bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum complement proteomics reveal biomarkers for hypertension disorder of pregnancy and the potential role of Clusterin
Authors: Zeng Shanshui , Han Mengru , Jiang Min , Liu Fei , Hu Yanwei , Long Yan , Zhu Chunyan , Zeng Fangling , Gan Qiangsheng , Ye Weitao , Fu Wenjin , Yang Hongling 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Hypertension disorder of pregnancy (HDP) is one of the leading causes of maternal and foetal illness. The aim of the current study was to identify and verify novel serum markers for HDP.

Methods
A label-free LC-MS/MS method was used to establish the serum proteomic profiles of 12 pre-HDP (before clinical diagnosis of HDP) pregnancies and verify prioritized candidates in the verification set of 48 pre-HDP pregnancies. These biomarkers were revalidated by ELISA in an independent cohort of 88 pre-HDP pregnancies. Subsequently, the candidate biomarkers were histologically analysed by immunohistochemistry, and function was evaluated in TEV-1 cells.

Results
We identified 33 proteins with significantly increased abundance and 14 with decreased abundance (peptide FDR ≤ 1%, P < 0.05). Complement was one of the top enriched components in the pre-HDP group compared with the control group. Three complement factors (CLU, CFHR5, and CRP) were significantly increased in the three sets, of which CLU was a critical factor for the development of HDP (OR = 1.22, P < 0.001). When these three factors and body weight were combined, the AUC was 0.74, with a sensitivity of 0.67 and specificity of 0.68 for HDP prediction compared with normal pregnancy. In addition, inflammation-induced CLU could inhibit the invasion of TEV-1 cells.

Conclusions
Complement proteins may play an essential role in the occurrence of HDP by acting on trophoblast cells. CLU may be a high-risk factor for HDP, and the models combining candidates show reasonable screening efficiency of HDP in the first half of pregnancy.
Nonnegligible causes of symptoms of acute lower extremities——3 cases of May-Thurner syndrome with deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Sun Yi , Song Shenghan 
Published: April 2021

Background
May-Thurner syndrome is a kind of disease caused by the compression of the left common iliac vein. It is one of the causes of incomplete venous valves and superficial varicose veins in lower limbs, and is also a potential factor of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Method
Here 3 cases are diagnosed as May-Thurner syndrome at different ages.

Case presentations
1. A 35-year-old female patient was hospitalized with swelling of the left lower limb for 1 week. Computed tomography (CT) showed compression of the left common iliac vein with thrombosis. May-Thurner syndrome was diagnosed and catheter-directed thrombolysis was performed. 2. A 37-year-old male patient came to our hospital due to sudden swelling of the right lower extremity and pain for 3 days. Computed tomography showed compression of the left common iliac vein and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the right iliac vein. May-Thurner syndrome was diagnosed. The patient was performed with inferior vena cava (IVC) filter implantation, catheter-directed thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty for right iliac vein. And the patient recovered well; 3. A 55-year-old female patient came to our hospital with swelling and discomfort in the left lower extremity for 3 days. Computed tomography showed stenosis of the left common iliac vein with deep vein thrombosis. May-Thurner syndrome was diagnosed, balloon dilation and stent implantation were performed. During 3 years of follow-up, there was no swelling or new thrombosis in her lower limbs.

