bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
cjrABC-senB hinders survival of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli in the bloodstream through triggering complement-mediated killing
Authors: Huang Wen-Chun , Liao Yi-Jyun , Hashimoto Masayuki , Chen Kuan-Fu , Chu Chishih , Hsu Po-Chuen , Wang Shuying , Teng Ching-Hao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundExtraintestinal pathogenicE. coli(ExPEC) is a common gram-negative organism causing various infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacteremia, and neonatal meningitis. ThecjrABC-senBgene cluster ofE. colicontributes to ExPEC virulence in the mouse model of UTIs. Consistently, the distribution ofcjrABC-senBis epidemiologically associated with human UTIs caused byE. coli.cjrABC-senB, which has previously been proposed to encode an iron uptake system, may facilitate ExPEC survival in the iron availability-restricted urinary tract. Given that the bloodstream is also an iron limited environment to invading bacteria, the pathogenic role ofcjrABC-senBin ExPEC bacteremia, however, remains to be investigated.MethodsThe ability of ExPEC RS218 strains with and withoutcjrABC-senBto survive in the mouse bloodstream and human serum was evaluated. Subsequently, the role of this gene cluster in the ExPEC interaction with the complement system was evaluated. Finally, the distribution ofcjrABC-senBin human clinicalE. coliisolates was determined by PCR. The frequency ofcjrABC-senBin bacteremia isolates that were not associated with UTIs (non-UTI bacteremia isolates) was compared with that in UTI-associated isolates and fecal isolates.ResultsExpression ofcjrABC-senBattenuated the survival of RS218 in the mouse bloodstream and human serum. ThecjrABC-senB-harboring strains triggered enhanced classical- and alternative-complement pathway activation and became more vulnerable to complement-mediated killing in serum.cjrAwas identified as the major gene responsible for the attenuated serum survival. ExpressingcjrABC-senBandcjrAincreased bacterial susceptibility to detergent and induced periplasmic protein leakage, suggesting that the expression of these genes compromises the integrity of the outer membrane of ExPEC. In addition, the frequency ofcjrABC-senBin non-UTI bacteremia isolates was significantly lower than that in UTI-associated isolates, while the frequencies in non-UTI bacteremia isolates and fecal isolates showed no significant difference. Consistently, this epidemiological investigation suggests thatcjrABC-senBdoes not contribute toE. colibacteremia in humans.ConclusionThe contribution ofcjrABC-senBto the pathogenesis of ExPEC is niche dependent and contradictory because the genes facilitate ExPEC UTIs but hinder bacteremia. The contradictory niche-dependent characteristic may benefit the development of novel strategies againstE. coli-caused infections.
Zebrafish xenograft model of human lung cancer for studying the function of LINC00152 in cell proliferation and invasion
Authors: Shen Wenyi , Pu Juan , Sun Jing , Tan Bing , Wang Wei , Wang Lili , Cheng Jianmeng , Zuo Yangsong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Numerous studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs play important roles in human cancer progression. Although zebrafish xenografts have recently become a novel in vivo model for human cancer research, whether such models can be used to study the function of long noncoding RNAs remains unknown.

Methods
In vitro studies validated the roles of LINC00152 in the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. In vivo studies of zebrafish xenografts also confirmed these roles of LINC00152. In vivo confocal imaging was used to more accurately evaluate the function of LINC00152 in cell proliferation and migration. Pharmacological experiments were further performed to study the potential ability of LINC00152 downregulation combined with an EGFR inhibitor to treat tumors in cultured cells and the zebrafish xenograft model.

Results
Silencing of LINC00152 suppressed cell proliferation and invasion in SPCA1 and A549 lung cancer cell lines in vitro. In the zebrafish xenograft model, knockdown of LINC00152 reduced the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells, as indicated by the two imaging methods at different magnifications. Moreover, the knockdown of LINC00152 enhanced the inhibition effect of afatinib for lung cancer progression in cultured cells and the zebrafish xenograft model.

