bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VariplexTM test system fails to reliably detect SARS-CoV-2 directly from respiratory samples without RNA extraction
Authors: Eckel Florian , Küsters Franziska , Drossel Bernhard , Konert Markus , Mattes Hans , Schopf Stefan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Diagnosis of COVID is performed by PCR methods, but their capacitiy is limited by the requirement of high-level facilities and instruments. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method has been utilized for the detection of isolated virus-specific RNA. Preliminary data suggest the possibility of isothermal amplification directly from respiratory samples without RNA extraction.All patients admitted to our hospital were screened for SARS-CoV-2 by routine. Respiratory samples were tested by variplex system based on LAMP method directly without RNA extraction and by PCR. Confirmation or exclusion of clinical COVID diagnosis was based on history, examination and findings. Primary endpoint was the false negative rate of variplex test compared to PCR.A total of 153 patients were included in the study. Median age was 79 years and male/female ratio was 45%/55%. Prevalence of clinical COVID diagnosis was 61.4%. Variplex test and PCR assay was positive in 15.0% and 45.5%, respectively. In 109 patients variplex test and PCR assay were performed simultaneously. False negative rate of variplex test compared to PCR was 83.0%.The potential of LAMP-technology using isolated RNA has been demonstrated impressively by others and excellent sensitivity and specivity of detecting SARS-CoV-2 has been reported. However, without RNA extraction the variplex test system failed to reliable detect SARS-CoV-2 directly in respiratory samples.
Local Delivery of Minocycline and Vorinostat Act Synergistically to Inhibit Recurrence of Gliomas
Authors: Zhao Gang , Jia Jun , Wang Lansheng , Zhang Yongkang , Yang Han , Lu Yang , Yu Rutong , Liu Hongmei , Zhu Yufu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:Postoperative recurrence is the main reason of poor clinical consequences in glioma patients, so preventing recurrence of tumors is crucial in management of gliomas. Methods:In this study, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)in tissues from normal were detected by using RNA-seq analysis.Glioma cases from the public databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas(CGGA), Betastasis) were included in this study.The hydrogelcontains minocycline (Mino) and vorinostat (Vor)(G/Mino + Vor) was formed under 365 nm when photoinitiator was added in. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay was used to assessed the release of drugs in G/Mino + Vor hydrogel. MTT assay was used to explore the biosecurity of GelMA. Immunohistochemistry assay, ELISA assay, Tunel assay were used to demonstrate the antitumor effect of G/Mino + Vor hydrogel.Results:We developed G/Mino + Vor hydrogel successfully. Thenthe experiment in vitro and in vivo confirmed MMPs-responsive delivery of minocycline and vorinostat in hydrogel and the anti-glioma effect on incomplete tumor operation model, which indicated that G/Mino + Vor hydrogel effectively inhibited the recurrence of glioma after surgery.Conclusions: In summary, G/Mino + Vor hydrogel could continuous release minocycline and vorinostat in surgical cavity for inhibiting local recurrence of glioma after operation.
The Effects of Government Quality and Economic Indicators on Self-employment in East Africa: Panel Data Analysis
Authors: GOSHU FIRDISA BIRRU 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Self-employment plays a major role in the economic growth of Africa in general and East African countries in particular. It is a major source of new jobs and a way of employing the entrepreneurial abilities of the population. Moreover, self-employment allows people to do what they want and to follow their passion. However, populations in East Africa face various barriers that hinder their ability to start their own business and/or to become self-employed. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of government quality and economic indicators on self-employment. Data was taken for this study from World Bank’s World Development Indicators, Worldwide Governance Indicators, African development Bank and United Nations Development Program for eight East African countries for 2010-2018. The countries were selected based on the availability of panel data. The fixed effects result indicated that political Stability, control of corruption indices and Voice and accountability, natural logarithm of electricity access, mobile phone subscriptions, people living below income poverty line and primary education enrolment are favorably affecting self-employment in East Africa. The result also shows that the natural logarithm of employment in industry and real GDP growth have negative coefficients. . These findings suggest that in addition to economic and social indicators government quality have greater effect on self-employment in East Africa.
