bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Hand Hygiene Behaviors and Its Related Factors Among Northern Iranian Population During the First Peak and Subsidence of COVID-19 Pandemic Period: Results From PERSIAN&nbsp;Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS)
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Yeganeh Sara , Hassanipour Soheil , Asgharnezhad Mehrnaz , Maroufizadeh Saman , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Naghipour Mohammadreza 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Considering the importance of the hand hygiene behaviors for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, the current study was conducted to investigate the changes in hand-washing behaviors and its related factors among the northern Iranian population during the first peak and subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic period.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during two periods in Guilan (Northern provinces of Iran). First period conducted at the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran (between 03/23/2020 and 03/30/2020), and second period conducted at the first subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran (between 05/3/20 and 05/10/2020). The questionnaire was completed by 571 adult participants. Data on frequency, procedure and circumstances of hand-washing and obsessive-like behaviors were collected. Potential correlates of reduction in frequency of hand washing were analyzed by multiple logistic regression.Result: Compared to peak of COVID-19 pandemic, frequency and procedure of hand-washing and obsessive-like behaviors were significantly reduced at the subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic (all p<0.05). Females with negative family history of coronavirus disease had greater odds (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.19, P =0.03) of reduction in the frequency of daily hand-washing. Younger than 50 years old males and males who reduced the procedure of hand-washing had greater odds (AOR = 1.71, P =0.02 and AOR = 2.16, P =0.001, respectively) of reduction in the frequency of daily hand-washing. Conclusion: Northern Iranian populations were found to decrease their frequency and quality of hand washing and obsessive-like behaviors over time from the first peak to first subsidence of COVID-19 pandemic. Here, the factors that independently predicted reduction in frequency of hand washing in male population were younger age and reduction in procedure of hand-washing and in female population was a negative family history of coronavirus disease. Thus, special attention should be paid to maintaining the general population’s perceived susceptibility to illness, especially in younger men during the pandemic.
CircRNA cRAPGEF5 is Downregulated in Gastric Cancer and Promotes the Transition from Precursor to Mature miR-22
Authors: Feng Yan , Wang Chun , Shi Tian , Liu Weidong , Liu Huan , Zhu Bo , Gao Feng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: CircRNA cRAPGEF5 has been characterized as an oncogene in renal cell carcinoma. We in this study explored the involvement of cRAPGEF5 in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Expression of cRAPGEF5, mature miR-22 and miR-22 precursor in paired GC and non-tumor tissues was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was performed to analyze the correlations between them. GC cells were transfected with cRAPGEF5 expression vector, followed by measuring the expression levels of mature miR-22 and miR-22 precursor using RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay.Results: We found that cRAPGEF5 was under-expressed in GC and positively correlated with mature miR-22, but not miR-22 precursor. In GC cells, cRAPGEF5 overexpression resulted in the upregulation of mature miR-22, but failed to significantly alter the expression of miR-22. Cell proliferation analysis showed that cRAPGEF5 and miR-22 overexpression decreased cell proliferation, while miR-22 inhibitor played an opposite role. Moreover, miR-22 overexpression attenuated the effect of cRAPGEF5 overexpression.Conclusions: Therefore, cRAPGEF5 may promote the maturation of miR-22 to suppress GC cell proliferation.
Effect of Y3Al5O12 Addition on The Microstructural Evaluation And Mechanical Properties of Spark Plasma Sintered ZrB2-SiC Composites
Authors: Gürcan Kübra , Ayas Erhan , Yurdabak İlker , Güngören M.Safa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The addition of Y3Al5O12 (YAG) into the ZrB2-SiC composites was investigated in the present research. Composites were densified by SPS method at 1850ºC under a uniaxial pressure of 50 MPa for 20 min. Microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties were evaluated with a various content of YAG (1-5 wt%). The microstructural and phase analysis showed that incorporation of YAG promoted the densification process from the solid-state sintering to liquid phase sintering. The highest density (99.81% RD) and fracture toughness (6,44 ± 0.23 MPa.m1/2) were obtained for the composite containing 5 wt % YAG after the SPS process. Although hardness and elastic modulus of samples were decreased with the increasing of YAG amount, measured values were comparable with the literature.
