bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as Vectors of Animal Diseases in Ethiopia
Authors: Fetene Eyerusalem , Teka Getachew , Dejene Hana , Mandefro Deresegn , Teshome Tsedale , Temesgen Dawit , Negussie Haileleul , Mulatu Tesfaye , Jaleta Megarsa Bedasa , Leta Samson 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are the major vectors of bluetongue, Schmallenberg, and African horse sickness viruses. This study was conducted to survey Culicoides species in different parts of Ethiopia and to develop habitat suitability for the major Culicoides species in Ethiopia. Culicoides traps were set in different parts of the country from December 2018 to April 2021 using UV light Onderstepoort traps and the collected Culicoides were sorted to species level. To develop the species distribution model for the two predominant Culicoides species, namely Culicoides imicola and C. kingi, an ensemble modeling technique was used with the Biomod2 package of R software. KAPPA True skill statistics (TSS) and ROC curve were used to evaluate the accuracy of species distribution models. In the ensemble modeling, models which score TSS values greater than 0.8 were considered. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between C. imicola and C. kingi catch and various environmental and climatic factors. During the study period, a total of 9148 Culicoides were collected from 66 trapping sites. Of the total 9148, 8576 of them belongs to seven species and the remaining 572 Culicoides were unidentified. The predominant species was C. imicola (52.8%), followed by C. kingi (23.6%). The abundance of these two species was highly influenced by the agro-ecological zone of the capture sites and the proximity of the capture sites to livestock farms. Climatic variables such as mean annual minimum and maximum temperature and mean annual rainfall were found to influence the catch of C. imicola at the different study sites. The ensemble model performed very well for both species with KAPPA (0.9), TSS (0.98), and ROC (0.999) for C. imicola and KAPPA (0.889), TSS (0.999), and ROC (0.999) for C. kingi. C. imicola has a larger suitability range compared to C. kingi. The Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia, the southern and eastern parts of the country, and the areas along the Blue Nile and Lake Tana basins in northern Ethiopia were particularly suitable for C. imicola. High suitability for C. kingi was found in central Ethiopia and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). The habitat suitability model developed here could help researchers better understand where the above vector-borne diseases are likely to occur and target surveillance to high-risk areas.
An IGF-1R-mTORC1-SRPK2 Signaling Axis Contributes to FASN Regulation in Breast Cancer
Authors: deGraffenried Linda , Mcclellan Bryan , Gries Paul , Harlow Brittany , Tiziani Stefano , Jolly Christopher 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression is associated with a more aggressive breast cancer phenotype and is regulated downstream of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways. Recently, post transcriptional regulation of lipogenic transcripts have been demonstrated as being mediated downstream of serine-arginine rich protein kinase 2 (SRPK2), which acts to phosphorylate serine-arginine rich splicing factors (SRSFs), resulting in RNA binding and various RNA regulatory processes. Though post-transcriptional regulation of FASN has been studied previously, the upstream mediators of these pathways have not been elucidated. METHODS: Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized to demonstrate alterations in FASN and mRNA expression upon modulation of the IGF-1-mTORC1-SRPK2 pathway by small molecule inhibitors or RNAi mediated silencing. RNA stability was accessed by using the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin-D followed by RT-qPCR. Further, we employed RNA-immunoprecipitation to demonstrate the direct biding of SRSF-1 to FASN transcripts. RESULTS: In the current study, we demonstrated an IGF-1 induced increase in FASN mRNA and protein expression that was attenuated by mTORC1 inhibition. This mTORC1 inhibition also resulted in decreases in total and nuclear p-SRPK2 in response to IGF-1 exposure. Upon SRPK2 knockdown and inhibition, we observed a decrease in FASN protein and mRNA stability, respectively, in response to IGF-1 exposure that was specific to triple negative and HER2+ breast cancer cell lines. As we explored further, IGF-1 exposure resulted in an altered localization of eGFP expressed SRSF-1, pEGFP-SRSF-1 that was rescued upon both SRPK2 knockdown and mTORC1 inhibition. Further, we observed an increase binding of SRSF-1 to FASN RNA upon IGF-1 exposure, which was abrogated by SRPK2 knockdown. CONCLUSION: These current findings establish a potential IGF-1-mTORC1-SRPK2-FASN axis in breast cancer, which could be a potential therapeutic target for cancers that overexpress FASN and components of the IGF-1R pathway.