Endoluminal Vacuum Assisted Closure (E-Vac) Therapy for Postoperative Esophageal Fistula: Successful Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Rubicondo Carolina , Lovece Andrea , Pinelli Domenico , Indriolo Amedeo , Lucianetti Alessandro , Colledan Michele 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Treatment of esophageal perforations and postoperative anastomotic leaks of the upper gastrointestinal tract remains a challenge. Endoluminal vacuuma assisted closure (E-vac) therapy has positively contributed, in recent years, to the management of upper gastrointestinal tract perforations by using the same principle of vacuum assisted closure therapy of external wounds. The aim is to provide continuous wound drainage and to promote tissue granulation, decreasing the needed time to heal with a high rate of leakage closure.Report of cases: A series of two different cases with clinical and radiological diagnosis of esophageal fistulas, recorded during the 2018 to 2019 period at our institution, is presented. The first one is a case of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy for cancer complicated by pleuro-mediastinal abscess; while the second one is a leak of an esophageal suture, few days after resection of a bronchogenic cyst perforated into the esophageal lumen. Both cases were successfully treated with E-vac therapy.Conclusion: Our results confirm the usefulness of E-vac therapy in the management of anastomotic and non-anastomotic esophageal fistulas. Further research is needed to better define its indications, to compare it to traditional treatments and to evaluate its long-term efficacy.
Hippocampal Metabolite Concentrations in A Schizophrenia Case Series Vary in Association With Rare Gene Variants For Schizophrenia Versus Autism
Authors: Gonen Oded , Malaspina Dolores , Rhodes Haley , Hoffmann Kevin W. , Heguy Adriana , Chao Moses V. , Kranz Thorsten M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRare variants in the TRIO gene are associated with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which are commonly comorbid. ASD may define a specific schizophrenia subtype. This study examined person-specific hippocampal metabolite concentrations for 4 schizophrenia cases harboring rare variants in TRIO or its interaction partner ARMS/KIDINS220 and 5 cases with other rare variants.MethodsNine of 19 cases from a prior imaging study underwent targeted exome sequencing. Multi-voxel 1H-MRS imaging of the entire 3-dimensional hippocampus found only increased Creatine [Cr] (cellular energy use) concentration, distinguished cases at the group level. However, concentrations of N-acetyl-aspartate [NAA] (neuronal integrity) and choline [Cho] (membrane turnover/myelination) concentrations had a greater variance in cases than controls.ResultsFour cases with rare, missense-coding mutations or non-frameshift deletions in TRIO or ARMS/KIDINS220 had significantly lower [Cho] than the other 5 (1.78 ± 0.18 mM versus 2.67 ± 0.8 mM: t = 3.55, p = 0.005) but similar [NAA]. Two cases harboring rare variants in the SLC39A1 zinc transporter had the lowest [NAA]. (8.41 ± 0 80 mM versus 10.35 ± 2.03 mM, t = 4.52, p = 0.001). The highest [Cho] accompanied rare variants in SORCS2 and SORT, associated with schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease.LimitationsThis preliminary study of a small sample of exceptionally well characterized cases requires replication in larger samples for clinical utility.ConclusionsThe hippocampus is vulnerable to more than one pathology causing schizophrenia. TRIO rare variants predicted significantly lower Cho, indicating reduced myelin. [Cho] and [NAA] may have importance for choosing and monitoring schizophrenia treatment.
Sleep Disturbance and Associated Factors among Adult People Living with HIV/AIDS at Dessie Referral Hospital Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic, Northeast, Ethiopia.
