bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome and Its Association with HIV-Co infection in Ethiopia, A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Belay Getaneh Mulualem , Wubneh Chalachew Adugna 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Introduction Globally around one million children are infected with Tuberculosis. Childhood Tuberculosis is underestimated due diagnosis challenge. HIV infection can affect the TB disease progression and treatment outcome.Objectives The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the pooled estimates of childhood tuberculosis treatment outcome and to analyze the impact of HIV-co infection.Methods We searched all available articles using PubMed, Google scholar and a web of science. Additionally, reference lists of included studies and Ethiopian institutional research repositories were used. Searching was limited to studies conducted in Ethiopia and published in English language. Cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies were included. A weighted inverse variance random effects- model was used. The overall variations between studies were checked by heterogeneity test Higgins’s method (I 2 ). All included studies were assessed with the JBI quality appraisal criteria. Publication bias was checked with the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test.Result A total of 6 studies with 5,389 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimate of successful treatment outcome was found to be 79.54% (95% CI: 73.00, 86.07). Of which 72.44% were treatment completed. Moreover, this study revealed that the treatment failure, defaulter and death were 0.15%, 5.36%, and 3.54%, respectively. Poor treatment outcome was higher among children with HIV co infection with an odds ratio of 3.15 (95% CI: 1.67, 5.94) as compared to HIV negative children.Conclusion The rate of successful treatment outcome of childhood tuberculosis in Ethiopia found to be low compared to the threshold suggested by the world health organization. HIV co infection is significantly associated with poor treatment outcome. Therefore, special attention better to be given for children infected with HIV.
Over-expression of poplar NAC15 gene enhances wood formation in transgenic tobacco
Authors: Yao Wenjing , Zhang Dawei , Zhou Boru , Wang Jianping , Li Renhua , Jiang Tingbo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
BackgroundNAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) family is one of the largest plant-specific TF families known to play significant roles in wood formation. Acting as master gene regulators, a few NAC genes can activate secondary wall biosynthesis during wood formation in woody plants.ResultsIn the present study, firstly, we screened 110 differentially expressed NAC genes in the leaves, stems, and roots of di-haploid Populus simonii×P. nigra by RNA-Seq. Then we identified a nucleus-targeted gene, NAC15 gene, which was one of the most highly expressed genes in the stem among NAC family members. Thirdly, we conducted expression pattern analysis of NAC15 gene, and proved NAC15 gene was most highly expressed in the xylem. Moreover, we transferred NAC15 gene into tobacco and obtained 12 transgenic tobacco lines overexpressing the gene. And the relative content of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin was determined to be higher in the transgenic plants than that in the control plants. It also showed darker staining in the culms of the transgenic plants with phloroglucinol staining, compared to the control plants. Furthermore, the relative expression level of a few lignin- and cellulose-related genes was significantly higher in the TLs than that in the CLs.ConclusionsThe overall results indicated that NAC15 gene is highly expressed in the xylem of poplar and plays an important role in wood formation in transgenic tobacco, which provides a foundation for the identification of wood-associated downstream genes and has significant implication in tree biology and biotechnology.
Aim2Be an mHealth intervention for children with overweight and obesity: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Masse Louise C , Vlaar Janae , Macdonald Janice , Bradbury Jennifer , Warshawski Tom , Buckler E Jean , Hamilton Jill , Ho Josephine , Buchholz Annick , Morrison Katherine , Ball Geoff DC 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity remains high in Canada, and the current standard for the treatment of childhood obesity is in-person family-based multidisciplinary interventions that target lifestyle behaviours (e.g. diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours). These programs are costly to operate, have limited success, and report recruitment and retention challenges. With recent advances in technology, mobile health or mHealth has presented as a viable alternative to in-person interventions for behavior change, especially with teens.Purpose The primary aim of this study is to test the efficacy of Aim2Be, a gamified app based on behavior change theory with health coaching at improving weight outcomes (i.e., decrease in zBMI) and lifestyle behaviours (i.e. improve dietary quality, increase fruit and vegetable intake, reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake, increase physical activity, and reduce screen time) among 10-17 year old children with overweight or obesity versus their peers randomized into a waitlist control condition. The secondary aims of this study are to: 1) test whether supplementing the Aim2Be program with health coaching increases adherence; and 2) examine the mediators and moderators of adherence to the Aim2Be intervention.Methods We will employ a randomized controlled trial design and recruit 200 child and parent dyads to participate in the study (2019-2020). Participants will be recruited from Canadian pediatric weight management clinics, and through online advertisements. Child participants must be between the ages of 10-17 years, have overweight or obesity, be able to read English at a grade 5 level, and have a mobile phone or home computer with internet access. Following baseline data collection, participants will be randomized into intervention and waitlist control groups. Intervention participants will receive access to Aim2Be, with access to health coaching. Following 3-month data collection, the control group will gain access to Aim2Be; with no access to health coaching. Participants will control their frequency and duration of app usage to promote autonomy.Discussion Findings from this study will determine the efficacy of using Aim2Be in improving child weight outcomes and lifestyle behaviours and guide future mHealth interventions for pediatric weight management.
