bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virulence factors and molecular characteristics of Shigella flexneri isolated from calves with diarrhea
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Wang Weiwei , Cao Mingze , Liu Guanhui , Zhou Xuzheng , Li Bing , Shi Yuxiang , Zhang Jiyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The natural hosts of Shigella are conventionally humans and other primates; however, the host range of Shigella has been shown to expand to many animals. Although Shigella is becoming a huge threat to animals, there is limited information on the genetic background of local strains. The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of virulence factors and the molecular characteristics of S. flexneri isolated from calves with diarrhea.
Results
Fifty-four S. flexneri isolates possessed four typical biochemical characteristics of Shigella. The prevalences of ipaH, virA, ipaBCD, ial, sen, set1A, set1B and stx were 100%, 100%, 77.78%, 79.63%, 48.15%, 48.15% and 0, respectively. MLVA based on 8 VNTR loci discriminated the isolates into 39 different MTs, PFGE based on NotI digestion divided the 54 isolates into 31 PTs, and MLST based on 15 housekeeping genes differentiated the isolates into 7 STs.
Conclusion
Our findings of this study have enriched our knowledge of the molecular characteristics of S. flexneri collected from diarrheal calves, which will be important for addressing clinical and epidemiological issues regarding Shigellosis.
Assessment of Mosquito Collection Methods for Dengue Surveillance
Authors: Garjito Triwibowo Ambar , Susanti Lulus , Mujiyono Mujiyono , Prihatin Mega Tyas , Susilo Dwi , Nugroho Sidiq Setyo , Mujiyanto Mujiyanto , Wigati Raden Ajeng , Satoto Tri Baskoro Tunggul , Manguin Sylvie , Gavotte Laurent , Frutos Roger 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSeveral methods exist to collect and assess the abundance of dengue vector mosquitoes, i.e. morning adult collection using an aspirator, pupal collection, various ovitraps, whole night collection using human landing methods, and larval collection. This diversity of methods might be a source of variability and lack of statistical significance when trying to correlate mosquito density and risk of dengue outbreak. There is also a lack of published data regarding the effectiveness of these methods MethodsA mosquito survey was conducted in 39 locations corresponding to 15 dengue endemic provinces in Indonesia. The larval surveys were performed by collecting at least a single Aedes larva from each container, and then reared up until hatching. Three adult mosquito sampling methods were also used, including morning resting collection, human landing collection, animal baited trap. All field samples were tested for dengue. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the collection methods against mosquito species and dengue incidence.ResultsA total of 44,675 mosquitoes were collected. The single larva method was the most efficient method. Out of a total of 89 dengue-positive pools, the most frequently encountered virus was DENV2, which made up half of the positive samples, followed by DENV3 and DENV1, respectively. FAMD showed that no correlation could be found between any methods and the presence of dengue virus in mosquitoes. Moreover, no correlation could be found between either any methods or the incidence.Conclusions﻿There was no concistency in the efficacy of a given method and the incidence of dengue in the human population. There was no correlation between any of the parameters considered, i.e. method, incidence of dengue, location and presence of dengue virus in mosquitoes. This indicates that entomological factors are not reliable indicators.
Basics of developing a COVID-19 reopening roadmap, a systematic scoping review of reopening roadmaps
Authors: Askarian Mehrdad , Groot Gary , Taherifard Ehsan , Taherifard Erfan , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Borazjani Roham , Askarian Ardalan , Taghrir Mohammad Hossein 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The necessity of easing pandemic restrictions is explicit. Due to the harsh consequences of lockdowns, governments are willing to find reasonable pathways to reopen their activities. Methods: To find out the basics of developing a reopening roadmap, on 6th-10th August 2020, we conducted a systematic search on Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, but no roadmap was found. Then, we manually searched Google to review the grey literature. Two independent authors extracted the data, and the senior author solved the discrepancies.Results: According to the search strategy, finally, sixteen roadmaps were included. Data categorized into four sections: principals, general recommendations for individuals, health key metrics, and in-phases strategy. The number of phases or stages differed from three to six, with a minimum of two weeks considered for each one. Health key metrics were categorized into four subsets: sufficient preventive capacities, appropriate diagnosis capacity, appropriate epidemiological monitoring capacity, and sufficient health system capacity. These metrics were used as the criteria for progressing or returning over the roadmap, which guarantees a roadmap's dynamicity. Noticeably, few roadmaps didn’t mention these criteria that may alter the dynamicity of their roadmap. When some areas face new surges, the roadmap's dynamicity is essential, and it is vital to describe the criteria to stop the reopening process and implement the restrictions again. Conclusions: Providing evidence for policymaking about lifting the COVID-19 restrictions seems to be missed in the literature, should be addressed more, and further studies are recommended.
