bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vagal afferent fibers contribute to the anti-inflammatory reactions by vagus nerve stimulation in concanavalin A model of hepatitis in rats
Authors: Jo Byung Gon , Kim Seung-Hyung , Namgung Uk 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Increasing number of studies provide evidence that the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) dampens inflammation in peripheral visceral organs. However, the effects of afferent fibers of the vagus nerve (AFVN) on anti-inflammation have not been clearly defined. Here, we investigate whether AFVN are involved in VNS-mediated regulation of hepatic production of proinflammatory cytokines. Methods: An animal model of hepatitis was generated by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of concanavalin A (ConA) into rats, and electrical stimulation was given to the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve. AFVN activity was regulated by administration of capsaicin (CAP) or AP-5/CNQX and the vagotomy at the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve (hVNX). mRNA and protein expression in target tissues was analyzed by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Hepatic immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results: TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNAs and proteins that were induced by ConA in the liver macrophages were significantly reduced by the electrical stimulation of the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve (hVNS). Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in serum and the number of hepatic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were increased by ConA injection and downregulated by hVNS. CAP treatment deteriorated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-positive neurons and increased caspase-3 signals in nodose ganglion (NG) neurons. Concomitantly, CAP suppressed choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression that was induced by hVNS in DMV neurons of ConA-injected animals. Furthermore, hVNS-mediated downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression was hampered by CAP treatment and similarly regulated by hVNX and AP-5/CNQX inhibition of vagal feedback loop pathway in the brainstem. hVNS elevated the levels of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (a7 nAChR) and phospho-STAT3 (Tyr705; pY-STAT3) in the liver, and inhibition of AFVN activity by CAP, AP-5/CNQX and hVNX or the pharmacological blockade of hepatic a7 nAChR decreased STAT3 phosphorylation. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the activity of AFVN contributes to hepatic anti-inflammatory responses mediated by hVNS in ConA model of hepatitis in rats.
Factors affecting the technical efficiency of rural primary health care centers in Hamadan, Iran: data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression
Authors: Mohammadpour Saeed , Javan-Noughabi Javad , Najar Ali Vafaee , Zangeneh Moharram , Yousefi Shaghayegh , Nouhi Mojtaba , jahangiri reza 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Studying and monitoring the efficiency of primary health care centers has a special place in the health system. Although studies have been conducted in the field of efficiency in Iran, few have focused on rural primary health care centers. In addition, previous studies have not used the child mortality rate and Behvarzes as input and output. Objective: The present study was conducted aimed to estimate the technical efficiency of rural primary health care centers and determinant factors in Hamadan using data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression.Methods: This is a Longitudinal study of rural primary health care centers in Hamadan province (2002-2016). Data Envelopment Analysis was employed to estimate technical efficiency of sampled health facilities while Panel Tobit Analysis was applied to predict factors associated with efficiency levels. The outputs were child mortality rate under one year of age and child mortality rate one year to five years of age. The input was Behvarzes (rural health workers).Results: The results of efficiency analysis showed that the average efficiency scores of the centers had a fluctuating trend during the period of the study, but the average performance scores generally decreased in 2016, as compared with 2002. The highest and lowest average performance scores were observed in 2003 (0.78) and 2013 (0.56), respectively. Number of physicians and rural primary healthcare centers per population had a positive statistically significant and the number of midwives and the total fertility per population had a negative statistically significant effect on efficiency.Conclusions: The findings suggest some level of wastage of health resources in primary health centers. Findings indicate a level of waste of health resources in primary health centers. Behvarz functions in providing primary care services can be considered in the reallocation and optimal use of available resources at the level of rural health centers.
Association between breakfast skipping and metabolic outcomes by sex, age, and work status stratification
Authors: Heo Jun , Choi Won-Jun , Ham Seunghon , Kang Seong-Kyu , Lee Wanhyung 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The association between breakfast skipping and abnormal metabolic outcomes remains controversial. A comprehensive study with various stratified data is required.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between abnormal metabolic outcomes and breakfast skipping by sex, age, and work status stratification. Methods: We used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2013-2018. A total of 21,193 (9,022 men and 12,171 women) participants were included in the final analysis. The risk of metabolic outcomes linked to breakfast skipping was estimated using the negative binomial regression analysis by sex, work status, and age stratification. Results: A total of 11,952 (56.4%) participants consumed breakfast regularly. The prevalence of abnormal metabolic outcomes was higher among those with irregular breakfast consumption habits. Among young male workers, negative binomial regression analysis showed that irregular breakfast eaters had a higher risk of abnormal metabolic outcomes, after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.27). Conclusions: The risk of abnormal metabolic outcomes was significant in young men in the working population. Further studies are required to understand the association of specific working conditions (working hours or shift work) with breakfast intake status and the risk of metabolic diseases.
