bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acanthamoeba keratitis related to contact lens use in a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Li Weiwei , Wang Zhiqun , Qu Jinghao , Zhang Yang , Sun Xuguang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
To report the clinical and microbiological features of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) related to contact lens use in a tertiary hospital in China.

Methods
In this retrospective study, the medical results of 61 cases of AK related to contact lens use from January 2000 to December 2017 were reviewed. The data included patients’ demographics, lens type, history, risk factors, disease stages, corneal scraping and culture reports, and treatments. Moreover, genotypic identification of some of the isolates was carried out with a PCR assay and sequence analysis of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene.

Results
There were 64 eyes included in the study. A total of 32.8% of the patients wore soft contact lenses, and 67.2% of patients used overnight orthokeratology. In the cases (20 eyes) in the early stage, 65% (13 eyes) had positive results according to Giemsa-stained smears, and 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) wet mounts revealed trophozoites in 7 eyes (35%). Six eyes (30%) were diagnosed by confocal microscopy combined with clinical signs. In the orthokeratology patients, 87.8% (36/41) rinsed their lenses and/or cases with tap water; 55% of soft-lens wearers wore their lenses while showering. The genotype of 9 isolates was determined, and all the strains belonged to genotype T4. In the orthokeratology group, the number of patients who required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty after 2005 was less than that before 2005 (chi-square test, χ2 = 4.209, P = 0.04).

Conclusions
More than two-thirds of the cases were associated with orthokeratology. Examinations with Giemsa-stained smears, 0.9% NaCl wet mounts and confocal microscopy should be performed for patients who are highly suspected of having early-stage AK to help with early diagnosis. In the orthokeratology group, the rate of therapeutic keratoplasty after 2005 was less than that before 2005.
SLC39A8 is a risk factor for schizophrenia in Uygur Chinese: a case-control study
Authors: Jian Xuemin , Chen Jianhua , Li Zhiqiang , Song Zhijian , Zhou Juan , Xu Wei , Liu Yahui , Shen Jiawei , Wang Yonggang , Yi Qizhong , Shi Yongyong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disease with high morbidity and heritability. The SLC39A8 gene is located in 4q24 and encodes a protein that transports many metal ions. Multiple previous studies found that one of the most pleiotropic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLC39A8, rs13107325, is associated with schizophrenia in the European population. However, the polymorphism of this locus is rare in other populations. In China, the Han Chinese and the Uygur Chinese are two ethnic populations that originate from different races.

Methods
A case-control study was conducted with 983 schizophrenia cases and 1230 healthy controls of the Chinese Uygur population. To validate the most promising SNP, meta-analyses were conducted with the Han Chinese and the European PGC2 data sets reported previously.

Results
A susceptible locus, rs10014145 (pallele = 0.014, pallele = 0.098 after correction; pgenotype = 0.004, pgenotype = 0.032 after correction) was identified in case-control study of the Chinese Uygur population. Further, the association between rs10014145 and schizophrenia was supported by a meta-analysis of Han and Uygur Chinese samples (pooled OR [95% CI] =1.10 [1.03–1.17], Z = 2.73, p = 0.006). The association between rs10014145 and schizophrenia was not significant in a meta-analysis of combined Chinese and European samples (pooled OR [95% CI] =1.07 [1.00–1.14], Z = 1.88, and p = 0.06). In addition, the “CCAC” haplotype of rs4698844-rs233814-rs13114343-rs151394 was significantly associated with schizophrenia in Uygur Chinese (P = 0.003, corrected p = 0.012).

Conclusions
The results of this study support that SLC39A8 is a susceptible gene for schizophrenia in the populations of Han Chinese and Uygur Chinese in China, further studies are suggested to validate the association.
‘Walk this way’: results from a pilot randomised controlled trial of a health coaching intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity in people with serious mental illness
Authors: Williams Julie , Stubbs Brendon , Richardson Sol , Flower Cathy , Barr-Hamilton Lucy , Grey Barbara , Hubbard Kathryn , Spaducci Gilda , Gaughran Fiona , Craig Tom 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature death among people with serious mental illness (SMI). Sedentary behaviour (SB) is an independent risk factor for CVD and mortality and people with SMI are highly sedentary. We developed a health coaching intervention called ‘Walk this Way’ to reduce SB and increase physical activity (PA) in people with SMI and conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test its feasibility and acceptability.

