bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proximal Femur Peri-Implant Fracture After Lateral Femur Locking Plate
Authors: Meshay Ian M. , Martin John R. , Auran Richard L. , Jones Clifford B. 
Published: July 2020

Case:
This case report discusses 2 cases of proximal femur peri-implant fractures after the use of lateral locking plates for distal femur periprosthetic fractures.

Conclusion:
The use of locking plate technology for fixation of distal femur periprosthetic fractures is a common treatment modality. Although much has been reported regarding healing and complication rates of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures, little has been reported about peri-implant fractures subsequent to treatment using locking plates. We propose the importance of developing a method of fixation to protect the entire femur in osteoporotic patients sustaining distal femur periprosthetic fractures at the index surgery to avoid this complication.
Factors affecting postoperative survival of patients with insufficient union following osteoporotic vertebral fractures and impact of preoperative serum albumin on mortality
Authors: Ohba Tetsuro , Yokomi Hiroshi MD , Koy Kensuke MD , Tanaka Nobuki , Oda Kotaro , H Hirotaka MD 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Numerous comparative studies of surgical procedures have focused on clinical and radiographical outcomes, as well as the effect of bone fragility on the outcome of spinal surgery; however, insights concerning a long-term risk of mortality or morbidity have been limited. Additionally, the effect of surgical therapy on survival after vertebral compression fractures remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the preoperative factors that affected the long-term survival of patients who underwent spinal surgery for an insufficient union following osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) and to determine long-term mortality. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 105 consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery for OVF. Mortality was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test. The preoperative backgrounds of patients were analyzed to determine which risk factors led to death among the OVF cases. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival based on preoperative albumin levels of £ 3.5 g/dL (hypoalbuminemia) versus > 3.5 mg/dL. Results: The mean follow-up time for survival was 4.1 ±0.8 years. Two years after surgery, 15% of patients with OVF had died. The ratio of male-to-female was significantly higher for patients with OVF who died than for those who were still alive. No significant difference in mortality was observed among surgical procedures for OVF. Multivariate analysis revealed that only serum albumin £3.5 g/dL was a significant risk factor for long-term postoperative mortality of patients with OVF. Conclusions: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with long-term postoperative mortality following surgery for OVF.
Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs: A community consultation in Iran
Authors: mirzazadeh ali , Hooshyar Samira Hosseini , Shahesmaeili Armita , Bahramnejad Ali , Barsham Adibeh , Moosavian Ghazal , Najafi Ismail , Sharifi Hamid , Haghdoost Ali-Akbar , Briceno Alya , McFarland Willi , Page Kimberly 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators. Methods: Using targeted sampling and through snowball referrals, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and self-reported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Results: In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated in the study. The median age of participants was 35 (IQR 31-40), with majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within the last month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested for HCV whereas a larger proportion (63.4%) reported ever being tested for HIV. While the majority were willing to participate in cohort studies, breach of confidentiality, fear of positive test results, perceived required commitment, and marginalization were reported as barriers to participation and retention in such studies. Monetary incentive, the thought of a better life, protection from police interventions and trust between health workers and PWID were addressed as motivators of engagement in cohort studies among PWID. Conclusions: Strategies to enhance data security and reduce stigma associated with injecting drug use along with involving peer workers in research, providing pre and post-test counselling and education and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups potentially through integrated healthcare programs and housing support are among few approaches that may help address barriers and strengthen the motivators for successful cohort studies among this population.
Parallel and non-parallel changes of the gut microbiota during trophic diversification in repeated young adaptive radiations of sympatric cichlid fish
Authors: Härer Andreas , Torres-Dowdall Julián , Rometsch Sina J. , Yohannes Elizabeth , Machado-Schiaffino Gonzalo , Meyer Axel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent increases in understanding the ecological and evolutionary roles of microbial communities has underscored the importance for their hosts’ biology. Yet, little is known about gut microbiota dynamics during early stages of ecological diversification and speciation. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene to study the gut microbiota of Nicaraguan Midas cichlid fish (Amphilophus cf. citrinellus). Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that parallel divergence in trophic ecology in extremely young adaptive radiations from two crater lakes is associated with parallel changes of their gut microbiota. Results: Bacterial communities of fish guts and lake water were highly distinct, indicating that the gut microbiota is shaped by host-specific factors. Among individuals of the same crater lake, differentiation in trophic ecology was weakly associated with gut microbiota differentiation, suggesting that diet, to some extent, affects the gut microbiota. However, differences in trophic ecology were much more pronounced across than within species whereas similar patterns were not observed for taxonomic and functional differences of the gut microbiota. Across the two crater lakes, we could not detect conclusive evidence for parallel changes of the gut microbiota associated with trophic ecology. Conclusions: A lack of clearly differentiated niches during early stages of ecological diversification might result in non-parallel changes of gut microbial communities, as observed in our study system as well as in other recently diverged fish species.
