bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of single-nucleotide variants associated with susceptibility to Salmonella in pigs using a genome-wide association approach
Authors: Schut Corinne H. , Farzan Abdolvahab , Fraser Russell S. , Ainslie-Garcia Margaret H. , Friendship Robert M. , Lillie Brandon N. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Salmonella enterica serovars are a major cause of foodborne illness and have a substantial impact on global human health. In Canada, Salmonella is commonly found on swine farms and the increasing concern about drug use and antimicrobial resistance associated with Salmonella has promoted research into alternative control methods, including selecting for pig genotypes associated with resistance to Salmonella. The objective of this study was to identify single-nucleotide variants in the pig genome associated with Salmonella susceptibility using a genome-wide association approach. Repeated blood and fecal samples were collected from 809 pigs in 14 groups on farms and tonsils and lymph nodes were collected at slaughter. Sera were analyzed for Salmonella IgG antibodies by ELISA and feces and tissues were cultured for Salmonella. Pig DNA was genotyped using a custom 54 K single-nucleotide variant oligo array and logistic mixed-models used to identify SNVs associated with IgG seropositivity, shedding, and tissue colonization.

Results
Variants in/near PTPRJ (p = 0.0000066), ST6GALNAC3 (p = 0.0000099), and DCDC2C (n = 3, p < 0.0000086) were associated with susceptibility to Salmonella, while variants near AKAP12 (n = 3, p < 0.0000358) and in RALGAPA2 (p = 0.0000760) may be associated with susceptibility.

Conclusions
Further study of the variants and genes identified may improve our understanding of neutrophil recruitment, intracellular killing of bacteria, and/or susceptibility to Salmonella and may help future efforts to reduce Salmonella on-farm through genetic approaches.
Determinants of catastrophic health expenditures in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Yousefi Mahmood , Hasanpoor Edris , Eshtiagh Behzad , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) are of concern to policy makers and can prevent individuals accessing effective health care services. The exposure of households to CHE is one of the indices used to evaluate and address the level of financial risk protection in health systems, which is a key priority in the global health policy agenda and an indicator of progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Universal Health Coverage. This study aims to assess the CHE at population and disease levels and its influencing factors in Iran.

Methods
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The following keywords and their Persian equivalents were used for the review: Catastrophic Health Expenditures; Health Equity; Health System Equity; Financial Contribution; Health Expenditures; Financial Protection; Financial Catastrophe; and Health Financing Equity. These keywords were searched with no time limit until October 2019 in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Embase, and the national databases of Iran. Studies that met a set of inclusion criteria formed part of the meta-analysis and results were analyzed using a random-effects model.

Results
The review identified 53 relevant studies, of which 40 are conducted at the population level and 13 are disease specific. At the population level, the rate of CHE is 4.7% (95% CI 4.1% to 5.3%, n = 52). Across diseases, the percentage of CHE is 25.3% (95% CI 11.7% to 46.5%, n = 13), among cancer patients, while people undergoing dialysis face the highest percentage of CHE (54.5%). The most important factors influencing the rate of CHE in these studies are health insurance status, having a household member aged 60–65 years or older, gender of the head of household, and the use of inpatient and outpatient services.

Conclusion
The results suggest that catastrophic health spending in Iran has increased from 2001 to 2015 and has reached its highest levels in the last 5 years. It is therefore imperative to review and develop fair health financing policies to protect people against financial hardship. This review and meta-analysis provides evidence to help inform effective health financing strategies and policies to prioritise high-burden disease groups and address the determinants of CHE.
Jiao-tai-wan for insomnia symptoms caused by the disharmony of the heart and kidney: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zeng Congcong , Liu Xi , Hu Lufeng , Feng Yuan , Xia Nengzhi , Zeng Haihuan , Luo Lin , Ye Ren , Yuan Zhengzhong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Insomnia seriously affects people’s normal lives and work. However, effective treatment strategies are scarce. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of Jiao-tai-wan (JTW) for ameliorating insomnia symptoms caused by disharmony of the heart and kidney.

Design
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. A total of 124 participants suffering from insomnia symptoms will be randomly assigned to the JTW or placebo group in an equal ratio. The participants will be asked to take JTW or placebo granules twice a day for 1 week. All data will be gathered at baseline and at the end of the drug intervention. The primary outcome measures will be the mean change in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) from baseline to the end of the drug intervention. Secondary outcome measures will include the altered sleep parameters in polysomnography, 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) evaluation, the Disharmony of Heart and Kidney Scoring System score, and blood tests, including the levels of serum adenosine and melatonin. A laboratory test will be taken before and after treatment to assess the safety of JTW.

