bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta-analysis on global prevalence of infectious diseases in backyard chicken in the recent two decades
Authors: Kannaki T. R. , Priyanka E. , Haunshi Santosh , Subbiah Madhuri 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Backyard poultry is evolving as a fast-growing sector in recent times across the world. Apart from providing nutritional security, and livelihood to marginalized sector, also fulfils the demand for organic and welfare meat and eggs. However, the productivity is often challenged by incidences of diseases due to poor biosecurity and lack of vaccination. In this study, systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on the global prevalence of infectious diseases in backyard chickens. A total of 22 bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal diseases were reported from 55 publications between 2000 and 2020 worldwide. Viral diseases were the most reported followed by bacterial and parasitic diseases. 61 out of 91 studies from 55 publications investigated seven major diseases: Avian influenza (AI), Newcastle disease (ND), infectious bronchitis (IB), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), Salmonella infection, and infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT). The overall pooled prevalence estimate for all the diseases worldwide was 33% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28–38). The pooled estimates for most reported viral diseases AI and ND were 12.5% (95% CI: 7–18) and 30% CI: 19–43), respectively. IBD (71% CI: 13–100), MS (76% CI: 67–85) and helminth infestations (72% CI: 44–93) were the highly prevalent diseases among viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, respectively. The continent wise pooled prevalence ranged from 17–32%. The present results will help in devising the best possible strategies to minimize the disease risk for commercial poultry and humans as well as for improving the productivity of backyard poultry farming.
The Persistent Association Between Exposure to Intimate Partner Physical Violence and Current Cigarette Smoking Among Women in Papua New Guinea: A Modified Poisson Regression Analysis
Authors: Peprah Prince , Asare Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah , Agyemang-Duah Williams , Puri Parul , Ogundare Deborah Odunayo , Vishwakarma Deepanjali , Annan-Aidoo Gertrude Nancy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Intimate partner physical violence (IPPV) is a preventable public health threat associated with health deteriorating lifestyles such as cigarette smoking. However, limited research has focused on the association between IPPV and cigarette smoking among women in unions in low-and middle-income countries like Papua New Guinea (PNG). The aim of this study was to examine the association between IPPV and current cigarette smoking using a nationally representative sample. Methods: We utilized 2016-2018 PNG Demographic and Health Survey data of 9,943 women aged 15-49 years who were in intimate unions. We estimated the direct risk of smoking cigarette using modified Poisson regression models with a robust variance relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of cigarette smoking. Results: Among the total participants, the prevalence of IPPV was 52.4% and smoking cigarette in the last 24 hours was 25.1%. The modified Poisson regression results indicated a robust and persistent association between IPPV and cigarette smoking among women in unions both in the absence and presence of covariates. The risk of smoking cigarette was significantly elevated among those who reported a history of IPPV relative to their counterparts with no physical violence history (IRR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.20-1.52) in the absence of covariates. After controlling for demographic, social and economic variables, the association between IPPV and cigarette smoking persisted (IRR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.08-1.41). Conclusions: The present study provides strong evidence to indicate a robust and persistent association between IPPV and current cigarette smoking among women in unions. Interventions aimed at addressing IPPV among women in unions in PNG to reduce the increased risk of cigarette smoking are needed.
Delayed interval BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination provides robust immunity
Authors: Hall Victoria , Ferreira Victor , Ierullo Matthew , Ku Terrance , Majchrzak-Kita Beata , Kulasingam Vathany , Humar Atul , Kumar Deepali 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Shortages of COVID-19 vaccines have results in delayed dosing intervals as a strategy to immunize a greater proportion of the population. The effect of this strategy on vaccine immunogenicity is not well studied. Humoral (anti-RBD levels and neutralization) and cellular immune responses were compared in health care workers receiving two doses of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines at standard (3-6 week) and delayed (8-12 week) intervals. In the delayed group, anti-RBD antibody titres were significantly enhanced compared to the standard interval group. Neutralizing antibody responses were excellent and comparable in both groups. A slight decrease in Spike-specific polyfunctional CD4+ T-cells expressing interferon-γ and IL-2 as well as monofunctional CD4+ T-cells was seen in the delayed group. Both polyfunctional and monofunctional CD8+ T-cell responses were comparable. Our data suggest that the strategy of delayed second dose mRNA vaccination is not overtly detrimental, and specifically may lead to an enhanced humoral immune response.
