bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review on the burden of illness in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
Authors: Zöllner Johann Philipp , Franz David Neal , Hertzberg Christoph , Nabbout Rima , Rosenow Felix , Sauter Matthias , Schubert-Bast Susanne , Wiemer-Kruel Adelheid , Strzelczyk Adam 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis review will summarize current knowledge on the burden of illness (BOI) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a multisystem genetic disorder manifesting with hamartomas throughout the body, including mainly the kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, heart, and lungs.MethodsWe performed a systematic analysis of the available literature on BOI in TSC according to the PRISMA guidelines. All studies irrespective of participant age that reported on individual and societal measures of disease burden (e.g. health care resource use, costs, quality of life) were included.ResultsWe identified 33 studies reporting BOI in TSC patients. Most studies (21) reported health care resource use, while 14 studies reported quality of life and 10 studies mentioned costs associated with TSC. Only eight research papers reported caregiver BOI. Substantial BOI occurs from most manifestations of the disorder, particularly from pharmacoresistant epilepsy, neuropsychiatric, renal and skin manifestations. While less frequent, pulmonary complications also lead to a high individual BOI. The range for the mean annual direct costs varied widely between 424 and 98,008 International Dollar purchasing power parities (PPP-$). Brain surgery, end-stage renal disease with dialysis, and pulmonary complications all incur particularly high costs. There is a dearth of information regarding indirect costs in TSC. Mortality overall is increased compared to general population; and most TSC related deaths occur as a result of complications from seizures as well as renal complications. Long term studies report mortality between 4.8 and 8.3% for a follow-up of 8 to 17.4 years.ConclusionsTSC patients and their caregivers have a high burden of illness, and TSC patients incur high costs in health care systems. At the same time, the provision of inadequate treatment that does not adhere to published guidelines is common and centralized TSC care is received by no more than half of individuals who need it, especially adults. Further studies focusing on the cost effectiveness and BOI outcomes of coordinated TSC care as well as of new treatment options such as mTOR inhibitors are necessary.
Correction to: Promoter hypomethylation mediated upregulation of MicroRNA-10b-3p targets FOXO3 to promote the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)
Authors: Lu Yi-fang , Yu Jia-rui , Yang Zhao , Zhu Guan-xia , Gao Peng , Wang Huan , Chen Si-yuan , Zhang Jie , Liu Mei-yue , Niu Yi , Wei Xiao-mei , Wang Wei , Ye Feng-jin , Zhang Li-xin , Zhao Yue , Sun Guo-gui 
Published: January 2020

In the original publication of this manuscript [1], Fig. 6 contains a repeated image in error (the left image of ‘Migration’ and the left image of ‘Invasion’).
Forest cover change detection using Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing techniques: a spatio-temporal study on Komto Protected forest priority area, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Negassa Milkessa Dangia , Mallie Demissie Tsega , Gemeda Dessalegn Obsi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Forest plays an important role in climate regulation and carbon sequestration. Komto Forest is one of the remnant natural forests found in Guto Gida district of East Wollega zone, Ethiopia, has been supporting the local community for construction, energy and household furniture. Currently, influenced by land use land cover change (LULCC), this forest has been declining at an alarming rate. Detecting LULCC and understanding the driving forces has important for supporting decision making processes. We examine variation in forest cover dynamics over the period 1991–2012 using Landsat TM image of 1991, ETM + of 2002 and OLI-TIRS of 2019.

Results
The LULCC detection results show that a dramatic increase of agricultural land from (24.78%) in 1991 to (33.5%) in 2019 with annual expansion rate (23.68%) per annum, where forest cover declined by 20.1% in 1991 and 37.38% in 2019 with annual decreasing rate of 4.18% per annum. Our finding indicates the increment of agricultural land, grassland, and settlement, while the dense and open forest cover shows a declining trend. The declining of forest coverage is likely to cause unpleasant environment and affects human wellbeing.

Conclusions
The massive declined in forest cover change are often associated with agricultural expansion in the periphery of the forest. Timber exploitation and charcoal production are other problems that contribute for the declining of forest coverage. Overall, our results suggest the need of participatory forest management and public awareness creation to sustain the Komto remnant forest.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for the utilization of ethanol
Authors: Cao Yujin , Mu Hui , Guo Jing , Liu Hui , Zhang Rubing , Liu Wei , Xian Mo , Liu Huizhou 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The fuel ethanol industry has made tremendous progress in the last decades. Ethanol can be obtained by fermentation using a variety of biomass materials as the feedstocks. However, few studies have been conducted on ethanol utilization by microorganisms. The price of petroleum-derived ethanol, easily made by the hydrolysis of ethylene, is even lower than that of bioethanol. If ethanol can be metabolized by microorganisms to produce value-added chemicals, it will open a new door for the utilization of inexpensive ethanol resources.

