bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Bacillus Anthracis, Brucella Spp., and Coxiella Burnetii DNA Signatures From Bushmeat
Authors: Katani Robab , Schilling Megan , Lyimo Beatus , Eblate Ernest , Martin Andimile , Tonui Triza , Cattadori Isabella , Francesconi Stephen , Estes Anna , Rentsch Dennis , Sriniva Sreenidhi , Lyimo Samson , Munuo Lidia , Tiambo Christian , Stomeo Francesca , Gwakisa Paul , Mosha Fausta , Hudson Peter , Buza Joram , Kapur Vivek 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Meat from wildlife species (bushmeat) represents a major source of dietary protein in low- and middle-income countries where humans and wildlife live in close proximity. Despite the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in wildlife, their prevalence in bushmeat remains unknown. To assess the risk of exposure to major pathogens in bushmeat, a total of 3,784 samples were collected from three major regions in Tanzania during both rainy and dry seasons, both fresh and processed and screened by real-time PCR for the presence of DNA signatures of Bacillus anthracis, Brucella spp and Coxiella burnetii (Coxiella). The analysis identified DNA signatures of B. anthracis (0.48%), Brucella (0.9%), and Coxiella (0.66%) in a total of 77 samples. Highest prevalence rates of B. anthracis, Brucella, and Coxiella were observed in wildebeest, dik-dik, and impala, respectively. Fresh samples, those collected during the rainy season, and samples from Selous or the Serengeti had a greater relative risk of being positive. Microbiome characterization identified Firmicutes and Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla. The results highlight and define potential risks of exposure to endemic wildlife diseases from bushmeat and the need for future investigations to address the public health and emerging infectious disease risks associated with bushmeat harvesting, trade, and consumption.
Low-Light Image Enhancement Base on Brightness Attention Mechanism Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Wang Chunzhi , Ma Zeyu , Fu Jiarun , Gao Rong , Ling Hefei , Yan Lingyu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
With the development of intelligent technology, the concept of smart city, which is used to optimize urban management and services and improve the quality of life of citizens, has gradually been integrated into human social life. However, dark lighting environments in reality, such as insufficient light at night, cause or block photographic images in low brightness, severe noise, and a large number of details are lost, resulting in a huge loss of image content and information, which hinders further analysis and use. Such problems not only exist in the development of smart cities, but also exist in traditional criminal investigation, scientific photography and other fields, such as the accuracy of low-light image. However, in the current research results, there is no perfect means to deal with the above problems. Therefore, the study of low-light image enhancement has important theoretical significance and practical application value for the development of smart cities. In order to improve the quality of low-light enhanced images, this paper tries to introduce the luminance attention mechanism to improve the enhancement efficiency. The main contents of this paper are summarized as follows: using the attention mechanism, a method of low-light image enhancement based on the brightness attention mechanism to generative adversarial networks is proposed. This method uses brightness attention mechanism to predict the illumination distribution of low-light image and guides the enhancement network to enhance the image adaptiveness in different luminance regions. At the same time, u-NET network is designed and constructed to improve the modeling process of low-light image. We verified the performance of the algorithm on the synthetic data set and compared it with traditional image enhancement methods (HE, SRIE) and deep learning methods (DSLR). The experimental results show that our proposed network model has relatively good enhancement quality for low-light images, and improves the overall robustness, which has practical significance for solving the problem of low-light image enhancement in smart cities.
