bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Ecology and Evolution of Blattodea-associated Ophiocordyceps
Authors: Araujo Joao , Moriguchi G.M. , Uchiyama S. , Kinjo N. , Matsuura Yu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi are ubiquitous inhabitants of forests worldwide, remarkably in tropical regions. Among these fungi, one of the most abundant and diverse is the genus Ophiocordyceps. These fungi are particularly diverse and more commonly found parasitizing coleopteran, lepidopteran, hymenopteran and hemipteran insects. However, other insect orders are also parasitized by these fungi, for example the blattodeans (termites and cockroaches). Despite their ubiquity in nearly all environments insects occur, blattodeans are rarely found infected by filamentous fungi and thus, their ecology and evolutionary history remains obscure. In this study, we propose a new species of Ophiocordyceps infecting the social cockroaches Salganea esakii and S. taiwanensis, based on 16 years of collections and field observations, especially the Ryukyu Archipelago. We found a high degree of genetic similarity between specimens from different islands, infecting two Salganea species and that this relationship is ancient, likely not originated from a recent host jump. Furthermore, we found that Ophiocordyceps lineages infecting cockroaches evolved around the same time, at least twice, one from beetles and the other from termites. We have also investigated the evolutionary relationships between Ophiocordyceps and termites and present the phylogenetic placement of O. blattae for the first time.
Clinicopathological features and risk factors analysis of lymph node metastasis and long-term prognosis in patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Liang , Yue Chao , Li Gang , Ming Xuezhi , Gu Rongmin , Wen Xu , Zhou Bin , Peng Rui , Wei Wei , Chen Huanqiu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
As a common malignancy, gastric cancer (GC) remains an important threat to human’s health. The incidence of synchronous multiple gastric cancer (SMGC) has increased obviously with technical advances of endoscopic and pathological examinations. Several studies have investigated the relationship between SMGC and solitary gastric cancer (SGC). However, little is known about the relationship between early and advanced SMGCs, and the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in SMGC patients remain unclear.
Methods
We retrospectively collected 57 patients diagnosed as SMGC and underwent radical gastrectomies from December 2011 to September 2019. Epidemiological data and clinicopathological characteristics of all patients were recorded. Postoperative follow-up was performed by telephone or outpatient service. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was adopted in analysis of categorical data. Continuous data were analyzed by using unpaired t-test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis and tumor recurrence of SMGC.
Results
There were 45 males and 12 females. The average age was 62.1-year-old. There were 20 patients with early SMGC and 37 patients with advanced SMGC. Most of patients (91.2%) had two malignant lesions. Tumor recurrence occurred in 8 patients, among which 7 patients died from recurrence. The rates of total gastrectomy, tumor size ≥ 2 cm, poorly-differentiated type, lymph node metastasis, ulcer and nerve invasion and preoperative CEA level were significantly higher in advanced SMGC patients compared to those with early SMGC. Lymphovascular cancer plug and preoperative CA125 were the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis in patients with SMGC. Lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion and preoperative AFP might be the risk factors of tumor recurrence of SMGC, but need further validation.
Conclusions
In patients with SMGC, the presence of tumor size ≥ 2 cm, poorly-differentiated type, lymph node metastasis, ulcer, nerve invasion and relatively high preoperative CEA level might make them more likely to be advanced SMGC. More attention should be paid to lymph node metastasis in SMGC patients with lymphovascular cancer plug and high preoperative CA125. Lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion and preoperative AFP might be associated with recurrence of SMGC.
CKD and CKDu in Northern Peru: a cross-sectional analysis under the DEGREE protocol
Authors: Ruiz-Alejos Andrea O. , Caplin Ben , Miranda J. Jaime , Pearce Neil , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aims:
This study estimated the prevalence of low eGFR in those without known hypertension, T2DM or heavy proteinuria as a surrogate marker for chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) among adults in the North of Peru.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted following the Disadvantaged Populations eGFR Epidemiology (DEGREE) Study protocol. Low eGFR was defined based on a single eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.7 m2 estimated using the CKD-EPI equation. Environmental conditions related to CKDu (i.e. work in agriculture or sugarcane, water source, heat, and pesticide exposure) were evaluated, in addition to traditional risk factors for CKD (i.e. smoking, heavy drinking, physical activity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis, among others).
Results:
A total of 1514 subjects were included in the study, mean age 45.1 (SD: 16.4), and 55.2% were females. Overall, only 26 cases (1.7%; 95%CI: 1.1% − 2.5%) had an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.7 m2 compatible with CKD definition; when those with hypertension and type-2 diabetes or heavy proteinuria were excluded, according to the DEGREE protocol, the estimate fell to 0.9% (95%CI: 0.4% − 1.5%). Low physical activity levels (OR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.18–3.34), hypertension (OR = 2.07; 1.26–3.41), and urolithiasis (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.18–3.27) were factors associated with low eGFR.
