bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis Among Tuberculosis Presumptive Adults in Northern Ethiopia, 2016-2019
Authors: Dejene Tsehaye Asmelash , Hailu Genet Gebrehiwet , Wasihun Araya Gebreyesus 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of mortality from an infectious disease worldwide. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), where rifampicin-resistant TB is the most contributor, remains a global health threat. There is scant data on MTB and rifampicin resistance (RR-MTB) using Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of MTB and RR-MTB among presumptive TB patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: A multi-center retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to December 2019 among presumptive MTB patients from four governmental hospitals in Tigray regional state. Records of sputum sample results of presumptive MTB patients with Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay from January 2016 to December 2019 were investigated. Data-extraction tool was used to collect data from registration books and analyzed using SPSS ver.21 statistical software. Statistically significant was set at P-value ≤ 0.05. Results: Out of the total 17,329 presumptive adult MTB patients who had submitted sputum samples for TB diagnosis, 16,437 (94.9%) had complete data and were included in the study. More than half (60.2%) of them were males and the age of the patients ranged from 18-98 years, with a mean age of 44.2 (±16.4 SD) years. The majority, 15,047(91.5%) and 11,750 (71.5%) of the participants were new cases and with unknown HIV status, respectively. Prevalence of MTB was 9.7% (95% CI: 9.2-10.2%) of these, rifampicin resistant-MTB was 8.7% (95% CI: 7.32-10.09%). Age (being greater than 29 years) [p < 0.001] and new cases [AOR= 0.46; 95%CI = 0.39, 0.53, p < 0.001] were associated with low TB infection. Whereas age groups of 18-29 years were associated with higher RR-MTB [AOR= 3.08; 95% CI= 1.07, 8.72, p = 0.036]. Gender (being male) [AOR= 0.68; 95 % CI= 0.47, 0.96, p= 0.032] and having no history of previous treatment [AOR= 0.29; 95 % CI= 0.202, 0.44, p < 0.001] were associated with lower RR-MTB. Conclusion: Nearly one-tenth of the presumptive tuberculosis patients tested positive for MTB; out of those, 8.7% were positive rifampicin-resistant-MTB. The high prevalence of TB and RR-MTB at a young age and previously treated cases calls for a concerted effort to improve and monitor TB treatment to reduce the problem.
Interferon-alpha 2b: An Effective Treatment for Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Yang Zhiying 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare tumor and no standard treatment has been established. This study was aimed to prospectively investigate the effect of interferon-alpha 2b (IFN-a 2b) for HEH patients.Methods: Since March 2014, a total of 62 pathologically diagnosed HEH patients were followed up regularly. IFN-a 2b was suggested to HEH patients with progressed disease. Safety was assessed each month and tumor assessment scan was performed every 3 months. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Results: A total of 42 HEH patients were finally included in this study. Median patient age was 35.5 years (range 18-65 years old). No severe (grade ≥3) adverse event (AE) of IFN-a 2b was reported in the whole group. The most common treatment-related AEs were fever (50.0%) and fatigue (21.4%). Two patients had grade 2 level hypothyroidism and 1 patient had grade 2 level of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Partial response and complete response were achieved in 20 (47.6%) and 2 (4.8%) patients, respectively, and the ORR was 52.4%. Stable disease was observed in 12 (28.6%) patients and the DCR was 81.0%. Progressive disease was observed in 8 (19.0%) patients. The 1, 3 and 5-year progression free rate were 81.0%, 69.2% and 62.3%, respectively. Only 1 patient died due to the progression of disease during the study. The1, 3 and 5-year overall survival rate were 100%, 97.2% and 97.2%, respectively.Conclusion: IFN-a 2b is a safe and effective treatment for HEH patients.
