bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of exponential growth rate and basic reproduction number of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa
Authors: Musa Salihu S , Zhao Shi , Wang Maggie H , Habib Abdurrazaq G , Mustapha Umar T , He Daihai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Since the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected on February 14, 2020, the cumulative confirmations reached 15207 including 831 deaths by April 13, 2020. Methods We analyzed the initial phase of the epidemic of COVID-19 in Africa between 1 March and 13 April 2020, by using the simple exponential growth model.Results We estimated the exponential growth rate as 0.22 per day (95%CI: 0.20 – 0.24), and the basic reproduction number, R0, to be 2.37 (95%CI: 2.22-2.51) based on the assumption that the exponential growth starting from 1 March 2020.Conclusion The initial growth of COVID-19 cases in Africa was rapid and showed large variations across countries. Our estimates should be useful in preparedness planning. Trial registration: NA
Alantolactone inhibits cell autophagy and promotes apoptosis through targeting AP2M1 in acute lymphotic leukemia
Authors: Shi Ce , Wang Zhenkun , Yang Dongguang , Wei Jia , Liu Zhiyu , Teng Yueqiu , Lan Wenjia , Gu Mengmeng , Yuan Tian , Cao Fenglin , Zhou Jin , Li Yang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy and most commonly seen in children. Alantolactone (ATL) has been reported to have anti-tumor activities in different types of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor activity and molecular mechanisms of ATL in ALL. Methods: The ALL cells were treated with 1, 5 and 10μM of of ALT, and then subjected to MTT assay and RNA sequencing. Flow cytometry, JC-1 staining and immunofluorescence staining assay were employed to measure cell apoptosis and autophagy. Meanwhile, western blot analysis was used to detect apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins. Finally, the effect of ALT on tumor growth was measured in BV173 xenograft nude mouse model. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that ALT could inhibit the proliferation of ALL cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy. Administration of rapamycin activated autophagy while reversing the effect of ALT on apoptosis. Mechanically, ALT could induce apoptosis and inhibit autophagy by promoting AM2P1 expression. Further, AM2P1 was figured to inhibit beclin1 phosphorylation so that the apartment between beclin1 and bcl-2 was alleviated to participate in the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis in ALL cell. Conclusions: This study disclosed that Alantolactone can inhibit cell autophagy and promote apoptosis through targeting AP2M1 in acute lymphotic leukemia, indicating a potential therapeutic strategy for ALLtreatment.
The timeline and risk factors of clinical progression of COVID-19 in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Wang Fang , Qu Mengyuan , Zhou Xuan , zhao kai , Lai Changxiang , Tang Qiyuan , Xian Wenjie , Chen Ruikun , Li Xuan , Li Zhiyu , He Qing , Liu Lei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) broke out globally. Early prediction of the clinical progression was essential but still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the timeline of COVID-19 development and analyze risk factors of disease progression.Methods In this retrospective study, we included 333 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection hospitalized in the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen from 10 January to 10 February 2020. Epidemiological feature, clinical records, laboratory and radiology manifestations were collected and analyzed. 323 patients with mild-moderate symptoms on admission were observed to determine whether they exacerbated to severe-critically ill conditions (progressive group) or not (stable group). We used logistic regression to identify the risk factors associated with clinical progression.Results Of all the 333 patients, 70(21.0%) patients progressed into severe-critically ill conditions during hospitalization and assigned to the progressive group, 253(76.0%) patients belonged to the stable group, another 10 patients were severe before admission. we found that the clinical features of aged over 40 (3.80[1.72, 8.52]), males (2.21[1.20, 4.07]), with comorbidities (1.78[1.13, 2.81]) certain exposure history (0.38[0.20, 0.71]), abnormal radiology manifestations (3.56[1.13, 11.40]), low level of T lymphocytes (0.99[0.997, 0.999]), high level of NLR (0.99[0.97, 1.01]), IL-6 (1.05[1.03, 1.07]) and CRP (1.67[1.12, 2.47]) were the risk factors of disease progression by logistic regression.Conclusions the potential risk factors of males, older age, with comorbidities, low T lymphocyte level and high level of NLR, CRP, IL-6 can help to predict clinical progression of COVID-19 at an early stage.