Serum miR-375 levels are closely related to disease progression from HBV infection to HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Weilu , Fu Ting , Guo Zhenjun , Zhang Ye , Zhang Lei , Su Haixia , Long Yong , Ji Zhaohua , Yan Yongping , Shao Zhongjun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: There is an urgent need to identify ideal serological biomarkers that not only are closely related to disease progression from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but also have high specificity and sensitivity. We conducted this study to determine whether miR-375 has a potential value in the early prediction of the progression of HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC).
Methods: A total of 177 participants were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive capability of selected miR-375 for HBV-HCC. We upregulated miR-375 expression in HepG2, HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38 cells to determine its effect on cellular proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro using CCK-8 and transwell assays.
Results: Serum miR-375 levels decreased in order from healthy controls to CHB without cirrhosis, followed by cirrhosis, and finally, HBV-HCC patients. MiR-375 levels were significantly lower in HBeAg- and HBV DNA-positive patients than negative (P<0.05), and significantly lower in patients with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) than normal levels (P<0.05). MiR-375 might be a biomarker for HBV-HCC, with a high area under the curve (AUC) of 0.838 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.780~0.897; sensitivity: 73.9%; specificity: 93.0%). The AUC (0.768 vs 0.584) and sensitivity (93.8% vs 75.0%) for miR-375 were higher than those for AFP. The overexpression of miR-375 noticeably inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion in HepG2, HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38, especially in HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38, which are stably infected with HBV.
Conclusions: Serum miR-375 levels are closely related to disease progression from HBV infection to HBV-HCC.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, hepatocellular carcinoma, microRNA-375, clinical significance, disease progression
Distribution of cervical lesions in high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) positive women with ASC-US: A retrospective single-center study in China
Authors: Wang Zhiling , Gu Ying , Wang Hui , Chen Junyu , Zheng Yawen , Jia Lin , Cui Baoxia , Yang Xingsheng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective To investigate distributions of cervical lesions and factors associated with the severity of the cervical lesions in high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) positive women with ASC-US cytology.Methods Clinical information of 250,000 women who underwent HPV and cytological test was collected from January 2012 to January 2019. The association between the severity of the cervical lesions and hr-HPV genotypes, hr-HPV viral load, and ages, were analyzed in hr-HPV-positive/ASC-US women.Results 3459 hr-HPV-positive/ASC-US women were enrolled in this study. Overall, 43.51% of women with ASC-US had normal histological results, 34.35% had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and 1.30% had cervical cancer. The rate of HSIL or worse (HSIL+) in women with single HPV16 infection (63.09%) was the highest, followed by HPV33 (57.50%), HPV51 (36.11%), HPV58 (36.11%), HPV52 (28.28%), HPV18(26.37%), HPV66 (19.35%), HPV39 (18.92%), HPV53 (15.00%), and HPV56 (8.51%). Detection rate of HSIL+ in low, intermediate and high viral-load groups were 15.87% (n=30), 34.91% (n=74) and 40.68% (n=214) (Cochran-Armitage Trend test χ2=35.03, P<0.0001). Compared with the 51-60-year-old group (21.65%), the women in ≤30 (40.52%), 31-40 (39.67%), and 41-50 (34.22%) year-old groups had significantly higher risk of HSIL+. The women in ≤51-60 (2.68%) and >60 (3.41%) year-old groups were at increased risk for cervical cancer, compared with the ≤30-year-old group (0.61%).Conclusion ASC-US women with HPV 16/18/33/51/52/58 single infection and multiple infections, as well as high HPV viral loads, have high risk of HSIL+. Young women and older women have higher HSIL+ detection rates, while the latter has a higher cervical cancer detection rate.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors among HIV Patients who had Follow up at Debre Markos Referral Hospital,Northwest Ethiopia,from 2015-2019.
Authors: Gietaneh Wodaje , Agegne Ayalnesh , Gedif Getnet 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective To assess prevalence of intestinal parasite and associated factors among patients with human immune deficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Debre markos referral hospital, Amhara region, Ethiopia from 2015-2019RESULTS This study revealed that, out of 380 patients, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was found to be 24.2% with95%CI (18.9, 28.4). The most predominant parasite was both forms of Entamoeba histolytica 11.3% followed by G.lambilia 8.9%, Strongyloides sterocoralis 2.4%, but A.lumbricoid 0.8% and H.worm 0.8% were the least detected. ART status had significant association with prevalence of intestinal parasites (AOR =3.566, CI: 1.882, 6.758).
