bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve Injury Alters Restraint-induced Activation of the Basolateral Amygdala in Male Rats
Authors: Kang James , Mor David , Keay Kevin A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The amygdala is critical for the production of appropriate responses towards emotional or stressful stimuli. It has a characteristic neuronal activation pattern to acute stressors. Chronic pain and acute stress have each been shown to independently modulate the activity of the amygdala. Few studies have investigated the effect of pain or injury, on amygdala activation to acute stress. This study investigated the effects of a neuropathic injury on the activation response of the amygdala to an acute restraint stress. Chronic constriction injury of the right sciatic nerve (CCI) was used to create neuropathic injury and a single brief 15-minute acute restraint was used as an emotional/psychological stressor. All rats received cholera toxin B (CTB) retrograde tracer injections into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to assess if the amygdala to mPFC pathway was specifically regulated by the combination of neuropathic injury and acute stress. To assess differential patterns of activity in amygdala subregions, cFos expression was used as a marker for “acute”, restraint triggered neuronal activation, and FosB/DFosB expression was used to reveal prolonged neuronal activation / sensitisation triggered by CCI. Restraint resulted in a characteristic increase in cFos expression in the medial amygdala, which was not altered by CCI. Rats with a CCI showed increased cFos expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), in response to an acute restraint stress, but not in neurons projecting to the prefrontal cortex. Further, CCI rats showed an increase in FosB/ΔFosB expression which was exclusive to the BLA. This increase likely reflects sensitisation of the BLA as a consequence of nerve injury which may contribute to heightened sensitivity of BLA neurons to acute emotional/ psychological stressors.
Nutritional Stimulation by In-ovo Feeding Modulates Cellular Proliferation and Differentiation in the Small Intestinal Epithelium of Chicks
Authors: Reicher Naama , Melkman-Zehavi Tal , Dayan Jonathan , Wong Eric A. , Uni Zehava 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNutritional stimulation of the small intestine (SI) of chick embryos can be conducted by enriching the amniotic fluid with nutrients via the in-ovo feeding (IOF) methodology. The impact of IOF of specific nutrients on cellular proliferation and differentiation within the multipotent (MP) and differentiated cell niches of the developing SI have not yet been characterized. In the study, we examined the effects of IOF of 1% glutamine (IOF-Gln), 1% leucine (IOF-Leu) and 0.4% NaCl (IOF-NaCl), compared to non-injected controls, on the proportions and localizations of MP, progenitor and differentiated cells within the SI epithelium of peri-hatch chicks. MP, progenitor and differentiated cells were located and quantified in jejunum sections of all treatment groups at E17 and at E19, and post-hatch at days 0, 1, 3 and 7, by immunofluorescence of Sox9 and PCNA, in-situ hybridization of Lgr5 and PepT1 and histochemical goblet cell staining.ResultsAt E19, 48 h post IOF, the effects of IOF treatments, in comparison to Control embryos, were as follows: total cell counts increased by 40%, 33% and 19%, and MP cell counts increased by 52%, 50% and 38%, in IOF-Gln, IOF-Leu and IOF-NaCl embryos, respectively. Only IOF-Gln embryos exhibited a significant, 36% increase in progenitor cell counts. Lgr5+ stem cell localizations shifted to villus bottoms in IOF-treated embryos. The differentiated, PepT1+ region of the villi was 1.9 and 1.3-fold longer in IOF-Gln and IOF-Leu embryos, respectively, while goblet cell densities decreased by 20% in IOF-Gln embryos. Between hatch and D7, crypt and villi epithelial cell counts were significantly higher IOF-Gln chicks, compared to Control chicks (P<0.05).ConclusionsIOF promotes pre-hatch SI maturation through increased proportions and enhanced compartmentalization of the MP and differentiated cell niches. IOF of glutamine stimulates SI maturation to a greater extent than leucine and NaCl, and elicits further expansions of the crypt and villus epithelium during the first week post-hatch. These findings shed light on the link between primary nutritional stimulation and cellular maturation within the SI epithelium.
