bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First detection of African swine fever (ASF) virus genotype X and serogroup 7 in symptomatic pigs in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Bisimwa Patrick N. , Ongus Juliette R. , Tiambo Christian K. , Machuka Eunice M. , Bisimwa Espoir B. , Steinaa Lucilla , Pelle Roger 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and severe hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic pigs. The analysis of variable regions of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genome led to more genotypic and serotypic information about circulating isolates. The present study aimed at investigating the genetic diversity of ASFV strains in symptomatic pigs in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Materials and Methods
Blood samples collected from 391 ASF symptomatic domestic pigs in 6 of 8 districts in South Kivu were screened for the presence of ASFV, using a VP73 gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the universal primer set PPA1-PPA2. To genotype the isolates, we sequenced and compared the nucleotide sequences of PPA-positive samples at three loci: the C-terminus of B646L gene encoding the p72 protein, the E183L gene encoding the p54 protein, and the central hypervariable region (CVR) of the B602L gene encoding the J9L protein. In addition, to serotype and discriminate between closely related isolates, the EP402L (CD2v) gene and the intergenic region between the I73R and I329L genes were analyzed.
Results
ASFV was confirmed in 26 of 391 pigs tested. However, only 19 and 15 PPA-positive samples, respectively, were successfully sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed for p72 (B646L) and p54 (E183L). All the ASFV studied were of genotype X. The CVR tetrameric repeat clustered the ASFV isolates in two subgroups: the Uvira subgroup (10 TRS repeats; AAAABNAABA) and another subgroup from all other isolates (8 TRS repeats; AABNAABA). The phylogenetic analysis of the EP402L gene clustered all the isolates into CD2v serogroup 7. Analyzing the intergenic region between I73R and I329L genes revealed that the isolates were identical but contained a deletion of a 33-nucleotide internal repeat sequence compared to ASFV isolate Kenya 1950.
Conclusion
The ASF disease in the South Kivu province of DRC in 2018–2019 was caused by ASFV genotype X and serogroup 7. This represents the first report of ASFV genotype X in DRC. CVR tetrameric repeat sequences clustered the ASFV isolates studied in two subgroups. Our finding emphasizes the need for improved coordination of the control of ASF.
Potential for The Blood-Biomarker Cell Free UPK2 RNA to Detect Recurrence During Monitoring After Surgical Resection of Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Zhu Ji , Lu Qijue , Li Bin , Li Huafei , Wu Cong , Li Chunguang , Jin Hai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This study attempts to identify and validate biomarkers that can be used to monitor recurrence after LUAD surgery. We downloaded lung adenocarcinoma data from the TCGA database and selected postoperative recurrence samples, and then performed WGCNA analysis to find key co-expression gene modules. Enrichment analysis of key gene modules was also performed using the DAVID database. Finally, we performed a survival analysis of the most interesting biomarker UPK2 obtained from the TCGA analysis in the Oncomine database and evaluated its impact on prognosis. Using WGCNA analysis, we obtained 39 gene modules, of which the purple module was most associated with recurrence. Among them, UPK2, KLHDC3, GALR2 and TYRP1 occupied a central position in the co-expression network which were also significantly correlated with the survival of patients. We collected 132 blood samples from patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma who were tested the expression level of free UPK2 in the plasma. The expression of UPK2 relative to GADPH in non-relapsed patients was 0.1623, and in relapsed patients, it was 0.2763. ROC was used to evaluate the effectiveness of free UPK2 mRNA in the blood for monitoring postoperative recurrence, with an AUC of 0.767 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.675–0.858. At the same time, patients with high expression of free UPK2 mRNA had significantly poorer survival than those with low expression of UPK2. The expression level of free UPK2 mRNA in plasma has the potential as an indicator of postoperative recurrence in patients with early LUAD.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Structural Soil and Water Conservation Measures in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Wordofa Muluken Gezahegn , Okoyo Eric N. , Erkalo Eliso 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Agriculture remains to be the leading sector that contributes enormously to economic development in Ethiopia. Despite its significant contribution to livelihoods, the sector faces persistent challenges due to depletion of natural resources and soil erosion that resulted in diminishing crop and livestock productivity. In order to curb the effects of land degradation, the Government of Ethiopia has been taking serious measures to expand Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) practices throughout the country. Despite the efforts made, the adoption of new practices by farmers have been generally low. This study was aimed to assess factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decision on the use of improved structural SWC practices in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 farm households and 248 plots. A structured interview schedule was used to collect primary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics and Multinomial Logit (MNL) regression model were used to analyze the data.