Investigating the Effect of an Educational Intervention on Health Promotion Behaviors, Hope Enhancement and Mental Health in Cancer Patients
Authors: jeihooni ali khani , Rakhshani Tayebe , Gholampour Yousef , harsini pooyan afzali 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is investigating the effect of educational intervention based on PRECEDE model on health promotion behaviors, hope enhancement and mental health of cancer patients in Shiraz, Iran in 2017–2018 Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 200 cancer patients (100 subject in experimental group and 100 subjects in control group) referred to Amir Hospital in Shiraz were investigated. Educational intervention for experimental group consisted of twelve educational sessions for 50-55 minutes. A questionnaire including demographic information, PRECEDE constructs (knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, enabling factors and social support), was used to measure health promotion behaviors, patients’ hope and mental health before and 6 months after intervention. Results:Data were analyzed by SPSS 22, paired t-test, independent t-test and Chi-square test at the significance level of p < 0.05. The average age of cancer patients of experimental group was 46.82±5.96 years and 46.12±5.48 years in control group. 6 months after intervention, experimental group showed significant increase in knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, enabling factors, social supports, health promotion behaviors, patients’ hope and mental health compared to the control group. Conclusions:This study showed the effectiveness of intervention based on PRECEDE constructs in mentioned factors 6 months after intervention. Hence, this model can act as a framework for designing and implementing educational intervention for health promotion behaviors of cancer patients.
Serum Prednisolone Levels as a Marker of Oral Corticosteroid Adherence in Severe Asthma
Authors: Ramsahai James Michael , King Emily , Niven Robert , Tavernier Gael , Wark Peter , Simpson Jodie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Severe asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease typically requiring advanced therapies. Underlying the treatment of all asthma, however, is the consistent recommendation across international guidelines to ensure that adherence to therapy is adequate. Currently, there is no consensus on an objective marker of adherence.Methods We performed a prospective observational study of 17 participants taking oral prednisolone using serum prednisolone levels as a marker of adherence, and sputum eosinophilia as a marker of control of type 2 airway inflammation. Based on these biomarkers, we classified participants into a non-adherent and an adherent cohort, and further stratified by the presence of ongoing sputum eosinophilia.Results We identified 3 non-adherent participants and 14 who were adherent, based on their serum prednisolone levels. Stratification using sputum eosinophil counts identified one participant as having ongoing sputum eosinophilia in the setting of non-adherence, while six were identified as steroid resistant with ongoing sputum eosinophilia despite adherence to oral prednisolone therapy.Conclusion Serum prednisolone can be used an objective marker of adherence in those patients with severe asthma taking daily oral prednisolone. In combination with sputum eosinophil counts, a steroid resistant cohort can be distinguished from one with ongoing inflammation in the setting of non-adherence. This information can then be used by clinicians to differentiate the optimal next steps for treatment in these specific populations.
Circular RNA profiling of buffalo myoblasts reveals an abundant circPICALM that promotes myoblast differentiation
Authors: Song Mingming , Chen Mengjie , Huang Kongwei , Zhong Dandan , Chen Yaling , Fu Jiayuan , Jiang Mingsheng , Liu Qingyou , Shi Deshun , Li Hui 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Muscle development is a precisely orchestrated and complex process, and circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been demonstrated to play important roles in skeletal muscle growth and development. However, the regulatory functions of circRNA during buffalo muscle developmental processes have not been understood.Results In this study, Ribo-Zero RNA-Seq was performed to investigate the circRNAs expression profiles of proliferated and differentiated buffalo myoblasts. A stringent set of 3,142 circRNAs was finally characterized. Comparing the expression profiles of circRNAs revealed that 110 circRNAs were expressed differentially during myoblast differentiation. We focused on the role of a candidate circRNA, which was named circPICALM based on its host gene PICALM, and was highly (but differentially) expressed in proliferated and differentiated myoblasts. Flow cytometry, EdU incorporation, and Western blotting assays demonstrate that circPICALM promoted myoblasts proliferation and inhibited cells apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of circPICALM promoted the differentiation of primary buffalo myoblasts. Moreover, circPICALM in vivo stimulated skeletal muscle regeneration in cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury. The RNA pulldown results showed that circPICALM could capture TUBA1B protein, revealing that circPICALM might exert its biological function by binding TUBA1B protein. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the novel non-coding regulator circPICALM induces myoblast differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration.
Salmonella Minnesota Emergence in Poultry Production: Danger to Public Health?
Authors: Melo Roberta Torres de , Cardoso Taciano dos Reis , Peres Phelipe Augusto Borba Martins , Braz Raquelline Figueiredo , Santos Fernanda Aparecida Longato , Monteiro Guilherme Paz , Rossi Daise Aparecida 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze in S. Minnesota the presence of virulence genes, phylogenetic relationship, biofilm formation index (BFI) and its ultrastructure at temperatures of 4 °C, 25 °C and 36 °C and also the ability of biocidal agents to promote inhibition of the sessile structure formed by 20 strains isolated in the years 2009, 2010 and 2014 in broiler slaughter plants of two Brazilian companies.Methods: The presence of specific genes was evaluated by PCR and the phylogeny between the strains by PFGE, while BFI was performed by the classical method using TSB broth supplemented with 5% of chiken juice and its structure observed by SEM Chlorhexidine 1%, sodium hypochlorite 1% and peracetic acid 0.8% were tested for biofilm inhibition.Results: The presence of specific genes indicates that S. Minnesota has the potential to cause disease in humans and to adapt to adverse conditions. In general, temperatures of 25 °C and 36 °C favored more biofilm formation, although at 4 °C there is still biomass with potential contaminant from the final product. Tolerant strains (12/20–60%) to all biocides pose a real risk for the development of adaptation mechanisms, especially for resistance to sodium hypochlorite. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the existence of cross contamination problems and the spread among companies, probably related to the formation of biofilms.Conclusion: The results show the necessity of attention to this serovar considering its resistance to sodium hypochlorite in addition to the need for rigorous monitoring and control measures based on the adoption of low temperatures in order to prevent the formation of biofilms in the poultry industry.
