bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Egr2 upregulation induced mitochondrial iron overload implicating in sevoflurane-induced cognitive deficits in developing mice
Authors: Zhang Piao , Chen Yeru , Zhang Shuxia , Fang Man , Lin Xianyi , Liu Tieshuai , Zhou Youfa , Yu Xin , Chen Gang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Sevoflurane inhalation initiated cognitive deficits implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptogenesis impairment. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that Egr2 may play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function. Therefore, we attempted to clarify the potential mechanism regarding Egr2 expression and cognitive deficits induced by sevoflurane administration.Methods Animals received sevoflurane anesthesia, and the behavioral tests including Morris water maze, novel object recognition test and trace fear conditioning were performed. Then, the immunofluorescent staining was employed to detect the effect of sevoflurane inhalation in hippocampal neurons. Meanwhile, bioinformatics analysis was implemented, and the level of lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential, morphology and membrane permeability, and cytoplasm calcium levels were investigated after Egr2 interference by using JC-1 probe, MitoTracker staining, Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) assay, and Fluo calcium indicators, respectively. Additionally, Prussian blue staining was used to evaluate the iron content.Results The behavioral tests indicated that the cognitive function was significantly attenuated after sevoflurane administration. The Golgi-Cox staining displayed that the dendritic length, density and nodes were significantly reduced following sevoflurane inhalation. The bioinformatics analysis showed that sevoflurane administration results in the Egr2 expression upregulation. Additionally, the results suggested that sevoflurane administration elevated the cytoplasm calcium levels, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and triggered the opening of mPTP. Prussian blue staining showed that the iron deposition was apparently increased. However, Egr2 level downregulation partly reversed these above changes. Moreover, the behavioral performance was effectively improved after deferiprone (DFP) administration.Conclusion These findings demonstrated that sevoflurane administration elicited mitochondrial dysfunction and iron dyshomeostasis, and eventually resulted in cognitive impairments, whereas suppressing Egr2 expression partly improved this pathological process.
Development of a Recombinase-Aided Amplification Assay for Rapid Detection of Human Norovirus GII.4
Authors: Qin Zhiwei , Xue Liang , Cai Weicheng , Gao Junshan , Jiang Yueting , Yang Jiale , Liang Yanhui , Wang Linping , Zhang Jumei , Hu Yongdan , Wu Qingping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Human noroviruses are one of the main causes of foodborne illnesses and represent a serious public health concern. Rapid and sensitive assays for human norovirus detection are undoubtedly necessary for clinical diagnosis, especially in regions without more sophisticated equipment.Method: The recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) is a fast, robust and isothermal nucleic acid detection method based on enzyme reaction. This method can complete the sample detection at 39°C in 30 minutes. In this study, we successfully established a rapid reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) assay for the detection of human norovirus GII.4 and applied this assay to clinical samples, as well as comparison with commercial RT-qPCR.Results: An analytical sensitivity detection of the RT-RAA at a 95% probability of 3.425 log10 genomic copies (LGC)/reaction. Moreover, no cross-reaction was observed with other norovirus genogroups and other common foodborne viruses. Stool samples were examined by RT-RAA and reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Compared with RT-qPCR, kappa values for human norovirus detection with RT-RAA were 0.894 (p < 0.001), indicating that both assays were in agreement.Conclusion: This RT-RAA assay provides a rapid, specific, and sensitive assay for human norovirus detection and is suitable for clinical testing.
Antimicrobial resistance of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Pathogens in 2019 of Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province: A Multi-Centre, Retrospective Study
Authors: Liang Meichun , Mao Guofeng , Zhang Xiaojiao , He Qiuli , Ying Qunhua , Wang Sheliang , Jin Faxiang , Dong Su , Lin Xiuqin , Ruan Yongchun , Li Minghui , Lv Li , Zhou Yiqing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The detection rate and drug resistance rate of K. pneumoniae increased year by year in China. Understanding the drug resistance situation will help guide prevention and control of K. pneumoniae infection. Methods: This study collected the results of drug susceptibility of K. pneumoniae from six tertiary hospitals in Shaoxing city in 2019 and analyzed the differences in drug resistance among different hospitals, genders, ages, and specimens. Results: A total of 1954 strains were collected, all of which were most sensitive to amikacin, with a resistance rate of 4.42%. The resistance rate to carbapenems and tigecycline was less than 10%. Nitrofurantoin had the highest resistance rate (36.18%). The drug resistance rate of Shaoxing traditional Chinese medicine hospital and Shaoxing maternity and child health care hospital was lower, and the drug resistance rate of the affiliated hospital of Shaoxing University was the highest. In addition to the Shaoxing maternity and child health care hospital, specimens were mainly from elderly and male patients, the drug resistance rate increased with age, and no carbapenem-resistant strains were found in patients under 17 years old. The specimens were mostly from the respiratory tract and urinary tract, but the CRKP rate was the highest in blood, the ESBL rate was the highest in other sterile body fluids except for blood, and the high ESBL and CR rates in urine were also detected. Conclusions: The above results indicated that there were significant differences in drug resistance rates of strains among different hospitals, genders, ages, and specimen sources, and clinical empirical medication should be incorporated into the reference.
