bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hydromagnetic flow through porous medium near an accelerating plate in the presence of magnetic field
Authors: Khan Amir , Zaman Gul 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
New exact solutions are obtained for unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows of a generalized second-grade fluid near a uniform accelerating plate.
The generalized second-grade fluid saturates the porous space.
A fractional derivative is used in the governing equation.
Analytical expressions for the velocity and shear stress fields are obtained by using the Laplace transform technique for fractional calculus.
The obtained solutions are expressed in the series form in terms of Fox H-functions.
Similar solutions for an ordinary second-grade fluid passing through a porous space are also derived.
Moreover, several graphs are constructed for the pertinent parameters to analyze the characteristics of the velocity and shear stress field.
Parasitic infections of anurans from a freshwater creek community in Delta State, Niger Delta of Nigeria
Authors: Aisien M. S. O. , Ugbomeh A. P. , Awharitoma A. O. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe parasitic infections of 125 anurans belonging to 13 taxa from Ase community in Delta State in the Niger Delta of Nigeria was investigated. An overall prevalence of 77.6% was recorded and the 32 parasites recovered included one pentastomid, four cestode, four monogenean, ten digenean and thirteen nematode taxa. Among the anurans examined, Ptychadena bibroni harboured the highest number of parasites. Most of the parasites encountered were adults but some occurred as larvae, which either used the amphibians as intermediate or transport hosts. Hylarana galamensis is considered an accidental host for the larval brachylaimid trematode and, a new host record for the larval strigeiod while Polystoma galamensis infection of this frog is made for the first time outside the savannah biotope. Hymenochirus sp. is a new host record for Progonimodiscus colubrifer. Two Foleyellides spp., one occurring in Hyperolius concolor, Afrixalus fulvovitattus and Sclerophys regularis and the other in H. galamensis occur in the study area.
Case Report. Internal transcribed spacer sequence based molecular confirmation and drug efficacy assessment against Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1909) infection in Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)
Authors: Moudgil A. D. , Singla L. D. , Singh M. P. 
Published: June 2017

Summary
The eggs recovered during faecal screening of Asiatic lions (kept at MC Zoological Park, Punjab, India) were delineated as Toxascaris leonina eggs based on morphometric and molecular studies (polymerase chain reaction targeting internal transcribed spacer sequences). Therapeutic management with fenbendazole @10 mg/kg body weight, once daily orally for three consecutive days proved ineffective with maximum faecal egg count reduction (FECR) on day 3 post treatments (69.35 %). But, therapeutic intervention with extended period dose schedule (5 consecutive days) with fenbendazole (@10 mg/kg body weight) proved effective and showed a maximum FECR of 95.34 % at day 7 post treatments. But, when ivermectin (@100μg/kg body weight) was given orally on three alternate days, proved effective as FECR of 95.74 % was recorded at day 7 post treatments. Thus, present study highlights the molecular confi rmation of T. leonina and its management using fenbendazole and ivermectin in Asiatic lions.
Research Note. New data on plant parasitic nematode Longidorus distinctus Lamberti, Choleva & Agostinelli, 1983 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Poland
Authors: Kornobis F. W. , Sobczyńska U. 
Published: June 2017

Summary
During a survey on the occurrence of the plant parasitic nematodes of the family Longidoridae in Poland, 925 soil samples were taken. Longidorus distinctus was present in 10 (1.08 %) of these samples. In this Research Note we provide: 1) distribution map of these populations, 2) morphometric data, 3) sequence data for D2-D3 28S rDNA and (partial)18S-ITS1 -5.8S(partial) markers and 4) LdistFOR primer (5′-GGCTGTAAAGATATATGCGT-3’) effective in obtaining ITS1 sequence for the species. Morphometric similarities and dissimilarities with data on other published populations are discussed.
