bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lassa Fever in post-Ebola Sierra Leone. Sociodemographics and case fatality rates of in-hospital patients admitted at the Kenema Government Hospital Lassa Fever Ward between 2016-2018
Authors: Kangbai Jia Bainga , Kamara Fatima Kinto , Lahai Rosaline Chukwu , Gebeh Fatmata 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Lassa fever (LF) is a zoonotic acute viral illness mainly found in West Africa. The disease is endemic in some parts of West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria; while other neighboring countries at high risk of its outbreak since the animal vectors are distributed throughout the region.Methods This is a retrospective mixed cohort study that analysed the treatment history containing the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 52 laboratory-confirmed LF cases that were admitted to the Kenema Government Hospital Lassa Fever Ward (KGHLFW) during 2016 to 2018; i.e. during the post Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. The LF patients whose treatment history we analysed came from either within or outside Kenema district were the KGHLFW is located.Results Majority (59.6%, n = 31/52) of the LF cases recorded during the period under review were adults; females (65.4%, n = 34/52). 2016 recorded more (40.4%, n = 21/52) LF cases; 2017 (28.8%, n = 15/52) and 2018(30.8%, n = 16/52).Conclusions We highlighted the significance of LF preventive and control measures that can target its seasonal epidemics. These measures could include strategies that can reduce human contact with the rodent vector as well as raise sensitization and awareness about LF among local residents especially those residing along the LF belt in eastern Sierra Leone.
What are the Effects of Computerized Decision Support Systems on Practitioner Performance and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Kruse Clemens Scott , Ehrbar Nolan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Computerized decision support systems (CDSS) are software programs that support the decision making of practitioners and other staff. Other reviews have analyzed the relationship between CDSS, practitioner performance, and patient outcomes. These reviews reported positive practitioner performance in over half the articles analyzed, but very little information was found for patient outcomes. The purpose of this review was to analyze the relationship between CDSS, practitioner performance, and patient medical outcomes. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were queried.Methods 27 articles were chosen based on year published (last ten years), high quality source, and discussion of the relationship between the use of CDSS as an intervention and links to practitioner performance or patient outcomes. Reviewers used an Excel spreadsheet to collect information on the relationship between CDSS and practitioner performance or patient outcomes. Reviewers also collected observations of participants, intervention, comparison with control group, and outcomes (PICO) along with those showing implicit bias. Articles were analyzed by multiple reviewers following the Kruse Protocol for systematic reviews. Data were organized into multiple tables for analysis and reporting.Results Fourteen articles (52%) discussed positive practitioner performance, three articles (11%) found no difference in practitioner performance, ten articles (37%) did not discuss practitioner performance. Zero articles reported negative practitioner performance. Fifteen articles (56%) discussed positive patient medical outcomes, two articles (7%) found no statistically significant difference in medical outcomes between intervention and control groups, and ten articles (37%) did not discuss medical outcomes. Zero articles found negative patient medical outcomes.Conclusions Results of this review are commensurate with previous reviews with similar objectives, but unlike these reviews we found significant positive reporting of a positive effect on patient medical outcomes. Our findings support adoption of decision support systems.
Integrated gene-based and pathway analyses using UK Biobank data identify novel genes for chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Zhu Meng , Qin Na , Wang Yuzhuo , Fan Jingyi , Sun Qi , Ji Mengmeng , Fan Xikang , Xie Junxing , Ma Hongxia , Dai Juncheng 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Chronic respiratory diseases have become a nonnegligible cause of death globally. Although smoking and environmental exposures are primary risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases, genetic factors also play an important role in determining individual’s susceptibility to diseases. Here we performed integrated gene-based and pathway analyses to systematically illuminate the heritable characteristics of chronic respiratory diseases.