The Effect of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths on Expressive Language Skills Among isiZulu Speaking Preschool Children
Authors: Mazibuko Xolisile Innocentia , Chimbari Moses 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH) have been associated with compromised child development. We determined the effect of schistosomiasis and STH on expressive language skills among isiZulu speaking preschool children focusing on the variables: age, gender, school and stunting. Methods: We compared, qualitatively and quantitatively the performance of a cohort of infected and non-infected children using a 2 phased approach. In phase 1 infected children were treated with praziquantel and matched with non-infected children and both groups were tested for expressive language performance. In phase 2 both groups of children were re-tested for expressive language skills using a similar but modified test. The participants were 106 preschool children between the age of 4 and 6 years,11months. The Developmental Language Test was adapted as a linguistically and culturally appropriate tool for assessing isiZulu expressive language skills. Results: The overall performance of the children in phases 1 and 2 were statistically similar. There was significant Pearson’s correlation of expressive language skills to age (0.002, P<0.01), schistosomiasis i.e. vocabulary 1 (0.024, P<0.05) and narrative skills (0.001, P<0.01) and soil-transmitted helminths i.e. vocabulary 1 (0.006, P<0.05), colours (0.029, P<0.05) and narrative skills (0.001, P<0.01) in phase 2 with small to high Cohen’s d effect size for various language subtests. Conclusion: We concluded that even mild schistosomiasis and STH may compromise the performance of preschool children on expressive language. However poor ability in following instructions may have contributed to general poor performance across the two groups tested. Diet, school effect and stunting did not influence the performance of the children on expressive language.
Comparison of Saliva with Healthcare Workers- and Patient-Collected Swabs in the Diagnosis of COVID-19 in a Large Cohort
Authors: Sasikala Mitnala , Sadhana Yelamanchili , Vijayasarathy Ketavarapu , Gupta Anand , Daram Sarala kumari , Reddy Podduturi Naveen chander , Reddy Duvvur Nageshawar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: A considerable amount of evidence demonstrates the potential of saliva in the diagnosis of COVID-19. Our aim was to determine the sensitivity of saliva versus swabs collected by healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients themselves to assess whether saliva detection can be offered as a cost-effective, risk-free method of SARS-CoV-2 detection.Methods: This study was conducted in a hospital involving outpatients and hospitalized patients. A total of 3018 outpatients (asymptomatic: 2683, symptomatic: 335) were screened. Of these, 200 qRT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were recruited (81 asymptomatic, 119 symptomatic). In addition, 101 SARS-CoV-2-positive hospitalized patients with symptoms were also enrolled in the study. From outpatients, HCWs collected nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), saliva were obtained. From inpatients, HCWs collected swabs, patient-collected swabs, and saliva were obtained. qRT-PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 by TAQPATH assay to determine the sensitivity of saliva detection. Sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of detecting SARS-CoV-2 were calculated using MedCalc.Results: Of 3018 outpatient swabs tested by qRT-PCR, 200 were positive (males: 140, females: 60; aged 37.85±12.76 years). Of these, saliva was positive in 128 (64%); 39 of 81 asymptomatic (47%),89 of 119 symptomatic patients (74.78%). Sensitivity of detection was 60.9% (55.4-66.3%, CI 95%), with a negative predictive value of 36%(32.9-39.2%, CI 95%).Among 101 hospitalized patients (males:65, females: 36; aged 53.43±15.58 years), with HCW collected NPS as comparator, sensitivity of saliva was 56.1% (47.5-64.5, CI 95%), specificity 63.5%(50.4-75.3, CI95%) with PPV of 77.2% and NPV of 39.6% and that of self-swab was 52.3%(44-60.5%, CI95%), specificity 56.6% (42.3-70.2%, CI95%) with PPV 77.2% and NPV29.7%. Comparison of positivity with the onset of symptoms revealed highest detection in saliva on day 3 after onset of symptoms. Additionally, only saliva was positive in 13 (12.8%) hospitalized patients.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the use of saliva to detect SARS-COV-2 in symptomatic patients early after the onset of symptoms. Additionally, these results suggest that saliva may not be recommended as a screening tool at the community level due to the lower detection rate than that for swabs. Saliva testing in symptomatic patients whose nasopharyngeal swab does not detect SARS-CoV-2 reduces false negativity.