The Motor Neuron Disease Mouse Model hSOD1-G93A Presents a Non-canonical Profile of Senescence Biomarkers in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Torres Pascual , Anerillas Carlos , Encinas Mario , Povedano Monica , Andrés-Benito Pol , Ferrer Isidro , Ayala Victòria , Pamplona Reinald , Portero-Otin Manuel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recent evidence demonstrates a pathological role for senescent cells in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The present study aimed to show senescence mechanisms including senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in the familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) transgenic mouse model hSOD1-G93A. We evaluated, as senescence biomarkers, the expression of p16 and p21 with reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), as well as the senescence-associated β galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity in the lumbar spinal cords (LSC) of this model. As SASP markers, we quantified the mRNA levels of Il1a, Il6, Ifna, and Ifnb. Furthermore, we explored if an alteration of alternative splicing is associated with senescence phenomena in this model. Thus, we quantified the Adipor2 cryptic exon inclusion levels, a specific splicing variant repressed by TAR-DNA binding of 43 kDa (TDP-43), using RT-qPCR. Our results show an atypical senescence-profile in LSC from transgenic mice, increasing p16 and p21 mRNA and protein levels in glial cells with a mostly cytoplasmic pattern, without the canonical increase in SA-beta-gal activity in these cells. Consistent with enhanced SASP, there is an increase in Il1a and Il6 expression. Also, TDP-43 splicing activity is compromised in this ALS model, in a direct relationship with the increase in p16 expression. However, senolytic drug Navitoclax -with reported benefits in Alzheimer and Parkinson disease mouse models - does not alter the present model’s disease progression. Navitoclax neither eliminates cells expressing senescence and nor represses the expression of SASP related genes. Globally, our findings support the existence of a non-canonical profile of senescence biomarkers in the LSC of the ALS model hSOD1-G93A.
Comparison of Microbiological Water Quality and Chlorine Level Between Adult Public Swimming Pool and Baby Public Swimming Pool in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Authors: Zamzami Shahida Abd. , Rosli Muhammad Naim Bin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Swimming becomes one of the favourite sports in Malaysian due to the health benefits, for essential skills. ). The public swimming pool not only from an adult but there are created as well for children, so most of the public swimming pool also provided a baby swimming pool. Objective: The purpose of this research to compare the microbiological water quality and chlorine level between the adult public swimming pool and baby public swimming pool in Klang Valley. Methodology: 21 water sample from public swimming pools include hotel, apartment and public swimming pool in Lembah Klang, Malaysia was collected. The water samples collected in sterile bottles (30 ml). Physicochemical parameters determine by using standard instruments and methods (rainbow model 78), and the presence of the colony was using a heterotrophic plate count (HPC). Result: From heterotrophic plate count result shown out of 21 swimming pool for adult and 21 swimming pool for baby, 19.1% did not follow the World Health Organization (WHO), HPC. The microbiological quality (mean colony count) between baby and adult pool, there were slight differences of at 0.24%. The baby pool shows the higher value at of colony count at 111±197.334 compared with adult pool at 87.095±149.543. The independent t-test showed there is no significant between these groups with a p-value for at 0.65 (>0.05). For chlorine level, baby pool showed 47.6% swimming pools follow standard chlorine level and for an adult pool, 42.9 %. Comparing between two groups, baby pools show higher value with of chlorine at 1.581 ± 1.369 while adult pool at 1.414±1.293. The p-value for both as analyzed by independent t-test shows 0.694 (>0.05), which is not significant. Conclusion: The study recommends improvement in personal hygiene of swimmers, adequate disinfection of the pools and enforcement of standards by the government.
Global effect of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep among 3- to 5-year-old children: a longitudinal study of 14 countries
Authors: Okely Anthony , Kariippanon Katharina , Guan Hongyan , Taylor Ellie , Suesse Thomas , Cross Penny , Chong Kar Hau , Suherman Adang , Turab Ali , Staiano Amanda , Ha Amy , Hamdouchi Asmaa El , Baig Aqsa , Poh Bee Koon , Cruz Borja Del Pozo , Chan Cecilia , Nyström Christine , Koh Denise , Webster E. Kipling , Lubree Himangi , Baddou Issad , Pozo-Cruz Jesus del , Wong Jyh Eiin , Sultoni Kuston , Nacher Maria , Löf Marie , Cui Mingming , Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Chathurangana P. W. Prasad , Kand Uddhavi , Wickramasinghe V. Pujitha , Calleia Rebecca , Ferdous Shameema , Kim Thanh Van , Wang Xiaojuan , Draper Catherine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented restrictions on children’s ability to participate in adequate movement behaviours. This international longitudinal study compared young children’s physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep behaviours before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Parents of children aged 3-5 years, from 14 countries (8 low- and middle-income countries, LMICs) completed surveys to assess changes in physical activity, sedentary behaviour (screen-time) and sleep and how these changes were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveys were completed in the 12 months up to March 2020 and again between May and June 2020 (at the height of restrictions). PA, sedentary screen time (SST) and sleep were assessed via parent questionnaire. At Time 2, COVID-19 factors including level of restriction, environmental conditions, and parental stress were measured. Results: 948 parents completed the survey at both time points. Children from LMICs were more likely to meet the PA (AdjOR=2.0, 95%CI 1.0 to 3.8) and SST (2.2, CI 1.2 to 3.9) guidelines than their high-income country (HIC) counterparts. Children who could go outside during COVID-19 were more likely to meet all WHO recommendations (AdjOR 3.3, CI 1.1 to 9.8) than those who were not. Children of caregivers with higher compared to lower stress were less likely to meet all three guidelines (0.5, CI 0.3 to 0.9). Conclusion: PA and SST levels of children from LMICs have been less impacted by COVID-19 than in HICs. Ensuring children can access an outdoor space, and supporting caregivers’ mental health are important prevention strategies.
