bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium falciparum genetic factors rather than host factors are likely to drive resistance to ACT in Ghana
Authors: Hodoameda Peter , Duah-Quashie Nancy Odurowah , Hagan Charles Oheneba , Matrevi Sena , Abuaku Benjamin , Koram Kwadwo A , Quashie Neils B 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) partner drugs, currently used in Ghana are lumefantrine, amodiaquine and piperaquine. Plasmodium falciparum isolates with reduced susceptibility to these partner drugs may affect treatment outcome. Mutations in pfmdr1 gene is linked to reduced parasite susceptibility to amodiaquine and lumefantrine. In addition, the potency of the partner drugs in vivo depends on the metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in the host. Mutations in the CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 genes are linked to reduced metabolism of amodiaquine and lumefantrine in vitro, respectively. This study investigated the host and parasite genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of the malaria parasite to ACT partner drugs.Methods Archived samples from 240 patients age ≤9 years participating in anti-malarial drug resistance survey in Ghana, and given artemether with lumefantrine (AL) or artesunate with amodiaquine (AA), were selected and analysed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing was used to determine the polymorphisms in CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and pfmdr1 genes. Results For CYP3A4, all had wild type alleles, suggesting that the hosts are good metabolizers of lumefantrine. For CYP2C8 60% had wild type alleles, 35% heterozygous and 5% homozygous recessive alleles suggesting efficient metabolism of amodiaquine by the hosts. For pfmdr1 gene, at codon 86, 95% were wild type (N86) and 5% mutant (Y86). For codon 184, 36% were wild type (Y184) and 64% mutant (F184) while for codons 1034, 1042 and 1246, 100% (all) were wild type. The high prevalence of N86-F184-D1246 haplotype (NFD) suggest presence of parasites with reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine and not amodiaquine. Delayed clearance was observed in individuals with mutations in the pfmdr1 gene and not cytochrome 450 gene. Both synonymous and non-synonymous mutations were observed in the Pfmdr1 at low prevalence. Conclusion The outcome of this study indicates that the parasite's genetic factors rather than the host’s are likely to drive resistance to ACT in Ghana.
A Cohort Study Evaluating the Association Between Concurrent Mental Disorders, Mortality, Morbidity, and Continuous Treatment Retention for Patients in Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) Across Ontario, Canada Using Administrative Health Data
Authors: Morin Kristen , Eibl Joseph K , Gauthier Graham , Rush Brian , Mushquash Christopher , Lightfoot Nancy E , Marsh David 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to the high prevalence of mental disorders among people with opioid use disorder, the objective of this study was to determine the association between concurrent mental disorders, mortality, morbidity and continuous treatment retention for patients in opioid agonist treatment in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in opioid agonist treatment between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. Patients were stratified into two groups: those diagnosed with concurrent mental disorders and opioid use disorder and those with opioid use disorder only, using data from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan Database, Ontario Drug Benefit Plan Database. The primary outcome studied was all-cause mortality using data from the Registered Persons Database. Emergency Department visits from the National Ambulatory Care Database, hospitalizations Discharge Abstract Database, and continuous retention in treatment, defined as one year of uninterrupted opioid agonist treatment using data from the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan Database, were measured as secondary outcomes. Encrypted patient identifiers were used to link information across databases.Results: We identified 55,924 individuals enrolled in opioid agonist treatment, and 87% had a concurrent mental disorder diagnosis during this period. We observed that having a mental disorder was associated with an increased likelihood of all-cause mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.2-1.5. For patients who had been diagnosed with mental disorders, the number of ED visits per year 2.25 times higher, and the number of hospitalizations per year was 1.67 times higher than for patients with no mental disorders. However, there was no association between having a diagnosis of a mental disorder and one-year treatment retention in OAT adjusted Hazzard Ratio (HR) = 1.0; 95%CI 0.9 to 1.1).Conclusion: Our findings highlight the consequences of the high prevalence of mental disorders for individuals with opioid use disorder in Ontario, Canada
Overexpression of ANP32E is associated with poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer and promotes cell proliferation and migration through regulating β-catenin
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Lan Zhongmin , Qiu Guotong , Ren Hu , Zhao Yajie , Gu Zongting , Li Zongze , Feng Lin , He Jin , Wang Chengfeng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor with high lethality. Acidic nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member E (ANP32E) is a specific H2A.Z chaperone. The role of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the clinical relevance and function of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer.Methods: The expression of ANP32E in 179 pancreatic cancer tissues and 171 normal tissues, and its correlation with patients’ survival were analyzed from the TCGA database. ANP32E was overexpressed and silenced using lentivirus. siRNA was used to knock down β-catenin. CCK8, colony formation, cell cycle detection and Transwell assays were performed to determine cell proliferation and migration. qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to detect mRNA and protein expression.Results: ANP32E was an oncogene in pancreatic cancer. ANP32E was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Up-regulation of ANP32E predicted poor survival in patients. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of ANP32E suppressed the proliferation, colony growth and migration of PANC1 and MIA cells. By contrast, ANP32E overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration capacity of the cells. In addition, ANP32E overexpression accelerated the cell cycle progression in PANC1 and MIA cells. Molecular experiments showed that ANP32E activated β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling. Silencing of β-catenin reduced cell proliferation and migration in ANP32E over-expressed cells.Conclusion: Our results reveal that ANP32E functions as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer via activating β-catenin.
