bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and pathological features of idiopathic membranous nephropathy with focal segmental sclerosis
Authors: li jiatong , Chen Bing , Gao Caifeng , Huang Jing , Wang Yongmei , Zhang Shiyin , Xu Ying , Guo Wenkai , Wang Rong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical and pathological features and prognosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with focal segmental lesions.
Methods In our hospital, 305 patients with nephrotic syndrome confirmed as IMN by renal biopsy were divided into a non-focal segmental lesion group (FSGS- group) and a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) group (FSGS+ group) and retrospectively analyzed. In all, 180 patients were followed for periods ranging from six months to two years. The general clinicopathological data of both groups were compared, and the effects of different treatment schemes on the prognosis of both groups were observed.
Results The FSGS+ group had a longer disease course, higher blood pressure levels, and higher serum creatinine and β2-microglobulin levels than did the FSGS- group (all P < 0.05). Pathologically, the FSGS+ group had increased glomerular sclerosis, glomerular mesangial hyperplasia, and acute and chronic tubular lesion rates (all P< 0.05). The remission rate was lower in the FSGS+ group than in the FSGS- group (64.7% vs 82.2%) and, among patients in the FSGS+ group, was lower in patients treated with calmodulin inhibitors than in those treated with cyclophosphamide (P < 0.01). Survival analysis showed that the FSGS+ group had a poor prognosis (χ2=4.377, P=0.036), and risk factor analysis suggested that age at renal biopsy (P=0.006), 24-hour urinary protein quantity (P=0.01), chronic tubulointerstitial lesions (P=0.055), and FSGS lesions (P= 0.062) were risk factors for worsening renal condition; furthermore, 24-hour urinary protein quantity was an independent risk factor for worsening renal condition.
Conclusions Membranous nephropathy with FSGS is a risk factor, but not an independent risk factor, for IMN. Patients with membranous nephropathy with FSGS often present hypertension and tubule injury. The nonselective drug cyclophosphamide is preferred, and calcineurin inhibitors should be used with caution.
Key words Idiopathic membranous nephropathy; focal segmental sclerosis; cyclophosphamide; calmodulin inhibitor; prognosis;
Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of porcine diarrhea associated viruses in southern China from 2012 to 2018
Authors: Zhang Fanfan , Luo Suxian , Gu Jun , Li Zhiquan , Li Kai , Yuan Weifeng , Ye Yu , Li Hao , Ding Zhen , Song Deping , Tang Yuxin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: In China, large-scale outbreaks of severe diarrhea caused by viruses have occurred in pigs since late 2010. To investigate the prevalence and genetic evolution of diarrhea-associated viruses responsible for the outbreaks, a total of 2,987 field diarrheal samples derived from 168 pig farms in five provinces in southern China were collected during 2012-2018 and tested.

Results: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was the mostly frequently detected virus with prevalence rates between 50.21% and 62.10% in samples, and 96.43% (162/168) in premises, respectively. In addition, porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) was the second prevalent virus with prevalence rates ranging from 19.62% to 29.19%, and 70.24% (118/168) in premises, respectively. Both transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine rotavirus (PRoV) were detected at low prevalence rates of < 3% in samples and 10.12% in premises. In the present study, we identified the newly emerged swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) in diarrheal samples of piglets from the Fujian province in southern China, and the prevalence rate of SADS-CoV was 10.29% (7/68). Co-infections of these diarrhea-associated viruses were common. The most frequent co-infection was PEDV with PDCoV, with an average rate of 12.72% (380/2987, ranging from 8.26%-17.33%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that of PEDV strains circulating in southern China during the last 7 years involved G IIa variant strains. The most frequent mutations were present in the collagenase equivalent (COE) and epitope regions of the spike protein of the PEDVs presently circulating in the field. Genetic characteristics of PDCoVs in this area were closely related with Chinese strains, other than the strains present in the USA, South Korea, Thailand and Lao's public.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that PEDV, PDCoV, and SADS-CoV were leading etiologic agents of porcine diarrhea, and severe mono-infections and co-infections of pathogenic enteric CoVs were present in pigs in Southern China during 2012 -2018. Thus, significant attention should be paid to prevent and control porcine viral diarrhea.
