bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study protocol of the multi-centre, randomized controlled trial of the Frankfurt Early Intervention Program A-FFIP versus early intervention as usual for toddlers and preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (A-FFIP study)
Authors: Kitzerow Janina , Freitag Christine M. , Hackbusch Matthes , Jensen Katrin , Kieser Meinhard , Noterdaeme Michele , Fröhlich Ulrike , Taurines Regina , Geißler Julia , Nicole Wolff , Roessner Veit , Bast Nico , Teufel Karoline , Kim Ziyon 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions (NDBI) have been shown to improve autism-specific symptoms in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). NDBI approaches, such as the ASD-specific Frankfurt Early Intervention Program for ASD (A-FFIP), are based on ASD-specific developmental and learning aspects. A-FFIP is a low-intensity intervention which can easily be implemented in the local health care / social welfare system. The aim of the present study is to establish one-year efficacy of the manualised early intervention program A-FFIP in toddlers and preschool children with ASD. It is hypothesized that A-FFIP will result in improved ASD-specific symptoms compared to early intervention as usual (EIAU). Child and family specific secondary outcomes, as well as moderators and mediators of outcome will be explored. Methods/design: A prospective multi-centre, parallel-group, randomized, controlled, phase-III trial comparing A-FFIP versus EIAU. A total of 134 children (A-FFIP: 67, EIAU: 67) aged 24–66 months at baseline assessment meeting criteria for ASD (DSM-5) will be included. The primary outcome is the absolute change of the total score of the Brief Observation of Social Communication Change (BOSCC-AT) between baseline (T2) and one-year follow-up (T6). The treatment effect will be tested adjusted for relevant covariates applying a mixed model for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes are BOSCC social communication and repetitive behaviour scores, single ASD symptoms, language, cognition, psychopathology, parental well-being and family quality of life. Predictors, moderators and mediating mechanisms will be explored. Discussion: If efficacy of the manualised A-FFIP early intervention is established, the current study has the potential to change clinical practice strongly towards the implementation of low-intensity, evidence based, natural early intervention in ASD. Early intervention in ASD requires specialist training, which subsequently needs to be developed or included into current training curricula.
Genome-wide identification and analyses of the AHL gene family in cotton (Gossypium)
Authors: Zhao Lanjie , Lu Youjun , Chen Wei , Yao Jinbo , Li Yan , Li Qiulin , Pan Jingwen , Fang Shengtao , Sun Jie , Zhang Yongshan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Members of the AT-HOOK MOTIF CONTAINING NUCLEAR LOCALIZED ( AHL ) family are involved in various plant biological processes via protein-DNA and protein-protein interaction. However, no the systematic identification and analysis of AHL gene family have been reported in cotton.
Results: To investigate the potential functions of AHLs in cotton, genome-wide identification, expressions and structure analysis of the AHL gene family were performed in this study. 48, 51 and 99 AHL genes were identified from the G.raimondii, G.arboreum and G.hirsutum genome, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AHLs in cotton evolved into 2 clades, Clade-A with 4-5 introns and Clade-B with intronless (excluding AHL 20-2). Based on the composition of the AT-hook motif(s) and PPC/DUF 296 domain, AHL proteins were classified into three types (Type-I/-II/-III), with Type-I AHLs forming Clade-B, and the other two types together diversifying in Clade-A. The detection of synteny and collinearity showed that the AHLs expanded with the WGD in cotton, and the sequence structure of AHL20-2 showed the tendency of increasing intron in three different Gossypium spp . The ratios of non-synonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates of orthologous gene pairs revealed that the AHL genes of G.hirsutum had undergone through various selection pressures, purifying selection mainly in A-subgenome and positive selection mainly in D-subgenome. Examination of their expression patterns showed most of AHLs of Clade-B expressed predominantly in stem, while those of Clade-A in ovules, suggesting that the AHLs within each clade shared similar expression patterns with each other. qRT-PCR analysis further confirmed that some GhAHLs higher expression in stems and ovules.
Conclusion: In this study, 48, 51 and 99 AHL genes were identified from three cotton genomes respectively. AHLs in cotton were classified into two clades by phylogenetic relationship and three type based on the composition of motif and domain. The AHLs expanded with segmental duplication, not tandem duplication. The expression profiles of GhAHLs revealed abundant differences in expression levels in various tissues and at different stages of ovules development. Our study provided significant insights into the potential functions of AHLs in regulating the growth and development in cotton.