Detection of Staphylococcus Aureus and Their Toxin Genes Inhabit On The Scorpions Surface
Authors: Moradikian Mehdi , Shayestehfar Alireza , Komijani Majid 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Introduction:

The transmission of infectious agents by arthropods is of particular importance. Every year, many people are bitten by scorpions around the world. Staphylococcus aureus is of the most important infectious bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of S. aureus in scorpion specimens and the presence of some toxin genes in these species.
Methods

The fauna of scorpions in the Kuhdasht region was studied for one year. Then, S. aureus was identified on the body surface of scorpions by biochemical and molecular methods, and the presence of Sea, Seb, Sec, Sed, See, Pvl, Tsst1, Eta, Etb, and mecA genes was examined by the PCR method. The pattern of antibiotic resistance was determined by the antibiogram method. MRSA isolates were identified using genotypic and phenotypic methods.
Results

Of 75 studied scorpion specimens, Hottentotta saulcyi was the most abundant species. Sixteen (21.3%) isolates of S. aureus were identified from all samples. The highest and lowest antibiotic resistance levels belonged to penicillin and clindamycin, respectively. MRSA was observed in 50% of the isolates. Thirteen out of 16 isolates possessed at least one of the toxin genes.
Discussion

Due to the presence of S. aureus on the body surface of scorpions, it should always be expected that an infection may occur after the bite. Moreover, the presence of toxin genes in the studied isolates showed that infection with these bacteria would seriously threaten one's health.
The Sulfotransferase SULT1C2 is Epigenetically Activated and Transcriptionally Induced by Tobacco Exposure and is Associated with Patient Outcome in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Johnson Candace , Mullen Daniel J. , Selamat Suhaida A. , Campan Mihaela , Offringa Ite A. , Marconett Crystal N. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Tobacco exposure is associated with 80–90% of lung cancer cases. The SULT1C2 sulfotransferase modifies xenobiotic compounds to enhance secretion but can also render these compounds carcinogenic. To determine if SULT1C2 contributes to tobacco-related carcinogenesis in the lung, we analyzed the expression and epigenetic state of SULT1C2 in human patients in relation to smoking history as well as lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell lines exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC). SULT1C2 expression was significantly positively correlated to overall LUAD patient survival in smokers, was elevated in LUAD tumors, and was significantly correlated with levels of patient exposure to tobacco smoke. SULT1C2 promoter DNA methylation was inversely correlated with expression in LUAD and hypomethylation of the SULT1C2 promoter was observed in Asian patients, as compared to Caucasians. In vitro analysis of LUAD cell lines indicates that CSC stimulates expression of SULT1C2 in a dose-dependent and cell-line specific manner. In vitro methylation of the SULT1C2 promoter significantly decreased transcriptional activity or a reporter plasmid and SULT1C2 expression was activated by the DNA demethylating agent 5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine in a cell line in which the SULT1C2 promoter was hypermethylated. An aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) binding site was detected spanning critical methylation sites upstream of SULT1C2. CSC exposure significantly increased AHR binding to this predicted binding site in the SULT1C2 promoter in multiple lung cell lines. Our data suggests that CSC exposure leads to activation of the AHR transcription factor, increased binding to the SULT1C2 promoter, and upregulation of SULT1C2 expression, and that this process is inhibited by DNA methylation at the SULT1C2 locus. Additionally, our results suggest that the level of SULT1C2 promoter methylation and gene expression in normal lung varies depending on the race of the patient, which could in part reflect the molecular mechanisms of racial disparities seen in lung cellular responses to cigarette smoke exposure.
