bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age and Lymph Nodes Examination May Be Related to the Outcome of Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma: A SEER Analysis
Authors: Zhu Menghan , Jia Nan , Jiang Wei 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
AimTo analyze and compare the demographics, treatment, and survival rates in patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC).MethodsWe conducted a population-based retrospective study examining the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program from 1998 to 2016. Data of 4344 women with OCCC were compared, and survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Factors predictive of outcome were compared using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThere was no significant difference in cause specific survival (CSS) regardless of chemotherapy in stage I and stage II OCCC. In women with stage III/IV OCCC, there was an increased mortality in women without chemotherapy (5-year CSS 29.80% vs. 24.90%, p<0.001). Among stage I women younger than 60 years old, the 5-year CSS of those underwent chemotherapy was worse than that of non-chemotherapy (86.4% vs. 97.50%, p=0.002). Among these patients, omitting chemotherapy had improved CSS (HR 0.539; 95% CI 0.386-0.753), and omitting lymph nodes examination had decreased CSS (HR 1.666; 95% CI 1.230-2.256). In stage III/IV women who were 60 years or older, the 5-year CSS of those underwent chemotherapy was better than that of non-chemotherapy (32.60% vs. 24.30%, p<0.001). Among these patients, omitting chemotherapy (HR 1.769; 95% CI 1.385-2.258) and omitting lymph nodes examination (HR 1.709; 95% CI 1.371-2.130) had lower CSS.ConclusionChemotherapy has different effects in patients with OCCC at different stages and ages. Age and lymph nodes examination may be factors that affect the outcome of patients with OCCC.
Melan-A Expression in Poorly Differentiated Carcinoma of Lung: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: huang wenyong , Li Shuixian , Zhu Guofeng , Zeng Lei , Zheng Yueer , Huang Tao , Zhang Wen , Liao Shousheng , Liu Fanrong , Li Lixiang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMelan-A/MART-1 is a melanocytic differentiation marker, which is recognized as an antigen on melanoma cells. It is relevant for pathologists as a useful diagnostic marker in the diagnosis of melanocytic tumors. However, the expressional pattern of Melan-A in poorly differentiated carcinoma of lung has never been reported so far.Case presentationHere, we report a 77-year-old female patient who presented with a large mass in the right lung and was subsequently diagnosed with a poorly differentiated carcinoma of lung. We unexpectedly found that the carcinoma in this patient exhibited diffuse Melan-A expression. ConclusionThis is the first case reported of a poorly differentiated carcinoma of lung with Melan-A expression. This report shows that Melan-A can express in poorly differentiated carcinoma, and highlights a potential diagnostic pitfall in the diagnosis of carcinoma, which urges pathologists to exercise caution in cases where Melan-A positivity and illustrates the need for further immunohistochemical or molecular examination to avoid misdiagnosis.
The Use of Molecular Markers to Investigate Possible Resistance to Heartworm Preventives in Dirofilaria Immitis Samples from Heartworm Positive Dogs in Europe
Authors: Curry Emily , Traversa Donato , Cárreton Elena , Kramer Laura , Sager Heinz , Young Lisa , Prichard Roger K 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic filarial nematode. It is the causative agent of dirofilariosis, a potentially fatal pulmonary infection which primarily infects canids and felines. dirofilariosis infections are primarily controlled with a prophylactic macrocyclic lactone (ML) regimen. Recent evidence has confirmed the development of ML-resistant isolates in the US which are genetically distinct from wild-type populations. Previous research clinically validated 9 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers associated with these ML resistance phenotypes isolated from the USA. Methods: In this study, three D. immitis US laboratory-maintained isolates: two putative susceptible isolates, Berkeley, and Georgia II, one putative resistant isolate, WildCat; and eleven European D. immitis clinical samples, from Italy, Spain, and Hungary were analyzed. The samples tested were fresh microfilaria (mf) in blood or adult female worms shipped in ethanol and rehydrated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). After DNA extraction, each sample underwent MiSeq sequencing of regions encompassing the 9 SNP sites previously correlated with ML resistance. The nucleotide frequencies of the 9 SNP sites were analyzed and the pairwise fixation index (FST) of the top 2 SNP molecular markers were calculated in order to estimate the probability of identity with known resistant isolates.Results: In the three laboratory-maintained US D. immitis isolates Berkeley had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.00, indicating a ML-susceptible genotype, WildCat had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.33 indicating a ML-resistant genotype, and Georgia II had a 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.07, which may indicate early selection for ML resistance. The genotype analysis of the European clinical samples showed that all eleven European samples had 2-SNP pairwise FST of 0.00, which indicates their genotypes are consistent with ML susceptibility. Conclusions: Prior to genotyping the European samples, it was possible that the positive heartworm infections could have arisen because of the development of ML-resistance or due to lack of owner compliance or incomplete use of heartworm preventives. Our results indicate no genomic evidence of ML-resistance and suggests that resistance has not developed, so far, in Europe, or been introduced via movement of infected dogs. However, vigilance is needed to maintain susceptibility to heartworm preventives in regions of the world so far without resistance.