Conclusion
Our study reveals the oncogenic roles and potential for LINC00152 to be a target for tumor treatment in lung cancer using zebrafish xenograft models, and the findings suggest that this model could be used for functional and application studies of human long noncoding RNAs in tumor biology.
Molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum DNA-3-methyladenine glycosylase
Authors: Pinthong Nattapon , Limudomporn Paviga , Vasuvat Jitlada , Adisakwattana Poom , Rattaprasert Pongruj , Chavalitshewinkoon-Petmitr Porntip 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites highlights the need for novel drugs and their targets. Alkylation of purine bases can hinder DNA replication and if unresolved would eventually result in cell death. DNA-3-methyladenine glycosylase (MAG) is responsible for the repair of those alkylated bases. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) MAG was characterized for its potential for development as an anti-malarial candidate.

Methods
Native PfMAG from crude extract of chloroquine- and pyrimethamine-resistant P. falciparum K1 strain was partially purified using three chromatographic procedures. From bio-informatics analysis, primers were designed for amplification, insertion into pBAD202/D-TOPO and heterologous expression in Escherichia coli of recombinant PfMAG. Functional and biochemical properties of the recombinant enzyme were characterized.

Results
PfMAG activity was most prominent in parasite schizont stages, with a specific activity of 147 U/mg (partially purified) protein. K1 PfMAG contained an insertion of AAT (coding for asparagine) compared to 3D7 strain and 16% similarity to the human enzyme. Recombinant PfMAG (74 kDa) was twice as large as the human enzyme, preferred double-stranded DNA substrate, and demonstrated glycosylase activity over a pH range of 4–9, optimal salt concentration of 100–200 mM NaCl but reduced activity at 250 mM NaCl, no requirement for divalent cations, which were inhibitory in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion
PfMAG activity increased with parasite development being highest in the schizont stages. K1 PfMAG contained an indel AAT (asparagine) not present in 3D7 strain and the recombinant enzyme was twice as large as the human enzyme. Recombinant PfMAG had a wide range of optimal pH activity, and was inhibited at high (250 mM) NaCl concentration as well as by divalent cations. The properties of PfMAG provide basic data that should be of assistance in developing anti-malarials against this potential parasite target.
Equality and poverty: views from managers and professionals from public services and household heads in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Area, Brazil
Authors: de França Viviane Helena , Modena Celina Maria , Confalonieri Ulisses Eugenio Cavalcanti 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Tackling poverty requires reconsideration of quantitative factors related to “who” is poor and by “how much” and qualitative factors addressing “what poverty means in these individuals’ lives”. Greater understanding is required concerning the types of access actually used by families in poverty in attempts to meet their basic needs. Poverty must be addressed based on the question: “Inequality of what?” It is in reflecting on the realities of such groups when their basic needs are not met that public policies can be improved and implemented with legitimate priorities. Objective: Describe coverage and access to public health, education and social assistance services and the related effects on the quality of life of families in extreme poverty.

Methods
An exploratory mixed methods study was conducted applying Amartya Sen’s “Basic Capability Equality” framework, with: 1) 27 interviews with managers and professionals from public services serving territories with extreme poverty; 2) Survey with a systematic proportionate stratified sample of 336 heads of households in extreme poverty from a total 2605 families. The resulting data was analyzed with thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics, respectively.

Results
The managers and professionals described the lives of families in extreme poverty with phrases such as, “These people suffer. Sadness weighs on their lives!” and “Depression is the most common illness”. Their precarious circumstances and inadequate access were cited as causes. Quality of life was considered bad or very bad by 41.4% of heads of households. A total income of less than one-third of the minimum wage was received by 56.9% of the sample. One or more people were unemployed in the family in 55.8% of cases. For 53.3% of heads of households, public services “did not meet any or few of their needs”. The main social determinants of health were described as: alcohol and drugs (68.8%); lack of good health care (60.7%); and absence of income/work (37.5%). The following were identified as solutions to improve their quality of life: (1) health (40.5%); (2) education (37.8%); and (3) employment (44.6%).