Methods
UK (United Kingdom) Biobank is a very large, population-based prospective study with over 500,000 participants, established to allow detailed investigations of the genetic and nongenetic determinants of the diseases. Utilizing the GWAS-summarized data downloaded from UK Biobank, we conducted gene-based analysis to obtain associations of susceptibility genes with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia using FUSION and MAGMA softwares. Across the identified susceptibility regions, functional annotation integrating multiple functional data sources was performed to explore potential regulatory mechanisms with INQUISIT algorithm. To further detect the biological process involved in the development of chronic respiratory diseases, we undertook pathway enrichment analysis with the R package (clusterProfiler).
Results
A total of 195 susceptibility genes were identified significantly associated with chronic respiratory diseases ( P bonferroni <0.05), and 28/195 located out of known susceptibility regions (e.g. WDPCP in 2p15). Within the identified susceptibility regions, functional annotation revealed an aggregation of credible variants in promoter-like and enhancer-like histone modification regions and such regulatory mechanisms were specific to lung tissues. Furthermore, 110 genes with INQUISIT score ≥1 may influence diseases susceptibility through exerting effects on coding sequences, proximal promoter and distal enhancer regulations. Pathway enrichment results showed that these genes were enriched in immune-related processes and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors pathways.
Conclusions
This study conducted an integrated gene-based and pathway strategy to explore the underlying biological mechanisms and our findings may serve as promising targets for future clinical treatments of chronic respiratory diseases.
A multi-institutional and cross-sectional study on empathy in Chinese medical students: Differences by student cadre or not, future career preference, and father's education status
Authors: Yi Kangqi , Kang Mingyi , Li Dongju , Wang Zhipeng , Bai Jinsong , Xu Huiming , Ma Shulan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background The aims of this study were to examine the factor structure of the Chinese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for medical students (JSE-S) and investigate differences in empathy scores among Chinese medical students according to gender, student cadre or not, future career preference, and parents’ education.Methods Medical students from three universities completed an online questionnaire containing the JSE-S. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure, and group comparisons of empathy scores were examined via t-tests and analysis of variance.Results Four factors emerged from the factor analysis: “perspective taking,” “compassionate care,” “standing in the patient’s shoes,” and an uninterpretable factor. The results indicated that students who were female, held positions as student cadres, preferred to become a doctor, and whose fathers had a high school education or below tended to have more empathy.Conclusions Overall, the findings provide information on the dimensions of empathy applicable to Chinese medical students and confirm the factors found in the original measure. The dimensions have implications for developing empathy among Chinese medical students. Educators can use the information to design interventions to foster empathy among students in the context of Chinese medical education reform.
Identification of incipient tuberculosis in household contacts. The relevance of tuberculosis exposure scores and contact investigations.
Authors: Bekken Gry Klouman , Ritz Christian , Selvam Sumithra , Nelson Jesuraj , Hesseling Anneke C , Doherty Timothy Mark , Grewal Harleen MS , Vaz Mario , Jenum Synne 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background The goal of tuberculosis elimination put forward in the End TB Strategy prioritizes diagnosis and treatment of incipient TB, recently defined by key stakeholders as an “asymptomatic, early pre-clinical disease during which pathology evolves” . Regarded as indicative of a high risk of TB progression, considerable efforts have been made to identify incipient TB through exploration of biomarkers. The present study aimed to evaluate simple scoring systems for TB exposure as screening tools for incipient TB in a contact investigation (CI) setting of low HIV-prevalence.
Methods Nested within a large prospective study in household contacts (HHCs) of smear positive pulmonary TB cases in South-India conducted 2010-2012, we assessed 1) the association between the Tuberculosis Contact Score (TCS) and the Infectivity Score with established tools for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection corrected for established TB risk factors and 2) the capability of the TB exposure scores to identify incipient TB defined by Mtb- culture positivity in sputum or gastric aspirate (subjects <5 years) specimen.
