bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Staphylococcus Bloodstream Infections in Humans: a Review
Authors: LISOWSKA-ŁYSIAK KLAUDIA , LAUTERBACH RYSZARD , MIĘDZOBRODZKI JACEK , KOSECKA-STROJEK MAJA 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Staphylococci are among the most frequent human microbiota components associated with the high level of bloodstream infection (BSI) episodes. In predisposed patients, there is a high risk of transformation of BSI episodes to sepsis. Both bacterial and host factors are crucial for the outcomes of BSI and sepsis. The highest rates of BSI episodes were reported in Africa, where these infections were up to twice as high as the European rates. However, there remains a great need to analyze African data for comprehensive quantification of staphylococcal BSI prevalence. The lowest rates of BSI exist in Australia. Asian, European, and North American data showed similar frequency values. Worldwide analysis indicated that both Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most frequent BSI agents. In the second group, the most prevalent species was Staphylococcus epidermidis, although CoNS were not identified at the species level in many studies. The lack of a significant worldwide decrease in BSI episodes indicates a great need to implement standardized diagnostic methods and research etiological factors using advanced genetic methods.
Genetic variability and character association of Bangladeshi popular varieties of mustard (<i>Brassica rapa L.</i>)
Authors: Sultana Fahmida , Rahman Jamilur , Hasan Md Mahmudul 
Published: March 2021

A study was conducted to estimate genetic variability, correlation and direct and indirect effects of yield attributes on seed yield of fourteen Bangladeshi varieties of Brassica rapa. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded in a number of secondary branches plant-1, a number of siliqua plant-1 and a number of seeds siliqua-1 indicating the effects of additive genes in controlling the traits. Significant and positive association with seed yield plant-1 were observed in the number of primary branches plant-1, a number of seeds siliqua-1, while a negative association was found in days to maturity. The path analysis revealed that the days to first flowering, number of secondary branches plant-1 and 1000 seed weight were the main contributors to seed yield. The results suggest that days to first flowering, number of primary and secondary branches plant-1 and 1000 seed weight may be considered for selection to improve the seed yield in B. rapa.
Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 44, No. 2, 95-107, 2020
Incidence, risk factors and Microorganisms for post caesarean Surgical Site Infection In A Tertiary Care Centre in Bangladesh
Authors: Mehzabin Shahfinaz , Elahi Mohmmad Mahbub , Bar Debashish , Sinha Banalata , Akter Tahmina , Alam Md Nur 
Published: March 2021

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following caesarean section (C-section) and mainly responsible for increased maternal morbidity and higher treatment costs. This study will determine the incidence and risk factors of surgical site infections following caesarean section in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study which was conducted among patients having post caesarean surgical site infections attending post-natal outdoor clinic of DMCH from January, 2019 to December, 2019. Data were collected in structured questionnaire. Culturebased microbiological methods were used to identify causal agents in postoperative wounds.
Results: Overall SSI rate following caesarian section was 4.44%.Patient related risk factors were inadequate antenatal check-up, emergency procedures, malnutrition (22.44%), anaemia (21.46%) associated comorbidity (59.46%), history of rupture membrane >12 hours (40.98%) and had history of prolonged labour pain >12 hours (16.10%).Surgery related risk factors were repeated per vaginal examinations by untrained birth attendant (21.95%) & duration of surgery>1 hour (62.93%). The most common organisms responsible for SSI were Staphylococcus aureus 44(21.46%) and Escherichia coli 31(15.12%). The most sensitive antibiotics were aminoglycosides, cephalosporin & cloxacillin.
Conclusion: Most of the risk factors for surgical site infection following caesarean section identified in this study can be modified through intervention. However the microorganisms detected from our patient showed a high degree of resistance for commonly prescribed antimicrobials in our set-up.
J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 28, No.2, October, 2019, Page 136-141
Effect of Donor Variables on Platelet Yield Among Donor Undergoing Plateletpheresis at Transfusion Medicine Department, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (Experience of 350 Procedures)
Authors: Karim Shanaz , Hoque Md Mazharul , Hoque Ehteshamul , Islam Kashfia , Mamun ABM Al 
Published: March 2021

Background: The platelet transfusions help in prevention of bleeding related complications and thus prevents morbidity and mortality in thrombocytopenic patients. Platelet transfusion plays an important role in the treatment of haematological, oncological, surgical, and transplant patients. Platelets are transfused by two methods i) by fractionation of whole blood and ii) by platelet apheresis. Over the last decade there has been a trend towards the use of SDPs rather than pooled random donor platelets in thrombocytopenic patients. Optimization of platelet yield is an emerging issue to identify factors which may help in selecting donors to obtain higher platelet yields in shorter time and consequently better clinical outcome.
Objective: The quality of single donor platelets (SDP) in terms of yield influences the platelet recovery in the recipient. The aim was to identify the SDP donor factors that influence platelet yield.
Methods: The study was undertaken at transfusion medicine department, DMCH from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017. The study included 350 plateletpheresis procedures. All procedures were performed according to manufacturer’s manual and standard operating procedure.
Results: During the period of study, 350 platelet pheresis donors were studied. All of the donors were male. Platelet yield showed high statistical significance with pre donation platelet count and its indices. (p=0.000). Statistical significant negative correlation was seen between pre donation Hb concentration and the platelet yield. (p =0.005). No statistical significance was seen height (p=0.933), weight (p=0.760) of donor on platelet yield.
Conclusion: Platelet recovery in the patient is influenced by the transfused dose of platelets, which in turn is dependent on the quality of the platelet product in terms of yield. Various donor factors such as pre donation platelet count and haemoglobin concentration may affect platelet yield.
J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 28, No.2, October, 2019, Page 179-183
Study of Liver Function Test in Cirrhotic Patient
Authors: Uddin Md Nasir , Jahan Nur Wa Bushra , Sultan Kamal , Nushrat Rumana , Ali Md Julfiker , Kabir Humayun , Biswas Prodip Kumar , Bhuiyan Md Elias , Murshed Khaled Mahbub , Sultana Shakera 
Published: March 2021

Aim: The study was carried out to see the Serum Bilirubin, ALT, AST and Alkaline Phosphatase as liver function in liver cirrhotic patient.
Method: The study was carried out among 50 well-compensated patients of cirrhosis of liver irrespective of their age, sex, residence & income group. Patient was randomly selected while they were hospitalized in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.
Result: Serum Bilirubin, AST, ALT and Alkaline Phosphatase level were done in 50 (fifty) cirrhotic patient out of whom 38 were male and 12 were female. Mild to severe level of serum bilirubin were documented in 50% patients. Two-fold and fourfold rise of ALT were formed in 48% and 10% cirrhotic patient respectively. Similar pattern of rise of AST also shown in 50% cirrhotic patient. Alkaline Phosphatase value was normal in 92% patient and of 08% two-fold rise of Alkaline Phosphatase Alkaline Phosphatase.
J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 28, No.2, October, 2019, Page 190-191
Bimetallic Coordination in Two-Dimensional Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets Enables Highly Efficient Removal of Heavy Metal Lead (II)
Authors: Li Guiliang , Liu Yang , Shen Yi , Fang Qile , Liu Fu 
Published: March 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as intriguing 2D materials because of their specific features of 2D morphology and designable skeletons, which have elicited great interest in environment remediation. In this work, 2D MOF nanosheets are fabricated via a mixed-solvent solvothermal method, and a regulation strategy of metal inorganic clusters on MOFs is used to construct two different 2D MOFs with monometallic and bimetallic coordination, that is, Ni-MOF and Ni/Cd-MOF. Binary metal coordination renders more crystal defects and vacancies in the framework; thus, compared to monometallic Ni-MOF, bimetallic Ni/Cd-MOF exhibits fewer layers (4∼5 layers), higher specific surface area, larger pore size, and higher surface electronegativity, which leads to its excellent adsorption removal for Pb2+, with higher adsorption rate and affinity, and superior adsorption capacity (950.61 mg/g, almost twice as high as that of monometallic Ni-MOF). Besides, the adsorption mechanism further confirmed that the carboxyl groups (−COO−) from organic linker on 2D MOFs serve as the main binding sites for Pb2+ coordination, and bimetallic Ni/Cd-MOF has more active −COO− sites for Pb2+ capture. Thus, the bimetallic Ni/Cd-MOF regulated by heterogeneous metal atoms shows promising application for highly efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions.