A Prospective Longitudinal Study Evaluating The Influence of Immunosuppressives and Other Factors On COVID-19 in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Patil Abhishek , K Chanakya , Shenoy Padmanabha , S Chandrashekara , Haridas Vikram , Kumar Sharath , Daware Manisha , Janardana Ramya , Pinto Benzeeta , Subramaniam Ramaswamy , S Nagaraj , Singh Yogesh Preet , Singhai Shweta , Jois Ramesh , Jain Vikramraj , C Srinivasa , Dharmanand BG , Dharmapalaiah Chethana , KN Sangeetha , Rao Vijay K , Shobha Vineeta 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

We conducted this study to identify the influence of prolonged use of hydroxychloroquine(HCQ), glucocorticoids (GC) and other immunosuppressants (IS) on occurrence and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs).
Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional longitudinal study across 15 specialist rheumatology centers. Consecutive AIRD patients on treatment with immunosuppressants were recruited and followed up longitudinally to assess parameters contributing to development of COVID-19 and its outcome.
Results

COVID-19 occurred in 314(3.45%) of 9212 AIRD patients during a median follow up of 177 (IQR 129,219) days. Long term HCQ use had no major impact on the occurrence or the outcome of COVID-19. Glucocorticoids in moderate dose (7.5-20mg/day) conferred higher risk (RR = 1.72) of infection. Among the IS, Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), Cyclophosphamide (CYC) and Rituximab (RTX) use was higher in patients with COVID 19. However, the conventional risk factors such as male sex (RR = 1.51), coexistent diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.64), pre-existing lung disease (RR = 2.01) and smoking (RR = 3.32) were the major contributing risk factors for COVID-19. Thirteen patients (4.14%) died, the strongest risk factor being pre-existing lung disease (RR = 6.36, p = 0.01). Incidence ((17.5 vs 5.3 per 1 lakh (Karnataka) and 25.3 vs 7.9 per 1 lakh(Kerala) ) and case fatality (4.1% vs 1.3 % (Karnataka) and 4.3% vs 0.4% (Kerala)) rate of COVID-19 was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the general population of the corresponding geographic region.
Conclusions

Immunosuppressants have a differential impact on the risk of COVID-19 occurrence in AIRD patients. Older age, males, smokers, hypertensive, diabetic and underlying lung disease contributed to higher risk. The incidence rate and the case fatality rate in AIRD patients is much higher than that in the general population.
HOX Gene Family Defines Tumor Microenvironment and Drug Sensitive in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Dan , Yu Tao , Zeng Zhi , Wu Jie , Han Jingjing , Zhou Benhong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathophysiology is prevalently related with HOX genes. However, the study on associations of extensive HOX genes with tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity of HCC remains scarce. The data sets of HCC were downloaded from TCGA, ICGC and GEO by bioinformatics method and analyzed. RT-qPCR and IHC were used to verify the expression levels of 10 HOX genes in normal and HCC. Based on unsupervised clustering, two distinct HOX genes patterns has been identified, and a significant shorter OS in clusterB from HCC patients was observed than those in clusterA. Furthermore, based on a computational frame, we divided HCC samples into high and a low HOXscore groups, and significantly shorter survival time in the high HOXscore was observed relative to low HOXscore group using survival analysis. GSEA revealed that the high HOXscore group was more likely to be enriched in cancer-specific pathways. Furthermore, the high HOXscore group was associated with the infiltration of inhibitory immune cells. Besides, the HOXscore has greater prognostic significance than TMB alone and is capable of identifying intermediate subtype group existing with partial TMB functionality in low TMB patients. In response to anti-cancer drugs, the high HOXscore group was more sensitive to mitomycin and cisplatin. Importantly, the HOXscore was associated with the therapeutic efficacy of PD-L1 blockade, suggesting that the development of potential drugs targeting these HOX genes to aid the clinical benefits of immunotherapy. In addition, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry showed 10 HOX genes mRNA expression was higher in HCC compared to the normal tissues. Finally, high HOXscore was closely related with poorer overall survival of HCC in an independent validation cohort. Our study provide a comprehensive analysis of HOX genes family in HCC. We revealed the potential function of these HOX genes family in TME and identified their therapeutic liability in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This work highlights the cross-talk and potential clinical utility of HOX genes family in HCC therapy.