Results
The key findings showed that a host of socio-demographic, economic and institutional factors significantly affected smallholders’ decision to adopt improved structural SWC. In this study, we found that education, farming experience, plot area, distance of the plot from dwelling, number of economically active household members, and extension contact were the significant predictors of using improved SWC structures.
Conclusions
Based on our findings, we conclude that improved SWC measures should be scaled up through a concerted effort of extension workers, local administration and other relevant non-state actors. In particular, the extension system should encourage rural communities on sustainable management and use of natural resources. Moreover, the need to create learning opportunities through facilitating appropriate training programs for farmers and focusing on proper management of available economically active household members should be emphasized.
Finite element modeling of nanoindentation on an elastic-plastic microsphere
Authors: Chen Jialian , Li Hongzhou 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The understanding of the mechanical indentation on a curved specimen (e.g., microspheres and microfibers) is of paramount importance in the characterization of curved micro-structured materials, but there has been no reliable theoretical method to evaluate the mechanical behavior of nanoindentation on a microsphere. This article reports a computational study on the instrumented nanoindentation of elastic-plastic microsphere materials via finite element simulation. The finite element analyses indicate that all loading curves are parabolic curves and the loading curve for different materials can be calculated from one single indentation. The results demonstrate that the Oliver-Pharr formula is unsuitable for calculating the elastic modulus of nanoindentation involving cured surfaces. The surface of the test specimen of a microsphere requires prepolishing to achieve accurate results of indentation on a micro-spherical material. This study provides new insight into the establishment of nanoindentation models that can effectively be used to simulate the mechanical behavior of a microsphere.
A preoperative mortality risk assessment model for Standford type A acute aortic dissection
Authors: Kuang Juntao , Yang Jue , Wang Qiuji , Yu Changjiang , Li Ying , Fan Ruixin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Acute aortic dissection type A is a life-threatening disease required emergency surgery during acute phase. Different clinical manifestations: laboratory tests: and imaging features of patients with acute aortic dissection type A are the risk factors of preoperative mortality. This study aims to establish a simple and effective preoperative mortality risk assessment model for patients with acute aortic dissection type A.
METHODS
A total of 508 Chinese patients with acute aortic dissection type A who were admitted to our hospital were retrospectively included. All patients were unable to receive surgically treatment within 3 days from the onset of disease. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate predictors of preoperative mortality and to develop a prediction model.
RESULTS
Among the 508 patients: 394 patients survived (77.56%) and 114 patients died (22.44%). The following independent variables increased preoperative mortality: initial pain site: chest (OR = 7.536: P = 0.021): D-Dimmer ≥ 12000 ng/ml (OR = 2.982: P < 0.001): the average ascending diameter measured by transthoracic echocardiography ≥ 55 mm (OR = 4.226: P < 0.001): moderate or massive pericardial effusion (OR = 2.534: P = 0.040): electrocardiographic myocardial ischemia (OR = 3.355: P < 0.001): patent false lumen (OR = 2.808: P < 0.001): right common carotid artery involvement (OR = 4.415: P < 0.001): false lumen /true lumen of abdominal aorta ≥ 0.75 (OR = 2.310: P = 0.011). Our data suggest that a simple and effective preoperative death risk assessment model has been established.
CONCLUSIONS
Using a simple and effective risk assessment model can help clinicians quickly identify high-risk patients and make appropriate medical decisions.
Apremilast in refractory orogenital ulcers and other manifestations of Behçet's disease. National multicenter study of 51 cases in clinical practice.