Results
We constructed an engineered Escherichia coli strain which could utilize ethanol as the sole carbon source. The alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase from Aspergillus nidulans was introduced into E. coli and the recombinant strain acquired the ability to grow on ethanol. Cell growth continued when ethanol was supplied after glucose starvation and 2.24 g L−1 of ethanol was further consumed during the shake-flasks fermentation process. Then ethanol was further used for the production of mevalonic acid by heterologously expressing its biosynthetic pathway. Deuterium-labeled ethanol-D6 as the feedstock confirmed that mevalonic acid was synthesized from ethanol.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated the possibility of using ethanol as the carbon source by engineered E. coli strains. It can serve as the basis for the construction of more robust strains in the future though the catabolic capacity of ethanol should be further improved.
Transcriptomics and Epigenomics in head and neck cancer: available repositories and molecular signatures
Authors: Serafini Mara S. , Lopez-Perez Laura , Fico Giuseppe , Licitra Lisa , De Cecco Loris , Resteghini Carlo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFor many years, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been considered as a single entity. However, in the last decades HNSCC complexity and heterogeneity have been recognized. In parallel, high-throughput omics techniques had allowed picturing a larger spectrum of the behavior and characteristics of molecules in cancer and a large set of omics web-based tools and informative repository databases have been developed. The objective of the present review is to provide an overview on biological, prognostic and predictive molecular signatures in HNSCC. To contextualize the selected data, our literature survey includes a short summary of the main characteristics of omics data repositories and web-tools for data analyses. The timeframe of our analysis was fixed, encompassing papers published between January 2015 and January 2019. From more than 1000 papers evaluated, 61 omics studies were selected: 33 investigating mRNA signatures, 11 and 13 related to miRNA and other non-coding-RNA signatures and 4 analyzing DNA methylation signatures. More than half of identified signatures (36) had a prognostic value but only in 10 studies selection of a specific anatomical sub-site (8 oral cavity, 1 oropharynx and 1 both oral cavity and oropharynx) was performed. Noteworthy, although the sample size included in many studies was limited, about one-half of the retrieved studies reported an external validation on independent dataset(s), strengthening the relevance of the obtained data. Finally, we highlighted the development and exploitation of three gene-expression signatures, whose clinical impact on prognosis/prediction of treatment response could be high. Based on this overview on omics-related literature in HNSCC, we identified some limits and strengths. The major limits are represented by the low number of signatures associated to DNA methylation and to non-coding RNA (miRNA, lncRNA and piRNAs) and the availability of a single dataset with multiple omics on more than 500 HNSCC (i.e. TCGA). The major strengths rely on the integration of multiple datasets through meta-analysis approaches and on the growing integration among omics data obtained on the same cohort of patients. Moreover, new approaches based on artificial intelligence and informatic analyses are expected to be available in the next future.
Biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematode species against Tribolium confusum (Jac.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Javed Salma , Khanum Tabassum Ara , Khan Samreen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractGrain commodities, like cereals and legumes, are subject to insect infestation during postharvest processing and storage. Public concerns about the potential risks that derive from the consumption of pesticide-treated commodities have created interest for the development and integration in stored product protection of alternative, ecologically safe methods for the disinfestation of stored commodities. The present study was conducted to evaluate the biocontrol potential of four entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs): Steinernema pakistanense (LM-07), S. bifurcatum (LM-30), S. affinae (GB-14), and S. cholashanense (GB-22) against adult beetles of Tribolium confusum (Jac.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) under laboratory conditions. Suspensions of nematodes were applied at three different concentrations, 50, 100, and 150 IJs/beetle in 1 ml of distilled water at three different temperatures, 20, 25, and 30 °C. Mortality was recorded after 3 days of application. The concentration of 150 IJs/beetle achieved a maximum mortality of 100% for S. pakistanense at 30 °C. The same concentrations revealed that all four species of EPN were able to cause mortal effects depended on temperature and concentrations. S. pakistanense (LM-07) and S. bifurcatum (LM-30) were the most effective at 150 IJs/beetle at 30 °C and S. affinae (GB-14) and S. cholashanense (GB-22) at the same concentration at 20 °C.
Fire-associated reptile mortality in Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa
Authors: Jordaan Philip R. , Steyl Johan C. A. , Hanekom Catharine C. , Combrink Xander 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Even though fire has been used extensively as part of conservation management in South Africa, its impact on the life history and mortality of fossorial reptiles is poorly documented. We conducted post-fire transects after three controlled burns during different seasons in Tembe Elephant Park, recorded 14 reptile species, and found fewer mortalities in winter compared to spring.

