bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probe-based multiplex qPCR identifies bloodmeal hosts in Anopheles mosquitoes from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Keven John B , Artzberger Georgia , Gillies Mary L. , Mbewe Rex B. , Walker Edward D. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Determination of bloodmeal hosts in blood-fed female Anopheles mosquitoes is important for evaluating vectorial capacity of vector populations and assessing effectiveness of vector control measures. Sensitive molecular methods are needed to detect traces of host blood in mosquito samples, to differentiate hosts, and to detect mixed host blood meals. This paper describes a molecular probe-based quantitative PCR for identifying bloodmeal hosts in Anopheles malaria vectors from Papua New Guinea. Methods: TaqMan oligonucleotide probes targeting specific regions of mitochondrial or nuclear DNA of the three primary Anopheles bloodmeal hosts – humans, pigs and dogs – were incorporated into a multiplex, quantitative PCR which was optimized for sensitivity and specificity.Results: Amplification of serially diluted DNA showed that the quantitative PCR detected as low as 10-5 ng/μl of host DNA. Application to field-collected, blood-fed Anopheles showed that the quantitative PCR identified the vertebrate hosts for 335/375 (89%) of mosquitoes whereas only 104/188 (55%) of bloodmeal samples tested in a conventional PCR were identified. Of the 104 blood-fed Anopheles that were positive in both PCR methods, 16 (15.4%) were identified as mixed bloodmeals by the quantitative PCR whereas only 3 (2.9%) were mixed bloodmeals by the conventional PCR. Conclusions: The multiplex quantitative PCR described here is sensitive at detecting low DNA concentration and mixed host DNA in samples and useful for bloodmeal analysis of field mosquitoes, in particular mixed-host bloodmeals.
Analysis of long non-coding RNA expression profiles in vascular endothelial cells with hyperglycemia-induced damage
Authors: Xu Erqin , Hu Xiaolei , Li Xiaoli , Jin Guoxi , Zhuang Langen , Wang Qiong , Pei Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is often associated with microvascular and macrovascular lesions, and hyperglycemia-induced vascular endothelial cell damage is a key factor. Methods ： We investigated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs that are affected by hyperglycemia-induced damage using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as a model. HUVECs were cultured under high (25 mmol/L) or normal (5 mmol/L) glucose conditions for 6 d, and then lncRNAs and protein-coding transcripts were profiled by RNA-seq. Results ： Among 40,379 lncRNAs screened, 214 were upregulated (log2 [fold-change] > 1, FDR < 0.05) and 197 were downregulated (log2 [fold-change] < −1, FDR < 0.05) in response to high-glucose. Furthermore, among 28,431 protein-coding genes screened, 778 were upregulated and 998 were downregulated. A total of 945 lncRNA/mRNA pairs were identified, including 126 differentially expressed lncRNAs predicted to target 201 mRNAs, among which 26 were cis-regulatory interactions. The corresponding lncRNA-mRNA network was composed of 354 lncRNA nodes, 1,167 mRNA nodes and 9,735 edges. Dozens of lncRNAs with high degree may play important roles in high-glucose-induced HUVEC damage, including ENST00000600527, NONHSAT037576.2, NONHSAT135706.2, ENST00000602127, NONHSAT200243.1, NONHSAT217282.1, NONHSAT176260.1, NONHSAT199075.1, NONHSAT067063.2, NONHSAT058417.2. Conclusion ： These observations may provide novel insights into the regulatory molecules and pathways of hyperglycemia-related endothelial dysfunction in diabetes-associated vascular disease.
