bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Leishmania (Mundinia) in guinea pigs
Authors: Bečvář Tomáš , Siriyasatien Padet , Bates Paul , Volf Petr , Sádlová Jovana 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis is a human and animal disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania , which is now divided into 4 subgenera – L. (Leishmania) , L. (Viannia) , L. (Sauroleishmania) and L. (Mundinia) . Subgenus Mundinia, established in 2016, is geographically widely dispersed, its distribution covers all continents, except Antarctica. It consists of 5 species - L. enriettii and L. macropodum are parasites of wild mammals while L. martiniquensis , L. orientalis and unnamed L . sp. from Ghana are infectious to humans. There is very little information on natural reservoir hosts and vectors for any Mundinia species. Methods: Experimental infections of guinea-pigs with all five Mundinia species were performed. Animals were injected intradermally with 10 7 culture-derived promastigotes into both ear pinnae. The courses of infections were monitored weekly; xenodiagnoses were performed at weeks 4 and 8 post infection using Lutzomyia migonei . The distribution of parasites in different tissues was determined post mortem by conventional PCR. Results: No significant differences in weight were observed between infected animals and the control group. Animals infected with L. enriettii developed temporary lesions at the site of inoculation and were infectious to Lu. migonei in xenodiagnoses. Animals infected with L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis developed temporary erythema and dry lesions at the site of inoculation, respectively, but were not infectious to sand flies. Guinea pigs infected by L. macropodum and L . sp . from Ghana showed no signs of infection during experiments, were not infectious to sand flies and leishmanial DNA was not detected in their tissue samples at the end of experiments at week 12 post-inoculation. Conclusions: According to our results, guinea pigs are not an appropriate model organism for studying Mundinia species other than L. enriettii. We suggest that for better understanding of L. (Mundinia) biology it is necessary to focus on other model organisms.
Ripasudil alleviated the inflammation of RPE cells by targeting the miR-136-5p/ROCK/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Gao Zhao , Li Qiang , Zhang Yunda , Gao Xiaohong , Li Haiyan , Yuan Zhigang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Inflammation of RPE cells led to different kinds of eye diseases and affected the normal function of the retina. Furthermore, higher levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 induced injury of endothelial cell s and many inflammatory diseases of the eyes. Ripasudil, which was used for the treatment of glaucoma , was one kind of the inhibitor of ROCK1 and ROCK2, but whether ripasudil could relieve the LPS-induced inflammation and damage of RPE cells was not clear.
Methods: We used LPS to stimulate ARPE-19 cells, the RPE cell line. After that, we detected the levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 by western-blotting after the stimulation of LPS and treatment of ripasudil. Then luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the targeting effect of miR-136-5p on ROCK1 and ROCK2. At last, the levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18 were detected with the western-blotting after the knockdown of miR-136-5p.
Results: The levels of ROCK1, ROCK2 and miR-136-5p in ARPE-19 cells were promoted after the stimulation of LPS. After the treatment of ripasudil, the expression levels of ROCK1, ROCK2 and miR-136-5p were suppressed. The expression of ROCK1 and ROCK2 was targeted and inhibited by the miR-136-5p. The levels of inflammation related proteins NLRP3, ASC, caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18 was also inhibited after the treatment of ripasudil. However, the expression of these proteins was rescued after the knockdown of miR-136-5p.
Conclusion: Ripasudil relieved the inflammatory injury of RPE cells by upregulating miR-136-5p, therefore inhibiting the expression of ROCK1, ROCK2, NLRP3, ASC, caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18.
Age-dependent involvement of gut mast cells and histamine in post-stroke inflammation
Authors: Blasco Maria Pilar , Chauhan Anjali , Honarpisheh Pedram , Ahnstedt Hilda , d’Aigle John , Ganesan Arunkumar , Ayyaswamy Sriram , Blixt Frank , Venable Susan , Major Angela , Durgan David , Haag Anthony , Kofler Julia , Bryan Robert , McCullough Louise D , Ganesh Bhanu Priya 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Risk of stroke-related morbidity and mortality increases significantly with age. Aging is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is thought to contribute to the poorer outcomes after stroke seen in the elderly. Histamine (HA) is a major molecular mediator of inflammation and mast cells residing in the gut are a primary source of histamine.

Methods

Stroke was induced in male C57BL/6J mice at 3 months (young) and 20 months (aged) of age. Role of histamine after stroke was examined using young (Yg) and aged (Ag) mice, mice underwent MCAO surgery and were euthanized at 6h, 24h and 7 days post-ischemia; sham mice received the same surgery but no MCAO. In this work, we evaluated whether worsened outcomes after experimental stroke in aged mice was associated with age-related changes in mast cells, histamine levels, and histamine receptor expression in the gut, brain, and plasma.