Community Perception of COVID-19: A Qualitative Approach through Applying the&nbsp;&nbsp;Health Belief Model
Authors: Gishe Gamachu , Hailu Tamirat , Aman Rameto , Dango Sisay 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The outbreak and rapid spread of the virus has not only affected the lives of hundreds of millions of families, but also has disrupted the pace of economic and social development.Methods: The current study aimed to explore community perception about COVID -19 pandemic. An in depth exploratory design was utilized. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 45 participants aged between 26 and 70 years old. Besides, observation checklist was utilized.Results: In the very beginning when few Corona Virus cases were reported, in general, people were scared to death. But as the number of infected cases reported more and more people have also became immune to the fear of corona virus. Even some section of people associated with a particular political ideology; assume that there is no corona virus at all. Hotels, cafeterias and shopping centres are not as cautious as they were in the beginning. As a result, streets are crowded and the public started living regular life. Therefore, the covid protocol like wearing face masks, using sanitizers, physical distance and all have become just a ritual.Conclusions: It is evident that most of the government workers like bank employees, traffic police and all are well aware of Covid-19 preventive methods and consequences and try their best to make the people to be part of the fight against the pandemic. But the common people from different walks of life, some with ignorance, some with innocence and some with a particular political ideology defy and violate the WHO covid-19 protocol.
Deep neural network for automatic volumetric segmentation of whole-body CT images for body composition assessment
Authors: Lee Yoon Seong , Hong Namki , Witanto Joseph Nathanael , Choi Ye Ra , Park Junghoan , Decazes Pierre , Eude Florian , Kim Chang Oh , Kim Hyeon Chang , Goo Jin Mo , Rhee Yumie , Yoon Soon Ho 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Body composition analysis on CT images is a valuable tool for sarcopenia assessment. We aimed to develop and validate a deep neural network applicable to whole-body CT images of PET-CT scan for the automatic volumetric segmentation of body composition.Methods For model development, CT images of 100 patients who underwent a whole-body or torso 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET–CT scan were retrospectively included. Two radiologists semi-automatically labeled the following seven body components in every CT image slice, providing 39,268 images for training the 3D U-Net: skin, bone, muscle, abdominal visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, internal organs with vessels, and central nervous system. The segmentation accuracy was assessed using reference masks from one internal and three external datasets: two domestic centers (n=20, each) and a French public dataset (n=24). The 3D U-Net-driven values were clinically validated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and by assessing the model’s diagnostic performance for sarcopenia in a community-based elderly cohort (n=522).Results The 3D U-Net achieved accurate body composition segmentation with an average dice similarity coefficient of 96.5% to 98.9% for all masks and 92.3% to 99.3% for muscle, abdominal visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat in the validation datasets. The 3D U-Net-derived torso volume of skeletal muscle and fat tissue and the average area of those tissues in the waist were correlated with BIA-derived appendicular lean mass (correlation coefficients: 0.71 and 0.72, each) and fat mass (correlation coefficients: 0.95 and 0.93, each). The 3D U-Net-derived average areas of skeletal muscle and fat tissue in the waist were independently associated with sarcopenia (P<.001, each) with adjustment for age and sex, providing an area under the curve of 0.858 (95% CI, 0.815 to 0.901).Conclusions This deep neural network model enabled the automatic volumetric segmentation of body composition on whole-body CT images, potentially expanding adjunctive sarcopenia assessment on PET-CT scan and volumetric assessment of metabolism in whole-body muscle and fat tissues.