Effects of aging on the skin and gill microbiota of farmed seabass and seabream
Authors: Rosado Daniela , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Pereira Ana , Severino Ricardo , Xavier Raquel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Important changes in microbioal composition related to sexual maturation have been already reported in the gut of several vertebrates including mammals, amphibians and fish. Such changes in fish are linked to reproduction and growth during developmental stages, diet transitions and critical life events. We used amplicon (16S rRNA) high-throughput sequencing to characterize the skin and gill bacterial microbiota of farmed seabass and seabream belonging to three different developmental age groups: early and late juveniles and mature adults. We also assessed the impact of the surrounding estuarine water microbiota in shaping the fish skin and gill microbiota. Results: Microbial diversity, composition and potential metabolic functions varied across fish maturity stages. Alpha-diversity in the seabass microbiota varied significantly between age groups and was higher in older fish. Conversely, in the seabream, no significant differences were found in alpha diversity between age groups. Microbial structure varied significantly across age groups; moreover, high structural variation was also observed within groups. Different bacterial metabolic pathways were predicted to be enriched in the microbiota of both species. Finally, we found that the water microbiota is significantly distinct from all the fish microbiota across the studied age groups, although a high percentage of ASVs is shared with the skin and gill microbiota. Conclusions: We report important microbial differences in composition and potential functionality across the different ages of farmed seabass and seabream. These differences may be related to somatic growth and the onset of sexual maturation. Importantly, some of the inferred metabolic pathways could enhance the host coping mechanisms during stressful conditions. Our results provide new evidence suggesting that growth and sexual maturation have an important role in shaping the external mucosa microbiota of fish and highlight the importance of considering different life stages in microbiota studies.
Ex vivo porcine model study on the treatment outcomes of scissor-type knife versus needle-type knife in endoscopic submucosal dissection performed by trainees
Authors: Ichijima Ryoji , Esaki Mitsuru , Yamakawa Shun , Minoda Yosuke , Suzuki Sho , Kusano Chika , Ikehara Hisatomo , Gotoda Takuji 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastrointestinal neoplasms can be technically difficult for trainee endoscopists. Presently, there is no consensus for trainees to select the endo-knife type in ESD. Therefore, we conducted a comparison study of treatment outcomes between scissors-type and needle-type knives in ESD performed by trainees in an ex vivo porcine model.MethodsThis study was conducted on trainee endoscopists who participated in ESD hands-on seminars held in August 2018 and September 2019. A total of 22 trainees from 13 institutions were divided into two groups according to their endoscopic experience. Under expert supervision, each trainee performed two ESDs in porcine models, namely, scissor-type knife (ESD-S) and needle-type knife (ESD-N). The efficacy and safety, including the procedure time and rates of self-completion, en bloc resection, and complications, were compared between ESD-S and ESD-N. In subgroup analysis, we also investigated the predictors associated with the difficulty of ESD for trainees using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsEight trainees had an experience of over 1,000 endoscopies (senior trainee: S-Trainee), whereas the others had an experience of less than 1,000 endoscopies (junior trainee: J-Trainee). Among the S-Trainees, no significant differences were observed in any treatment outcome between ESD-S and ESD-N. Among the J-Trainees, the total procedure and mucosal incision times were significantly shorter in ESD-S than in ESD-N [total procedure time: 16.5 min (range: 10.0–31.0) vs. 22.3 min (range: 10.0–38.0), P = 0.018; circumferential incision time: 10.0 min (range: 6-16) vs. 17.0 min (range: 5.0–31.5); P = 0.019]. Regarding complications, muscular injury occurred in two patients during ESD-N performed by J-Trainees; however, no muscular injury occurred during ESD-S. In subgroup analysis, ESD-N was an independent predictive factor of difficult ESD (odds ratio 5.28, 95% confidence interval 1.25–22.30; p = 0.024).ConclusionsThis study revealed that trainees, particularly those who have experienced less than 1,000 endoscopies, should opt for the scissor-type knife to perform ESD.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 from Patient Fecal Samples by Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Papoutsis Andreas , Borody Thomas , Dolai Siba , Daniels Jordan , Steinberg Skylar , Barrows Brad , Hazan Sabine 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

SARS-CoV-2 has been detected not only in respiratory secretions, but also in stool collections. Here were sought to identify SARS-CoV-2 by enrichment NGS from fecal samples, and to utilize whole genome analysis to characterize SARS-CoV-2 mutational variations in COVID-19 patients.

