bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of dietary supplementation with the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on chemotaxis, phagocytosis and respiratory burst of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in calves
Authors: Wójcik Roman , Małaczewska Joanna , Zwierzchowski Grzegorz , Miciński Jan , Kaczorek-Łukowska Edyta 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of HMB on the chemotactic activity, phagocytic activity and respiratory metabolism of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in calves.Method The experiment was performed on 14 calves aged 30±2 days, divided into two equal groups of control (group I) and experimental (group II) animals. The feed administered to experimental group calves was supplemented with HMB (Metabolic Technologies Inc. Ames, IA, USA) at 40 mg/kg BW, whereas control calves were administered standard farm-made feed without supplementation. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein immediately before the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15, 30 and 60 to determine: chemotactic activity (MIGRATEST® kit), phagocytic activity (PHAGOTEST® kit) and respiratory metabolism (BURSTTEST® kit) of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry.Results An analysis of granulocyte and monocyte chemotactic activity and phagocytic activity revealed significantly higher levels of phagocytic activity in calves administered HMB than in the control group, expressed in terms of the percentage of phagocytising cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). HMB also had a positive effect on the oxidative metabolism of both granulocytes and monocytes after stimulation with Escherichia coli bacteria and with PMA (4-phorbol-12-β-myristate-13-acetate), expressed in terms of the percentage of oxidative metabolism and MFI.Conclusion HMB stimulates non-specific cell-mediated immunity, which is a very important consideration in newborn calves that are exposed to adverse environmental factors in the first weeks of their life. The supplementation of animal diets with HMB for both preventive and therapeutic purposes can also reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production.
An examination of trends in antibiotic prescribing by area-level deprivation in England
Authors: Thomson Katie , Berry Rachel , Robinson Tomos , Brown Heather , Bambra Clare , Todd Adam 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background As part of an approach to reduce antimicrobial resistance, there has been strategic focus placed on reducing antibiotic prescribing. Given these policy drivers, there is a pressing need to understand the nature of antibiotic prescribing by primary care, and to understand how this changes by socioeconomic deprivation, when controlling for confounding variables. This is crucial in order to inform future antibiotic prescribing targets to ensure such targets do not impact on people with the most health need and thus potentially widen health inequalities.Methods Antibiotic prescribing data for the years 2014-2018 were matched with the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD 2015) deciles and graphically presented to explore trends over time. Multi-level analysis on antibiotic use was used to assess the impact of deprivation alongside a range of other confounding variables, including health need, geographic region and GP quality rating.Results Our study highlighted three key results: (1) GP surgeries located in the most deprived areas had the highest levels of antibiotic prescribing (adjusting for health need accounted for most of this variation); (2) there was inequalities in the prescribing of broad spectrum antibiotics according to deprivation; (3) there was significant geographical variation in antibiotic prescribing.Conclusion Future antibiotic prescribing targets should account for deprivation and/or health need to ensure GP practices located in the most deprived communities are not inappropriately penalised.
The chloroplast genome sequencing of two important annual Trifolium species T. alexandrinum and T. resupinatum and comparative analysis with other congeneric species
Authors: xiong yanli , xiong yi , he jun , yu qingqing , zhao junming , lei xiong , dong zhixiao , yang jian , peng yan , zhang xinquan , Ma Xiao 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Chloroplast (cp) genome of most plant species has two typical inverted-repeats (IRs) regions. However, in some species this IR structure is lost for unknown reasons and the consequence still needs to be revealed . Here, we present whole cp genome sequencing of Trifolium alexandrinum (Egyptian clover) and T. resupinatum (Persian clover) from the IR lacking clade (IRLC) . Results: Global aligning of T. alexandrinum and T. resupinatum to other eight Trifolium species revealed a large amount of rearrangement and repetitive events in these ten species. We found that IR lacking species have lower GC content and higher percentage of repetition than IR containing species. Abundant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (In/Dels) were discovered between those two species. As hypothetical cp open reading frame (ORF) and RNA polymerase subunits severally, two genes ycf1 and rpoC2 in the cp genomes, which both contain vast repetitive sequences and high Pi values (0.6656, 0.455) between T. alexandrinum and T. resupinatum , possessed highly variation among ten Trifolium species. Thus they could greatly influence evolutionary process of Trifolium species. In addition, IR containing and IR lacking Trifolium species were estimated to split during the upper Cretaceous period, which was potentially related to the violent crustal movement and sea-land changes. Conclusions: Cp genomes of T. alexandrinum and T. resupinatum, which belong to IRLC were sequenced and annotated in present study, and compared with cp genomes of other eight Trifolium species reported previously. This valuable information will provide insight into the evolution of IR lacking species. Nevertheless, further investigating of the detailed reason of IR lacking is still challenging, but it may be related to the violent crustal movement and sea-land changes of the Cretaceous period presented in this study.