The dishwasher rubber seal acts as a reservoir of bacteria in the home environment
Authors: Zupančič Jerneja , Turk Martina , Črnigoj Miha , Avguštin Jerneja Ambrožič , Gunde-Cimerman Nina 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Bacteria that colonise the extreme environment of household dishwasher rubber seals were investigated using cultivation-dependent and metagenomic approaches. All 30 dishwashers investigated were colonised by various bacteria. Cultivation approaches resulted in 632 bacterial isolates in total, belonging to four phyla, eight classes, 40 genera and 74 species. The majority were Gram-positive, as solely Firmicutes (dominated by the Bacillus cereus group) and Actinobacteria. Gammaproteobacteria were primarily represented by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. All isolates were tested for resistance to seven selected antibiotics. Metagenomic assessment of the bacterial biodiversity of the dishwasher rubber seals confirmed the predominance of Gram-positive bacteria, as primarily Actinobacteria, followed by Proteobacteria dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, and by pathogenic species such as Escherichia sp., Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterobacter sp.. Metagenomic assessment of bacterial biodiversity in the tap water connected to dishwashers revealed predominance of Gram-negative bacteria, in particular Proteobacteria, mainly represented by Tepidimonas sp.. Both Actinobacteria and Firmicutes showed low numbers in the tap water. These data indicate that colonisation of dishwasher rubber seals probably depends primarily on the bacterial input from the dirty vessels, and much less on the bacteria in the tap water. Based on the antibiotic resistance data, the dishwasher rubber seal bacterial isolates do not represent a serious threat for the spread of antibiotic resistance into the household environment. Nevertheless dishwashers cannot be ignored as potential sources of human infections, in particular for immuno-compromised individuals.
Patient-level factors influencing hypertension control in adults in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Okai Darlene Esinam , Manu Abubakar , Amoah Emefa Modey , Laar Amos , Akamah Joseph , Torpey Kwasi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : Effective control of blood pressure is necessary to avert the risk of cardiovascular diseases from uncontrolled hypertension. Despite evidence on the benefits of hypertension control, rates of control in Ghana remain low. This study assessed the patient-level factors that influence hypertension control among adults in Accra, Ghana.
Methods: A total of 360 hypertensive patients from two hospitals in Accra, Ghana were enrolled in the study. Client socio-demographic characteristics were tabulated and associations between client characteristics and hypertension control were estimated using chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Results: The client’s sex [AOR=3.53 (95% CI:1.73-7.25], educational at junior high school [AOR=3.05(95% CI 1.40-6.67)], senior high school [AOR=2.67 (95% CI 1.05-6.76)] and presence of a comorbidity [AOR=2.41 (95% CI 1.32; 4.42)] predicted BP control among clients. An increased pill burden, however, was associated with reduced BP control [AOR=0.32(95% CI: 0.18-0.56)]. The majority of patients reported forgetfulness, side effects of medication and high pill burden as reasons for missing their medications.
Conclusion: Knowledge of hypertension among patients is low. Sex, formal education and the presence of comorbidity and more specifically dyslipidaemia influences blood pressure control. A high pill burden negatively affects the attainment of blood pressure control.
Correlation between visual acuity and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*04 in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Misawa Norihiko , Tagami Mizuki , Kohno Takeya , Honda Shigeru 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background: The common presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*04 in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between visual prognosis and HLA-DRB1*04 alleles during systemic corticosteroid therapy in patients with VKH disease.
Methods: This retrospective case series included 57 eyes from 29 consecutive patients with treatment-naïve VKH disease who received systemic corticosteroid therapy. Visual acuity, sex, refractive error, central retinal thickness (CRT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and duration from onset to treatment were measured at initial and final visits. Mean values of parameters were compared with each visit. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primer.
Results: Linear regression showed significant differences in logMAR best-corrected visual acuity between the three groups of homozygotes, heterozygotes, and normal subjects at baseline ( p <0.01), at three months after treatment ( p <0.01).There was no significant differences at six months after treatment ( p =0.257). No significant differences were detected between the three groups in age, sex, refractive error, CRT, CCT, or duration from onset to treatment.
Conclusion: Alleles of HLA-DRB1*04 might affect visual prognosis and be related to early response after initiation of treatment in VKH disease.
Development of microsatellite markers for the Japanese endemic conifer Thuja standishii and transfer to other East Asian species
Authors: Worth James Raymond Peter , Chang K. S. , Ha Y.-H. , Qin Aili 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: Design polymorphic microsatellite loci that will be useful for studies of the genetic diversity, structure and reproduction in the Japanese endemic conifer Thuja standishii and test the transferability of these loci to the two other East Asian species, T. sutchuenensis and T. koraiensis .
