bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prescription of antibiotics to children with acute otitis media in Danish general practice
Authors: Olsen Jonas , Lykkegaard Jesper , Hansen Malene Plejdrup , Waldorff Frans B , Lous Jørgen , Andersen Merethe K 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common and most often self-limiting infection in childhood, usually managed in general practice. Even though antibiotics are only recommended when certain diagnostic and clinical criteria are met a high antibiotic prescription rate is observed. The study’s objective was to analyse associations between patient- and general practitioner (GP) characteristics and antibiotic prescribing for children with AOM in an effort to explain the high antibiotic prescribing rates. Methods: All general practices in the Northern, Southern and Central regions of Denmark were invited to record symptoms, examinations, findings and antibiotic treatment for all children ≤ 7 years of age diagnosed with AOM during a four-week winter period in 2017/2018. Associations were analysed by means of multivariate logistic regressions. The study design was cross-sectional. Results: GPs from 60 general practices diagnosed 278 children with AOM of whom 207 (74%) were prescribed antibiotics, most often penicillin V (60%). About half of the children had tympanometry performed. Antibiotic prescribing rates varied considerably between practices (0-100%). Antibiotic prescribing was associated with fever (odds ratio (OR) 3.69 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93-7.05), purulent ear secretion (OR 2.35 95% CI 1.01-5.50) and poor general condition (OR 3.12 95% CI 1.31-7.46), and the practice’s antibiotic prescribing rate to other patients with symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection (OR 2.85 CI 95% 1.07-7.60) and specifically to other children with AOM (OR 4.15 CI 95% 1.82-9.47). Conclusion: GPs’ antibiotic prescribing rates for children with AOM vary considerably even considering the of signs, symptoms, request for antibiotics, and use of tympanometry. Interventions to reduce overprescribing should be targeted high-prescribing practices.
Biodegradation of Atrazine and Ligninolytic Enzyme Production by Basidiomycete Strains
Authors: Henn Caroline , Monteiro Diego Alves , Boscolo Mauricio , Silva Roberto da , Gomes Eleni 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAtrazine is one of the most widespread chlorinated herbicides, leaving large bulks in soils and groundwater. The biodegradation of atrazine by bacteria is well described, but many aspects of the fungal metabolism of this compound remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the toxicity and degradation of atrazine by 13 rainforest basidiomycete strains.ResultsIn liquid medium, Pluteus cubensis SXS320, Gloelophyllum striatum MCA7, and Agaricales MCA17 removed 30, 37, and 38%, respectively, of initial 25 mg/l of the herbicide within 20 days. Deficiency of nitrogen drove atrazine degradation by Pluteus cubensis SXS320; this strain removed 30% of atrazine within 20 days in a culture medium with 2.5 mM of N, raising three metabolites; in a medium with 25 mM of N, only 21% of initial atrazine were removed after 40 days, and two metabolites appeared in culture extracts. This is the first report of such different outcomes linked to nitrogen availability during the biodegradation of atrazine by basidiomycetes. The herbicide also induced synthesis and secretion of extracellular laccases by Datronia caperata MCA5, Pycnoporus sanguineus MCA16, and Polyporus tenuiculus MCA11. Laccase levels produced by of P. tenuiculus MCA11 were 13.3-fold superior in the contaminated medium than in control; the possible role on this enzyme on atrazine biodegradation was evaluated, considering the strong induction and the removal of 13.9% of the herbicide in vivo . Although 88% of initial laccase activity remained after 6 h, no evidence of in vitro degradation was observed, even though ABTS was present as mediator.ConclusionsThis study revealed a high potential for atrazine biodegradation among tropical basidiomycete strains. Further investigations, focusing on less explored ligninolytic enzymes and cell-bound mechanisms, could enlightens key aspects of the atrazine fungal metabolism and the role of the nitrogen in the process.