C-Reactive Protein or Procalcitonin Combined with Rhinorrhea for Discrimination of Viral from Bacterial Infection in Hospitalized Adults of Non-Intensive Care Medical with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Shengchen DUAN , Gu Xiaoying , Fan Guohui , Zhou Fei , Zhu Guangfa , Cao Bin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Whether procalcitonin (PCT) or C-reactive protein (CRP) combined with some clinical characteristics can better distinguish viral from bacterial infection is not clear. The aim was to assess the ability of PCT or CRP combined with clinical characteristics to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections in hospitalized non-intensive care unit (ICU) adults with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).Methods: This was a post-hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial previously conducted among LRTI patients. The ability of PCT, CRP, and PCT or CRP combined with clinical characteristics to discriminate between viral and bacterial infection were estimated by portraying receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves among patients with only vial or typical bacterial infection .Results: In total, 209 patients (virus 69%, bacteria 31%) were included in this study. When using CRP or PCT to discriminate between viral and bacterial LRTI, the optimal cut-off point were 22mg/L and 0.18ng/ml, respectively. When the optimal cut-off for CRP (≤22ml/L) or PCT (≤0.18ng/ml) combined with rhinorrhea was used to discriminate viral from bacterial LRTI, the AUCs were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75–0.87) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.74–0.86), respectively. When CRP≤22ml/L, PCT≤0.18ng/ml and rhinorrhea were combined, the AUC was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80–0.91), which was statistically significant higher than that when CRP(≤22mg/L) or PCT (≤0.18ng/mL) was combined with rhinorrhea (p=0.0107 and p=0.0205).Conclusions: Either CRP≤22mg/L or PCT≤0.18ng/mL combined with rhinorrhea could help distinguish viral from bacterial infection in hospitalized non-ICU adults with LRTI. When rhinorrhea was combined together, discrimination ability can be further improved.
Freely Dissolved Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) along the Indus River Pakistan: Spatial pattern, Air-water Exchange and Risk Assessment
Authors: Sohail Muhammad , Eqani Syed Ali Musstjab Akber Shah , Bokhari Habib , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Ali Nadeem , Alamdar Ambreen , Podgorski Joel E , Adelman Dave , Lohmann Rainer 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Freely dissolved OCPs and PCBs were measured by using polyethylene passive samplers, at 15 sites during 2014 throughout the stretch of Indus River to investigate spatial pattern, air−water exchange gradients and risk assessment. Concentrations (pg/L) of dissolved ∑OCPs and ∑PCBs ranged from 34–1600 and 3–230. Among the detected OCPs, dissolved DDTs (p,p′-DDE, followed by p,p′-DDT) predominated with levels of 0.48 to 220 pg/L. The order of occurrence for other studied OCPs was as follows; HCB, Endosulfans, Chlordanes, and HCHs. Spatially, dissolved (pg/L) ∑OCPs varied (p < 0.05) as: surface water of Alluvial Riverine Zone (ARZ) showed highest levels (114) followed by Frozen Mountain Zone (FMZ) (52.9), Low Lying Zone (LLZ) (28.73) and Wet Mountain Zone (WMZ) (14.43) respectively. However, our zone wise PCBs data did not exhibit significant differences (p > 0.05). The PCA/MLR results showed that pesticides usage in crop/orchard fields and health sector, electric & electronic materials, and widespread industrial activities as the main source of OCPs and PCBs along Indus River. Air-water exchange of OCPs at FMZ, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE and o,p′-DDD exhibited net volatilization while p,p′-DDD/o,p′-DDT showed net deposition, while all other studied zones (i.e., WMZ, ARZ and LLZ) showed net deposition of DDTs. Nevertheless, air-water exchange of PCBs showed that, there was net volatilization at the FMZ, WMZ and ARZ and net deposition at LLZ. Our results showed that OCPs and PCBs contaminated water intake, played an important role towards the considerable cancer/non-cancer risk (HI and CR values) along the Indus River Flood-Plain.
Association of Blood Lead Level and Breast Cancer Risk in US Women: A Cross-Sectional Study(NHANES 2003-2014)
Authors: Xu Qin , Gao Shan , Yi Qinchuan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Environmental chemical exposures may play a important role in breast cancer etiology.Higher levels of exposure to environmental chemicals, such as heavy metals, may be associated with a high risk of patients with breast cancer, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent. Thus, In the current study, we used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to to assess the influence of blood lead on risk of patients with breast cancer.Methods:This cross-section study was conducted by extracting data from NHANES database(2003-2014). Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between the blood lead and the incidence of breast cancer. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confifidence interval (CI) of association between blood lead and the risk of breast cancer adjusted for confounder factors.Results: A total of 10153 participants were included. Elevated blood levels of lead was associated with higher risks of breast cancer ( OR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09–1.22)in the unadjusted analysis.But after adjustment for established risk factors, we did not observe significant association between blood levels and breast cancer risk ( OR 1.00; 95% CI, 0.95–1.15).Conclusion: We found no significant association between elevated blood lead levels and high risk of breast cancer in our cross-section study.
