bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in Group B Streptococcus from clinical samples
Authors: Mudzana Raymond , Mavenyengwa Rooyen T , Gudza-Mugabe Muchaneta 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus agalacticae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is one of the most important causative agents of serious infections among neonates. This study was carried out to identify antibiotic resistance and virulence genes associated with GBS isolated from pregnant women. Methods: A total of 43 GBS isolates were obtained from 420 vaginal samples collected from HIV positive and negative women who were 13-35 weeks pregnant attending Antenatal Care at Chitungwiza and Harare Central Hospitals in Zimbabwe. Identification tests of GBS isolates was done using standard bacteriological methods and molecular identification testing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the modified Kirby-Bauer method. The boiling method was used to extract DNA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen for 13 genes. Data was fed into SPSS 24.0 and the Spearman rank correlation test used to determine correlation among genes. Results: Nine distinct virulence gene profiles were identified. The profiles hly-scpB-bca-rib 37.2% (16/43) and hly-scpB-bca 18.6% (8/43) were common. The virulence genes identified were namely hly 97.8% (42/43), scpB 90.1% (39/43), bca 86.0% (37/43), rib 69.8% (30/43) and bac 11.6% (5/43). High resistance to tetracycline 97.7% (42/43) was reported followed by penicillin G, 69.8% (30/43), ampicillin 58.1% (25/43), clindamycin 55.8% (24/43) and erythromycin 30.2% (13/43). Antibiotic resistance genes among the resistant and intermediate-resistant isolates showed high frequencies for tetM 97.6% (41/42) and low frequencies for ermB 34.5% (10/29), ermTR 10.3% (3/29), mefA 3.4% (1/29), tetO 2.4% (1/42) and linB 0% (0/35). The atr housekeeping gene yielded 100% (43/43) positive results, whilst the mobile genetic element IS1548 yielded 9.3% (4/43). Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of hly, scpB, bca and rib virulence genes in S. agalactiae strains isolated from pregnant women. Tetracycline resistance was found to be predominantly caused by the tetM gene, whilst macrolide resistance was predominantly due to the presence of erm methylase, with the ermB gene being more prevalent. The recovery of resistant isolates to antimicrobial agents such as penicillins indicates the importance of GBS surveillance and susceptibility tests. It was also observed that in vitro phenotypic resistance is not always accurately predicted by resistance genotypes.
A novel gene expression system for Ralstonia eutropha based on the T7 promoter
Authors: Hu Muzi , Xiong Bin , Li Zhongkang , Liu Li , Li Siwei , Zhang Chunzhi , Bi Changhao , Zhang Xueli 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Ralstonia eutropha (syn. Cupriavidus necator) is a model microorganism for studying metabolism of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and a potential chassis for protein expression due to various advantages. Although current plasmid systems of R. eutropha provide a basic platform for gene expression, the performance of the expression-inducing systems is still limited. In addition, the sizes of the cloned genes are limited due to the large sizes of the plasmid backbones.Results: In this study, an R. eutropha T7 expression system was established by integrating a T7 RNA polymerase gene driven by the PBAD promoter into the genome of R. eutropha, as well as adding a T7 promoter into a pBBR1-derived plasmid for gene expression. In addition, the essential DNA sequence necessary for pBBR1 plasmid replication was identified, and the redundant parts were deleted reducing the expression plasmid size to 3392 bp, which improved the electroporation efficiency about 4 times. As a result, the highest expression level of RFP was enhanced, and the L-arabinose concentration for expression induction was decreased 20 times. Conclusions: The R. eutropha T7 expression system provides an efficient platform for protein production and synthetic biology applications.
Efficacy of Unilateral Ilioinguinal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Alleviation of Catheter-related Bladder Discomfort in Male Patients after Emergence from General Anesthesia: a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhao Xiyue , Wang Liangrong , Hu Yi , Chen Lei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Urinary catheterization frequently leads to catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) in male patients after general anesthesia. This prospective cohort trial aimed to prove the efficacy of unilateral ilioinguinal transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in attenuating CRBD in male patients. Methods: Male patients with a severe CRBD were randomized to receive unilateral ilioinguinal TAPB with 0.375% ropivacaine 10 mL (group T) or intravenous sufentanil 0.15 μg/kg (group C). The primary outcomes were the incidence rates of moderate-to-severe CRBD at 0.5, 1, 2, and 6 hours after treatment, and the other outcomes were postoperative adverse events related to treatments. Results: The incidence rates of moderate-to-severe CRBD were significantly lower in group T than in group C at 0.5 hours (11.5% vs 87.4%, P<0.001), 1 hour (7.6% vs 92.3%, P=0.001), 2 hours (7.6% vs 92.3%, P=0.001), and 6 hours (11.5% vs 100%, P<0.001) after treatment. The postoperative incidences of sedation and respiratory depression were decreased significantly in group T compared to group C (P<0.05). Conclusions: Unilateral ilioinguinal TAPB with ropivacaine can decrease the incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD and reduce side effects in male patients after general anesthesia compared to intravenous sufentanil administration. Trial registration: This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov as ChiCTR1900022869 on April 29, 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=38516.
