bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of housekeeping genes as candidate internal references for quantitative expression studies in healthy and nervous necrosis virus-infected seven-band grouper (Hyporthodus septemfasciatus)
Authors: Krishnan Rahul , Qadiri Syed Shariq Nazir , Kim Jong-Oh , Kim Jae-Ok , Oh Myung-Joo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
In the present study, we evaluated four commonly used housekeeping genes, viz., actin-β, elongation factor-1α (EF1α), acidic ribosomal protein (ARP), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as internal references for quantitative analysis of immune genes in nervous necrosis virus (NNV)-infected seven-band grouper, Hyporthodus septemfasciatus.

Methods
Expression profiles of the four genes were estimated in 12 tissues of healthy and infected seven-band grouper. Expression stability of the genes was calculated using the delta Ct method, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and geNorm algorithms. Consensus ranking was performed using RefFinder, and statistical analysis was done using GraphpadPrism 5.0.

Results
Tissue-specific variations were observed in the four tested housekeeping genes of healthy and NNV-infected seven-band grouper. Fold change calculation for interferon-1 and Mx expression using the four housekeeping genes as internal references presented varied profiles for each tissue. EF1α and actin-β was the most stable expressed gene in tissues of healthy and NNV-infected seven-band grouper, respectively. Consensus ranking using RefFinder suggested EF1α as the least variable and highly stable gene in the healthy and infected animals.

Conclusions
These results suggest that EF1α can be a fairly better internal reference in comparison to other tested genes in this study during the NNV infection process. This forms the pilot study on the validation of reference genes in Hyporthodus septemfasciatus, in the context of NNV infection.
Serum and urine ghrelin in adult epileptic patients
Authors: Mohamed Wafaa S. , Nageeb Rania S. , Elsaid Hanaa H. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Several neuropeptides have concerned with epilepsy pathogenesis; ghrelin showed an anticonvulsant effect. There is a potential relation between its level and antiepileptic drug (AEDs) response.

Objective
To evaluate ghrelin effect in adult epileptic patients and in response to AEDs.

Materials and methods
This case control study included 40 adult epileptic patients and 40 healthy controls. Participants were subjected to history taking of seizure semiology, full general and neurological examination, electroencephalography, and cranial imaging. Fasting serum acylated ghrelin (AG), unacylated ghrelin (UAG), and urine AG levels were estimated to all participants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA).

Results
Serum AG, UAG, and urine AG levels were statistically higher in epileptic patients than controls (p = 0.005, 0.003, and 0.018 respectively). A significant higher level of serum AG was found among generalized epileptic patients (p = 0.038). There was higher statistically significant levels of all measured parameters among poly therapy patients (p = 0.003, 0.013, and 0.001 respectively). Also, a higher statistical significant level of serum AG and UAG in AEDs-responsive patients was found (p < 0.001). Our results demonstrated significant positive correlation between all measured parameters (serum AG, UAG, and urine AG) and epilepsy duration (p = 0.001, 0.002, and 0.009 respectively). High serum AG and UAG levels were independently associated with longer epilepsy duration (p = 0.00 and 0.008) and better response to AEDs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
These results indicated that serum AG and UAG levels were significantly high in epileptic patients especially with prolonged epilepsy duration and good AEDs response.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03926273 (22-04-2019) “retrospectively registered.”
Occurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis in an elderly male
Authors: Karri Madhavi , Ramasamy Balakrishnan , Perumal Santhosh 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction
The occurrence of both Guillain-Barré syndrome(GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG) in the same individual is rare. The underlying pathophysiology was assumed to be autoimmune humoral mechanisms and molecular mimicry with a cross-reaction between autoantibodies and myelin sheath of peripheral nerves and acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).

Case description
A 68-year-old male known diabetic and hypertensive with good drug compliance presented with acute onset quadriparesis with bulbar involvement for 1 day. On examination, he had mild neck flexion weakness and bulbar weakness. He had flaccid quadriparesis with absent deep tendon reflexes and negative Babinski. The rest of the neurological examination was normal.

