bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans causing vaginal discharge among pregnant women in Lebanon
Authors: Ghaddar Nahed , Anastasiadis Elie , Halimeh Rawad , Ghaddar Ali , Dhar Rita , AlFouzan Wadha , Yusef Hoda , El Chaar Mira 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Vaginal candidiasis is frequent in pregnant women and is associated with sepsis and adverse neonatal outcomes. This study determined the prevalence of candida species in symptomatic pregnant women and evaluated the antifungal susceptibility profile of the isolated Candida strains. It also aimed to explore whether Candida species predicts gestational complications and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Methods
A total of 258 pregnant women with vaginal discharge at 35 to 37 week of gestation participated in this study. Vaginal swabs from these patients were collected at various obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Lebanon for a period of 14 months. Candida isolates were identified at species level and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans to fluconazole (FCZ), amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ICZ) and voriconazole (VCZ) was determined by the agar-based E-test method.

Results
Among 258 women tested, 100 (39%) were positive for Candida species. C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. krusei were isolated from 42, 41 and 17% of the women, respectively. C. albicans was significantly associated only with gestational diabetes while C. krusei or C. glabrata had significant positive associations with other gestational complications. The antifungal susceptibility tests of C. albicans isolates revealed 97.5, 90, 87.5 and 97.5% susceptibility to AMB, FCZ, ICZ and VCZ, respectively.

Conclusion
The current study revealed high incidence of both C. albicans and non-C. albicans Candida strains causing vulvovaginitis among pregnant women in Beirut, Lebanon. Candida screening as antenatal follow up is advised to minimize the risk of adverse neonatal outcome or gestational complications.
Global prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in the military population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baygi Fereshteh , Herttua Kimmo , Jensen Olaf Chresten , Djalalinia Shirin , Mahdavi Ghorabi Armita , Asayesh Hamid , Qorbani Mostafa 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Although there are numerous studies on the global prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in military personnel, the pooled prevalence of CMRFs in this population remains unclear. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the estimation of the global prevalence of CMRFs in the military population.

Methods
We simultaneously searched PubMed and NLM Gateway (for MEDLINE), Institute of Scientific Information (ISI), and SCOPUS with using standard keywords. All papers published up to March 2018 were reviewed. Two independent reviewers assessed papers and extracted the data. Chi-square-based Q test was used to assess the heterogeneity of reported prevalence among studies. The overall prevalence of all CMRFs, including overweight, obesity, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high total cholesterol (TC), high triglyceride (TG), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hypertension (HTN) and high fasting blood sugar (FBS) was estimated by using the random effects meta-analysis. A total of 37 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis.

Results
According the random effect meta-analysis, the global pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of MetS, high LDL, high TC, high TG, low HDL and high FBS were 21% (17–25), 32% (27–36), 34% (10–57), 24% (16–31), 28% (17–38) and 9% (5–12), respectively. Moreover, global pooled prevalence of overweight, generalized obesity, abdominal obesity and HTN were estimated to be 35% (31–39), 14% (13–16), 29% (20–39) and 26 (19–34), respectively.

Conclusions
The overall prevalence of some cardio-metabolic risk factors was estimated to be higher in military personnel. Therefore, the necessary actions should be taken to reduce risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Systematic review registration number in PROSPERO
CRD42018103345
Participatory ethnobotany and conservation: a methodological case study conducted with quilombola communities in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest
Authors: Rodrigues Eliana , Cassas Fernando , Conde Bruno Esteves , da Cruz Crenilda , Barretto Eduardo Hortal Pereira , dos Santos Ginacil , Figueira Glyn Mara , Passero Luiz Felipe Domingues , dos Santos Maria Alice , Gomes Maria Angélica Silva , Matta Priscila , Yazbek Priscila , Garcia Ricardo José Francischetti , Braga Silvestre , Aragaki Sonia , Honda Sumiko , Sauini Thamara , da Fonseca-Kruel Viviane S. , Ticktin Tamara 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Although multiple studies advocate the advantages of participatory research approaches for ethnoscience, few provide solid contributions from case studies that involve residents in all of the project phases. We present a case study of a participatory approach whose aim is to register ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (maroon communities), an important biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil. Our aim is to provide tools that will empower decision-making related to sustainable use and management among residents.