Stepwise in vitro induction of human somitic mesoderm and its derivatives
Authors: Alev Cantas , Yamanaka Yoshihiro , Uemura Maya 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Our understanding of human somitogenesis is limited and largely based on insights gained from model organisms. Pluripotent stem cell-based
in vitro
approaches aiming to recapitulate distinct aspects of this core developmental process have recently been reported, including our recent paper on the
in vitro
recapitulation of the human segmentation clock
1
. Here we describe in detail our stepwise induction protocol of presomitic mesoderm (PSM), somitic mesoderm (SM), and its two major derivatives, sclerotome (SCL) and dermomyotome (DM) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We further briefly address the subsequent molecular and functional analysis of these
in vitro
induced human mesodermal lineages and cell-types.
p21 inhibitor UC2288 ameliorates MPTP induced Parkinson’s disease progression through inhibition of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation
Authors: Im Jun Hyung , Yeo In Jun , Jeon Seong Hee , Lee Dong Hun , Ham Hyeon Joo , Yun Jaesuk , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin Tae 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the early prominent death of dopaminergic neurons and a decrease of dopamine levels. Dopamine depletion leads to several motor dysfunctions, including resting tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. Our previous study determined that knockout of parkin, a gene of PD degrade p21, suppresses neurogenesis which is critical for a neurodegenerative disease. MethodsThus, we investigated the effect of UC2288, an inhibitor of p21, for its therapeutic effect on PD. We found that UC2288 attenuated 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced behavioral impairment in Rota-rod and Pole test as well as dopamine depletion.ResultsMoreover, UC2288 recovered the number of TH positive cells, but decreased the number of GFAP and Iba-1 positive cells accompanied the decrease of BAX and cleaved caspase3 as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression. In cultured neurons, UC2288 recovered MPP+-induced neuronal cell death in a concentration dependent manner. We also found that UC2288 decreased the p21 reactive cell number, oxidative neuronal damages, cytokines product in vivo and cultured neurons. In a mechanism study, we found that UC2288 significantly decreased the activation of ERK and p38 kinase pathway in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In addition, 1-10 μM concentration of ERK kinase inhibitor U0126 recovered MPP+-induced neuronal cell death. However, ERK kinase inhibitor U0126 further decreased cell viability with the increase of H2O2.ConclusionThese results indicated that the administration of UC2288 exerted neuroprotective effects on the death of dopaminergic neurons through the suppression of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation via ERK pathway inhibition.
Completely Resected Stage Iii Melanoma Controversy: 15 Years Of National Tertiary Centre Experience
Authors: Perić Barbara , Milicevic Sara , Perhavec Andraz , Hocevar Marko , Zgajnar Janez 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDTwo prospective randomized studies analysing cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases and rapid development of adjuvant therapy have changed our approach to stage III CM treatment. The aim of this study was to compare results of retrospective survival analysis of stage III CM patients’ treatment from Slovenian national CM register to current clinical guidelines.METHODSSince 2000, all Slovenian CM patients with primary tumour ≥ TIb are treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and data are prospectively collected into a national CM registry. A retrospective analysis of 2426 sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies and 789 lymphadenectomies performed until 2015 was conducted using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests.RESULTSPositive SLN was found in 519/2426 (21.4%) of patients and completion dissection (CLND) was performed in 455 patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of CLND group was 58% versus 47% of metachronous metastases group (MLNM) (p = 0.003). The 5-year OS of patients with lymph node (LN) metastases and unknown primary site (UPM) was 45% versus 21% of patients with synchronous LN metastasis. Patients with SLN tumour burden < 0.3 mm had 5-year OS similar to SLN negative patients (86% vs. 85%; p = 0.926). The 5-year OS of patients with burden > 1.0 mm was similar to the MLNM group (49% vs 47%; p = 0.280). CONCLUSIONStage III melanoma patients is a heterogeneous group with significant OS differences. CLND after positive SLNB might still remain a method of treatment for some of those patients if low postoperative complication rates can be reassured.
