bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of serum Aspergillus IgG antibody for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in non-agranulocytic patients
Authors: Yu Qihong , He Jingdong , Xing Bin , Li Xin , Qian Hongyu , Zhang Hong , Xu Meilin , Peng Haiying 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: At present, serum Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibody detection is mainly used in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), but its value in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-agranulocytic patients is still unclear. IgG is a marker of long-term infection and is used to assist in the diagnosis of pre-existing or chronic infection-related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the value of serum Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibody detection in the diagnosis of IPA and CPA in non-agranulocytic patients.
Methods: Fifty-eight cases of pulmonary aspergillosis (37 IPA and 21 CPA cases), 15 cases of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and 50 cases in the healthy control group were collected. The serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan test (G test) was performed with a chromogenic method, and the galactomannan test (GM test) and Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibody detection were performed by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all patients. The sensitivity and specificity, cut-off value and area under the curve (AUC) of Aspergillus IgG and IgM antibodies were further obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: The positive rate of the G test, Aspergillus IgG antibody detection and the GM test also showed notable differences among the IPA, CPA, community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and healthy groups ( P = 0.006, P < 0.001 and P = 0.217, respectively). Only the positive rate of the GM test showed a significant difference between the IPA and CPA groups ( P = 0.04). ROC curves indicated that Aspergillus IgG antibody detection had a higher specificity in the IPA group than in the CPA group (0.952). The detection of Aspergillus IgG antibody can preferably distinguish IPA from community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and healthy controls (sensitivity = 0.923, specificity = 0.459, cut-off value = 134.46, AUC = 0.727). It can also distinguish CPA from community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and healthy controls (sensitivity = 0.952, specificity = 0.692, cut-off value = 75.46, AUC = 0.873).
Conclusions: Serum Aspergillus IgG antibody detection may have certain clinical value in the diagnosis of IPA and CPA in non-agranulocytic patients.
Statistical shape analysis of tap roots: a methodological case study on laser scanned sugar beets
Authors: Heeren Behrend , Paulus Stefan , Goldbach Heiner , Kuhlmann Heiner , Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Rumpf Martin , Wirth Benedikt 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The efficient and robust statistical analysis of the shape of plant organs of different cultivars is an important investigation issue in plant breeding and enables a robust cultivar description within the breeding progress. Laser scanning is a highly accurate and high resolution technique to acquire the 3D shape of plant surfaces. The computation of a shape based principal component analysis (PCA) built on concepts from continuum mechanics has proven to be an effective tool for a qualitative and quantitative shape examination. Results: The shape based PCA was used for a statistical analysis of 140 sugar beet roots of different cultivars. The calculation of the mean sugar beet root shape and the description of the main variations was possible. Furthermore, unknown and individual tap roots could be attributed to their cultivar by means of a robust classification tool based on the PCA results. % (classification), based on characteristic tap root shapes. Conclusion: The method demonstrates that it is possible to identify principal modes of root shape variations automatically and to quantify associated variances out of laser scanned 3D sugar beet tap root models. The introduced approach is not limited to the 3D shape description by laser scanning. A transfer to 3D MRI or radar data is also conceivable.
Fasting increases iron export by modulating ferroportin 1 expression through the Ghrelin/GHSR1α/MAPK pathway in the liver
Authors: Luo Qianqian , Hu Jianan , Yang Guang , Yuan Xiaoyu , Chen Zhongping , Wang Dan , Lu Yapeng , Zhu Li , Wang Guohua 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The liver is the metabolic organ considered to contribute the most to maintaining body iron homeostasis and is a regulator of body adaptation to fasting. Our previous studies implied a negative relationship between iron and ghrelin in both mice and humans and indicated that ghrelin was able to increase ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) expression in the spleen and macrophages through the GHSR/MAPK pathway. However, it remains to be explored whether fasting or ghrelin has a functional effect on iron homeostasis in the liver.Methods: In this study, we examined the roles of fasting and ghrelin in modulating the protein expression of Fpn1, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), and ferritin light chain (Ft-L), as well as the mRNA expression of ghrelin, hepcidin, ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) and growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1 alpha (GHSR1α) in mouse liver and cultured hepatocytes.Results: Our in vivo results suggested that fasting significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of ghrelin, GOAT and GHSR1α as well as the protein levels of ghrelin, Fpn1 and Ft-L, but not TfR1, in mouse liver. Meanwhile, in cultured hepatocytes, ghrelin significantly increased the protein expression of Fpn1 but not Ft-L and TfR1 and significantly enhanced ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, the pretreatment of cultured hepatocytes with either a pERK inhibitor or a GHSR1α antagonist abolished the effects of ghrelin on Fpn1 expression and ERK phosphorylation.Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that fasting increases iron export in the liver by upregulating Fpn1 expression through the ghrelin/GHSR1α/MAPK signaling pathway.
