bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Landscape Vulnerability to Soil Erosion by RUSLE Model Using GIS and Remote Sensing: A Case of Zariema watershed, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Hagos Yonas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Zariema watershed located in the Tekeze basin Northern highlands of Ethiopia has been a subject to serious problem of soil erosion. Soil degradation due to soil erosion is one of the key environmental and socioeconomic case which threats soil nutrient depletion and food security in northern Ethiopian highlands. This study was conducted to estimate the soil loss rate and identify hotspot areas using RUSLE model in the Zariema watershed, Tekeze basin, Ethiopia.Methods:The rainfall – runoff erosivity(R) factor was determined from mean annual rainfall, soil erodibility(K) factor from soil map, Topographic factor (Ls) were generated from DEM, Crop management factor (C) and Conservation support practice factor(P) obtained from land use/land cover map. Finally, the factors were integrated with Arc GIS 10.3 tools to estimate soil loss rates and landscape vulnerability to soil erosion of the study watershed. Results:Annual Soil losses rates were estimated to be between 0 ton ha-1 year-1 in plain areas and 989 ton ha-1 year-1 in steep slope areas of the study watershed. The total annual soil loss from the entire watershed area of 2239.33Sq. Km was about 3,603,895.23 tons. About 31.41% of the study areas were affected through the soil loss hazard which is above acceptable soil loss rate 11 ton ha-1 year-1. The spatial hazard classification rate was 68.59% of the watershed area categorized as slight (0 – 11 ton ha-1 year-1), 8.03% moderate (12 – 18 ton ha-1 year-1), 7.64% high (19 – 30 ton ha-1 year-1), 6.65% very high (31 – 50 ton ha-1 year-1) and 9.09% severe (>51 ton ha-1 year-1). Conclusion:As a result, In the cultivation land around steep slope the soil loss rate was in sever condition. To mitigate the severity of the soil erosion in the identified prone area which accounts for about 31.41% of the total watershed area immediate action of soil and water conservation required.
Bioinformatics Analysis of the Expression and Role of microRNA-221-3p in the Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Ziyan , Wu Wenling , Li Jixi , Liu Chang , Xiao Zixi , Lai Qinqiao , Qin Rongxing , Shen Mingjun , Shi Shuo , kang min 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer subtype globally, associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. However, the target genes of miR-221-3p and the underlying mechanism involved in HNSCC were not known. Therefore, in the current study, we studied the role of miR-221-3p in the HNSCC. MethodsTissues collected from 48 control and 21 HNSCC patients were processed to check the differential expression of miR-221-3p by RT-qPCR. Overexpression of microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) is significantly correlated to the onset and progression of HNSCC. We also conducted the meta-analysis of the cancer literature from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to estimate the expression of miR-221-3p in HNSCC. The miR-221-3p target genes in the HNSCC were predicted with the miRWalk and TCGA databases, and functionally annotated via the Gene Ontology Finally, Spearman’s analysis was used to determine the role of the related target genes in important pathways involved in the development of HNSCC. ResultsWe observed a significantly higher expression of miR-221-3p in HNSCC compared to the normal with a summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) of 0.86(95% Cl: 0.83,0.89). The KEGG and GO comprehensive analysis predicted that miR-221-3p might be involved in the development of HNSCC through the following metabolic pathways, viz Drug metabolism - cytochrome P450 UGT1A7 and MAOB may be important genes for the role of mir-221-3p.ConclusionsOur results indicate that miR-221-3p may be used as a non-invasive and hypersensitive biomarker in the diagnosis. Thus, it can be concluded that miR-221-3p is an extremely important gene locus involved in the process of the deterioration and eventual tumorigenesis of HNSCC.
