bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of exosome-like vesicles derived from Taenia pisiformis cysticercus and their immunoregulatory role on macrophages
Authors: Wang Li-Qun , Liu Ting-Li , Liang Pan-Hong , Zhang Shao-Hua , Li Tao-Shan , Li Yan-Ping , Liu Guang-Xue , Mao Li , Luo Xue-Nong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Taenia pisiformis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in canines, and leads to serious economic losses in the rabbit breeding industry. Exosome-like vesicles from parasites play crucial roles in host-parasite interactions by transferring cargo from parasites to host cells and by modulating host immunological response through inducing production of host-derived cytokines. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which exosome-like vesicles from T. pisiformis cysticercus regulate the macrophage immune response remains unknown. Methods: Using ultracentrifugation, we isolated exosome-like vesicles from excretory/secretory products (ESP) of T. pisiformis cysticercus. The morphology and size of purified vesicles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The components of proteins and miRNAs within these vesicles were identified by proteomic analysis and high-throughput small RNA sequencing. The biological function of targets of exosomal miRNAs was predicted by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Moreover, the expression of Th1- and Th2-type immune response associated cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages were evaluated by qPCR and ELISA. We found that exosome-like vesicles were typical cup-shaped vesicles with diameters from 30 to 150 nm. A total of 87 proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including proteins prominently associated with exosome-like vesicles biogenesis and vesicle trafficking. 41 known miRNAs and 18 novel miRNAs were identified in the exosome-like vesicles. Eleven selected miRNAs, including 7 known miRNAs (miR-71-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-let-7-5p, miR-745-3p, miR-219-5p, miR-124-3p and miR-4989-3p) and 4 novel miRNAs (novel-mir-3, novel-mir-7, novel-mir-8 and novel-mir-11) were validated to exist in metacestiodes and exosome-like vesicles of T. pisiformis cysticercus by qPCR. The functions of most targets of exosomal miRNAs were mainly associated with signal transduction and the immune system. Additionally, T. pisiformis cysticercus-derived vesicles induced the production of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13 and Arg-1, but downregulated the expression of IL-12, IFN-γ and iNOS in RAW264.7 macrophages. Conclusions: We demonstrated that proteins and miRNAs enclosed within exosome-like vesicles from T. pisiformis cysticercus have immunomodulatory functions. Furthermore, exosome-like vesicles were shown to induce the macrophage Th2-type immune response in vitro . Our study suggests that exosome-like vesicles play an important role in the interaction between cysticerci and their hosts. Keywords: Cysticercus pisiformis, Exosome-like vesicles, Macrophages, Th2-type immune response.
Allowing more time to ILCOR Step A of neonatal resuscitation leads to better residents’ task completion in simulated scenarios. A problem of time pressure?
Authors: Boithias Claire , Jule Laure , Foulgoc Stephanie Le , Jourdain Gilles , Benhamou Dan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Roughly 10% of newborns need help to complete the transition of birth. For these infants, international guidelines recommend supporting them using a 4-step procedure (A to D). Step A is an assessment time, which includes eight tasks and finishes by starting the positive pressure ventilation (PPV), if necessary (step B). The guidelines changed in 2015 and the allotted time was raised from 30 to 60 seconds for step A completion. Objectives: This study aimed to assess if the reduced time constraint in step A could have an impact on 1st-year pediatric residents' performance to complete step A and if could lead to later initiation of step A. Methods: Using video recordings of standardized neonatal scenarios over 6 years (3 before the change and 3 after), we assessed the ability of 1st-year pediatric residents of the Paris region to complete step A and initiate PPV in the allotted time in each period. Among the sessions, including at least five scenarios we evaluated all the PPV required scenarios executed for the first time by a dyad of 1st-year pediatric residents.Results: Among 52 sessions, we included 104 scenarios (25 sessions and 50 scenarios before the change and 27 sessions and 54 scenarios after). PPV started roughly at 1-minute resuscitation in both periods, but completion of the tasks before PPV-start was significant. Only 12% of the dyad of residents executed the eight tasks before PPV initiation in the first period versus 56% in the second period (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the completion of the eight tasks of step A was significantly better during the second period (6 [6-7] vs. 8 [7-8] p < 0.001).Conclusions: These results could suggest that a reduced time constraint for step A imposed by the new Guidelines was associated with better performance.
