bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria vector species composition and entomological indices following indoor residual spraying in regions bordering Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Authors: Kakilla Charles Elias , Manjurano Alphaxard , Nelwin Karen , Martin Jackline , Mashauri Fabian , Kinung'hi Safari , Lyimo Eric , Mangalu Doris , Bernard Lucy , Iwuchukwu Nduka , Mwalimu Dismasi , Serbantez Naomi , Greer George , George Kristen , Oxborough Richard M , Magesa Stephen M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Vector control through long lasting insecticidal nets and focal indoor residual spraying (IRS) is a major component of the Tanzania national malaria control strategy. In mainland Tanzania, IRS has been conducted annually around Lake Victoria basin since 2007. Due to pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors, use of pyrethroids for IRS was phased out and from 2014 to 2017 pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic® 300CS) was sprayed in regions of Kagera, Geita, Mwanza and Mara. Entomological surveillance was conducted in ten sprayed and four unsprayed sites to determine the impact of IRS on entomological indices related to malaria transmission risk. Methods: WHO Cone bioassays were conducted monthly on interior house walls to determine residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl CS. Indoor CDC light traps with or without bottle rotator were hung next to protected sleepers indoors and also set outdoors (un-baited) as a proxy measure for indoor and outdoor biting rate and time of biting. Prokopack aspirators were used indoors to capture potentially resting malaria vector. A sub-sample of Anopheles were tested by PCR to determine species identity and ELISA for sporozoite rate. Results: Annual IRS with Actellic® 300CS from 2015 to 2017 was effective on sprayed walls for a mean of 7 months in cone bioassay. PCR of 2016 and 2017 samples showed vector populations were predominantly An. arabiensis (58.1%, n=4,403 IRS sites, 58%, n=2,441 unsprayed sites). There was a greater proportion of An. funestus s.s. in unsprayed sites (20.4%, n=858) than sprayed sites (7.9%, n=595) and fewer An. parensis (2%, n=85 unsprayed, 7.8%, n=591 sprayed). Biting peaks of An. gambiae s.l. followed periods of rainfall occurring between October and April, but were generally lower in sprayed sites than unsprayed. In most sprayed sites, An. gambiae s.l. indoor densities increased between January and February, i.e. 10-12 months after IRS. The predominant species An. arabiensis had a sporozoite rate in 2017 of 2.0% (95% CI: 1.4-2.9) in unsprayed sites compared to 0.8% (95% CI: 0.5-1.3) in sprayed sites (p=0.003). Sporozoite rates were also lower for An. funestus collected in sprayed sites. Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of malaria vector species composition, behavior and transmission risk following IRS around Lake Victoria and can be used to guide malaria vector control strategies in Tanzania.
Value of artificial ascites to assist thermal ablation of liver cancer adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract in patients with previous abdominal surgery
Authors: Huang Qiannan , Li Jianguo , Zeng Qingjing , Tan Lei , Zheng Rongqin , He Xuqi , Li Kai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of artificial ascites to assist thermal ablation of liver cancer adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract in patients with previous abdominal surgery.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with a total of 40 liver malignant tumors were enrolled between January 2016 and June 2019. All had histories of hepatectomy, splenectomy, cholecystectomy, and intestinal surgery. The distance between the tumor and the gastrointestinal tract was < 5 mm. Normal saline was used as artificial ascites to protect the gastrointestinal tract during thermal ablation. The success rate of the procedure, incidence of major complications, and the technical efficacy of ablation were recorded. Patients were followed for local tumor progression (LTP), and overall survival (OS).

Results

The use of artificial ascites was successful in 38 of the 40 procedures (95%). Major complications occurred in two of the 39 patients (5.1%) following the procedure. One was an intestinal fistula that occurred in a failed case and was associated with an infection. The other was a liver abscess that occurred in a successful case. The technical efficacy of ablation was 100% (40/40 procedures). The median follow-up was 16 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year LTP rates were 2.9%, 5.7% and 5.7%. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 97.1%, 86.8% and 69.5%.

Conclusion

In patients with previous abdominal surgery, artificial ascites is feasible and effective for assisting thermal ablation of liver cancer adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract.