Results Of 525 HHCs, 29 were Mtb -culture positive and 96.6% of these asymptomatic. The TCS and the Infectivity Score associated with positive Tuberculin Skin Test and QuantiFeron TB-Gold In-tube assay (QFT) results in multivariate analyses (TCS: OR TST 1.16, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.33; OR QFT 1.33 95%CI: 1.16, 1.51. Infectivity Score: OR TST 1.39, 95%CI: 1.10, 1.76; OR QFT 1.41 95%CI: 1.16, 1.71). The Infectivity Score showed a moderate capability to identify incipient TB (AUC of 0.61, 95%CI: 0.52, 0.70).
Conclusion Although our results did not identify an easily applicable screening tool for incipient TB, the present study indicates that focusing on TB-related symptoms in CI settings may be of limited value for early identification of HHCs with high risk for TB progression, one of the goals of the End TB Strategy.
iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanisms of Botrytis cinerea controlled with Wuyiencin
Authors: Shi Liming , Ge Beibei , Wang Jinzi , Liu Binghua , Ma Jinjin , Wei Qiuhe , Zhang Kecheng 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Grey mould is an important plant disease worldwide, caused by Botrytis cinerea ，resulting in serious economic loss. Wuyiencin, a low toxicity, high efficiency, and broad-spectrum agricultural antibiotic, has been demonstrated effectiveness against B. cinerea.
Methods
In this study, we characterized the differential protein expression in wuyiencin-treated B. cinerea using high-resolution mass spectrometry and bioinformatic tools.
Results
Wuyiencin treatment inhibited growth and sporulation of B. cinerea, specifically altering hypha morphology and intracellular structures. These changes were accompanied by differential expression (fold change >2.0) of 316 proteins identified by iTRAQ-labelling LC-MS/MS analysis (P < 0.05). Up-regulation of 14 proteins, including carbohydrate metabolism proteins and cell wall stabilization proteins, was validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Down-regulation of 13 proteins was validated by PRM, including regulators of energy metabolism, nucleotide/protein synthesis, and the biosynthesis of mediators of plant stress and decay.
Conclusion
Our results confirm the inhibitory biological effects of wuyiencin on B . cinereal and elaborate on the differentially expressed proteins and associated pathways implicated in the capacity of wuyiencin to debilitate the growth and pathogenicity of grey mould. This study provides validated candidates for further targeted exploration with the goal of optimizing wuyiencin as a safe, low-toxicity agent for biological control.
Differential effect of chemical compounds on Helicobacter pylori growth and subsequent apoptosis
Authors: Kashyap Dharmendra , Baral Buddhadev , Verma Tarun Prakash , Sonkar Charu , Chatterji Debi , Jain Ajay Kumar , Jha Hem Chandra 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is well-known for its role in chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. Eradication of these carcinogenic bacteria from the gut is one of the major challenges for the clinicians. The complexity of treatment is mainly owing to, antibiotic resistance and relapse due to extra gastric reservoir in the oral cavity. Our study focuses on the isolation of H. pylori from distinct habitats (gastric biopsy and gastric juice) of the gut microenvironment and its subsequent characterization. Further, we have also evaluated the effect of various plaque control agents on isolated strains of H. pylori.Results The strains isolated from two different habitats of the same subject shows a striking difference in their growth pattern. Promisingly, some included chemicals are effective in growth inhibition after recommended 30 sec treatment. The subsequent evaluation shows that chemical B (out of chemical A, B, C, D and E) is the most effective and downregulate the expression of CagA in the infected AGS cells.Conclusion For the fast time, in our study the pylori isolated from different habitat of the same subject shows differential growth pattern. Nowadays, antibiotic resistance and relapse of H. pylori make it difficult to eradicate the bacteria from gastric as well as oral reservoir. Thus, this study may help to reduce the bacteria in their oral reservoir and also control the H. pylori migration from oral to gastric compartment.