Three Questions to Screen your Patients for Chemical, Food, and Drug Intolerances the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI)
Authors: Palmer Raymond F , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Perales Roger B. , Rincon Rodolfo , Viramontes Jacqueline , Miller Claudia S. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The 50-item Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) is a validated questionnaire used worldwide to assess intolerances to chemicals, foods, and/or drugs and has become the gold standard for assessing chemical intolerance (CI). Despite a reported prevalence of 8-33%, CI often goes undiagnosed in epidemiological studies and routine primary care. To enhance the QEESI’s utility, we developed the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI) as a 3-item CI screening instrument. We tested the BREESI’s potential to predict whether an individual is likely to respond adversely to structurally unrelated chemicals, foods, and drugs. Methods: We recruited 286 adult participants from a university-based primary care clinic and through online participation. The positive and negative predictive values of the BREESI items were calculated against the full QEESI scores. Results: 90% of participants answering “yes” to all three items on the BREESI were classified as very suggestive of CI based upon the QEESI chemical intolerance and symptom scores both ≥ 40 (positive predictive value = 90%). For participants endorsing two items, 92% were classified as either very suggestive (39%) or Suggestive (53%) of CI (positive predictive value = 87%). Of those endorsing only one item, only 13% were found to be very suggestive of CI. However, 70% were classified as Suggestive. Of those answering “No” to all of the BREESI items, 99% were classified as not suggestive of CI (i.e., negative predictive value = 99%). Conclusions: The BREESI is a versatile screening tool for rapidly determining potential CI, with clinical and epidemiological applications. Together, the validated BREESI and QEESI provide much needed diagnostic tools that will help inform treatment protocols and teach health care professionals about Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance – the mechanism driving CI.
The genetic control of leaf and petal allometric variations in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Yaohua , Yang Suxin , Wu Chunxia , Shao Qun , Feng Xianzhong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Correlated variation in shape and size (allometry) is a major component of natural diversity. Although ample research has been conducted on organ shape and size, little of it has considered the correlated variation of these two traits and quantitatively measured the variation in a common framework. The genetic basis of allometry variation in a single organ or among different organs is also relatively unknown. Results We examined the genetic basis for leaf and petal allometry within multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations of Arabidopsis thaliana. A principal component analysis of organ landmarks and outlines was conducted and used to quantitatively capture shape and size variation in leaves and petals. The genetic basis of leaf and petal allometry and the allometric covariation between leaves and petals was analyzed via QTL mapping. Five QTLs for the fourth leaf, 11 QTLs for the seventh leaf, and 12 QTLs for the petal size and shape were identified. Besides that, 12 QTLs were identified in association with the fourth leaf and petal allometry covariation, and eight QTLs were identified to associate with the seventh leaf and petal allometry covariation. In these confidence regions, many important candidate genes associated with cell proliferation, expansion, and differentiation contained alleles with maximum effects. Life-history traits, such as days to bolt, stem length, and rosette leaf number, were also measured and used to perform the QTL analysis within the MAGIC lines. The phenotype correlation and QTL overlap between leaf and petal allometry with life-history traits hinted at the genetic integration of organ allometry with the life-history traits and of the interaction of organ allometry with local adaptation. Conclusions Allometry describes the correlated variation in shape and size in one organ or related organs. Several QTLs were identified by using the MAGIC lines and the genes associated with cell proliferation and expansion may responsible for the leaf and petal allometry. Summarily, we explored the genetic basis of allometry variation of leaf and petal by using the MAGIC lines, and may provide important information for investigating the organ shape and size evolution in Arabidopsis.