Conclusions
The social determinants of poverty and health must be addressed jointly through intersectoral public policies and egalitarian mechanisms that promote investment in social protection.
Allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms in a real-life study of MP-AzeFlu to treat multimorbid allergic rhinitis and asthma
Authors: Price David , Klimek Ludger , Gálffy Gabriella , Emmeluth Melanie , Koltun Arkady , Kopietz Ferdinand , Nguyen Duc Tung , van Weissenbruch Ranny , Pohl Wolfgang , Kuhl Hans-Christian , Scadding Glenis , Mullol Joaquim 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Asthma affects up to nearly 40% of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Poor control of AR symptoms is associated with poor asthma control. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of AR treatment with MP-AzeFlu on symptoms of AR as well as symptoms of asthma.

Methods
This prospective study used a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess symptoms of AR and asthma before and after treatment with MP-AzeFlu (Dymista®; azelastine hydrochloride plus fluticasone propionate; 1 spray in each nostril twice daily for 2 weeks). Participants suffered from moderate-to-severe AR according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma criteria, with acute AR symptoms (AR-VAS scores ≥ 50 mm) on inclusion day. In addition to symptom assessment, patients recorded the impact of AR symptoms on quality-of-life measures before, during, and at the conclusion of the treatment period (approximately 14 days). Patients self-reported change in frequency of their usage of asthma reliever medication on the last day of treatment.

Results
Of 1103 study participants, 267 (24.2%) had comorbid asthma. These participants reported using a mean of 5.1 puffs of asthma reliever medication in the week before treatment with MP-AzeFlu. A total of 81.8% of patients with comorbid asthma responded to AR therapy (AR-VAS < 50 mm on at least 1 study day). Among patients with AR and comorbid asthma, MP-AzeFlu was associated with improved VAS scores across all study parameters, including AR symptom severity, asthma symptom severity, sleep quality, daily work or school activities, daily social activities, and daily outdoor activities. Asthma symptom severity decreased from a mean of 48.9 mm to 24.1 mm on the VAS. Self-reported frequency of asthma reliever medication use was reduced for 57.6% of participants (n = 139/241).

Conclusion
MP-AzeFlu used to relieve AR symptoms was associated with reduced asthma symptom VAS scores and frequency of asthma reliever medication usage. Changes in overall symptoms of AR and asthma were correlated.
Retrospective quality of life study in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma in an Asian population
Authors: Lim Hui Jun , Ong Chin-Ann Johnny , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Mak Lisa Yuen Hong , Wasudevan Seettha Devi , Tan Joey Wee-Shan , Chia Claramae Shulyn , Tan Grace Hwei Ching , Teo Melissa Ching Ching 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Retroperitoneal sarcoma represents 15% of sarcomas. The mainstay of treatment is surgery where a majority of patients require multi-visceral resections that may significantly impact their quality of life (QOL) following surgery. Studies in other cancers have shown that QOL may not be significantly impacted after radical or extensive surgery. However, there are limited studies examining the QOL specifically in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma. In this pilot study, we retrospectively evaluated the QOL of patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma.

Methods
32 out of 90 patients who underwent surgical intervention for retroperitoneal sarcoma in National Cancer Centre Singapore from January 1999 to August 2018 who were alive and on follow-up were included in this study. EORTC-QLQ-C30 was administered to the patients.

Results
The median age of our patients was 59 years (range, 35–84), and median time from surgery to the implementation of questionnaire was 2.5 years (range, 0.05–9.6). Younger patients had significantly better differences in global health, physical and role functioning scores as compared to older individuals. Female patients reported higher global health, physical, emotional and social functioning scores than males. Patients who were more than 2 years post-surgery exhibited better QOL scores as compared to those who had more recent surgery. Our patients had comparable global health and functioning scores compared to a reference group of outpatient cancer patients at our institution.