Conclusion
When encountering unexplained deep vein thrombosis, iliac vein compression syndrome should be considered and treated in time to prevent the recurrence of thrombosis. Catheter-directed thrombolysis can relieve symptoms and stenting placement is the optimal way to relieve stenosis, supplemented by long-term anticoagulation therapy and graduated compression stockings.
Exploring women’s childbirth experiences and perceptions of delivery care in peri-urban settings in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Oluoch-Aridi Jackline , Afulani Patience. A. , Guzman Danice. B. , Makanga Cindy , Miller-Graff Laura 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundKenya continues to have a high maternal mortality rate that is showing slow progress in improving. Peri-urban settings in Kenya have been reported to exhibit higher rates of maternal death during labor and childbirth as compared to the general Kenyan population. Although research indicates that women in Kenya have increased access to facility-based birth in recent years, a small percentage still give birth outside of the health facility due to access challenges and poor maternal health service quality. Most studies assessing facility-based births have focused on the sociodemographic determinants of birthing location. Few studies have assessed women’s user experiences and perceptions of quality of care during childbirth. Understanding women’s experiences can provide different stakeholders with strategies to structure the provision of maternity care to be person-centered and to contribute to improvements in women’s satisfaction with health services and maternal health outcomes.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted, whereby 70 women from the peri-urban area of Embakasi in the East side of Nairobi City in Kenya were interviewed. Respondents were aged 18 to 49 years and had delivered in a health facility in the preceding six weeks. We conducted in-depth interviews with women who gave birth at both public and private health facilities. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated for analysis. Braune and Clarke’s guidelines for thematic analysis were used to generate themes from the interview data.ResultsFour main themes emerged from the analysis. Women had positive experiences when care was person-centered—i.e. responsive, dignified, supportive, and with respectful communication. They had negative experiences when they were mistreated, which was manifested as non-responsive care (including poor reception and long wait times), non-dignified care (including verbal and physical abuse lack of privacy and confidentiality), lack of respectful communication, and lack of supportive care (including being denied companions, neglect and abandonment, and poor facility environment).ConclusionTo sustain the gains in increased access to facility-based births, there is a need to improve person-centered care to ensure women have positive facility-based childbirth experiences.
An examination of the barriers to and benefits from collaborative couple contraceptive use in Rwanda
Authors: Schwandt Hilary , Boulware Angel , Corey Julia , Herrera Ana , Hudler Ethan , Imbabazi Claudette , King Ilia , Linus Jessica , Manzi Innocent , Merritt Madelyn , Mezier Lyn , Miller Abigail , Morris Haley , Musemakweli Dieudonne , Musekura Uwase , Mutuyimana Divine , Ntakarutimana Chimene , Patel Nirali , Scanteianu Adriana , Shemeza Biganette-Evidente , Stapleton Madi , Sterling-Donaldson Gi’anna , Umutoni Chantal , Uwera Lyse , Zeiler Madeleine , Feinberg Seth 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Supportive male involvement is strongly correlated with contraceptive use. In Rwanda, where the contraceptive prevalence rate among married women increased from 17 to 52% from 2005 to 2010, and stagnated at 53% in 2015, understanding the role of male partners in collaborative couple contraceptive use can help inform programs designed to further increase the use of contraception in Rwanda.

Methods
This study utilized qualitative methods in 2018, specifically 32 in-depth interviewers with mostly current users of modern contraceptive methods and eight focus group discussions with family planning providers—both family planning nurses and community health workers (CHWs). Respondents were from Musanze and Nyamasheke Districts, the districts with the highest and lowest modern contraceptive use, respectively, to explore the role of couple collaboration in family planning use in Rwanda. Data were analyzed using the thematic content approach in Atlas.ti (8).

Results
Findings demonstrate that some men are opposed to use of male methods of contraception, and some are opposed to any contraceptive use, which can lead to covert use. Women and providers prefer collaborative couple contraceptive use—as a result, providers advocate for and encourage male partner participation in contraceptive use. Women are most often burdened with seeking out information, initiating discussions, and sharing information discovered about contraceptive use with partners. Decision-making about contraceptive use, once discussed, can be collaborative and motivated by financial considerations. When couple contraceptive use is collaborative, benefits range from marital harmony to husband’s support of sustained use through reminders about appointments, joint counseling, and support in managing side effects.

