bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of water quality, trace elements contamination in Oreochomis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus reared in 2 types of ponds and health risk assessment in Cameroon
Authors: Ntsama Isabelle Sandrine Bouelet , Tambe Betrand Ayuk , Biyegue Christine Fernande Nyangono , Pouokam Guy , Mentho Hélène Claudia , Takadong Julie Judith Tsafack , Nama Gabriel Medoua , Serratosa Jordi , Kansci Germain 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Fish farming in Cameroon is growing very rapidly and fish available in the markets is mostly coming from fish farms, but domestic fish production is still low to meet demand. Intensification of production could lead to the occurrence of various types of contaminants that can affect the sanitary quality of farmed fish and consumer health. This study aimed to assess the quality of farmed fish collected in fish farms located in four regions of Cameroon (Center, South, West, Littoral).Results: Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, cobalt, and nickel were determined in pond water and muscles of Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus raised in concrete and earthen ponds to evaluate health risk for consumers. Trace elements were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Heavy metals in water for concrete and earthen ponds shows there are no significant differences (p<0.05) between the rearing systems except for cobalt and nickel. Heavy metals concentrations in water were lower when compared to the WHO recommended limits except for cadmium in all the ponds. For concrete ponds, heavy metal concentrations decreased in water in the sequence of Cd > As > Co > Ni > Cr > Pb. For earthen ponds the concentrations decreased as Cd > Co > As > Ni > Cr > Pb.Conclusion: Concentrations recorded in the muscles of the 2 species were above the safety limits recommended by FAO/WHO. The target hazard quotient of As was highest compared to other metals and higher than the acceptable limits according to US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines in all fish species. the level of each investigated metal, highlighted a very low health risk for consumers.
Influence of cement-augmented pedicle screws with different volumes of polymethylmethacrylate in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae over the adjacent segments: A 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Guo Hui-zhi , Zhang Shun-cong , Guo Dan-qing , Ma Yan-huai , yuan Kai , Li Yong-xian , Peng Jian-cheng , Li Jing-lan , Liang De , Tang Yong-chao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used for cement-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation (CAPSI) to improve the fixation stability and reduce the risk of screw loosening in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine. Biomechanical researches have shown that various dose of cement (1-3ml) can be injected to enhance screw stability. To date, there have been no studies on the relationship between adjacent segment degeneration and the volume of PMMA. This study aimed to explore the influence of CAPSI with different volumes of PMMA in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae over adjacent segments by using finite element analysis.Methods: Seven different finite element models were reconstructed and simulated under different loading conditions, including (1) an intact model, (2) three single-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml), and (3) three double-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml). To improve the accuracy of the finite element analysis, the models of the injectable pedicle screw and bone cement were created by using a three-dimensional scanning machine and the CAPSI patient’s CT data, respectively. The range of motion (ROM), the stress of intervertebral discs, and the stress of facet in the adjacent segment were comparatively analysed among the different models.Results: The ROMs of the different segments were compared with experimental data, with good agreement under the different load conditions. Compared with the intact model, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress in adjacent segments were found to be higher in the six operative models. Otherwise, with a larger volume of PMMA injected, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress slightly increased at the adjacent segment. However, the differences among the augmented models were insignificant for all loading cases.Conclusions: CAPSI could increase the incidence of disk degeneration in the adjacent segment, while within a certain range, different volumes of PMMA provided an approximate impact over the adjacent segment degeneration.
Outcomes of a retrospective study on sustained release betamethasone for transient radicular symptoms in patients after Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion operation
Authors: Haojie Li , Wang Yang , Ma Weihu , Xu Dingli 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background:Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) operation is a commonly treatment for Lumbar disc herniation(LDH). but some patients had transient radicular symptoms after surgery.At present, some studies believes that the application of steroids is effective in radiculopathy caused by LDH.
Method: The patients who with single-level LDH underwent TLIF operation were retrospectively analyzed from March 2017 to July 2019. Patients were divided into observation group（a gelatin sponge with a mixture of 1 ml betamethasone injection + 2 ml 2% lidocaine placed around the spinal nerve roots after decompression） and control group 1（1 ml betamethasone injection + 2ml 2% lidocaine placed around the spinal nerve roots after decompression）、group 2（a gelatin sponge with 3 ml normal saline placed around the spinal nerve roots after decompression）group 3（no anything was placed）. Clinical data such as lasegue sign, postoperative hospital stays, VAS score of leg pain, ODI index, Effective standard and therapeutic effect were collected.Results: A total of 186 patients were finally included,the observation group 46 cases, control group 1: 53 cases, group 2:45 cases, and group 3:42 cases. VAS score of postoperative legs pain in the observation group at the postoperative 1-5 day were significantly lower than those in the control groups (P<0.05). The recovery of Lasegue sign in the observation group were significantly better than the control groups (P<0.05). The average of postoperative hospital stay in the observation was significantly shorter than the control groups. In addition,the unmeration of leukocyte in the four groups postoperative were significantly higher than before operation (P<0.05). the rate of complications in observation group and control groups has no significant difference.The patients in the four groups had basically the same satisfaction with the final efficacy (> 90%) .Conclusion：the use of gelatin sponge sustained-release steroids and other mixed solutions can significantly relieve transient radicular symptoms after TLIF operation,and does not influence the occurrence of postoperative complications.
