bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heath related quality of life and associated factors among diabetes patients in sub-Saharan countries: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tusa Biruk Shalmeno , Weldesenbet Adisu Birhanu , Gemada Assefa Tola , Merga Bedasa Taye , Regassa Lemma Demissie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Various primary studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan countries on the level of health related quality of life (HRQoL) and their associated factors among diabetic patients. However, the result of these studies lacks consistency. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the pooled level of HRQoL and their associated factors among diabetic patients in sub-Saharan countries.

Methods
Electronic databases predominantly PubMed were searched. Databases, such as Google and Google scholar, were searched for gray literature. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Heterogeneity of the studies was checked by Forest plot and I-squared statistic. Both inverse-variance fixed-effect and DerSimonian and Laird random-effects methods were applied to estimate the pooled level of HRQoL (for both WHO-QoL-BREF and SF-36) and the effect size of associated factors.

Result
From a total 776 retrieved studies, 16 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled mean score of physical health, psychological, social relation and environmental health domain of WHO-QoL-BREF were 43.12, 47.40, 46.60 and 45.59 respectively. Age had a significant association (pooled β = − 0.47), (pooled β = − 0.24), (pooled β = − 0.32) and (pooled β = − 0.03) with physical health, psychological health, social relation and environmental health domains respectively. Being rural residence (pooled β = − 0.32) was inversely associated with environmental health domain of WHO-QoL-BREF. Increased fasting blood sugar had a significant association (pooled β = − 0.08, 95% CI − 0.11, − 0.05), (pooled β = − 0.07) and (pooled β = − 0.004) with physical health, psychological health and environmental health domains respectively. Having Co-morbidity (pooled β = − 6.25) and diabetes related complication (pooled β = − 5.65) were contrarily related to physical health domain of WHO-QoL-BREF.

Conclusion
The pooled mean of physical and environmental domains of HRQOL scores was the least compared to the psychological and social domains. Being Old age and rural residence, increased fasting blood sugar, having co-morbidity and diabetic related complications were contrarily related to level of HRQoL. Therefore, we recommend that early detection and treatment of diabetes related complication and comorbidity and control of fasting blood sugar. While doing that due attention should be given for old and rural dwellers.
A call to advance and translate research into policy on governance, ethics, and conflicts of interest in public health: the GECI-PH network
Authors: Nakkash Rima , Mialon Melissa , Makhoul Jihad , Arora Monika , Afifi Rima , Al Halabi Abeer , London Leslie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEfforts to adopt public health policies that would limit the consumption of unhealthy commodities, such as tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food products, are often undermined by private sector actors whose profits depend on the sales of such products. There is ample evidence showing that these corporations not only try to influence public health policy; they also shape research, practice and public opinion. Globalization, trade and investment agreements, and privatization, amongst other factors, have facilitated the growing influence of private sector actors on public health at both national and global levels. Protecting and promoting public health from the undue influence of private sector actors is thus an urgent task. With this backdrop in mind, we launched the “Governance, Ethics, and Conflicts of Interest in Public Health” Network (GECI-PH Network) in 2018. Our network seeks to share, collate, promote and foster knowledge on governance, ethical, and conflicts of interest that arise in the interactions between private sectors actors and those in public health, and within multi-stakeholder mechanisms where dividing lines between different actors are often blurred. We call for strong guidance to address and manage the influence of private sector actors on public health policy, research and practice, and for dialogue on this important topic. Our network recently reached 119 members. Membership is diverse in composition and expertise, location, and institutions. We invite colleagues with a common interest to join our network.
Anthelmintic resistance of horse strongyle nematodes to ivermectin and pyrantel in Lithuania
Authors: Dauparaitė Evelina , Kupčinskas Tomas , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg , Petkevičius Saulius 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
With intensive use of anthelmintic drugs in recent decades, anthelmintic resistance (AR) in horse nematodes is becoming a growing issue in many countries. However, there is little available information about the parasites, treatment practices or AR in the horse population in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to assess the current situation of AR on horse farms in Lithuania. The study was conducted in 25 stables on horses with a strongyle faecal egg count (FEC) of ≥ 200 eggs per gram. A faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was performed on each farm after administration of ivermectin (IVM) or pyrantel (PYR).

