bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group B Streptococcus detection in pregnant women: comparison of real-time PCR assay, culture, and the Xpert GBS rapid test
Authors: Vieira Laura , Perez Amanda Vilaverde , Machado Monique M , Kayser Michele L , Vettori Daniela V , Alegretti Ana Paula , Ferreira Charles Francisco , Vettorazzi Janete , Valério Edimárlei G 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most important causative agents of neonatal sepsis. As administration of prophylactic antibiotics during labor can prevent GBS infection, routine screening for this bacterium in prenatal care before the onset of labor is recommended. However, many women present in labor without having undergone such testing during antenatal care, and the turnaround time of detection methods is insufficient for results to be obtained before delivery. Methods Vaginal and anorectal specimens were collected from 270 pregnant women. Each sample was tested by Xpert GBS, PCR, and culture for GBS detection. Results The overall prevalence of maternal GBS colonization was 30.7% according to Xpert GBS, 51.1% according to PCR, and 14.3% according to cultures. Considering the PCR method as the reference, the Xpert GBS had a sensitivity of 53% and specificity of 93%. Positive Xpert GBS results were associated with marital status (married or cohabitating) and with prematurity as a cause of neonatal hospitalization. Positive cultures were associated with ischemic–hypoxic encephalopathy requiring therapeutic hypothermia. Conclusions Combined enrichment/PCR and the Xpert GBS rapid test found a high prevalence of GBS colonization. The Xpert GBS technique gives faster results and could be useful for evaluating mothers who present without antenatal GBS screening results and are at risk of preterm labor, thus allowing institution of prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Trial Registration: The study was approved by the institutional Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 59688316.0.0000.5327)
Adult HIV/AIDS Patients’ Level of Satisfaction on Pharmaceutical Service: Institutional Prospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Girmay Adey , Tilahun Zelalem , Akele Muluemebet Zinabu , Huluka solomon Assefa 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective : Patients are essential sources of information to assess the accessibility and effectiveness of pharmaceutical care. Patients’ perception and satisfaction on the care they received has direct influence on treatment adherence. This study was thus aimed to assess HIV/AIDS patients’ level of satisfaction on the pharmaceutical services provided in Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An institution based cross sectional study was conducted from April 16, 2018 to May 16, 2018 in Zewditu Memorial Hospital.
Result: Among the total 285 participants enrolled in the study, 172(60.4%) of them were females and the mean age of the participants was 42.5±9.8. The participants of this study received ART service for a mean duration of 7.3±3.5 years. In this study, 26.7%, 13.7%, 38.6%, 13% and 8.1% of the study participants rated the overall satisfaction to the ART pharmaceutical service as excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor, respectively. Participants who were provided information about drug-drug and drug-food interaction were 2.72 times more likely to be satisfied than those who weren’t provided (AOR=2.72, 95%CI : 1.13-6.54).
Inhibition of autophagy triggers melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhou Nan , Wei Zixuan , Qi Zengxin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Autophagy is considered to beanother restorative focus for the treatment of brain tumors. Although several research have demonstrated that melatonin induces autophagy in colon cancer and hepatoma cells, there has not been any direct evidence of whether melatonin is capable of inducing autophagy in human glioma cells.
Results: In the present research, we report that melatonin or its agonist, agomelatine, induced autophagy inA172 and U87-MG glioblastoma cells for a concentration-and time-dependent way, whichwas significantly attenuated by treatment with luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist. Furthermore, by suppressing autophagy at the late-stage with bafilomycin A1 and early stage with 3-MA, we found that the melatonin-induced autophagy was activated early, and the autophagic flux was complete. Melatonin treatment alone did not induce any apoptotic changes in the glioblastoma cells, as measured by flow cytometry. Western blot studies confirmed that melatonin alone prominently upregulated the levels of Beclin 1 and LC3 II, which was accompanied by an increase in the expression of Bcl-2, whereas it had no effect on the expression of Bax in the glioblastoma cells. Remarkably, co-treatment with 3-MA and melatonin significantly enhanced the apoptotic cell population in the glioblastoma cells, along with a prominent decrease in the expression of bcl-2 and increase in the Bax expression levels, which collectively indicated that the disruption of autophagy triggers the melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells.
Conclusions: These results provide information indicating that melatonin may act as a common upstream signal between autophagy and apoptosis, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for glioma.
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on sports performance for two profiles of athletes (power and endurance) (COMPETE): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Grandperrin Yohan , Grosprêtre Sidney , Nicolier Magali , Gimenez Philippe , Haffen Emmanuel , Bennabi Djamila 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is promising for improving motor and cognitive performance. Nevertheless, its mechanisms of action are unclear and need to be better characterised according to the stimulated brain area and the type of exercise performed.Methods/design This is a double-blind cross-over study, organised into two parts: the first is to assess the effects of tDCS on explosive performance (jump task) and the second is to assess the effects on endurance performance (cycling time trial task). Participants, who are recreationally active or athletes (cyclists, parkour practitioners), will receive two active tDCS sessions (over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right motor cortex) and one sham tDCS session (part A) or two daily tDCS sessions (one active sequence and one sham) over five days (part B). Motor and cognitive performance will be compared before and after the tDCS sessions (part A) and before and after the first session, after the last session and at day 12 and day 30 of each tDCS sequence (part B).Discussion This study investigates the acute and long-term effects of tDCS on the motor and cognitive performance in healthy subjects. It will try to evaluate if tDCS could be considered as a neuroenhancement technology according to the physical task investigated (endurance versus explosive).
Study Protocol: Optimization of the surgical and medical management of diabetic foot infections
Authors: Waibel Felix WA , Berli Martin , Catanzaro Sabrina , Sairanen Kati , Schöni Madlaina , Böni Thomas , Burkhard Jan , Holy Dominique , Huber Tanja , Bertram Maik , Laeubli Karin , Frustaci Dario , Rosskopf Andrea , Botter Sander , Uçkay Ilker 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Few studies address the appropriate duration of antibiotic therapy for diabetic foot infections (DFI); with or without amputation. We perform two randomized clinical trials (RCT) to reduce the antibiotic use and associated adverse events in DFI. Methods: We hypothesize that shorter durations of post-debridement systemic antibiotic therapy are non-inferior (10% margin, 80% power, ɑ 5%) to existing (long) durations and perform two unblinded RCTs with a total of 400 DFI episodes (randomization 1:1) from 2019 to 2022. The primary outcome for both RCT is “remission of infection” after a minimal follow-up of two months. The 1 st RCT allocates the amputations in two arms of 50 patients each: 1 vs. 3 weeks of antibiotic therapy for residual osteomyelitis (positive microbiological samples of the residual bone stump); or 1 vs. 4 days for remaining soft tissue infection. The 2 nd RCT randomizes the conservative approach in two arms with 50 patients each: 10 vs. 20 days of antibiotic therapy for soft tissue infections; and 3 vs. 6 weeks for osteomyelitis. All participants have professional wound debridement, adequate off-loading, angiology evaluation, and a concomitant surgical, re-educational, internist and infectiology care. During the surgeries, we collect tissues for BioBanking and future laboratory studies. Discussion: Both parellel RCT will enable to prescribe less antibiotics for DFI; for a conservative therapy and after amputation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04081792. Registered on 4 th September 2019. Protocol version : 2 (15 th July 2019)
The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Akande Patrick Aboh 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring TB because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures at most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a mixed-approach educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training after this. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t -test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the training, there were appreciable improvements in the post-intervention scores of the group at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the training (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the mixed-approach educational intervention adopted in this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.
Identification of miRNA-mRNA associations in hepatocellular carcinoma using hierarchical integrative model
Authors: Varghese Rency S. , Zhou Yuan , Barefoot Megan , Poto Cristina Di , Balla Abdalla Kara , Oliver Everett , Sherif Zaki A. , Kumar Deepak , Kroemer Alexander H. , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Ressom Habtom 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : The established role miRNA-mRNA regulation of gene expression has in oncogenesis highlights the importance of integrating miRNA with downstream mRNA targets. These findings call for investigations aimed at identifying disease-associated miRNA-mRNA pairs. Hierarchical integrative models (HIM) offer the opportunity to uncover the relationships between disease and the levels of different molecules measured in multiple omic studies. Results: mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq data were acquired by analysis of tumor and normal liver tissues from 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed the data using HIM and identified 157 significant miRNA-mRNA pairs in HCC. The majority of these molecules have already been independently identified as being either diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic biomarker candidates for HCC. These pairs appear to be involved in processes contributing to the pathogenesis of HCC involving inflammation, regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism. For further evaluation of our method, we analyzed miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq data from TCGA network. While some of the miRNA-mRNA pairs we identified by analyzing both our and TCGA data are previously reported in the literature and overlap in regulation and function, new pairs have been identified that may contribute to the discovery of novel targets. Conclusion: The results strongly support the hypothesis that miRNAs are important regulators of mRNAs in HCC. Furthermore, these results emphasize the biological relevance of studying miRNA-mRNA pairs.
Wheat Variety Response to Seed Cleaning and Treatment after Fusarium Head Blight Infection
Authors: Pinto José Guilherme Cesário Pereira , Munaro Lucas Berger , Jaenisch Brent Robert , Nagaoka Alberto Kazushi , Lollato Romulo Pisa 
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas
We evaluated wheat stand and yield response to seed cleaning and treatment.
Seed was sourced from a season with severe head scab infestation.
Seed cleaning increased stand count, yield, and test weight.
Varieties responded to seed cleaning differently depending on yield potential.
Seed treatment increased grain yield and 1000‐kernel weight.
Wheat yield response to seed cleaning and chemical treatment is inconsistent and may reflect the nature of the seed used for sowing. Thus, yield responses might exist after severe incidence of Fusarium head blight (FHB). Our objective was to evaluate seed cleaning and seed treatment effects on three wheat varieties with different levels of tolerance to FHB after a season with severe FHB infection. Field experiments occurred during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 growing seasons in Manhattan, KS. The treatment structure was a 3 × 3 × 2 complete factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments consisted of three wheat varieties (‘Everest’, moderately tolerant to FHB; and ‘WB Grainfield’ and ‘SY Wolf’, moderately susceptible to FHB), three seed cleaning intensities (gravity table, air screen, and control), and two seed treatments (insecticide + fungicide vs. control). Seed cleaning increased stand count, yield, and test weight. For yield, however, there was a significant variety × seed cleaning interaction: the variety WB Grainfield responded to seed cleaning (∼4.1 Mg ha−1 under the gravity table), whereas the other varieties did not. Seed treatment increased grain yield (+0.3 Mg ha−1) and 1000‐kernel weight. Protein concentration was inversely proportional to grain yield, and Everest had the highest protein concentration (∼13%) in comparison with WB Grainfield and SY Wolf, even when corrected for the same yield level. These results suggest that seed treatment can increase grain yield when using seed from a season with severe FHB infestation, but yield responses to seed cleaning are variety specific.
Better Together: Water Treatment Residual and Poor‐Quality Compost Improves Sandy Soil Fertility
Authors: Clarke Catherine E. , Stone Wendy , Hardie Ailsa G. , Quinton John N. , Blake Lynsay I. , Johnson Karen L. 
Published: October 2019