Four Key Genes are Biomarkers Associated with Immunity in Neuroglioma
Authors: Yang Xin , Hao Jia-Qi , Zhang Yu , Shi Jia-Ying , Zhu Xiao-Lin , Xiao You-Chao , Bai Hao , Hao Chun-Yan , Duan Hu-Bin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Glioma is the most common intracranial tumor, with glioblastoma being the most malignant. However, its treatment is very few, and targeted therapy is an important breakthrough in treatment. Methods: Numerous genes are differentially expressed during the progression of glioma, some of which may play a key role. To find key genes, we analyzed three multi-sample microarrays (GSE4290, GSE54004, and GSE29796) in the GEO database to obtain intersection differential genes among them. We entered all DEGs into the STRING database and characterized the protein interactions of these DEGs as visual PPI networks by Cytoscape software. Also, we used the GEPIA2 and CGGAdatabase to predict the relationship between key genes and the prognosis of glioma patients.Results: A total of 222 up-regulated genes and 127 down-regulated genes were identified. Four genes(FN1, LAMB1, FAM20C, and COL6A1) were significantly negatively correlated with malignant glioma survival. Expression levels of four genes increased with the glioma grade. All gene expression is more common in IDH wild glioma and are enriched in the Mesenchymal subtype(AUC>0.8). In addition,they can be defined as hazard factors for glioma. We found that these genes were co-expressed and jointly involved in the infiltration of immune cells in tumors. Conclusion: In conclusion, FN1, LAMB1, FAM20C, and COL6A1 is associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients. These genes might be clinical targets of glioma immunotherapy.
Comparison of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation for the Treatment of Osteopenic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yi Weiwei , Xia Huiqiang , Lan Haiyang , Yang Zhijie , Han Fei , Liu Bo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) have a high incidence, which have attracted wide attention from society. However, few scholars have conducted researches on osteopenic vertebral compression fractures (osteopenic VCFs). Our research has compared the clinical and imaging effects of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in the treatment of Osteopenic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (Osteopenic VCFs).METHODS: From December 2018 to September 2020, 70 patients with osteopenic VCFs who had undergone PKP and PPSF surgeries at our medical center were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were divided into PKP group (n=38) and PPSF group (n=32). Clinical data including clinical and radiological evaluation results were performed pre- and postoperatively.RESULTS: The operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative bedtime, and hospitalization period in PKP group were lower than those in PPSF group (P<0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of two groups in the last follow-up were lower than those before the operation (P<0.05). On the 3rd day after the operation, VAS and ODI in PPSF group were higher than those in PKP group (P<0.05). The anterior height of injured vertebrae (AH) of two groups was recovered compared with that before the operation. Compared with two groups in each period, there was no obvious difference in AH or the height restoration of injured vertebrae (HR) (P>0.05). The anterior height ratio of injured vertebrae (AHR) of PPSF group was higher than that of PKP group after the operation (P<0.05). The kyphosis angle (KA) in PPSF group was smaller than PKP group after the operation (P<0.05). All patients in PPSF group have achieved bony healing at the last follow-up.CONCLUTIONS: Both PPSF and PKP can achieve satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of Osteopenic VCFs. The short-term clinical effect of PKP is better than that of PPSF, but the latter has better long-term results, including the correction and maintenance of vertebral height and the acquisition of osseous fusion.
Long-term Survival and Clinical Outcomes of Non-vascularized Autologous and Allogeneic Fibular Grafts are Comparable for Treating Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Jie Ke , Feng Wenjun , Li Feilong , Wu Keliang , Chen Jinlun , Zhou Guangming , Zeng Huiliang , Zeng Yirong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a disabling disease, which often involves young patents. Recently, various hip-preserving surgeries were recommended to delay total hip arthroplasty (THA).Questions/purposes This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and survival rate in the long-term follow-up between core decompression combined with a non-vascularized autologous fibular graft (group A) and an allogeneic fibular graft (group B) for the treatment of ONFH.Patients and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 117 patients (153 hips) with ONFH (Association Research Circulation Osseous [ARCO] stages IIa to IIIc) who underwent the above-mentioned hip-preserving surgeries between January 2003 and June 2012. The mean (range) follow-up times (years) were 12.9 (7–16) and 9.3 (6–16) in groups A and B, respectively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS), visual analog scale (VAS) score, forgotten joint score (FJS). A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The end point was THA.Results Groups A and B showed postoperative improvements, respectively, in HHS from 65±7.2 to 80.3±14.5 and from 66±5.9 to 82.4±13.6 (p<0.05), and in VAS score from 6.3±1.1 to 2.3±1.6 and from 6.1±1 to 2.2±2.2 (p<0.05). However, no significant differences in the HHS, VAS score, and hip FJS at the last follow-up (p>0.05) and 15-year survival rate (84.1% and 86%, respectively, p>0.05) were found between group A and B.Conclusions Autologous and allogeneic fibular grafts can attain equally good clinical outcomes and high survival rates in long-term follow-up, and thus can greatly delay THA owing to good bone osseointegration and sufficient mechanical support. Notably, the ratio of failure will increase when patients were more than 37 years old.Level of Evidence Level III, therapeutic study.
Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitor on Left Ventricular Function: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhenfei OU , Tong Chen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Although a variety of research have significant protective action on the cardiovascular system when use of SGLT2 inhibitor, it is still unclear how can improve ventricular remodeling and fundamentally Reduce the mortality of cardiovascular. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to explore the efficacy of sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in improving left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods: We searched articles published before September 30, 2020, regardless of language, in 4 electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. We included randomized controlled trials in this meta-analysis. The differences in the mean changes in left ventricular echocardiographic parameters between the treatment group and control group were evaluated.Results: Combined outcome indicators showed that SGLT2 inhibitors, LAVI (WMD＝-6.29，95％CI（-10，-2.58），P＜0.001) , E/e'（WMD＝-2.15，95％CI（-4.08，-0.21），P=0.003） , LVEF(WMD＝3.67，95％CI （0.59，6.75），P=0.02) , LVEDV( WMD＝-1.99，95％CI （-26.49，-22.50），P=0.87), LVESV(WMD＝-8.36，95％CI （-17.36，-0.65），P=0.07). Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors had a favorable effect on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with T2DM.
Pfeifer-Weber-Christian Disease and Benign Multiple Subcutaneous Noninfiltrative Angiolipomas: A Puzzling Case and Review of a Rare Entitety
Authors: Radunovic Goran , Pavlov-Dolijanovic Slavica , Milicic Tanja , Bosic Martina , Stupar Nada Vujasinovic , Jeremic Ivan , Dacic Drasko 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Pfeifer-Weber-Christian disease (PWCD) is one of many rare diseases that may be easily missed if there is not a high degree of suspicion. Angiolipomas are rare, benign subcutaneous tumors, composed of adipose tissue and blood vessels and often containing fibrin thrombi. The majority of angiolipomas occur sporadically; however, there is a minority of cases that have been associated with long-term corticosteroid use. Case presentation: We report here an unusual case of PWCD associated with benign multiple subcutaneous noninfiltrative angiolipomas confirmed by skin biopsy. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was not effective at reducing flares of panniculitis, and during this therapy angiolipomas gradually increased in size. In contrast, administration of oral Cyclosporine A (CyA) led to a rapid remission of the PWCD. Conclusions: As PWCD has no known aetiology and no specific treatment has been established, the successful therapy with the CyA supports the hypothesis that PWCD is a T cell mediated autoinflammatory condition. Also, this case represent very rare side effects of corticosteroid therapy, such as induction of de novo angiolipomas or increased growth of existing tumours. This case bring diagnostic difficulties in everyday clinical practice, especially in patients with panniculitides, but histopathological evaluation usually resolves the dilemma.
Effect of Dietary Yeast Culture Supplementation on the Growth Performance and Cecal Microbiota Modulation of Geese
Authors: Cheng Yating , Wan Kun , Xiong Zibiao , Luo Hui , Liu Anfang , He Hang , Zhang Jie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOne of the most extensively applied animal feed additives is yeast culture (YC), which can increase production efficiency by altering gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota. However, its use is still limited in waterfowl. Geese are the ideal model to study the interaction between dietary and GIT, due to their adaptation to consume different roughage sources. Therefore, the effect of YC supplementation at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%,1.0%,2.0% and 4.0%) on the GIT microbiota of geese was investigated in the present study. ResultsThree hundred Sichuan white geese with healthy and similar body weight (BW: 95.57 ± 2.42 g) were randomly divided into five groups: i) basal diet (control), ii) basal diet+0.5%YC (treat1), iii) basal diet+1.0% YC (treat2), iv) basal diet+2.0% YC (treat3), and v) basal diet+4.0% YC (treat4). After 10 weeks, slaughter and collected the cecum contents, then analysis GIT microbiota by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that YC supplementation did not significantly affect α-diversity (P ＞0.05). Principal coordinates analysis showed an obvious separation between control and treat4. The dominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes whereas the predominant genera were Alistipes and Desulfovibrionaceae. The relative abundance of Firmicutes significantly increased in the treat1 group, whereas that of Bacteroidetes significantly decreased in the treat4 group. Dietary YC increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria, such as Parabacteroides, Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas, particularly in group treat2. Furthermore, treat3 significantly improved the body weight and feed utilization of geese.ConclusionCollectively, these findings demonstrate that dietary YC supplementation tends to increase species diversity and richness of GIT microbiota in geese. This increases the proportion of beneficial bacteria which improves amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, YC increases the relative abundance of Firmicutes that promote energy utilization and nutrition absorption, thereby improving the growth performance of geese. This dietary strategy based on feed additives is an effective method to maintain the health of the geese GIT and to improve growth efficiency.
