bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory parameters of COVID-19 patients in Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Sabikun Nahar , Islam Md Nazrul , Roshed Md Mahabubur , Hossain Md Mokter , Salahuddin Gazi 
Published: July 2021

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the role of several laboratory tests in addition to RT-PCR in the diagnosis of COVID 19. Some of these, laboratory tests are indicators of the current state of the disease, while others have proved to be useful prognostic markers.
Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the hematological, biochemical and radiological changes in COVID-19 patients.
Methods: It was an observational and analytical study done retrospectively. The whole number of patients were included on the basis of inclusion and exclusion creteria. All were confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients either admitted in different hospitals or were in home isolation.
Results: Total study cases was 112. Complete blood count revealed, leukocytosis was present in 9 (8.0%) cases and leucopenia in 8 (7.14%) cases. Neutrophilia was present in 27 (24.1%) cases; neutropenia in 9(8.0%) cases, lymphocylosis in 17 (15.2%) cases; lymphopenia in 28 (25%) cases. Neutrophil Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) revealed mean value of NLR 2.3(±1.1) with a range of 0.6-4.0. Decreased total circulating eosinophil count (<40/cmm) was found in 6 (5.3%) cases. Thrombocytopenia was found in 31 (27.7%) cases, Elevated ESR was found in 53 (47.3%) cases; CRP value was increased in 47 (42.0%) cases. Increased serum ferritin was found in 29 (25.9%) cases. D-dimer was increased in 35 (31.3%) cases; Xray chest showed bilateral pneumonia in 26 (23.2%) cases. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest revealed ground glass opacities in 11(9.8%) cases.
Conclusion: Multiple changes in laboratory findings were observed such as altered NLR, elevated acute phase reactants, increased seromarkers (S ferritin, D-dimers) and also opacities in chest imaging.
Bang Med J Khulna 2020: 53 : 13-16
Detection of Dengue Serotypes by Two Molecular Techniques, qPCR and LAMP
Authors: Rawnuck Tanzila , Reza Md Selim , Islam Mohammad Fatteh Ul , Alam Muhammad Mahbub Ul , Parveen Shahnaj , Mursafa Marzia 
Published: July 2021

Background: Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and the most widely prevalent arbovirus in tropical and subtropical regions. Detection of this virus by a new molecular technique named Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a very sensitive, easy, and less time-consuming diagnostic method. It can amplify up to 109 copies in less than 1 hour under isothermal conditions (65°C).
Aims: To establish a dengue LAMP as simple, less time-consuming, more specific, and sensitive than the qPCR to detect dengue serotypes.
Materials and Methods: This prospective analytical study was conducted from January- December 2017 at the Department of Virology, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 290 serum samples were used, confirmed by ICT (immune chromatographic test). These samples were used to perform qPCR for the detection of dengue serotypes. After that, dengue LAMP was performed using the same samples to establish the LAMP technique as a suitable, time-saving molecular technique that is more sensitive than qPCR.
Results: A total of 290 dengue confirmed samples by ICT were used for qPCR to detect dengue serotypes. Among which 137 dengue I and 113 dengue II RNA positive serum samples were confirmed by qPCR, and those were also positive by LAMP assay. Besides, 20 both dengue NS1 and dengue IgM negative by ICT were tested by qPCR, and 01 positive dengue II serotype was detected by qPCR, whereas 02 dengue II serotypes were detected by dengue LAMP technique from the same samples.
Conclusion: RT-LAMP assay had been developed in this study which allowed the rapid and accurate identification of dengue virus serotypes.