In-Vivo Generation of Antigen-Specific Tregs with AAV8 Suppresses Collagen-Induced Arthritis in DBA1 Mice through IL-10 Production
Authors: Wade Matthew , Fausther-Bovendo Hugues , Vega Marc-Antoine De La , Kobinger Gary 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Available therapeutics for autoimmune disorders focused on mitigating symptoms, rather than treating the cause of the disorder. A novel approach using adeno-associated virus (AAV) could restore tolerance to the autoimmune targets and provide a permanent treatment for autoimmune diseases. Here, we evaluated the ability of collagen II T-cell epitopes packaged in adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV-8) vectors to reduce pathogenic cellular and humoral responses against collagen and to mitigate the disease in the collagen-induced arthritis mouse model. The cytokines and immune cells involved in the immune suppression were also investigated. Mice treated with AAV-8 containing collagen II T-cell epitopes demonstrated a significant reduction in the arthritis symptoms, pathogenic collagen specific antibody and T cell responses. The AAV-8 mediated immune suppression was mediated by increased interleukin-10 expression and regulatory T cells expansion. Altogether, this study strengthens the notion that AAV vectors are promising candidates for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Low-specific Symbiotic Germination of Dendrobium Huoshanense in Vitro, an Endangered Epiphytic Orchid Endemic From South China
Authors: Tang Yan-Jing , Dai Jun , Li Yang , Zhou Dong-Yu , Xing Yong-Mei , Guo Shun-Xing , Chen Juan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Dendrobium huoshanense is an endangered epiphytic orchid and is endemic to Anhui province of China with a narrow distribution. In nature, orchid seed germination depends on specific mycorrhizal fungi and it is generally assumed that there is a high specific symbiotic germination in narrow distribution orchid. To evaluate the mycorrhizal compatibility and germination-promoting activity of mycorrhizal fungi of D. huoshanense in vitro, we isolated and identified cultured mycorrhizal fungi from the roots of D. huoshanense and D. officinale. A total of 20 mycorrhizal fungal strains (D. huoshanense (n = 6), D. officinale (n = 12), D. nobile (n = 1), D. moniliforme (n = 1)) were used to test the germination-promoting activity of D. huoshanense. Results: In symbiotic germination tests, the mycorrhizal fungi displayed different efficiency in stimulating D. huoshanense seed germination, nine strains stimulated seed development to an advanced seedling stage, while the rest promoted only initial seed germination to stage 2 or stage 3, and the most effective in promoting rapid seed germination was strain 12825(seb) isolated from D. moniliforme, besides, the second most effective fungus was strain WX-7(seb) isolated from D. officinale, both of them belong to Sebacina isolated from non-D. huoshanense. In this study, all twenty fungal strains formed pelotons inside seeds of D. huoshanense based on the trypan blue staining results. Conclusions: Despite its narrow specific habitat preference, D. huoshanense was found to be a mycorrhizal generalist during symbiotic seed germination in vitro. The study is the first to demonstrate the different abilities of orchid mycorrhizal fungi to promote seed germination, protocorm formation and seedling development of D. huoshanense in vitro, providing important microbiological resources for its conservation and reintroduction in nature.
