bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymidine Phosphorylase is Increased in Patients with Infection and Could be a Prognostic Marker for Sepsis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Zeng Yawei , Huang Guangwei , Li Jin , Hu Lan , Wang He , Wang Chao , Yue Hong , Li Wei , Qi Wenjie 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Sepsis, a serious condition caused by infection, can ultimately progress to life-threatening septic shock and multiple organ failure. Hitherto, no reliable markers could be used for the early diagnosis and sepsis is still a challenge for clinicians. We investigated the potential role of thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) in infection and delved its value in diagnosing sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Methods: This prospective study enrolled infection patients consecutively admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital from November 2019 to January 2021. Non-infection volunteers were used as control (NIC). Blood sample were obtained on day 1, 2, 4, and 7 after admission. TYMP serum levels and its correlation with DIC scores, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, and other laboratory parameters were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman's Rank-Order Correlation analyses. Results: Eighty-three infectious patients were enrolled. Forty-two patients were diagnosed as sepsis (SP) and 41 were non-septic infection (NSP). NIC group included 20 individuals without any infection. Serum TYMP levels were significantly higher in both SP and NSP groups when compared with the NIC group. TYMP serum levels was further higher in the SP than in the NSP group. The increase of TYMP was positively correlated with DIC scores. TYMP was higher in patients with DIC than those patients without DIC. A positive correlation presented between serum TYMP and plasma D-dimer levels. No positive correlations were found between TYMP and inflammatory markers. TYMP was higher in patients with SOFA score > 1 than those with SOFA score zero. The increase of TYMP is also positively correlated with SOFA score and death risk coefficient, and negatively correlated with oxygen index. By conducting receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, we found TYMP has a specific and sensitive predictive value for diagnosing sepsis and a modest value for DIC. Conclusions: This study is the first time to determine the role of TYMP in infectious disease. TYMP is significantly increased in infectious patients and is further higher in patients with sepsis or DIC. TYMP is positively correlated with acuity markers and has a diagnostic and prognostic value for sepsis and DIC.
Colistin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria analysed by five phenotypic assays and inference of the underlying genomic mechanisms
Authors: Torres Diana Albertos , Seth-Smith Helena M.B. , Jossee Nicole , Lang Claudia , Dubius Oliver , Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Hinic Vladimira , Egli Adrian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Colistin is used against multi-drug resistant pathogens, yet resistance emerges either through dissemination of plasmid-mediated genes (mcr) or chromosomal mutation of genes involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis (i.e. mgrB, phoPQ, pmrCAB). Phenotypic susceptibility testing is challenging due to poor diffusion of colistin in agar media, leading to an underestimation of resistance. We aimed to compare the performance of four different phenotypic approaches in the context of different molecular mechanism of resistance.
Methods
We compared the performance of Vitek 2® (bioMérieux, AST N242), Colistin MIC Test Strip (Liofilchem Diagnostici), UMIC (Biocentric), and Rapid Polymyxin NP Test (ELITechGroup) against the standard broth microdilution (BDM) method. We used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to infer the molecular mechanisms of resistance. A total of 97 Enterobacterales and non-fermenting bacterial isolates were collected from clinical samples during 2016–2017 and tested for colistin susceptibility. Data was analysed by comparing the susceptibility category (susceptible or resistant) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). We determined diversity of isolates by core genome multi locus sequencing typing (cgMLST) and identified antimicrobial resistance genes using NCBI and CARD databases.
Results
Of the 97 clinical isolates, 54 (56%) were resistant by the standard broth microdilution. The highest susceptibility category concordance was achieved by the Rapid Polymyxin NP test (98.8%) followed by UMIC (97.9%), E-test MIC strip (96.9%) and Vitek 2 (95.6%). The highest MIC concordance was achieved by UMIC (80.4%), followed by Vitek 2 (72.5%) and E-test MIC strip (62.9%). Among the resistant isolates, 23/54 (43%) were intrinsically resistant to colistin, whereas 31/54 (57%) isolates had acquired colistin resistance. Of these, mcr-1 was detected in four isolates and mcr-2 in one isolate. Mutations in mgrB, phoQ, pmrA, pmrB, and pmrC genes that led to amino acid changes were encountered in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter bereziniae resistant isolates.
Conclusions
The Rapid Polymyxin NP test showed the highest categorical concordance and the UMIC test provided MIC values with a high concordance to the standard method. We found colistin resistance in diverse species occurred predominantly through spontaneous chromosomal mutation rather than plasmid-mediated resistance.