Discussion
The outcomes of this study will confirm the efficacy of JTW for the treatment of insomnia symptoms and will also be used to monitor the safety of JTW.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019239. Registered on 1st November 2018.
Steps to recovery: body weight-supported treadmill training for critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kwakman Robin C. H. , Sommers Juultje , Horn Janneke , Nollet Frans , Engelbert Raoul H. H. , van der Schaaf Marike 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Early mobilization has been proven effective for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) to improve functional recovery. However, early mobilization of critically ill, often mechanically ventilated, patients is cumbersome because of the attachment to tubes, drains, monitoring devices and muscle weakness. A mobile treadmill with bodyweight support may help to initiate mobilization earlier and more effectively. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of weight-supported treadmill training in critically ill patients during and after ICU stay on time to independent functional ambulation.

Methods
In this randomized controlled trial, a custom-built bedside body weight-supported treadmill will be used and evaluated. Patients are included if they have been mechanically ventilated for at least 48 hours, are able to follow instructions, have quadriceps muscle strength of Medical Research Council sum-score 2 (MRC 2) or higher, can sit unsupported and meet the safety criteria for physical exercise. Exclusion criteria are language barriers, no prior walking ability, contraindications for physiotherapy or a neurological condition as reason for ICU admission. We aim to include 88 patients and randomize them into either the intervention or the control group. The intervention group will receive usual care plus bodyweight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) daily. The BWSSTT consists of walking on a mobile treadmill while supported by a harness. The control group will receive usual care physiotherapy treatment daily consisting of progressive activities such as bed-cycling and active functional training exercises. In both groups, we will aim for a total of 40 minutes of physiotherapy treatment time every day in one or two sessions, as tolerated by the patient. The primary outcome is time to functional ambulation as measured in days, secondary outcomes include walking distance, muscle strength, status of functional mobility and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. All measurements will be done by assessors who are blinded to the intervention on the regular wards until hospital discharge.

Discussion
This will be the first study comparing the effects of BWSTT and conventional physiotherapy for critically ill patients during and after ICU stay. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness of early physiotherapy interventions for critically ill patients.

Trial registration
Dutch Trial Register (NTR) ID: NL6766. Registered at 1 December 2017.
Biosynthesis of acetylacetone inspired by its biodegradation
Authors: Zhou Yifei , Ding Yamei , Gao Wenjie , Wang Jichao , Liu Xiutao , Xian Mo , Feng Xinjun , Zhao Guang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Acetylacetone is a commercially bulk chemical with diverse applications. However, the traditional manufacturing methods suffer from many drawbacks such as multiple steps, harsh conditions, low yield, and environmental problems, which hamper further applications of petrochemical-based acetylacetone. Compared to conventional chemical methods, biosynthetic methods possess advantages such as being eco-friendly, and having mild conditions, high selectivity and low potential costs. It is urgent to develop biosynthetic route for acetylacetone to avoid the present problems.

Results
The biosynthetic pathway of acetylacetone was constructed by reversing its biodegradation route, and the acetylacetone was successfully produced by engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) by overexpression of acetylacetone-cleaving enzyme (Dke1) from Acinetobacter johnsonii. Several promising amino acid residues were selected for enzyme improvement based on sequence alignment and structure analysis, and the acetylacetone production was improved by site-directed mutagenesis of Dke1. The double-mutant (K15Q/A60D) strain presented the highest acetylacetone-producing capacity which is 3.6-fold higher than that of the wild-type protein. Finally, the strain accumulated 556.3 ± 15.2 mg/L acetylacetone in fed-batch fermentation under anaerobic conditions.

Conclusions
This study presents the first intuitive biosynthetic pathway for acetylacetone inspired by its biodegradation, and shows the potential for large-scale production.
Lufenuron can be transferred by gravid Aedes aegypti females to breeding sites and can affect their fertility, fecundity and blood intake capacity
Authors: Gonzalez Paula V. , Harburguer Laura 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Aedes aegypti (L.) is the main vector of dengue, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya viruses. A new method for controlling this mosquito has been developed based on the possibility that wild adult mosquitoes exposed to artificial resting sites contaminated with a larvicide, can disseminate it to larval breeding sites, is named “auto-dissemination”. The present study was undertaken to evaluate if a chitin synthesis inhibitor like lufenuron can be disseminated to larval breeding sites and prevent adult emergence and also if forced contact of Ae. aegypti females with treated surfaces can affect its fertility, fecundity, and blood intake capacity.