Paradox of Nonpathogenicity and Cytopathic Effects：Characterization of Regulator Tas in Foamy Virus Evolution and De-Ubiquitylation of Tas in Virus Duplication
Authors: Jie Wei , Fen Zhang Rui , Jing Song , Yan Wu , Ping Ma Yong , Zhi Li , Hong Liu Wan , Hua He Xiao , Yan Sun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Foamy virus, which belong to the Spumaretrovirinae subfamily of Retroviridae, bridge the gap between Orthoretrovirinae and Hepadnaviridae, and display a long co-evolution with their hosts. Like other retroviruses, FVs encode a transactivator, Tas, which governs the levels of viral transcripts initiated through binding to the conserved promoters in 5’ long terminal repeat (LTR) and a unique internal promoter (IP). Unlike the other retrovirus, HIV, foamy viruses induced significant cytopathic effects in vitro, but has no significant disease association at the infection level in vivo. The characterization of regulator Tas in the Paradox of nonpathogenicity and cytopathic effects was still unknown.Results: Foamy virus separated from different hosts could form three groups which paralleled with the worldwide distribution of hosts due to geographical isolation. Although the physicochemical properties of different Tas were mainly in line with each other, the conserved motifs analyses still suggested divergences in protein functions. The proteins identified to interact with Tas of PFV, SFVora and SFVagm displayed that the three kinds of foamy viruses regulated different signal pathways and impacted virus-host immune interaction. Interestingly, predictions of interactional factors based on protein sequence showed USP7, a kind of deubiquitinating enzyme, could binding directly to Tas which led to its ubiquitin-dependent proteasome degradation. And this results also implyed that fomay virus could hijacked cytokine USP7 to stabilize the transcriptional activator Tas by de-ubiquitylation and thereby regulate the viral life cycle.Conclusion: Our experiments help to understand the survival strategy of foamy viruses in their hosts.
Association between Climate Parameters and COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan
Authors: Dabbour Loai , Abdelhafez Eman , Hamdan Mohammad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This research aims to study the association between the daily confirmed COVID − 19 cases in the three major cities of Jordan; Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid and climate indicators to include the average daily temperature (0C), wind speed (m/s), relative humidity (%), pressure (kPa), and the concertation of the four pollutants (CO, NO2, PM10 and SO2). The data were obtained from both the World Air Quality Project website and the Jordanian Ministry of Environment. In this work, the multiple linear regression and feedforward artificial neural network were used for data analysis. It was concluded that the multiple linear regression and feedforward artificial neural network had the capability to forecast the COVID-19 confirmed cases in the case studies; Amman, Irbid and Zarqa. Finally, global sensitivity analysis using Sobol analysis indicated that pressure in Amman and Zarqa and the concentration of NO2 in Irbid has a high rate of positive cases that supports the virus's spread.
Vitrectomy and External Drainage of Subretinal Fluid Containing High Concentration of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor for Advanced Coats Disease
Authors: Mano Fukutaro , Matsushita Itsuka , Kondo Hiroyuki , Utamura Shoko , Kondo Chiori , Kusaka Shunji 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the surgical outcomes of Coats disease and the role of external drainage (XD) of subretinal fluid (SRF). The study is a multicenter retrospective interventional case series of 26 consecutive eyes of 26 patients who underwent surgeries for advanced Coats disease with retinal detachment. Main outcomes measured were: 1) comparison of complete SRF resolution with or without XD, and 2) variables that were associated with functional postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) defined as BCVA of 0.1 or better, 3) intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Complete SRF resolution was achieved in all 14 eyes in which XD had been performed and in 75% of 12 eyes in which XD had not been performed (P =.03). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that initial BCVA was the only variable associated with functional postoperative BCVA (odds ratio 3.24, 95% CI 0.93–11.33; P =.04). Markedly elevated VEGF levels were noted in the SRF compared with those in the vitreous humor (49,760 ± 52,990 vs. 707 ± 611 pg/mL, P =.03). XD seems to provide better anatomical success than without XD in the treatment of advanced Coats disease as XD could effectively eliminate substantial amount of VEGF in the SRF.
The Study of Soft Soil Seismic Subsidence Based On 3D Model
Authors: li Ping , Gu Junru , Liu Yingci , Li Yuying 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Soft soils are characterized by high sensitivity, low strength, and susceptibility to seismic subsidence. In this study, nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis was performed by OpenSees numerical simulation method to evaluate seismic subsidence response of soft soil site to input ground motions. Higher peak acceleration of ground motion enhanced degree of uneven seismic subsidence, depth of seismic depression, and damage to horizontal surface. Frequency characteristics of a ground motion are another factor influencing seismic subsidence of soft soil. Similar predominant frequency of a ground motion to natural frequency of soil site, high number of low frequency contents, and high amplitude of a ground motion promoted a more severe seismic subsidence of soft soil. The findings of this study expand current understanding on seismic subsidence of soft soil.