Epidemiology and risk factors of infective endocarditis in a tertiary hospital in China from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Wu Zhenzhu , Chen Yi , Xiao Tingting , Niu Tianshui , Shi Qingyi , xiao yonghong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To explore the trends in epidemiology and the risk factors related to the prognosis of infective endocarditis in a tertiary hospital over the past ten years.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. A total of 407 consecutive patients who were admitted with infective endocarditis were included. The clinical characteristics and the risk factors related to the prognosis of infective endocarditis during this period were analyzed.

Results: A total of 407 patients with infective endocarditis were included, the average age was 48 ±16 years old with an increasing trend and in-hospital mortality rate was 10.6% and one-year mortality rate was 11.3%. Among patients with underlying heart disease, congenital heart disease was the most common(25.8%), followed by rheumatic heart disease(17.0%) which showed a decreased trend during this period (P<0.001). There were 222(54.5%) patients with positive blood cultures results and Streptococci (24.6%) was the main pathogens with an increasing trend. There were 403 patients (99%) with surgical indications, but only 235 patients (57.7%) received surgical treatment. Hemodialysis (P = 0.041, OR = 4.697, 95% CI 1.068-20.665), pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.001, OR = 5.308, 95% CI 2.034-13.852), Pitt score ≥ 4 (P <0.001, OR = 28.594, 95% CI 5.561-148.173) and vegetation length＞30mm (P = 0.011, OR = 13.754, 95% CI 1.832-103.250) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions: There were no significant change in the overall incidence of infective endocarditis, but the clinical features of infective endocarditis had slightly changed during the past ten years. Streptococci infective endocarditis was still the predominant. Patients with hemodialysis, pulmonary hypertension, Pitt score ≥ 4 and vegetation length＞30mm had an worse in-hospital outcome.
Keywords: Infective endocarditis, epidemiology, risk factors, mortality.
Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age.
Authors: Sixpence Alick , Nkoka Owen , Chirwa Gowokani C. , Milanzi Edith B. , Mangani Charles , Mathanga Don P. , Ntenda Peter A. M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Malawi is a malaria-endemic country and approximately 6 million cases are reported annually. Improving knowledge of malaria causes and symptoms, and the overall perception towards malaria and its preventive measures is vital for malaria control. The current study investigated the levels of knowledge of the causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria among Malawian women. Methods Data from the 2017 wave of the Malawi Malaria Indicator Survey (MMIS) were analysed. In total, 3,422 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) were sampled and analysed. The levels of women’s knowledge about: 1) causes of malaria; 2) symptoms of malaria; and, 3) preventive measures were assessed. The tertiles of the composite score were used as the cut-offs to categorize the levels of knowledge as ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to assess the independent factors while taking into account the complex survey design. Results Approximately 50% of all respondents had high levels of knowledge of causes, symptoms and preventive measures. The high level of knowledge was 45% for rural women and 55% for urban dwellers. After adjusting for the a wide range of factors, women of age group 15-19 years adjusted odds ratio ((aOR): 2.58; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.69-3.92), women with no formal education (aOR: 3.73; 95% CI: 2.20-6.33), women whose household had no television (aOR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.02-2.22), women who had not seen/heard malaria message (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20-1.95), women of Yao tribe (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.10-3.46), and women from rural areas had low levels of knowledge about the causes of malaria, symptoms of malaria and preventive measures. Additionally, the results also showed that women aged 15-19 years (beta [β] = -0.73, standard error [SE] = 0.12); P <.0001, women with no formal education (β = -1.17, SE = 0.15); P <.0001, women whose household had no radio (β = -0.15, SE = 0.0816); P =0.0715 and women who had not seen or heard malaria message (β = -0.41, SE = 0.07); P <.0001 were likely to have a lower knowledge score. Conclusions The levels of malaria knowledge were reported to be unsatisfactory among adult women, underscoring the need to scale up efforts on malaria education. Beside insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and prompt diagnosis, malaria can be best managed in Malawi by increasing knowledge of malaria causes, and symptoms especially for younger women, women with no formal education, women whose households have no media, women from Yao tribes, and rural dwellers.