Molecular epidemiologic factors contributing to quinolone resistance in clinical multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Yan , Cai Guoping , Zhang Jinan , Xu Xiaogang , Lu Hongzhou 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe soaring quinolone-resistance rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, has seriously undermined the wide applications of antimicrobials of this class. This study aimed to investigate the emerging key contributors to quinolone-resistance in multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae (MDR-KP) isolates from a clinical setting with continuing point-source infection outbreaks in Shanghai, China. ResultsBetween January and March 2017, a total of 34 K. pneumoniae isolates, including 30 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP), were selected and characterized from a teaching hospital participating in an ongoing Bacterial Resistance Surveillance Project in Shanghai, China. Two predominant high-risk CRKP clones, ST11-wzi64 and ST15-wzi19/wzi24, caused three point-source nosocomial outbreaks in intensive care unit and/or neurosurgery department potentially by respiratory-route, promoting the co-selection and evolution of multidrug-resistant determinants. Multiple quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) mutations occurred in isolates of ST15 (S83F, D87A; S80I), ST11 (S83I, D87G; S80I), and ST218 (D87A; S80I). Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants, qnrS1, aac(6’)-Ib-cr, oqxAB, were detected in 32 (94.1%) isolates alone or in combination, spreading accompanied with β-lactamases (mainly, KPC-2-type carbapenemase and CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase), 16S rRNA methylases (ArmA and RmtB), and putrescine ABC transporter permease (PotI) variants, independently of QRDR-mutations. AcrR, AcrAB transcriptional repressor, was insertion-inactivated by IS5-transposase in isolates of ST11. Thirteen ompK36 variants associated with specific ST (n=7) and wzi-allele (n=9) clustered into 10 (sub)lineages in the phylogenetic tree possibly affecting the MDR phenotype and the infection outcome of isolates. Isolates of ST11, ST15, and ST218 had frameshift disruptions in OmpK35 coupled with specific GD-insertion at position 134-135 in OmpK36, all showing distinct microevolution clusters of ompK36 genotypes. Seven quinolone-susceptible isolates kept the porin genes integral, including two each CRKPs of ST13-wzi74 (carbapenemase KPC-2 and NDM-1-coproducers) and ST65-wzi72. ConclusionsUnder selective pressures, accumulation of mutations of three types (QRDR, AcrR, OmpK36/OmpK35) and acquisition of resistance-conferring genes has been continuously contributing to quinolone-resistance in clinical MDR-KP isolates, reinforcing the importance of ongoing epidemiologic surveillance on the evolution and transmission of these isolates. Our findings provided detailed mechanistic analyses and epidemiologic implications for further infection control and antibiotic stewardship initiatives.
Characteristics of gut microbiota in 100 children with mycoplasma pneumonia in China
Authors: Bao Chunxiu , Zhao Xiaoyang , CHen Yiliu , Song Yao , Xiao Zhen , Jiang Yonghong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Exploring the "lung-intestine"axis of gut microbiota is a hot spot in recent years. There have been few studies on the correlation between gut microbiota and asthma and allergies, of which gut microbiota-mediated molecular regulation of the pathogenesis of infectious pathogens is a blind area. Therefore, we investigated gut microecological changes in MPP patients and the gut microecological characteristics of wheezing MPP pediatric patients.30 healthy children, 50 nonwheezing MPP pediatric patients, and 50 wheezing MPP pediatric patients were collected. 16srDNA gene sequencing results showed that there are differences in gut microbiota abundances between MPP pediatric patients and healthy children. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) validation showed that the abundances of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Clostridium butyricum, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium in the guts of MPP children decreased compared with healthy children. Compared with nonwheezing MPP children, the abundances of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Clostridium butyricum were significantly decreased in the guts of wheezing MPP children. This indicates that Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Clostridium butyricum are significantly decreased in nonwheezing MPP children and could be potential risk factors for wheezing in MPP children.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide for postexposure chemoprophylaxis of COVID-19
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Hozaien Rafeef , Shershaby Meryam El , Kamel Aya , Ismail Habiba-Allah , Arsanyous Mariem , El-Husseiny Nadine , Khalil Noha , Naeem Youstina , Fouda Raghda 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Postexposure prophylaxis has been an overlooked strategy in the context of COVID-19. Inhaled Nitric Oxide offers itself as a potential tool in this context. The aim of this systematic review was to depict previous in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrating an antiviral role for NO Methodology:Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “Nitric oxide” AND “Antiviral activity” for relevant publications up to 1st of June 2021. The systematic review was performed using PRISMA protocolResults:Twenty-one studies were identified depicting an antiviral role for Nitric Oxide. Those studies involved sixteen viruses. Only four of the depicted studies were clinical trials, while three were performed on a murine model. The remainder of the studies involved in vitro experimentation of the role of NO in halting viral replication of several viruses including SARS-CoV-2Conclusion: While early reports of NO role in the treatment of COVID-19 suggested its use for the treatment of established ARDS, NO seems to have a much earlier and more efficient prophylactic role. It inhibits a protease needed for canonical viral replication of SARS-CoV-2, namely Furin, by decreasing calcium's cytosolic levels. This might add a significant tool for postexposure chemoprophylaxis in the at-risk group, especially medical personnel.
