bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enriched environment ameliorates adult hippocampal neurogenesis deficits in Tcf4 haploinsufficient mice
Authors: Braun Katharina , Häberle Benjamin M. , Wittmann Marie-Theres , Lie Dieter Chichung 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) has been linked to human neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS), autism, and schizophrenia. Recent work demonstrated that TCF4 participates in the control of a wide range of neurodevelopmental processes in mammalian nervous system development including neural precursor proliferation, timing of differentiation, migration, dendritogenesis and synapse formation. TCF4 is highly expressed in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus – one of the few brain regions where neural stem / progenitor cells generate new functional neurons throughout life.Results: We here investigated whether TCF4 haploinsufficiency, which in humans causes non-syndromic forms of intellectual disability and PTHS, affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a process that is essential for hippocampal plasticity in rodents and potentially in humans. Young adult Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice showed a major reduction in the level of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which was at least in part caused by lower stem/progenitor cell numbers and impaired maturation and survival of adult-generated neurons. Interestingly, housing in an enriched environment was sufficient to enhance maturation and survival of new neurons and to substantially augment neurogenesis levels in Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice.Conclusion: The present findings indicate that haploinsufficiency for the intellectual disability- and PTHS-linked transcription factor TCF4 not only affects embryonic neurodevelopment but impedes neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult mice. These findings suggest that TCF4 haploinsufficiency may have a negative impact on hippocampal function throughout adulthood by impeding hippocampal neurogenesis.
Multiple insecticide resistance target sites in adult field strains of An. gambiae (s.l.) from southeastern Senegal
Authors: Diouf El hadji , Niang El hadji Amadou , Samb Badara , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Diouf Mbaye , Konaté Abdoulaye , Dia Ibrahima , Faye Ousmane , Konaté Lassana 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: High coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are the cornerstones of vector control strategy in Senegal where insecticide resistance by the target vectors species is a great of concern. This study explore insecticide susceptibility profile and target-site mutations mechanisms within the Anopheles gambiae complex in southeastern Senegal. Methods: Anopheles larvae were collected from Kedougou and Wassadou/Badi, two sites from southeastern Senegal, in October and November 2014, and reared until adult emergence. Wild Fo Adults mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species. Susceptibility of 3-5-day old An. gambiae (s. l.) samples to eleven (11) insecticides belonging to the four insecticide classes was assessed using WHO insecticide susceptibility bioassays. Tested samples were identified using molecular techniques as well as detection of insecticide resistance target-site mutations (kdr, ace-1 and rdl).Results: A total of 3,742 An. gambiae (s.l.) were exposed to insecticides (2,439 from Kedougou and 1,303 from Wassadou-Badi). Tests with pyrethroid insecticides and DDT showed high level of resistance in both Kedougou and Wassadou/Badi. Pirimiphos-methyl and Malathion resistance were not detected while Bendoicarb and Fenitrothion resistance were confirmed in Kedougou. Of the 745 specimens of An. gambiae (s.l.) genotyped, An. gambiae (s.s.) (71.6%) was the predominant species, followed by An. arabiensis (21.7%), An. coluzzii (6.3%) and hybrids (An. gambiae (s.s.) /An. coluzzii; 0.4%). All target site mutations investigated (Vgsc-1014F; Vgsc-1014S, Ace-1 and Rdl) were found at different frequencies in the species of the Anopheles gambiae (s.l.). Vgsc-1014F mutation is more frequent in An. gambiae and An. coluzzii than An. arabiensis. Vgsc-1014S was present in An. gambiae (s.l.) populations in Wassadou but not in Kedougou. Ace-1 and rdl mutations were more frequent in An. gambiae (s.s.) in comparison to An. arabiensis and An. coluzzii. Conclusions: Resistance to all the four insecticide classes tested was detected in southeastern Senegal as well as all target site mutations investigated were found. Data will be used by the national Malaria Control Programme.
The seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) in the Dutch Wadden Sea: investigation of vector-borne pathogens&nbsp;
Authors: Hirzmann Jörg , Ebmer David , Contreras Guillermo J. Sánchez , Rubio-García Ana , Magdowski Gerd , Gärtner Ulrich , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Belonging to the anopluran family Echinophthiriidae, Echinophthirius horridus, the seal louse, has been reported to parasitize a broad range of representatives of phocid seals. So far, only few studies focused on vector function of echinophthiriid lice and knowledge on their role in pathogen transmission is still scarce. The current study aims to investigate the possible vector role of E. horridus parasitizing seals in the Dutch Wadden Sea.Methods: More than 1200 E. horridus seal lice were collected from 54 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and one grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) during their rehabilitation period in the Sealcentre Pieterburen, the Netherlands. DNA was extracted from pooled seal lice of individual seals for molecular detection of the seal heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda, the rickettsial intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Mycoplasma spp. using PCR assays.Results: Seal lice from 35% of the harbour seals (19/54) and from the grey seal proved positive for A. spirocauda. The seal heartworm was molecularly characterised and phylogenetically analysed for the first time (rDNA, cox1). A nested PCR was developed for the cox1 gene to detect A. spirocauda stages in seal lice. A. phagocytophilum and a Mycoplasma species previously identified from a patient with disseminated ‘seal finger’ mycoplasmosis were detected the first time in seal lice. Conclusions: Our findings support the potential vector role of seal lice in transmission of A. spirocauda, and reveal new insights into the spectrum of pathogens occurring in seal lice. As these pathogens might have detrimental effects on the health of seal populations further epidemiological investigations on infections due to these pathogens in seals should be conducted.