Dynamics of asymptomatic infections and symptomatic malaria show different temporal profiles among infants living in a high transmission area of Ghana
Authors: Botwe Akua Kyerewaa , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Asghar Muhammad , Hammar Ulf , Oppong Felix Boakye , Gyaase Stephaney , Dosoo David , Jakpa Gabriel , Twumasi Mieks Frenken , Kaali Ellen Boamah , Osier Faith , Farnert Anna , Asante Kwaku Poku 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Although infants are vulnerable to malaria, the characteristics of their patterns of infections are not well described. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal profiles of asymptomatic infections and symptomatic malaria in the first year of life. Methods A birth cohort in Kintampo, Ghana (N = 1855) was followed actively with monthly blood sampling and passively for any febrile illness between 2008 and 2011. Malaria parasites were detected by light microscopy and infants who were infected or uninfected were identified. Infections were classified as either symptomatic or asymptomatic using fever and temperature readings over twelve months of follow up. The longitudinal infection profiles in all infants were then compared. Results: Asymptomatic infections and symptomatic malaria were observed at all ages but were rare the first months of life and the proportion of symptomatic malaria increased after six months. Among 1264 infants having microscopy data for at least eight monthly visits, four patterns were observed: parasite negative at all visits (36%), always asymptomatic (7%), always symptomatic (35%) and alternating between asymptomatic infections and symptomatic malaria (22%). The cumulative incidence of infection was highest in the alternating group, and many different profiles (87 different combinations) of asymptomatic infections and symptomatic malaria were observed in this group . Parasite densities were significantly low for the always asymptomatic group and highest for always symptomatic group. Conclusion Infants in malaria endemic areas experience highly different infection profiles over the first year of life despite living in the same area. In-depth investigations of why some infants are parasite free and others have repeated symptomatic malaria or maintain asymptomatic infections or alternate between asymptomatic infections and symptomatic malaria can contribute to understanding malaria susceptibility during infancy.
Effects of surface loading on groundwater flow and skeletal deformation
Authors: Yu Qingyang , Wang Chengbin , Dai Zhenxue , Ran Xinglong , Amooie Mohammad Amin , Soltanian Mohamad Reza , Soltanian Mojtaba 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This paper proposes a relationship for the physics and mechanics constants of porous media related to water storage rate and ground settlement under a surface load variation condition. This provides the basis for accurate calculation of ground subsidence. Traditional equations for vertical deformation, groundwater flow and land subsidence due to surface loading were developed using Jacob's assumptions. This paper derives a skeletal elastic specific storage rate. The new deformation and flow equations are similar to the traditional ones based on Jacob's assumptions except that the pore-water head in the traditional equations corresponds with the margin between the pore-water head and the water-column height given in the proposed equations representing the surface load. The analysis show that increasing the surface loading leads to land subsidence, rise in pore-water head and decrease in elastic water storage capacity. The maximum subsidence is equivalent to the subsidence triggered by lowering the water head to the equivalent water column height. The maximum rise of the water head is also equal to the equivalent water column height. The maximum water released to a specific volume of porous medium is close to that resulting from reduction in the water head by the equivalent column height.
Effects of IGF-1 on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Obradovic Milan , Zafirovic Sonja , Soskic Sanja , Stanimirovic Julijana , Trpkovic Andreja , Jevremovic Danimir , Isenovic Esma R. 
