bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates from patients with diarrhea in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Shen Hong-wei , Chen Haochuan , Ou Yongxuan , Huang Tingting , Ma Wen , Chen Siping , Zhou Lintao , Zhang Jinjin , Hu Qinghua , Zhou Yiwen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Salmonella is one of the main causative agents of diarrhea which results in substantial disease burden. To determine the prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinical Salmonella isolates in Shenzhen, a 6-year surveillance study was conducted. Methods: Three sentinel hospitals were chosen and patients who visited the gastroenteritis clinics with acute diarrhea were enrolled. Salmonella isolates from the stool samples were subjected to serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing to 24 antibiotics, and detection of resistance genes. Results: A total of 297 (5.7%) Salmonella strains were isolated from stool samples from 5,239 patients. Among the 42 serovars identified, serovar Typhimurium was the most common serotype which represented 39.7% of the isolates (118), followed by serovar Enteritidis (71, 23.9%), London (12, 4.0%), 4, 5, 12: i: - (11, 3.7%), and Senftenberg (8, 2.7%). A high frequency of resistance was found in ampicillin (70.6%), piperacillin (64.5%), tetracycline (63.5%), and streptomycin (54.3%). Resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline was observed in 95.3% of S. Typhimurium isolates; and nalidixic acid in 93.1% of S. Enteritidis isolates. Resistance to 5 or more antimicrobial agents was found in 78.8% of S. Typhimurium and 69.0% of S. Enteritidis isolates. Conclusions: Salmonella is an important cause of acute gastroenteritis and a broad range of serotypes are prevalent in Shenzhen, with Enteritidis and Typhimurium being the most common serovars. The high level of antibiotic resistance is of public health significance and ongoing monitoring combined with rational use of antibiotics are recommended.
WITHDRAWN: The effect of removable orthodontic appliances on oral microbiota: systematic review
Authors: Lucchese Alessandra , Pellegrino Marianna , Montini Eugenio , Liguori Alessandra , Manuelli Maurizio 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Removable orthodontic appliances may favour plaque accumulation and oral microbe colonization. This might be associated with intraoral adverse effects on enamel or periodontal tissues. The proposed systematic review was carried out to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the microbiological changes occurring during orthodontic therapy with removable orthodontic appliances.
Methods
PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid Medline, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University databases were searched. The research included every article published up to December 2018 . The Preferred Reporting Items for Reporting Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and the ‘Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care Criteria for Grading Assessed Studies’ (SBU) method were adopted to conduct this systematic review.
Results
The current study has a moderate evidence, demonstrating that removable appliances do influence the oral microbiota. Significant alterations occur just 15 days after the beginning of therapy, independently from the type of appliance. Furthermore, the levels of oral pathogens decrease significantly or even returned to pre-treatment levels several months later the therapy end.
Conclusions
This review suggests that orthodontic treatment with removable appliances induces changes to the oral microflora, but these alterations might not be permanent.
Protocol : PROSPERO database registration number CRD42019121762.
Keywords: Oral microbiology; Removable orthodontic appliances; Oral microflora changes; Caries bacteria.
Protein A/G-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of anti-Pythium insidiosum antibodies in human and animal subjects
Authors: Jaturapaktrarak Chalisa , Payattikul Penpan , Lohnoo Tassanee , Kumsang Yothin , Laikul Aree , Pathomsakulwong Watcharapol , Yurayart Chompoonek , Tonpitak Walaiporn , Krajaejun Theerapong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Pythiosis is a deadly infectious disease caused by Pythium insidiosum. Reports of both human and animal pythiosis are on the rise worldwide. Prognosis of the pythiosis patients relies on early diagnosis and prompt treatment. There are needs for an immunodiagnostic test that can detect the disease in both humans and animals. This study aims at reporting an optimized protocol for the development of a protein A/G-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of anti- P. insidiosum antibody in multiple host species.
Results: A total of 25 pythiosis and 50 control sera, obtained from humans, horses, dogs, cats, and cows, were recruited for the assay development. With a proper ELISA cutoff point, all pythiosis sera can ultimately be distinguished from the control sera. The successfully-developed protein A/G-based ELISA can detect the anti- P. insidiosum antibodies in serum samples of both humans and animals. It is a versatile, feasible-to-develop, and functional immunodiagnostic assay for pythiosis.
Synthesis, Photophysical Property and Antibacterial Activity of Cu(II) and Co(II) Porphyrins: Role of Ligand Modification
Authors: Beyene belete , Achenef Getaneh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Many synthetic porphyrins are modified at the meso-position to achieve target properties in biomedical applications. The metalloporphyrins; CuTPP, CuTPPCOOMe, CuTPPNH 2 , CoTPPOMe and CoTPPCOOH were synthesized from their free base porphyrins and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The Uv-Vis spectra show the decrease in number of Q bands from four to one/ two peaks and a blue shift when the metal is inserted in to the porphyrin core. They are capable of effecting bacterial and viral pathogens through the large number of different mechanisms. The antibacterial activity of the metalloporphyrins and their ligands were evaluated by using two gram positive and two gram negative bacteria by disc diffusion method. Among the complexes under study, CoTPPCOOH showed highest inhibition zone (15.5- 16.5) vs 25-28 for the famous standard antibacterial drug and therefore, highest antibacterial activities as compared to other porphyrins. The study also indicates that metalloporphyrins with electron withdrawing groups have highest inhibition zones than complexes which possess electro donating group at para position of the meso-phenyl ring.
CD59 receptor targeted delivery of miRNA-1284 and Cisplatin-loaded liposomes for effective therapeutic efficacy against cervical cancers
Authors: Wang Li , Liang Ting-Ting 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Co-delivery of two different therapeutics (miRNA-1284 and cisplatin (CDDP)) into the cancer cells in a single nanocarrier provides new dimension to the cancer treatment. In this study, we have designed the CD59sp-conjugated miRNA-1284/cisplatin(CDDP)-loaded liposomes for the enhanced therapeutic effect against cervical cancers. Compared with miRNA-1284/CDDP-loaded liposomes (LP-miCDDP), CD59 antibody-conjugated LP-miCDDP (CD/LP-miCDDP) showed a significantly higher cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. Notably, MiR-1284 showed a typical concentration-dependent cell killing effect in the cervical cancer cells owing to the downregulation of HMGB1. Flow cytometer analysis showed that CD/LP-miCDDP resulted in maximum apoptosis effect (~60%) compared to CDDP (~20%) or miR-1284 (~12%) treated cells indicating the superior anticancer effect in the cancer cells. Importantly, CD/LP-miCDDP significantly prolonged the blood circulation of encapsulated drug in rats with significantly higher AUC (o-t) , t 1/2 and lower CL compared to that of free CDDP. Overall, results demonstrated that targeted and synergistic co-delivery of therapeutic components could be promising in cervical cancer therapy.
Modified trapdoor procedures using autogenous tricortical iliac graft without preserving the broken cartilage to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A Prospective Cohort Study With Historical Controls
Authors: Cheng qi , zhao fengchao , Xu Shizhuang , Zheng Li , Zheng Xin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of autologous tricortical iliac graft through a window created at the femoral head, without suturing the opened articular cartilage to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), called modified trapdoor procedures.Methods A total of 59 consecutive patients (67 hips; 36 males and 23 females) with ONFH were included in this study, which was conducted during the period from April 2009 to March 2012. Patient age ranged from 27 to 46 years old, with mean age of 36.3 years. Harris hip scores (HHS) were used to evaluate hip function pre- and postoperatively. Anteroposterior and frog-position X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were conducted to evaluate lesion location, size, and ARCO stage. Clinical failure was defined as score < 80 points or treatment by total hip arthroplasty(THA). Radiographic failure was defined as a > 3 mm of collapse in the hip. This group was retrospectively matched according to the ARCO stage, extent, location, etiology of the lesion, average age, gender, and preoperative Harris hip score to a group of 59 patients (67 hips) who underwent the“light bulb”approach during March 2007 to April 2009. Results Mean follow-up was 91.2 ± 13.6 months (range, 75–115 months). Mean HHS was 91.3 ± 4.5, compared with 83.1± 4.5 in the “light bulb” cohort at the 6 years follow-up examination (P < 0.001). At the 6 years follow-up, for modified trapdoor procedures, five hips (8.5%) were classified as clinical failure, and 3 hips underwent total hip arthroplasty; Seven hips were classified as (10.4%) radiographic failure.The clinical and radiographic failure of the hips treated with the modified trapdoor procedure was significantly lower than that of the hips treated with the “light bulb” procedure (p < 0.05). Survival of the joint was not significantly related to the location of the femoral head lesion between two groups, but there was better clinical and radiographic results in modified trapdoor procedures with Size-C and the ARCO stage III.Conclusion The study demonstrated superior medterm clinical results in ONFH with the use of autologous tricortical iliac block graft through a femoral head window, without suturing the opened articular cartilage. The results of this femoral head-preserving procedure in patients with postcollapse osteonecrosis and large lesion are superior to those of the “light bulb” procedure treatment.