Geographical Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants, August 2020 to July 2021.
Authors: Chan Wai Sing , Lam Yuk Man , Law Janet Hei Yin , Chan Tsun Leung , Ma Edmond Shiu Kwan , Tang Bone Siu Fai 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has progressed into second year. The etiologic agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved into numerous lineages, some of which are gifted with transmissibility advantages. This underscores the importance of variant surveillance, to keep public health countermeasures and our understanding on the virus up-to-date. In the light of this, we extracted one-year genomic data (August 2020 to July 2021) from Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) EpiCoV™ database and estimated monthly proportions of 11 SARS-CoV-2 variants in various geographical regions. From continental perspective, delta variant of concern (VOC) predominated in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, with proportions ranging from 67.58 to 98.31% in July 2021. In South America, proportion of the expanding delta VOC (23.24%) has been getting closer to the predominant yet diminishing gamma VOC (56.86%). We further analyzed monthly data on new COVID-19 cases, new deaths, vaccination status and variant proportions of 6 countries. Similar to continental data, delta VOC predominated in all countries except Brazil in July 2021. In most occasions, rise and predominance of alpha, beta, gamma, delta and zeta variants were accompanied with surges of new cases, especially after the time points of major lineage interchange. The ascending phases of new cases lasted for 1 to 5 months with 1.69- to 40.63-fold peak growth, whereas new death toll varied with regional vaccination status. Our data suggested surges of COVID-19 cases might be predicted from variant surveillance data. Despite vaccine breakthroughs by delta VOC, death tolls were more stable in countries with better immunization coverage. Another takeaway is the urgent need to improve vaccine efficacy against delta and emerging variants.
Prognostic Value of Baseline Biochemical Parameters Among Severe COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in South Africa.
Authors: Zemlin Annalise E , Allwood Brian , Erasmus Rajiv T , Masha Tandi E , Chapanduka Zivanai C , Jalavu Thumeka P , Ngah Vera , Sigwadhi Lovemore N. , Koegelenberg Coenraad F , Irusen Elvis , Lalla Usha , Yalew Anteneh , Baines Nicola , Tamuzi Jacques L , Barasa Anne K , Magutu Valerie Kemunto , Njeru Caroline , Amayo Angela , Mureithi Marianne Wanjiru , Mungania Mary , Sono-Setati Musa , Zumla Alimuddin , Nyasulu Peter S. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundData on biochemical markers and their association with mortality rates observed in patients with severe COVID-19 disease admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in sub-Saharan Africa are scanty. We performed an evaluation of baseline routine biochemical parameters as prognostic biomarkers in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU. MethodsDemographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected prospectively on patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the adult ICU in a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, between October 2020 and February 2021. Robust Poisson regression methods and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to explore the association of biochemical parameters with severity and mortality. ResultsA total of 82 patients [(median age 53.8 years (IQR: 46.4-59.7)] were enrolled, of whom 27 (33%) were male. The median duration of ICU stay was 10 days (IQR: 5-14); 54/82 (66% CFR) patients died. Baseline lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (aRR: 1.002, 95%CI: 1.0004-1.004; P = 0.016) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTProBNP) (aRR: 1.0004, 95%CI: 1.0001-1.0007; P = 0.014) were both independent risk factors of a poor prognosis with optimal cut-off values of 449.5 U/L (sensitivity: 1; specificity: 0.43) and 551 pg/mL (sensitivity: 0.49; specificity: 0.86), respectively.ConclusionLDH and NTProBNP appear to be promising predictors of COVID-19 poor prognosis in the ICU. Larger sample size studies are required to confirm the validity of this combination of biomarkers.
