bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli activates nitrate respiration to benefit from the inflammatory response for initiation of microcolony-formation
Authors: Nada Risa , Ebihara Shinya , Yen Hilo , Tobe Toru 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: For successful colonization, enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) injects virulence factors, called effectors, into target cells through the type three secretion system (T3SS), which is composed of a needle and basal body. Under anaerobic conditions, the T3SS machinery remains immature and does not have a needle structure. However, activation of nitrate respiration enhances the completion of the T3SS machinery. Because nitric oxide released by the host inflammatory response increases nitrate concentration, we sought to determine the effect of the inflammatory response on initiation of EHEC microcolony-formation. Results: The colony-forming capacity was increased in accordance with the increase of nitrate in the medium. The addition of the nitric oxide-producing agent NOR-4 also enhanced the adherence capacity, which was dependent on nitrate reductase encoded by the narGHJI genes. Culture supernatant of epithelial cells, which was stimulated by a cytokine mixture, enhanced the colony-forming capacity of wild-type EHEC but not of the narGHJI mutant. Finally, colony formation by wild-type EHEC on epithelial cells, which were preincubated with heat-killed bacteria, was higher than the narGHJI mutant, and this effect was abolished by aminoguanidine hydrochloride, which is an iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor. Conclusions: These results indicate that the inflammatory response enhances EHEC adherence by increasing nitrate concentration.
Energy drink: the consumption prevalence, and awareness of its potential health implications among commercial drivers in the Ho Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Saku Emmanuella Yayra , Nuro-Ameyaw Peter , Amenya Priscilla Cecilia , Kpodo Fidelis Mawunyo , Amoafo Paul Esua , Kortei Nii Korley 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Consumption of energy drinks has become an escalating global public health problem. The work schedule and irregular sleeping habits of commercial bus drivers make them highly susceptible to getting fatigued, hence most of them consume energy drinks as a fatigue management strategy. However, consumption of energy drinks produces numerous psychomotor side effects that if consumed among drivers puts the traveling public in danger of road accidents. This study sought to assess the prevalence of energy drink consumption and awareness of associated potential health problems among commercial long-distance bus drivers operating from the Ho municipality. Methods: The study population comprised about 266 commercial bus drivers. This was a cross-sectional study involving 132 participants who completed a structured questionnaire on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of consumption and reasons for consumption. It also included questions to assess the knowledge of the ingredients and side effects of energy drinks. Respondents were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test of association were used to analyse the data. Results: A majority (62.1%) of the drivers had more than 10 years of commercial driving experience. A 75% energy drink consumption prevalence was recorded with driving performance enhancement (78.8%) as the predominant reason for consumption. 7 - 10 bottles per week were consumed by most (32.2%) of the drivers. Also, 72.0% had poor knowledge of the side effects linked with energy drink consumption as well as the ingredients for preparation. Conclusion: Energy drinks were consumed by the majority of the drivers at the Ho main bus terminal of which most of the drivers had poor knowledge of the potential health problems linked with the consumption of these drinks. The consumption of energy drinks was observed to be higher among the drivers with lower education levels, higher monthly income and those who worked long hours in a day. The Ghana National Road Safety Commission (GNRC) in collaboration with other private road transport unions in Ghana should organize regular seminars for commercial bus drivers on the potential dangers and effects associated with energy drink consumption.
Clinical Significance of MicroRNA-155 Regulated Autophagy and Apoptosis by targeting gene Rictor/Fos in Gastric Cancer Progression
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Yu , Ren Zhijian , Gu Yanmei , Tang Futian , Mao Jie , Zhu Junmin , Wang Ling , Li Yumin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Evaluating plant residue decline data with KinGUII and TREC: results from case studies involving also non-SFO kinetic models
Authors: Ebeling Markus , Hammel Klaus 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Foliage residue decline data are used to refine the risk assessment for herbivorous birds and mammals foraging in fields treated with plant protection products. For evaluation, current EFSA guidance has a clear focus on single-first order (SFO) kinetic models. However, other kinetic models are well established in other areas of environmental risk evaluations (eg, soil residue assessment), and easy-to-use calculation tools have become available now. We provide case studies with 6 fungicides how such evaluations can be conducted with two of these tools (KinGUII and TREC) that have been developed by Bayer.Results: SFO kinetics provided the best fits only for 13 of 36 residue decline studies conducted in a standardized design under field conditions. Biphasic models (double first order in parallel, hockey stick) were often superior and sometimes more conservative for risk assessment. The additional effort is manageable when using software such as KinGUII and TREC, and appears justified by the more reliable outcome of the evaluations.Conclusions: Further research would be useful to better assess the extent to which non-SFO better fits foliage residue decline, but our study suggests that it may be a significant proportion. Therefore we encourage the use of biphasic models in the regulatory risk assessment for herbivorous birds and mammals, in the ongoing revision of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance document from 2009.
