bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autophagy flux modulates Tax viral protein distribution pattern in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection
Authors: Ducasa Nicolás , Grasso Daniel , Benencio Paula , Papademetrio Daniela , Biglione Mirna , Kashanchi Fatah , Garcia Maria Noe , Berini Carolina 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Viruses can evade the host's immune response promoting their survival and proliferation by different mechanisms. It has recently been observed that viruses can also manipulate autophagy mechanism/pathway for their own benefit. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process for intracellular components, such as proteins and organelles, and it is important in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of HTLV-1 associated Myelopathy/ Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP), Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL) and Bronchiectasis. HTLV-1 has been reported to regulate autophagy favoring viral production. Viral protein Tax blocks the fusion of the autophagosome with the lysosome, preventing degradation and increasing the accumulation of autophagosomes. Yet, the role of autophagy in HTLV-1 infection has not been fully described. The aim of this study was to determine if the autophagic state conditions regulate HTLV-1 infection.
Results

Tax was distributed in specific patterns and spherical structures in infected Jurkat, HeLa and MT2 cell lines. Autophagic flux treatments modified Tax behavior in infected HeLa and MT2 cell lines as analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Utilizing relative quantification of mRNA by qPCR, the variation of other viral genes was analyzed, observing a similar pattern for each treatment.
Conclusions

These results provide evidence that the autophagic state is shown to control HTLV-1 infection. In addition, Tax can be observed in spherical structures linked to the plasma membrane which could be involved in promoting viral propagation. By carrying out this research, we hope to elucidate fundamental mechanisms for the propagation of HTLV-1 that would involve the use of the autophagic pathway, providing a potential therapeutic target to prevent the development of pathologies associated with HTLV-1 infection.
Comparative Evaluation of Two Commercial Real-time Pcr Kits (Quantifast™ and Abtes™) for the Detection of Plasmodium Knowlesi and Other Plasmodium Species in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Nuin Nor Afizah , Tan Angelica Fiona , Lew Yao Long , Piera Kim A , William Timothy , Rajahram Giri Shan , Jelip Jenarun , Mohammad Rashidah , Cooper Daniel J , Barber Bridget E , Anstey Nicholas M , Chua Tock H , Grigg Matthew J 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The monkey parasite Plasmodiumknowlesi is an emerging public health issue in Southeast Asia. In Sabah, Malaysia, P. knowlesiis now the dominant cause of human malaria. Molecular detection methods for P. knowlesiare essential for accurate diagnosis and in monitoring progress towards malaria elimination of other Plasmodium species.However,recent commercially available PCR malaria kits have unpublished P. knowlesigene targets or have not been evaluated against clinical samples.Methods:Two real-time PCR methods currently used in Sabahfor confirmatorymalaria diagnosis and surveillance reportingwere evaluated: theQuantiFast™ Multiplex PCR kit (Qiagen, Germany) targeting the P. knowlesi18S SSU rRNA;and the abTES™ Malaria 5 qPCR II kit (AITbiotech, Singapore), with an undisclosedP. knowlesi gene target. Diagnostic accuracywas evaluatedusing 52P. knowlesi, 25P. vivax, 21 P. falciparum, and 10 P. malariaeclinical isolates, and 26 malaria negative controls, and compared against a validated referencenested PCR assay. The limit of detection (LOD) for each PCR method and Plasmodium species was also evaluated. Results:The sensitivity of the QuantiFast™ and abTES™ assays for detecting P. knowlesiwas comparable at 98.1% (95%CI 89.7-100) and 100%(95%CI 93.2-100) respectively. Specificity of the QuantiFast™ and abTES™ for P. knowlesiwas high at 98.8% (95%CI 93.4-100) for both assays.The QuantiFast™ assay demonstrated falsely-positive mixed Plasmodium species at low parasitaemias in both the primary and LOD analysis. Diagnostic accuracy of both PCR kits fordetecting P. vivax, P. falciparum, and P. malariae was comparable to P. knowlesi.The abTES™ assay demonstrated a lower LOD for P. knowlesiof ≤0.125 parasites/µL compared to QuantiFast™ witha LOD of20 parasites/µL.Hospital microscopy demonstrated a sensitivity of 78.8% (95%CI 65.3-88.9) and specificity of 80.4% (95%CI 67.6-89.8) compared to reference PCR for detecting P. knowlesi.Conclusion:The QuantiFast™ and abTES™ commercial PCR kits performed well for the accurate detection of P. knowlesi infections. Although the QuantiFast™ kit is cheaper, the abTES™ kit demonstrated a lower LOD, supportingits use as a second-line referral-laboratory diagnostic toolin Sabah, Malaysia.
