bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of a universal PCR assay to identify different Leishmania species causative of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Nateghi Rostami Mahmoud , Darzi Fatemeh , Farahmand Mahin , Aghaei Mohsen , Parvizi Parviz 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The characterization of Leishmania species is important for clinical management of the diseases and the epidemiological control of the parasite distribution. Most of the published polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification methods lack the ability to identify all species complexes, have low performance and usually need post-PCR procedures. There is a need for improving the diagnosis of CL by development of an accurate affordable PCR method to identify all Leishmania species in clinical specimens.

Methods
We designed an optimized a PCR amplifying the internal transcribed spacer 2 sequence of the ribosomal RNA gene (ITS2) aligned from different strains of CL-causing Leishmania species in the Old World. The performance of the method was evaluated on lesion samples from several CL suspected patients and the limit of detection (LOD) was determined on DNA of promastigotes from reference strains.

Results
The universal PCR enabled simultaneous discrimination of L. major, L. tropica and L. infantum using one primer pair in one reaction. Stained smear microscopy and Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle (NNN) medium culture alone detected 77.27% (17/22) and 72.73% (16/22) of the positive CL samples, respectively. The PCR assay showed 100% sensitivity (22/22) (95% CI: 84.56–100%) and 100% specificity (3/3) (95% CI: 29.24–100%) for species identification on isolates from lesion scraping/exudate and 100% sensitivity (13/13) (95% CI: 75.29–100%) and 100% specificity (11/11) (95% CI: 71.51–100%) for species identification on biopsy samples of CL patients, while being capable to successfully amplify as little as 0.01–0.1 pg of Leishmania DNA from cultured promastigotes.

Conclusions
We present a validated easy-to-use affordable universal PCR assay to identify the most common Old World Leishmania species causing CL. This PCR assay could be used as a sensitive/specific technique to diagnose CL-causing Leishmania species in clinical samples with high accuracy.
The fusiform gyrus exhibits an epigenetic signature for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ma Dingailu , Fetahu Irfete S. , Wang Mei , Fang Rui , Li Jiahui , Liu Hang , Gramyk Tobin , Iwanicki Isabella , Gu Sophie , Xu Winnie , Tan Li , Wu Feizhen , Shi Yujiang G. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, and patients with advanced AD frequently lose the ability to identify family members. The fusiform gyrus (FUS) of the brain is critical in facial recognition. However, AD etiology in the FUS of AD patients is poorly understood. New analytical strategies are needed to reveal the genetic and epigenetic basis of AD in FUS.

Results
A complex of new analytical paradigms that integrates an array of transcriptomes and methylomes of normal controls, AD patients, and “AD-in-dish” models were used to identify genetic and epigenetic signatures of AD in FUS. Here we identified changes in gene expression that are specific to the FUS in brains of AD patients. These changes are closely linked to key genes in the AD network. Profiling of the methylome (5mC/5hmC/5fC/5caC) at base resolution identified 5 signature genes (COL2A1, CAPN3, COL14A1, STAT5A, SPOCK3) that exhibit perturbed expression, specifically in the FUS and display altered DNA methylome profiles that are common across AD-associated brain regions. Moreover, we demonstrate proof-of-principle that AD-associated methylome changes in these genes effectively predict the disease prognosis with enhanced sensitivity compared to presently used clinical criteria.

Conclusions
This study identified a set of previously unexplored FUS-specific AD genes and their epigenetic characteristics, which may provide new insights into the molecular pathology of AD, attributing the genetic and epigenetic basis of FUS to AD development.
An investigation of the predictability of the Brazilian three-modal hand-based behavioural biometric: a feature selection and feature-fusion approach
Authors: Goncalves de A. S. Marques Julliana Caroline , Lima Do Nascimento Tuany Mariah , Vasiljevic Brenda , Alves dos Santos Santana Laura Emmanuella , Costa-Abreu Márjory Da 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNew security systems, methods or techniques need to have their performance evaluated in conditions that closely resemble a real-life situation. The effectiveness with which individual identity can be predicted in different scenarios can benefit from seeking a broad base of identity evidence. Many approaches to the implementation of biometric-based identification systems are possible, and different configurations are likely to generate significantly different operational characteristics. The choice of implementational structure is, therefore, very dependent on the performance criteria, which is most important in any particular task scenario. The issue of improving performance can be addressed in many ways, but system configurations based on integrating different information sources are widely adopted in order to achieve this. Thus, understanding how each data information can influence performance is very important. The use of similar modalities may imply that we can use the same features. However, there is no indication that very similar (such as keyboard and touch keystroke dynamics, for example) basic biometrics will perform well using the same set of features. In this paper, we will evaluate the merits of using a three-modal hand-based biometric database for user prediction focusing on feature selection as the main investigation point. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first thought-out analysis of a database with three modalities that were collected from the same users, containing keyboard keystroke, touch keystroke and handwritten signature. First, we will investigate how the keystroke modalities perform, and then, we will add the signature in order to understand if there is any improvement in the results. We have used a wide range of techniques for feature selection that includes filters and wrappers (genetic algorithms), and we have validated our findings using a clustering technique.
Prenatal to early postnatal neurotrophic treatment prevents Alzheimer-like behavior and pathology in mice
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Yifan , Liu Yinghua , Dai Chun-Ling , Tung Yunn-Chyn , Liu Fei , Iqbal Khalid 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of middle-aged to old individuals. The pathophysiological process of AD is believed to begin many years before the emergence of clinical symptoms. The important influence of congenital genetic aberrations on the development of AD provides a novel opportunity to initiate prenatal to early postnatal pharmacological treatment to address the role of this critical period of brain development in the disease.

