bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Epidemiologic features analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Sun Changkui , Ma Wei , Yin Guoping , Zhang Xia , Yu Huiyan , Song Jinyun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background This study aims to analyse the epidemiological features of tuberculosis in Nanjing and to identify possible risk factors associated with the spatial-temporal distribution.Methods Firstly, we used descriptive statistical method to study the epidemiologic features of confirmed PTB cases in 2017. Secondly, we explored Maxent method to construct the species distribution model with a high spatial resolution of 1km based on those confirmed cases and environmental features. Once again, we validated the performance of the species distribution model using ROC approach and spatial jackknife test, identified the key environmental factors associated with PTB occurrence. Finally, we created a prediction map under specific environmental factors by projecting the training model onto the research areas.Results The seasonal amount of PTB was not obvious. The key risk factors associated with PTB occurrence are monthly mean vapor pressure, solar radiation, monthly average temperature, and precipitation with suitable ranges. The economically developed central city is the high-burden area of tuberculosis with a high risk probability, and the economically backward Gaochun district is the high transmission area of tuberculosis with a high incidence. Epidemiologically, the farmers, the elderly, the floating population, and males are the focus groups for PTB prevention and control.Conclusion The combination of environmental factors with Maxent methods is an appropriate option to analyse and estimate the spatial and temporal distribution of PTB cases.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of rice NLR genes responsive to the infections of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Ding Li , Xu Xiameng , Kong Weiwen , Xia Xue , Zhang Shengwei , Liu Aixin , Zou Lifang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Nucleotide-binding site, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes play a critical role in rice disease resistance. However, the transcriptional activities of rice NLR genes during pathogen invasions are still unclear.Results To uncover the veil, we identified a total of 430 regular rice NLR genes with both NBS and LRR domains, consisting of 192 CNL and 238 XNL (without a CC motif) members. We performed individual and integrative analyses based on 69 samples from rice microarray after the infections of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Magnaporthe oryzae (Mor). 397 NLR genes were found to be expressed at low/medium level, while 10 NLR genes were observed to show high levels of expression. 400 NLR genes were discovered to be differentially expressed in at least one sample. Further, 46 NLR genes were identified to be differentially expressed in rice response to the two pathogens and 38 of them could be validated by RNA-seq data. Six cis-regulatory elements (MYC, STRE, MYB, ABRE, G-box, and AS-1) were observed to occur frequently in the promoter regions of rice NLR genes. Ten NLR genes were selected for in lab analysis, and qRT-PCR results of seven NLR genes verified the validity of the microarray and RNA-Seq data.Conclusions Our results would shed new light on revealing the roles of NLR genes in rice resistance to Xoo and Mor.
Identification of a new resistance locus against the rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason), in Thai rice landrace MN62M
Authors: Leelagud Phikul , Kongsila Sakda , Vejchasarn Phanchita , Darwell Kulchana , Phansenee Yotwarit , Suthanthangjai Arissara , Uparang Chanita , Kawichai Rungnapa , Yajai Punnipa , Boonsa-nga Kunlayaa , Chamarerk Varapong , Jairin Jirapong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The rice gall midge (RGM), Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason), is one of the most destructive insect pests of rice, and it causes significant yield losses annually in Asian countries. The development of resistant rice varieties is considered as the most effective and economical approach for maintaining yield stability by controlling RGM. Identification of resistance genes will help in marker-assisted selection (MAS) to pyramid the resistance genes and develop a durable resistance variety against RGM in areas with frequent outbreaks.Results A mitochondrial gene, cytochrome C oxidase I (COI), was used to analyze the genetic diversity among Thai RGM populations. The phylogenetic tree indicated that the Thai RGM populations were homogeneously distributed throughout the country, except for some populations in central and northeast Thailand that probably became isolated from the main population. The reactions of the resistant rice varieties carrying different resistance genes revealed different RGM biotypes in Thailand. The Thai rice landrace MN62M showed resistance to all RGM populations used in this study. We identified a novel genetic locus for resistance to RGM, designated as GM12 , on the short arm of rice chromosome 2. The locus was identified using linkage analysis in 144 F 2 plants derived from a cross between susceptible cultivar KDML105 and RGM-resistant cultivar MN62M with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and F 2:3 phenotype. The locus was confirmed and mapped using SNP and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers surrounding the target chromosomal location. Finally, the locus was mapped between two flanking markers, RM6800 and S2_419160.Conclusions We identified a new RGM resistance gene, GM12 , on rice chromosome 2 in the Thai rice landrace MN62M. This finding yielded SNP and SSR markers that can be used in MAS to develop cultivars with broad-spectrum resistance to RGM. The new resistance gene provides important information for the identification of RGM biotypes in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Polish Version of the Lower Limb Functional Index
