bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of mobile genetic elements in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from different infection sites in Hamadan, west of Iran
Authors: Asghari Babak , Goodarzi Rezvan , Mohammadi Milad , Nouri Fatemeh , Taheri Mohammad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective
Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of most opportunistic pathogens that can be related to nosocomial infections. Increased acquisitions of multidrug resistance in this bacterium as well as the transfer of genes to other strains have caused concern. Integrons play key role in the acquisition and the spread of resistance genes. The aim of this study was evaluated the frequency of resistance genes sulI, sulII, tetA, tetB, class I (intI gene), class II integrons (intII gene) and the association between multidrug resistance and the presence of integrons in K. pneumoniae.

Results
Antibiotics susceptibility test was performed on 126 of K. pneumoniae isolates. Also, DNA extraction was done and genes were detected using PCR method. In this study, 67 isolates (53%), carrying both the sulI and sulII genes. Forty-five percent tetracycline-resistant isolates were tetA or tetB positive. The prevalence of intI gene was 96%, while only sixteen isolate harboring intII gene (12.5%). Our results showed the high prevalence of integrons in MDR K. pneumoniae, indicating the important role of these genes in the transmission of antibiotic resistance.
Pain relief and cartilage repair by Nanofat against osteoarthritis: preclinical and clinical evidence
Authors: Chen Zuxiang , Ge Yanzhi , Zhou Li , Li Ting , Yan Bo , Chen Junjie , Huang Jiefeng , Du Wenxi , Lv Shuaijie , Tong Peijian , Shan Letian 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint degenerative disorder, with little effective therapy to date. Nanofat is a cocktail of cells obtained from fat tissue, which possesses regenerative capacity and has a potential in treating OA. This study aimed to determine the anti-OA efficacy of Nanofat from basic and clinical aspects and explore its action mode.

Methods
Flow cytometry was performed to characterize Nanofat. A monoiodoacetate-induced OA rat model was employed for in vivo study. Cell viability and wound healing assays were conducted for in vitro study. Real-time PCR and Western blot assays were applied to explore the molecular action mode of Nanofat. Moreover, a retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of Nanofat on knee OA patients.

Results
The in vivo results showed that Nanofat significantly attenuated pain symptoms and protected cartilage ECM (Col2) from damage, and its effects were not significantly differed with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (both P > 0.05). The in vitro results showed that Nanofat promoted the cell viability and migration of chondrocytes and significantly restored the IL-1β-induced abnormal gene expressions of Col2, Aggrecan, Sox9, Adamts5, Mmp3, Mmp9 Mmp13, IL-6 and Col10 and protein expressions of Col2, MMP9, MMP13, and Sox9 of chondrocytes. The regulatory actions of Nanofat on these anabolic, catabolic, and hypertrophic molecules of chondrocytes were similar between two treatment routes: co-culture and conditioned medium, suggesting a paracrine-based mode of action of Nanofat. Moreover, the clinical data showed that Nanofat relieved pain and repaired damaged cartilage of OA patients, with no adverse events.

Conclusion
In sum, this study demonstrated the anti-OA efficacy as well as a paracrine-based action mode of Nanofat, providing novel knowledge of Nanofat and suggesting it as a promising and practical cell therapy for clinical treatment of OA.
Finite-time synchronization problem of a class of discontinuous Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with mixed delays via new switching design
Authors: Xiang Zhaohong , Li Runjie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates a class of generalized Cohen–Grossberg neural networks (CGNNs) with discontinuous activations and mixed delays. Based on the nonsmooth analysis theory, the drive-response concept, differential inclusions theory, we give several basic assumptions to gain the finite-time synchronization issue of CGNNs. Sufficient conditions are provided without the boundedness or monotonicity of discontinuous activation functions. Moreover, one can estimate the settling time’s upper bounds of the system. At last, two numerical examples and their simulations are given to further show the benefits of the obtained control approach.
Self-improving properties of weighted Gehring classes with applications to partial differential equations
Authors: Saker S. H. , Alzabut J. , O’Regan D. , Agarwal R. P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we prove that the self-improving property of the weighted Gehring class $G_{\lambda }^{p}$

