bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equid infective Theileria cluster in distinct 18S rRNA gene clades comprising multiple taxa with unusually broad mammalian host ranges
Authors: Bishop Richard P. , Kappmeyer Lowell S. , Onzere Cynthia K. , Odongo David O. , Githaka Naftaly , Sears Kelly P. , Knowles Donald P. , Fry Lindsay M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEquine theileriosis, a tick-transmitted disease caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi and Theileria haneyi, affects equids throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a significant regulatory concern in non-endemic countries, where testing for equine theileriosis is required prior to horse import to prevent parasite entry. Within endemic areas, infection causes significant morbidity and mortality, leading to economic losses. No vaccine for equine theileriosis is available, and current drug treatment protocols are inconsistent and associated with significant side effects. Recent work has revealed substantial genetic variability among equine theileriosis organisms, and analysis of ribosomal DNA from affected animals around the world indicates that the organisms can be grouped into five distinct clades. As these diverse parasites are capable of infecting a wide range of both tick and mammalian hosts, movement of different equine Theileria species between endemic countries, and eventually into non-endemic countries, is a significant concern. Furthermore, the substantial genetic variability of these organisms will likely render currently utilized importation diagnostic tests unable to detect all equine Theileria spp. To this end, more complete characterization of these diverse parasites is critical to the continued global control of equine theileriosis. This review discusses current knowledge of equine Theileria spp. in this context, and highlights new opportunities and challenges for workers in this field.
The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the evaluation of scrotal trauma: a review
Authors: Yusuf Gibran T. , Rafailidis Vasileios , Moore Stephen , Hawthorn Benjamin , Fang Cheng , Huang Dean Y. , Sellars Maria E. , Sidhu Paul S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTesticular trauma is common, usually trivial and rarely requires hospital attendance, but if it does, then imaging becomes essential as scrotal assessment may be difficult due to pain and/or scrotal disruption. Ultrasound (US) assumes a crucial role as other cross-sectional modalities have a limited use in the acute presentation. Despite the acceptable accuracy of conventional US techniques, there are limitations which hinder a thorough evaluation, critically the assessment of tissue viability, crucial for clinical management and prognosis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been shown to offer improved flow visualisation and tissue perfusion compared with conventional Doppler techniques. CEUS can accurately and confidently demonstrate the viability of testicular parenchyma, delineate fracture lines and haematomas and guide treatment for testis-sparing surgery or orchidectomy. The purpose of this review is to present the literature, familiarise physicians with the principles of CEUS and findings of scrotal trauma and illustrate the main abnormalities through characteristic and educative cases.
PD-L1 expression correlation with metabolic parameters of FDG PET/CT and clinicopathological characteristics in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Huang Yan , Zhao Qingping , Wang Lei , Song Xiao , Li Yi , Jiang Lei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Immunotherapy targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand 1 (PD-L1) has shown promising results in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Exploring PD-L1 expression could help to select NSCLC candidates for immunotherapy. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT could provide phenotypic information on malignant tumors. Thus, this study investigated PD-L1 expression correlation with metabolic parameters of FDG PET/CT and clinicopathological characteristics in NSCLC.

Methods
FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters including maximum standard uptake (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis of primary lesion (MTV-P, TLG-P), and combination of primary lesion and metastases (MTV-C, TLG-C) were compared with PD-L1-positive expression in patients with NSCLC. Moreover, clinicopathological characteristics, including age, gender, smoking history, serum tumor markers, tumor location, size, TNM stage, and genetic mutation were also reviewed.

Results
All 374 patients (215 men; 159 women; age 63 ± 9 years) included 283 adenocarcinomas (ACs) and 91 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). PD-L1 expression was positive in 27.8% (104/374) cases. SUVmax, TLG-P, and TLG-C of PD-L1 positivity were significantly higher than PD-L1 negativity. Moreover, PD-L1 expression was obviously correlated with man, smoking, and central NSCLC. If ACs and SCCs were separately analyzed, PD-L1 positivity in ACs and SCCs was 21.6% (61/283) and 47.5% (43/91), respectively, and only SUVmax was obviously associated with PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that only SUVmax was an independent predictor of PD-L1 positive expression in overall NSCLC, AC, and SCC. Using a SUVmax cut-off value of 12.5, PD-L1 status of NSCLC was predicted by FDG PET/CT with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 65.4%, 86.7%, and 80.7%, respectively.

Conclusions
PD-L1 expression of NSCLC was related to SUVmax, TLG, man, smoking, and central location. However, only SUVmax was an independent predictor of PD-L1 positivity, which could help to explore the existence of immune checkpoints.
Predicting the occurrence of multidrug-resistant organism colonization or infection in ICU patients: development and validation of a novel multivariate prediction model
Authors: Wang Li , Huang Xiaolong , Zhou Jiating , Wang Yajing , Zhong Weizhang , Yu Qing , Wang Weiping , Ye Zhiqiao , Lin Qiaoyan , Hong Xing , Zeng Ping , Zhang Minwei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) have emerged as an important cause of poor prognoses of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to establish an easy-to-use nomogram for predicting the occurrence of MDRO colonization or infection in ICU patients.

Methods
In this study, we developed a nomogram based on predictors in patients admitted to the ICU in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from 2016 to 2018 using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. We externally validated this nomogram in patients from another hospital over a similar period, and assessed its performance by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and performing a decision curve analysis.

Results
331 patients in the primary cohort and 181 patients in the validation cohort were included in the statistical analysis. Independent factors derived from the primary cohort to predict MDRO colonization or infection were male sex, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and higher Pitt bacteremia scores (Pitt scores), which were all assembled in the nomogram. The nomogram yielded good discrimination with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.70–0.84), and the range of threshold probabilities of decision curves was approximately 30–95%.

Conclusion
This easy-to-use nomogram is potentially useful for predicting the occurrence of MDRO colonization or infection in ICU patients.
In vitro evaluation of double carbapenem and colistin combinations against OXA-48, NDM carbapenemase-producing colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains
Authors: Erdem Fatma , Abulaila Ayham , Aktas Zerrin , Oncul Oral 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Treatment of pandrug-resistant isolates often necessitates combination therapy. Checkerboard synergy and time-killing assay tests were performed to evaluate the benefits of a triple combination with meropenem, ertapenem, and colistin against 10 colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae clinical isolates harboring different β-lactamases. (blaOXA-48, blaNDM).

Materials and methods
In this study, ertapenem and meropenem (ERT/MEM), meropenem and colistin (MEM/COL), ertapenem, meropenem and colistin (ERT/MEM/COL) combinations were tested using checkerboard techniques and time-kill assays of each antibiotic alone and in combination against 10 colistin-resistant clinical K. pneumoniae isolates. An analysis of K. pneumoniae isolate B6 using a scanning electron microscope revealed morphologic changes in the cell surface after treatment with each antibiotic both alone and in combination. The whole genome of K. pneumoniae KPNB1 was sequenced using an Ion Torrent PGM sequencer.

Results
According to the checkboard results, synergistic combinations were observed with ertapenem/meropenem (5/10 isolates), meropenem/colistin (7/10) and ertapenem/meropenem/colistin (9/10); no antagonism was observed for all combinations. For the time-kill assay results; synergism and bactericidal effects were observed with meropenem/colistin (10/10) and with ertapenem/meropenem/colistin (10/10) combinations, and an indifference effect was observed with the ertapenem and meropenem (10/10) combination. Strain number 1 was found 100% identical to Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae HS11286 according to the outcomes of complete genome sequence analysis, and the strain carried the genes blaOXA-181, blaCTXM-15, blaNDM, arr-3, aac (6′)-Ib-cr, rmtF, and catB1.

Conclusion
Using double carbapenem antibiotics with colistin could be a potential alternative to treat colistin and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. The present study is the first Turkish report of OXA–181-type carbapenemase causing colistin resistance.
Sentiment analysis of online product reviews using DLMNN and future prediction of online product using IANFIS
Authors: Sasikala P. , Mary Immaculate Sheela L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA major task that the NLP (Natural Language Processing) has to follow is Sentiments analysis (SA) or opinions mining (OM). For finding whether the user’s attitude is positive, neutral or negative, it captures each user’s opinion, belief, and feelings about the corresponding product. Through this, needed changes can well be done on the product for better customer contentment by the companies. Most of the existent techniques on SA aimed at these online products have extremely low accuracy and also encompassed more time amid training. By employing a Deep learning modified neural network (DLMNN), a technique is proposed aimed at SA of online products review; in addition, via Improved Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inferences System (IANFIS), a technique is proposed aimed at future prediction of online products to trounce the above-stated issues. Firstly, the data values are separated into Contents-based (CB), Grades-based (GB), along with Collaborations based (CLB) setting as of the dataset. Then, each setting goes via review analysis (RA) by employing DLMNN, which renders the results as negative, positive, in addition to neutral reviews. IANFIS carry out a weighting factor and classification on the product for upcoming prediction. In the experimental assessment, the proposed work gave an enhanced performance compared to the existing methods.
A potential prognostic model based on miRNA expression profile in The Cancer Genome Atlas for bladder cancer patients
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Dong Yan , Xing Hong Jian , Hou Yi , Sun Yan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to construct prognostic model by screening prognostic miRNA signature of bladder cancer.MethodsThe miRNA expression profile data of bladder cancer (BC) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were obtained and randomly divided into the training set and the validation set. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between BC and normal control samples in the training set were firstly identified, and DEMs related to prognosis were screened by Cox Regression analysis. Then, the MiR Score system was constructed using X-Tile based cutoff points and verified in the validation set. The prognostic clinical factors are selected out by univariate and multivariate Cox Regression analysis. Finally, the mRNAs related to prognosis were screened and the biological pathway analysis was carried out.ResultsWe identified the 7-miRNA signature was significantly associated with the patient’s Overall Survival (OS). A prognostic model was constructed based on the prognostic 7-miRNA signature, and possessed a relative satisfying predicted ability both in the training set and validation set. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox Regression analysis showed that age, lymphovascular invasion and MiR Score were considered as independent prognostic factors in BC patients. Furthermore, based on MiR Score prognostic model, several differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such asWISP3andUNC5C, as well as their related biological pathway(s), including cell–cell adhesion and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, were considered to be related to BC prognosis.ConclusionThe prognostic model which was constructed based on the prognostic 7-miRNA signature presented a high predictive ability for BC.
Investigating liquidity constraints as a channel of contagion: a regime switching approach
Authors: Sruthi Rajan , Shijin Santhakumar 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present study investigates the timing and repercussion of the subprime crisis of 2008–09 in a regime-switching model. The interdependence and co-movement of financial markets in different countries has been enhanced due to the globalization of international trade, and investment trends can spread globally as a result of investors owning international portfolios. This study uses a regime-switching model to illustrate the timing of the crisis regime and calm regime for United States (US) stock index returns and the corresponding impact on Indian stock index returns. The Indian stocks investigated are classified into “remote” and “reachable” stocks, and different effects are found for these two types. It is found that shocks originating in the US can be transferred to the Indian reachable market as a result of foreign investors. There is, however, a less persistent impact on remote stocks. Accordingly, the study contributes to the literature on the material impacts of the crisis resulting from liquidity constraints and fear of contagion among investors.
Giant congenital melanocytic nevus of the scalp: from clinical-histological to molecular diagnosis
Authors: Sun Yi , Zou Yun , Wang Lizhen , Gu Hao , Cen Qingqing , Chen Hui , Lin Xiaoxi , Cai Ren 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCongenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a benign proliferative skin disease in the epidermis and dermis. Large to giant CMNs are estimated to be associated with an increased lifetime risk of malignancy. It is necessary to estimate and monitor the risk of malignant transformation for giant CMNs. To date, the clinical “ABCD” criteria and immunohistochemistry studies can be confusing and, to some extent, subjective. Accordingly, the elucidation of genomic analyses of nevi is required to better understand the malignant transformation of CMNs. Here, we describe two large to giant CMNs of the scalp with opposite clinical-histological and molecular evaluations of potential malignancy risk. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a genetic study of large to giant CMNs of the scalp in East Asia. We recommend reviewing the molecular diagnosis together with careful medical history and histological information to facilitate the evaluation of the potential malignancy risk.
Evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in western Iran: seroepidemiology and risk factors analysis
Authors: Mousavi-Hasanzadeh Morteza , Sarmadian Hossein , Ghasemikhah Reza , Didehdar Mojtaba , Shahdoust Maryam , Maleki Mahshid , Taheri Mahdieh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infectious disease, and Toxoplasma gondii is the causative factor of this intracellular protozoan disease. Due to the lack of information about the rate of T. gondii in general papulation of Markazi Province in Iran, the current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and the related risk factor analysis in the general population of Markazi Province.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was performed within 6 months on individuals who were referred to diagnostic laboratories in Markazi Province. The demographic and background information of the subjects were collected using a questionnaire. Three milliliters of blood samples was collected from the participants under sterile conditions. The sera were separated and evaluated for levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS software using descriptive statistics and chi-square test.

Results
Out of 824 people from the general population of Markazi Province who were investigated in this study, 276 (33.5%) had anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in their blood. According to the logistic regression model, gender variables, location, marital status, and having a cat at home do not affect the chances of contracting the parasite. Furthermore, the chance of contracting the parasite in 41- to 50-year-olds is 0.85 times the one in the 20- to 30-year-olds. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in men and women in Markazi Province was 33% and 34.5%, respectively.

