bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influencing factors in the satellitism test of Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae supplemented V factor by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Xi Yu , Wang Hexuan , Wang Shanmei , Wu Xuxiao , Wang Zeyu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Many factors affecting satellitism test are not clear, and it is difficult to avoid misidentified even if the medium is properly selected. We investigated the factors that cause false positives of Haemophilus influenzae and false negatives of Haemophilus parainfluenzae in the satellitism test supplemented V factor by Staphylococcus aureus.Methods: H. influenzae (four reference strains and 47 clinical isolates), H. parainfluenzae (two reference strains and 67 clinical isolates), four different media, and two strains of S. aureus activated on two different media were involved in this study.Results: The type of medium used to activate S. aureus was the most common factor causing false positives of H. influenzae, followed by the strain of S. aureus, and again the type of medium used for the experiment. The production of false negatives of H. parainfluenzae was only related to the medium used in the experiment.Conclusions: Tryptic soy agar and S. aureus (ATCC 25923) activated with nutrient agar should be used in the satellitism test for Haemophilus spp. to improve the accuracy of the test.
Effect of public hospital managers' risk and gain perception on their attitude towards physician dual practice: a cross-national study in 31 provinces of China
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Cho William CS , Liu Qiaoman , Fan Xiaojing , Chen Xiaolin , Yu Xihe , Lv Yijun , Zhang Xiumin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background This study aims to explore the effect of public hospital managers' risk and gain perception on their attitude towards physician dual practice (PDP). Methods A cross-sectional study enrolling 1513 managers from East, Middle and West of China in public hospitals was conducted. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to find the determinants of managers' support for PDP. Results The rate of managers support for allowing PDP or implementing PDP with restriction was 94.3% (95%CI: 0.93, 0.95). The mean score of managers' risk perception was 67.7±14.46 and the mean score of managers' gain perception was 24.0±5.56. After controlling for individual and institutional characteristics, GLMM presented the score of risk perception increased 1 point, the rate of managers' support for PDP decreased 5% (OR=0.95, 95%CI: 0.93, 0.97); the score of gain perception increased 1 points, the rate of managers' support increased 18% (OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.12, 1.24). Conclusions The majority of Chinese public hospital managers are in favor of allowing or implementing PDP with restrictions. While managers in public hospitals have stronger risk consciousness. Although gain perception is comparatively weaker than risk perception, but they are much influential in determining public hospital managers’ support for PDP.
Mind Full or Mindful? A cohort student of Equine-Facilitated Therapy for Women Veterans
Authors: Vincent Aviva , Ballard Isabel , Farkas Kathleen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of the evaluation was to understand, through participant self-report, the assets and challenges of partnering with equines for female Veterans seeking to increase skills in their mindfulness practice. Methods: Surveys were administered to participants to gain insight into self-identified mindfulness pre- and post-equine intervention. All measures were anonymous with only the date included to indicate the cohort. The study included three measures post-consent: The Toronto Mindfulness Scale, the Mindfulness Scale, and the Program Evaluation. Results: The Mindfulness Survey responses were averaged for pre- intervention, then for post- intervention. The pre- intervention survey responses ranged from 2.3 to 6.5 with a response range of 0 to 10 (M=4.59, SD=1.29). The post- intervention survey responses ranged from 6.7 to 9.2 (M=8.2, SD=0.69). A paired sample t-test found a significant difference in the scores from pre- intervention to post- intervention conditions (t=-9.43, df=13, p<.001). In the evaluations, participants shared that their favorite moments were (Q3): grooming and Breathe With (an activity to match breathing to the horse’s breathing). In the question asking what the participants will take away from the program (Q9) one participant shared, “The horses have taught me a lot about myself”; a common theme across respondents. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates that Veterans’ interactions with equines impacts the participants’ mindfulness throughout their experiences at Fieldstone Farm. The Veterans established a significant increase in their mindfulness scores post-equine intervention.
Modeling Entrepreneurial Innovation: A Study on Economic Development
Authors: Bonyadi Ebrahim , Sarreshtehdari Lida 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Modeling complex concepts, especially in the field of management science, will help researchers to get a better understanding of the relationship between insensible and multidimensional phenomena. The relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development has been repeatedly discussed by researchers. With reference to various research, the impact of innovative entrepreneurial activities on the growth and development of economies is clear to all.This study attempts to provide a mathematical model in support of the accuracy of this relationship. Stochastic processes and probabilistic models have widely been used to perform this modeling.The underlying result of this model is a function by which the exact parameter of entrepreneurial performance can be calculated and also, by applying this model, the relationship between the innovation index and entrepreneurship is justifiable. Also, based on this modeling, the level of entrepreneurship of countries can be ranked based on innovation.
The characterization of extracellular vesicles-derived microRNAs in Thai malaria patients
Authors: Ketprasit Nutpakal , Cheng Iris Simone , Deutsch Fiona , Tran Nham , Imwong Mallika , Combes Valery , Palasuwan Duangdao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been broadly studied in malaria for nearly a decade. These vesicles carry various functional biomolecules including RNA families such as microRNAs (miRNA). These EVs-derived microRNAs have numerous roles in host-parasite interactions and are considered as promising biomarkers for disease severity. However, this field lacks clinical studies of malaria-infected samples. In our study, we investigated EV specific miRNAs isolated from the plasma of patients from Thailand infected with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax . We postulated that these miRNAs were differentially expressed in these groups of patients and had a role in disease onset through the regulation of specific target genes. Methods EVs were purified from the plasma of Thai P.vivax -infected patients (PV, n=19), P.falciparum -infected patients (PF, n=18) and uninfected individuals (n=20). EV-derived miRNAs were then prepared and abundance of miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-let-7a-5p and hsa-miR-150-5p was assessed in these samples. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed, and relative expression of each miRNA was calculated using hsa-miR-451a as endogenous control. We then predicted the targets of up-regulated miRNAs and relevant pathways by bioinformatics. Receiver Operating Characteristic with Area Under the Curve (AUC) was then calculated to assess their diagnostic potential. Results The relative expression of hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR-15b-5p was higher in PV patients compared to uninfected individuals, but hsa-let-7a-5p was up-regulated in both PV and PF. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these miRNAs might regulate genes involved in the malaria pathway including the Adherens junction and the transforming growth factor-β pathways. All up-regulated miRNAs could potentially be used as disease biomarker as determined by AUC; however, the sensitivity and specificity require further investigation. Conclusion The up-regulated hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR-15b-5p in PV, hsa-let-7a-5p in both PV and PF may play a role in host-parasite interactions. The findings in this study will require further validation in larger cohort groups of malaria patients to fully understand the contribution of these EV miRNAs to malaria detection and biology.
Novel multiplex real-time PCR assays reveal a high prevalence of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes in healthy and diarrhoeal children in the South of Vietnam
Authors: Duong Vu Thuy , Tu Le Thi Phuong , Tuyen Ha Thanh , Nhi Le Thi Quynh , Campbell James I , Minh Pham Van , Phuc Hoang Le , Chau Tran Thi Hong , Ngoc Nguyem Minh , Vi Lu Lan , Jenkins Claire , Okeke Iruka , Higginson Ellen , Baker Stephen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDiarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) infections are common in children in low-middle income countries (LMICs). However, detecting the various DEC pathotypes is complex as they cannot be differentiated by classical microbiology. We developed four multiplex real-time PCR assays were to detect virulence markers of six DEC pathotypes; specificity was tested using DEC controls and other enteric pathogens. PCR amplicons from the six E. coli pathotypes were purified and amplified to be used to optimize PCR reactions and to calculate reproducibility. After validation, these assays were applied to clinical samples from healthy and diarrhoeal Vietnamese children and associated with clinical data. ResultsThe multiplex real-time PCRs were found to be reproducible, and specific. At least one DEC variant was detected in 34.7% (978/2,815) of the faecal samples from diarrhoeal children; EAEC, EIEC and atypical EPEC were most frequent Notably, 41.2% (205/498) of samples from non-diarrhoeal children was positive with a DEC pathotype. In this population, only EIEC, which was detected in 34.3% (99/289) of diarrhoeal samples vs. 0.8% (4/498) non-diarrhoeal samples (p<0.001), was significantly associated with diarrhoea. Multiplex real-time PCR when applied to clinical samples is an efficient and high-throughput approach to DEC pathotypes. ConclusionsThis approach revealed high carriage rates of DEC pathotypes among Vietnamese children. We describe a novel diagnostic approach for DEC, which provides baseline data for future surveillance studies assessing DEC burden in LMICs.
Halo Artifacts of Indwelling Urinary Catheter by Inaccurate Scatter Correction in 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging: Incidence, Mechanism, and Solutions
Authors: Magota Keiichi , Numata Naoto , Shinyama Daiki , Katahata Junya , Munakata Yamato , Maniawski Piotr J. , Kobayashi Kentaro , Manabe Osamu , Hirata Kenji , Tateishi Ukihide , Kudo Kohsuke , Shiga Tohru 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Halo artifacts from a urinary catheter due to inaccurate scatter correction can cause significantly reduced tumor visibility in 18F-FDG PET/CT images. We investigated the incidence and mechanism of halo-artifact generation, and we attempted to establish appropriate scatter correction techniques to reduce artifacts. Methods We first retrospectively reviewed patients with urinary catheters who were undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. Halo artifacts on the PET images were visually assessed with a standard scatter correction based on a tail-fitted single-scatter simulation (TF-SSS) using 4-mm voxel μ-maps (TFS 4-mm). We then performed phantom studies to reproduce the appearance of halo artifacts and evaluate scatter correction techniques regarding halo-artifact suppression. We measured the standardized uptake values (SUVs) to quantitatively assess the PET images. The scatter correction also used TF-SSS with 2-mm voxel μ-maps (TFS 2-mm) and a Monte Carlo-based single-scatter simulation (MC-SSS). Finally, we investigated whether TFS 2-mm and MC-SSS can be applied to patient data. Results There were 61 patients with urinary catheters; in five, halo artifacts were observed in the TFS 4-mm images. The phantom study clearly demonstrated the appearance of halo artifacts. The SUVs for the TFS 4-mm and TFS-2mm images were underestimated at the halo-artifact regions, whereas the SUV for the MC-SSS images became the true value (SUV = 1). In four of the five patients, halo artifacts were not present in the TFS 2-mm images. In all five patients, halo artifacts were absent in the MC-SSS images. The patient and phantom studies demonstrated that halo artifacts were caused by overestimates of the scatters due to mismatch by urine movement in the interval between the CT and the PET scan, or by the partial volume effect and downsizing in the converting process from the CT images to the μ-maps. Conclusions Halo artifacts were due to the mismatch between the μ-maps and PET images, which induces the scatter correction error. With the TF-SSS, halo artifacts were improved by using a small voxel size for the μ-maps, but the artifacts remained in one case. With the MC-SSS, it was possible to accurately estimate the scatters without generating halo artifacts.
Microparticles derived from human erythropoietin mRNA-transfected mesenchymal stem cells inhibit epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Lee Mirae , Kim Seok-hyung , Jhee Jong Hyun , Kim Tae Yeon , Choi Hoon Young , Kim Hyung Jong , Park Hyeong Cheon 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) plays an important role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its pathogenesis involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon renal injury. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has been shown to display novel cytoprotective effects, in part by inhibiting transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of microparticles (MPs) derived from human EPO gene-transfected kidney mesenchymal stem cells (hEPO-KMSCs) against TGF-β1-induced EMT in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and against TIF in mouse kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Methods: EMT was induced in MDCK cells by treatment with TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) for 48 h and then inhibited by co-treatment with rhEPO (100 IU/mL), mock gene-transfected KMSC-derived MPs (MOCK-MPs), or hEPO-KMSC-derived MPs (hEPO-MPs) for a further 48 h. UUO was induced in FVB/N mice, which were then treated with rhEPO (1000 IU/kg, intraperitoneally, every other day for 1 week), MOCK-MPs, or hEPO-MPs ( 80 m g, intravenously ). Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and E-cadherin expression were evaluated in MDCK cells and kidney tissues, and the extent of TIF in UUO kidneys was assessed by Sirius red staining. Results: TGF-β1 treatment significantly increased α-SMA and fibronectin expression in MDCK cells and decreased that of E-cadherin, while co-treatment with rhEPO, MOCK-MPs, or hEPO-MPs markedly attenuated these changes. In addition, rhEPO and hEPO-MP treatment effectively decreased phosphorylated Smad2 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK expression, suggesting that rhEPO and rhEPO-MPs can inhibit TGF-β1-induced EMT via both Smad and non-Smad pathways. rhEPO and hEPO-MP treatment also significantly attenuated the extent of renal TIF after one week of UUO compared to MOCK-MPs, with hEPO-MPs significantly reducing myofibroblast and F4/80+ macrophage infiltration as well as EMT marker expression in UUO renal tissues in a similar manner to rhEPO. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that hEPO-MPs modulate TGF-β1-induced EMT in MDCK cells via the Smad2 and p38 MAPK pathways and significantly attenuated renal TIF in UUO kidneys. Keywords: Microparticles, Transforming growth factor-β1, Renal fibrosis, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, Erythropoietin
The rate of Seismic deformation in the Gulf of Aqaba as inferred from moment tensor summation
Authors: Almadani Sattam 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The main goal of this study is to quantify the rate of seismic deformation in the Gulf of Aqaba. The moment tensor summation technique based on the seismicity data, for all available historical and instrumental data (1900-2019), and reliable fault plane solutions was used to calculate the size and the shape of deformation. For the period from 1900 to 2019, the seismicity data was used to calculate the seismicity parameters (representing by the Gutenberg-Richter and moment-magnitude relations) and the spatial extent of the deformation zone. The fault parameters of forty-four earthquakes, having moment magnitudes range from 3.2 to 7.2, were used to construct the moment tensor summation and subsequently to calculate the rate of seismic deformation. The calculations showed that a predominant shear deformation acting in the Gulf of Aqaba is taken up by extension in a direction of N40.8 o E at a rate of 0.83±0.21 mm/yr. and compression in a direction of N131.6 o E at a rate of 0.32±0.05 mm/yr.; reflecting the Gulf of Aqaba is undergoing from shear deformation accommodated along a strike-slip fault. The obtained results exhibited that the present-day deformation in the Gulf of Aqaba is acting by the interaction of relative tectonic motions among African, Sinai and Arabia plates.