G
λ
p

with a weight λ holds in the non-homogeneous spaces. The results give sharp bounds of exponents and will be used to obtain the self-improving property of the Muckenhoupt class $A^{q}$

A
q

. By using the rearrangement (nonincreasing rearrangement) of the functions and applying the Jensen inequality, we show that the results cover the cases of non-monotonic functions. For applications, we prove a higher integrability theorem and report that the solutions of partial differential equations can be solved in an extended space by using the self-improving property. Our approach in this paper is different from the ones used before and is based on proving some new inequalities of Hardy type designed for this purpose.
COVID-19 lessons learned: a global perspective
Authors: Kavanagh Kevin T. , Pontus Christine , Pare Judith , Cormier Lindsay E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOne June 15, 2021, infectious disease authorities from around the world participated in a joint webinar to share experiences and lessons learned in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the overriding goals of the conference “COVID-19 Lessons Learned: A Global Perspective”was to provide documentation of worldwide COVID-19 response strategies, in order to combat the plethora of misinformation and conspiracy theories that are being actively disseminated. This misinformation is having a profound negative impact on controlling the pandemic in many countries. Misinformation which was addressed in the conference included challenging the seriousness of COVID-19 infections, a refusal to recognize aerosolization as the major mechanism of spread, a belief that schools can be opened safely without implementation of extensive control strategies, and that masks and vaccines are not effective. A second goal was the identification of common strategies between nations. Common strategies included the implementation of a range of closures, mask mandates, travel bans and the need for expanded testing. But of utmost importance there was recognition of the need to implement a coordinated national strategy, which is depoliticized and led by scientists.
Constructing personal networks in light of COVID-19 containment measures
Authors: Furfaro Emanuela , Rivellini Giulia , Pelle Elvira , Zaccarin Susanna 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe policies for containing the spread of the SARS-CoV2 virus include a number of measures aimed at reducing physical contacts. In this paper, we explore the potential impact of such containment measures on social relations of both young adults and the elderly in Italy. We propose two ego-centered network definitions accounting for physical distance in light of the COVID-19 containment measures: the easy-to-reach network, that represents an accessible source of support that can be activate in case of new lockdown; the accustomed-to-reach network, which includes proximity and habit to meet in person. The approach used for constructing personal (ego-centered) networks on data from the most recent release of Families and Social Subject survey allows us to bring to the foreground people exposed to relational vulnerability. The analysis of the most vulnerable individuals by age, gender, and place of residence reveals that living alone is often associated with a condition of relational vulnerability for both the elderly and for young adults.
Neuroimaging at 7 T: are we ready for clinical transition?
Authors: Cosottini Mirco , Roccatagliata Luca 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the last 20 years, ultra-high field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an outstanding research tool for the study of the human brain, with 90 of these scanners installed today, worldwide. The recent clearances from regulatory bodies in the USA and Europe to 7-T clinical systems have set the ground for a transition from pure research applications to research and clinical use of these systems. As today, UFH neuroimaging is demonstrating clinical value and, given the importance of this topic for both preclinical scientists and clinical neuroradiologists, European Radiology Experimental is launching a thematic series entitled “7-T neuro MRI: from research to clinic”, consisting of peer-reviewed articles, invited or spontaneously submitted, on topics selected by the guest editors, describing the state of the art of UHF MRI neuroimaging across different pathologies, as well as related clinical applications. In this editorial, we discuss some of the challenges related to the clinical use of 7-T scanners and the strengths and weaknesses of clinical imaging at UHF.
The current status of ultrasound practice in Kano metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Sidi Mohammed , Sani Ghali Makoda , Ya’u Anas , Zira Joseph Dlama , Loshugno Shem Samuel , Luntsi Geofrey 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Ultrasound has been in clinical use to image the human body for over half a century. An audit should be performed on professional practice aimed at taking corrective measures where errors are identified and improvement in the practice when errors are not detected. This study is aimed at evaluating the current status of ultrasound practice in Kano metropolis, Nigeria.

