bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Puccinia triticina pathotypes THTT and THTS display complex transcript profiles on wheat cultivar Thatcher
Authors: Wei jie , Cui Liping , Zhang na , Du dongdong , Meng qingfang , Yan hongfei , Yang wenxiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Wheat leaf rust is an important disease worldwide. Understanding the pathogenic molecular mechanism of Puccinia triticina Eriks . ( Pt ) and the inconstant toxic region is critical for managing the disease. The present study aimed to analyze the pathogenic divergence between Pt isolates.
Results: Total RNA was extracted from the wheat cultivar Thatcher infected by two Pt isolates, Tc361_1 (THTT) and Tc284_2 (THTS), at 144 hours post inoculation (hpi). The mRNA was then sequenced, and a total of 2,784 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. Forty-five genes were specifically expressed in THTT; these genes included transcription initiation factors and genes with transmembrane transporter activity and other genes. Twenty-six genes were specifically expressed in THTS, including genes with GTPase activity, ABC transporters and other genes. Fifty-four differentially expressed candidate effectors were screened from the two isolates. Two candidate effectors were chosen and validated on tobacco, and the results showed that they could inhibit necrosis induced by BAX. qRT-PCR of 12 significant DEGs was carried out to validate that the results are similar to those of RNA-seq at 144 hpi, to show the expression levels of these DEGs in the early stage and to elucidate the differences in expression between the two Pt pathotypes.
Conclusion: The results obtained in this study showed that although the two pathotypes of THTT and THTS contribute similar virulence to wheat, there are a large number of genes participate in the interaction with the susceptible wheat cultivar Thatcher, and revealed the pathogenicity of rust is very complicated.
Exploring Pathways to Hospital Care for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Rural South Western Uganda
Authors: Kakongi Nathan , Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Galaye Bizu , Wakida Edith K. , Obua Celestino , Okello Elialilia S. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In order to analyze use of health services and identify sources of delays in accessing the right care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), understanding of care seeking pathways is needed. The objectives of this study were: (i) to explore pathways to hospital care for patients with AD/ADRD and (ii) to describe challenges experienced by the patients and their families while seeking health care.
Methods: Using purposive sampling, 30-in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted among caregivers of elderly patients diagnosed with dementia from rural Southwestern, Uganda. Data was analyzed using ATLAS.Ti software.
Results: There was variability in pathways to care from individual to individual. There was one broader theme captured: points of care choice with four broader categories: hospitals, clinics, places of religious worship and traditional healers’ shrines, each with its facilitating factors, outcomes and challenges encountered. Most of the respondents reported use of hospitals at first and second visit to the health care point but places of religious worship became more common from third to sixth health care encounter.. Major improvements (58.1%) were observed on hospital use but little or no help with prayers, clinics and traditional healers. The challenges experienced with formal points of care focused on lack and cost of prescribed drugs, weakening effect of the drugs, lack of skills to manage the condition, and lack of improvement in quality of life. These challenges together with knowledge gap about the disease and belief in spiritual healing facilitated the shift from formal to informal health care pathways, more particularly the places of religious worship.

Conclusions: Our study findings indicate that caregivers/families of patients with dementia went to different places both formal and informal care settings while seeking health care. However, hospital point of care was more frequent at initial health care visits while places of worship took the lead at subsequent visits. Although no specific pathway reported, most of them begin with hospital (formal) and end with non-formal. We recommend that health systems carry out public awareness on dementia.

Key words: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, caregiver, dementia, pathways to health care and Southwestern Uganda.
Peer education for HIV prevention among high-risk groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Jiayu , Wang Ying , Du Zhicheng , Liao Jing , He Na , Hao Yuantao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Peer education has become a strategy for health promotion among high-risk groups for HIV infection worldwide. However, the extent to which peer education could have an impact on HIV prevention or the long-term effect of this impact is still unknown. This study thus quantifies the impact of peer education over time among high-risk HIV groups globally.
Method: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was used to assess the effects and duration of peer education. A thorough literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed, and studies about peer education on high-risk HIV groups were reviewed. Pooled effects were calculated and the sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis.
