo , Bajunirwe Francis , Bagenda Fred 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally immunization coverage for childhood vaccines is below the immunization target of achieving at least 90% coverage with the pentavalent vaccine. In Uganda, a recent survey shows 80% of districts had poor immunization program performance. However, there is significant variation in performance within and between districts. We hypothesized that geographic location of a health facility may influence performance of its immunization programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether geographical location of a health facility within a district is associated with performance of the immunization program in Hoima district, western Uganda.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study using a mixed methods approach. The study unit was a health center and we interviewed health workers in-charge of the facilities and reviewed their health facility records. We reviewed the Uganda Health Management Information System (HMIS) 105 reports of six months to obtain data on immunization program performance. Performance was categorized using World Health Organization’s Reach Every District (RED) criteria and classified as poor if a facility fell in category 3 or 4 and good if 1 or 2. We also conducted key informant interviews with immunization focal persons in the district. We examined the association between dependent and independent variables using Fisher’s exact test. Results: We collected data at 49 health facilities. Most of these facilities (55.1%) had poor immunization program performance. Proximal location to the central district headquarters was significantly associated with poor immunization program performance (p<0.05). Attitudes of health workers in the more urban areas, differences in strategies for outreach site selection and community mobilization in the rural and urban areas were suggested as possible explanations.Conclusions: Proximal location to the urban setting near district headquarters was strongly associated with poor immunization program performance. To be able to reach larger numbers of children for vaccination, interventions to improve performance should target health facilities in urban settings.
Evaluating variability in coseismic slips of paleo-earthquakes from an incomplete slip history: an example from displaced terrace flights across the Kamishiro fault, central Japan
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Toda Shinji 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Examining the regularity in slip over seismic cycles leads to an understanding of earthquake recurrence and provides the basis for probabilistic seismic hazard assessment. Systematic analysis of three-dimensional paleoseismic trenches and analysis of offset markers along faults reveal slip history. Flights of displaced terraces have also been used to study slips of paleoearthquakes when the number of earthquakes contributing to the observed displacement of a terrace is known. This study presents a Monte Carlo-based approach to estimating slip variability using displaced terraces when a detailed paleoseismic record is not available. First, we mapped fluvial terraces across the Kamishiro fault, which is an intra-plate reverse fault in central Japan, and systematically measured the cumulative dip slip of the mapped terraces. By combining these measurements with the age of the paleoearthquakes, we estimated the amount of dip slip for the penultimate event (PE) and antepenultimate event (APE) to be 1.6 and 3.4 m, respectively. The APE slip was nearly three times larger than the most recent event of 2014 (Mw 6.2): 1.2 m. This suggests that the rupture length of the APE was much longer than that of the 2014 event and the entire Kamishiro fault ruptured with adjacent faults during the APE. Thereafter, we performed the Monte Carlo simulations to explore the possible range of the coefficient of variation for slip per event (COVs). The simulation considered all the possible rupture histories in terms of the number of events and their slip amounts. The resulting COVs typically ranged between 0.3 and 0.54, indicating a large variation in the slip per event of the Kamishiro fault during the last few thousand years. To test the accuracy of our approach, we performed the same simulation to a fault whose slip per event was well constrained. The result showed that the error in the COVs estimate was less than 0.15 in 86 % of realizations, which was comparable to the uncertainty in COVs derived from a paleoseismic trenching. Based on the accuracy test, we conclude that the Monte Carlo-based approach should help assess the regularity of earthquakes using an incomplete paleoseismic record.