Disability-adjusted Life Years for respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years
Authors: buendia jefferson , Polack Fernando , Villamil Juana Patricia Sanchez 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus infection is the leading cause of bronchiolitis worldwide. However, little is known about the real impact of Respiratory syncytial virus on society in terms of years of life lost due to this condition. The objective of the present study is to determine the Disability-Adjusted Life Years for respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years in Colombia METHODS: Data from the national epidemiological surveillance system were used to estimate DALYs, calculated from the sum of years of life lost and years lived with disability due to RSV infection in Colombia. A bootstrapped method with 10000 iterations was used to estimate each statistical parameter using the package DALY calculator in R. RESULTS: In 2019, 260 873 years of life (CI95% 208 180- 347 023) were lost due to RSV bronchiolitis in Colombian children under 2 years. The estimated rate was 20 DALYs / 1000 person-year (95% CI 16 – 27). CONCLUSION: This is the first report estimating the impact of RSV bronchiolitis morbidity and mortality in Colombia. The findings of the present study suggest that the actual burden and cost of bronchiolitis due to RSV is high. Prevention strategies, such as RSV vaccination, to reduce morbidity associated with RSV infection should be encouraged in our country.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Coinfection: Double Trouble
Authors: Singh Abhijeet , Gupta Ayush , Das Kamanashish 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The ongoing pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has received worldwide attention by becoming a major global health threat. We encountered one case with COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection which has not been frequently reported. Case presentation: A 76 year old female presented with acute respiratory symptoms superimposed on chronic symptoms, suggestive to have pneumonia. Oropharyngeal throat swab sample for COVID-19 was positive as detected by real-time reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assay. GeneXpert Ultra detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with Rifampicin resistance indeterminate. Patient was treated with appropriate management. Conclusion: Clinicians should suspect coinfection with TB during ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 as therapeutic strategies need to be determined timely to improve outcome and prevent transmission in community.
Low molecular weight serum cell-free DNA concentration is associated with clinicopathologic indices of poor prognosis in women with uterine cancer
Authors: Gressel Gregory M. , Maggi Elaine C. , Harmon Bryan E. , Ye Kenny Q. , Kuo D.Y.S. , Dolan Siobhan M. , Montagna Cristina 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Serum cell-free DNA (cfDNA) holds promise as a non-invasive cancer biomarker. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of cfDNA concentration with clinicopathologic variables of poor prognosis and overall survival among women with uterine cancer compared to benign cancer-free controls.

Methods

cfDNA was extracted from the serum of 91 women with multiple uterine cancer histologies and 22 post-menopausal controls without cancer. Low molecular weight (LMW) cfDNA was separated from contaminating genomic high molecular weight cfDNA using paramagnetic bead purification and its concentration was measured using fluorometric quantification. Clinicopathologic data was abstracted from the electronic medical record. The association between serum cfDNA concentration, clinicopathologic variables, and overall survival was assessed using linear regression modelling, Cox proportional hazards modelling, and the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Median total serum cfDNA concentration for the cohort was 69.2 ng/mL (IQR 37.4, 132.3) and median LMW cfDNA concentration was 23.8 ng/mL (IQR 14.9, 44.4). There were no significant differences in total serum cfDNA concentration with any clinicopathologic variables. However, LMW cfDNA concentration was significantly higher in serum of women with cancer (25.8 ng/mL IQR 16.0, 49.6) compared to benign controls (15.5 ng/mL IQR 9.3, 25.8 ng/mL) (p <0.01). It is also significantly higher among women with early stage cancer than benign controls (p < 0.01). There were also significant associations between LMW cfDNA concentration and stage of cancer (p = 0.01) and histology (p = 0.02). Patients with leiomyosarcoma and carcinosarcoma had higher cfDNA concentrations than those with endometrioid cancer. Over a median follow-up of 51.9 months, 75th percentile for overall survival for women with cancer was 24.0 months. Higher LMW cfDNA concentrations is associated with lower survival among women with cancer (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Serum LMW cfDNA concentration is associated with overall survival in women with uterine cancer, and it is higher among women with uterine cancer compared to those of controls.