Assessing how health information needs of individuals with colorectal cancer are met across the care continuum: An international cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dau Hallie , Safari Abdollah , Din Khalid Saad El , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Loree Jonathan M. , Gill Sharlene , De Vera Mary A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies evaluating health information needs in colorectal cancer (CRC) lack specificity in terms of study samples involving patients. We assessed how health information needs of individuals with CRC are met across the care continuum.Methods: We administered an international, online based survey. Participants were eligible for the study if they: 1) were 18 years of age or older; 2) received a diagnosis of CRC; and 3) were able to complete the online health survey in English, French, Spanish, or Mandarin. We grouped participants according to treatment status. The survey comprised sections: 1) demographic and cancer characteristics; 2) health information needs; and 3) health status and quality of life. We used multivariable regression models to identify factors associated with having health information needs met and evaluated impacts on health-related outcomes.Results: We analyzed survey responses from 1,041 participants including 258 who were currently undergoing treatment and 783 who had completed treatment. Findings suggest that information needs regarding CRC treatments were largely met. However, we found unmet information needs regarding psychosocial impacts of CRC. This includes work/employment, mental health, sexual activity, and nutrition and diet. We did not identify significant predictors of having met health information needs, however, among participants undergoing treatment, those with colon cancer were more likely to have met health information needs regarding their treatments as compared to those with rectal cancer (0.125; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.25; p-value = 0.051).Conclusions: Our study provides a comprehensive assessment of health information needs among individuals with CRC across the care continuum.
Relationship between the Severity of Endometriosis Symptoms (Dyspareunia, Dysmenorrhea and Chronic pelvic pain) with the Spread of the Disease on Ultrasound
Authors: Kor Elham , Mostafavi Seyed Reza Saadat , Mazhin Zahra Ahmadian , Dadkhah Adeleh , Kor Anis , Habibi Shirin , Noroozi Shima Ghafourian , Sadri Ghazal 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objectives: The prevalence of endometriosis among women of childbearing age is about 10-15%. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of symptoms of endometriosis and the spread as well as the stage of the disease on ultrasonograghy. The present cross-sectional study evaluates the relationship between the severity of endometriosis symptoms and the spread of disease on ultrasonography in patients with endometriosis.Results: Considering different analyses, the cumulative size of posterior Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) (less than 1 cm) is significantly correlated with minimal severity of dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain. The incidence of dyspareunia was more prevalent in patients with complete stenosis of Douglas pouch than those with incomplete stenosis... Further, the incidence of severe and very severe pain in patients with Douglas pouch stenosis is relatively higher than that in patients without stenosis. Only dyspareunia is related to the stage of endometriosis, and patients with dyspareunia are 5 times more at risk of a higher stage of the disease. The severity of dyspareunia is related to the stage of endometriosis and the severity of Douglas pouch stenosis. The results show the correlation between chronic pelvic pain and r-ASRM score (revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score).
Ambient air pollutants and hospital visits for pneumonia: A case-crossover study in Qingdao, China.
Authors: Zhang Jianzhong , Ren Dunqiang , Cao Xue , Wang Tao , Geng Xue , Li Xin , Tang Jinglong , Leng Shuguang , Wang Hongmei , Zheng Yuxin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Pneumonia is one of the principal reasons for incidence and death in the world. The former research mainly concentrated on specific sources of patients. Besides, due to the heterogeneity among regions, there are inconsistencies in the outcome of these surveys. To explore the relationship between atmospheric pollution and hospital visits for pneumonia under the climate and pollution conditions in Qingdao, we carried out this study.Methods: The medical records of pneumonia patients were gathered from the affiliated hospital of Qingdao University during Jan 1st, 2014, and Dec 31st,2018. Daily concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, as well as CO, were collected from the national air quality monitoring stations in Qingdao. Case-crossover study design and conditional logistic regression model were used to estimate the associations. Daily temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure were adjusted as the covariates in all models. A principal component analysis was used to solve the multicollinearity between atmospheric pollutants and investigate the relationship between various air pollutants and pneumonia occurs.Results: In the single pollutant model, with interquartile range increment of the density of PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 at the lag2 days, the odds ratio of hospital visits for pneumonia patients increased by 6.4% (95%CI, 2.3-10.7%), 7.7% (95%CI, 3.2-12.4%), 6.7% (95%CI, 1.0-12.7%), and 7.2% (95%CI, 1.1-13.5%). Stratified analysis showed that pollutants were more significant in the cold period. Besides, the impact of atmospheric particulates on different ages mainly occurs in the young child (0 to 3-year-old). The odds ratio was 1.042 (95%CI, 1.012-1.072) when the principal components of atmospheric pollutants were included in the conditional logistic model.Conclusions: Our study found a significant relationship between short-term uncovering to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and hospital visits for pneumonia in Qingdao. The effect of atmospheric pollutants mainly arose in a cold period. The particulate matter might be the principal reason in inducing hospital visits for pneumonia.