Results

We found increased numbers of mast cells in the gut and the brain with aging. Using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke, we demonstrate that stroke leads to increased numbers of mast cells and histamine receptors in the gut. These gut-centric changes are associated with elevated levels of HA and other pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, G-CSF, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the peripheral circulation. Our data also shows that post-stroke gut inflammation led to a significant reduction of mucin-producing goblet cells and a loss of gut barrier integrity. Lastly, gut inflammation after stroke is associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota as early as 24 hours post-stroke.

Conclusion

An important theme emerging from our results is that acute inflammatory events following ischemic insults in the brain persist longer in the aged mice when compared to younger animals. Taken together, our findings implicate mast cell activation and histamine signaling as a part of peripheral inflammatory response after ischemic stroke, which are profound in aged animals. Interfering with histamine signaling orally might provide translational value to improve stroke outcome.
A retrospective study of lumbar spine fusion surgery with the Wiltse approach and the traditional approach
Authors: Cheng Weiyi , Zeng Xixi , Gui Tong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background：This study aim to compare the clinical results such as functional improvement, complications, intraoperative parameters etc. between the Wiltse approach and traditional approach in lumbar spine fusion. Methods: In this retrospective controlled study, from May 2016 to May 2017, 70 patients undergone lumbar spine fusion surgery for lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spondylolisthesis within degree II were randomly divided into 2 groups which include Wiltse approach group (N=35, M:F= 1.06:1, mean age= 52 years) and traditional approach group (N=35, M:F= 1.18:1, mean age= 51 years). Actually, all the 70 cases were consisted of 38 lumbar-disc-herniation patients and 32 degree II lumbar-spondylolisthesis patients. In order to specify the clinical curative effects of the two group patients, several indicators including the operation time, the amount of blood loss and post-operation drainage, the ODI, the concentration of peripheral blood creatine phosphokinase (CK) and the cross sectional area (CSA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared. Results: Compared with traditional group, the Wiltse approach group had a statistically significant small figure on operative time, intraoperative blood loss, post-operative drainage and post-operative ODI (p＜0.05).As for the peripheral blood CK levels, the concentration of the Wiltse approach group was lower in 1 day and 3 days after the operation(p＜0.05), while the difference of the CK concentration for 7 days post-operation has no statistical significance(p>0.05). Furthermore, for the MRI CSA three months after the operation , the Wiltse approach side,s was bigger than the traditional side,s in the Wiltse approach group; the Wiltse approach group,s was bigger than the traditional group,s of the two group,s non-decompression side(p＜0.05).Conclusion: For lumbar spinal fusion surgery, the Wiltse approach do have such advantages as shorter operation time, smaller vertebral side muscle injury and better lumbar functional recovery compared with the traditional approach, but as a surgeon, while determining operation program, we should take into account the may influence of the inconsistency of paravertebral muscle anatomy in different levels.
Utilization of clinical practice guideline on antimicrobial in China: An exploratory survey on multilevel determinants
Authors: Deng Qingwen , Liu Wenbin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Nowadays, irrational use of antimicrobials has threatened public health. It’s necessary to expand the use of clinical practice guideline (CPG) on antimicrobial for facilitating the proper use of antimicrobial. However, the utilization status of CPG on antimicrobial and the influencing factors, especially the ones at the organizational level, remain largely unknown. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample among physicians from 16 public hospitals in the eastern, central and western parts of China. A multilevel regression model was employed to examine factors associated with physicians’ utilization of CPG on antimicrobial. Results: A total of 815 physicians were included in this study. About 80% of the surveyed physicians reported their adherence to the CPG on antimicrobial. Dimensions of “subjective norm”, “perceived risk” and “behavioral intention” from the domain of physician belief, a dimension of “ease of use” from the domain of CPG traits, and dimensions of “top management support” and “organization & implementation” from the domain of hospital practice were significantly associated with physicians’ utilization of CPG on antimicrobial. And except for working department, most demographics characteristics of the physician were not found to be significantly related to the CPG use. In addition, it also showed that region is a significant factor affecting physicians’ CPG use. Conclusions: This study depicted the current status of CPG on antimicrobial and comprehensively identified its potential determinants not only from the three domains at the individual level, such as physician belief, but also from the location region at the organizational level. The results will provide a direct reference for the implementation of CPG on antimicrobial.