Authors: Degu Fatuma Seid , Birhanu Yeneabat , Azagew Abere 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Sleep disturbance is the leading health problem in the era of HIV/AIDS. The exact cause of sleep disturbance was not well known, but it is related to HIV itself, antiretroviral drugs side effects, and other HIV related disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance and associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult PLWHA at Dessie Referal hospital Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic from April 1/2019 to May 30/2019. A total of 419 study participants participated in the study. A systematic random sampling method was employed. An interviewer-administered a method of data collection with a chart review was used. Pittsburg Sleep Quality of Index (PSQI) for assessing sleep disturbance was used. A binary logistic regression was conducted. The variables having a p-value < 0.05 with 95% CI were used to declare an association. Results: The proportion of sleep disturbance was 36% (95% CI: 31- 41%). The study revealed that being female (AOR=3.45, 95% CI: 1.52-7.79), viral loads ≥1000 copies /ml (AOR=6.88, 95% CI: 2.79-16.9), CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3 (AOR=6.85, 95% CI: 2.42-19.39), WHO stage II and III(AOR=4.29, 95%CI: 1.05-17.53), having anxiety (AOR=10,95% CI: 4.21-23.9), having depression (AOR=4.4, 95% CI: 1.95-10.1), having not a separated bedroom (AOR=3.94, 95% CI: 1.86-8.36), and living alone (AOR=6, 95% CI: 2.81-13.12) were found to be factors associated with sleep disturbance. Conclusion: In this study, more than one - thirds of the study participants were developed sleep disturbance. Being female, low CD4 cell counts, viral load ≥1000copies/ml, WHO stage II and III, having depression and anxiety, living alone, and have not a separate bedroom have increased the experience of sleep disturbance.
Comparable Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes among DAS28-ESR-based Remission Criteria and SDAI, CDAI, and ACR/EULAR Boolean definitions in patients with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Practice. Observational Study of 5 years of Follow-Up
Authors: Ramírez Julio , Inciarte-Mundo Jose , Cuervo Andrea , Celis Raquel , Ruiz-Esq Virginia , Castellanos-Moreira Raul , Ponce Andrés , Gómez-Puerta Jose , Sanmartí Raimon , Cañete Juan D 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective To compare long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes among five sets of remission criteria [four clinical and one Ultrasound (US)-based] in a cohort of RA patients in a clinical care setting. Methods RA patients in remission (DAS28-ESR <2.6) were selected. Hand US assessments were performed, and serum levels of inflammation/angiogenesis biomarkers were determined at baseline. Changes in baseline treatment and radiographic progression, defined as the variation in the modified Sharp van der Heijde score (mSHS) at 5 years, were analyzed. To define remission, five different concepts were used, as follows: DAS28-ESR<2.6, SDAI<3.3, CDAI<2.8, Boolean criteria and score Power Doppler (PD)=0.Results Eighty-seven patients with DAS28-ESR<2.6 were included. One third fulfilled SDAI (33.3%), CDAI (31%) and Boolean (35.6%) remission criteria and 25.3% had no PD signal in the US evaluation. 26 patients (29.9%) changed the therapy, ranging from 13.6% (PD remission) to 33.3% (CDAI remission) (p=0.11). Serum levels of ANG (p=0.015) and TNFa (p=0.025) were significantly lower in patients with Boolean remission, whereas IL-18 levels were significantly lower in those with PD remission (p=0.049). Patients without PD in the US assessment had significantly lower mSHS erosion progression (p=0.014) at 5 years. Conclusions Patients with established RA in DAS28-ESR remission had comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes than SDAI, CDAI and Boolean definitions in a clinical care setting. US remission remained as the closest to structural damage abrogation.
The Patient Profile of a Uk Osteopathic Student Out-patient Clinic: a Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: MacMillan Andrew 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Osteopathy is a healthcare discipline regulated by statute within the UK. Little is known regarding the day-to-day practice of osteopaths. The aim of this study was to investigate the patient profile within a teaching institution. Data regarding patients and their presenting symptoms are routinely collected at UK OEIs. The data were analysed from a sample spanning three years. The demographic data collected described the patient population sample in terms of age range, gender, occupation and ethnicity. The patient symptom data collected was comprised of site of pain, aetiology, symptom duration and symptom pattern. The study first profiles the clinic patient population, describing the prevalence of the types of presenting complaint, and then profiles the demographics of the sample. The study then compared the demographic data to the symptom data to assess for trends within the sample.Methods Data from a total of 3,760 patient records attending between 02/01/13 and 24/12/15 were analysed. This data was cleansed leaving 3243 complete patient records. The data was then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics via the StatisticalPackage for Social Sciences. The statistical tests used were the nonparametric test, Kendall’s rank order correlation, and Pearson’s Chi-Square correlations for the ordinal data. Distributions and frequency counts were performed to describe the data using Microsoft excel.Results The sample of the clinic population analysed included 3243 patient records, of which 1834 were female (57%) and 1408 (43%) were male. The ethnic profile of included records was predominantly Caucasian at 68%, with 13% of Black Minority Ethnic origin and 12% South Asian. The age range is from 0 to 80+ years, and the majority of participants are aged 30-39 (31%). The most common sites of pain were: low back (33%), neck (23%), upper back (9%), mid back (7%), and shoulder (6%). The results suggest that gender may influence site of pain, and that ethnicity is not associated with symptom duration but may be associated with symptom site and pattern, however the association is weak and may not be generalizable beyond this cohort. No statistical significance was found between occupation and pain. Conclusion This study is a detailed profile of a UK OEIs clinic’s patient population. It investigated potential links between demographic data and presenting complaints. Further study with a larger sample size would allow more reliable analysis of data, repeating similar investigation at other institutions may enhance understanding of this topic and highlight if regional differences occur. This study highlights that there are no discernable correlation between pain presentation and occupation or ethnicity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICEThis study adds to the existing research literature by:Profiles the patient population of a UK OEI with reference to; ethnicity, age and gender.Demonstrates a relationship between gender and sites of pain and no link between occupation and presenting complaint.
