bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dengue fever transmission between construction site and its surrounding communities in China
Authors: Liu Xingchun , Zhang Meng , Cheng Qu , Zhang Yingtao , Ye Guoqiang , Huang Xiqing , Zhao Zeyu , Rui Jia , Hu Qingqing , Frutos Roger , Chen Tianmu , Song Tie , Kang Min 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to more mosquito habitats and the lack of basic mosquito control facilities, construction sites are more likely to have secondary cases after case importation, which may increase the number of cases in the neighborhood community and the chance of community transmission. This study aims to investigate how to effectively reduce the dengue transmission in construction sites and the neighboring communities.Methods: Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious/Asymptomatic-Recovered (SEIAR) model of human and SEI model of mosquitoes were developed to estimate the transmission of dengue virus between human and mosquitoes within the construction site and within a neighboring community, as well between them. With the calibrated model, we further estimated the effectiveness of different intervention scenarios targeting at reducing the transmissibility at different locations (i.e. construction sites and community) with the total attack rate (TAR) and the duration of the outbreak (DO).Results: A total of 102 construction site-related and 131 community-related cases of dengue were reported in our study area. Without intervention, the cases related to the construction site and the community rose to 156 (TAR: 31.25%) and 10796 (TAR: 21.59%). When cutting off the transmission route from mosquitoes to human in the community, the community cases decreased to a minimum of 33 compared with other simulated scenarios (TAR: 0.068%, DO: 60 days). If the transmission route from infectious mosquitoes in the community, and from the construction site to susceptible people on the site, was cut off at the same time, the cases in the construction site dropped to a minimum of 74 (TAR: 14.88%, DO: 66 days).Conclusions: To control the outbreak effectively for both the construction site and the community, interventions needed to be taken within the community and from the community to the construction site. If interventions were only taken within the construction site, this could not reduce the number of cases on the construction site. If interventions were taken within the construction site or between the construction site and the community, this could not lead to a reduction in the number of cases in the community.
Special foods and local herbs used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana: rate of use and beliefs of efficacy
Authors: Ali Zakari , Bukari Mohammed , Mwinisonaam Anita , Abdul-Rahaman Abdul-Latif , Abizari Abdul-Razak 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Inadequate breastmilk production is one of the key factors associated with suboptimal breastfeeding. In most local African homes, special herbs and some food items are commonly used to promote breastmilk production (known as lactogogue/galactogogue). We describe the use and characterize the herbs and food items used to promote breastmilk production in two regions of Ghana.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2018 involving 402 lactating mothers. The range of foods used as lactogogues was obtained from 20 participants through focus group discussions. Quantitative data on demographics, lactogogue use and feeding practices were obtained through questionnaire administration. Results: The mean age of women was 29.2years and children were 10 months. Breastmilk production problems were low (22.4%) and majority of lactating mothers felt they had adequate breastmilk (70.4%) but awareness about lactogogues was widespread in both regions (88.8%) and highest in the Brong-Ahafo region (90.0%). Information about lactogogues was mainly from grandparents (24.6%), parents (31.6), health facilities (16.5%) and friends (12.8%), while the media had little influence (<1%). Majority of the mothers used lactogogues to enhance breatmilk production (67.7%), yet a quarter of them used lactogogues because of their tradition (25.2%). Prevalence of lactogogue use was 83.8%, lactogogues were prepared separate from household meals (59.4%) and consumed 1 to 3 times a day (89.6%). Users felt the effectiveness within 24hrs of use (98.5%). The most common lactogogues included; groundnut/peanut soup prepared with Bra leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa), hot black tea, Werewere/Agushi (Citrulus colocynthis) prepared with Bra leaves, and Abemudro (a polyherbal formulation). Only 13.2% of lactating mothers also used lactogogues during pregnancy.Conclusion: Special foods and selected herbs are widely used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana and constitute an important part of the diet of lactating mothers. These results could contribute to understanding breastfeeding behaviours and stimulate further research into evaluating the safety and scientific efficacy of these products in Ghana.
Genome sequence analysis of the beneficial Bacillus subtilis PTA-271 isolated from a Vitis vinifera (cv. Chardonnay) rhizospheric soil: assets for sustainable biocontrol.