Does Gender Influence the Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Patients with Ankle Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Lee Gun-Woo , Lee Keun-Bae 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Total ankle arthroplasty has progressed as a treatment option for patients with ankle osteoarthritis. However, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of gender on the outcome. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate outcomes, survivorship, and complications rates of total ankle arthroplasty, according to gender differences. Methods This study included 187 patients (195 ankles) that underwent mobile-bearing HINTEGRA prosthesis at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (range, 4 to 14). The two groups consisted of a men’s group (106 patients, 109 ankles) and a women’s group (81 patients, 86 ankles). Average age was 64.4 years (range, 45 to 83). Results Clinical scores on the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale for pain and disability, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score improved and were not significantly different between the two groups at the final follow-up. There were no significant differences in complication rates and implant survivorship between the two groups. The overall survival rate was 96.4% in men and 93.4% in women at a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (p=0.621). Conclusions Clinical outcomes, complication rates, and survivorship of total ankle arthroplasty were comparable between men and women. These results suggest that gender did not seem affect outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty in patients with ankle osteoarthritis.
Impact of long-term industrial contamination on the bacterial communities in urban river sediments
Authors: zhang lei , Tu Demei , Li Xingchen , Lu Wenxuan , Li Jing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The contamination of the aquatic environment of urban rivers with industrial wastewater has affected the abiotic conditions and biological activities of the trophic levels of the ecosystem, particularly sediments. However, most current research about microorganism in urban aquatic environments has focused on indicator bacteria related to feces and organic pollution. Meanwhile, they ignored the interactions among microorganisms. To deeply understand the impact of industrial contamination on microbial community, we study the bacterial community structure and diversity in river sediments under the influence of different types of industrial pollution by Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology and conduct a more detailed analysis of microbial community structure through co-occurrence networks. Results: Although these sediment samples have a similar characteristic profile of high bacterial rank, their relative abundance was different, and there were significant differences among different locations. In addition, redundancy analysis indicated that the structure of the bacterial community in river sediments was influenced by a variety of environmental factors. TN, TP, TOC and metals (Cu, Zn and Cd) were the most important driving factors that determined the bacterial community in urban river sediments (P <0.01). According to PICRUSt analysis, the bacterial communities in different locations had similar overall functional profiles. It is worth noting that the 15 functional genes related to xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism were the most abundant in the same location. The non-random assembly patterns of bacterial composition in different types of industrially polluted sediments were determined by a co-occurrence network. Among them, Denitratisoma, Anaeromyxobacter, and Candidatus Microthrix in the co-occurrence network were identified as keystone genera. The microbial taxa in the same module had closer ecological connections and involved carbon and nitrogen cycles as well as the repair of metal pollution. Conclusions: Our data indicate that long-term potential interactions between different types of industrial pollution and taxa collectively affect the structure of the bacterial community in urban river sediments.
Dynamic change in lymphocyte count in the early stage is a potential predictor of the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Xi , Du Yonghao , Shi Lei , Chen Tianyan , Zhao Yingren , Ye Feng , Lin Shumei , Zheng Jie , Niu Gang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Lymphopenia is associated with COVID-19 severity. Herein we describe the dynamic changes in lymphocyte count during hospitalization and explore a possible association with the severity of COVID-19.Methods In this retrospective study, 13 non-severe COVID-19 patients diagnosed at admission were enrolled. One patient progressed to severe disease. Dynamic changes in lymphocyte count and CT score of all patients were analyzed.Results Lymphocyte count changed significantly in the non-severe patients over time (admission vs day 5, P=0.685; day 5 vs day 15, P<0.001). Lymphocyte count of the severe patient fluctuated, and even decreased within the first 12 days post-admission, before increasing gradually. Chest CT scores of nine (75%) non-severe patients on the 5th day of hospitalization were higher than at admission, but decreased gradually thereafter (admission vs day 5, P<0.001, day 5 vs day 15, P=0.004). In the severe patient, CT score continued to increase for 2 weeks after admission, before decreasing gradually.Conclusions Non-severe COVID-19 patients had significantly increased lymphocyte count and decreased CT score 1 week after illness onset. Dynamic change in lymphocyte count in the early stages of COVID-19 may be helpful to identify the patients who are more likely to develop severe or critical illness.
