bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Involvement of Neuroimmune Cells in Adipose Innervation
Authors: Blaszkiewicz Magdalena , Wood Elizabeth , Koizar Sigi , Willows Jake , Anderson Ryan , Tseng Yu-Hua , Godwin James , Townsend Kristy L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Innervation of adipose tissue is essential for the proper function of this critical metabolic organ. Numerous surgical and chemical denervation studies have demonstrated how maintenance of brain-adipose communication through both sympathetic efferent and sensory afferent nerves helps regulate adipocyte size, cell number, lipolysis, and ‘browning’ of white adipose tissue. Neurotrophic factors are growth factors that promote neuron survival, regeneration and plasticity, including neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. Peripheral blood immune cells have been shown to be a source of neurotrophic factors in humans and mice. Although a number of immune cells reside in the adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF), it has remained unclear what roles they play in adipose innervation. We previously demonstrated that adipose immune cells secrete brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: We now show that deletion of this neurotrophic factor from the myeloid lineage led to a ‘genetic denervation’ of inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT), thereby causing decreased energy expenditure, increased adipose mass, and a blunted UCP1 response to cold stimulation. Results: We and others have previously shown that noradrenergic stimulation via cold exposure increases adipose innervation in the inguinal depot. Here we have identified a subset of myeloid cells that home to scWAT upon cold exposure and are Ly6C + CCR2 + Cx3CR1 + monocytes/macrophages that express noradrenergic receptors and BDNF. Conclusions: We propose that these cold induced neuroimmune cells (CINCs) are key players in maintaining adipose innervation as well as promoting adipose nerve remodeling under noradrenergic stimulation, such as cold exposure.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Thymidylate Kinase is A Potential 2 Diagnostic Biomarker for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Babirye Janet Peace , Kato Charles Drago , Lutwama Fredrick , Musubika Carol , Nabatanzi Rose , Wayengera Misaki 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in context of HIV infection remains challenging due 25 to the paucibacillary nature of the disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidylate kinase 26 (TMKmt) has been validated as a novel biomarker with high detection limits for PTB in sputum. 27 We aimed to clinically test TMKmt as a diagnostic biomarker for pulmonary tuberculosis among 28 HIV positive individuals at Makerere University Joint AIDS Program Immuno Suppression 29 Syndrome clinic. 30 Methods 31 A total of 120 participants with presumptive PTB were enrolled in a cross- sectional study 32 between January and September 2018. Venous blood and expectorated spot sputum was obtained 33 from 116 consenting participants. Tuberculosis culture was performed on sputum as the gold 34 standard to confirm PTB status while direct ELISAs were performed on sputum and serum to 35 determine the level of TMKmt antigen. Sensitivity, specificity and receiver operator 36 characteristic curves were used to assess the precision of TMKmt in diagnosing PTB. 37 Results 38 Of the 116 participants, only 22 (19%) were PTB positive based on either Lowenstein Jensen or 39 Mycobacterial growth inhibition tube `culture. The mean sputum TMKmt levels were 40 significantly higher in PTB positive individuals (4.889 ± 0.135) ng/ml as compared to PTB 41 negative individuals (4.303 ± 0.07295) ng/ml (t-test, P<0.0005). At a cut off value of > 4.683 42 ng/ml, the test had a sensitivity of 73% (95% CI, 49.78% - 89.27%) and a specificity of 72% 43 (95% CI, 62.15% - 81.07%). These results were supported by a receiver operator analysis which 44 showed an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63 – O.86). 3 45 Conclusion 46 Sputum TMKmt is a potential diagnostic biomarker for active pulmonary tuberculosis. This 47 forms an alternate test that would replace smear microscopy and overcome the current TB 48 diagnostic challenges.
Molecular Characterization of Budgerigar Fledgling Disease Virus SC-YB19, with an 18-Nucleotides Deletion, in China
Authors: Zhi-ge Tian , Chuan-ming Yin , Feng Cong , hu xiaoliang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Budgerigar fledgling disease virus (BFDV) poses a serious threat to the Chinese psittacine industry, causing enormous economic losses. This study aims to reveal the etiological role of BFDV and evaluate the molecular characterization.Results: We report on BFDV, designated SC-YB19, which had an 18-nucleotide (nt) deletion in the enhancer region, corresponding to the sequence position 164–181 nt, when compared with other BFDV strains. Sequence analyses suggested that 19 nucleotide substitutions were identified with the domestic strains, APV7 and AF118150. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that SC-YB19, along with three domestic strains, formed a unique cluster, and were closely related to Polish isolates. Conclusion: Taken together, these results demonstrate that a BFDV genotype variation was co-circulating in China, and provide important insights on evolution of BFDV.