Water treatment residual (WTR) is an underused clean water industry byproduct, generally disposed to landfill. This study assesses the benefits and risks of ferric‐WTR as a soil amendment or co‐amendment for plant growth in a nutrient‐poor sandy soil. A 12‐wk pot trial tested the efficacy of WTR and a locally available, low‐quality, municipal compost as single (1, 5, and 12.5% dry mass) and co‐amended treatments (1:1 WTR/compost ratio, at 2, 10, and 25%) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth in a sandy soil. The low total N content of the compost and low WTR P and K contents resulted in significantly lower (up to 50% lower, p < 0.05) plant biomass in single amendments compared with the control, whereas the highest co‐amendment produced significantly higher plant biomass (33% higher, p < 0.05) than the control. This positive co‐amendment effect on plant growth is attributed to balanced nutrient provision, with P and K from the compost and N from the WTR. Foliar micronutrient and Al levels showed no toxic accumulation, and co‐amended foliar Mn levels increased from near deficient (20 mg kg−1) to sufficient (50 mg kg−1). Total WTR metals were well below maximum land application concentrations (USDA). Trace element bioavailability remained the same (Ni, Cu, and Hg) or significantly decreased (B, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, and Cd; p < 0.05) during the pot trial. These results suggest, within this context, that a WTR–compost co‐amendment is a promising soil improvement technology for increasing crop yields in sandy soils.Core Ideas
Iron (Fe) water treatment residual (WTR) is a byproduct of potable water production.
Wheat biomass increased by 33% when poor‐quality compost and Fe‐WTR were combined.
Combined amendments and control outperformed single amendments of compost and WTR.
Bioavailable metals measured after the pot trial did not increase.
Co‐application of compost with WTR may counter the negative effects of P sorption.
Variability of Ergovaline and Total Ergot Alkaloid Expression among Endophytic Tall Fescue Cultivars
Authors: Leanne Dillard S. , Smith S. Ray , Hancock Dennis W. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTTall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum[Schreb.] Darbysh.) is one of the most widely grown grasses in the United States. Most plants are infected with an endophyte,Epichloë coenophialaBacon and Schardl. This endophyte produces high concentrations of ergot alkaloids, which cause fescue toxicosis in livestock. The economic losses to the US livestock industry are estimated to be approximately $1 billion annually. The objectives were to evaluate the variability in total ergot alkaloid concentrations ([TEA]) and ergovaline concentrations ([E]) in leaf blades and sheaths, and whole tillers from cultivars containing different wild‐type and novel endophytes across two seasons and environments. This study was conducted in 2012 and 2014 at two sites: Watkinsville, GA and Lexington, KY. There was no location effect for [TEA] or [E] in whole tillers. Measurements in 2012 showed no ergovaline‐producing tillers for cultivars infected with MaxQ or MaxQ II. Cultivars BarOptima Plus E34 and IS‐FTF 31‐UArk9 produced tillers expressing ergovaline but at lesser levels than endophyte‐infected KY 31. In leaf blades, [TEA] and [E] were greater in 2012 than 2014 at both sites for KY 31 (1861 and 402 vs. 1473 and 135 µg kg–1, respectively). Large variability can occur in KY 31, BarOptima Plus E34, and IS‐FTF 31‐UArk9 for ergot alkaloid content over years, within seasons, and between cultivars. This research indicates the importance of testing fields for ergot alkaloid content to determine risk from grazing and hay feeding.
A Random Forest Model to Predict the Activity of a Large Set of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors Solely Based on a Set of Simple Fragmental Descriptors
Authors: Shamsara Jamal 
Published: October 2019