Dietary exposure of deoxynivalenol affected cytochrome P450 and growth related-gene expression via DNA methylation in piglet liver
Authors: Liu Aimei , Hu Siyi , Zhu Xiaohui , Ihsan Awais , Wu Qinghua , Sun Lvhui , Wang Xu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an inevitable contaminant in animal feed and human food and can lead to decreased appetite and growth retardation in children and piglets, which are often used as models for children. Hepatotoxicity induced by DON is closely related to growth inhibition. Although many molecular mechanisms are related to the liver damage caused by DON, few studies have been done on cytochrome P450 (CYP450s) and DNA methylation, and the role of DNA methylation in growth inhibition of piglets was also unclear.
Results

In the present study, piglets were randomly assigned to the following three different dietary treatments for 4 weeks: control diet, diet containing 1 mg DON/kg feed, and diet containing 3 mg DON/kg feed. Compared to the control group, elevated alanine aminotransferase activity and globulin level were observed in DON groups; however, aspartate aminotransferase activity was decreased in 3 mg/kg DON group. DON exposure increased the mRNA expression of CYP450s including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B22, CYP2C33, CYP2D25, CYP2E1, CYP3A22 and CYP3A39, in which DNA methylation was involved in the regulation of the expression of these enzymes. By estimating the benchmark dose value of the metabolic enzymes, CYP1A1 was found to be the most sensitive metabolic enzyme to evaluate the clinical liver injury caused by DON. DON upregulated the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3B) in a dose-dependent manner, thus increasing the level of 5-mC in the whole genome. Notably, DON downregulated the expression of nicotinamide n-methyltransferase, possibly reducing the weight of the piglets. Additionally, 1 mg/kg DON decreased the expression of galanin-like peptide (GALP), while 3 mg/kg DON significantly increased the level of GALP through DNA methylation, thus affecting the appetite of the piglets. DON can significantly reduce the methylation level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) promoter and thus increase its expression.
Conclusions

Taken together, increased CYP450 expression and DNA methylation are important mechanisms of liver injury and growth inhibition induced by DON, which provide future reference values determination of antagonistic toxicity.
Correlation Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Cxcr4 Microrna Binding Site and the Susceptibility to Knee Osteoarthritis in Han Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Yanlin , Jia Di , Zheng Jiali , Wang Guoliang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the microRNA target sequence in CXCR4 and the susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:A total of 305 patients with KOA and 305 healthy controls were recruited into this study. The genotypes of CXCR4 rs1804029 and rs17848060 loci were analyzed.Results:The susceptibility to KOA of CXCR4 rs1804029 G allele carriers was 1.33 times that of T allele carriers. The KOA susceptibility in individuals carrying T allele at CXCR4 rs17848060 locus was 1.38 times that of individuals carrying A allele (95% CI: 1.17-1.57, p < 0.001). The G allele at CXCR4 rs1804029 locus was the target of hsa-miR-146a-3p, while the A allele at CXCR4 rs17848060 locus could be targeted by hsa-miR-20a-3p. The plasma level of hsa-miR-146a-3p was lower in rs1804029 G allele carriers than T allele carriers, whereas plasma level of hsa-miR-20a-3p was higher in rs17848060 T allele carriers than A allele carriers.Conclusion:The SNPs at rs1804029 and rs17848060 loci in CXCR4 were significantly associated with the susceptibility to KOA in Han Chinese population.