Outcome of Pulmonary Spherical Ground-glass Opacities on Ct in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19): A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Wangjia , Hu Liangbo , Huang Junhao , Lv Fajin , Fu Binjie , Chu Zhigang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary spherical ground-glass opacities (GGOs) are commonly detected on initial chest CT scan in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).We aimed to investigate the evolution of spherical GGOs to better understand their clinical significance.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study of 33 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 and pulmonary spherical GGOs was performed from January 21, 2020, to March 6, 2020. The initial and follow-up CT images and clinical data were reviewed. The initial CT manifestations of spherical GGOs and their subsequent changes were mainly evaluated. Results:A total of 101 pulmonary spherical GGOs, including 38 with and 63 without consolidation, were found in 33 patients. Of the 101 spherical GGOs, 71 (70.3%) and 30 (29.7%) showed progression and direct absorption on follow-up CT images, respectively. GGOs with consolidation were more likely to progress than those without (84.2% vs. 61.9%, p = 0.017). The 71 progressed lesions mainly showed an increase in size and/or density and most (70.4%) of them extended toward the pleura and developed from spherical to patchy. Internal consolidation appeared and increased in 18 (25.4%) and 22 (31.0%) lesions, respectively. During absorption, all the previous progressed and directly absorbed lesions exhibited a simultaneous decrease in size and density. On each patient’s final CT, more lesions with progression had a residual mixed GGO (40.8% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.002) and fewer had pure GGO (39.4% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.016) than those with direct absorption.Conclusion: In patients with COVID-19, most pulmonary spherical ground-glass opacities would progress, especially those with consolidation, and develop into patchy, subpleural lesions.
Piloting a multidisciplinary and integrated road traffic injury surveillance system in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna Nigeria.
Authors: Babalola Obafemi Joseph 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

African has the highest road fatality rate per 100,000 population, but Nigeria accounts for a quarter of the World Health Organization Afro region road traffic injury (RTI) related deaths. The Nigeria Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is the sole agency for RTI surveillance. RTI data generated from a single source is inadequate, under-reported, and defective for effective planning to achieve SDG 3.6 target. This pilot study aimed to describe under-reporting of single RTI surveillance data source by FRSC, and feasibility of multidisciplinary and integrated RTI surveillance systems in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria.
Methods

The WHO Injury Surveillance Guideline, and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Surveillance Training Manual were adapted for this study. Selected RTI reporting sites for this study were FRSC, police, and three major health facilities. Trained data collectors used a pretested RTI data tool adapted from the existing tools to collect information on road traffic crashes and the injured from February – July 2016. Data linked by the deterministic method were merged, duplicates removed, and analysed for frequencies, proportions, and Chi-square odds ratio for associations between exposure variables and moderate to fatal injury. Statistical significance for all calculations was set at p-Value < 0.05.
Results

Of the 667 road traffic crashes (RTC), FRSC reported 103 (15.4%). Of the 1,062 people injured, FRSC and Police reported 183 (17.2%), and 381 (35.9%) respectively, pedestrians were 180 (17%), and 374 (35.2%) were in 25–34 years age group. Overall, 110 (10.4%) were fatally injured and died including 62.7% (69/110) who were initially rescued alive from the crash site. Among the 252 motorcycle riders, protective helmet was used by 26 (10.3%). Also, 136 (26.4%) vehicle users from 516, used a seat belt during the crash. Moderate to fatal injury was associated with being a vehicle operator during the crash (OR 1.7, C.I. 1.3–2.2, p = 0.000).