Conclusions:
A low population-based prevalence of low eGFR (as a surrogate for CKDu), both in rural and urban settings areas, in the Northern Peru, was found. Low physical activity levels, hypertension and urolithiasis were factors associated with low eGFR. Interventions to prevent CKD cases may be focused on well-known CV risk factors and urolithiasis.
Ni-modified Magnetic Nanoparticles for Affinity Purification of His-tagged Proteins From the Complex Matrix of the Silkworm Fat Body
Authors: Minkner Robert , Xu Jian , Takamura Kenshin , Boonyakida Jirayu , Wätzig Hermann , Park Enoch Y. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purification of recombinant proteins is often a challenging matter because high purity and high recovery are desired. If the expressed recombinant protein is also in a complex matrix, such as a silkworm expression system, purification becomes more challenging. Even if purification from the silkworm expression system is troublesome, it has the benefit of a high capacity for production of recombinant proteins. In this study, we investigated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a suitable tool for the purification of proteins from the complex matrix of the silkworm fat body. We modified MNPs with nickel so that they have an affinity for His-tagged proteins, as the MNP purification protocol does not need special equipment except for a magnet. Among the three different kinds of MNPs we investigated, MNPs with sizes of 100 nm to 200 nm and approximately 20 nm-thick nickel shells were the most suitable for our purpose. We reduced the total protein amount by up to 77.7%, with a protein recovery of 50.8% from the silkworm fat body. The minimum binding capacity was estimated to be 83.3 µg protein/mg MNP.
Synthetic Monoclonal Antibody Designed for Novel SARS-nCoV-2 Spike-S1 Protein Antigenic Targeted Epitope of Receptor Binding Domain Inhibit to Prevent Viral Entry
Authors: Abduljaleel Zainularifeen , Al-Allaf Faisal A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is developing disease caused by novel coronavirus (COVID19). This situation has urgently prompted many pharma and R&D research companies and public research health sectors to concentrate their efforts on research for effective therapeutics. SARS-nCoV-2 as a spike (S) protein was a targeted for the development of monoclonal antibody and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment. We developed monoclonal antibody by deep mutational scanning to characterize the effects of mutations in an antibody variable fragment on its based on expression levels, specificity, stability, and affinity for antigenic specific epitope to the Spike-S-RBD. Further to make this antibody multipoint core mutations to improve contacts between specific Fv light and heavy chains to the targeted antigen of RBD. This antibody combined enhancing mutations yielding with higher binding affinity and substantially improved stability in between RBD and antibody. Overall, this antibody may well prevent into the cell interaction with RBD-hACE2 to viral entry and prevention. SARS-nCoV-Spike-S monoclonal antibodies potently inhibited SARS-nCoV-2-Spike-S mediated entry into cells, indicating that cross-neutralizing antibodies targeting conserved S epitopes can be elicited based upon vaccination.
Logistics of an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product During Covid-19 Pandemic in Italy: Successful Delivery of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Dry Ice
Authors: Astori Giuseppe , Bernardi Martina , Bozza Angela , Catanzaro Daniela , Chieregato Katia , Merlo Anna , Santimaria Monica , Barbazza Roberto , Amodeo Giuseppe , Ciccocioppo Rachele , Elice Francesca , Ruggeri Marco 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Italian hospitals faced the most daunting challenges of their recent history, and only essential therapeutic interventions were feasible. From March to April 2020, the Laboratory of Advanced Cellular Therapies (Vicenza, Italy) received requests to treat a patient with severe COVID-19 and a patient with acute graft-versus-host disease with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs). Access to clinics was restricted due to the risk of contagion. Transport of UC-MSCs in liquid nitrogen was unmanageable, leaving shipment in dry ice as the only option. Methods: We assessed effects of the transition from liquid nitrogen to dry ice on cell viability; apoptosis; phenotype; proliferation; immunomodulation; and clonogenesis; and validated dry ice-based transport of UC-MSCs to clinics. Results: Our results showed no differences in cell functionality related to the two storage conditions, and demonstrated the preservation of immunomodulatory and clonogenic potentials in dry ice. UC-MSCs were successfully delivered to points-of-care, enabling favourable clinical outcomes.Conclusions: This experience underscores the flexibility of a public cell factory in its adaptation of the logistics of an advanced therapy medicinal product during a public health crisis. Alternative supply chains should be evaluated for other cell products to guarantee delivery during catastrophes.
