bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and diversity of CRISPRs in Laribacter hongkongensis isolates from animals, environment and diarrhea patients in southern China
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Ling , Liu Zhihua , Guo Huijie , Liu Youzhao , Wang Zhiyun , Chen Qing , Hu Jing 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins are functional elements of archaea and bacteria, and they form the genetic barrier that reduces the transformation of horizontal genes by an unknown mechanism.

Results

we searched for CRISPRs in 118 Laribacter hongkongensis strains isolated from patients, animals, and water reservoirs. Two CRISPR loci, designated CRISPR4.1 and CRISPR4.2, were identified in L. hongkongensis strains. A CRISPR4.1/cas system was detected in 91.5% (108/118) of the isolates and belonged to the I-F/Ypest subtype of CRISPR/cas systems, while the remaining ten strains only possessed cas genes without the CRISPR4.1 array. The CRISPR4.2 locus was an orphan locus and existed in 72.0% (85/118) L. hongkongensis strains. Meanwhile, a total of 2562 spacers and 980 unique spacers, arranged in 77 alleles, were found, including 1613 (579 unique, 40 alleles) for CRISPR4.1 and 949 (401 unique, 37 alleles) for CRISPR4.2. The results showed that limited spacers had matches in the plasmid (34), phage (19) and bacteria chromosomal sequences (4) from GenBank databases. Consequently, we found the diversity and activity of CRISPRs from human and frog isolates were closer and higher, respectively, than those of the fish isolates.

Conclusions

CRISPR4.1 and CRISPR4.2 exist extensively in L. hongkongensis and belong to the I-F/Ypest subtype. Our results indicate that the CRISPR4.1/cas system is a functional unit, and CRISPR4.2 is perhaps a degenerated and nonfunctional locus. Considering that the CRISPR4.1 locus is relatively active, diverse, and conserved at different levels, the biological functions, types, and epidemiological characteristics of CRISPR loci may be worth studying.
Platelet count and AST can reliably predict the onset of plasma leakage in dengue, a low-cost triage tool during epidemics
Authors: Medagama Arjuna , Dalugama Chamara , Meiyalakan Gukes , Lakmali Darshani 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background:
Dengue is one of the most important mosquito-borne viral infections to affect humans. It is most often a self-limiting febrile illness but in some instances can progress to plasma leakage and in extreme cases culminate in death. Dengue is endemic in Sri Lanka and 2017 saw the largest outbreak on record with over 160,000 cases and over 300 deaths. Health care services reached its’ limits coping with this epidemic.
The objective of this study was to identify reliable, low-cost, easily-accessible and objective predictors of Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) that can be used as a triage tool in epidemic situations.
Methodology/Principal findings:
Serologically confirmed 350 serial adult dengue patients were included in the study. 257 (73.4%) were classified as dengue fever (DF, non leakers) and 93 (26.5%) as DHF with plasma leakage. Bedside ultrasonography was used to identify plasma leakage. Bivariate and regression analysis showed platelet count (Pearson r 0.59), and AST (r 0.27) to be significantly correlated with plasma leakage and platelet count to have a moderate predictive association (R2 0.35) with plasma leakage. Platelet count <50,000/mm3 (OR 23.7; 95% CI 12.2-45.9), AST> twice, upper limit of normal (OR 7.5; 95% CI 3.9-14.3) and ALT> twice, upper limit of normal (OR 2.4; 95%CI 1.4-3.6) increased the likelihood of DHF.
In the final analysis, logistic regression identified platelet count <50,000/mm3 (OR 17.2; 95% CI 8.6-34.1) and AST>2ULN (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.1-12.1) at time of plasma leakage as significant independent predictors of DHF.
ROC curve performed for Platelet count had an AUC of .89 and at a platelet count of 50,000/mm3 predicted DHF with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 79%. AUC for AST was 0.72 and at 93Iu/L predicted DHF with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 60%.
Conclusion: We have identified 2 laboratory parameters that could be used to identify plasma leakage and might be useful to stratify dengue-infected patients at risk for developing severe dengue.
The relationship between postoperative hypoeosinophilia and hospital stay in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Liang , Liu Li , Yue Hongli , Li Jin , Lu Yu , Yan Heyan , Song Wanqing , Cui Weihua 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