Conclusion

Road traffic crashes and injuries were under-reported with single source RTI surveillance systems common to low and middle – income countries like Nigeria. However, a multidisciplinary and integrated RTI surveillance system is feasible and recommended to generate quality data for action.
Evaluating the Irrigation Effect of Continuous Flushing During Up-and-down Motion of Instruments Using a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model
Authors: Guo Linxi , Shi Xin , Li Xiangfen , Zhao Yuanxi , su qin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:The viscous environment caused by the rotation of Nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments in a static solution inside the root canal during mechanical preparation may increase the difficulty of endodontic debridement and the risk of instrument fatigue fracture. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of continuous flushing during up-and-down motion of instruments using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical model.Results:After30s simulation,water entering the canal formed an "efficient replacement area" in upper part of the canal and transported to the apical part of the canal.Increasing the velocity and amplitude of the motion of the instrument caused less time of flushing water to reach the apical area; and the replacement of the original solution was primarily improved by increasing the amplitude.Conclusions:Continuous flushing during up-and-down movement of the instrument significantly helped to rapidly replace the original solution with water at the coronal and middle part of the canal and dilutedthe viscosity of the original solution to some extend in the whole canal.It is therefore beneficial to add continuous water flushing to the instruments used in the preparation process.Furthermore, the amplitude of the movement in file’s up-and-down motion should be appropriately increased to improve its irrigation effect in clinical practice.
Extended spectrum beta-lactamase and ﬂuoroquinolone resistance genes among Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolates from diarrheal children, Burkina Faso.
Authors: DEMBELE Rene , Konaté Ali , Traoré Oumar , Kaboré Wendpoulomdé A. D. , Soulama Issiaka , Kagambèga Assèta , Traoré Alfred S. , Guessennd Nathalie K. , Aidara-Kane Awa , Gassama-Sow Amy , Barro Nicolas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR) has become a major public health concern worldwide. This resistance is caused by enzymes-mediated genes (i.e., extended spectrum beta-lactamases) that are common in certain Enterobacterioceae species. However, the distribution of these genes is poorly documented in Burkina Faso. This study aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of the resistant genes coding for broad spectrum beta-lactamases and quinolones in rural Burkina Faso.
Methods
Multiplex PCR assays were carried out to detect ESBL-encoding genes, including blaOXA, blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV. The assays also assessed the presence of quinolone resistance gene namely qnrA, qnrB and qnrS in the quinolone-resistance DEC and Salmonella strains.
Results
The Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) resistance phenotype was reported in all the E. coli isolates (5/5). Cross-resistance phenotype to quinolones (CRQ) was shown by one Salmonella strain (1/9) and three E. coli (3/5). Cross-resistance phenotypes to fluoroquinolones (CRFQ) were harboured by one Salmonella (1/9) and carbapenemase phenotypes were detected in two E. coli strains (2/5). Whilst the blaOXA genes were detected in 100% (5/5) of E. coli isolates and in 33.33% (3/9) Salmonella isolates. One strain of E. coli (1/5) harbored the blaCTX−M gene and the qnrB gene simultaneously.
Conclusions
This study identified β-lactam (bla) and quinolone resistance (qnr) genes in multidrug-resistant E. coli and Salmonella spp. in rural Burkina Faso. Our finding which highlighted the enterobacteriaceae strains resistance to β-lactams and quinolones are of high interest for adequate management of antimicrobial resistant genes outbreak in Burkina Faso.