Conclusion
Family planning providers at the community and clinic levels encourage collaborative contraceptive use among couples and some Rwandan couples communicate well about family planning use. Despite the positives, women are expected to source family planning information, share that information with their male partners, seek out family planning services, and use family planning. If more Rwandan male partners accepted use, used male methods of contraception, and participated even more in the work it takes to use family planning, the potential for sustained, and even enhanced, contraceptive use in Rwanda could be realized.
Kawasaki disease recurrence in the COVID-19 era: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Medaglia Alice Annalisa , Siracusa Lucia , Gioè Claudia , Giordano Salvatore , Cascio Antonio , Colomba Claudia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractKawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis of unknown origin of small and medium caliber blood vessels, especially involving coronary arteries and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood in developed countries. Although rarely, it can recur: most recurrences occur within 2 years of the initial episode. No data are available on incidence of recurrent KD in Europe and multiple recurrences are rarely seen. We reviewed the medical literature on Kawasaki disease recurrence and reported a new case of Kawasaki disease recurrence in a child with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We believe that in our case SARS Cov2 acted as a trigger capable to determine, in a genetically susceptible individual, a second recurrence of the disease. In the Covid-19 era we affirm the importance for Kawasaki disease to be tested for SARS Cov2 infection.
Comparison of host endothelial, epithelial and inflammatory response in ICU patients with and without COVID-19: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Bhatraju Pavan K. , Morrell Eric D. , Zelnick Leila , Sathe Neha A. , Chai Xin-Ya , Sakr Sana S. , Sahi Sharon K. , Sader Anthony , Lum Dawn M. , Liu Ted , Koetje Neall , Garay Ashley , Barnes Elizabeth , Lawson Jonathan , Cromer Gail , Bray Mary K. , Pipavath Sudhakar , Kestenbaum Bryan R. , Liles W. Conrad , Fink Susan L. , West T. Eoin , Evans Laura , Mikacenic Carmen , Wurfel Mark M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Analyses of blood biomarkers involved in the host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection can reveal distinct biological pathways and inform development and testing of therapeutics for COVID-19. Our objective was to evaluate host endothelial, epithelial and inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19.

Methods
We prospectively enrolled 171 ICU patients, including 78 (46%) patients positive and 93 (54%) negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection from April to September, 2020. We compared 22 plasma biomarkers in blood collected within 24 h and 3 days after ICU admission.

Results
In critically ill COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, the most common ICU admission diagnoses were respiratory failure or pneumonia, followed by sepsis and other diagnoses. Similar proportions of patients in both groups received invasive mechanical ventilation at the time of study enrollment. COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients had similar rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe acute kidney injury, and in-hospital mortality. While concentrations of interleukin 6 and 8 were not different between groups, markers of epithelial cell injury (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products, sRAGE) and acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A, SAA) were significantly higher in COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19, adjusting for demographics and APACHE III scores. In contrast, angiopoietin 2:1 (Ang-2:1 ratio) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR-1), markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, were significantly lower in COVID-19 (p < 0.002). Ang-2:1 ratio and SAA were associated with mortality only in non-COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions
These studies demonstrate that, unlike other well-studied causes of critical illness, endothelial dysfunction may not be characteristic of severe COVID-19 early after ICU admission. Pathways resulting in elaboration of acute phase proteins and inducing epithelial cell injury may be promising targets for therapeutics in COVID-19.
A virtual reality-based intervention for surgical patients: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Georgescu Raluca Diana , Dobrean Anca , Silaghi Cristina Alina , Silaghi Horatiu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Pain after surgery is normal, and treatments, including both pharmacological and psychological components, are fundamental for proper postoperative care. While several trials have investigated the analgesic effect of traditional non-pharmacological treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapies, the newer ways of delivering psychological interventions for pain after surgery are scarcely investigated. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine if delivering the psychological content through virtual reality (VR) along with the standard pharmacological treatment return better pain relief outcomes than standard care in adult patients following surgery.

