bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of Association Between Patients Characteristics and the Carriage of Extended-spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Community Settings in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Onduru Onduru Gervas , Rumisha Susan Fred , Mkakosya Rajhab Sawasawa , Bunduki Gabriel Kambale , Aboud Said 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study examined factors associated with the carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae in community patients in Blantyre, Malawi. ResultsA total of 50 community patients with ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) carriage were identified from 300 adults recruited in the study, which gave a prevalence of 16.67% (50/300, 95% CI=12.43-20.91%). The mean age ±SD was 32.41±12.07 years; range, 18-75 years and 54.33% (163/300) were women. The results of unadjusted logistic regression model fitted to identify factors associated with ESBL-E carriage in community patients showed that there was no any degree of association between carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in community patients with either their demographic or clinical characteristics.
The Lived Experiences of Esophageal Cancer Patients With The Concept of Uncovering Pathways to Seeking Treatment and Follow-Up: A Qualitative Study in Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Deybasso Haji Aman , Roba Kedir Teji , Belachew Tefera 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Esophageal cancer patients experience multifaceted challenges but studies often focus on the prevalence and risk factors of esophageal cancer with no documentation of the lived experiences of patients. This study aimed at exploring the lived experiences of esophageal cancer patients with the concept of uncovering pathways to seeking treatment, and follow-up. Results:- The experience of seeking care began with self-care followed by visiting traditional healers, and hierarchical layers of health care delivery systems. The barriers to treatment follow-up were inaccessibility, unaffordability of health care services, and negative attitudes towards treatment. Patients experienced distresses linked to food intakes, treatment side effects, reduced quality of life, psychological and physical impairments. Esophageal cancer patients in this study experienced complex pathways to seeking treatment, multidimensional obstacles to treatment follow-up, and live with unbearable challenges.
Snail Mucus From the Mantle and Foot of Two Land Snails, Lissachatina Fulica and Hemiplecta Distincta, Exhibits Different Protein Profile and Biological Activity
Authors: Noothuan Nattaphop , Apitanyasai Kantamas , Panha Somsak , Tassanakajon Anchalee 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Snails secrete different types of mucus that serve several functions, and are increasingly being exploited for medical and cosmetic applications. In this study, we explored the protein pattern and compared the biological properties of the mucus secreted from the mantle collar and foot of two snail species, Lissachatina fulica and Hemiplecta distincta.Result: Protein profile showed a different pattern between the two species and between the two secretory parts. The mantle-specific protein bands were further characterized and among them was an antibacterial protein, achacin. Accordingly, the mucus from the mantle exhibited the higher antibacterial activity than that from the foot in both snail species. The mucus from H. distincta, first reported here, also showed antibacterial properties, but with a lower activity compared to that for L. fulica. Snail mucus also exhibited anti-tyrosinase activity and antioxidant activity but with no significant difference between the foot and mantle mucus. These results indicate some different protein compositions and biological activities of snail slime from the mantle and foot, which might be associated with their specific functions in the animal and are useful for medical applications.
H2S Exposure Induces Autophagy Injury in The Jejunum of Broilers Through miR-181a-PKC-δ Axis Mediated ER&nbsp;Stress
Authors: Zhu Wenjing , Guo Jinming , Chen Ting , Zheng Shufang , Xu Shiwen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a toxic atmospheric and industrial pollutant, is one of the main components of haze. Air exposure to H2S can cause multiple organ and tissue damage. However, studies on the animal intestines of H2S toxicity are limited. To clarify the effect of H2S exposure on intestinal proteomics and the role of autophagy in intestinal injury, in the present study, effects of H2S exposure on jejunum damage of broilers were examined by establishing a 42-day H2S exposure broiler model. Results:We observed the morphological changes that arose, screened differentially expressed proteins (DEPS) and enriched related pathways via electron microscopy, proteomics and bioinformatics analyses, qRT-PCR, and western blot. We obtained 86 proteins that were significantly different under H2S exposure, including proteins related to autophagy and ER stress regulation. Meanwhile, protein-transcriptomics combined analysis found that autophagy and ER stress-associated pathways MAPK signaling pathway, FOXO signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway and Autophagy were significantly enriched. Besides, the expression of the autophagy-related indicators LC3II/I, Dynein, Beclin1, BNIP3, and ULK1 were remarkably up-regulated under H2S exposure (P < 0.05). In contrast, the activities of p62 and mTOR were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The above results indicate that H2S induced autophagy in the jejunum via the miR-181a-PKC-δ axis activates ER stress to induce p38/JNK expression. In our study, the combined analysis of proteomics and transcriptomics on broiler intestines was described for the first time and verified the selected pathways related to ER stress and autophagy. These results provide novel insights into the toxicology of H2S and environmental research.