Nervous System Involvement in Patients Hospitalized at the COVID-19 Isolation Hospital in Alexandria University, Egypt: Clinical Findings
Authors: Abdelaziz Osama S. , Waffa Zuraiha , Abdelsalam Wael N. , Helmy Tamer A. , Nosseir Ayman A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Global studies have exemplified that COVID-19 has neurological manifestations. This study gives an insight to the impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system in Alexandria, Egypt and identifies predictors of severity and mortality. MethodsThis single centre, retrospective, observational study was conducted from August 1st, 2020 to January 31st, 2021, on patients admitted at the COVID-19 Isolation Hospital in Alexandria University, Egypt. A Neuro-COVID patient was defined as confirmed COVID-19 case presenting with one or more new onset nervous system finding. ResultsOut of 1073 in-patients, 352 were Neuro-COVID patients (183 [52%] females and 169 [48%] males). The mean age was 36.64 ± 18.97 years and 161 (45.7%) had comorbidities. Most common involvement was neuromusculoskeletal system (240 [68.2%]), followed by central nervous system (164 [46.6%]) and peripheral nervous system (125 [35.5%]), whereas, psychiatric disorders (4 [1.1%]) were the least common. Myalgia (215 [61.1%]); anosmia (118 [33.5%]); headache (100 [28.4%]); ageusia (80 [22.7%]); altered level of consciousness (56 [15.9%]); arthralgia (43 [12.2%]) and dizziness (12 [3.4%]) were predominant presentations. Female Neuro-COVID patients were twice as more likely to be critical than moderate (P =0.030). Critical cases with nervous system presentations manifested 12 times higher risk of death when compared to severe cases (P <0.001). Conclusions Nervous system involvement was predominant and clinically significant in COVID-19. Disease severity was identified as an independent predictor of mortality in Neuro-COVID patients.
A close adherence to a Stoma-Therapic Pathway improves immediate stoma-related outcomes and reduces the length of hospital stay
Authors: Mineccia Michela , Valenti Antonio , Gonella Federica , Palisi Marco , Massucco Paolo , Ricotti Andrea , Ferrero Alessandro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: New stoma creation is related with a wide range of implications and stoma-related complications could occur frequently. Aim was to assess the impact of a close stoma-therapic-care pathway (STCP) in terms of length of stay, autonomy in the management of the pouch, readmission rate and stoma-related complicationsMethods: Patients undergoing surgery for colorectal disease and first stoma creation from January 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed. All patients enrolled had joined the ERAS protocol. Results: Among 143 enrolled, 56 (40%) didn’t follow completely the STCP (group A), whereas 87 (60%) demonstrated a strictly compliance (group B). The hospital stay was 8 days in the group B vs 11,5 in the group A (p=0,001). The first look at the stoma needed 1 day in the group B vs 3 days in the group A (p<0,001), emptying the pouch 2 day in the group B vs 5 days in the group A (p<0,001) and ability to change the pouch 3 day in the group B vs 6 days in the group A (p<0,001). Stoma related complications were 9 (16.1%) in the group B and 16 (18.4%) in the group A, and 30 days readmission was 10,1% in the group B and 11,5% in the group A, p=0,82 and p=1, respectively, not significant. Conclusions: The STCP has been shown to reduce the hospital stay and to have a protective role making the patient autonomous in the management of the stoma.
Evaluation of Quality and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Locally Manufactured Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizers Marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the Era of COVID-19
Authors: Birhanu Gebremariam , Selam Muluken Nigatu , Habte Bruck Messele , Marew Tesfa , Bitew Molalegne , Getachew Tigist , Getachew Solomon , Abate Atlaw , Mitiku Mequanint , Matsabisa Motlalepula 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide. Hand hygiene, via either regular handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, is among the various measures that need to be followed to control the outbreak of the disease. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the “gold standard” for hand disinfection because of their broad antimicrobial spectrum of activity, easy availability, better safety profile, and general acceptability to users. This study aimed at evaluating the physicochemical quality and antimicrobial efficacy of the locally manufactured Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizers (EBHS) marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect EBHS from Addis Ababa marketplaces. A total of 25 sample products were randomly selected from the different categories. The physicochemical evaluation of the products was carried out as per the United States Pharmacopoeia and WHO standards. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp clinical isolates were used for the antimicrobial efficacy test. Results: The Fourier Transform Infrared result confirmed that all the test products met the identification test for ethanol. The majority (68%) of EBHS complied with the test for ethanol content (75 – 85% v/v). However, only 3 products fulfilled the hydrogen peroxide content (0.112 - 0.137% v/v). LPC307 showed the maximum zone of inhibition of 12 mm against Escherichia coli whereas MPC204 exhibited only 3 mm. LPC101 was found to be more sensitive to Shigella and Klebsiella Spp with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 20% and 10%, respectively. The sample product LPC101 showed a minimum bactericidal concentration of 20% against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella spp.Conclusion: One-third of the tested EBHS did not comply with the WHO ethanol content limit and the majority of the products failed to meet the label claim for hydrogen peroxide content. Besides, nearly all products proved that they have activity against all the tested pathogenic microorganisms; though, they did not show 99.9% bacteriostatic or bactericidal activities as claimed. The study findings suggested regular monitoring of the quality of marketed EBHS considering the current wide use of these products
Exploring Metabolic and Stoichiometric Controls for Nutrient Excretion: Body Size Has Primacy in a Tropical Stream Fish Community
Authors: OLIVEIRA-CUNHA PRISCILA , MCINTYRE PETER B. , NERES-LIMA VINICIUS , CALIMAN ADRIANO , MOREIRA-FERREIRA BEATRIZ , ZANDONÀ EUGENIA 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Discussions of the factors regulating nutrient recycling by consumers have focused on predictions from Ecological Stoichiometry (ES) and the Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE). ES posits that imbalances between the composition of an animal’s body tissues and its diet should determine its nutrient excretion rates, whereas the MTE predicts that excretion should directly reflect metabolic activity arising from body size and temperature. Each framework has been supported by data, but they are rarely tested together. In this study, we measured excretion rates of nitrogen (NH4), phosphorus (SRP) and N:P excretion ratio, body N:P stoichiometry, body size, and temperature for 12 species of fish from an Atlantic rainforest stream in Brazil. We fitted 8 competing models reflecting different combinations of ES (body N:P, armor classification, diet group) and MTE (body size, temperature) variables. For both N and P excretion, as well as excreted N:P ratio, only body size was included in the best model, and interspecific differences in size-scaling were greater for N than for P. Fitted size scaling coefficients were lower than the MTE prediction of 0.75 for N (0.59, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.73), but not P (0.56, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.77). There was only weak evidence that body armor in 3 of 12 species led to more retention of P, and there was no discernable effect of diet group, body N:P, or water temperature. We conclude that differences in nutrient excretion among species within a shared environment primarily reflect contrasts in metabolic rates arising from body size, rather than disparities between consumer and resource stoichiometry. Our findings align with those from other ecosystems and synthesis across aquatic taxa, expanding support for the MTE as the primary framework for predicting nutrient excretion rates.
On the optimal texture shape with the consideration of surface roughness
Authors: Bei Guangyao , Ma Chenbo , Wang Xilong , Sun Jianjun , Ni Xingya 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The optimal texture shape considering surface roughness is determined by solving the average Reynolds equation, selecting Jakobsson-Floberg-Olsson boundary conditions, and using a genetic algorithm. The effects of surface roughness as indicated by the combined root-mean-square (RMS), surface pattern parameter, and operating parameters on the friction coefficient, area ratio, and depth of the optimal self-defined shape and optimal dimple were studied. Results show that the friction coefficient will be significantly reduced during the shape optimization considering the effect of surface roughness. The variation laws of the optimal dimple area ratio with the combined RMS, surface pattern parameter, minimum film thickness, sliding speed and the variation law of the optimal depth of the optimal self-defined shape with surface roughness and working parameters are obtained. Finally, this study concludes that the influence of roughness parameters on the optimal dimple shape is greater than that on the optimal self-defined shape under different sliding speeds.
