bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Interaction between the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2-Expressing Cells Using an In Vitro Cell Capturing System
Authors: Shang Yuning , Chen Feixiang , Li Shasha , Song Lijuan , Gao Yunzhen , Yu Xinhua , Zheng Junfeng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The Interaction between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein with Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the host cells is a crucial step for the viral entry and infection. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction is of great importance for the prevention of the infection of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we aimed to establish a virus-free in vitro system to study the interaction between the spike protein and host cells of SARS-CoV-2.

Results
Our results show that ACE2-overexpressing HEK293T cells are captured by immobilized spike S1 protein, and the cell capturing process can be inhibited by the receptor binding domain of the spike protein or antibodies against S protein. Furthermore, spike S1 protein variant with D614G mutant show a higher cell capturing ability than wild type spike S1 protein and stronger binding capacity of its receptor ACE2. In addition, the captured cells can be eluted as living cells for further investigation.

Conclusions
This study provides a new in vitro system for investigating the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host cells and purifying ACE2-expressing cells.
Innate lymphoid cell dysfunction during long-term suppressive antiretroviral therapy in an African cohort
Authors: Nabatanzi Rose , Bayigga Lois , Cose Stephen , Canderan Glenda , Rowland Jones Sarah , Joloba Moses , Nakanjako Damalie 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are lymphoid lineage innate immune cells that do not mount antigen-specific responses due to their lack of B and T-cell receptors. ILCs are predominantly found at mucosal surfaces, as gatekeepers against invading infectious agents through rapid secretion of immune regulatory cytokines. HIV associated destruction of mucosal lymphoid tissue depletes ILCs, among other immune dysfunctions. Studies have described limited restoration of ILCs during the first three years of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Little is known about restoration of ILCs during long-term cART, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa which hosts increasing numbers of adults with at least a decade of cART.

Results
We examined phenotypes and function of ILCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells after 12 years of suppressive cART. We report that ILC1 frequencies (T-BET + CD127 + and CD161 +) were higher in cART-treated HIV-infected relative to age-matched health HIV-negative adults; P = 0.04 whereas ILC precursors (ILCP) were comparable in the two groups (P = 0.56). Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) secretion by ILC1 was higher among cART-treated HIV-infected relative to HIV-negative adults (P = 0.03).

Conclusion
HIV associated alteration of ILC persisted during cART and may likely affect the quality of host innate and adaptive immune responses during long-term cART.
Characterizing social-ecological context and success factors of antimicrobial resistance interventions across the One Health spectrum: analysis of 42 interventions targeting E. coli
Authors: Léger Anaïs , Lambraki Irene , Graells Tiscar , Cousins Melanie , Henriksson Patrik J. G. , Harbarth Stephan , Carson Carolee A. , Majowicz Shannon E. , Troell Max , Parmley E. Jane , Jørgensen Peter S. , Wernli Didier 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the most pressing One Health issues. While interventions and policies with various targets and goals have been implemented, evidence about factors underpinning success and failure of interventions in different sectors is lacking. The objective of this study is to identify characteristics of AMR interventions that increase their capacity to impact AMR. This study focuses on AMR interventions targeting E. coli.

Methods
We used the AMR-Intervene framework to extract descriptions of the social and ecological systems of interventions to determine factors contributing to their success.

Results
We identified 52 scientific publications referring to 42 unique E. coli AMR interventions. We mainly identified interventions implemented in high-income countries (36/42), at the national level (16/42), targeting primarily one sector of society (37/42) that was mainly the human sector (25/42). Interventions were primarily funded by governments (38/42). Most intervention targeted a low leverage point in the AMR system, (36/42), and aimed to change the epidemiology of AMR (14/42). Among all included publications, 55% (29/52) described at least one success factor or obstacle (29/52) and 19% (10/52) identified at least one success factor and one obstacle. Most reported success factors related to communication between the actors and stakeholders and the role of media, and stressed the importance of collaboration between disciplines and external partners. Described obstacles covered data quality, access to data and statistical analyses, and the validity of the results.

Conclusions
Overall, we identified a lack of diversity regarding interventions. In addition, most published E. coli interventions were poorly described with limited evidence of the factors that contributed to the intervention success or failure. Design and reporting guidelines would help to improve reporting quality and provide a valuable tool for improving the science of AMR interventions.
The weak correlation between serum vitamin levels and chronic kidney disease in hospitalized patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yong , Zheng Ying , Chen Pu , Liang Shuang , He Pengfei , Shao Xiaolei , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a global public health problem. Accumulating evidence suggested that vitamins play important roles in the progression of CKD.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the vitamin status of patients with CKD at stage 1–5. The serum concentrations of 9 vitamins, vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, D, and E were measured by electroanalytical method with a Multi-Vitamin Analyzer. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression between serum level of vitamins were analyzed.