Marine Sedimentary Carbon Stocks of the United Kingdom’s Exclusive Economic Zone
Authors: Smeaton Craig , Hunt Corallie A. , Turrell William R. , Austin William E. N. 
Published: March 2021

Continental shelf sediments are recognized as long-term stores of globally significant quantities of carbon (C) and potentially provide an important, yet largely overlooked climate regulation service via the Earth’s C cycle. Current understanding of the spatial distribution of sedimentary C across continental shelves remains poor, inhibiting the targeted management and potential inclusion of these globally significant C stores into national C budgets. Further understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of continental shelf sediments and associated C provides a foundation to quantify the organic carbon (OC) stock and better understand the role that marine sediments play in regulating the global climate and the potential for CO2to be released through anthropogenic disturbance of these C stores. Utilizing a spectrum of available marine data, we have created bespoke sediment maps that quantify the surficial (top 10 cm) OC stock and highlight significant spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of sediments and their associated C content across the United Kingdom’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The surficial sediments within the UK EEZ are estimated to store 524 ± 68 Mt of organic carbon (OC) and 2,582 ± 168 Mt of inorganic carbon (IC). The spatial mapping of this C highlights well-defined OC accumulation hotspots in fjords, estuaries and coastal muds, while large accumulations of IC are found in the tidally swept areas around Orkney, Shetland and the South West of England. Within the well-defined OC hotspots, muddy sediments store the greatest quantity of OC; the muds offer potentially valuable opportunities for targeted future management and protection of sedimentary C stores within the UK EEZ. In the future, if areas of the seafloor were to be managed to include the protection of these valuable sedimentary C resources, we recommend an initial focus on hotspots of high sedimentary OC density.
Iron Status May Not Affect Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cai Jiahao , Chen Xiong , Wang Hongxuan , Wei Zixin , Li Mei , Rong Xiaoming , Li Xiangpen , Peng Ying 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundObservational studies have shown an association of increased iron status with a higher risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Iron status might be a novel target for ALS prevention if a causal relationship exists. We aimed to reveal the causality between iron status and ALS incidence using a large two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for iron status were identified from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 48,972 individuals. The outcome data came from the largest ALS GWAS to date (20,806 cases; 59,804 controls). We conducted conservative analyses (using SNPs with concordant change of biomarkers of iron status) and liberal analyses (using SNPs associated with at least one of the biomarkers of iron status), with inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the main analysis. We then performed sensitivity analyses including weighted median, MR-Egger and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, as well as leave-one-out analysis to detect pleiotropy.ResultsIn the conservative analyses, we found no evidence of association between four biomarkers of iron status and ALS using IVW method with odds ratio (OR) 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90–1.11] per standard deviation (SD) increase in iron, 0.96 (95% CI: 0.77–1.21) in ferritin, 0.99 (95% CI: 0.92–1.07) in transferrin saturation, and 1.04 (95% CI: 0.93–1.16) in transferrin. Findings from liberal analyses were similar, and sensitivity analyses suggested no pleiotropy detected (all p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionOur findings suggest no causal effect between iron status and risk of ALS. Efforts to change the iron status to decrease ALS incidence might be impractical.