Authors: Bejer Agnieszka , Podufały Agnieszka , Kyc Sylwia , Michałek Magdalena , Mataczyński Piotr , Domka-Jopek Elżbieta , Melloh Markus , Gabel Charles Philip 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recommended to enable the standardization of collected data and provide accurate representation of the patients’ subjective opinions of their functional capabilities. The purpose of this study was to perform linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation to establish a Polish version of the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), and to evaluate the psychometric properties of internal consistency, reliability, error score, validity, and factor structure with standardized criteria PROMs in a population with lower limb problems. Methods: Linguistic and cultural adaptation complied with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines to produce the Lower Limb Functional Index-Polish version (LLFI-PL). The study recruited subjects (n=125, age =52.86±19.53 years, range 20-87, 56% female, injury duration =17.69±18.39 weeks, range 5-71). Baseline reliability and criterion validity included the LLFI-PL, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Euroqol Health Questionnaire 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L), and an 11-point pain Numerical Rating Scale, with retest at 3-7 days. Practicality for readability was considered within the face and content validity. Completion and scoring time were also calculated. Results: Statistical analysis showed excellent internal consistency ( α =0.94) and high test-retest reliability (ICC=0.96). The error score found the SEM=3.49% with MDC 90 =8.11%. Validity analysis showed strong correlations between the LLFI-PL with the WOMAC (r=-0.81) and moderate with the EQ-5D-5L (r=-0.63). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a single-factor structure. Times for completion (172±33 seconds) and scoring (20±9 seconds) were determined. Conclusions: The LLFI-PL is a psychometrically sound questionnaire for Polish-speaking patients with lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. The results support the findings of previous original-English, Spanish, and Turkish versions for internal consistency, validity, reliability, error score, and factor structure.
The Combined Effect of Vitamin C and Vitamin D3 on the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier by Regulating Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Qiu Fubin , Zhang Zehui , Ma Ying , Yang Linxue , Li Rui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Tight junction proteins play crucial role in maintaining the intestinal mucosal barrier. Although previous studies had shown that the Notch signal is closely related to tight junction proteins, the mechanism by which it does so remains unknown. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether vitamin C combined with vitamin D3 affects intestinal mucosal barrier stability through Notch signal pathway.Results: To assess the effect of vitamin C combined with vitamin D3 on the intestinal mucosal barrier, electron microscopic observation of ultrastructure of tight junctions was done. And tight junction proteins gene and Notch signal gene expression were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, expression of tight junction protein in SW480 cells interfered with by LPS were examined by western blot. We found that vitamin C combined with vitamin D3 had protective effect on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in guinea pig intestinal mucosa. Electron microscopy results showed that both low dose and high dose of vitamin C combined with vitamin D3 could maintain DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in guinea pig intestinal epithelium tight junction, however, the combination of medium dose vitamin C and vitamin D3 did not have this effect; Compared with the control group, the expression level of ZO-1 mRNA in the colon tissue of high-dose vitamin C group was significantly increased. In SW480 cell experiments, compared with the control group, the cell migration and repair ability of different concentrations of vitamin C combined with vitamin D3 group were significantly improved, the protein expression of Notch-1 was increased, but the protein expression of claudin-2 was significantly decreased. Conclusions: our results of this experiment showed that the appropriate amount of vitamin C combined with vitamin D3 might regulate the expression of claudin-2 by regulating Notch-1, slow the intestinal mucosal barrier destruction, and promote the damage repair of cell mucosal barrier.
