bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of two commercial real-time PCR kits (QuantiFast™ and abTES™) for the detection of Plasmodium knowlesi and other Plasmodium species in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Nuin Nor Afizah , Tan Angelica Fiona , Lew Yao Long , Piera Kim A , William Timothy , Rajahram Giri Shan , Jelip Jenarun , Dony Jiloris F , Mohammad Rashidah , Cooper Daniel J , Barber Bridget E , Anstey Nicholas M , Chua Tock H , Grigg Matthew J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : The monkey parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is an emerging public health issue in Southeast Asia. In Sabah, Malaysia, P. knowlesi is now the dominant cause of human malaria. Molecular detection methods for P. knowlesi are essential for accurate diagnosis and in monitoring progress towards malaria elimination of other Plasmodium species. However, recent commercially available PCR malaria kits have unpublished P. knowlesi gene targets or have not been evaluated against clinical samples. Methods : Two real-time PCR methods currently used in Sabah for confirmatory malaria diagnosis and surveillance reporting were evaluated: the QuantiFast™ Multiplex PCR kit (Qiagen, Germany) targeting the P. knowlesi 18S SSU rRNA; and the abTES™ Malaria 5 qPCR II kit (AITbiotech, Singapore), with an undisclosed P. knowlesi gene target. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using 52 P. knowlesi, 25 P. vivax , 21 P. falciparum , and 10 P. malariae clinical isolates, and 26 malaria negative controls, and compared against a validated reference nested PCR assay. The limit of detection (LOD) for each PCR method and Plasmodium species was also evaluated. Results : The sensitivity of the QuantiFast™ and abTES™ assays for detecting P. knowlesi was comparable at 98.1% (95%CI 89.7-100) and 100% (95%CI 93.2-100) respectively. Specificity of the QuantiFast™ and abTES™ for P. knowlesi was high at 98.8% (95%CI 93.4-100) for both assays. The QuantiFast™ assay demonstrated falsely-positive mixed Plasmodium species at low parasitaemias in both the primary and LOD analysis. Diagnostic accuracy of both PCR kits for detecting P. vivax , P. falciparum , and P. malariae was comparable to P. knowlesi . The abTES™ assay demonstrated a lower LOD for P. knowlesi of ≤0.125 parasites/µL compared to QuantiFast™ with a LOD of 20 parasites/µL. Hospital microscopy demonstrated a sensitivity of 78.8% (95%CI 65.3-88.9) and specificity of 80.4% (95%CI 67.6-89.8) compared to reference PCR for detecting P. knowlesi . Conclusion : The QuantiFast™ and abTES™ commercial PCR kits performed well for the accurate detection of P. knowlesi infections. Although the QuantiFast™ kit is cheaper, the abTES™ kit demonstrated a lower LOD, supporting its use as a second-line referral-laboratory diagnostic tool in Sabah, Malaysia.
Individual Pain Sensitivity Is Associated With Resting-State Cortical Activities in Healthy Individuals but Not in Patients With Migraine: A Magnetoencephalography Study
Authors: Hsiao Fu-Jung , Chen Wei-Ta , Liu Hung-Yu , Wang Yen-Feng , Chen Shih-Pin , Lai Kuan-Lin , Pan Li-Ling Hope , Wang Shuu-Jiun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Pain sensitivity may determine the risk, severity, prognosis, and efficacy of treatment of clinical pain. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have linked thermal pain sensitivity to changes in brain structure. However, the neural correlates of mechanical pain sensitivity remain to be clarified through investigation of direct neural activities on the resting-state cortical oscillation and synchrony.

Methods

We recorded the resting-state magnetoencephalographic (MEG) activities of 27 healthy individuals and 30 patients with episodic migraine (EM) and analyzed the source-based oscillatory powers and functional connectivity at 2 to 59 Hz in pain-related cortical regions, which are the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), medial orbitofrontal (MOF) cortex, lateral orbitofrontal (LOF) cortex, insula cortex, primary somatosensory cortex (SI), primary motor cortex (MI), and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The mechanical punctate pain threshold (MPPT) was obtained at the supraorbital area (the first branch of the trigeminal nerve dermatome, V1) and the forearm (the first thoracic nerve dermatome, T1) and further correlated with MEG measures.

