bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional profiling of transport mechanisms and regulatory pathways in rat choroid plexus
Authors: Andreassen Søren N. , Toft-Bertelsen Trine L. , Wardman Jonathan H. , Villadsen René , MacAulay Nanna 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundDysregulation of brain fluid homeostasis associates with brain pathologies in which fluid accumulation leads to elevated intracranial pressure. Surgical intervention remains standard care, since specific and efficient pharmacological treatment options are limited for pathologies with disturbed brain fluid homeostasis. Such lack of therapeutic targets originates, in part, from the incomplete map of the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion by the choroid plexus.MethodsThe transcriptomic profile of rat choroid plexus was generated by RNA Sequencing (RNAseq) of whole tissue and epithelial cells captured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and compared to proximal tubules. The bioinformatic analysis comprised mapping to reference genome followed by filtering for type, location, and association with alias and protein function. The transporters and associated regulatory modules were arranged in discovery tables according to their transcriptional abundance and tied together in association network analysis.ResultsThe transcriptomic profile of choroid plexus displays high similarity between sex and species (human, rat, and mouse) and lesser similarity to another high-capacity fluid-transporting epithelium, the proximal tubules. The discovery tables provide lists of transport mechanisms that could participate in CSF secretion and suggest regulatory candidates.ConclusionsWith quantification of the transport protein transcript abundance in choroid plexus and their potentially linked regulatory modules, we envision a molecular tool to devise rational hypotheses regarding future delineation of choroidal transport proteins involved in CSF secretion and their regulation. Our vision is to obtain future pharmaceutical targets towards modulation of CSF production in pathologies involving disturbed brain water dynamics.
Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes by residents in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan in connection with bats
Authors: Attaullah  , Ali Shahzad , Javid Arshad , Imran Muhammad , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Phelps Kendra , Olival Kevin J. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Fruit bats play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal, and their conservation is important to maintain the productivity of some crops and natural ecosystems. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perception of fruit bats by orchard farmers and agricultural communities in Pakistan.

Methods
The present survey was conducted in two districts (i.e. Sheikhupura and Malakand districts) within Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces based on the higher number of fruit growing areas and bat roosting sites. A total of 200 (100 per district) close-ended questionnaires with 53 questions were administered to randomly selected respondents within the selected communities associated with fruit orchards, including orchard owners, laborers, and members of the surrounding community. Each questionnaire was divided into seven sections (i.e., demographic information, environmental and public health effects of bats, knowledge about bats, perception and control of bats, non-lethal methods adopted to control bats, and different myths about bats).

Results
A majority of respondents (59%, n = 118) mis-classified bats as birds instead of mammals despite more than 84% reporting that they have observed bats. Nearly 71.5% of orchard farmers perceived that their fruits are contaminated by bats during consumption, and a majority believe that bats destroy orchards (62.5%) and are responsible for spreading disease. Mythology about bats was ambiguous, as 49% of those surveyed did not perceived bats to bring good luck (49%), and 50% did not perceived them to be bad omens either. Most respondents have never killed a bat (68%) nor would they kill a bat if given the opportunity (95%). Regarding the control of bats, the greatest percentage of respondents strongly disagree with shooting bats (36%) and strongly agree with leaving bats alone (42.5%).

Conclusions
This study provides a better understanding of the sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge, attitude and perception of bats from fruit orchard owners, labourers and local people. We recommend educational interventions for targeted groups in the community, highlighting the ecosystem services and importance of bat conservation to improve people’s current knowledge regarding the role of bats and reduce direct persecution against bats.
Initial clinical experience of surface guided stereotactic radiation therapy with open-face mask immobilization for improving setup accuracy: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Shun , Li Junyu , Zhu Xianggao , Du Yi , Yu Songmao , Wang Meijiao , Yao Kaining , Wu Hao , Yue Haizhen 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To propose a specific surface guided stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) treatment procedure with open-face mask immobilization and evaluate the initial clinical experience in improving setup accuracy.