The inflammatory immune response is related to the development and progression of many diseases. Recent studies show that eosinophils (EOSs) are involved in various inflammatory processes and even affect patient prognosis. Various anesthetics or anesthesia methods have different effects on the immune inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate early postoperative changes in EOSs and the relationship of postoperative recovery and hypoeosinophilia in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery under general or spinal anesthesia.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent hip fracture surgery at our hospital between April 2014 and November 2017. Patients were classified according to whether they received general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. The outcome measure was postoperative hospital stay (days), and the investigating factor was postoperative day 1 EOS levels.

Results

A total of 149 patients were included in this study, including 34 patients in the general anesthesia group and 115 patients in the spinal anesthesia group. Postoperative day 1 EOS was lower in the general anesthesia group than that in the spinal anesthesia group (P=0.009). The correlation between postoperative hospital stay and postoperative day 1 EOS level was significant ([EOS 1× 107/L increase] β=-0.39, 95%CI -0.74, -0.05) in the general anesthesia group, after adjusting the confounders (age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] grade, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative red blood cell [RBC] transfusion, postoperative day 1 hematocrit [HCT] and white blood cell [WBC], and postoperative complications) and the interaction terms for ASA, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative RBC transfusion and postoperative complications.

Conclusion

EOSs were significantly decreased after surgery in general anesthesia group, Also, postoperative hospital stay was negatively correlated with postoperative day 1 hypoeosinophilia in the general anesthesia group, suggesting that patients should be closely monitored for EOS changes and postoperative complications to enable early intervention.
An analysis of certain fields of interventional drug trials registered with Clinical Trials Registry – India
Authors: Pillamarapu Mounika , Mohan Abhilash , Saberwal Gayatri 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

There has been a significant increase in the number of trials registered with Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI) recently. We therefore wished to understand the current landscape of interventional, drug trials that have run in India.

Methods

We downloaded all trial records on 4 April 2018, and queried the data after it was formatted into an SQLite database. We distinguished trials hosted by India (India-only trials) and those co-hosted by India and other countries (India-etc trials).

Results

We analyzed eight fields of data, with the following key results: (a) Year of registration: The India-etc set suffered a serious dip in 2013. Both sets increased sharply in 2017. (b) Phase: Phase 3 trials were the most common in both sets of data, but were manifold more common in the India-etc set. 30% of the India-only trials had no phase information. (c) Trial sites: Four states each account for 50% or more of the sites in both sets of data. Also, 7–8 cities accounted for 50% or more sites in both sets. (d) Ethics committees: Over 70% of India-only trials had a single ethics committee, but the India-etc trials had a much greater spread. For each set, the maximum exceeded 60 committees per trial. (e) Principal Investigator (PI): 84% and 73% of PIs in the India-only and India-etc sets, respectively, had run a single trial each. One PI had run as many as 44 trials. (f) Primary sponsors: global pharma companies sponsored less than 5% of the India-only set but 92% of the India-etc set. (g) Fraction of subjects from India in India-etc trials: An abnormally large fraction of participants are not recruited from India. (h) Countries co-hosting the India-etc trials: The pattern was similar to that found for international trials co-hosted by Australia.

Conclusions

It is important to understand the landscape of trials being run in any country, to understand the recent past, in case of any red flags, and to serve as inputs to changes in policy. The data also serves as a baseline for the future, to ascertain the impacts of new policies, locally or globally.
The PICO Study: Impact of Phenylalanine on Cognitive, Cerebral and Neurometabolic Parameters in Adult Patients with Phenylketonuria – a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Non-inferiority Trial
Authors: Trepp Roman , Muri Raphaela , Bosanska Lenka , Abgottspon Stephanie , Hochuli Michel , Slotboom Johannes , Kreis Roland , Rummel Christian , Everts Regula 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

The population of adult patients with early-treated phenylketonuria (PKU) following newborn screening is growing substantially. The ideal target range of blood Phe levels in adults outside pregnancy is discussed controversially. Therefore, prospective intervention studies are needed to evaluate the effects of an elevated Phe concentration on cognition and structural, functional and neurometabolic parameters of the brain.