Evaluation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, Kebbi State, Nigeria, 2013-2018
Authors: Bala Hashim Abdulmumin , Mohammed Yahaya , Barau Nyampa , Surajudeen Lukman , Ori Polycarp Uche 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations.
Methods

We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013–2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion.
Results

We interviewed a total of 49 respondents. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6–55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard.
Conclusion

The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. Absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.
Analysis of oral risk-factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients
Authors: Takahama Ademar , de Sousa Vitoria Iaros , Tanaka Elisa Emi , Ono Evelise , Ito Fernanda Akemi Nakanishi , Costa Priscila Paganini , Pedrialli Maria Beatriz Bergonse , de Lima Heliton Gustavo , Fornazieri Marco Aurélio , Correia Leticia Sassaki , Cardoso Lucienne Tibery Queiroz , Carrilho Claudia Maria Dantas de Maio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: This a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association between oral health findings and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). Material and Methods: Data were collected from medical records, and a detailed oral physical examination was performed on 663 critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Data were statistically analysed using univariate and logistic regression models relating the development of VAP with the oral findings. Results: At oral physical examination, the most frequent findings were tooth loss (568 - 85.67%), coated tongue (422 - 63.65%) and oral bleeding (192 - 28.96%). Patients with a coated tongue or oral bleeding on the first day of ICU hospitalization developed more VAP than did patients without these conditions (20.14% vs 13.69%: p=0.02; 23.44% vs 15.50%: p=0.01, respectively). In the logistic regression, a coated tongue and oral bleeding were considered independent risk factors for VAP development [OR=1.60 (1.02-2.47) and OR=1.59 (1.05 – 2.44), respectively]. Conclusions: The presence of a coated tongue and oral bleeding in ICU admission could be considered markers for the development of VAP. Clinical relevance: The results of this paper reinforces the importance of proper maintenance of oral hygiene before intubation, which may lead to a decrease in the incidence of VAP in the ICU. This is particularly important in the COVID-19 current scenario, where more people are expected to need mechanical ventilation, consequently increasing cases of VAP.
Increase of portal vein pressure gradient after hepatectomy predicts post-operative liver dysfunction
Authors: Xiao Nan , Li Xiao-long , Zhu Xiao-dong , huang Cheng , Shen Ying-hao , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Sun Hui-chuan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Whether Child–Pugh A Patients with varying degrees of cirrhosis are good candidates for hepatectomy is disputed. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of portal venous pressure gradient (PVPG) variation during surgery on PHLF.
Methods
PVPG, the pressure gradient between the portal vein and central vein, was measured in consecutive patients before and after liver resection. The optimal cut-off of PVGP to predict PHLF was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Risk factors for PHLF were subjected to univariable and multivariable analysis.
Results
Sixty Child-Pugh A patients were recruited. The mean PVPG was increased from 5.17 ± 4.78 millimeters of Mercury (mmHg) to 6.37 ± 4.44 mmHg after liver resection. The optimal cut-off value of PVPG increments to predict PHLF was 1.5 mmHg. Multivariable analysis showed prothrombin time (PT), post-hepatectomy PVPG increments of 1.5 mmHg or greater, and resected liver segments of 3 or more to be independent predictors of PHLF.
Conclusions
Acute PVPG increase after hepatectomy is associated with a higher risk of PHLF in Child-Pugh A patients.