Methods
In phase I, the objectives and activities were defined in meetings with residents to carry out ethnobotanical surveys between two quilombola communities—the Quilombo da Fazenda (QF) and Quilombo do Cambury (QC). In phase II, we offered community partners training courses on how to collect plants and ethnobotanical data. In coordination with the university team and using ethnobotanical methods, community partners interviewed specialists on plants and their uses. In phase III, using the participatory mapping method, residents indicated plot locations and collected plants to calculate the Conservation Priority Index for native species recorded in phase II.

Results
In 178 days of fieldwork, two community partners from the QF and three from the QC selected 8 and 11 respondents who reported 175 and 195 plant species, respectively, corresponding to 9 ethnobotanical categories. Based on requests from the local community, booklets and videos with these data were collaboratively produced. A large percentage of species were found to be of great conservation priority—82.1% in the QC and 62.5% in the QF. Virola bicuhyba, Cedrela fissilis, Plinia edulis, and Tabebuia cassinoides are the species most at risk and will be the focus of phase IV, when a participatory management plan will be carried out. Additionally, we present both challenges and opportunities with the hope that others can learn from our successes and failures.

Conclusions
Our experience shows that it is possible to train community members who wish to document their knowledge to support the process of ensuring that local knowledge is highly regarded, further ensuring its perpetuation. In this context, the project may be of great interest to development programs in promoting community-based management strategies for useful plants.
Intensity modulated proton therapy compared to volumetric modulated arc therapy in the irradiation of young female patients with hodgkin’s lymphoma. Assessment of risk of toxicity and secondary cancer induction
Authors: Scorsetti Marta , Cozzi Luca , Navarria Pierina , Fogliata Antonella , Rossi Alexia , Franceschini Davide , De Rose Fiorenza , Franzese Ciro , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Santoro Armando 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
To investigate the role of intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) compared to volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for advanced supradiaphragmatic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) in young female patients by assessing dosimetric features and modelling the risk of treatment related complications and radiation-induced secondary malignancies.

Methods
A group of 20 cases (planned according to the involved-site approach) were retrospectively investigated in a comparative planning study. Intensity modulated proton plans (IMPT) were compared to VMAT RapidArc plans (RA). Estimates of toxicity were derived from normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) calculations with either the Lyman or the Poisson models for a number of endpoints. Estimates of the risk of secondary cancer induction were determined for lungs, breasts, esophagus and thyroid. A simple model-based selection strategy was considered as a feasibility proof for the individualized selection of patients suitable for proton therapy.

Results
IMPT and VMAT plans resulted equivalent in terms of target dose distributions, both were capable to ensure high coverage and homogeneity. In terms of conformality, IMPT resulted ~ 10% better than RA plans. Concerning organs at risk, IMPT data presented a systematic improvement (highly significant) over RA for all organs, particularly in the dose range up to 20Gy. This lead to a composite average reduction of NTCP of 2.90 ± 2.24 and a reduction of 0.26 ± 0.22 in the relative risk of cardiac failures. The excess absolute risk per 10,000 patients-years of secondary cancer induction was reduced, with IMPT, of 9.1 ± 3.2, 7.2 ± 3.7 for breast and lung compared to RA. The gain in EAR for thyroid and esophagus was lower than 1. Depending on the arbitrary thresholds applied, the selection rate for proton treatment would have ranged from 5 to 75%.

