bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of routine Isoniazid Preventive Therapy among People Living with HIV for reducing Tuberculosis; a retrospective cohort study in Tanzania (2012-2016)
Authors: Maokola Werner , Ngowi Bernard , Lawson Lovett , Mahande Michael , Todd Jim , Msuya Sia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) reduced Tuberculosis (TB) among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Despite this, uptake has been reported to be sub-optimal . We describe characteristics of visits in which PLHIV were screened TB negative (as the main source for IPT initiation), determine characteristics of visits in which PLHIV were initiated on IPT as well as determined factors associated with IPT initiation to inform program scale up and improve quality of service.Methods : Retrospective cohort study design which involved PLHIV enrolled into care and treatment clinics in Dar es Salaam, Iringa and Njombe regions from January 2012 to December 2016. The study aimed at evaluating implementation of IPT among PLHIV. Data analysis was conducted using STATA.Results: A total 173,746 were enrolled in CTC in the 3 regions during the period of follow up and made a total of 2,638,876 visits. Of the eligible visits, only 24,429 (1.26%) were initiated on IPT. In multivariate analysis, 50 years and more (aOR=3.42, 95% CI: 3.07-3.82, P<0.01), bedridden functional status individuals with bedridden functional status (aOR=4.56, 95% CI:2.45-8.49, P<0.01) and WHO clinical stage II had higher odds of IPT initiation (aOR=1.18, 95% CI:1.13-1.23, P<0.01). Furthermore, enrolment in 2016 (aOR=2.92, 95% CI:2.79-3.06, P<0.01), enrolment in hospitals (aOR=1.84, 95% CI:1.77-1.90, P<0.01), enrolment in public health facilities (aOR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.75-1.90, P<0.01) and been on care for more than one year (aOR=6.77, 95% CI: 5.25-8.73, P<0.000) were also more likely to be initiated on IPT. Enrollment in Iringa (aOR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.41-0.47, P<0.01) and good adherence (aOR=0.56, 95% CI 0.47-0.67, P<0.01) was less likely to be initiated on IPT.Conclusions: Our study documented low IPT initiation proportion among those who were enrolled in HIV care and eligible in the 3 regions during the study period. Variations in IPT initiation among regions signals different dynamics affecting IPT uptake in different regions and hence customized approaches in quality improvement. Implementation research is needed to understand health system as well as cultural barriers in the uptake of IPT intervention.
Early exposure to hands-on surgical training encourages urological interest in undergraduate medical students
Authors: Kimura Tomokazu , Kojo Kosuke , Ikeda Atsushi , Kandori Shuya , Kojima Takahiro , Haruta Junji , Nishiyama Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Urological education is as important as surgical training for undergraduates. However, those in undergraduate medical schools have less exposure to surgery and urology as their curriculum focuses more on clinical skills, particularly community-based healthcare for a super-aging society. This study aimed to evaluate whether urologic hands-on training could encourage surgical and urological interest in medical undergraduate students. Methods: A one-day elective program in urologic surgery at the University of Tsukuba, particularly in robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgeries, was offered to 58 fourth-year medical students in 2018 and 2019, prior to their clinical clerkship. The average age of participants was 22 (range: 21–25) years. We assessed scores (1–5 Likert-type items) in training activity, interest in surgery, and interest in urology before and after the course. Results: Before attending the program, average scores in interest in urology were 3.53 in 2018 and 3.15 in 2019. After training, the total likely scores of this program in 2018 and 2019 were 4.59 and 4.76, respectively. The likely scores in surgery increased after the program; however, this was not significantly different to that prior to the program. However, the average interest scores in urology were significantly increased to 3.91±0.63 (p<0.05) and 3.88 ± 0.58 (p<0.01) in 2018 and 2019, respectively, indicating a motivation to pursue surgery and urology following clinical clerkship, 1 year after training. Conclusions: Urological hands-on training facilitated interest in urology in medical students prior to their clinical clerkship. Early experience in actual urological procedures could encourage medical students to consider specializing in urology and pursue a career as a urological specialist.
Three Unsuspected CT Diagnoses of COVID-19
Authors: Vu David , Ruggiero Maryanne , Choi Woo Sung , Masri Daniel , Flyer Mark , Shyknevsky Inna , Stein Evan G. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel strain of coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has quickly spread around the globe. Health care facilities in the United States currently do not have an adequate supply of COVID-19 tests to meet the growing demand. Imaging findings for COVID-19 are nonspecific but include pulmonary parenchymal ground-glass opacities in a predominantly basal and peripheral distribution.METHODS: Three patients imaged for non-respiratory related symptoms with a portion of the lungs in the imaged field.RESULTS: Each patient had suspicious imaging findings for COVID-19, prompting the interpreting radiologist to suggest testing for COVID-19. All 3 patients turned out to be infected with COVID-19 and one patient is the first reported case of the coincident presentation of COVID-19 and an intraparenchymal hemorrhage.CONCLUSION: Using imaging characteristics of COVID-19 on abdominal or neck CT when a portion of the lungs is included, patients not initially suspected of COVID-19 infection can be quarantined earlier to limit exposure to others.
