bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Popular&nbsp;Perceptions&nbsp;of&nbsp;Bats&nbsp;Hinder&nbsp;Conservation&nbsp;Actions&nbsp;in&nbsp;Maranhão,&nbsp;Northern&nbsp;Brazil
Authors: Silva Janete Santos , Silva Naiara Pereira , Santana Ewaldo Eder Carvalho , Andrade Fernanda Atanaena Gonçalves , Fraga Elmary Costa , Barros Maria Claudene , Olímpio Ana Priscila Medeiros 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Bats play an important role in the ecology of many environments, although the general lack of knowledge on the relevance of these animals hinders initiatives that contribute to the development of favorable attitudes and participative measures that promote the conservation of these animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. In the present study, 398 residents of eight neighborhoods of the town of Caxias in Maranhão, Brazil, were interviewed to verify their perceptions of bats.Methods: A total of 398 individuals were interviewed during the present study. The interviewees were between 17 and 91 years old, and two-thirds (263; 66%) were women, while the other 135 were men (34%).Results: Most of the interviewees described bats as ugly and disgusting animals that look like rats, feed primarily on fruit, and frighten people. These individuals also confirmed that bats are important for Nature and should be protected simply because they are living creatures. The analyses indicate a significant association between a fear of bats and the belief that all these animals are vampires, and also that women are more likely to have a fear of bats than men. There was also an association between a low education level and the belief that all bats are vampires.Conclusions: The present study provides important insights into the perception of bats by the local population, highlighting the prevalence of mythical beliefs, which hinder the implementation of effective conservation measures. The results of this study reinforce the need for initiatives in environmental education that provide more reliable information on the biology of bats and their ecological importance, thereby contributing to the conservation of bat diversity.
The independent indicators of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for predicting renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cao Hongli , Fang Liang , Chen Lin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and angiomyolipoma (AML) was analyzed. The purpose of this study was to identify the independent indicators of CEUS for predicting RCC. Methods: A total of 172 renal tumors (150 RCCs, 22 AMLs) in 165 patients underwent conventional ultrasound (CUS) and CEUS examinations before radical or partial nephrectomy, and the features on CUS and CEUS were analyzed. Results: There were significant differences in echogenicity, blood flow signals in color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), peak intensity, homogeneity of enhancement, wash in, wash out, and perilesional rim-like enhancement between RCC and AML (P<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis indicated that perilesional rim-like enhancement (P=0.035, odds ratio [OR]=9.907, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.169-83.971) and fast wash out (P=0.001, OR =9.755, 95%[CI]: 2.497-38.115) were independent indicators for predicting RCC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for perilesional rim-like enhancement was 0.838 (95% CI:0.774-0.890) with 76.7% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity, while the AUC of fast wash out was 0.833 (95% CI:0.768-0.885) with 74.7% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity. Conclusions: This study indicated that CEUS has value in differentiating RCC and AML. Present perilesional rim-like enhancement and fast wash out may be important indicators for predicting RCC.
The Application and Accuracy of Feature Matching on Automated Cephalometric Superimposition
Authors: Jiang Yiran , Song Guangying , Yu Xiaonan , Dou Yuanbo , Li Qingfeng , Liu Siqi , Han Bing , Xu Tianmin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to establish a computer-aided automated method for cephalometric superimposition and evaluate the accuracy of this method based on free-hand tracing. Methods: 28 pairs of pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2) cephalograms were selected. Structural superimpositions of the cranial base, maxilla and mandible were independently completed by three operators performing traditional hand tracing methods and by computerized automation using the feature matching method. To quantitatively evaluate the differences between the two methods, the manually superimposed patterns were digitized. In addition to registering automated and manual superimposition to digital T1 films, landmark distances between corresponding automated and manual T2 cephalometric landmarks were measured, and differences in manual superimposition among the operators were calculated. Results: The T2 landmark differences in hand tracing between the operators ranged from 0.61 mm to 1.65 mm for the three types of superimposition. There were no significant differences in accuracy between manual and automated superimposition (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Computer-aided cephalometric superimposition provides comparably accurate results to those of traditional hand tracing and will provide a powerful tool for academic research in the era of digital cephalograms and big data. Trial registration: The clinical trial has been registered in April 1st 2016, the registration number is ChiCTR1800017694, URL is: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=29144
Combination of Antibiotic, Efflux Pump Inhibitor and Autolysis Inhibitor Protects Mice from S. aureus Peritonitis by Inhibiting α-hemolysin-induced MAPKs/NF-κB/NLRP3 Activation
Authors: Luan Wenjing , Liu Xiaolei , Wang Xuefei , An Yanan , Wang Yang , Wang Chao , Ni Lihui , Ma Fangxue , Zhou Hong , Liu Mingyuan , Yu Lu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The infection of staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is difficult to treat, our aim was to investigate the antibacterial abilities of a combination of antibiotic cloxacillin, efflux pump inhibitor thioridazine and autolysis inhibitor tetracycline and its anti-inflammation properties through inhibiting α-hemolysin induced MAPKs/NF-κB/NLRP3 activation in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The antibacterial susceptibility test and three-dimensional checkerboard method were utilized to investigate the synergistic antibacterial activity of the three-drug combination cloxacillin/thioridazine/tetracycline, α-hemolysin test and scanning electron microscope were used to assay the inhibition effects of the combination on the secretion of α-hemolysin and membrane-derived vesicles production from S. aureus, Western blot and pharmacological inhibition assays were performed to test α-hemolysin -induced MAPKs/NF-κB/NLRP3 activation in macrophage in vitro. Results: In vitro, the three-drug combination showed synergistic antistaphylococcal activity; the subinhibitory concentration of the combination significantly inhibited the secretion of α-hemolysin related to the number of vesicles produced by S. aureus and significantly inhibited the expression of MAPKs/NF-κB/NLRP3 proteins in the macrophages induced by S. aureus α-hemolysin. In vivo, the drug combination significantly reduced bacterial colony-forming unit counts of the viscera in mouse peritonitis model of S. aureus infection, the combination therapy reduced the primary inflammatory pathology and the release of bacterial-stimulated cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and inhibited the expression of MAPKs/NF-κB/NLRP3 proteins in peritoneal macrophage. Conclusions: Combination of antibiotic, efflux pump inhibitor and autolysis inhibitor owns good antistaphylococcal activity and significantly inhibit staphylococcal α-hemolysin and its inflammation, thus, the combination is a novel strategy of antibacterial and anti-inflammation.
Molecular epidemiology of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Chisompola Namaunga Kasumu , Streicher Elizabeth Maria , Muchemwa Chishala Miriam Kapambwe , Warren Robin Mark , Sampson Samantha Leigh 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The burden of drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) in Africa is largely driven by the emergence and spread of multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. The highest burden of drug resistant TB is seen in countries further experiencing an HIV epidemic, resulting in high HIV/TB co-morbidity rates. The molecular mechanisms of drug resistance as well as the evolution of drug resistant TB strains have been widely studied using various genotyping tools. Viewed as a whole, this can give a better insight into the transmission dynamics of drug resistant TB in Africa.Methods A systematic review was performed on peer reviewed original research extracted from PubMed reporting on the molecular epidemiology of drug resistant TB from African countries. The search terms “Tuberculosis AND drug resistance AND Africa AND (spoligotyping OR molecular epidemiology OR IS6110 OR MIRU OR DNA fingerprinting OR RFLP OR VNTR OR WGS)” were used to identify relevant articles reporting the molecular epidemiology of drug resistant TB in Africa. Only studies reporting on the molecular epidemiology of drug resistant TB in Africa were included in the analysis.Results Diverse genotypes are associated with drug resistant TB in Africa, with variations in strain predominance within the continent. It has been demonstrated that drug resistant TB strains are associated with community and nosocomial outbreaks. Outbreaks have been described both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals, involving MDR- and XDR-TB strains. Furthermore, the role of migration in the transmission of drug resistant TB strains has been demonstrated in certain parts of Africa. Of concern is the under-use of molecular epidemiological tools, resulting in gaps in knowledge of the transmission dynamics of drug resistant TB on the continent.Conclusions Genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis strains has been demonstrated across Africa implying that diverse genotypes are driving the epidemiology of drug resistant TB across the continent. To address knowledge gaps, there is a need for routine surveillance and extensive epidemiological investigations across the continent.