Beach boys in Galle, Sri Lanka: Multiple HIV risk behaviours and potential for HIV bridging
Authors: Bozicevic Ivana , Manathunge Ariyaratne , Beneragama Sriyakanthi , Gadjaweera Chathrini 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: There are limited data globally on HIV in men who engage in casual and transactional sex with female tourists. Methods: In 2018 we carried out a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey among beach boys in Galle, Sri Lanka, to determine prevalence of HIV and other infections, HIV risk behaviours and utilisation of HIV prevention services. Eligibility criteria included men who cruise in and around beach areas and who had anal and/or vaginal sex with female or male tourists in the 12 months before the survey. Results: We recruited 373 beach boys. Approximately 49.6% of the participants were married, while 45.7% were single and 4.7% divorced, separated or widowed. A lower percentage of beach boys reported regular partners in the past 12 months (52.3%) compared to casual partners (95.4%). Condom use at last sex with a casual partner was higher (76.7%) compared to condom use with regular partners (58.3%). Condom use at last sex with a tourist was reported by 75.3%. Ever receiving money, goods or services in exchange for sex was reported by 39.7%. For 85.5% of beach boys who sold sex, the last paying partner was a tourist (85.5%) and a woman (82.0%). In the past 12 months before the survey, 32.3% of beach boys paid money for sex, and 99.5% did so from women. Ever been tested for HIV was reported by 35.3%, and 69.1% of those were tested in the six months before the survey. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, significant correlates of never testing for HIV were lack of comprehensive knowledge about HIV and unprotected last sexual intercourse with tourists. The prevalent infections were: HIV, 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-0.4%); syphilis, 0.5% (0.0-1.2%); herpes virus type-2, 5.0% (2.5%-7.5%). Conclusions: There are low level HIV and syphilis prevalence among beach boys in Galle but a high level of sexual risk taking. Beach boys may be acting as a bridge for HIV transmission between higher-risk groups (paying female tourists, men who have sex with men) and lower-risk heterosexual female population in Sri Lanka. More research is needed in South-East Asia on men who trade sexual services to female and male tourists.
Cost and Time Differences between Three Types of Restorations for Primary Teeth: Amalgam, Composite and Glass-Ionomer Cement.
Authors: Phan Hanthao Thi , Powers John M. , Garcia-Godoy Franklin , Brown Timothy , Pinzon Lilliam Marie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Early Childhood Caries is the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the United States. Three common approaches for treatment of dental caries in general population include: amalgam, composite, and glass ionomer. The purpose of this study was to measure the treatment cost differences for amalgam, composite, and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations of primary teeth and evaluate possible factors that could influence the cost of treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study randomly selected data of 120 restorations from a clinical observational study of the restoration of primary teeth in children aged 5 – 10 years old. The 120 selected restorations in primary teeth, half with two surfaces and half with three surfaces, were performed by two operators at the Asian Health Center and Centro American Resources Center in California. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression. Results: Performing ART was found to take 7.8 minutes less than amalgam (p<0.01) and 19.0 minutes less than composite. ART was found to be 6.4% (p=0.01) less costly than amalgam and 62.4% (p<0.01) less costly than composite. Conclusions: ART was found to be the least costly treatment compared to amalgam and composite restoration procedures. ART also required the shortest time during the clinical procedure. Trial Registration: UCSF CHR Number: H55840-32823-02
Loranthus Micranthus Extracts Suppress the Expression and Enzymatic Activity of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase in Human Breast Cancer Cells via the Inhibition of JAK/STAT and NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Ebokaiwe Azubuike P. , Peng Ting , Njoya Emmanuel M. , Zhou Zongyuan , Hussein Ahmed A. , Zhang Guolin , Wang Fei , Li Lin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe) is a woody parasitic plant. It is found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. Its leaves and stem/twigs have been used in traditional medicine in various continents for the treatment of metabolic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of Loranthus micranthus leaves and stem (LML and LMS) extracts