bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transtracheal Instillation of Anti-TSLP Antibody Alleviates Airway Inflammation and Airway Hyperresponsiveness in OVA-Induced Asthma Model Mice
Authors: Chen Xiaowen , Fang Xiangfeng , Qian Jiang , Lin Jinle , Li DongFeng , Liu Xiaolong , Luo Shaohua , Meng Jinxiu , Wu Jian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a mainly epithelial cell-derived cytokine that may be important in initiating T2 allergic inflammation. Anti-TSLP antibody inhibit allergic inflammation. Previous animal studies have evaluated the anti-allergic efficacy of injecting anti-TSLP antibody intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, or intravenously. However, transtracheal instillation, a less invasive route for anti-TSLP antibody administration, is hitherto unstudied. This study evaluates the efficacy of transtracheally instilling anti-TSLP antibody in inhibiting airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in OVA-induced asthma model Balb/c mice.MethodsBalb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the OVA-induced asthma model group, the anti-TSLP mAb treatment group (TSLP mAb group), and the IgG2a mAb control group (IgG2a mAb group). Each group contained nine to eleven mice. Mice in the asthma model group were sensitized with OVA to trigger allergic responses and were treated with transtracheal instillation of normal saline. Mice in the TSLP mAb group received transtracheal instillation of anti-TSLP mAb, while mice in the IgG2a group received transtracheal instillation of IgG2a mAb. Both of these groups were then subjected to OVA challenge. Airway responsiveness was measured as an enhanced pause (Penh) using noninvasive plethysmography. The severity of inflammation was evaluated by histopathological examination using the Underwood assessment of the lung sections. Changes in expression of TSLP, TSLP receptor (TSLPR), T-box transcription factor (T-bet), GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) and forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3) were assessed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. ResultsAirway hyperresponsiveness and infiltration of airway inflammatory cells in the TSLP mAb group were significantly reduced, compared with the OVA and the IgG2a mAb groups. Meanwhile，TSLP, GATA3 mRNA expression and GATA3 protein levels were significantly decreased in the TSLP mAb group, compared with the OVA and the IgG2a mAb groups (P＜0.05）. No significant differences were observed in either T-bet or Foxp3 in the lung section of mRNA and protein expression among these four groups (P＞0.05).ConclusionTranstracheal instillation of anti-TSLP antibody attenuated lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in OVA-induced asthmatic mice, possibly through downregulation of perivascular and peribronchiolar lymphocytes, neutrophils and GATA3 expression in the airway.
Prevalence and Antibiotics Susceptibility Profiles of Streptococcus Pyogenes Among Pediatric Patients With Acute Pharyngitis at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Destaw , Admas Alemale , Mekonnen Daniel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a Gram positive bacterium which is a leading cause of pharyngitis, skin and soft tissue infection and post streptococcal syndromes. Due to lack of β-lactamase enzyme production, it was considered universally susceptible to penicillin group and later generation of β-lactam antibiotics. As such, empirical treatment was common which might leads to development of antibiotics resistance. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and antibiotics susceptibility profile; associated factors of S. pyogenes among pediatrics patients with acute pharyngitis in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest EthiopiaMethods: A total of 154 pediatric patients, whose age ranged from 0-18 years recruited to the study by convenient sampling technique on which hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out from 1st February to 19th June 2020 at FHCSH. S. pyogenes were identified by throat swab culture on 5% sheep blood agar with an overnight incubation at 37oC in candle jar with 5% CO2. Gram stain, catalase test and bacitracin test were used to identify S. pyogenes. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Bivariables and multivariable logistic regressions were carried out for analysis by considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: From the total throat swabs, 14 (9.1%) with (95% CI; 4.5-14.3) were culture positive for S. pyogenes. All isolates were sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin whereas 4 (35.7%), 4 (35.5%), 3 (21.4%), 2 (14.3%), 1 (7.1%), 7 (50.0%) and 1 (7.1%) were resistant for ceftriaxone, vancomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, clindamycin and levofloxacin, respectively. Presence of any smoker in home was significantly associated with S. pyogenes acute pharyngitis, while tender lymphadenopathy and recurrence were clinical predictors for S. pyogenes acute pharyngitis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of S. pyogenes 9.1% which is considered as low prevalence. All S. pyogenes remain sensitive to penicillin and resistance was also obtained to clindamycin 7 (50.0%), ceftriaxone 5 (35.7%), erythromycin 3 (21.4%). The current practice of giving erythromycin, clindamycin instead of penicillin and ampicillin is in contrary with microbiology result. There should be routine throat culture and a continuous surveillance of antibiotics resistance pattern for S. pyogenes to improve the use of antibiotics in hospitals.