High-viscosity bone cement for vertebral compression fractures: a prospective study on intravertebral diffusion and leakage of bone cement
Authors: Wang Meiyong , Jin Qunhua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Bone cement leakage causes severe complication following percutaneous vertebroplasty. This study probed the diffusion and leakage status of bone cement injected within diverged time duration, so as to find the optimal injection time for bone cement. Methods: A total of 70 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with a symptom of low back pain, who underwent treatment at hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into three groups: <180 s, 180-300, and >300 s of injection time duration from the beginning to the completion of the injection. The scenarios of vertebral bone cement leakage and diffusion were inspected using postoperative CT.Results: The diffusion coefficient was higher in group A than in group B whereas it was higher in group B than in group C, but without statistical significance among the three groups. The leakage rate was without statistical significance among the three groups. The injection time of bone cement was negatively correlated with the diffusion coefficient, at the correlation coefficient of -0.253. Conclusions: The diffusion coefficient of high-viscosity bone cement is negatively correlated with the injection time, and the leakage rate of high-viscosity bone cement does not reduce with the prolongation of injection time.
The Physical Activity Wearables in the Police Force (PAW-Force) study:Acceptability and impact&nbsp;
Authors: Buckingham Sarah Ann , Morrissey Karyn , Williams Andrew James , Price Lisa , Harrison John 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Policing is a highly stressful and increasingly sedentary occupation. The study aim was to assess the acceptability and impact of a mobile health (mHealth) technology intervention (Fitbit® activity monitor and ‘Bupa Boost’ smartphone app) to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary time in the police force.Methods: Single-group, pre-post, mixed methods pilot study. Police officers and staff (n=180) were recruited from two police forces in South West England. Participants used the technology for 12 weeks (an ‘individual’ then ‘social’ phase) followed by five months of optional use. Data sources included Fitbit®-recorded objective step count, questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews (n=32). Outcome assessment points were baseline (week 0), mid-intervention (week 6), post-intervention (week 12) and follow-up (month 8). Paired t-tests were used to investigate changes in quantitative outcomes. Qualitative analysis involved framework and thematic analysis.Results: Changes in mean daily step count were non-significant (p>0.05), but self-reported PA increased in the short term (e.g. +465.4 MET-minutes/week total PA baseline to week 12, p=0.011) and longer term (e.g. +420.5 MET-minutes/week moderate-to-vigorous PA baseline to month 8, p=0.024). The greatest impact on behaviour was perceived by less active officers and staff. There were no significant changes in sedentary time; the qualitative findings highlighted the importance of context and external influences on behaviour. There were no statistically significant changes (all p-values >0.05) in any secondary outcomes (physical and mental health-related quality of life, perceived stress and perceived productivity), with the exception of an improvement in mental health-related quality of life (SF-12 mental component score +1.75 points, p=0.020) from baseline to month 8. Engagement with and perceived acceptability of the intervention was high overall, but a small number of participants reported negative physical (skin irritation) and psychological (feelings of guilt and anxiety) consequences of technology use. Individual app features (such as goal-setting and self-monitoring) were generally preferred to social components (social comparison, competitions and support). Conclusions: mHealth technology is an acceptable and potentially impactful intervention for increasing PA in the police force. The intervention was less useful for reducing sedentary time and the impact on secondary outcomes is unclear.Trial registration: NCT03169179 (registered 30th May 2017).
Drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Niba Peter Thelma Ngwa , Nji Akindeh M. , Evehe Marie-Solange , Ali Innocent M. , Netongo Palmer Masumbe , Ngwafor Randolph , Moyeh Marcel N. , Ngum Lesley Ngum , Ndum Oliva Ebie , Acho Fon Abongwa , Mbu'u Cyrille Mbanwi , Fosah Dorothy A. , Atogho-Tiedeu Barbara , Achonduh-Atijegbe Olivia , Dadjeu Rosine , Chedjou Jean Paul Kengne , Bigoga Jude D. , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou , Ajua Anthony , Achidi Eric , Tallah Esther , Leke Rose G. F. , Tourgordi Alexis , Ringwald Pascal , Alifrangis Michael , Mbacham Wilfred F. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cameroon remains a country faced with high malaria burden despite enormous efforts made in the control of the disease. The rapid development and dispersal of mutations associated with anti-malarial drug resistance influenced policy changes from the use of chloroquine, amodiaquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine to the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Different studies have identified the frequency of key markers in Plasmodium falciparum associated with drug resistance without a clear picture on the localisation of potential hotspots that may drive the emergence of resistance to the currently used ACTs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of P. falciparum drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon from 1990 to present.Methods: The PRISMA, PRISMA-P and STREGA statements will be adopted in the quality assessments of studies to be included in this review. The electronic databases of Medline via Pubmed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Science Direct will be searched by two independent researchers using different MeSH terms and Boolean operators (AND, OR). More so, unpublished data that will be sourced from academic libraries will also be extracted. Quantitative syntheses will be done using the “metaphor” and “meta” commands in the R statistical software package version 3.5.2. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochrane Q and the I2. The random effect model will be used as benchmark to combine studies showing heterogeneity.Discussion: The primary outcome of this review is to identify and describe molecular markers conferring drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites that have been circulating for a period of over 30 years in Cameroon. This review will be able to pool data from previously published and unpublished studies on anti-malarial drug resistance gene mutations. This will provide evidence to support the continuous use of ACTs in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Moreover, it is also hoped that potential hotspots driving the emergence and spread of anti-malarial resistance markers will be identified. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020162620
Association of relapse-linked ARID5B single nucleotide polymorphisms with drug resistance in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines
Authors: TAMAI MINORI , Huang Meixian , Kagami Keiko , Abe Masako , Somazu Shinpei , Shinohara Tamao , Harama Daisuke , Watanabe Atsushi , Akahane Koshi , Goi Kumiko , Sugita Kanji , Goto Hiroaki , Minegishi Masayoshi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Inukai Takeshi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The genetic variants of the ARID5B gene have recently been reported to be associated with disease susceptibility and treatment outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, few studies have explored the association of ARID5B with sensitivities to chemotherapeutic agents.

Methods

We genotyped susceptibility-linked rs7923074 and rs10821936 as well as relapse-linked rs4948488, rs2893881, and rs6479778 of ARDI5B by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in 72 B-cell precursor-ALL (BCP-ALL) cell lines established from Japanese patients. We also quantified their ARID5B expression levels by real-time reverse transcription PCR, and determined their 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values by alamarBlue assays in nine representative chemotherapeutic agents used for ALL treatment.

Results

No significant associations were observed in genotypes of the susceptibility-linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the relapsed-linked SNPs with ARID5B gene expression levels. Of note, IC50 values of vincristine (VCR) (median IC50: 39.6 ng/ml) in 12 cell lines with homozygous genotype of risk allele (C) in the relapse-linked rs4948488 were significantly higher (p=0.031 in Mann–Whitney U test) than those (1.04 ng/ml) in 60 cell lines with heterozygous or homozygous genotypes of the non-risk allele (T). Furthermore, the IC50 values of mafosfamide [Maf; active metabolite of cyclophosphamide (CY)] and cytarabine (AraC) tended to be associated with the genotype of rs4948488. Similar associations were observed in genotypes of the relapse-linked rs2893881 and rs6479778, but not in those of the susceptibility-linked rs7923074 and rs10821936. In addition, the IC50 values of methotrexate (MTX) were significantly higher (p=0.023) in 36 cell lines with lower ARID5B gene expression (median IC50: 37.1 ng/ml) than those in the other 36 cell lines with higher expression (16.9 ng/ml).

Conclusion

These observations in 72 BCP-ALL cell lines suggested that the risk allele of the relapse-linked SNPs of ARID5B may be involved in a higher relapse rate because of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as VCR, CY, and AraC. In addition, lower ARID5B gene expression may be associated with MTX resistance.