Modeling and Monitoring COVID-19 Monthly Infected Cases and Deaths
Authors: ARUNACHALAM RAJARATHINAM 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could not have been more profound, with the world encountering health crises as well as enormous economic crises. In this paper, the relationships, and trends in the number of COVID-19 infected new cases and the number of deaths due to COVID-19 in all 37 districts of Tamil Nadu state, India, during the period, 3rd July 2020 to 31st March,2021 based on a panel regression model.
Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse in Major Depressive Disorder (RADAR-MDD): Recruitment, retention, and data availability in a longitudinal remote measurement study.
Authors: Matcham Faith , Leightley Daniel , Siddi Sara , Lamers Femke , White Katie M , Annas Peter , de Girolamo Giovanni , Difrancesco Sonia , Haro Josep Maria , Horsfall Melany , Ivan Alina , Grace Lavelle , Li Qingqin , Lombardini Federica , Mohr David C , Narayan Vaibhav A , Oetzmann Carolin , Penninx Brenda BWJH , Bruce Stuart , Raluca Nica , Simblett Sara K , Wykes Til , Brasen Jens C , Myin-Germeys Inez , Rintala Aki , Conde Pauline , Dobson Richard JB , Folarin Amos A , Stewart Callum , Ranjan Yatharth , Rashid Zulqarnain , Cummins Nick , Manyakov Nikolay V , Vairavan Srinivasan , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is prevalent, often chronic, and requires ongoing monitoring of symptoms to track response to treatment and identify early indicators of relapse. Remote Measurement Technologies (RMT) provide an exciting opportunity to transform the measurement and management of MDD, via data collected from inbuilt smartphone sensors and wearable devices alongside app-based questionnaires and tasks. Our aim is to describe the amount of data collected during a multimodal longitudinal RMT study, in an MDD population.
Methods
The Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse – Central Nervous System (RADAR-CNS) program explores the potential to use RMT across a range of central nervous system disorders. Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse – Major Depressive Disorder (RADAR-MDD) is a multi-centre, prospective observational cohort study conducted as part of the RADAR-CNS program. People with a history of MDD were provided with a wrist-worn wearable, and several apps designed to: a) collect data from smartphone sensors; and b) deliver questionnaires, speech tasks and cognitive assessments. Participants were followed-up for a maximum of 2 years.
Results
A total of 623 individuals with a history of MDD were enrolled in the study. We report 80% completion rates for primary outcome assessments across all follow-up timepoints. 79.8% of people participated for the maximum amount of time available and 20.2% withdrew prematurely. Data availability across all RMT data types varied depending on the source of data and the participant-burden for each data type. We found no evidence of an association between the severity of depression symptoms at baseline and the availability of data. In total, 110 participants had > 50% data available across all data types, and thus able to contribute to multiparametric analyses.
Conclusions
RADAR-MDD is the largest multimodal RMT study in the field of mental health. Here, we have shown that collecting RMT data from a clinical population is feasible. We found comparable levels of data availability in active and passive forms of data collection, demonstrating that both are feasible in this patient group. Our next steps are to illustrate the predictive value of these data, which will be the focus of our future data analysis aims.