Results
The median levels of vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C and E were within the reference ranges or on the borderline. Vitamin D deficiency was found in all patients. Weak correlation was found between vitamin A or vitamin D and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The Pearson correlation coefficient were − 0.21766 and 0.19752, respectively. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis were the major comorbidities.

Conclusions
For the first time, the serum levels of 9 vitamins were measured simultaneously in patients with CKD at different stages. Vitamin D deficiency was found in all patients. Weak correlation between vitamin A or vitamin D and eGFR was found.
Preferences of first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients for gastric cancer screening: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Li Hui-qin , Xue Hui , Yuan Hua , Wan Guang-ying , Zhang Xiu-ying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
It is very necessary to implement gastric cancer screening in China to reduce the mortality of gastric cancer, but there are no national screening guidelines and programs. Understanding of individual preferences is conducive to formulating more acceptable screening strategies, and discrete choice experiments can quantify individual preferences. In addition, the first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients are at high risk for gastric cancer. Compared with those without a family history of gastric cancer, the risk of gastric cancer in first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients is increased by 60%. Therefore, a discrete choice experiment was carried out to quantitatively analyse the preferences of first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients for gastric cancer screening to serve as a reference for the development of gastric cancer screening strategies.

Methods
A questionnaire was designed based on a discrete choice experiment, and 342 first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients were investigated. In STATA 15.0 software, the data were statistically analysed using a mixed logit model.

Results
The five attributes included in our study had a significant influence on the preferences of first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients for gastric cancer screening (P < 0.05). Participants most preferred the sensitivity of the screening program to be 95% (coefficient = 1.424, P < 0.01) with a willingness to pay 2501.902 Yuan (95% CI, 738.074–4265.729). In addition, the participants’ sex and screening experiences affected their preferences. An increase in sensitivity 35 to 95% had the greatest impact on the participants’ willingness to choose a gastric cancer screening program.

Conclusion
The formulation of gastric cancer screening strategies should be rooted in people’s preferences. The influence of sex differences and screening experiences on the preferences of people undergoing screening should be considered, and screening strategies should be formulated according to local conditions to help them play a greater role.
Tinea capitis in an immigrant pediatric community; a clinical signs-based treatment approach
Authors: Kassem Riad , Shemesh Yahel , Nitzan Orna , Azrad Maya , Peretz Avi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Tinea capitis is a common cutaneous infection of the scalp and hair follicles, typically diagnosed by direct examination and culture. Treatment with oral antifungals is usually withheld until mycology results are available. In Israel, African refugee children demonstrate higher susceptibility to Tinea capitis and generally fail to undergo follow-up evaluations.

Methods
This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and treatment responses of refugee children in Israel with Tinea capitis, in order to formulate a treatment plan for primary care physicians. To this end, demographic, clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the electronic medical records of 76 refugee children presenting with Tinea capitis during 2016–2017. All measured variables and derived parameters are presented using descriptive statistics. The correlation between background clinical and demographic data and Tinea capitis diagnosis was assessed using the chi-squared and Wilcoxon tests. Correlations between demographic/clinical/laboratory characteristics and other types of fungi or other important findings were assessed using a T-test.

Results
Scaling was the most common clinical finding. Cultures were positive in 64 (84%) and direct examination in 65 (85%) cases, with a positive correlation between the methods in 75% of cases. The most common fungal strain was T. violaceum. Fluconazole treatment failed in 27% of cases. Griseofulvin 50 mg/kg/day was administered to 74 (97%) children, and induced clinical responses. No side effects were reported.

