bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical, genetic and microbiological characterization of pediatric patients with Cystic Fibrosis in a Public Hospital in Ecuador
Authors: Lascano-Vaca Yazmina , Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Gomez-Barreno Lenin , Simbaña-Rivera Katherine , Vasconez Eduardo , Lister Alexander , Arteaga-Espinosa María Emilia , Perez Geovanny F 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
SummaryObjective: To carry out a complete clinical, pathological, genetic and microbiological characterization of pediatric patients with molecular confirmed cystic fibrosis (CF) attending the Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital (HCAM) within the study period.Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the pediatric population with a confirmed diagnosis of CF disease who attended HCAM, one of the largest tertiary-level hospitals in Ecuador, between 2017 and 2018 was performed. All demographic, clinical and genetic variables were obtained from the electronic medical records (EMR) stored by the hospital. Results: 47 patients with CF were included in the study. Gender distribution was similar between male (48.9%, n = 23) and female patients (51.1%, n = 24). The Tiffeneau-Pinelli index (FEV1/FVC) changed significantly after nine months post-diagnosis (85.55 ± 13.26; p <0.05). The most common pathogenic genetic variants were F508del, found in 52.78% of the cohort (n = 19); H609R, found in 36.11% (n = 13); g.204099A>C, found in 14.1% (n = 7), followed by G85E and the N1303K with 11.11% (n = 3) each. Conclusions: To our best knowledge, this is the first study exploring the clinical, genetic and bacteriological profile of CF’s patients in Ecuador. Within the cohort of patients, an important and unique genetic feature was characterized by the presence of the g.204099A> C and the c.206359C>A homozygous polymorphism as well as the presence of the H609R variant, a mutation only reported among Ecuadorians.
Comparison of methods for the detection of in vitro synergy in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Gaudereto Juliana Januario , Neto Lauro Vieira Perdigão , Leite Gleice Cristina , Sanchez Evelyn , Martins Roberta Cristina Ruedas , Prado Gladys Villas Boas do , Rossi Flavia , Guimarães Thais , Levin Anna Sara , Costa Silvia Figueiredo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The use of combined antibiotic therapy has become an option for infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The time-kill (TK) assay is considered the gold standard method for the evaluation of in vitro synergy, but it is a time-consuming and expensive method. Methods The purpose of this study was to evaluate two methods for testing in vitro antimicrobial combinations: the disk diffusion method through disk approximation (DA) and the agar gradient diffusion method via the MIC:MIC ratio. The TK assay was included as the gold standard. MDR Gram-negative clinical isolates (n=62; 28 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 20 Acinetobacter baumannii, and 14 Serratia marcescens) were submitted to TK, DA, and MIC:MIC ratio synergy methods. Results Overall, the agreement between the DA and TK assays ranged from 20 to 93%. The isolates of A. baumannii showed variable results of synergism according to TK, and the calculated agreement was statistically significant in this species against fosfomycin with meropenem including colistin-resistant isolates. The MIC:MIC ratiometric agreed from 35 to 71% with TK assays. The kappa test showed good agreement for the combination of colistin with amikacin (K = 0.58; P = 0.04) among the colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates. Conclusions The DA and MIC:MIC ratiometric methods are easier to perform and might be a more viable tool for clinical microbiology laboratories.
Effect of Two Major Health Reforms on Health Care Cost and Utilization in Fars Province of Iran: Family Physician Program and Health Transformation Plan
Authors: Bayati Mohsen , Keshavarz Khosro , Lotfi Farhad , KebriaeeZadeh Abbas , Barati Omid , Zareian Shahram , Amiri Akbar , Delavari Sajad 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Family physician program (FPP) and health transformation plan (HTP) are two major reforms that have been implemented in Iran's health system in recent. The present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of these two reforms on the level of service utilization and cost of health care services. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted on people insured by social security organization in Fars province during 2009-2016. The data on the utilization of services and costs of general practitioner visits, specialist visits, medications, imaging, laboratory tests, and hospitalization were collected. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze the effect of the two mentioned reforms. Results: FPP resulted in a significant reduction in the number of specialist visits, imaging, and laboratory tests in the short term, and in the number of radiology services, laboratory tests, and hospitalization in the long term. In contrast, HTP significantly increased the utilization of radiology services and laboratory tests both in the short term and long term. Concerning the costs, FPP resulted in a reduction in costs in short and long term except general practitioners' and specialist visit, and medication in long term. However, HTP resulted in an increase in health care costs in both of the studied time periods. Conclusions: FPP has been successful in rationalizing the utilization of services. On the other hand, HTP has improved people’s access to services by increasing the utilization; but it has increased health care costs. Therefore, policymakers must adopt an agenda to revise and re-design the plan.