Autonomous replication sequences from the Amaranthus palmeri eccDNA replicon enable replication in yeast
Authors: Molin William T. , Yaguchi Allison , Blenner Mark , Saski Christopher 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: The objective of the research presented here was to determine whether autonomous replication sequences (ARS) discovered in the eccDNA replicon of glyphosate resistant Amaranthus palmeri enable self-replication in a yeast system. Results: Sequence analysis of the eccDNA replicon revealed a region of sharp changes in A+T/G+C content with characteristic bending indicative of an autonomous replication sequence. Further sequence analysis revealed an extended autonomous replication sequence (EACS) in close proximity to multiple DNA unwinding element (DUE) sequences. This region of the eccDNA replicon enabled autonomous replication of an ARS-less yeast plasmid.
Clinical Features, Prognostic Factors, and Treatment Strategy of Osteoblastoma-like Osteosarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Huo Xu-Lei , Ma Jun-Peng , Song Lai-Rong , Tian Kai-Bing , Du Jiang , Wu Zhen , Li Da 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background： Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma is a very rare tumor and the diagnosis and the treatment can be challenging and controversial. Herein, we presented a case occurring in the occipital bone firstly and summarized all of the previously published cases to delineate the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and treatment strategy of osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma. Case presentation: A 34-year-old man presented with a headache with bitter and dull for 6 months, underwent a suboccipital posterior median approach to remove the lesion without intra-operative complications. Computerized tomography revealed osteogenic bone destruction on the occipital protuberance involving inner and outer table of the skull. Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Venogram revealed that the tumor invades sinus convergence, disappeared sinus convergence, narrowed bilateral transverse sinus, and abundant tumor blood vessels. Re-examination on the day after operation revealed that the post-operative changes of the occipital bone and the tumor were resected completely. The pathologic examination identified the Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. Patient was discharged home 7 days after operation. By four months, re-examination Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan revealed that there was no evidence of recurrence and was not leaded to any problem. Conclusion: For patients with presumed osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma, gross total resection should be recommended. If tolerable, radiotherapy or chemotherapy could be an alternative treatment modality. Patients with areas of conventional osteosarcoma had poor progression-free survival and tumors with metastasis had a poor overall survival. The lung was the most frequently involved regions of metastasis. Trial registration: CRD, CRD42019121880. Registered 13 February 2019, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO
A comparative study of transscrotal, transinguinal and laparoscopic orchidopexy for inguinal cryptorchidism
Authors: Wang Yun-jin , Zhang Qi-liang , Chen Liu , Cui Xu , Zhou Chao-ming , Zhou Qing , zhang zhengmian 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
A retrospective comparative study was performed on scrotal incision, inguinal incision and laparoscopic orchidopexy. The characteristics of the different surgical methods were analysed.
Methods
Clinical data of 158 patients with inguinal cryptorchidism admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to January 2018 were retrospectively analysed.
Results
The operation time in the scrotal incision group was significantly less than that in the inguinal incision group and laparoscopic group (P < 0.05). The length of the operative incision in the scrotal incision group and laparoscopic incision group was shorter than that in the inguinal incision group. There was no significant difference in the postoperative hospitalisation time or hospitalisation cost among the three groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of scrotal haematoma in the scrotal incision group was significantly higher than that in the inguinal incision group and laparoscopic group. There were no complications, such as testicular atrophy, testicular retraction, indirect inguinal hernia, or hydrocele.
Conclusions
Transscrotal incision, transinguinal incision and laparoscopic orchidopexy are safe for the treatment of inguinal cryptorchidism. Satisfactory early clinical results can be achieved. Rational use of scrotal incision surgery and laparoscopic surgery for cryptorchidism may replace transinguinal surgery and can provide a good cosmetic effect for children.