Mapping of Female Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates to Socioeconomic Factors: From Univariate Analysis to Path Diagram Analysis
Authors: Peng Qiongle , Ren Xiaoling , Cui Bing , Cui Henggui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in females around the world. Its occurrence and development has been linked to genetic factors, living habits and health conditions, but also by socioeconomic factors. Comparisons of incidence and mortality rates of female breast cancer are useful approaches to define cancer-related socioeconomic disparities. METHODS: International Agency for Research on Cancer's CANCERMondial clearinghouse was used to determine the incidence and mortality rates of female breast cancer data from several developed countries for 1980–2012. We subsequently investigated the effects of socioeconomic factors on breast cancer incidence and mortality rates by regression methods from univariate analysis to path diagram analysis. RESULTS: The relationship between socioeconomic factors and the occurrence and development of breast cancer did not follow a monotonic function. We found a positive, significant association of national public wealth (GDP) on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer. The path coefficients in the structuralequations model are -0.51 and -0.39, respectively. In addition to the significant relationship between individual physical and psychological characteristics, social pressure, such as unemployment rate (UR) has a significant impact on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer. The path coefficients in the structural equations model are all 0.2. The path coefficients of individual economic wealth to the incidence rate and mortality rate of breast cancer is 0.18 and 0.27, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A significant statistical relationship between the socioeconomic development and the crude rates of female breast cancer was shown in this study. The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer can be regulated effectively by a moderate increase in GDP, and clearly was affected by the individual’s economic wealth (GDPPC). In addition, the influence of social pressure (e.g., unemployment rate) on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer was not typical monotonous. The survival rate of breast cancer determined by the ratio of mortality rate to incidence rate also showed a similar pattern with socioeconomic factors.
Multi-State Analysis of the Impact of Childhood Starvation on the Healthy Life Expectancy of the Elderly in China
Authors: dong huiling , Wu Bingyi , Wu Qunhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Child malnutrition is not only common in developing countries, but also an important issue faced by developed countries. This study aimed to explore the influence and degree of childhood starvation on the health of the elderly population, which providing a reference for formulating health-related policies under the concept of full-life cycle health. Methods: Based on CLHLS longitudinal data in 2008, 2011 and 2014, this paper took a total of 13,185 elderly people aged 65-99 years as the target population. By IMaCH software, with age, gender, and income level as the control variables, and the healthy life expectancy of the elderly in China was measured. The[test was used to explore the differences in socio-economic status of elderly people with or without starvation in childhood. The paired t test was used to analyze the difference both of healthy life expectancy and healthy life expectancy proportion accounted for remaining life. Results: (1) Transition probabilities in health-disability, health-death and disability-death(P<0.05) all showed an upward trend with age, where the elderly who experienced starvation in childhood were higher than those without such an experience. However, the probability of disability-health recovery showed a downward trend with age, whereas the elderly who experienced starvation in childhood were lower than those without starvation(P<0.05).(2) For the elderly who experienced starvation in childhood, the health indicators of the average life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, and healthy life expectancy proportion accounted for the remaining life were lower than those of the elderly without childhood starvation (P<0.05).Conclusions: The negative impact of childhood starvation on health through the life course till old age, has a persistent negative cumulative effect on the quantity and quality of life for the elderly population; Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the nutritional status of children in poor families from the perspective of social policy-making.
