bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased mRNA Expression of Key Cytokines Among Suspected Cases of Pneumocystis Jirovecii Infection
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Alfaifi Mohammed , Shahrani Mesfer Al , Alshahrani Abdulaziz S. , Alkhathami Ali G. , Dera Ayed A. , Ahmad Irfan , Wahab Shadma , Beg Mirza M. A. , Hakamy Ali , Hamid Mohamed E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a fatal infectious disease caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP). The major factor relevant to morbidity and mortality seems to be the host inflammatory reaction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 cytokines mRNA expression among suspected P. jirovecii infection.Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytic study undertaken in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. A 100 suspected PCP cases and a 100 healthy controls were included in the study. Basic clinical manifestations, radiological findings, microbiological and immunological findings were extracted from the hospital records from January 2019 to August 2019, Pneumocystis detection was done by the immune-fluorescent staining (IFAT, Gomorimethanamine silver staining (GMSS), Giemsa staining, Toluidine blue O (TBO), and Pneumocystis RT-PCR. Results: Increased more than 5 fold, 3 fold, 4 fold, and 7 fold of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 mRNA expression were observed in PCP cases compared to control. Higher expression of IL-2 mRNA was connected with crept, wheezing and chest X-ray findings like central perihilar infiltrates, patchy infiltrates, consolidation, hilar lymphadenopathy, pneumothorax, pleural effusion which showed higher expression compared to counterpart (p<0.0001). Higher expression of IL-4 mRNA was found to be significantly associated with the weight loss (p=0.002), dyspnea (p=0.003), crept (p=0.01), and chest X-ray findings (p<0.0001). Significantly increased expression of IL-10 mRNA was observed to be associated with weight loss, dyspnea, night sweats, wheezing, and different findings of chest X-ray compared to their counterparts, whereas, IL-13 mRNA was observed with cases with fever. Suspected cases of PCP confirmed positive by IFTA with higher IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression compared to negative cases. RT-PCR confirmed PCP cases had significantly higher expression of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 as well as IL-13 mRNA compared to negative cases. Positive detected cases by GMSS showed higher IL-2, IL-10 mRNA expression, while Giemsa showed only higher IL-4 mRNA expression compared to negatives cases. Conclusion: Confirmed cases of P. jirovecii showed higher IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 mRNA expression comparatively to negative cases. Increased expression of cytokines may be indicative of infection severity and could help in patients’ management.
Morphological characterization of Arab and Oromo goats in northwestern Ethiopia: implications for community-based breeding programs
Authors: Sheriff Oumer , Alemayehu Kefyalew , Haile Aynalem 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: An exploratory field research was conducted in Northwestern Ethiopia, to characterize the morphological features of Arab and Oromo goat populations as a first step to design breeding programs. Ten qualitative and nine quantitative traits were considered from 747 randomly selected goats. All data collected during the study period were analyzed using R statistical software, version 3.5.2, 2018. Results: Plain white coat color was predominantly observed in Arab goats (33.72%) while plain brown (deep and light) coat color was the most frequent in Oromo goats (27.81%). The morphometric measurements indicated that Oromo goats have significantly (P < 0.001) higher body weight and linear body measurements than Arab goats. Positive, strong and highly significant (P < 0.001) correlations were obtained between body weight and most of the body measurements in both goat populations. The highest correlation coefficients of chest girth with body weight for Arab (r = 0.95) and Oromo (r = 0.92) goat populations demonstrated a strong association between these variables. Live body weight could be predicted with regression equations of y = -33.65 + 0.89x for Arab goats (R2 = 90) and y = -37.55 + 0.94x for Oromo goats (R2 = 85), where y and x are body weight and chest girth, respectively, in these goat types. Conclusions: The morphological variations obtained in this study could be complemented by performance data and molecular characterization using DNA markers to guide the overall goat conservation and formulation of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.
