bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial effects of Sophora Flavescens Alkaloids on metronidazole-Resistant Gardnerella vaginalis in planktonic and biofilm formation
Authors: Fan Linyuan , liu zhaohui , Zhang Zhan , Bai Huihui , Zhang Xu , Zong Xiaonan , Li Ting 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to explored the effects and mechanisms of Sophora Flavescens Alkaloids (SFAs) on metronidazole-resistant Gardnerella vaginalis under planktonic and biofilm conditions.Methods: The main components of SFAs were analyzed using HPLC. Clinical strains were cultured from the vaginal secretions of BV patients, followed by PCR and 16s rRNA gene sequencing identification. According to the 2012 CLSI guidelines for anaerobic drug sensitivity testing, the sensitivity of Gardnerella vaginalis to metronidazole and SFAs were determined using the microdilution broth method. The formation of biofilms was evaluated, and the biofilm microstructure was observed using scanning electron microscopy.Results: The main active contents of SFAs were matrine and oxymatrine. Nineteen metronidazole-resistant strains were isolated and identified (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC≥32 μg/mL), of which four clinical strains were observed to be strong biofilm producer and the final minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of metronidazole was increased to 512 μg/mL. SFAs could not only inhibited the growth of metronidazole-resistant Gardnerella vaginalis in planktonic (MIC: 0.3125-1.25 mg/mL), but also eliminated the biofilm formation (MBIC: 0.625-1.25 mg/mL). Also, there was less biomass biofilm formation which was sparse and relatively thin. In the high-magnification scanning electron, it was observed that the water channels were destroyed, and furturemore, the biofilm morphology changed from a thick to flaky shape and was nearly depleted.Conclusions: Our results indicate that SFAs could not only inhibite the growth of metronidazole-resistant Gardnerella vaginalis in planktonic and biofilm levels, but also destroyed the biofilm morphology and microstructure, which may contribute to the prevention of BV recurrence.
Loss of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 impaired the osteogenesis of mesenchymal&nbsp;progenitor cells&nbsp;in vivo&nbsp;and&nbsp;in vitro
Authors: HUANG ZIJING , Feng Jingyi , Feng Xin , Chan Laiting , Lu Jiarui , Lei Lizhen , Huang Zhuwei , Zhang Xiaolei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a cytoplasmic transcription factor that participates in various biologic processes. Loss of Stat3 causes hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome, presenting with skeletal disorders including osteoporosis, recurrent fractures, scoliosis, and craniosynostosis. The objective of this study is to explore the effect and mechanism of Stat3 on osteogenesis of mesenchymal progenitors.
Methods

Stat3 was conditionally knockout (CKO) in mesenchymal progenitors by crossing the pair-related homeobox gene 1-cre (Prx1-Cre) with Stat3-floxed strain mice. Whole-mount-skeletal staining, histology, and Micro-CT were used to assess the differences between Stat3 CKO and control mice. Further, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the osteogenesis potential of primary isolated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from both control and Stat3 CKO mice. After osteogenic induction for 14d, alizarin red staining was used to show the calcium deposit, while the western blotting was applied to detect the expression of osteogenic markers.
Results

Compared with the control, Stat3 CKO mice were present with shortened limbs, multiple fractures of long bone, and open calvarial fontanels. The abnormal growth plate structure and reduced collagen fiber were found in Stat3 CKO limbs. According to micro-CT analysis, the reduced cortical bone thickness and bone volume were found on Stat3 CKO mice. The in vitro osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was inhibited in Stat3 CKO samples. After osteogenic induction for 14d, the significantly diminished calcium deposits were found in Stat3 CKO BMSCs. The decreased expression of osteogenic markers (OPN and COL1A1) was observed in Stat3 CKO BMSCs, compared with the control.
Conclusions

Stat3 played a critical role in bone development and osteogenesis. Loss of Stat3 impaired the osteogenesis of mesenchymal progenitors in vivo and in vitro.