Methods
We investigated for the first time the effect of oral treatment during prenatal to early postnatal development with a neurotrophic compound, P021 (Ac-DGGLAG-NH2), on neurobehavior and AD-like pathology in 3xTg-AD, a transgenic mouse model of AD. The transgenic and control wild-type female mice were treated from prenatal day 8 to postnatal day 21 with a custom-made diet containing P021 or a vehicle diet, followed by a standard diet. AD-type cognitive function and pathological features were studied during adulthood and old age.

Results
The P021 treatment rescued cognitive deficits at 4 months, reduced abnormal hyperphosphorylation and accumulation of tau at known major AD neurofibrillary pathology–associated sites, and decreased Aβ plaque load at 22 months in 3xTg-AD mice. Prenatal to early postnatal treatment with P021 also ameliorated certain markers of postsynaptic deficits, including PSD-95 levels and CREB activity, and decreased one measure of neuroinflammation, GFAP level in the brain at 4 and 22 months in 3xTg mice.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that neurotrophic impairment during early development can be one of the etiopathogenic factors of AD and that the neurotrophic peptide mimetic is a potential early prevention strategy for this disease.
Risk factors for gambling and problem gambling: a protocol for a rapid umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Beynon Caryl , Pearce-Smith Nicola , Clark Rachel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Gambling and problem gambling are increasingly being viewed as a public health issue. European surveys have reported a high prevalence of gambling, and according to the Gambling Commission, in 2018, almost half of the general population aged 16 and over in England had participated in gambling in the 4 weeks prior to being surveyed. The potential harms associated with gambling and problem are broad, including harms to individuals, their friends and family, and society. There is a need to better understand the nature of this issue, including its risk factors. The purpose of this study is to identify and examine the risk factors associated with gambling and problem gambling.

Methods
An umbrella review will be conducted, where systematic approaches will be used to identify, appraise and synthesise systematic reviews and meta-analyses of risk factors for gambling and problem gambling. The review will include systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2005 and 2019, in English language, focused on any population and any risk factor, and of quantitative or qualitative studies. Electronic searches will be conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycInfo, NICE Evidence and SocIndex via EBSCO, and a range of websites will be searched for grey literature. Reference lists will be scanned for additional papers and experts will be contacted. Screening, quality assessment and data extraction will be conducted in duplicate, and quality assessment will be conducted using AMSTAR-2. A narrative synthesis will be used to summarise the results.