Intranasal exposure of African green monkeys to SARS-CoV-2 results in acute phase pneumonia with shedding and lung injury still present in the early convalescence phase
Authors: Cross Robert W , Agans Krystle N , Prasad Abhishek N , Borisevich Viktoriya , Woolsey Courtney , Deer Daniel J , Dobias Natalie S , Geisbert Joan B , Fenton Karla A , Geisbert Thomas W 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We recently reported the development of the first African green monkey (AGM) model for COVID-19 based on a combined liquid intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we followed up on this work by assessing an i.n. particle only route of exposure using the LMA mucosal atomization device (MAD). Six AGMs were infected with SARS-CoV-2; three animals were euthanized near the peak stage of virus replication (day 5) and three animals were euthanized during the early convalescence period (day 34). All six AGMs supported robust SARS-CoV-2 replication and developed respiratory disease. Evidence of coagulation dysfunction as noted by a transient increases in aPTT and circulating levels of fibrinogen was observed in all AGMs. The level of SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung pathology was not quite as pronounced as previously reported with AGMs exposed by the combined i.n. and i.t. routes; however, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal swabs of some animals as late as day 15 and rectal swabs as late as day 28 after virus challenge. Of particular importance to this study, all three AGMs that were followed until the early convalescence stage of COVID-19 showed substantial lung pathology at necropsy as evidenced by multifocal chronic interstitial pneumonia and increased collagen deposition in alveolar walls despite the absence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 in any of the lungs of these animals. These findings are consistent with human COVID-19 further demonstrating that the AGM faithfully reproduces the human condition.
HIV testing and Counselling Among Tuberculosis Suspected Patients in Kassala State, Sudan: A Determinant Study
Authors: Idris Almutaz Mohamed , Crutzen Rik , Borne H.W. Van den 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Acceptance and use of HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) services of Tuberculosis(TB) suspected patients is low, which limit the opportunities of detecting those in need of HIV treatment and care. This study aimed to assess the psychosocial beliefs related to intention to use HTC services among TB suspected patients and the relevance of these beliefs for behaviour change intervention in Sudan.Methods: TB suspected patients (N= 383) completed a cross-sectional questionnaire from five separate TB facilities. The questionnaire was based on the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) model. Eligibility criteria included attending Tuberculosis Management Units (TBMUs) in Kassala State as suspected TB patients and aged 18-64 years. A Confidence Interval Based Estimation of Relevance (CIBER) analysis approach was employed to investigate the effects of beliefs on the intention to use HTC services and to establish their relevance regarding interventions.Result: The CIBER results showed the beliefs included in the study accounted for 59% to 70% of the variance in intention to use HTC services. The participants' beliefs "My friends think I have to use HTC services" is highly relevant for behaviour change interventions because it had a relatively low average score and is strongly associated with intention to use HTC services. The belief " If I would fear to be stigmatized if I get HIV positive result " on average had a relatively high score. It was negatively associated with intention to use HTC services, so it is highly relevant for intervention development. The " Health care providers will keep my HIV test result confidential " belief was positively associated with intention to use HTC services with an average score on the middle at the scale and needs reinforcement in interventions. The mean score of the belief " I could have the cost to reach HTC services " was in the middle of the scale but it was not associated with intention and therefore is not a variable to be targeted for interventions. Conclusion: The study revealed that the relevance of salient beliefs of intention to use HTC services varies among TB suspected patients. It is essential to develop interventions to enhance the intention to use HTC services based on beliefs (sub-determinants) that are most relevant.
Genomic analysis of circular RNAs in heart
Authors: Dong Kunzhe , He Xiangqin , Su Huabo , F David J.R. , Zhou Jiliang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered class of RNA that have been found to have important physiological and pathological roles. In the current study, we de novo analyzed existing whole transcriptome data from 5 normal and 5 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) human heart samples and compared the results with circRNAs that have been previously reported in human, mouse and rat hearts. Results: Our analysis identifies a list of cardiac circRNAs that are reliably detected in multiple studies. We have also defined the top 30 most abundant circRNAs in healthy human hearts which include some with previously un-appreciated cardiac roles such as circHIPK3_11 and circTULP4_1. We further found that many circRNAs are dysregulated in DCM, particularly transcripts originating from DCM-related gene loci, such as TTN and RYR2. In addition, we predict the potential of cardiac circRNAs to sponge miRNAs that have reported roles in heart disease. We found that circALMS1_6 has the highest potential to bind miR-133, a regulator of cardiac remodeling. Interestingly, we detected a novel class of circRNAs, referred to as read-though (rt)-circRNAs which are produced from exons of two different neighboring genes. Specifically, rt-circRNAs from SCAF8 and TIAM2 were observed to be dysregulated in DCM and both have the potential to sponge multiple heart disease-related miRNAs.Conclusions: In summary, this study provides a valuable resource for exploring the function of circRNAs in human heart disease and establishes a functional paradigm for identifying novel circRNAs in other tissues.