Is body mass index associated with irregular menstruation: A questionnaire study?
Authors: Tang Yunhui , Chen Yan , Feng Hua , Zhu Chen , Tong Mancy , Chen Qi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Irregular menstrual cycles including the length of cycles and menses, and heavy menstrual blood loss are linked to many gynaecological diseases. Obesity has been reported to be associated with irregular menstrual cycles. However, to date, most studies investigating this association are focused on adolescence or university students. Whether this association is also seen in adult women, especially women who had a history of birth has not been fully investigated. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected from 1012 women aged 17 to 53 years. Data on age, weight and height, gravida, the length of menstrual cycles and menses, and the number of pads used during menses were collected. Factors associated with menstrual cycle according to BMI categories were analysed.Results: There were no differences in the length of menstrual cycles and menses in women of different body mass index (BMI) groups. However, there was a significant difference in menstrual blood loss in women of different BMI categories. The odds ratio of having heavy menstrual blood loss in obese women was 2.28 (95% CL: 1.244, 4.193), compared to women with normal weight, while there was no difference in the odds ratio of having heavy menstrual blood loss in overweight, compared to normal weight, women. In contrast, the odds ratio of having heavy menstrual blood loss in underweight women was 0.4034 (95% CL: 0.224, 0.725), compared to women with normal weight. Conclusion: Although BMI was not correlated with the length of menstrual cycle and menses, BMI is positively associated with menstrual blood loss. Our data suggest that BMI influences menstrual blood loss in women of reproductive age and weight control is important in women’s reproductive years.
Exercise promotes satellite cell contribution to myofibers in a load-dependent manner
Authors: Masschelein Evi , D'Hulst Gommaar , Zvick Joel , Hinte Laura , Soro-Arnaiz Inés , Gorski Tatiane , von Meyenn Ferdinand , Bar-Nur Ori , De Bock Katrien 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Satellite cells (SCs) are required for muscle repair following injury and are involved in muscle remodeling upon muscular contractions. Exercise stimulates SC accumulation and myonuclear accretion. To what extent exercise training at different mechanical loads drive SC contribution to myonuclei however is unknown. Results By performing SC fate tracing experiments, we show that 8-weeks of voluntary wheel running increased SC contribution to myofibers in mouse plantar flexor muscles in a load-dependent but fiber type-independent manner. Increased SC fusion however was not exclusively linked to muscle hypertrophy as wheel running without external load substantially increased SC fusion in the absence of fiber hypertrophy. Due to nuclear propagation, nuclear fluorescent fate tracing mouse models were inadequate to quantify SC contribution to myonuclei. Ultimately, by performing fate tracing at the DNA level, we show that SC contribution mirrors myonuclear accretion during exercise. Conclusions Collectively, mechanical load during exercise independently promotes SC contribution to existing myofibers. Also, due to propagation of nuclear fluorescent reporter proteins, our data warrant caution for the use of exisiting reporter mouse models for the quantitative evaluation of satellite cell contribution to myonuclei.