Roles of the miR-137-3p/CAPN-2 gene pair in ischemia-reperfusion-induced neuronal apoptosis through modulation of p35 cleavage and subsequent caspase-8 overactivation
Authors: Wang He , Yu Qian , Zhang Zai-Li , Ma Hong , Li Xiao-Qian 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Neuron survival after ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is the primary determinant of motor function prognosis. MicroRNA (miR)-based gene therapy has gained attention. Our previous work explored the mechanisms by which miR-137-3p modulates neuronal apoptosis in both in vivo and in vitro IR models.Methods: IR-induced motor dysfunction and spinal calpain (CAPN) subtype expression and subcellular distribution were detected within 12 h post IR. Dysregulated miRs, including miR-137-3p, were identified by miR microarray analysis and confirmed by PCR. Luciferase assay confirmed that CAPN-2 is a corresponding target of miR-137-3p, and their modulation of motor function was evaluated by intrathecal infection with synthetic miRs. CAPN-2 activity was measured by the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and mean fluorescence intensity in vitro. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. The activities of p35, p25, Cdk5 and caspase-8 were evaluated by ELISA and Western blotting after transfection with specific inhibitors and miRs.Results: The IR-induced motor dysfunction time course was closely associated with CAPN-2 protein upregulation, which was mainly distributed in neurons. The miR-137-3p/CAPN-2 gene pair was confirmed by luciferase assay. miR-137-3p mimic significantly improved IR-induced motor dysfunction and decreased CAPN-2 expression, even in combination with recombinant rat calpain-2 (rr-CALP2) injection, whereas miR-137-3p inhibitor reversed these effects. Similar changes were observed in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and CAPN-2 expression and activity when cells were exposed to OGD/R and transfected with synthetic miRs in vitro. Moreover, double fluorescence revealed that CAPN-2, p35, p25 and caspase-8 were all identically distributed in neurons. The decrease in CAPN-2 expression and activity was accompanied by the opposite changes in p35 activity and protein expression in cells transfected with miR-137-3p mimic, roscovitine (a Cdk5 inhibitor) or Z-IETD-FMK (a caspase-8 inhibitor). Correspondingly, more surviving neurons were observed with the abovementioned treatments, indicated by a decrease in apoptotic cell percentage, LDH release and p25, Cdk5, caspase-8 and caspase-3 protein expression.Conclusions: The miR-137-3p/CAPN-2 gene pair functions to modulate neuronal apoptosis during IR injury, possibly through CAPN-2 inhibition leading to p35 cleavage and inhibition of subsequent p25/Cdk5 and caspase-8 overactivation.
MiR-423-5p may regulates ovarian response to ovulation induction via CSF1
Authors: Xie Shi , Zhang Qiong , Zhao Jing , Hao Jie , Fu Jing , Li Yanping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background We have previously shown that hsa-miR-423-5p expression in ovarian granulosa cells is decreased in high ovarian response populations. The objective of the present study was to find the target gene and mechanism for miR-423-5p involved in ovarian response regulation. Methods (a) TargetScan was used to predict the target gene of hsa-miR-423-5p. (b) A model for hsa-miR-423-5p overexpression or inhibition was constructed by transfecting KGN cells with lentivirus. CSF1 mRNA and protein expression and luciferase activity were measured. (c) The cell cycles of control and lentivirus treated KGN cells were analyzed. Western blot was used to measure the expression of CDKN1A in KGN cells. (d) The concentration of E 2 in KGN cell culture medium were measured. Results (a) TargetScan revealed that the 3′ un-translated region of CSF1 matched 11 bases at the 5′ end of miR-423-5p, making it a likely target gene. (b) Overexpression or inhibition of miR-423-5p were associated with respective decreases or increases in CSF1 expression (both mRNA and protein) (p < 0.05) and luciferase activity (p < 0.05). (c) When miR-423-5p expression increased, the number of G0/G1 phase cells and the expression of CDKN1A protein increased while estradiol concentrations in the cell culture solution decreased (p<0.05). However, when miR-423-5p expression decreased, the number of S phase cells increased and E2 concentrations increased while the expression of CDKN1A protein decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusions CSF1 is a target gene of miR-423-5p and that it may regulate ovarian response to ovulation induction by affecting granulosa cells proliferation and estrogen secretion.