Diagnostic Value of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cryptococcal Antigen-Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assay for Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in non-HIV Patients
Authors: Zeng Hui-Qing , Cai Xue-Ying , Zhang Xiao-Bin , Yang Dong-Yong , Lin Li , Chen Mei-Jun , Guo Wei-Feng , Zhu Si-Hong , Chen Xian-Xing , Chen Xiao-Rong , Huang Ye-Mei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of cryptococcal antigen-lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (CrAg-LFA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC). Methods: The subjects collected from March 2015 to October 2018 in 4 hospitals were divided into the pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) group (n=72) and the non-pulmonary cryptococcosis (non-PC) group (n=236). The patients in the PC group were diagnosed by lung biopsy. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values of CrAg-LFA in the serum were 75.0%, 99.6%, 98.2%, and 92.9%, respectively, while those in the BALF were 93.1%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 97.9%, respectively. Hence, the sensitivity of the CrAg-LFA in BALF was significantly higher than that in the serum of the patients in the PC group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The CrAg-LFA is a rapid, simple and safe experimental method. CrAg-LFA in BALF samples can offer higher diagnostic value for PC than that noted in the serum samples of PC subjects. Furthermore, the BALF positive results were equivalent to the microbiological culture positive results in terms of diagnostic value.
Recalling of Multiple Grasping Methods From an Object Image With a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: SANADA Makoto , MATSUO Tadashi , SHIMADA Nobutaka , SHIRAI Yoshiaki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this study, a method for a robot to recall multiple grasping methods for a given object is proposed. Therobot learns grasping methods using a convolutional neural network to observethe grasping activities of human without special instructions. For this setting, only one grasping motion is observed for an object at a time. By acquiring multiple grasping methods, the robot learnsby automatically clustering the observed grasping postures. In the proposed method, the grasping methods are clustered during the process of learning the grasping position. The method first recalls the grasping positions. The network for recalling the grasping position estimates the multi-channel heatmap that indicates one grasping position in each channel.The method then checks the graspability for each estimated position.Finally, it recalls the hand shapes that are based on the estimated grasping position and the object&rsquo;s shape. This study describes the results of recalling multiple grasping methods and demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Immune and Stromal Signature-Based Prognostic Gene of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiaonan , Tang Liansha , Liao Xinyang , Jin Kun , Zhou Xianghong , Jin Di , Yang Lu , Qiu Shi , Wei Qiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Immune and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment have exhibit critical relevance with tumorigenesis and progression. Therefore, our analysis was conducted to explore the potential prognostic factors and the therapeutic targets of bladder cancer (BC) that affiliate to immune and stromal infiltration signature.Methods: Immune and stromal score were calculated for BC patients from TCGA database using ESTIMATE algorithm to predict the level of infiltration. Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to assess the correlation of immune/stromal infiltration with survival outcomes. Differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified. Enrichment analyses, Kaplan-Meier curves, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction were performed to describe and screen the core module genes, whose prognostic value was further validated by an independent GEO dataset. Transcriptional factors (TFs) and ncRNA. correlated with the core module were identified using RAID 2.0 and TRRUST 2.0 database, and drugs potentially regulative for BC were accordingly screened using DrugBank.Results: 393 and 93 BC patients were enrolled from TCGA and GEO respectively. Higher stromal infiltration indicated worse overall survival (P = 0.015), and higher immune infiltration indicated an improvement on overall survival (P = 0.042). 562 DEGs were identified and 123 of them associated with survival outcomes. PPI has identified the core module genes, in which EFNB2 was the only core prognostic gene that was validated by both TCGA (P = 0.042) and GEO dataset (P = 0.036). Four TFs and Five ncRNAs (e.g. HIF1A) were associated with the regulation of the core module genes, and six drugs were screened as potential candidates to regulate BC.Conclusion: Higher immune infiltration in bladder tumor was correlated with improved survival and higher stromal infiltration corelated with worse survival. Furthermore, a higher expression of EFNB2 was tied with poorer prognosis of BC, which was validated by two independent datasets.
Feasibility and Outcome of Metacognitive Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A pilot study
Authors: Winter Lotta , Schweiger Ulrich , Kahl Kai G. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) in treating different mental disorders. Most of these studies were performed in English speaking countries using the original English version of the manual. Our study aimed to examine the feasibility of the translated MCT manual in a sample of German patients with major depressive disorder.Methods 20 outpatients (6 male, 14 female, mean age 42.1y) with major depressive disorder were included. The main outcome was drop-out rate and satisfaction with the treatment; secondary outcomes were changes in metacognitive beliefs assessed with the metacognitive questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30), and symptom reduction measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-2 sum score (BDI-2).Results No drop-outs during the treatment and the follow-up phase were observed. Patients and therapists were highly satisfied with MCT treatment. The MCQ-30 significantly declined over the treatment course, paralleled by a significant reduction of the BDI-2 sum scores (from 29 ± 8.6 at T0 to 8.4 ± 9.6 at the end of treatment).The average treatment duration was 10 ± 4 sessions.Conclusions Applying the German version of the manual for Metacognitive Therapy proved to be feasible in the treatment of depressed patients in an outpatient setting. The treatment was well tolerated by German patients. Outcome in terms of reduction of depressive symptoms was good. Remarkable is the comparably short treatment duration which should be investigated further in future studies.
