bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medicinal Plant Iris Japonica as Histidine Kinase Inhibitor Candidate Can Enhance Antibiotic Susceptibility of Escherichia Coli Resistant to β-Lactam Antibiotics&nbsp;
Authors: Xu Zhangkai , Wang Yinhuan , Chen Jiang , Huang Nan , Cheng Dongqing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Bacteria can respond to antibiotics in the environment by histidine kinase (HK) sensor then induce drug-resistance. In this article,antibiotic susceptibility and ESBLs genes of β-lactam-resistant E. coli interfered by I. japonica were investigated to reveal I. japonica can be HK inhibitor candidate[1].
Methods

E-test were applied to measure the MIC of E. coli to penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium according to 2017CLSI. Microplate dilution methods were applied to explore sensitivity variation of penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium of Escherichia coli, which contain only one single β-lactamase gene. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were performed to determine the inducing effects of penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium to E. coli TEM, SHV, CTX-M and KPC single gene expression, and the interrupting effect of I. japonica extracts. Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography and bacterial protein phosphorylation detection kit were performed to determine the change of bacterial protein phosphorylation concentration of Escherichia coli, after the induction of 1/4 penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium, and the interrupting effect of I. japonica extracts,HK inhibitor closantel was used as the positive control.
Results

1/4 MIC penicillin G or cefotaxime sodium could induce more than 10 times elevation of TEM, SHV and CTX-M mRNAs. While, I. japonica aqueous extracts (250 mg/mL) and ethanol extracts (100 µg/mL or 50 µg/mL) could decreased more than 40% of gene expression induced by antibiotics. I. japonica extracts could significantly enhance the sensitivity of β-lactam antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains to penicillin G or cefotaxime sodium, and could block the TEM, CTX-M and SHV mRNA induced by 1/4 MIC concentration antibiotics. Penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium at 1/4 MIC induced the protein phosphorylation of TEM, SHV and CTX-M promoted. Closantel (132.5 µg/mL), I. japonica aqueous extracts (250 mg/mL) and ethanol extracts (100 µg/mL) could inhibit the protein phosphorylation induced by above mentioned antibiotics.
Conclusion

I. japonica extracts can enhance the sensitivity of β-lactam antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. The mechanism may be that I. japonica extracts can be used as the inhibitor of HK phosphorylation, inhibit the transmission of antibiotic signal in TCSS, and reduce the expression of ESBLs gene.
Health-Related Quality of Life, Functional Decline, and Long-Term Mortality in Older Patients Following Hospitalisation Due to COVID-19
Authors: Walle-Hansen Marte , Ranhoff Anette , Mellingsæter Marte , Wang-Hansen Marte , Myrstad Marius 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Older people are particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19. Little is known about long-term consequences of COVID-19 on health-related quality of life and functional status in older people, and the impact of age in this context. We aimed to study age-related change in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), functional decline and mortality among older patients six months following hospitalisation due to COVID-19.
Methods
This was a cohort study including patients aged 60 years and older admitted to four general hospitals in South-Eastern Norway due to COVID-19, from March 1 up until July 1, 2020. Patients who were still alive were invited to attend a six-month follow-up. Change in HR-QoL and functional status compared to before the COVID-19 hospitalisation were assessed using the EuroQol 5-dimensional-5 levels questionnaire (EQ 5D-5L). A change in visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 7 or more was considered clinically relevant.
Results
Out of 216 patients aged 60 years and older that were admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 during the study period, 171 were still alive 180 days after hospital admission, and 106 patients (62%) attended the six-month follow-up. Mean age was 74.3 years, 27 patients (26%) had experienced severe COVID-19. 57 participants (54%) reported a decrease in the EQ5D-5L VAS score after six months, with no significant difference between persons aged 75 years and older compared to younger. 70 participants (66%) reported a negative change in any of the dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L, with impaired ability to perform activities of daily life (35%), reduced mobility (33%) and having more pain or discomfort (33%) being the most commonly reported changes. 46 participants (43%) reported a negative change in cognitive function compared to before the COVID-19 hospitalisation. Six-month mortality was 21%, and increased with increasing age.