Conclusion
In relation to young female patients with advanced supradiaphragmatic HL, IMPT can in general offer improved dose-volume sparing of organs at risk leading to an anticipated lower risk of early or late treatment related toxicities. This would reflect also in significantly lower risk of secondary malignancies induction compared to advanced photon based techniques. Depending on the selection thresholds and with all the limits of a non-validated and very basic model, it can be anticipated that a significant fraction of patients might be suitable for proton treatments if all the risk factors would be accounted for.
Whole-body MRI within a surveillance program for carriers with clinically actionable germline TP53 variants - the Swedish constitutional TP53 study SWEP53
Authors: Omran Meis , Blomqvist Lennart , Brandberg Yvonne , Pal Niklas , Kogner Per , Ståhlbom Anne Kinhult , Tham Emma , Bajalica-Lagercrantz Svetlana 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The current guidelines in Sweden regarding individuals with a clinically actionable (i.e. pathogenic or likely pathogenic) germline TP53 variant recommend patients to take part of the national Swedish P53 Study (SWEP53).

Methods
The study comprises a patient registry (mandatory for all participants) and three optional parts: a biobank, a surveillance program and a psychosocial evaluation of the surveillance. All known adult eligible carriers regardless of age are offered to take part of the surveillance program offering MRI yearly of the whole-body, breast, and brain as well as breast ultrasound. A special surveillance program is offered for individuals 15–18 years old with a 50% risk of being a mutation carrier or with a verified TP53 variation, includes ultrasound of the abdomen and urine corticosteroid profiles. Clinically motivated further examinations are performed upon need. The national inclusion is performed through the six clinical genetic units in Sweden at Umeå, Uppsala, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Linköping and Lund, and the surveillance is mainly performed through the oncology clinics.

Results
To date, a total of 41 adults and 11 children have been included in the study.

Conclusions
The SWEP53 is the first structured national surveillance program including radiological and clinical routines for TP53 mutation carriers in the Scandinavian setting. The aim of this publication is to present and describe the ongoing Swedish surveillance study to encourage the initiation of similar studies and to contribute to the knowledge of adequate clinical handling of these cancer prone families.

Trial registration
Trial registration number: ISRCTN13103571, retrospectively registered on 14/10/2019.
Swiss chocolate and free beverages to increase the motivation for scientific work amongst residents: a prospective interventional study in a non-academic teaching hospital in Switzerland
Authors: Rühle Annika , Oehme Florian , Link Björn-Christian , Metzger Jürg , Fischer Henning , Stickel Michael , Delagrammaticas Dimitri E. , Babst Reto , Beeres Frank J. P. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The success of a clinical trial depends on its recruitment of eligible patients; therefore, the recruitment period requires special attention. We hypothesized that with a new approach focused on continuous information and gratification, resident motivation to participate in scientific work will increase and recruitment rates will improve.

Methods
Our new recruitment approach was applied to the recruitment phase of two prospective randomized trials (registered at the German Clinical Trials Register). Randomization of these trials was performed first using blinded envelopes; later a soft drink machine was used as the delivery tool of randomization as a lighthearted motivation to join scientific work and to reward the resident with free soft drinks for each recruitment. Residents were informed about the trial via a lecture and by mail. To increase interest everyone received Swiss chocolate. With a multiple choice survey we investigated the success of our actions at 6 and 12 months. Recruitment rates of the trials were evaluated and associated with the motivational approaches.

Results
Our residents rated their awareness of the trials with median 9 (IQR 7;9) during the first and 8 (IQR 5;9) during the second survey and their interest in scientific work with median 7 (IQR 4;8) and 6 (IQR 5;8). The percentage of residents feeling highly motivated improved from 58% to 70%. The recruitment rates stayed stably high over time with 73% and 72% in trial 1 and 90% and 85% in trial 2; 24% of residents stated their motivation could be increased by gratifications.