Desiccation does not drastically increase the accessibility of exogenous DNA to nuclear genomes: Evidence from the frequency of endosymbiotic DNA transfer
Authors: Li Xi-Xi , Fang Cheng , Zhao Jun-Peng , Zhou Xiao-Yu , Ni Zhihua , Niu Deng-Ke 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Although horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a widely accepted force in the evolution of prokaryotic genomes, its role in the evolution of eukaryotic genomes remains hotly debated. Some bdelloid rotifers that are resistant to extreme desiccation and radiation undergo a very high level of HGT, whereas in another desiccation-resistant invertebrate, the tardigrade, the pattern does not exist. Overall, the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by prolonged desiccation have been postulated to open a gateway to the nuclear genome for exogenous DNA integration and thus to facilitate the HGT process, thereby enhancing the rate of endosymbiotic DNA transfer (EDT).Results: We first surveyed the abundance of nuclear mitochondrial DNAs (NUMTs) and nuclear plastid DNAs (NUPTs) in five eukaryotes that are highly resistant to desiccation: the bdelloid rotifers Adineta vaga and Adineta ricciae, the tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus, and the resurrection plants Dorcoceras hygrometricum and Selaginella tamariscina. Excessive NUMTs or NUPTs were not detected. Furthermore, we compared 24 groups of desiccation-tolerant organisms with their relatively less desiccation-tolerant relatives but did not find a significant difference in NUMT/NUPT contents.Conclusions: Desiccation may induce DSBs, but it is unlikely to dramatically increase the frequency of exogenous sequence integration in most eukaryotes. The capture of exogenous DNA sequences is possible only when DSBs are repaired through a subtype of non-homologous end joining, named alternative end joining (alt-EJ). Due to the deleterious effects of the resulting insertion mutations, alt-EJ is less frequently initiated than other mechanisms.
Ultraviolet irradiation improves the hydrophilicity and osteo-conduction of hydroxyapatite
Authors: Kaneko Sho , Yamamoto Yuji , Wada Kaniichro , Kumagai Gentaro , Harada Yoshifumi , Yamauchi Ryota , Ishibashi Yasuyuki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Treating a titanium or titanium alloy implant with ultraviolet (UV) light is known to improve its associated cell growth and osseointegration. However, little is known about the effect of UV irradiation on hydroxyapatite (HA), which is also used frequently in orthopaedic and dental surgery. Here we examined the effect of UV irradiation on the hydrophilicity of HA, and on its osteoconduction ability in rats. Methods: HA implants of low and high porosity were treated with UV light, and photofunctionalisation was assessed by the contact angle of a water drop on the surface. HA implants were also inserted into rat femurs, and the rats were killed two or four weeks later. The bone volume and bone area ratio were calculated from microcomputed tomography and histological data. Results: The contact angle of a water drop on HA implants of both porosities was significantly reduced after UV irradiation. In the rat femurs, there was no significant difference in the bone volume between the UV light-treated and control implants at two or four weeks. The bone area ratio for the UV light-treated versus control implants was significantly increased at two weeks, but there was no significant difference at four weeks. Conclusions: The surface of UV-irradiated HA disks was hydrophilic, in contrast to that of non-irradiated HA disks. Photofunctionalisation accelerated the increase in the bone area ratio in the early healing stage. This technology can be applied to surgical cases requiring the early fusion of bone and HA.
Advanced oxidation processes for the removal of cyanobacterial toxins from drinking water
Authors: Schneider Marcel , Bláha Luděk 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Drinking water production faces many different challenges with one of them being naturally produced cyanobacterial toxins. Since pollutants become more abundant and persistent today, conventional water treatment is often no longer sufficient to provide adequate removal. Amongst other emerging technologies, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have a great potential to appropriately tackle this issue. This review addresses the economic and health risks posed by cyanotoxins and discusses their removal from drinking water by AOPs. The current state of knowledge on AOPs and their application for cyanotoxin degradation is synthesized to provide an overview on available techniques and effects of water quality, toxin- and technique-specific parameters on their degradation efficacy. The different AOPs are compared based on their efficiency and applicability, considering economic, practical and environmental aspects and their potential to generate toxic disinfection byproducts. For future research, more relevant studies to include the degradation of less explored cyanotoxins, toxin mixtures in actual surface water, assessment of residual toxicity and scale-up are recommended. Since actual surface water most likely contains more than just cyanotoxins, a multi-barrier approach consisting of a series of different physical, biological and chemical – especially oxidative – treatment steps is inevitable to ensure safe and high quality drinking water.