How do people in China think about causes of their back pain? A predominantly qualitative cross-sectional survey
Authors: Li Yijun , Coppieters Michel W , Setchell Jenny , Hodges Paul , Scholten-Peeters Gwendolyne GM 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the second highest cause of health burden in China. Delayed recovery, poor clinical outcomes and persistence of LBP are associated with negative pain beliefs about LBP. Chinese philosophies are nested into the daily life of people in China, which is likely to influence pain beliefs. However, there is lack of knowledge about people’s discourses regarding their LBP in China. The primary aim of this study was to explore the discourses underlying the beliefs of people in China about what causes their persistent or recurrent LBP. The secondary aim was to investigate the sources of these pain beliefs. Methods: People (n=152) from South Central, East and North Mainland China with LBP completed an online survey about what they believed caused their persistent or recurrent LBP and where these understandings came from. Potential causes of persistent or recurrent LBP were explored qualitatively using discourse analysis. The sources of these discourses were assessed by descriptive statistics with conventional content analysis. Results: Five discourses were identified to underpin participants’ beliefs about what caused their persistent or recurrent LBP, namely: (1) biomedical problems (66.4%), (2) unbalanced lifestyle (48.7%), (3) menstruation and ‘kidney’ status (9.2%), (4) the ‘Five Elements’ imbalance (7.9%), and (5) energy status (5.9%). Most participants responded that their pain beliefs were based on information derived from healthcare professionals (59.2%), followed by the internet (24.3%) and family (23.0%). Conclusions: People from moderately and well-developed parts of Mainland China think predominantly in line with a Western biomedical viewpoint about their LBP. Traditional Chinese medicine related pain beliefs mainly to the concept of ‘balance’ were evident on contemporary Chinese society’s understandings of LBP. These cultural beliefs could be relevant to consider in LBP management and involve healthcare professionals, family and patient in this process.
Transmitted drug resistance mutations and subtype diversity amongst HIV-1 sero-positive voluntary blood donors in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Obeng Billal Musah , Bonney Evelyn Yayra , Asamoah-Akuoko Lucy , Nii-Trebi Nicholas Israel , Mawuli Gifty , Abana Christopher Zaab-Yen , Sagoe Kwamena William Coleman 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Detection of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance (TDR) and subtype diversity (SD) are public health strategies to assess current HIV-1 regimen and ensure effective therapeutic outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV-1 patients. Globally, limited data exist on TDR and SD among blood donors. In this study, drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and SD amongst HIV-1 sero-positive blood donors in Accra, Ghana were characterized.Methods: Purposive sampling method was used to collect 81 HIV sero-positive blood samples from the Southern Area Blood Center and confirmed by INNO-LIA as HIV-1 and/or HIV-2. Viral RNA was only extracted from plasma samples confirmed as HIV-1 positive. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized using the RNA as a template and subsequently amplified by nested PCR with specific primers. The expected products were verified, purified and sequenced. Neighbour-joining tree with the Kimura’s 2-parameter distances was generated with the RT sequences using Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis version 6.0 (MEGA 6.0).Results: Out of the 81 plasma samples, 60 (74%) were confirmed as HIV-1 sero-positive by INNO-LIA HIVI/II Score kit with no HIV-2 and dual HIV-1/2 infections. The remaining samples, 21 (26%) were confirmed as HIV sero-negative. Of the 60 confirmed positive samples, (32) 53% and (28) 47% were successfully amplified in the RT and PR genes respectively. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified samples revealed the presence of major drug resistance mutations in two (2) samples; E138A in one sample and another with K65R. HIV-1 Subtypes including subtypes A, B, CRF02_AG and CRF09_cpx were found. Conclusion: This study found major drug resistance mutations, E138A and K65R in the RT gene that confer high level resistance to most NNRTIs and NRTI respectively. CRF02_AG was most predominant, the recorded percentage of subtype B and the evolutionary relationship inferred by phylogenetic analysis may suggest possible subtype importation. However, a more prospective and detailed analysis is needed to establish this phenomenon. The data obtained would inform the selection of drugs for ART initiation to maximize therapeutic options in drug-naïve HIV-1 patients in Ghana.
circ_0084927 promotes cervical carcinogenesis by sponging miR-1179 that suppresses CDK2, a cell cycle-related gene
Authors: Qu Xinhua , Zhu Liumei , Song Linlin , Liu Shaohua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a highly malignant tumor. found in the lowermost part of the womb. Evolving researchesstudies on CC have unveiled a conceptreported that circRNA exerts important rolesplays a crucial role in CC progression. In this study, we mainly exploredinvestigated the rolemain function of a novel circRNA, circ_0084927, and its regulatory network in theCC development of CC. Methods: qRT-PCR was applied to evaluate the expression of circ_0084927, miR-1179, and CDK2 mRNA in CC tissues and cells. Dual-luciferase reporting experiments and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were conducted to validate the target relationship of miR-1179 with circ_0084927 and CDK2 mRNA. CCK-8 and BrdU assay wasassays were also used to evaluate CC cell proliferation. The adhesion and apoptosis phenotypes of CC cells were measured byusing cell-matrix adhesion and caspase 3 activation assay. Flow cytometry was also employed to detect the CC cell cycle. Results: Our results indicated that circ_0084927 was up-regulated in CC tissues and cells, and. Findings also revealed that circ_0084927 silence inhibited CC cell proliferation and adhesion, while facilitating apoptosis as well asand triggering cell cycle arrest. On the other handHowever, miR-1179 down-regulation appeared in CC tissues. Additionally,Apart from observing that circ_0084927 abolished miR-1179’s inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and adhesion. Our study showed, it was found that CDK2 was up-regulated in CC tissues and played awas instrumental in cancer-promoting role. Furthermore, promotion. Also observed was that miR-1179 directly targeted CDK2, thereby inhibiting CDK2’s promotion on the malignant phenotypes of CC cells. Lastly, results indicated that circ_0084927 revoked the inhibitory effect of miR-1179 on CDK2 by sponging miR-1179. Conclusion: Circcirc_0084927 promoted cervical carcinogenesis by sequestering miR-1179 that, which directly targeted CDK2. Our results shed light onalso provided novel candidate targets for CC treatment in that it revealed the circ_0084927/miR-1179/CDK2 regulatory network that strengthened CC aggressiveness, providing novel candidate targets for CC treatment..
Wogonin inhibits in vitro herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 infection through modulating cellular NF-κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Chu Ying , Lv Xiaowen , Zhang Longfeng , Fu Xingli , Song Siwei , Su Airong , Chen Deyan , Xu Lianhong , Wang Yongfang , Wu Zhiwei , Yun Zhihua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Wogonin, a naturally flavonoid-like chemical compounds, has exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic effects through modulating a variety of signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, p53, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). In this study, its antiviral effect against herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) replication has been investigated.
Results: The evidence showed that wogonin could suppress HSV-1 and -2-induced cytopathogenic effect (CPE) and reduce viral RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and titers of infectious virion particles formation in a dose-dependent manner. Time-of-drug-addition assay demonstrated that wogonin acted as a viral post-entry inhibitor . It was also found that wogonin significantly reduced HSV-induced NF-κB and MAPK pathways activation, which were proved to be significant for viral replication previously.
Conclusions: Our results suggested that anti-herpes effect of wogonin may be mediated by its modulation of cellular NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPK pathways, implying its potential application as an anti-HSV agent.
Literature Analysis of Blastocystis sp. from 1990 to 2019 in China
Authors: Ning Chao-qun , Ai Lin , Tian Li-Guang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Blastocystis sp. is ubiquitous presence in animals and humans worldwide and a broad diversity genetically. The aim of this study was to find out the main research progress and research status of Blastocystis sp. in China in the past thirty years.Methods: On the Chinese mainstream database China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database and PubMed database, the research literatures of Chinese Blastocystis sp. were searched and analyzed.Results: 285 articles related to Blastocystis sp. were retrieved, including 244 published in Chinese and 41 English on pathogen morphology, epidemiological investigation, laboratory detection and diagnosis, clinical case reports, drug treatment, animal model establishment as well as pathogenicity studies. There were the most epidemiological investigations and researches on pathogenic morphology decreasing recently Surveys of Blastocystis sp. of human has been carried out among a total of 18 provinces, with infection rates ranging from 0.007% to 48.6%. Infants and young children, school students, hospitalized diarrhea patients, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, tuberculosis patients, and cancer patients as respondents had been included. ST1-ST7 and ST12 were the main subtypes in Chinese population. Moreover, surveys of Blastocystis sp. of animal were also conducted in 12 provinces, with infection rates ranging from 2.54% to 79.41%. A variety of animals were investigated including pigs, cattle, sheep, yak, giant panda, and Crested Ibis et al., with the main subtypes of ST1-ST8, ST10, ST12-ST14. In vitro culture and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were commonly used to detect Blastocystis sp. in research and less in clinical application. Traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine for clinical drug treatment appeared curative effects. However, there were few reports on the application of traditional Chinese medicine in clinical treatment. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial and needs further exploration.Conclusion: various researches on Blastocystis sp. had been carried out in China, especially in epidemiology. However, there is no report on the relationship between human Blastocystis sp. and animal infection. Furthermore, the relationship between infant diarrhea and its impact on the intestinal microecology have not received much attention from clinicians. The research on Blastocystis sp. still needs to be strengthened to provide effective data for the prevention and control and improve the quality of life of the population.
KLF5-mediated EPPK1 Expression Promotes Cell Proliferation in Cervical Cancer via the P38 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Pan Zhe , Liu Xiao , Chang Quan , Zhang Jin-jin , Hua Na , Li Guo-Hua , Ma Dong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Epiplakin1 (Eppk1) is part of the EGF signal and is involved in cytoskeleton reorganization and cell proliferation. However, the role of Eppk1 in cervical cancer remains unknown. Methods: The expression of Eppk1 and KLF5 as well as their correlation were assessed by RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, TCGA database and immunofluorescence staining. In CC cell lines, adenovirus-mediated overexpression or knockdown of KLF5 and Eppk1 as well as corresponding assessment of cell proliferation and signaling were determined by western blot and CCK8 experiments. Assays of lucifase reporter gene and CHIP were used to investigate mechanism between KLF5 and Eppk1. Results: Eppk1 expression was markedly in CC tissues and cell lines companied by KLF5 upregulation. The results of immunofluorescence staining further showed that the increased expression of Eppk1 and KLF5 correlated with progression of cervical tumorigenesis. Overexpression of KLF5 significantly increased Eppk1 expression at transcription and translation levels. Conversely, the knockdown of KLF5 by siRNA against KLF5 decreased Eppk1 expression. Mechanical studies showed that KLF5 activated Eppk1 transcription by direct binding to the Eppk1 promoter. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that KLF5 promoted cell proliferation in Hela by upregulating Eppk1 expression. Moreover, KLF5-mediated the activation of EGFR and p38 signaling significantly decreased after Eppk1 knockdown companied with reduction of proliferating activity, suggesting that Eppk1 lies upstream of p38 signaling affecting cell proliferation in CC. Finally, the expression of Eppk1 positively correlated with tumor size. Conclusions: Eppk1 may be an effective therapeutic target on affecting EGFR-associated p38 signaling pathway and cell proliferation in cervical cancer.
COVID-19 prevalence estimation by random sampling in population - Optimal sample pooling under varying assumptions about true prevalence
Authors: Brynildsrud Ola 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases divided by population size is used as a coarse measurement for the burden of disease in a population. However, this fraction depends heavily on the sampling intensity and the various test criteria used in different jurisdictions, and many sources indicate that a large fraction of cases tend to go undetected. Methods: Estimates of the true prevalence of COVID-19 in a population can be made by random sampling and pooling of RT-PCR tests. Here I use simulations to explore how experiment sample size and degrees of sample pooling impact precision of prevalence estimates and potential for minimizing the total number of tests required to get individual-level diagnostic results.Results: Sample pooling can greatly reduce the total number of tests required for prevalence estimation. In low-prevalence populations, it is theoretically possible to pool hundreds of samples with only marginal loss of precision. Even when the true prevalence is as high as 10% it can be appropriate to pool up to 15 samples. Sample pooling can be particularly beneficial when the test has imperfect specificity by providing more accurate estimates of the prevalence than an equal number of individual-level tests.Conclusion: Sample pooling should be considered in COVID-19 prevalence estimation efforts.
Voltage-driven motion of nitrogen ions: a new paradigm for magneto-ionics
Authors: de Rojas Julius , Quintana Alberto , Lopeandia Aitor , Salguero Joaquín , Muñiz Beatriz , Ibrahim Fatima , Chshiev Mairbek , Liedke Maciej , Butterling Maik , Wagner Andreas , Sireus Veronica , Abad Llibertat , Jensen Christopher , Liu Kai , Nogues Josep , Costa-Krämer José , Menéndez Enric , Sort Jordi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Magneto-ionics, understood as voltage-driven ion transport in magnetic materials, has largely relied on controlled migration of oxygen ions. Here, we demonstrate room-temperature voltage-driven nitrogen transport (i.e., nitrogen magneto-ionics) by electrolyte-gating of a CoN film. Nitrogen magneto-ionics in CoN is compared to oxygen magneto-ionics in Co3O4. Both materials are nanocrystalline (face-centered-cubic structure) and show reversible voltage-driven ON-OFF ferromagnetism. In contrast to oxygen, nitrogen transport occurs uniformly creating a plane-wave-like migration front, without assistance of diffusion channels. Remarkably, nitrogen magneto-ionics requires lower threshold voltages and exhibits enhanced rates and cyclability. This is due to the lower activation energy for ion diffusion and the lower electronegativity of nitrogen compared to oxygen. These results may open new avenues in applications such as brain-inspired computing or iontronics in general.