Published: November 2019

:Cardiovascular (CV) diseases are the most common health problems worldwide, with a permanent increase in incidence. Growing evidence underlines that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a very important hormone responsible for normal CV system physiology. IGF-1 is an anabolic growth hormone, responsible for cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Despite systemic effects, IGF-1 exerts a wide array of influences in the CV system affecting metabolic homeostasis, vasorelaxation, cardiac contractility and hypertrophy, autophagy, apoptosis, and antioxidative processes. The vasodilatory effect of IGF-1, is achieved through the regulation of the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and, at least partly, through enhancing inducible NOS (iNOS) activity. Also, IGF-1 stimulates vascular relaxation through regulation of sodium/potassiumadenosine- triphosphatase. Numerous animal studies provided evidence of diverse influences of IGF-1 in the CV system such as vasorelaxation, anti-apoptotic and prosurvival effects. Human studies indicate that low serum levels of free or total IGF-1 contribute to an increased risk of CV and cerebrovascular disease. Large human trials aiming at finding clinical efficacy and outcome of IGF-1-related therapy are of great interest.:We look forward to the development of new IGF 1 therapies with minor side effects. In this review, we discuss the latest literature data regarding the function of IGF-1 in the CV system in the physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Cisplatin Toxicology: The Role of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and GABA Transporters in Cochlear Spiral Ganglion
Authors: Gao Dongmei , Yu Hong , Li Bo , Chen Li , Li Xiaoyu , Gu Wenqing 
Published: November 2019

Background:
The current study was conducted to examine the specific activation of pro-inflammatory
cytokines (PICs), namely IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the cochlear spiral ganglion of rats after ototoxicity induced
by cisplatin. Since γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its receptors are involved in pathophysiological processes of
ototoxicity, we further examined the role played by PICs in regulating expression of GABA transporter type 1
and 3 (GAT-1 and GAT-3), as two essential subtypes of GATs responsible for the regulation of extracellular
GABA levels in the neuronal tissues.

Methods:
ELISA and western blot analysis were employed to examine the levels of PICs and GATs; and auditory
brainstem response was used to assess ototoxicity induced by cisplatin.

Results:
IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as their receptors were significantly increased in the spiral ganglion of
ototoxic rats as compared with sham control animals (P<0.05, ototoxic rats vs. control rats). Cisplatin-ototoxicity
also induced upregulation of the protein levels of GAT-1 and GAT-3 in the spiral ganglion (P<0.05 vs. controls).
In addition, administration of inhibitors to IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α attenuated amplification of GAT-1 and GAT-3
and improved hearing impairment induced by cisplatin.

Conclusion:
Our data indicate that PIC signals are activated in the spiral ganglion during cisplatin-ototoxicity
which thereby leads to upregulation of GABA transporters. As a result, it is likely that de-inhibition of GABA
system is enhanced in the cochlear spiral ganglion. This supports a role for PICs in engagement of the signal
mechanisms associated with cisplatin-ototoxicity, and has pharmacological implications to target specific PICs
for GABAergic dysfunction and vulnerability related to cisplatin-ototoxicity.
Toxicity Mechanism of Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles and Gadolinium Ions in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Akhtar Mohd Javed , Ahamed Maqusood , Alhadlaq Hisham , Alrokayan Salman 
Published: November 2019

Background:Due to the potential advantages of Gadolinium Nanoparticles (NPs) over gadolinium elements, gadolinium based NPs are currently being explored in the field of MRI. Either in elemental form or nanoparticulate form, gadolinium toxicity is believed to occur due to the deposition of gadolinium ion (designated as Gd3+ ion or simply G ion).Objective:There is a serious lack of literature on the mechanisms of toxicity caused by either gadolinium-based NPs or ions. Breast cancer tumors are often subjected to MRIs, therefore, human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells could serve as an appropriate in vitro model for the study of Gadolinium Oxide (GO) NP and G ion.Methods:Cytotoxicity and oxidative damage was determined by quantifying cell viability, cell membrane damage, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Intracellular Glutathione (GSH) was measured along with cellular Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). Autophagy was determined by using Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and Lysotracker Red (LTR) dyes in tandem. Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) was measured by JC-1 fluorescence. Physicochemical properties of GO NPs were characterized by field emission transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectrum.Results:A time- and concentration-dependent toxicity and oxidative damage was observed due to GO NPs and G ions. Bax/Bcl2 ratios, FITC-7AAD double staining, and cell membrane blebbing in phase-contrast images all suggested different modes of cell death induced by NPs and ions.Conclusion:In summary, cell death induced by GO NPs with high aspect ratio favored apoptosis-independent cell death, whereas G ions favored apoptosis-dependent cell death.