Results
The efficacy of IVM was comparatively high, with 98.8% of 250 horses having a zero egg count 14 days after treatment. Two conditions were used to interpret the FECRT results for PYR: firstly, resistance was determined when FECR was < 90% and the lower 95% confidence interval (LCL) was < 80%, and secondly when in addition the upper confidence level (UCL) was < 95%. Under the first condition, resistance against PYR was found in five stables (25% of all tested herds), while when considering the UCL as well, resistance was only detected in two stables (8%). The FEC showed a significant (P < 0.01) difference between the treatment and control groups. Only cyathostomin larvae were detected in larval cultures derived from strongyle-positive faecal samples collected 14 days after treatment of a test group with PYR.

Conclusions
This in vivo study showed that PYR resistance is prevalent on horse farms in Lithuania, while the efficacy of IVM still appears to be unaffected. However, further studies of ivermectin resistance are needed. These findings should guide the implementation of more sustainable management of strongyle infections in horses in Lithuania.
Gut microbiota influence tumor development and Alter interactions with the human immune system
Authors: Ge Yanshan , Wang Xinhui , Guo Yali , Yan Junting , Abuduwaili Aliya , Aximujiang Kasimujiang , Yan Jie , Wu Minghua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRecent scientific advances have greatly enhanced our understanding of the complex link between the gut microbiome and cancer. Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance between commensal and pathogenic bacteria and the production of microbial antigens and metabolites. The immune system and the gut microbiome interact to maintain homeostasis of the gut, and alterations in the microbiome composition lead to immune dysregulation, promoting chronic inflammation and development of tumors. Gut microorganisms and their toxic metabolites may migrate to other parts of the body via the circulatory system, causing an imbalance in the physiological status of the host and secretion of various neuroactive molecules through the gut-brain axis, gut-hepatic axis, and gut-lung axis to affect inflammation and tumorigenesis in specific organs. Thus, gut microbiota can be used as a tumor marker and may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of malignant tumors.
Sepsis is associated with mitochondrial DNA damage and a reduced mitochondrial mass in the kidney of patients with sepsis-AKI
Authors: van der Slikke Elisabeth C. , Star Bastiaan S. , van Meurs Matijs , Henning Robert H. , Moser Jill , Bouma Hjalmar R. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition accompanied by organ dysfunction subsequent to a dysregulated host response to infection. Up to 60% of patients with sepsis develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with a poor clinical outcome. The pathophysiology of sepsis-associated AKI (sepsis-AKI) remains incompletely understood, but mitochondria have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis. Therefore, our aim was to identify mitochondrial damage in patients with sepsis-AKI.

Methods
We conducted a clinical laboratory study using “warm” postmortem biopsies from sepsis-associated AKI patients from a university teaching hospital. Biopsies were taken from adult patients (n = 14) who died of sepsis with AKI at the intensive care unit (ICU) and control patients (n = 12) undergoing tumor nephrectomy. To define the mechanisms of the mitochondrial contribution to the pathogenesis of sepsis-AKI, we explored mRNA and DNA expression of mitochondrial quality mechanism pathways, DNA oxidation and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity in renal biopsies from sepsis-AKI patients and control subjects. Next, we induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 48 h to mimic sepsis and validate our results in vitro.

Results
Compared to control subjects, sepsis-AKI patients had upregulated mRNA expression of oxidative damage markers, excess mitochondrial DNA damage and lower mitochondrial mass. Sepsis-AKI patients had lower mRNA expression of mitochondrial quality markers TFAM, PINK1 and PARKIN, but not of MFN2 and DRP1. Oxidative DNA damage was present in the cytosol of tubular epithelial cells in the kidney of sepsis-AKI patients, whereas it was almost absent in biopsies from control subjects. Oxidative DNA damage co-localized with both the nuclei and mitochondria. Accordingly, HUVECs induced with LPS for 48 h showed an increased mnSOD expression, a decreased TFAM expression and higher mtDNA damage levels.