A survey of Italian Physicians self-efficacy regarding communication skills and its correlation with a measure of "Burnout"
Authors: Messerotti Andrea , Banchelli Federico , Ferrari Silvia , Barbieri Emiliano , Bettelli Francesca , Bandieri Elena , Giusti Davide , Catellani Hillary , Borelli Eleonora , Colaci Elisabetta , Pioli Valeria , Morselli Monica , Forghieri Fabio , Galeazzi Gian Maria , Marasca Roberto , Bigi Sarah , D'Amico Roberto , Martin Peter , Efficace Fabio , Luppi Mario , Potenza Leonardo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The majority of practising physicians experience burnout. One of the factors most frequently advocated to increase such risk is breaking bad news (BBN). Several reports, by showing alteration of physiological indices, have empirically suggested that BBN may stress physicians, ultimately contributing to burnout. However, the association between the way serious news is broken and burnout has not been explored yet. In this study we investigated the correlation between burnout and physicians' self-efficacy regarding communication to patients.
Methods: A 23-item questionnaire exploring attitudes and practice regarding BBN and the Maslach Burnout Inventory test were administered to 379 physicians from two University Hospitals. Associations were assessed by means of logistic regression models.
Results: 226 (60%) returned the questionnaires. 76% of physicians acquired communication skills by observing mentors or colleagues, 64% considered BBN as discussing a poor prognosis, 56% reported discussing prognosis as the most difficult task, 38% and 37% did not plan a BBN encounter and considered it stressful. The overall burnout rate was 59%. At the multivariable analysis considering BBN as discussing a poor prognosis and a stressful task were related to high level of burnout (OR 2.42, p=0.042; OR 3.56, p=0.005); whereas planning the encounter and mastering communication skills even by just by means of reading relevant literature were correlated to low level of burnout (OR=0.43, p=0.037; OR=0.19, p=0.034).
Conclusions: Our study identifies some physicians' BBN attitudes and knowledge of conceptual frameworks which may influence the risk of burnout and support the notion that increasing knowledge about communication skills may protect clinicians from burnout.
99m Tc-labeled Duramycin for detecting and monitoring cardiomyocyte death and assessing cardioprotection of atorvastatin in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Tan Hui , Abudupataer Mieradilijiang , Qiu Lin , Mao Wujian , Cheng Dengfeng , Shi Hongcheng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of dynamic monitoring of myocardial cell death using 99m Tc-Duramycin single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (micro-SPECT/CT) imaging in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction, and the anti-apoptosis effect of atorvastatin for cardio protection. Methods: Forty-five male Kunming mice were randomized into three groups: acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group, acute myocardial infarction with atorvastatin treatment (T-AMI) group, and the sham group. The mice of the AMI group and T-AMI group were subjected left coronary artery ligation. The T-AMI group was orally administered with atorvastatin 20 mg/ (kg day) 24 h before the surgery, the other two groups received only saline. Three groups of model mice were randomly selected at day 1 (D1), day 3 (D3), and day 7 (D7) day after surgery with 99m Tc-Duramycin micro-SPECT/CT imaging. Transthoracic echocardiography test was performed at D3 and D7 after surgery. The pathological evaluation, TUNEL assay and Western blot analysis were performed on heart specimens on D1, D3 and D7. Results: For up-taking of 99m Tc-duramycin in infarcted region, the mean value of semi-quantitative of AMI group were 2.62 on D1, 3.89 on D3 and 1.20 on D7. And for the T-AMI group, the mean value of semi-quantitative were 2.20 on D1, 2.97 on D3 and 1.30 on D7. The sham group had no positive imaging in myocardium, the mean value of semi-quantitative were 1.09, 1.14 and 1.10 on D1, D3 and D7, respectively. Meanwhile, 99m Tc-linear-duramycin imaging as control showed that there’s no radioactive uptake in the area of infarction region. But the T-AMI group imaging showed the tracer uptake decreased obviously compared