Frequent fragility of randomized controlled trials for HCC treatment
Authors: Hao Zhang , Jingtao Li , Zeng Wenting 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The fragility index (FI) of trial results can provide a measure of confidence in the positive effects reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The aim of this study was to calculate the FI of RCTs supporting HCC treatments.Methods A methodological systematic review of RCTs in HCC treatments was conducted. Two-arm studies with randomized and positive results for a time-to-event outcome were eligible for the FI calculation.Results A total of 11 trails were included in this analysis. The median FI was 0 (range 0-19). FI was ≤ 5 in 8 (72.73%) of 11 trials; in those trials the fragility quotient was ≤ 1%.Conclusion Many phase 3 RCTs supporting HCC treatments have a low FI, which challenges the confidence in concluding the superiority of these drugs over control treatments.
Testing the Hypothesis that the Nylonase NylB Protein Arose de novo via a Frameshift Mutation
Authors: Cordova Salvador T , Sanford John 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background In 1984, Susumu Ohno hypothesized that the nylon-degrading enzyme NylB arose de novo via a frameshift mutation within a hypothetical precursor protein (PR.C). However, the frameshift hypothesis was never actually tested, and there was no actual supporting biological evidence supporting the hypothesis. For decades, the frameshift hypothesis has been uncritically accepted as the correct explanation for the origin of NylB. In this paper we have surveyed the literature relevant to the frameshift hypothesis as well as the various alternative models that have been published regarding the origin of NylB. We have employed bioinformatic methods and leveraged databases not available when the frameshift hypothesis was first put forward.Results We searched multiple protein databases to determine the distribution of NylB and any possible homologs. We then determined the distribution of other known nylonases and their possible homologs. We also determined the distribution of Ohno’s hypothetical PR.C. protein and any possible homologs. Lastly, we determined what protein families the various nylonases belong to. We found that the NylB protein is widely occurring, has thousands of homologs, and is found in diverse organisms and diverse habitats. It is not a new or unique protein. Likewise, we found that the other known nylonases are also widely occurring, have thousands of homologs, and are found in diverse organisms and diverse habitats. However, the hypothetical PR.C protein does not show up in any of the same databases, and there is no evidence of any homologs. Conserved domain searches showed that NylB is a member of the beta lactamase protein family – a highly conserved family of enzymes. Likewise, the other known nylonases belong to well-characterized enzyme families.Conclusions Our results very effectively falsify the NylB frameshift hypothesis, while they strongly support an alternative hypothesis by Yomo. Like NylB, none of the other nylonases that we examined were substantively new or unique. All had thousands of homologs, and they were found in diverse organisms and diverse habitats. Our findings not only falsify the NylB frameshift hypothesis, they also falsify the long-held assumption that all nylonases evolved after the invention of nylon in 1935.
Increased viral suppression among people on first line antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia: Meeting the third 90’s
Authors: Maru Minwuyelet , Dagne Daniel , Tesfie Addisu , Missaye Asefa , Yismaw Gizachew , Mulu Andargachew 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Antiretroviral treatment (ART) is aimed for complete suppression of viral replication but it fails for a variety of reasons. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of treatment failure among people on first line ART in Amhara region, North east Ethiopia.Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from March, 2018 to July, 2018. Questionnaire survey using a pre-structured questionnaire was taken focusing on demographic data and possible risk factors of antiretroviral treatment failure. Clinical history including baseline characteristics was extracted by reviewing medical records using data abstraction sheet and data was analyzed using STATA version 14.Results A total of 640 clients of all age from 16 health facilities were enrolled in the study. The overall antiretroviral treatment failure was 16.45% from which clinical, immunologic and virologic failure were 0.47%, 13.59% and 3.13% respectively. The viral suppression was 91.09%, but more than half, 29 (50.88%) study participants with high first viral load (>1000copies/ml) were defaulted and not tested for the 2 nd viral load testing. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed significance association of treatment failure with age at treatment initiation (OR, 1.029), duration on ART (OR, 0.87) and adherence (AOR, 4.22). High proportion of treatment failure was also found in females (62.75%) and in those below primary education (76.47%).Conclusions In conclusion increased viral suppression is observed but the rate of default during 3 month of enhanced adherence counseling is high. The overall magnitude of treatment failure in Amhara region is 16.45%. Fair/poor adherence, older age at treatment initiation and shorter duration on ART are significantly independent factors of treatment failure. Therefore improving client follow up to adherence to treatment should be strengthened.