A translation and preliminary validation of the Dutch Wound-QoL questionnaire
Authors: Amesz Stella Felicia , Klein Toni , Meulendijks Audrey , Nguyen Tuong-Vi , Blome Christine , Roobol Petrie , Montfrans Catherine van 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundChronic wounds have a major impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, measuring HRQoL is an indispensable part of the treatment of patients with chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Wound-QoL, a wound-specific HRQoL questionnaire, in a Dutch population. MethodsThe Wound-QoL was translated into Dutch according to the international standards. Patients with chronic wounds were asked to complete questionnaires at baseline (T0) and after 6 weeks (T1), including Wound-QoL, EQ-5D-3L (a generic questionnaire to measure HRQoL) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) measuring wound pain. If patients were not able to complete the questionnaire by themselves, it was read out to them by a nurse. Further data were obtained from medical records.ResultsOf the 120 patients included, 64 (53.3%) completed the questionnaire by themselves. To 55 patients (45.8%), the questionnaire was read out. The internal consistency of the Wound-QoL global score was high at both time points (T0: Cronbach’s α=0.89, T1: Cronbach’s α=0.92). The item selectivity for global score ranged from r=0.25 to r=0.77 at T0 and from r=0.40 to r=0.79 at T1. Overall, the self-completion and read-out subgroups showed similar internal consistency and item selectivity scores. With regard to convergent validity, significant correlations were found between Wound-QoL and EQ-5D-3L (T0: r=-0.45, p<0.001, T1: r=-0.50, p<0.001) as well as between Wound-QoL and pain VAS (T0: r=0.23, p=0.012, T1: r=0.37, p=0.001) at both time points. Responsiveness analyses showed significant correlations between changes in Wound-QoL and changes in EQ-5D-3L (r=-0.37, p<0.001), pain VAS (r=0.24, p=0.044) and wound size (r=0.24, p=0.013). The self-completion and read-out subgroups showed differences in convergent validity and responsiveness. ConclusionsThe results indicate that the Dutch version of the Wound-QoL has positive psychometric properties. However, more research is needed to further explore the differences between self-completed and read-out questionnaires.
Embryonic stem cell microenvironment enhances proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelium cells by activating the PI3K signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Yang Liu , Wang Xiaoran , Wang Shoubi , Huang Zheqian , Li Chaoyang , Liu Ying , Cheng Yaqi , Liu Chengxiu , Wang Zhichong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) replacement has been proposed as an efficacious treatment for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the primary causes of vision loss in the elderly worldwide. The embryonic stem cell (ESC) microenvironment has been demonstrated to enable mature cells to gain a powerful proliferative ability and even enhance the stem/progenitor phenotype via activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. As the PI3K signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in proliferation and homeostasis of RPE, we hypothesize that the stemness and proliferative capability of RPE can be enhanced by the ESC microenvironment via activation of the PI3K signaling pathway.Methods: To investigate whether the ESC microenvironment improves the stem cell phenotype and proliferation properties of human RPE (hRPE) cells by regulating the PI3K signaling pathway, primary hRPE cells were cocultured with either ESCs or human corneal epithelial cells (CECs) for 72 hours, after which their proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and colony formation were assayed to evaluate changes in their biological characteristics. Gene expression was detected by real-time PCR and protein levels were determined by western blotting or immunofluorescence. LY294002, an antagonist of the PI3K signaling pathway, was used to further confirm the mechanism involved.Results: In comparison to hRPE cells cultured alone, hRPE cells cocultured with ESCs had an increased proliferative capacity, reduced apoptotic rate, and higher colony-forming efficiency. The expression of the stem cell-associated marker KLF4 and the differentiation marker CRALBP increased and decreased, respectively, in hRPE cells isolated from the ESC coculture. Furthermore, PI3K pathway-related genes were significantly up-regulated in hRPE cells after exposure to ESCs. LY294002 reversed the pro-proliferative effect of ESCs on hRPE cells. In contrast, CECs did not share the ability of ESCs to influence the biological behavior and gene expression of hRPE cells.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the ESC microenvironment enhances stemness and proliferation of hRPE cells, partially via activation of the PI3K signaling pathway. This study may have a significant impact and clinical implication on cell therapy in regenerative medicine, specifically for age-related macular degeneration.