Identification and Clinical Validation of Genes Signatures with Grade and Survival in Head and Neck Carcinomas
Authors: Ma Wei , Cao Qing , She Wandong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The mechanism of transition from low-grade to high-grade head and neck carcinomas (HNC) still remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the genes expression profiles that drive malignancy from low to high-grade HNC, as well as analyze their correlations with survival.Methods: Gene expressions and clinical data of HNC were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. The significantly different genes (SDGs) between low and high-grade HNC were screened by GEO2R tool and R software. Bioinformatics functions of SDGs were investigated by the enrichment analyses. Univariate and multivariate cox regressions were performed to identify prognostic SDGs of progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Receiver operating curve (ROC) was established to evaluate the ability to predict the prognosis. Then, the correlations between SDGs and clinical features were evaluated. The genes were experimentally validated by RT-PCR in clinical specimens.Results: 35 SDGs were identified in 47 low-grade and 30 high-grade HNC samples. Enrichment analysis showed these SDGs were enriched in the DNA repair pathway and the regulation of I−kappaB kinase/NF−kappaB signaling pathway. Cox regression analyses showed that CXCL14, SLC44A1 and UBD were significantly associated with DSS, and PPP2R2C and SLC44A1 were associated with PFS. Patients at a high-risk or low-risk for prognosis were established based on genes signatures. High-risk patients had significantly shorter DSS and PFS than low-risk patients (P=0.033, 0.010 respectively). Multivariate cox regression showed human papillomavirus (HPV) (P=0.033), lymph node status (P=0.032) and residual status (P＜0.044) were independent risk factors for PFS. ROC curves showed the risk score had better efficacy to predict survival both for DSS and PFS (AUC=0.858, 0.901 respectively). In addition, we found UBD, PPP2R2C and risk score were significantly associated with HPV status (all P＜0.05). The experiment results showed CXCL14 and SLC44A1 were significantly overexpressed in the HNC grade I/II tissues and the UBD was overexpressed in the HNC grade III/IV tissues.Conclusions: Our results suggested that SDGs had different expression profiles between the low-grade and high-grade HNC, and these genes may serve as prognostic biomarker to predict the survival.
Bridging the Research to Practice Gap: A Systematic Scoping Review of Implementation of Interventions for Cancer-Related Fatigue Management
Authors: Agbejule Oluwaseyifunmi Andi , Hart Nicolas H. , Ekberg Stuart , Koczwara Bogda , Ladwa Rahul , Simonsen Camilla , Pinkham Elizabeth P , Chan Raymond Javan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and distressing symptoms in people with cancer. Whilst efficacy of interventions for CRF have been extensively investigated, less has been done to ensure successful translation into routine clinical practice. The aim of this systematic scoping review was to synthesise knowledge surrounding the implementation of CRF interventions, summarise the processes and outcomes of implementation strategies used, and identify opportunities for further research.Methods. PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched through to December 2020. The Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group taxonomy and the RE-AIM Framework were used to guide the evaluation of implementation strategies and outcomes, respectively. Results. Six studies were included. Three used implementation frameworks (PARIHS, KTA, Cullens & Adams’ Implementation Guide) to guide implementation. Overall, the implementation strategies used across all studies were reported to have directly resulted in immediate changes at the clinician level (e.g., increased clinician behaviours, self-efficacy, attitudes, knowledge of CRF management). No clear relationship was found between the use of implementation models and the number or type of implementation strategies used. For outcomes, Effectiveness and Implementation were the most highly reported RE-AIM measures followed by Reach then Maintenance. Adoption was the least reported.Conclusions. Despite the high prevalence of CRF and evidence-based interventions for managing CRF, there is limited evidence informing the sustainable implementation of these interventions. There was an absence of external indicator reporting (e.g., start-up and ongoing intervention costs) in included studies, limiting the transability of study findings. Further, factors such as lack of clinician time, insufficient program funding, and unsustainable maintenance costs, were highlighted as key implementation barriers of CRF programs. This scoping systematic review emphasises the lack of quality CRF implementation studies presently available in the literature leading to a disconnect between effective CRF interventions, routine clinical care, and cancer survivors at present. Further, this review also highlights the need for robust study designs guided by established frameworks to methodically design and evaluate the implementation of CRF management interventions in the future.