Emergency department presentations by children in remote Australia: a population-based study
Authors: Dossetor Philippa Jane , Fitzpatrick Emily FM , Glass Kathryn , Douglas Kirsty , Watkins Rochelle , Oscar June , Carter Maureen , Harley David , Jeffery Heather E , Elliott Elizabeth , Martiniuk Alexandra LC 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Aboriginal leaders invited us to examine the frequency and reasons for children presenting to Fitzroy Crossing Hospital emergency department (ED), Western Australia.Methods ED presentations (2007-11 inclusive) were examined for children born in the Fitzroy Valley in 2002-03.Results ED data were examined for 127/134 (94.7%) eligible children, with 1058 presentations for 1743 conditions in children aged 3-9 over 5 years. Most (81%) had at least one ED presentation (median 9.0, range 1-50). There were no differences by sex or season but numbers of presentations increased over time. Common presentations included: injury (15.1%), diseases of the ear (14.9%), skin (13.8%), respiratory tract (13.4%), infectious and parasitic diseases (9.8%), screening, follow up, and social reasons (16.0%). Household over-crowding, financial and food insecurity were common socio-economic factors recorded at ED presentation. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) was significantly associated with high-frequency (>10) ED presentations.Conclusion Children in very remote Fitzroy Crossing communities have high rates of preventable ED presentations, with higher rates in those with than without PAE. Support for culturally appropriate preventative programs and improved access to health services need to be provided in remote Australia.
Prognostic nutrition index as a predictor of coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Tai I Hsin , Wu Pei-Lin , Guo Mindy Ming-Huey , Lee Jessica , Chu Chi-Hsiang , Hsieh Kai-Sheng , Kuo Ho-Chang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Kawasaki Disease (KD) is considered a major acquired heart disease in children under the age of 5. Coronary artery lesions (CAL) can occur in serious cases despite extreme therapy efforts. Previous studies have reported low serum albumin level was associated with disease outcome, but no further investigation was addressed yet. Method: This retrospective (case-control) study randomly included children with KD who were admitted and underwent laboratory tests before undergoing IVIG treatment in this institution, the largest tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan from 2012-2016. PNI, an albumin-based formula product, was evaluated as a predictor of CAL the first time. The progression of CAL was monitored using serial echocardiography for six months. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis on the laboratory test and PNI with the disease outcome of the KD patients. Result: Of the 284 children, 158 had CAL, including transient dilatation, while the other 126 did not develop CAL during the 6-month follow-up period. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that PNI and platelet count are significant predictors of CAL with a 95% confidence interval estimator of 2.532 (1.394-4.599) and1.004 (1.002-1.006), respectively. Using PNI to predict CAL presence gave an area under the receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) curve of 0.596, and the PNI cut-off point is taken as 55.24, with a sensitivity of 0.509 and specificity of 0.678. Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that PNI, an albumin-based formula product, is a useful index with clearly cut-off value for predicting CAL formation prior to initial IVIG therapy and thus warn clinicians to adopt aggressive therapeutic and coronary arteries imaging surveillance strategies before CAL can develop.
Newborn feeding recommendations and practices increase the risk of development of overweight and obesity
Authors: Watchmaker Brittany , Boyd Bridget , Dugas Lara 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of obesity among infants less than 2 years of age has increased by more than 60 percent over the last three decades. Obese infants and toddlers are at an increased risk for staying overweight into adolescence and adulthood. Metabolic programming has been demonstrated in animal models whereby early life feeding habits result in life-long changes in hormone balance and metabolism. Our study explores if newborn over-nutrition on the first day of life (DOL1) is associated with risk for future overweight and obesity in childhood. Methods: Retrospective chart data was collected for full-term formula-fed infants born between January 2008 and December 2012 who continued care at the same institution. Data included the volume of formula (ml) consumed on DOL1 as well as subsequent yearly BMI measures from well child check-ups. (WCC). Overfeeding was categorized as any feed greater than or equal to 30 ml on any of the first seven feeds while controlling for birth weight. Results: The final data set included 1106 infants (547 male; 559 female). 1023 of the 1106 newborns (93%) were overfed at least once during DOL1, while 789 of 1106 (71%) were overfed 3 or more times during their first 7 feeds. After adjusting for birth weight, infants who were overfed 5 of the first 7 feeds were 5 times as likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year well child check-up (p<0.05) compared to children not overfed. Infants who were overfed on all 7 of their first 7 feeds were 7 times more likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year WCC (p=0.017). Conclusions: Infants overfed on DOL1 were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese at their 4 th year WCC, compared to infants not overfed on their first day of life. Newborn families may benefit from counseling regarding age-appropriate volumes of formula during this early critical and impressionable time period. Future studies will aim to look at effect of smaller feeding bottle size on DOL1 on reducing overfeeding practices and future overweight and obesity.