Background:The Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme in various tissues. The inhibition of the sEH has shown promising results to treat hypertension, alleviate pain and inflammation.Objective:In this study, the power of machine learning has been employed to develop a predictive QSAR model for a large set of sEH inhibitors.Methods:In this study, the random forest method was employed to make a valid model for the prediction of sEH inhibition. Besides, two new methods (Treeinterpreter python package and LIME, Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) have been exploited to explain and interpret the model.Results:The performance metrics of the model were as follows: R2=0.831, Q2=0.565, RMSE=0.552 and R2 pred=0.595. The model also demonstrated good predictability on the two extra external test sets at least in terms of ranking. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients for external test set 1 and 2 were 0.872 and 0.673, respectively. The external test set 2 was a diverse one compared to the training set. Therefore, the model could be used for virtual screening to enrich potential sEH inhibitors among a diverse compound library.Conclusion:As the model was solely developed based on a set of simple fragmental descriptors, the model was explained by two local interpretation algorithms, and this could guide medicinal chemists to design new sEH inhibitors. Moreover, the most important general descriptors (fragments) suggested by the model were consistent with the available crystallographic data. The model is available as an executable binary at http://www.pharm-sbg.com and https://github.com/shamsaraj.
Curcumin Activates the Nrf2 Pathway and Induces Cellular Protection Against Oxidative Injury
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Ahmadi Zahra , Mohammadinejad Reza , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed 
Published: October 2019

:Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol that is isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric). This medicinal compound has different biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antineoplastic, and anti-inflammatory. It also has therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative disorders, renal disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Curcumin is safe and well-tolerated at high concentrations without inducing toxicity. It seems that curcumin is capable of targeting the Nrf2 signaling pathway in protecting the cells against oxidative damage. Besides, this strategy is advantageous in cancer therapy. Accumulating data demonstrates that curcumin applies four distinct ways to stimulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, including inhibition of Keap1, affecting the upstream mediators of Nrf2, influencing the expression of Nrf2 and target genes, and finally, improving the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. In the present review, the effects of curcumin on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to exert its therapeutic and biological activities has been discussed.
Role of Whole Plant Extract of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn in the Treatment of Thrombolysis
Authors: Sharma Charu , Chauhan Samrat , Gupta Sumeet , Devi Ashwanti , Nair Anroop 
Published: October 2019

Aim:
This study aims to find out the components responsible for the antithrombotic activity
of Nelumbo nucifera.

Material and Methods:
Petroleum ether, chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts of whole plant of
Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) were prepared and assessed for its thrombolytic, anti-platelet aggregation
activity and bleeding time. The extracts were further analyzed through HPTLC and GC-MS. Statistical
analysis was conducted through ANOVA trailed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test test.

Results:
Hydroalcoholic extract showed the highest activity at the concentration of 400µg/ml in
thrombolytic assay (42.03 ± 5.76), anti-platelet aggregation assay (57.93 ± 1.68) and bleeding time
(70.17 ± 2.16) in comparison to clopodigrel (33.76 ± 3.43), aspirin (66.55 ± 1.86) and aspirin (93.85
± 2.75) at the concentration of 100 µg/ml respectively. 25 peaks were identified through GC-MS, out
of which, ferulic acid (14.2µ/g) and quercetin (5.4 µ/g) are active chemical compounds. HPTLC
showed different chromatograms in hydroalcoholic extracts like (1) chlorogenic, (2) quercetin, (3)
benzoic acid, (4) caffeic acid, (5) ferulic acid, (6) kaempferol, and (7) gallic acid.

Conclusion:
Based on these findings, flavonoids present in hydroalcoholic extract may be developed
into a drug for clinical application for the treatment of thrombosis in patients.