Immunity Improvement and Gut Microbiota Remodeling of Mice by Wheat Germ Globulin
Authors: Yu Guanghai , Ji Xiaoguo , Huang Jihong , Liao Aimei , Long Pan , Hou Yinchen , Hui Ming , Guo Weiyun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The wheat germ protein (WG) and it’s proteolytic peptide have a variety of biological activities. Our previous work showed that WG could improve immunity of the immunosuppressive mice established by cyclophosphamide. However, in the healthy condition and normal diet, as a supplementary food, the effects of immunity improvement and gut microbiota remodeling by the wheat germ globulin has not been studied yet. Here, we reported that WG could improve the immunity and remodel the gut microbiota of the mice, as a safe functional supplementary food for the first time. The increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the decrease of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) indicated that WG could enhance the levels of activated T cells and monocytes and anti-inflammatory ability, meanwhile, the significant increase of immunoglobin G (lgG) and the notable decrease of the immunoglobin M (lgM) and immunoglobin A (lgA) illustrated that WG could improve immunity by promoting the differentiation and maturation process of B cells, compared with the NC group. 16S rRNA sequencing showed WG could remodel the gut microbiota. At the phylum level, the Bacteroidetes were reduced and Firmicutes were increased in WG group, compared with NC group. At the genus level, the SCFA producing genera of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Blautia and especially the Roseburia (increased more than threefold) increased notably. Further, the level changes of cytokines and immunoglobulins were associated with the gut microbiota. This work showed that WG could improve immunity and has potential application value as an immune-enhancing functional food.
An open-source surface barrier discharge plasma pretreatment for reduced cracking of outdoor wood coatings
Authors: Dahle Sebastian , Pilko Megi , Žigon Jure , Zaplotnik Rok , Petrič Marko , Pavlič Matjaž 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The development of a simple surface barrier discharge plasma device is presented to enable more widespread access to and utilization of plasma technology. The application of the plasma device was demonstrated for pretreatment of wood prior to application of protective coatings for outdoor usage. The coatings' overall performance was increased, showing a reduction or absence of cracking due to weathering on plasma-pretreated specimens. Moreover, after ten months of outdoor weathering, the plasma-pretreated specimens showed fewer infections with biotic factors and improved adhesion performance in cross-cut tests, while the surface gloss performed independently from plasma pretreatment. In contrast to that, plasma-pretreated specimens were slightly more prone to discoloration due to outdoor weathering, whereas the plasma pretreatment did not impact the initial color after coating application.
The Potential use of Bacterial Diversity Analysis of Soft Rotted Potato Tubers and Their Geocaulospheres
Authors: Marković Sanja , Popović Tatjana , Berić Tanja , Dimkić Ivica , Jelušić Aleksandra , Iličić Renata , Stanković Slaviša 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The soft rot caused by Pectobacterium and Dickeya spp. is among the most important potato disease, responsible for outbreaks worldwide. In 2018, potato tubers (cultivar Lady Claire) with and without visible soft rot symptom, together with their geocaulospheres were sampled from the field in Bačka region (Serbia). The 16S rRNA Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of tubers with and without soft rot symptom and their corresponding soils was performed to detect differences in microbial diversity and, using this data to predict causal agent(s) of disease and which samples are potentially best for isolating biocontrol strains. The ubiquitous soil bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were dominant in all samples. The sequences identified as Pectobacterium aroidearum, P. carotovorum, and P. polaris were present in all tested samples and it can be hypothesized that they caused soft rot. The K3 sample showed the presence of genera with potential antimicrobial activity (Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, Chryseobacterium, Bacillus, and Exiguobacterium). This result shows that diversity analysis could be used for checking for the presence of potential antagonistic bacteria at infected sites. Also, following the presence or absence of particular taxa could point out a capacity of soil to endure a growth season without an outbreak of soft or to maintain it without significant losses. This is a new approach to interpreting the results of the diversity of bacterial communities of tubers and can be useful for screening the health status of the soil.
Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Fungal Infection and Lung Cancer via 18F-FDG PET/CT: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Feng Xin , Deng Chunmei , Li Xiaofeng , Qiu Ye , Deng Jiehua , Huang Shengcai , Zhang Jianquan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: There is limited evidence regarding the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) characteristics of lung fungal (LF) infections with nodules or masses, which are often misdiagnosed as lung cancer (LC) with indications for surgery. We aimed to investigate the PET/CT findings of LF infections with nodules in comparison to those of LC and clarify the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the differential diagnosis of LF infections.Methods: We enrolled 21 patients who presented with pulmonary nodules or masses on CT, were diagnosed with LF infections, and underwent PET/CT as the LF group and randomly selected 42 patients with LC diagnosed by pathology as the LC group. Clinical and PET/CT imaging data were statistically analyzed.Results: LC was the most common misdiagnosed disease in the LF group (52.38%). There were no significant differences in lung imaging features between the two groups. The levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, and IgG and the positive rates for fungal antigen test in the LF group were significantly higher than those in the LC group (P<0.05). Lung masses larger than 3 cm were more common in the LC group (P<0.05). Overall, 80.95% (17/21) of patients in the LF group showed increased 18F-FDG uptake. There were no significant between-group differences in the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax, 8.20 [2.70, 12.95] vs. 8.80 [7.00, 12.38]). In the LF group, eight, five, and eight patients had cryptococcal, Aspergillus, and Talaromyces marneffei infections, respectively, with no significant difference in SUVmax among them (5.10 [1.70, 14.40] vs. 8.20 [1.50, 8.20] vs. 8.50 [5.10, 11.30]). Conclusions: Both LF infection and LC can present with increased 18F-FDG uptake on PET/CT. Thus, it is difficult to distinguish between them according to lung PET/CT and CT manifestations. Patients presenting with pulmonary masses should also be suspected to have fungal infection, even those with an increased SUVmax and simultaneous lymph node and bone involvement; particular attention is needed for patients with abnormal inflammation indexes and fungal antigen test. We should be emphasized preoperative pathological examination and fungal etiology.
Assessment of Ground Water Quality for Drinking Purpose in Algezira Islanj and Huraizab Area, Omdurman, Sudan
Authors: Shumo Muna I. , Isa Gamereldawla O. E. , Saeed Osama A. , Abdalnabe Ahmed M. , Khider Tarig Osman 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective This work was carried to study the suitability of ground water taken from Algezira Islanj and Huraizab areas, north Omdurman, Sudan for drinking compared with parameters and standards of World Health Organization. Omdurman is situated at the junction of the Blue and the White Nile.Results Six samples were taken from the groundwater in north of Omdurman mainly ( Algezira Islanj and Huraizab areas). The samples were subjected to physical and chemical examinations. The main investigated parameters were, total dissolved solid, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, total hardness and heavy metals. The turbidity level from Algezira Islanj was in range of (7.10 - 21.40) which was higher than the acceptable level for drinking water stated by World Health Organization (WHO), and Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) specifications. The levels of alkalinity, total dissolved solids and hardness in all samples were in the range. Ammonia content from Huraizab samples were higher than the maximum value (1.5mg/L). The study showed that the concentrations of iron, arsenic, nickel, and lead for groundwater in the study area were higher than the permitted limits suggested by World Health Organization and Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization specifications.