Results

Study participants underwent testing for SARS-CoV-2 from fecal samples by whole genome enrichment NGS (n = 14), and RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab analysis (n = 12). The concordance of SARS-CoV-2 detection by enrichment NGS from stools with RT-PCR nasopharyngeal analysis was 100%. Unique variants were identified in four patients, with a total of 33 different mutations among those in which SARS-CoV-2 was detected by whole genome enrichment NGS.

Conclusion

These results highlight the potential viability of SARS-CoV-2 in feces, its ongoing mutational accumulation, and its possible role in fecal-oral transmission. This study also elucidates the advantages of SARS-CoV-2 enrichment NGS, which may be a key methodology to document complete viral eradication.
Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a COVID-19 Patient on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Case Report.
Authors: Phan Xuan T. , Nguyen Tuan Huu , Tran Tung T. , Huynh Thu-Hien T. , Hoang Thuy-Ha T. , Nguyen Vinh-Chau V. , Pham Thao N. T. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support can be life-saving in critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, there are many complications associated with this procedure, including Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT.) Despite its rarity in ECMO cases, HIT can lead to devastating consequences and is difficult to manage. Case presentation: In this report, we present a case of a COVID-19 patient on ECMO support who was diagnosed with HIT and required intensive treatment. Initially, HIT was only suspected due to newly-developed thrombocytopenia and oxygenator dysfunction, with thrombi observed later. Regarding his treatment, since there was no recommended replacement to heparin available to us at the time of diagnosis, we decided to use rivaroxaban temporarily. No adverse events were recorded during that period. The patient was able to make a full recovery.Conclusion: HIT may jeopardize patient’s care during ECMO. As COVID-19 may bring about a surge in the number of patients requiring ECMO support, we need consented guidance to optimize treatment in this specific situation.
Differential ketogenic diet-induced shift in CSF lipid/carbohydrate metabolome of pediatric epilepsy patients with optimal vs. no anticonvulsant response: a pilot study&nbsp;
Authors: Masino Susan , Ruskin David , Freedgood Nathalie , Lindefeldt Marie , Dahlin Maria 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The low carbohydrate, high fat ketogenic diet can be an effective anticonvulsant treatment in some pediatric patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Its mechanism(s) of action, however, remain uncertain. Direct sampling of cerebrospinal fluid before and during metabolic therapy may reveal key changes associated with differential clinical outcomes. We characterized the relationship between seizure responsiveness and changes in lipid and carbohydrate metabolites. Methods: We performed metabolomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples taken before and during ketogenic diet treatment in patients with optimal response (100% seizure remission) and patients with no response (no seizure improvement) to search for differential diet effects in hallmark metabolic compounds in these two groups. Optimal responders and non-responders were similar in age range and included males and females. Seizure types and the etiologies or syndromes of epilepsy varied but did not appear to differ systematically between responders and non-responders. Results: Analysis showed a strong effect of ketogenic diet treatment on the cerebrospinal fluid metabolome. Longitudinal and between-subjects analyses revealed that many lipids and carbohydrates were changed significantly by ketogenic diet, with changes typically being of larger magnitude in responders. Notably, responders had more robust changes in glucose and the ketone bodies b-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate than non-responders; conversely, non-responders had significant increases in fructose and sorbose, which did not occur in responders. Conclusions: The data suggest that a differential and stronger metabolic response to the ketogenic diet may predict a better anticonvulsant response, and such variability is likely due to inherent biological factors of individual patients. Strategies to boost the metabolic response may be beneficial.