Results: Fifteen loci were developed which displayed 3 to 21 alleles per locus (average = 9.2) among 97 samples from three populations of T. standishii . Observed heterozygosity for all samples varied between 0.33-0.75 (average 0.54) while expected heterozygosity values were higher with an average over the 15 loci of 0.62 (0.37-0.91). Low multi-locus probability of identity values (< 0.00001) indicate that these markers will be effective for identifying individuals derived from clonal reproduction. All 15 loci amplified in 13 samples of T. sutchuenensis , the sister species of T. standishii , with 1 to 11 alleles per locus (average = 4.33) while 13 loci amplified in four samples of the more distantly related T. koraiensis with 1 to 5 alleles per locus (average = 2.15).
The Expression of P16 and S100 Associated with Elastin Degradation and Fibrosis of the Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy
Authors: Author) Wei hu(Former Corresponding , Kan Shunli , Liu Guang , Cao Zegang , Author) Rusen Zhu(New Corresponding 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: One of the characteristics of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is elastin degradation and ﬁbrosis in the ligamentum ﬂavum (LF). However, the biochemical factors that cause these histologic changes is unclear. P16 and S100 participate in scar formation and collagen development in wound healing and ﬁbrosis diseases. In this study, we investigate the association between P16 and S100 expression and the ﬁbrosis of the hypertrophic LF in LSS.

Methods: The LF specimens were surgically obtained from thirty patients with single-segment LSS (SLSS), 30 patients with double-segment LSS (DLSS) and 30 patients with L4/5 lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The LF thickness was measured by axial T1-weighted MRI. The extent of LF elastin degradation and fibrosis were graded based on hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Verhoff’s Van Gieson’s (VVG) stain, respectively. The localization of P16 and S100 was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results: The Absolute and relative LF thickness were greater in the DLSS group compared with the SLSS and LDH groups (p < 0.05). The elastic tissue from the dorsal aspect to the dural aspect in SLSS and DLSS groups was significantly increased. The amount of collagen deposition and elastic tissue is significantly higher in the DLSS group compared with the SLSS and LDH groups (p < 0.05). The specimens in the DLSS group showed positive staining of P16, especially in the dorsal layer. Almost all samples in the SLSS group were partially positive for P16. The LDH group showed negative staining of P16 in both the dural and dorsal layers. All the three groups were stained with S100 in the dorsal layer of the LF. On the contrary, S100 staining was absent in the dural layer of the LF in the three groups.

Conclusions : Elastin degradation and fibrosis of the LF in the DLSS patients is more severe compared with the SLSS and LDH patients. Increased expression of P16 associated with LF fibrosis and thickness, suggested that the expression of P16 may related to LF hypertrophy in the patients who suffer with LSS. LF hypertrophy process may not be associated with high expression of S100.
House-hold contact tuberculosis screening adherence and associated factors among tuberculosis patients attending at Health facilities in Gondar town, Northwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Dessie Alemnew , Mekonnen Habtamu Sewunet , Abate Addisu Taye 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Contacting patients with tuberculosis have a substantial risk of developing the disease. Household contact screening has recently been recommended as a strategy to enhance case detection in high-burden countries. But there is no enough information in Gondar town regarding household contact screening practice among TB patients.Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of household contact screening adherence and its associated factors among adult tuberculosis patients attending at health facilities in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2019 on 404 tuberculosis patients attending at health facilities in Gondar Town. Epi-Info version 7 for data entry and SPSS version 20 for data analysis were used. Descriptive statistics were carried out to illustrate the means, standard deviations, and frequencies. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify significantly associated variables with the dependent variable.Results

From 412 study populations, 404 were completed the study with 98.06% response rate. The overall household contact TB screening adherence was 47.5% (95% CI: 43.1, 52.5). In the multivariable analysis, having certificate and above educational level (AOR=2.83, 95% CI:1.40,5.67), having sufficient knowledge about TB (AOR=8.26, 95% CI:4.34,15.71), being satisfied with health care service (AOR=3.26, 95% CI:1.58,6.76), health education given by health care workers (AOR=2.60, 95% CI:1.54,4.40),and having HIV/AIDS co-infection (AOR=3.54, 95% CI:1.70,7.39), were factors associated with household contact TB screening adherence.Conclusion

Compared to other previous studies, the current finding was high but it was low as compared with WHO and Ethiopian Ministry of Health recommendations (all persons having TB contact should be screened). Educational status, knowledge on TB, satisfaction with delivered health care service, health education given by HCWs about TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection were factors associated with household contact TB screening practice. Thus, strengthening household TB contact screening and educational programs regarding the risk of getting TB infection from household contacts is crucial.