Significant Symptoms and Non-Symptom-Related Factors for Malaria Diagnosis in Endemic Regions of Indonesia
Authors: Bria Yulianti Paula , Yeh Chung-Hsing , Bedingfield Susan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: In rural areas of Indonesia, where parasitological tests are not always available, a knowledge of significant symptoms and non-symptom-related factors is crucial for clinical diagnosis of malaria in order to take appropriate actions for treatment. Malaria diagnosis at early stages can avoid a progression in severity of the conditions and possible transmission of the disease. With insufficient knowledge of significant malaria symptoms and non-symptom-related factors for clinical diagnosis of malaria, medical doctors may presumptively treat febrile patients, which leads to an increase in resistance to antimalarial drugs.Methods: The study involves five stages. First, medical records are collected from patients suffering from malaria and other febrile diseases such as dengue fever, typhoid fever, respiratory tract infection, dyspepsia, pneumonia, common cold and gastritis. The records are obtained from two public hospitals in endemic regions in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara Province, East Sumba and Lembata. Second, interviews with eight Indonesian medical doctors are conducted to understand the symptoms and non-symptom-related factors they use for clinical diagnosis of malaria. Third, symptoms and non-symptom-related factors from 472 collected medical records are selected and ranked using the correlation matrix method. Fourth, the 17 feature sets extracted from the ranked features are used to develop and compare various malaria classifiers using three machine-learning techniques, including logistic regression, support vector machines and k-nearest neighbors. Fifth, the most significant symptoms and non-symptom-related factors are identified for malaria diagnosis using the malaria classifiers developed. In addition, further experiments and comparisons are conducted to examine the performance of malaria classifiers using various feature sets.Results: (a) Out of 17 features identified from medical records, six significant symptoms (duration of fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, pain and severe symptoms), and two non-symptom-related factors (history of malaria and age) contribute most to malaria diagnosis. These significant features can be used for malaria diagnosis with an average 85% accuracy. (b) As a symptom, duration of fever is more significant than temperature or fever for distinguishing malaria from other febrile diseases. (c) Trios malaria symptoms (fever, shivering and sweating) are shown to be less significant than other symptoms in endemic regions.Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used to raise the public awareness of significant malaria symptoms and non-symptom-related factors within societies vulnerable to malaria. These findings can also be used for helping unexperienced medical doctors with clinical diagnosis of malaria especially in rural areas, where the availability of parasitological tests is scarce.
The chemotherapy and radiation in low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma: is there a role?
Authors: Xu Yao , Xu Guijun , Wang Xin , Mao Min , Wu Haixiao , Baklaushev Vladimir P. , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Peltzer Karl , Wang Guowen , Zhang Chao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a rare entity with a predilection in the head and neck. There are still no optimal treatment strategies for LGMS. We aimed to investigate the role of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for LGMS. Survival estimate was performed and prognostic factors were identified.Methods: Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database, LGMS patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2015 were involved in our study. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to estimate overall survival. Cox proportional hazard regression model was performed to identify prognostic factors.Results: A total of 96 eligible patients with LGMS were included, among which 86 (89.6%) received surgical treatment. Twenty-eight (29.2%) patients received radiation treatment while chemotherapy was offered to 20 (10.4%) patients. The median age was 55.0 years old with 22 cases occurred in head and neck region. The mean OS was 125.2 (95%CI 106.3-144.2) months while 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year OS rates were 88%, 77%, 70% and 59%, respectively. Age older than 60 years, positive nodal status and no surgical treatment were independent prognostic factors for patients with LGMS. Chemotherapy and radiation were not independent prognostic factors for LGMS.Conclusions: Several prognostic factors for LGMS were revealed in this study. Surgical resection is the main therapy while chemotherapy and radiation showed limited effects on survival improvement. Thus, chemotherapy and/or radiation should not be routinely performed in LGMS.