Genome sequence analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus lytic phage vP_VpaS_VP-RY-9
Authors: Ren Yuan , Chen Renjie , Xu Yongping , Li Xiaoyu , Cong Cong , Cui Huijing , Li Shuying , Li Jibin , Wang Lili 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A lytic bacteriophage Vp-9, designated vP_VpaS_VP-RY-9, was isolated from sewage collected in Dalian, China. The double-stranded DNA genome of phage vP_VpaS_VP-RY-9 is 81.604 kb long, which has a mol% G + C content of 45.75, containing 117 ORFs, but any tRNA was found. Comparison of its genomic features and phylogenetic analysis revealed that phage vP_VpaS_VP-RY-9 is a novel member of the order Caudovirales, family Siphoviridae, genus Vibrio. The present results suggest that phage vP_VpaS_VP-RY-9 may represent a potential therapeutic agent against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
STAT1: A novel candidate biomarker and potential therapeutic target of the recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: CAO Ming-Chen , Fang Meng-Xiang , Li Lei , Xiao-Min XING , ZHOU Chang-Kai , WANG Long-Yuan , Xu Long , Ren Wei , JING Fan-Bo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
At present, the recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) are not completely clear. Therefore, identifying the underlying diagnostic biomarkers of RAS can provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of RAS. The gene chip data of RAS (GSE37265) were downloaded from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a co-expression module. A total of 16 co-expression modules were identified, and 30 hub genes in the turquoise module were identified. In addition, functional analysis of hub genes in modules of interest was performed, which indicated that such hub genes were mainly involved in pathways related to immune response, virus infection, epithelial cell, signal transduction. module two clusters (highly interconnected regions) were determined in the network, with score=17.647 and 10, respectively, cluster 1 and cluster 2 are linked by STAT1 and ICAM1, it is speculated that STAT1 may be a primary gene of RAS. Finally, genistein, daidzein, kaempferol, resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, triptolide, quercetin and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate were selected from the TCMSP database, and both of them is the STAT-1 inhibitor. The results of reverse molecular docking suggest that in addition to triptolide, (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and resveratrol, the other 5 compounds (flavonoids) with similar structures may bind to the same position of STAT1 protein with different docking score. In conclusion, our results screened potential biomarkers that might contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of RAS, STAT1 protein is one of the potential therapeutic targets of RAS, and this target can be used to screen potential compounds.
Comparison of Two EUS-Guided Liver Biopsy Techniques (“Wet Heparin” and “Wet Saline”) For Benign Parenchymal Liver Disease
Authors: Saraireh Hamzeh , Abdelfattah Thaer , Hassouneh Ramzi , Lippman Robert , Puri Puneet , Mutha Pritesh , Singh Simran , Michael Fuchs , Tilak Shah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) has emerged as a viable mean to obtain core tissue. Different wet suction techniques using saline or heparin have been described. We aimed to compare tissue adequacy with the “wet saline” (WS) technique compared to the “wet heparin” (WH) technique.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent EUS-LB and Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB-LB) for benign parenchymal liver disease between May 2017 to October 2019. All procedures were performed at a single tertiary Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).Results: A total of 257 biopsies from 217 patients were included. Among the 102 EUS-LB specimens, 53 were obtained using WS technique and 49 were obtained using WH technique. Specimen adequacy was similar in the both groups. Median ASL and length of longest piece did not differ significantly between both groups. Clots were present more frequently in the WS group. Among patients who underwent EUS-LB of both right and left liver lobes, an adequate biopsy was obtained in 85% of patients in the WS group and 96% of patients in the WH group. EUS-LB showed lower risk of post procedural pain and complication rates when compared with percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB). To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare diagnostic accuracy between WH and WS EUS-LB techniques, and to compare post-procedure pain between EUS-LB and moderate sedation PLB. WH-EUS-LB may be preferable to WS because of fewer clots in the specimen. Prospective studies are needed to further verify these findings.
An alternative PCR assay with high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of swine toxoplasmosis based on the GRA14 gene
Authors: He Xi , Zhou Derong , Sun Yanwu , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Xiaogang , Weng Yabiao , Lin Ruiqing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite, can infect all warm-blooded animals. Infected swine are considered one of the most important sources of T. gondii infection in humans. Rapidly and effectively diagnosing T. gondii infection in swine is essential. PCR-based diagnostic tests have been fully developed, and very sensitive and specific PCR is crucial for the diagnosis of swine toxoplasmosis.
Methods

To established a high specificity and sensitivity PCR detection method for swine toxoplasmosis, we used T. gondii GRA14 gene as target to design specific primers and established a PCR detection method for swine toxoplasmosis. A total of 5462 blood specimens collected from pigs in 5 provinces and autonomous regions in southern China during 2016–2017 were assessed by the newly established GRA14 gene PCR method.