Idiopathic Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system
Authors: Meshkat Shakila , Ebrahimi Parnia , Tafakhori Abbas , Taghiloo Aidin , Shafiee Sajad , Salimi Amir , Aghamollaii Vajiheh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Regardless of the cause of the superficial sidrosis (SS) disease, which is bleeding, the source of bleeding cannot be found in some cases. Case presentation: In this article, we report two cases with idiopathic SS. Case 1 presented with bilateral hearing loss, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances and tremors. Case 2 presented with sensory neural hearing loss, ataxia, and spastic paraparesis. Brain MRI indicated evidence of SS. CT myelogram and SPECT/CT with labeled RBC couldn't help finding the source of occult bleeding. Conclusion: Superficial sisdorsis (SS) is a rare central nervous system disease caused by deposition of hemosiderin in brain and spinal cord which results in progression of neurological deficits. The cause of this hemorrhage is often subarachnoid haemorrhage, intradural surgery, carcinoma, arteriovenous malformation, nerve root avulsion, and dural abnormality. The condition progresses slowly and, by the time diagnosis is confirmed, the damage is often irreversible. In our cases, brain MRI clarified the definitive diagnosis but we could not find the source of bleeding. SS should be considered in cases with ataxia and hearing loss even if no source of bleeding is found.
Risk of opportunistic infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis initiating abatacept: cumulative clinical trial data
Authors: Simon Teresa A , Dong Lixian , Winthrop Kevin L. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with abatacept in clinical trials.Methods: This pooled analysis of 16 randomized, double-blind/open-label trials, with ≥1 abatacept (intravenous or subcutaneous) arm, and with/without placebo control covered cumulative (controlled short-term and open-label long-term) abatacept exposure periods. OIs were analyzed separately in controlled (abatacept and placebo individually) and cumulative periods. OIs were identified using a prespecified list; events were independently adjudicated. Unadjusted incidence rates (IRs; per 100 patient-years) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: In cumulative periods, 7044 patients received abatacept, with a mean (standard deviation) duration of exposure of 36.9 (26.2) months (21,274 patient-years of exposure). IRs (95% CIs) of OIs were 0.17 (0.05–0.43) for abatacept and 0.56 (0.22–1.15) for placebo during the controlled periods and 0.21 (0.15–0.28) for abatacept during the cumulative periods. There was 1 case of tuberculosis in both the abatacept (IR [95% CI]: 0.04 [0.00–0.24]) and placebo (IR [95% CI]: 0.08 [0.00–0.44]) groups during the controlled periods; 13 verified tuberculosis cases (IR [95% CI]: 0.06 [0.03–0.10]) were reported in the cumulative period. Herpes zoster was reported numerically more often with abatacept (IR 1.9 [1.4–2.5]), versus placebo (1.7 [1.1–2.6]) in the controlled periods; within the cumulative period, herpes zoster IR (95% CI) was 1.53 (1.36–1.71) for abatacept-treated patients.Conclusion: In controlled periods of the clinical trials, abatacept-treated patients had similarly low rates of OIs compared with placebo-treated patients. Overall, OI rates were similar among abatacept-treated patients in the controlled and cumulative periods and consistent with the ranges reported in the literature.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals That the Heterosis of Two Maize Hybrids is Related to Enhancement of Stress Response and Photosynthesis Respectively
Authors: Wang Daoping , Mu Yongying , Hu Xiaojiao , Ma Bo , Wang Zhibo , Zhu Li , Xu Jiang , Huang Changling , Pan Yinghong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Heterosis refers to superior traits exhibiting in a hybrid when compared with both parents. Generally, the hybridization between parents can change the expression pattern of some proteins such as non-additive proteins (NAPs) which might lead to heterosis. ‘Zhongdan808’ (ZD808) and ‘Zhongdan909’ (ZD909) are excellent maize hybrids in China, however, the heterosis mechanism of them are not clear. Proteomics has been wildly used in many filed, and comparative proteomic analysis of hybrid and its parents is helpful for understanding the mechanism of heterosis in the two maize hybrids.Results Over 2,000 protein groups were quantitatively identified from second seedling leaves of two hybrids and their parents by label-free quantification. Statistical analysis of total identified proteins, differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) and NAPs of the two hybrids revealed that both of them were more similar to their female parents. In addition, most of DAPs were up-regulated and most of NAPs were high parent abundance or above-high parent abundance in ZD808, while in ZD909, most of DAPs were down-regulated and most of NAPs were low parent abundance or below-low parent abundance. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that more of stress response-related NAPs in ZD808 were high parent abundance or above-high parent abundance, and most of PS related NAPs in ZD909 were high parent abundance or above-high parent abundance. Finally, four stress response-related proteins and eight proteins related to PS were verified by PRM, ten of them had significant differences between hybrid and midparent value. Conclusions Even though every one of the two hybrids were more similar to its female parent at proteome level, the biological basis of heterosis is different in the two maize hybrids. In comparison with their parents, the excellent agronomic traits of hybrid ZD808 is mainly correlated with the high expression levels of some proteins related to stress responses and metabolic functions, while traits of ZD909 is mainly correlated with high expressed proteins related to photosynthesis. Our proteomics results support previous physiological and morphological research and have provided useful information in understanding the reason of valuable agronomic traits.