Trends in Emergency Contraception Awareness Among Women and Girls in 28 Sub-Saharan Countries
Authors: Awopegba Oluwafemi Emmanuel , Chukwudeh Okechukwu Stephen , Owolabi Eyitayo Omolara , Ajayi Anthony 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundStudies have shown that emergency contraception (EC) remains underutilised in preventing unintended pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Small-scale surveys have attributed EC underutilisation to gaps in EC awareness among SSA women and girls. However, limited studies have explored trends in EC awareness in SSA. We address this gap by examining trends in EC awareness using data from 28 SSA countries. Our analysis was disaggregated by age distribution, place of residence, level of education, and wealth to show differences in EC awareness trend. Methods We analysed the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data of 1,030,029 women aged 15 to 49 on emergency contraception awareness. EC awareness was defined as having ever heard of special pills to prevent pregnancy within three days after unprotected sexual intercourse. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarise trends in EC awareness between years 2000 and 2019. Results Overall, there was an upward shift in the level of EC awareness in all countries, except in Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Ethiopia. While some countries recorded a significant upward trend in EC awareness, others recorded just a slight increase. Women in Kenya, Ghana, Gabon, and Cameroon had the highest upward shift in EC awareness. For example, only 28 percent of women were aware of EC in Ghana in 2003, but in 2014, 64 percent of women knew EC, an increase of over 36 percentage points. Increase in EC awareness was starker among women aged 20-24 years, who resided in urban areas, had higher education, and belong to the highest wealth quintile, than those aged 15-19, in rural areas, with no formal education and belonging to the lowest wealth quintile. ConclusionOur analysis shows that the level of EC awareness has increased substantially in most SSA countries. However, EC awareness still differs widely within and between SSA countries. Intervention to improve EC awareness should focus on women aged 15 to 19, with no formal education, residing in rural areas, and those within the lowest quintile, especially, in countries such as Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia were level of EC is low with lagging progress.
L-Theanine Attenuates LPS Induced Motor deficit in Experimental Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease: Emphasis on Mitochondrial activity, Neuroinflammation and Neurotransmitters
Authors: Kumar Shivam , Awasthi Anupam , Raj Khadga , Singh Shamsher 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. The pathogenesis of PD, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter dysregulation. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects with a high BBB permeability. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of L-theanine in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced motor deficits and striatal neurotoxicity in a rat model of PD. LPS was infused at a dose of 5 µg/5 µl PBS, stereotaxically into SNpc of rats. Treatment with L-theanine at (50 and 100 mg/kg; po), and Sinemet (36 mg/kg; po) was given from day 7 to 21 in of LPS injected rat. On a weekly basis all behavioral parameters were assessed, and animals were sacrificed on day 22. The striatum tissue of brain was isolated for biochemicals (Nitrite, GSH, catalase, SOD, mitochondrial complexes I and IV), neuroinflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6), and neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and glutamate) estimations. Results revealed that L-theanine dose-dependently and significantly reversed motor deficits, assessed through locomotor and rotarod activity. Moreover, L-theanine attenuated biochemical markers, reduced oxidative stress, and neurotransmitters dysbalance in the brain. L-theanine treatment at 100 mg/kg; po substantially reduced these pathogenic events by increasing mitochondrial activity, restoring neurotransmitter levels, and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Moreover, data suggest that the positive effects of L-theanine on motor coordination may be mediated by the suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) induced by LPS.