VALD-3, a Schiff base ligand synthesized from o-vanillin derivatives, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Li Hongling , Dang Chunyan , Tai Xiaohui , Xue Li , Meng Yuna , Ma Shuping , Zhang Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Schiff base compounds and their metal complexes have become important synthetic organic drugs due to their extensive biological activities, which include anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral effects. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of VALD-3, a Schiff base ligand synthesized from o-vanillin derivatives, on human breast cancer cells and the possible underlying mechanisms.Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-test was used to observe the proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells induced on VALD-3. The effects of VALD-3 on the cell cycle were analyzed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by PI single staining. Hoechst 33258 staining was performed to determine if VALD-3 induced apoptosis of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and Annexin V/PI staining was performed to quantify the percentages of apoptosis. The expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and anti-apoptotic proteins in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells was investigated by Western blotting. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways were also examined. The antitumor activity and survival analysis of VALD-3 in vivo was determined by the nude mice xenograft assay.Results: Flow cytometry analysis showed that VALD-3 triggered cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Western blot analysis revealed that VALD-3 upregulated pro-apoptotic proteins (Bad and Bax), downregulated anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, survivin and XIAP) and increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, Cyto-c and cleaved PARP. VALD-3 also regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer cells, inhibiting the activation of downstream molecules. By xenografting human breast cancer cells into nude mice, we found that VALD-3 significantly suppressed tumor cell growth while showing low toxicity against major organs. In addition, survival analysis results showed that VALD-3 can significantly prolong the survival time of mice (P=0.036).Conclusion: This study is the first to show that VALD-3 induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer cells by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling, indicating that it could be a potential drug for the treatment of breast cancer.
Frequency distribution of IL-17A G197A (rs2275913) and IL-17F A7488G (rs763780) polymorphisms among healthy Sudanese population
Authors: Mohamed Nouh Saad , Siddig Emmanuel E. , Ahmed Abdallah E. , Albsheer Musab MA. , Abdelbagi Hanadi , Ali Eman T. , Alsubki Anadel A. , Abdalaziz Sabah A. , Mustafa Madinna , Muneer Mohamed S. , Osman Hussam A. , Osman Maha M. , Ali Mohamed S. , Edris Ali MM. , Ahmed Ayman , Omer Rihab A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives: IL-17A G197A and IL-17F A7488G polymorphisms has been identified to be associated with the susceptibility to many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the frequency distribution of IL-17A G197A and IL-17F A7488G polymorphisms among healthy Sudanese population. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based molecular study conducted in different sites throughout Sudan. Two ml blood samples were collected from 717 healthy participants. Demographic data and the medical history of the participants were collected.Results: Of the 717 participants, 355 (49.5%) were males and 362 (50.5%) were females, their mean age was 30.2±17.2 and 32.2±16.5, respectively. For IL-17A, the most frequent genotype detected among males and females was IL-17A heterozygote allele (AG); 215 (60.6%) and 194 (53.6%), respectively. Whereas, for IL-17F, the most frequent allele among males and females was the homozygote allele (AA); 298 (83.9%) for males and 322 (89.0%) for females. HWE for genotype distributions of IL-17A was showing statistical insignificance for IL-17A among males and females, P value 0.614. While HWE for IL-17F reached the equilibrium level, P value 0.048. The most frequent age group was those aged between 21 to 40 years; 281 (39.2%). Arab constituted the major ethnicity of the study participants; 418 (58.3%), P value 0.034.
The Social Risk Factors for Internet Addiction in College Undergraduate Students
Authors: Lin Xia , Gu Jingyan , Guo Wan-jun , Meng Ya-jing , Wang Hui-yao , Li Xiao-jing , Deng Wei , Zhao Lian-sheng , Ma Xiao-hong , Li Ming-li , Chen Ting , Cheng Andy S.K. , Li Tao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: The current study aims to explore precipitating and risk factors for internet addiction (IA) in university undergraduate students, and to provide evidence for interventions and the early prevention of IA in this population.Method: Four thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight college sophomores completed an online survey on their internet use-related behaviours and social risk factors.Result: Compared to female students (5.4%), more male students (8.3%) were in the moderate and severe IA groups. Male and female students tend to engage in different types of online entertainment. There are some shared and some different precipitating factors for internet use and risk factors for IA between the different gender groups.Conclusion: By understanding the differences and similarities in risk factors for IA in both gender groups of the university undergraduate students, interventions can be more precisely designed to target specific behaviours in this populations.
A validation study of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in WLHIV
Authors: Yousuf Abdilahi , Musa Ramli , Md. Muhammad Lokman , Arifin Siti Roshaidai Mohd 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a self-assessment tool that measures anxiety and depression and is mostly used in hospital settings. The purpose of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the Somali version of HADS in selected two hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.
