bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of in vivo biotinylated recombinant antigens SAG1 and SAG2A from Toxoplasma gondii for improved seroepidemiological bead-based multiplex assays
Authors: Klein Sandra , Stern Daniel , Seeber Frank 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND

Few bead-based multiplex assays have been described that detect antibodies against the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in large-scale seroepidemiological surveys. Moreover, each multiplex assay has specific variations or limitations, such as the use of truncated or fusion proteins as antigens, potentially masking important epitopes. Consequently, such an assay must be developed by interested groups as none are commercially available.

RESULTS

We report the bacterial expression and use of N-terminal fusion-free, soluble, in vivo biotinylated recombinant surface antigens SAG1 and SAG2A for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. The expression system relies on three compatible plasmids. An expression construct produces a fusion of maltose-binding protein with SAG1 (or SAG2A), separated by a TEV protease cleavage site, followed by a peptide sequence recognized by E. coli biotin ligase BirA (AviTag), and a terminal six histidine tag for affinity purification. TEV protease and BirA are encoded on a second plasmid, and their expression leads to proteolytic cleavage of the fusion protein and a single biotinylated lysine within the AviTag by BirA. Correct folding of the parasite proteins is dependent on proper disulfide bonding, which is facilitated by a sulfhydryl oxidase and a protein disulfide isomerase, encoded on the third plasmid. The C-terminal biotinylation allowed the oriented, reproducible coupling of the purified surface antigens to magnetic Luminex beads, requiring only minute amounts of protein per determination. We showed that an N-terminal fusion partner such as maltose-binding protein negatively influenced antibody binding, confirming that access to SAG1’s N-terminal epitopes is important for antibody recognition. We validated our bead-based multiplex assay with human sera previously tested with commercial diagnostic assays and found concordance of 98-100% regarding both, sensitivity and specificity, even when only biotinylated SAG1 was used as antigen.

CONCLUSIONS

Our recombinant in vivo-biotinylated T. gondii antigens offer distinct advantages compared to previously described proteins used in multiplex serological assays for T. gondii . They offer a cheap, specific and sensitive alternative to either parasite lysates or eukaryotic-cell expressed SAG1/SAG2A for BBMA and other formats. Our strategy can also be used for other antigens where oriented immobilization is key for sensitive recognition by antibodies.
No Support that Early Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Increase Frequency of Scoliosis and Spinal Pain – a longitudinal population-based register study from four to 25 years of age
Authors: Josenby Annika Lundkvist , Westbom Lena 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Spasticity interfering with gross motor development in cerebral palsy (CP) can be reduced with selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Although reported, it is unknown if SDR surgery causes later spine problems. Using CP-registry data from a geographically defined population, the objectives were to compare frequency and time to scoliosis, and spinal pain up to adult age after SDR-surgery or not in all with same medical history, functional abilities, CP-subtype and level of spasticity at four years of age. Variables associated with scoliosis at 20 years of age were explored.MethodIn the total population with CP spastic diplegia in Skåne and Blekinge, born 1990-2006, 149 individuals had moderate to severe spasticity and no medical contraindications against SDR at four years of age and were included; 36 had undergone SDR at a median age of 4.0 years (range 2.5 – 6.6 years), and 113 had not. Frequency of scoliosis and age when scoliosis was identified, and frequency of spinal pain at 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of age were analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify variables to explain scoliosis at 20 years of age. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels at four years of age were used for stratification.ResultFrequency of scoliosis did not significantly differ between groups having had early SDR surgery or not. In GMFCS IV, the SDR group had later onset and lower occurrence of scoliosis (p=0.004). Frequency of spinal pain did not differ between the groups (p- levels >0.28). GMFCS level was the background variable that in the logistic regression explained scoliosis at 20 years of age.ConclusionFrequency of back pain and scoliosis in adulthood after early SDR are mainly part of the natural development with age, and not a surgery complication.
Clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of mixed Candida albicans/bacterial bloodstream infections
Authors: Zhong Li , Zhang Shufang , Tang Kankai , Zhou Feifei , Zheng Cheng , Zhang Kai , Cai Jiachang , Zhou Hongwei , Wang Yesong , Tian Baoping , Zhang Zhaocai , Cui Wei , Dong Zhaohui , Zhang Gensheng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of the mixed Candida albicans/bacterial bloodstream infections (mixed-CA/B-BSIs) compared with monomicrobial Candida albicans bloodstream infection (mono-CA-BSI) in adult patients in China.Methods: All adult hospitalized cases ofadults with Candida albicans bloodstream infection (CA-BSI) were recruited in thefor this retrospective observational study from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018.Results: Of the 117 patients with CA-BSI, 24 patients (20.5%) werehad mixed-CA/B-BSIs. The most common co-pathogenscopathogens were Coagulasecoagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) (24.0%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.0%). In the multivariable analysis, a prior ICU stay>2days >2 days (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.808445; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.264152-48.233132) was an independent risk factor offor mixed-CA/B-BSIs. In comparisonCompared with patients with mono-CA-BSI, patients with mixed-CA/B-BSIs developed withhad a prolonged length of mechanical ventilation [17.5 (4.5, 34.8) vs. 3.0 (0.0, 24.5), Pp=0.019],] and prolonged length of ICU stay [22.0 (14.3, 42.2) vs. 8.0 (0.0, 31.5), Pp=0.010], whereas the ]; however, mortality was not significantly different. Conclusions: AThere was a high rate of mixed-CA/B-BSIs iscases among CA-BSI cases, and Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isCNS was the predominant co-existedcoexisting species. PriorA prior ICU stay >2 days iswas an independent risk factor for mixed -CA/B-BSIs. Although there iswas no difference in mortality, the outcomes of patients with mixed -CA/B-BSIs, including prolonged length of mechanical ventilation and prolonged length of ICU stay, were worse than those with mono-CA-BSI, which; this deserves further attention offrom clinicians.
Plasma radio–metabolite analysis of PET tracers for dynamic PET imaging: TLC and autoradiography
Authors: Li Fiona , Hicks Justin W , Yu Lihai , Desjardin Lise , Morrison Laura , Hadway Jennifer , Lee Ting-Yim 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