Conclusions
After implementation of our new recruitment approach we found positively motivated residents and high recruitment rates in the corresponding trials. We propose this procedure may help to ensure the successful initiation of clinical trials. Larger studies testing this approach are warranted.
Gene copy number and function of the APL1 immune factor changed during Anopheles evolution
Authors: Mitri Christian , Bischoff Emmanuel , Eiglmeier Karin , Holm Inge , Dieme Constentin , Brito-Fravallo Emma , Raz Abbasali , Zakeri Sedigheh , Nejad Mahdokht I. K. , Djadid Navid D. , Vernick Kenneth D. , Riehle Michelle M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe recent reference genome assembly and annotation of the Asian malaria vectorAnopheles stephensidetected only one gene encoding the leucine-rich repeat immune factor APL1, while in theAnopheles gambiaeand siblingAnopheles coluzzii, APL1 factors are encoded by a family of three paralogs. The phylogeny and biological function of the unique APL1 gene inAn. stephensihave not yet been specifically examined.MethodsThe APL1 locus was manually annotated to confirm the computationally predicted single APL1 gene inAn. stephensi. APL1 evolution withinAnopheleswas explored by phylogenomic analysis. The single or paralogous APL1 genes were silenced inAn. stephensiandAn. coluzzii, respectively, followed by mosquito survival analysis, experimental infection withPlasmodiumand expression analysis.ResultsAPL1 is present as a single ancestral gene in mostAnophelesincludingAn. stephensibut has expanded to three paralogs in an African lineage that includes only theAnopheles gambiaespecies complex andAnopheles christyi. Silencing of the unique APL1 copy inAn. stephensiresults in significant mosquito mortality. Elevated mortality of APL1-depletedAn. stephensiis rescued by antibiotic treatment, suggesting that pathology due to bacteria is the cause of mortality, and indicating that the unique APL1 gene is essential for host survival. SuccessfulPlasmodiumdevelopment inAn. stephensidepends upon APL1 activity for protection from high host mortality due to bacteria. In contrast, silencing of all three APL1 paralogs inAn. coluzziidoes not result in elevated mortality, either with or withoutPlasmodiuminfection. Expression of the singleAn. stephensiAPL1 gene is regulated by both the Imd and Toll immune pathways, while the two signaling pathways regulate different APL1 paralogs in the expanded APL1 locus.ConclusionsAPL1 underwent loss and gain of functions concomitant with expansion from a single ancestral gene to three paralogs in one lineage of AfricanAnopheles. We infer that activity of the unique APL1 gene promotes longevity inAn. stephensiby conferring protection from or tolerance to an effect of bacterial pathology. The evolution of an expanded APL1 gene family could be a factor contributing to the exceptional levels of malaria transmission mediated by human-feeding members of theAn. gambiaespecies complex in Africa.
Clonorchis sinensis MF6p/HDM (CsMF6p/HDM) induces pro-inflammatory immune response in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells via NF-κB-dependent MAPK pathways
Authors: Kang Jung-Mi , Yoo Won Gi , Lê Hương Giang , Lee Jinyoung , Sohn Woon-Mok , Na Byoung-Kuk 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMF6p/host defense molecules (HDMs) are a broad family of small proteins secreted by helminth parasites. Although the physiological role of MF6p/HDMs in trematode parasites is not fully understood, their potential biological function in maintaining heme homeostasis and modulating host immune response has been proposed.MethodsA gene encoding the MF6p/HDM ofClonorchis sinensis(CsMF6p/HDM) was cloned. Recombinant CsMF6p/HDM (rCsMF6p/HDM) was expressed inEscherichia coli. The biochemical and immunological properties of rCsMF6/HDM were analyzed. CsMF6p/HDM induced pro-inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells was analyzed by cytokine array assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The structural feature of CsMF6p/HDM was analyzed by three-dimensional modeling and molecular docking simulations.ResultsThe CsMF6p/HDM shares a high level of amino acid sequence similarity with orthologs from other trematodes and is expressed in diverse developmental stages of the parasite. The rCsMF6p/HDM bound to bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS), without effectively neutralizing LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Rather, the rCsMF6p/HDM induced pro-inflammatory immune response, which is characterized by the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, in RAW 264.7 cells. The rCsMF6p/HDM-induced pro-inflammatory immune response was regulated by JNK and p38 MAPKs, and was effectively down-regulatedviainhibition of NF-κB. The structural analysis of CsMF6p/HDM and the docking simulation with LPS suggested insufficient capture of LPS by CsMF6p/HDM, which suggested that rCsMF6p/HDM could not effectively neutralize LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells.ConclusionsAlthough rCsMF6p/HDM binds to LPS, the binding affinity may not be sufficient to maintain a stable complex of rCsMF6p/HDM and LPS. Moreover, the rCsMF6p/HDM-induced pro-inflammatory response is characterized by the release of IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The pro-inflammatory response induced by rCsMF6p/HDM is mediatedviaNF-κB-dependent MAPK signaling pathway. These results collectively suggest that CsMF6p/HDM mediatesC. sinensis-induced inflammation cascades that eventually lead to hepatobiliary diseases.