Multi-factor Evaluation of Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Prognostic Value
Authors: miao susheng , wang xueying , Guo Erliang , Guo Lunhua , An Changming , Zhang Cong , Song Kaibin , Wang Guohui , Duan Chunbin , Zhang Xiwei , Yang Xianguang , Yuan Zhennan , Sun Ji , Yang Weiwei , Mao Xionghui , li xiaomei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a heterogeneous disease. In clinical practice, patients with similar clinicopathological characteristics often show different outcomes. This study evaluated the levels of primary LSCC intratumoral infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs), tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte volume (TILV), frontier tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (fTILs), and their relations to the patient's clinical outcome. Materials and methods: According to the 2017 study of the International TILs Working Group, hematoxyline and eosin-stained slides from 412 patients were evaluated for their morphology of tumor immune infiltration status.Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high levels of iTILs, TILV, and fTILs were significantly correlated with OS (all P<0.05). Cox regression model analysis showed that high levels of iTILs, TILV, and fTILs were independently associated with better OS (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Local inflammatory markers in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, especially the levels of iTILs, TILV, and fTILs, are reliable prognostic factors.
Structural Changes and Detection of Liver Fibrosis–Related Protein Levels in Coculture of Alveolar Echinococcosis-Protoscoleces and Human Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: cao DEping , Shamsan Emad , Jiang Bofan , Yaogang Zhang , Dehwah Mustafa Abdo Saif 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEchinococcus multilocularis is a causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE). AE leads to cirrhosis in several organs, such as the liver, triggering severe conditions, including hepatic failure and encephalopathy. The main purpose of this study is to explore the interaction between treated hepatic stellate cells and AE-protoscoleces (AE-PSCs). The results of this study will be provided experimental basis for revealing the mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis after AE infection.MethodsWe investigated the role of alveolar echinococcosis-protoscoleces (AE-PSCs) in liver fibrosis and structural changes and liver fibrosis-related protein expression in a coculture of PSCs and human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Structural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy, whereas liver fibrosis-related proteins, collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and osteopontin levels were measured by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsPSCs exhibited morphological changes, specifically changes in shape, and showed slight changes in the cytoplasmic membrane, whereas structural modifications were observed in HSCs. Additionally, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that PSCs treated in vitro with HSC-LX2 showed significantly increased collagen-Ⅰ, α-smooth muscle actin, and osteopontin expression levels after 3–4 days of incubation in a coculture system. AE-PSCs induced liver fibrosis by inducing extracellular matrix expression and HSC activation.Conclusions﻿These results provide insight into the pathogenesis of echinococcosis- induced hepatic fibrosis and introduce therapeutic targets and diagnostic criteria for managing echinococcosis-dependent liver fibrosis.