Treadmill integrated robot-assisted ankle dorsiflexion training for stroke rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Conroy Susan , Roy Anindo , Magder Laurence , Eversley Derek , Flores Kate , Kerns Zachary , Kittner Steven , Macko Richard 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Stroke-related ankle dysfunction due to hemiparesis has a profound negative impact on gait biomechanics and walking. Task-oriented treadmill training improves gait velocity but does not lead to restitution of ankle function. Advances in robotic technology have led to the development of an adaptive ankle robot that can be integrated into treadmill walking and provide precisely timed graded assistance consistent with motor learning approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a 6-week treadmill-integrated adaptive ankle robot (TMR) training to 6-weeks of treadmill training (TM) alone on improved paretic ankle motor control and gait performance. Methods: This was a single-blind (evaluator-blinded) randomized controlled trial. 45 participants received either TMR or TM training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Primary outcomes were improved peak paretic ankle dorsiflexion (DF) angle at swing, improved DF angle at foot strike (weight acceptance), and increased gait velocity during self-selected over-ground walking. The primary analysis was based on intention-to-treat using a longitudinal regression model. An additional sub-set analysis of subjects with biomechanically defined foot drop was performed. Results: There were no significant post-training ankle dorsiflexion or gait velocity differences between groups. Six-week post-training mean peak paretic DF swing angle was (4.84 ± 6.83; 4.2 ± 6.83 p=0.63) and DF angle at foot strike was (-0.70 ± 6.55; -0.46 ± 5.70 p=0.84) respectively for TMR and TM. Gait velocity gains were similar and TMR had a mean increase of 0.54 m/s ± 0.24 and TM increased 0.56 m/s ±0.32. p=0.48 post-training.Conclusion: Integrating adaptive ankle robotics into task-specific locomotor training was not significantly better than treadmill training alone. Both interventions improved gait velocity. Promising results in ankle motor control were seen in a subset of subjects with biomechanically defined foot drop that warrants further investigation. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical trials.gov id: NCT02483676. Registered June 29, 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02483676
Analysis of local habitat selection and large-scale attraction/avoidance based on animal tracking data: is there a single best method?
Authors: Mercker Moritz , Schwemmer Philipp , Peschko Verena , Enners Leonie , Garthe Stefan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: New wildlife telemetry and tracking technologies have become available in the last decade, leading to a large increase in the volume and resolution of animal tracking data. These technical developments have been accompanied by various statistical tools aimed at analysing the data obtained by these methods. Methods: We used simulated habitat and tracking data to compare some of the different statistical methods frequently used to infer local resource selection and large-scale attraction/avoidance from tracking data. Notably, we compared the performances of spatial logistic regression models (SLRMs), point process models (PPMs), and integrated step selection models ((i)SSMs) and their interplays with habitat, tracking-device, and animal movement properties. Results: We demonstrated that SLRMs were inappropriate for large-scale attraction studies and prone to bias when inferring habitat selection. In contrast, PPMs and (i)SSMs showed comparable (unbiased) performances for both habitat selection and large-scale effect studies. However, (i)SSMs had several advantages over PPMs with respect to robustness, user-friendly implementation, and computation time. Conclusions: We recommend the use of (i)SSMs to infer habitat selection or large-scale attraction/avoidance from animal tracking data. This method has several practical advantages over PPMs and additionally extends SSMs, thus increasing its predictive capacity and allowing the derivation of mechanistic movement models.
Detection of Brucella abortus and Brucellla melitensis in cattle and sheep from southern Cameroon
Authors: Mitterran Kamga Ndefo Rolin , Barberine Silatsa Assongo , Oumarou Farikou , Simo Gustave 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacterial of the genus Brucella. Although several investigations detected Brucella antibodies in many animal species, low attention has been paid for specific identification of different Brucella species in animals of Sub-Saharan African counties. It is in this light that this study was designed to identify Brucella abortus and Brucellla melitensis in cattle and sheep of several villages of southern Cameroon in order to improve our epidemiological knowledge on brucellosis in central AfricaMethods: Blood samples were collected in 597 cattle and 315 sheep of 15 villages of two regions of Cameroon. DNA was extracted from blood samples and primers amplifying bcsp31 gene enabled the identification of Brucella spp infections in domestic animals. Amongst animals found with Brucella spp infections, specific primes were used to identify B. abortus and B. melitensis respectively. Results: From 912 animals analyzed in this study, 159 (17%) were found with Brucella infections. This gives an infection rate of 20.93% (125/597) in cattle and 10.79% (34/315) in sheep respectively. Of the 159 animals harboring Brucella infections, 118 (12.93%) were infected by B. abortus and 29 (3.17%) by B. melitensis. The Brucella infection rate (20.56%) was high in animals of the Noun division compared to those (12.35%) of Yoko. Between animal species, significant differences were observed in infection rates of both abortus and B. melitensis. The difference in the B. abortus infection rates remains significant between Yoko and Noun, and especially between villages of the Noun division. Conclusion: This study revealed for the first time B. melitensis and B. abortus infections in cattle and sheep of the Noun and Yoko in the southern Cameroon. The identification of B. melitensis and B. abortus in animals suggests further investigations on human brucellosis. Results of this study highlight the need of developing and implementing control measures against brucellosis in Cameroon, especially in villages presenting high risk for Brucella infections.
