bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
During evolution from the earliest tetrapoda, newly-recruited genes are increasingly paralogues of existing genes and distribute non-randomly among the chromosomes
Authors: Stein Wilfred D. , Hoshen Moshe B. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The present availability of full genome sequences of a broad range of animal species across the whole range of evolutionary history enables one to ask questions as to the distribution of genes across the chromosomes. Do newly recruited genes, as new clades emerge, distribute at random or at non-random locations?

Results
We extracted values for the ages of the human genes and for their current chromosome locations, from published sources. A quantitative analysis showed that the distribution of newly-added genes among and within the chromosomes appears to be increasingly non-random if one observes animals along the evolutionary series from the precursors of the tetrapoda through to the great apes, whereas the oldest genes are randomly distributed.

Conclusions
Randomization will result from chromosome evolution, but less and less time is available for this process as evolution proceeds. Much of the bunching of recently-added genes arises from new gene formation as paralogues in gene families, near the location of genes that were recruited in the preceding phylostratum. As examples we cite the KRTAP, ZNF, OR and some minor gene families. We show that bunching can also result from the evolution of the chromosomes themselves when, as for the KRTAP genes, blocks of genes that had previously been on disparate chromosomes become linked together.
Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics indicates changes in MRSA exposed to terpinen-4-ol
Authors: Cheng Feng , Mo Yanan , Chen Keyuan , Shang Xiaofei , Yang Zhen , Hao Baocheng , Shang Ruofeng , Liang Jianping , Liu Yu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
This study investigated the effects of terpinen-4-ol on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and its biofilm, and the possible mechanisms governing this effect.

Results
We observed that terpinen-4-ol has good antibacterial activity and inhibits the formation of MRSA biofilm. The MIC and MBC values for terpinen-4-ol against S. aureus were 0.08% ~ 0.32%. And terpinen-4-ol at 0.32% could kill all bacteria and clear all biofilms. Untargeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that terpinen-4-ol strongly inhibited DNA and RNA biosynthesis in MRSA at 2 h after treatment by affecting genes and metabolites related to purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways. Some differential genes which play important roles in DNA synthesis and the production of eDNA from biofilm exposed to terpinen-4-ol was also significantly decreased compared with that of the control.

Conclusions
Terpinen-4-ol has good antibacterial activity and significantly inhibits the formation of MRSA biofilm by inhibiting purine and pyrimidine metabolism.
Molecular epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus species in healthcare workers of a blood bank in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Ferreira Cristina Motta , Filho Roberto Alexandre Alves Barbosa , Ferreira Guilherme Motta Antunes , de Lacerda Marcus Vinicius Guimarães , de Oliveira Cintia Mara Costa , de Souza Sampaio Vanderson , Silva Lucyane Mendes , Pascoal Andreza Gomes , Ferreira William Antunes 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Healthcare workers are susceptible to colonization by multiresistant bacteria, which can increase the risk of outbreaks.

Methods
Samples were collected from the nasopharynx, hands, and lab coats of healthcare workers. The phenotypic identification was carried out using a VITEK®2 rapid test system. PCR tests for the mecA gene and the sequencing of the amplicons were performed. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus phylogenies were reconstructed using the Bayesian inference.

Results
A total of 225 healthcare workers participated in this study. Of these, 21.3% were male and 78.7% female. S. epidermidis and S.aureus showed high levels of resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline and cefoxitin. The prevalence of methicillin resistant S. aureus was 3.16% and methicillin resistant S. epidermidis was 100%. Multilocus sequence typing identified 23 new S. epidermidis sequence types, and one new allele and sequence type for S. aureus. The frequency of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis in nursing and hemotherapy technicians as a percentage of the total number of healthcare workers was 5.8–3.1%, while the frequency of methicillin resistant S. aureus in hemotherapy technicians and biomedics, as a percentage of the total number of healthcare workers was 4.2–8.9%%.

