bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Prevalence, Causal agents, and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Bizuwork Ketema , Alemayehu Haile , Medhin Girmay , Amogne Wondwossen , Eguale Tadesse 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAsymptomatic bacteriuria (ASBU) is an important health problem among pregnant women particularly in low income countries. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of ASBU, to identify causal bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility among pregnant women attending antenatal care centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodsHealth facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May, 2019, where 281 pregnant women with no symptom of urinary tract infection were examined using standard microbiological techniques. Women whose urine sample carried greater than or equal to 105 colony forming unit (CFU) of bacteria per milliliter was considered to have ASBU. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was investigated using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar plates.Results Out of 281 pregnant women examined, 44 (15.7%) had ASBU and none of the factors tested in the current analysis were significantly associated with occurrence of ASBU (p < 0.05). The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Escherichia coli 17(30.2%), Proteus, 13(23.2%) and Entrococcus 11(19.6%). All of the E. coli, Citrobacter and Klebsiela isolates and 84.6% of Proteus species were resistant to ampicillin. All bacterial isolates were resistant to at least one of antimicrobial agents tested. Resistance to three or more antimicrobials was detected in 15 (88.2%) of E. coli, 10 (76.9%) of Proteus, and 6 (54.6%) of Entrococcus isolates. Resistance to as high as 7 antimicrobials among E. coli and Proteus isolates and 9 antimicrobials among Entercoccus isolates was detected.ConclusionsRoutine screening for ASBU during antenatal visit is likely to result in early treatment and minimize complication to the mother and fetus. Assess sensitivity of isolates to commonly prescribed antimicrobials rather than treating empirically is recommended.
Parathyroid Hormone Injection Versus Vertebroplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Old Age: A Retrospective Study of 58 Female Patients
Authors: Kook Incheol , Kang Byeong-Jik , Park Ye-Soo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: While the indications of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in osteoporosis prevention and management have been established, its indications in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures remain unknown. This study aimed to compare the effects of intervention (percutaneous vertebroplasty followed by anti-resorptive agents) and conservative treatment (PTH administration) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, as well as to investigate the optimal duration of PTH administration. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data of patients treated for osteoporotic vertebral fractures between January 2015 and November 2019. Treatment was selected based on the patient’s age, comorbidities, and patient’s preference after explaining the expected advantages and disadvantages of each treatment. Group C was administered PTH injections once weekly, whereas Group I underwent vertebroplasty followed by the administration of anti-resorptive agents. Radiological and clinical parameters were analyzed between two groups.Results: This study enrolled 58 patients (77 vertebrae). Group C included 24 patients (38 vertebrae) with average age of 77.50 ± 7.19 years (range, 65–85 years), average bone mineral density (BMD) of −3.39 ± 0.86 (range, −2.5 to −5.8), average follow-up period of 27.47 ± 7.60 weeks (range, 12–49 weeks). Group I included 34 patients (39 vertebrae) with an average age of 76.20 ± 8.67 years (range, 65–92 years), average BMD of −3.35 ± 0.91 (range, −2.5 to −5.1), average follow-up period of 30.82 ± 10.95 weeks (range, 16–59 weeks). There was no significant difference between the two groups in initial demographic, clinical and radiographic parameters. Group I showed significantly better clinical and radiological outcome during the last follow-up. Regarding side effects in Group C, two cases of dizziness (8.3%), nausea and vomiting (8.3%) were reported. In Group I, cement leakage was found in 26 vertebrae (66.7%), and cement leakage complications were observed in four patients (11.8%). Conclusion: Conservative treatment using PTH injection demonstrated slower pain relief and lesser suppression of vertebral height loss than vertebroplasty. However, PTH injection demonstrated a lower risk of procedure-related complications. The patient’s age, preference, and general condition with respect to the procedure’s risk should be considered when determining treatment options for osteoporotic vertebral fracture in old age.