Comparison of acridine orange fluorescent microscopy and gram stain light microscopy for the rapid detection of bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Sharma Supriya , Acharya Jyoti , Banjara Megha Raj , Ghimire Prakash , Singh Anjana 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective
Bacterial meningitis is a life threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Currently, Gram stain is widely used for the microscopic detection of bacterial pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In Nepal, fluorescent microscopes have been installed in laboratories as a part of the National tuberculosis control program. However, information on the utility of the acridine orange (AO) stain for the direct detection of bacteria in CSF samples in Nepal is not available. Therefore, this study aims to compare Gram stain and AO stain for the rapid detection of bacterial pathogens in CSF of clinically suspected meningitis cases in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Results
Bacterial pathogens were detected in 9.30% (36/387) by either of the three tests, 9.04% (35/387) by AO stain, 8.27% (32/387) by culture and 6.46% (25/387) by Gram’s stain. Considering culture as a gold standard, the sensitivity of AO stain was higher than Gram stain. The specificity of AO stain was 98.87%. Detection and differentiation of the bacteria was much clear in AO staining than Gram staining. AO is a better alternative to Gram stain in the rapid detection of bacterial pathogens in CSF in the setting where fluorescent microscope is available.
Improving dysarthric speech recognition using empirical mode decomposition and convolutional neural network
Authors: Sidi Yakoub Mohammed , Selouani Sid-ahmed , Zaidi Brahim-Fares , Bouchair Asma 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we use empirical mode decomposition and Hurst-based mode selection (EMDH) along with deep learning architecture using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to improve the recognition of dysarthric speech. The EMDH speech enhancement technique is used as a preprocessing step to improve the quality of dysarthric speech. Then, the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients are extracted from the speech processed by EMDH to be used as input features to a CNN-based recognizer. The effectiveness of the proposed EMDH-CNN approach is demonstrated by the results obtained on the Nemours corpus of dysarthric speech. Compared to baseline systems that use Hidden Markov with Gaussian Mixture Models (HMM-GMMs) and a CNN without an enhancement module, the EMDH-CNN system increases the overall accuracy by 20.72% and 9.95%, respectively, using ak-fold cross-validation experimental setup.
The informative value and design of orthodontic practice websites in The Netherlands
Authors: Oey Cesar Guy , Livas Christos 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The aims of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the regulatory compliance of Dutch practice websites offering orthodontic services, readability of the available treatment information, website design as well as possible relationship with practice location and professional qualification of practitioners.

Methods
A comprehensive Internet search was performed using the Google search engine and five relevant terms in Dutch. Eligibility screening of the first 50 results of each search led to the final inclusion of 111 websites. The content of the selected websites was evaluated in terms of compliance to international regulations on ethical advertising guidelines (CED), treatment information text readability using Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and website design using the BDC assessment tool.

Results
Reporting of websites according to CED guidelines covered on average 85% of the mandatory items. No significant differences were observed between dental and orthodontic practices, and between practices located in densely and sparsely populated regions (P > 0.05). The mean FRES of the displayed information indicated difficult-to-understand text. BDC scores of multi-location practices were significantly higher than the rest (P < 0.006).

Conclusions
The websites of orthodontic practices in The Netherlands do not fully comply with CED guidelines on ethical advertising. Readability of the displayed information and website technical performance needs to be further optimized.