Discussion and evaluation
Blood and electrophysiological studies showed evidence of demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with temporal dispersion suggestive of Guillain-Barré syndrome. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobin and complete resolution of symptoms. Two months later, he presented with new-onset asymmetrical ptosis and bulbar symptoms for 3 days. On further evaluation, repetitive nerve stimulation showed postsynaptic neuromuscular disorder pattern typical of myasthenia gravis, which was further confirmed by positive acetylcholinesterase receptor antibodies (AChR). Thymoma was ruled out by imaging. He was treated with anticholinesterases, low dose steroids, and immunosuppressants (azathioprine) following which he had improvement of symptoms.

Conclusion
Our patient, who was initially diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome and recovered, presented 2 months later with a new-onset illness suggestive of myasthenia gravis. This existence of two different neurological entities in the same individual is a rarity, and early recognition is essential for treatment decision and prognostic strategies.
Magnetic Resonance Arthrography, a valuable pre-operative imaging modality in femoro-acetabular impingement
Authors: El-Liethy Nevien Ezzat , Zeitoun Rania , Kamal Heba Ahmed , El-Azeem Ahmed Hazem Abd 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The diagnostic accuracy of MR arthrography in preoperative assessment of labral tears and chondral abnormalities in femoroacetabular impingement patients.
A non-randomized control study including 31 FAI patients (17 male and 14 females, mean age 31.9 years). All patients underwent MR arthrography after US-guided intra-articular contrast injection. Conventional and MR arthrography images were evaluated for bone abnormalities (including alpha angle and acetabular depth measurements), labral tears, and chondral abnormalities. The results were correlated to arthroscopy as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV in the detection of labral tears and chondral abnormalities were statistically calculated.

Results
The included FAI patients presented cam (mean age 30.4 years ± 6.8 years), pincer (mean age 33.6 years ± 9.8 years), and mixed (mean age 36.6 years ± 12.9 years) types with the predominance of cam type. Cam type predominated in the male, while pincer and mixed types predominated in female patients. MR arthrography detected 41 labral tears in 23 patients with 87.5%, 71.4%, 91.3%, and 62.5% sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, respectively, and detected chondral abnormalities in 13 patients with 66.7%, 92.3%, 92.3%, and 66.7% sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, respectively.

Conclusion
MR arthrography is a valuable imaging modality in preoperative assessment of FAI patients. Besides identifying the type of impingement through alpha angle and acetabular depth measurements, it detects labral tears with high sensitivity and PPV. Although less sensitive in detection of chondral abnormalities, our results showed high specificity.
Evaluation of mammography detected breast arterial calcifications as a predictor of coronary cardiac risk
Authors: Ali Engy A. , Fouad Heba , Razek Naglaa A. , Saeed Ola M. , Helmy Sameh M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death so detection of breast arterial calcifications on annually screening mammography can predict the possibility of future cardiovascular problems.ResultsThe 100 female patients were divided into two groups according to age: 1st group with age ranging from 40 to 60 years and 2nd group with age ranging from 61 to 80 years. There is increased percentage of cardiac cases among the BAC-positive patients in the 2nd group with a significantpvalue = 0.022 and this proved that there was a correlation between presence of BAC and being a cardiac case in the 2nd group, unlike the 1st group which showed no correlation.ConclusionIncidental detection of breast arterial calcification in mammography in females above 60 years warrants further evaluation of their coronary atherosclerotic state and risk of future development of serious coronary artery disease.
Potential antibiotic-producing fungal strains isolated from pharmaceutical waste sludge
Authors: Omeike Sunday Osaizua , Kareem Sarafadeen Olateju , Lasisi Adebayo Aliyu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Antibiotic resistance and dearth of novel compounds from natural sources warrants the need to search other environments for potential antibiotic-producing microbial species. The study investigated isolation and identification of antibiotic-producing fungi from pharmaceutical waste sludge.