on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO); a key regulator of cancer immunity; and the possible molecular mechanism(s) involved.Methods: Human breast cancer cells; MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 were pre-treated with LML and LMS at doses of 1-30µg/mL for 2 hours. This was followed by interferon-γ (INF-γ) stimulation at 50 ng/mL for 24 hours. After the treatment period, the activity of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) and T cell proliferation were determined using a spectrophotometric assay. Protein expression of IDO-1, IDO-2, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase-2 (TDO-2), Bridging inhibitor 1 (BIN-1), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), Inhibitor of κ B (IκBα) and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway were analyzed using the western blotting technique. The mRNA expression of IDO-1 was quantified using the qRT-PCR technique. Results: MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 cells pre-treated with LML and LMS exhibited lower kynurenine synthesis than that of INF-γ treatment. We observed downregulation of IDO-1, IDO-2, and TDO-2 protein expressions, and lower IDO-1 catalytic activity in LML and LMS pretreated cells than those of INF-γ treated cells alone. Cells pretreated with LML and LMS exhibited significant downregulation of phosphorylation of JAK-1, JAK-2, STAT-1, and STAT-3 than those of IFN-γ treatment alone. Furthermore, LML and LMS pre-treated cells exhibited upregulation of IκBα and BIN-1 protein expression compared with IFN-γ treated cells alone. Additionally, LML and LMS pretreatment significantly improved T cell viability when compared with IFN-γ treated cells alone. Conclusion: These findings indicate that LML and LMS extracts regulate immune responses in cancer cells by inhibiting IDO activity/expression in a JAK/STAT and NF-κB-dependent manner. This accounts for their anticancer effects in traditional medicine, hence a promising candidate for future drug development.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Open Phase IV Clinical Trial to Evaluate The Efficacy and Safety of A Chinese Patent Medicine Combined With Mesalazine for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zhu Lei , Hu Naizhong , Ren Shunping , Sun Hongpu , Wang Shaofeng , Meng Xianmei , Feng Peimin , Zhang Suyun , Wu Jieqiong , Hu Yangqian , Zhao Baisui , Chen Wenxi , Zhang Sumin , Wang Min , Tian Yaozhou , Xiao Jianguo , Wang Qi , Yang Xiaojun , Shen Hong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Enteric-coated HuDi capsules（HuDi）have been approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. In this clinical trial, we objectively evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of HuDi combined with enteric-coated mesalazine tablets in the treatment of active UC.Methods: A total of 355 patients from 18 hospitals in China were randomly divided into the HuDi group, enteric-coated mesalazine tablet group (mesalazine group) or combined group with randomized, controlled double-blinding and double-modeling methods. The patients were followed every two weeks and reexamined by endoscopy at the end of six weeks of treatment. The clinical response; clinical remission rate; endoscopic response rate; mucosal healing rate; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP); and safety indicators were evaluated after treatment.Results: The clinical response rate was 58% in the HuDi group and 58.82% in the mesalazine group, while the clinical effective rate in the combined group was 82.46%. A total of 32% of the patients receiving the enteric-coated HuDi capsules and 29.41% of the patients receiving the enteric-coated mesalazine tablets achieved clinical remission. The clinical remission rate in the combined group was 52.63%, which was better than that in the mesalazine group (P = 0.0145)and HuDi group(P = 0.0315). Moreover, the endoscopic response rates were 50% in the HuDi group, 47.06% in the mesalazine group and 64.91% in the combined group, with no significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05). Further, the mucosal healing rates in the three groups were 44%, 41.18% and 63.16%, respectively, the combined group was better than that in the HuDi group(P=0.0472) and mesalazine group (P=0.0223). Finally, there was no significant difference in the normalization rates of the ESR and CRP among the three groups (P > 0.05).There were no serious adverse events in the combined drug group. Conclusions: In patients with mild and moderate active UC, combined treatment with enteric-coated mesalazine tablets and enteric-coated HuDi capsules improved the Clinical response and induced clinical remission. However, further studies need extended follow-up periods to determine the efficacy.Trial registration: Chinese It was registered in Clinical Trial Registry on 2015-01-14.