Results
Histopathological examinations of species were conducted from different microhabitats to elucidate the possible cause of death. The unburned condition of most mortality specimens prompted suspicion of particulate smoke inhalation as a possible cause of death. However, the relative absence of carbon-rich particulate matter and the occasional presence of pulmonary oedema suggested asphyxiation, heat-induced cardiac arrest, or gas intoxication as the most likely cause of death. The association of most specimens with microhabitats rich in leaf litter may indicate higher reptile densities in this habitat or increased mortalities due to smoldering detrital material, or both. Detrital combustion and smoldering may result in advective transportation of heated gasses into underlying soil layers, with subsequent increased mortalities.

Conclusion
Even though burrowing could potentially offer protection from fire to fossorial vertebrates through vertical movements into deeper substrate, our results indicated that they are not necessarily protected from fire effects. We speculate that seasonal reproductive behavior may contribute to fire mortality. These observations may contribute to improved understanding and management of fire in areas where fossorial reptiles occur.
Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of aortic distensibility in prediabetic patients
Authors: A. Razik Nady , Kishk Y. T. , Bakheet Madeeha Younis , Nous Mina , Abdel Ghany Mohamed 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundHyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia represent important pathophysiological components of the prediabetic stage that result in arteriosclerosis and increased arterial stiffness. We sought to compare the aortic distensibility (AD) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in prediabetic patients presenting with chronic coronary artery disease (CCAD) versus patients with normal HbA1C. Ninety-eight patients with CCAD were recruited. All patients were screened for HbA1C levels and then underwent a CMR study to assess AD of the aortic root and the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. Patients were classified into two groups: 52 prediabetic (HbA1C 5.7–6.4%) (study group) and 46 with normal glycemic status (HbA1C < 5.7%) (control group).ResultsAD values at the aortic root (AR) (13.93 ± 5.17 vs 34.3 ± 9.65 Kpa-1× 10-3), ascending aorta (AA) (13.17 ± 4.81 vs 28.1 ± 8.33 Kpa-1× 10-3), and descending thoracic aorta (DA) (18.12 ± 4.34 vs 33.68 ± 7.57 Kpa-1× 10-3) were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P value for all was< 0.001). Twenty-eight patients fulfilled the criteria for metabolic syndrome, and in those patients, AD was significantly lower than in those without metabolic syndrome.Aortic distensibility at the AR, AA, and DA had strong significant negative correlations with the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (AA, AR, DA;r− 0.66, − 0.68, − 0.58, respectively)(P <0.001).ConclusionAD values at different points (AR, AA, and DA) were significantly lower in prediabetic and metabolic syndrome patients than in controls. These values also showed a significant negative correlation with the levels of HBA1C.
How can we make better health decisions: a Best Buy for all?
Authors: O'Brien Niki , Li Ryan , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Dabak Saudamini Vishwanath , Glassman Amanda , Culyer Anthony J. , Chalkidou Kalipso 
Published: January 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) resolution calling on Member States to work towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) requires them to prioritize health spending. Prioritizing is even more important as low- and middle-income countries transition from external aid. Countries will have difficult decisions to make on how best to integrate and finance previously donor-funded technologies and health services into their UHC packages in ways that are efficient and equitable, and operationally and financially sustainable. The International Decision Support Initiative (iDSI) is a global network of health, policy and economic expertise which supports countries in making better decisions about how best to spend public money on healthcare. In May 2019, iDSI convened a roundtable entitled Why strengthening health systems to make better decisions is a Best Buy. The event brought together members of iDSI, development partners and other organizations working in the areas of evidence-informed priority-setting, resource allocation, and purchasing. The roundtable participants identified key challenges and activities that could be undertaken by the broader health technology assessment (HTA) community: • to develop a new publication package on premium estimation and budgeting, actuarial calculations and risk adjustment, provider payment modalities and monitoring of quality in service delivery • to call on the WHO to redouble its efforts in accordance with the 2014 Health Intervention and Technology Assessment (HITA) World Health Assembly resolution to support countries in developing priority setting and HTA institutionalization, and to lead by example through introducing robust HTA processes in its own workings • to develop a single Theory of Change (ToC) for evidence-informed priority setting, to be agreed by the major organizations working in the areas of priority setting and HTA.
Malaria elimination transmission and costing in the Asia-Pacific: Developing an investment case
Authors: Shretta Rima , Silal Sheetal Prakash , Celhay Olivier J. , Gran Mercado Chris Erwin , Kyaw Shwe Sin , Avancena Anton , Fox Katie , Zelman Brittany , Baral Ranju , White Lisa Jane , Maude Richard James 
Published: January 2020