to the uptake of AMI mice in infarcted region (L/N: 2.2 versus 2.62; 2.97 versus 3.89) on D3 and D7. LVEF was significantly reduced on D3 (42.67±2.51%) and D7 (27.71±2.52%) compared with the sham group (71.00±2.65%). The number of TUNEL positive cells decreased significantly on D3 (37.00±3.01 vs 51.00±3.61) and D7 (21.67±2.08 vs 27.65±2.51) post-MI after atorvastatin treatment. Additionally, the atorvastatin increased the expression level of anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and decreased the expression level of pro-apoptotic protein BAX. Conclusions: 99m Tc-Duramycin SPECT/CT imaging allowed to the non-invasively monitoring of myocardial cell death in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, this investigation and analysis could be used to assess and verify the anti-apoptosis effect of atorvastatin for cardio protection by in-vivo molecular imaging.
Prognostic value of a metastasis-related gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Jiang Yinan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Surgery is a potential curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but postoperative recurrence occurs in majority of patients. Currently, there are no robust biomarkers to predict the disease progression or recurrence. Methods: Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct co-expression network. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was applied to develop prognostic model. Survival analysis, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to assess the performance. Results: By using GSE14520 dataset, 16 hub genes associated with HCC metastasis were screened. A signature of 5 metastasis-related genes was subsequently constructed by incorporating TCGA LIHC dataset. HCC patients with high risk score have low survival rate, low disease free survival rate and high recurrence rate. The prognostic value of this 5-mRNA signature was further verified in pan-cancer datasets. A nomogram was built with excellent performance and potential clinical application for prognosis. GSVA and GSVA revealed that metabolic pathways are distinct between high- and low-risk groups. Conclusions: We have established a 5-mRNA signature and a nomogram that can efficiently predict metastasis, recurrence and patient survival in HCC.
Single-nucleotide polymorphism rs17548629 in RIPK1 gene may be associated with lung cancer in a young and middle-aged Han Chinese population
Authors: Yang Shimin , Yu Fanglin , Lin Mingyan , Sun Linyi , Wei Junjie , Lai Cheng , Cai Lin , Hu Zhijian , He Fei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Genetic biomarkers of lung cancer (LC) susceptibility may provide a basis for treatment and prevention. This study analyzed an association between SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in the complementary region of the 3′-UTR (3' untranslated region) of microRNAs of the gene RIPK1 (receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1) and LC among an adult Han Chinese population aged younger than 60 years. Also explored the effect of regulation of the RIPK1 gene via rs17548629 and microRNA-1197 on the occurrence of LC. Methods RIPK1 variants (rs17548629, rs77736895) were determined in a population of 571 adults (younger than 60 years) with LC, and 609 gender- and age-matched healthy individuals. Bioinformatics methods predicted the microRNAs bound to rs17548629. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the presence of both rs17548629 and the predicted microRNA. Results A mutation (T) of rs17548629 was associated with an increased risk for LC in this population under the codominant and recessive genetic models. The risk of lung adenocarcinoma in rs17548629 mutant carriers was 1.769-fold higher than that of the wildtype. In vitro , the luciferase activity of co-transfected mutant psiCHECK2- RIPK1 and microRNA-1197 mimics was less than that of the group transfected with microRNA-1197 mimics only. Factorial analysis indicated interactions between microRNA-1197 mimics and genotypes of rs17548629. Conclusion A mutation (T) of rs17548629 may increase the risk of LC/lung adenocarcinomain adult Han populations younger than 60 years. When carrying the T allele, rs17548629 may be the target of hsa-miR-1197. This mutation may affect levels of RIPK1 protein, thereby promoting the occurrence of LC.