Conclusions
The healthcare workers at the city’s blood bank, even when taking the necessary care with their hands, body and clothes, harbour methicillin-resistant S. aureus and S. epidermidis sequence types, which, as a potential source of multidrug resistant bacteria, can contribute to nosocomial infections among hematological patients.
The MarR family regulator OsbR controls oxidative stress response, anaerobic nitrate respiration, and biofilm formation in Chromobacterium violaceum
Authors: Alves Júlia A. , Previato-Mello Maristela , Barroso Kelly C. M. , Koide Tie , da Silva Neto José F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundChromobacterium violaceumis an environmental opportunistic pathogen that causes rare but deadly infections in humans. The transcriptional regulators thatC. violaceumuses to sense and respond to environmental cues remain largely unknown.ResultsHere, we described a novel transcriptional regulator inC. violaceumbelonging to the MarR family that we named OsbR (oxidative stress response and biofilm formation regulator). Transcriptome profiling by DNA microarray using strains with deletion or overexpression ofosbRshowed that OsbR exerts a global regulatory role inC. violaceum, regulating genes involved in oxidative stress response, nitrate reduction, biofilm formation, and several metabolic pathways. EMSA assays showed that OsbR binds to the promoter regions of several OsbR-regulated genes, and the in vitro DNA binding activity was inhibited by oxidants. We demonstrated that the overexpression ofosbRcaused activation ofohrAeven in the presence of the repressor OhrR, which resulted in improved growth under organic hydroperoxide treatment, as seem by growth curve assays. We showed that the proper regulation of thenargenes by OsbR ensures optimal growth ofC. violaceumunder anaerobic conditions by tuning the reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Finally, theosbRoverexpressing strain showed a reduction in biofilm formation, and this phenotype correlated with the OsbR-mediated repression of two gene clusters encoding putative adhesins.ConclusionsTogether, our data indicated that OsbR is a MarR-type regulator that controls the expression of a large number of genes inC. violaceum, thereby contributing to oxidative stress defense (ohrA/ohrR), anaerobic respiration (narK1K2andnarGHJI), and biofilm formation (putative RTX adhesins).
Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Northern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Xiaoqian , Bao Han , Tian Zixuan , Zhu Hao , Zhu Lige , Niu Liwei , Yan Tao , Dong Hairong , Fang Xin , Zhang Xingguang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Hypertension has always been a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension among adult residents of northern China, where people usually have a high-fat, high-salt diet and heavy alcohol consumption.

Methods
Through the Early Screening and Comprehensive Intervention Project for High Risk Groups of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Inner Mongolia of northern China, we collected data of 70,380 residents, from September 2015 to June 2017. We assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the total population and sub-populations. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence and control of hypertension.

Results
Among participants, only 13.4% had optimal blood pressure levels. About 55.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 55.3–56.1%) of the participants had hypertension. In addition, the awareness, treatment, control and control under-treatment rate of hypertension were 52.8% (95%CI = 52.3–53.3%), 43.3% (95%CI = 42.8–43.8%), 8.6% (95%CI = 8.3–8.9%) and 19.8% (95%CI = 19.2–20.4%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older, male, Han, living in rural areas, current drinker, not married, lower educational level, lower annual income, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia were more likely to be suffered from hypertension (P < 0.05). Controlled hypertension was less common in those younger, Mongol, not married, farmer, current drinker, lower educational level, obesity, diabetes, without prior CHD, and without prior CVD (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Among populations aged 35–75 years in Northern China, more than half have hypertension, fewer than one-tenth have successfully controlled hypertension, and fewer than one-fifth of hypertension patients receiving treatment have controlled hypertension.
Type of treatment, symptoms and patient satisfaction play an important role in primary care contact during prostate cancer follow-up: results from the population-based PROFILES registry
Authors: Wollersheim Barbara M. , van Eenbergen Mies , van Asselt Kristel M. , Fossion Laurent M. C. L. , Koldewijn Evert L. , Oddens Jorg R. , Oomens Eric H. , Wijsman Bart P. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. , Ezendam Nicole P. M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
With the increasing attention for the role of General Practitioners (GPs) after cancer treatment, it is important to better understand the involvement of GPs following prostate cancer treatment. This study investigates factors associated with GP contact during follow-up of prostate cancer survivors, such as patient, treatment and symptom variables, and satisfaction with, trust in, and appraised knowledge of GPs.

Methods
Of 787 prostate cancer survivors diagnosed between 2007 and 2013, and selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, 557 (71%) responded to the invitation to complete a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate which variables were associated with GP contact during follow- up.

Results
In total, 200 (42%) prostate cancer survivors had contact with their GP during follow-up, and 76 (16%) survivors preferred more contact. Survivors who had an intermediate versus low educational level (OR = 2.0) were more likely to have had contact with their GP during follow-up. Survivors treated with surgery (OR = 2.8) or hormonal therapy (OR = 3.5) were also more likely to seek follow-up care from their GP compared to survivors who were treated with active surveillance. Patient reported bowel symptoms (OR = 1.4), hormonal symptoms (OR = 1.4), use of incontinence aids (OR = 1.6), and being satisfied with their GP (OR = 9.5) were also significantly associated with GP contact during follow-up.

