bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in Group B Streptococcus from clinical samples
Authors: Mudzana Raymond , Mavenyengwa Rooyen T , Gudza-Mugabe Muchaneta 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Streptococcus agalacticae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is one of the most important causative agents of serious infections among neonates. GBS virulence factors are important in vaccine development, whilst antibiotic resistance genes are necessary in understanding the resistance mechanisms used by pathogens. This study was carried out to identify virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes associated with GBS isolated from pregnant women. Methods: A total of 43 GBS isolates were obtained from 420 vaginal samples collected from HIV positive and negative women who were 13-35 weeks pregnant attending Antenatal Care at Chitungwiza and Harare Central Hospitals in Zimbabwe. Identification tests of GBS isolates was done using standard bacteriological methods including molecular tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using 3 antibiotics was done using the modified Kirby-Bauer method. The boiling method was used to extract DNA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen for 13 genes. Data was fed into SPSS 24.0 and the Spearman rank correlation test used to determine correlation among genes. Results: Nine distinct virulence gene profiles were identified. The profiles hly-scpB-bca-rib 37.2% (16/43) and hly-scpB-bca 18.6% (8/43) were common. The following virulence gene frequencies were obtained namely hly 97.8% (42/43), scpB 90.1% (39/43), bca 86.0% (37/43), rib 69.8% (30/43) and bac 11.6% (5/43). High resistance to tetracycline 97.7% (42/43) was reported followed by clindamycin 55.8% (24/43) and erythromycin 30.2% (13/43). Antibiotic resistance genes among the resistant and intermediate-resistant isolates showed high frequencies for tetM 97.6% (41/42) and low frequencies for ermB 34.5% (10/29), ermTR 10.3% (3/29), mefA 3.4% (1/29), tetO 2.4% (1/42) and linB 0% (0/35). The atr housekeeping gene yielded 100% (43/43) positive results, whilst the mobile genetic element IS1548 yielded 9.3% (4/43). Conclusion: The study showed high prevalence of multiple virulence genes hly, scpB, bca and rib in S. agalactiae strains isolated from pregnant women. Tetracycline resistance was found to be predominantly caused by the tetM gene, whilst macrolide resistance was predominantly due to the presence of erm methylase, with the ermB gene being more prevalent. It was also observed that in vitro phenotypic resistance is not always accurately predicted by resistance genotypes.
Comparison of two caries prevention programs among Thai kindergarten: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pisarnturakit Pagaporn Pantuwadee , Detsomboonrat Palinee 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Intensified preventive regimen based on a ‘high-risk’ approach has been proposed instead the routine prevention that is generally given to the whole population. The effectiveness of these regimens may still be an issue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare two preventive programs carried out in a Public School for kindergarten children. Methods: The data from clinical examinations were used to assess the caries risk for 121 children. Children with at least 2 carious lesions were considered as high risk for dental caries development. These children were randomized into two groups. Half (High risk basic-HRB group) were provided the basic prevention regimen (oral-hygiene instruction and hands-on brushing practice for teachers and caregivers, daytime tooth brushing supervised by teachers at least once a week, newly erupted first permanent molar sealant, provision of toothbrush, fluoride-containing dentifrice, and a guidebook), which was also given to low-risk children (Low risk basic-LRB group). The other half (High risk intensive-HRI group) were additionally given an intensified preventive regimen (F-varnish application, primary molar sealant, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application on carious lesions). Clinical examinations were performed semiannually to determine the dmfs caries increment of the three groups. Results: The 89 children completed the 24-month examination were 3- to 5-year-old with 19, 35, and 35 children in the LRB, HRB, and HRI group, respectively. The new caries development at 24 months of the HRB group (75%) was higher than that of the HRI group (65.7%) and the LRB group (21.1%). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences of caries increment between the HRB and HRI groups in caries increment at the end of our study (p=0.709). Conclusions: The negligible difference in caries increment between the HRI and HRB groups implies that intensified prevention produced minimal additional benefit. Offering all children only basic prevention could have obtained virtually the same preventive effect with substantially less effort and lower cost.
A structured mixed method process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial of Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
Authors: Fyhn Tonje , Ludvigsen Kari , Reme Silje E , Schaafsma Frederieke 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The effect of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) has been widely documented, but in many studies, the majority of participants remains unemployed. Structured process evaluations that use mixed methods are scarce, although they could identify components that may enhance the effect of IPS. The aim of the current study is to provide a description of a structured mixed methods process evaluation of IPS in Norway. Methods The process evaluation was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial including six IPS centers, comparing IPS with treatment as usual in a population of patients in treatment for moderate to severe mental illness. Mixed methods were used in the process evaluation, and outcome measures were reach, barriers and facilitators, and fidelity. Results The intervention reached the intended target group. All centers reached fair to good fidelity within the project period. Certain fidelity items seemed to indicate implementation issues related to employer contact, community-based services, and integration with health services. Less than half of the participants regarded their illness as a barrier for participation in IPS. Participants were overall satisfied and found the intervention useful, emphasizing the availability of the employment specialist and their consistent job focus, as well as the freedom to disclose their illness or not. Conclusions Certain fidelity items indicated implementation issues during the first year, namely providing community-based services, ensuring quality in employer contact, and integration with health treatment. The employment specialist clearly played an important role for participants. Most participants described this relationship as positive, empowering, and encouraging. Trial Registration The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov prior to the inclusion period (reg.no: NCT01964092, registered 17/07/2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01964092 ).
Predictors of hookah smoking among women in the south of Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dadipoor Sakineh , Heyrani Ali , aghamolaei teamur , Shahsavari Saeideh , Ghaffari Mohtasham , Ghanbarnezhad Amin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The prevalence of hookah smoking has grown over the past decades in Iran especially in the south of the country more than other geographical areas. The present research aims to determine the socio-demographic predictors of hookah smoking among women in the south of Iran. Method This research was conducted on 400 female hookah smokers selected through the multi-stratified sampling method. Data were collected from October 2018 to September 2019 using a researcher-made questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was run to determine the influential behavioral and socio-demographic factors involved in hookah smoking. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 in the final fitting model were declared to be associated with the outcome variable. Results Participants’ age ranged between 15 and 85 years (mean=34.91±13.3 years). As for demographic factors, women in the 35-50 age group (p=.01) and those above 50 years (p=.02) showed more tendency to smoke hookahs than those below 20 years of age. The ‘ever-married’ group tended to smoke hookahs three times as much as the ‘never married’ (p=.002). Those of a low socio-economic status (SES) showed a stronger tendency to smoke hookahs than those of a high SES (6.5 times as strong) (p=.000). The statistical analysis of behavioral factors showed that the following were associated with a higher frequency of hookah smoking among women: lower age of beginning to smoke hookahs (p<.001) <15 years, 15-30 years (p=.003), longer duration of hookah smoking (p=.000), hookah smoking among family members (p=.000), absence of either parent in family (single-parent families) (p=.000), beginning to smoke hookahs with peers (p=.000) and a lack of prior intention to cease smoking (p=.000). Conclusion As the present results showed, hookah smoking was ordinary and popular among women in the present research. Increasing the social unacceptance of hookahs, focus on those surrounding women smokers, quitting the habit of hookah smoking and effective interventions to decrease one’s intention to smoke hookahs can help to reduce such unhealthy behaviors.
Quantitative proteomics analysis of lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Huang Shaoying , Zheng Fengping , Lin Hua , Zhou Xianqing , Xu Huixuan , Zhang Cantong , Dai Weier , Zhang Xinzhou , Sui Weiguo , Tang Donge , Dai Yong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Protein posttranslational modification (PTM) is an indispensable regulatory element that can fine-tune protein functions and regulate diverse cellular processes. Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) is a PTM that was recently identified and is thought to play a role in a wide variety of active cellular functions. In this report, for the first time, we comparatively studied the 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation proteome in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a new-onset biopsy-proven immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) group and a normal control group based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Altogether, 7405 proteins were identified and added to a Khib library. Of these proteins, we identified 111 with upregulated expression and 83 with downregulated expression. Furthermore, we identified 428 Khib modification sites on 290 Khib-modified proteins, including 171 sites with increased modification on 122 Khib-modified proteins and 257 specific sites with reduced modification on 168 Khib-modified proteins. Importantly, the abundance of lipocalin 2 was increased in the differentially expressed proteins, and a KEGG-based functional enrichment analysis showed that Khib proteins clustered in the IL-17 signaling pathway and phagosome category, which may have important associations with IgAN. Our data enlighten our understanding of Khib in IgAN and indicate that Khib may have important regulatory roles in IgAN.
Applying an intersectionality lens to the Theoretical Domains Framework: a tool for thinking about how intersecting social identities and structures of power influence behaviour
Authors: Etherington Nicole , Rodrigues Isabel Braganca , Giangregorio Lora , Graham Ian D. , Hoens Alison M , Kasperavicius Danielle , Kelly Christine , Moore Julia E. , Ponzano Matteo , Presseau Justin , Sibley Kathryn M. , Straus Sharon 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background A key component of the implementation process is identifying potential barriers and facilitators that need to be addressed. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) is one of the most commonly used frameworks for this purpose. When applying the TDF, it is critical to understand the context in which behaviours occur. Intersectionality, which accounts for the interface between social identity factors and structures of power, offers a novel approach to understanding how context shapes individual decision-making and behaviour. We aimed to develop a tool to be used alongside applications of the TDF to incorporate an intersectionality lens when identifying implementation barriers and enablers. Methods An interdisciplinary Framework Committee (n=17) prioritized the TDF as one of three models, theories, and frameworks (MTFs) to enhance with an intersectional lens through a modified Delphi approach. The modified Delphi involved two rounds of online voting followed by a final majority vote. In collaboration with the wider Framework Committee, a subgroup considered all 14 TDF domains and iteratively developed recommendations for incorporating intersectionality considerations within the and its domains TDF. An iterative approach aimed at building consensus was used to finalize recommendations. Results Consensus on how to apply an intersectionality lens to the TDF was achieved after 12 rounds of revision. Two overarching considerations for using the intersectionality-enhanced TDF were developed by the group as well as two to four prompts for each TDF domain to guide interview topic guides. Conclusions Through an expert-consensus approach, we developed a tool for applying an intersectionality lens alongside the TDF. By considering the role of intersecting social factors when selecting, tailoring, and implementing KT interventions, they may become more effective.
Transcriptional reprogramming strategies and miRNA-mediated regulation networks of Taxus media induced into callus cells from tissues
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Meng , Jin Xiaofei , Tao Haoran , Wang Yamin , Peng Bo , Fu Chunhua , Yu Longjiang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Taxus cells are a potential sustainable and environment-friendly source of taxol, but they have low survival ratios and slow grow rates. Despite these limitations, Taxus callus cells induced through 6 months of culture contain more taxol than their parent tissues. In this work, we utilized 6-month-old Taxus media calli to investigate their regulatory mechanisms of taxol biosynthesis by applying multiomics technologies. Our results provide insights into the adaptation strategies of T. media by transcriptional reprogramming when induced into calli from parent tissues. Results Seven out of 12 known taxol, most of flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes were significantly upregulated in callus cells relative to that in the parent tissue, thus indicating that secondary metabolism is significantly strengthened. The expression of genes involved in pathways metabolizing biological materials, such as amino acids and sugars, also dramatically increased because all nutrients are supplied from the medium. The expression level of 94.1% genes involved in photosynthesis significantly decreased. These results reveal that callus cells undergo transcriptional reprogramming and transition into heterotrophs. Interestingly, common defense and immune activities, such as “plant–pathogen interaction” and salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-signaling transduction, were repressed in calli. Thus, it’s an intelligent adaption strategy to use secondary metabolites as a cost-effective defense system. MiRNA- and degradome-sequencing results showed the involvement of a precise regulatory network in the miRNA-mediated transcriptional reprogramming of calli. MiRNAs act as direct regulators to enhance the metabolism of biological substances and repress defense activities. Given that only 17 genes of secondary metabolite biosynthesis were effectively regulated, miRNAs are likely to play intermediate roles in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites by regulating transcriptional factors (TFs), such as ERF, WRKY, and SPL. Conclusion Our results suggest that increasing the biosynthesis of taxol and other secondary metabolites is an active regulatory measure of calli to adapt to heterotrophic culture, and this alteration mainly involved direct and indirect miRNA-induced transcriptional reprogramming. These results expand our understanding of the relationships among the metabolism of biological substances, the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and defense systems. They also provide a series of candidate miRNAs and transcription factors for taxol biosynthesis.
Comparative transcriptome combined with metabolome analyses revealed key factors involved in nitric oxide (NO)-regulated cadmium stress adaptation in tall fescue
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhu Huihui , Ai Honglian , Hu Zhengrong , Du Dongyun , Sun Jie , Chen Ke 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background It has been reported that nitric oxide (NO) could ameliorate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in tall fescue; however, the underlying mechanisms of NO mediated Cd detoxification are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the possible molecular mechanisms of Cd detoxification process by comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. Results The application of Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as NO donor decreased the Cd content of tall fescue by 11% under Cd stress (T1 treatment), but the Cd content was increased by 24% when treated with c-PTIO together with L-NAME (T2 treatment). RNA-seq analysis revealed that 904 (414 up- and 490 down-regulated) and 118 (74 up- and 44 down-regulated) DEGs were identified in the T1 vs Cd and T2 vs Cd comparisons, respectively. Moreover, metabolite profile analysis showed that 99 (65 up- and 34-down- regulated) and 131 (45 up- and 86 down-regulated) metabolites were altered in the T1 vs Cd and T2 vs Cd comparisons, respectively. The integrated analyses of transcriptomic and metabolic data showed that 81 DEGs and 15 differentially expressed metabolites were involved in 20 NO-induced pathways. The dominant pathways were involved in antioxidant activities such as glutathione metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, secondary metabolites such as flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and nitrogen metabolism. Conclusions In general, the results revealed that there are three major mechanisms regulated by NO in Cd stress response in tall fescue: (a) antioxidant capacity enhancement; (b) accumulation of secondary metabolites related to cadmium chelation and sequestration; and (c) regulation of cadmium ion transportation, such as ABC transporter activation. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the NO-mediated cadmium stress response.
Stability of the effect of silencing genes involved in the midgut homeostasis on Anopheles arabiensis mosquito reared under different breeding site conditions
Authors: Debalke Serkadis , Habtewold Tibebu , Christophides George K. , Duchateau Luc 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria vector mosquitoes acquire midgut microbiota primarily from their habitat. The homeostasis of these microbial communities plays an essential role in the mosquito longevity, the most essential factor in the mosquito vectorial capacity. Our recent study revealed that silencing genes involved in regulation of the midgut homeostasis including FN3D1, FN3D3, and GPRGr9 reduced the survival of female adult Anopheles arabiensis mosquito. In the present study, we investigate the stability of the gene silencing efficiency of mosquitoes reared in three different breeding conditions representing distinct larval habitat types: town brick pits in Jimma, flood pools in the rural land of Asendabo and roadside pools in Wolkite. Methods: First instar larvae of An. arabiensis mosquitoes were reared separately using water collected from the three breeding sites. The resulting adult females were micro-injected with dsRNA targeting the FN3D1 gene (AARA003032) and their survival was monitored. Control mosquitoes were injected with dsRNA Lacz. In addition, the load of midgut microbiota of these mosquitoes was determined using flow cytometry.Result: Survival of naïve adult female mosquitoes differed between the three sites. Mosquitoes reared using water collected from brick pits and flood pools survived longer than mosquitoes reared using water collected from roadside. However, the FN3D1 gene silencing effect on survival did not differ between the three sites. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the efficacy of FN3D1 gene silencing is not affected by variation in the larval habitat. Thus, silencing this gene using genetic engineering approaches can have a large potential for application throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Geographically vary determinants of High-Risk Fertility Behavior among Reproductive age women in Ethiopia. Geographically Weighted Regression Analysis
Authors: Tadesse Zemenu Tessema , Azanaw Melkalem Mamuye , Asmare Yeaynmarnesh , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Maternal and child mortality is the main public health problem worldwide and it is the major health concern in developing countries such as Africa and Asia. Fertility behavior of women characterized in relation to maternal age, birth spacing, and order which has an impact on the health of women and children. The aim of this study was to assess the geographically vary Risk factors of High-Risk Fertility Behavior(HRFB) among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. Methods A total of 11,022 reproductive-age women were included in this study. The data was cleaned and weighted by STATA 14.1 software. Bernoulli based spatial scan statistics were used to identify the presence of purely spatial clusters HRFB using Kulldorff’s SaTScan version 9.6 software. ArcGIS 10.7 was used to visualize spatial distribution for HRFB. Geographical weighted regression analysis was employed by Multiscale Geographical weighted regression version 2.0 software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant predictors locally. Results Overall, 76% with 95% confidence interval of 75.60 to 77.20 of reproductive age women were faced with High-Risk Fertility problems in Ethiopia. High-Risk Fertility Behavior was highly clustered at the Somali, and Afar regions of Ethiopia. SaTScan identified 385 primary spatial clusters (RR= 1.13, P < 0.001) located at Somali, Afar, and some parts of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Women live in primary clusters were 13% more likely venerable HRFB than outside the cluster. In geographically weighted regression not contraceptive use, and home delivery were statistically significant spatially vary risk factors affecting HRFB. Conclusion In Ethiopia, HRFB had to vary geographically across regions. Statistically, a significant-high hot spot of HRFB was identified at Somali and Afar. This study showed that predictor variables for HRFB were varied spatially in Ethiopia. Not use a contraceptive, and home delivery were statistically significant predictors locally in different regions of Ethiopia. Therefore, policymakers and health planners should design an effective intervention program at Somali, and Afar to reduce HRFB and Special attention needs about health education on the advantage of contraceptive utilization and health facility delivery to reduce HRFB.