Methods

The PICO (Phenylalanine and Its Impact on Cognition) Study evaluates the effect of a 4-week phenylalanine (Phe) load on cognition and cerebral parameters in 30 adults with early-treated PKU in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, non-inferiority trial. The primary objective of the PICO Study is to prospectively assess whether a temporarily elevated Phe level influences cognitive performance in adults with early-treated PKU. As secondary objective, the PICO Study will elucidate cerebral and neurometabolic mechanisms, which accompany changes in Phe concentration using advanced neuroimaging methods. In addition to the intervention study, cognition, structural and functional parameters of the brain of adult patients with early-treated PKU will be cross-sectionally compared to healthy controls, who will be comparable with regard to age, gender and education level. Advanced MR-techniques will be used to investigate intensity of neural activation during the working memory task (fMRI), strength of functional connectivity between brain regions related to performance in working memory (rsfMRI), white matter integrity (DTI), cerebral blood flow (ASL) and brain Phe concentrations (MRS).

Discussion

Using a combination of neuropsychological and neuroimaging data, the PICO study will considerably contribute to improve the currently insufficient level of evidence on how adult patients with early-treated PKU should be managed.
Ghd8 regulates rice photosensitivity by forming a complex that interacts with Ghd7
Authors: Wang Peng , Gong Rong , Yang Ying , Yu Sibin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Flowering time is one of the most important agronomic characteristics that ultimately determine yield potential and eco-geographical adaptation in crops. Ghd8 and Ghd7, two major flowering genes, have similar functions and large pleiotropic effects in controlling the heading date, plant height and grain yield of rice. However, these genes interact at the genetic and molecular levels has not been determined to date.
Results: In this study, we investigated the genetic interaction between Ghd8 and Ghd7 by using a set of near-isogenic lines and a panel of natural germplasm accessions in rice. We found that Ghd8 affected multiple agronomic traits in a functional Ghd7-dependent manner. Both functional Ghd8 and Ghd7 are pivotal for rice photosensitivity controlled by Hd1 and Hd3a. GHD8 could form a heterotrimeric complex with HD1 and OsHAP5b to activate the transcription of Ghd7 by binding directly to the promoter region of Ghd7, which contains the CCAAT-box motif.
Conclusions: The results of this study help to elucidate the genetic and molecular bases of Ghd8 and Ghd7 interactions, indicating that Ghd8 acts upstream of Ghd7 to activate its transcription, which inhibits Hd3a expression and thus affects flowering time and rice adaptation.
Does the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Map need to change again? An update of MS prevalence in Mazandaran province of Iran in 2018.
Authors: Baghbanian Seyed Mohammad , Cheraghmakani Hamed , HabibiSaravi Reza , Azar Arash , Ghasemihamedani Fariba 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background:
Information of Previous studies on the prevalence of MS, including our study conducted twelve years ago, used to shape global prevalence map of MS. According to those results, Iran placed in medium-prevalence MS region in the world Atlas of MS 2013.This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MS in Mazandaran province after twelve years and the need for possible changes in the global map of the prevalence of MS.

Methods:
We included all MS patients living in Mazandaran province in 2018 in this descriptive cross-sectional study. We updated our pre-existing registration questionnaires which included demographic information and medical data of MS patients by interview. We obtained the demographic profile of Mazandaran province from the most recent census in 2016 and the National Civil Registry of the Mazandaran province for calculating prevalence of MS.

Results:
The total number of MS patients in Mazandaran was 2418 (25.8% male and 74.2% female) with a female to male ratio of 2.9. Based on the local population of 3332556, (50.4% male and 49.6% female), this study showed a prevalence of 72.5 per 100,000 for MS in this region. The prevalence of this disease by gender was 37.1 per 100,000 for men and 108.5 per 100,000 for women. The mean (SD) age of the patients at the time of the study was 38.5 (10.1) years with a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 75 years. The most common type of MS was Relapsing-Remitting MS with 86%.