Conclusions
More than half of the patients reported a negative change in HR-QoL six months following hospitalisation due to COVID-19, and one out of three experienced a persistently impaired mobility and ability to carry out activities of daily living. The results suggest awareness of long-term functional decline in older COVID-19 patients.
Reframing the climate policy game
Authors: Mercure Jean-Francois , Bravo Pablo Salas , Vercoulen Pim , Semieniuk Gregor , Lam Aileen , Pollitt Hector , Holden Philip , Vakilifard Negar , Chewpreecha Unnada , Edwards Neil , Viñuales Jorge 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A key aim of climate policy is to progressively substitute renewables and energy efficiency for fossil fuel use. The associated rapid depreciation and replacement of fossil fuel-related physical and natural capital may entail a profound reorganisation of industry value chains, international trade, and geopolitics. Here, we present evidence confirming that the transformation of energy systems is well under way, and we explore the economic and strategic implications of the emerging energy geography. We show specifically that, given the economic implications of the ongoing energy transformation, the framing of climate policy as a prisoner’s dilemma is a poor description of strategic incentives. Instead, a new climate policy game emerges in which fossil fuel importers are better off decarbonising, competitive fossil fuel exporters are better off flooding markets, and uncompetitive fossil fuel producers – rather than benefitting from ‘free-riding’ – suffer from their exposure to stranded assets and lack of investment in decarbonisation technologies.
The Determinant of Smoking Behaviour Among Female Worker in Southeast Asia: A Case Study Among The Philippines and Indonesian
Authors: Megatsari Hario , Laksono Agung Dwi , Ifroh Riza Hayati 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The prevalence of tobacco use in Southeast Asia communities is 56% which 15% of them are female active smokers. Several studies explain that working status, neighborhood, marital status, and education are factors that cause smoking behavior in women. A scientific study is needed to obtain valid assumptions regarding the relationship of these determinants. This study aimed to analyze the determinant of smoking behavior among female workers in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Methods

The data is processed from 2017 PDHS and use female workers in the Philippines and Indonesia as the study population. The sample size is 11,375 female workers in the Philippines and 26,712 female workers in Indonesia. Apart from smoking behavior as the dependent variable, other variables analyzed were the place of residence, age, marital, education, parity, currently pregnant, and wealth status. The analysis in the final stage uses binary logistic regression.
Results

The results show that female workers in both countries from urban areas have a higher likelihood of becoming smokers than those who live in rural areas. Age group is finding as one of the smoking behavior determinants among female workers in both countries. Female workers with long-distance marriage and married / living with a partner have a lower probability of becoming a smoker than those who have marital status in the widowed/divorced category. Education level and parity are also finding as one of the smoking behavior determinants among them. Meanwhile, pregnancy found to be a protective factor for them to become a smoker. Finally, the multivariate test results found that wealth status is also a determinant of smoking behavior for female workers in both countries.
Conclusions

It was concluded that the seven variables analyzed are the determinants of smoking behavior among female workers in the Philippines and Indonesia. The seven variables are type of place, age, marital, education, parity, pregnancy, and wealth status.
Histological Impact on Follicular Lymphoma Grade 3 Treated With Frontline&nbsp;RCHOP Regimen
Authors: Chen Feifei , Maihemaiti Aziguli , Wei Zheng , Cheng Luya , Wang Weiguang , Zhuang Jingli , Yuan Ling , Cheng Zhixiang , Wang Zhimei , Ji Lili , Ge Xiaowen , Liu Peng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Histologically, follicular lymphoma (FL) grade 3 is subdivided into grade 3A and 3B. However, there are limited studies on outcomes of FL grade 3A and 3B treated with frontline of RCHOP treatment.