C6-ceramide treatment inhibits the proangiogenic activity of multiple myeloma exosomes via the miR-29b/Akt pathway
Authors: Liu Liping , Ye Qinmao , Liu Langni , Bihl Ji Chen , Chen Yanfang , Liu Jing , Cheng Qian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The increased bone marrow angiogenesis is involved in the progression of multiple myeloma (MM) with the underlying mechanism poorly understood. Cancer-released exosomes could play an important role in the pathological angiogenesis through exosomal microRNAs (miRs) delivery. MiR-29b has been reported in regulating the tumor angiogenesis. Methods: In this study, we explored the role of C6-ceramide (C6-cer, a Ceramide pathway activator) in the angiogenic effect of MM exosomes and its potential mechanism. MM cells (OPM2 and RPMI-8226) treated with C6-cer were studied for its effects on the endothelial cell (EC) functions . Results: Our results showed that exosomes released from MM cells treated by C6-cer ( Exo C6-cer ) significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of ECs. For mechanism studies, we found that the level of miR-29b was increased in ECs treated by exo C6-cer , while mRNA and protein expressions of Akt3, PI3K and VEGFA were decreased in ECs, indicating the involvement of Akt pathway. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-29b by inhibitor administration could prevent the exo C6-cer -induced cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of ECs, accompanied with the increased expressions of Akt3, PI3K and VEGFA. Conclusions: Collectively, our data suggest that exo C6-cer -mediated miR-29b expression participates in the progression of MM through suppressing the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of ECs by targeting Akt signal pathway.
Bcl-2 is essential for Foeniculum vulgare seed extract-induced apoptosis in lung cancer
Authors: Ke Weiwei , Zhao Xiangxuan , Lu Zaiming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The factors behind the pathogenesis of lung cancer are not clear, and treatment failure is generally caused by drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Development of new therapeutic agents to overcome drug-resistance remains a challenge clinically. Various extracts of Foeniculum vulgare have shown promising anticancer activity; however, effects on lung cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms of action are not clear. Methods The cytotoxicity effects of EEFS were assessed by morphological changes or MTT assay. The BALB/c nude mice xenograft model was used for the in vivo study. Apoptotic ratio assay based on Annexin V-PI staining were measured by flow cytometry. Effect of EEFS on expression of apoptotic proteins was measured by Western blot. Mitochondria toxicity was evaluated by fluorescence to show membrane potential under a fluorescent microscope and Cytochrome C release. Results We found that the ethanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare seeds (EEFS) significantly reduced lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. EEFS decreased the viability of and triggered apoptosis in the lung cancer cell lines NCI-H446 and NCI-H661. EEFS induced apoptosis mainly through inhibition of Bcl-2 protein expression, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, and release of Cytochrome C. Moreover, EEFS significantly inhibited colony formation and cell migration in lung cancer cells. EEFS also effectively inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors derived from NCI-446 cells by reducing Bcl-2 protein expression and inducing apoptosis. Conclusions Taken together, these findings suggest that EEFS exerts anti-lung cancer activity by targeting the Bcl-2 protein and may have potential as a therapeutic drug for lung cancer.
The Spatial-temporal Analysis of the Tuberculosis in Chongqing, China, 2011-2018
Authors: Yu Ya , Wu Bo , Wu Chengguo , Wang Qingya , Hu Daiyu , Chen Wei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : China is a country with a high burden of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and the number of patient ranks second place in the world. Chongqing is the only municipality in the southwest of China directly under the Central Government, where the notification rate of PTB ranks top ten in China. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of PTB in Chongqing in order to take more powerful control measures. Methods : A spatial-temporal analysis has been performed based on the data of PTB from 2011 to 2018, which was extracted from the National Surveillance System. Time series, spatial autonomic correlation and spatial-temporal scanning methods were used to identify the temporal trends and spatial patterns at county level. Results : A total of 188,528 cases were included in this study. A downward trend was observed in the epidemic of PTB in Chongqing from 2011 to 2018. The peak of PTB notification was present in late winter and early spring season each year. By calculating the value of Global Moran's I and Local Getis’s Gi*, we found that PTB was spatially clustered and some significant hot spots were detected in the southeast and northeast of Chongqing. One most likely cluster and three secondary clusters were identified by Kulldorff’s scan spatial-temporal Statistic. Conclusions : This study identified seasonal patterns and spatial-temporal clusters of PTB cases in Chongqing. The results provide us useful information for developing subsequent TB control measures.