Conclusions:
All recent studies showed significant upward trend in the prevalence of MS around the world. Based on the results of our study and many other studies in Iran, the Atlas of MS prevalence map needs to be update. Iran's status should be changed to the high-prevalence of MS in the new Atlas. Due to the increasing prevalence of MS, we suggest an adjustment in the Global MS Prevalence Scale.
A Random Survey of Microbial Load in Dairy Products on Sale in Addis Ababa Supermarkets
Authors: Mariam Solomon H H. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Food-borne infectious diseases cause huge economic loses, lowered quality of life and, in extreme cases, losses of lives. In general, these are global problems but the magnitudes differ. Pathogens involved include those of the genera Salmonellae, Escherichia, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Listeria, and Staphylococci. Infections follow consumption of contaminated foods or animal to human and human to human transmissions. Contaminated dairy products are among the top sources of food-borne infections. Most such infections come from unpasteurized dairy products, but pasteurized products are sometimes implicated. These occur because of either faulty pasteurization or due to post-pasteurization contaminations. Many factors hamper control of such infectious pathogens, including lack of vaccines, the presence of asymptomatic healthy carriers, existence of broad host range pathogens (with the hosts serving as reservoirs), resistance of pathogens to ordinary disinfectants, the long contamination-prone processes from production to consumption and increased frequency of resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance property is hazardous in itself (whether with or without the contaminants being pathogenic) considering the potential for interspecies transfer of these resistance traits (be they chromosomal or plasmid-borne) to commensal or pathogenic bacteria in clinical settings and/or in the food chain. In low income countries, the problems are further compounded by the limited capacity for accurate diagnosis, overlap of symptoms, and the resulting (hit-or-miss) empirical treatment. Here, samples of dairy products were purchased from Addis Ababa supermarkets. The samples were subjected to enrichment and selective cultures to test the presence of and isolate gram-negative bacteria. The isolates were characterized by biochemical and molecular methods.
Results: All milk samples harboured gram-negative bacilli, which are likely to constitute hazard to public health. Moreover, all of the isolates exhibited intermediate-level or higher resistance to two or more clinically relevant antibiotics. Sequence alignment showed the isolates to be most closely related to Salmonella enterica.
Conclusion: This work found high level of contamination in all sampled milk. The reason(s) for this burden of contamination (either ineffective pasteurization or post-pasteurization contamination) need to be elucidated for meaningful targeted control.
Intentional Injuries in Trauma Carry a Higher Risk of Mortality
Authors: Sait Saif , Ibrahim Yahya , Bakhshayesh Peyman 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: There are several predictive models to identify risk factors for mortality in the context of trauma, such as Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Most of these models identify physiological parameters such as low GCS, presence of shock and on-going hemorrhage, or organ related injuries as potential risk factors for mortality. Intentional reason of injury is however, not being highlighted as a risk factor for mortality. We aimed to assess whether intentional injury was a contributing factor to mortality.
Methods: Data from SweTrau (Swedish National Trauma Registry). Intentional injuries compared to non-intentional injuries. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted. Stepwise forward and backward regression was conducted.
Results: A total number of 3875 patients were included. There were 3613 (93%) non-intentional and 262 (7%) intentional patients. The 30-day mortality rate was higher in the intentional group compared to non-intentional group, 10% vs. 4% (p<0.001). Patients in the intentional group were younger than the non-intentional group, at 39±18 vs. 47±21 years old (p<0.001). In both, the forward and backward tests injury intention remained statistically significant with OR 2 (CI 1.1-3.7). Shock (OR 4.7, CI 2.9-7.8), Severe Head Injury (OR 8.9, CI 5.3-14.7), Age ≥ 60 (OR 6.7, CI 4.1-10.8), ISS ≥16 (OR 10.8, CI 6.9-16.9) and ASA (OR 3.5, CI 2.2-5.7) were other factors affecting mortality.
Conclusion: Injury intention was an independent factor contributing to mortality in our study. This particular cohort need further attention during trauma management with a holistic insight to improve their survival.
The diagnostic ability of circulatory measurements from OCTA for glaucoma compared with structural measurements from OCT: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ning Qingyao , Cao Jing , Lou Lixia , Jin Kai , Liu Zhifang , Dai Xizhe , Ye Juan 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

OCTA was a new non-invasive technique to detect blood perfusion in several layers of retina. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic advantages of OCTA circulatory parameters comparing with OCT structural parameters, and the diagnostic ability of the parameters between patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and intraocular pressure (IOP)>21 mmHg.