Interventions to Prevent Anastomotic Leak After Esophageal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Grigor Emma Jayne Myfanwy , Kaaki Suha , Fergusson Dean A , Maziak Donna E , Seely Andrew J E 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and serious complication following esophagectomy. We aimed to provide an up-to-date review and critical appraisal of interventions designed to reduce AL risk.Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase from 1946 to January 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating interventions to minimize esophagogastric AL. Pooled risk ratios (RR) for AL was performed using random effects. Results: Two reviewers screened 441 abstracts and identified 17 RCTs eligible for inclusion; 11 studies were meta-analyzed. Omentoplasty reduced the risk of AL significantly by 78% [RR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.50] compared to no omentoplasty (3 studies, n=611 patients). Early removal of NG tube reduced AL risk significantly by 88% [RR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.65] compared to prolonged NG tube (2 studies, n=293 patients); Stapled (vs. hand-sewn) anastomosis did not significantly reduce AL risk [RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.45, 1.87] compared to hand-sewn (6 studies, n=1454 patients). The quality of evidence was high for omentoplasty (vs. no omentoplasty), moderate for early removal of NG tube (vs. conventional removal), and very low for stapled anastomosis (vs. hand-sewn). Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis to summarize the graded quality of evidence for all RCT interventions designed to reduce AL following esophagectomy. Our findings demonstrated that omentoplasty reduced the risk of AL with a high quality of evidence. Although early nasogastric tube removal reduced AL risk, there is a need for further research to strengthen the quality of evidence. Evidence profiles presented in our review may help inform the development of clinical practice recommendations.Systematic review registration: CRD42019127181
Interlayer-Exciton Based Nonvolatile Valleytronic Memory
Authors: Ye Tong , Shen Hongzhi , Ren Junwen , Li Dehui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Analogous to conventional charge-based electronics, valleytronics aims at encoding data via valley degree of freedom, enabling new routes for information processing. Long-lived interlayer excitons (IXs) in van der Waals heterostructures (HSs) stacked by transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) carry valley-polarized information and thus would find promising applications in valleytronic devices. Although great progress of IX based valleytronic devices has been achieved, nonvolatile valleytronic memories are still challenging. Here, we demonstrate IX based nonvolatile valleytronic memory in a WS2/WSe2 HS. The emission characteristics of IX exhibit a large excitonic/valleytronic hysteresis upon cyclic-voltage sweeping. Importantly, IX emission can be electrically switched between a bright state and a dark state with large light-intensity and helicity contrast of about 1.7 and 1.8, respectively, which can be ascribed to the chemical-doping of O2/H2O redox couple between TMDs and substrate. Taking advantage of the large hysteresis, IX can be utilized for manipulating and nonvolatile storing valley information and IX based nonvolatile valleytronic memory has been successfully demonstrated. These findings open up an avenue for nonvolatile valleytronic memory and would motivate more investigations on valleytronic devices.
A pilot study of the effect of improved hygiene kits on handwashing with soap among internally displaced persons in Ethiopia.
Authors: Thorseth Astrid Hasund , Heath Tom , Sisay Andualem , Hamo Mare , White Sian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to flee from their homes due to conflict and drought are at particular risk of morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases. Regular handwashing with soap could substantially reduce the risk of these infections, but the behaviour is challenging to practice routinely while living in resource-poor, informal settlements. To mitigate these challenges, humanitarian aid organisations distribute hygiene kits including soap and handwashing infrastructure. Our study aimed to assess the effect of improved kits on handwashing behaviours among IDPs in Moyale, Ethiopia. Methods The pilot study evaluated three interventions separately; liquid soap, a good quality scented bar soap and a mirror as additions to a regular hygiene kit. The kit was distributed to all study groups, with 3 of the study groups receiving one of the interventions each. Three to six weeks after distribution, behaviour change was assessed through structured observations, surveys and focus group discussions. Results Handwashing with soap was rare at key times both in all study groups. In the group that received liquid soap, handwashing with soap was seen at 20% of key times. In the control arm this was 17%, while in the two other intervention arms prevalence was <11%. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection indicated that liquid soap encourages handwashing with soap at key times. The good quality scented bar soap and mirror were not found to have an observed effect on behaviour but were viewed as desirable by participants who also reported that the standard bar soap distributed in hygiene kits was not nice to use. Conclusion This study was to our knowledge the first randomised intervention study on handwashing among IDPs living in a non-camp setting. The study shows that improved kits have potential to make handwashing more desirable and easier to practice, and further research including formative assessments prior to the design of hygiene kits should be conducted to ensure maximal uptake. The challenges of doing research in conflict-affected regions had considerable implications on the design and implementation of this study.Trial registration The trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov 6 September 2019 (reg no: NCT04078633)
“A Four-Leaf Clover” Sign for Rapid Identification of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci by Gram Staining From Positive Blood Culture: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Matsuo Takahiro , Hayashi Kuniyoshi , Sakurai Aki , Shimizu Masumi Suzuki , Morimoto Masaya , Uehara Yuki , Mori Nobuyoshi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are one of the most common contaminant microorganisms isolated from blood cultures. Few studies exploring the use of Gram staining to distinguish between Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and CoNS have been reported. Here, this study aimed to explore whether morphological features of Gram staining could identify SA or CoNS.Methods: This study was conducted at St. Luke’s International Hospital from November 2016 to September 2017. The positive blood cultures for which the Gram staining showed gram-positive cocci (GPC) in clusters were included in our study. The direct smear of Gram staining obtained from positive blood culture bottles were examined within 24 hours of positivity. We have identified and characterized the following two signs: “four-leaf clover (FLC)” if 4 GPC gathered like a planar four-leaf clover and “grapes” if the GPC gathered like grapes in a three-dimensional form. The number of fields with FLC and grapes signs in 10 fields per slide with ×1,000 power was counted, and the results in a total of 20 fields with ×1,000 power were combined. We performed a logistic regression analysis to assess whether these signs could serve as factors distinguishing between SA and CoNS. The predictive ability of these signs was evaluated based on the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for CoNS via receiver operating curve analysis.Results: In total, 106 blood cultures for which Gram staining showed GPC in clusters were examined; 46 (43%) were SA, and 60 (57%) were CoNS samples. The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the FLC sign was a statistically significant marker of CoNS with an odds ratio of 1.31 (95 % confidential interval (CI): 1.07–1.61, p<0.05). In aerobic bottles, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for CoNS were 0.67, 0.91, 0.92, and 0.65, respectively, and the value of area under the curve was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.67–0.91).Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the FLC could be a rapid and useful indicator to identify CoNS in aerobic bottles. Thus, the presence of FLC sings could help clinicians to suspect the possibility of CoNS before the final identification by cultures.