Pan-American Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) perronei sp. n. in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and its deer ked Lipoptena mazamae: morphological, developmental and phylogeographical characterisation
Authors: Garcia Herakles Antonio , Blanco Alexander P. , Rodrigues Adriana C. , Rodrigues Carla M. , Takata Carmen S. A. , Campaner Marta , Camargo Erney P. , Teixeira Marta M. G. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The subgenus Megatrypanum comprises trypanosomes of cervids and bovids from around the world. Here, Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer = WTD) and its ectoparasite, the deer ked Lipoptena mazamae (hippoboscid fly), were surveyed for trypanosomes in Venezuela. Results: Haemoculturing unveiled 20% infected WTD, while 47% (7/15) of blood samples and 38% (11/29) of ked guts tested positive for the Megatrypanum-specific TthCATL-PCR. CATL and SSU rRNA sequences uncovered a single species of trypanosome. Phylogeny based on SSU rRNA and gGAPDH sequences tightly cluster WTD trypanosomes from Venezuela and the USA, which were strongly supported as geographical variants of the herein described Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) perronei sp. n. In our analyses, T. perronei was closest to T. sp. D30 of fallow deer (Germany), both nested into TthII alongside other trypanosomes of cervids (North American elks and European fallow, red and sika deer), and bovids (cattle, antelopes and sheep). Insights into T. perronei life cycle were obtained from early haemocultures of deer blood and co-culture with mammalian and insect cells showing flagellates resembling Megatrypanum trypanosomes previously reported in deer blood, and deer ked guts. For the first time, a trypanosome from a cervid was cultured and phylogenetically and morphologically (light and electron microscopy) characterised. Conclusions: In the analyses based on SSU rRNA, gGAPDH, CATL and ITS rDNA sequences, neither cervids nor bovids trypanosomes were monophyletic but intertwined within TthI and TthII major phylogenetic lineages. One host species can harbour more than one species/genotype of trypanosomes, but each trypanosome species/genotype was found in a single host species or in phylogenetically related hosts. Molecular evidence that L. mazamae may transmit T. perronei suggests important evolutionary constraints making tight the tripartite T. perronei–WTD–deer ked association. In a plausible evolutionary scenario, T. perronei entered South America with North American WTD at the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary following the closure of the Panama Isthmus.
Effect of Hepcidin and Iron Deficiency Anemia on Clinical Outcome in patients with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Choi Eun Hye , Kil Hong Ryang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The role of iron in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and the importance of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children with KD are not fully known. We aimed to evaluate the effects of IDA on clinical outcomes of KD patients and the role of inflammation-induced hepcidin and leptin in the development of anemia in patients with KD. Methods: A total of 50 children with KD and 47 age-matched children with controls were enrolled. Hepcidin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and IDA work-up was performed before and after IVIG therapy, and in the convalescent phase in patients with KD and control patients. Results: (1) Pre-IVIG iron and transferrin saturations in KD children were significantly lower than those in controls ( P =0.001). (2) Pre-IVIG hemoglobin and iron levels were positively correlated with leptin levels ( P =0.018 and P =0.021, respectively). (3) Serum hepcidin levels were significantly elevated after IVIG treatment in patients with KD (1.53 ± 1.36 ng/ml in the acute stage vs 3.09 ± 4.22 ng/mL in the subacute phase, P = 0.001). (4) There was no difference in parameters of IDA, leptin, and hepcidin levels between KD patients with and without coronary artery lesion (CAL). Conclusion: Serum iron and transferrin saturations were lowest in the acute phase, while hepcidin levels were highest in the subacute phase of KD. Although the presence of iron deficiency in the acute stage of KD did not predict CAL, further studies are necessary to clarify the association of hepcidin on the pathogenesis of anemia in KD.