Essentials in saline pharmacology for nasal or respiratory hygiene in times of COVID-19
Authors: Huijghebaert Suzy , Hoste Levi , Vanham Guido 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Purpose: Nasal irrigation or nebulizing aerosol of isotonic or hypertonic saline is a traditional method for respiratory or nasal care. A recent small study in outpatients with COVID-19 without acute respiratory distress syndrome suggests substantial symptom resolution. We therefore analysed pharmacological/pharmacodynamic effects of isotonic or hypertonic saline, relevant to SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory care.Methods: Progressive and systematic searches.Results: Due to its wetting properties, saline achieves an improved spreading of alveolar lining fluid and has been shown to reduce bio-aerosols and viral load. Saline provides moisture to respiratory epithelia and gels mucus, promotes ciliary beating and improves mucociliary clearance. Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 damage ciliated epithelium in the nose and airways. Saline inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero cells; possible interactions involve the viral ACE2-entry mechanism (chloride-dependent ACE2 configuration) and sodium channel ENaC. Saline shifts myeloperoxidase activity in epithelial or phagocytic cells to produce hypochlorous acid. Clinically, nasal or respiratory airway care with saline reduces symptoms of seasonal coronaviruses and other common cold viruses. Its use as aerosol reduces hospitalisation rates for respiratory syncytial virus infection in children. Preliminary data suggest symptom reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 patients if saline is initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset.Conclusions: Saline interacts at various levels relevant to nasal or respiratory hygiene (nasal irrigation or aerosol). If used from the onset of common cold symptoms, it may represent a useful add-on to first-line interventions for COVID-19. Formal evaluation in mild COVID-19 is desirable as to establish efficacy and optimal treatment regimens.
The Nature of Lattice Distortion and Strengthening in High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Zuo Jian-Min , Shao Yu-Tsun , Hsiao Haw-Wen , Yang Qun , Hu Yang , Liaw Peter 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
High entropy alloys (HEAs) belong to a new class of materials with multiple principal components that are chemically concentrated in less explored phase spaces. Since the initial discovery, HEAs have attracted tremendous interest for their remarkable structural diversity and associated properties, including high strength and high ductility. Underlining the structural diversity is the metastability of HEAs, to which a key contributor is the lattice distortion effect that emerges as a direct consequence of interplay between atomic size misfits and chemical disorder. Lattice distortion also directly contributes to alloy strengthening and ductility. Despite the recognized significance, however, the critical knowledge of lattice distortion is still missing in the study of HEAs. Here, we first report on the nature of lattice and chemical disorder in a single-phase HEA and determine its local atomic structure. Our results uncover the manifestation of disorder at three different length scales, namely, the lattice distortion at the atomic scale, the chemical disorder at the nm scale, and the emergence of nanoscopic shear at the mesoscopic scale. The multiscale disorder leads to hierarchical strengthening, unlike anything that we know before about metals. This finding provides the structural basis for theoretical understanding of structure-property relationships in HEAs, and demonstrates the randomness of disorder as a new dimension for designing future strong and ductile alloys.
Intralesional fenestration and corticosteroid injection for symptomatic Ledderhose disease of the foot: two case reports
Authors: Flanagan George , Burt Nicola , Reilly Ian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The description of corticosteroid injections as a treatment option for Ledderhose disease has received little attention in the literature and often only receives a passing comment in scientific papers. We present a short case series of two patients that underwent corticosteroid injection in combination with fenestration to treat painful Ledderhose disease nodules. Both patients had their lesions injected on two occasions. Significant reduction in pain and lesion volume was seen at 12 months post treatment. Our protocol combines fenestration with the use of triamcinolone acetonide (mixed with local anaesthetic) which we believe conveys further advantage over other steroid preparations or the corticosteroid infiltration alone.
Detection of serum KL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 antibody in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and the diagnostic value in severe disease
Authors: Wang Huiyan , Chen Lichang , Zhang Yang , Liu Long , Xu Meimei , Gao Yong , Li Ming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a significant threat to human health, but its clinical manifestations vary greatly among individuals. Early detection and treatment are important for severely ill patients to improve their prognosis and reduce the risk of death.
Methods

In the present study, serum markers were detected and analyzed in moderately ill and severely ill patients.
Results

The results found that there were statistically significant differences in age, serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels between severely ill patients and moderately ill patients (P < 0.05). The cut-off of using KL-6 alone for the diagnosis of severely ill patients was 298.91 U/mL, with an AUC of 0.737, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 43%. When the diagnosis was performed using KL-6 in combination with Interleukin-6 (IL-6), an indicator of infection, the AUC was 0.776, with a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 69%, respectively. When the three above were used in combination for diagnosis, the AUC was 0.785, and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 59%, respectively. After rehabilitation, the serum levels of KL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as antibodies, IgA, IgM and IgG, were significantly lower than those in the early stage of hospitalization.
Conclusion

In the present study, KL-6 and IgA were found to have some diagnostic efficacy for severely ill patients with COVID-19, but larger cohort studies are still needed for further confirmation, which in turn improves the diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of severely ill patients.