Innate Immune Response Against COVID-19: The First Report on the Theory of COVID-19 Treatment by a Combined Method of Mathematics and Medicine
Authors: Lotfi M. , Jabbari A. , Rahbarghazi R. , Kheiri H. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) continues to challenge most scientists searching for an effective way to diminish global outbreaks. As a correlate, progress in our knowledge about the COVID-19 has occurred, and we are more acknowledged than the early stages of a pandemic. However, these efforts have not been enough to stop the viral transmission, and many questions remain unanswered. To this end, understanding the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and target cells affected by this virus is mandatory. Along with studies in the field of the clinical setting and basic research, some achievements in the modeling and analysis of COVID-19 disease have been obtained in mathematics. Unfortunately, these models are not comprehensive to predict or approve of which occur inside the body after virus entry. Commensurate with these comments, models with more elaborate structures and minimum failure rate prediction are highly demanded. Here, we aimed to systematically construct the modeling of the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and innate immune system cells and especially analyze the invasion of the virus to epithelial cells.
Membrane depolarization kills dormant Bacillus subtilis cells by generating a lethal dose of ROS
Authors: Gray Declan , Wang Biwen , Gamba Pamela , Strahl Henrik , Hamoen Leendert 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The bactericidal activity of several commonly used antibiotics have been shown to partially rely on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Bacterial persister cells, an important cause of recurring infections, are tolerant to these antibiotics because they are in a dormant state. However, even dormant cells must maintain a membrane potential. Here we used Bacillus subtilis as model system to study the effect of membrane depolarization on dormant cells. Surprisingly, we found that membrane depolarization also leads to ROS production. In contrast to previous studies, this does not require the Fenton reaction and results primarily in superoxide radicals. Genetic analysis revealed that Rieske factor QcrA, the iron-sulfur subunit of complex III, is a primary source of superoxide radicals. Interestingly, the membrane distribution of QcrA changed upon membrane depolarization, suggesting a dissociation of complex III. Our data reveal an alternative mechanism by which antibiotics can cause lethal ROS levels, and may partially explain why membrane-targeting antibiotics are effective in eliminating persisters.
Evaluation of Comprehensive Emergency Management of Obstetric and Newborn Care Program Implementation at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Case Study Design
Authors: Jejaw Melak , Debie Ayal , Yazachew Lake , Teshale Getachew 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Maternal healthcare service is the care given for the woman during her gestation, delivery and postpartum period. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was remains high and a public health problem in Ethiopia. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries including Ethiopia account two-thirds of the total maternal deaths. To curb such high burden related with child births, comprehensive emergency obstetric care is designed as one of the strategies for maternal healthcare services. However, its implementation status was not well investigated. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of comprehensive emergency obstetric care program at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A case study design was employed from 01 to 30 April 2021. A total of 265 clients for acceptability, 13 key informant interviews (KIIs), 49 observations and two months document review were conducted. Availability, compliance and acceptability dimensions were evaluated using 32 indicators. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with acceptability of the services. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were also used to identify the predictor variables associated with acceptability. The qualitative data were recorded using tape recorder, transcribed in Amharic and translated to English language. Thematic analysis was done to supplement the quantitative findings. Results: The overall implementation of comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC) was 81.6%. Moreover, acceptability, availability and care provider’s compliance with the guideline accounted 81, 88.9 and 74.8%, respectively. There were stocked-out of some essential drugs, such as methyldopa, nifidipine, gentamycin and vitamin K injection. CEmONC training gaps, inadequate number of autoclaves, shortage of water supply and long-distance delivery ward to laboratory unit were also the barriers for the CEmONC service. Short waiting time of clients (AOR=2.40; 95%CI: 1.16, 4.90) and maternal educational level (AOR= 5.50, 95%CI: 1.95, 15.60) were positively associated with acceptability of CEmONC services.Conclusion: The implementation status of CEmONC program was good as per our judgment parameter. Compliance of healthcare providers with the guideline was fair and needed improvement. Essential emergency drugs, equipment and supplies were stocked-out. The University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was therefore had better to give great emphasis to expand maternity rooms/ units. The hospital had better to avail the resources and provide continuous capacity building for healthcare providers to enhance the program implementation.