Data Cleaning Process for HIV Indicator Data Extracted from DHIS2 National Reporting System: Case Example of Kenya
Authors: Gesicho Milka , Babic Ankica , Were Martin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) is widely used by countries for national-level aggregate reporting of health data. To best leverage DHIS2 data for decision-making, countries need to ensure that data within their systems are of the highest quality. Comprehensive, systematic and transparent data cleaning approaches form a core component of preparing DHIS2 data for use. Unfortunately, there is paucity of exhaustive and systematic descriptions of data cleaning processes employed on DHIS2-based data. In this paper, we describe results of systematic data cleaning approach applied on a national-level DHIS2 instance, using Kenya as the case example.
Methods
Broeck et al’s framework, involving repeated cycles of a three-phase process (data screening, data diagnosis and data treatment), was employed on six HIV indicator reports collected monthly from all care facilities in Kenya from 2011 to 2018. This resulted to repeated facility reporting instances. Quality dimensions evaluated included reporting rate, reporting timeliness, and indicator completeness of submitted reports each done per facility per year. The various error types were categorized, and Friedman analyses of variance conducted to examine differences in distribution of facilities by error types. Data cleaning was done during the treatment phases.
Results
A generic five-step data cleaning sequence was developed and applied in cleaning HIV indicator data reports extracted from DHIS2. Initially, 93,179 facility reporting instances were extracted from year 2011 to 2018. 50.23% of these instances submitted no reports and were removed. Of the remaining reporting instances, there was over reporting in 0.03%. Quality issues related to timeliness included scenarios where reports were empty or had data but were never on time. Percentage of reporting instances in these scenarios varied by reporting type. Of submitted reports empty reports also varied by report type and ranged from 1.32–18.04%. Report quality varied significantly by facility distribution (p = 0.00) and report type.
Conclusions
The case instance of Kenya reveals significant data quality issues for HIV reported data that were not detected by the inbuilt error detection procedures within DHIS2. More robust and systematic data cleaning processes should be integrated to current DHIS2 implementations to ensure highest quality data.
Acute hospital staff’s attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge: a cross-sectional survey in Ireland
Authors: Keogh Brian , To Wing Ting , Daly Louise , Hynes Geralyn , Kennelly Siobhan , Lawlor Brian , Timmons Suzanne , O’Reilly Susan , Bracken-Scally Mairead , Ciblis Aurelia , Cole Natalie , Drury Amanda , Pittalis Chiara , Kennelly Brendan , McCarron Mary , Brady Anne-Marie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Little is known about staff’s attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The objective of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants’ perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant’s attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used. Results : Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both ‘having previous dementia training’ and ‘having a relative living with dementia’ predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Conclusion : This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.
Dkk1 is a negative regulator for the pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Dong Jun , Xu Xiqiang , Zhang Qingyu , Wang Naiguo , Yuan Zenong , Tan Bingyi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
PurposeOssification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is an osteogenic disorder characterized by ectopic bone formation in the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. dinkkopf 1 (Dkk1) is a secreted inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, which negatively regulates bone formation during skeletal development. However, whether Dkk1 impacts the pathogenesis of OPLL has not been reported. This study is to investigate the implication of Dkk1 in the pathogenesis of OPLL.MethodsThe serum level of Dkk1 in OPLL patients was determined using ELISA. The expression of Dkk1 and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling were examined in OPLL ligament-derived fibroblasts. The modulation of Dkk1 on OPLL cell proliferation, apoptosis, as well as BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation was also investigated.ResultsThe serum level of Dkk1 is decreased in OPLL patients as compared to non-OPLL patients. The expression of Dkk1 is also reduced in OPLL fibroblasts. Downregulation of Dkk1 in OPLL cells is associated with stabilized β-catenin and increased TCF-dependent transcriptional activity, indicating an activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Functionally, Dkk1 exerts a growth-inhibitory effect by repressing proliferation but promoting apoptosis of OPLL fibroblasts. Dkk1 also suppresses BMP2-induced entire osteogenic differentiation of OPLL cells and this suppression is mediated via its inhibition of the Wnt pathway.ConclusionDkk1 acts as an important negative regulator in the pathogenesis of OPLL. Targeting the Wnt pathway using Dkk1 or small molecule inhibitors may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OPLL.