Results
Seven hundred and ninety-seven isolates obtained from sludge of seven pharmaceutical industries in Sango Ota, Ogun State using several growth media, with mould isolates highest (696). Isolated species were from genera Aspergillus (28.55%), Penicillium (18.35%), Trichoderma (13.44%), Rhizopus (10.21%) and Geotrichum (4.01%), and Stachybotrys (0.13%). The CFS of strains named Geotrichum candidum OMON-1, Talaromyces pinophilus OKHAIN-12, and Penicillium citrinum PETER-OOA1 had high reproducible bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus (32 ± 0.12 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (29 ± 0.12 mm) while P. citrinum MASTER-RAA2 had activity against K. pneumoniae only. Active metabolites were successfully extracted using Diaion HP-20 and methanol:iso-propanol:acetone (6:3:1 v/v). Antibacterial-active fractions of fungal extract successfully eluted with 40–60% NaCl on ion-exchange chromatography using a cation column.

Conclusions
The study successfully screened antibiotic-producing fungal species from pharmaceutical waste storage facilities. Study also showed that similar species from same toxic environment could potentially produce different metabolites.
Association of Hypothyroidism and Mortality in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tsai Tou-Yuan , Tu Yu-Kang , Munir Kashif M , Lin Shu-Man , Chang Rachel Huai-En , Kao Sheng-Lun , Loh Ching-Hui , Peng Carol Chiung-Hui , Huang Huei-Kai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Context
The evidence of whether hypothyroidism increases mortality in the elderly population is currently inconsistent and conflicting.

Objective
The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the impact of hypothyroidism on mortality in the elderly population.

Data Sources
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until May 10, 2019.

Study Selection
Studies evaluating the association between hypothyroidism and all-cause and/or cardiovascular mortality in the elderly population (ages ≥ 60 years) were eligible.

Data Extraction
Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies. Relative risk (RR) was retrieved for synthesis. A random-effects model for meta-analyses was used.

Data Synthesis
A total of 27 cohort studies with 1 114 638 participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall, patients with hypothyroidism experienced a higher risk of all-cause mortality than those with euthyroidism (pooled RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.15-1.37); meanwhile, no significant difference in cardiovascular mortality was found between patients with hypothyroidism and those with euthyroidism (pooled RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.84-1.43). Subgroup analyses revealed that overt hypothyroidism (pooled RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20) rather than subclinical hypothyroidism (pooled RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.92-1.41) was associated with increased all-cause mortality. The heterogeneity primarily originated from different study designs (prospective and retrospective) and geographic locations (Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania).