Continuing evolution of H6N2 influenza A virus in South African chickens and the implications for diagnosis and control
Authors: Abolnik Celia , Strydom Christine , Rauff Dionne Linda , Wandrag Daniel Barend Rudolph , Petty Deryn 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The threat of poultry-origin H6 avian influenza viruses to human health emphasizes the importance of monitoring their evolution. South Africa’s H6N2 epidemic in chickens began in 2001 and two co-circulating antigenic sub-lineages of H6N2 could be distinguished from the outset. The true incidence and prevalence of H6N2 in the country has been difficult to determine, partly due to the continued use of an inactivated whole virus H6N2 vaccine and the inability to distinguish vaccinated from non-vaccinated birds on serology tests. In the present study, the complete genomes of twelve H6N2 viruses isolated from various farming systems between September 2015 and February 2019 in three major chicken-producing regions were analysed and a serological experiment was used to demonstrate the effects of antigenic mismatch in diagnostic tests. Results: Genetic drift in H6N2 continued and antigenic diversity in sub-lineage I is increasing; no sub-lineage II viruses were detected. Reassortment patterns indicated epidemiological connections between provinces as well as different farming systems, but there was no reassortment with wild bird or ostrich influenza viruses. The sequence mismatch between the official antigens used for routine hemagglutination inhibition (HI) testing and circulating field strains has increased steadily, and we demonstrated that H6N2 field infections are likely to be missed. More concerning, sub-lineage I H6N2 viruses acquired three of the nine HA mutations associated with human receptor-binding preference (A13S, V187D and A193N) since 2002. Most sub-lineage I viruses isolated since 2015 acquired the K702R mutation in PB2 associated with the ability to infect humans, whereas prior to 2015 most viruses in sub-lineages I and II contained the avian lysine marker. All strains had an unusual HA 0 motif of PQVETRGIF or PQVGTRGIF. Conclusions: The H6N2 viruses in South African chickens are mutating and reassorting amongst themselves but have remained a genetically pure lineage since they emerged more than 18 years ago. Greater efforts must be made by government and industry in the continuous isolation and characterization of field strains for use as HI antigens, new vaccine seed strains and to monitor the zoonotic threat of H6N2 viruses.
The effect of an organic rumen-protected fat supplement on performance, metabolic status, and health of dairy cows
Authors: Manriquez Diego , Chen Liang , Melendez Pedro , Pinedo Pablo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Negative energy balance during the transition period is a concern for both conventional and certified organic dairy systems. During early lactation, supplemental strategies are used to cope with nutrient deficiencies that are associated with impaired health, production, and reproduction. As organic certified dairies in the United States face restricted access to dietary supplements, the evaluation of products especially formulated for organic production is needed. Our objective was to assess the effect of supplementing 0.45 kg/d of an organic rumen-protected fat (RPF) on health, metabolic status, and productive and reproductive performance of organic certified Holstein cows from 1 to 150 days in milk (DIM). Two-hundred and two cows were enrolled in a randomized blocked controlled trial conducted from January to July, 2017 in a certified organic dairy located in Northern Colorado (USA). Two groups were randomly assigned to be individually supplemented with organic RPF (ORG; n = 100) or control pellets (CON; n = 102) once per day, in addition to the total mixed ration (TMR). Outcomes of interest included disease occurrence, culling, mortality, serum concentration of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), milk yield (kg/d) and milk components, resumption of cyclicity, time-to-first artificial insemination (AI), conception at first AI, and conception within 150 DIM. Results A significant effect for the inclusion of RPF was found in daily milk yield; RPF supplemented cows had greater milk yield (1.6 kg/d) compared to CON cows up to 150 DIM (P = 0.03). During grazing, multiparous (MP) ORG cows had greater milk yield compared to MP CON cows, whereas no effect was found in primiparous (PP) cows. Health outcomes, serum metabolite concentrations, and reproductive performance were not affected by the inclusion of RPF. Body condition loss was smaller in the ORG group up to 80 DIM; however, there was no effect on body condition during the grazing season and in the overall study period. Conclusions These results indicate that supplementation of RPF increased daily milk yield and prevented body condition loss during transition. However, RPF supplementation did not affect health, serum metabolite concentration, milk components, and reproductive outcomes.