Results

The MPPT is inversely correlated with the resting-state relative powers of gamma oscillation in healthy individuals (all corrected P < 0.05). Specifically, inverse correlation was noted between the MPPT at V1 and gamma powers in the bilateral insula (r = −0.592 [left] and −0.529 [right]), PCC (r = −0.619 and −0.541) and MI (r = −0.497 and −0.549) and between the MPPT at T1 and powers in the left PCC ( r = −0.561) and bilateral MI ( r = −0.509 and −0.520). Furthermore, resting-state functional connectivity at the delta to beta bands, especially between frontal (MOF, ACC, LOF, and MI), parietal (PCC), and sensorimotor (bilateral SI and MI) regions, showed a positive correlation with the MPPT at V1 and T1 (all corrected P < 0.05). By contrast, in patients with EM, the MPPT was not associated with resting-state cortical activities.

Conclusions

Pain sensitivity in healthy individuals is associated with the resting-state gamma oscillation and functional connectivity in pain-related cortical regions. Further studies must be conducted in a large population to confirm whether resting-state cortical activities can be an objective measurement of pain sensitivity in individuals without clinical pain.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Infliximab and Golimumab in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients from a Canadian Prospective Observational Registry
Authors: Rahman Proton , Starr Michael , Haaland Derek , Bessette Louis , Teo Michelle , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Lehman Allen J , Nantel Francois 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The objectives of this study were to describe the profile of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients treated with either infliximab (IFX) or subcutaneous golimumab (GLM) treatment in Canadian routine care setting along with assessing long-term effectiveness and safety. Methods: AS patients who were eligible for treatment with IFX or subcutaneous GLM as per their respective Canadian product monographs were enrolled into the BioTRAC registry from 2005-2017. The study visits occurred at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Effectiveness was assessed by changes in clinical outcomes and acute phase reactants. Safety was evaluated by assessing the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and drug survival rates. Results: A total of 389 IFX- and 421 GLM-treated patients were enrolled. A significant decrease in disease duration at baseline was observed in the IFX cohort, from a median of 8.0 in 2005-2008 to 1.0 years in 2009-2015 (p<0.001). A reduction in baseline BASFI score (p=0.011) and proportion of patients in ASDAS very high disease activity (p=0.004) was also observed over time. Meanwhile, in the GLM cohort, most disease parameters remained similar from 2010-2017.Treatment with both agents significantly improved all disease parameters over time with similar efficacy between the two agents. The incidence of AEs and SAEs were 136 and 131 events/100 PYs and 10.5 and 8.45 events/100 PYs for IFX- and GLM-treated patients, respectively. Conclusion: Both IFX and GLM treatment in AS significantly reduced disease activity in most outcome measures in a similar fashion and were well tolerated in Canadian routine care. Trial Registration: NCT00741793
Host phylogeny matters: Examining sources of variation in infection risk by blood parasites across a tropical montane bird community in India
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Vishnudas C.K. , Robin V.V. , Dharmarajan Guha 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Identifying patterns and drivers of infection risk among host communities is crucial to elucidate disease dynamics and predict infectious disease risk in wildlife populations. Blood parasites of genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus are a diverse group of vector-borne protozoan parasites that affect bird populations globally. Despite their widespread distribution and exceptional diversity, factors underlying haemosporidian infection risk in wild bird communities remain poorly understood. While some studies have examined variation in avian haemosporidian risk, researchers have primarily focused on host ecological traits without considering host phylogenetic relationships. In this study, we employ a phylogenetically informed approach to examine the association between host ecological traits and haemosporidian infection risk in endemic bird communities in the Western Ghats Sky Islands.Methods: We used parasite sequence data