High-resolution mapping of the quantitative trait locus (QTLs) conferring resistance to false smut disease in rice
Authors: neelam kumari , Kumar Kishor , Kaur Amandeep , Kishore Amit , Kaur Pavneet , Babbar Ankita , Kaur Gurwinder , Kamboj Ishwinder , Lore Jagjeet Singh , Vikal Yogesh , Mangat G.S. , Kaur Rupinder , Khanna Renu , Singh Kuldeep 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Decoding the genetic mechanisms underlying disease resistance is of great importance for crop improvement. Rice false smut (RFS) is a major fungal disease caused by Ustilaginoidea virens that hampers the grain quality and yield of rice worldwide. It causes 2.8-49% global yield loss depending upon disease severity and varieties grown. In India, the severity of yield loss ranged from 2-75%. Keeping the economic importance of this disease, identification of the genes/QTLs governing disease resistance is of prime importance for the development of the linked markers and cloning of the genes. Here, we report mapping of QTLs using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between resistant line, RYT2668, and a highly susceptible variety, PR116. The population was evaluated for rice false smut disease under field conditions for three cropping seasons 2013, 2015, and 2016. A total of seven QTLs were mapped on rice chromosomes 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9 of rice using 2326 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Among them, a novel QTL qRFSr9.1 affecting total smut ball (TSB)/panicle on chromosome 9 exhibited the largest phenotypic effect. The prediction of putative candidate genes within the qRFSr9.1 spanned in 994.1Kb revealed four NBS-LRR domain-containing disease resistance proteins. We identified SNPs/Indels associated with the disease resistance which could be used for accelerating breeding programs using marker-assisted selection. In summary, our findings mark the ‘hot-spot’ region on rice chromosomes along with the identification of disease resistance genes in conferring resistance to the rice false smut disease.
Role of Plasmodium berghei ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein, a novel oocyst capsule-associated protein, in ookinete motility
Authors: Nakayama Kazuhiko , Kimura Yuta , Kitahara Yu , Soga Akira , Haraguchi Asako , Hakozaki Jun , Sugiyama Makoto , Kusakisako Kodai , Fukumoto Shinya , Ikadai Hiromi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Plasmodium sp., which causes malaria, must first develop in mosquitoes before being transmitted. Upon ingesting infected blood, gametes form in the mosquito lumen, followed by fertilization and differentiation of the resulting zygotes into motile ookinetes. Within 24 hours of blood ingestion, these ookinetes traverse mosquito epithelial cells and lodge below the midgut basal lamina, where they differentiate into sessile oocysts that are protected by a capsule. Methods: We identified an ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein (OSCP) that is involved in ookinete motility as well as oocyst capsule formation. Results: We found that knockout of OSCP in parasite decreases ookinete gliding motility and gradually reduces the number of oocysts. On day 15 after blood ingestion, the oocyst wall was significantly thinner. Moreover, adding anti-OSCP antibodies decreased the gliding speed of wild type ookinetes in vitro. Adding anti-OSCP antibodies to an infected blood meal also resulted in decreased oocyst formation. Conclusion: These findings may be useful for the development of transmission-blocking tools for malaria.
Investigation of Oligonucleotide Usage Variance Between SARS&nbsp;-related Coronaviruses and Common Cold Coronaviruses
Authors: Mousavi Elham , Nikobin-Boroujeni Majid , Teimoori Ali , Arabzadeh Seyed Ali Mohammad , Hashemi Mohammad Mostakhdem , Arab-Bafrani zahra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The widespread outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has become a deal threat for human health. This new emerged virus coupled with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses belong to coronoviridae family, which develop SARS in human being. However, prior to the emergence of virulent viruses, the coronaviruses were known as the leading causes of mild common cold. Getting more knowledge about the genome organization of different strains can conduct us how these viruses evolve and become a virulent strain. Here, we reported the difference of oligonucleotide distribution contributing in genome of two groups of coronaviruses, SARS related viruses versa common cold coronaviruses, by employing weighting algorithms approaches. Results: In this study, we found a few oligonucleotides, which significantly distinguish two viral groups. Among dinucleotide’s features, the discrepancy of TC and CC between SARS related viruses and common cold coronaviruses was quite considerable. Furthermore, CC dinucleotide was sequentially repeated in a few multinucleotide patterns including CCA, CCAC, ACCAC, and CACCAC motifs with the highest values, which also discriminated two viral groups. Conclusions: Theses remarkable oligonucleotides might point towards the existence of some particular RNA elements that might be involved in viral infectivity.