Calcium phosphate bonded wood and fiber composite panels: production and optimization of panel properties
Authors: Osakue Amiandamhen Stephen , Martina Meincken , Luvuyo Tyhoda 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe development of phosphate bonded composites with properties comparable with those of current Portland cement bonded products has been investigated. More precisely, the focus of the study was the optimization of calcium phosphate cements in combination with wood processing residues slash pine (Pinus elliottiiEngelm.) planer shavings, Black wattle (Acacia mearnsiiDe Wild.) residues, Blue gum (Eucalyptus globulusLabill.) residues, hemp (Cannabis SativaL.) hurds and dried crushed sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarumL.) as well as pulp mill sludge and waste paper. A central composite design (CCD) for the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for selection of the proper parameters. Mechanical tests were conducted on the composite products and the effect of the processing variables was evaluated based on the Pareto analysis of variance. The density of the wood-based panels ranged from 0.68 to 1.21 g cm−3, that of the agricultural fibers from 0.59 to 1.15 g cm−3and that of the paper pulp panels from 0.81 to 1.21 g cm−3. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) data of the panels ranged from 1.63 to 4.92 MPa for wood, from 0.37 to 3.28 MPa for agricultural fibers and from 0.65 to 3.87 MPa for paper-pulp-based fibers. The physical properties of the composite products met the requirements for Portland-cement-bonded particleboards (EN 634-2, 2007).
Modelling a Three-Phase Current Source Inverter
Authors: Neukirchner László , Magyar Attila 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
A current source inverter model has been developed in the given paper that is constructed from six LTI models for the different switching modes. The overall model is in a piecewise affine form that supports the use of model predictive control. The model has been verified against engineering expectations and its open-loop performance shows that it is a promising basis of model predictive control structures.
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy at term: risk factors and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Lee Chui Ling , Ng Beng Kwang , Wu Loo Ling , Cheah Fook Choe , Othman Hanita , Ismail Nor Azlin Mohamed 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a worldwide epidemic. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, its predictive factors and the association with pregnancy outcomes.

Materials and methods
This was a prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital over 2-years’ duration from August 2013 to August 2015. A total of 680 women who completed 37 weeks of pregnancy were recruited.

Results
Five hundred and seventy-five patients were enrolled in the final analysis for pregnancy outcomes (response rate of 84.6%). There were 71.7% patients who exhibited vitamin D deficiency, 21.0% vitamin D insufficiency and only 7.3% who had adequate levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-vit D) of more than 30 ng/mL. There was no statistically significant association between vitamin D status with maternal (parity, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labor, antenatal infection, bacterial vaginosis and anemia) and neonatal outcomes (low birth weight baby and neonatal intensive care unit admission) among the three groups.

Conclusion
A high prevalence of low vitamin D level among pregnant women at term was seen in this study, however, there was no significant finding observed between vitamin D status and both maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Genetic Characterization of Fusion Protein of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Beijing
Authors: Lu Qi , Zhao Chun-xia , Shen Kun-ling , Xu Wen-bo , Zhang Yan , Yu Jia-lin , Yang Xi-qiang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective Fusion protein is a subunit of the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and a potential vaccine candidate. Thus, a study on the genetic characteristics of F protein was considered important for further investigations in this field. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of the F gene of HRSV infections in hospitalized pediatric patients in Beijing with acute lower respiratory tract infections and to compare the circulating genotypes that are currently found worldwide.
Methods HRSV particles were amplified by RT-PCR and the PCR products were purified for sequencing. Further analysis was carried out by Bioedit and MEGA 3.0 biological software programs.
Results Seventy-six samples (23.1%) were positive for HRSV. The percentage of cases in patients younger than 1 year was 84.21%. Among the six Beijing isolates, four belonged to subgroup A, whose respective F genes shared 97.0%-97.4% nucleotide sequence identity and 92.1%-93.0% amino acid sequence identity. The other two isolates belonged to subgroup B. Here, 97.3% and 98.2% sequence identity were found at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively.
Conclusions Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences revealed that those four isolates within subgroup A were monophyletic and closely related to each other, but those two within subgroup B distributed in two distinct clusters. Subgroup A and B strains co-circulated, indicating that two different transmission chains occurred in Beijing from 2003-2004.
Logistic Regression Analysis of Influencing Factors on Serum ALT and HCV RNA Changes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Wang Cheng-bao , Chen Jian-jie , Nie Hong-ming , Gao Feng , Lv Hua , Li Hong-ding 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective This study was undertaken to investigate the influencing factors on serum ALT level and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA titer in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.