Significant reduction in abundance of&nbsp;peridomestic mosquitoes (Culicidae) and&nbsp;Culicoides&nbsp;midges (Ceratopogonidae) after insecticide intervention in western São Paulo,&nbsp;Brazil
Authors: González Mikel A. , Dilger Erin , Ronderos María M. , Spinelli Gustavo R. , Courtenay Orin , Hamilton James Gordon Campbell 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: We assessed the impact of two long-term interventions (insecticide spraying and insecticide-impregnated dog collars), previously directed against sand flies, on the abundance and distribution of mosquitoes (Culicidae) and biting midges (Ceratopogonidae). Both groups are of medical and veterinary importance in Brazil. Our objective was to determine the effect of the sand fly interventions on other biting Diptera.Methods: This study retained the original stratified randomised control trial design but was extended for 12 months. We included the 2 original intervention arms: chicken roosts sprayed with microencapsulated lambda-cyhalothrin and dogs fitted with deltamethrin-impregnated collars and a control arm with no insecticide. Adult mosquitoes and midges were sampled in 280 households at three locations (inside human dwellings, dog sleeping sites, chicken roosts). To maintain the integrity of the study objective we placed sand fly pheromone in the sprayed-insecticide arm. The sand fly pheromone has no effect on the behaviour of culicids or Culicoides.Results: We collected 3,145 culicids (9 genera, 87.6% Culex spp.) distributed relatively uniformly across all 3 arms; 41.9% at chicken roosts, 37.7% inside houses, and 20.3% at dog sleeping sites. We collected 11,464 Culicoides (15 species) found mostly at chicken roosting sites (84.7%) compared with dog sleeping sites (12.9%) or houses (2.4%). Mosquitoes and Culicoides were most abundant during the hot and rainy season. Increased daytime temperature was marginally associated with increased mosquito abundance (z=1.97; P=0.049) and Culicoides abundance (z=1.71; P=0.087). There was no significant association with daily average rainfall for either group. Household-level mosquito and midge numbers were both significantly reduced by the sprayed insecticide intervention 56% [Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR=0.54 (95% C.I. 0.30, 0.97), P≤0.05] and 53% [IRR=0.47 (0.26, 0.85), P≤0.05], respectively, compared to the control. The abundance of both Dipteran groups at dog sleeping sites was unaffected by either intervention. The sprayed insecticide significantly reduced abundance of mosquitoes inside houses (41%), at chicken roosting sites (48%) and reduced midge abundance by 51% in chicken roosting sites.Conclusions: Insecticide sprayed at chicken roosting sites reduced the abundance of mosquitoes and midges at the peridomestic level. Dog collars had no effect on numbers of any group.
Harnessing the strategy of metagenomics for exploring the intestinal microecology of sable (Martes zibellina), the national first-level protected animal
Authors: Yan Jiakuo , Wu Xiaoyang , Chen Jun , Chen Yao , Zhang Honghai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Sable (Martes zibellina), belongs to Carnivora, Mustelidae and Maretes, was mainly distributed among the cold northern zone of Eurasia. The purpose of this study is to explore the intestinal flora of the sable by the method of the metagenomic library-based technique, libraries were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 4000 instrument. Effective Data volume of each sample is above 6000M, the ratio of the Effective Data (the Clean Data) to original Data (Raw Data) is over 98%. According to the analysis of statistical data, the Total length of ORF is about 603,031, which is 347.36 Mbp. We contrast the unique function of genes with KEGG database, we acquire 7140 genes (KO), a total of all the samples KO is 129788. We selected higher abundance genes to draw cluster heat maps, and according to the results of the KEGG metabolic pathway annotations, we acquire the gene function，including metabolism, environmental information processing, genetic information processing, cellular process and organismal systems. We contrast the unique function of genes with CAZy database, the functional carbohydrate hydrolases have corresponding genes in the intestinal microorganisms of the sable. This is closely related to the fact that the sable is adapted to cold environments and requires a large amount of energy to maintain its metabolic activity. We contrast the unique function of genes with eggNOG database，the main functions of genes included gene duplication, recombination and repair, transport and metabolism of amino acids, transport and metabolism of carbohydrates, etc. In this study, we intended to identify the complex microbial population structure of sables based on metagenomic sequencing method, which uses the whole metagenomic data, mapping the sequences to the known genes or the pathways in the existing databases, such as CAZy, KEGG, or eggNOG, and then exploring the genetic composition and functional diversity of microbial community based on the mapped functional categories.