IL-12p40/IL-23p40 Blockade With Ustekinumab Decreases the Synovial Inflammatory Infiltrate Through Modulation of Multiple Signaling Pathways Including MAPK-ERK and Wnt
Authors: Fiechter Renée H. , de Jong Henriëtte M. , van Mens Leonieke J. J. , Fluri Inka A. , Tas Sander W. , Baeten Dominique L. P. , Yeremenko Nataliya G. , van de Sande Marleen G. H. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease within the spondyloarthritis spectrum. IL-12p40/IL-23p40 blockade reduces PsA disease activity, but its impact on synovial inflammation remains unclear.Objectives: To investigate the cellular and molecular pathways affected by IL-12p40/IL-23p40 blockade with ustekinumab in the synovium of PsA patients.Methods: Eleven PsA patients with at least one inflamed knee or ankle joint were included in a 24-week single-center open-label study and received ustekinumab 45 mg/sc according to standard care at week 0, 4, and 16. Besides clinical outcomes, synovial tissue (ST) samples were obtained by needle arthroscopy from an inflamed knee or ankle joint at baseline, week 12 and 24 and analyzed by immunohistochemistry, RNA-sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).Results: We obtained paired baseline and week 12, and paired baseline, week 12 and 24 ST samples from nine and six patients, respectively. Eight patients completed 24 weeks of clinical follow-up. At 12 weeks 6/11 patients met ACR20, 2/11 met ACR50 and 1/11 met ACR70 improvement criteria, at 24 weeks this was 3/8, 2/8 and 1/8 patients, respectively. Clinical and serological markers improved significantly. No serious adverse events occurred. We observed numerical decreases of all infiltrating cell subtypes at week 12, reaching statistical significance for CD68+ sublining macrophages. For some cell types this was even more pronounced at week 24, but clearly synovial inflammation was incompletely resolved. IL-17A and F, TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p40 were not significantly downregulated in qPCR analysis of W12 total biopsies, only MMP3 and IL-23p19 were significantly decreased. RNA-seq analysis revealed 178 significantly differentially expressed genes between baseline and 12 weeks (FDR 0.1). Gene Ontology and KEGG terms enrichment analyses identified overrepresentation of biological processes as response to reactive oxygen species, chemotaxis, migration and angiogenesis as well as MAPK-ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways among the downregulated genes and of Wnt signaling pathway among the upregulated genes. Furthermore, ACR20 responders and non-responders differed strikingly in gene expression profiles in a post-hoc exploratory analysis.Conclusions: Ustekinumab suppresses PsA synovial inflammation through modulation of multiple signal transduction pathways, including MAPK-ERK, Wnt and potentially PI3K-Akt signaling rather than by directly impacting the IL-17 pathway.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) Are Protective Against ICU Admission and Mortality for Patients With COVID-19 Disease
Authors: ElAbd Rawan , AlTarrah Dana , AlYouha Sarah , Bastaki Hamad , Almazeedi Sulaiman , Al-Haddad Mohannad , Jamal Mohammad , AlSabah Salman 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of being on an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) and/or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) on hospital admission, on the following COVID-19 outcomes: disease severity, ICU admission, and mortality.Methods: The charts of all patients consecutively diagnosed with COVID-19 from the 24th of February to the 16th of June of the year 2020 in Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah hospital in Kuwait were checked. All related patient information and clinical data was retrieved from the hospitals electronic medical record system. The primary outcome was COVID-19 disease severity defined as the need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Secondary outcome was mortality.Results: A total of 4,019 COVID-19 patients were included, of which 325 patients (8.1%) used ACEI/ARB, users of ACEI/ARB were found to be significantly older (54.4 vs. 40.5 years). ACEI/ARB users were found to have more co-morbidities; diabetes (45.8 vs. 14.8%) and hypertension (92.9 vs. 13.0%). ACEI/ARB use was found to be significantly associated with greater risk of ICU admission in the unadjusted analysis [OR, 1.51 (95% CI: 1.04–2.19), p = 0.028]. After adjustment for age, gender, nationality, coronary artery disease, diabetes and hypertension, ICU admission was found to be inversely associated with ACEI use [OR, 0.57 (95% CI: 0.34–0.88), p = 0.01] and inversely associated with mortality [OR, 0.56 (95% CI: 0.33–0.95), p = 0.032].Conclusion: The current evidence in the literature supports continuation of ACEI/ARB medications for patients with co-morbidities that acquire COVID-19 infection. Although, the protective effects of such medications on COVID-19 disease severity and mortality remain unclear, the findings of the present study support the use of ACEI/ARB medication.