In molecular imaging with dynamic PET, the binding and dissociation of a targeted tracer is characterized by kinetics modeling which requires the arterial concentration of the tracer to be measured accurately. Once in the body the radiolabeled parent tracer may be subjected to hydrolysis, demethylation/dealkylation and other biochemical processes, resulting in the production and accumulation of different metabolites in blood which can be labeled with the same PET radionuclide as the parent. Since these radio-metabolites cannot be distinguished by PET scanning from the parent tracer, their contribution to the arterial concentration curve has to be removed for the accurate estimation of kinetic parameters from kinetic analysis of dynamic PET. High performance liquid chromatography has been used to separate and measure radio-metabolites in blood plasma, however, the method is labor intensive and remains a challenge to implement for each individual patient. The purpose of this study is to develop an alternate technique based on thin layer chromatography (TLC) and a sensitive commercial autoradiography system (Beaver, Ai4R, Nantes, France) to measure radio-metabolites in blood plasma of two targeted tracers - [ 18 F]FAZA and [ 18 F]FEPPA , for imaging hypoxia and inflammation respectively.

Results

Radioactivity as low as 17Bq in 2µL of pig’s plasma can be detected on the TLC plate using autoradiography. Peaks corresponding to the parent tracer and radio-metabolites could be distinguished in the line profile through each sample (n=8) in the autoradiographic image. Significant inter-subject and intra-subject variability in radio-metabolites production could be observed with both tracers. For [ 18 F]FEPPA, 50% of plasma activity was from radio-metabolites as early as 5 min post injection while for [ 18 F]FAZA, significant metabolites did not appear until 50 min post. Simulation study investigating the effect of radio-metabolite in the estimation of kinetic parameters indicated that 32-400% parameter error can result without radio-metabolites correction.

Conclusion

TLC coupled with autoradiography is a good alternative to high performance liquid chromatography for radio-metabolite correction. The advantages of requiring only small blood samples (~ 100 μL) and of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously, make the method suitable for individual dynamic PET studies.
Pregnancy vs. Paycheck: A qualitative study of patient’s experience with employment during pregnancy at high risk for preterm birth
Authors: Wheeler Sarahn M. , Massengale Kelley E. C. , Adewumi Konyin , Fitzgerald Thelma A. , Dombeck Carrie B. , Swezey Teresa , Swamy Geeta K. , Corneli Amy 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Pregnant women with a history of preterm birth are at risk for recurrence, often requiring frequent prenatal visits for close monitoring and/or preventive therapies. Employment demands can limit uptake and adherence to recommended monitoring and preterm birth prevention therapies.

Method: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using in-depth interviews (IDIs) of pregnant women with a history of preterm birth. IDIs were conducted by trained qualitative interviewers following a semi-structured interview guide focused on uncovering barriers and facilitators to initiation of prenatal care, including relevant employment experiences, and soliciting potential interventions to improve prompt prenatal care initiation. The IDIs were analyzed via applied thematic analysis.