Halorubrum Salipaludis Sp. Nov., Isolated From the Saline–Alkaline Soil
Authors: Gong Qi , Zhao Pu , Miao Shaohua , Yi Keke , Ma Chunhong , Zhang Guishan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Strain WN019T, an aerobic, motile, and pleomorphic rods bacterium, was isolated from the natural saline-alkali wetland soil of Binhai new district, Tianjin, China. Cells of strain WN019T were 0.5-0.8 µm in width and 2.0-2.5 µm in length, and the growth occurred optimally at 33-37 ℃, pH 7.5-8.0, and in the presence of 15.0-20.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belonged to the genus Halorubrum and exhibited high sequence similarity of 97.8 % to Halorubrum saccharovorum JCM 8865T. The major respiratory quinone of strain WN019T were MK-8 and MK-8 (H2), and the major polar lipids were Glycolipid (GL), Phospholipid (PL), Phosphatidylglycerol-Sulfate (PGS), Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and Phosphatidylglycerol-Phosphate-Methyl Ester (Me-PGP). The DNA G+C content of the strain was 67.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) based on whole genome sequences of strain WN019T and Halorubrum saccharovorum JCM 8865T was 87.5 %, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value between them was determined to be 35.4 %. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and genomic analyses suggested that strain WN019T represent a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum salipaludis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WN019T (= KCTC 4269T = ACCC 19977T).
Trans-optic Suture Fixation of Subluxated Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Belkin Avner , Yehezkeli Veronika , Assia Ehud 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo report a technique for fixating posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOLs) to the sclera by passing sutures through the lens materialMethodsCases in which PCIOLs were fixated to the sclera using trans-optic sutures were included in this series. Intra and post-operative complications were recorded, and lens position was assessed using slit lamp examination.ResultsFourteen cases were included in this series. In 9 cases the procedure was performed using 9-0 polypropylene in pseudophakic eyes to correct subluxation, centration, tilt or to replace a broken haptic. In 5 cases this technique was used for primary PCIOL fixation using a flanged 6-0 polypropylene suture in aphakic eyes. In all cases the lenses remained centered and stable at the end of follow up, and no post-operative complications occurred.ConclusionTrans-optic suturing is a safe and effective alternative method for fixation of IOLs in a variety of pseudophakic and aphakic clinical scenarios.
The Influence of Eroding Djallonke Genotype on the Incidence of Diseases and Mortalities in Sahalian X Djallonke Cross-bred Sheep
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Iddriss Ibn , Agombire Micheal Baba , Niayele Robert 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Despite cross breeding of Djallonke and Sahelian sheep due to the higher growth rate and final body weight of the Sahelian breeds over the years, little scientific evidence exists on the ability of the crosses to withstand diseases compared to their Djallonke parents. A study involving 700 Djallonke and two crosses of the Djallonke and Sahelian breeds (50% Sahel × 50% Djallonke, 75% Sahel × 25% Djallonke) was conducted, and documented incidence of diseases, parasites and mortalities in these animals. Enteritis (82%), Ehrlichia ruminantium (6.2%) and orf (6.2%) were more prevalent in 25% Djallonke than both 100% and 50% Djallonkes. Similarly, pneumonia was more prevalent in 50% Djallonkes, individuals of all age groups and females than all other genotypes, adults and males, respectively. Enteritis prevalence was also higher in lambs and males than animals of all age groups and females, respectively. Coccidiosis was more prevalent in individuals of all age groups and males, than lambs and females, respectively. More abscess and trauma cases were found in males than females. Significantly higher levels of tapeworms and flea infestations were seen in lambs than weaners and adults. Conversely, more mange mite and tick infestations were seen in adults than weaners and lambs. Higher levels of mortalities were recorded in all other genotypes, lambs, females and in haemoncosis cases than in 100% Djallonke, all other age groups, males and taeniasis cases, respectively. The Sahel x Djalloke crosses are more susceptible to infectious diseases and record higher mortality rates than the pure Djallonke genotypes.