Virological Non-Suppression Among HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Northwestern Nigeria: An Eleven-Year Experience of A Tertiary Care Centre, January 2009–December 2019
Authors: Abdullahi Suleiman Bello , Ibrahim Olayinka , Okeji Abdulkadir , Iliyasu Yandoma , Bashir Ibrahim , Haladu Suleiman , Idris Suleiman , Oseni Tijani Idris , Muhammad Suleiman , Yahaya Mohammed , Aworh Mabel , Sufiyan Mu'awiyyah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the world’s significant public health challenges. Viral suppression is the key indicator for treatment success in People living with HIV (PLHIV). We determined the level of viral non-suppression and its associated factors among PLHIV attending Federal Medical Centre Katsina (FMC Katsina), Nigeria. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 913 HIV positive adults enrolled in care between January 2009 and December 2019. Information on socio-demographics, clinical, immunological, Viral Load (VL) and other relevant parameters were extracted from the patients’ care Centre Katsina estimated frequencies/proportions, performed bivariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors associated with VL non-suppression using p<0.05 as significant level. Results: Records of 831 registered patients were analyzed using Epi-info 7. During the period, 751 (90.4%) achieved viral suppression, 426 (51.3%) had CD4 counts of ≥500 and 477 (57.4%) were on HAART for ≥5 years. Majority, 793 (95.4%) were on first-line and 809 (97.4%) in the non-advanced stage (WHO stages 1 and 2). The independent predictors of viral non-suppression included being on the second line HAART [Adjusted OR (AOR) 6.5; 95% CI 3.02-13.89], being employed [AOR 0.26; 95% CI 0.15-0.44] and baseline CD4 count less than 500 [AOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.21-0.61]. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a good viral suppression among PLHIV on HAART. Low baseline CD4 counts and being on second-line HAART are predictive of viral non-suppression while being unemployed seems to be protective against viral non-suppression.
Relationship between the Timing of Pregnancy Termination and Pregnancy Outcome and the Short-term Outcome of Infants with a Decreased Cerebroplacental Ratio: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Bimei , Yu Zhaoer , Gao Mingming , Yao Dan , Qian Yating , Ding Hongjuan , Jia Ruizhe 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Increased fetal umbilical artery resistance can cause fetal hypoxia, redistribute fetal blood flow, dilate the middle cerebral artery, and reduce the cerebroplacental rate (CPR). CPR<1 is a danger sign of fetal hypoxia. Choosing the appropriate time for terminating a pregnancy with the most favorable pregnancy outcome and the short-term outcome of infants, based on the abnormal performance of the cord blood flow, is crucial. Methods: A total of 114 pregnant women with CPR < 1 who gave birth at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The age, height, and weight of the aforementioned pregnant women, as well as the gestational age when CPR<1 occurs for the first time, were recorded. The women were divided into two groups, based on pregnancy termination: the immediately terminated pregnancy group and the continued pregnancy group. The pregnancy outcomes, neonatal outcomes, and short-term outcome of the surviving infants in both groups were recorded and compared. Results: ① the pregnant women in the continued pregnancy group waited for an average period of 3 weeks prior to the termination of pregnancy beyond 32 weeks. The average weight of the newborn was 1429 g, which was significantly lower than that of the average newborn at the corresponding gestational age. In the continued pregnancy group, intrauterine death was reported in 18 cases (40.9%) and intrauterine death of one fetus in a twin pregnancy was reported in 2 cases. Intrauterine death occurred 2–33 day after CPR<1 (12.8 d on average) as determined. ② the incidence rates of neonatal asphyxia, neonatal pneumonia, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal anemia in the continued pregnancy group were significantly higher than those in the immediately terminated pregnancy group. ③ The proportions of children with autism spectrum disorder, motor development retardation, and growth retardation were slightly higher in the continued pregnancy group than in the immediately terminated pregnancy group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Intrauterine hypoxia is considered severe when CPR<1. In this case, a cesarean section should be conducted immediately, and waiting may cause an increased risk of neurodevelopment disorder in children.
Survival of Cervical Cancer Patients in Brunei Darussalam: 2002-2017
Authors: Lee Shirley , Rahim Nurlaylasahira Abdul , Ong Sok King , Rahman Hanif Abdul , Naing Lin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among Bruneian women. This study aims to investigate the survival rate of cervical cancer patients in Brunei Darussalam between 2002 and 2017, to compare survival of cervical cancer patients between two periods: 2002-2009 and 2010-2017 and to identify prognostic factors of cervical cancer.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study on cervical cancer patients registered in Brunei Darussalam Cancer Registry between 2002 and 2017. De-identified data from the registry was extracted and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimator, log-rank test and multiple Cox regression analysis.RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of cervical cancer patients in Brunei Darussalam were 88.2%, 78.9% and 74.1% respectively from 2002-2017. The 5-year survival rate for 2002-2009 and 2010-2017 were 77.5% and 72.1% respectively. The risk of mortality was significantly higher in 2010-2017 compared to 2002-2009 after adjusting for other variables (Adjusted HR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.31; p=0.025). Cervical cancer patients ≥ 60 years (Adjusted HR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.09; p=0.019), and patients with distant cancer (Adjusted HR=49.47; 95% CI: 6.64, 368.52; p<0.001) had the highest risk of mortality.CONCLUSION: The 5-year survival rate of cervical cancer patients in Brunei Darussalam was 74.1%, which ranks relatively high globally. However, increased mortality among elderly patients, and patients diagnosed with cervical cancers at the later stages, calls for raising awareness, early detection, and management.