Results: A total of 60 articles with 96484 subjects were identified, and peer education was associated with 36% decreased rates of HIV infection among overall high risk groups (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47-0.87). Peer education can promote HIV testing (OR=3.19; 95%CI:2.13,4.79) and condom use (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 2.11-3.36) while reduce equipment sharing (OR=0.50; 95%CI:0.33,0.75) and unprotected sex (OR=0.82; 95%CI: 0.72-0.94). Time trend analysis revealed that peer education had a consistent effect on behavior change for over 24 months and the different follow-up times were a source of heterogeneity.
Conclusion: Our study shows that peer education is an effective tool with long-term impact for behavior change among high-risk HIV groups worldwide. Low and middle-income countries are encouraged to conduct large-scale peer education.
Live-attenuated Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis vaccine with regulated delayed fur mutation confer protection against Streptococcus suis in mice
Authors: Li Yu-an , Du Yuan zhao , Guo Weiwei , New Dianfeng Chu , Fan Juan , New Xiaobo Wang , Bellefleur Matthew , Wang Shifeng , Shi Huoying 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Recombinant Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis ( S . Choleraesuis) vaccine vector could be used to deliver heterologous antigens to prevent and control pig diseases. We have previously shown that a live-attenuated S . Choleraesuis vaccine candidate strain rSC0011 (ΔP crp527 ::TT araC P BAD crp Δ pmi-2426 Δ relA199 :: araC P BAD lacI TT Δ asdA33 , Δ, deletion, TT, terminator) delivering SaoA, a conserved surface protein in most of S . suis serotypes, provided excellent protection against S. suis challenge, but occasionally lead to morbidity (enteritidis) in vaccinated mice (approximately 1 in every 10 mice). Thus, alternated attenuation method was sought to reduce the reactogenicity of strain rSC0011. Herein , we described another recombinant attenuated S. Choleraesuis vector, rSC0012 ( ΔP fur88 :: TT araC P BAD fur Δ pmi-2426 Δ relA199 :: araC P BAD lacI TT Δ asdA33 ) with regulated delayed fur mutation to avoid inducing disease symptoms while exhibiting a high degree of immunogenicity.
Results: The strain rSC0012 strain with the ΔP fur88 ::TT araC P BAD fur mutation induced less production of inflammatory cytokines than strain rSC0011 with the ΔP crp527 ::TT araC P BAD crp mutation in mice. When delivering the same pS-SaoA plasmid, the intraperitoneal LD 50 of rSC0012 was 18.2 times higher than that of rSC0011 in 3-week-old BALB/C mice. rSC0012 with either pS-SaoA or pYA3493 was cleared from spleen and liver tissues 7 days earlier than rSC0011 with same vectors after oral inoculation. The strain rSC0012 synthesizing SaoA induced high titers of anti-SaoA antibodies in both systemic (IgG in serum) and mucosal (IgA in vaginal washes) sites, as well as increased level of IL-4, the facilitator of Th2-type T cell immune response in mice. The recombinant vaccine rSC0012(pS-SaoA) conferred high percentage of protection against S. suis or S . Choleraesuis challenge in BALB/C mice.
Conclusions: The live-attenuated Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis vaccine rSC0012(pS-SaoA) with regulated delayed fur mutation provides a foundation for the development of a safe and effective vaccine against S . Choleraesuis and S. suis .
Keywords: Salmonella Choleraesuis, virulence, immunogenicity, Fur, inflammatory
The Nutrition Transition in Malaysia; Key Drivers and Recommendations for Improved Health Outcomes
Authors: Von Goh Ee , Azam-Ali Susan , McCullough Fiona , Mitra Soma 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The main purpose of this paper is to understand the multidimensional phenomenon of the nutrition transition in Malaysia, from 1980 to 2014, to inform future policies for a healthier nation. Methods: Data were obtained through Food Balance Sheets, Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) and National Health and Morbidity Surveys (NHMS) for year-to-year review. Interaction between changes in food supplies and dietary trends and the progression of diet-related diseases and risk factors were observed using quasi-historical approach.Results: Energy supply for Malaysian population remained consistently in excess of average calorie needs by a minimum of 30%. There were significant signs of shifting food trends, particularly in the supply of wheat (+56.5%), rice (-23.7%), sugar and sweeteners (+23.9%), meat (+49.3%), fish and seafood (+38.7%), and eggs (+55.7%). The plant/animal protein ratio has decreased over time. Prevalence of NCD and associated risk factors has increased rapidly, some as high as 170%, despite various policy efforts to reduce them. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of policymakers taking a relook into its policies and strategies, and formulate sustainable, comprehensive and multifaceted actions together with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a conducive, healthy and nutritious food systems and environment for its population.