Socioeconomic status trajectories and health in China
Authors: Wei Ning , Zhou Lülin , Huang Wenhao 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: After 40 years of reform and opening-up, China's social and economic conditions have undergone tremendous changes. For individuals who have experienced this historical period, the socioeconomic transition has brought different effects on their health status. This research examines the issue and provides evidence that government policies need to be improved. Methods: This study adopted data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We set the education level, occupation, and family income during old age as the socioeconomic status for the early, middle, and late stages of life. Based on specific criteria, we classified the population as disadvantaged and advantaged, considering eight changing trajectories of socioeconomic status. We used multiple regression analysis to examine how the eight trajectories affect individuals' physical and mental health. Results: After controlling for social demography and health behavior variables, we found that compared with those in the advantaged group long term, people who were in the disadvantaged group suffered from a significantly negative impact of their socioeconomic status on physical and mental health. The health status of those who moved upward in socioeconomic status was substantially better than those who remained in the same status. Conclusion: This study confirms that early disadvantaged socioeconomic status has a long-term adverse effect on health. However, the negative impact can be mitigated by improving one’s occupation during middle age or family income during old age throughout China's socioeconomic transitions. Therefore, increasing upward social mobility at any stage helps eliminate health inequalities.
Ecological Assessment Of Performance Of Tree Species Used In Rehabilitating Degraded Areas Of Turkana County, Kenya
Authors: Owino Jesse O. , Kemboi Jackline J. , Mwanje Patrick M. , Ibuya Kennedy C. , Enyang’ Grace A. , Emanikor Francis E. , Wachira Julius M. , Kibor Faith J. , Looyan Bosco E. , Eremon Mark E. , Lomor Redhia L. , Long’or Milcah E. , Ejore Everlyne I. , Ateyo Sharline N. , Ekiru Wilson E. , Ekal Franco , Long’ura Michael E. , Lokato Festus E. , Lodung’ Christopher E. , Ngare Martino I. , Lomulen Zephaniah E. , Muturi Gabriel M 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Dry regions are facing environmental challenges which have resulted in biodiversity and soil fertility loss. It is highly recognized that trees contribute a range of ecosystem services in urban environments. Rehabilitation using indigenous tree species in Kenya faces challenges as the country lacks guidelines on species site matching. The main objective of this study was to assess the ecological performance of rehabilitation efforts in two arid and semi-arid (ASAL) sites with varying number of tree species but not abundance in each of the sites. The study further determines the efficacy of rehabilitation by varying the number of species in degraded ASAL areas. This study employed ecological study technique using height, diameter at breast height (DBH), Soil pH and compared the performance of the tree species in the field against performance of similar species at their early growth stages in the nursery. Results The study results showed significantly higher soil pH in the nursery (p<0.05) than in both the degraded ASAL field sites. Similarly, the mean tree heights were significantly higher (p<0.05) in site with higher species diversity than site with lower species diversity. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the species DBH in the two sites. Conclusions Other than soil amendments for fertility improvement to increase rtrees perfomance, there is need to rehabilitate degraded areas with higher tree species diversity to achieve a resilient heterogeneous ecosystem. This study has shown how adding economic valuation of tree species would lead to awarenenss and importance on key native species.
GENERALIZED PARETO DISTRIBUTION BASED ON GENERALIZED ORDER STATISTICS AND ASSOCIATED INFERENCE
Authors: Malik Mansoor Rashid , Kumar Devendra 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we have considered the generalized Pareto distribution. Various structural properties of the distribution are derived including (quantile function, explicit expressions for moments, mean deviation, Bonferroni and Lorenz curves and Renyi entropy). We have provided simple explicit expressions and recurrence relations for single and product moments of generalized order statistics from the generalized Pareto distribution. The method of maximum likelihood is adopted for estimating the model parameters. For different parameter settings and sample sizes, the simulation studies are performed and compared to the performance of the generalized Pareto distribution.
Performance of constructed wetlands with different substrates for the treated effluent from municipal sewage plants
Authors: Shiwei Cao , Zhaoqian Jing , Peng Yuan , Yue Wang , Yin Wang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are effective as an advanced treatment process for the treated effluent of municipal wastewater plants. An appropriate substrate, suitable macrophytes, and proper operation are crucial for pollutant abatement. In this research, three subsurface flow CWs with various substrates were investigated. Pollutants abatement efficiency under various operational schemes were analyzed. The results showed that the satisfactory hydraulic loading rate was 0.25 m3/(m2·d). When the C/N ratio of influent was adjusted to 5.87 by adding a carbon source, the denitrification and dephosphorization efficiency would be improved, with 7–8 mg/L for total nitrogen (TN) and 0.4 mg/L for total phosphorus (TP) in the effluent, which can achieve the Class 1A Discharge Standard for discharge to natural waterways in China. A greater depth of submersion for the substrate layer resulted in a more conducive environment for the abatement of nitrogen substances. However, a 40-cm depth of submersion in CWs results in better removal efficiency of TN and TP. A plastic ring substrate (PRS) contains biological enzyme promoter formula, which was conducive to nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. The biofilm affinity and coordination with plants made the PRS more effective than the other two substrates, especially for NO3–-N and TN abatement efficiency.