Analysis of fungal bloodstream infection in intensive care units in the Meizhou region of China: species distribution and resistance and the risk factors for patient mortality
Authors: Xiao Guang-Wen , Liao Wan-qing , Zhang Yuenong , Luo Xiaodong , Zhang Cailing , Li Guodan , Yang Yingping , Xu Yunyao 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : Fungal bloodstream infections (FBI) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients are increasing. Our objective was to characterize the fungal pathogens that cause bloodstream infections and determine the epidemiology and risk factors for patient mortality among ICU patients in Meizhou, China. Methods Eighty-one ICU patients with FBI during their stays were included in the study conducted from January 2008 to December 2017. Blood cultures were performed and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the resulting isolates were determined. Logistic multiple regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were used to assess the risk factors for mortality among the cases. Results The prevalence of FBI in ICU patients was 0.38% (81/21,098) with a mortality rate of 35.8% (29/81). Ninety-eight strains of bloodstream-infecting fungi, mainly Candida spp., were identified from these patients. Candida albicans was most common (42.9%). Two strains of C. parapsilosis were no-sensitive to caspofungin, C. glabrata were less than 80% sensitive to azole drugs.. Logistic multiple regression showed that age, serum albumin, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, three or more underlying diseases, and length of stay in ICU were independent risk factors for mortality in FBI. ROC curve analysis showed that APACHE II scores > 19 and serum albumin ≤ 25g/L were the best predictors of mortality. Conclusion Candida spp. predominated with high mortality rates among cases of FBI in ICU. Thus, clinical staff should enhance overall patient monitoring and especially monitor fungal susceptibility to reduce mortality rates.
Flight muscles degenerate by programmed cell death after migration in the wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae
Authors: Feng Honglin , Guo Xiao , Sun Hongyan , Zhang Shuai , Xi Jinghui , Yin Jiao , Cao Yazhong , Li Kebin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective

Previous studies showed that flight muscles degenerate after migration in some aphid species; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains virtually unknown. In this study, using the wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae , we aim to investigate aphid flight muscle degeneration and the underlying molecular mechanism.Results

S. avenae started to differentiate winged or wingless lines at the second instar, the winged aphids were fully determined at the third instar, and their wings were fully developed at the fourth instar. After migration, the aphid flight muscles degenerated via programmed cell death, which is evidenced by a Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay. Then, we identified a list of differentially expressed genes before and after tethered flights using differential-display reverse transcription-PCR. One of the differentially expressed genes, ubiquitin-ribosomal S27a, was confirmed using qPCR. Ubiquitin-ribosomal S27a is drastically up regulated following the aphids’ migration and before the flight muscle degeneration. Our data suggested that aphid flight muscles degenerate after migration. During flight muscle degeneration, endogenous proteins may be degraded to reallocate energy for reproduction.
Thrombocytopenia according to Antiretroviral Drug Combinations, Viremia and CD4 Lymphocytes among HIV-Infected Patients in Cameroon A Snapshot from the City of Yaoundé
Authors: NKA Alex Durand , Sosso Samuel Martin , Fokam Joseph , Yagai Bouba , Teto Georges , Kamgaing Rachel , Tiga Aline , Yimga Junie , Nukenine Elias Nchiwan , Nanfack Aubin Joseph , Takou Désiré , Aroga Zélateur , Colizzi Vittorio , Ndjolo Alexis 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: Thrombocytopenia is an abnormal decrease in blood platelets, which can affect the prognosis of people living with HIV (PLHIV). In order to assess the burden of this haematological disorder, we evaluated the frequency of thrombocytopenia according to antiretroviral drug combinations, viremia and the immune status of PLHIV.
Results: A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted from June-November 2016 among 310 PLHIV at the “Chantal BIYA” International Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Overall rate of thrombocytopenia was 19.0% (59/310).The rate of thrombocytopenia was 64.6% (42/65) versus 6.9% (17/245) in ART-naïve versus ART-treated patients respectively, p<0.0001. Following viral load, rate of thrombocytopenia was 15.8% (20/130) in those with undetectable viral load, and 34.1% (27/79) with viral loads>3 log10 RNA/ml (p=0.03). As concerns CD4-count, rate of thrombocytopenia was 16.2% (42/259) in those with ≥200 CD4/mm 3 versus 33.3% (17/51) with <200 CD4/mm 3 (p=0.0003) . After adjusting for sex, ART, viral load and CD4, Viral load and ART exposure were significantly associated with decreased risk of thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Thrombocytopenia occurs especially among ART-naïve, high viremia and severe immune-compromised patients. Interestingly, ART coverage appears as an independent factor in preventing the occurrence of thrombocytopenia.