Health Capabilities and the Determinants of Infant Mortality in Brazil, 2004-2015: An Innovative Methodological Framework
Authors: Bugelli Alexandre , Silva Roxane Da , Sicotte Claude , Dowbor Ladislau 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite the implementation of a set of social and health policies, Brazil has experienced a slowdown in the decline of infant mortality, regional disparities and persistent high death levels, raising questions about the determinants of infant mortality after the implementation of these policies. The objective of this article is to propose a methodological approach aiming at identifying the determinants of infant mortality in Brazil after the implementation of those policies.Method: A series of multilevel panel data with fixed effect nested within-clusters were conducted supported by the concept of health capabilities based on data from 26 Brazilian states between 2004 and 2015. The dependent variables were the neonatal, the infant and the under-five mortality rates. The independent variables were the employment rate, per capita income, Bolsa Família Program coverage, the fertility rate, educational attainment, the number of live births by prenatal visits, the number of health professionals per thousand inhabitants, and the access to water supply and sewage services. We also used different time lags of employment rate to identify the impact of employment on the infant mortality rates over time, and household income stratified by minimum wages to analyze their effects on these rates.Results: The results showed that in addition to variables associated with infant mortality in previous studies, such as Bolsa Família Program, per capita income and fertility rate, other factors affect child mortality. Educational attainment, quality of prenatal care and access to health professionals are also elements impacting infant deaths. The results also identified an association between employment rate and different infant mortality rates, with employment impacting neonatal mortality up to three years and that a family income below 2 minimum wages increases the odds of infant deaths. Conclusion: The results proved that the methodology proposed allowed the use of variables based on aggregated data that could hardly be used by other methodologies.
Modeling the Metabolic Profile of Mytilus Edulis Reveals Molecular Signatures Linked to Gonadal Development, Sex and Environmental Site
Authors: Kronberg Jaanika , Byrne Jonathan , Jansen Jeroen , Antczak Philipp , Hines Adam , Bignell John , Katsiadaki Ioanna , Viant Mark , Falciani Francesco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The monitoring of anthropogenic chemicals in the aquatic environment including their potential effects on aquatic organisms, is important for protecting life under water, a key sustainable development goal. In parallel with monitoring the concentrations of chemicals of concern, sentinel species are often used to investigate the biological effects of contaminants. Among these, bivalve molluscs such as mussels are filter-feeding and sessile, hence an excellent model system for measuring localized pollution.This study investigates the relationship between the metabolic state of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and its physiology in different environments. We developed a computational model based on a reference site (relatively unpolluted) and integrated seasonal dynamics of metabolite relative concentrations with key physiological indicators and environmental parameters. The analysis of the model revealed that changes in metabolite levels during an annual cycle are influenced by water temperature and are linked to gonadal development. This work supports the importance of data-driven biology and its potential in environmental monitoring.
Administration of Antithrombotic Treatment Was a Risk Factor for Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Interventions for Liver Diseases.
Authors: Asai Akira , Yokohama Keisuke , Ohama Hideko , Tsuchimoto Yusuke , Fukunishi Shinya , Higuchi Kazuhide 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Percutaneous interventions for liver diseases are currently essential for diagnosis and treatment. The most frequent complication of percutaneous interventions is intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Recently, the number of patients with liver diseases and administered antithrombotics has been increasing. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for intraperitoneal hemorrhage after percutaneous interventions for liver diseases. This study recruited 1025 patients who underwent percutaneous interventions for liver diseases from April 2015 to March 2020. All interventions were performed using an ultrasound-guided approach. Intraperitoneal hemorrhage after percutaneous interventions was detected by abdominal computed tomography. Intraperitoneal hemorrhage occurred in 9 patients (0.88%), and these adverse events weren’t severe. We compared clinical characteristics between the patients with intraperitoneal hemorrhage and without. There were differences regarding patients who underwent percutaneous treatments of liver tumor (p = 0.1271), administration of antithrombotics (p = 0.1961), and prothrombin time (p = 0.1683). Thereafter, to evaluate the influence of antithrombotics on hemorrhage, we compared the patients with antithrombotics and without. After propensity score matching, hemorrhage in patients treated with antithrombotics was significantly increased than in those without (p = 0.0407). The administration of antithrombotics was a risk factor for intraperitoneal hemorrhage in patients undergoing percutaneous interventions for liver diseases.