Methods
Larval susceptibility to lufenuron was measured through EI50 and EI90. On the other hand, gravid females were exposed by tarsal contact to lufenuron-treated papers, we used the WHO susceptibility test kit tube to line the papers, and 1, 3 or 5 females for the transference. We also evaluated if the exposure of female mosquitoes to lufenuron-treated papers (0.4 and 1 mg a.i./cm2) has an effect on their fertility, fecundity or in the ability to feed on blood. In each assay 12–15 female mosquitoes were exposed to lufenuron for 1 h, 24 h before blood meal (BBM) or 24 h after a blood meal (ABM).

Results
Lufenuron proved to be very active against Ae. aegypti larvae with an EI50 of 0.164 ppb and EI90 of 0.81 ppb. We also found that lufenuron can be transferred by females from treated surfaces to clean containers causing the inhibition of emergence of the larvae (between 30 and 50%). This effect was dependent on the concentration applied on the paper and the number of females added to each cage.

Conclusions
This study introduces an innovation by first exploring the possibility that an insect growth regulator (IGR) belonging to the group of benzoylphenyl ureas, such as lufenuron, can be transferred by gravid females to breeding sites and that at the same time can have an effect on fertility, fecundity and blood intake capacity of adult mosquitoes.
Regulation and analysis of the diversity of intestinal microbiota in SD rats by Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) fermented with Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chen Keyuan , Gao Yan , Wang Xinjian , Cheng Feng , Haq Shahbaz Ul , Liang Yun , Yang Zhiwei , Li Bo , Liu Yuan , Wang Yonggang , Liang Jianping , Hao Baocheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) on intestinal microbiota diversity after fermentation by Bacillus subtilis.

Methods
B. subtilis was used to ferment DBT. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the following four groups with six rats in each group: the control group, DBT nonfermentation group, B. subtilis group, and DBT fermentation group. Rats were fed continuously for 14 days. The 16S rRNA of faecal samples was analysed by high-throughput Illumina sequencing.

Results
In total, 3483 operational taxonomical units (OTUs) were identified in this study, and 1236 OTUs were shared among all samples. Moreover, the most abundant phyla identified in this study were Bacteroidetes (29.65–38.19%) and Firmicutes (48.30–67.04%). The F/B ratios of the DBT nonfermentation group (1.07%) and the DBT fermentation group (1.78%) were slightly lower than those of the control group (2.29%). Lactobacillus was most upregulated in the DBT fermentation group (38.4%), followed by the DBT nonfermentation group (18.97%), control group (14.61%), and probiotics group (8.39%). Moreover, the pathogenic bacteria Alistipes and Parabacteroides were found to be downregulated in the DBT fermentation group (the percentages of Alistipes and Parabacteroides were as follows: control group, 8.09% and 0.16%; DBT nonfermentation group, 4.31% and 0.37%; DBT fermentation group, 1.96 and 0.09%; and probiotics group, 6.25% and 0.12%, respectively).

Conclusion
This study is the first to research systematically the effects of DBT on the diversity of rat intestinal microbiota before and after fermentation. The structural characteristics of complex bacterial community in each group were clearly analysed, and DBT significantly increases probiotics and inhibits pathogenic bacterial growth in the intestinal tract of rats after fermentation, which plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of the intestinal microbiota of the rats. This research provides new insights into the development and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine.
The China tuberculosis clinical trials consortium network: a model for international TB clinical trials capacity building
Authors: Liu Yu-Hong , Chen Shu , Gao Jing-Tao , Zhang Yao , Booher Kimberly , Ding Xiao-Fen , Shu Wei , Du Jian , Bao Jing , Hafner Richard , Hamilton Carol D. , Li Liang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
With the second largest tuberculosis (TB) burden globally, China is committed to actively engage in international TB clinical trials to contribute to global TB research. However, lack of research capacity among local sites has been identified as a barrier.

Main text
The China Tuberculosis Clinical Trials Consortium (CTCTC) was initiated by Beijing Chest Hospital with investment from the US National Institutes of Health and technical support from Family Health International 360 in 2013, as a nationwide collaborative clinical trial network to strengthen selected clinical site research capacity and attract TB clinical trials. The program aims to: 1) recruit leading hospitals that care for TB patients; 2) conduct on-site assessment to identify capacity gaps and needs for improvement; 3) design and deliver capacity building activities; 4) attract and deliver high quality results for TB clinical trials.
A total of 24 sites have joined CTCTC, covering 20 provinces in China. Twenty-two sites have been accredited by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to be qualified to conduct TB clinical trials. The onsite assessment, extensive trainings among the CTCTC sites and young investigators have resulted in better understanding and improvement of the site capacity in conducting TB clinical trials. The establishment and growth of the CTCTC network has benefited from the good leadership, effective international cooperation and local commitment. Issues in human resources, regulatory environment and sustainability have been challenging the network from continuing growth. Clinical researchers have full-time clinical responsibilities in China and it is thus important to build a cadre of other human resources to assist. The regulatory environment is becoming friendlier in China to introduce international clinical trials to the CTCTC network.