Vulnerability Assessment of Resource-based Cities Based on Entropy Weight-topsis Model: A Case Study of Karamay, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Ju Xiaoyu , Liu Juhao , Zhao Xiaodong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The vulnerability of a city is an important index to evaluate the healthy development of a city, and also an important guide to the harmonious and sustainable development of resource-based cities. This paper constructs the vulnerability assessment system of resource-based cities from four dimensions of resources, ecology, society and economy, and puts forward the Entropy Weight-TOPSIS model to study the dynamic changes of urban vulnerability in the resource-based city—Karamay. The research results show that the urban vulnerability score of Karamay rose steadily from 2008 to 2017, but the overall vulnerability score was always between 0.1 and 0.2, indicating that the urban vulnerability of Karamay has not significantly improved and is still in the stage of extremely fragile economic and social comprehensive development. The ecological vulnerability, social vulnerability and economic vulnerability of Karamay show a good trend of improvement, and social development contributes the most to the comprehensive vulnerability of the city, while the score of resource vulnerability shows a significant decline. Resource development and utilization is still the key to determine the healthy and sustainable development of Karamay.
Cardiac and Sympathetic Baroreflexes Remain Functional During Local Anesthesia With Vasoconstrictor-free Mepivacaine in Humans
Authors: Furutani Chiaki , Isono Kazushige , Asahina Hironao , Higuchi Yudai , Miyahara Kota , Miyazaki Hironori , Oda Yuki , Irifune Masahiro , Jarvis Sara , Ogasawara Tadashi , Okada Yoshiyuki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Local anesthesia with vasoconstrictor-free mepivacaine is known to not evoke pressor responses. However, it is unknown whether baroreflex function and blood pressure (BP) fluctuations are preserved by using mepivacaine. We tested the hypothesis that mepivacaine reduces baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) without changing its operating point. Beat-by-beat BP, heart rate (HR), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured upon injection of either saline (CNT) or 3% mepivacaine (MPV) in the apical regions of the premolars and around the mandibular foramen in 10 healthy young men [23±5 (SD) years]. Cardiac and sympathetic BRSs were assessed by bolus injections of sodium nitroprusside followed by phenylephrine HCl, and then determined from the slopes of regression lines between systolic BP and HR and between diastolic BP and MSNA, respectively. HR was significantly higher in MPV than CNT (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in MSNA, the operating points, or BP fluctuations between MPV and CNT (all P>0.05). Moreover, neither cardiac nor sympathetic BRS in CNT were altered by MPV (−0.71±0.13 vs. −0.78±0.33 beats·min−1·mmHg−1, P=0.41; −0.98±0.35 vs. −0.92±0.16 units･beat−1･ mmHg−1, P=0.73). Cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex functions were preserved and BP fluctuation may be well maintained under local anesthesia using vasoconstrictor-free 3% mepivacaine.
Linking Genomic and Physiological Characteristics of Psychrophilic Arthrobacter to Metagenomic Data to Explain Global Environmental Distribution
Authors: Shen Liang , Liu Yongqin , Allen Michelle A. , Xu Baiqing , Wang Ninglian , Williams Timothy J. , Wang Feng , Zhou Yuguang , Liu Qing , Cavicchioli Ricardo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Microorganisms drive critical global biogeochemical cycles and dominate the biomass in Earth’s expansive cold biosphere. Determining the genomic traits that enable psychrophiles to grow in cold environments informs about their physiology and adaptive responses. However, defining important genomic traits of psychrophiles has proven difficult, with the ability to extrapolate genomic knowledge to environmental relevance proving even more difficult.Results: Here we examined the bacterial genus Arthrobacter, and assisted by genome sequences of new Tibetan Plateau isolates, defined a clade, Group C, that represents isolates from polar and alpine environments. Group C had a superior ability to grow at -1ºC, and possessed genome G+C content, amino acid composition, predicted protein stability and functional capacities (e.g., sulfur metabolism and mycothiol biosynthesis) that distinguished it from non-polar or alpine Group A- Arthrobacter. Interrogation of more than 1,000 metagenomes identified an over-representation of Group C in Canadian permafrost communities from a simulated spring-thaw experiment, indicative of niche adaptation, and an under-representation of Group A in all polar and alpine samples, indicative of a general response to environmental temperature.Conclusion: The findings illustrate a capacity to define genomic markers of specific taxa that potentially have value for environmental monitoring of cold environments, including environmental change arising from anthropogenic impact. More broadly, the study illustrates the challenges involved in extrapolating from genomic and physiological data to an environmental setting.