Methods
We randomised people with SMI from three community mental health teams into either the WTW intervention or treatment as usual. The WTW intervention lasted 17 weeks and included an initial education session, fortnightly coaching, provision of pedometers and access to a weekly walking group. Objective SB and PA were measured with accelerometers. Cardiometabolic risk factors and wellbeing measures were collected.

Results
We recruited 40 people of whom 33 (82.5%) were followed up. 13/20 (65%) of participants allocated to the coaching intervention completed it. In the intervention group SB decreased by 56 min and total PA increased by 32 min per day on average which was sustained 6 months later. There was no change in PA or SB in the control group. When interviewed, participants in the intervention found the intervention helpful and acceptable. No adverse events were reported from the intervention.

Conclusions
The intervention was feasible and acceptable to participants. Preliminary results were encouraging with improvement seen in both SB and PA. A larger study is needed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and address any implementation challenges.

Trial registration
ISRCTN Registry identifier: ISRCTN37724980, retrospectively registered 25 September 2015.
Improvement in early urinary continence recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy based on postoperative pelvic anatomic features: a retrospective review
Authors: Nakane Akihiro , Kubota Hiroki , Noda Yusuke , Takeda Tomoki , Hirose Yasuhiko , Okada Atsushi , Mizuno Kentaro , Kawai Noriyasu , Tozawa Keiichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Yasui Takahiro 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
We investigated the impact of postoperative membranous urethral length and other anatomic characteristics of the pelvic floor shape as measured by magnetic resonance imaging on the improvement in continence following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data from 73 patients who underwent postoperative prostate magnetic resonance imaging following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy between 2013 and 2018. Patient demographics; pre-, peri-, and post-operative parameters; and pelvic anatomic features on magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed. Patients who used no urinary incontinence pads or pads for protection were considered to have achieved complete continence.

Results
Urinary continence was restored in 27.4, 53.4, 68.5, and 84.9% of patients at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, respectively. When patients were divided into early and late continence groups based on urinary continence at 3 months after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, no significantly different clinical characteristics or surgical outcomes were found. However, the mean membranous urethral length (18.5 mm for the early continence group vs. 16.9 mm for the late continence group), levator muscle width (7.1 vs. 6.5 mm, respectively), and bladder neck width on the trigone side (7.2 mm vs. 5.4 mm, respectively) were significantly different between groups (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that membranous urethral length (odds ratio, 1.227; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–1.489; p = 0.038) and bladder neck width (odds ratio, 1.585; 95% confidence interval, 1.050–2.393; p = 0.028) were associated with the period of early urinary continence.