Conclusion
The mean prevalence of T. gondii infection in the age groups of 20-40, and ≥ 40 years was estimated to be 24.7%, and 40.8%, respectively. These rates were significantly lower than the national results (44%, and 55%, respectively). Therefore, regarding to the health authorities, it is necessary to raise the level of awareness of people of the region, especially at-risk groups about the transmittance and prevention methods, and infection risk factors in order to prevent the occurrence of T. gondii infection and reduce the prevalence and incidence of the disease.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids: a review and current treatment modalities
Authors: Tripathi Sanjeev , Soni Kumud , Agrawal Poornima , Gour Vishal , Mondal Rajesh , Soni Vandana 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHypertrophic scars (HTS) are raised, red, rigid, inflexible cell-like, and cosmetic problems precipitated due to multiple underlying dermal injuries such as burn, surgery, and trauma during which aberrant wound healing with more pathological deposition of the extracellular matrix than degradation leads to their spawning. Till date, well established and specific treatments for HTS have not been reported; hence, the need of recent developments is thrusted with novel drug delivery vision. This review will try to encompass all the agogs to HTS, definition, pathophysiology, mechanism of hypertrophic scar formation, the role of growth factors in hypertrophic scarring, and their difference with keloids. Further, it will illuminate the available medicaments and recent advances in novel topical drug delivery systems such as ethosomes, transethosomes, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and microsponges for treatment of HTS.
Morphological description of the digestive canal in Taeniopygia guttata (zebra finch) and Sturnus vulgaris (starling)
Authors: Taha Ameer M. , AL-Duleemy Abdulaziz S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The present study is designed to identify the morphological description of the digestive tract in two species of different birds; these birds were Taeniopygia guttata (zebra finch) which is granivorous and Sturnus vulgaris (Starling) which is omnivorous.

Results
The results showed that the digestive canal of both birds was similar in the essential structure. It begins with the oropharyngeal cavity, which starts with the beak. The beak appeared different in the outer shape, which depends on the feeding. The mouth palate in both birds contains slit localized in the hard palate. This slit represents as beak nostril. The tongue appeared at the bottom of the oropharyngeal cavity. The esophagus appeared as a muscular tube containing the crop, which is divided into two parts the cervical part and the thoracic region, while the stomach was composed of two clear parts in both birds. The first one was a conical shape called proventriculus. The second was a spherical shape called the gizzard, and they are separated by a transitional zone called the isthmus, which was more apparent in the zebra finch, while the small intestine developed mostly in both birds. It is divided into three parts, which were the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, as well as the large intestine, which appeared as tube shape, which is the rectum. There was a pair of caecum located in the contact area of the ileum and rectum. The digestive canal ends with the cloaca in both birds.

Conclusion
These results indicate that there are differences in the anatomical structure of the gastrointestinal tract organs between the two birds to be compatible with the quality and method of obtaining food.
Thermoelectric composite with enhanced figure of merit via interfacial doping
Authors: Adams Michael J. , Heremans Joseph P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn order to improve the thermoelectric conversion efficiency and figure of merit, ZT, composite materials of organic or inorganic constituents often are considered. The limitation of this approach is set by the effective medium theory, which states that the ZT in a composite material cannot exceed the greatest value of any single constituent, if the constituents do not interact. Here, we describe a method that circumvents this limit, based on the introduction of interfacial doping. An electrically and thermally insulating medium is distributed into a conventional thermoelectric host material but is coated with an aliovalent acceptor that is allowed to diffuse locally into the host matrix, thereby doping it locally. The thermal conductivity decreases when the insulating material is added, but the more electrically conducting region around the insulator prevents an equally large increase in electrical resistivity. Employing this method in p-type (Bi1-xSbx)2Te3 compounds results in a maximum figure of merit zT = 1.3, an over 10% improvement compared to the host material alone. We report synthesis and measurement techniques in addition to thermoelectric transport properties. While we report on one material system, the concept is not specific to that system and may be used to provide functionality in other thermoelectric composites.
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) of composites of graphene nanoplatelets and polymers for high thermal conductivity: a mini-review
Authors: Guerra Valentina , Wan Chaoying , McNally Tony 
Published: May 2020

AbstractComposites of polymers and the graphene family of 2D materials continue to attract great interest due their potential to dissipate heat, thus extending the in-service life of electronic and other devices. Such composites can be 3D printed using Fused Deposition Modelling into complex bespoke structures having enhanced properties, including thermal conductivity in different directions. While there are controversial opinions on the limitations of FDM for large-scale and high volume production (e.g. long production times, and expensive printers required), FDM is an innovative solution to the manufacture of small objects where effective thermal management is required and it is a valid alternative for the manufacture of (micro)-electronic components. There are few papers published on the FDM of functional composite materials based on graphene(s). In this mini-review, we describe the many technical challenges that remain to successful printing of these composites by FDM, including orientation effects, void formation, printing and feeding rates, nozzle and printing bed temperatures and the role each has in determining the thermal conductivity of any composite product made by FDM. We also compare these initial reports with those on FDM of other and related carbonaceous fillers, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon fibre.