WHtR may be a Better and Stronger Indictor for Fatty Liver: A Population-Based Cross-sectional Comparison Study of Anthropometric and Metabolic Indices for Identification Fatty Liver in China
Authors: Xie Fangfei , Pei Yuyu , Zhou Quan , Wang Yun , Han Renfang , Zeng Nimei , Sun Kangyun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the predictive performance anthropometric and metabolic indices in identifying fatty liver (FL) diseases in Chinese adults. Indices including Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT and AST), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist–hip Ratio (WHR), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Body Mass Index (BMI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Triglyceride Glucose (TyG), and ALT/AST were selected. Methods: A total of 1748 participants aged over 18 years were included in this study. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the associations between these indices and FL with odds ratio (ORs). The predictive performance of these indices to identify FL was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and areas under curves (AUCs). Results: WHtR had the greatest AUC in males (AUC = 0.81) and females (AUC = 0.85). Furthermore, WC and AVI had the greatest AUC in 20-40 years (AUC = 0.96), while TyG had the greatest AUC in 40- years (AUC = 0.80) of females. And WHtR had the second diagnostic ability in both two decades of age (20-40 and 40- years) of females. Conclusions: WHtR might be the best for predicting FL in males and females, while WC and AVI might be best for identifying FL for males aged 20-40 years, while TyG for those aged over 40 years.
STK4 deficiency underlies impaired interferon signaling and T cell immunity
Authors: Guennoun Andrea , Bougarn Salim , Khan Taushif , Mackeh Rafah , Rahman Mahbuba , Ali Fatima Al , Ata Manar , Aamer Waleed , Prosser Debra , Habib Tanwir , Chin-Smith Evonne , Al-Darwish Khawla , Zhang Qian , Al-Shakaki Alya , Robay Amal , Crystal Ronald , Fakhro Khalid , Al-Naimi Amal , Maslamani Eman Al , Tuffaha Amjad , Janahi Ibrahim , Janahi Mohammad , Love Donald , Karim Mohammed Yousuf , Lo Bernice , Hassan Amel , Adeli Mehdi , Marr Nico 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose. Human serine/threonine kinase 4 (STK4) deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder leading to combined immunodeficiency. The extent to which STK4 deficiency impairs immune signaling and host defenses is unclear. We assessed the functional consequences of a novel, homozygous nonsense STK4 mutation (NM_006282.2:c.871C>T, p.Arg291*) found in a pediatric patient by comparing the patient’s innate and adaptive cell-mediated and humoral immune responses with those of three heterozygous relatives and unrelated controls.Methods. The genetic etiology was identified by whole genome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. STK4 gene and protein expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Cellular abnormalities were assessed by high-throughput RT-RCR, RNA-Seq, ELISA and polychromatic flow cytometry. Finally, antibody responses were delinated by ELISA and phage immunoprecipitation-sequencing.Results. The affected patient exhibited partial loss of STK4 expression and complete loss of STK4 function. The patient suffered from recurrent viral and bacterial infections, most notably persistent Epstein-Barr virus viremia and pulmonary tuberculosis. Cellular and molecular analyses revealed abnormalities to the fractions of T-cell subsets, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and NK cells. The transcriptional responses of the patient’s whole blood and PBMC samples were reminiscent of dysregulated interferon signaling, impaired T immunity and increased T-cell apoptosis. Nonetheless, the patient had detectable vaccine-specific antibodies and IgG responses to various pathogens, consistent with a normal CD19 + B-cell fraction, albeit with a distinctive antibody repertoire, largely driven by herpesvirus antigens.Conclusion. Patients with STK4 deficiency can exhibit broad impairment of immune function extending beyond lymphoid cells.