Can lean reduce infections? A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Patrone Carlotta , Cristina Maria Luisa , Spagnolo Anna Maria , Schinca Elisa , Ottria Gianluca , Dupont Chiara , Alessio-Mazzola Mattia , Sartini Marina 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Lean is largely applied to the health sector and on the healthcare-associated infections (HAI). The latter are a plague for our society. However, a few results on the improvement of the outcome have been reported in literature. The purpose of this study is to analyze if the lean application can reduce the healthcare-associated infections rate.Methods: A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases using various combinations of the following keywords: "lean" and "infection" from August to December 2019. Inclusion criteria were: 1) research articles with quantitative data and relevant information on lean methodology and its impact on healthcare infections; 2) prospective studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines has been used.Results: 22 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Lean application demonstrated a significant protective role on healthcare-associated infections rate (RR 0.50 [0.38-0.66]) with significant impact on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) (RR 0.47 [0.28-0.82]). There was a significant correlation between lean application and healthcare worker satisfaction and compliance, but no significant decrease of mortality has been reported.Conclusions: Lean has a positive impact on the decreasing of HAIs and on the improvement of compliance and satisfaction of the staff.
Characteristics and Clinical Significance of Microcirculation in Populations Residing at Different Altitudes
Authors: Ma Siqing , He Zong-Zhao , Luo Jun-Ming , Song Kang , Xu Jing-Yuan , Wang Hao , Duan Zhi-Li , Qiu Hai-Bo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate changes in microcirculation, physiological characteristics, and the pathomechanism of and potential treatment alternatives for severe septic shock among healthy individuals residing at different altitudes.Methods: Seventy individuals, 35 from Xining and 35 from Nanjing, were recruited, and their body temperature, pulse, respiration, mean arterial pressure, peripheral blood oxygen saturation, and blood cell parameters were determined. Microcirculation indices of sublingual microcirculation were monitored using the sidestream dark field method.Results: Erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher among individuals from Xining than among those from Nanjing (P < 0.05); however, platelet counts were significantly lower among those from Xining (P < 0.05). Microcirculation indices of total vessel density, perfused vessel density, and the proportion of perfused vessels were significantly higher among individuals from Xining than among those from Nanjing; however, the microvascular flow index was lower among those from Xining. Microvascular density was significantly higher among individuals from Xining than among those from Nanjing.Conclusion: Microvascular densit may be a physiological adaptation among populations at moderate-to-high altitudes.
Cangrelor ameliorates CLP-induced pulmonary injury in sepsis by inhibiting GPR17
Authors: Luo Qiancheng , Liu Rui , Liu Guorong , Hang Min , Chen Guo , Xu Lei , Jin Qinqin , Guo Dongfeng , Kang Qi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSepsis is a common complication of severe wound injury and infection, with a very high mortality rate. The P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, cangrelor, is an antagonist antiplatelet drug.MethodsIn our study, we investigated the protective mechanisms of cangrelor in CLP-induced pulmonary injury in sepsis, using mouse models.ResultsTdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) and Masson staining showed that apoptosis and fibrosis in lungs were alleviated by cangrelor treatment. Cangrelor significantly promoted surface expression of CD40L on platelets and inhibited CLP-induced neutrophils in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We also found that cangrelor decreased the inflammatory response in the CLP mouse model and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Western blotting and RT-PCR showed that cangrelor inhibited the increased levels of G-protein-coupled receptor 17 ༈GPR17༉induced by CLP. Conclusion: Our study indicated that cangrelor repressed the levels of GPR17, followed by a decrease in the inflammatory response and a rise of neutrophils in BALF, potentially reversing CLP-mediated pulmonary injury during sepsis.
Deep-red emitting Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ phosphor ceramics for plant lighting
Authors: Wang Zixin , LIN Hui , Zhang Dawei , Shen Yiming , Li Yang , Hong Ruijin , Tao Chunxian , Han Zhaoxia , Chen Lei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this study, deep red emitting Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ phosphor ceramics were synthesized by the high temperature solid-state reaction method. The ceramics can be excited by the 465 nm blue light and had a narrow emission with a full width at half maximum (FWMH) value of 31 nm. The peak wavelength was located at 658 nm, which matched the most efficient wavelength for photosynthesis. The crystal field strength (Dq) and the Racah parameters (B and C) are estimated by Tanabe-Sugano diagram. The thermal conductivity of the ceramics was 7.535 W/(m·K) at room temperature, which was one order of magnitude higher than that of the traditional packaging method using silicone gel. A set of phosphor converted LEDs were fabricated by mounting the phosphor ceramics onto the 460 nm blue LED chips and the CIE coordinates can move from the blue light region to the purple light region with the thickness of the ceramic increasing. These results indicated that the Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ phosphor ceramic was suitable for plant lighting when combined with a blue LED chip.
Comparison of short-term outcomes between Chinese surgical robot “Micro Hand S” assisted and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Yanlei , Wang Guohui , Li Zheng , Hao Ling , Yi Bo , zhu shaihong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background As the first domestically produced Chinese surgical robot for clinical use, the Micro Hand S robot has been applied to total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer in our center since 2017. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Micro Hand S robot-assisted TME (R-TME) in comparison with laparoscopic TME (L-TME).Methods Between May 2017 and February 2018, patients who underwent R-TME and L-TME in the Third Xiangya Hospital were prospectively included in this study. The data including intraoperative outcomes, postoperative outcomes, pathological outcomes, and functional outcomes were analyzed and compared.Results Totally, 30 patients underwent L-TME and 21 patients underwent R-TME. The patient characteristics of the two groups were similar. Regarding intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, the R-TME group had significantly less blood loss (95.2 vs. 130.0 ml, p = 0.022), shorter time to first flatus (2.1 vs. 2.9 d, p = 0.017) and first liquid intake (2.8 vs. 3.7 d, p = 0.027) than the L-TME group. There were no significant difference in the operative time, conversion, protective ileostomy, length of hospital stay, pain score, complications, and 30-day mortality between the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, the pathological and functional outcomes also did not differ significantly.Conclusion The Micro Hand S robot-assisted total mesorectal excision is safe and feasible for rectal cancer. However, prospective and large sample size trials are needed to further confirm this conclusion.Trial registration:Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT02752698, Registered on 27 April 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT02752698?term=Micro+hand&cntry=CN&draw=2&rank=1
Evolutionary Engineering of Lactobacillus Bulgaricus Reduces Enzyme Usage and Enhances Conversion of Lignocellulosics to D-lactic Acid by Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation
Authors: J. Vishnu Prasad , Sahoo Tridweep K. , S. Naveen , Jayaraman Guhan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSimultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of pre-treated lignocellulosics to biofuels and other platform chemicals has long been a promising alternative to separate hydrolysis and fermentation processes. However, the disparity between the optimum conditions (temperature, pH) for fermentation and enzyme hydrolysis leads to execution of the SSF process at sub-optimal conditions, which can affect the rate of hydrolysis and cellulose conversion. The fermentation conditions could be synchronized with hydrolysis optima by carrying out the SSF at a higher temperature, but this would require a thermo-tolerant organism. Economically viable production of platform chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass has long been stymied because of the significantly higher cost of hydrolytic enzymes. The major objective of this work is to develop an SSF strategy for D- lactic acid production by a thermo-tolerant organism, in which the enzyme loading could significantly be reduced without compromising on the overall conversion. ResultsA thermo-tolerant strain of Lactobacillus bulgaricuswas developed by adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) which enabled the SSF to be performed at 45 °C with reduced enzyme usage.Despite the reduction of enzyme loading from 15 FPU/gbiomass to 5 FPU/gbiomass, we could still achieve ~8% higher cellulose to D-LA conversion in batch SSF, in comparison to the conversion by separate enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes at 45 °C and pH 5.5. Extending the batch SSF to an SSF with pulse-feeding of 5% pre-treated biomass and 5 FPU/g-biomass, at12-hour intervals (36th h – 96th h), resulted in a titer of 108 g/L D-LA and 60% conversion of cellulose to D-LA.This is one among the highest reported D-LA titers achieved from lignocellulosic biomass.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that the SSF strategy, in conjunction with evolutionary engineering, could drastically reduce enzyme requirement and be the way forward for economical production of platform chemicals from lignocellulosics. We have shown that fed-batch SSF processes, designed with multiple pulse-feedings of the pre-treated biomass and enzyme, can be an effective way of enhancing the product concentrations.