Conclusions
Based on the current evidence, hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality instead of cardiovascular mortality among the elderly. We observed considerable heterogeneity, so caution is needed when interpreting the results. Further prospective, large-scale, high-quality studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Specific Effects of Anorexia Nervosa and Obesity on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover in Young Women
Authors: Maïmoun Laurent , Garnero Patrick , Mura Thibault , Nocca David , Lefebvre Patrick , Philibert Pascal , Seneque Maude , Gaspari Laura , Vauchot Fabien , Courtet Philippe , Sultan Ariane , Piketty Marie-Liesse , Sultan Charles , Renard Eric , Guillaume Sébastien , Mariano-Goulart Denis 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe threefold aim was to (1) compare areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone turnover markers, and periostin levels in young women with either anorexia nervosa (AN) or obesity (OB) and controls (CON); (2) model the profiles according to age; and (3) determine the parameters associated with aBMD.Subjects and MethodsOne hundred and fifty-two young women with ages ranging from 16.0 to 27.0 years were subdivided into 3 groups (AN, OB, CON). The CON group was age-matched by ±6 months. aBMD, bone turnover markers, and periostin levels were evaluated.ResultsaBMD modeling showed that hip aBMD was higher in OB than in the other 2 groups from 19 years, and AN presented lower values than CON from 21 years. aBMD at the lumbar spine was higher in older OB and CON women, starting from 20 to 22 years, but in AN the difference with the other 2 groups increased with age. Periostin levels were lower in OB than in AN or CON, but no variation with age was observed. Compared with controls, OB and AN presented similarly lower markers of bone formation, although markers of bone resorption were lower in OB and higher in AN. A modeling approach showed that markers of bone formation and resorption were lower in older than in younger CON, whereas the values of these bone markers remained relatively constant in AN and OB. In all groups, lean body mass (LBM) was the parameter most positively correlated with aBMD.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that weight extremes (AN or OB) influence aBMD, bone remodeling and periostin profiles. Moreover, factors related to aBMD were specific to each condition, but LBM was the parameter most consistently associated with aBMD.
Amorphization and Semi-Dry Conversion of Crystalline Cellulose to Oligosaccharides by Impregnated Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Hirayama Jun , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Fukuoka Atsushi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Efficient conversion of crystalline cellulose to useful chemicals is a grand challenge in biorefining. In this work, we report that amorphization and semi-dry conversion of crystalline cellulose to oligosaccharides is achieved by impregnated H3PO4. Specifically, the impregnation of crystalline cellulose with H3PO4 under 5 MPa of He and subsequent drying at room temperature produces amorphous cellulose. The impregnated H3PO4 likely permeates bulk phase cellulose by dissociating the hydrogen bonding network of cellulose during the treatment. The resulting swollen solid is depolymerized to oligosaccharides in 40% yield with 72% selectivity by heat-treatment at 100 °C with no solvent. The analysis of obtained oligosaccharides using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy reveals that the products are oligomers of glucose linked by various kinds of glycosidic bonds that may be useful as prebiotics.
The effects of maternal preeclampsia on inflammatory cytokines and clinical outcomes in premature infants
Authors: Cakir Salih Cagri , Dorum Bayram Ali , Koksal Nilgun , Ozkan Hilal 
Published: December 2019

Objective: To investigate the effects of maternal preeclampsia on inflammatory cytokines and neonatal outcomes in premature infants.
Methods: The study included preterm infants born at gestational age ≤32 weeks in a tertiary university hospital between January 2016 and January 2017. The study group consisted of infants born from mothers with preeclampsia (Group-1), and the control group consisted of infants born from normotensive mothers (Group-2). Demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of the infants were recorded. IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α cytokine levels were measured from umbilical cord blood samples.
Results: A total of 108 infants were included in the study, of which 34 were in the Group-1 and 74 in the Group-2. Gestational ages (29 vs 30 weeks) of the infants in both groups were similar. There was no significant difference between the cytokine levels of infants with and without preeclampsia. The rate of small for gestational age, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were significantly higher at the infants with preeclampsia.
Conclusion: Maternal preeclampsia leads to an increase at the neonatal morbidities in premature infants without causing a significant alteration at the cytokine levels in cord blood.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.1.1316
How to cite this:Cakir SC, Dorum BA, Koksal N, Ozkan H. The effects of maternal preeclampsia on inflammatory cytokines and clinical outcomes in premature infants. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.1.1316
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The Effects of a Government’s Subsidy Program: Accessibility Beyond Affordability
Authors: Xiao Ping , Xiao Ruli , Liang Yitian (Sky) , Chen Xinlei (Jack) , Lu Wei 
Published: December 2019