HPV Genotypes and Epidemiology in Women With Cervical Cancer in Senegal.
Authors: NIANE KHADIDIATOU , DIAGNE Cheikh Tidiane , DIOP Gora , DIA Ndongo , TALLA Cheikh , LOUCOUBAR Cheikh , NDIAYE Moussa , Niang Mbayame , DIALLO Aissatou , SEMBENE Pape Mbacké , KA Sidy , DIEYE Alioune , Sall Amadou Alpha , DEM Ahmadou 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Cases of cervical cancer are increasing steadily in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 75,000 new cases and nearly 50,000 deaths a year (Mboumba et al., 2017). In Senegal, pathologies such as cervical cancer are one of the top causes of death and the Human papillomavirus (HPV) is its aetiological agent (Steenbergen et al., 2005). Methods The aim of the study is to analyse the distribution of HPV among Senegalese women with cervical cancer. The main objective of this study is to identify the HPV types associated or “co-associated” with cervical oncogenesis in Senegal. The correlations with the risk factors of cervin carcinogenesis were analysed as well. Cervical biopsies were performed on the women admitted to Aristide Hospital Le Dantec-Julio Curie Institute. Three methods were used to detect HPV genotypes: SANGER sequencing genotyping (Applied BioSystems), PCR real-time approach technique (HPV 16 & 18 RealTime PCR kit) (www.bioneer.co.kr) and the genotyping approach from Chippron (HPV kit 3.5 LCDArray) (info@chipron.com). Results In this study, the sample had multiple infections (co-infections), and a majority of the coinfections were high-risk types (HR-HPV types). The most common type of HPV in our study were 16 (34.37%), 18 (23.29%), 45 (10.75%), 33 (9.94%), 59 (9.09%), (3.97%) and 31 (3.69%). Among the co-infections detected in different regions of Senegal in women with cervical cancer, we found that HPV types 16 and 18 had the highest prevalence. In the Dakar region, which had the highest number of cases, a prevalence of 17.89% of HR-HPV co-infections was found. Conclusion Polygamy could represent a cofactor in the occurrence of cervical cancer in Senegalese women. No association was found between high-risk HPV co-infections and cancer stages. However, an increase of our cohort would be necessary to affirm these hypotheses.
Genome-wide Survey of the bHLH Super Gene Family in Brassica napus
Authors: Ke Yunzhuo , Wu Yunwen , Zhou Hongjun , Chen Ping , Wang Mangmang , Liu Mingming , Li Pengfeng , Yang Jing , Li Jiana , Du Hai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and is functionally characterized in diverse species. However, less is known about its functions in the economically important allopolyploid oil crop, Brassica napus. Results: We identified 602 potential bHLHs in the B. napus genome (BnabHLHs) and categorized them into 35 subfamilies, including seven newly separated subfamilies, based on phylogeny, protein structure, and exon-intron organization analysis. The intron insertion patterns of this gene family were analyzed and a total of eight types were identified in the bHLH regions of BnabHLHs. Chromosome distribution and synteny analyses revealed that hybridization between Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea was the main expansion mechanism for BnabHLHs. Expression analyses showed that BnabHLHs were widely in different plant tissues and formed seven main patterns, suggesting they may participate in various aspects of B. napus development. Furthermore, when roots were treated with five different hormones (IAA, auxin; GA3, gibberellin; 6-BA, cytokinin; ABA, abscisic acid and ACC, ethylene), the expression profiles of BnabHLHs changed significantly, with many showing increased expression. The induction of five candidate BnabHLHs was confirmed following the five hormone treatments via qRT-PCR. Up to 246 BnabHLHs from nine subfamilies were predicted to have potential roles relating to root development through the joint analysis of their expression profiles and homolog function. Conclusion: The 602 BnabHLHs identified from B. napus were classified into 35 subfamilies, and those members from the same subfamily generally had similar sequence motifs. Overall, we found that BnabHLHs may be widely involved in root development in B. napus. Moreover, this study provides important insights into the potential functions of the BnabHLHs super gene family and thus will be useful in future gene function research.
Comparison of Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients’ Dietary Behaviors
Authors: Kim Seonmi , Kang Byung Chin , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kyung Min-Sook , Oh Hyung Jung , Kim Jung-Hyun , Kwon Oran , Ryu Dong-Ryeol 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Nutritional factors are associated with high mortality and morbidity in dialysis patients, and protein-energy wasting is regarded as an important one. The modality of dialysis may affect patients’ dietary behavior and nutritional status, but no study has compared the dietary behavior, nutrient intake, and nutritional adequacy of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
Methods: From December 2016 to May 2017, a dietary behavior survey and Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (Semi-FFQ) were conducted on 30 HD patients and 30 PD patients in Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, and laboratory parameters were obtained. The results of prevalent HD and PD patients were then compared.