Methods and materials
The treatment records of 48 SRT patients with head lesions were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient, head immobilization was achieved with a double-shell open-face mask. The anterior shell was left open to expose the forehead, nose, eyes and cheekbones. The exposed facial area was used as region-of-interest for surface tracking by AlignRT (VisionRT Inc, UK). The posterior shell provided a sturdy and personalized headrest. Patient initial setup was guided by 6DoF real-time deltas (RTD) using the reference surface obtained from the skin contour delineated on the planning CT images. The endpoint of initial setup was 1 mm in translational RTD and 1 degree in rotational RTD. CBCT guidance was performed to derive the initial setup errors, and couch shifts for setup correction were applied prior to treatment delivery. CBCT couch shifts, AlignRT RTD values, repositioning rate and setup time were analyzed.

Results
The absolute values of median (maximal) CBCT couch shifts were 0.4 (1.3) mm in VRT, 0.1 (2.5) mm in LNG, 0.2 (1.6) mm in LAT, 0.1(1.2) degree in YAW, 0.2 (1.4) degree in PITCH and 0.1(1.3) degree in ROLL. The couch shifts and AlignRT RTD values exhibited highly agreement except in VRT and PITCH (p value < 0.01), of which the differences were as small as negligible. We did not find any case of patient repositioning that was due to out-of-tolerance setup errors, i.e., 3 mm and 2 degree. The surface guided setup time ranged from 52 to 174 s, and the mean and median time was 97.72 s and 94 s respectively.

Conclusions
The proposed surface guided SRT procedure with open-face mask immobilization is a step forward in improving patient comfort and positioning accuracy in the same process. Minimized initial setup errors and repositioning rate had been achieved with reasonably efficiency for routine clinical practice.
ECMO for paediatric cardiac arrest caused by bronchial rupture and severe lung injury: a case report about life-threatening rescue at an adult ECMO centre
Authors: Chu Xiaoqiong , Chen Weibiao , Wang Yafei , Zhu Luqi , Zhang Mengqin , Zhang Sheng 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Bronchial rupture in children is a rare but dangerous complication after chest trauma and is associated with increased mortality. Veno-venous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is reported as one of the treatments for this life-threatening complication.

Case presentation
A 4-year-old boy with bronchial rupture and traumatic wet lung complicated by cardiac arrest after chest trauma was admitted to an adult ECMO centre. He experienced two cardiac arrests, one before and one during the operation. The total duration of cardiac arrest was 30 min. V-V ECMO was initiated because of severe hypoxia and hypercapnia during the operation. ECMO was performed for 6 days, and mechanical ventilation lasted 11 days. On the 31st day after surgery, he had recovered completely and was discharged without neurological deficit.