Comparison of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery in the management of large renal pelvic stone
Authors: Cicek Mehmet Cagatay , Asi Tariq , Gunseren Kadir Omur , Kilicarslan Hakan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background To compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of large renal pelvic stones. Methods This study included patients who presented with a single renal pelvic stone sized ≥20 mm and who were treated primarily by laparoscopic pyelolithotomy or retrograde intrarenal surgery. The patients were grouped based on the surgical procedure they underwent. We retrospectively examined and compared the age, the longest axis and the surface area of the stone, operation time, hospitalization time, complications and stone-free rates of the two groups. Results Of the 156 patients included in the study, 44 had laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, and 112 had retrograde intrarenal surgery. Patients who received laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (13 males, 31 females) had a median age of 54 (18-79) years, while those who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (46 males, 66 females) had a median age of 54.5 (18-79). Patients who received laparoscopic pyelolithotomy were found to have larger median stone size (30 mm vs 24 mm, p=0.003), longer operation time (100 minutes vs 70 minutes, p=0.007), lower complication rate (2% vs 8.9%, p=0.063), longer median hospital stay (3 days vs 1 day, p<0.001) and better stone-free rate at the third month (90.9% vs 67.9%, p<0.001). Conclusion LP is a safe and efficient procedure that could be used as an alternative to retrograde intrarenal surgery in managing large renal pelvic stones.
Parasite Genetic Diversity Reflects Continued Residual Malaria Transmission in Vhembe District, A Hotspot in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
Authors: Gwarinda Hazel B. , Tessema Sofonias K. , Raman Jaishree , Greenhouse Bryan , Birkholtz Lyn-Marié 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: South Africa aims to eliminate malaria transmission by 2023. However, despite sustained vector control efforts and case management interventions, the Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province remains a malaria transmission hotspot. To better understand Plasmodium falciparum transmission dynamics in the area, this study characterised the genetic diversity of parasites circulating within the Vhembe District.Methods: A total of 1153 falciparum-positive rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were randomly collected from seven clinics within the district, over three consecutive years (2016, 2017 and 2018) during the wet and dry malaria transmission seasons. Parasite genomic material was isolated from the RDTs and parasite genetic diversity was characterised using 26 neutral microsatellite markers. Differences in genetic diversity were described using a multiparameter scale of multiplicity of infection (MOI), within-host diversity metric (Fws), number of unique alleles (A), expected heterozygosity (He), multilocus linkage disequilibrium (LD) and genetic differentiation (Wright's F-statistic, FST), and were associated with temporal and geospatial variances. Results: A total of 747 (65%) samples were successfully genotyped. High genetic diversity (mean heterozygosity, He = 0.74 ± 0.03) was observed in the parasite population. This was ascribed to high allelic richness (mean A = 12.2 ± 1.2). The majority of samples (99%) had unique multi-locus genotypes, indicating high genetic diversity in the sample set. Complex infections were observed in 66% of samples (mean MOI = 2.13 ± 0.04), with 33% of infections showing high within-host diversity as described by the Fws metric. Low, but significant LD (standardised index of association, ISA = 0.08, P < 0.001) was observed that indicates recombination of distinct clones. Limited impact of temporal (FST range -0.00005 to 0.0003) and spatial (FST = –0.028 to 0.023) variation on genetic diversity existed during the sampling timeframe and study sites respectively. Conclusion: Consistent with the Vhembe District’s classification as a 'high' transmission setting within South Africa, P. falciparum diversity in the area was high and complex. This study showed that genetic diversity within the parasite population reflects the continued residual transmission observed in the Vhembe District. This finding, together with continued surveillance of P. falciparum genetic diversity in South Africa, may influence future intervention strategies by targeting the parasite to decrease transmission intensity for the country to achieve its elimination goals.