Conclusions
Our pilot study investigating the QOL of patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma has shown that patients need to be followed up for at least 2 years following surgery to evaluate their QOL. In general, they achieved better functioning scores when compared with other cancer patients. These findings support the need for larger-scale prospective studies to further evaluate the QOL of these patients.
Expression and clinical significance of LAG-3, FGL1, PD-L1 and CD8+T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma using multiplex quantitative analysis
Authors: Guo Mengzhou , Yuan Feifei , Qi Feng , Sun Jialei , Rao Qianwen , Zhao Zhiying , Huang Peixin , Fang Tingting , Yang Biwei , Xia Jinglin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1)—Lymphocyte activating gene 3 (LAG-3) pathway is a promising immunotherapeutic target and has synergistic effect with programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). However, the prognostic significance of FGL1-LAG-3 pathway and the correlation with PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown.

Methods
The levels of LAG-3, FGL1, PD-L1 and cytotoxic T (CD8+T) cells in 143 HCC patients were assessed by multiplex immunofluorescence. Associations between the marker’s expression and clinical significances were studied.

Results
We found FGL1 and LAG-3 densities were elevated while PD-L1 and CD8 were decreased in HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal liver tissues. High levels of FGL1 were strongly associated with high densities of LAG-3+cells but not PD-L1. CD8+ T cells densities had positive correlation with PD-L1 levels and negative association with FGL1 expression. Elevated densities of LAG-3+cells and low levels of CD8+ T cells were correlated with poor disease outcome. Moreover, LAG-3+cells deteriorated patient stratification based on the abundance of CD8+ T cells. Patients with positive PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (PD-L1 TC+) tended to have an improved survival than that with negative PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (PD-L1 TC−). Furthermore, PD-L1 TC− in combination with high densities of LAG-3+cells showed the worst prognosis, and
PD-L1 TC+ patients with low densities of LAG-3+cells had the best prognosis.

Conclusions
LAG-3, FGL1, PD-L1 and CD8 have distinct tissue distribution and relationships with each other. High levels of LAG-3+cells and CD8+ T cells represent unfavorable and favorable prognostic biomarkers for HCC respectively.
Microstructural brain abnormalities in HIV+ individuals with or without chronic marijuana use
Authors: Wang Hannah A. , Liang Hua-Jun , Ernst Thomas M. , Oishi Kenichi , Chang Linda 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective
Cognitive deficits and microstructural brain abnormalities are well documented in HIV-positive individuals (HIV+). This study evaluated whether chronic marijuana (MJ) use contributes to additional cognitive deficits or brain microstructural abnormalities that may reflect neuroinflammation or neuronal injury in HIV+.

Method
Using a 2 × 2 design, 44 HIV+ participants [23 minimal/no MJ users (HIV+), 21 chronic active MJ users (HIV + MJ)] were compared to 46 seronegative participants [24 minimal/no MJ users (SN) and 22 chronic MJ users (SN + MJ)] on neuropsychological performance (7 cognitive domains) and diffusion tensor imaging metrics, using an automated atlas to assess fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (AD), radial (RD), and mean (MD) diffusivities, in 18 cortical and 4 subcortical brain regions.