"Knock Knock": A qualitative study exploring the experience of household contacts on home visits and their attitude towards people living with TB in South Africa
Authors: Sathar Farzana , Velen Kavindhran , Peterson Meaghan , Charalambous Salome , Chetty-Makkan Candice M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Household contract tracing (HHCT) is an important strategy for active case finding. However, there is limited data on the patient-centered approach to HHCT. Our study aimed to describe experiences and preferences of household contacts (HHCs) for HHCT. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in Rustenburg, South Africa from September 2013 to March 2015. Twenty-four HHCs (≥18 years) had audio-recorded in-depth interviews. We used an inductive thematic analysis approach to develop themes. We made an a priori assumption that we would reach saturation with at least 20 interviews.Results: There were 16 (66.7%) females (median age = 36 years) and eight (33.3%) males (median age = 34 years). Two themes developed: (i) Positive attitude of HHCs towards TB services provided at home and (ii) HHCs relationship to and acceptance of people living with TB (PLTB). The first main theme emphasized that HHCs appreciated the home visits. Participants preferred home visits because they had negative experiences at the clinic such as delayed waiting times and long queues. HHCs supported the screening of children for TB at home. Participants suggested that the research staff could expand their services by screening for diabetes and hypertension alongside TB screening. In the second main theme, there was a sense of responsibility from the HHCs towards accepting the diagnosis of PLTB and caring for them. A sub-theme that emerged was that as their knowledge on TB disease improved, they accepted the TB status of the PLTB empowering them to take care of the PLTB. Conclusions: HHCs are supportive of HHCT and felt empowered by receiving TB education that ultimately allowed them to better understand and care for PLTB. HHCs were supportive of screening children for TB at home. Future HHCT activities should consider raising community awareness on the benefits of TB contact tracing at households.
Measuring Antibody Avidity To Plasmodium Falciparum Merozoite Antigens Using A Multiplex Immunoassay Approach
Authors: Taylor Diane Wallace , Bobbili Naveen , Kayatani Alexander K , Tassi-Yunga Samuel , Leke Rose FG 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Antibodies (Ab) play a significant role in immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Usually, following repeated exposure to pathogens, affinity maturation and clonal selection take place, resulting in increased antibody avidity. However, some studies suggest affinity maturation may not take place to malaria antigens in endemic areas. Information on development of antibody avidity is confusing and conflicting, in part, because different techniques have been used to measure avidity. Today, bead-based multiplex immunoassays (MIA) are routinely used to simultaneously quantitate antibody levels to multiple antigens. This study evaluated the feasibility of developing an avidity MIA with 5 merozoite antigens (AMA1, EBA-175, MSP1-42, MSP2, MSP3) that used a single chaotropic concentration.
Methods: The most common ELISA protocols that used the chaotropic reagents guanidine HCl (GdHCl), urea, and ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) were adapted to a multiplex MIA format. Then, different concentrations of chaotropes and incubation times were compared and results were expressed as an Avidity Index (AI), i.e., percentage of antibody remaining bound in the presence of chaotrope. Experiments were conducted to i) identify the assay with the widest range of AI (discriminatory power), ii) determine the amount of chaotrope needed to release 50% of bound Ab using plasma from adults and infants, and iii) evaluate assay repeatability.
Results: Overall, 4M GdHCl and 8M urea were weaker chaotropes than 3M NH4SCN. For example, they failed to release significant amounts of Ab bound to MSP1-42 in adult plasma samples; whereas, a range of AI values was obtained with NH4SCN. Titration of NH4SCN revealed that 2M urea gave the widest range of AI for the 5 antigens. Binding studies using plasma from 40 adults and 57 one-year old infants in Cameroon showed that 2.1M ± 0.32 (mean ± SD) NH4SCN (adults) and 1.8M ± 0.23M released 50% of bound Ab from the merozoite antigens. The final avidity multiplex assay was highly repeatable.
Conclusions. An avidity MIA is feasible for the 5 merozoite antigens that uses a single concentration (2M) of NH4SCN. The assay provides a simple method to quickly obtain information about Ab quantity and quality in the acquisition of immunity to malaria in endemic populations.