Risk factors associated with scrub typhus infection: A case-control study from Luhe, China
Authors: Musa Taha Hussein 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Globally, Scrub typhus (ST) is a serious public health issues in the rural of Asia-Pacific area. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with ST infection in Luhe District, China. Methods: The case-control study was conducted which involved (N=116) cases consisted of a patient who diagnosed with scrub typhus, and nearest neighbours control (N=232) subjects were selected by matching for occupation, place of residence and age (within 5-years) and lacked a history of scrub typhus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 for Windows. Results: The mean age of confirmed cases was 58.1(10.15) years, while that of control subjects were 56.14 (11.57). The ratio of farmers in cases and controls subjects was 90 (77.6%) and 187 (80.6%) respectively. There are no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the study population (P>0.05). Factors including residential site (χ2=8.57, P=0.05), raising small animal and livestock (χ2=31.53, P<0.001), living in the house near to grassland and vegetable (χ2=16.61, P<0.001), piling weeds in the yard (χ2=15.48, P<0.001), piling weed inside the house and around the house (χ2=56.64, P<0.001), and presence of mouse activities in the house (χ2= 3.88, P<0.054) are significant associated with developing of ST infection. The logistic regression analysis showed that Two out of five general exposure factors were identified which include morning exercise in the park (AOR=3.848, 95% CI=1.018-4.544, P=0.047), and working as labourers in vegetable fields (AOR =1.792, 95% CI=1.12-2.87, P=0.016) posed a significant association with ST infection. Conclusions: The people who tend to involved in outdoor activities are exposure to ST infection. The findings derived from this study provide an information in the control and prevention of ST in Luhe, China.
Three-dimensional induced pluripotent stem-cell models of human brain angiogenesis
Authors: Searson Peter , Linville Raleigh M. , Arevalo Diego , Maressa Joanna C. , Zhao Nan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: During brain development, chemical cues released by developing neurons, cellular signaling with pericytes, and mechanical cues within the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) promotes angiogenesis occurs of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). During brain disease, angiogenesis can also occur due to pathological chemical, cellular, and mechanical signaling. Existing in vitro and in vivo models of brain angiogenesis have key limitations. Methods: Here, we develop a high-throughput in vitro BBB bead assay of brain angiogenesis utilizing 150 μm diameter beads coated with induced pluripotent stem-cell (iPSC)-derived human BMECs (dhBMECs). After embedding the beads within a 3D matrix, we introduce various chemical cues and extracellular matrix components to explore their effects on angiogenic behavior. Based on the results from the bead assay, we generate a multi-scale model of the human cerebrovasculature within perfusable three-dimensional tissue-engineered blood-brain barrier (BBB) microvessels. Results: A sprouting phenotype is optimized in confluent monolayers of dhBMECs using chemical treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and wnt ligands, and the inclusion of pro-angiogenic ECM components. As a proof-of-principle that the bead angiogenesis assay can be applied to study pathological angiogenesis, we show that oxidative stress can exert concentration-dependent effects on angiogenesis. Finally, we demonstrate the formation of a hierarchical microvascular model of the human blood-brain barrier displaying key structural hallmarks. Conclusions: We develop two in vitro models of brain angiogenesis: the BBB bead assay and the tissue-engineered BBB microvessel model. These platforms provide a tool kit for studies of physiological and pathological brain angiogenesis, with key advantages over existing two-dimensional models.
Meta-analysis of the pharmacogenetics of ARMS2 A69S polymorphism and the response to advanced age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Zhaohui , Hu Shuqiong , Qi Jian 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes irreversible vision loss, and targeted anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is now the most common and effective treatment. The aim of this meta-analysis is to discuss whether genetic polymorphism of ARMS2 A69S could confer susceptibility to advanced AMD with the response to anti-VEGF treatment.Methods We performed a meta-analysis of relevant published studies selected through electronic databases. A total of 21 preferred studies regarding the association between ARMS2 gene and anti-VEGF treatment response in advanced AMD were generally included in the meta-analysis.Results The pooled results demonstrated that the carriage of G allele for ARMS2 A69S presented a better clinical prognosis for advanced AMD treated with anti-VEGF drugs (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.13-1.69, P=0.002). Additionally, in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, ARMS2 polymorphisms were more likely to be a positive responder for East Asian patients (OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.29-2.16, P<0.001).Conclusion This meta-analysis through a series of rigorous methodology data demonstrated a significant association between ARMS2 A69S polymorphism and the anti-VEGF treatment response in advanced AMD, especially among East Asian population. Numerous well-designed, randomized, multicenter clinical trials with large sample size are required to validate the association.
Mindfulness-based interventions for children and adolescents: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Perrier Marie-France , Flowers Heather , Gurgel-Juarez Nalia Cecilia , McCormick Anna , Short Sarah J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background and purpose: Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are becoming increasingly popular, the application of MBIs with children and adolescents is still in its infancy. Mapping the existing literature is necessary to help guide pediatric mindfulness interventions. Our purpose is to synthesize the evidence of reported MBIs for children and adolescents with and without physical, mental, and cognitive disorders. Accordingly, we aim to identify trends and gaps in the literature, so that we can provide direction to researchers who seek to advance the evidence base for using MBIs in pediatric populations. Methods: Our search strategy will be conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. It will include a comprehensive search of published studies in 7 databases, the grey literature, conference proceedings, and citations of selected articles. Two independent reviewers will evaluate all abstracts and full articles that: i) have a pediatric sample (children 2-18 years), ii) use MBIs to promote development or to remediate underlying disorders, and iii) are written in English or French. We will identify the definitions and concepts from MBIs, categorize accepted studies according to etiology and rehabilitation type, describe intervention methodology, and report outcomes of selected studies. Discussion: Our review will provide a comprehensive overview of the pediatric mindfulness intervention literature to date, involving a range of mental, cognitive and physical outcomes for healthy children and adolescents and for those with a variety of disorders in clinical and institutional settings. We will disseminate results to mindfulness practitioners and provide guidance to future pediatric researchers in their development and application of mindfulness interventions, thereby contributing to the scientific understanding of mindfulness for the ultimate betterment of child and adolescent well-being and life-long functioning. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO does not accept scoping review protocols.
A retrospective study in Chinese infertility patients to investigate pregnancy outcomes of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles: The FASSION study
Authors: Li Rong , Yang Rui , Sheng Yan , Gong Fei , Liu Jianqiao , Ding Ying , Chang Peter , Qiao Jie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The prevalence of infertility among Chinese women of reproductive age was estimated to be 25.0%. Currently, assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is considered the most effective treatment for infertility. Cetrorelix is a subcutaneously administered gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist approved for clinical use in IVF therapy. To improve IVF outcomes, there is a need to identify predictive markers of successful clinical pregnancy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists.Methods The retrospective FASSION study assessed clinical outcomes and factors associated with clinical pregnancy rates of Chinese patients undergoing fertility treatment with cetrorelix and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. We analyzed medical records of infertile women aged ≤35 years, with baseline serum follicle-stimulating hormone level ≤10 mIU/mL, body mass index ≤30 kg/m2 and normal uterine cavity, who underwent IVF/ICSI cycles using cetrorelix at four centers in China. The primary objective was identifying factors associated with clinical pregnancy rates by validating a predictive model for clinical outcome evaluation. Secondary objectives were clinical outcomes and safety.Results In total, 2972 women were included. After adjusting for confounders, on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin triggering, an increased endometrial thickness was associated with a higher probability of pregnancy outcome (p=0.0001) and a higher progesterone level was associated with a lower probability of pregnancy outcome after fresh embryo transfer (ET) per initiated cycle (p=0.0256). Per ET cycle, the ongoing pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates were 45.2% and 53.0%, respectively, with an implantation rate of 37.3% per ET. The early miscarriage and cycle cancellation rates were 13.4% and 5.7%, respectively. A total of 970 live births were reported. The live birth rate per initiated cycle was 32.6% and that per ET cycle was 45.2%. Fifty-one patients (1.7%) reported an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome event, with severe events in 17 (0.6%) patients.Conclusions This prediction model may be useful for the preliminary screening of IVF patients and help improve clinical pregnancy outcomes.
Exclusive breastfeeding practice and associated factors among first time mothers in Bahir Dar city, North West Ethiopia, 2016: A cross sectional study.
Authors: Ayalew Tilksew Abitie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding means infants were fed only breast milk, not even water, one day (24 hrs.) before the survey was conducted. It is considered as core practice to achieve almost all 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically sustainable development goal 2 which focuses in ending hunger and improving nutrition and goal 3 which focuses in reducing child and maternal mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice and its associated factor among first time mothers in Bahir Dar city, North West Ethiopia.Method: A community based quantitative cross sectional study was carried out from March to April, 2016 among 423 first time mothers in Bahir Dar city. Study participants were selected by busing simple random sampling method i.e., lottery method. Data on infant feeding practice were collected by trained interviewers who used a structured questionnaire. Both binary and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Statistical significance was declared at P -value <0.05.Results: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice 24 hours before the survey was 57.3 %( 95%CL: 52.3%, 62%). Mothers not being married (AOR 2.787,95 %CI: 1.083, 7.171), were supported by their husband (AOR 3.658, 95%CI: 2.132, 6.278), with no breast complication (AOR 3.658, 95% CI: 2.132, 6.278), who had four or more antenatal care follow up (AOR 2.512, 95%CI: 1.494, 4.233) were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding. On the other hand, mothers who were living in nuclear family (AOR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.231, 1.001) were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice in the study area was lower than the national recommended level. In this study maternal age, number of antenatal care visits, husband support, breast complication and type of family were predictors of exclusive breastfeeding. Involving partners during infant feeding counseling and education, creating awareness about breastfeeding, special attention for the first time mothers, and prenatal education for expectant parents were recommended to improve exclusive breastfeeding among first time mothers.