Results
Compared to SN and regardless of MJ use, the HIV+ group had lower FA and higher diffusivities in multiple white matter and subcortical structures (p < 0.001–0.050), as well as poorer cognition in Fluency (p = 0.039), Attention/Working Memory (p = 0.009), Learning (p = 0.014), and Memory (p = 0.028). Regardless of HIV serostatus, MJ users had lower AD in uncinate fasciculus (p = 0.024) but similar cognition as nonusers. HIV serostatus and MJ use showed an interactive effect on mean diffusivity in the right globus pallidus but not on cognitive function. Furthermore, lower FA in left anterior internal capsule predicted poorer Fluency across all participants and worse Attention/Working Memory in all except SN subjects, while higher diffusivities in several white matter tracts also predicted lower cognitive domain Z-scores. Lastly, MJ users with or without HIV infection showed greater than normal age-dependent FA declines in superior longitudinal fasciculus, external capsule, and globus pallidus.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that, except in the globus pallidus, chronic MJ use had no additional negative influence on brain microstructure or neurocognitive deficits in HIV+ individuals. However, lower AD in the uncinate fasciculus of MJ users suggests axonal loss in this white matter tract that connects to cannabinoid receptor rich brain regions that are involved in verbal memory and emotion. Furthermore, the greater than normal age-dependent FA declines in the white matter tracts and globus pallidus in MJ users suggest that older chronic MJ users may eventually have lesser neuronal integrity in these brain regions.
A Japanese patient with ductal carcinoma of the prostate carrying an adenomatosis polyposis coli gene mutation: a case report
Authors: Umeda Kota , Kosaka Takeo , Nakamura Kohei , Takeda Toshikazu , Mikami Shuji , Nishihara Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDuctal carcinoma of the prostate is a histological subtype with a higher mortality than acinar adenocarcinoma. The number of cases is small and there are no treatment guidelines. We believe that this is the first report of ductal carcinoma of the prostate with an adenomatosis polyposis coli (APC) gene mutation in Japan.Case presentationAn 85-year-old man presented with gross hematuria, and a papillary tumor in the prostatic urethra that was diagnosed as ductal carcinoma of the prostate following transurethral resection. Genetic analysis found an APC mutation with loss of heterozygosity. Immunostaining revealed focal nuclear translocation of β-catenin. APC mutations associated with loss of β-catenin degradation in the Wnt signaling pathway and result in over accumulation of β-catenin are thought to increase mortality. In this patient, β-catenin migrated into tumor cell nuclei.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ductal carcinoma of the prostate with an APC mutation in Japan. The development of a therapeutic Wnt inhibitor is discussed.
Phenotypic techniques and applications in fruit trees: a review
Authors: Huang Yirui , Ren Zhenhui , Li Dongming , Liu Xuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPhenotypic information is of great significance for irrigation management, disease prevention and yield improvement. Interest in the evaluation of phenotypes has grown with the goal of enhancing the quality of fruit trees. Traditional techniques for monitoring fruit tree phenotypes are destructive and time-consuming. The development of advanced technology is the key to rapid and non-destructive detection. This review describes several techniques applied to fruit tree phenotypic research in the field, including visible and near-infrared (VIS–NIR) spectroscopy, digital photography, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, thermal imaging, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The applications of these technologies are summarized in terms of architecture parameters, pigment and nutrient contents, water stress, biochemical parameters of fruits and disease detection. These techniques have been shown to play important roles in fruit tree phenotypic research.
Champions in context: which attributes matter for change efforts in healthcare?
Authors: Bonawitz Kirsten , Wetmore Marisa , Heisler Michele , Dalton Vanessa K. , Damschroder Laura J. , Forman Jane , Allan Katie R. , Moniz Michelle H. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Research to date has focused on strategies and resources used by effective champions of healthcare change efforts, rather than personal characteristics that contribute to their success. We sought to identify and describe champion attributes influencing outcomes of healthcare change efforts. To examine attributes of champions, we used postpartum contraceptive care as a case study, because recommended services are largely unavailable, and implementation requires significant effort.

Methods
We conducted a comparative case study of the implementation of inpatient postpartum contraceptive care at 11 U.S. maternity hospitals in 2017–18. We conducted site visits that included semi-structured key informant interviews informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Phase one analysis (qualitative content analysis using a priori CFIR codes and cross-case synthesis) showed that implementation leaders (“champions”) strongly influenced outcomes across sites. To understand champion effects, phase two inductive analysis included (1) identifying and elaborating key attributes of champions; (2) rating the presence or absence of each attribute in champions; and 3) cross-case synthesis to identify patterns among attributes, context, and implementation outcomes.

Results
We completed semi-structured interviews with 78 clinicians, nurses, residents, pharmacy and revenue cycle staff, and hospital administrators. All identified champions were obstetrician-gynecologists. Six key attributes of champions emerged: influence, ownership, physical presence at the point of change, persuasiveness, grit, and participative leadership style. These attributes promoted success by enabling champions to overcome institutional siloing, build and leverage professional networks, create tension for change, cultivate a positive learning climate, optimize compatibility with existing workflow, and engage key stakeholders. Not all champion attributes were required for success, and having all attributes did not guarantee success.

Conclusions
Effective champions appear to leverage six key attributes to facilitate healthcare change efforts. Prospective evaluations of the interactions among champion attributes, context, and outcomes may further elucidate how champions exert their effects.