Results: We described the interview findings that address women’s employment experiences. The current analysis includes 27 women who are majority self-described as non-Hispanic Black (74%) and publically insured (70%). Participants were employed in a range of professions; food services, childcare and retail were the most common occupations. Participants described multiple ways that being pregnant impacted their earning potential, ranging from voluntary work-hour reduction, involuntary duty hour reductions by employers, truncated promotions, and termination of employment. Participants also shared varying experiences with workplace accommodations to their work environment and job duties based on their pregnancy. Some of these accommodations were initiated by a collaborative employee/employer discussion, others were initiated by the employer’s perception of safe working conditions in pregnancy, and some accommodations were based on medical recommendations. Participants described supportive and unsupportive employer reactions to requests for accommodations.

Conclusions: Our findings provide novel insights into women’s experiences balancing a pregnancy at increased risk for preterm birth with employment obligations. While many women reported positive experiences, the most striking insights came from women who described negative situations that ranged from challenging to potentially unlawful. Many of the findings suggest profound misunderstandings likely exist at the patient, employer and clinical provider level about the laws surrounding employment in pregnancy, safe employment responsibilities during pregnancy, and the range of creative accommodations that often allow for continued workplace productivity even during high risk pregnancy.
The Key Technology of Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment Based on Neural Network
Authors: Wang Shaoqiang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
With the wide application of computer network, network security has attracted more and more attention. The main reason why all kinds of attacks on the network can pose a great threat to the network security is the vulnerability of the computer network system itself. Introducing neural network technology into computer network vulnerability assessment can give full play to the advantages of neural network in network vulnerability assessment. The purpose of this article is by organizing feature map neural network and the combination of multilayer feedforward neural network, the training samples using SOM neural network clustering, the result of clustering are added to the original training samples and set a certain weight, based on the weighted iterative update ceaselessly, in order to improve the convergence speed of BP neural network. On the BP neural network algorithm for LM algorithm was improved, the large matrix inversion in the LM algorithm using the parallel algorithm method is improved for solving system of linear equations, and use of computer network vulnerability assessment as the computer simulation and analysis on the actual example, design a set of computer network vulnerability assessment scheme, finally the vulnerability is lower than 0.75, which is beneficial to research on related theory and application to provide the reference and help.
Differentially expressed genes in cotyledon of ewes fed mycotoxins
Authors: Britt Jessica L , Noorai Rooksana , Duckett Susan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ergot alkaloids (E+) are mycotoxins produced by the endophytic fungus, Epichloë coenophiala, in tall fescue that are associated with ergotism in animals. Exposure to ergot alkaloids during gestation reduces fetal weight and placental mass in sheep. These reductions are related to vasoconstrictive effects of ergot alkaloids and potential alterations in nutrient transport to the fetus. Cotyledon samples were obtained from eight ewes that were fed E+ (n = 4; E+/E+) or E- (endophyte-free without ergot alkaloids; n = 4; E-/E-) seed during both mid (d 35 to 85) and late (d 85-133) gestation to assess differentially expressed genes associated with ergot alkaloid induced reductions in placental mass and fetal weight, and discover potential adaptive mechanisms to alter nutrient supply to fetus. Results: Ewes fed E+/E+ fescue seed during both mid and late gestation had 20% reduction in fetal body weight and 33% reduction in cotyledon mass compared to controls (E-/E-). Over 13,000 genes were identified with 110 upregulated and 33 downregulated. Four genes had a |log2FC|>5 for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment compared to controls: LECT2, SLC22A9, APOC3, and MBL2. REViGO revealed clusters of upregulated genes associated glucose, carbohydrates, lipid, protein, macromolecular and cellular metabolism, regulation of wound healing and response to starvation. For downregulated genes, no clusters were present, but all enriched GO terms were associated with anion and monocarboxylic acid transport. The complement and coagulation cascade and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway were found to be enriched for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment. Conclusions: Consumption of ergot alkaloids during gestation altered the cotyledonary transcriptome specifically related to macronutrient metabolism, wound healing and starvation. These results show that ergot alkaloid exposure upregulates genes involved in nutrient metabolism to supply the fetus with additional substrates in attempts to rescue fetal growth.
Reporting quality of systematic reviews with Moxibustion