The dominant malaria vector, Anopheles funestus from rural south-eastern Tanzania, is more strongly resistant to insecticides than Anopheles arabiensis
Authors: Pinda Polius Gerazi , Eichenberger Claudia , Ngowo Halfan S , Msaky Dickson S , Abbasi Said , Kihonda Japhet , Bwanaly Hamis , Okumu Fredros O 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have greatly reduced malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, but are threatened by insecticide resistance in dominant malaria vectors. In south-eastern Tanzania, pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles funestus now transmit more than 80% of malaria infections even in villages where the species occurs at far lower densities than other vectors such as Anopheles arabiensis.Methods: To better understand the dominance of An. funestus in these settings and improve options for its control, this study compared intensities of resistance between females of this species and those of An. arabiensis , using WHO assays with 1×, 5× and 10× insecticide doses. Additional tests were done to assess the reversibility of such resistance using synergists. The mosquitoes were collected from villages across two districts in south-eastern Tanzania.Findings: Both species were resistant to the two pyrethroids (permethrin and deltamethrin) and the organochloride (DDT) but susceptible to the organophosphate (pirimiphos-methyl) at standard baseline doses (1×). However, An. funestus as opposed to An. arabiensis was also resistant to the carbamate (bendiocarb) at standard doses (1×). An. funestus showed strong resistance to pyrethroids, surviving the 5× doses and 10× doses except in one village. Pre-exposure to the synergist, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), reversed the pyrethroid-resistance in both An. arabiensis and An. funestus achieving mortalities >98%, except for An. funestus from two villages for which permethrin-associated mortalities exceeded 90% but not 98%.Conclusions : In these communities where An. funestus now dominates malaria transmission, the species also displays much stronger resistance to pyrethroids than its counterpart, An. arabiensis, and can readily survive more classes of insecticides, including carbamates. The resistance to pyrethroids in both mosquito species appears to be mostly metabolic and can be reversed significantly using synergists such as PBO. These findings may explain the continued persistence and dominance of An. funestus despite widespread use of pyrethroid-treated LLINs, and will also inform future choices of interventions to tackle malaria transmission in this area and other similar settings. Such interventions may include PBO-based LLINs or improved IRS with compounds such as organophosphates against which the vectors are still susceptible.
Bioproduction of succinic acid from xylose by engineered Yarrowia lipolytica without pH control
Authors: Prabhu Ashish , Amaro Rodrigo Ledesma- , Lin Carol Sze Ki , Coulon Frederic , Thakur Vijay kumar , Kumar Vinod 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Xylose is a most prevalent sugar available in hemicellulose fraction of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) and of great interest for the green economy. Unfortunately, most of the cell factories cannot inherently metabolize xylose as sole carbon source. Yarrowia lipolytica is a non-conventional yeast to produce industrially important metabolites, and it is able to metabolize a large variety of substrates including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic carbon sources. However, Y. lipolytica lacks effective metabolic pathway for xylose uptake and only scarce information is available on utilization of xylose. For the economically feasible of LCB-based biorefineries, effective utilization of both pentose and hexose sugars is obligatory.

Results

In the present study, succinic acid (SA) production from xylose by Y. lipolytica was examined. To this end, Y. lipolytica PSA02004 strain was engineered by overexpressing pentose pathway cassette comprising of xylose reductase ( XR ), xylitol dehydrogenase ( XDH ) and xylulose kinase ( XK ) gene. The recombinant strain exhibited a robust growth on xylose as sole carbon source and accumulated SA (3.8 g/L) with a yield of 0.19 g/g in shake flask studies. Substrate inhibition studies revealed a marked negative impact on cell growth and product formation above 60 g/L xylose concentration. The modelling based on inhibition kinetics revealed that Aiba model showed better fit with experimental data, which resulted the correlation coefficient (R 2 ) of 0.82 and inhibition constant (K I ) 88.9 g/L. The batch cultivation of recombinant strain in bioreactor resulted in a maximum biomass concentration of 7.3 g/L and SA titer of 11.2 g/L with the yield of 0.18 g/g. Similar results in term of cell growth and SA production were obtained with xylose-rich hydrolysate derived from sugarcane bagasse. The fed-batch fermentation yielded biomass concentration of 11.8 g/L (OD 600 : 56.1) and SA titer of 22.3 g/L with a gradual decrease in pH below 4.0. Acetic acid was obtained as a main byproduct in all the fermentations.