Racial Disparities in the Incidence, Breast Conserving Rate and Survival of Breast Cancer Patients Who Underwent Breast Conserving Surgery
Authors: Han Shu , Liu Jianjun , Tang Weifang , Wang Shengying , Hong Shikai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: In the current study, we aimed to provide a clear insight on the racial disparity of breast conserving rate (BCR) and survival in breast cancer after breast conserving surgery (BCS). Materials and Methods: Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (SEER), we estimated breast cancer incidence rates and the rate of BCS by race in two periods (2000-2004 and 2013-2017). Relative survival analysis was based on patient-level data from 1998 to 2017. To be adjusted for baseline differences for different races, inverse probability weighting (IPW) models were stepwise performed.Results: From 2000-2004 to 2013-2017, both the breast cancer incidence (from 4.18 to 5.05 per 1000 white women) and the proportion of patients after BCS (from 55.5% to 59.9) were highest in whites than that of other races. Black individuals’ incidence (1.20 per 1000 black women or relatives 43.6% increased) and the BCR were increased most rapidly (6%) than other races. Asian or Pacific Islanders (APIs) were less likely to be diagnosed at a later stage and had the best prognosis than those of other races. After baselines fully adjusted, whites had the better Breast Cancer Specific Survival (BCSS) and Overall Survival (OS) than that of minorities (all p< 0.001).Conclusions: We identified the racial disparities of breast cancer incidence, BCR, and survival differences. We found increase trends of breast cancer incidence and BCR in minorities; however, we also identified the worse survival of minorities than that of whites, regardless of age, tumor stage, grade, and Luminal subtype.
Visualizing designer quantum states in stable macrocycle quantum corrals
Authors: Lu Jiong , Peng Xinnan , Mahalingam Harshitra , Dong Shaoqiang , Mutombo Pingo , Su Jie , Telychko Mykola , Song Shaotang , Ng Pei Wen , Wu Jishan , Jelinek Pavel , Chi Chunyan , Rodin Aleksandr , Lyu Pin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Creating atomically-precise quantum architectures with high digital fidelity and desired quantum states is an important goal in a new era of quantum technology. The strategy of creating these quantum nanostructures mainly relies on atom-by-atom, molecule-by-molecule manipulation or molecular assembly through non-covalent interactions, which thus lack sufficient chemical robustness required for on-chip quantum device operation at elevated temperature. Here, we report a bottom-up synthesis of covalently linked organic quantum corrals (OQCs) with atomic precision to induce the formation of topology-controlled quantum resonance states, arising from a collective interference of scattered electron waves inside the quantum nanocavities. Individual OQCs host a series of atomic orbital-like resonance states whose orbital hybridization into artificial homo-diatomic and hetero-diatomic molecular-like resonance states can be constructed in Cassini oval-shaped OQCs with desired topologies corroborated by joint and analytic calculations. Our studies open up a new avenue to fabricate covalently linked large-sized OQCs with atomic precision to engineer desired quantum states with high chemical robustness and digital fidelity for new-generation quantum technology.
Condensation Product of 5-Bromosalicylaldehyde and Amino Phenol: Fluorescence Sensor for Ascorbic Acid and AND Logic Gate
Authors: Bharali Bidisha , Das Diganta Kumar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Condensation product of 5-bromosalicylaldehyde and aminophenol (L) has been synthesised and characterised. Fluorescence of L enhances by 23 times on interaction with Ce3+ while it is quenched completely by Ce4+. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a well known strong reducing agent and this property has been used to act L:Ce4+ adduct as a fluorescence “on” sensor for AA. AA reduces Ce4+ into Ce3+ and thereby increasing fluorescence of L due to the formation of L:Ce3+ adduct. Molecules which generally coexist with AA viz. Cholesterol, Glucose, Sucrose and Dopamine found not to interfere. The interaction of L with Ce3+, Ce4+ and subsequently with AA has been verified with cyclic voltammetry.