Authors: LEAL Catarina , Fontaine Florence , Aziz Aziz , Egas Conceiçao , Clement Christophe , Trotel-Aziz Patricia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Bacillus subtilis strains have been widely studied for their innumerous benefits in agriculture, including viticulture. Providing numerous assets, B. subtilis spp. are described as promising plant-protectors against many pathogens and as influencers to adaptations in a changing environment. This study reports the draft genome sequence of the beneficial Bacillus subtilis PTA-271, isolated from the rhizospheric soil of healthy Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay at Champagne Region in France, attempting to draw outlines of its full biocontrol capacity.Results: The PTA-271 genome has a size of 4,001,755 bp, with 43.78% of G + C content and 3,945 protein coding genes. The draft genome of PTA-271 putatively highlights a functional swarming motility system hypothesizing a colonizing capacity and a strong interacting capacity, strong survival capacities and a set of genes encoding for bioactive substances. Predicted bioactive compounds are known both to: stimulate plant growth or defenses such as hormones and elicitors, influence beneficial microbiota, and counteract pathogen aggressiveness such as effectors and many kinds of detoxifying enzymes.Conclusions: Plurality of the putatively encoded biomolecules by Bacillus subtilis PTA-271 genome appears as strengths for PTA-271 biocontrol potential towards plants, highlighting a big potential against a broad spectrum of pathogens whatever environmental constraints.
Identification and characterization of a Babesia bigemina thrombospondin-related superfamily member, TRAP-1: a novel antigen containing neutralizing epitopes involved in merozoite invasion
Authors: Montenegro Valeria N , Paoletta Martina S , Ortiz Jose Jaramillo , Suarez Carlos E , Wilkowsky Silvina E 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background The thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) has been described as a potential vaccine candidate in several apicomplexan parasites. However, this protein and members of this family have not been characterized yet in Babesia bigemina, one of the most prevalent species causing bovine babesiosis.Methods The Babesia bigemina TRAP-1 (BbiTRAP-1) gene of 3186 bp was identified by a bioinformatics search using the B. bovis TRAP-1 sequence. Members of the TRAP and TRAP-related protein families (TRP) were identified in Babesia and Theileria through the search of the TSP-1 adhesive domain, the hallmark motif in both proteins. Structural modelling and phylogenetic analysis were performed with the identified TRAP proteins. A truncated recombinant BbiTRAP-1 that migrates at ~107 kDa and specific antisera were produced and used in Western blot analysis and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). B-cell epitopes with neutralizing activity in BbiTRAP-1 were defined by ELISA and invasion assays.Results TRAP family has 3 members in B. bigemina (BbiTRAP-1-3). All are type 1 transmembrane proteins containing the von Willebrand factor A (vWFA), thrombospondin type 1 (TSP-1) and cytoplasmic C-terminus domains along with transmembrane regions. The BbiTRAP-1 predicted structure also contains a metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) for interaction with the host cell. The TRP family in Babesia and Theileria species contains the canonical TSP-1 domain but lacks the vWFA domain and together with TRAP define a novel gene superfamily. A variable number of tandem repeat units is present in BbiTRAP-1 and could be used for strain genotyping. Western blot and IFAT analysis confirmed expression of BbiTRAP-1 by blood stage parasites. Partial recognition by a panel of sera from B. bigemina infected cattle in ELISA using truncated BbiTRAP-1 suggests that this protein is not an immunodominant antigen. Additionally, bovine anti-recombinant BbiTRAP-1 antibodies were capable of neutralizing merozoite invasion in vitro. Conclusions We identified the TRAP and TRP gene families in several Babesia and Theileria species, and characterized BbiTRAP-1 as a novel antigen of B. bigemina. The functional relevance and presence of neutralization-sensitive B-cell epitopes suggest that BbiTRAP-1 could be included in future vaccine candidates against B. bigemina.
EQ-5D-3L health state utility values in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients in Malaysia : A cross-sectional assessment
Authors: Shafie Asrul Akmal , Chhabra Irwinder Kaur , Yi Jacqueline Wong Hui , Mohammed Noor Syahireen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose: There is a gap of information describing the health state utility values (HSUVs) of Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia (TDT) patients in Malaysia. These values are useful in the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), economic evaluations and provide guidance to disease management decisions. The objective of this study was to estimate and derive HSUVs associated with the treatment and complications of TDT patients in Malaysia using the EQ-5D-3L instrument.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using the EQ-5D-3L instrument was conducted between May to September 2018 across various public hospitals in Malaysia. Using a multi-stage sampling, patients diagnosed with TDT and receiving iron chelating therapy were sampled. The findings on the EQ-5D-3L survey were converted into utility values using local tariff values. A two-part model was used to examine and derive the HSUVs associated with the treatment and complications of iron overload in TDT. Results: A total of 585 patients were surveyed. The unadjusted mean (SD) EQ-5D-3L utility value for TDT patients were 0.893 (0.167) while mean (SD) EQ VAS score was 81.22 (16.92). Patients who had more than two iron overload complications had a significant decline in HRQoL. Patients who were on oral monotherapy had a higher utility value of 0.9180 compared to other regimen combinations.Conclusion: Lower EQ-5D-3L utility values were associated with patients who developed iron overload complications and were on multiple iron chelating agents. Emphasizing compliance to iron chelating therapy to prevent the development of complications is crucial in the effort to preserve the HRQoL of TDT patients.