Methods
This is a protocol of a parallel RCT conducted in one community hospital. In order to test the efficacy of VR environments for reducing pain intensity, in the following day after surgery, adults (18 to 65 years) will be randomly assigned to either (1) standard treatment after surgery (control group) or (2) VR based intervention along with standard treatment. It is intended that a minimum of 30 patients be recruited in each group. For estimating the intensity of pain, both self-report and physiological measures will be used. Repeated measures of pain outcomes will be taken before and after the intervention. Moreover, for allowing an in-depth investigation of the effect of VR environments, the primary outcome will be complemented with measures of the adverse effects, level of immersion, and level of presence in the VR environment.
Molecular mechanism underlying the effect of maleic hydrazide treatment on starch accumulation in S. polyrrhiza 7498 fronds
Authors: Zhu Yerong , Li Xiaoxue , Gao Xuan , Sun Jiqi , Ji Xiaoyuan , Feng Guodong , Shen Guangshuang , Xiang Beibei , Wang Yong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Duckweed is considered a promising feedstock for bioethanol production due to its high biomass and starch production. The starch content can be promoted by plant growth regulators after the vegetative reproduction being inhibited. Maleic hydrazide (MH) has been reported to inhibit plant growth, meantime to increase biomass and starch content in some plants. However, the molecular explanation on the mechanism of MH action is still unclear.

Results
To know the effect and action mode of MH on the growth and starch accumulation in Spirodela polyrrhiza 7498, the plants were treated with different concentrations of MH. Our results showed a substantial inhibition of the growth in both fronds and roots, and increase in starch contents of plants after MH treatment. And with 75 µg/mL MH treatment and on the 8th day of the experiment, starch content was the highest, about 40 mg/g fresh weight, which is about 20-fold higher than the control. The I2-KI staining and TEM results confirmed that 75 µg/mL MH-treated fronds possessed more starch and big starch granules than that of the control. No significant difference for both in the photosynthetic pigment content and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of PII was found. Differentially expressed transcripts were analyzed in S. polyrrhiza 7498 after 75 µg/mL MH treatment. The results showed that the expression of some genes related to auxin response reaction was down-regulated; while, expression of some genes involved in carbon fixation, C4 pathway of photosynthesis, starch biosynthesis and ABA signal transduction pathway was up-regulated.

Conclusion
The results provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of growth inhibition and starch accumulation by MH treatment, and provide a selective way for the improvement of starch production in duckweed.
Differential expression of starch and sucrose metabolic genes linked to varying biomass yield in Miscanthus hybrids
Authors: De Vega Jose J. , Peel Ned , Purdy Sarah J. , Hawkins Sarah , Donnison Lain , Dyer Sarah , Farrar Kerrie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Miscanthus is a commercial lignocellulosic biomass crop owing to its high biomass productivity and low chemical input requirements. Within an interspecific Miscanthus cross, progeny with high biomass yield were shown to have low concentrations of starch and sucrose but high concentrations of fructose. We performed a transcriptional RNA-seq analysis between selected Miscanthus hybrids with contrasting values for these phenotypes to clarify how these phenotypes are genetically controlled.

Results
We observed that genes directly involved in the synthesis and degradation of starch and sucrose were down-regulated in high-yielding Miscanthus hybrids. At the same time, glycolysis and export of triose phosphates were up-regulated in high-yielding Miscanthus hybrids. These differentially expressed genes and biological functions were regulated by a well-connected network of less than 25 co-regulated transcription factors.