Background: The Asia-Pacific region has made significant progress against malaria, reducing cases and deaths by over 50% between 2010 and 2015. These gains have been facilitated in part, by strong political and financial commitment of governments and donors. However, funding gaps and persistent health system challenges threaten further progress. Achieving the regional goal of malaria elimination by 2030 will require an intensification of efforts and a plan for sustainable financing. This article presents an investment case for malaria elimination to facilitate these efforts. Methods: A transmission model was developed to project rates of decline of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria and the output was used to determine the cost of the interventions that would be needed for elimination by 2030. In total, 80 scenarios were modelled under various assumptions of resistance and intervention coverage. The mortality and morbidity averted were estimated and health benefits were monetized by calculating the averted cost to the health system, individual households, and society. The full-income approach was used to estimate the economic impact of lost productivity due to premature death and illness, and a return on investment was computed. Results: The study estimated that malaria elimination in the region by 2030 could be achieved at a cost of USD 29.02 billion (range: USD 23.65-36.23 billion) between 2017 and 2030. Elimination would save over 400,000 lives and avert 123 million malaria cases, translating to almost USD 90 billion in economic benefits. Discontinuing vector control interventions and reducing treatment coverage rates to 50% will result in an additional 845 million cases, 3.5 million deaths, and excess costs of USD 7 billion. Malaria elimination provides a 6:1 return on investment. Conclusion: This investment case provides compelling evidence for the benefits of continued prioritization of funding for malaria and can be used to develop an advocacy strategy.
<p><strong>Diversity, abundance and distribution of grasshopper species (Orthoptera: Acrididea) in three different types of vegetation with different levels of anthropogenic disturbances in the Littoral Region of Cameroon</strong></p>
Authors: AGRIPPINE YETCHOM-FONDJO JEANNE , SÉVILOR KEKEUNOU - , MARTIN KENNE - , DIDIER MISSOUP ALAIN , XU SHENG-QUAN 
Published: January 2020

Grasshoppers have been identified as excellent monitors of landscape use. Despite their importance, their composition and distribution in the highly disturbed Littoral Cameroon is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of human activities on diversity, abundance and distribution of grasshopper species in the Littoral region of Cameron. We investigated three types of vegetation differing remarkably on the level of anthropogenic impact (farmlands, fallows and forests), using sweep netting. The eight non-parametric estimators for specific richness, abundance, α and β diversity indices and species abundance distribution models, were used to compare the structure of communities among vegetation. Overall, 38 species belonging to three families and ten subfamilies were recorded. The Acrididae was the most diverse family. The species richness, abundance and diversity were higher in farmlands than in fallows and in forests. Five species occurred exclusively in farmlands, one in fallows and four in forests. Eyprepocnemis plorans, Coryphosima stenoptera, Serpusia opacula were overall the most abundant species respectively in cultivated farms, fallows and forests. Species abundance distribution fitted the Motomura model in all sites. Serpusia opacula is considered as a useful indicator since its presence and abundance significantly depend on the rate of forest naturalness. The farmlands were characterized by short vegetation while the fallows and forests were dominated by tall grasses and tall trees respectively. Anthropogenic disturbances promote the species richness, diversity and abundance of open meadow species, while it is detrimental to forest species which are sensitive, specialized and have limited dispersal abilities. Key words: Grasshopper, diversity, abundance, distribution, bioindicator
Application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for detection of elements in flowback water samples from shale gas wells
Authors: Lee Haebum , Kim Gibaek , Kim Hyun-A , Maeng Hyunok , Park Heewon , Park Kihong 
Published: January 2020

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to rapidly detect elements in flowback water samples from shale gas wells in Oklahoma. Two types of LIBS systems (aerosolization and collection on a substrate) were used. The LIBS with an aerosolization system provided rapid determination of elements in flowback water, but moisture present in the chamber and variation in the water droplet size could make quantification difficult. In the substrate collection system, a comparison among substrate types showed that a hydrophilic cellulose filter gave the most homogeneous sample distribution after drying and provided the best performance. The elements in flowback water samples were also determined by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). ICP-OES data showed spatial variations for the elements among the different wells. Among the elements, K showed the highest variation (relative standard

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) were observed between Ca, K, Mg, and Na LIBS peak areas determined using the cellulose filter and their mass concentrations (ppm) measured by ICP-OES for aqueous solutions. The limits of detection for Ca, K, Mg, and Na by LIBS were 122 ppm, 68 ppm, 36 ppm, and 142 ppm, respectively. Both the LIBS and ICP-OES data showed that element concentrations in the flowback water samples were in the order of Na, Ca, Mg, and K from highest to lowest. Our data suggest that the LIBS technique could rapidly detect elements in flowback water samples on site. However, accurate quantification of elements present in low concentrations in water samples is limited.