Changes of Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Dogs with Different Stages of Heart Failure
Authors: RUBIO Camila Peres , SARIL Ahmet , KOCATURK Meriç , TANAKA Ryou , KOCH Jorgen , CERON Jose Joaquin , YILMAZ Zeki 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) has been associated with changes in inflammatory and oxidative-stress biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of a panel of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarker in dogs with different stages of HF and its relation with the severity of the disease and the echocardiographic changes. Dogs with HF as a result of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration or dilated cardiomyopathy were included. A total of 29 dogs were classified as stage-A (healthy), B (asymptomatic dogs), C (symptomatic dogs) and D (dogs with end-stage-HF) according to the ACVIM-staging-system. Serum cytokines, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated.Results: KC-like as an inflammatory cytokine was significantly increased in dogs of stage-C (P < 0.01) and -D (P < 0.05) compared with stage-A and -B. Stage-D Dogs showed significantly higher serum CRP and Hp (P < 0.05) but lower serum anti-oxidant capacity (PON1, TEAC, CUPRAC, and thiol) compared to stage-A and -B (P < 0.05). After the treatment, serum levels of CRP, Hp and KC-like decreased but serum anti-oxidant levels increased compared to their pre-treatment values. Left ventricular dimension and LA/Ao ratio correlated positively with CRP, MCP-1, and KC-like but negatively with PON1, GM-CSF, IL-7 and antioxidant biomarkers (P < 0.01).Conclusion: our results indicated that dogs with advanced-stages of HF show increases in positive acute-phase proteins and selected inflammatory cytokines (KC-like), and decreases in antioxidant biomarkers, indicating that inflammation and oxidative-stress act as collaborative partners in the pathogenesis of HF. KC-like may be a more useful parameter to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy of dogs with severe-HF.
Prevalence and characterization of Morganella morganii in beef cattle from Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Tian bin , cai dongjie , liu xiao , zhang yulong , liu jianzhu , Wang Mingshu , Wang Ya , Gou liping , zhong zhijun , Fang Jing , zuo zhicai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Morganella morganii (M. morganii) is a member of the genera Morganella in the Enterobacteriaceae family.Methods To better understand the prevalence and characterization of M. morganii strains in cattle, 191 nasal swabs samples from beef cattle in Guang'an, Yibin, and Ziyang, Sichuan Province, China were collected. The presence of M. morganii in swabs was determined by PCR. Then positive swabs were processed by using bacterial isolation and identification. The M. morganii isolates were assayed for antimicrobial susceptibility and pathogenicity using a mouse model.Results The prevalence of Morgenella morganii in three cities was 10.5% (20/191). Three M. morganii strains (16GA7, 17GA61.2, and 17YB9) were isolated and identified from positive swabs samples. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the 16S rRNA gene of M. morganii isolates could be clustered with known Genbank M. morganii strains. All three M. morganii strains were sensitive to penicillin-type and quinolone antibiotics, and were resistant to some cephalosporins, carbapenems, macrolide antibiotics and polymyxin B. Lesions in mice inoculated with M. morganii included pulmonary hemorrhage, thickened alveolar walls, and pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration, although lesions varied by strain.Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report the prevalence of M. morganii in beef cattle. Through research on the M. morganii in beef cattle, it is found that mice were susceptible to M. morganii isolates, which can cause mice dead. However, the pathogenicity of M. morganii isolates on cattle still needs further study.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Factors Influencing Anemia and Severe Anemia among Under-5 Children in Ethiopia: Spatial and Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Hailu Bayuh Asmamaw , Bogale Getahun Gebre , Miheretu Birhan Asmame , Geremew Bisrat Misiganaw , Beyene Joseph 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Anemia is recognized as a significant public health problem in Ethiopia. Method: This secondary analysis, sampling technique and procedures done by DHS. A total of 8482 children aged 6–59 months were included in the study from EDHS 2016. Used tools for spatial heterogeneity analysis are Morans I, Local G*, Heat map, and Kulldorﬀ’s scan statistic, those carried out open source software (QGIS, GeoDa, SaTScan). Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify both individual and household level factors associated with anemia and severe anemia, which measures between household variability using IHHC of the null model and generates 4 models PCV, AIC, and log-likelihood ratio used model selection for a report, which is carried out Stata 14.Result: The highest risk of both anemia and severe anemia regions are Somalia, Afar, DireDawa, and Harari. Specifically, all zones of Somalia, Afar (zone1, and 3), DireDawa, Harari, and Oromia higher risk of anemia and some of them are high risk for severe anemia. The high concentration of the disease showed in DireDawa, Harari, Jigjiga some part of Gambela and Benishangul Afar at the boundary of Amhara and Tigray and Eastern part of Tigray for anemia. Harari, DireDawa, and Afar at the border of Djibouti had high concentrated(density) severe anemia. Children (Younger age, lower preceding birth interval, stunted, underweight); mothers (younger age and anemic); households (poor and denser family number); and children from the highest and the lowest ecological zone are high risk for anemia. Additionally, children from the younger, work less, uneducated, poor, and anemic mother were high risk of a severe anemiaConclusion: Across the country, anemia is high, especially rift value areas highly affected by both anemia and severe anemia like Somalia regions and its neighbors. Those regions are not productive areas, lack of health facility, malaria region, backward for any access. So the concerned body must be tackled to minimize this childhood series problem. Before starting any intervention first must be prioritized according to risk, concentration, and characteristics.