Adaptation of The N170-Component of the Event-Related Brain Potential to Single Letters and Words in Adults and Children
Authors: Kagel Ulrike , Rüsseler Jascha 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. Neural specialization for print develops during learning to read and can be studied with event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Neural adaptation refers to smaller neural responses when a stimulus or a class of stimuli is repeated several times. Previously, neural specialization for print processing in adults has been shown to be reflected in the word-specific N170 component of the ERP. Furthermore, adapation of the N170 elicited by words has been found to correlate with reading speed. Here, we investigated adapation of the N170-component evoked by single letters, words and faces in seven to nine- year old German-language speaking children and in a group of adult normal readers. Results. For adults, we replicated previous reports of adaptation of N170-amplitude at posterior-temporal electrodes P7 and P8 for single letters and words. For children, we only observed adaptation of N170-amplitude for single letters. No adaptation of N170-amplitude was apparent for words. However, in both, children as well as adults, N170-adaptation did not correlate with measures of reading speed. For faces, that served as a non-linguistic control condition, no adaptation of N170 amplitude was observed. Conclusions. We conclude that adaptation of the word-specific N170 component of the ERP might be linked to increasing perceptual experience with letters and words.
Optimisation of Sample Storage and DNA Extraction for Human Gut Microbiome Studies
Authors: Kazantseva Jekaterina , Malv Esther , Kaleda Aleksei , Kallastu Aili , Meikas Anne 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: New developments in next-generation sequencing technologies and massive data received from this approach open wide prospects for personalised medicine and nutrition studies. Metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota is paramount for the characterization of human health and wellbeing. Despite the intensive research, there is a huge gap and inconsistency between different studies due to the non-standardised and biased pipeline. Methodical and systemic understanding of every stage in the process is necessary to overcome all bottlenecks and grey zones of gut microbiome studies, where all details and interactions between processes are important. Results: Here we show that an inexpensive, but reliable iSeq 100 platform is an excellent tool to perform the metagenomic analysis of the human gut. Two commercial kits and different starting materials performed similarly regarding the taxonomic distribution of identified bacteria. DNA/RNA Shield preservation reagent proved to be a trustworthy solution for stool samples collection and storage, as the storage of faecal material in DNA/RNA Shield for three weeks at different temperatures and thawing cycles had a low impact on the bacterial distribution. Conclusion: Altogether, a thoroughly elaborated pipeline with close attention to details ensures high reproducibility with significant biological but not technical variations.
Proteome-wide Analysis of Coxiella burnetii for Conserved T-cell epitopes with Presentation Across Multiple Host Species
Authors: Piel Lindsay , Durfee Codie , White Stephen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Coxiella burnetii is the Gram-negative bacterium responsible for Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in domesticated agricultural animals. Previous vaccination efforts with whole cell inactivated bacteria or surface isolated proteins confer protection but can produce a reactogenic immune responses. Thereby a protective vaccine that does not cause aberrant immune reactions is required. The critical role of T-cell immunity in control of C. burnetii has been made clear, since either CD8+ or CD4+ T cells can empower clearance. The purpose of this study was to identify C. burnetii proteins bearing epitopes that interact with major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) from multiple host species (human, mouse, and cattle). Results: Of the annotated 1,815 proteins from the Nine Mile Phase I (RSA 493) assembly, 402 proteins were removed from analysis due to a lack of inter-isolate conservation. An additional 391 proteins were eliminated from assessment to avoid potential autoimmune responses due to the presence of host homology. We analyzed the remaining 1,022 proteins for their ability to produce peptides that bind MHCI or MHCII. MHCI and MHCII predicted epitopes were filtered and compared between species yielding 777 MHCI epitopes and 453 MHCII epitopes. These epitopes were further examined for presentation by both MHCI and MHCII, and for proteins that contained multiple epitopes. There were 31 epitopes that overlapped positionally between MHCI and MHCII across host species. Of these, there were 9 epitopes represented within proteins containing ≥5 total epitopes, where an additional 24 proteins were also epitope dense. In all, 55 proteins were found to contain high scoring T-cell epitopes. Besides the well-studied protein Com1, most identified proteins were novel when compared to previously studied vaccine candidates. Conclusion: These data represent the first proteome-wide evaluation of C. burnetii peptide epitopes. Furthermore, the inclusion of human, mouse, and bovine data capture a range of hosts for this zoonotic pathogen plus an important model organism. This work provides new vaccine targets for future vaccination efforts and enhances opportunities for selecting multiple T-cell epitope types to include within a vaccine.