Deep Learning in the Study of Protein-Related Interactions
Authors: Shi Cheng , Chen Jiaxing , Kang Xinyue , Zhao Guiling , Lao Xingzhen , Zheng Heng 
Published: September 2019

:
Protein-related interaction prediction is critical to understanding life processes, biological
functions, and mechanisms of drug action. Experimental methods used to determine proteinrelated
interactions have always been costly and inefficient. In recent years, advances in biological
and medical technology have provided us with explosive biological and physiological data, and
deep learning-based algorithms have shown great promise in extracting features and learning patterns
from complex data. At present, deep learning in protein research has emerged. In this review,
we provide an introductory overview of the deep neural network theory and its unique properties.
Mainly focused on the application of this technology in protein-related interactions prediction over
the past five years, including protein-protein interactions prediction, protein-RNA\DNA, Protein–
drug interactions prediction, and others. Finally, we discuss some of the challenges that deep learning
currently faces.
The Disposal of Reactive Carbonyl Species through Carnosine Conjugation: What We Know Now
Authors: Gilardoni Ettore , Baron Giovanna , Altomare Alessandra , Carini Marina , Aldini Giancarlo , Regazzoni Luca 
Published: September 2019

:Reactive Carbonyl Species are electrophiles generated by the oxidative cleavage of lipids and sugars. Such compounds have been described as important molecules for cellular signaling, whilst their accumulation has been found to be cytotoxic as they may trigger aberrant modifications of proteins (a process often referred to as carbonylation).:A correlation between carbonylation of proteins and human disease progression has been shown in ageing, diabetes, obesity, chronic renal failure, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease. However, the fate of reactive carbonyl species is still far from being understood, especially concerning the mechanisms responsible for their disposal as well as the importance of this in disease progression.:In this context, some data have been published on phase I and phase II deactivation of reactive carbonyl species. In the case of phase II mechanisms, the route involving glutathione conjugation and subsequent disposal of the adducts has been extensively studied both in vitro and in vivo for some of the more representative compounds, e.g. 4-hydroxynonenal.:There is also emerging evidence of an involvement of carnosine as an endogenous alternative to glutathione for phase II conjugation. However, the fate of carnosine conjugates is still poorly investigated and, unlike glutathione, there is little evidence of the formation of carnosine adducts in vivo. The acquisition of such data could be of importance for the development of new drugs, since carnosine and its derivatives have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents for the mitigation of carbonylation associated with disease progression.:Herein, we wish to review our current knowledge of the binding of reactive carbonyl species with carnosine together with the disposal of carnosine conjugates, emphasizing those aspects still requiring investigation such as conjugation reversibility and enzyme assisted catalysis of the reactions.
Virulence Factors in Candida species
Authors: Staniszewska Monika 
Published: September 2019

:Fungal diseases are severe and have very high morbidity as well as up to 60% mortality for patients diagnosed with invasive fungal infection. In this review, in vitro and in vivo studies provided us with the insight into the role of Candida virulence factors that mediate their success as pathogens, such as: membrane and cell wall (CW) barriers, dimorphism, biofilm formation, signal transduction pathway, proteins related to stress tolerance, hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. proteases, lipases, haemolysins), and toxin production. The review characterized the virulence of clinically important C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and C. krusei. Due to the white-opaque transition in the mating-type locus MTL-homozygous cells, C. albicans demonstrates an advantage over other less related species of Candida as a human commensal and pathogen. It was reviewed that Candida ergosterol biosynthesis genes play a role in cellular stress and are essential for Candida pathogenesis both in invasive and superficial infections. Hydrolases associated with CW are involved in the host-pathogen interactions. Adhesins are crucial in colonization and biofilm formation, an important virulence factor for candidiasis. Calcineurin is involved in membrane and CW stress as well as virulence. The hyphae-specific toxin, named candidalysin, invades mucosal cells facilitating fungal invasion into deeper tissues. Expression of this protein promotes resistance to neutrophil killing in candidiasis. The virulence factors provide immunostimulatory factors, activating dendric cells and promoting T cell infiltration and activation. Targeting virulence factors, can reduce the risk of resistance development in Candida infections.