Results: The mean age of HD patients was higher than that of PD patients; HD: 58.5±9.1 years, PD: 49.3±9.7 years ( p = 0.001). In the dietary behavior survey, HD patients showed more appropriate dietary behavior patterns overall than PD patients. In the dietary intake analysis with the Semi-FFQ, energy intake was significantly lower in the PD group than in the HD group due to the lower intake of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. A comparison of nutrient intake-to-recommended allowance ratio between the HD and PD groups revealed that the HD group showed higher nutrient intake than the PD group. Serum albumin and potassium levels were significantly higher in HD than in PD patients.
Conclusion: According to this study, the dietary behavior and nutritional intake of prevalent PD patients were worse than those of HD patients.
Trends in Measles Cases in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: A Five-year Review of Case-based Surveillance Data (2014- 2018).
Authors: AWORABHI NENI , Numbere Tamunowari , Balogun Mohammed Shakir , Usman Aisha , Utulu Rowland , Ebere Nkechi , Omubo Wakiente , Stow Jones , Abba Shehu , Olorukooba Abdulhakim 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

Measles is a vaccine preventable, highly transmissible viral infection that affects mostly children under five years. It has been ear marked for elimination and Nigeria adopted the measles elimination strategies of the World Health Organization (WHO) African region to reduce cases and deaths. This study was done to determine trends in measles cases in Bayelsa state, to describe cases in terms of person and place, identify gaps in the case-based surveillance data collection system and identify risk factors for measles infection.

Methods

We carried out a secondary data analysis of measles case-based surveillance data for the period of January 2014 to December 2018 obtained in Microsoft Excel from the State Ministry of Health. Cases were defined according to WHO standard case definitions. We calculated frequencies, proportions, estimated odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 449 cases of measles were reported. There were 245(54.6%) males and the most affected age group was 1-4 years with 288(64.1%) cases. Of all cases, 289(9.35%) were confirmed and 70 (48.27%) had received at least one dose of measles vaccine. There was an all-year transmission with increased cases in the 4th quarter of the year. Yenegoa local government area had the highest number of cases. Timeliness of specimen reaching the laboratory and the proportion of specimens received at the laboratory with results sent to the national level timely was below WHO recommended 80% respectively. Predictors of measles infection were, age less than 5 years (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.91) and residing in an urban area (AOR: 1.55, 95% CI:1.02-2.34).

Conclusions

Measles infection occurred all-year round, with children less than 5 years being more affected. Measles case-based surveillance system showed high levels of case investigation with poor data quality and poor but improving indicators. Being less than 5 years was protective of measles while living in urban areas increased risk for infection. We recommended to the state government to prioritize immunization activities in the urban centers, start campaigns by the 4th quarter and continue to support measles surveillance activities and the federal government to strengthen regional laboratory capacities.
LncGBP9/miR-34a axis drives macrophages toward a phenotype conducive for spinal cord injury repair via STAT1/STAT6 and SOCS3
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Li Zhiyue , Wu Tianding , Zhao Qun , Zhao Qiancheng , Cao Yong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) could cause mainly two types of pathological sequelae, the primary mechanical injury, and the secondary injury. The inappropriate activation of macrophage phenotypes (macrophage M1 or M2 polarization) might cause the failure to post-SCI repair. Methods: SCI model was established in Balb/c mice and the changes in macrophage phenotypes after SCI was monitored. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to select factors that might regulate macrophage polarization after SCI. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages ( BMDMs ) were isolated, identified, and induced for M1 or M2 polarization; the effects of lncRNA lnc GBP9 (guanylate binding protein-9) and SOCS 3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) on macrophages polarization were examined in vitro and in vivo . The predicted miR-34a binding to lncGBP9 and SOCS3 was validated; the dynamic effects of lncGBP9 and miR-34a on SOCS3, STAT 1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1)/STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) signaling, and macrophage polarization were examined. Finally, we investigated whether STAT6 could bind the miR-34a promoter to activate its transcription. Results: In SCI Balb/c mice, inappropriate activation of macrophage phenotypes was observed after SCI. In M1 macrophages, lncGBP9 silencing significantly decreased p-STAT1 and SOCS3 expression and protein levels, as well as the production of IL-6 (Interleukin 6) and IL-12 (Interleukin 12); in M2 macrophages, lncGBP9 overexpression increased SOCS3 expression and protein levels while suppressed p-STAT6 levels and the production of IL-10 (Interleukin 10) and TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta 1), indicating that lncGBP9 overexpression promotes the M1 polarization of macrophages. In lncGBP9-silenced SCI mice, the M2 polarization was promoted on day 28 after operation, further indicating that lncGBP9 silencing revised the predominance of M1 polarization at the late stage of secondary injury after SCI, therefore improving the repair after SCI. IncGBP9 competed with SOCS3 for miR-34a binding to counteract miR-34a-mediated suppression on SOCS3 and then modulated STAT1/STAT6 signaling and the polarization of macrophages. STAT6 bound the promoter of miR-34a to activate its transcription. Conclusions: In macrophages, lncGBP9 sponges miR-34a to rescue SOCS3 expression, therefore modulating macrophage polarization through STAT1/STAT6 signaling. STAT6 bound the promoter of miR-34a to activate its transcription, therefore forming two different regulatory loops to modulate the polarization of macrophages after SCI.