Demography and determinants of dog and cat ownership in three towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Sarba Edilu Jorga , Getaneh Abraham Mekebib , Tola Getachew Kebebew , Endale Solomon Shiferaw , Marami Lencho Megersa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to the absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for the control of pet population and zoonosis. This study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was designed and administered to households to collect data on the demography and determinants of dog/cat ownership. Six hundred ten households, consisting of 305 in Ambo, 182 in Bako, and 123 in Gojo towns were interviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of dog/cat ownership. ResultsAbout 65.1% (95% CI: 62.1 – 69.8%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.8 – 43.8%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.4 – 35.0%) own both. The majority of the dog-owning households own a single dog (74.8%) and cat (74.9%). There were significantly higher proportion of dog and cat-owning households in Bako than Ambo and Gojo towns. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6:1, and that of cat ratio was 10:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 3:1 for the dog while nearly 1:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have free access to outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs/cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, and shortage of finance. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, the gender of head of household, ownership of other animals as determinants for both dog/cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership. ConclusionData on dog/cat ownership status is important for the provision of veterinary services, pet population control, and for quantifying risks associated with dog/cat to the community and control of dog/cat borne zoonosis.
Prevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis in human and dog, Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Bejano Shibabaw , Shumie Girma , Kumar Ashwani , Asemahagn Eyuel , Damte Demekech , Wolde Sinkinesh , Mulugeta Abate , Manaye Nigus , Bayih Abebe Genetu , Gadisa Endalamaw , Mamo Gezahegn 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Benishangul-Gumuz region is an important development corridor in Ethiopia. The large-scale projects; the great renaissance dam, mining and agriculture entailed huge environmental modification and settlement pattern changes. Detail epidemiological information of VL in the region is unknown. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study to assess the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Leishmania infection. Leishmanin skin test (LST) was done for 1342 participants, and for 253 of them rK39 and DAT were done. Thirty-six dogs owned by households with LST positive member(s) were rK39 and DAT tested. A pretested questionnaire was used to capture individual and household characteristics. Results: Of the 89.2% (1197/1342) who availed themselves for LST reading 6.0% were positive. The rk39 and DAT positivity among the 253 tested were 3.2% and 5.9% respectively. In dogs, positivity rates by rK39 and DAT were 13.9% and 5.6% respectively. Of the household and individual risk factors presence of dog in household (P=0.005), male sex (0.003), residence woreda (0.000) and occupation (0.023) showed a strong positive association with LST positivity. Individuals who lived in household who owned dogs were 2.6 times more likely to be LST positive (AOR = 2.6; 95%CI= 1.54, 4.40). Being female decreased by 0.38 times the probability of being LST positive (AOR = 0.38; 95%CI= 0.20, 0.72). Living in Guba and Kurmuk has 4.7 (AOR=4.74, 95% CI 1.83, 12.31) and 5.9 (AOR=5.85, 95%CI 2.27, 15.09) times more risk of being infected. Conclusions: We demonstrated presence of active VL transmission in the areas. Thus, we underline the need to establish the responsible vector(s) and reservoir(s) for comprehensive early containment plan to prevent potentially harmful public health and economic consequence.
Smaller pineal gland is associated with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Park Jeongbin , Suh Seung Wan , Kim Grace Eun , Lee Subin , Kim Jun Sung , Kim Hye Sung , Byun Seonjeong , Bae Jong Bin , Kim Jae Hyoung , Kim Sang Eun , Han Ji Won , Kim Ki Woong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the association between pineal gland volume and symptoms of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients without any feature of dementia with Lewy bodies.Methods: We enrolled 296 community-dwelling probable AD patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria for possible or probable dementia with Lewy bodies. Among them, 93 were amyloid beta (Aβ) positive on 18F-florbetaben amyloid brain positron emission tomography. We measured RBD symptoms using the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) and defined probable RBD (pRBD) as the RBDSQ of 5 or higher. We manually segmented pineal gland on 3T structural T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging.Results: The participants with pRBD had smaller pineal parenchyma volume (VPP) than those without pRBD (p < 0.001). The smaller the VPP, the more severe the RBD symptoms (p < 0.001). VPP was inversely associated with risk of prevalent pRBD (odds ratio = 0.909, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.878–0.942, p < 0.001). Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for pRBD of VPP was 0.80 (95% CI = 0.750–0.844, p < 0.0001). These results were not changed when we analyzed the 93 participants with Aβ-positive AD separately.Conclusions: In AD patients, reduced pineal gland volume may be associated with RBD.