Risk Factors for Long-Term Death After Medullary Infarction: A Multicenter Follow-Up Study
Authors: Zhang Dao Pei , Liu Xiang Zhe , Yin Suo , Ma Qian Kun , Yu Meng , Zhang Huai Liang , Wang Xin Zhi , Zhang Jie Wen 
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose: We investigated the risk factors for death in patients with medullary infarction (MI) during a long-term follow-up.Methods: We retrospectively examined 179 consecutive patients (130 men and 49 women) who had clinical and MRI findings consistent with MI between February 2012 and January 2017 at three university hospitals. Long-term outcomes were assessed by telephonic interview. The clinical and radiological features and risk factors for poor outcomes (modified Rankin scale score ≥ 3, all-cause death) were analyzed.Results: Mean age of patients was 58.3 ± 12.8 years (range, 25–87); mean follow-up period after stroke onset was 42.7 ± 13.2 months (range, 24–78). Basilar artery (BA) stenosis &gt;50% was more closely related to medial medullary infarction (MMI) than other types. There was greater frequency of ipsilateral vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) or V4AH and V4 occlusion in lateral MI than in other types. On rostro-caudal classification, middle (M)+dorsal (D) was most frequent, followed by the ventral (V)+M+D types. 21.2% patients showed poor long-term prognosis. Age ≥ 65 years, recurrent stroke, dysphagia, &gt;50% BA stenosis, and ventral MI were risk factors for poor long-term prognosis. All-cause mortality rate was 10.6%; age ≥ 65 years, recurrent stroke, and dysphagia were risk factors for death in the long-term. Ventral MI and MMI+cerebellar infarction, as well as stroke mechanism of artery-to-artery embolism, were potential risk factors for death in the long-term. Pneumonia and recurrent stroke were major causes of death.Conclusions: Long-term poor outcomes of MI and all-cause mortality were not infrequent. Older age, recurrent stroke, and dysphagia were common risk factors for poor prognosis and death.
Silencing of PGK1 Promotes Sensitivity to Paclitaxel Treatment by Upregulating XAF1-Mediated Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sun Shanshan , Wu Hao , Wu Xiaohong , You Zilong , Jiang Yang , Liang Xiaoshuan , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Ye , Wei Wei , Jiang Yongdong , Chen Yanbo , Song Yanni , Pang Da 
Published: March 2021

Objective:Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known to have aggressive clinical course and a high risk of recurrence. Given the lack of effective targeted therapy options, paclitaxel-based chemotherapy is still the primary option for TNBC patients. However, patients who fail to achieve a complete response during neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be mainly due to sensitivity and resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, we concentrated the present research on the role of PGK1 in the sensitivity to paclitaxel treatment and the possible underlying mechanisms in TNBC.Methods:After exposure to paclitaxel, a cell viability analysis was made to investigate the influence of PGK1 silencing on cell death. The effect of PGK1 on apoptosis induced by paclitaxel treatment was examinedin vitroby flow cytometry cell apoptosis assays. Western blotting was performed to examine the impact of PGK1 on paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. The correlation of PGK1 with apoptosis-associated protein X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (XAF1) was analyzed in 39 specimens by immunohistochemistry analysis.Results:We observed that silencing PGK1 sensitized triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines to paclitaxel treatment as a result of increased drug-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations suggested that XAF1 was increased in PGK1-knockdown cells along with the expression of the apoptotic proteins including cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that PGK1 was negatively related to XAF1. Moreover, we found that downregulation of XAF1 reduced paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in PGK1-silenced triple-negative cell lines.Conclusion:Our results identified PGK1 as a potential biomarker for the treatment of TNBC, and inhibition of PGK1 expression might represent a novel strategy to sensitize TNBC to paclitaxel treatment.