Authors: Atienza-Mateo Belén , Martín-Varillas José Luis , Graña Jenaro , Espinosa Gerard , Moriano Clara , Pérez-Sandoval Trinidad , Martín-Martínez Manuel , Díez-Álvarez Elvira , García-Armario María Dolores , Martínez Esperanza , Castellví Iván , Sivera Francisca , Calvo-Alen Jaime , Morena Isabel de la , Ortiz-Sanjuán Francisco , Román-Ivorra José Andrés , Pérez-Gómez Ana , Heredia Sergi , Olivé Alejandro , Prior-Español Águeda , Díez Carolina , Alegre Juan José , Ybáñez Amparo , Martinez-Ferrer Angels , Narváez Javier , Figueras Ignasi , Turrión Ana Isabel , Romero-Yuste Susana , Trénor Pilar , Ojeda Soledad , Ros Inmaculada , Loricera Javier , Calvo-Río Vanesa , González-Vela Carmen , Castañeda Santos , Hernández José L. , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A. , Blanco Ricardo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Oral and/or genital aphthous ulcers are the most common symptoms of Behçet´s disease (BD), and are often refractory to conventional treatment. The inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 apremilast (APR) has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of this manifestations. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of APR in the management of refractory oral and/or genital ulcers in patients with BD.
Methods

National multicenter open-label observational study on BD patients with recurrent oral and/or genital ulcers. In all cases orogenital ulcers were refractory to conventional therapy. APR was given and maintained at standard dose of 30 mg twice daily. The main outcome was the achievement of oral and/or genital ulcers remission. Efficacy of APR for other clinical manifestations was also evaluated.
Results

We included 51 patients (35 women/16 men; mean age 44.7 ± 13.2 years). Before APR, all patients had received several systemic conventional and/or biologic drugs. APR was initiated because of refractory oral (n = 19) or genital (n = 2) aphthous ulcers or both (n = 30). Other manifestations found at APR onset were arthralgia/arthritis (n = 16), folliculitis/pseudofolliculitis (n = 14), erythema nodosum (n = 3), furunculosis (n = 2), paradoxical psoriasis induced by TNFα-inhibitors (n = 2), ileitis (n = 2), deep venous thrombosis (n = 2), leg ulcers (n = 1), erythematosus and scaly skin lesions (n = 1), fever (n = 1), unilateral anterior uveitis (n = 1) and neurobehçet (n = 1). After a mean follow-up of 8.5 ± 6.9 months, most patients had experienced improvement of orogenital ulcers and prednisone dose had been successfully reduced or discontinued. APR also yielded improvement of some non-aphthous manifestations such as the cutaneous follicular and intestinal manifestations. However, the effect on musculoskeletal manifestations was variable.
Conclusion

APR yielded a rapid and maintained improvement of refractory mucocutaneous ulcers of BD, even in patients refractory to several systemic drugs including biologic therapy.
A novel temporal identity window generates alternating cardinal motor neuron subtypes in a single progenitor lineage
Authors: Seroka Austin Q , Yazejian Rita M , Lai Sen-Lin , Doe Chris Q 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Spatial patterning specifies neural progenitor identity, with further diversity generated by temporal patterning within individual progenitor lineages. These mechanisms generate cardinal classes of motor neurons, sharing a transcription factor identity and common muscle group targets). In Drosophila , two cardinal classes are Even-skipped (Eve)+ motor neurons projecting to dorsal longitudinal muscles and Nkx6+ motor neurons projecting to ventral oblique muscles. The Drosophila neuroblast 7-1 (NB7-1) lineage generates distinct Eve+ motor neurons via the temporal transcription factor (TTF) cascade Hunchback (Hb)-Krüppel (Kr)-Pdm-Castor (Cas).

Methods: Here we use sparse labelling and molecular markers to identify a novel VO motor neuron subtype in the NB7-1 lineage, and birth-date this neuron to a Kr+ Pdm+ temporal identity window. We selectively drive overexpression of Kr and Pdm in the NB7-1 lineage, and assay the production and axonal targeting of ectopic VO neurons. We then use gain- and loss-of-function strategies to show that the identity and targeting specificity of the VO neuron is dependent on the transcription factor Nkx6.

Results: Here we show that a newly discovered Kr/Pdm temporal identity window gives rise to an Nkx6+ Eve- motor neuron projecting to ventral oblique muscles, resulting in alternation of cardinal motor neuron subtypes from a single progenitor (Eve>Nkx6>Eve). We show that co-overexpression of Kr/Pdm generates ectopic VO motor neurons within the NB7-1 lineage – the first evidence that this TTF combination specifies neuronal identity. Moreover, we show that the Kr/Pdm combination promotes Nkx6 expression, which itself is necessary and sufficient for ventral oblique muscle targeting, thereby linking temporal patterning to motor neuron synaptic target selection.

Conclusions: We show that one neuroblast lineage generates interleaved cardinal motor neurons fates; that the Kr/Pdm TTFs form a novel temporal identity window that promotes expression of Nkx6; and that the Kr/Pdm>Nkx6 pathway is necessary and sufficient to specify VO motor neuron identity and morphology.
Integrating a parenting intervention into pediatric primary care: A qualitative pilot study of stakeholders’ perspectives
Authors: Baumann Ana , Pilar Meagan , Walsh-Bailey Callie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background In the U.S., children as early as two years old are being diagnosed with depression and other mental health problems. Children with chronic diseases also struggle with mental health problems. Evidence-based parent interventions can support these families by improving parenting practices. Pediatric primary care practices are ideal settings to provide parent interventions, as they can have broader reach, decrease stigma and improve health and mental health outcomes. There is currently no clear guidance as to how to integrate these interventions.Methods With the scientific premise that primary care settings can be a powerful place to reach families, this study examined barriers and facilitators of implementing an evidence-based parenting intervention within a primary care practice-based network.Results Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 community pediatricians in a Midwestern Practice-Based Research Network. The interview guide was developed based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), with a particular emphasis on intervention characteristics and the organization’s inner setting. A codebook was developed using CFIR. Interview transcripts were coded by two independent raters (kappa = 0.93). Data were analyzed using directed content analysis.Conclusions Themes at the outer and inner setting were identified as determinants. Using theory and stakeholder input will help adapt the intervention as well as its strategies to implement parent interventions in primary care settings.
Applying equity-centered principles in an interprofessional global health course: A mixed methods study
Authors: Stallwood Lisa , Adu Prince A. , Tairyan Kate , Astle Barbara , Yassi Annalee 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Medical students, practitioners and other health professionals are commonly unprepared to address the many complex issues that emerge while conducting research in the Global South. As a response to identified deficiencies in global health education, a hybrid online/face-to-face multi-institutional credit course was developed based on the principles advanced by the Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR), namely Authentic partnering, Inclusion, Shared benefits, Commitment to the future, Responsiveness to causes of inequities, and Humility. This study aimed to analyze the extent to which the course was effective in fortifying attitudes consistent with the CCGHR principles; identify successes and challenges; and assess how a course such as this can fill an identified gap.
Methods
This interprofessional course was offered to 25 graduate and postgraduate students in various health professions and public health. Faculty were drawn from medicine, public health, nursing and social sciences from four universities in Western Canada. A pre-post retrospective survey, key informant interviews and participant observation were used to gather data for this study.
Results
Findings showed that student attitudes regarding global health research and practice significantly evolved towards views consistent with the principles articulated. The multiple instructors and hybrid course format created both opportunities and challenges; the interprofessional nature of the cohort was considered a strong asset, as was the fact that many students came from the Global South. Some students suggested that the course could be further strengthened by concretely partnering with institutions in the Global South rather than offered solely to learners registered in universities in the Global North.
Conclusions
While weaknesses were identified, results support the conclusion that a course focused on the CCGHR principles could be useful in preparing the next generation of global health researchers and practitioners to mitigate historical limitations in this field. Longitudinal follow-up is warranted to provide more definitive conclusions.