Investigating Associated Factors with Glomerular Filtration Rate : Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Jamshidi Parastoo , Najafi Farid , Mostafaee Shayan , Shakiba Ebrahem , pasdar yahya , Hamzeh Behrooz , Moradinazar Mahdi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a valid indicator for kidney function, both in healthy and diseased people. Different factors can affect GFR. The purpose of this study is to assess a causal model to show direct and indirect effects of GFR-related factors using structural equation modeling.
Patients and methods : We analyzed data from recruitment phase of Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease cohort study. Data on socio-behavioral, nutritional, cardiovascular, and metabolic risk factors were entered in a conceptual model in order to test direct and indirect effects of the associated factors on GFR, separately in male and female, using the structural equation modeling.
Results : Of 8927 individuals participated in this study, 4212 subjects were male (47.2%) and 4715 subjects were female (52.8%). The obtained standard deviation of GFR was 76.05 (±14.3) per 1.73 . Filtration rate for 11.52%, 72.96% and 15.50% of people were <60, and , respectively. Hypertension in both gender and atherogenic factor in male directly, and in female directly and indirectly had a decreasing effect on GFR. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and smoking in male and female, directly or indirectly through other variables, was associated with a decrease in GFR. In female, diabetes had a decreasing direct and indirect effect on GFR. Obesity in female was directly associated with increasing and indirectly associated with decreasing filtration.
Conclusion : According to our results, increasing age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high blood lipids, and BUN had a decreasing direct and indirect effects on GFR. Although low GFR might have different reasons and it is not a consistent sign of CKD, our findings, in line with other reports, provide more detailed informations about important risk factors of low GFR. Public awareness about such factors can improve public practice of positive health behaviours.
Neuronal migration genes and a familial translocation t(3;17): Candidate genes implicated in the phenotype
Authors: AMOR Meriam HADJ , Dimassi Sarra , Hannachi Hanen , Taj Amel , Mlika Adnene , Helal Khaled Ben , Saad Ali , Mougou-Zerelli Soumaya 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: While Miller-Dieker syndrome critical region deletions are well known delineated anomalies, submicroscopic duplications in this region have recently emerged as a new distinctive syndrome. So far, only few cases have been described overlapping 17p13.3 duplications.
Methods: In this study, we report on clinical and cytogenetic characterization of two new cases involving 17p13.3 and 3p26 chromosomal regions in two sisters with familial history of lissencephaly. Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and array Comparative Genomic Hybridization were performed.
Results: A deletion including the critical region of the Miller-Dieker syndrome of at least 2,9 Mb and a duplication of at least 3,6 Mb on the short arm of chromosome 3 were highlighted in one case. The opposite rearrangements, 17p13.3 duplication and 3p deletion were observed in the second case. This double chromosomal aberration is the result of an adjacent 1:1 meiotic segregation of a maternal reciprocal translocation t(3;17)(p26.2;p13.3).
Conclusions: 17p13.3 and 3p26 deletions have a clear range of phenotypic features while duplications still have an uncertain clinical significance. However, we could suggest that regardless of the type of the rearrangement, the gene dosage and interactions of CNTN4, CNTN6 and CHL1 in the 3p26 and PAFAH1B1, YWHAE in 17p13.3 could result in different clinical spectrums.