based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, that was amplified from genomic DNA extracted from 1177 birds (28 species) across the Western Ghats to assess infection of birds with haemosporidian parasites. We employed a Bayesian phylogenetic mixed effect modelling approach to test whether haemosporidian infection risk was affected by seven species-specific and four individual level ecological predictors. We also examined the effect of host phylogenetic relationships on the observed patterns of variation in haemosporidian infection risk by estimating phylogenetic signal.Results: Our study shows that host ecological traits and host phylogeny differentially influence infection risk by Plasmodium (generalist parasite) and Haemoproteus (specialist parasite). For Plasmodium, we found that sociality, sexual dimorphism and feeding strata were important ecological predictors. For Haemoproteus, patterns of infection risk among host species were associated with sociality, elevation and individual body condition. Interestingly, variance in infection risk explained by host phylogeny was higher for Haemoproteus parasites compared to Plasmodium. Conclusion: Our study highlights that while host ecological traits promoting parasite exposure and host susceptibility are important determinants of infection risk, host phylogeny also contributes substantially to predicting patterns of haemosporidian infection risk in multi- host communities. Importantly, infection risk is driven by joint contributions of host ecology and host phylogeny and studying these effects together could increase our ability to better understand the drivers of infection risk and predict future disease threats.
Exosome-based biomimetic nanoparticles targeted to inflamed joints for enhanced treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yan Feili , Zhong Zhirong , Wang Yao , Feng Yue , Mei Zhiqiang , Li Hui , Chen Xiang , Cai liang , Li Chunhong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) show powerful treatment effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the clinical application is limited by their nonspecific distribution after systemic administration and serious adverse reactions during long-term administration. To achieve better treatment and reduce side effect, we here established a biomimetic exosome (Exo) encapsulating dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Dex) nanoparticle (Exo/Dex), whose surface was modified with folic acid (FA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cholesterol (Chol) compound to attain FPC-Exo/Dex active targeting drug delivery system. Results: The size of FPC-Exo/Dex was 128.43 ± 16.27 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.36 ± 0.05, and the Zeta potential was -22.73 ± 0.91 mV. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the preparation was 10.26 ± 0.73%, with drug loading efficiency (DLE) of 18.81 ± 2.05%. In vitro study showed this system displayed enhanced endocytosis and excellent anti-inflammation effect against RAW264.7 cells by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine. Further biodistribution study showed the fluorescence intensity of FPC-Exo/Dex was stronger than other Dex formulations in joints, suggesting its enhanced accumulation to inflammation sites. In vivo biodistribution experiment displayed FPC-Exo/Dex could preserve the bone and cartilage of CIA mice better and significantly reduce inflamed joints. Next in vivo safety evaluation demonstrated this biomimetic drug delivery system had no obvious hepatotoxicity and exhibited desirable biocompatibility.Conclusion: The present study provides a promising strategy for using exosome as nanocarrier to enhance the therapeutic effect of GCs against RA.
LncRNA LINC00342 contributes to the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer via targeting miR-19a-3p/NPEPL1
Authors: Shen Peng , Qu Lili , Wang Jingjing , Ding Quchen , Zhou Chuanwen , Xie Rui , Wang Honggang , Ji Guozhong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 00342 (LINC00342) has been identified as a novel oncogene. However, the functional role of LINC00342 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Methods The expression of LINC00342 was detected by real-time PCR. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion and xenograft model were examined to analyze the biological functions of LINC00342 in vitro and in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to identify the target interactions between LINC00342, miR-19a-3p and aminopeptidase like 1 (NPEPL1). Results LINC00342 was highly expressed in CRC. Downregulation of LINC00342 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells. Moreover, knocking down LINC00342 could weaken the tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigation revealed that LINC00342 might sponge miR-19a-3p to regulate NPEPL1 expression. Further investigation indicated that the oncogenesis facilitated by LINC00342 was inhibited due to the depletion of NPEPL1.Conclusion LINC00342 promoted CRC progression by competitively binding miR-19a-3p with NPEPL1.