Conclusion
Sepsis-AKI induces mitochondrial DNA damage in the human kidney, without upregulation of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, which likely resulted in a reduction in mitochondrial mass.
SuperTAD: robust detection of hierarchical topologically associated domains with optimized structural information
Authors: Zhang Yu Wei , Wang Meng Bo , Li Shuai Cheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTopologically associating domains (TADs) are the organizational units of chromosome structures. TADs can contain TADs, thus forming a hierarchy. TAD hierarchies can be inferred from Hi-C data through coding trees. However, the current method for computing coding trees is not optimal. In this paper, we propose optimal algorithms for this computation. In comparison with seven state-of-art methods using two public datasets, from GM12878 and IMR90 cells, SuperTAD shows a significant enrichment of structural proteins around detected boundaries and histone modifications within TADs and displays a high consistency between various resolutions of identical Hi-C matrices.
Approaches to genetic tool development for rapid domestication of non-model microorganisms
Authors: Riley Lauren A. , Guss Adam M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNon-model microorganisms often possess complex phenotypes that could be important for the future of biofuel and chemical production. They have received significant interest the last several years, but advancement is still slow due to the lack of a robust genetic toolbox in most organisms. Typically, “domestication” of a new non-model microorganism has been done on an ad hoc basis, and historically, it can take years to develop transformation and basic genetic tools. Here, we review the barriers and solutions to rapid development of genetic transformation tools in new hosts, with a major focus on Restriction-Modification systems, which are a well-known and significant barrier to efficient transformation. We further explore the tools and approaches used for efficient gene deletion, DNA insertion, and heterologous gene expression. Finally, more advanced and high-throughput tools are now being developed in diverse non-model microbes, paving the way for rapid and multiplexed genome engineering for biotechnology.
A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the specific detection of Hammondia hammondi and its differentiation from Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Schares Gereon , Globokar Vrhovec Majda , Tuschy Mareen , Joeres Maike , Bärwald Andrea , Koudela Bretislav , Dubey Jitender P. , Maksimov Pavlo , Conraths Franz J. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Hammondia hammondi and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related protozoan parasites, but only T. gondii is zoonotic. Both species use felids as definitive hosts and cannot be differentiated by oocyst morphology. In T. gondii, a 529-base pair (bp) repetitive element (TgREP-529) is of utmost diagnostic importance for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests. We identified a similar repetitive region in the H. hammondi genome (HhamREP-529).

Methods
Based on reported sequences, primers and probes were selected in silico and optimal primer probe combinations were explored, also by including previously published primers. The analytical sensitivity was tested using serial dilutions of oocyst DNA. For testing analytical specificity, DNA isolated from several related species was used as controls. The newly established TaqMan PCR (Hham-qPCR1) was applied to tissues collected from H. hammondi-infected gamma-interferon gene knockout (GKO) mice at varying time points post-infection.

Results
Ten forward and six reverse primers were tested in varying combinations. Four potentially suitable dual-labelled probes were selected. One set based on the primer pair (Hham275F, Hham81R) and the probe (Hham222P) yielded optimal results. In addition to excellent analytic specificity, the assay revealed an analytical sensitivity of genome equivalents of less than one oocyst. Investigation of the tissue distribution in GKO mice revealed the presence of parasite DNA in all examined organs, but to a varying extent, suggesting 100- to 10,000-fold differences in parasitic loads between tissues in the chronic state of infection, 42 days post-infection.

Discussion
The use of the 529-bp repeat of H. hammondi is suitable for establishing a quantitative real-time PCR assay, because this repeat probably exists about 200 times in the genome of a single organism, like its counterpart in T. gondii. Although there were enough sequence data available, only a few of the primers predicted in silico revealed sufficient amplification; the identification of a suitable probe was also difficult. This is in accord with our previous observations on considerable variability in the 529-bp repetitive element of H. hammondi.

Conclusions
The H. hammondi real-time PCR represents an important novel diagnostic tool for epidemiological and cell biological studies on H. hammondi and related parasites.

Graphical Abstract
Parasitism of Aedes albopictus by Ascogregarina taiwanensis lowers its competitive ability against Aedes triseriatus
Authors: Stump Emma , Childs Lauren M. , Walker Melody 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases such as dengue, malaria and La Crosse virus that significantly impact the human population. When multiple mosquito species are present, the competition between species may alter population dynamics as well as disease spread. Two mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes triseriatus, both inhabit areas where La Crosse virus is found. Infection of Aedes albopictus by the parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis and Aedes triseriatus by the parasite Ascogregarina barretti can decrease a mosquito’s fitness, respectively. In particular, the decrease in fitness of Aedes albopictus occurs through the impact of Ascogregarina taiwanensis on female fecundity, larval development rate, and larval mortality and may impact its initial competitive advantage over Aedes triseriatus during invasion.

Methods
We examine the effects of parasitism of gregarine parasites on Aedes albopictus and triseriatus population dynamics and competition with a focus on when Aedes albopictus is new to an area. We build a compartmental model including competition between Aedes albopictus and triseriatus while under parasitism of the gregarine parasites. Using parameters based on the literature, we simulate the dynamics and analyze the equilibrium population proportion of the two species. We consider the presence of both parasites and potential dilution effects.

