bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional profiling of leukocytes in critically ill COVID19 patients: implications for interferon response and coagulation
Authors:   Lawson COVID19 Study Team, Gill Sean E. , dos Santos Claudia C. , O’Gorman David B. , Carter David E. , Patterson Eric K. , Slessarev Marat , Martin Claudio , Daley Mark , Miller Michael R. , Cepinskas Gediminas , Fraser Douglas D. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
COVID19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has been associated with severe inflammation leading to organ dysfunction and mortality. Our aim was to profile the transcriptome in leukocytes from critically ill patients positive for COVID19 compared to those negative for COVID19 to better understand the COVID19-associated host response. For these studies, all patients admitted to our tertiary care intensive care unit (ICU) suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, using standardized hospital screening methodologies, had blood samples collected at the time of admission to the ICU. Transcriptome profiling of leukocytes via ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNAseq) was then performed and differentially expressed genes as well as significantly enriched gene sets were identified.

Results
We enrolled seven COVID19 + (PCR positive, 2 SARS-CoV-2 genes) and seven age- and sex-matched COVID19- (PCR negative) control ICU patients. Cohorts were well-balanced with the exception that COVID19− patients had significantly higher total white blood cell counts and circulating neutrophils and COVID19 + patients were more likely to suffer bilateral pneumonia. The mortality rate for this cohort of COVID19 + ICU patients was 29%. As indicated by both single-gene based and gene set (GSEA) approaches, the major disease-specific transcriptional responses of leukocytes in critically ill COVID19 + ICU patients were: (i) a robust overrepresentation of interferon-related gene expression; (ii) a marked decrease in the transcriptional level of genes contributing to general protein synthesis and bioenergy metabolism; and (iii) the dysregulated expression of genes associated with coagulation, platelet function, complement activation, and tumour necrosis factor/interleukin 6 signalling.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that critically ill COVID19 + patients on day 1 of admission to the ICU display a unique leukocyte transcriptional profile that distinguishes them from COVID19− patients, providing guidance for future targeted studies exploring novel prognostic and therapeutic aspects of COVID19.
Cytotoxic metabolites from Thysanolaena maxima Roxb. available in Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Nazia , Sohrab Md. Hossain , Afroz Farhana , Rony Satyajit Roy , Sharmin Suriya , Moni Fatema , Hasan Choudhury Mahmood , Rana Md. Sohel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze, a perennial grass plant, is usually distributed in hilly regions of the Indian Subcontinent. Different parts of T. maxima have been used as herbal medicine by traditional healers of this region. In this present study, T. maxima plant extract has been screened for examination of its secondary metabolite content with their probable cytotoxic activity.

Methods
Secondary metabolites of the crude T. maxima plant extract were isolated by different chromatographic methods. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data (1H NMR, 13C NMR) as well as comparison with available literature sources. Antiradical activity by DPPH radical scavenging assay and antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method of the fractions and cytotoxic activity by trypan blue exclusion method of the isolated compounds were also evaluated.

Results
Three phenolic compounds 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1), 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (2), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3) and two steroids stigmast-4-en-3-one (4) and β-stigmasterol (5) were isolated from the aerial part of T. maxima. Among the compounds 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and stigmast-4-en-3-one exhibited notable cytotoxic activity against African Green Monkey Kidney Cell line (Vero cell).

Conclusion
Bioassay investigation of the isolated compounds and fractions suggested that T. maxima could be a potential source of bioactive secondary metabolites.

Graphical abstract
Implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery in gynecological operations: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abdelrazik Amr Nady , Sanad Ahmad Sameer 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
To investigate the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery on length of hospital stay, pain management, and complication rate.

Results
The length of hospital stay was reduced in ERAS groups when compared with the control groups (3.46 days vs 2.28 days; P < 0.0001; CI − 1.5767 to − 0.7833 for laparotomy groups and 2.18 vs 1.76 days; P = 0.0115; CI − 0.7439 to − 0.0961 for laparoscopy groups respectively). Intraoperative fluid use was reduced in both ERAS groups compared to the two control groups (934 ± 245 ml and 832 ± 197 ml vs 1747 ± 257 ml and 1459 ± 304 respectively; P < 0.0001) and postoperative fluid use was also less in the ERAS groups compared to the control groups (1606 ± 607 ml and 1210 ± 324 ml vs 2682 ± 396 ml and 1469 ± 315 ml respectively; P < 0.0001). Pain score using visual analog scale (VAS) on postoperative day 0 was 4.8 ± 1.4 and 4.1 ± 1.2 (P = 0.0066) for both laparotomy control and ERAS groups respectively, while in the laparoscopy groups, VAS was 3.8 ± 1.1 and 3.2 ± 0.9 (P = 0.0024) in control and ERAS groups respectively.