Palliative care delivery in residential aged care: Bereaved family member experiences of the Supportive Hospice Aged Residential Exchange (SHARE) intervention
Authors: Frey Rosemary Ann , Barham Sophia , Balmer Deborah , Boyd Michal , Robinson Jackie , Gott Merryn 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The supportive hospice aged residential exchange (SHARE) is a new model of palliative care education that has been designed for residential aged care. The goal of SHARE is to help clinical staff improve palliative care within residential aged care facilities and to improve specialist palliative care nurses' knowledge and skill to care for frail older people. Method: The experiences of 18 bereaved families concerning the palliative care journey (both at the start and finish of a one-year implementation of SHARE) were explored using semi-structured interviews.Results: Three themes were important to bereaved families’ experience: communication with staff, systems of care, and hospice involvement. Sub-themes indicating changes in these three components of care between the start and finish of SHARE was identified. A fourth theme highlighted challenges (relationship with GP, staff shortages, and turnover) that continued across SHARE.Conclusion: Findings indicated that SHARE benefited families (improved communication and support) through the end of life journey of their relatives, but challenges remained.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficient individuals have circulating extracellular vesicles with profibrogenic cargo&nbsp;
Authors: Khodayari Nazli , Oshins Regina , Holliday Shannon , Clark Virginia , Xiao Qiang , Marek George , Mehrad Borna , Brantly Mark 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-mediated liver disease is a toxic “gain-of-function” inflammation in the liver associated with intracellular retention of mutant alpha-1 antitrypsin. The clinical presentation of the disease includes fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. However, the pathogenic mechanism of AATD-mediated liver disease is not well understood. Here, we investigated the role of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) in progression of AATD-mediated liver disease. Methods: EVs were isolated from plasma of AATD individuals with liver disease and healthy controls. Their cytokines and miRNA content were examined by multiplex assay and small RNA sequencing. The bioactivity of EVs was assessed by qPCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescent experiments using human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) treated with EVs isolated from control or AATD plasma samples.Results: We have found that AATD individuals have a distinct population of EVs with pathological cytokine and miRNA contents. When HSCs were cultured with AATD plasma derived-EVs, the expression of genes related to the development of fibrosis were significantly amplified compared to those treated with healthy control plasma EVs. Conclusion: AATD individuals have a distinct population of EVs with abnormal cytokine and miRNA contents and the capacity to activate HSCs and mediate fibrosis. Better understanding of the components which cause liver inflammation and fibrogenesis, leading to further liver injury, has the potential to lead to the development of new treatments or preventive strategies to prevent AATD-mediated liver disease.
Integrated Puncture Score: Force-Displacement Weighted Rind Penetration Tests Improve Stalk Lodging Resistance Estimations in Maize
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J , McMahan Christopher , Seegmiller Will , Cook Douglas D , Robertson Daniel J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Stalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Rind penetration resistance tests have been used by plant scientists and breeders to estimate the stalk lodging resistance of maize for nearly a hundred years. However, the rind puncture method has two key limitations: (1) the predictive power of the test decreases significantly when measuring elite or pre-commercial hybrids, and (2) using rind penetration measurements as a breeding metric does not necessarily create stronger stalks. In this study, we present a new rind penetration method called the Integrated Puncture Score, which uses a modified rind penetration testing protocol and a physics-based model to provide a robust measure of stalk lodging resistance.