Authors: Tian Ran , Zhang Xuan , Li Si-Yao , Aixinjueluo Qi-Ying , Lam Wai Ching , Bian Zhao-Xiang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Moxibustion is one of the major interventions of Chinese medicine (CM). The systematic reviews (SRs) are essential references for evaluating the efficacy and safety of moxibustion interventions. This study aimed to assess the reporting quality of these SRs, particularly whether necessary information related to moxibustion was adequately reported.Methods: Seven Databases (including four English and three Chinese databases) were systematically searched for SRs of moxibustion that were published up to 31 December 2019. The primary analysis was to assess their reporting quality based on 27-item of the Preferred Reporting Items for SRs and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and 16-item of moxibustion-related information designed according to CM theory and the STRICTOM (STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Moxibustion). Descriptive statistics were also used to analyze their baseline characteristics.Results: A total of 97 SRs of moxibustion were identified from 2011 to 2019. For 27-item of PRISMA, except item 5, 8, 16 and 23, the remaining 23 items had the reporting compliances higher than 50%, of which 2 items (item 20 and 26) were fully reporting (100%). However, for moxibustion-related information, 69.1% (67/97) SRs did not provide the specific type of moxibustion, 39.2% (38/97) lacked details regarding the materials, procedure and technique used for moxibustion, 67.0% (65/97) did not report the selection criteria of acupoints for moxibustion, 28.9% (28/97) did not provide the number or duration of treatment sessions, 69.1% (67/97) did not provide any information about safety evaluation, and 94.8% (92/97) SRs did not report the treatment environment. For 51 (55.4%) of 92 SRs that included meta-analysis, it was impossible to assess whether meta-analysis had been properly conducted due to inadequate reporting of moxibustion interventions.Conclusion: The reporting quality of SRs of moxibustion need further improvements in terms of adequate reporting of moxibustion interventions and of moxibustion-related rationales. Reporting guideline of “PRISMA extension for moxibustion interventions” should be developed thus to improve their quality.
Adjoint-based Direct Data Assimilation of GNSS time series for optimizing frictional parameters and predicting postseismic deformation following the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake
Authors: Kano Masayuki , Miyazaki Shin'ichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Hirahara Kazuro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Postseismic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time series followed by megathrust earthquakes can be interpreted as a result of afterslip on the plate interface, especially in its early phase. Afterslip is a stress release process accumulated by adjacent coseismic slip and can be considered a recovery process for future events during earthquake cycles. Spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip often triggers subsequent earthquakes through stress perturbation. Therefore, it is important to quantitatively capture the spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip and related postseismic crustal deformation and to predict their future evolution with a physics-based simulation. We developed an adjoint data assimilation method, which directly assimilates GNSS time series into a physics-based model to optimize the frictional parameters that control the slip behavior on the fault. The developed method was validated with synthetic data. Through the optimization of frictional parameters, the spatial distributions of afterslip could roughly (but not in detail) be reproduced if the observation noise was included. The optimization of frictional parameters reproduced not only the postseismic displacements used for the assimilation but also improved the prediction skill of the following time series. Then, we applied the developed method to the observed GNSS time series for the first 15 days following the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake. The frictional parameters in the afterslip regions were optimized to A-B ~ O (10 kPa), A ~ O (100 kPa), and L ~ O (10 mm). A large afterslip is inferred on the shallower side of the coseismic slip area. The optimized frictional parameters quantitatively predicted the postseismic GNSS time series for the following 15 days. These characteristics can also be detected if the simulation variables can be simultaneously optimized. The developed data assimilation method, which can be directly applied to GNSS time series following megathrust earthquakes, is an effective quantitative evaluation method for assessing risks of subsequent earthquakes and for monitoring the recovery process of megathrust earthquakes.
CogTale: An online platform for the evaluation, synthesis and dissemination of evidence from cognitive interventions studies
Authors: Sabates Julieta , Belleville Sylvie , Castellani Mary , Dwolatsky Tzvi , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Lampit Amit , Simon Sharon , Anstey Kaarin J. , Goodenough Belinda , Mancuso Serafino , Marques Davis , Sinnott Richard , Bahar-Fuchs Alex 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are critical in health-related decision making, and are considered the gold standard in research synthesis methods. However, with new trials being regularly published and with the development of increasingly rigorous standards of data synthesis, systematic reviews often require much expertise and long periods of time to be completed. Automation of some of the steps of evidence synthesis productions is a promising improvement in the field, capable of reducing the time and costs associated with the process. This article describes the development and main characteristics of a novel online repository of cognitive intervention studies entitled Cognitive Treatments Article Library and Evaluation (CogTale). The platform is currently in a Beta Release phase, as it is still under development. However, it already contains over 70 studies, and the CogTale team is continuously coding and uploading new studies into the repository. Key features include advanced search options, the capability to generate meta-analyses, and an up-to-date display of relevant published studies.