Identification of RASSF1A Promoter Hypermethylation as a Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhou Xiaoxiang , Xing Jiali , Xiao Yao , Jin Bao , Sun Lejia , Yang Huayu , Du Shunda , Xu Haifeng , Mao Yilei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: RAS association domain family protein 1A (RASSF1A) promoter hypermethylation is suggested to be linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results remained controversial.Methods: We evaluated how RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation affects HCC risk and its clinicopathological characteristics through meta-analysis. Data on DNA methylation in HCC and relevant clinical data were also collected based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to investigate the prognostic role of RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in HCC.Results: Forty-four articles involving 4,777 individuals were enrolled in the pooled analyses. The RASSF1A promoter methylation rate was notably higher in the HCC cases than the non-tumor cases and healthy individuals, and was significantly related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-positivity and large tumor size. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that HCC cases with RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation had worse outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed that RASSF1A promoter methylation may be a marker of HCC-related prognoses.Conclusions: RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC from tissue and peripheral blood, and is an emerging therapeutic target against HCC.
Workforce experience of the implementation of an advanced clinical practice framework in England: a mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Lawler Jessica , Maclaine Katrina , Leary Alison 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background This study aims to understand how the implementation of the Advanced Clinical Practice framework in England (2017) was experienced by the workforce to check assumptions for a national workforce modelling project. The Advanced Clinical Practice framework was introduced in England in 2017 by Health Education England to clarify the role of advanced practice in the National Health Service.Methods: As part of a large-scale workforce modelling project, a self-completed questionnaire was distributed via the Association of Advanced Practice Educators UK aimed at those studying to be an Advanced Clinical Practitioner or who are practicing at this level in order to check assumptions. Semi-structured phone interviews were carried out with this same group. Questionnaires were summarised using descriptive statistics in Excel for categorical responses and interviews and survey free-text were analysed using thematic analysis in NVivo 10.Results: The questionnaire received over 500 respondents (ten times that expected) and 15 interviews were carried out. Advanced Clinical Practice was considered by many respondents the only viable clinical career progression. Respondents felt that employers were not clear about what practicing at this level involved or its future direction. 54% (287) thought that ‘ACP’ was the right job title for them. 19% (98) of respondents wanted their origin registered profession to be included in their title. Balancing Advanced Clinical Practice education concurrently with a full-time role was challenging, participants underestimated the workload and expectations of employer’s training. There is an apparent dichotomy that has developed from the implementation of the 2017 framework: that of Advanced Clinical Practice as an advanced level of practice within a profession, and that of Advanced Clinical Practitioner as a new generic role in the medical model.Conclusions: Efforts to establish further clarity and structure around advanced clinicalpractice are needed for both the individuals practising at this level and their employers. A robust evaluation of the introduction of this role should take place.
Short-term Outcomes and Safety of Radiotherapy for Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Flap Transfer Following Breast-conserving Surgery
Authors: Zhang Shu-Ling , Song Jun , Wang Yan-Ru , Guo Yi-Jia , Zhao Jian-Zhu , Sun Li , Huang Le-Tian , Ma Jie-Tao , Han Cheng-Bo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The outcomes of immediate autologous breast reconstruction (IABR) after partial mastectomy followed by postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in terms of aesthetics, treatment-related complications, and local control are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of IABR after partial mastectomy with or without breast RT, and thus the impact of radiation on autologous flap transfer.Method: A retrospective cohort study involving consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent IABR after partial mastectomy between July 2011 and December 2017 at Shengjing Hospital was performed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they received RT after IABR. We compared aesthetic outcomes and changes in the flap size over the three-dimensional coordinates at various timepoints (pre-RT, 1, 6, and 12 months post-RT), as well as postoperative complications, survival, and recurrence rates between the two groups. Results: No significant difference was found in the rate of regional recurrence between the two groups (3.13% vs. 3.85%, P=1.00), and no local recurrences occurred in either group. At the timepoints pre-RT, 1, and 6 months post-RT (approximately 4, 7, and 12 months after IABR, respectively), 77 (91.7%), 70 (83.3%), and 83 (98.8%) patients, respectively, had achieved very good or good cosmetic outcomes, and only changes in breast skin color at 1 month after RT (7 months after IABR) significantly differed between the RT and non-RT groups, with very good or good cosmetic result rates of 62.5% vs. 96.2%, respectively (P<0.001). No significant difference in the reduction of flap size was observed at any timepoint between the RT and non-RT groups. The flap size was significantly reduced at 4 months after IABR compared with the initial size during surgery, and then tended to be stable in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rates of postoperative complications including necrosis of the flap, infection, hematoma, or seroma (all P>0.05). Finally, no grade 3 or greater RT-associated adverse events occurred during or after RT.Conclusion: RT following IABR provides aesthetically satisfactory results without intolerable adverse complications and may safely be performed in patients who underwent IABR after partial mastectomy.