Hydroxychloroquine for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis of COVID-19 among naval personnel in Sri Lanka: study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Niriella Madunil Anuk , Ediriweera Dileepa Senajith , De Silva Arjuna Priyadarshin , Premarathna Ranjan , Balasooriya Priyantha , Duminda K D , Malavige Neelika Gathsaurie , Wanigasuriya Kamani , Lekamwasam Sarath , Kularathne S A , Siribaddana Sisira , de Silva Hithanadura Janaka , Jayasinghe Saroj 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The first case of a corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) infection in a Sri Lankan was reported on March 11, 2020. The situation in Sri Lanka changed with the rapid increase of personnel contracting COVID-19 in a Naval base camp that housed more than 4000 people. This provided a unique opportunity to study the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), while taking stringent, non-pharmacologic, public health measures to prevent spread. Our aim is to study the effectiveness and safety of HCQ for PEP among naval personnel with exposure to COVID-19 positive patients.Methods/design: This is a placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial carried out in the Naval base camp and quarantine centers of the Sri Lanka Navy, Ministry of Defense, Sri Lanka. Navy personnel who are exposed to a patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection but test negative for the virus on reverse, real-time polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) at recruitment will be randomized, 200 to each arm, to receive HCQ or placebo, and monitored for the development of symptoms or rRT-PCR positivity for severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus for 14 days. Discussion: This trial will provide high-quality evidence of the effectiveness and safety of HCQ as PEP for COVID-19. The study design is unique due to the circumstances of the outbreak in a confined area among otherwise healthy adults, at a relatively early stage of its spread. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Sri Lanka Clinical Trails Registry (SLCTR) – SLCTR/2020/011 on 04.05.2020 (https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2020-011)
Genetic markers associated with antimalarial drug resistance and haemoglobin genotypes among malaria patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Benjamin Gideon Yakusak , Inabo Helen Ileigo , Muhammad Hassan Isa Doko , Olayinka Busayo O 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Malaria is a disease of public health concern in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. The emergence of drug resistance, particularly among P. falciparum strains, has been a major contributor to the global burden of malaria. This research was aimed at detecting genetic markers (pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfatpase6) associated with antimalarial drug resistance and assessing the distribution of haemoglobin genotypes among malaria patients in of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods Three hundred (300) blood samples were collected from consenting individuals attending selected hospitals, in the three senatorial districts of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant data from the study participants. The samples were screened for malaria parasites by microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic test kit. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from one third of the malaria positive samples, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used for detection of the drug resistance genes. Pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfatpase6 genes were detected at expected amplicon sizes from the malaria positive samples. The pfatpase6 PCR amplicons were sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was created using MEGA X to determine their relatedness to published sequences. Results Pfcrt (80%) had the highest prevalence, followed by pfdhfr (60%), pfmdr1 (36%) and pfdhps (8%). Pfatpase6 was also detected in 73.3% of the samples. The phylogenetic tree showed that all the pfatpase6 gene sequences (both the ones from this study and those published in NCBI Genbank) had the same origin and were closely related. However, the sequences from NCBI Genbank were from one clade; arising from a common ancestor (monophyletic) thus they were more closely related to themselves, than to the pfatpase6 sequences obtained in this study. Of all the malaria positive participants, those with HbAA (73%) haemoglobin genotype had the highest percentage followed by HbAS (23%), HbAC (3%) and HbSS (1). Conclusion We detected Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with drug resistance to commonly used antimalarials in the study area. Expression of these genes could have serious consequences in the treatment of malaria. The percentage of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was higher among persons with HbAA than those with HbAS, HbAC and HbS.
Long-fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites by 3D Printing: Influence of Nature of Reinforcement and Processing Parameters on Mechanical Performance
Authors: Dantas Francis , Couling Kevin , Gibbons Greg 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the effect of material type (matrix and reinforcement) and process parameters, on the mechanical properties of 3D Printed long-fibre reinforced polymer composites manufactured using a commercial 3D Printer (Mark Two). The effect of matrix material (Onyx or polyamide), reinforcement type (Carbon, Kevlar®, and HSHT glass), volume of reinforcement, and reinforcement lay-up orientation on both Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and Flexural Modulus were investigated.
For Onyx, carbon fibre reinforcement offered the largest increase in both UTS and Flexural Modulus over unreinforced material (1,228±19 % and 1,114±6 % respectively). Kevlar® and HSHT also provided improvements but these were less significant. Similarly, for Nylon, the UTS and Flexural Modulus were increased by 1,431±56 % and 1,924±5 % by the addition of carbon fibre reinforcement. Statistical analysis indicated that changing the number of layers of reinforcement had the largest impact on both UTS and Flexural Strength, and all parameters were statistically significant.
Genome-wide association study of rice rooting ability at the seedling stage
Authors: Xu Xin , Ye Junhua , Yang Yingying , Zhang Mengchen , Xu Qun , Feng Yue , Yuan Xiaoping , Yu Hanyong , Wang Yiping , Yang Yaolong , Wei Xinghua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRice rooting ability is a complex agronomical trait that displays heterosis and plays an important role in rice growth and production. Only a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been identified by bi-parental population. More genes or QTLs are required to dissect the genetic architecture of rice rooting ability.ResultsTo characterize the genetic basis for rice rooting ability, we used a natural rice population, genotyped by a 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, to identify the loci associated with rooting-related traits through the genome-wide association study (GWAS). Population structure analysis divided the natural population into two subgroups: indica and japonica. We measured four traits for evaluating rice rooting ability, namely root growth ability (RGA), maximum root length (MRL), root length (RL), and root number (RN). Using the association study in three panels consisting of one for the full population, one for indica, and one for japonica, 24 SNPs associated with rooting ability-related traits were identified. Through comparison of the relative expression levels and DNA sequences between germplasm with extreme phenotypes, results showed that LOC_Os05g11810 had non-synonymous variations at the coding region, which may cause differences in root number, and that the expression levels of LOC_Os04g09900 and LOC_Os04g10060 are closely associated with root length variation.ConclusionsThrough evaluation of the rice rooting ability-related traits and the association mapping, we provided useful information for understanding the genetic basis of rice rooting ability and also identified some candidate genes and molecular markers for rice root breeding.