Establishment of a RESEARCH USE ONLY Condensed-Efficient-Fast (CEF) PITX2 workflow for analysis of PITX2 DNA methylation in small tumor tissue samples&nbsp;
Authors: Napieralski Rudolf , Schricker Gabriele , Schüren Elisabeth , Perkins Jonathan , Magdolen Viktor , Weichert Wilko , Kiechle Marion , Wilhelm Olaf G. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The CE-marked therascreen® PITX2 RGQ PCR Kit (QIAGEN Cat No./ID 873211), a PITX2 DNA methylation assay was introduced to the market in 2018, (hereinafter referred to as the “standard therascreen PITX2 workflow) and represents an in vitro diagnostic to predict outcome to anthracycline-based chemotherapy considered standard-of-care systemic treatment in early breast cancer patients. The Intended Use (IUS) of this kit covers lymph node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-negative high-risk breast cancer patients treated in the adjuvant setting with anthracycline-based chemotherapy and requires 400 ng genomic DNA as recommended DNA input extracted from 1-2 x 5 µm Formalin-Fixed-Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) sections with a minimal total tumor tissue surface area of ≥ 100 mm2. In today’s clinical workflow of early high-risk breast cancer patient therapy, increasing number of patients are treated in the neoadjuvant setting after tumor biopsy with anthracycline-based chemotherapy before tumor resection by surgery. Biopsy material size restriction in this clinical area requires for a predictive marker test to be applicable biopsy specimens with tumor tissue surface area’s in the range of 20-50 mm2. Therefore, a modified PITX2 workflow protocol - the so-called “Condensed Efficient Fast (CEF)” PITX2 workflow – was developed to address this need. The required modifications of the standard therascreen PITX2 workflow is described in the “bisDNA Preparation” section. The “PMR Detection & Analysis” section of the standard therascreen PITX2 workflow remains unchanged. The new CEF PITX2 workflow is for Research Use Only (RUO) and intended to be used by qualified users such as technicians, molecular biologists/clinical chemists, or physicians. The complete CEF PITX2 workflow is optimized for medium sample through-put with highly reliable and robust read-out and can be performed in two working days.
Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Mwaisaka Jefferson , Gonsalves Lianne , Thiongo Mary , Waithaka Michael , Sidha Hellen , Agwanda Alfred , Mukiira Carol , Gichangi Peter 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake. Nearly all the research on the link between contraceptives’ misconceptions and low contraceptive prevalence comes mostly from women with little focus on men. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand both young men’s and young women’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify key concerns regarding modern pregnancy prevention methods.Methods: We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants.Results: Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions around contraception were discussed, they included jeopardizing future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, problems conceiving, birth defects, promiscuity, against religion and perceived to be un-African including denying couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Results are presented under three key themes namely (i) Awareness of contraception (ii) Myths and misconceptions around contraception and (iii) Males’ contraceptive narratives. Conclusions: This study revealed a low level of contraceptive knowledge among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya. Most respondents reported contraceptive fears and misconceptions resulting from critical gaps in Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge. Improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.
Long Term Follow up of the Lived Attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (SA-14-14-2) Efficacy in Children of the four hyper-endemic Provinces of Northern Thailand, 2016.