Implementation and evaluation of nonclinical interventions for appropriate use of cesarean section in low- and middle-income countries: protocol for a multisite hybrid effectiveness-implementation type III trial
Authors: Dumont Alexandre , Betrán Ana Pilar , Kabore Charles , De Loenzien Myriam , Lumbiganon Pisake , Bohren Meghan , Nhu Hung Mac Quoc , Ph.D. Newton , Carroli Guillermo , Annerstedt Kristi Sidney , Ridde Valery , Escuriet Ramon , Robson Michael , Hansen Claudia , group QUALI-DEC Research 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: While cesarean sections (CSs) are a life-saving intervention, an increasing number are performed without medical reasons in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unnecessary CS diverts scarce resources and thereby reduces access to healthcare for women in need. Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Vietnam are committed to reducing unnecessary CS, but many individual and organizational factors in healthcare facilities obstruct this aim. Nonclinical interventions can overcome these barriers by helping providers improve their practices and supporting women’s decision-making regarding childbirth. Existing evidence has shown only a modest effect of single interventions on reducing CS rates, arguably because of the failure to design multifaceted interventions effectively tailored to the context. The aim of this study is to design, adapt and test a multifaceted intervention for the appropriate use of CS in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Vietnam. Methods: We designed an intervention (QUALIty DECision-making - QUALI-DEC) with four components: (1) opinion leaders at heath care facilities to improve adherence to best practices among clinicians, (2) CS audits and feedback to help providers identify potentially avoidable CS, (3) a decision analysis tool to help women make an informed decision on the mode of birth, and (4) companionship to support women during labor. QUALI-DEC will be implemented and evaluated in 32 hospitals (8 sites per country) using a pragmatic hybrid effectiveness-implementation design to test our implementation strategy, and information regarding its impact on relevant maternal and perinatal outcomes will be gathered. The implementation strategy will involve the participation of women, healthcare professionals and organizations and account for the local environment, needs, resources and social factors in each country.Discussion: There is urgent need for interventions and implementation strategies to optimize the use of CS while improving health outcomes and satisfaction in LMICs. This can only be achieved by engaging all stakeholders involved in the decision-making process surrounding birth and addressing their needs and concerns. The study will generate robust evidence about the effectiveness and the impact of this multifaceted intervention. It will also assess the acceptability and scalability of the intervention and the capacity for empowerment among women and providers alike. Trial registration: ISRCTN67214403
Risk factors for the critical illness in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cheng Sijing , Wu Dingfeng , Li Jie , Zou Yifeng , Wan Yunle , Shen Lihan , Zhu Lixin , Shi Mang , Hou Linlin , Xu Tao , Jiao Na , Li Yichen , Huang Yibo , Tang Zhipeng , Xu Mingwei , Jiang Shusong , Li Maokun , Yan Guangjun , Lan Ping , Zhu Ruixin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Prior studies reported that 5~32% COVID-19 patients were critically ill, a situation that poses great challenge for the management of the patients and ICU resources. We aim to identify independent risk factors to serve as prediction markers for critical illness of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Fifty-two critical and 200 non-critical SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid positive patients hospitalized in 15 hospitals outside Wuhan from January 19 to March 6, 2020 were enrolled in this study. Multivariable logistic regression and LASSO logistic regression were performed to identify independent risk factors for critical illness.