Conclusions
The key aim of this study was to emphasize the importance of diagnosis and treatment of these immigrant children by their primary pediatric doctor since it takes, an average of 4.3 months until they visit a dermatologist. During this critical time period, the scalp can become severely and permanently damaged, and the infection can become systemic or cause an outbreak within the entire community. In conclusion, we recommend to relate to scaly scalp in high-risk populations as Tinea capitis, and to treat with griseofulvin at a dosage of up to 50 mg/kg/day, starting from the first presentation to the pediatrician.
Individual, community and societal correlates of insecticide treated net use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-level analysis
Authors: Ameyaw Edward Kwabena 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Malaria in pregnancy is a crucial public health concern due to the enormous risk it poses to maternal and newborn health. The World Health Organisation therefore recommends insecticide-treated net (ITN) for pregnant women. The world over, sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest prevalence of malaria and its associated complications. This study investigated the individual, community and society level factors associated with ITN use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods
The study was conducted with Demographic and Health Survey data of 21 sub-Saharan African countries. A total of 17,731 pregnant women who possessed ITN participated in the study. Descriptive computation of ITN use by survey country and socio-demographic characteristics was conducted. Further, five multi-level binary logistic regression models were fitted with MLwiN 3.05 package in STATA. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation procedure was used in estimating the parameters whilst the Bayesian Deviance Information Criterion was used for the model fitness test.

Results
On average, 74.2% pregnant women in SSA used ITN. The highest prevalence of ITN use occurred in Mali (83.7%) whilst the least usage occurred in Namibia (7%). Women aged 30–34 were more likely to use ITN compared with those aged 45–49 [aOR = 1.14; Crl = 1.07–1.50]. Poorest women were less probable to use ITN relative to richest women [aOR = 0.79; Crl = 0.70–0.89]. Compared to women who did not want their pregnancies at all, women who wanted their pregnancies [aOR = 1.06; Crl = 1.04–1.19] were more probable to use ITN. Women in male-headed households had higher likelihood of ITN use compared to those from female-headed households [aOR = 1.28; Crl = 1.19–1.39]. On the whole, 38.1% variation in ITN use was attributable to societal level factors whilst 20.9% variation was attributable to community level factors.

Conclusion
The study has revealed that in addition to individual level factors, community and society level factors affect ITN use in SSA. In as much as the study points towards the need to incorporate community and societal variations in ITN interventions, active involvement of men can yield better outcome for ITN utilisation interventions in SSA.
What can we learn from the online learning experiences of medical students in Poland during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic?
Authors: Pokryszko-Dragan Anna , Marschollek Karol , Nowakowska-Kotas Marta , Aitken Gillian 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
In March 2020, due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the Polish government ordered the closing of all medical faculties, with an obligatory shift to online learning. This lockdown continued, with a short period of blended learning, over the time of summer 2020. Distance learning had previously been rarely used within Polish medical schools, so such a sudden transfer was a major challenge. The aim of the study was to explore undergraduates’ perception of online teaching provided at Polish medical faculties during the pandemic and to analyze how these experiences may inform future curriculum development.

Methods
The online survey was addressed to undergraduates at Polish medical faculties in November 2020. The questions captured demographics, epidemiological data and students’ perception of various aspects of online teaching. Responses were subjected to thematic analysis and their distribution compared considering demographic parameters .

Results
Six hundred twenty students from thirteen medical faculties responded to the survey. Major benefits from online teaching perceived by respondents included increased convenience, enhanced quality, a sense of comfort and safety. Major complaints were associated with unsatisfactory content, technical issues, difficulties engaging, poor organization and lack of social life. Students claimed that online teaching required more self-directed learning and discipline and 57.9% considered this impact as negative. 44.5% of respondents took part in educational online activities beyond their scheduled classes. For 49.2% online examinations were reported as more stressful and for 24.8% - less stressful than traditional ones. Differences in the opinions on online teaching were found between men and women, students in early and senior years, Polish and non-Polish ones.

Conclusions
The sudden move online inevitably was problematic for students. Their perspective afforded us the opportunity to consider shortcomings of pre-pandemic undergraduate curriculum. Online education requires a more self-directed learning, which was challenging for many students, so further enhancement of more autonomous study skills seems necessary. Distress expressed by students indicates the need for urgent support with mental health issues.
Virtual obstetrics and gynecology fellowship interviews during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: a survey study
Authors: Peyser Alexandra , Gulersen Moti , Nimaroff Michael , Mullin Christine , Goldman Randi H. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, all Obstetrics and Gynecology fellowship interviews were held virtually for the 2020 fellowship match cycle. The aim of this study was to describe our initial experience with virtual Obstetrics and Gynecology fellowship interviews and evaluate its effectiveness in assessing candidates.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional survey study that included all interviewing attending physicians and fellows from five Obstetrics and Gynecology subspecialties at a single academic institution following the 2020–2021 fellowship interview season. The survey consisted of 19 questions aimed to evaluate each subspecialty’s virtual interview process, including its feasibility and performance in evaluating applicants. The primary outcome was the subjective utility of virtual interviews. Secondary outcomes included a comparison of responses from fellows and attending physicians.