Social trust and emotional health in rural older adults in China: The mediating and moderating role of subjective well-being and subjective social status
Authors: Chen Hongsheng , Zhu Zhenjun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundChina is becoming an aging society. The emotional health of the elderly is gaining importance. Social trust is an important factor affecting emotional health, but existing studies have rarely considered the various effects of different types of social trust on rural elderly emotional health. Few studies have analysed the role of subjective well-being and subjective social status in the relationship between social trust and elderly emotional health.MethodsUsing the data of the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey 2016 (CLDS 2016) and regression models, this study selected 2084 rural respondents aged 60 years and above to analyse the impact of social trust on their emotional health. Social trust was divided into three categories: trust in family members, trust in friends, and trust in neighbours. This study also examined the mediating and moderating effects of subjective well-being and subjective social status on the relationship between social trust and emotional health.ResultsTrust in family members was significantly and positively associated with emotional health (coefficient=0.194, P<0.01) and subjective well-being (coefficient=0.177, P<0.01). Trust in friends was significantly and positively associated with emotional health and subjective well-being (coefficient=0.097, P<0.01; coefficient=0.174, P<0.01, respectively). Trust in neighbours was significantly and positively associated with emotional health and subjective well-being (coefficient=0.088, P<0.01; coefficient=0.177, P<0.01; respectively). Subjective well-being effectively reduced the impact of social trust in family, friends, and neighbours on the emotional health of the elderly by 0.023, 0.022, and 0.023, respectively. Trust in friends and neighbours significantly and positively affected respondents’ subjective social status (coefficient=0.120, P<0.05; coefficient=0.090, P<0.10; respectively). Subjective social status effectively reduced the impact of social trust in friends and neighbours on the emotional health of the elderly both by 0.004. The positive relationship between trust in family members and emotional health is weakened by subjective well-being.ConclusionsSocial trust, especially family relationships, play an important role in maintaining the emotional health of the rural elderly. In response to population ageing, more social policies must be introduced to care for the rural elderly and help them lead a happy and satisfactory life.
Treatment-related biomarkers in pulmonary hypertension patients on oral therapies
Authors: Swaminathan Aparna C , Zhu Hongmei , Tapson Victor , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Poms Abby , Kelleher Zachary , Gaspard Elijah , Kennedy Karla , Fee Brian , Fortin Terry , Mason S. Nick , Parikh Kishan , McMahon Tim 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiple classes of oral therapy are available for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but there is little to guide clinicians in choosing a specific regimen or therapeutic class. We aimed to investigate whether treatment-relevant blood biomarkers can predict therapy response in prevalent PAH patients.Methods: This prospective cohort study longitudinally assessed biomarkers along the endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (cGMP, ADMA, SDMA, nitrite, and S-nitrosohemoglobin) pathways along with the cGMP/NT-proBNP ratio over 12 months in patients with WHO Group 1 PAH on oral PAH-specific therapies. The relationship between biomarkers and 6MWD at the same and future visits was examined using mixed linear regression models adjusted for age. As cGMP can be elevated when NT-proBNP is elevated, we also tested the relationship between 6MWD and the cGMP/NT-pro BNP ratio. Patients with PAH with concomitant heart or lung disease or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) were included in a sensitivity analysis.Results: The study cohort included 58 patients with PAH treated with either an endothelin receptor antagonist (27.6%), phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (29.3%) or a combination of the two (43.1%). Among biomarkers along the current therapeutic pathways, ET-1 and the cGMP/NT-proBNP ratio associated with same visit 6MWD (p = 0.02 and p=0.03 respectively), and ET-1 predicted future 6MWD (p=0.02). ET-1 (p=0.01) and cGMP/NT-proBNP ratio (p=0.04) also predicted future 6MWD in the larger cohort (n = 108) of PAH patients with concomitant left heart disease (n = 17), lung disease (n = 20), or CTEPH (n = 13). Finally, in the larger cohort, SDMA associated with 6MWD at the same visit (p = 0.01) in all subgroups and ADMA associated with 6MWD in PAH patients with concomitant lung disease (p=0.03) and PAH patients on ERA therapy (p = 0.01).Conclusions: ET-1, cGMP/NTproBNP ratio, and dimethylarginines ADMA and SDMA are mediators along pathways targeted by oral PAH therapies that associate with or predict 6MWD.