Distinct Effect of Body Mass Index by Sex as a Prognostic Factor in Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Nephrectomy ~ A Data from Multi-Institutional Study ~
Authors: Tsutsumi Takeshi , Komura Kazumasa , Hashimoto Takeshi , Muraoka Ryu , Satake Naoya , Matsunaga Tomohisa , Tsujino Takuya , Yoshikawa Yuki , Takai Tomoaki , Minami Koichiro , Taniguchi Kohei , Tanaka Tomohito , Uehara Hirofumi , Hirano Hajime , Nomi Hayahito , Ibuki Naokazu , Takahara Kiyoshi , Inamoto Teruo , Ohno Yoshio , Azuma Haruhito 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
PurposeWe assessed the prognostic value of body mass index (BMI) in Asian patients with localized RCC who underwent nephrectomy.Material and MethodsA total of 665 patients who underwent nephrectomy for localized RCC were enrolled in the present study and divided into the two BMI groups: i.e., BMI <25 in 463 (69.6%) and BMI >25 in 202 (30.4%) patients.ResultsThere were 482 (72.5%) and 183 (27.5%) patients in male and female, respectively. No significant difference in the distribution of sex was seen between BMI groups (p=0.498). Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate were significantly higher in higher BMI (97.1 and 91.1%) compared to lower BMI group (92.5 and 82.7%) (P = 0.007 for CSS, and p=0.019 for RFS). When stratified by sex, significantly longer CSS in higher BMI was confirmed in male (5-year CSS of 92.7% in BMI <25 and 98.1% in BMI >25, p=0.005), while there was no difference in CSS between BMI groups for female patients (5-year CSS of 91.9% in BMI <25 and 93.7% in BMI >25, p=0.738). Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI was an independent predictor for CSS in male (HR: 0.4, 95%CI: 0.14 - 0.95, p=0.036), but not in female (HR: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.20 – 2.10, p=0.576).ConclusionOur findings collected from the multi-institutional Japanese dataset demonstrated the longer survival in patients with higher BMI compared to lower BMI for non-metastatic RCC treated with nephrectomy. Intriguingly, this finding was restricted to males, but not to females.
Two Weeks of Western Diet Disrupts Liver Molecular Markers of Cholesterol Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Saint-Amand Roxane , Sock Emilienne T. Ngo , Quinn Samantha , Lavoie Jean-Marc , St-Pierre David H. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that excessive fat accumulations impair cholesterol metabolism mainly through alterations in the LDL-receptor (LDL-R) pathway in liver.
Method:
Rats were either submitted to standard (SD), high fat (HFD; 60% kcal) or western (WD; 40% fat + 35% sucrose (17.5% fructose)) diets for 2 or 6 weeks.
Results
Weight gain (~ 40 g) was observed only following 6 weeks of the obesogenic diets (P < 0.01). Compared to the 2-week treatment, obesogenic diets tripled fat pad weight (~ 20 vs 7 g) after 6 weeks. Hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels were greater in response to both the WD and HFD compared to the SD (P < 0.01) at 2 and 6 weeks and their concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in WD than HFD at 2 weeks. Plasma cholesterol levels were higher (P < 0.05) in animals submitted to WD. After 2 and 6 weeks, liver expression of LDL-R, PCSKk9 and SREBP2, involved in LDL-cholesterol uptake, was lower in animals submitted to WD than in others treated with HFD or SD (P < 0.01). Similarly, LRP1 and ACAT2 mRNA levels were lower (P < 0.01) among WD compared to SD-fed rats. Expression of the gene coding the main regulator of endogenous cholesterol synthesis, HMGCoAR was reduced in response to WD compared to SD and HFD at 2 (P < 0.001) and 6 (P < 0.05) weeks. Being enriched in fructose, the WD strongly promoted the expression of ChREBP and ACC, two key regulators of de novo lipogenesis.
Conclusion
These results show that the WD promptly increased TG levels in the liver by potentiating dietary fat storage and de novo lipogenesis. This impaired the pathway of hepatic cholesterol uptake via the LDL-R axis, promoting a rapid increase in plasma cholesterol levels.