A standardized framework to evaluate the quality of studies using TDABC in healthcare: The TDABC in Healthcare Consortium Consensus Statement
Authors: Etges Ana Paula Beck da Silva , Polanczyk Carisi Anne , Urman Richard D. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This Consensus Statement introduces a standardized framework, in a checklist format, to support future development and report of TDABC studies in healthcare, and to encourage their reproducibility. Additionally, it establishes the first formal networking of TDABC researchers through the creation of the TDABC for Health Care Consortium.Methods: A consensus group of researchers reviewed the most relevant TDABC studies available in Medline and Scopus databases to identify the initial elements of the checklist. Using a Focus Group process, each element received a recommendation regarding where in the scientific article section it should be placed and whether the element was required or suggested. A questionnaire was circulated with expert researchers in the field to provide additional recommendations regarding the content of the checklist and the strength of recommendation for each included element. Results: The TDABC standardized framework includes 32 elements, provides recommendations where in the scientific article to include each element, and the strength of each recommendation. All 32 elements were validated, with 21 elements classified as mandatory and 11 as suggested but not mandatory. Conclusions: This is the first standardized framework to support the development and reporting of TDABC research in healthcare and to stablish a community of experts in TDABC methodology. We expect that it can contribute to scale strategies that would result in cost-savings outcomes and in value-oriented strategies that can be adopted in healthcare systems and institutions.
"A loving man has a very huge responsibility": A mixed methods study of Malawian men's knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer
Authors: Lewis Samuel , Moucheraud Corrina , Schechinger Devon , Mphande Misheck , Banda Ben Allan , Sigauke Hitler , Kawale Paul , Dovel Kathryn , Hoffman Risa M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In Malawi, numerous barriers may prevent women from accessing cervical cancer screening services — including social factors such as male partner involvement. We conducted surveys that included open- and closed-ended questions with married Malawian men to evaluate their knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer. Methods: HIV-positive adult (≥18 years) men (married or in a stable relationship) were recruited from an antiretroviral therapy clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. Men were asked a series of survey questions to assess their knowledge about cervical cancer, experience with cervical cancer, their female partner’s screening history, and their beliefs about gender norms and household decision-making. Following the survey, participants responded to a set of open-ended interview questions about cervical cancer screening, and men’s role in prevention.Results: 120 men were enrolled with average age 44 years and 55% having completed secondary school or higher education. Despite only moderate knowledge about cervical cancer and screening (average assessment score of 62% correct), all men expressed support of cervical cancer screening, and most (86%) believed they should be involved in their female partner’s decision to be screened. Over half (61%) of men said their female partner had ever previously been screened for cervical cancer, and this was positively correlated with the male respondent having more progressive gender norms around sexual practices. Some men expressed concerns about the screening process, namely the propriety of vaginal exams when performed by male clinicians, and whether the procedure was painful.Conclusions: Male partners in Malawi want to be involved in decisions about cervical cancer screening, but have limited knowledge about screening, and hold rigid beliefs about gender norms that may affect their support for screening. Messaging campaigns addressing men’s concerns may be instrumental in improving women’s adoption of cervical cancer screening services in Malawi and similar settings.
Physicochemical, Mineralogy, and Thermo-Kinetic Characterisation of Newly Discovered Nigerian Coals under Pyrolysis and Combustion Conditions
Authors: Nyakuma Bemgba Bevan , Jauro Aliyu , Akinyemi Segun Ajayi , Faizal Hasan Mohd , Nasirudeen Mohammed Baba , Fuad Muhammad Ariff Hanaffi Mohd , Oladokun Olagoke 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this study, the physicochemical, microstructural, mineralogical, thermal, and kinetic properties of three (3) newly discovered coals from Akunza (AKZ), Ome (OME), and Shiga (SHG) in Nigeria were examined for potential energy recovery. Physicochemical analysis revealed high combustible but low levels of polluting elements. The higher heating values (HHV) ranged from 18.65 MJ/kg (AKZ) to 26.59 MJ/kg (SHG). Microstructure and mineralogical analyses revealed particles with a rough texture, surfaces, and glassy lustre, which could be ascribed to metals, quartz, and kaolinite minerals. The major elements (C, O, Si, and Al), along with minor elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, S, and Ti) detected are associated with clays, salts, or the porphyrin constituents of coal. Thermal analysis showed mass loss (M L ) ranges from 30.51% – 87.57% and residual mass (R M ) from 12.44% – 69.49% under combustion (oxidative) and pyrolysis (non-oxidative) TGA conditions due to thermal degradation of organic matter, vitrinite, inertinite and liptinite macerals. Kinetic analysis revealed that the coal samples are highly reactive under the non-isothermal oxidative and non-oxidative conditions based on the Coats-Redfern Model. The activation energy ( E a ) ranged from 23.81 kJ/mol – 89.56 kJ/mol whereas the pre-exponential factor ( k o ) ranged from 6.77×10 -04 min -1 – 1.72×10 03 min -1 under pyrolysis and combustion conditions. In conclusion, the coals are practical feedstocks for either industrial applications or energy recovery.