Conclusions
Postoperative membranous urethral length and bladder neck width were significantly associated with early urinary continence recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. It is highly recommended that surgeons focus on preserving the membranous urethral length and increasing the bladder neck width on the trigone side during surgery to achieve optimal continence outcomes after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.
The maintenance of stable yield and high genetic diversity in the agricultural heritage torreya tree system
Authors: Zhang Jian , Hu Liangliang , Guo Liang , Ren Weizheng , Zhao Lufeng , Wang Ningjing , Zhang Entao , Tang Jianjun , Chen Xin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding how traditional agriculture systems have been maintained would help design sustainable agriculture. In this study, we examined how farmers have used two types of local trees (Torreya grandis) for stable yield and maintaining genetic diversity in the “globally important agricultural heritage torreya tree system”. The two type of torreya trees are grafted torreya (GT) tree and non-grafted-torreya (NGT) tree. The GT tree has only female and was used to produced seed yields. The NGT tree has both male and female and was used to support GT tree by providing pollens and rootstocks. We first tested the ratio of GT tree to NGT tree, their age groups, ratio of female trees (including GT and NGT trees) to male, and the flowering period of GT and NGT trees. We then tested seed yields and genetic diversity of GT and NGT trees. We further tested gene flow among NGT trees, and the relationship of gene flow with exchange rates of pollens and seeds.ResultsGT and NGT trees (male and female) were planted in a mosaic pattern with a ratio of 4:1 (GT:NGT). In this planting pattern, one NGT male trees provided pollen for 20 female trees of GT and NGT. The trees were classified into four age groups (I = 100–400 years old; II = 400–700 years old; III = 700–1000 years old; and IV = 1000–1300 years old) based on basal diameter. The entire flowering period was longer for NGT trees than for GT trees that ensured GT trees (which lack of males) being exposed to pollens. GT tree had high and stable seed yield that increased with age groups. High genetic diversity has been maintained in both rootstocks of the GT trees and NGT trees. There was a strong gene flow among NGT trees, which positive correlated with the exchange rates of pollens and seeds.ConclusionsOur results suggest that farmers obtain stable seed yields, and maintain high genetic diversity by ingeniously using the local GT tree as yield producer and NGT tree as supporter. These GT and NGT trees together ensure sustainable torreya production.
Mapping out bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) burrows with the use of a drone
Authors: Old Julie M. , Lin Simon H. , Franklin Michael J. M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundWombats are large, nocturnal herbivores that build burrows in a variety of habitats, including grassland communities, and can come into conflict with people. Counting the number of active burrows provides information on the local distribution and abundance of wombats and could prove to be an important management tool to monitor population numbers over time. We compared traditional ground surveys and a new method employing drones, to determine if drones could be used to effectively identify and monitor bare-nosed wombat burrows.ResultsWe surveyed burrows using both methods in eight 5-ha transects in grassland, that was interspersed with patches of tussock grassland. Ground surveys were conducted by systematically walking transects and searching for burrows. Drone surveys involved programming flights over transects to capture multiple images, from which an orthomosaic image of each transect was produced. These were subsequently viewed using ArcMap to detect burrows. A total of 204 individual burrows were recorded by drone and/or ground survey methods. In grassland, the methods were equally effective in terms of the numbers of burrows detected in transects. In the smaller areas of tussock grassland, ground surveys detected significantly more burrows, because burrow openings were obscured in orthomosaic images by overhanging grasses. There was agreement between the methods as to whether burrows were potentially active or inactive for most burrows in both vegetation communities. However, image interpretation tended to classify grassland burrows as potentially active. Overall time taken to conduct surveys was similar for both methods, but ground surveys utilised three observers and more time in the field.ConclusionsDrones provide an effective means to survey bare-nosed wombat burrows that are visible from the air, particularly in areas not accessible to observers and vehicles. Furthermore, drones provide alternative options for monitoring burrows at the landscape level, and for monitoring wombat populations based on observable changes in burrow appearance over time.
Efficacy evaluation of ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. leaves as possible alternate therapy in septic arthritis model of rabbit
Authors: Sinha Bishnu Prasad , Chatterjee Souvick , Buragohain Rinku , Samanta Indranil , Joardar Siddhartha Narayan , Mukherjee Prasenjit , Maji Asit Kumar , Das Partha , Mandal Tapan Kumar , Sar Tapas Kumar 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundOur previous study exhibited free radicals scavenging and antioxidant activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts ofTamarindus indicaL. leaves in chronic sodium fluoride poisoning in rats.Tamarindus indicaL. seed extract was also reported to have anti-arthritic efficacy by inhibiting cartilage and bone degrading factors. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract ofTamarindus indicaL. leaves in septic arthritis.MethodsThe safety study was performed by oral dosing of ethanolic extract of the plant leaves at 2 g kg− 1for consecutive 28 days in rabbits. Septic arthritis was induced in rabbits by single intra-articular inoculation of 104c.f.u. ofStaphylococcus aureusto the left stifle joint and was monitored by bacterial colony count, some relevant biochemical parameters and histopathological interpretation of the affected joint. For efficacy evaluation in septic arthritis, linezolid at 75 mg kg− 1twice daily for 10 days and the ethanolic extract ofTamarindus indicaL. at 500 and 1000 mg kg− 1for consecutive 14 days were administered orally to the rabbits after 48 h of induction of arthritis.ResultsIn sub-acute toxicity study ofTamarindus indicaL. leaves ethanolic extract, no significant change between days was found for aspertate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine compared to day 0 values of the same group. The bacterial colony count of synovial fluid followingStaphylococcus aureusinoculation to left stifle joint was found to be 1.08 ± 0.47 and 1.19 ± 0.29 c.f.u. mL− 1in ethanolic extract low dose and high dose groups respectively, on day 2 which was reduced to 0.057 ± 0.036 c.f.u. mL− 1and nil on day 16. The test extract was also found to markedly reduce simultaneous glucose difference, total protein ratio of serum and synovial fluid, joint radius and joint narrowing.ConclusionEthanolic extract ofTamarindus indicaL. leaves at 500 mg kg− 1and 1000 mg kg− 1produced anti-arthritic effects againstS. aureusinduced septic arthritis in rabbits. However, the ethanolic extract at 1000 mg kg− 1orally for consecutive 14 days showed better effects in septic arthritis.
Policy analysis of the Iranian Health Transformation Plan in primary healthcare
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Moshiri Esmaeil , Mostafavi Hakimeh , Sakha Minoo Alipouri , Assan Abraham 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Health systems reform is inevitable due to the never-ending changing nature of societal health needs and policy dynamism. Today, the Health Transformation Plan (HTP) remains the major tool to facilitate the achievements of universal health coverage (UHC) in Iran. It was initially implemented in hospital-based setting and later expanded to primary health care (PHC). This study aimed to analyze the HTP at the PHC level in Iran.