Rural consumers may face not only the challenge of affordability but also the problem of limited accessibility. Can a government’s subsidy program effectively address these issues? This paper examines the impact of a large-scale subsidy program, “Household electrical appliances going to the countryside,” offered by the Chinese government. The government regulation imposes a price subsidy combined with a price ceiling on products in the program. We consider two effects of the subsidy: the retail price is lowered to make the product more affordable to consumers, and manufacturers are encouraged to expand their distribution coverage to make products more accessible to consumers. We build a dynamic model of oligopoly to study how firms adjust their distribution coverage. Conditional on the model estimates, we evaluate the program’s effects on social welfare, consumer surplus, and firms’ market performance and marketing channel decisions through counterfactual analyses. We find that the subsidy program increases social welfare by CNY 0.209 billion, as a result of a subsidy expense of CNY 0.236 billion. When breaking down the impact, we find it increases consumer surplus by CNY 0.184 billion (50%), manufacturers’ profits by CNY 0.125 billion (53%), and manufacturers’ payoffs by CNY 2.5 million (17%). Specifically, 14% (13.2%) of the consumer surplus (firm profit) increases are from changes in distribution coverage, and the rest is from the subsidy (price changes). The program’s return of investment (i.e., social welfare minus subsidy expense), which is negative, however, could be improved by applying a relatively lower subsidy rate. This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
Use of a bacterial fluorescence imaging device: wound measurement, bacterial detection and targeted debridement
Authors: Raizman Rose , Dunham Danielle , Lindvere-Teene Liis , Jones Laura M , Tapang Kim , Linden Ron , Rennie Monique Y 
Published: December 2019

Objective: Diagnostics which provide objective information to facilitate evidence-based treatment decisions could improve the chance of wound healing. Accurate wound measurements, objective bacterial assessment, and the regular, consistent tracking of these parameters are important aspects of wound care. This study aimed to assess the accuracy, clinical incorporation and documentation capabilities of a handheld bacterial fluorescence imaging device (MolecuLight i:X). Method: Benchtop wound models with known dimensions and clinical wound images were repeatedly measured by trained clinicians to quantify accuracy and intra/inter-user coefficients of variation (COV) of the imaging device measurement software. In a clinical trial of 50 wounds, wound dimensions were digitally measured and fluorescence images were acquired to assess for the presence of bacteria at moderate-to-heavy loads. Finally, fluorescence imaging was implemented into the routine assessment of 22 routine diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) to determine appropriate debridement level and location based on bacterial fluorescence signals. Results: Wound measurement accuracy was >95% (COV <3%). In the clinical trial of 50 wounds, 72% of study wounds demonstrated positive bacterial fluorescence signals. Levine sampling of wounds was found to under-report bacterial loads relative to fluorescence-guided curettage samples. Furthermore, fluorescence documentation of bacterial presence and location(s) resulted in more aggressive, fluorescence-targeted debridement in 17/20 DFUs after standard of care debridement failed to eliminate bacterial fluorescence in 100% of DFU debridements. Conclusion: The bacterial fluorescence imaging device can be readily implemented for objective, evidenced-based wound assessment and documentation at the bedside. Bedside localisation of regions with moderate-to-heavy bacterial loads facilitated improved sampling, debridement targeting and improved wound bed preparation.
Evaluation of closed incision negative pressure therapy systems on the closure of incisional space model
Authors: Kilpadi Deepak V. , Olivie Mariana 
Published: December 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the ability of foam dressing-based and non-foam-based closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) systems to close isolated incisional deficits in a tissue model. Methods: Similarly sized foam-based and non-foam-based absorbent ciNPT dressings were applied to ~36cm long, ~3mm and ~6mm wide simulated incisions in gel sheets covered with drape (n=6 dressings/group/experimental condition spread over three respective therapy units). Changes in incision widths were measured directly or with overlying solid gel sheeting (to mimic tissue resistance), at five equally spaced locations before, immediately upon and one hour after initiating negative pressure using associated therapy units. Results: Foam-based ciNPT closed simulated incisions more often than non-foam-based ciNPT in all tested conditions (p<0.05). While foam-based ciNPT almost completely closed the ~3mm wide incisional spaces, unlike non-foam-based ciNPT, the biggest differences between the two groups were observed with the ~6mm incisional width, which allowed maximal inward-stretching of the appositional faces without complete closure. The additional gel layer blunted closure in both groups, but much more with non-foam-based ciNPT. There was minimal impact of negative pressure duration on these results. Conclusion: Foam-based ciNPT closed incisional widths in simulated tissue significantly more compared with non-foam-based ciNPT. Different ciNPT systems should not be considered necessarily equivalent in performance.