A single oral fixed - dose praziquantel-miltefosine nanocombination for effective control of experimental Schistosomiasis mansoni
Authors: Eissa Maha Mohamed , El-Azzouni Mervat , El-Khordagui Labiba Khalil , Bary Amany Abdel , El-Moslemany Riham Mohamed , Salam Sara Ahmed Abdel 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis control has been centered to date on praziquantel, with shortcomings involving ineffectiveness against immature worms, reinfection and emergence of drug resistance. Strategies based on drug repurposing and/or praziquantel combination therapy proved effective, though with some limitations. Combining such strategies with nanotechnology would further augment therapeutic benefits. Nanocarrier-mediated delivery of multiple drugs in schistosomiasis control has not been documented to date. Our objective was to combine drug repurposing, combinational therapy and nanotechnology for the development of a single oral fixed dose nanocombination to improve praziquantel therapeutic profile. This was based on praziquantel and an antischistosomal repurposing candidate miltefosine, co-loaded into lipid nanocapsules in reduced doses. Methods: Two fixed dose lipid nanocapsule formulations were prepared at two concentration levels of praziquantel and miltefosine. Their antischistosomal activity in comparison with control singly loaded lipoid nanocapsules was assessed in Schistosoma mansoni- infected mice. Single oral dos of 250mg praziquantel-20mg miltefosine/kg and 125mg praziquantel-10mg miltefosine/kg were administered on the initial day of infection, 21st and 42nd days post infection. Scanning electron microscopy, parasitological and histopathological studies were used for assessment. In vivo data were subjected to analysis of variance and post hoc test (Tukey) was used for pairwise comparisons. Results: Lipid nanocapsules showed a mean diameter of 58 nm and high entrapment efficiency of both drugs (>95%). Compared to singly loaded lipid nanocapsules, the larger dose praziquantel-miltefosine nanocombination exerted high antischistosomal efficacy in terms of % reduction of worm burden, particularly when given against invasive and juvenile worms, and amelioration of hepatic granulomas. Scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive tegumental damage with noticeable deposition of nanostructures. Conclusions: A fixed dose praziquantel-miltefosine nanocombination offers great potential as a novel single dose oral antischistosomal therapy offering multistage activity and protection against hepatic pathology. The novel drug repurposing/combination therapy/nanotechnology multiple approach has the potentials of improving the therapeutic profile of praziquantel, achieving radical cure, hindering resistance to the component drugs, and simplifying praziquantel chemotherapy. Key words: Praziquantel, miltefosine, lipid nanocapsules, Schistosoma mansoni, nanocombination, multistage activity, tegumental targeting, scanning electron microscopy. ​ [LE1] [LE1]
MiR-877-5p down-regulation of PDK-1 involving in aspirin-induced gastric epithelial cells damage
Authors: jiang zongdan , Dan Ran , Jianjun Zou , Zhibing Wang , Zhi Wang , Chao Li , Zhenyu Zhang , Weihao Sun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
It has been found that the expression of miR-877-5p is increased in serum of patients taking NSAIDs drugs. However, whether miR-877-5p play a role in aspirin-induced gastrointestinal mucosal erosion remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR-877-5p on gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. MiR-877-5p mimic/inhibitor and their oligonucleotides were transfected into GES-1 cells, then GES-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of aspirin (1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mmol/L). The bioinformatics software and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and verify the target gene of miR-877-5p. qRT-PCR and Western Blotting were employed to assess gene and protein expression, and CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. qRT-PCR data showed that miR-877-5p level was significantly increased in aspirin incubated GES-1 cells. The proliferation of GES-1 cells were markedly inhibited and apoptosis was significantly induced in the miR-877-5p mimic groups compared to control groups. Using PITA, Targetscan and miRWalk database, the three databases indicated that PDK1 was a target gene of miR-miR-877-5p. Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that the existence of a direct interaction between miR-877-5p and PDK1 mRNA. Importantly, miR-877-5p knockdown resulted in a significant upregulation of PDK1 mRNA and its encoded protein in GES-1 cells. miR-877-5p plays a role in aspirin-induced gastrointestinal mucosal erosion, which may via down-regulation of targeting PDK1 gene.