The value of complete remission according to positron emission tomography prior to autologous stem cell transplantation in lymphoma: a population-based study showing improved outcome
Authors: Noring Kristina , Carlsten Mattias , Sonnevi Kristina , Wahlin Björn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Chimeric antigen-receptor T-cell and bispecific antibody therapies will likely necessitate a reconsideration of the role of autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in lymphoma. Patients who are likely to profit from ASCT need to be better identified.
Methods

Here, we investigated the value of positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) before ASCT. All 521 patients transplanted for lymphoma 1994–2019 at Karolinska (497 conditioned with BEAM) were included.
Results

Outcome improved over three calendar periods 1994–2004, 2005–2014, 2015–2019 (2-year overall survival [OS]: 66%, 73%, 83%; P = 0.018). Non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 100 days over the three periods were 9.8%, 3.9%, 2.9%, respectively. The OS improvement between 1994–2004 and 2005–2014 was due to lower NRM (P = 0.027), but the large OS advance from 2015 was not accompanied by a significant reduction in NRM (P = 0.6). The fraction of PET/CT as pre-ASCT assessment also increased over time: 1994–2004, 2%; 2005–2014, 24%; 2015–2019, 60% (P < 0.00005). Complete responses (PET/CT-CR) were observed in 77% and metabolically active partial responses (PET/CT-PR) in 23%. PET/CT-CR was a predictor for survival in the entire population (P = 0.0003), also in the subpopulations of aggressive B-cell (P = 0.004) and peripheral T-cell (P = 0.024) lymphomas. Two-year OS and progression-free survival (OS/PFS) for patients in PET/CT-CR were in relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma 87%/75% and peripheral T-cell lymphoma 91%/78%. The corresponding figures in PET/CT-PR were 43%/44% and 33%/33%. Patients with solitary PET/CT-positive lesions showed acceptable outcome with ASCT followed by local irradiation (2-year OS/PFS 80%/60%). CT was less discriminative: 2-year OS/PFS: CT-CR, 76%/66%; CT-PR, 62%/51%. Outcome was inferior after BEAC compared with BEAM conditioning.
Conclusions

We conclude that the improved outcome reflects better, PET/CT-informed, identification of patients who should proceed to ASCT. The excellent survival of patients in PET/CT-CR indicates that ASCT should remain part of standard therapy for lymphoma.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, immune response, and intestinal permeability in broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis
Authors: xu xiao , Yang Shunli , Olajide Joshua Seun , Qu Zigang , Gong Zhenxing , Wang Jing , Zhang Yanbing , Wang Heng , Xiong Ling , Zhang Kun , Zhou Enmin , Cai Jianping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Necrotic enteritis (NE), which is caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), is an economically important disease in broiler. Among normal flora in the broiler intestinal, Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) has been identified as a probiotic agent that reduces the susceptibility of broilers to C. perfringens. It also promotes the repair of broiler intestinal damage from harmful intestinal pathogens. However, the effects of C. butyricum infection on broiler intestinal integrity during NE are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of C. butyricum on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and barrier function, and the functions of immune-related cytokines under NE in broilers.
Results
Infected group (PC) showed significant decrease in the average daily gain (ADG, p < 0.01) and increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.01) compared with C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) through dietary supplement. Supplementation of C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) restored the intestinal villus height, increased the crypt depth, and reduced the intestinal damage under NE. Furthermore, broilers infected with NE (PC) had higher serum IgA and endotoxin content, and after addition with C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) returned to normal level. In addition, compared with PC, supplementation of C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) restored intestinal barrier function-related genes (such as CLDN-1, CLDN-3, OCLN, MUC2, ZO-1, and CLDN5), cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, and TGFB1) and C. perfringens plc gene expression. Moreover, C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) could restore the decrease in Gt (p < 0.01) and Isc caused by NE (PC). In addition, NECB2 reduced the upregulation of FD4 flux caused by NE infection (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Dietary supplementation of C. butyricum into broilers with NE improved chicken growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier function, and immune function. Notably, no statistical difference was observed with the addition of C. butyricum at different time points.