TGF-β3 Regulates Adhesion Formation Through the JNK/c-Jun Pathway During Flexor Tendon Healing
Authors: Jiang Ke , lI Yuling , Xiang Chao , Yuan Yeshuang , Jia Jiameng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The injured flexor tendon has poor healing ability, 15 which is easy to cause tendon adhesion. It can affect the recovery of tendon function, which is still a long term and difficult task for surgeons. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been widely considered to play an important role in flexor tendon repair in recent years. Aim: This work was to investigate the anti-adhesion and anti-inflammatory effects of TGF-β3 on flex or digitorum longus (FDL) tendon repair rats. Method: Anastomosis models of tendon laceration in the flexion toes of rats were delivered with no treatment, vehicle or TGF-β3 - overexpressed adenovirus vector (ad-TGF-β3) locally to the injured tendon area from day 3 to 8. Subsequently, the expression of TGF-β3, TGF-β1/2, Smad3, Smad7, JNK, phosphorylation (p)-JNK, c-Jun and phosphorylation (p)-c-Jun were detected by western blot, the expression of Mmp9 and Mmp2 by RT-qPCR, the Range of motion (ROM) and sliding resistance by adhesion formation testing, the mechanical strength of tendon healing by biomechanical testing, the pathologic changes of flexor tendon tissues by HE staining, the expression of collagen type III by immunohistochemical staining, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, COX2 and IL-1β in serum by ELISA, respectively. Results: Rat models treated with no treatment showed a lower elevation of TGF-β3 and Smad7 expression, and a higher elevation of TGF-β1/2 and Smad3 expression, during day 14 to day 28. Besides, under the treatment of ad-TGF-β3, significantly increase was reflected in the expression of TGF-β3 and Smad7, ROM, as well as mechanical strength of flexor tendon, whereas significantly reduction was shown in sliding resistance, content of inflammatory cytokines, ratio of p-JNK/JNK, p-c-Jun/c-Jun, as well as the expression of TGF-β1/2, Smad3, Mmp9 and Mmp2 genes, as compared to those from vehicle treatment. Meanwhile, TGF-β3 demonstrated better pathologic recovery process with no obvious necrosis or fracture of collagen fibers. Besides, TGF-β3 revealed a significant reduction of collagen type-III expression in the flexor tendon healing tissues. Conclusion: These findings suggested that TGF-β3 effectively protected against flexor tendon injury via regulating adhesion formation.
The First Case of Forearm Crisscross Injury in Children: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Jiang Yikun , Peng Chuan-gang , Qu Ji , Wu Dan-kai , Wang Yan-bing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundForearm crisscross injury is rare in children; there is no relevant literature so far. Surgeons lack experience and knowledge in treating this type of crisscross injury. We report a case of forearm crisscross injury in a child for the first time analyze its mechanism, and use minimally invasive treatment to obtain good therapeutic effects.Case presentationAn 8-year-old boy experienced pain in his left forearm when he accidentally fell while skateboarding. Physical examination revealed swelling and deformity of the left forearm. We performed imaging and results revealed left radial head dislocation, left distal radial epiphyseal separation from the shaft, and interruption of the continuity of the dorsal cortex of the left distal ulna. X-ray films of the anteroposterior and lateral positions showed that the radius and ulna were crisscrossed. Diagnosis included superior radioulnar joint dislocation, left distal radial epiphyseal injury, and left distal ulnar fracture. After unsuccessful manual reduction, we adopted a minimally invasive procedure and succeeded. After a 14-week follow-up, the patient had good left upper limb function, no complaints of pain and limited range of motion, and good follow-up results.ConclusionsThis is the first report of a child with a forearm crisscross injury in which the mechanism, as well as the differences from an adult crisscross injury were analyzed. Minimally invasive surgery with intramedullary fixation achieved a good therapeutic effect. Simultaneously, it provides a reference for the treatment of similar patients in the future.