Comparison of methods for detection of in vitro synergy in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Gaudereto Juliana Januario , Neto Lauro Vieira Perdigão , Leite Gleice Cristina , Sanchez Evelyn , Martins Roberta Cristina Ruedas , Prado Gladys Villas Boas do , Rossi Flavia , Guimaraes Thais , Levin Anna Sara , costa silvia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The use of combined antibiotic therapy has become an option for infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Time-kill (TK) assay is considered the gold standard method for evaluation of in vitro synergy; moreover, it is time-consuming and an expensive method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro synergy using the disk diffusion method through disk approximation (DA), and agar gradient diffusion method by MIC:MIC ratio, as both can be used routinely in clinical microbiology laboratories. Sixty-two MDR Gram-negative clinical isolates (28 Pseudomonas aeruginosa , 20 Acinetobacter baumannii and 14 Serratia marcescens ) were submitted to TK, DA, and MIC:MIC ratio synergy methods. Overall, the agreement between the DA and TK assays ranged from 20 to 93%. As the isolates of A. baumannii showed variable results of synergism according to TK, the calculated agreement was statistically significant in this species against fosfomycin with meropenem, including colistin-resistant isolates. MIC: MIC ratio method showed agreement range from 35 to 71% with TK assays. The kappa test showed a good agreement for the combination of colistin with amikacin (K = 0.58; P = 0.04) among the colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates. The DA and MIC:MIC ratio methods are easier to perform and may be a more viable tool for clinical microbiology laboratories.
Validation of an equine serum amyloid A assay with an unusually broad working range
Authors: Jacobsen Stine , Vinther Anne Mette , Kjelgaard-Hansen Mads , Nielsen Lise Nikolic 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a major equine acute phase protein and of great value in detection and monitoring of inflammation. A new immunoturbidometric assay based on monoclonal antibodies (VET-SAA, Eiken Chemical Co., Japan) may be useful for SAA measurements in routine diagnostic laboratories. The aim of the study was to validate the VET-SAA immunoturbidometric assay and use it to measure serum SAA concentrations in a variety of clinical cases. Precision was assessed by intra- and interassay coefficients of variation of repeated measurements of serum pools (low, intermediate, high concentrations of SAA). Accuracy was estimated by linearity under dilution. Detection limit was determined by replicate determinations of ionized water. Measurements were compared to measurements performed in a previously validated SAA assay (LZSAA assay, Eiken Chemical Co., Japan). Subsequently, the VET-SAA assay was used for measuring serum SAA concentrations in horses with and without inflammation. Results Detection limit was 1.2 mg/L. Without modifications, the assay measured SAA concentrations with acceptable reliability in a broad concentration range (0 to > 6000 mg/L). In the 0-3000 mg/L range, the assay demonstrated good precision and accuracy, and concentrations correlated well with those obtained in the LZSAA assay, albeit with a slight systematic bias. Concentrations of SAA assessed in horses with and without inflammation followed the expected pattern, with significantly higher concentrations in horses with systemic inflammation than in healthy horses and horses with non-inflammatory disease. Conclusions The assay was unique in its ability to measure SAA concentrations with acceptable reliability over an extreme concentration range. This is relevant in the equine species, where SAA concentrations may reach very high concentrations.