Methods All patients enrolled into this study were anti-HCV positive. Retrospective tracing method was applied to detect serum ALT level and HCV RNA titer and to collect general information of the patients such as genders, age groups, interferon medication history, infection pathways, height and weight. Then the multi-factor analysis was adopted with the application of binominal logistic regression mode.
Results The abnormal rate of ALT level was positively correlated to HCV RNA and gender while negatively correlated to interferon medication history and age group, with Wald value of the 4 factors as 39.604, 11.823, 18.991 and 7.389, respectively. The positive rate of HCV RNA was negatively correlated to interferon medication history and gender while positively correlated to ALT level, with corresponding Wald value of the 3 factors as 81.394, 7.618 and 27.562, respectively.
Conclusions The normal ALT level in HCV infected patients was associated with viral load, age, gender and interferon medication history, while the normal rate of HCV RNA titer was closely associated with gender, interferon medication history and ALT level.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Liver Steatosis Induced by Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Cheng Jun , Li Min , Gao Ping , Dong Jin-ling , Wang Qi 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Liver steatosis is a pathological hallmark in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Increased lipid uptake, decreased lipid secretion, increased lipid synthesis and decreased lipid degradation are all involved in pathogenesis of steatosis induced by hepatitic C virus (HCV) infection. Level of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α is related to liver uptake of lipid from circulation, and affected by HCV. Secretion via microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), and formation of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) have been hampered by HCV infection. Up-regulation of lipid synthesis related genes, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1, SREBP-2, SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase (FASN), HMG CoA reductase (HMGCR), liver X receptor (LXR), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), hepatic CB (1) receptors, retinoid X receptor (RXR) α, were the main stay of liver steatosis pathogenesis. Degradation of lipid in liver is decreased in patients with CHC. There is strong evidence that heterogeneity of HCV core genes of different genotypes affect their effects of liver steatosis induction. A mechanism in which steatosis is involved in HCV life cycle is emerging.
Higher Viral Load and Prolonged Viral Shedding Period is Associated with Impaired Th17 Cell Response in Patients with H1N1 Influenza A
Authors: Yang Gui-lin , Liu Ying-xia , Fang Mu-tong , Liu Wei-long , Chen Xin-chun , Nunnari John , Xie Jing-jing , Liao Ming-feng , Zhang Ming-xia , Li Guo-bao , Zhang Pei-ze , Guan Yi , Zhou Boping 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To explore whether age, disease severity, cytokines and lymphocytes in H1N1 influenza A patients correlate with viral load and clearance.
Methods Total of 70 mild and 16 severe patients infected with H1N1 influenza A virus were enrolled in this study.
Results It was found that the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly higher viral loads and prolonged viral shedding periods compared with the patients over 14 years old and mild patients, respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly lower Th17 cell frequency than the patients over 14 years old and mild patients (P < 0.01). The viral shedding period inversely correlated with the frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells. Additionally, the decreased concentration of serum TGF-β correlated with the decreased frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells.
Conclusions Both younger and severe patients are associated with higher viral loads and longer viral shedding periods, which may partially be attributed to the impaired Th17 cell response.
HFRS with Severe Heart Liver and Renal Failure: a Case Report
Authors: Zhou Qing , Lu Meng-Hou , Fu Lei , Tan De-Ming 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is caused by hantavirus infection, which was characterized by abrupt high fever, systemic hemorrhage, hypotension and renal damage. Although multiple system organ damage was not uncommon, but multiple organ system failure were rare. Hereafter we report one case with simultaneous renal, heart and liver failure. In this case, we received some experience and lessons.
Prediction of the Response to Pegylated Interferon α-2a in Patients with HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B through Decline of Serum HBV DNA and Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen at Week 4
Authors: Zheng Jian-ming , Chen Ming-quan , Zhu Meng-qi , Li Ning , Li Qian , Wang Xin-yu , Huang Chong , Shi Guang-feng 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To assess on-treatment serum HBsAg and HBV DNA kinetics in HBeAg-positive CHB patients to predict the efficacy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) in early phase of treatment.