Results: Two datasets, one with a diverse array of maize hybrids and one with only elite hybrids, were evaluated by comparing traditional rind penetration testing and the Integrated Puncture Score method to measurements of stalk bending strength. When evaluating the diverse set of hybrids, both methods were good predictors of stalk bending strength (R2 values of 0.67). However, when evaluating elite hybrids, the Integrated Puncture Score had an R2 value of 0.74 whereas the traditional method had an R2 value of 0.48. Additionally, the Integrated Puncture Score was able to differentiate between the strongest and weakest hybrids in the elite hybrid data set whereas the traditional rind penetration method was not. Additional experiments revealed strong evidence in favor of the data aggregation steps utilized to compute the Integrated Puncture Score.

Conclusions: This study presents a new method for evaluating rind penetration resistance that highly correlates with stalk bending strength and can possibly be used as a breeding index for assessing stalk lodging resistance. This research lays the foundation required to develop a field-based high-throughput phenotyping device for stalk lodging resistance.
High Smad7 in the early post-operative recurrence of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zorzi Francesca , Calabrese Emma , Fusco Davide Di , De Cristofaro Elena , Biancone Livia , Casella Sara , Palmieri Giampiero , Monteleone Giovanni 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In Crohn’s disease (CD), one of the major inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in human beings, there is over-expression of Smad7, an intracellular inhibitor of the suppressive cytokine TGF-β1. The aim of this study was to assess whether Smad7 over-expression occurs in the early and/or late phases of CD. Methods: Mucosal samples were taken from the neo-terminal ileum of CD patients undergoing ileocolonic resection, with or without (early CD) post-operative endoscopic recurrence, and terminal ileum of CD patients with long-standing disease undergoing intestinal resection (late CD). Smad7 was examined by immunohistochemistry and cytokine expression was analysed by flow-cytometry. Results: Before the appearance of endoscopic lesions, the mucosa of the neo-terminal ileum contained high number of Smad7-expressing cells in both the epithelial and lamina propria compartments. Transition from this stage to endoscopic recurrence was marked by persistence of high number of Smad7-positive cells, which reduced significantly in the late stages of the disease, where Smad7 expression remained, however, greater than that seen in normal controls. In samples with early lesions, Smad7 expression positively correlated with the number of interferon-g-secreting cells. Conclusions: Smad7 induction is an early event in the inflammatory sequence occurring in CD, thus suggesting that knockdown of Smad7 can help prevent post-operative recurrence.
Identification of peach growth regulating-factors and their expression under UVB
Authors: Sun MingYue , Li Shaoxuan , Meng Xiangguang , Liu Li , Wang Ning , He Huajie , Li Dongmei , Chen Xiude , Li Ling 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are one of the most important plant-specific transcription factors with vital roles in multiple biological processes. GRFs have been identified in a variety of plant species, but a handful of research has addressed GRF genes in peach (Prunus persica).Results: Here, we report 46 members of the GRF family in four Rosaceae, divided into six subfamilies according to phylogeny, gene structure, and motif composition. We detected three collinear gene pairs generated from peach by whole-genome duplication or segmental duplication, but no tandem repeats were detected. Expression pattern analysis found that most PpGRFs were preferentially expressed in young tissues, At the sametime, multiple types cis-elements were observed in PpGRF promoters, and PpGRFs could positively respond to ultraviolet B-rays (UVB) and gibberellin (GA)treatments at the transcriptional level. Also, the content of GA3 and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) changed significantly after UVB irradiation, indicating that GRFs might be involved in new shoot development in peach.Conclusions: This study identified 10 GRF genes in the peach genome and systematically analyzed their properties, thereby providing a foundation for researchers to have a better understanding of this gene family in peach. PpGRF 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 positive responses to UVB and GA3 signals indicate that they can serve as candidate functional genes to further study how tree potential is regulated in peach.