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 61 patients of FL grade 3 treated with frontline RCHOP regimen between January 2009 and December 2019. We divided them into FL grade 3A (n = 42) and aggressive FL (n = 19). Aggressive FL included grade 3A with an additional 3B component (n = 2), grade 3B (n = 8), and grade 3 with areas of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (n = 9).
Results

The baseline characteristics were similar between FL grade 3A and aggressive FL. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 97.1% in FL grade 3A and 81.9% in aggressive FL (P = 0.041). The 3-year progression free survival (PFS) was not significantly different between two groups, with 69.1% and 71.1%, respectively (P = 0.546). However, patients of aggressive FL reached a plateau in the PFS curve after 2 years.
Conclusions

Compared with patients of aggressive FL, FL grade 3A patients presented an uncurable feature but associated with a better OS with frontline RCHOP treatment.
Common Concerns, Barriers to Care, and the Lived Experience of Individuals with Hepatitis B: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Freeland Catherine , Farrell Sean , Kumar Priyanka , Kamischke Maureen , Jackson Michaela , Bodor Sierra , Block Timothy , Frasso Rosemary , Cohen Chari 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background & Aims: An estimated between 257 and 292 million people live with chronic HBV globally. While much is known about the causes, and epidemiology of HBV, little is understood about the quality of life and impact of HBV on those living with the infection. Approach and Results: A random sample of HBV-related email queries sent to the Hepatitis B Foundation, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, over a 12-month period in 2018-2019 were retrieved, tabulated, and analyzed qualitatively to highlight information needs and explore the experiences of people living with HBV and their families and loved ones. Codebook development was informed by the literature and through line-by-line reading of a sub-sample of queries. Data analysis was facilitated by NVivo12 software. Data were coded independently by two members of the research team and intercoder reliability was assessed to assure coding accuracy throughout the coding phase. A total of 338 queries from people around the globe were identified and analyzed. The analysis revealed three thematic groups: 1) health-specific challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment, 2) emotional needs related to experiences with HBV stigma, discrimination, fear, social isolation, and distress and 3) informational needs related to HBV prevention and transmission, and interpretation of laboratory tests.Conclusions: People living with HBV are in need of information to manage their disease and prevent its spread. Analysis of queries uncovered significant misconceptions about HBV transmission and treatment. Additionally, the emotional and psychological impact of an HBV diagnosis on those living with the infection is significant. There is a clear need for patient and community education to expand knowledge and awareness of HBV globally to achieve 2030 WHO HBV elimination goals.
Integrative Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Mammary Glands of Holstein Cows Artificially&nbsp;Infected with Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Fan Yongliang , Han Ziyin , Gong Zaicheng , Peng Yalan , Mao Yongjiang , Yang Zhangping , Yang Yi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus- induced mastitis is one of the most intractable problems for dairy industry, which causes loss of milk yield and early slaughter of cows worldwide. Few study used a comprehensive approach based on the integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles to explore molecular mechanism in bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus. Results: In this study, S. aureus and sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were introduced to different quarters of breasts of three individuals, and transcriptome sequencing and microarrays were utilized to detected miRNA and gene expression in mammary gland from the challenged and control groups. A total of 77 differentially expressed microRNAs (DE miRNAs) and 1,625 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that multiple DEGs were enriched in significant terms and pathways associated with immunity and inflammation. Integrative analysis between DE miRNAs and DEGs proved that miR-664b, miR-23b-3p, miR-331-5p, miR-19b and miR-2431-3p were potential factors regulating the expression levels of CD14 Molecule (CD14), G protein subunit gamma 2 (GNG2), interleukin 17A (IL17A), collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1), microtubule associated protein RP/EB family member 2 (MAPRE2), member of RAS oncogene family (RAP1B), LDOC1 regulator of NFKB signaling (LDOC1), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9) in bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus. Conclusions: These findings could enhance the understanding of underlying immune response in bovine mammary glands against S. aureus infection, and provide a useful foundation for future application of the miRNA-mRNA based genetic regulatory network in the breeding cows resistant to S. aureus.
A Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Spatial Heterogeneity in the Puquios of the Salar de Llamara, Atacama Desert, Northern Chile
Authors: Reid R. Pamela , Oehlert Amanda , Suosaari Erica , Demergasso Cecilia , Chong Guillermo , Escudero ‪Lorena , Piggot Alan , Lascu Ioan , Palma Alvaro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Atacama Desert, Central Andes of Northern Chile, is an extreme environment characterized by high UV radiation, wide temperature variation, minimum precipitation and is reputed as the driest desert in the world. Scarce lagoons associated with salt flats (salars) in this desert are the surface expression of shallow groundwater which serve as refugia for life, and often host microbial communities associated with evaporitic mineral deposition. Recent investigations of the Puquios of the Salar de Llamara in the Atacama Desert based on multidisciplinary field studies provide unprecedented detail regarding the spatial heterogeneity of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of such saline lake environments. Four main lagoons (‘Puquios’) and more than 400 smaller ponds, occur in an area less than 5 km2, are characterized by high variability in electrical conductivity, benthic and planktonic biota and microbiota, lagoon bottom type, and style of mineral deposition. The heterogeneity of system parameters as observed spatially in the Puquios is likely to be expanded with temporal observations incorporating seasonality. Results provide new insight into the complexity of these Andean ecosystems, which may be key to resilience in extreme environments at the edge of habitability.
T Cell Reactivity to Regulatory Factor X4 in Type 1 Narcolepsy
Authors: Luo Guo , Yogeshwar Selina , Lin Ling , Mignot Emmanuel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Type 1 narcolepsy is strongly (98%) associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II DQA1*01:02/DQB1*06:02 (DQ0602) and highly associated with T cell receptor (TCR) alpha locus polymorphism as well as other immune regulatory loci. Increased incidence of narcolepsy was detected following the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and linked to Pandemrix ® vaccination, strongly supporting that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder. Although recent results suggest CD4+ T cell reactivity to neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin and cross-reactive flu peptide is involved, identification of other autoantigens has remained elusive. Here we study whether autoimmunity directed against Regulatory Factor X4 (RFX4), a protein co-localized with hypocretin, is involved in some cases. Studying human serum, we found that autoantibodies against RFX4 were rare. Using RFX4 peptides bound to DQ0602 tetramers, antigen RFX4-86,-95, and-60 specific human CD4+ T cells were detected in 4/10 patients and 2 unaffected siblings but not in others. Following culture with each cognate peptide, enriched autoreactive TCRαβ clones were isolated by single-cell sorting and TCR sequenced. Homologous clones bearing TRBV4-2 and recognizing RFX4-86 in patients and one twin control of patient were identified. These results suggest the involvement of RFX4 CD4+ T cell autoreactivity in some cases of narcolepsy.
Perianal Disease Onset Age is Associated with Need for Abdominal Surgery in Perianal Crohn’s Disease: A Ten-year Observational Study in China
Authors: Wang Haichao , Wu Yaling , Ye Chen , Liu Zhanju , Wang Xiaolei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and aims: The significance of different ages of perianal disease (PD) onset in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact of paediatric-onset PD (POP, <18 years) and adult-onset PD (AOP, ≥18 years) on the Crohn’s disease (CD) course in a Chinese cohort.Methods: The medical records of the diagnosed PCD patients from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The cumulative incidence of abdominal surgery was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier, and independent predictors of surgery were identified by logistic regression analysis.Results: Complex perianal fistulas (71.7% vs 50.0%, p=0.011) and infliximab (IFX) treatment (33.3% vs 22.0%, p=0.044) were more common among the POP patients (n=84). A younger PD onset age (15.1±2.9 vs 30.2±10.5 years, p<0.001) and shorter PCD diagnostic delay (12 vs 24 months, p =0.033) was seen in the POP cohort. AOP patients (n=209) had a higher rate of current smoking (12.9% vs 4.8%, p=0.040), stricturing behaviour (42.1% vs 27.4%, p=0.024) and abdominal surgery (21.1% vs 4.8%, p=0.001). The cumulative probability of abdominal surgery in AOP patients was higher than that in POP patients (p=0.007). In multivariable analysis, AOP (odds ratio [OR]: 2.915, 95% CI: 1.479-5.744, p=0.002) and stricturing behaviour (OR: 8.374, 95% CI: 1.055-66.488, p=0.044) were predictive factors for CD-related abdominal surgery in all PCD patients, complex perianal fistula was associated with the increased incidence of abdominal surgery in the AOP cohort (OR: 2.257, 95% CI: 1.041-4.891, p=0.039). The IFX administration significantly decreased the rate of abdominal surgery in AOP patients (r=-0.900, p=0.037). Conclusions: This Chinese cohort suggested that AOP indicate a later disease course and a higher risk of abdominal surgery than POP. Early diagnosis and positive IFX treatment could improve the prognosis of CD patients with AOP.