Conclusion
Implementation of ERAS protocols in gynecologic surgery was associated with significant reduction in length of hospital stay, associated with decrease intravenous fluids used and comparable pain control without increase in complication rates.
Formulation and development of metformin-loaded microspheres using Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) gum as co-polymer
Authors: Ozoude Chukwuebuka H. , Azubuike Chukwuemeka P. , Ologunagba Modupe O. , Tonuewa Sejoro S. , Igwilo Cecilia I. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Khaya gum is a bark exudate from Khaya senegalensis (Maliaecae) that has drug carrier potential. This study aimed to formulate and comparatively evaluate metformin-loaded microspheres using blends of khaya gum and sodium alginate. Khaya gum was extracted and subjected to preformulation studies using established protocols while three formulations (FA; FB and FC) of metformin (1% w/v)-loaded microspheres were prepared by the ionic gelation method using 5% zinc chloride solution as the cross-linker. The formulations contained 2% w/v blends of khaya gum and sodium alginate in the ratios of 2:3, 9:11, and 1:1, respectively. The microspheres were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, entrapment efficiency, swelling index, and in vitro release studies.

Results
Yield of 28.48%, pH of 4.00 ± 0.05, moisture content (14.59% ± 0.50), and fair flow properties (Carr’s index 23.68 ± 1.91 and Hausner’s ratio 1.31 ± 0.03) of the khaya gum were obtained. FTIR analyses showed no significant interaction between pure metformin hydrochloride with excipients. Discrete spherical microspheres with sizes ranging from 1200 to 1420 μm were obtained. Drug entrapment efficiency of the microspheres ranged from 65.6 to 81.5%. The release of the drug from microspheres was sustained for the 9 h of the study as the cumulative release was 62% (FA), 73% (FB), and 80% (FC). The release kinetics followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model with super case-II transport mechanism.

Conclusion
Blends of Khaya senegalensis gum and sodium alginate are promising polymer combination for the preparation of controlled-release formulations. The blend of the khaya gum and sodium alginate produced microspheres with controlled release properties. However, the formulation containing 2:3 ratio of khaya gum and sodium alginate respectively produced microspheres with comparable controlled release profiles to the commercial brand metformin tablet.
Thymosin β4 is essential for adherens junction stability and epidermal planar cell polarity
Authors: Padmanabhan Krishnanand , Grobe Hanna , Cohen Jonathan , Soffer Arad , Mahly Adnan , Adir Orit , Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Luxenburg Chen 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Planar cell polarity (PCP) is essential for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis; however, the mechanisms that orchestrate the cell shape and packing dynamics required to establish PCP are poorly understood. Here, we identified a major role for the globular (G)-actin-binding protein thymosin-β4 (TMSB4X) in PCP establishment and cell adhesion in the developing epidermis. Depletion of Tmsb4x in mouse embryos hindered eyelid closure and hair-follicle angling owing to PCP defects. Tmsb4x depletion did not preclude epidermal cell adhesion in vivo or in vitro; however, it resulted in abnormal structural organization and stability of adherens junction (AJ) due to defects in filamentous (F)-actin and G-actin distribution. In cultured keratinocytes, TMSB4X depletion increased the perijunctional G/F-actin ratio and decreased G-actin incorporation into junctional actin networks, but it did not change the overall actin expression level or cellular F-actin content. A pharmacological treatment that increased the G/F-actin ratio and decreased actin polymerization mimicked the effects of Tmsb4x depletion on both AJs and PCP. Our results provide insights into the regulation of the actin pool and its involvement in AJ function and PCP establishment.
Extracellular vesicles – propagators of neuropathology and sources of potential biomarkers and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Vassileff Natasha , Cheng Lesley , Hill Andrew F. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the irreversible degeneration of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous systems. These include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and prion diseases. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), a type of EV involved in cellular communication, have been well documented as propagating neurodegenerative diseases. These sEVs carry cargo, such as proteins and RNA, to recipient cells but are also capable of promoting protein misfolding, thus actively contributing to the progression of these diseases. sEV secretion is also a compensatory process for lysosomal dysfunction in the affected cells, despite inadvertently propagating disease to recipient cells. Despite this, sEV miRNAs have biomarker potential for the early diagnosis of these diseases, while stem cell-derived sEVs and those generated through exogenous assistance demonstrate the greatest therapeutic potential. This Review will highlight novel advancements in the involvement of sEVs as propagators of neuropathology, biomarkers and potential therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases.
Hydrostatic pressure prevents chondrocyte differentiation through heterochromatin remodeling
Authors: Maki Koichiro , Nava Michele M. , Villeneuve Clémentine , Chang Minki , Furukawa Katsuko S. , Ushida Takashi , Wickström Sara A. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Articular cartilage protects and lubricates joints for smooth motion and transmission of loads. Owing to its high water content, chondrocytes within the cartilage are exposed to high levels of hydrostatic pressure, which has been shown to promote chondrocyte identity through unknown mechanisms. Here, we investigate the effects of hydrostatic pressure on chondrocyte state and behavior, and discover that application of hydrostatic pressure promotes chondrocyte quiescence and prevents maturation towards the hypertrophic state. Mechanistically, hydrostatic pressure reduces the amount of trimethylated H3K9 (K3K9me3)-marked constitutive heterochromatin and concomitantly increases H3K27me3-marked facultative heterochromatin. Reduced levels of H3K9me3 attenuates expression of pre-hypertrophic genes, replication and transcription, thereby reducing replicative stress. Conversely, promoting replicative stress by inhibition of topoisomerase II decreases Sox9 expression, suggesting that it enhances chondrocyte maturation. Our results reveal how hydrostatic pressure triggers chromatin remodeling to impact cell fate and function.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Results of a person-centered maternal health quality improvement intervention in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Montagu Dominic , Giessler Katie , Nakphong Michelle Kao , Roy Kali Prasad , Sahu Ananta Basudev , Sharma Kovid , Green Cathy , Sudhinaraset May 
Published: December 2020

Background
Poor patient experiences during delivery in Uttar Pradesh, India is a common problem. It delays presentation at facilities after the onset of labor and contributes to poor maternal health outcomes. Patient-centered maternity care (PCMC) is recognized by the World Health Organization as critical to overall quality. Changing PCMC requires changing the process of care, and is therefore especially challenging.

Methods
We used a matched case-control design to evaluate a quality improvement process directed at PCMC and based on widely established team-based methods used in many OECD countries. The intervention was introduced into three government facilities and teams supported to brainstorm and test improvements over 12 months. Progress was measured through pre-post interviews with new mothers, scored using a validated PCMC scale. Analysis included chi-squared and difference-in-difference tests.

Findings
On a scale to 100, the PCMC score of the intervention group increased 22.9 points compared to controls. Deliveries attended by midwives, dais, ASHAs or non-skilled providers resulted in significantly higher PCMC scores than those attended to by nurses or doctors. The intervention was associated with one additional visit from a doctor and over two additional visits from nurses per day, compared to the control group.

Interpretation
This study has demonstrated the effectiveness of a team-based quality improvement intervention to ameliorate women’s childbirth experiences. These improvements were locally designed and led, and offer a model for potential replication.
Genomic diversity of class I integrons from antimicrobial resistant strains of Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from livestock, poultry and humans
Authors: Rao Sangeeta , Linke Lyndsey , Doster Enrique , Hyatt Doreene , Burgess Brandy A. , Magnuson Roberta , Pabilonia Kristy L. , Morley Paul S. 
Published: December 2020

Introduction
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a serious issue prevalent in various agriculture-related foodborne pathogens including Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) Typhimurium. Class I integrons have been detected in Salmonella spp. strains isolated from food producing animals and humans and likely play a critical role in transmitting antimicrobial resistance within and between livestock and human populations.

Objective
The main objective of our study was to characterize class I integron presence to identify possible integron diversity among and between antimicrobial resistant Salmonella Typhimurium isolates from various host species, including humans, cattle, swine, and poultry.

Methods
An association between integron presence with multidrug resistance was evaluated. One hundred and eighty-three S. Typhimurium isolates were tested for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Class I integrons were detected and sequenced. Similarity of AMR patterns between host species was also studied within each integron type.

Results
One hundred seventy-four (95.1%) of 183 S.Typhimurium isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 82 (44.8%) were resistant to 5 or more antimicrobials. The majority of isolates resistant to at least one antimicrobial was from humans (45.9%), followed by swine (19.1%) and then bovine (16.9%) isolates; poultry showed the lowest number (13.1%) of resistant isolates. Our study has demonstrated high occurrence of class I integrons in S. Typhimurium across different host species. Only one integron size was detected in poultry isolates. There was a significant association between integron presence of any size and specific multidrug resistance pattern among the isolates from human, bovine and swine.

Conclusions
Our study has demonstrated a high occurrence of class I integrons of different sizes in Salmonella Typhimurium across various host species and their association with multidrug resistance. This demonstration indicates that multidrug resistant Salmonella Typhimurium is of significant public health occurrence and reflects on the importance of judicious use of antimicrobials among livestock and poultry.
Quantitative assessment of choriocapillaris flow deficits in diabetic retinopathy: A swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Dai Yining , Zhou Hao , Zhang Qinqin , Chu Zhongdi , Olmos de Koo Lisa C. , Chao Jennifer R. , Rezaei Kasra A. , Saraf Steven S. , Wang Ruikang K. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo quantitatively assess choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficits in eyes with diabetic retinopathy (DR) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).MethodsDiabetic subjects with different stages of DR and age-matched healthy subjects were recruited and imaged with SS-OCTA. Theen faceCC blood flow images were generated using previously published and validated algorithms. The percentage of CC flow deficits (FD%) and the mean CC flow deficit size were calculated in a 5-mm-diameter circle centered on the fovea from the 6×6-mm scans.ResultsForty-five diabetic subjects and 27 control subjects were included in the study. The CC FD% in diabetic eyes was on average 1.4-fold greater than in control eyes (12.34±4.14% vs 8.82±2.61%,P< 0.001). The mean CC FD size in diabetic eyes was on average 1.4-fold larger than in control eyes (2151.3± 650.8μm2vs 1574.4±255.0 μm2,P< 0.001). No significant difference in CC FD% or mean CC FD size was observed between eyes with nonproliferative DR and eyes with proliferative DR (P= 1.000 andP= 1.000, respectively).ConclusionsCC perfusion in DR can be objectively and quantitatively assessed with FD% and FD size. In the macular region, both CC FD% and CC FD size are increased in eyes with DR. SS-OCTA provides new insights for the investigations of CC perfusion status in diabetes in vivo.
Determinants of soil-transmitted helminth infections among pre-school-aged children in Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia: A case-control study
Authors: Asfaw Mekuria Asnakew , Wegayehu Teklu , Gezmu Tigist , Bekele Alemayehu , Hailemariam Zeleke , Gebre Teshome 
Published: December 2020

Background
Pre-school aged children (PSAC) are highly affected by soil-transmitted helminths (STH), particularly in areas where water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are inadequate. Context-specific evidence on determinants of STH infections in PSAC has not been well established in the study area. This study, therefore, aimed to fill these gaps in Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based unmatched case-control study, nested in a cross-sectional survey, was conducted in January 2019. Cases and controls were identified based on any STH infection status using the Kato-Katz technique in stool sample examination. Data on social, demographic, economic, behavioral, and WASH related variables were collected from primary caregivers of children using pre-tested questionnaire. Determinants of STH infections were identified using multivariable logistic regression model using SPSS version 25.

Results
A total of 1206 PSAC (402 cases and 804 controls) participated in this study. Our study showed that the odds of STH infection were lowest among PSAC living in urban areas (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39–0.79), among those from households with safe water source (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47–0.0.93), and in those PSAC from households with shorter distance from water source (<30 minutes) (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39–0.67). On the other hand, the odds of STH infection were highest among PSAC from households that had no functional hand washing facility (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04–1.77), in those PSAC from households that had unclean latrine (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.19–2.78), and among those PSAC under caregivers who had lower score (≤5) on knowledge related to STH transmission (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.13–3.01).

Conclusions
Given efforts required eliminating STH by 2030; the existing preventive chemotherapy intervention should be substantially strengthened with WASH and behavioral interventions. Thus, an urgent call for action is required to integrate context-specific interventions, particularly in rural areas.
Shariah Governance, Maqasid al-Shariah, SMEs Performance: The Role of Gender and Age
Authors: Kurniawati Sri Lestari , Lestari Wiwik , Sari Linda Purnama , Dewi Kartika Titis Puspitaningrum 
Published: December 2020

This study's primary objective is to develop shariah governance and maqasid alshariahÂ models in improving the performance of SMEs in Surabaya, Indonesia. TheÂ sampling technique used is the purposive sampling method, and the analysis modelÂ used is the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results show that creating aÂ conducive pre-condition/situation, Sharia governance principles, and ethics, and codeÂ of conduct have insignificant influence on SMEs' performance. In contrast, maqasidÂ al-shariah has a significant influence on the performance of SMEs. Besides, the resultsÂ also show that gender positively moderates the influence of ethics and code of conductÂ on the performance of SMEs. In contrast, age negatively moderates the influence ofÂ the creation of conducive pre-condition/situation and ethics and code of conduct onÂ SMEs' performance. The results of this study are expected to be used as input forÂ SMEs to improve their performance. SMEs need to understand the Sharia governanceÂ indicators and increase their understanding of maqasid al-shariah in running theirÂ business.
Exploring English writing teachers’ self-development through the use of online resources in constrained contexts
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong 
Published: December 2020

This study reports on how English writing teachers empowered themselves to connect linguistic knowledge and online resources to develop students’ renewed understanding of writing beyond the structure level. Through qualitative analyses of one college English teacher’s reflections, his verbal interactions with students, as well as his students’ written documents and interviews, the study shows that in the process of self-development, the teacher experienced a diverse array of challenges. Despite this, the teacher’s self-development through the use of online resources was facilitated by his incorporation of linguistic knowledge, which ultimately helped his students transcend their previous writing practices, and reproduce culturally and linguistically effective written discourses. The study concludes that teachers’ self-development to facilitate students’ written communication in constrained contexts is useful, and synergizing online resources and linguistic knowledge is important to overcome challenges encountered in the process of self-development