Conclusion
V-V ECMO can be considered for supportive care in children with severe acute respiratory failure after bronchial rupture. In an emergency, V-V ECMO can be carried out effectively in a qualified and experienced adult ECMO centre. However, the application of ECMO in children is different from that in adults and requires more refined management.
Persimmon leaf extract alleviates chronic social defeat stress-induced depressive-like behaviors by preventing dendritic spine loss via inhibition of serotonin reuptake in mice
Authors: Yu Hui , Shao Shumin , Xu Junnan , Guo Haibiao , Zhong Zhangfeng , Xu Jiangping 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundFresh or dried Persimmon leaves (Diospyros kakiThunb.) exhibit preventive effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, their antidepressant effects and underlying mechanisms are unclear. Thus, we investigated mechanisms responsible for Persimmon leaf extract (PLE) activity on chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice.MethodsCSDS was used as a mouse model of depression. We performed the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) to identify depressive-like behavior. Spine density and dendritic morphology were assessed using Golgi staining. Neurochemicals were quantified by microdialysis, doublecortin by immunofluorescence, and cAMP using an ELISA kit. Finally, the levels of cortical proteins of phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), postsynaptic density synapsin-1 and protein 95 (PSD95) were quantified by western blot. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to detect fecal microbiota.ResultsTreatment of CSDS-subjected mice with PLE (30.0–60.0 mg/kg,i.g.) enhanced sucrose preference, decreased immobility times in the TST and FST but did not affect locomotor activity. Furthermore, persistent social defeat stress decreased dendritic spine density and dendritic length in the brain, as well as decreased PSD95 and synapsin-1 expression. PLE, interestingly, inhibited dendritic spine loss and increased synaptic protein levels. PLE also increased brain levels of 5-HT, cAMP, phosphorylated (p)-CREB, BDNF, PSD95, and synapsin-1 in mice subjected to CSDS. Furthermore, PLE increased their doublecortin-positive cell count in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. CSDS mice represented a distinct fecal microbiota cluster which differed compared with normal C57BL/6J mice, and the phenotype was rescued by PLE.ConclusionsPLE alleviated CSDS-induced depressive behaviors and spinal damage by suppressing serotonin reuptake and activating the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Simultaneously, PLE influenced the composition of the fecal microbiota in CSDS-subjected mice.
Stage Ia squamous cell carcinoma as the malignant transformation of giant and unusual mature teratoma of the ovary in an elderly patient
Authors: Palomba Stefano , Russo Tiziana , Albonico Giuseppe , Tripodi Marcello 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Mature cystic teratomas of the ovary (MCTO) are a type of germ cell tumor that may contain well-differentiated tissues developed from three germ cell layers and constitute about 20% of ovarian germ cell tumors. They are rare ovarian tumors with an annual incidence variable from 1.2 to 14.2 cases per 100,000 that occur mainly in women of reproductive age. They are frequently benign with a slow growth rate, even if they can undergo a malignant transformation in about 1–2% of cases.

Case presentation
Here, we present the case of an elderly woman referred to gynecological first aid for acute abdominal pain and showing a giant and unusual MCTO at rapid growth with malignant transformation in squamous cell carcinoma (FIGO stage Ia). The patient underwent pelvic mass removal trough emergency longitudinal midline laparotomic incision with intraoperative frozen pathologic examination. A complete surgical staging during the first surgery was performed. After about 9 years of follow-up, she died of non-oncological reasons without recurrence.

Conclusions
Present case highlights that CMTO with malignant transformation should always be suspected in elderly women in presence of pelvic mass at rapid growth, even if in absence of other clinical and ultrasonographic signs of malignancy. An intraoperative frozen pathologic examination may drive the best treatment.
Initial experiences of prehospital blood product transfusions between 2016 and 2020 in Päijät-Häme hospital district, Finland
Authors: Yliharju Heidi , Jama Timo , Nordquist Hilla 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Treating hemorrhaging patients with prehospital blood product transfusions (PHBT) narrows transfusion delays and potentially benefits the patient. We describe our initial experiences of PHBT in a ground-based emergency medical service (EMS), where the transfusion protocol covers both traumatic and nontraumatic hemorrhaging patients.

Methods
A descriptive retrospective analysis was performed on the records of all the patients receiving red blood cells, freeze-dried plasma, or both during prehospital care from September 2016 to December 2020. The delays of PHBT and the effects on patients’ vital signs were analyzed and reported as the median and interquartile range (IQR) and analyzed using a Wilcoxon Signed rank test.

Results
65 patients received prehospital blood product transfusions (PHBT), 29 (45%) were non-traumatic, and 36 (55%) traumatic. The main two reasons for PHBT were blunt trauma (n = 30, 46%) and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (n = 20, 31%). The median time from the emergency call to the start of PHBT was 54 min (IQR 38), and the transfusion began on a median of 61 min (IQR 42) before arrival at the hospital. The median systolic blood pressure improved from a median 76.5 mmHg (IQR 36.5) before transfusion to a median of 116.60 mmHg (IQR 26.5) (p < 0.001) on arrival to the hospital. No transfusion-related severe adverse events were noted.