Clinical Outcomes After Endovascular and Microsurgical Treatment of Very Small Intracranial Aneurysms: Report of a Consecutive Series and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Jianfeng , Sun Xiaochuan , Zhang Xiaodong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating endovascular coiling or microsurgical clipping of very small intracranial aneurysms (IAs), including 126 patients treated in our center.Data Sources: The electronic database of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies on endovascular or microsurgical treatment of very small IAs. The search was performed by using the keywords and medical subject heading (MeSH) terms: “intracranial aneurysm,” “cerebral aneurysm,” “outcome,” “endovascular,” “coil,” “embolization,” “coiling,” “surgical,” “neurosurgical,” “microsurgical,” “clip,” “clipping,” “small,” and “tiny” in both AND and OR combinations.Study Selection: Only studies of very small (Size ≤ 3 mm) ruptured or unruptured IAs patients undergoing endovascular coiling or microsurgical clipping were included.Data Extraction: Data collection and quality assessment were conducted independently by two authors.Data Synthesis: A total of 6 studies provided data on 362 very small UIAs and 9 studies provided data on 703 very small RIAs. Of 362 patients with very small UIAs, 6 (1.7%) cases had operation-related neurological deficits, and no patient died. Of 731 patients with very small RIAs, the morbidity and mortality were 13.0% and 4.7%, respectively. Morbidity due procedure-related complications was 8.3% (95% CI, 3.5% to 13.1%) in coiled very small RIAs patients compared with 20.6% (95% CI, 10.5% to 30.8%) in clipped very small RIAs patients. Mortality due to procedure-related complications was 5.3% (95% CI, 2.9% to 7.7%) in coiled very small RIAs patients compared with 4.7% (95% CI, 2.0% to 7.3%) in clipped very small RIAs patients. No significant differences were found in the incidence of poor outcomes observed between microsurgical and endovascular treatment for very small RIA patients (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.99 - 1.93; P = 0.06).Conclusions Very small UIAs can be treated effectively and safely with good long-term outcomes. However, very small RIAs patients are at high risk of poor outcome and the incidence of neurological complication should not be ignored.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Rich in Neutralising Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 as a Passive Immunity Modality in Healthy Individuals at Risk of Infection With COVID-19: Study Protocol for an Open Label, Active Control Phase 1/2 Study.
Authors: Gavagna Guy , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Lemech Charlotte , Williams Suzanne , Elefantis Elena , Nair Hari , Farrugia Albert 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of our healthcare systems and the need for rapid development of effective care strategies. Global efforts to develop novel therapeutics have intensified, but in late November 2020, few are approved. There is an urgent need for novel therapeutics to limit further spread of COVID-19. Passive immunity by infusing neutralising anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies provides a method to prevent infection in individuals at heightened risk such as frontline health care workers. Convalescent plasma (CP) collected from donors who have recovered from an infectious disease can be pooled and fractionated into hyperimmune intravenous immunoglobulin (HIVIG), a concentrated formulation with enriched levels of pathogen-specific antibodies. HIVIG are established for therapeutic and prophylactic administration across many infectious diseases and possess many advantages over CP including consistent high titres of antiviral antibodies without ABO matching or risk of transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI) or transfusion associated circulatory overload (TACO), lower infusion volume, simpler storage, longer shelf life, and easier administration. Method A parallel group, open-label, active control, phase 1/2 trial which allocates healthy adult healthcare workers never infected with SARS-CoV-2 to receive a single intravenous infusion of either CP or HIVIG. This clinical trial is the first to establish whether a HIVIG preparation concentrated with antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is safe when administered to healthcare workers in the prevention of COVID-19, and to assess whether the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the HIVIG are pharmacokinetically