The impact of gravidity, symptomatology and timing of infection on placental malaria
Authors: Tran Erin E , Cheeks Morgan , Kakuru Abel , Muhindo Mary K , Natureeba Paul , Nakalembe Miriam , Ategeka John , Nayebare Patience , Kamya Moses , Havlir Diane , Feeney Margaret E , Dorsey Grant , Gaw Stephanie L 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Placental malaria is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. While primigravidity has been reported as a risk factor for placental malaria, little is known regarding the relationship between gravidity, symptomatology and timing of Plasmodium falciparum infection and the development of placental malaria. Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the development of placental malaria and gravidity, timing of infection, and presence of symptoms. This is a secondary analysis of data from a double-blind randomized control trial of intermittent preventive therapy during pregnancy in Uganda. Women were enrolled from 12 to 20 weeks gestation and followed through delivery. Exposure to malaria parasites was defined as symptomatic (fever with positive blood smear) or asymptomatic (based on molecular detection of parasitemia done routinely every 4 weeks). The primary outcome was placental malaria diagnosed by histopathology, placental blood smear, and/or placental blood loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the presence of symptomatic malaria, gravidity, and timing of infection. Results Of the 228 patients with documented maternal infection with malaria parasites during pregnancy, 101 (44.3%) had placental malaria. Primigravidity was strongly associated with placental malaria (aOR 8.90, 95% CI 4.34-18.2, p<0.001), and each episode of malaria was associated with over a 2-fold increase in placental malaria (aOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.69-3.26, p<0.001). Among multigravid women, the odds of placental malaria increased by 14% with each advancing week of gestation at first documented infection (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.27, p=0.02). When stratified by the presence of symptoms, primigravidity was only associated with placental malaria in asymptomatic women, who had a 12-fold increase in the odds of placental malaria (aOR 12.19, 95% CI 5.23-28.43, p<0.001). Conclusions Total number of Plasmodium falciparum infections in pregnancy is a significant predictor of placental malaria. The importance of timing of infection on the development of placental malaria varies based on gravidity. In primigravidas, earlier asymptomatic infections were more frequently identified in those with placental malaria, whereas in multigravidas, parasitemias detected later in gestation were associated with placental malaria. Earlier initiation of an effective intermittent preventive therapy may help to prevent placental malaria and improve birth outcomes, particularly in primigravid women.
Can posterior stand-alone expandable cages safely restore lumbar lordosis? A minimum 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Kim Seung-Kook , Elbashier Ogeil Mubarak , Lee Su-chan , Choi Woo-jin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Lumbar lordosis (LL) can be restored and screw-related complications may be avoided with the stand-alone expandable cage method. However, the long-term spinopelvic profile changes and safety remain unknown. We aimed to elucidate the long-term radiologic outcomes and safety of this technique. Methods: Data from a total of 69 patients who underwent multi-level stand-alone expandable cage fusion and 80 patients who underwent screw-assisted fusion between February 2007 and December 2012, with at least 5 years of follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. Segmental angle and translation, short and whole LL, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope (SS), sagittal vertical balance, thoracic kyphosis, and presence of subsidence, pseudoarthrosis, retropulsion, cage breakage, proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and screw malposition were assessed. The relationship between local and spinopelvic effects was investigated. The implant failure rate was considered a measure of procedure effectiveness and safety. Results: The stand-alone expandable cage fusion group showed shorter operative times, a lower rate of PJK, and better improvements in segmental angles than the control group, and there was a positive correlation with LL. However, the whole LL was not restored; the SS significantly increased; and subsidence, pseudoarthrosis, and retropulsion rates were significantly higher than those in the control group. Conclusions: Stand-alone expandable cage fusion can restore local lordosis, however, global sagittal balance was not restored. Furthermore, implant safety still has not been proven.