Methods Forty-one treatment-naive HBeAg-positive patients treated with PEG-IFNα 2a at a dose of 180 μg/week for at least 24 weeks were evaluated. Their treatment response was assessed, including normalization of serum ALT, decline of serum HBV DNA and loss of HBeAg.
Results We found that a decrease of HBV DNA level at the 4th week was positively correlated with the decrease of HBV DNA level at the 12th week and 24th week (r = 0.8202, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.6838, P < 0.0001, respectively). We observed that a decrease of HBsAg level at the 4th week was positively correlated with decrease of HBsAg level at the 12th week and 24th week (r = 0.4868, P = 0.0023 and r = 0.4251, P = 0.0109, respectively). A decrease of HBsAg level at the 24th week was positively correlated with the decrease of HBV DNA level at the 24th week (r = 0.5262, P = 0.0024). Serum level of IFN and IFN neutralizing antibody had no relationship with HBV DNA or HBsAg titers kinetics.
Conclusions The decline of serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen at the 4th week can be used to predict the response to PEG-IFNα 2a in patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B.
Meta-analysis on Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B with Telbivudine and Entecavir
Authors: Ye Zhen , Zhao Min , Jiao He , Feng Yang , Li Ying-zi , Nie Cui-fang , Zhang Yan-mei , Zhang Bo , Zhao Shu-Lian , Zhao Zheng-hua , Meng Guang-ju 
Published: June 2017

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effects of telbivudine and entecavir on patients with chronic hepatitis B by meta-analysis method.
Methods Databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and HighWire were searched from January 2008 to October 2012. Randomized controlled trials on treatment of chronic hepatitis B with telbivudine and entecavir were included. According to the Cochrane systematic reviews, the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated and effective data was extracted from these studies and analyzed.
Results Six studies were included eventually. The telbivudine group included 417 cases and the entecavir group included 396 cases. For 12-week antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B, the rate of undetectable HBV DNA was 39.1% with telbivudine and 38.6% with entecavir [OR = 1.04, 95% CI (0.62, 1.73), P > 0.05]; for treatment of HBeAg (+) hepatitis B, the HBeAg clearance rate was 23.8% with telbivudine and 3.8% with entecavir [OR= 8.07, 95% CI (2.69, 24.21), P < 0.05], and the HBeAg seroconversion rate was 6.7% with telbivudine and 3.8% with entecavir [OR = 4.95, 95% CI (1.60, 15.31), P < 0.05]; the ALT normalization rate was 54.3% with telbivudine and 58.5% with entecavir [OR = 0.84, 95% CI (0.49, 1.45), P > 0.05]; and for early-stage treatment, the incidence of adverse events was 17.2% with telbivudine and 22.0% with entecavir [OR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.33, 1.32), P > 0.05]. For 1-year antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B, the rate of undetectable HBV DNA was 79.4% with telbivudine and 89.7% with entecavir [OR = 0.46, 95% CI (0.28, 0.74), P < 0.05]; for treatment of HBeAg (+) hepatitis B, the HBeAg clearance rate was 28.9% with telbivudine and 15.6% with entecavir [OR = 2.21, 95% CI (1.06, 4.58), P < 0.05], and the HBeAg seroconversion rate was 31.2% with telbivudine and 18.5% with entecavir [OR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.23, 4.31), P < 0.05]; the ALT normalization rate was 85.8% with telbivudine and 84.9% with entecavir [OR = 0.90, 95% CI (0.29, 2.84), P > 0.05]; and the resistance rate was 6.0% with telbivudine and 0.76% with entecavir [OR = 5.71, 95% CI (1.67, 19.47), P < 0.05].
Conclusions For 1-year treatment of chronic hepatitis B, the difference in ALT normalization between telbivudine and entecavir was not statistically significant; and telbivudine was superior over entecavir in terms of HBeAg undetectable and HBeAg seroconversion; entecavir was superior over telbivudine in terms of HBV DNA undetectable and resistance; and both drugs had similar rates of adverse events in early-stage treatment and no severe adverse event was noted. Both telbivudine and entecavir are effective antiviral drugs against hepatitis B.