Hepatitis B-related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Induced by Hepatotropic Viral insult is Associated with Worse Prognosis Than that Induced by Non-Virus Insult
Authors: Liang Jing , Liu Lei , Cao Yingying , Zhang Qian , Liu Fang , Yu Chen , Liu Hua , Duan Zhongping , Xu Manman , Xin Shaojie , You Shaoli , Song Fangjiao , Li Jun , Han Tao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: The manifestations and prognoses of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) with different precipitating events remain heterogeneous. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatotropic viral insult (HVI)-induced hepatitis B-related ACLF (HBV-ACLF). Methods: 452 patients with confirmed diagnosis of ACLF were screened in three medical centers in China, and 203 HBV-ACLF patients with definite acute precipitating events were retrospectively analyzed. According to the precipitating events, HBV-ACLF patients induced by HBV reactivation and super-infection with HAV were classified as the hepatotropic viral insult group and those induced by other factors, as the non-virus insult (NVI) group. The clinical characteristics, predictive scoring model, and prognosis of the two groups were compared. Results: Hepatitis B virus reactivation accounted for the largest proportion (39.9%) among all precipitating events. Exacerbation time frame of the HVI group was significantly longer than that of the NVI group (20 days vs. 10 days, P<0.001). Comparison of intergroup prognosis showed that there was no significant difference in the 28-day mortality (20.9% vs. 13.7%, P=0.125), while the 90-day and 1-year mortality in the HVI group were higher than those in the NVI group (36.3% vs. 24.4%, P=0.014; 39.5% vs. 27.5%, P=0.020, respectively). In the HVI group, the lactic acid-free APASL-ACLF Research Consortium(AARC) had the highest predictive value for 90-day mortality (0.741). Conclusions: The 90-day and 1-year survival rate was lower in HBV-ACLF patients induced by HVI than by NVI. The lactate-free AARC score was a better predictor of short- and long-term prognosis in patients with HVI-induced HBV-ACLF.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900021539 . Registered 26 February 2019 Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=36342
Management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in Black women: a systematic review
Authors: John Jeeva , Curry Gwenetta 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Black women are four times more likely to die than White women due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth in the U.K. This cohort are also more prone to Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (HDP). Outside of pregnancy, there are race based differences in the management of hypertension as Calcium-Channel Blockers (CCB) 9 are more effective in reducing blood pressure in Black patients. It is unclear whether these differences in anti-hypertensive management extend to the management of hypertension in pregnancy. The primary objective was to address this gap in evidence by undertaking a systematic review of all randomised control trials investigating pharmacological management of HDP to assess whether CCBs are the most effective anti-hypertensive agent in Black pregnant women.
Methods: The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase. We used MeSH and free text terms in conjunction to increase sensitivity to potentially relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included: (1) study involved treatment of HDP; (2) study was of a randomised control trial design; (3) one of the treatment arms involved CCBs and (4) English full-text. Information regarding baseline participant data, type of anti-hypertensive, and clinical outcomes was extracted from each study.
Results: This review highlighted four randomised control trials, which published race or ethnicity demographics, with only one trial that stratified HDP outcomes by ethnicity.
Conclusions: There is a lack of evidence to draw definite conclusions as to whether CCBs are the most effective anti-hypertensive agent for Black patients with HDP, highlighting the need for further research in this area. However, this review demonstrates some evidence to support the hypothesis that CCBs could be more effective in the management of HDP in Black patients and that Labetalol, which is the current first-line management of HDP, may not represent the gold standard of treatment in this cohort.
The Effectiveness of Hearing Protection Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kwak Chanbeom , Han Woojae 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background: To prevent intensive noise exposure in advance and be safely controlled during such exposure, hearing protection devices (HPDs) have widely been used for workers. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of these HPDs, partitioned into three different outcomes, such as sound attenuation, sound localization, and speech perception. Methods: For thus systematic review and meta-analysis, standardized mean differences (SMDs) and effect size were calculated using a random-effect model. Seven electronic journal databases were used to search published articles from 2000 to 2020. Based on inclusion criteria, 20 articles were chosen and then analyzed. Results: Overall, the HPD function performed significantly well for their users (SMDs: 0.457, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.034-0.881, p< 0.05). Specifically, a subgroup analysis showed a meaningful difference in sound attenuation (SMDs: 1.080, 95% CI: 0.167-1.993, p< 0.05) when to wear and not to wear HPDs, but indicated no significance between the groups for sound localization (SMDs: 0.177, 95% CI: 0.540-0.894, p = 0.628) and speech perception (SMDs: 0.366, 95% CI: -0.100 -1.086, p = 0.103). Conclusions: The HPDs work well for their originally designated purposes without interfering to find the location of the sound sources and for talking between workers. In a further study, various factors, such as characteristics of the users, selection of appropriate types, and fitting methods for wearing in different circumstances should be differenciated in terms of offering the most useful infomation to the workers.