Prevalence of fosfomycin resistance and gene mutations in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lee Yi-Chien , Chen Pao-Yu , Wang Jann-Tay , Chang Shan-Chwen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Fosfomycin exhibits excellent in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Increasing fosfomycin resistance among clinical MRSA isolates was reported previously, but little is known about the genetic mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance.Methods: All MRSA isolates, collected in 2002 and 2012 by the Taiwan Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (TSAR) program, were used in this study. Susceptibility to various antimicrobial agents, including fosfomycin, was determined by broth microdilution. Genetic determinants of fosfomycin resistance, including fosB carriage and murA, glpT and uhpT mutations, were investigated using PCR and sequencing of amplicons. Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing was also performed to determine the genetic relatedness of MRSA isolates.Results: A total of 969 MRSA strains, 495 in the year 2002 and 474 in the year 2012, were analyzed. The overall in vitro susceptibility was 8.2% to erythromycin, 18.0% to clindamycin, 29.0% to tetracycline, 44.6% to ciprofloxacin, 57.5% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 86.9% to rifampicin, 92.9% to fosfomycin and 100% to linezolid and vancomycin. A significant increase in the fosfomycin resistance rate was observed from 3.4% in 2002 to 11.0% in 2012. Of 68 fosfomycin-resistant MRSA isolates, 12 harbored the fosB gene, and expression of murA, uhpT, and glpT mutations was noted in 11, 59, and 66 isolates, respectively. Combination of mutations of uhpT and glpT genes (58 isolates) was the most prevalent resistant mechanism. The vast majority of the fosfomycin-resistant MRSA isolates belonged to spa type t002.Conclusions: An increased fosfomycin resistance rate of MRSA isolates was observed in our present study, mostly due to mutations in the glpT and uhpT genes. Clonal spread probably contributed to the increased fosfomycin resistance.
Assessing inequalities and regional disparities in child nutrition outcomes in India using MANUSH—a more sensitive yardstick
Authors: Jain Ayushi , Agnihotri Satish Balram 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: India is strongly committed to reducing the burden of child malnutrition, which has remained a persistent issue. Findings from recent surveys indicate co-existence of child undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency and overweight/obesity, i.e. the triple burden of malnutrition in children below five years. While considerable efforts are being made to address this challenging issue, and several composite indices are being explored to inform policy actions, the methodology used for creating such indices, i.e., linear averaging, has its limitations. Briefly put, it could mask the uneven improvement across different indicators by discounting the ‘lagging’ indicators, signifying negative implications on policy discourse for improved nutrition. To address this gap, we attempt to develop a composite index for estimating the triple burden of malnutrition in India, using a more sensitive measure, MANUSH.Methodology: Data from publicly available nation-wide surveys - National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS), was used for this study. First, we addressed the robustness of MANUSH method of composite indexing over conventional aggregation methods. Second, using MANUSH scores, we assessed the triple burden of malnutrition at the subnational level over different periods NHFS- 3(2005-06), NFHS-4 (2015-16) and CNNS (2106-18). Through the use of maps and spatial tools, we gauged the existence of neighbourhood dependency, the formation of clusters, within and across states.Result: MANUSH method succeeds over its counterparts – linear aggregation and geometric mean, by fulfilling additional conditions of Shortfall and Hiatus Sensitivity, implicitly penalising when, improvement in worst-off dimension is less or not proportionate to improvement in best-off dimension, or when, even with overall improvement, the gap between dimensions remain same. MANUSH scores helped in revealing the changing paradigm in the improvement of nutrition outcomes and the rising inequalities within and across states and districts in India. Significant clusters (p<0.05) of high burden and low burden districts were found, revealing geographical heterogeneities and sharp regional disparities. The usefulness of MANUSH index in context-specific planning and prioritising actions is also brought out using the case of the National Nutrition Mission.Conclusion: MANUSH indexing depicts balanced development effectively, hence finds relevance in bringing out inequality in a diverse and developing economy like India.
Determination of Median Lethal Concentrations (Lc50) of Pathogenic Antigens and Their Applications in Vaccine Development
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective: Lack of ideal mathematical models to qualify and quantify both pathogenicity, and virulence is a dreadful setback in development of new antimicrobials and vaccines against resistance pathogenic microorganisms. Hence, the modified arithmetical formula of Reed and Muench has been integrated with other formulas and used for determination of antigen concentration and parasites inoculums that would kill 50% of test animals (LC50).Results: Microorganisms’ antigens tested are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice and rat, Edwardsiella ictaluri, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii in fish, New Castle Disease virus in chicken, Sheep Pox Virus, Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and Hepatitis A virus in vitro, respectively. The LC50s for the pathogens using different routes of administrations are 1.93 x 103 (sheep poxvirus) and 1.75 x 1010 for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213) in rat respectively. N is the number of vaccine dose that could neutralize the LC50.Titre index (TI) equals N log10 LC50 and provides protection against lethal dose in graded fashion which translates to protection index. Hence, parasite inoculum of 103 to 1011 could be used as basis for median lethal dose (LD50), LC50 and median bacterial concentrations (BC50) determination, pathogenic dose for immune stimulation should be sought at concentrations less than LC10.