Result

Altogether, we used T. gondii GRA14 gene as target to design specific primers and established a high specificity and sensitivity PCR detection method for swine toxoplasmosis; in particular, this PCR method could detect T. gondii tachyzoite DNA in the acute infection phase. The GRA14 gene PCR assay detected a minimum of 2.35 tachyzoites of T. gondii, and it could be used for T. gondii detection in blood, tissue, semen, urine and waste feed specimens. The overall T. gondii infection rate was 18.9% (1033/5462) by the newly established GRA14 gene PCR method. According to statistical analysis among different regions, the positive rates of swine toxoplasmosis in the Shaanxi, Fujian and Guangdong areas in China from 2016 to 2017 were the highest, at 31.7% (44/139), 21.9% (86/391) and 18.8% (874/4645), respectively (χ2 = 84.2, P < 0.0001). Specimens collected in 2017 had a higher positive rate (19.1% or 886/4639) than those collected in 2016 (16.1% or 155/963) (χ2 = 4.5, P < 0.05). Specimens collected in autumn (39.4% or 187/474), spring (22.8% or 670/2940) and winter (18.2% or 129/709) also had higher positive rates than those collected in summer (3.8% or 57/1479) (χ2 = 427.7, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions

These results indicate that the new PCR method based on the T. gondii GRA14 gene would be useful for the diagnosis of swine toxoplasmosis and that it would facilitate the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in clinical laboratories.
A hypoxia-related gene pairs signature for predicting overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Kang , Zhang Bo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence has depicted the clinical importance of the correlation between hypoxia and immune status in lung adenocarcinoma environment (LUAD). However, the reliable prognostic signatures based on the interaction of hypoxia and immune status are still limited. Therefore, we strived to construct a hypoxia-immune-related gene pairs signature for risk assessment and stratification for patients with LUAD.Methods: Gene expression profiles and clinical data of patients with lung adenocarcinoma were acquired from two public data sets, used as training and validation cohorts respectively. Different bioinformatics and statistical methods were applied to construct a robust hypoxia-related gene pairs (HRGPs) signatures for predicting overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, we explored the correlation between HRGPs signature and infiltrating immune cells using the CIBERSORT algorithm in LUAD samples.Results: Among 146 hypoxia-related genes, a 13 HRGPs signature was built that was significantly associated with OS in the training cohort (P<0.01). In the validation cohort, the HRGPs signature stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with a significant OS difference (P=0.04). After adjusting the other clinical factors, the developed HRGPs signature remained independent in multivariate analysis. Plasma cells and NK cells resting were significantly correlated with the OS of patients with LUAD. Functional analysis showed that the high-risk group was enriched in terms of DNA replication, lymphocyte apoptotic process, and cell cycle-related pathways.Conclusion: The HRGPs signature represents a promising risk model for patient’s stratification in LUAD. It might provide new insights into clinical decision-making regarding individualized treatment.
Outcomes of Post-traumatic Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with and without Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at A Level-1 Trauma Center
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , Al-Hassani Ammar , El-Menyar Ayman , Asim Mohammad , Fawzy Ibrahim 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of post-traumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with and without Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for trauma patients who developed ARDS at a level I trauma facility between 2014 and 2020. Data were analyzed and compared between ECMO and non-ECMO group.Results: We identified 85 patients with ARDS (22 patients had ECMO support and 63 matched patients managed by the conventional mechanical ventilation. The two groups were comparable for age, sex, injury severity score, abbreviated injury score, shock index, SOFA score, and head injury. Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed that the survival in the ECMO group was initially close to that of the non-ECMO, however, during follow-up, the survival rate was better in the ECMO group, but did not reach statistical significance (Log-rank, p=0.43 and Tarone-Ware, p=0.37). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that acute kidney injury (AKI) (Odds ratio 13.03; 95% CI 3.17-53.54) and brain edema (Odds ratio 4.80; 95% CI 1.10-21.03) were independent predictors of mortality. Sub-analysis showed that in patients with severe Murray Lung Injury (MLI) scores, non-ECMO group had higher mortality than the ECMO group (100% vs 36.8%, p=0.004).Conclusion: Although ARDS is uncommon in trauma patients, it has a high mortality. ECMO therapy was used in a quarter of ARDS cases. AKI and brain edema were the predictors of mortality among ARDS patients. ECMO use did not worsen the outcome in trauma patients; however, the survival was better in those who had severe MLI and ECMO support. Further prospective study is needed to define the appropriate selection criteria for the use of ECMO to optimize the outcomes in trauma patients.