Lower Urinary Tract Signs and Symptoms in COVID-19 infected Patients
Authors: Marand Aida Javan Balegh , Janssen Dick , Bach Christian , Heesakkers John , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Voegeli Thomas Alexander , Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Salehi-Pourmehr Hannieh , Mostafaei Hadi , Rahnama'i Mohammad Sajjad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:The type of pneumonia that is caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the world in a pandemic. It is not clear if COVID-19 patients have any lower urinary tract signs or symptoms.Methods:The effect of COVID-19 on lower urinary tract function was studied in a multi-centre study including 238 patients who were admitted with symptoms caused by COVID-19 to the university hospital of Aachen in Germany and Tabriz in Iran. Results:None of the patients reported to have any lower urinary tract symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 was found in the urine of 19 % of the tested patients. The mortality rate in COVID-19 infected patients with microscopic haematuria together with white blood cells in their urine, was significantly increased from 48% to 61% in the Tabriz cohort (p-value=0.03) and from 30 % to 35% in the Aachen cohort (p-value =0.045). Furthermore, in the group of patients with SARS-CoV-2 urine PCR, the mortality rate rose from 33% to 50%. (p-value =0.039).Conclusion:Patients admitted with COVID-19 infection did not report to have any lower urinary tract symptoms even those patient who had a positive Urine SARS-CoV-2 PCR.In addition, hematuria, WBC in urine as well as COVID-19 positivity in urine were found to be strong negative prognostic factors in admitted COVID-19 patients.
Deep Learning Use for Differentiation of Low-grade vs High-Grade Glioma in Intraoperative Squash Smears
Authors: Thombre Bhushan Diwakar , Nandeesh B N , Vazhayil Vikas , Prabhuraj A R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveAutomated diagnosis using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques would be a useful addition to the intraoperative squash smear diagnosis. A robust diagnostic tool would enhance capabilities in centres where there is limited expertise for the diagnosis of intracranial lesions. The study aims to explore possibilities of deep learning technique-based models to classify squash smear images of glioma into high- and low-grade tumors.Methods500 Scanned images of squash smear were obtained intraoperatively and dataset was built. Image dataset was then pre-processed and fed into a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) model for training and validation. The dataset consisted of 10,000 images of high (6000) and low (4000) grade gliomas, divided into three sets of training, validation and testing. ResultsCNN model based on deep learning algorithm was built and trained on training dataset to get accuracy of 96.2%. On a testing dataset which contains images previously unseen by trained model, it could achieve accuracies of 91% for diagnosing high grade glioma and 77% for low grade glioma. A positive predictive value of 86.6% and F1-score of 0.887 was achieved. Feature visualization technique was applied at the end to visualize regions of interest.ConclusionDeep Learning techniques can be applied as diagnostic tool if proper standardized images are obtained for reporting of squash smears of gliomas. The diagnostic accuracies of such tools can reach up to current standard diagnostic accuracies by conventional ways of reporting. Feature visualization techniques applied which can be used for rapid screening of slides or section of slide to assist in rapid diagnosis.
Treatment effectiveness and economic evaluation of different pulp treatments of primary molars: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Ziyi , Zhang Sun , Ma Wenli , Dou Guili , Xia Bin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background This study focused on the primary molars meeting the indications partially overlapping of indirect pulp treatment (IPT), pulpotomy and pulpectomy.The aims were to compare the effectiveness and cost of these three treatments and apply cost-effectiveness analysis to provide guidance for physicians and parents.Materials and Methods The subjects were children whose primary molars were treated with IPT, pulpotomy or pulpectomy from May 2014 to May 2015 in the Peking University School of Stomatology. The general information, treatment information and total treatment cost of patients were collected. Tooth survival time, cost and survival time: cost ratio were compared between the IPT group and the pulpotomy group, and between the pulpotomy group and the pulpectomy group.Results The survival time: cost ratio of the IPT group was 3.56 ± 0.14 d/Yuan, which was significantly higher than the pulpotomy group (1.46 ± 0.056 d/Yuan; P < 0.001); which was in turn significantly higher than the pulpectomy group (0.89 ± 0.038 d/Yuan; P < 0.001).Conclusion IPT had the lowest survival time: cost ratio, indicating this procedure was more economical at a 2.5-3-year follow-up compared with pulpotomy. Pulpotomy was found to be more economical than pulpectomy.