Method:

From the WLHIV who attend the ART service, 357 women were included in the study and assessed with this tool. The English language of HADS was translated into the Somali version and used for this study. Statistical analysis was computed to examine the validity and measure the reliability of the study.
Result

This version of HADS was found to be acceptable for people living with HIV. To test the reliability, the internal consistency was found to be 0.83 for the anxiety sub-scale and 0.84 for the depression sub-scale. The Somali version of HADS has shown good internal consistency with its metric properties similar to international literature. By two-factor analysis, the Varimax rotation has shown high factor loading in both sub-scales (Anxiety and depression).
Conclusion

Therefore, this version can be used to screen the anxiety and depression of patients living with HIV. Therefore, the findings of this validation study show that the Somali version of the HADS is a valid and reliable tool to measure depression and anxiety and can be used to screen people living with HIV.
Climatic and topographic changes since the Miocene influenced the radiation and biogeography of tent tortoises (Psammobates tentorius) species complex in southern Africa as inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear genes, microsatellite markers as well as ecological niche modelling
Authors: Zhao Zhongning , Heideman Neil , Bester Phillip , Jordaan Adriaan , Hofmeyr Margaretha D. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Climatic and topographic changes function as key drivers in shaping genetic structure and cladogenic radiation in many organisms. Southern Africa has an exceptionally diverse tortoise fauna, harbouring one-third of the world’s tortoise genera. The distribution of Psammobates tentorius covers two of the 25 biodiversity hotspots of southern Africa, the Succulent Karoo and Cape Floristic Region. The highly diverged P. tentorius represents an excellent model species for exploring biogeographic and radiation patterns of reptiles in southern Africa.
Results
We investigated genetic structure, population dynamics and radiation patterns against temporal and spatial dimensions since the Miocene in the Psammobates tentorius species complex, using multiple types of DNA markers and niche modelling analyses. Cladogenesis in P. tentorius started in the late Miocene when populations dispersed from north to south to form two geographically isolated groups. The northern group diverged into a clade north of the Orange River (OR), followed by the splitting of the group south of the OR into a western and an interior clade. The latter divergence corresponded to the intensification of the cold Benguela current, which caused western aridification and rainfall seasonality. In the south, tectonic uplift and subsequent exhumation, together with climatic fluctuations seemed responsible for radiations among the four southern clades since the late Miocene. We found that each clade occurred in a habitat shaped by different climatic parameters, and that the niches differed substantially among the clades of the northern group but were similar among clades of the southern group.
Conclusion
Climatic shifts, and biome and geographic changes possibly functioned as major driving forces in shaping cladogenesis, population dynamics and genetic structure in southern African tortoise species. Our results revealed that the cryptic cladogenic radiation of the P. tentorius species complex was probably shaped by environmental cooling, biome shifts and topographic uplift in southern Africa since the late Miocene. The Last Glacial Maximum may have impacted the population dynamics of P. tentorius substantially. We found the taxonomic diversify of the P. tentorius species complex to be highest in the Greater Cape Floristic Region. All seven clades discovered warrant conservation attention, particularly C1- C3, C5 and C6.
Effect of Eight-Month Exercise Intervention on Bone Outcomes of Young Opioid-Dependent Women
Authors: Xu Yubing , Ding Zenghui , Chen Yanyan , Wang Mu , He Zijun , Wang Yuan , Sun Yining , Li Huazhi , Ma Zuchang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate bone response to an 8-month aerobic gymnastics training program in young opioid addicted women. Method: One hundred and two young women with previous opioid addiction were divided into two groups: (a) low bone quality intervention experimental group (n=55); (b) low bone quality observed control group (observation group) (n=47). Intervention group took aerobic gymnastics regularly for 120 min·d-1, 5d·wk-1 for 8 months and completed follow-up testing. Substance use history and other life habit affecting bone quality were assessed by questionnaire-based interviews. Bone quality (stiffness-index, T-score, Z-score) was examined with quantitative ultrasound. Anthropometric characteristics (body weight, fat free mass, fat mass) were obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: After 8-month intervention, the stiffness-index of bone quality increased significantly (before: 82±6, after: 108±14, p<0.05) in the experimental groups. However, the bone quality did not change significantly in the controls (observation group: before: 79±10, after: 77±13, p>0.05). Fat mass decreased in experimental group (Experimental group: before: 19.6±3.7kg, after: 18.8±4.0kg, p<0.05). Meanwhile, change of fat-free mass was the determination of change of bone quality in the experimental group. Conclusions: Our results suggested that aerobic gymnastics intervention can be an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of drug-induced osteoporosis in detoxification addicts.