The application and epidemiological research of xTAG-GPP multiplex PCR in the Diagnosis of children persistent and chronic diarrhea
Authors: Wang Chunli , Zhou Xiaoying , Zhu Mengshu , Yin Hanjun , Tang Jiamei , Huang Yan , Zheng Bixia , Jin Yu , Liu Zhifeng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Persistent and chronic diarrhea is difficult to treat, and infection is still the main causes. Clearly infected pathogens are essential for treatment. In this study, we investigate the application value of xTAG gastrointestinal pathogen panel (xTAG GPP) multiplex PCR in the early diagnosis of children with persistent and chronic diarrhea and understand the epidemiology of intestinal diarrhea pathogens. Methods One hundred and ninety-nine specimens were collected from Nanjing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing, China). Comparing the xTAG GPP multiplex PCR Assay with the traditional methods (culture, rapid enzyme immunoassay chromatography, microscopic examination) and madding the statistical analysis. Results The positive rate of 199 patients with diarrhea specimens was 72.86% (145/199). The virus detection rate was 48.7%, Rotavirus A was the most common organism detected (34.6%), concentrated in winter, popular in children. Secondly, Norovirus GI/GII (20.6%). The positive rate of bacteria was 40.2%, Campylobacter (22.11%, 44/199) was most frequently detected. With C. difficile toxins A/B and Salmonella detected 44 and 17 samples, respectively. Infections with Shigella occurred 4 times, E. coli O157 was only detected once. There were three samples with parasitic (1.51%), two samples were positive for Entamoeba histolytica, one for Cryptosporidium. Adenovirus40/41, STEC, ETEC, Giardia, Yersinia enterocolitica and Vibriocholera were not detected. Totally 86 (43.2%) infected specimens with single pathogen were detected. There were 57 co-infections (28.64% of samples) of viruses and/or bacteria and/or parasites. Co-infections involved 29 double infections (23.62%) samples, 9 triple infections (4.52%) and 2 quadruple infections (0.5%). Norovirus GI/GII was found to have the highest involvement in co-infections 30(15.08%). Conclusion xTAG GPP multiplex PCR is simple, sensitive, specific and can be used as a quick way to diagnose the children persistent and chronic diarrhea.
Hyponatremia as a Predictor of Adverse Outcome in Children With Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (Tuth), Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane Machhindra , Shrestha Laxman , Bajracharya Luna , Bagale Archana 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is one of the major causes of mortality in children with estimated 1 million deaths every year. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in LRTI. Objective: To find association of hyponatremia (serum sodium<135meq/l) with severe LRTI. Design: Prospective cross sectional study Settings: Pediatric Emergency, Ward and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital(TUTH) Subjects: Children between 2 months to 16 years presenting with cough for less than 3 weeks, fast breathing and chest indrawing. Methods: Children between 2 month to 16 years of age having cough, fast breathing and chest indrawing admitted in emergency, ward or PICU of TUTH were screened and among them, children having pediatric respiratory severity score of 4-5 were enrolled in the study. Serum sodium was sent during admission and collected within 2 hours. Daily follow up was done to find need of respiratory support, duration to resolve hypoxia, total duration in hospital and final outcome of patient. Statistical test applied were Chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Results: 47.5% of study population had hyponatremia, of whom 65.79% had mild hyponatremia 26.31% had moderate and 7.89%had severe hyponatremia. Association of hyponatremia with need of non rebreathing face mask (p=0.001), ventilatio r (p=0.009), duration of hospital stay (p=0.047) were significant. The study also found the association of severity of hyponatremia with need of non rebreathing facemask (p=0.001),ventilator (p=0.01), outcome (p=0.001), duration of stay (0.002). Mean time to resolve hypoxia in children with hyponatremia (4.5 days) was longer compared to normal sodium (2.58 days). Four patients died during the study period and all of them had hyponatremia. Conclusion- Association of hyponaremia and severity of hyponatremia in severe LRTI with need of non-rebreathing face mask, ventilatior, outcome, duration of stay was significant.