Combined therapy of somatostatin analogues with pegvisomant for the treatment of acromegaly: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Ma Lingyun , Luo Daohuang , Yang Ting , Wu Songtao , Li Min , Chen Chaoyang , Zhou Shuang , Ma Lingyue , Wu Ye , Zhou Ying , Cui Yimin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Acromegaly is a rare, chronic and severe disease. Drug therapy including somatostatin analogues, dopamine receptor agonists and growth hormone receptor antagonists are commonly used to treat patients who do not respond to surgery. The use of combination therapy with PEG and SAs has become more common over the last decade. We performed this study to accurately evaluate the effect of combination therapy of somatostatin analogues (SAs) with pegvisomant (PEG) on acromegalic patients. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Trip database were searched for relevant studies. Prospective clinical trials treating acromegaly with the co-administration of SAs and PEG were included. We performed a meta-analysis by using Stata 12.1 . Sensitivity analysis was conducted to explore heterogeneity. Results : Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. The overall rate of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) normalization was 66% (95% CI: 52%–78%; I 2 =62.59%). The combination therapy did not significantly change patients’ fasting plasma glucose (ES: 0.011 mmol*L -1 ; 95% CI: −0.374 to 0.397 mmol*L -1 ; P=0.954) or glycosylated haemoglobin (ES: -0.074%; 95% CI: −0.166% to 0.315%; P=0.544) while decreasing the fasting plasma insulin (ES: −21.487 pmol*L-1; 95% CI: −35.713 to -7.260 pmol*L-1; P=0.003). Elevation of liver enzyme levels was found in 14% (95% CI: 8% to 21%) of the patients. There was no significant difference for serious adverse events and treatment discontinuation due to adverse event between SAs monotherapy group and combination therapy group. Conclusions: Combined therapy of SAs and PEG effectively normalized IGF-1 levels in most of the patients whose IGF-1 level was greater than the upper limit of normal after high dose SAs monotherapy. The therapy also decreased significantly FPI levels with a neutral effect on glucose parameters in acromegaly patients. Moreover, elevated liver enzyme levels were observed in a small number of patients, which suggests a need for liver function monitoring. Trial registration We have our protocol registered in PROSPERO. (Registration number: CRD42019115549)
Upregulation of pERK and c-JUN by γ-tocotrienol and not α-tocopherol are essential to the differential effect on apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.
Authors: Moore Christine , Palau Victoria , Mahboob Rashid , Lightner Janet , Stone William , Krishnan Koyamangalath 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: α-tocopherol (AT) and γ-tocotrienol (GT3) are vitamin E isoforms considered to have potential chemopreventive properties. AT has been widely studied in vitro and in clinical trials with mixed results. The latest clinical study (SELECT trial) tested AT in prostate cancer patients, determined that AT provided no benefit, and could promote cancer. Conversely, GT3 has shown antineoplastic properties in several in vitro studies, with no clinical studies published to date. GT3 causes apoptosis via upregulation of the JNK pathway; however, inhibition results in a partial block of cell death. We compared side by side the mechanistic differences in these cells in response to AT and GT3. Methods: The effects of GT3 and AT were studied on androgen sensitive LNCaP and androgen independent PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Their cytotoxic effects were analyzed via MTT and confirmed by metabolic assays. Cellular pathways were studied by immunoblot. Quantitative analysis and the determination of relationships between cell signaling events were analyzed for both agents tested. Non-cancerous prostate RWPE-1 cells were also included as a control. Results: The RAF/RAS/ERK pathway was significantly activated by GT3 in LNCaP and PC-3 cells but not by AT. This activation is essential for the apoptotic affect by GT3 as demonstrated the complete inhibition of apoptosis by MEK1 inhibitor U0126. Phospho-c-Jun was upregulated by GT3 but not AT. No changes were observed on AKT for either agent, and no release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm was detected. Caspases 9 and 3 were efficiently activated by GT3 on both cell lines irrespective of androgen sensitivity, but not in cells dosed with AT. Cell viability of non-cancerous RWPE-1 cells was affected neither by GT3 nor AT. Conclusions: c-JUN is a recognized master regulator of apoptosis as shown previously in prostate cancer. However, the mechanism of action of GT3 in these cells also include a significant activation of ERK which is essential for the apoptotic effect of GT3. The activation of both, ERK and c-JUN, is required for apoptosis and may suggest a relevant step in ensuring circumvention of mechanisms of resistance related to the constitutive activation of MEK1.