Methods

Four databases were searched (Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE) for articles published up to Dec 2018. Pooled area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of OCTA and OCT parameters were used to perform the meta-analysis using Stata 15.0. The quality of included studies was accessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results

Nine studies were selected from initial 1491 articles, involving 886 patients and more than 1149 eyes. Whole enface image vessel density (wiVD) (disc scan), ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) showed the best AUROC, which was 0.93, 0.94 and 0.92. Then followed by peripapillary VD (0.84), inside disc VD (0.84), wiVD (macular scan) (0.70), and parafoveal VD (0.65). Subgroup analysis showed AUROC of GCC and inside disc VD was 0.97 and 0.93 in the group with NTG, 0.92 and 0.77 in the group with IOP>21 mmHg.

Conclusion

Structural parameters (RNFL and GCC) are well-behaved in diagnosing all types glaucoma. WiVD (disc scan) represents good diagnostic accuracy of glaucoma comparable to structural parameters. Inside disc VD performed strong diagnostic ability for NTG patients.
Relationship among foveal avascular zone area, vessel density and foveal ganglion cell layer thickness changes in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Xiang-ning , Li Shu-ting , Du Xin-hua , Wu Qiang 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

To (i) evaluate the variations in the foveal avascular zone area (FAZ), vessel density (VD) and foveal ganglion cell layer (GCC) thickness changes in diabetic retinopathy (DR), as demonstrated by OCT angiography (OCTA) and (ii) correlate these variations.

Methods

This study was a retrospective observational case series of patients with DR. We studied a total of 64 eyes from patients with diabetic mellitus (DM), including 34 eyes with DR (DR group) and 30 eyes with DM without DR (NDR group). Additionally, 20 age-matched normal people were included as the control group. OCTA was performed using an NIDEK RS-3000 Advance device. Retinal capillary VD, FAZ area and GCC thickness were measured in the foveal regions (3*3 mm).

Results

The FAZ areas in the superficial (SRL) and deep capillary plexus layer (DL) were significantly enlarged in both the NDR and DR groups compared with the control group (p<0.05). In both the NDR and DR groups, the mean VD% in the SRL/DL, the SupGCC and InfGCC thickness were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between the NDR and DR groups for these measurements. Multivariable linear regression showed that the AvgGCC thickness was correlated with FAZ area (b=-11.372, p=0.001) and VD% (b=0.752, p=0.007) in the DL.

Conclusions

The FAZ area, mean VD% and GCC thickness in DR patients were differed compared with healthy controls. The AvgGCC thickness was correlated with FAZ area and VD% in the DL.
Pelatihan Self-Control For Pupils (Stop) untuk Meningkatkan Kontrol diri Siswa SMP
Authors: Perdana Yudhistira Adi , Setiyawati Diana 
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Teenagers are a transition to adulthood. At that time, adolescents experienced various changes in his life. Teenagers are at risk of experiencing various problems. Characteristics of these teenagers make it requires a skill in coping with the problem. Self-control is one of the most important factors in adolescent life. Self-control has two main components, namely emotion expression and adaptive behavior. Self-control can be improved with training. This study aims to determine the effect of Self-control for Pupils (STOP) training on self-control of Junior High School. Student self-control is measured using self-control scale. The subjects in this study were eight people of Junior High School who became experimental groups. The results of the study indicate that Self-control for Pupils (STOP) training does not significantly affect student self-control (t = -1,158; p = 0,285; p > 0.05). Keyword: self-control; training; experimental