Results
We show that increased levels of parasitism in Aedes albopictus will decrease the initial competitive advantage of the species over Aedes triseriatus and increase the survivorship of Aedes triseriatus. We find Aedes albopictus is better able to invade when there is more extreme parasitism of Aedes triseriatus. Furthermore, although the transient dynamics differ, dilution of the parasite density through uptake by both species does not alter the equilibrium population sizes of either species.

Conclusions
Mosquito population dynamics are affected by many factors, such as abiotic factors (e.g. temperature and humidity) and competition between mosquito species. This is especially true when multiple mosquito species are vying to live in the same area. Knowledge of how population dynamics are affected by gregarine parasites among competing species can inform future mosquito control efforts and help prevent the spread of vector-borne disease.

Graphical Abstract
Blinding in electric current stimulation in subacute neglect patients with current densities of 0.8 A/m2: a cross-over pilot study
Authors: Gorsler Anna , Grittner Ulrike , Külzow Nadine , Rackoll Torsten 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveNeglect after stroke is a disabling disorder and its rehabilitation is a major challenge. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to be a promising adjuvant technique to improve standard care neglect therapy. Since electric fields are influenced by age-related factors, higher current densities are probably needed for effective treatment in aged stroke patients. Validation of treatment efficacy requires sham-controlled experiments, but increased current densities might comprise blinding. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted to test sham adequacy when using current density of 0.8 A/m2. Whether especially neglect patients who mainly suffer from perceptual and attentional deficits are able to differentiate beyond chance active from sham tDCS was investigated in a randomized cross-over design (active/sham stimulation) in 12 early subacute patients with left-sided hemineglect. Stimulation (0.8 A/m2) was performed simultaneous to standard care neglect therapy.ResultsOdds ratio of correct guessing an atDCS condition compared to wrongly judge an atDCS condition as sham was 10.00 (95%CI 0.65–154.40, p = 0.099). However, given the small sample size and high OR, although likely somewhat overestimated, results require careful interpretation and blinding success in neglect studies with current densities of 0.8 A/m2should be further confirmed.
Genetic developmental disability diagnosed in adulthood: a case report
Authors: Langenfeld Adam , Schema Lynn , Eckerle Judith K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Developmental disabilities (DD) are an umbrella term for conditions associated with functional impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. Intellectual disability (ID) is a type of developmental disability that results in delays in cognitive or intellectual functioning, such as reasoning, learning, and problem-solving, and adaptive behaviors including social and practical life skills. DD can be due to a variety of factors, ranging from environmental exposures to genetic mutations, and studies suggest that up to 40% of DDs may be caused by genetic issues.

Case presentation
In this case study, we present an 18-year-old internationally adopted female Chinese American patient with a known history of developmental delay, intellectual disability, strabismus, and a congenital heart defect who had not been tested for genetic causes of her delay prior to presentation. When evaluated with chromosomal microarray, the patient demonstrated a deletion on the short arm of chromosome 5, an area associated with Cri-du-chat syndrome. This chromosomal deletion was a likely explanation for her history of developmental delays, intellectual disability, and congenital heart defect, in addition to her history of institutionalization and the trauma of multiple caregiver transitions in early childhood. The patient was referred for further evaluation by a geneticist and genetic counselor.

Conclusions
This case highlights that the underlying cause of developmental delay is often multifactorial, and underscores the importance of a full medical evaluation, including genetic testing, for children with intellectual disability. Using this approach, healthcare professionals can identify potential diagnoses and provide more targeted resources to families.
Free air after laparoscopic hysterectomy; from sigmoid perforation to upper airway compromise: a case report
Authors: Melemeni Aikaterini , Tympa Grigoriadou Aliki , Tsaroucha Athanasia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Free air after laparoscopic hysterectomy is a common finding; in rare cases, free air represents gastrointestinal perforation, requiring emergency laparotomy. Ectopic air localizations after pneumoperitoneum have been reported in various laparoscopic surgical techniques. Delayed diagnosis of visceral perforation is associated with high mortality rates.

Case presentation
We present a white Caucasian female in which dysphonia due to air entrapment in the cervical area, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax, occured afterlaparoscopic hysterectomy.

Conclusions
Upon mobilization of the patient, air from sigmoid perforation moved cephalad. Through the same path, pneumoperitoneum, causes subcutaneous emphysema in the neck and face, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax.