bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative genomics and pangenome-oriented studies reveal high homogeneity of the agronomically relevant enterobacterial plant pathogen Dickeya solani
Authors: Motyka-Pomagruk Agata , Zoledowska Sabina , Misztak Agnieszka Emilia , Sledz Wojciech , Mengoni Alessio , Lojkowska Ewa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Dickeya solani is an important plant pathogenic bacterium causing severe losses in European potato production. This species draws a lot of attention due to its remarkable virulence, great devastating potential and easier spread in contrast to other Dickeya spp. In view of a high need for extensive studies on economically important soft rot Pectobacteriaceae , we performed a comparative genomics analysis on D. solani strains to search for genetic foundations that would explain the differences in the observed virulence levels within the D. solani population. Results: High quality assemblies of 8 de novo sequenced D. solani genomes have been obtained. Whole-sequence comparison, ANIb, ANIm, Tetra and pangenome-oriented analyses performed on these genomes and the sequences of 14 additional strains revealed an exceptionally high level of homogeneity among the studied genetic material of D. solani strains. With the use of 22 genomes, the pangenome of D. solani , comprising 84.7% core, 7.2% accessory and 8.1% unique genes, has been almost completely determined, suggesting the presence of a nearly closed pangenome structure. Attribution of the genes included in the D. solani pangenome fractions to functional COG categories showed that higher percentages of accessory and unique pangenome parts in contrast to the core section are encountered in phage/mobile elements- and transcription- associated groups with the genome of RNS 05.1.2A strain having the most significant impact. Also, the first D. solani large-scale genome-wide phylogeny computed on concatenated core gene alignments is herein reported. Conclusions: The almost closed status of D. solani pangenome achieved in this work points to the fact that the unique gene pool of this species should no longer expand. Such a feature is characteristic of taxa whose representatives either occupy isolated ecological niches or lack efficient mechanisms for gene exchange and recombination, which seems rational concerning a strictly pathogenic species with clonal population structure. Finally, no obvious correlations between the geographical origin of D. solani strains and their phylogeny were found, which might reflect the specificity of the international seed potato market.
Characterization of WWOX Expression and Function in Canine Mast Cell Tumors and Malignant Mast Cell Lines
Authors: Makii Rebecca , Cook Hanna , Louke Darian , Breitbach Justin , Jennings Ryan , Premanandan Christopher , Green Eric M , Fenger Joelle M 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) tumor suppressor gene is frequently lost in solid and hematopoietic malignancies in humans. Dysregulation of WWOX has been implicated as playing a key role in tumor cell survival, DNA damage repair, and genomic stability. The purpose of this study was to characterize WWOX expression in spontaneous canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) and malignant cell lines and investigate the potential contribution of WWOX loss on malignant mast cell behavior.
Results
WWOX expression is decreased in primary canine MCTs and malignant mast cell lines compared to normal canine bone marrow-cultured mast cells. In transformed canine mastocytoma cell lines, overexpression of WWOX or WWOX knockdown had no effect on mast cell viability. Inhibition of WWOX enhanced clonogenic survival following treatment with ionizing radiation in the C2 mast cell line. Lastly, immunohistochemistry for WWOX was performed using a canine MCT tissue microarray, demonstrating that WWOX staining intensity and percent of cells staining for WWOX is decreased in high-grade MCTs compared to low-grade MCTs.
Conclusions
These data suggest that WWOX expression is attenuated or lost in primary canine MCTs and malignant mast cell lines. Given the observed increase in clonogenic survival in WWOX-deficient C2 mast cells treated with ionizing radiation, further investigation of WWOX and its role in mediating the DNA damage response in malignant mast cells is warranted.
'We need more big trees as well as the grass roots’: Going beyond research capacity building to develop sustainable careers in mental health research in African countries
Authors: Langhaug Lisa , Jack Helen , Hanlon Charlotte , Holzer Stephan , Sorsdahl Katherine , Mutedzi Barbara , Mangezi Walter , Merritt Christopher , Alem Atalay , Stewart Robert , Bandawe Chiwoza , Musesengwa Rosemary , Abas Melanie , Chibanda Dixon , Lund Crick 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background There are substantial gaps in our knowledge regarding the aetiology of mental, neurological and substance use disorders in sub-Saharan Africa, and the cost-effectiveness and scalability of interventions to reduce the burden of these conditions on the continent. To address these gaps, international investment has focussed on building research capacity, including funding doctoral students in African countries, to support development of high quality, contextually relevant interventions. Absent, however, is an understanding of how capacity building feeds into research careers.Methods Within a broader mental health research capacity-building initiative (African Mental Health Research Initiative), we conducted 52 qualitative interviews with early-career researchers, policymakers, academics, and service users from four African countries (Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) and with international funders of mental health research. The interview guide focused on the research context, planning, and priorities and how respondents perceive research careers and funding. Thematic analysis was applied to the transcribed interviews.Results Five components of a research career emerged: i) research positions; ii) research skills; iii) funding; iv) research commitment from African countries; and v) advocacy. All stakeholders wanted more high-impact African researchers, but few saw a clear, replicable track for developing their careers within universities or their Ministries of Health in their African countries. This stemmed, in part, from the lack of support for infrastructure that enables high-quality research: grants administration, mentorship, university leadership, research culture, and open communication between policymakers and researchers.Conclusions This study highlights the importance of developing research infrastructure alongside capacity-building efforts. International funders should invest in grant management at African universities which would place them at the centre of research initiatives. African universities should prioritise the creation of a research culture by developing and promoting well-defined research tracks for both clinicians and academics, investing in grant management, and raising the profile of research within their institutions.
Improvement of cardiac dysfunction by L-arginine combined with vitamin C through restoring angiogenesis associated with NADPH/NOS/NO signal pathway in diabetic rats
Authors: Su Jie , Cai Beibo , Li Xiao-Xue , Xu Ming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

In diabetic patients, the occurrence of ischemic events such as myocardial infarction is significantly higher than that of normal patients. L-arginine and vitamin C are commonly used adjuvant drugs in clinical practice. But whether L-arginine and vitamin C can be used together, the role of promoting angiogenesis to improve vascular dysfunction and its mechanism of action are not clear. To this end, we investigated whether L-arginine in combination with vitamin C promotes revascularization after myocardial infarction in patients with type 2 diabetes by inhibiting angiogenesis disorders associated with NADPH oxidase.
Methods

Experimental myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats and non-diabetic controls. Cardiac function was studied by echocardiography and LDH activity. Western blotting was used to study VEGF, Nox4, Nox1, Nox2, eNOS and phospho-eNOS (Ser1177), CAT-1. Angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration were detected by micro-vessel density assay, cell viability assay, scratch wound-healing assay and tube formation assay.
Results

First, we cultured rat aortic endothelial cells in a high glucose environment for 48 hours, then treated L-arginine and vitamin C alone or together. It was shown that high glucose significantly damaged cell proliferation, migration and tube formation, which was normalized by L-arginine with vitamin C combined application. Furthermore, we found that co-treatment of L-arginine and vitamin C activated NOS/NO signaling pathway via inhibited NADPH oxidase activity, which regulated angiogenesis in RAECs. In vivo, L-arginine and vitamin C co-intervention improved cardiac function by implementing echocardiographic examination and LDH activity. This therapy also relieved the vasodilatory response to acetylcholine and restored the expressions of p-eNOS and VEGF, together with reducing Nox2 and iNOS production in the ischemic myocardium of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats following streptozocin (STZ) injection.
Conclusion

Overall, for the first time, this study reveals that the combination of L-arginine and vitamin C restores the blood supply to myocardial infarction in rats with type 2 diabetes by promoting angiogenesis, which was attributed to activating NOS/NO signaling pathway via blocking NADPH-dependent O2− generation.
Common sampling and modeling approaches to analyzing readmission risk that ignore clustering produce misleading results
Authors: Zhao Huaqing , Tanner Samuel , Golden Sherita H. , Fisher Susan , Rubin Daniel J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
There is little consensus on how to sample hospitalizations and analyze multiple variables to model readmission risk. The purpose of this study was to compare readmission rates and the accuracy of predictive models based on different sampling and multivariable modeling approaches.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 17 284 adult diabetes patients with 44 203 discharges from an urban academic medical center between 1/1/2004 and 12/31/2012. Models for all-cause 30-day readmission were developed by four strategies: logistic regression using the first discharge per patient (LR-first), logistic regression using all discharges (LR-all), generalized estimating equations (GEE) using all discharges, and cluster-weighted (CW) GEE using all discharges. Multiple sets of models were developed and internally validated across a range of sample sizes.
Results
The readmission rate was 10.2% among first discharges and 20.3% among all discharges, revealing that sampling only first discharges underestimates a population’s readmission rate. Number of discharges was highly correlated with number of readmissions (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). Accounting for clustering with GEE and CWGEE yielded more conservative estimates of model performance than LR-all. LR-first produced falsely optimistic Brier scores. Model performance was unstable below samples of 6 000–8 000 discharges and stable in larger samples. GEE and CWGEE performed better in larger samples than in smaller samples.
Conclusions
Hospital readmission risk models should be based on all discharges as opposed to just the first discharge per patient and utilize methods that account for clustered data.
Determinants of Utero-vaginal prolapse in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Firdisa Gamachis , Tilahun Temesgen , Kejela Gemechu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
IntroductionIn Ethiopia, gynecological problems are important health problems affecting maternal health outcomes and women’s productivity. Uterovaginal prolapse is a significant public health concern in developing countries like Ethiopia where access to health care is limited.ObjectiveTo identify determinants of utero-vaginal prolapse among women attending gynecologic outpatient department at public hospitals in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia, 2019.Methods and materialA hospital based unmatched case-control study was conducted with the total sample of 341 women attending gynecologic outpatient department in Nekemte town, from May 1 to July 30/2019. 86 cases and 258 controls were included in the study. Cases were women with utero-vaginal prolapse while controls were women free from utero-vaginal prolapse but with other gynecologic disease during the same period as of cases. Data were collected using pretested questionnaire and measurement on height and weight was taken to calculate body mass index of women. Data was entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analysis was carried out by SPSS version 24.0. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used and statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.ResultsThis study revealed, age ≥ 40 years (AOR = 10.49; 95%CI: 4.03, 27.35), duration of labor ≥ 24 hours (AOR = 8.32; 95%CI: 3.58, 19.33), instrumental delivery (AOR = 7.40; 95%CI: 1.21, 45.28), non- utilization of family planning (AOR = 3.14; 95%CI: 1.32, 7.47) and underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) 5.30 (AOR = 5.30; 95%CI: 1.83, 15.33) were determinants of utero-vaginal prolapse.Conclusion and RecommendationAge ≥ 40 years, prolonged labor, instrumental delivery, non-utilization of family planning and underweight were identified as determinant factors of utero-vaginal prolapse. Thus, family planning service utilization and appropriate obstetric care are advisable.
Clinical characteristics and manifestations in older patients with COVID-19
Authors: Wei Chenchen , Liu Ya , Liu Yapeng , Zhang Kai , Su Dezhen , Zhong Ming , Meng Xiao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
To investigate the clinical characteristics and manifestations of older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods
In this retrospective study, 566 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled and the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, complications and outcome data were collected and analyzed.
Results
Among the 566 patients (median age, 61.5 years) with COVID-19, 267 (47.2%) patients were male and 307 (54.2%) were elderly. Compared with younger patients, older patients had more underlying comorbidities and laboratory abnormalities. A higher rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute cardiac injury and heart failure was observed in the older group as compared with younger and middle-aged groups, particularly those oldest-old patients (> 75y) had more multi-organ damage. Older patients with COVID-19 were more likely to suffer from acute cardiac injury in cases with preexistenting cardiovascular diseases, while there was no difference among the three groups when patients had no history of cardiovascular diseases. Older patients present more severe and the mortality was 18.6%, which was higher than that in younger and middle-aged patients (P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that age, lymphopenia, ARDS, acute cardiac injury, heart failure and skeletal muscle injury were associated with the death in older patients, while glucocorticoids should be carefully administered since it may increase the mortality in older patients.
Conclusions
Older patients, especially the oldest-old patients were more likely to exhibit significant systemic inflammation, pulmonary and extrapulmonary organ damage and a higher mortality. Advanced age, lymphopenia, ARDS, acute cardiac injury, heart failure and skeletal muscle injury were independent predictors of death in older patients and glucocorticoids may be harmful for older patients with COVID-19.
Sex and Foxp3 -924a/g Gene Polymorphism May Be Associated With the Clinical and Pathological Aspects of Chronic Viral Diseases
Authors: Pereira Leonn Mendes Soares , Madureira Max Willy da Silva , de Castro Renata Bezerra Hermes , Abreu Isabella Nogueira , Conde Simone Regina Souza da Silva , Demachki Sâmia , de Sousa Maisa Silva , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Silva Andrea Nazaré M. Rangel da , Ishak Marluísa de Oliveira Guimarães , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio C. R. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) transcription factor is one of the main markers of immunological suppression in different pathological profiles, and the presence of polymorphic variants may alter the gene expression of this factor. Despite descriptions of an association between the presence of the -924A/G polymorphism and chronic diseases, the role of the sex variant in this context has not yet been elucidated,as the FOXP3 gene is located on the human sex chromosome X. Results: To contribute to this topic, 323 women and 373 men diagnosed with chronic viral infections or coronary artery disease and a healthy group of blood donors were genotyped for the -924A/G polymorphism. The -924A/G polymorphism was associated with clinical and pathological aspects and biomarkers of viral infections only in men, with functional differences between different infections. Conclusions:A relationship is suggested between sex and FOXP3polymorphisms, resulting in different biological repercussions.
Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Laboratory Findings of the COVID-19 in the current pandemic
Authors: Xie Yewei , Wang Zaisheng , Liao Huipeng , Marley Gifty , Wu Dan , Tang Weiming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 caused the pandemic affected the world deeply, with more than 3,000,000 people infected and nearly 200,000 deaths. This article aimed to summarize the epidemiologic traits, clinical spectrum, CT results and laboratory findings of COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
We scoped for relevant literatures published during 1st Dec 2019 to 23rd Apr 2020 based on four databases by using English and Chinese. The evidence was synthesized narratively.
Results
The COVID-19 pandemic was found to have a higher transmission rate compared to SARS and MERS, and involved 4 stages of evolution. The basic reproduction number (R0) is 3.32 (95% CI:3.24–3.39) and the incubation period was 5.24 days (95% CI:3.97–6.50, 5 studies) on average, and the average time for symptoms onset varied by countries. Common clinical spectrums identified included fever (38.1–39.0℃), cough and fatigue, with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) being the most common complication reported. Body temperatures above 39.0 ℃, dyspnea, and anorexia were more common symptoms in severe patients. Aged over 60 years old, having co-morbidities, and developing complications were the commonest high-risk factors associated with severe conditions. Leucopenia and lymphopenia were the most common signs of infection while liver and kidney damage were rare but may cause bad outcomes for patients. The bilateral, multifocal Ground-Glass Opacification (GGO) on peripheral, and the consolidative pulmonary opacity were the most frequent CT results and the tendency of mortality rates differed by region.
Conclusions
We provided a bird’s-eye view of the COVID-19 during the current pandemic, which will help better understanding the key traits of the disease. The findings could be used for disease’s future research, control and prevention.
Visceral Fat Area to Leg Muscle Mass Ratio Are Significantly Associated With the Risk of Hyperuricemia Among Women: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: WANG Xiao-He , JIANG Wei-Ran , ZHANG Min-Ying , SHI Ying-Xin , JI Yun-Ping , Li Chun-Jun , LIN Jing-Na 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have found a significant positive association between obesity, visceral fat accumulation and hyperuricemia. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between the ratio of visceral fat area to leg muscle mass(VFA-to-LMM) and hyperuricemia, and verify the role of sex differences in the association.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a total of 3393 (43.3% for men) participants from Tianjin Union Medical Center-Health Management Center were recruited. Body composition were measured by multielectrode bioelectrical impedance analyzer. The VFA-to-LMM ratio was used as independent variable. Hyperuricemia, defined as a serum uric acid level ≥ 416 μmol/L in men and menopausal women, and ≥ 357 μmol/L in premenopausal women, was used as the dependent variable. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval between VFA-to-LMM ratio and hyperuricemia.Results:The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 14.8%, and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in women (8.9%) was significantly lower than that in men (22.5%). After adjustment for age, smoking status (for males), menopause status (for females), drinking status, exercise frequency, blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, and history of diseases, a strong positive association was observed between VFA-to-LMM ratio and hyperuricemiain bothmen (4th vs. 1st quartile 1.60, 95%CI: 1.03-2.49) and women (4th vs. 1st quartile 5.22, 95%CI: 2.44-12.56).After additionally adjustment for BMI, there was still a significant positive association in women (4th vs. 1st quartile 2.57, 95%CI: 1.06-6.77), while the association disappeared in men(4th vs. 1st quartile 0.97, 95%CI: 0.55-1.70).Conclusions:The VFA-to-LMM ratio was positively associated with the risk of hyperuricemia in women after adjustments for confounders. In addition, the highest risk of hyperuricemia was observed when both VFA and LMM were at the highest quartile. However, well-controlled prospective studies are needed to further confirm the causality between VFA-to-LMM ratio and hyperuricemia.
Evaluation of impact of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on the lipid profile and on the increased anti-oxidant activity in healthy volunteers
Authors: chbili chahra , Maher Maoua , Sawssen Mrad , Mejda Selmi , Hajer Boudriga , Hedi Khairi , Khalifa Limem , Nejib Mrizek , Saad Saguem , Maha Ben Fredj 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Surgical treatment in nervous system echinococcosis in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Du Chaonan , Li Jing , Zhang Qiang , Yang Mingfei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment of echinococcosis in nervous system in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.Methods: Patients with echinococcosis of nervous system treated in Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital from January 2010 to September 2018 were selected. All patients were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and imaging examination. During the hospital, all patients received surgery. After operation, patients exanimated regularly and followed up for one year.Results: A total of 13 patients were included in this study. The average age was 38.8±13.7 and seven cases (54%) were male. Among these patients, six cases had cystic echinococcosis and seven cases with alveolar echinococcosis, meanwhile, eight patients had cerebral echinococcosis and five patients with spinal echinococcosis. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay indicated positive results in 8 cases and one patient was misdiagnosed as vertebral metastases by imaging examination before operation. One patient recurred after operation but refused treatment. After follow-up for one year, the mRS (Modified Rankin Scale) of cerebral echinococcosis improved from 3.3±0.5 to 2.1±0.4, four cases of spinal echinococcosis improved in ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association).Conclusion: Current evidence indicated that early surgical treatment and oral albendazole might improve the outcome of patients with nervous system echinococcosis in short time.