Methods
Qualitative data were collected through document analysis, round-table discussion, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at the micro, meso and macro levels of the health system. A tailored version of Walt & Gilson’s policy triangle model incorporating the stages heuristic model was used to guide data analysis.

Results
The HTP emerged through a political process. Although the initiative aimed to facilitate the achievements of UHC by improving the entire health system of Iran, little attention was given to PHC especially during the first phases of policy development – a gap that occurred because politicians were in a great haste to fulfil a campaign promise.

Conclusions
Health reforms targeting UHC and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals require the political will to improve PHC through engagements of all stakeholders of the health system, plus improved fiscal capacity of the country and financial commitments to implement evidence-informed initiatives.
Immunization with recombinant rHc23 partially protects lambs against trickle infections by Haemonchus contortus
Authors: González-Sánchez María Elena , Ndombasi-Bokuy Melissa , Cuquerella Montserrat , Alunda José María 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Haemonchosis is one of the most economically important parasitic diseases affecting small ruminants all over the world. Chemotherapeutic control has several shortcomings (limited anthelmintic arsenal, frequent resistance) and is hardly affordable by many farm economies. A recombinant antigen (rHc23) was shown to induce significant protection in vaccination trials with single dose challenges and different adjuvants.

Results
Lambs were vaccinated with 100 μg rHc23/dose + bacterial immunostimulant (BI) (LPS from Escherichia coli + Propionibacterium acnes extract) (days − 2, 0, 7 and 14) and subjected to a trickle infection with two dosages [6x, 1000 infective larvae (L3) or 6x, 2000 L3]. Vaccinated lambs showed a significant antibody response against rHc23 and Haemonchus contortus soluble extract as assessed by ELISA and Western blot (WB). Fecal egg counts (epg) along the experiment of vaccinated and BI treated lambs were significantly reduced. All vaccinated animals showed total egg output and abomasal helminth burdens (median, average) lower than those from unvaccinated or BI-treated animals lambs although differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions
Vaccination with 100 μg rHc23/dose + BI against H.contortus trickle infections apparently induced lower epg values and helminth burdens at the end of the experiment. Intragroup individual variations did not allow to obtain conclusive results and more research is needed including adjuvants and larger groups of animals to validate the potential value of rHc23 as candidate to develop a recombinant vaccine for lambs haemonchosis.
Deconvolution of transcriptomes and miRNomes by independent component analysis provides insights into biological processes and clinical outcomes of melanoma patients
Authors: Nazarov Petr V. , Wienecke-Baldacchino Anke K. , Zinovyev Andrei , Czerwińska Urszula , Muller Arnaud , Nashan Dorothée , Dittmar Gunnar , Azuaje Francisco , Kreis Stephanie 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The amount of publicly available cancer-related “omics” data is constantly growing and can potentially be used to gain insights into the tumour biology of new cancer patients, their diagnosis and suitable treatment options. However, the integration of different datasets is not straightforward and requires specialized approaches to deal with heterogeneity at technical and biological levels.

Methods
Here we present a method that can overcome technical biases, predict clinically relevant outcomes and identify tumour-related biological processes in patients using previously collected large discovery datasets. The approach is based on independent component analysis (ICA) – an unsupervised method of signal deconvolution. We developed parallel consensus ICA that robustly decomposes transcriptomics datasets into expression profiles with minimal mutual dependency.

Results
By applying the method to a small cohort of primary melanoma and control samples combined with a large discovery melanoma dataset, we demonstrate that our method distinguishes cell-type specific signals from technical biases and allows to predict clinically relevant patient characteristics. We showed the potential of the method to predict cancer subtypes and estimate the activity of key tumour-related processes such as immune response, angiogenesis and cell proliferation. ICA-based risk score was proposed and its connection to patient survival was validated with an independent cohort of patients. Additionally, through integration of components identified for mRNA and miRNA data, the proposed method helped deducing biological functions of miRNAs, which would otherwise not be possible.

Conclusions
We present a method that can be used to map new transcriptomic data from cancer patient samples onto large discovery datasets. The method corrects technical biases, helps characterizing activity of biological processes or cell types in the new samples and provides the prognosis of patient survival.