Deubiquitination and Stabilization of PD-L1 by USP21
Authors: Yang Shuying , Wu Youqian , Yan Huanhuan , Shan Bing , Zhou Dongheng , Liu Xiaolan , Mao Xinli , Zhou Shenkang , Zhao Qingwei , Xia Hongguang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The immunotherapy for different types of cancers that targeting programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) has highlighted the importance of suppressing specific T cell responses. Recently, several studies have shown that the expression level of PD-L1 in tumor cells is positively correlated with tumor metastasis as well as recurrence rate. The potent effects of post-translational modifications (PTMs) for PD-L1, such as ubiquitination, glycosylation, phosphorylation and palmitoylation, have been reported to be related to immunosuppression. However, the regulation of PD-L1 degradation in cancers is still not well understood. In this paper, we mainly investigate the deubiquitination regulation of PD-L1. Methods: The protein levels of PD-L1 and USP21 were detected by Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The interaction between PD-L1 and USP21 was determined by co-immunoprecipitation. The deubiquitination of PD-L1 was determined by in vitro deubiquitination assay. The deubiquitination sites of PD-L1 were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. The expression of mRNA in target tissues was presented by bioinformatics analysis.Results: Overexpression of USP21 significantly increased PD-L1 abundance and knockdown of USP21 induced degradation of PD-L1. In vitro deubiquitination assay showed that USP21-WT reduced polyubiquitin chains from PD-L1 while USP21-C221A did not. Furthermore, five lysines in intracellular segment of PD-L1 are potential deubiquitin sites and cancer-derived mutations of PD-L1 in Asp276 have the ability to enhance the deubiquitination of PD-L1 mediated by USP21. Finally, we found that USP21 is the frequently amplified deubiquitinase in lung cancer, especially in lung squamous cell carcinoma, and its amplification co-occurs with the upregulation of PD-L1 levels. Moreover, IHC analysis showed stronger staining of PD-L1 and USP21 in lung cancer samples than adjacent tissues. Conclusion: We identified USP21 as a novel deubiquitinase of PD-L1. Hopefully, targeting PD-L1 by inhibiting USP21 might be a potentially novel strategy for the treatment of lung cancer.
Circulating Mature Granzyme B+ T Cells Distinguish Crohn’s Disease Associated Axial Spondyloarthritis from Axial Spondyloarthritis and Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Lefferts Adam R. , Regner Emilie H. , Stahly Andrew , O'Rourke Becky , Gerich Mark E. , Fennimore Blair P. , Scott Frank I. , Freeman Alison E. , Jones Ken , Kuhn Kristine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has strong connections with intestinal inflammation as occurs in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the immunologic mechanisms that distinguish axSpA, CD, and those with features of both diseases (CD-axSpA) are unknown. This study aimed to address this question by initial unbiased single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) on a pilot cohort followed by validating findings using flow cytometry and ELISA in a larger cohort. Methods: Two individuals each with CD, axSpA, CD-axSpA, and healthy controls (HC) were recruited for a pilot discovery scRNAseq cohort, and the validation cohort consisted of 18 axSpA, 24 CD, 13 CD-axSpA, and 17 HC that was evaluated by flow cytometry on PBMCs and ELISAs for plasma cytokines. Results: Uniquely, PBMCs from subjects with CD-axSpA demonstrated a significant increase in granzyme B+ T cells of both CD4+ and CD8+ lineages by both scRNAseq and flow cytometry. T cell maturation was also greater in those with CD-axSpA, particularly the CD4+ granzyme B+ population. Pathway analysis suggested increased interferon response genes in all immune cell populations within CD-axSpA. Although IFN-g was elevated in the plasma of a subset of subjects with CD-axSpA, IL-6 was also significantly elevated. Conclusions: Our findings support the presence of a chronic interferonopathy in subjects with CD-axSpA characterized by interferon signaling by pathway analysis and an expansion of mature, cytotoxic T cells. These data indicate fundamental immunological differences between CD-axSpA and both of the putative “parent” conditions, suggesting that it is a distinct disease with unique natural history and treatment needs.
Application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of intermediate trophoblastic tumours
Authors: Zhu XiaoDan , Hu Yin , Zhou Linyu , Jiang Tian'an 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Through the research and analysis of colour Doppler ultrasound images (CDFIs) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) images of intermediate trophoblastic tumours (ITTs), the ultrasound characteristics and CEUS perfusion characteristics are summarized, and these findings can provide a reference for the correct diagnosis of ITTs.