Conclusions
Starting PHBT in ground-based EMS is a feasible and viable option. The PHBT began significantly earlier than it would have started on arrival to the hospital, and it seems to be safe and improve patients’ physiology.

Study approval
D/2603/07.01.04.05/2019.
The efficacy of curcumin-piperine co-supplementation on clinical symptoms, duration, severity, and inflammatory factors in COVID-19 outpatients: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Askari Gholamreza , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Soleimani Davood , Mahdavi Atena , Rafiee Sahar , Majeed Muhammed , Khorvash Farzin , Iraj Bijan , Elyasi Mahshid , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Bagherniya Mohammad 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 pandemic has made the disease a major global problem by creating a significant burden on health, economic, and social status. To date, there are no effective and approved medications for this disease. Curcumin as an anti-inflammatory agent can have a positive effect on the control of COVID-19 complications. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of curcumin-piperine supplementation on clinical symptoms, duration, severity, and inflammatory factors in patients with COVID-19.

Methods
Forty-six outpatients with COVID-19 disease were randomly allocated to receive two capsules of curcumin-piperine; each capsule contained 500 mg curcumin plus 5 mg piperine or placebo for 14 days.

Results
Mean changes in complete blood count, liver enzymes, blood glucose levels, lipid parameters, kidney function, and c-reactive protein (CRP) were not significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant improvement in health status, including dry cough, sputum cough, ague, sore throat, weakness, muscular pain, headache, and dyspnea at week 2 in both curcumin-piperine and placebo groups (P value < 0.05); however, the improvement in weakness was more in the curcumin-piperine group than with placebo group (P value 025).

Conclusion
The present study results showed that curcumin-piperine co-supplementation in outpatients with COVID-19 could significantly reduce weakness. However, in this study, curcumin-piperine co-supplementation could not significantly affect the other indices, including biochemical and clinical indices.

Trial registration
Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20121216011763N46. 2020-10-31
Testing a social network approach to promote HIV self-testing and linkage to care among fishermen at Lake Victoria: study protocol for the Owete cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sheira Lila A. , Kwena Zachary A. , Charlebois Edwin D. , Agot Kawango , Ayieko Benard , Gandhi Monica , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Thirumurthy Harsha , Camlin Carol S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundNearly 50% of men living with HIV in many countries are unaware of their HIV status; men also have lower uptake of HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In SSA, highly mobile men such as those working in fishing communities alongside Lake Victoria have low uptake of HIV testing and low rates of linkage to HIV treatment and PrEP, despite increasing availability of these services. HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits hold promise for overcoming barriers to HIV testing and linkage to services for HIV-positive and HIV-negative men. We describe here a protocol for an HIV status-neutral, social network-based approach to promote HIV testing, linkage to care and prevention, and better health outcomes, including adherence, in fishermen around Lake Victoria.MethodsUtilizing beach management unit (BMU) registries of fishermen operating in three Lake Victoria fishing communities in Siaya County, Kenya, we completed a census and social network mapping to identify close social networks of men. Network clusters identified by a socially-central lead (“promotor”) and selected to ensure maximal separation between treatment and control will be randomized. Promotors in both arms will receive basic HIV training; intervention promotors are further trained in HIVST to distribute kits to their cluster, while control promotors will distribute to their cluster vouchers for free HIVST at nearby clinics. We will test whether these promoters can enhance linkage to ART and PrEPafterself-testing, thereby addressing a key limitation of HIVST. We will also measure 6- and 12-month viral load in those living with HIV and PrEP adherence among those without HIV via urine tenofovir levels as objective markers of adherence.DiscussionThis study has the potential to improve HIV health and promote HIV prevention among a hard to reach, at-risk, and highly mobile population of men in Western Kenya—a critical population in Kenya’s HIV prevention and treatment program. Further, if successful, this innovative social networks-based model could be scaled at the regional level to address HIV prevention and care among similarly at-risk populations of men in eastern Africa and inland fisheries settings across the continent.Trial registrationSelf-Test Strategies and Linkage Incentives to Improve ART and PrEP Uptake in Men, registered on February 26, 2021, registration #NCT04772469.
Dominance of the zoonotic pathogen Cryptosporidium meleagridis in broiler chickens in Guangdong, China, reveals evidence of cross-transmission
Authors: Lin Xuhui , Xin Luyao , Qi Meng , Hou Minyu , Liao Shenquan , Qi Nanshan , Li Juan , Lv Minna , Cai Haiming , Hu Junjing , Zhang Jianfei , Ji Xiangbo , Sun Mingfei 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Cryptosporidium is one of the most prevalent parasites infecting both birds and mammals. To examine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species and evaluate the public health significance of domestic chickens in Guangdong Province, southern China, we analyzed 1001 fecal samples from 43 intensive broiler chicken farms across six distinct geographical regions.