Primary Ovarian Leiomyoma: A common tumor in rare location and report of eight cases
Authors: zaigui wu , minyue Dong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Ovarian Leiomyoma accounts only for 0.5 to 1% of all benign ovarian tumors. Here we present a series of eight patients over a six-year period(2012-2018). The clinico-pathological features, diagnosis and management were discussed. Methods: We had experienced eight cases of ovarian leiomyoma.The clinical features,pathologic findings,diagnosis, treatment were reviewed. Results: The mean age of these patients was 38.5 years. The majority of these patients may be asymptomatic and usually diagnosed incidentally during pelvic examination or pathologic examination after surgery. Six cases presented only with pelvic mass sized from 2 to 20 cm and even some patients persisted for more than twenty years while the other two were diagnosed due to four years of primary infertile or three months of irregular vagina bleeding. Three patients coincident with uterine leiomyoma while the others not. Three had ovarian leiomyoma degenerated and one case had a evidence of atypical 4/10. Conclusions : ovarian leiomyoma was very rare but it should be considered in the diagnosis of pelvic or ovarian solid masses. Magnetic resonance imaging was provital in its different diagnose while fast frozen pathology during operation was very necessary for its surgical decision. A proper surgical decision should be made according to patients age.
M2 Macrophagy-derived Exosomal MiRNA-5106 Induces Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells towards Osteoblastic Fate by Targeting Salt-inducible Kinase 2 and 3
Authors: Xiong Yuan , Chen Lang , Yan Chenchen , Zhou Wu , Yu Tao , Sun Yun , Cao Faqi , Xue Hang , Hu Yiqiang , Chen Dong , Mi Bobin , Liu Guohui 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Osteoblast differentiation is a vital process for fracture healing, and exosomes are nanosized membrane vesicles that can deliver therapeutic drugs easily and safely. Macrophages participate in the regulation of various biological processes in vivo , and macrophage-derived exosomes (MD-Exos) have recently been a topic of increasing research interest. However, few study has explored the link between MD-Exos and osteoblast differentiation. Herein, we sought to identify miRNAs differentially expressed between M1 and M2 macrophage-derived exosomes, and to evaluate their roles in the context of osteoblast differentiation.Results We found that microRNA-5106 (miR-5106) was significantly overexpressed in M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2D-Exos), while its expression was decreased in M1 macrophage-derived exosomes (M1D-Exos), and we found that this exosomal miRNA can induce bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenic differentiation via directly targeting the Salt-inducible kinase 2 and 3 ( SIK2 and SIK3 ) genes. In addition, the local injection of both a miR-5106 agonist or M2D-Exos to fracture sites was sufficient to accelerate healing in vivo.Conclusions Our study demonstrates that miR-5106 is highly enriched in M2D-Exos, and that it can be transferred to BMSCs wherein it targets SIK2 and SIK3 genes to promote osteoblast differentiation.
Validation of Family Planning tool in the Pastoralist Community
Authors: Alemayehu Mussie , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Reed Elizabeth , Bezabih Afework Mulugeta 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Pastoralist community, Afar, women felt that they are embedded in strong cultural and religious perspectives which promotes a high number of children, and discourages family planning (FP) use. They are multifaced factors which hinder women not to use FP and it is time to develop a context-based tool to understand the situation at the ground. However, we have a dearth of evidence on a reliable and valid tool. Therefore, this study aims in developing a reliable and valid tool that considers the women's knowledge, male involvement, attitude, and belief about whether most people approve or disapprove of the behavior to use or not use of FP. Methods : A total of 891 married women participated in the study. Reviewing the literature, piloting, pretesting and collecting the actual data were the steps we used to develop a reliable and valid tool. We used the integrated behavioral model (IBM) as a conceptual framework for developing the tool. The developing tool consists of 1) knowledge 2) perceived male involvement and 3) constructs of integrated behavioral model (IBM); expressional and instrumental attitude, subjective norm, self-efficacy, perceived control and intention to use of FP. The IBM items composed of direct and indirect measurement. In the analysis of the data, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was done. Independent t. test with cohen’s d was used to calculate the effect size. The correlation coefficient was carried between the direct and indirect measurements of the items of the integrated behavioral model (IBM). Results : A total of 891 pastoralist married women were included in the analysis of the reliability and validity of the tool. The mean age of the participants was 26.74(±6.45). The KMO value for all items was greater than 0.83 with a Bartlett test of sphericity of (p<0.00). Thirteen items were used to measure the knowledge of the respondent towards FP use. The tool had 64.92 variances explained and Cronbach alpha of 0.85. Acceptable values of the fitness indices were obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) The items of knowledge towards FP had normed chi-square of 4.5, RMSEA with 90% CI of 0.064(0.056,.0.071), SRMR of 0.039, CFI of 0.969 and TLI of 0961. All the developed items had a Cohen’s d ranges from 0.5 to 2. Moreover, the correlation test of the IBM ranges from 0.6 to 0.7 which shows a higher correlation between the measurement direct and indirect items. Conclusion : The pastoralist community version of the FP questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool and can be used to measure future family planning use. The indirect measurement of the IBM constructs was a good item to measure FP.