Methods
Seven ITT patients were diagnosed and treated in our institution from January 2016 to August 2020, and their clinical characteristics and ultrasound image characteristics were studied.
Results
The most common clinical symptoms of an ITT are vaginal bleeding and menopause. In the study, 6 patients had a history of menopause, 5 patients had irregular vaginal bleeding, and 1 patient was asymptomatic. The serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) level was mainly a low-grade increase, and the average level was approximately 8167 IU/L. However, the ß-hCG level in one patient with lung metastasis was not high (53.2 IU/L), and the ß-hCG level in the other patient with ovarian and bladder metastases was high (55422.2 IU/L). In grey-scale ultrasound, ITTs can be divided into 3 types: type I, where most of the lesions protrude into the uterine cavity (2 patients); type II, where the lesions are partly located in the uterine cavity and partly in the muscle layer (3 patients); and type III, where the lesions are limited to the myometrium (2 patients). The internal echo of the lesion can be divided into solid and cystic-solid echo. CDFI shows that blood flow signals from minimal to abundant. The enhancement mode of CEUS is mainly regional enhancement (5 patients), the arterial phase is mainly slow and equal-slightly high enhancement (6 patients), and the enhancement boundary is not clear (6 patients).
Conclusions
Certain characteristic changes in CEUS of ITTs, combined with clinical features, can provide help for the accurate diagnosis of ITT.
Escherichia Coli Subscapular Abscess as a Rare Complication of Manual Therapy in Frozen Shoulder: A Case Report
Authors: Ham Dong Hun , Wang Sungil 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Subscapular abscess is a rare condition usually secondary to immunocompromised state and recent infection. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most common etiologic agent. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a patient with a frozen shoulder performing manual therapy, which resulted in an Escherichia coli subscapular abscess.Case presentation: A 72-year-old male was referred from the respiratory department with pain and a limited range of motion in the left shoulder. He complained that the pain was exacerbated with popping sound during manual therapy for frozen shoulder two weeks ago. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intramuscular complicated fluid collection at the level of the subscapularis muscle 10.0 × 5.2 × 11 cm in size, and a bloody but turbid pus-like discharge was observed upon aspiration. He underwent urgent surgical drainage. The cultures from the abscess fluid revealed extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (-) E. coli. After 4 weeks of Ceftazidime intravenous treatment, symptoms of the patient had improved. Conclusions: This case highlights the risks of aggressive manual therapy in severe frozen shoulder. It also presents a clinical scenario in which practitioners of manual therapy in frozen shoulder should be aware of the risk of subscapular abscess in patients undergoing recent infection therapy
17 Years Successional Enrichment Plantation of Tree Recruitment and Restoration in Tropical Forestland
Authors: Omomoh Bernard Eromosele , Adekunle Victor AJ 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWe examine the recruitment drive of overstorey and undergrowth of tropical forested reserve by assessing the tree diversity, species composition, species richness, and growth form of the undergrowth on 17 years of post-disturbance. ResultThe result show an increase in the diversity and even distribution of the species of the overstorey, compared to the undergrowth. Conversely, the overstorey has a lower in species richness as compared to the level of undergrowth. One way ANOVA results shows that there is no significant difference (P = 0.341). However, undergrowth density (individual/ha) is found to be significantly (P = 0.000) higher than the overstorey trees.Conclusions﻿It is evident that the forest trees and saplings are dissimilar in species abundance, which implies that sapling recruitment is a key determinant of the tree species composition of the forest. It is then concluded that the method adopted for restoration encouraged species diversity in this successional forest.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract 761 Reduces Vascular Permeability of the Ovary and Improves the Symptom of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in a Rat Model