Results
Out of the 70 (100%) administered questionnaires, 68 (97.14%) were returned, and 64 (91.43%) were properly filled. Fifty-eight (90.6%) knew the exact meaning of ultrasound, and 34 (53%) considered ultrasound as a modality of choice for imaging and diagnosis of abdominal masses. None of the participants was exposed to advanced ultrasound technology. Only 3 (4.7%) and 5 (7.8%) of the respondents performed infection control, air reverberation pattern and electronic noise checks.

Conclusion
Ultrasound practitioners demonstrate good knowledge of ultrasound and its application. However, there was unavailability of advanced ultrasound equipment. There was also poor understanding and practice of quality assurance among practitioners. Ultrasound equipment might have been grossly underutilized and qualities of images produced by the equipment are not certain were optimal.
Cochlear Fibrocyte and Osteoblast Lineages Expressing Type 2 Deiodinase Identified with a Dio2CreERt2 Allele
Authors: Ng Lily , Liu Ye , Liu Hong , Forrest Douglas 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Type 2 deiodinase (Dio2) amplifies levels of 3,5,3′-L-triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of thyroid hormone, and is essential for cochlear maturation and auditory development. However, cellular routes for endocrine signaling in the compartmentalized, anatomically complex cochlea are little understood. Dio2 generates T3 from thyroxine (T4), a more abundant thyroid hormone precursor in the circulation, and is dramatically induced in the cochlea before the onset of hearing. The evidence implies that specific Dio2-expressing cell types critically mediate T3 signaling but these cell types are poorly defined because Dio2 is expressed transiently at low levels. Here, using a Dio2CreERt2 knockin that activates a fluorescent reporter, we define Dio2-expressing cochlear cell types at high resolution in male or female mice. Dio2-positive cells were detected in vascularized supporting tissues but not in avascular internal epithelia, indicating segregation of T3-generating and T3-responding tissues. In the spiral ligament and spiral limbus, Dio2-positive fibrocytes clustered around vascular networks that convey T4 into cochlear tissues. In the otic capsule, Dio2-positive osteoblasts localized at cartilage surfaces as the bony labyrinth matures. We corroborated the identities of Dio2-positive lineages by RNA-sequencing of individual cells. The results suggest a previously unrecognized role for fibrocytes in mediating hormonal signaling. We discuss a model whereby fibrocytes mediate paracrine-like control of T3 signaling to the organ of Corti and epithelial target tissues.
BMP-treated human embryonic stem cells transcriptionally resemble amnion cells in the monkey embryo
Authors: Chhabra Sapna , Warmflash Aryeh 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) possess an immense potential to generate clinically relevant cell types and unveil mechanisms underlying early human development. However, using hESCs for discovery or translation requires accurately identifying differentiated cell types through comparison with their in vivo counterparts. Here, we set out to determine the identity of much debated BMP-treated hESCs by comparing their transcriptome to recently published single cell transcriptomic data from early human embryos ( Xiang et al., 2020). Our analyses reveal several discrepancies in the published human embryo dataset, including misclassification of putative amnion, intermediate and inner cell mass cells. These misclassifications primarily resulted from similarities in pseudogene expression, highlighting the need to carefully consider gene lists when making comparisons between cell types. In the absence of a relevant human dataset, we utilized the recently published single cell transcriptome of the early post implantation monkey embryo to discern the identity of BMP-treated hESCs. Our results suggest that BMP-treated hESCs are transcriptionally more similar to amnion cells than trophectoderm cells in the monkey embryo. Together with prior studies, this result indicates that hESCs possess a unique ability to form mature trophectoderm subtypes via an amnion-like transcriptional state.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
MIREyA: a computational approach to detect miRNA-directed gene activation
Authors: Elizarova Anna , Ozturk Mumin , Guler Reto , Medvedeva Yulia A. 
Published: August 2021