Characteristics and prognostic factors of COVID-19 among infected cases: A nationwide Tunisian analysis
Authors: Harizi Chahida , Cherif Ines , Najar Nourhene , Osman Molka , Mallekh Rym , Ayed Oumaima Ben , Ayedi Yosr , Dhaouadi Sonia , Hchaichi Aicha , Safer Mouna , Letaief Hejer , Bouaziz Ilhem , Derouiche Sondes , Bouabid Leila , Bougatef Souha , Gharbi Donia , Salah Hamida Ben , Fakhfakh Radhouane , Abid Salma , Boubaker Ilhem Boutiba Ben , Chahed Mohamed Kouni , Ben-Alaya Nissaf Bouafif 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to constitute an international public health concern. Few data are available on the duration and prognostic factors of the disease. We aimed to study the recovery time among a Tunisian cohort of COVID-19 confirmed patients and identify the prognostic factors.Methods: A retrospective, nationwide study was conducted from March 2 to May 8, 2020, recruiting all patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19, by RT-PCR methods, in Tunisia. Data were collected via phone call interview. Kaplan-Meir Methods and Cox proportional hazards regression models were, respectively, used to study the recovery time and estimate its prognostic factors.Results: One thousand and thirty patients with COVID-19 (aged 43.2 ± 18.2 years, 526 female (51.1%)) were enrolled. Among them 141 (14.8%) were healthcare professionals. Out of 173 patients (17.8%) admitted to the hospital, 47 were admitted in an intensive care unit. Among 827 patients who didn’t require specialized care, 55.5% were self-isolated at home, while the rest were in specialized centers. Six hundred and two patients were symptomatic. A total of 634 (61.6 %) patients have recovered and 45 (4.4 %) patients died. The median duration of illness was estimated to be 31 days (95% CI: [29 - 32]). Older age (HR=0.66, CI:[ 0.46-0.96], P=0.031) and symptoms (HR=0.61, CI:[ 0.43-0.81], P=0.021) were independently associated with a delay in recovery time. Being a healthcare professional (HR=1.52, CI :[1.10-2.08], P=0.011) and patients in home isolation compared to isolation centers (HR=2.99, CI :[1.85-4.83], P<10¯³) were independently associated with faster recovery time.Conclusion: The duration of illness was estimated to be one month. However, this long estimated duration of illness may not equate to infectiousness. A particular attention must to be paid to elderly and symptomatic patients with closer monitoring.
Retrospective and Prospective Measures of Post-Traumatic Growth Reflect Different Processes: Longitudinal Evidence of Greater Decline than Growth Following a Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Corman M. , Rubio M.-T. , Cabrespine A. , Brindel I. , Bay J.-O. , Tour Peffault De La , Dambrun Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. This prospective longitudinal study examined and compared two measures (prospective and retrospective ones) of post-traumatic growth (PTG) following Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation (HSCT) and their respective relationships with mental health and psychological disposition. We also tested the hypothesis that unwillingness to be in contact with distressing thoughts and feelings—i.e. experiential avoidance—would moderate the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and growth.Methods. This study was carried out with 187 patients. Patients completed the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) five months after HSCT and scales tapping into the five domains of PTGI during hospitalisation and five months after HSCT. Mental health and psychological disposition were also assessed prior to hospitalisation. A PTSD scale was administered at the five-month follow-up.Results. Prospective and retrospective measures of PTG were weakly correlated. Bayesian pre/post-HSCT comparisons in the prospective measure of PTG revealed substantial to very strong decline in four of the five dimensions assessed. Overall, RCI indicated a reliable increase for 5.6% of patients and a reliable decrease for 40.8% of patients. Confirming that retrospective and prospective measures of PTG reflect different processes, they were not related to the same mental health and psychological disposition variables. Moreover, the hypothesis that acquiring positive outcomes from a potentially traumatic experience, such as HSCT, requires direct confrontation with the source of distress was supported in the case of the retrospective measure of growth but not in the case of the prospective measure growth.Conclusions. Retrospective measures such as the PTGI do not appear to assess actual pre- to post-HSCT change. HSCT seems more linked to psychological decline than to growth.