Pseudomonas Putida as a Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Salmonella Java Biofilm Formation in the Drinking Water System of Broiler Houses
Authors: Maes Sharon , De Reu Koen , Weyenberg Stephanie Van , Lories Bram , Heyndrickx Marc , Steenackers Hans 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Environmental biofilms can induce attachment and protection of other microorganisms including pathogens, but can also prevent them from invasion and colonization. This opens the possibility for so-called biocontrol strategies, wherein microorganisms are applied to control the presence of other microbes. The potential for both positive and negative interactions between microbes, however, raises the need for in depth characterization of the sociobiology of candidate biocontrol agents (BCAs). The inside of the drinking water system (DWS) of broiler houses is an interesting niche to apply BCAs, because contamination of these systems with pathogens plays an important role in the infection of broiler chickens and consequently humans. In this study, Pseudomonas putida, which is part of the natural microbiota in the DWS of broiler houses, was evaluated as BCA against the broiler pathogen Salmonella Java.Methods: To study the interaction between these species, an in vitro model was developed simulating biofilm formation in the drinking water system of broilers. Mono- and dual-species biofilms were grown in 6-well microtiter plates and quantified based on bacterial counts and social interactions in mixed communities were determined by the cooperation criterion and biodiversity effect.Results: Dual-species biofilms of P. putida strains P1, P2, and P3 with S. Java were characterized by competitive interactions, independent of P. putida strain, S. Java inoculum density and application order. When equal inocula of S. Java and P. putida strains P1 or P3 were simultaneously applied, the interaction was characterized by mutual inhibition, whereas P. putida strain P2 showed an exploitation of S. Java. Lowering the inoculum density of S. Java changed the interaction with P. putida strain P3 also into an exploitation of S. Java. A further increase in S. Java inhibition was established by P. putida strain P3 forming a mature biofilm before applying S. Java.Conclusions: This study provides the first results showing the potential of P. putida as BCA against S. Java in the broiler environment. Future work should include more complex microbial communities residing in the DWS, additional Salmonella strains as well as chemicals typically used to clean and disinfect the system.
Real-Life Variability of Corneal Epithelium Thickness in Photorefractive Keratectomy
Authors: Barequet Dana , Levinger Eliya , Rosenblatt Amir , Levinger Samuel , Barequet Irina S. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the real-life epithelial thickness (ET) as measured intraoperatively by optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) in myopic eyes undergoing alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent alcohol-assisted PRK was performed. Data were abstracted on age, gender, contact lens (CL) wear, preoperative refractive errors, keratometry, topographic and ultrasonic pachymetry, and intraoperative OCP measurements before and after epithelium removal. The central ET was calculated by subtracting OCP measurement after epithelium removal from the OCP measurement prior to epithelium removal. RESULTS: The study comprised of 140 consecutive eyes from 70 patients. The mean age was 27.29 ± 6.57 years, 51.4% were females. CL was used in 80 eyes (57.1%). The mean sphere and spherical equivalent were -3.69 ± 2.74D and -3.36 ± 2.76D, respectively. The mean intraoperative ET was 59.49 ± 19.93µm (range, 15-150µm). Fifty-four percent of the eyes had an ET measurement above or below the range of 40-60µm. ET was significantly higher in the second operated eye compared to the first operated eye (p=0.006). There was no significant difference in thickness between genders (p=0.29) or association to CL-wear (p=0.11), and no correlation to patient age (p=0.18, rp=0.13), refractive errors (p>0.11, rp=-0.02-0.14), nor keratometry (p>0.64, rp=-0.01-0.02). Conclusion: The real-life assessment of intraoperative ET in alcohol-assisted PRK showed a high variability of the central corneal epithelium, with a significant difference between the first and second operated eyes. This difference may have implications when the epithelium is not included in the surgical planning in surface ablation.