Conclusions
The CTCTC, with mature management structure and sustainable development model, which are distilled five key lessons for other developing countries or investigators of interest. They are the respectively using assessment-based approach to design tailored training package, understanding the availability of clinical researchers, providing solutions to maintain sustainability, understanding local regulatory environments and working with an international organization with local on-site team, respectively. Although, the experiences and capacity of China’s TB hospitals in conducting clinical research vary. Considerable efforts to continue building the capacity are still needed, although the gap is smaller for a few top-tier hospitals.
Role of extra cellular proteins in gastric cancer progression and metastasis: an update
Authors: Abbaszadegan Mohammad Reza , Mojarrad Majid , Moghbeli Meysam 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world with a high ratio of mortality. Regarding the late diagnosis, there is a high ratio of distant metastasis among GC cases. Despite the recent progresses in therapeutic modalities, there is not still an efficient therapeutic method to increase survival rate of metastatic GC cases.Main bodyApart from the various intracellular signaling pathways which are involved in tumor cell migration and metastasis, the local microenvironment is also a critical regulator of tumor cell migration. Indeed, the intracellular signaling pathways also exert their final metastatic roles through regulation of extra cellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, it is required to assess the role of extra cellular components in biology of GC.ConclusionIn the present review, we summarize 48 of the significant ECM components including 17 ECM modifying enzymes, seven extracellular angiogenic factors, 13 cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organizers, seven matricellular proteins and growth factors, and four proteoglycans and extra cellular glycoproteins. This review paves the way of determination of a specific extra cellular diagnostic and prognostic panel marker for the GC patients.
Grant reviewer perceptions of the quality, effectiveness, and influence of panel discussion
Authors: Gallo Stephen A. , Schmaling Karen B. , Thompson Lisa A. , Glisson Scott R. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Funding agencies have long used panel discussion in the peer review of research grant proposals as a way to utilize a set of expertise and perspectives in making funding decisions. Little research has examined the quality of panel discussions and how effectively they are facilitated.

Methods
Here, we present a mixed-method analysis of data from a survey of reviewers focused on their perceptions of the quality, effectiveness, and influence of panel discussion from their last peer review experience.

Results
Reviewers indicated that panel discussions were viewed favorably in terms of participation, clarifying differing opinions, informing unassigned reviewers, and chair facilitation. However, some reviewers mentioned issues with panel discussions, including an uneven focus, limited participation from unassigned reviewers, and short discussion times. Most reviewers felt the discussions affected the review outcome, helped in choosing the best science, and were generally fair and balanced. However, those who felt the discussion did not affect the outcome were also more likely to evaluate panel communication negatively, and several reviewers mentioned potential sources of bias related to the discussion. While respondents strongly acknowledged the importance of the chair in ensuring appropriate facilitation of the discussion to influence scoring and to limit the influence of potential sources of bias from the discussion on scoring, nearly a third of respondents did not find the chair of their most recent panel to have performed these roles effectively.

Conclusions
It is likely that improving chair training in the management of discussion as well as creating review procedures that are informed by the science of leadership and team communication would improve review processes and proposal review reliability.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Evaluation of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) using magnetic resonance defecography (MRD)
Authors: Parry Arshed Hussain , Wani Abdul Haseeb 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Obstructed defecation syndrome is associated with varying combinations of a host of ano-rectal abnormalities, and no physical examination can demonstrate these abnormalities. The present study was aimed to evaluate the spectrum of various pelvic floor abnormalities in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).

Results
Of the total 302 patients imaged with age range of 18–72 years (mean age 54 years), 218 were females, and 84 were males. Ano-rectal junction descent was the commonest abnormality observed in 273 (90.3%) patients followed by rectocele (232) (76.8%), rectal intussusception (93) (30.7%), and cystocele (92) (30.4%). Cervical descent was observed in 78 (35.7%) of female patients. Spastic perineum was seen in 27 (8.9%) patients.

Conclusion
MRD serves as single stop shop for demonstrating and grading a gamut of pelvic organ abnormalities underpinning ODS which in turn helps in choosing the best treatment plan for the patient.
Three challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic represents for psychiatry
Authors: Kesner Ladislav , Horáček Jiří 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its likely consequences add to the already substantial psychosocial burden caused by global problems, existential threats and heightened uncertainty, which are increasingly confronting communities worldwide. Here we briefly outline three challenges for clinical psychiatry and research, related to coping with the social epidemiology of negative moods, stress and socially mediated traumatic experiences brought on by these adverse developments.