Authors: Nitatpattana Narong , Nakgoi Khajornpong , Juntarapornchai Sanjira , Ruangdachsuwan Sasiporn , Ratchakum Supot , Auethavekiat Supatana , Yoksan Sutee , Veas Francisco , Gonzalez Jean-Paul Joseph 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background. In Thailand, Japanese encephalitis appears with a higher incidence of the Northern region (0.0/100,000 cases/year) as compared to the central southern region of the country (0.01/100,000/year). Also, all Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) recently isolated strains in country belong to the genotype I and III.Methods. In order to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the newly developed live attenuated SA 14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine in Thailand, the immune response in children was studied after a second immunization campaign. Following 2012 immunization campaign, a second JEV immunization vaccine was delivered to children among four provinces of the Northern Region of Thailand. For each province, the recipients were identified accordingly to the two vaccine campaigns time including the children who received the second dose of vaccine: 1/ less than one year before the present study (N=30 by province); 2/ more than one year before the present study (N=70 by province). Altogether, a total of 400 children were enrolled in this project. After receiving the second vaccine dose, blood samples were collected and tested for JEV (Genotypes I and III) neutralizing antibodies following a standard procedure of LLC-MK2 infected cells.Results. All recipient presented neutralizing antibodies cross reacting against the prevalent JEV genotypes I (SM1 JEV strain) and genotype III (SA 14-14-2 and Beijing JEV strains). Most of the children from the first group had a seroconversion rate of 94.2% against homologous (i.e. GIII). Among them, an optimal rate of 100% seroconversion was find at the Phayao Province against both heterologous (GI) and homologous (GIII) JEV strains. Geometric Mean Titer (GMT) of neutralizing antibody against SM1, SA 14-14-2 JEV, and Beijing JEV strains were consistently high, respectively as 239±50, 323±201.2 and 177±36.7. For the second group, seroconversion rate was lower against SM1, SA 14-14-2 and Beijing JEV strains with a rate of 94.3, 90% and 86.8% with respectively a GMT of 154±32, 90±23 and 82±13.6.Conclusion. Although, the immunity appears to decrease within the period of 2.5 years, neutralizing antibody rate are consistent to protect against the JEV infection. Nevertheless, a long-term follow up is suitable to evaluate an eventual third dose opportunity.
High viremia and Poor Immunity are Potential Surrogates of Anti-toxoplasmic Immunoglobulin G Quantification among HIV-Infected Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Ka'e Aude Christelle , Sosso Samuel Martin , Fokam Joseph , Simo Rachel Kamgaing , Essama Sara Riwom , Nka Alex Durand , Yagai Bouba , Dzukou Cédric Joël Ninsu , Tchouaket Michel Carlos Tommo , Chenwi Collins , Abba Aissatou , Fainguem Nadine , Zam Marie Krystel Nnomo , Yimga Junie Flore , Colizzi Vittorio , Ndjolo Alexis 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Toxoplasmosis remains a neglected common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, who are mainly people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in whom reactivation of toxoplasmosis may occur with advanced HIV conditions in resource-limited settings (RLS). Our objective was to evaluate the correlation between the anti-toxoplasmic IgG (Tg-IgG) concentration and the immuno-virological status of PLWHIV.Methods : A prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted among PLWHIV aged>18 years from February to November 2018 at the Chantal BIYA international Reference Centre. Blood samples were collected from eligible consenting PLWHIV; Tg-IgG level was assessed by quantitative ELISA, CD4-T lymphocytes counts were measured by flow cytometry and HIV-1 plasma viral load (PVL) measurement by real-time-PCR. Data were analysed using Excel and Graph Pad softwares; with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.Results : A total of 100 PLWHIV were enrolled: 56% seropositive for IgG anti- Toxoplasma gondii, 33% seronegative and 11% indeterminate results. According to viremia, 100% (19/19) of those with PVL>1000 copies/mL were seropositive to Tg-IgG versus 52.85% (37/70) of those with PVL<1000 copies/mL (median [IQR] IgG concentration 152.78 [139.24-444.43] versus 34.44 [13.04-36.47] IU/mL, respectively); p<0.0001. According to CD4, 100% (11/11) of those with T-CD4<200 cells/µL were seropositive to Tg-IgG versus 57.69% (45/78) of those with T-CD4>200 cells/µL (median IgG [IQR] 432.92 [145.06-450.47] versus 35.01 [15.01-38.01] IU/mL, respectively); p<0.0001. Interestingly, there were moderate-positive and strong-negative correlations respectively with HIV-1 PVL (r = 0.54; p<0.0001) and T-CD4 (r = -0.70; p<0.0001) as compared to Tg-IgG concentration. After adjusting for age, gender, immune status and PVL in logistic regression, only poor immune status (T-CD4<200 cells/µL) was independently associated to Tg-IgG seropositivity (p=0.0004).Conclusion : In a typical RLS like Cameroon, about half of PLWHIV might be seropositive to Tg-IgG. Of relevance, decreasing immunity appears with risk of increasing IgG anti- T gondii concentration, which suggests a relapse of toxoplasmosis. Thus, in the context of immunodeficiency, routine quantification of Tg-IgG would alleviate the programmatic burden of this opportunistic infection in RLS with generalized HIV epidemics.