Role of high-dose salvage radiotherapy for oligometastases of the localised abdominal/pelvic lymph nodes: A retrospective study
Authors: Ito Makoto , Kodaira Takeshi , Koide Yutaro , Okuda Takahito , Mizumatsu Shinichiro , Oshima Yukihiko , Takeuchi Arisa , Mori Toshie , Abe Souichirou , Asai Ayumi , Suzuki Kojiro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Abdominal/pelvic lymph node (LN) oligometastasis, a pattern of treatment failure, is observed occasionally, and radiotherapy may work as salvage therapy. The optimal prescription dose, however, is yet to be determined. This study assessed the efficacy of high-dose radiotherapy.
Methods: The medical records of 113 patients at 4 institutes were retrospectively analysed who had 1 to 5 abdominal/pelvic LN oligometastases and were treated with definitive radiotherapy between 2008 and 2018. The exclusion criteria included non-epithelial tumours, uncontrolled primary lesions, palliative intent, and re-irradiation. The prescription dose was evaluated by using the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2). Patients receiving EQD2 ≥60 Gy were placed into the high-dose group, and the remaining others the low-dose group. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to evaluate overall survival (OS), local control (LC), and progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate log-rank and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analyses were performed to explore predictive factors. Adverse events were compared between the high-dose and low-dose groups.
Results: The primary tumour sites included the colorectum (n = 28), uterine cervix (n = 27), endometrium (n = 15), and ovaries (n = 10). The rate of 2-year OS was 63.1%, that of LC 59.7%, and that of PFS 19.4%. On multivariate analyses, OS were significantly associated with solitary oligometastasis (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.48, p = 0.02), LC with high-dose radiotherapy (HR: 0.93, p < 0.001), and PFS with long disease-free interval (HR: 0.59, p = 0.01). Whereas high-dose radiotherapy did not significantly improve 2-year OS in the entire cohort (74.8% in the high-dose vs. 52.7% in the low-dose; p = 0.08), it did in the subgroup of solitary oligometastasis (88.8% in the high-dose vs. 56.3% in the low-dose; p = 0.009). As for Late grade ≥3 adverse event, ileus was observed in 7 patients (6%) and gastrointestinal bleeding in 4 (4%). No significant association between the irradiation dose and adverse event incidence was found.
Conclusions: As salvage therapy, high-dose radiotherapy was recommendable for oligometastasis in the abdominal/pelvic LNs. For solitary oligometastasis, LC and OS were significantly better in the high-dose group.
Path analysis of skin cancer preventive behaviors in rural women based on protection motivation theory
Authors: Kaviani Abdol-Hossain , Khorsandi Mahboobeh , Roozbahani Nasrin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Determining the factors that affect the adoption of preventive behaviors that can reduce the risk of skin cancer is an important first step for designing interventions promoting these behaviors. Based on protection motivation theory, the present study conducted a path analysis of skin cancer preventive behaviors in rural women to explore such factors.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 243 rural women in the west of Iran were randomly selected to receive a valid and reliable questionnaire assessing constructs from protection motivation theory, as well as demographic information. Fully completed questionnaires were returned by 230 women and data were analyzed using SPSS 22 and LISREL8.8.