Impact of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on In Vitro and In Vivo Radiosensitisation of Cancer Cells
Authors: Russell Emily , Dunne Victoria , Russell Ben , Mohamud Hibaaq , Ghita Mihaela , McMahon Stephen , Butterworth Karl , Schettino Giuseppe , McGarry Conor , Prise Kevin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
PurposeThe recent implementation of MR-Linacs has highlighted theranostic opportunities of contrast agents in both imaging and radiotherapy. There is a lack of data exploring the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as radiosensitisers. This study aimed to characterise the uptake and radiobiological effects of SPIONs in tumour cell models in vitro and to provide proof-of-principle application in a xenograft tumour model. MethodsSPION uptake was measured using ICP-MS in 6 cancer cell lines; H460, MiaPaCa2, DU145, MCF7, U87 and HEPG2. The impact of SPIONs on radiobiological response was determined by measuring DNA damage using 53BP1 immunofluorescence and cell survival. Measured dose enhancement factors (DEFs) were with the predicted DEFs based on physical absorption estimations. In vivo efficacy was demonstrated using a subcutaneous H460 xenograft tumour model in SCID mice by following intra-tumoural injection of SPIONs. ResultsSPIONs significantly increased DNA damage in all cell lines with the exception of U87 cells at a dose of 1 Gy, 1 hr post-irradiation. Levels of DNA damage correlated with the cell survival, in which all cell lines except U87 cells showed an increased sensitivity (P < 0.05) in the linear quadratic curve fit for 1 hr exposure to 0.1 mM SPIONs. There was also a 30.1 % increase in the number of DNA damage foci found for HEPG2 cells at 2 Gy. No strong correlation was found between SPION uptake and DNA damage at any dose, yet the biological consequences of SPIONs on radiosensitisation were found to be much greater, with DEFs up to 1.28 ± 0.03, compared with predicted physical dose enhancement levels of 1.0001. In vivo, intra-tumoural injection of SPIONs combined with radiation showed significant tumour growth delay compared to animals treated with radiation or SPIONs alone (p < 0.05). ConclusionsSPIONs showed radiosensitising effects in 5 out of 6 cancer cell lines. No correlation was found between the cell-specific uptake of SPIONs into the cells and DNA damage levels. The in vivo study found a significant decrease in the tumour growth rate.
Development and evaluation of duplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay for detection and differentiation of wide-type and MGF505-2R gene-deleted African swine fever viruses
Authors: Guo zhenhua , Li Kunpeng , Qiao Songlin , Chen Xinxin , Deng Ruiguang , Zhang Gaiping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: African swine fever (ASF) is the most important disease to the pigs and cause serious economic losses to the countries with large-scale swine production. Vaccines are recognized as the most useful tool to prevent and control ASF virus (ASFV) infection. Currently, the MGF505 and MGF360 gene-deleted ASFVs or combined with CD2v deletion were confirmed to be the most promising vaccine candidates. Thus, it is essential to develop a diagnosis method to discriminate wide-type strain from the vaccines used.Results: In this study, we established a duplex TaqMan real-time PCR based on the B646L gene and MGF505-2R gene. The sequence alignment showed that the targeted regions of primers and probes are highly conserved in the genotype II ASFVs. The duplex real-time assay can specifically detect B646L and MGF505-2R gene single or simultaneously without cross-reaction with other porcine viruses tested. The limit of detection was 5.8 copies and 3.0 copies for the standard plasmids containing B646L and MGF505-2R genes, respectively. Clinical samples were tested in parallel by duplex real-time PCR and a commercial ASFV detection kit. The detection results of these two assays against B646L gene were well consistent.Conclusion: We successfully developed and evaluated a duplex TaqMan real-time PCR method which can effectively distinguish the wide type and MGF505 gene-deleted ASFVs. It would be a useful tool for the clinical diagnosis and control of ASF.