Conclusions
Our results evidence a direct relationship between high expression of essential enzymatic genes in the starch and sucrose pathways and co-expression with their transcriptional regulators, with high starch concentrations and lower biomass production. The strong interconnectivity between gene expression and regulators, chemotype and agronomic traits opens the door to use the expression of well-characterised genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, particularly in the starch and sucrose pathway, for the early selection of high biomass-yielding genotypes from large Miscanthus populations.
Estimates of the population size and dispersal range of Anopheles arabiensis in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: implications for a planned pilot programme to release sterile male mosquitoes
Authors: Kaiser Maria L. , Wood Oliver R. , Damiens David , Brooke Basil D. , Koekemoer Lizette L. , Munhenga Givemore 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnopheles arabiensisis a major malaria vector, recently implicated as contributing to ongoing residual malaria transmission in South Africa, which feeds and rests both indoors and outdoors. This species is, therefore, not effectively targeted using core malaria vector control interventions alone. Additionally, increasing resistance to available insecticides necessitates investigations into complementary non-insecticide-based vector control methods for outdoor-resting mosquitoes. The feasibility of the sterile insect technique (SIT) as a complementary vector control intervention is being investigated in South Africa. Successful implementation of an SIT programme largely depends on inundating a target insect population with sterilized laboratory-bred males. Therefore, knowledge of the native population size and dispersal ability of released sterile laboratory-reared males is critical. In this study, we estimated the maleAn. arabiensispopulation size and the dispersal of released males in an area targeted for a pilot sterile male release programme.MethodsThree separate releases were performed within a 2-year period. Approximately 5000–15,000 laboratory-reared maleAn. arabiensis(KWAG) were produced and marked for mark–release–recapture experiments. To recapture released mosquitoes, cloth tubes were deployed in widening concentric circles. The average dispersal distance of released males was calculated and the wild maleAn. arabiensispopulation size was estimated using two Lincoln index formulae. The natural population was sampled concurrently andAnophelesspecies diversity examined.ResultsTheAnopheles gambiaecomplex andAn. funestusgroup species made up the majority of wild collections along with other anophelines. TheAn. arabiensispopulation size was estimated to be between 550 and 9500 males per hectare depending on time of year, weather conditions and method used. Average dispersal distance of marked males ranged from 58 to 86 m. Marked males were found in swarms with wild males, indicating that laboratory-reared males are able to locate and participate in mating swarms.ConclusionsIt was logistically feasible to conduct mark–release–recapture studies at the current scale. The population size estimates obtained may provide a guideline for the initial number of males to use for a pending SIT pilot trial. It is promising for future SIT trials that laboratory-reared marked males participated in natural swarms, appearing at the right place at the right time.Graphical Abstract
Rickettsiae in red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and their ticks in northwestern China
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhao Shanshan , Tan Wenbo , Hornok Sándor , Yuan Wumei , Mi Ligu , Wang Suwen , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yanyan , Hazihan Wurelihazi , Gu Xinli , Wang Yuanzhi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, twelveRickettsiaspecies were identified in ticks, fleas, sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus), bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and a tick-bitten patient in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in northwestern China. Here we aimed to molecularly detect rickettsial agents in red fox (Vulpes vulpes), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) and their ticks.MethodsDuring 2018–2019, 12 red foxes, one marbled polecat and their ticks were sampled in two counties and a city of the XUAR. The heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney of these 13 carnivores were dissected, followed by DNA extraction. Hard ticks were identified both morphologically and molecularly. All samples were examined for the presence of rickettsiae by amplifying four genetic markers (17-kDa, gltA, ompA, sca1).ResultsA total of 26 adult ticks and 28 nymphs (38Ixodes canisuga, nineIxodes kaiseri, sixHaemaphysalis erinaceiand oneDermacentor marginatus) were collected from red foxes, and fourHa. erinaceiticks were removed from the marbled polecat. Analysis of cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences indicated that 2–32 nucleotides differed betweenI. canisuga,I. kaiseriandHa. erinaceifrom northwestern China and Europe.Rickettsia raoultiiwas detected in three red foxes,CandidatusRickettsia barbariae in a red fox,Rickettsia sibiricain a red fox and a marbled polecat, andR. raoultiiin two tick species (I. canisugaandD.marginatus).ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge,I. canisugaandI. kaiserihave not been previously reported from red foxes in China. The DNA ofR. sibiricaandR. raoultiiwas detected for the first time in the organs of red foxes, andR. sibiricain the organs of a marbled polecat. This is also the first molecular evidence for the presence ofR. raoultiiinI. canisuga. Our findings expand the range of tick-borne pathogens in wildlife species and associated ticks in China.Graphical Abstract