Results: In relation with skin cancer preventive behaviors, 27.8% of women wore sun-blocking clothing when working under the sun, 21.7% used sunscreen cream, 5.7% wore cap and 4.8 wore gloves and sunglasses. Protection motivation theory and per capita income explained 51% of motivation variance and 25% of the variance of skin cancer preventive behaviors. Response efficacy construct was the strongest predictor of the motivation of protection (ß= -0.44, p<0/001). Per-capita income (ß= -0.34, p<0/001) and motivation (ß= -0.33, p<0/001) were the strongest predictors of these behaviors.
Conclusions: This study showed that protection motivation theory is efficient in predicting preventive behaviors of skin cancer and the interventions can be designed and implemented by this theory. It is also necessary to perform proper planning in promoting these behaviors in people with low per-capita income.
Additional clinical benefits of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy to nonsurgical periodontal treatment of periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gou Huiqing , Chen Xu , Li Lu , Wang Xiaoqian , Xu Yan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: With more and more concerns concentrated on the novel therapy applying probiotics, we challenge its trustworthy clinical efficacy as an adjuvant to scaling and root planning (SRP) as compared with SRP alone or combined with placebo applied as the initial therapy of periodontitis. Methods: Electronic databases retrieval, a grey literature and a hand search were performed until February 2020 under certain screening condition. Clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy of SRP + probiotic versus SRP treating systemically healthy and nonsmoker individuals diagnosed with periodontitis were included. Primary outcome variables were PPD (pocket probing depth) reduction, CAL (clinical attachment level) gain and the percentage of BOP (bleeding on probing) reduction. Results: After screening, eleven publications were eligible for the systematic review and ten were evaluated in the meta-analysis. Results demonstrated statistically significant more overall PPD reduction at 1 month (0.48mm, p=0.005), overall CAL gain at 1 (0.35mm, p=0.004) and 3 months (0.13mm, p=0.04) and BOP percentage reduction (10.38, p=0.001) at short-term and 6 months (7.57, p< 0.00001) favoring SRP + probiotics treatment. Moreover, significant more reduction of PPD for moderate (0.19mm, p< 0.00001) and deep pockets (0.58mm, p< 0.00001) and gain of CAL for moderate pockets (0.20mm, p=0.0001) were observed at 3 months favoring adjunctive efficacy of probiotics. However, there were not a significant difference of overall PPD reduction at 3 (0.14mm, p=0.07) and 6 months (0.2mm, p=0.26) and overall CAL gain at 6 months (0.19mm, p=0.53) between two groups. Conclusions: Within the ranges of this study, the adjunctive use of probiotics seem to achieve short-term clinical benefits in the treatment of periodontitis. Conclusions must be treated with caution because of high heterogeneity among included studies and future long-term RCTs are needed to testify the clinical application value of probiotics.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of the aquatic carnivorous plant Utricularia gibba
Authors: Oropeza-Aburto Araceli , Cervantes-Perez Sergio Alan , Albert Victor A , Herrera-Estrella Luis Rafael 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The genus Utricularia belongs to Lentibulariaceae, the largest family of carnivorous plants, which includes terrestrial, epiphytic and aquatic species. The development of specialized structures that evolved for carnivory is a feature of this genus that has been of great interest to biologists since Darwin‘s early studies. Utricularia gibba is itself an aquatic plant with sophisticated bladder traps having one of the most complex suction mechanisms for trapping prey. However, the molecular characterization of the mechanisms that regulate trap development and the biophysical processes involved in prey trapping are still largely unknown due to the lack of a simple and reproducible gene transfer system.

Results
Here, we report the establishment of a simple, fast and reproducible protocol for genetic transformation of U. gibba based on the T-DNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens . An in vitro selection system using Phosphinotricin as a selective agent was established for U. gibba . Plant transformation was confirmed by histochemical GUS assays and PCR and qRT-PCR analyses. We report on the expression pattern of the 35S promoter and of the promoter of a trap-specific ribonuclease gene in transgenic U. gibba plants.

Conclusions
The genetic transformation protocol reported here is an effective method for studying developmental biology and functional genomics of this genus of carnivorous plants and advances the utility of U. gibba as a model system to study developmental processes involved in trap formation.