The Developmental Phosphoproteome of Fasciola Gigantica by Shotgun
Authors: Pan Ming , Bai Shao-Yuan , Gong Jing-Zhi , Liu Dan-Dan , Jin Qi-Wang , Tao Jian-Ping , Huang Si-Yang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Protein phosphorylation plays key roles in a variety of essential cellular processes. Fasciola gigantica is a tropical liver fluke causing hepatobiliary disease fascioliasis, leading to public health threats and heavy economic losses. Although the genome and protein kinases of F. gigantica provided novel insights to understand the molecular biology and etiology of this parasite, there is scant knowledge of protein phosphorylation events in F. gigantica. Results: In this study, we characterized the phosphoproteome of F. gigantica. A total of 1030 phosphopeptides and 1005 phosphorylation sites were identified in 635 F. gigantica phosphoproteins. The bioinformatic analyses and homologous comparisons of these phosphoproteins identified their features participating in cellular processes including metabolic regulation and signal transduction. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this work performed the global phosphoproteomic analysis in F. gigantica, which provides a valuable resource to facilitate the development of novel interventions targets in F. gigantica and related nematodes in the future.
Removing Harvest Residues from Hardwood Stands Affects Tree Growth, Wood Density and Stem Wood Nutrient Concentration in European Beech (Fagus Sylvatica) and Oak (Quercus spp.)
Authors: Roy Sanjoy , Leban Jean-Michel , Zeller Bernd , Van-Der-Heijden Gregory , Reichard Arnaud , Gehin Marie-Christine , Santenois Philippe , Saint-Andre Laurent 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Increased exportation of harvest residues from forests, to mitigate excessive demand for woody biomass, have reportedly diminished soil mineral resources and may lead to degraded tree nutrition and tree growth. However, as nutrients become less available in the soil, the remobilization of nutrients in biomass tissues (plant internal cycling) helps sustain tree nutrition. Our study aims to quantify the impact of Removing Harvest Residues and Litter (RHRL) during five years on tree growth, wood density and stem wood nutrient concentrations in young beech and oak forest stands.Result: Our study found that, RHRL significantly decreased the tree growth ring width, by 14%, and wood density, by 3%, in beech trees, in the near bark rings. RHRL also significantly reduced the nutrient concentration in the near bark and near pith area of both species. Mg, Na and S were found lower by 44%, 76% and 56%, respectively, in the near bark area of beech trees, and K, Ca, Mg, Na, S and Fe were lower by 20%, 25%, 41%, 48%, 41% and 16%, respectively, in the near bark area of oak trees. K and Mg concentrations decreased more strongly in the near pith area compared to the near bark area suggesting internal translocation of these two elements. Conclusion: In beech trees, wood density proved to be an important factor while quantifying the effect of removing harvest residuals on the tree growth and biomass. Soil nutrient loss intensified the remobilization of nutrients contained in older tree rings (close to the pith) towards newly formed rings (close to bark). In our study, in beech trees, K was found to be the most recycled major nutrient. These results demonstrate the potential of such analysis for providing valuable insight into the effect of RHRL in premature stands on the physiological adaptive strategies of trees and an indication of soil fertility and acidity status.