Incidence of Airway Complications Associated with Deep Extubation in Adults
Authors: Juang Jeremy , Cordoba Martha , Ciaramella Alex , Xiao Mark , Goldfarb Jeremy , Bayter Jorge Enrique , Macias Alvaro Andres 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Endotracheal extubation is the most crucial step during emergence from general anesthesia. In the vast majority of cases, this is carried out when patients are awake with return of airway reflexes. Alternatively, extubations can also be accomplished while patients are deeply anesthetized, a technique known as “deep extubation”, in order to provide a “smooth” emergence from anesthesia. This smooth emergence is particularly important for procedures that require maintenance of stable levels of intraocular and intracranial pressures, such as in neurologic, ophthalmic, and head-and-neck surgery [1]. Reluctance to performing deep extubation in adults, even in appropriate circumstances, is common and likely derives both from concerns for potential respiratory complications [2] and limited research supporting its safety. It is in this context that we designed our prospective study to understand the factors that contribute to the success or failure of deep extubation in adults. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 300 patients, age ≥ 18, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) Classification I - III, who underwent head-and-neck and ocular surgeries. Patients’ demographic, comorbidity, airway assessment, O2 saturation, end tidal CO2 levels, time to exit OR, time to eye opening, and respiratory complications after deep extubation in the OR were analyzed. Results: Forty (13%) out of 300 patients had at least one complication in the OR, as defined by persistent coughing, desaturation SpO2 < 90% for longer than 10s, laryngospasm, stridor, bronchospasm and reintubation. When comparing the complication group to the no complication group, the patients in the complication group had significantly higher BMI (30 vs 26), lower O2 saturation pre and post extubation, and longer time from end of surgery to out of OR (p<0.05). Conclusions: The complication rate during deep extubation in adults was low and all easily reversible. And patient factors and extubation conditions may influence probability of success in deep extubation.
The Impact of a Training Programme Incorporating The Conceptual Framework Of The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) on Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Interprofessional Practice in Rwandan Health Professionals: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Sagahutu Jean Baptiste , Kagwiza Jeanne , Cilliers Francois , Jelsma Jennifer 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The first step in improving interprofessional teamwork entails training health professionals (HP) to acknowledge the role and value the contribution of each member of the team.ICF has been developed by WHO to provide a common language to facilitate communication between HPs.Objective: To determine whether ICF training programme would result in improved knowledge and attitudes regarding interprofessional practice within Rwandan district hospitals.Design, setting and participants: A cluster randomised, single blinded, control trial design was used to select four district hospitals. Participants included physicians, social workers, Physiotherapists, nutritionists, clinical psychologists/mental health nurses. Intervention: Health professionals either received one day’s training in interprofessional practice (IPP) based on the ICF framework (experimental group) or a short talk on the topic (control group).Outcome measures: Validated questionnaires were used to explore changes in knowledge and attitudes. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authorities.Results: There were 103 participants in the experimental and 100 in the control group. There was no significant difference between Knowledge and Attitude scales at baseline. Post-intervention the experimental group (mean=41.3, SD=9.5) scored significantly higher on the knowledge scale than the control group (mean=17.7, SD=4.7 (t=22.5; p<.001)). The median scores on the Attitude Scale improved in the Experimental group from 77.8 to 91.1%, whereas the median scores of the control remained approximately 80% (Adjusted Z =10.72p<.001).Conclusion: The ICF proved to be a useful framework for structuring the training of all HPs in IPP and the training resulted in a significant improvement in knowledge and attitudes regarding IPP. As suggested by the HPs, more training and refresher courses were needed for sustainability and the training should be extended to other hospitals in Rwanda. It is thus recommended that the framework can be used in interprofessional education and practice in Rwanda and possibly in other similar countries.Name of the registry: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry Trial registration number: PACTR201604001185358 Date of registration: 22/04/2016URL of trial registry record: www.pactr.orgFunding: Republic of Rwanda through Rwanda Education Board