Conclusions
Education, treatment, symptoms and patient satisfaction were associated with GP contact during prostate cancer follow-up. These findings highlight the potential for adverse side-effects to be managed in primary care. In light of future changes in cancer care, evaluating prostate cancer follow-up in primary care remains important.
An individualized telephone-based care support program for rural family caregivers of people with dementia: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yao , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Yu Yu , Huang Rong , You Hui , Liu Minhui 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
There are about 9.5 million people with dementia in China. Up to 99% of them are cared for by their family caregivers. Family caregivers are confronted with considerable difficulties and challenges while providing care. They often experience high levels of emotional, physical, financial, and social burdens. Caregivers in rural areas experience an even higher level of burden compared to their counterparts in urban areas due to fewer health resources for dementia care. However, so far, no intervention study has been conducted to support family caregivers in rural areas of China. The aim of this proposed study is to adapt and evaluate an evidence-based and culturally-tailored individualized telephone-based care support (ITBCS) program for family caregivers of people with dementia in rural China.

Methods
A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the ITBCS compared with usual care for Chinese rural family caregivers of people with dementia. A total sample of 168 rural family caregivers will be recruited. The intervention components consist of a 3-month intensive telephone-based care support intervention followed by telephone-based follow-up consultations for 6 months. The control group will receive usual care services available for them. Outcome measures include carers’ subjective burden, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, social support, caregiving self-efficacy, and care recipients’ difficult behaviours and competence in activities of daily living at 3, 9 and 15 months after baseline. The potential cost-effectiveness of the ITBCS compared with usual care will be assessed as well.

Discussion
If effective, the ITBCS program can be adapted and used in rural areas of China as a blueprint to improve the quality of home-based care for people with dementia. Findings from the present study are significant for developing evidence-based dementia care policy in rural China.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038821, Registered 4 April 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=62268.
Gastrointestinal implications in COVID-19
Authors: Zoghi Ghazal , Moosavy Seyed Hamid , Yavarian Sadegh , HasaniAzad Mehdi , Khorrami Farid , Sharegi Brojeni Masoud , Kheirandish Masoumeh 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 patients mostly present with respiratory symptoms; however, gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations can also be seen either alone or along with respiratory symptoms. We aimed to evaluate the GI symptoms related to COVID-19.

Methods
This cross-sectional study retrospectively evaluated the medical files of 507 patients with confirmed or highly probable COVID-19. Based on their symptoms, patients were categorized into four groups: with GI symptoms alone (GIA), with respiratory symptoms alone (RA), with both GI and respiratory symptoms (GIR), and without GI or respiratory symptoms (WGIR).

Results
Of the 507 COVID-19 patients, 47.9% had at least one GI symptom; the most common was nausea and/or vomiting (31.6%). Patients in the GIA group were significantly older than those in the RA (P = 0.041) and GRI (P = 0.004) groups (54.70 ± 18.14 vs. 48.68 ± 14.67 and 46.80 ± 17.17 years, respectively). Groups were homogeneous with respect to gender. Leukopenia and lymphopenia were both less frequent in patients with GI symptoms compared to those without GI symptoms. Positive RT-PCR was significantly less frequent among patients with GI symptoms (44% vs. 100%, P < 0.001). Although mortality was lower in patients with GI symptoms (9.1%) in comparison with those without GI symptoms (13.3%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.134).

Conclusion
The typical respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 are quite commonly accompanied by GI symptoms, with nausea and/or vomiting being the most prevalent. A subgroup of COVID-19 patients may exclusively present with GI symptoms. Special attention should be paid to these patients in order to avoid misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Clinical efficacy and safety of full-dose versus half-dose corticosteroids plus leflunomide for IgA nephropathy
Authors: Li Yebei , Xiong Yi , Huang Tianlun , Liu Xin , Xu Gaosi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The results of leflunomide (LEF) in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) were inconsistent.

Methods
A total of 149 kidney biopsy-confirmed IgAN patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 50 ml/min/1.73 m2 and protein excretion levels ≥0.75 g/d were enrolled, with 65 subjects receiving half-dose CS plus LEF (LEF group), and the 84 counterpart patients accepting full-dose corticosteroid (Full CS group). The primary outcomes included the complete remission (CR) rates and incidence of adverse events (AEs). The secondary outcomes were the overall remission (OR) rates and a combined event (eGFR reduced ≥30%, end-stage renal disease [ESRD], hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation).