Penicillium janthinellum NCIM1366 shows improved biomass hydrolysis and a larger number of CAZymes with higher induction levels over Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30
Authors: Sreeja-R AthiraRaj , Christopher Meera , Kooloth-Valappil Prajeesh , Kuni-Parambil Rajasree , Gokhale Digambar Vittal , Sankar Meena , Abraham Amith , Pandey Ashok , Sukumaran Rajeev Kumar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMajor cost of bioethanol is attributed to enzymes employed in biomass hydrolysis. Biomass hydrolyzing enzymes are predominantly produced from the hyper cellulolytic mutant filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30. Several decades of research have failed to provide an industrial grade organism other than T. reesei, capable of producing higher titers of an effective synergistic biomass hydrolyzing enzyme cocktail. Penicillium janthinellum NCIM1366 was reported as a cellulase hyper producer and a potential alternative to T. reesei, but a comparison of their hydrolytic performance was seldom attempted. ResultsHydrolysis of acid or alkali pretreated rice straw using cellulase enzyme preparations from P. janthinellum and T. reesei indicated 37 and 43 % higher glucose release respectively with P. janthinellum enzymes. A comparison of these fungi with respect to their secreted enzymes indicated that the crude enzyme preparation from P. janthinellum showed 28 % higher overall cellulase activity. It also had an exceptional 10-fold higher beta-glucosidase activity compared to that of T. reesei, leading to a lower cellobiose accumulation and thus alleviating the feedback inhibition. P. janthinellum secreted more number of proteins to the extracellular medium whose total concentration was 1.8 fold higher than T. reesei. Secretome analyses of the two fungi revealed higher number of CAZymes and a higher relative abundance of cellulases upon cellulose induction in the fungus.ConclusionsThe results revealed the ability of P. janthinellum for efficient biomass degradation through hyper cellulase production, and it outperformed the established industrial cellulase producer T. reesei in the hydrolysis experiments. A higher level of induction, larger number of secreted CAZymes and a high relative proportion of BGL to cellulases indicate the possible reasons for its performance advantage in biomass hydrolysis.
Demography and determinants of dog and cat ownership in three towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Sarba Edilu Jorga , Getaneh Abraham Mekebib , Tola Getachew Kebebew , Endale Solomon Shiferaw , Marami Lencho Megersa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for the control of pet population and zoonosis. This study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was designed and administered to households to collect data on the demography and determinants of dog/cat ownership. Six hundred and ten households, consisting of 305 in Ambo, 182 in Bako, and 123 in Gojo towns were interviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of dog/cat ownership. ResultsAbout 65.1% (95% CI: 62.1 – 69.8%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.8 – 43.8%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.4 – 35.0%) own both. The majority of the dog-owning households own a single dog (74.8%) and cat (74.9%). There were significantly higher proportion of dog and cat-owning households in Bako than Ambo and Gojo towns. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6:1, and that of cat ratio was 10:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 3:1 for the dog while nearly 1:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have free access to outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs/cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, and shortage of finance. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, gender of head of household, ownership of other animals as determinants for dog/cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership. ConclusionData on dog/cat ownership status is important for the provision of veterinary services, pet population control, and for quantifying risks associated with dog/cat to the community and control of dog/cat borne zoonosis.
Prognostic value of bedside lung ultrasound score in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ji Li , Cao Chunyan , Gao Ying , Zhang Wen , Xie Yuji , Duan Yilian , Kong Shuangshuang , You Manjie , Ma Rong , Jiang Lili , Liu Jie , Sun Zhenxing , Zhang Ziming , Wang Jing , Yang Yali , Lv Qing , Zhang Li , Li Yuman , Zhang Jinxiang , Xie Mingxing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a useful and noninvasive tool to detect lung involvement and monitor changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical significance of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19.Methods: The LUS protocol consisted of 12 scanning zones and was performed in 280 consecutive patients with COVID-19. The LUS score based on B-lines, lung consolidation and pleural line abnormalities was evaluated.Results: The median time from admission to LUS examinations was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3-10). Patients in the highest LUS score group were more likely to have a lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM%); higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive troponin I and creatine kinase muscle-brain; more invasive mechanical ventilation therapy; higher incidence of ARDS; and higher mortality than patients in the lowest LUS score group. After a median follow-up of 14 days [IQR, 10-20 days], 37 patients developed ARDS, and 13 died. Patients with adverse outcomes presented a higher rate of bilateral involvement; more involved zones and B-lines, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation; and a higher LUS score than event-free survivors. The Cox models adding the LUS score as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.02～1.08; P < 0.001; Akaike Information Criterion [AIC] =272; C-index = 0.903) or as a categorical variable (HR: 10.76, 95% CI: 2.75～42.05; P = 0.001; AIC =272; C-index = 0.902) were found to predict poor outcomes more accurately than the basic model (AIC =286; C-index = 0.866). An LUS score cut-off >12 predicted adverse outcomes with a specificity and sensitivity of 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively.Conclusions: The LUS score devised by our group performs well at predicting adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and is important for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.