Discussion
The results of this review will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the risk factors associated with gambling and problem gambling. It will be used by Public Health England as part of a broader evidence review of gambling-related harms.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42019151520
A global QP-free algorithm for mathematical programs with complementarity constraints
Authors: Li Jian Ling , Zhang Qi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a primal–dual interior point QP-free algorithm for mathematical programs with complementarity constraints is presented. Firstly, based on Fischer–Burmeister function and smoothing techniques, the investigated problem is approximated by a smooth nonlinear constrained optimization problem. Secondly, combining with an effective penalty function technique and working set, a QP-free algorithm is proposed to solve the smooth constrained optimization problem. At each iteration, only two reduced linear equations with the same coefficient matrix are solved to obtain the search direction. Under some mild conditions, the proposed algorithm possesses global convergence. Finally, some numerical results are reported.
Linear conformable differential system and its controllability
Authors: Younas Awais , Abdeljawad Thabet , Batool Rida , Zehra Anum , Alqudah Manar A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article deals with the sequential conformable linear equations. We have focused on the solution techniques of these equations and particularly on the controllability conditions of the time-invariant system. For the controllability conditions and results, we have defined the conformable controllability Gramian matrix, the conformable fundamental matrix, and the conformable controllability matrix.
Degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials arising from degenerate polylogarithm
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dansan , Kim Han-Young , Lee Hyunseok , Jang Lee-Chae 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRecently, degenerate polylogarithm functions were introduced by Kim and Kim. In this paper, we introduce degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials by means of the degenerate polylogarithm functions and investigate some their properties. In more detail, we find certain explicit expressions for those polynomials in terms of the Carlitz degenerate Bernoulli polynomials and the degenerate Stirling numbers of the second kind. Furthermore, we obtain some expressions for differences of the degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials.
Does government support enhance the relation between networking structure and sustainable competitive performance among SMEs?
Authors: Alkahtani Asem , Nordin Norfarah , Khan Rizwan Ullah 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeThe underlining study’s main objective is to examine how networking structure (density and centrality) affects sustainable competitive performance in Pakistan’s SMEs.Design/methodology/approachHence, small enterprises a significant source of economic development, employment, and value creation. Therefore, on the base of previous literature, we developed hypothesis related government financial support and network structure, and data collected through structured questionnaires from top management of SMEs.FindingsThe results indicate that density has a positive and significant effect on sustainable competitive performance, while centrality has an insignificant impact on SCP. Furthermore, government financial support strongly and significantly supports the relation between networking structure and SCP in Pakistan.Practical implicationsThis research has several recommendations for the government to adequately support small enterprises because owners have a networking system at the local and international level but have a lack of environment.Originality/valueGovernment plays a crucial role in small- and medium-sized enterprises boost performance and economic growth because it creates employment opportunities, poverty reduction, and economic development. Nevertheless, from the last decades, due to some organizational policies and environmental flexibility, SMEs face a lot of challenges which became a barrier such as lack of government subsidies, incentives, and taxes in emerging economies. To bridge the above challenges of SMEs, the current study is conducted because before this there was no such literature who underline the current challenges in emerging economies.
How to follow-up a patient who received tocilizumab in severe COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Podlasin Regina B. , Kowalska Justyna D. , Pihowicz Andrzej , Wojtycha-Kwaśnica Beata , Thompson Magdalena , Dyda Tomasz , Czeszko-Paprocka Hanna , Horban Andrzej 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 is characterized by fast deterioration in the mechanism of cytokine storm. Therefore, treatment with immunomodulating agents should be initiated as soon as hyperinflammation is established. Evidence for the use of tocilizumab (TCZ) in COVID-19 is emerging, but the drug in this setting is used “off label” with limited data on both effectiveness and safety. Therefore, Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw established a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of TCZ in severe COVID-19 cases.

Case presentation
Here, we present a case of 27-year-old, otherwise healthy man, who was successfully treated with chloroquine, azithromycin, tocilizumab and a standard of care. Initially the magnitude of lung devastation, clinical deterioration and the need for mechanical ventilation suggested unfavorable prognosis. However, we observed complete regression in radiological changes and rapid clinical improvement. Irrespective of this, patient’s serum interleukin 6 and aminotransferases remained elevated even after a month from treatment.