Development and Characterization of SSR Markers in the Gossypium Barbadense Genome
Authors: ZHONG Wenjuan , YUAN Can , CHEN Zhengjie , ZHOU Yonghang , Chen Siwei , TANG Qingxia , ZHANG Chao , GONG Yiyun , YANG Zehu , MAO Zhengxuan , MU Fangsheng , JI Peicheng 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe fiber quality and resistance traits of Gossypium barbadense are considerably better than that of other Gossypium species. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are user friendly, low cost markers widely used in genetic studies. However, most SSRs have been developed from G. hirsutum, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii; no genome-wide SSRs have been developed from G. barbadense.The de novo sequences of G. barbadense cv. Xinhai21 were utilized to develop SSR markers and scanned to detect SSRs using the MIcroSAtellite (http://pgrc.ipk-gatersleben.de/misa/) identification tool. And then in silico PCR analysis was conducted to evaluate these primers polymorphism in five Gossypium species.ResultsIn total, 85,582 SSRs were identified with different motifs. 153,560 primer pairs were successfully designed for 73,419 SSRs. In silico analysis, we found that 8,466 primer pairs of 3,288 SSRs yielded one product (monomorphic) simultaneously in five Gossypium species. two Gossypium species (30 G. hirsutum and 27 G. barbadense accessions) were successfully separated by 300 primer pairs with the polymorphism information content (PIC) ranging from 0.00 to 0.93. ConclusionThese newly developed SSR markers will be helpful for the construction of genetic linkage maps, genetic diversity analyses, QTL mapping, and molecular breeding of Gossypium species.
Correlates of Health-related Quality of Life in Primary Caregivers of HIV Infected and HIV Exposed Uninfected Adolescents at the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Mwangala Patrick Nzivo , Ssewanyana Derrick , Mwangi Paul , Chongwo Esther , Nasambu Carophine , Kagonya Vincent A , Scerif Gaia , Newton Charles R , Abubakar Amina 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Mothers and other primary caregivers play a crucial role in looking after HIV infected, and HIV exposed uninfected adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Daily caring may expose these caregivers to adverse states of health. Unfortunately, very few studies have examined their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) despite the additional risk of poor health outcomes. Our study documents the HRQoL profile, and associated factors in primary caregivers of perinatally HIV infected, perinatally HIV exposed but uninfected and HIV unexposed/uninfected adolescents aged 12 – 17 years at the Kenyan Coast. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 485 primary caregivers: 195 of perinatally HIV infected adolescents, 128 of perinatally HIV exposed but uninfected adolescents and 162 of HIV unexposed/uninfected adolescents. All caregivers completed a self-report measure of HRQoL, depressive symptoms, and parenting stress. They also provided their sociodemographic information and that of the participating adolescents. We used one-way analysis of variance (and its non-parametric version) to assess statistical differences among the groups. Linear regression analyses were used to identify correlates of HRQoL among caregivers. Results: Linear regression analyses indicated that depressive symptoms, increasing age of caregiver, and caring for an HIV exposed adolescent were significantly associated with reduced HRQoL at both the RAND SF-36 overall and sub-scale level. Having a professional job relative to subsistence farming was the only factor associated with improved overall HRQoL. At subscale level, higher socioeconomic status correlated positively with HRQoL (within the limitations due to emotional problems domain) while being a grandparent, and level of education (physical functioning domain), and parenting stress (vitality domain) were negatively associated with HRQoL. Moreover, caring for a male adolescent (vitality domain) and increasing adolescent age (pain domain) was associated with declining HRQoL. Conclusions: Caregivers in this sample, especially those who are ageing, at risk of mental ill-health, and taking care of HIV exposed adolescents, appear to be vulnerable. Inclusive and multi-component interventions tailored to the caregivers' psychosocial and mental needs will potentially enhance their quality of life. Longitudinal studies are also needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and longer-term implications of the correlates of caregivers HRQoL identified in the present study.