Assessing the Impacts of COVID 19 on Livestock Production, Market Value Chain and Health Practices at Selected Districts of East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Geremew , Hirpa Eyob , Amante Morka , Yimer Lema , Furgasa Walkite , Anbase Nemommsa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) around the end of December 2019, has had a significant impact on many sectors at global, regional and national levels, including the livestock sector. A questionnaire survey and observational study were carried out from September 2020 to November 2020 with the aim of assessing the impacts of COVID 19 crisis on livestock farming practices, market value chain, animal health care services and human perception towards consumption of livestock products in selected districts of East Wollega zone. Small scale farmers, abattoirs workers, consumers, private sectors involved in the production, processing and distribution of livestock products, hotel owners and veterinarians were purposively selected for this study. According to the present survey the pandemic's has had negative impact on livestock production, market value chain and animal health care practices. Based on the survey 365 (91.25%) respondents agreed as the pandemic was the major challenge on livestock farming practices. The assessment shows that COVID 19 created worst 270 (67.5%) and high impact 75 (18.75%) while about 17 (4%) respondents said the disease has little impact. The major reason mentioned were measures taken by the government such as lockdown, economic decline, low number of manpower due to calls to stay at home and social distance. Observational study indicated that dairy shops, meat shops, and local abattoirs, hotels and restaurants were totally/partially closed especially during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The average monthly income from livestock and their products showed about 60.93% shortfalls (from 1,130,500 birr to 688,800 birr). With regard to consumer perception there was low demand for livestock products such as meat and dairy products and about 164 (41%) respondents were avoiding the consumption of animal-sourced foods mainly due to the perceived disease risk. Regarding animal health services, about 89.75% (365/400) respondents agreed as COVID 19 has indirect impact on the health of animals. The most important animal health constraints during this pandemic were unusual preventive practices such as vaccination and deworming, scarcity of drugs at veterinary clinic, low number of veterinarians and inability to cover cost of drugs and personnel. The present study suggest that the pandemic's impact on the livestock production, product supply chain and animal health services might be continue which will have significant effect on the sustainability of livestock production systems and contribution of livestock subsectors on the house hold and national economy and global food security. It is therefore, essential that the government and other concerned body should give attention to the livestock sector to mitigate the impacts of the disease.
Effects of time-restricted feeding on supramaximal exercise performance and body composition: a randomized and counterbalanced crossover study in healthy men
Authors: Correia Joana M. , Santos Inês , Pezarat-Correia Pedro , Minderico Cláudia , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Mendonça Gonçalo V. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

BackgroundUsing a crossover design, we explored the effects of both short- and long-term TRF vs. regular diet on Wingate (WnT) performance and body composition in well-trained young men. MethodsTwelve healthy male physical education students were included. The order of dieting was randomized and counterbalanced, and all participants served as their own controls. TRF was limited to an 8-h eating window and non- TRF involved a customary meal pattern. Participants performed WnT tests and body composition scans at baseline, post-1 and 4 weeks of the assigned diet. Before testing, participants were asked to fill out a dietary record over 4 consecutive days and were instructed to continue their habitual training throughout the study. Energy intake and macronutrient distribution were similar at baseline in both conditions. ResultsWnT mean power and total work output increased post-4 weeks of TRF. Both conditions were similarly effective in increasing fat-free mass after 4 weeks of intervention. However, there was no correlation between change in fat-free mass and WnT mean power after TRF. Neither condition elicited any changes in WnT performance or body composition 1 week post-intervention. ConclusionsThus, long- term TRF can be used in combination with regular training to improve supramaximal exercise performance in well-trained men. Trial registration: This study has been 'retrospectively registered' in Clinical Trials and its registration number is NCT04756635.
Insights into cadmium-induced carcinogenesis through an in-vitro study using C3H10T1/2Cl8 cells: the multifaceted role of mitochondria
Authors: Oldani Monica , Villa Anna Maria , Manzoni Marta , Melchioretto Pasquale , Parenti Paolo , Monti Eugenio , Fusi Paola , Forcella Matilde , Urani Chiara 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this paper we report the metabolic characterization of two foci, F1 and F3, obtained at the end of Cell Transformation Assay (CTA), performed by treating C3H10T1/2Cl8 mouse embryo fibroblasts with 1 µM CdCl2 for 24 h. The elucidation of cadmium action mechanism can be useful both to improve the in vitro CTA and to yield insights into carcinogenesis. We previously showed that, despite being both completely transformed type III foci, F1 and F3 foci display different morphologies, proliferative behaviors and gene expression patterns. In this work, the metabolism of the two foci was investigated through Seahorse and enzyme activity assays; moreover, mitochondria were studied in confocal microscopy and reactive oxygen species were detected by flow cytometry. Results showed that F1 focus has higher glycolytic and TCA fluxes compared to F3 focus, and a more negative mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), so that most ATP synthesis is performed through oxidative phosphorylation. Confocal microscopy showed mitochondria crowded in the perinuclear region. On the other hand, F3 focus showed lower metabolic rates, with ATP mainly produced by glycolysis and damaged mitochondria. On the whole, our results showed that cadmium treatment induced lasting metabolic alterations in both foci. Triggered by the loss of Pasteur effect in F1 focus and by mitochondrial impairment in F3 focus, these alterations lead to a loss of coordination among glycolysis, TCA and oxidative phosphorylation, which leads to malignant transformation.