Crucial role of androgen receptor in resistance and endurance trainings-induced muscle hypertrophy through IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway
Authors: YIN Lijun , LU Lin , LIN Xiaojing , Wang Xiaohui 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective Androgen receptor (AR) has been reported to play vital roles in exercise-induced increase of muscle mass in rats, but needs to be further verified and the mechanism behind remains unclear. As AR target genes, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) promote muscle hypertrophy through activating PI3K/Akt- mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a classic pathway of muscle hypertrophy. So the main purpose of this study was using AR antagonist flutamide to demonstrate AR’s effect on training-induced muscle hypertrophy and its possible mechanism: IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway? Methods Forty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats aged seven weeks were randomly divided into six groups: control (C), flutamide (F), resistance training (R), resistance training plus flutamide (R+F), endurance training (E), and endurance training plus flutamide (E+F) groups. Flutamide was used to block AR in rats. Rats in R and R+F groups fulfilled 3 weeks of ladder climbing with progressively increased load, while E and E+F rats completed 3-week moderate intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill. The relative muscle mass (muscle mass/body weight) of rats was detected. Serum levels of testosterone and IGF-1 of rats were determined by ELISA, and mRNA levels of IGF-1R and mTOR in muscles by real-time PCR. Protein levels of AR, IGF-1, IGF-1R, mTOR, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt in muscles were detected by Western blot. Results (1) The training-induced rise in the relative muscle mass and the expression levels of AR were only found in the gastrocnemius of R rats and in the soleus of E rats (selective muscle hypertrophy), which were blocked by flutamide. (2) Serum testosterone in the R and E rat were increased, and flutamide exerted no effect. (3) The levels of IGF-1, IGF-1R and mTOR as well as the activities of PI3K and Akt were enhanced selectively (in the gastrocnemius of R rats and in the soleus of E rats), which were reduced by flutamide. Conclusions AR exerted an essential role in both resistance training and endurance training-induced muscle hypertrophy, which was mediated at least partly through IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway.
Force Production during the Sustained Phase of Rugby Scrums: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Martin Eric , Beckham George 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Since World Rugby changed the laws regarding scrums in the 2013-2014 season, the sustained push phase of the scrum has become of greater tactical importance. Therefore, the purpose of this sytematic literature review was to examine the biomechanical demands during the sustained push phase of individual, unit, and full pack scrummaging. Methods: Pubmed, EBSCO (specifically and simultaneously searching Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus), and Google Scholar were searched for any research that presented force production in a live or simulated rugby scrum. Study quality was appraised using the National Institute of Health's Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Recorded scrum forces, positioning of players including joint angles, and testing procedures were extracted and narratively synthesized. Results: Twenty six studies were included in the review. 50% of included studies were rated good, 31% fair, and 19% poor. Major limitations included not reporting any effect size, statistical power, or reliability. Reported group mean values for average sustained forces against a machine generally ranged from 1000-2000 N in individual scrums and 4000-8000 N for full packs of male rugby players older than high school age. Individuals seem to optimize their force generation when their shoulders are set against scrum machine pads at approximately 40% of body height, with feet parallel, and with knee and hip angles around 120°. A 10% difference in pack force seems to be necessary for one pack to drive another back in the scrum, but little data exist to quantify differences in force production between winning and losing packs during live scrums. Data collection within studies was not standardized, making comparisons difficult. There is a lack of data in live scrums, and the current research indicates that machine scrums may not replicate many of the demands of live scrums. There is a lack of data for female rugby players. Conclusions: This review indicates an optimal individual body position for players to strive to achieve during scrummaging, consisting of a low body height (40% of stature) and large extended hip and knee angles (120° each).