Results
During the 18 months of follow-up, the CR rates were 72 and 64% in the LEF and Full CS groups (P = 0.299), respectively. The proportion of patients with OR rates in the LEF group and Full CS group was 89% versus 75%, respectively (P = 0.027). Serious AEs were observed only in the Full CS group (P = 0.017). The incidences of total AEs (P = 0.036) and infections (P = 0.024) were lower in the LEF group than in the Full CS group.

Conclusions
LEF combined with half-dose CS is superior to full-dose CS in the treatment of IgAN.
Clinical features, treatment and prognosis of MuSK antibody-associated myasthenia gravis in Northwest China: a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Sijia , Zhang Kai , Ren Kaixi , Lu Jiarui , Ma Chao , Zhao Cong , Li Zhuyi , Guo Jun 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background and purpose
To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody-associated myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG) and to evaluate the therapeutic responses to different treatment regimes.

Methods
Eighteen MuSK-MG patients admitted in our department between October 2017 and September 2020 were included. Clinical parameters were collected and the responses to different immunosuppressive drugs were assessed by MGFA Postintervention Status (MGFA-PIS). Meanwhile, the correlation between QMG scores and MuSK antibody titers were analyzed and MuSK antibody (MuSK-ab) titers were compared before and after therapy based on different immunosuppressive treatment regimes.

Results
Female predominance (ratio of females to males, 15:3) was evident in the study population, with the average onset age of (40.28 ± 18.57) years and the median disease course of 30.50 months (interquartile range [IQR], 17.50–44.75 months). Ocular manifestation was the most common onset symptom (11/18; 61.11%), and mild symmetrical ptosis was most frequent. Bulbar symptoms had the highest incidence of 88.89% over the entire disease course. Abnormal responses to RNS test were recorded most frequently on the musculus deltoideus (83.33%). All patients were treated with prednisone (Pred) alone or plus azathioprine (AZA), tacrolimus (TAC) or low-dose rituximab (RTX), and 17 (94.44%) of them achieved a favorable outcome defined as minimal manifestation (MM) or better. In general, an obvious positive correlation between QMG score and MuSK-ab titer (r = 0.710, P < 0.001) were found in all patients. A more significant reduction of MuSK-ab titers was observed in patients receiving TAC or RTX plus Pred than those receiving AZA plus Pred.

Conclusions
The prominent clinical manifestations of ocular and bulbar muscles involvements, together with abnormal RNS response mostly recorded on the musculus deltoideus and better efficacy associated with TAC or low-dose RTX plus Pred, provide a more exhaustive picture of MuSK-MG, particularly in Northwest China.
How effective is fine motor training in children with ADHD? A scoping review
Authors: Lelong Miriam , Zysset Annina , Nievergelt Mirjam , Luder Reto , Götz Ulrich , Schulze Christina , Wieber Frank 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Motor deficiencies are observed in a large number of children with ADHD. Especially fine motor impairments can lead to academic underachievement, low self-esteem and frustration in affected children. Despite these far-reaching consequences, fine motor deficiencies have remained widely undertreated in the ADHD population. The aim of this review was to systematically map the evidence on existing training programs for remediating fine motor impairments in children with ADHD and to assess their effectiveness.

Methods
The scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. In March 2020, PsycINFO, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for evidence. The eligibility criteria and the data charting process followed the PICO framework, complemented by study design. The investigated population included children with a formal ADHD diagnosis (either subtype) or elevated ADHD symptoms aged between 4 and 12 years, both on and off medication. All training interventions aiming at improving fine motor skills, having a fine motor component or fine motor improvements as a secondary outcome were assessed for eligibility; no comparators were specified.

Results
Twelve articles were included in the final report, comprising observational and experimental studies as well as a review. Both offline and online or virtual training interventions were reported, often accompanied by physical activity and supplemented by training sessions at home. The training programs varied in length and intensity, but generally comprised several weeks and single or multiple training sessions per week. All interventions including more than one session were effective in the treatment of fine motor deficiencies in children with ADHD and had a wide range of additional positive outcomes. The effects could be maintained at follow-up.

Conclusions
Fine motor training in children with ADHD can be very effective and multiple approaches including specific fine motor and cognitive training components, some kind of physical activity, feedback mechanisms, or multimodal treatments can be successful. Training programs need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of the ADHD population. A mHealth approach using serious games could be promising in this context due to its strong motivational components.