Experiences of households using municipal ward-based primary health care outreach teams in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Khuzwayo Landiwe , Moshabela Mosa 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Globally, the success of community-based health care teams varies between programmes, and their designs tend to be unique based on local needs and context. Whilst the body of knowledge on community-based health care teams is growing in sub-Saharan Africa, there is still a lack of evaluation studies designed from the perspective of service users. OBJECTIVE: To assess household experiences of health care services delivered by outreach teams, and identify potential areas for service improvement by further examining sub-optimal household experiences.METHODS: We used a cross-sectional household survey in three municipality wards with functional ward-based outreach teams in the iLembe District, out of 74 wards, carried out from October to December 2016. Systematic random sampling was used, and 383 households were surveyed. The mean point of 70% in the strongly agreed category was used to classify household experiences as either optimal (70% and above) or sub-optimal (below 70%). Further univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for sub-optimal experiences. RESULTS: Nearly all households (99.2%) reported being visited most frequently by community health workers, relative to other outreach team members. Optimal experiences reported by households included services being free-of-charge (91.3%), convenient operating hours (77.9%), and outreach team members treating people with respect and courtesy (72.4 %). Sub-optimal experiences were identified as; outreach teams bringing with them sufficient equipment and medication (46.5%), associated with perceived skill level of team member (aOR 0.28, p: 0.001); teams perceived as being professional in carrying out their duties (56.3%), associated with age (aOR 3.22, p: 0.022) and marital status (aOR 1.80, p: 0.027); and teams providing a satisfactory service to respondents (61.8%), associated with quality of information provided (aOR 0.10, p: 0.002). CONCLUSION: Household experiences are influenced by team composition, and limited to skill sets of CHWs frequently visiting households. Whilst policy-related aspects of the outreach team programme were considered optimal, there was a gap in the service-related experience, which should not only be improved by upskilling CHWs, but also ensuring the full implementation of the heterogenous outreach team to enable different household members to come into contact with a wide range of skill sets and broader service package.
Observation studies vs therapeutic trials in three journals over three decades of pediatric critical care: a systematic review.
Authors: Baird John Scott 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Pediatric critical care developed rapidly as a medical subspecialty over the three decades since 1987, concurrent with a decline in Pediatric ICU mortality rates. It would be interesting to know if research characterized as observation studies or therapeutic trials had a greater impact on this subspecialty during this time. Methods: Three journals with a broad range of impact factors which published pediatric critical care research between 1988 and 2017 were chosen for a systematic review, including a PubMed search for all pediatric critical care studies in these journals during the study period. Studies were characterized as either observation studies or therapeutic trials. Each study’s impact was assessed using citation counts collected from Google Scholar. Results: Therapeutic trials as a percentage of research studies increased with a journal’s impact factor; in addition, therapeutic trials were cited more frequently than observation studies. However, there were more observation studies than therapeutic trials, the citation count increased for both observation studies and therapeutic trials as a journal’s impact factor increased, and the citation count was similar for some or all observation studies and therapeutic trials in two of the study journals. The 10 most cited studies included 7 observation studies and 3 therapeutic trials. Conclusions: This systematic review of three journals suggests that both observation studies and therapeutic trials contributed to the impact of research in pediatric critical care during the three decades following 1987.