Methods
Individual DNA samples were subjected to nested PCR-based amplification and sequencing of the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA). Analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) was performed to characterize the subtypes of C. meleagridis.

Results
The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 13.2% (95% CI 11.1–15.3) (24 of 43 farms), with C. meleagridis (7.8%), C. baileyi (4.8%) and mixed infections (0.6%). Using the gp60 gene, three subtype families, IIIb, IIIe and IIIg, were identified, including six subtypes: one novel (IIIgA25G3R1a) and five previously reported (IIIbA23G1R1c, IIIbA24G1R1, IIIbA21G1R1a, IIIeA17G2R1 and IIIeA26G2R1). Within these subtypes, five known subtypes were genetically identical to those identified in humans.

Conclusions
This is the first report of C. meleagridis in chickens from Guangdong. The frequent occurrence of C. meleagridis in domestic chickens and the common C. meleagridis subtypes identified in both humans and chickens is of public health significance. Our study indicates that broiler chickens represent a potential zoonotic risk for the transmission of Cryptosporidium in this region.

Graphical Abstract
Plasmodium infection suppresses colon cancer growth by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis associated with disrupting mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy in mice
Authors: Yao Xin , Cao Yujie , Lu Li , Xu Yuanxia , Chen Hao , Liu Chuanqi , Chen Dianyi , Wang Kexue , Xu Jingxiang , Fang Runqi , Xia Hui , Li Jiangyan , Fang Qiang , Tao Zhiyong 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundColon cancer is a common gastrointestinal tumor with a poor prognosis, and thus new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The antitumor effect ofPlasmodiuminfection has been reported in some murine models, but it is not clear whether it has an anti-colon cancer effect. In this study, we investigated the anti-colon cancer effect ofPlasmodiuminfection and its related mechanisms using a mouse model of colon cancer.MethodsAn experimental model was established by intraperitoneal injection ofPlasmodium yoelii17XNL-infected erythrocytes into mice with colon cancer. The size of tumors was observed dynamically in mice, and the expression of Ki67 detected by immunohistochemistry was used to analyze tumor cell proliferation. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins including Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructural change in colon cancer cells, and the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis correlative central protein, PGC-1α, and mitophagy relevant crucial proteins, PINK1/Parkin, were detected by western blot.ResultsWe found thatPlasmodiuminfection reduced the weight and size of tumors and decreased the expression of Ki67 in colon cancer-bearing mice. Furthermore,Plasmodiuminfection promoted mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells, as evidenced by the increased proportion of TUNEL-positive cells, the upregulated expression of Bax, caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins, and the downregulated expression of Bcl-2 protein. In colon cancer cells, we found destroyed cell nuclei, swollen mitochondria, missing cristae, and a decreased number of autolysosomes. In addition,Plasmodiuminfection disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy through the reduced expression of PGC-1α, PINK1, and Parkin proteins in colon cancer cells.ConclusionsPlasmodiuminfection can play an anti-colon cancer role in mice by inhibiting proliferation and promoting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells, which may relate to mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.Graphical Abstract