Prevalence and Associated Factors for Alcohol Use Disorder Among Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Authors: Necho Mogesie , Tsehay Mekonnen , Seid Muhammed , Zenebe Yosef , Belete Asmare , Gelaye Habitam , Muche Amare 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorders (AUD) in tuberculosis patients are complicated with the poor compliance to anti-tuberculosis treatment and poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes. However, aggregate data concerning this problem is not available. Therefore, this study aimed at its inception to fill the above gap by generating an average prevalence of AUD and associated factors in tuberculosis patients.Method: Our electronic search was conducted in the databases of Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE, African Index Medicus, and psych-info. Besides, the reference list of selected articles was looked manually to have further eligible articles. The random-effects model was employed during the analysis. MS-Excel was used to extract data and stata-11 to determine the average prevalence of AUD among tuberculosis patients. A sub-group analysis and sensitivity analysis were also run. A visual inspection of the funnel plots and an Eggers publication bias plot test were checked for the presence of publication bias.Result: A search of the electronic and manual system resulted in 1965 articles. However, after the massive screening, only 27 articles that studied 30654 tuberculosis patients met the inclusion criteria. The average estimated prevalence of AUD in tuberculosis patients was 30% (95% CI: 24.00, 35.00). This was with a slight heterogeneity (I2 = 57%, p-value = 0.000). The prevalence of AUD in tuberculosis patients was higher in Asia and Europe; 37% than the prevalence in the US and Africa; 24%. Besides, the average prevalence of AUD was 39%, 30%, 30%, and 20% in studies with case-control, cohort, cross-sectional and experimental in design respectively. Also, the prevalence of AUD was higher studies with the assessment tool not reported (36%) than studies assessed with AUDIT. AUD was also relatively higher in studies with a mean age of ≥ 40 years (42%) than studies with a mean age < 40 years (24%) and mean age not reported (27%).Conclusion: There existed a high prevalence of AUD in tuberculosis patients and this varies across continents, design of studies, mean age of the participants, and assessment tool used. This will be of paramount importance for public health intervention in the area.
A scoring model to predict the prognosis of patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Shen Jie , Yu Jianbo , Huang Sicong , Mungur Rajneesh , Huang Kaiyuan , Pan Xinfa , Yu Guofeng , Xie Zhikai , Zhou Lihui , Liu Zongchi , Cheng Dexin , Pan Jianwei , Zhan Renya 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), defined as World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade IV-V has high rates of disability and mortality. The objective of this research is to prognosticate outcomes of poor-grade aSAH accurately.
Methods

A total of 147 poor-grade aSAH patients in our center were enrolled. Risk variables identified by multivariate logistic regression were used to devise the scoring model (total score of 0–9 points). The score values were estimated according to β coefficients. A cohort of 68 patients from another institute was used to validate the model.
Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that modified Fisher grade above II (odds ratio [OR], 2.972; p = 0.034), age ≥ 65 years (OR, 3.534; p = 0.006), conservative treatment (OR, 5.078; p = 0.019), WFNS Grade V (OR, 2.638; p = 0.029), delayed cerebral ischemia (OR, 3.170; p = 0.016), shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (OR, 3.202; p = 0.032) and cerebral herniation (OR, 7.337; p < 0.001) were significant predictors of poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≥ 3). By integration of above factors, a scoring system was constructed and divided poor-grade aSAH patients into three categories: low risk (0–1 point), intermediate risk (2–3 points) and high risk (4–9 points), with risk of poor prognosis being 11%, 52% and 87% respectively (P < 0.001). The area under the curve in derivation cohort was 0.844 (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.778–0.909). AUC in validation cohort was 0.831 (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.732–0.929).
Conclusions

The new scoring model could improve prognostication of prognosis and help decision-making for subsequent complement treatment.