Conclusions
An overlapping effect of hyperinflammation, hypoxic organ injury and drug-related toxicity warrants a long-term follow-up for COVID-19 survivors. In addition, residual IL-6 receptors blockage may mask new infections. A standardized approach to follow-up for COVID-19 survivors is urgently needed. Current and future research should also investigate the impact of experimental therapies on lung tissue healing and regeneration, as well as long-term treatment toxicities.
Role of nutraceuticals during the transition period of dairy cows: a review
Authors: Lopreiato Vincenzo , Mezzetti Matteo , Cattaneo Luca , Ferronato Giulia , Minuti Andrea , Trevisi Erminio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe transition period of dairy cattle is characterized by a number of metabolic, endocrine, physiologic, and immune adaptations, including the occurrence of negative energy balance, hypocalcemia, liver dysfunction, overt systemic inflammatory response, and oxidative stress status. The degree and length of time during which these systems remain out of balance could render cows more susceptible to disease, poor reproductive outcomes, and less efficient for milk production and quality. Studies on both monogastrics and ruminants have reported the health benefits of nutraceuticals (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics, dietary lipids, functional peptides, phytoextracts) beyond nutritional value, interacting at different levels of the animal’s physiology. From a physiological standpoint, it seems unrealistic to disregard any systemic inflammatory processes. However, an alternate approach is to modulate the inflammatory process per se and to resolve the systemic response as quickly as possible.To this aim, a growing body of literature underscores the efficacy of nutraceuticals (active compounds) during the critical phase of the transition period. Supplementation of essential fatty acids throughout a 2-month period (i.e. a month before and a month after calving) successfully attenuates the inflammatory status with a quicker resolution of phenomenon. In this context, the inflammatory and immune response scenario has been recognized to be targeted by the beneficial effect of methyl donors, such as methionine and choline, directly and indirectly modulating such response with the increase of antioxidants GSH and taurine. Indirectly by the establishment of a healthy gastrointestinal tract, yeast and yeast-based products showed to modulate the immune response, mitigating negative effects associated with parturition stress and consequent disorders.The use of phytoproducts has garnered high interest because of their wide range of actions on multiple tissue targets encompassing a series of antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immune-stimulating, rumen fermentation, and microbial modulation effects. In this review, we provide perspectives on investigations of regulating the immune responses and metabolism using several nutraceuticals in the periparturient cow.
A descriptive study of human papilloma virus in upper aero-digestive squamous cell carcinoma at Uganda cancer institute assessed by P16 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kabagenyi Fiona , Otiti Jeff , Namwagala Justine , Kamulegeya Adriane , Kalungi Sam 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa is on the rise with one-third of cancers estimated to be caused by infectious agents. Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy in sub-Saharan Africa and includes tumors in the Upper Aero-digestive Tract (UADT). The established risk factors are tobacco and alcohol exposure with a recent recognition of the role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The HPV related HNC is seen predominantly in the oropharynx, presents at a younger age and has a better prognosis. With a rapidly increasing incidence of these cancers in the developed world, it was important to study HPV in HNC in Uganda. The HPV can be detected using P16 immunohistochemistry as a surrogate marker thus making it suitable for screening. The study aimed at establishing the presence of HPV and the commonly affected sites in UADT squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) using P16 immunohistochemistry.MethodologyThis was a cross sectional study in which 59 patients with histologically proven SCC from the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx were recruited. These patients’ demographics and clinical data were collected. Tissue sections from retrieved histology samples were stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin to reconfirm SCC. Subsequently, P16 expression was determined using P16 immunohistochemistry.ResultsSeventy-one patients were enrolled and 59 patients with confirmed SCC of the sites of interest were analyzed. The majority (79.7%) of the participants were male and over 50 years. 59.3% were tobacco smokers, 66.1% used alcohol, 52.2% used both. Only 27.1% used none of the substances. Only 27.1% of the participants were HIV positive. Most of the tumors were in the larynx (37.3%) and 64.4% were overall TNM stage 4. The overall prevalence of HPV in UADT SCC at UCI was 20.3, 95%CI 10.9–32.8. The oropharynx had the highest prevalence (30.8%).ConclusionThe prevalence of HPV in UADT SCC at UCI is significant at 20.3%. The most affected site, is the oropharynx. Vigilant HPV screening of these sites with confirmation where possible is recommended.
Vaccine design of coronavirus spike (S) glycoprotein in chicken: immunoinformatics and computational approaches
Authors: Awadelkareem Eman A. , Ali Sumaia A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundInfectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in chickens and produces economic loss within the poultry industry. This disease is caused by a single stranded RNA virus belonging to Cronaviridae family. This study aimed to design a potential multi-epitopes vaccine against infectious bronchitis virus spike protein (S). Protein characterization was also performed for IBV spike protein.MethodsThe present study used various tools in Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) to predict conserved B and T cell epitopes against IBV spike (S) protein that may perform a significant role in provoking the resistance response to IBV infection.ResultsIn B cell prediction methods, three epitopes (1139KKSSYY1144,1140KSSYYT1145,1141SSYYT1145) were selected as surface, linear and antigenic epitopes.Many MHCI and MHCII epitopes were predicted for IBV S protein. Among them982YYITARDMY990and983YITARDMYM991epitopes displayed high antigenicity, no allergenicity and no toxicity as well as great linkage with MHCI and MHCII alleles. Moreover, docking analysis of MHCI epitopes produced strong binding affinity with BF2alleles.ConclusionFive conserved epitopes were expected from spike glycoprotein of IBV as the best B and T cell epitopes due to high antigenicity, no allergenicity and no toxicity. In addition, MHC epitopes showed great linkage with MHC alleles as well as strong interaction with BF2 alleles. These epitopes should be designed and incorporated and then tested as multi-epitope vaccine against IBV.