Results

Age older than 60 years, dyspnea, respiratory rate > 24 breaths per min, leukocytosis >9.5 X10 9 /L, neutrophilia >6.3 X10 9 /L, lymphopenia <1.1 X10 9 /L, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3.53, fibrinogen >4g/L, d-dimer >0.55 µg/mL, blood urea nitrogen >7.1 mM, elevated aspartate transaminase, elevated alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin >21 µM, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥2 were identified as risk factors for critical illness. LASSO logistic regression identified the best combination of risk factors as SOFA score, age, dyspnea, and leukocytosis. The Area Under the Receiver-Operator Curve values for the risk factors in predicting critical illness were 0.921 for SOFA score, 0.776 for age, 0.764 for dyspnea, 0.658 for leukocytosis, and 0.960 for the combination of the four risk factors.

Conclusions

Our findings advocate the use of risk factors SOFA score ≥2, age >60, dyspnea and leukocytosis >9.5 X10 9 /L on admission, alone or in combination, to determine the optimal management of the patients and health care resources.
Unrecognized Geriatric Depression in the Emergency Department of a Teaching Hospital in Nepal: Prevalence, Contributing Factors, and Metric Properties of 5 item Geriatric Depression Scale in this Population
Authors: Shrestha Roshana , Shrestha Anmol Purna , Shrestha Abha , Kamholz Barbara 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Depression is prevalent but poorly recognized in the Emergency Department (ED). We aimed to identify the frequency of unrecognized geriatric depression and its possible determinants in the ED using the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS). We also aimed to explore the performance of the shorter, five-item GDS as compared to the 15-item GDS.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the ED patients ≥ 60 years. The previously validated Nepali version of GDS-15 screened the sample into “no”, “mild-moderate” and “severe" depression using cutoff values of 4/5, and 8/9 respectively. Demographic and socioeconomic factors, comorbidities and health seeking behaviors were studied and the relation was assessed with binary (Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test) and multinomial regression analysis. The performance of GDS-5 was compared with the GDS-15 as standard. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to investigate reliability. Validity was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Spearman’s correlation, receiver operating characteristic curve, and kappa coefficient.Results: 280 patients were enrolled with an overall prevalence of unrecognized depression of 45.7 % [104 (81.3%) mild-moderate depression, and 24 (18.8%) severe depression]. The mean age of the sample was 71.36 with female predominance (61%), and 82.5% were illiterate. In the binary analysis, those who had more pain, visited the ED more often, had musculoskeletal diseases and sleep problems, mobility problems, visited local healers previously, and who reported self-perceived “heart and mind” disease showed statistically significant differences among the three categories. In multinomial regression analysis, visits to local healers, sleep problems and frequency of pain were significantly related to depression. The sensitivity, specificity, area under curve and Spearman’s correlation of GDS-5 were 75.8%, 96%, 0.919, and 0.827 respectively. Cronbach's alpha for GDS-5 was low (0.416), therefore a new version was proposed which improved the sensitivity to 90.6% and Cronbach’s alpha to 0.623.Conclusions: Unrecognized geriatric depression was highly prevalent which urges the need for ED-based interventions for screening and referral. The proposed brief GDS-5 correlated well with the GDS-15 with better validity and internal reliability and offers a more expeditious form of screening for geriatric depression in emergency settings in Nepal.
Association between Growth Differentiation Factor 5 rs143383 Genetic Polymorphism and the Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis among Caucasian But Not Asian: A Meta-analysis
Authors: lei peng , Jin Song , Lu Jiping , Ouyang Chao , Gou Jiang , Xie Zhongyu , Shen Huiyong , Wang Peng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

A few months ago, the Bioscience Reports journal showed that Growth Differentiation Factor 5 (GDF5) rs143383 genetic polymorphism increases the susceptibility of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but previous studies’ results have debates about available data. Considering the availability of more recent data, we focus on clarifying the relationship of KOA and GDF5 rs143383 genetic polymorphism by a meta-analysis of case-control trial data.

Methods

The eligible studies from the time of database established to Oct. 2019 were collected from PubMed, Springer, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang library. The meta-analysis was completed by STATA 18.0 software. Two independent authors extracted the data and assessed case-control trial quality.

Results

A total of 196 studies were collected, 16 of them including in final meta-analysis (7997 cases and 12684 controls). There was significant association between GDF 5 rs143383 polymorphism and KOA in all genetic models (for Allele model (C versus T): OR = 0.84 (95% CI = 0.76-0.91); dominate model (CC+CT versus TT): OR = 0.80(95% CI = (0.72-0.90); recessive model (CC versus CT+TT): OR= 0.79 (95% CI = 0.68-0.92); heterozygote model (CT versus CC+TT): OR = 0.89 (95% CI=0.80-0.97); homozygous model (CC versus TT): OR = 0.71 (95% CI=0.60-0.85). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we obtained the results is no significant among Asians.

Conclusion

GDF5 rs143383 genetic polymorphism increases the risk of KOA among Caucasians; CC genotype and C allele are protective factors for the susceptibility of KOA among Caucasians.