equivalent to those in unmodified CP.Discussion Trials to date suggest that allocation of limited CP may be optimised if used for prevention rather than treatment of COVID-19. This HIVIG (CovimmuneTM, Aegros Ltd.) is manufactured by a novel plasma fractionation technology (HaemaFracTM, Aegros Ltd.) which offers high purity and a greater protein yield from smaller batches of starting plasma than is possible with conventional fractionation techniques. If successful, this approach can be rapidly scaled up for implementation into clinical practice and contribute to the sustainability of healthcare systems during the current and future pandemics. The more prevention and treatment options available to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the stronger the position our society will hold. Trial registration Australia & New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registration number: ACTRN12620001249943p. Date: 20/11/2020. https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620001249943p.aspx
Unraveling the ecological processes modulating the population structure of Escherichia coli in a highly polluted urban stream network
Authors: Saraceno Martín , Lugo Sebastián Gómez , Ortiz Nicolás , Gómez Bárbara , García Carmen Sabio y , Frankel Nicolás , Graziano Martín 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Escherichia coli dynamics in urban watersheds are affected by a complex balance among external inputs, niche modulation and genetic variability. To explore the ecological processes influencing E. coli spatial patterns, we analyzed its abundance and phylogenetic structure in water samples from a stream network with heterogeneous urban infrastructure and environmental conditions. Our results showed that environmental and infrastructure variables, such as macrophyte coverage, DIN and sewerage cover, mostly explained E. coli abundance, with a negative relationship between abundance and phylogroup richness. Moreover, main generalist phylogroups A and B1 were found in high proportion, which, together with an observed negative relationship between E. coli abundance and phylogroup richness suggests that their dominance is due to competitive exclusion. Low-frequency taxa were associated with sites of higher ecological disturbance, mainly involving simplified habitats, higher drainage infrastructure and septic tank density. In addition to the strong positive relationship between phylogroup richness and evenness, the occurrence of these phylogroups would be associated with increased facilitated dispersal. Nutrients also contributed to explaining phylogroup distribution. Our study highlights the differential contribution of distinct ecological processes to the patterns of E. coli in an urban watershed, which is useful for the monitoring and management of fecal pollution.
WITHDRAWN: Autoantibody to the Rab6A/Rab6B in Autoimmune Cerebellar Ataxia Associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome
Authors: Guo Liyuan , Ren Haitao , Fan Siyuan , Guan Hongzhi , Wang Jing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background To report a novel autoantibody against Purkinje cell in a patient with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (ACA) associated to Sjogren’s syndrome (SS).Methods The Patients on one centre with cerebellar ataxia of unknown cause, who were tested positive with tissue-based indirect immunofluorescence assay (TBA) on rat cerebellum sections and negative for comprehensive anti-neural autoantibodies panel, were investigated for novel autoantibody identification. Among them, one patient with comorbid ACA and SS was qualified for further exploration. His-immunoprecipitation (HIP) combined with mass spectrometric (MS) analysis was used to identify the target antigen, which was confirmed by recombinant cell based assay (CBA) and antibody neutralization experiments. Results TBA of the patient’s serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for autoantibody testing revealed binding of IgG antibody, mainly IgG1, to Purkinje cell and granular layer of rat cerebellum. Rab6A was identified as the autoantigen by MS and Western blot, subsequently verified by CBA with HEK293 cells expressing human Rab6A/Rab6B. Furthermore, recombinant human Rab6A/Rab6B protein to neutralize the autoantibodies’ tissue reaction was performed by a parallel confirmed approach.Conclusion Autoantibody against Rab6A/Rab6B may be a novel biomarker in diagnosis of ACA, especially in patients with comorbid ACA and SS. The role of the antibody in mechanism of ACA warrants further study.