Specific T-cell Responses to CFP10, an Secreted Antigens of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Protein, in Chinese HIV Positive Individuals
Authors: Zhang Bin , Lun Wen-hui , Li Xing-wang , Wang Qi , Cheng Jun , Mao Yu 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To construct prokaryotic expression vector of CFP-10 gene, and obtain recombinant protein, and the recombinant CFP-10 protein was taken as stimulus to detect specific T cell responses, to set up a method to faciliate to detect potential TB infection in China.
Methods CFP-10 was cloned into inducible prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a (+) and transfected into E. coli BL21 (DE3). After IPTG induction, the product were verified with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot hybridization were carried out to verify the antigenicity; the recombinant CFP-10 protein was taken as stimulus to detect specific T cell responses in HIV (+) persons with or without clinical manifestation of TB diseases, and HIV (-) controls with or without TB diseases.
Results The CFP-10 recombinant protein exsited in the form of inclusion body and accounted for 94% in total bacterial protein of E. coli and the molecular weight is 31 kD; Western blot confirmed the recombinant proteins had high antigenicity; our in-house ELISpot-IFN-γ assay with recombinant antigen derived from CFP-10 proteins showed significant higher frequencies in TB patients with or without HIV infection than that in the healthy controls and only HIV (+) group.
Conclusions The recombinant CFP-10 genes can be expressed successfully in prokaryotic expression system of E. coli and recombinant proteins with high antigenicity were obtained, which will set foundation for further study on their immunogenicity and bioinformatics. Our results proved that it is indeed true that some HIV positive patient have high frequencies of TB specific T cell responses, which maybe a clue to find latent TB infection in this population.
Inhibition on IFN-β Expression by HCV NS3 and NS5A in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Dong Jin-ling , Liu Shun-ai , Wang Qi , Zhang Jin-qian , Cheng Jun 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To observe the effects of HCV protein, NS3 and NS5A on IFN-β in HepG2 cells and its regulation mechanism.
Methods Human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 were transfected with recombinant eukaryotic plasmid pcDNA3.1/myc-His-core, NS3 or NS5A to overexpress these proteins, and the expression of IFN-β were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. Luc2P reporter plasmids pGL4.10-IFNβ-P were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells, and the activity of IFN-β promoter were determined through luciferase assay for regulation mechanism study.
Results Both mRNA level and protein expression of IFN-β were significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05) in the presence of NS3 or NS5A protein. Luciferase assay revealed that NS3 or NS5A protein downregulated IFN-β promoter activity (P ＜ 0.05). Meanwhile, HCV core protein had little effect on IFN-β expression.
Conclusions HCV protein NS3 and NS5A could inhibit innate IFN-β expression and thus escape immune selection and hinder the host immune responses.
Evaluation on Common Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treated by Integrative Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine
Authors: Zhang Guo-liang , Ding Jian-bo , Li Shuang-jie , Zhang Xi , Xu Yi , Yang Hua-sheng , Wei Dan , Li Qin , Shi Qing-sheng , Zhu Qing-xiong , Yang Tong , Zhuo Zi-qiang , Tian Yi-mei , Zheng Hao-jie , Tang Liu-ping , Zou Xin-ying , Wen Tao , Li Xiu-hui 
Published: June 2017

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Western medicine in the treatment of patients with common hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) by conducting a prospective, controlled, and randomized trial.
Methods A total of 452 patients with common HFMD were randomly assigned to receive Western medicine alone (n = 220) or combined with TCM (Reduning or Xiyanping injections) (n = 232). The primary outcome was the incidence rate of rash/herpes disappearance within 5 days, while secondary outcomes included the incidence rate for fever, cough, lethargy, agitation, and vomiting clearance within 5 days.
Results The rash/herpes disappearance rate was 45.5% (100/220) in Western medicine therapy group, and 67.2% (156/232) in TCM and Western medicine combined therapy group, with significant difference (P < 0.001). Moreover, TCM remarkably increased the incidence rate of secondary disappearance, which was 56.4% in Western medicine therapy group and 71.4% in TCM and Western medicine combined therapy group (P = 0.001). No drug-related adverse events were observed.
Conclusions It’s suggested that the integrative TCM and Western medicine therapy achieved a better therapeutic efficacy. TCM may become an important complementary therapy on relieving the symptoms of HFMD.