TAJ 2021; 34: No-1: 01-04
Risk factors of Early Shedding of Deciduous Teeth in Children under Five Years
Authors: Asad Abul Kalam Mohammad , Sabnom Rumana , Saud Nur E , Parvin Ayrin , Rahman Md Shoyeb , Islam Md Shahidul 
Published: July 2021

A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in Shimul Memorial North-South School Laxmipur Branch, Rajshahi. Among the children aged under five years with premature or early tooth loss or shedding. In order to find out the relationship between early shedding of deciduous teeth and selected dental conditions like dental caries, dental trauma, etc., and socioeconomic background. In this study, out of 110 children, 61 (55.5%) were male, and 49 (44.5%) were female. It was observed that the highest number of children, 109 (99.1%), were Muslim and 1 (0.9%) was Hindu. Among all the parents of children, 6 (5.5%) were educated up to primary level, and 33(30%) were masters and above. Regarding monthly family income, 2 (1.8%) had Tk. 5000-8000 and 15 (13.6%) parents had Tk. 15000-18000. The majority (66.4%) of the children under study were found to clean teeth only once daily. Tooth cleaning by toothbrush & paste and frequency was once daily73 (66.4%). Children liked more sugar-containing food 89 (80.9%) and used to take milk at bedtime (42.7%). The majority of the respondents had intake carbohydrate 91 (82.7%) containing food and the majority of the respondents, 61 (65.5%), had dental caries. A significant association was found between dental carries and shedding of deciduous teeth, but no association was found between sugar- containing food and shedding of teeth.
TAJ 2021; 34: No-1: 97-105
The Msn2 Transcription Factor Regulates Acaricidal Virulence in the Fungal Pathogen Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Muniz Elen R. , Ribeiro-Silva Cárita S. , Arruda Walquíria , Keyhani Nemat O. , Fernandes Éverton K. K. 
Published: July 2021

Beauveria bassiana holds promise as a feasible biological control agent for tick control. The B. bassiana stress–response transcription factor Msn2 is known to contribute to fungal growth, conidiogenesis, stress–response and virulence towards insects; however, little is known concerning whether Msn2 is involved in infection across Arthropoda classes. We evaluated the effects of Msn2 on B. bassiana virulence against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari, Ixodidae) using wild-type, targeted gene knockout (ΔBbmsn2) and complemented mutant (ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2) strains. Reproductive parameters of R. microplus engorged females treated topically or by an intra-hemocoel injection of conidial suspensions were assessed. Treated cuticles of engorged females were analyzed by microscopy, and proteolytic activity of B. bassiana on cuticles was assessed. Topically treated engorged females showed high mean larval hatching (&gt;84%) in control and ΔBbmsn2 treatments, whereas treatment with the wild-type or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains resulted in significantly decreased (lowered egg viability) larval hatching. Percent control of R. microplus topically treated with ΔBbmsn2 was lower than in the groups treated with wild-type (56.1%) or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains. However, no differences on reproductive parameters were detected when R. microplus were treated by intra-hemocoel injection using low (800 conidia/tick) doses for all strains tested; R. microplus injected with high doses of wild-type or mutant strains (106 conidia/tick) died before laying eggs (~48 h after treatment). SEM analyses of B. bassiana infection showed similar conidial germination and formation of pseudo-appressoria on tick cuticle. Histological sections of ticks treated with the wild-type or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains showed fungal penetration through the cuticle, and into the tick interior. Hyphae of ΔBbmsn2, however, did not appear to penetrate or breach the tick exocuticle 120 h after treatment. Protease activity was lower on tick cuticles treated with ΔBbmsn2 than those treated with the wild-type or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains. These data show that loss of the Msn2 transcription factor reduced B. bassiana virulence against R. microplus, but did not interfere with conidial germination, appressoria formation or sporulation on tick cadavers, and plays only a minimal role once the cuticle is breached. Our results indicate that the BbMsn2 transcription factor acts mainly during the fungal penetration process and that decreased protease production may be one mechanism that contributes to the inability of the mutant strain to breach the tick cuticle.
Modulated Calcium Homeostasis and Release Events Under Atrial Fibrillation and Its Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fong Sarah Pei Ting , Agrawal Shaleka , Gong Mengqi , Zhao Jichao 
Published: July 2021

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with calcium (Ca2+) handling remodeling and increased spontaneous calcium release events (SCaEs). Nevertheless, its exact mechanism remains unclear, resulting in suboptimal primary and secondary preventative strategies.Methods: We searched the PubMed database for studies that investigated the relationship between SCaEs and AF and/or its risk factors. Meta-analysis was used to examine the Ca2+ mechanisms involved in the primary and secondary AF preventative groups.Results: We included a total of 74 studies, out of the identified 446 publications from inception (1982) until March 31, 2020. Forty-five were primary and 29 were secondary prevention studies for AF. The main Ca2+ release events, calcium transient (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.49; I2 = 35%; confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–0.66; p &lt; 0.0001), and spark amplitude (SMD = 0.48; I2 = 0%; CI = −0.98–1.93; p = 0.054) were enhanced in the primary diseased group, while calcium transient frequency was increased in the secondary group. Calcium spark frequency was elevated in both the primary diseased and secondary AF groups. One of the key cardiac currents, the L-type calcium current (ICaL) was significantly downregulated in primary diseased (SMD = −1.07; I2 = 88%; CI = −1.94 to −0.20; p &lt; 0.0001) and secondary AF groups (SMD = −1.28; I2 = 91%; CI = −2.04 to −0.52; p &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, the sodium–calcium exchanger (INCX) and NCX1 protein expression were significantly enhanced in the primary diseased group, while only NCX1 protein expression was shown to increase in the secondary AF studies. The phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor at S2808 (pRyR-S2808) was significantly elevated in both the primary and secondary groups. It was increased in the primary diseased and proarrhythmic subgroups (SMD = 0.95; I2 = 64%; CI = 0.12–1.79; p = 0.074) and secondary AF group (SMD = 0.66; I2 = 63%; CI = 0.01–1.31; p &lt; 0.0001). Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) expression was elevated in the primary diseased and proarrhythmic drug subgroups but substantially reduced in the secondary paroxysmal AF subgroup.Conclusions: Our study identified that ICaL is reduced in both the primary and secondary diseased groups. Furthermore, pRyR-S2808 and NCX1 protein expression are enhanced. The remodeling leads to elevated Ca2+ functional activities, such as increased frequencies or amplitude of Ca2+ spark and Ca2+ transient. The main difference identified between the primary and secondary diseased groups is SERCA expression, which is elevated in the primary diseased group and substantially reduced in the secondary paroxysmal AF subgroup. We believe our study will add new evidence to AF mechanisms and treatment targets.
Echocardiographic, Biochemical, and Electrocardiographic Correlates Associated With Progressive Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zaky Ahmed , Zafar Iram , Masjoan-Juncos Juan Xavier , Husain Maroof , Mariappan Nithya , Morgan Charity J. , Hamid Tariq , Frölich Michael A. , Ahmad Shama , Ahmad Aftab 
Published: July 2021

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive proliferative vasculopathy associated with mechanical and electrical changes, culminating in increased vascular resistance, right ventricular (RV) failure, and death. With a main focus on invasive tools, there has been an underutilization of echocardiography, electrocardiography, and biomarkers to non-invasively assess the changes in myocardial and pulmonary vascular structure and function during the course of PAH.Methods: A SU5416-hypoxia rat model was used for inducing PAH. Biventricular functions were measured using transthoracic two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography/Doppler (echo/Doppler) at disease onset (0 week), during progression (3 weeks), and establishment (5 weeks). Similarly, electrocardiography was performed at 0, 3, and 5 weeks. Invasive hemodynamic measurements and markers of cardiac injury in plasma were assessed at 0, 3, and 5 weeks.Results: Increased RV systolic pressure (RVSP) and rate of isovolumic pressure rise and decline were observed at 0, 3, and 5 weeks in PAH animals. EKG showed a steady increase in QT-interval with progression of PAH, whereas P-wave height and RS width were increased only during the initial stages of PAH progression. Echocardiographic markers of PAH progression and severity were also identified. Three echocardiographic patterns were observed: a steady pattern (0–5 weeks) in which echo parameter changed progressively with severity [inferior vena cava (IVC) expiratory diameter and pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT)], an early pattern (0–3 weeks) where there is an early change in parameters [RV fractional area change (RV-FAC), transmitral flow, left ventricle (LV) output, estimated mean PA pressure, RV performance index, and LV systolic eccentricity index], and a late pattern (3–5 weeks) in which there is only a late rise at advanced stages of PAH (LV diastolic eccentricity index). RVSP correlated with PAAT, PAAT/PA ejection times, IVC diameters, RV-FAC, tricuspid systolic excursion, LV systolic eccentricity and output, and transmitral flow. Plasma myosin light chain (Myl-3) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) increased progressively across the three time points. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and fatty acid-binding protein-3 (FABP-3) were significantly elevated only at the 5-week time point.Conclusion: Distinct electrocardiographic and echocardiographic patterns along with plasma biomarkers were identified as useful non-invasive tools for monitoring PAH progression.
Loading PCM Into Buildings Envelope to Decrease Heat Gain-Performing Transient Thermal Analysis on Nanofluid Filled Solar System
Authors: Amirahmad Aslam , Maglad Ahmed Mustafa , Mustafa Jawed , Cheraghian Goshtasp 
Published: July 2021

The high share of buildings in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission has led researchers to seek techniques to reduce energy consumption in this sector. In this study, considering a hot and arid climate region, the wall’s heat gain was investigated. To reduce energy demand, three techniques of adding PCM, combining absorption chiller with a solar system and dispersing nanoparticles were used and the results were evaluated transiently. In July, the addition of PCM to the building's walls reduced the heat exchange between interior and exterior spaces up to 21%. To cool the interior spaces, the combination of absorption chiller + fan coil was used and several flat plate collectors were integrated with it to reduce energy demand. By collecting energy in solar collectors and using a stratified tank, energy consumption in the generator section was reduced by 450 kWh. Nanoparticles were used to improve the solar system performance and it was found that loading ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles is useful. Dispersing ZnO into water increased the energy-saving by 9.5% while the second nanoparticle improved it by 14.5%.
ERO1L Is a Novel and Potential Biomarker in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Shapes the Immune-Suppressive Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Liu Lihui , Wang Chao , Li Sini , Qu Yan , Xue Pei , Ma Zixiao , Zhang Xue , Bai Hua , Wang Jie 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin-1-like (ERO1L) gene encodes an endoplasmic reticulum luminal localized glycoprotein known to associated with hypoxia, however, the role of ERO1L in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is yet to be elucidated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).MethodsIn this study, raw datasets (including RNA-seq, methylation, sgRNA-seq, phenotype, and survival data) were obtained from public databases. This data was analyzed and used to explore the biological landscape of ERO1L in immune infiltration. Expression data was used to characterize samples. Using gene signatures and cell quantification, stromal and immune infiltration was determined. These findings were used to predict sensitivity to immunotherapy.ResultsThis study found that ERO1L was significantly overexpressed in LUAD in comparison to normal tissue. This overexpression was found to be a result of hypomethylation of the ERO1L promoter. Overexpression of ERO1L resulted in an immune-suppressive TIME via the recruitment of immune-suppressive cells including regulatory T cells (Tregs), cancer associated fibroblasts, M2-type macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Using the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) framework, it was identified that patients in the ERO1Lhigh group possessed a significantly lower response rate to immunotherapy in comparison to the ERO1Llow group. Mechanistic analysis revealed that overexpression of ERO1L was associated with the upregulation of JAK-STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways, thus affecting chemokine and cytokine patterns in the TIME.ConclusionsThis study found that overexpression of ERO1L was associated with poor prognoses in patients with LUAD. Overexpression of ERO1L was indicative of a hypoxia-induced immune-suppressive TIME, which was shown to confer resistance to immunotherapy in patients with LUAD. Further studies are required to assess the potential role of ERO1L as a biomarker for immunotherapy efficacy in LUAD.