Assessment of Pathogenic Bacteria Transfer From Pristionchus Entomophagus (Nematoda: Diplogasteridae) to the Invasive Ant Myrmica Rubra and Its Potential Role in Colony Mortality in Coastal Maine
Authors: Ishaq Suzanne Lynn , Hotopp Alice , Silverbrand Samantha , Dumont Jonathan E. , Michaud Amy , MacRae Jean , Stock S. Patricia , Groden Eleanor 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background:Necromenic nematode Pristionchus entomophagus has been frequently found in nests of the invasive European ant Myrmica rubra in coastal Maine, United States. The nematodes may contribute to ant mortality and collapse of colonies by transferring environmental bacteria. M. rubra ants naturally hosting nematodes were collected from collapsed wild nests in Maine and used for bacteria identification. Virulence assays were carried out to validate acquisition and vectoring of environmental bacteria to the ants.Results:Multiple bacteria species, including Paenibacillus spp., were found in the nematodes’ digestive tract. Serratia marcescens, Serratia nematodiphila, and Pseudomonas fluorescens were collected from the hemolymph of nematode-infected Galleria mellonella larvae. Variability was observed in insect virulence in relation to the site origin of the nematodes. In vitro assays confirmed uptake of RFP-labeled Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA14 by nematodes. Bacteria were highly concentrated in the digestive tract of adult nematodes, a small amount of bacteria were observed in the digestive tract of juveniles with a more significant amount on their cuticle, and none on the cuticle of adults. RFP-labeled P. aeruginosa were not observed in hemolymph of G. mellonella larvae, indicating an apparent lack of bacterial transfer from juvenile nematodes to the insects despite larval mortality.Host species was the primary factor affecting bacterial community profiles. Spiroplasma sp. and Serratia marcescens sequences were shared across ants, nematodes, and nematode-exposed G. mellonella larvae. Alternative to the idea of transferring bacteria from environment to host, we considered whether nematode-exposure might disorder or depauperate the endobiotic community of an insect host. While total bacterial diversity was not statistically lower in nematode-exposed G. mellonella larvae when compared to controls, 16 bacterial sequence variants were less abundant in nematode-exposed larvae, while three were increased, including Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Proteus.Conclusions: This study suggests that transfer of bacteria from nematodes to ants is feasible, although largely serendipitous, and may possibly contributed to ant death and/or collapse of wild colonies in Maine. Hypothetically, the use of an engineered biological control, such as nematodes carrying specifically-seeded bacterial species, may be effective, especially if the pathogenic bacteria are normally found in soil ecosystems and represents a low risk for biosafety control.
Vector-Borne Pathogens With Veterinary and Public Health Significance in Melophagus Ovinus (Sheep Ked) From the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Qingxun , Wang Ye , Li Ying , Han Shuyi , Wang Bo , Yuan Guohui , Zhang Peiyang , Yang Ziwen , Wang Shuangling , Chen Jiyong , Zhong Haishun , Han Xueqing , He Hong-Xuan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMelophagus ovinus (sheep ked) is a hematophagous ectoparasite that mainly parasitizes sheep. In addition to causing inflammation, wool loss and skin damage to the animal hosts, M. ovinus also serves as a vector for a variety of pathogens and is highly likely to participate in the life and transmission cycle of pathogenic organisms. MethodsHerein, we investigated the presence and molecular characterization of vector-borne pathogens in M. ovinus from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. ResultsA total of 92 M. ovinus pools (n=276) collected from Qinghai province of China were screened for the presence of selected vector-borne pathogens. The overall prevalence of A. ovis, A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and T. ovis in M. ovinus was 39.1%, 17.4%, 9.8%, and 89.1%, respectively. All of the samples were negative for BDV, other Anaplasma species, Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp. Co-infection of different Anaplasma species and T. ovis occurred in 51.2% of all samples with T. ovis. The positive rates of A. ovis, A. bovis, and A. phagocytophilum in different region and altitude of the sampling sites were significantly different. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of target genes confirmed their identity with corresponding pathogens. ConclusionOur results elucidate the occurrence and genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. in M. ovinus, which could act as potential zoonotic reservoirs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum DNA in M. ovinus. This study gives the first extensive molecular survey of vector-borne pathogens with veterinary and public health significance in M. ovinus from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.