Perspectives on Health, Participation, and Security Related to Active Aging Among Older Adults in North-eastern Thailand – a qualitative study
Authors: Wongsala Manothai , Anbäcken Els-Marie , Rosendahl Sirpa 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Health, participation, and security are basic pillars of Active Aging suggested by WHO is used by professionals but need to be explored from the perspectives of older people themselves. This study aims to explore how older adults experience and describe health, participation, and security. Methods A qualitative research approach based on open-ended interview questions with 20 older Thai adults, aged 60-92 years was used. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings The results showed perspectives related to experiences of daily life and local culture. Health was described as status of the body in the absence of barriers to a continued daily living, and a peaceful mind with an adaptive mind-set while aging. Participation was described as maintaining social networks and being a formal volunteer emphasizing the making of merits, on meaningful activities and being respected. Security was described as manageable living conditions and managing to finalize life well, balancing dependency and independency in relation to children to sustain the traditional value of gratitude between generations. Conclusions These understandings benefit the providing of resources and activities related to older adults’ perspectives to enhance their quality of life for both Thai and other cultural contexts.
Evaluating rate of cataract surgery through smart partnership between Ministry of Health, Malaysia and Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council
Authors: N nor fariza , muhamad nor asiah , Azni Roslin , H elias , salowi mohamad aziz , k zabri , Lodz Noor Aliza , M nurul syarbani eliana , abdullah noor hisham , Aris Tahir 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in developing countries including Malaysia. Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and Ministry of Health, Malaysia (MOH) have established a cataract day care centre called Pusat Pembedahan Katarak, MAIWP- Hospital Selayang (MAIWP- Selayang Hospital Cataract Surgery Centre) to offer a day care cataract surgery with the aim reduce the waiting list among patients plan for cataract operation at the MOH referral hospital in Klang Valley. This smart partnership enables more patients to undergo cataract surgery with a lesser waiting period irrespective of their religious belief. Objective This paper aims to estimate the cataract surgery rate (CSR) of Pusat Pembedahan Katarak, MAIWP- Hospital Selayang (Cataract Operation Centre) from 2013 to 2016 and descriptive assessments of the patients who received eye treatments in the centre. Methods All cataract patients who underwent for operations in Selayang Hospital were requested to complete the “Registration Form,” that consist of the these information namely name, sex, age, home address, cataract classification, detailed ophthalmological exam information (such as naked eyesight, optometry, tonometry, etc.), cataract surgeon, surgical management, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation or not, operation cost origin, operation outcome (mainly 1st–3rd postoperative day corrected visual acuity (VA), etc. Cataract surgery data are entered into the local Eye Clinic Management System (ECMS) which synchronises with National Eye Database (NED) at regular intervals. Results Cataract surgery rate for 2013 was about 27 and increased to 37.3 in 2014. However, it was declined to 25 in 2015 before bouncing back to 36 in year of 2016. Female patients who received eye treatment at Pusat Pembedahan Katarak, MAIWP- Hospital Selayang was higher (53.7%) as compared to male patients (46.3%). Mean duration of cataract surgery from 2013 to 2016 was 21.25 ± 11.071 minutes. Conclusions Increased in cataract surgery rate for MAIWP-HS through smart partnership for day care cataract surgery proved that easy accessibility is possible to achieve the short and long-term strategies for the reduction and prevention of blindness in Malaysia.