Results
Thirty-six attendings and fellows completed the survey (36/53, 68% response rate). Interviewers felt applicants were able to convey themselves adequately during the virtual interview (92%) and the majority (70%) agreed that virtual interviews should be offered in future years. Attending physicians were more likely than fellows to state that the virtual interview process adequately assessed the candidates (Likert Scale Mean: 4.4 vs. 3.8, respectively, p = 0.02). Respondents highlighted decreased cost, time saved, and increased flexibility as benefits to the virtual interview process.

Conclusion
The use of virtual interviews provides a favorable method for conducting fellowship interviews and should be considered for use in future application cycles. Most respondents were satisfied with the virtual interview process and found they were an effective tool for evaluating applicants.
Liquid biopsy posttreatment surveillance in endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a cost-effective strategy to integrate circulating cell-free Epstein-Barr virus DNA
Authors: Wu Chen-Fei , Lin Li , Mao Yan-Ping , Deng Bin , Lv Jia-Wei , Zheng Wei-Hong , Wen Dan-Wan , Kou Jia , Chen Fo-Ping , Yang Xing-Li , Xu Si-Si , Ma Jun , Zhou Guan-Qun , Sun Ying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The optimal posttreatment surveillance strategy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. Circulating cell-free Epstein-Barr virus (cfEBV) DNA has been recognized as a promising biomarker to facilitate early detection of NPC recurrence. Therefore, we aim to determine whether integrating circulating cfEBV DNA into NPC follow-up is cost-effective.

Methods
For each stage of asymptomatic nonmetastatic NPC patients after complete remission to primary NPC treatment, we developed a Markov model to compare the cost-effectiveness of the following surveillance strategies: routine follow-up strategy, i.e., (1) routine clinical physical examination; routine imaging strategies, including (2) routine magnetic resonance imaging plus computed tomography plus bone scintigraphy (MRI + CT + BS); and (3) routine 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT); cfEBV DNA-guided imaging strategies, including (4) cfEBV DNA-guided MRI + CT + BS and (5) cfEBV DNA-guided PET/CT. Clinical probabilities, utilities, and costs were derived from published studies or databases. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results
For all disease stages, cfEBV DNA-guided imaging strategies demonstrated similar survival benefits but were considerably more economical than routine imaging strategies. They only required approximately one quarter of the number of imaging studies compared with routine imaging strategies to detect one recurrence. Specifically, cfEBV DNA-guided MRI + CT + BS was most cost-effective for stage II (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER] $57,308/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]) and stage III ($46,860/QALY) patients, while cfEBV DNA-guided PET/CT was most cost-effective for stage IV patients ($62,269/QALY). However, routine follow-up was adequate for stage I patients due to their low recurrence risk.

Conclusions
The cfEBV DNA-guided imaging strategies are effective and cost-effective follow-up methods in NPC. These liquid biopsy-based strategies offer evidence-based, stage-specific surveillance modalities for clinicians and reduce disease burden for patients.
Improving citric acid production of an industrial Aspergillus niger CGMCC 10142: identification and overexpression of a high-affinity glucose transporter with different promoters
Authors: Xue Xianli , Bi Futi , Liu Boya , Li Jie , Zhang Lan , Zhang Jian , Gao Qiang , Wang Depei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Glucose transporters play an important role in the fermentation of citric acid. In this study, a high-affinity glucose transporter (HGT1) was identified and overexpressed in the industrial strain A. niger CGMCC 10142. HGT1-overexpressing strains using the PglaA and Paox1 promoters were constructed to verify the glucose transporter functions.

Result
As hypothesized, the HGT1-overexpressing strains showed higher citric acid production and lower residual sugar contents. The best-performing strain A. niger 20-15 exhibited a reduction of the total sugar content and residual reducing sugars by 16.5 and 44.7%, while the final citric acid production was significantly increased to 174.1 g/L, representing a 7.3% increase compared to A. niger CGMCC 10142. Measurement of the mRNA expression levels of relevant genes at different time-points during the fermentation indicated that in addition to HGT1, citrate synthase and glucokinase were also expressed at higher levels in the overexpression strains.

Conclusion
The results indicate that HGT1 overexpression resolved the metabolic bottleneck caused by insufficient sugar transport and thereby improved the sugar utilization rate. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the high-affinity glucose transporter HGT1 for improving the citric acid fermentation process of Aspergillus niger CGMCC 10142.