COVID-19 Related Mental Health Burdens: Impact of Educational Level and Relationship Status Among Low Income Earners of Western Uganda
Authors: Lemuel Ann Monima , Usman Ibe Michael , Kasozi Kenneth Iceland , Aigbogun Eric Osamudiamwen , Bassey Victor Archibong , Ifie Josiah , Ssebuufu Robinson , Afodun Adam Moyosore , Terkimbi Swase Dominic , Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis , Adeoye Azeez , Aruwa Joshua Ojodale , Saidi Odoma , Ssempijja Fred , Ayuba John Tabakwot , Onohuean Hope , Kembabazi Stellamaris , Pius Theophilus , Nankya Viola , Matama Kevin , Henry Rachael , Yusuf Helen , Welburn Susan Christina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The imposed COVID-19 lockdown is taking a toll mental health, with low-income earners considered particularly affected. The study aimed to investigate level of education and relationship status on awareness of mental healthcare and explore how these factors influence mental health among low income earners in Western Uganda.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken among low-income earners in South Western Uganda. Data were collected from two hundred and fifty-three (253) participants using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Anxiety, anger and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger’s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) item tools respectively.Result: Most respondents were single male individuals with secondary level. Respondents with tertiary level of education and those with partners had higher score (71.7% and 70.28% respectively) for awareness on mental healthcare. Respondents with primary education level and individuals that were single had higher score (46.98% and 43.72% respectively) for anxiety. Respondents with primary education level and those living with partners had higher mean score (56.44% and 56.21% respectively) for anger. Respondents with no formal education and those who had lost partners had higher mean score (32.11% and 30.50% respectively) for depression. Individuals without formal educational and primary education were observed to have a negative correlation (r2 = 47.4 and 6.4% respectively) with awareness on mental healthcare, and the no formal group had positive correlation with anger and depression (r2 =1.9 and 0.3% respectively), while other groups were negatively correlated (r2 =10.1%). The group of single individuals had a negative correlation with awareness on mental healthcare, anger and depression (r2 =1.9, 0.8 and 0.3% respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r2 =3.9%).Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status influence awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. Therefore, we advocate for new approaches in mental healthcare awareness programs equipped with robust strategy, which will focus on improving optimal mental health among these set of people.
Massive MIMO, mmWave and mmWave-Massive MIMO Communications: Performance Assessment with Beamforming Techniques
Authors: Engda Tewelgn Kebede , Wondie Yihenew , Steinbrunn Johannes 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
A considerable amount of enabling technologies are being explored in the era of fifth generation (5G) mobile system. The dream is to build a wireless network that substantially improves the existing mobile networks in all performance metrics. To address this 5G design targets, massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) and mmWave (millimeter wave) communication are also candidate technologies. Luckily, in many respects these two technologies share a symbiotic integration. Accordingly, a logical step is to integrate mmWave communications and massive MIMO to form mmWave-massive MIMO which substantially increases user throughput, improve spectral and energy efficiencies, increase the capacity of mobile networks and achieve high multiplexing gains. Thus, this work analyses the concepts, performances, comparison and discussion of these technologies called: massive MIMO, mmWave Communications and mmWave-massive MIMO systems jointly. Besides, outcomes of extensive researches, emerging trends together with their respective benefits, challenges, proposed solutions and their comparative analysis is addressed. The performance of hybrid analog-digital beamforming architecture with a fully digital and analog beamforming techniques are also analyzed. Analytical and simulation results show that the low-complexity hybrid analog-digital precoding achieves all round comparable precoding gains for mmWave-Massive MIMO technology.
Elevated Expression of lncRNA MEG3 Induces Endothelial Dysfunction on HUVECs of IVF Born Offspring via Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhu Hong , Chen Hong , Yang Meng-Meng , Yu Yi-Chen , He Sai-Nan , Xu Ye-Tao , Liu Fang , Sagnelli Matthew , Zhu Yi-Min , Luo Qiong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The cardiovascular dysfunction in children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been of great concern, in our study, we aim to explore potential molecular mechanism for such long-term outcomes. Methods：Real-time qPCR was used to test long non-coding RNA MEG3 and endothelium-derived factors, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1(ET1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Primary HUVEC after caesarean section was treated with different estradiol concentrations in vitro. Besides, knockdown of MEG3 on HUVEC provided further evidence between MEG3 expression and alteration of NO, ET1, VEGF. Then, by using pyrosequencing, we detected MEG3 promoter methylation status.Results: We found that the expression level of MEG3 was higher in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) of IVF offspring than that in spontaneously born offspring. Furthermore, we found decreased expression of eNOS, VEGF, elevated expression of ET1 in HUVECs from IVF offspring compared to spontaneously born offspring. We further confirmed the results from in-vivo experiments by demonstrating that high-estradiol intrauterine environments lead to abnormal expression of MEG3 and endothelium-derived factors. Meanwhile, silencing MEG3 expression decreased ET1 expression, and increased nitrite, nitrate, VEGF secretion, which could correct the effect we observed in-vivo. With pyrosequencing technology, we found that elevated expression of MEG3 in IVF offspring derived HUVECs was the result of hypomethylation of the MEG3 promoter. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that higher expression of MEG3 in IVF-born HUVECs, accompanied by lower secretion of eNOS, VEGF, and higher secretion of ET1, which is closely related with endothelial dysfunction, which together provide a potential mechanism addressing high-risk of hypertension in IVF offspring.