Two-Volume Dynamic CT Pulmonary Perfusion: Contrast Timing Optimization
Authors: Zhao Yixiao , Hubbard Logan , Malkasian Shant , Abbona Pablo , Molloi Sabee 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo develop and validate an optimal timing protocol for a low-radiation-dose CT pulmonary perfusion technique using only two volume scans.MethodsA total of 24 swine (48.5 ± 14.3 kg) underwent contrast-enhanced dynamic CT. Multiple contrast injections were made under different pulmonary perfusion conditions, resulting in a total of 147 complete pulmonary arterial input functions(AIF). Using the AIFs, an optimal timing protocol for acquisition of two-volume scans was developed for the first-pass CT perfusion technique. Specifically, the first volume scan was obtained at the base of the AIF using bolus-tracking and the second volume scan was obtained at the peak of the AIF using a time-to-peak relation derived by regression analysis. Additionally, a subset of 14 swine with 60 CT acquisitions were used to validate the prospective timing protocol. The prospective perfusion measurements using the two-volume scans, were quantitatively compared to the retrospective perfusion measurements using the entire AIF with t-test, linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis. The CT dose index(CTDI32vol) and size-specific dose estimate(SSDE) of the two-volume perfusion technique were also determined.ResultsThe pulmonary artery time-to-peak (TPA) was related to one-half of the contrast injection duration(TInj/2) by TPA = 1.06 TInj/2+0.090 (r=0.97). Simulated prospective two-volume perfusion measurements (P­­PRO) in ml/min/g were related to the retrospective measurements (PRETRO) by PPRO= 0.87PRETRO + 0.56 (r=0.88). The CTDI32vol and SSDE of the two-volume CT technique were estimated to be 28.4 and 47.0mGy, respectively.ConclusionThe optimal timing protocol can enable an accurate, low-radiation-dose two-volume dynamic CT perfusion technique.
The Effects of Weight Fluctuation on the Components of Metabolic Syndrome: a 16-year Prospective Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Chin Young Ran , So Eun Sun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Weight fluctuation (WF) is highly prevalent in parallel with the high prevalence of intentional or unintentional dieting. The health risks of frequent WF for metabolic syndrome (MS) have become a public health concern, especially for health care providers who supervise dieting as an intervention to prevent obesity-related morbidity or to improve health, as well as for the general population for whom dieting is of interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of WF on the risk of MS in Koreans.Methods: This study analyzed secondary data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, a 16-year prospective cohort study, on 8,150 individuals using time-dependent Cox regression.Results: WF did not increase the risk of MS in either normal-weight or obese subjects. In an analysis of the components of MS, greater WF significantly increased the risk of abdominal obesity (HR=1.05, 95% CI=1.02-1.07, p=.002) in normal-weight individuals. However, WF did not increase the risk of hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, or raised fasting glucose in normal-weight individuals, and it did not influence any of the components of MS in obese individuals.Conclusion: Since WF was found to be a risk factor for abdominal obesity, which is the most reliable predictor of MS, it should be considered when addressing weight control. Further studies on cut-off points for the degree of weight loss in a certain period need to be conducted to help clinicians provide guidance on appropriate weight control.