Molecular Epidemiology and Resistance Profile of Salmonella Isolated from Chicken, Pork and the Environment at Abattoirs and Supermarkets in Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Tingting , Jiang Jiali , Ye Chao , Xie Jianhua , Chen Xia , Xu Dongyi , Zeng Zheng , Peng Yuanyi , Hu Dong-Liang , Fang Rendong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Salmonella is one of the most important foodborne pathogens, causing outbreaks of human salmonellosis worldwide. Owing to large scales of consumption markets, pork and poultry that contaminated by Salmonella could pose a tremendous threat to public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination of Salmonella from chicken, pork and the environment in slaughtering and retail processes in Chongqing, China. Results: A total of 115 Salmonella isolates were recovered from 1112 samples collected from pork, chicken and the environment. Compared with the isolation rate of samples from chicken (9.50%) and the environment (6.23%), samples from pork had a significant higher isolation rate (44.00%). The isolation rates in slaughterhouses (10.76%) and in supermarkets (10.07%) showed no statistical different. 30 different serotypes were identified among all the isolates. S. Derby (n=26), S. London (n=16) and S. Rissen (n=12) were the dominant serotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 73.04% isolates were resistant to tetracycline, followed by 66.96% to ampicillin and 59.13% to doxycycline. More than half (50.43%) of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), and most of the MDR isolates were from supermarkets. Multilocus sequence typing results showed 24 out of 115 isolates were ST40, which was the most prevalent. Furthermore, isolates from supermarkets had 20 different sequence types while isolates from slaughterhouses only had 8 different sequence types. Conclusion: Our study highlighted that Salmonella was more frequently isolated in pork production chain than that of chicken. Compared with isolates from slaughterhouses, isolates from supermarkets had more MDR profiles and represented a wider range of serotypes and sequence types, indicating that the retail process had more diverse sources of Salmonella contamination than that of slaughtering process.
Mobile phone usage in patients with diabetes and their intention to use it for self-management: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jeddi Fatemeh Rangraz , Nabovati Ehsan , Hamidi Rahele , Sharif Reihane 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background

Mobile health has potential for promotion of self-management in patients with chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate smartphone usage in patients with type II diabetes and their intention to use it for self-management.Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with 176 patients with type II diabetes visiting a specialized diabetes clinic or one of two endocrinology and metabolism specialists in north of Iran. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire containing items on demographic characteristics, disease information, use of mobile phones, smartphones and the internet, and intention to use mobile phones for diabetes self-management.Results

The majority of the participants had mobile phones (94.9%), smartphones (61.1%), and daily access to the internet (81.3%), and used phones two hours per day on average (80.1%). They mostly used mobile phones to contact friends (89.2%) and search for information (50.6%), and their greatest intention for using smartphones and the internet for self-management was related to dietary planning (96%), checking blood glucose (90.9%), and contacting specialists (87.5%). Younger participants were more interested in using smartphone applications (apps) (P<0.001). About half of the participants argued that using apps can be interesting (54%) and useful (50%) for diabetes management, and intended to use apps much more in future (48.3%).Conclusions

The majority of patients with type II diabetes are inclined to use mobile phone and the Internet, especially to plan their diet, check blood glucose, and contact their doctors. The present study provides valuable information for designing and implementing interventions based on mHealth to promote self-management in type II diabetes.
Molecular subtyping improves prognostication of Stage 2 colorectal cancer
Authors: Purcell Rachel Violet , Schmeier Sebastian , Lau Yee Chen , Pearson John F , Frizelle Francis A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Post-surgical staging is the mainstay of prognostic stratification for colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we compare TNM staging to consensus molecular subtyping (CMS) and assess the value of subtyping in addition to stratification by TNM. Methods: Three hundred and eight treatment-naïve colorectal tumours were accessed from our institutional tissue bank. CMS typing was carried out using tumour gene-expression data. Post-surgical TNM-staging and CMS were analysed with respect to clinicopathologic variables and patient outcome. Results : CMS alone was not associated with survival, while TNM stage significantly explained mortality. Addition of CMS to TNM-stratified tumours showed a prognostic effect in stage 2 tumours; CMS3 tumours had a significantly lower overall survival (P = 0.006). Stage 2 patients with a good prognosis showed immune activation and up-regulation of tumour suppressor genes. Conclusions : Although stratification using CMS does not outperform TNM staging as a prognostic indicator, gene-expression based subtyping shows promise for improved prognostication in stage 2 CRC.