Influence of Segmental Supply of Cilioretinal Artery on Morphology of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Raman Rajiv , Khan Rehana , Shanmugam Mahesh , Ramanjulu Rajesh , Chablani Jay , Singh Niharika 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The supply of Cilioretinal artery (CRA) to different layers of retina influences retinal pathologies like diabetic retinopathy. Since the supply of CRA is segmental, Our aim is to analyze the location of CRA) with non center-involving and center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) and to evaluate the supply of CRA with segments of macular edema based on Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) scale using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Design Retrospective study Methods and Materials A retrospective study in which forty-three patients at various stages of diabetic retinopathy with the presence of CRA were identified. Presence and location of CRA was recognized using fundus fluorescein angiography. Diabetic retinopathy was graded based on ETDRS classification using OCT. Results Evaluation of 26 men and 17 women of various groups of diabetic retinopathy revealed unilateral CRA in 40 subjects and bilateral CRA in 3 subjects. When CRA supplied the central area, maximum retinal thickness was noted at the temporal quadrant (271.67±164.02 μm) and had noncenter-involving DME (194.87±121.06 μm), when CRA supplied the lower area, maximum retinal thickness was noted at the superior quadrant (293.64±159.36 μm) and had center-involving DME (395±285.75 μm), and when it supplied the upper area, maximum retinal thickness was noted at the nasal quadrant (293.49±176.18μm) with center-involving DME (292±192.79 μm). Conclusion The presence of CRA seems to alter the morphology and influences the segment involved in DME. However, further studies with larger sample size are warranted to prove this association.
USP22 promotes pro-inflammatory responses in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis by targeting TRAF6
Authors: CHEN DI , SONG DAWEI , MA YIBIN , LU WEIZHAO , QIU JIANFENG , Wang Yi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)-induced keratitis is characterized by inflammatory epithelial edema, stromal infiltration, corneal ulceration, and can lead to vision loss. In the present study, we aim to study the effect of ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) on PA-induced keratitis. Methods Lentivirus containing control plasmid or shRNA targeting USP22 were used to silence the expression of USP22 in mouse corneas and cultured RAW264.7 cells, the inflammatory processes were detected. Results We found the expression level of USP22 was significantly increased in both mouse corneas and cultured RAW264.7 cells after PA stimulation. In addition, we observed that silencing of USP22 attenuate disease progression, downregulate NF-κB pathway and suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines after PA stimulation. Most importantly, we found the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) was decreased by silencing of USP22, and USP22 was found to remove K48-linked poly-ubiquitination chains from TRAF6 to stabilize TRAF6 expression after PA infection. Conclusion This data indicated USP22 as a positive regulator of pro-inflammatory responses in PA induced keratitis.
Identification and validation of two LUAD-development characteristic gene sets for diagnosing lung adenocarcinoma and predicting prognosis
Authors: Liu Cheng , Li Xiang , Shao Hua , Li Dan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the main types of lung cancer, the low rates for early diagnosis and a bad prognosis for advanced stage lead to a higher mortality rate. Therefore, it is of great significance to identify the related genes that promote its development.Patients and methods 512 LUADs from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to performed differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis and short-term time-series expression miner to identify the LUAD-development characteristic gene sets. Survival analysis was applied to identified LUAD-unfavorable gene set and LUAD-favorable gene set. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was performed to score individual samples against the two gene sets. ROC curve analysis, univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the two GSVA score systems. Two independent data sets from GEO were used for verifying the results. Functional enrichment analysis was used to explore the potential biological functions of LUAD-unfavorable gene set.Results With the development of LUAD, 185 DEGs were gradually up-graduated, including 84 genes associated with survival and classed as LUAD-unfavorable gene set; 237 DEGs were gradually down-graduated, including 39 genes associated with survival and classed as LUAD-favorable gene set. ROC curve analysis and univariate/multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses indicated both of LUAD-unfavorable GSVA score and LUAD-favorable GSVA score were biomarkers for diagnosing LUAD and independent biomarkers for predicting prognosis. The LUAD-unfavorable genes were involved in multiple cancer-related pathways, such as p53 signaling pathway and cell cycle.ConclusionWe identified and validated two LUAD-development characteristic gene sets that not only have diagnostic value but also prognostic value. It may provide new insight for further research on LUAD.