Conclusion

The recombinant strain displayed potential bioconversion of xylose to succinic acid. Further this study provided a new insight on conversion of LCB into value-added products. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on SA production by Y. lipolytica using xylose as a sole carbon source.
Expression of MYB transcription factor gene ZmMYB59 affects seed germination in Nicotiana tabacum and Oryza sativa
Authors: Zhai Kaihui , Zhao Guangwu , Jiang Hongye , Sun Caixia , Ren Jingyu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background MYB transcription factors are involved in many biological processes, including metabolism, development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In our previous work, a new MYB transcription factor gene, ZmMYB59 was induced by deep sowing and down-regulated during maize seed germination via Real-Time PCR. However, there are few reports on seed germination regulated by MYB proteins and the functions of ZmMYB59 remain unknown. Results In this study, to examine its functions, Agrobacterium -mediated transformation was exploited to generate ZmMYB59 transgenic tobacco and rice. In T 2 generation transgenic tobacco, germination rate, germination index, vigor index and hypocotyl length were significantly decreased by 25.0~50.9%, 34.5~54.4%, 57.5~88.3% and 21.9~31.2% compared to wild-type (WT) lines. In T 2 generation transgenic rice, germination rate, germination index, vigor index and mesocotyl length were notably reduced by 39.1~53.8%, 51.4~71.4%, 52.5~74.0% and 28.3~41.5%, respectively. On this basis, relative physiological indicators were determined. The activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and proline content of transgenic lines were significantly lower than those of WT, suggesting that ZmMYB59 reduced their antioxidant capacity. As well, ZmMYB59 expression extremely inhibited the synthesis of gibberellin A1 (GA 1 ) and cytokinin (CTK), and promoted the synthesis of abscisic acid (ABA) concurrently, which implied that seed germination was repressed by ZmMYB59 in hormone levels. Furthermore, cell length and cell number of hypocotyl/mesocotyl in transgenic plants were notably decreased. Conclusions Taken together, it proposed that ZmMYB59 plays a negative regulation during seed germination in tobacco and rice, which also contributes to illuminate the molecular mechanisms regulated by MYB transcription factors.
Climate change induced vulnerability and adaption for dengue incidence in Colombo and Kandy Districts: The first detailed investigation in Sri Lanka
Authors: Udayanga N.W.B.A.L. , Gunathilaka Nayana , Iqbal M.C.M. , Abeyewickreme W. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Assessing the vulnerability of an infectious disease such as dengue among endemic population is an important requirement to design proactive programmes in order to improve resilience capacity of vulnerable communities. Despite the significance in decision making process especially for rational resource allocation, recognition of actual burden of dengue, the vulnerability of dengue has been limitedly addressed in many countries including Sri Lanka, due to some in a holistic methodology.Methods: A total of 42 variables (entomological, epidemiological, meteorological parameters, landuse practices and socio-demographic data) of all the 38 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in the districts of Colombo and Kandy were considered as candidate variables for composite index based vulnerability assessment. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used in selecting and setting the weight for each indicator. Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity and Vulnerability of all the MOH areas for dengue incidence were calculated.Results: Out of 42 candidate variables, only 23 parameters (Exposure Index: 6 variables; Sensitivity Index: 11 variables; Adaptive Capacity Index: 6 variables) were selected as the indicators to assess climate change vulnerability to dengue. Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) MOH area denoted the highest values for exposure (0.89: exceptionally high exposure), sensitivity (0.86: exceptionally high sensitivity) in the district of Colombo, while Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) area reported the highest exposure (0.79: high exposure) and sensitivity (0.77: high sensitivity) in Kandy. Piliyandala MOH area denoted the highest level of adaptive capacity (0.66) in the district of Colombo followed by Menikhinna (0.68) in Kandy. The highest vulnerability (0.45: moderate vulnerability) to dengue was receded from CMC and the lowest indicated from Galaha MOH (0.15; very low vulnerability) in Kandy. Interestingly the Kandy Municipal Council MOH area had a notable vulnerability of 0.41 (moderate vulnerability), which remained the highest within Kandy.Conclusions: In general, vulnerability for dengue was relatively higher within the MOH areas of Colombo, than in Kandy, suggesting a higher degree of potential susceptibility to dengue within among local communities of Colombo. The VCE are recommended to consider the spatial variations in vulnerability of local communities to dengue for decision making, especially in allocation of limited financial, human and mechanical resources for dengue epidemic management.