Tunable Terahertz Wavelength Conversion Based on Optofluidic infiltrated Rib Silicon Waveguides
Authors: Pakarzadeh H. , Hosseinabadi S. , Amiri Iraj Sadegh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Terahertz (THz) sources for various applications have attracted especial attention. Compared with the standard silica-based optical fibers, silicon waveguides have advantages such as higher refractive index and lower absorption loss over the THz region. In this paper, for the first time, a rib silicon waveguide based on the photonic crystal (PC) idea is designed and by using the scalar modulation instability (SMI) phenomenon, tunable wavelength conversion for generation of THz radiation is simulated. By changing the structural parameters such as the air-hole diameter of the PC and infiltration of optical fluids into the air holes, linear and nonlinear characteristics of the waveguide are controlled and hence the generated THz radiation is considered as a tunable source. Simulation presents the maximum converted wavelength of 326.17µm is obtained when the air-hole diameter is set at d=0.86μm, where pump wavelength is in the normal dispersion regime. Also, we have infiltrated optical fluids into PC air holes in order to change the dispersion properties of the waveguide while keeping the geometrical parameters unchanged. This led to converted wavelengths of 70.5, 76.8 and 107.5 μm, all located in the terahertz region. The loss of this waveguide is less than 0.8 db/cm , which is less than that of previously reported in similar silicon waveguides.
Post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy: correlation between objective and subjective assessments and a prediction model for neurosensory recovery
Authors: Meewis Jeroen , Renton Tara , Jacobs Reinhilde , Politis Constantinus , Cruyssen Fréderic Van der 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTN) can have a substantial effect on patient well-being. However, the relation between the neuropathic symptoms and their effect on psychosocial functioning remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between objective and subjective assessments of neurosensory function in PTN and predict neurosensory outcome using baseline measurementsMethods: This prospective observational cohort study included patients diagnosed with PTN at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium, between April 2018 and May 2020. Standardized objective and subjective neurosensory examinations were recorded simultaneously on multiple occasions during the follow-up period. Correlation analyses and principal component analysis were conducted, and a prediction model of neurosensory recovery was developed. Results: Quality of life correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with percentage of affected dermatome (r = -0.35), the presence of brush stroke allodynia (r = -0.24), gain-of-function sensory phenotype (r = -0.41), Medical Research Council Scale (r = 0.36), and Sunderland classification (r = -0.21). Quality of life was not significantly correlated (P > 0.05) with directional discrimination, stimulus localization, two-point discrimination, or sensory loss-of-function. The prediction model showed a negative predictive value for neurosensory recovery after 6 months of 87%Conclusions: We found a strong correlation of subjective well-being with the presence of brush stroke allodynia, thermal and/or mechanical hyperesthesia, and the size of the neuropathic area. These results suggest that positive symptoms dominate the effect on affect. In patients reporting poor subjective well-being in the absence of positive symptoms or a large neuropathic area, additional attention towards psychosocial triggers might enhance treatment outcome. The prediction model could contribute to establishing realistic expectations about the likelihood of neurosensory recovery but remains to be validated in future studies.
Community Knowledge and Practice on Sanitation, Hygiene, Household water utilization and Prevalence of Diarrhea in Afabet City, Northern Red Sea Zone; Eritrea: Cross Sectional study: 2020
Authors: Tesfai Berhe , Milkyas Hagos , Kibreab Fitsum , Goitom Meron , Berhe Hermon , Amine Asrat 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Water and sanitation entitles the human right to affordable access and sanitation. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice on sanitation, hygiene and water utilization and to estimate the prevalence of diarrhea in Afabet city.Methods: It was a community-based descriptive cross-sectional type of study with a multistage cluster sampling technique. First 12 clusters were selected from the city and 30 households were nominated from each cluster, then a total of 360 individuals were sampled and every family head was interviewed. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire and field observation was used for data collection from December 05-20, 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health Research and Ethics Clearance Committee and written informed consent was signed by each respondent. Cross tabulation and association of variables using chi-square test was determined. Results: A total of 360 respondents were enrolled in the study with females (75.3%) and Muslim (98.9%) predominance. Above half (65.3%) and (67.5%) were satisfied with the amount and quality of water they received respectively. The prevalence of diarrhea in the community in the last six months of 2020 was 12.5%. The investigators practically approved that 88.9% of the communities revealed functional toilets and feces were observed in only 4.7% of the living area in the community. The community’s comprehensive good knowledge and practice was 99.4% and 93.9% respectively. Study participants from administrative area of one and three and those from four and five had the best good practice and practicing hand washing of greater than five times a day respectively (p=0.001). Respondents from administrative area of two were traveling longer distance to municipality water source (p<0.001). Conclusion: The community had good level of knowledge and practice but the prevalence of diarrhea was relatively high. Latrines were highly utilized but the usage of soap, personal and food hygiene was slightly low. The level of comprehensive practice, prevalence of diarrhea, distance to municipality water source and hand washing practice was associated to the administrative areas. Enhancing environmental sanitation, personal hygiene and provision of adequate and clean water are highly recommended.