Emerging studies demonstrate the ability of microRNAs (miRNAs) to activate genes via different mechanisms. Specifically, miRNAs may trigger an enhancer promoting chromatin remodelling in the enhancer region, thus activating the enhancer and its target genes. Here we present MIREyA, a pipeline developed to predict such miRNA-gene-enhancer trios based on an expression dataset which obviates the need to write custom scripts. We applied our pipeline to primary murine macrophages infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (HN878 strain) and detected Mir22, Mir221, Mir222, Mir155 and Mir1956, which could up-regulate genes related to immune responses. We believe that MIREyA is a useful tool for detecting putative miRNA-directed gene activation cases. MIREyA is available from: https://github.com/veania/MIREyA
Case Report: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during COVID-19 outbreak: the importance of scoring system in differentiating with sepsis-induced coagulopathy
Authors: Wardhani Louisa Fadjri Kusuma , Dewi Ivana Purnama , Suwanto Denny , Ambari Ade Meidian , Ardiana Meity 
Published: August 2021

Background: COVID-19 disease is accompanied by derangement of coagulation with a risk of fatal thromboembolic formation. COVID-19 patients are among those indicative for heparin treatment. Increased heparin administration among COVID-19 patients increased heparin induced-thrombocytopenia's risk with/without thrombocytopenia. Case presentation: We present a 71-year-old male patient who came to the emergency room (ER) with a COVID-19 clinical manifestation followed by positive PCR nasopharyngeal swab result. He was assessed to have acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as shown by rapid progression of hypoxemic respiratory failure and bilateral pulmonary infiltrate. He was then treated with moxifloxacin, remdesivir, dexamethasone, unfractionated heparin (UFH) pump, and multivitamins. During admission, his respiratory symptoms got worse, so he transferred to the ICU for NIV support. On the ninth day of admission, he had gross hematuria followed by a rapid fall of platelet count. We used two different scoring systems (4Ts and HEP scoring system) to confirm the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Following the discontinuation of UFH injection, the thrombocyte continued to rise, and hematuria disappeared. Conclusion: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is associated with an increased risk of severe disease and mortality among COVID-19 patients. The differential diagnosis of HIT could be difficult as thrombocytopenia can also be caused by the progression of infection. We use two scoring systems (4Ts and HEP scoring) in order to help us managing the patient. These could improve the outcomes, thus avoiding morbidity and mortality.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, December 2020
Authors: Munywoki Patrick K , Nasimiyu Caroline , Alando Moshe Dayan , Otieno Nancy , Ombok Cynthia , Njoroge Ruth , Kikwai Gilbert , Odhiambo, Dennis , Osita Mike Powel , Ouma Alice , Odour Clifford , Juma Bonventure , Ochieng Caroline A , Mutisya Immaculate , Ngere Isaac , Dawa Jeanette , Osoro Eric , Njenga M Kariuki , Bigogo Godfrey , Munyua Peninah , Lo Terrence Q , Hunsperger Elizabeth , Herman-Roloff Amy 
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Urban informal settlements may be disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to overcrowding and other socioeconomic challenges that make adoption and implementation of public health mitigation measures difficult. We conducted a seroprevalence survey in the Kibera informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya, to determine the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Members of randomly selected households from an existing population-based infectious disease surveillance (PBIDS) provided blood specimens between 27th November and 5th December 2020. The specimens were tested for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Seroprevalence estimates were weighted by age and sex distribution of the PBIDS population and accounted for household clustering. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for individual seropositivity. Results: Consent was obtained from 523 individuals in 175 households, yielding 511 serum specimens that were tested. The overall weighted seroprevalence was 43.3% (95% CI, 37.4 – 49.5%) and did not vary by sex. Of the sampled households, 122(69.7%) had at least one seropositive individual. The individual seroprevalence increased by age from 7.6% (95% CI, 2.4 – 21.3%) among children (<5 years), 32.7% (95% CI, 22.9 – 44.4%) among children 5 – 9 years, 41.8% (95% CI, 33.0 – 51.1%) for those 10-19 years, and 54.9%(46.2 – 63.3%) for adults (≥20 years). Relative to those from medium-sized households (3 and 4 individuals), participants from large (≥5 persons) households had significantly increased odds of being seropositive, aOR, 1.98(95% CI, 1.17 – 1.58), while those from small-sized households (≤2 individuals) had increased odds but not statistically significant, aOR, 2.31 (95% CI, 0.93 – 5.74). Conclusion: In densely populated urban settings, close to half of the individuals had an infection to SARS-CoV-2 after eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. This highlights the importance to prioritize mitigation measures, including COVID-19 vaccine distribution, in the crowded, low socioeconomic settings.
The impact of COVID-19 on people ageing with an intellectual disability in Ireland: Protocol for a follow-up survey
Authors: McCarron Mary , Allen Andrew , McCausland Darren , Haigh Margaret , Luus Retha , Bavussantakath Fathima Rosmin , Sheerin Fintan , Mulryan Niamh , Burke Eilish , McGlinchey Eimear , Flannery Fidelma , McCallion Philip 
Published: August 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many people, but individuals with an intellectual disability, given the prevalence of congregate living and high levels of co-morbid conditions, may be particularly vulnerable at this time. A prior initial survey of participants of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) found that, despite a majority of participants being tested, only a small proportion had tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, despite some reporting positive aspects to the lockdown, a similar proportion were experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. The pandemic and lockdowns have continued, and it is possible that experiences and consequences have changed over time. Aim: To explore over time and in greater depth the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns and to further establish rates of infection, rates of vaccination and participants’ experiences. Methods: A structured questionnaire for people with intellectual disability participating in the IDS-TILDA longitudinal study, to be administered by telephone/video in summer 2021. Where participants are unable to respond independently, a proxy respondent will be invited to either assist the participant or answer questions on their behalf. This questionnaire will include questions from the first COVID-19 questionnaire, with extra questions assessing “long COVID” (i.e. COVID-19 lasting for 12 weeks or longer), infection control behaviours, changes in mental health, social contacts and loneliness, frailty, healthcare, and incidence of vaccination. Impact: The results of this survey will be used to inform healthcare provision for people with intellectual disability during the latter stages of the lockdown and into the future.
The commercial potential of forest trees as medicinal and health ingredients
Authors: Hidayat Syamsul , Zuhud Ervizal A.M. , Widyatmoko Didik , BAHRUNI Bahruni , Batubara Irmanida 
Published: August 2021

Abstract. Hidayat S, Zuhud EAM, Widyatmoko D, Bahruni, Batubara I. 2021. The commercial potential of forest trees as medicinal and health ingredients. Biodiversitas 22: 2795-2804. Indonesian forests contain many trees that belong to medicinal plants classified as non-timber forest products (NTFP). Although these plants have been used from generation to generation by several ethnic groups and even some of them have become commercial goods, many species have not received special attention in terms of their cultivation. This study aimed to explore the commercial value of forest trees as medicinal ingredients and obtain a recommended ranking for their cultivation. The method used was market surveys to herbal stores and questionnaires to experts related to medicinal plants. The results showed that there are 59 species of forest trees used as medicinal ingredients and health supplements. Cinnamomum burmanni, Morinda citrifolia, and Moringa oleifera have the most diverse commercial products in drugs and health stores. These three species also have active ingredients that potentially substitute for chemical drugs. Following the advice of medicinal plant experts, these three species are also included in the ten species recommended for immediate cultivation.