RNA Language in Colorectal Cancer Using an Integrative Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Kadkhoda Sepideh , Darbeheshti Farzaneh , Rezaei Nima , Azizi-Tabesh Ghasem , Zolfaghari Faezeh , Tavakolibazaz Sadollah , Taslimi Reza , Tavakkoly-Bazzaz Javad 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Identification of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), especially circRNAs, have become new hotspots in cancer researches. Although, their roles and underlying mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) development remain mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to integrate both coding and non-coding available microarray data in development of CRC coupled with bioinformatics analyses to understand a more inclusive pathobiologic map regarding their molecular interactions and functions. Methods: The microarray data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed. Several bioinformatics tools and databases including CircInteractome, CSCD, miRTarbBase, TargetScan, miRmap, GEPIA, STRING, Enrichr, DAVID, and MCODE were applied for further elucidation. Principal component analysis (PCA) has seperatly run for four datasets. The dysregulated circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in CRC was constructed by Cytoscape. In addition, co-expression and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established based on differentially expressed (DE) protein coding genes in CRC. Results: PCA disclose colorectal tumor and normal tissuses could be distinguished not only by mRNAs expression profile, but also by both circRNAs and miRNAs expression profiles. We identified 14 DE mRNAs (commonly between two datasets), 85 DE miRNAs and 36 DE circRNAs in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues. Taking their potential interactions into account, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. Then, according to ceRNA hypothesis, the axes with expression in the desired direction were extracted. Our results disclosed some DE circRNAs with potential oncogenic (circ_0014879) or tumor suppressive (circ_0001666 and circ_0000977) effects. Finally, PPI network suggests pivotal roles for DOCK2 and PTPRC dysregulation in progression of CRC, possibly by facilitating of tumor escape from immune surveillance. Conclusion: Current study proposes a novel regulatory network consisting of DE circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in CRC development that in turn highlights the roles of DE circRNAs at the upstream of oncotranscriptomic cascade in CRC development, suggesting their potentiality to be utilized as both prognostic and therapeutic biomarker.
The regeneration of Acer rubrum L. "October Glory" through embryonic callus
Authors: Dai Chongwen , YAN Yang-yang , Liu Yumin , LIU Ya-min , DENG Yuan-wei , YAO Hong-yu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Landscape industry has been recognized as the "eternal sunrise industry", however, the introduction and cultivation of colored-leaf trees in southern China is relatively vacant.Results The results showed that the induction effect of the stem was the best for the embryogenic callus, and the regenerated plant with genetic stability was obtained. The MS (Murashige&Skoog) +0.8 mg/L TDZ (Thidiazuron) +1.0 mg/L 6-BA (6-Benzylaminopurine) +0.5 mg/L NAA (1-naphthlcetic acid) +35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium was the best for callus formation. When selecting type VI callus as embryonic callus induction material, MS+0.6 mg/L TDZ+0.5 mg/L 6-BA +2.0 mg/L IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) +35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium can get embryonic callus. The optimal medium for adventitious bud induction is MS+1.0 mg/L TDZ+3.0 mg/L 6-BA+0.2 mg/L NAA+1.2 mg/L IAA+35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium.The induction rate of adventitious roots in MS+0.6 mg/L TDZ+1.0 mg/L 6-BA+3 mg/L NAA+35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium was the highest, reaching 76%.Conclusion In the course of our research, we found that PGRs play an important role in the callus induction stage, and the effect of TDZ is particularly obvious; The callus cells grow and proliferate according to the "S" growth curve, and can be subcultured when the highest growth point is reached to maintain the rapid proliferation of the callus cells and to avoid inactivation of callus caused by tight niche.
Clinical efficacy of intraoperative ultrasound for margin assessment in breast conserving surgery
Authors: Lee Jeeyeon , Park Ho Yong , Kim Wan Wook , Park Chan Sub , Ji Yungeun , Kim Hye Jung , Kim Won Hwa , Park Ji-Young , Park Jee-Young , Chae Yee Soo , Lee Soo Jung , Jung Jin Hyang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Surgical margin negativity is highly related to local recurrence of breast cancer. The authors performed this study to evaluate if specimen mammography or ultrasonography can replace the frozen section procedure for surgical margins. Methods: One-hundred fifty five patients with breast cancer were included in this study. After the surgery, the frozen biopsies were assessed in more than three different directions, and all specimens were analyzed with mammography and ultrasonography. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients were assessed, and closest tumor margin–resection margin distance (TM–RM distance) to the tumor was compared among specimen mammography, ultrasonography, and pathology. Results: On comparing initial cases of positive and negative margins, the mean closest TM–RM distance in specimen ultrasonography and final pathologic reports was statistically different between both groups (DCIS: p < 0.001, p = 0.006; IDC: p = 0.042, p = 0.022). Conclusion: When the closest TM–RM distance is less than 1.8 mm in specimen ultrasonography, the frozen section cannot be waived because of high risk of margin positivity. However, if the closest TM–RM distance is >4 mm in specimen ultrasonography, the frozen section can be omitted carefully because of the very low risk of margin positivity.