Authors: Zhang Jie , Huang Jie , He Xinhuan , Li Ning , Miao Yu , Li Beiqing , Shao Xiaoguang , Wang Ningning 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGinkgo biloba extract (EGb) has been widely applied in the treatment of cerebrovascular and neurological diseases. However, the effect of EGb761 on ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a vascular disorder and life-threatening complication of In vitro fertilization and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection therapy (IVF/ICSI), has not been evaluated. MethodsForty female Wistar rats aged 22-days old (D22) were divided into eight groups: Control rats received intraperitoneal injection of saline for 5 consecutive days (D22-D26); OHSS-model group received 10 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for 4 consecutive days (D22-D25) and 30 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the 5th day (D26); Prophylactic treatment group received three doses of EGb761 (50mg/kg/d, 100mg/kg/d, 200mg/kg/d) one hour before injection of eCG (hCG) for 7 consecutive days; Therapeutic treatment group received three doses of EGb761 (50mg/kg/d, 100mg/kg/d, 200mg/kg/d) 48 hours after injection of eCG (hCG) for 7 consecutive days. ResultsWe found the therapeutic treatment group exhibited the lowest ovarian and renal mass index, vascular permeability, estradiol and progesterone concentrations, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) protein expression. ConclusionsEGb761 decreases vascular permeability in OHSS rat model by inhibiting VEGF and VEGFR expression, which may contribute to the prevention and treatment of OHSS. Furthermore, therapeutic medication is superior to prophylactic medication.
Chronic Pain Has Little Effect on Physical Condition During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: A Web-based Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Tetsunaga Tomoko , Tetsunaga Tomonori , Misawa Haruo , Tsuji Hironori , Ozaki Toshifumi , Tabuchi Takahiro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Chronic pain affects people negatively, both mentally and physically. It is unclear how chronic pain affects people during social isolation and remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of chronic pain on life during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods This retrospective study included 4,972 matched-participants with or without chronic pain (2,311 males, 2,661 females; mean age, 53.8 years). The participants were divided into a chronic pain group (n=2,486) and a control group (n=2,486). Participants with chronic pain for three months or more were classified into the chronic pain group. All participants completed self-reported questionnaires. Factors related to physical condition during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results Significant differences were found between participants with and without chronic pain for the pain that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, lifestyle, interpersonal relationships, psychological factors related to COVID-19, and deterioration of physical condition. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified insomnia, poor work/study/housework performance, and anxiety/depression as factors related to deterioration of physical condition. Chronic pain was not identified as factor related to deterioration of physical condition.Conclusions The effect of chronic pain on lifestyle and physical condition during the COVID-19 pandemic was limited. The factors related to deterioration of the physical condition were insomnia, poor work/study/housework performance, and anxiety/depression.
Exploring health-seeking behaviour among adolescent mothers during the Ebola epidermic in rural district of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Authors: Massaquoi Hamida , Atuhaire Catherine , Chinkonono Gorgeous Sarah , Christensen Betty Nyawira , Bradby Hannah , Cumber Samuel Nambile 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: From 2014-2016, the largest Ebola outbreak in history threatened Sierra Leone and its neighbouring countries, Guinea and Liberia. The Ebola outbreak impacted pregnant adolescent girl’s access to prenatal care during the pandemic. The aim of this study is to understand health-seeking behaviour among adolescent mothers who were pregnant during the Ebola epidemic in Waterloo, Sierra Leone. Methods: The present qualitative study uses the “Three Delay” model, as a theoretical framework to understand and explore adolescent mother’s health-seeking behaviour through four focus group discussions with five participants in each discussion group. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: A multitude of challenges were identified following the Ebola epidemic. The fear of contracting Ebola was a common reason for not seeking care or utilising services. This notion was perpetuated by perceptions in the community and participants personal experiences. Quarantines, national lockdowns, roadblocks, loss of income and extreme poverty were also identified as barriers to accessing health facilities during Ebola. The different encounters with health workers and the challenges that arose at the health facilities were subsequently additional discouraging factors influencing participant’s decision not to seek health care. Conclusion: Many of the pre-existing maternal health, societal and social-economic challenges were exacerbated during the Ebola. The epidemic also contributed new challenges such as public fear, mistrust towards health professionals and the health system. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on improving maternal care in general, but also improving preparedness for maternal care in case of future outbreaks, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as adolescent mothers
Qualitative evaluation of the Autism Behavior Inventory: Use of cognitive interviewing to establish validity of a caregiver report scale for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Pandina Gahan , Ness Seth , Trudeau Jeremiah , Stringer Sonja , Knoble Naomi , Lenderking William R. , Bangerter Abigail 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The Autism Behavior Inventory (ABI) is an observer-reported outcome scale measuring core and associated features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Extensive scale development (reported elsewhere) took place, in alignment with the Food and Drug Administration’s patient-reported outcome guidance, to address the need for instruments to measure change and severity of ASD symptoms. Methods: Cognitive interviewing was used to confirm understanding and content validity of the scale prior to its use in clinical trials. Respondents were caregivers of individuals with ASD (N=50). Interviews used a hybrid of the “think-aloud” and verbal probing approach to assess ABI’s content validity and participant understanding of the instrument, including: item clarity and relevance; item interpretation; appropriateness of response scales; and clarity of instructions. Audio-recordings of the interviews were transcribed for qualitative data analysis. The scale was revised based on participant feedback and tested in a second round of interviews (round 1 N=38, round 2 N=12)Results: In total, 67/70 items reached ≥90% understandability across participants. Caregivers were able to select an appropriate response from the options available and reported finding the examples helpful. Based on participant feedback, instructions were simplified, 8 items were removed, and 10 items were reworded. The final revised 62-item scale was presented in round 2, where caregivers reported readily understanding the instructions, response options, and 61/62 items reached ≥90% understandability.Conclusions: Cognitive interviews with caregivers of a diverse sample of individuals with ASD confirm the content validity and relevance of the ABI to assess core and associated symptoms of ASD.
An analytic perspective of a mixed methods study during humanitarian crises in South Sudan: translating facility- and community-based newborn guidelines into practice
Authors: Sami Samira , Amsalu Ribka , Dimiti Alexander , Jackson Debra , Kenneth Kemish , Kenyi Solomon , Meyers Janet , Mullany Luke C , Scudder Elaine , Tomczyk Barbara , Kerber Kate 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In South Sudan, the civil war in 2016 led to mass displacement in Juba that rapidly spread to other regions of the country. Access to health care was limited because of attacks against health facilities and workers and pregnant women and newborns were among the most vulnerable. Translation of newborn guidelines into public health practice, particularly during periods of on-going violence, are not well studied during humanitarian emergencies. During 2016 to 2017, we assessed the delivery of a package of community- and facility-based newborn health interventions in displaced person camps to understand implementation outcomes. This case analysis describes the challenges encountered and mitigating strategies employed during the conduct of an original research study. Discussion: Challenges unique to conducting research in South Sudan included violent attacks against humanitarian aid workers that required research partners to modify study plans on an ongoing basis to ensure staff and patient safety. South Sudan faced devastating cholera and measles outbreaks that shifted programmatic priorities. Costs associated with traveling study staff and transporting equipment kept rising due to hyperinflation and, after the July 2016 violence, the study team was unable to convene in Juba for some months to conduct refresher trainings or monitor data collection. Strategies used to address these challenges were: collaborating with non-research partners to identify operational solutions; maintaining a locally-based study team; maintaining flexible budgets and timelines; using mobile data collection to conduct timely data entry and remote quality checks; and utilizing a cascade approach for training field staff. Conclusions: The case analysis provides lessons that are applicable to other humanitarian settings including the need for flexible research methods, budgets and timelines; innovative training and supervision; and a local research team with careful consideration of sociopolitical factors that impact their access and safety. Engagement of national and local stakeholders can ensure health services and data collection continue and findings translate to public health action, even in contexts facing severe and unpredictable insecurity.