Based on Proteomics Reveals the Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Phillygenin by Inhibition NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Zhou Mengting , Tang Yunqiu , Liao Li , Liu Meichen , Deng Ying , Zhao Xingtao , Li Yunxia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Inflammation is a common pathological phenomenon when homeostasis is seriously disturbed. Phillygenin (PHI) is a lignin component isolated from Forsythiae Fructus, which showed a good anti-inflammation effect. However, the mechanisms of PHI on anti-inflammation have not yet been systematically elucidated.Methods: In the study, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was established to investigate mechanisms of PHI on inflammation. The effect of PHI on LPS-induced IL-1β and PGE2 inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA, and the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was detected by RT-qPCR. Proteomics studies the signaling pathways that may be affected by PHI. Molecular docking technology was used to study the possible targets of PHI on NF-kB pathway. Western blot was performed to detect progressive changes in protein expression.Results: The research showed that PHI significantly inhibited the robust increase of IL-1β and PGE2, and lowered the transcriptional level of inflammatory genes including IL-6, IL-1β and PGE2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Proteomics results indicated that PHI was involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. Molecular docking results indicated that PHI has an affinity for most proteins in NF-kB pathway. Western blot analysis showed that PHI inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB pathway activation. Conclusion: PHI inhibits the activation of NF-κB pathway, thereby inhibiting the expression of related inflammatory genes and the release of cytokines, thus showing remarkable anti-inflammatory effect.
Chromosome count improvement and digitalization of Neolamarckia cadamba
Authors: Eng Wee-Hiang , Ho Wei-Seng , Ling Kwong-Hung 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Chromosome count is the only direct way to determine the number of chromosome of a species. This study is often considered trivial that seldom described and discussed in detail. Therefore, it is evitable that chromosome count protocol should be revised and revisited before it becomes obliterated. Our chromosome counts in N. cadamba root tips have encountered challenges that prevent us from obtaining clear micrograph with the correct chromosome number. Several obstacles were determined through micrograph observation such as existing unwanted particles in cells, poor chromosome staining and chromosome crumping. Results: The chromosome counts of Neolamarckia cadamba under optimized procedure yielded 44 chromosomes per nucleus. To overcome these, root tip types, stain types, squashing methods were among factors assessed to obtain clear micrograph. We also apply digital technology in term of online database and graphic software that are open source and freely accessible to the public. Conclusions: Throughout the study, we used a few basic laboratory equipment and chemicals, thus making this study economical and applicable in a basic laboratory. The availability of online digital software and databases provide open-source platforms that will ease the efforts in chromosome count.
Does the Implementation of an Emergency Nursing Framework (HIRAID) Reduce patient Deterioration? A Multi-Centre Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Curtis Kate , Munroe Belinda , Fry Margaret , Considine Julie , Tuala Erin , Watts Michael , Alkhouri Hatem , Elphick Tiana , Ruperto Kate , Barrass Jacquie , Balzer Sharyn , Chisholm Bronwynne , Van Connie , Shaban Ramon Z 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Recognition and response of deteriorating patients is fundamental to safe, high quality healthcare. Failure to recognise and respond to deteriorating patients is associated with serious adverse events, both during and after emergency department care. This study aims to determine if the implementation of HIRAID (History, Identify Red flags, Assessment, Interventions, Diagnostics, communication and reassessment), an emergency nursing framework, improves patient safety.Methods: This quasi-experimental cohort study was conducted between November 2017 and February 2019 in two regional hospitals in [Anonymised], Australia. HIRAID was implemented using a multi-pronged behaviour change intervention. Data of 920 patients (374 pre-cohort and 546 post-cohort) who had an episode of deterioration within 72 hours of emergency department departure were collected. Statistical tests were conducted as two-sided, with a 95% confidence interval to determine pre/post cohort association. The StaRI checklist was used in reporting this study.Results: Patients in the post group were older with more comorbidities, but experienced fewer episodes of clinical deterioration associated with care delivered in the emergency department (27% to 13%). There was a reduction in treatment delays [pre n=28 (28.3%) versus post n=11 (15.1%), p=0.041, 95% CI (1.1%–25.3%)], and delay or failure to escalate care when abnormal vital signs were identified [pre n=20 (20.2%) versus post n=5 (6.9%), p=0.014, 95% CI (3.5%–23.1%)]. The proportion of isolated nursing-related causal factors decreased from 20 (21%) to 6 (8%). Conclusions: HIRAID is a standardised emergency nursing framework which provides a structured, evidence-based approach to emergency nursing assessment that could be adapted for a variety of clinical settings. Implementing HIRAID using the principles of behavior change is associated with a reduction in clinical deterioration related to emergency care.