Interleukin-4 gene polymorphism (C33T) and the risk of the asthma: A meta-analysis based on 24 studies
Authors: Imani Danyal , Eslami Mohammad Masoud , Sarab Gholamreza Anani , Aliyu Mansur , Razi Bahman , rezaei Ramazan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies evaluate an association of IL-4 C33T polymorphism and risk of bronchial asthma but failed to establish a consistent conclusive association between the two. In the present meta-analysis, we intend to define a more reliable estimate of the association in the presence of filling published literature.Methods An exhaustive search in web of science, Scopus, and PubMed databases was performed to identify all relevant publications before November 2019, and 24 studies with 6587 cases and 8408 controls were included in final analysis. The association between polymorphism and risk of asthma were measured by Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, Cochran Q and the I2 statistics were used to evaluated the degree of heterogeneity between studiesResults In the overall study populations, the result illustrated that IL-4 C33T polymorphism was a risk factor in the pathogenesis of asthma. In the subgroup analysis by age, a significant association between IL-4 SNP (C33T) and risk of asthma in different age groups was identified in allelic model, which highlighted the predisposing role of the T allele for the asthma risk in all three age groups. In the Asian population, there was a significant association between IL-4 SNP (C33T) and risk of asthma under recessive and allelic models. Finally, there was a significant association between IL-4 SNP (C33T) and asthma risk in Caucasian under recessive model and allelic model.Conclusions This study suggests that IL-4 C33T single nucleotide polymorphism potentially acts as a risk factor for asthma in different ethnicities and age groups.
People with lived experience at the centre of Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations: A model for guideline developers
Authors: Lindsay Patrice , Gierman Natalie , Harris Jocelyn E. , Arthur Gavin , Teed Moira E. , Mountain Anita , Gubitz Gordon , Smith Eric E. , Dowlatshahi Dar , de Jong Andrea , Botly Leigh C.P. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Actively engaging people with lived experience (PWLE) in stroke-related clinical practice guideline development has not previously been implemented and evaluated despite international efforts to incorporate patient and public engagement. The purpose of this pilot project was to evaluate the feasibility, perceived value and effectiveness of a new model, the Community Consultation and Review Panel, to actively engage PWLE in the writing and review of Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR).Methods Members of the public with lived experience relevant to CSBPR module topics, including people with stroke, family members and caregivers, were recruited to participate in two CSBPR Community Consultation and Review Panels (CCRP). The CCRP ran in parallel to scientific writing groups updating two components of the CSBPR Rehabilitation, Recovery and Community Participation module – Rehabilitation and Recovery following Stroke and Transitions and Community Participation following Stroke . With the aid of an inter-group liaison, both the scientific writing group and CCRP reviewed the updated evidence and CCRP participants added insights and context based on their personal experiences. We utilized the Patient and Public Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET) to obtain CCRP participant feedback.Results This model was found to be feasible, requiring 3-4 hours of staff time per week. CCRP participants rated “strongly agree” or “agree” to 14 PPEET questions indicating that they perceived the CCRP to be a positive experience and effective process, and their participation had an impact. Responses to the open-ended questions revealed that CCRP participants felt that their input and recommendations on the CCSPR were acknowledged and would benefit stroke care in Canada.Conclusions The overall success of this pilot project established the feasibility and perceived benefit of employing a participatory and collaborative model to actively engage PWLE in stroke-related clinical practice guideline development. The values, experiences and recommendations of PWLE were able to be effectively incorporated into CSBPR content to enable lived experience specific context and considerations to augment the existing scientifically rigorous writing and review process. This model is now the standard practice for all future CSBPR module development and updates and could be adapted for guideline development across other disciplines.