Production and Characterization of Malt and Beer Produced From Wheat Varieties
Authors: Tefera Molla , Admassie Mazaw 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The objective of this research was to produce beer using local wheat to substitute or minimize imported barley malt. The physicochemical properties of malt beer were studied and the results revealed the alcoholic content in all malt samples ranged between 3.53-6.92 European Brewery Convention (EBC), pH (5.88-6.24), moisture content (6.77-7.35%), total protein (11.39-13.9%) and total nitrogen (1.50-2.44%). Besides, the physicochemical properties of finished beer were also determined and the values of apparent extract, real extract and original extract were found in the range of 1.67-2.86 op, 3.17-4.0 op and 8.04-9.53 op, respectively. The apparent degree of fermentation, color, pH, alcoholic content, bitterness and haziness of wheat beer were found to have 66.68-82.55%, 7.16-9.40 EBC, 4.32-4.61, 3.90-5.40 (%, v,v), 11.8-15.1 and 0.98-1.2, respectively. The results of this study indicates that wheat malt can serve as an alternative raw material for breweries in addition to barley malt.
Increased Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake and Concomitant Hyperactivity by Presenilin Loss Promotes mTORC1 Signaling to Drive Neurodegeneration
Authors: Ryan Kerry C. , Ashkavand Zahra , Sarasija Shaarika , Laboy Jocelyn T. , Samarakoon Rohan , Norman Kenneth 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMetabolic dysfunction and protein aggregation are common characteristics that occur in age-related neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities remain poorly understood. Mutations in the presenilin genes are the primary cause of early onset familial AD, but despite their identification over 20 years ago, their role in the disease remains unclear. MethodsThe model system Caenorhabditis elegans was utilized to study the in vivo function of the highly conserved presenilin ortholog SEL-12 in the nervous system. Cell biological and biochemical assays were employed to monitor changes to proteostasis and autophagic flux in sel-12 mutants. Immunoblotting was used to assess alterations to the activity of the mTORC1 pathway, a central inhibitor of autophagy. Genetic and pharmaceutical strategies to reduce mTORC1 activity, and fluorescent reporters and biosensors were expressed in the mechanosensory neurons to measure mTORC1’s influence on proteotoxicity, neuronal health and mitochondrial morphology. Additionally, behavioral response to touch was employed to determine the role mTORC1 activity has in neuronal function in sel-12 mutants. RNA interference by standard feeding methods was used to assess the contribution of autophagy to mTORC1-mediated sel-12 defects. ResultsLoss of SEL-12 results in the hyperactivation of the mTORC1 pathway and mTORC1-dependent reduction in autophagy. This hyperactivation is caused by elevated mitochondrial calcium signaling and concomitant mitochondrial hyperactivity. Reducing mTORC1 activity improves proteostasis defects and neurodegenerative phenotypes associated with loss of SEL-12 function. Consistent with high mTORC1 activity, we find that SEL-12 loss reduces autophagy, and this reduction is prevented by limiting mitochondrial calcium uptake or mitochondrial respiration. Moreover, the improvements in proteostasis and neuronal defects in sel-12 mutants due to mTORC1 inhibition require the induction of autophagy.ConclusionSEL-12 has a critical role in mediating mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and activity. In the absence of presenilin function mitochondrial calcium uptake and mitochondrial activity is increased. This mitochondrial hyperactivity stimulates mTORC1 signaling, which inhibits autophagy and promotes proteostasis decline and neuronal dysfunction in sel-12 mutants. These data suggest that the mTORC1 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for treating AD.