Prognostic role of sarcopenia and body composition with long-term outcomes in obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Chul Seung , Won Daeyoun David , Oh Soon Nam , Lee Yoon Suk , Lee In Kyu , Kim In-Ho , Choi Moon Hyung , Oh Seong Taek 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The clinical significance of sarcopenia in colorectal cancer obstruction has not yet been described. The present study aimed to determine the short and long-term oncologic impacts of sarcopenia in obstructive colorectal cancer.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 214 patients with obstructive colon cancer between January 2004 and December 2013. Initial staging computed tomography (CT) scans identified sarcopenia and visceral obesity by measuring the muscle and visceral fat areas at the third lumbar vertebra level. Both short-term postoperative and long-term oncologic outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Among all 214 patients, 71 (33.2%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia had a negative oncologic impact in both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.86, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.04 – 3.13, p = 0.037, and HR = 1.92, CI 1.02 – 3.60, p = 0.043, respectively). Visceral adiposity, body mass index (BMI) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) did not significantly impact DFS and OS.

Conclusion: Sarcopenia is a clinical factor significantly associated with OS and DFS but not with short-term complications in obstructive colorectal cancer. In future, prospective studies should incorporate body composition data in patient risk assessments and oncologic prediction tools.
Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Ezegbe Henrietta Chinelo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Unintended pregnancy has dire consequences on the health and socio-economic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (aged 15-24 years). While most studies tend to focus on lack of access to contraceptive information and services, and poverty as the main contributing factor to early-unintended pregnancies, the influence of sexual violence has received limited attention. Understanding the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy is critical towards developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa, a country with high teenage pregnancy rates. MethodsDrawing from cross-sectional data obtained among AGYW in a South African university between June and November 2018, we estimated the magnitude of unintended pregnancy among AGYW and also examined the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. A final sample of 451 girls aged 17-24 years, selected using stratified sampling, were included in the analysis. We used adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of sexual violence on unintended pregnancy. ResultsThe analysis shows that 41.9% of all respondents had experienced an unintended pregnancy, and 25.9% of those unintended pregnancies ended in abortions. Unintended pregnancy was higher among survivors of sexual violence (54.4%) compared to those who never experienced sexual abuse (34.3%). In the multivariable analysis, sexual violence was consistently and robustly associated with increased odds of having an unintended pregnancy (AOR:1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.68).ConclusionAddressing unintended pregnancies among AGYW in South Africa requires interventions that not only increase access to contraceptive information and services but also reduce sexual violence and cater for survivors.
Neuroprotective Effect Of Musk On Rat Brain Ischemic Model
Authors: Gochoo Radnaa , Namsrai Oyuntsetseg , Begzsuren Dagvatseren , Jargalsaikhan Bat-Erdene , Chimedtseren Chimedragchaa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Stroke is leading cause of morbidity and mortality in worldwide. Despite valuable progresses in understanding neurological deficits after stroke, its therapeutic options are remaining limited. We aimed to study the neuroprotective effect of musk on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury model rats.Methods:In our experiment, we used 180 whore meal breed Wistar rats which weigh 180-220 g and divided these rats into 50 mg/kg of musk, 100 mg/kg of musk, 10 mg/kg of nimodipine, the ischemic-reperfusion groups by filling the midriff of the brain and take the drugs for 7 days in each group. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was induced in rats by temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R) followed by treatment with musk at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses. On days 1, 3 and 7 after MCAO/R, TGF-β, BDNF, TrkB and NGF mRNA expressions in the rat brain tissue were quantitatively analyzed using RT-PCR.Results:Musk 50 and 100 mg/kg treated groups brain stroke size were significantly decreased compared with the experimental group at 1, 3 and 7 days. Moreover, brain BDNF, TrkB, NGF and TGF-β mRNA express were not significant difference between experimental and control group. Also 3rd and 7th day, the data indicate that Musk 50 and 100 mg/kg were significantly (p<0,05) effective increasing rats brain BDNF, TrkB, NGF and TGF- β mRNA express in rats with ischemic stroke induced by MCAO/R. Conclusions: The 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of musk lead to increase neuro-protective factors BDNF, TRkB, NGF and TGF- β expression of mRNA in ischemic-reperfusion rat model. It implies that the Mongolian musk supports the neurogenesis of neuronal cell.