Remarkable Superficial Siderosis and Microbleed Restricted in Cortex might be Responsible for Atrophy and Cognitive Decline in Sneddon’s Syndrome
Authors: YAO Ming , Zhao Jiuliang , Jiang Nan , Li Libo , Ni Jun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveSneddon’s syndrome is a rare non-inflammatory arteriopathy affecting small and medium-sized arteries, characterized by a generalized livedo reticularis and recurrent ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke was reported in limited cases, but microbleeds and superficial siderosis were rarely issued. We aimed to investigate the hemorrhagic imaging features of Sneddon’s syndrome and explore the possible mechanism and clinical relevance.MethodsClinical data and cerebral MR imaging including T2* sequence of 7 consecutive patients with Sneddon’s syndrome were reviewed.ResultsThe most common neurological manifestations were cognitive impairment and stroke attack(71.4%), followed by seizures and movement disorder(28.6%). Cerebral microbleeds were detected in six patients on T2* sequence，four of whom presented more than 5 microbleeds. The majority of the microbleeds were predominantly cortical restricted and especially located in the cortical watersheds. Multiple superficial siderosis were identified mainly involving cortical watersheds in five cases. Significant cerebral atrophy with prominent secondary white matter hyperintensities in bilateral cortical watersheds were also observed. Abnormal tortuous and multiple focal occlusion of bilateral distal MCA were shown in one patient by DSA. No stenosis of proximal segment of cerebral arteries was detected in all the patients.ConclusionsThis is the first report illustrating abundant cortical microbleeds and superficial siderosis mainly involved the anterior and posterior cortical watersheds in Sneddon’s syndrome. The surprisingly identical topographic distribution of hemorrhagic lesions and the obvious atrophy suggest cerebral atrophy might be secondary to the microangio﻿pathy related hemorrhagic lesions and further contribute to the neurological deficit, especially the early cognitive decline in Sneddon syndrome.
Impact of quadrivalent influenza vaccines in Brazil: a cost-effectiveness analysis using an influenza transmission model
Authors: Crepey Pascal , Boiron Louis , Araujo Rafael Rodrigo , Lopez Juan Guillermo , Petitjean Audrey , Luna Expedito José de Albuquerque 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Influenza epidemics significantly weight on the Brazilian healthcare system and its society. Public health authorities have progressively expanded recommendations for vaccination against influenza, particularly to the pediatric population. However, the potential mismatch between the trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) strains and those circulating during the season remains an issue. Quadrivalent vaccines improves vaccines effectiveness by preventing any potential mismatch on influenza B lineages. Methods We evaluate the public health and economic benefits of the switch from TIV to QIV for the pediatric influenza recommendation (6mo-5yo) by using a dynamic epidemiological model able to consider the indirect impact of vaccination. Results of the epidemiological model are then imputed in a health-economic model adapted to the Brazilian context. We perform deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis to account for both epidemiological and economical sources of uncertainty.Results Our results show that switching from TIV to QIV in the Brazilian pediatric population would prevent 406.600 symptomatic cases, 11.300 hospitalizations and almost 400 deaths by influenza season. This strategy would save 3400 life-years yearly. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the switch would be R$49.700 per life-year saved and R$26.800 per quality-adjusted life-year gained from a public payer perspective, and even more cost-effective from a societal perspective. Our results are qualitatively similar in our sensitivity analysis.Conclusions Our analysis shows that switching from TIV to QIV to protect children aged 6mo to 5yo in the Brazilian influenza epidemiological context could have a strong public health impact and represent a cost-effective strategy from a public payer perspective, and a highly cost-effective one from a societal perspective.
Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria during Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in Malawi after adoption of updated World Health Organization policy: An Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey 2015-2016
Authors: Azizi Steven Chifundo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Malawi adopted the 2012 updated Word Health Organization (WHO) Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) policy in 2013. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of and identify factors associated with the uptake of at least three doses of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in Malawi after the adoption of updated WHO IPTp-SP policy.Methods The 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey dataset was used. Of 1,219 women aged 15-49 years who had live births and the children were born after date of July 2015, 1,069 women were included in the analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used in data analysis. The statistical analysis took into account complex survey sample design.Results Of the 1,069 women, 447 (42%, 95% CI: 38.1-45.6) received three (optimal) or more doses of IPTp-SP. Less than half (47%) managed to attend at least four antenatal care (ANC) clinics. Only 52% received optimal SP doses among those who made at least four ANC visits. Only the number of ANC visits was associated with the optimal uptake of SP. Women who attended ANC three times only and those who visited ANC once or twice only were less likely to receive at least three doses of SP than those who managed to attend ANC at least four times during pregnancy (AOR=0.71, 95% CI 0.49-1.02) and (AOR=0.12, 95% CI 0.06-0.21) respectively.Conclusions To achieve effective malaria prevention in pregnancy, IPTP-SP is used alongside other interventions. However, there is low uptake of optimal SP doses in Malawi, and this seems to be associated with the number of ANC visits. There is limited effectiveness of increased number of ANC visits on the uptake of optimal SP doses. Further research should be done to explore health systems factors affecting uptake of optimal IPTp-SP doses during pregnancy.