Effects of a Goal-Oriented Intervention on Self-Management Behaviors and Self-Perceived Burden After Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Yu , Wei Yuanyuan , Lang Hongjuan , Xiao Ting , Hua Yan , Li Lu , Wang Jing , Guo Hongxia , Ni Chunping 
Published: July 2021

Background: Stroke generates significant health and social burdens. Self-management has potential importance for supporting individuals in coping and continuing to progress after stroke. However, there is a lack of targeted programs to enhance self-management and reduce self-perceived burden (SPB) following stroke.Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a goal-oriented intervention on self-management behaviors and SPB among patients after acute stroke.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial with a 4-weeks intervention. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 48) or control group (n = 48). The intervention and control groups received eight sessions of goal-oriented self-management intervention based on Pender's health promotion model and control care, respectively. Self-management behaviors and SPB were evaluated and compared between the two groups.Results: After the 1-month follow-up, there were significant differences in the total self-management behaviors score and the scores of six of the self-management dimensions, excluding diet management, between the intervention group and the control group (t = −7.891– −2.815; p ≤ 0.006). Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in the physical burden, emotional burden, and total SPB scores (t = 2.102–2.071; p = 0.015–0.041). The economic burden score was not significantly different between the two groups (t = 1.707; p = 0.091).Conclusion: The goal-oriented intervention based on Pender's health promotion model can effectively improve self-management behaviors and reduce physical and emotional SPB among stroke survivors.
Predicting Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment Response in Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients With EGFR Mutation Using Model-Based Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Hou Runping , Li Xiaoyang , Xiong Junfeng , Shen Tianle , Yu Wen , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Zhao Binsheng , Zhao Jun , Fu Xiaolong 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundFor stage IV patients harboring EGFR mutations, there is a differential response to the first-line TKI treatment. We constructed three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNN) with deep transfer learning to stratify patients into subgroups with different response and progression risks.Materials and MethodsFrom 2013 to 2017, 339 patients with EGFR mutation receiving first-line TKI treatment were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) time and progression patterns were confirmed by routine follow-up and restaging examinations. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the median PFS (&lt;=9 months, &gt; 9 months). We developed a PFS prediction model and a progression pattern classification model using transfer learning from a pre-trained EGFR mutation classification 3D CNN. Clinical features were fused with the 3D CNN to build the final hybrid prediction model. The performance was quantified using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and model performance was compared by AUCs with Delong test.ResultsThe PFS prediction CNN showed an AUC of 0.744 (95% CI, 0.645–0.843) in the independent validation set and the hybrid model of CNNs and clinical features showed an AUC of 0.771 (95% CI, 0.676–0.866), which are significantly better than clinical features-based model (AUC, 0.624, P&lt;0.01). The progression pattern prediction model showed an AUC of 0.762(95% CI, 0.643–0.882) and the hybrid model with clinical features showed an AUC of 0.794 (95% CI, 0.681–0.908), which can provide compensate information for clinical features-based model (AUC, 0.710; 95% CI, 0.582–0.839).ConclusionThe CNN exhibits potential ability to stratify progression status in patients with EGFR mutation treated with first-line TKI, which might help make clinical decisions.
Evaluation of Microwave Ablation in 4T1 Breast Tumor by a Novel VEFGR2 Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Xia Shujun , Ji Ri , Zhan Weiwei , Zhou Wei 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesA novel ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) VEGFR2-targeting iron-doped silica (SiO2) hollow nanoparticles (VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs) was prepared and applied in microwave ablation for breast cancer to investigate its value in the evaluation of effectiveness after tumor ablation.MethodsVEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs were prepared by using nano-SiO2, which was regarded as a substrate and etched by ferrous acetate, and then modified with anti-VEGFR2 antibody. Laser confocal microscope and flow cytometry were used to observe its main physicochemical properties, and biological safety was also investigated. After the xenograft tumor was treated with microwave ablation, the extent of perfusion defect was evaluated by ultrasound by injecting VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs.ResultsThe average particle size of VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe was 276.64 ± 30.31 nm, and the surface potential was −13.46 ± 2.83 mV. In vitro, the intensity of ultrasound signal increased with UCA concentration. Good biosafety was performed in in vivo and in vitro experiments. The enhanced ultrasound signal was detected in tumors after injection of VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs, covering the whole tumor. The lesions, which were incompletely ablated, presented as contrast agent perfusion at the periphery of the tumor, and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed again after complementary ablation. It was confirmed that all the lesions were completely ablated.ConclusionNano-targeted UCAs VEGFR2-PEG-HSNs-Fe NPs had good biosafety and ability of specific imaging, which might be used as a contrast agent in CEUS to evaluate the efficacy of tumor ablation.