Knowledge and Attitude on Prevention of Novel COVID-19 Among Community Health Workers in Nepal.
Authors: Shrestha Amul , Thapa Tek Bahadur , Giri Mahendra , Kumar Sanjiv , Dhobi Sakil , Thapa Harikali , Dhami Pawan Prakash , Shahi Arun , Ghimire Ajita 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
1. Background: Emerging and reemerging pathogens are global challenges for public health and the pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 is a reemerging case of an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corornavirus-2 . Health care worker worldwide are at higher risk worldwide and the situation is the same in Nepal. The knowledge and attitude of health workers will certainly mark the outcome towards this pandemic. So, this study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of community health workers towards the prevention of COVID-19 virus.2. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the community health workers of various provinces of Nepal. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was prepared in google form and circulated to the sampled health workers through various social media platforms like Facebook, messenger, Instagram, g-mails and messengers. Responses containing anonymized data was collected analyzed in using SPSS-version-20. The results were interpreted and was checked with various demographic and enabling factors using chi-square test and logistic regression model. Also, ethical approval was taken from NHRC (ERB protocol registration number: 360/2020P) prior to the conduction of study.3. Results: Out the total sample size of 450, we took 399 responses taking into consideration all the inclusion criteria. So, from 399 valid response, 230 (47.6%) were males and 169 (42.4%) were females. 380 (95.2%) employed participants thought that wearing PPE will reduce the chances of getting COVID-19, majority of the participants 80.5%(321) responded that COVID-19 will successfully be controlled and staffs receiving excellent support from palika had high knowledge level. Knowledge level was significantly associated with the enabling factor “support from palika” (P=0.045).4. Conclusions: Proper and adequate knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 is a paramount in the prevention and control of SARS-COV2 for everyone and especially the HCW’s who are the frontline workers. There is a need to orient more HCW’s regarding COVID-19, preventive measures. 45.9% of the respondents had no availability of COVID-19 response medical items for prevention of COVID-19 at their respective health facilities which is a serious issue which need to address very quickly to fight against the pandemic.
Low incidence of venous thrombosis but high incidence of arterial thrombotic complications among critically ill COVID-19 patients in Singapore
Authors: Tan Chuen Wen , Fan Bingwen Eugene , Teo Winnie Z.Y. , Tung Moon Ley , Shafi Humaira , Christopher Dheepa , Zheng Shuwei , Peh Wee Ming , Chan Stephrene Seok Wei , Chong Vanessa Cui Lian , Gallardo Christian Aledia , Chang Cheng Chieh Ray , Ling Li Min , Tan Jing Yuan , Lee Ken Cheah Hooi , Phua Ghee Chee , Cherng Benjamin Pei Zhi , Low Jenny Guek Hong , Ho Vui Kian , Prasad Vishnu , Wong Lester Jung Long , Lim Cheryl Xiu Qi , Chee Yen Lin , Ong Kiat Hoe , Lee Lai Heng , Ng Heng Joo , Yap Eng Soo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Arterial and venous thrombosis are reported to be common in critically ill COVID-19 patients.Method and Results: This is a national multicenter retrospective observational study involving all consecutive adult COVID-19 patients who required intensive care units (ICU) admission between 23 January 2020 and 30 April 2020 in Singapore. 111 patients were included and the venous and arterial thrombotic rates in ICU were 1.8% (n=2) and 9.9% (n=11), respectively. Major bleeding rate was 14.8% (n=16). Conclusions: Critically ill COVID-19 patients in Singapore have lower venous thromboembolism but higher arterial thrombosis rates and bleeding manifestations than other reported cohorts.