Case-control Study on p73 rs1801173 C &gt; T Gene Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Gu Xuyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Pan Huiwen , Gao Zhenjun , Ding Guowen , Fan Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between p73 C14T (rs1801173) polymorphism and the risk of GC in a Chinese Han population. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted. A total of 577 GC cases and 678 normal controls were recruited. Their genotypes were determined using the SnapShot method. Results: The genotype frequency distribution of the case group and the control group were consistent with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No significant difference was found in the distribution of gender, age, and drinking history between the case group and the control group. A correlation was observed between smoking and the incidence of GC (P = 0.006). Three genotypes of CC, CT, and TT were found in the rs1801173 locus of p73. The distribution of the dominant model/recessive model did not significantly differ (P = 0.688; 0.937). No statistical difference was found even after adjustment was performed via logistic regression analysis (P = 0.703; 0.990). The frequency distribution between the two groups also did not significantly differ (P = 0.763). Conclusion: Smoking is related to the occurrence and development of GC. No association was found between p73 rs1801173 C > T SNP and the risk of GC in a Chinese Han population. However, additional larger studies and tissue-specific biological characterization are required to confirm these findings.
Histopathological Features and Immunophenotype of Primary Gastric Invasive Fibromatosis
Authors: Wang Yangkun , Zhang Zhishang , Jiang Bo , Zhu Chaoya , Wang Sunan , Zhao Guang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate the histopathological characteristics, immunophenotype and differential diagnosis of primary gastric invasive fibromatosis.Methods The clinical manifestations, histological morphology and immunophenotype of 4 cases of primary gastric invasive fibromatosis were observed and related literatures were reviewed.Results Among the 4 patients, 2 were males and 2 were females, aged 28 and 47 years, respectively. The lesions were located in the stomach in 2 cases, the gastric antrum in 1 case and cardia in 1 case. Under the microscope, the tumor was located in the submucosa, growing infiltratingly, and infiltrating into the gastric wall muscularis, serous membrane and extraserous fatty tissue. Tumor cells were rich in cytoplasm, with unclear cell boundaries, long rod-shaped nuclei, deep chromatin, no atypia, and rare mitotic figures. The tumor tissue was composed of proliferating spindle-shaped fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and the cell morphology was relatively uniform, arranged in parallel bundles or staggered weaves. Tumor tissue invaded and destroyed smooth muscle, blood vessels, nerve tissue and adipose tissue of the gastric wall. Immunophenotype: positive expression of vimentin, β-catenin, SMA positive expression; CKpan, EMA, S-100 protein, desmin, CD99, Bcl-2, ALK, CD34, CD117, DOG1, hormone receptors were all negative; The cell proliferation index ki-67 positive cells were 3–5%.Conclusion Primary invasive fibromatosis of the stomach is a relatively rare spindle cell tumor, which needs to be differentiated from tumors and pathological lesions such as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, plexiform mucinous fibroma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, etc.
Climacteric&nbsp;Symptoms in&nbsp;Postoperative&nbsp;Patients Among Endometrial Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: HORIBA YUKO , Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Yokota Megumi , Iwata Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Mimura Masaru , Aoki Daisuke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: No studies have assessed climacteric symptoms after hystero-adnexectomy for endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer. Thus, this study aimed to compare climacteric symptoms among patients who underwent surgery for these three cancer types.Methods: We included patients who were registered at a menopausal outpatient clinic between January 1999 and July 2016 after undergoing total hysterectomy, intrapelvic only or intrapelvic plus para-aortic lymph node dissection, and bilateral adnexectomy performed via laparotomy as cancer treatment. The numbers of patients with endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer were 328, 90, and 107, respectively. We collected the following data: age at surgery, time since surgery, body mass index, menopausal status at surgery, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using a patient-reported questionnaire covering 40 parameters. Each symptom was graded from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe symptoms). The total for all 40 parameters was considered as the degree of symptom severity.Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that time since surgery and cancer type had statistically significant effects on climacteric symptom severity. Overall, climacteric symptoms were more severe in patients with cervical cancer than in those with endometrial or ovarian cancer; symptom severity decreased with increasing time since surgery. However, in patients with cervical cancer, symptom severity did not decrease significantly over time, even after >5 years had elapsed since surgery.Conclusions: The severity of climacteric symptoms decreased with time after surgery for patients with endometrial or ovarian cancer but not for those with cervical cancer. Patients with cervical cancer may require more prompt interventions, including symptomatic treatment, and longer follow-up than those with endometrial or ovarian cancer.