Mechanisms of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus capitis with the novel mutation C2128T in the 23S rRNA in China
Authors: Han Xiao , Zou Guiling , Liu Jiaren , Yang Chun , Du Xuefei , Chen Guoyu , Sun Zhe , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Yu , Zhang Wanying , Jiang Xiaofeng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Linezolid is the first oral oxazolidinone antibiotic approved for clinical application. With the widespread use of the linezolid, there are increasing reports of the linezolid-resistant (LZR). The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics and the potential resistance mechanisms of the LZR Staphylococcus capitis isolates from a tertiary hospital in China.Methods: The agar dilution and E-test methods were used to detect antibiotic resistance. The carrying status of the chloramphenicol-florfenicol resistance (cfr) gene in the strains was detected by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to detect point mutations, L3, L4, and L22 mutations, and also to study the genetic environment of the cfr gene and the relationship between strains. Results: A similar pattern in susceptibility profiles were observed in all four S. capitis strains, each exhibiting a multidrug-resistant phenotype. A potential novel mutation, C2128T, was identified, and the cfr genes of S. capitis strains were all positive. Additionally, the same mutation (C2128T and G2600T) was identified in all 23S rRNA sequences of isolates, while the mutation was lacking in the L3, L4, and L22 ribosomal proteins. The genetic environments surrounding cfr were identical in all four isolates. A schematic diagram of the phylogenetic tree exhibited that they were closely related to AYP1020, CR01, and TW2795, and a total of seven drug-resistant genes were detected in these strains. Conclusions: The study indicated that the resistance of the Staphylococcus capitis strains to linezolid was caused by multiple mechanisms and a potential novel mutation C2128T was identified which may have an impact on bacterial resistance.
Fatigue Have Impact on the Sexual Dysfunction in Chinese Females with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ye Junna , Wu Bei wen , Zhang Lijuan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might affect all aspects of life including sexual function; previous study indicated that fatigue was the risk factor of sexual dysfunction. The current study aims to investigate the effects of SLE on Chinese mainland female patients’ sexual function compared with healthy subjects and to investigate the relationship among fatigue, disease parameters, depression, quality of life and sexual function in Chinese female patients with SLE.Methods. A total of 128 female SLE patients (mean age: 43.65 ± 7.13 years) and 121 healthy female controls (mean age 43.59 ± 6.57 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. All data were collected consecutively by face-to-face questionnaires from January 2021 to December 2021. SLE patients completed questionnaires for demographic or clinical variables, the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale for pain, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) for disease activity, the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) for fatigue, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual function, and the Short Form 12 health survey for quality of life. Independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, and forward stepwise binary logistic regression model were used to analyze these data.Results. Our results showed that the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was 78.9% in SLE patients, which was significantly higher than the controls (56.7%) (p<0.05). The results found that having child (OR: 23.04; p＜0.000), age (OR: 1.11; p= 0.002), DMARDs usage (OR: 0.04; p = 0.004), MFI total score (OR: 1.06; p = 0.006), and disease duration (OR: 1.16; p= 0.043) were the potential risk factors of FSD by forward stepwise binary logistic regression.Conclusion. The present study reported that FSD was more common in Chinese SLE female patients compared to controls. Having child, age, DMARDs usage, fatigue, and disease duration had great impacts on FSD in Chinese SLE patients. Targeted and culturally sensitive interventions should be strengthened to delay the onset of FSD of this population.
Identification and Validation of a Ferroptosis-Related Gene to Predict Survival Outcomes and the Immune Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Deng Biao , Xiang Jing , Liang Zhu , Luo Lianxiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been shown to be involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by triggering inflammation-related immunosuppression. However, the involvement of ferroptosis in the regulation of immune cell infiltration and immunotherapeutic efficacy in LUAD remains unclear. Methods: To identify a ferroptosis-related gene to predict survival outcomes and the immune microenvironment in LUAD, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) LUAD cohort was used to assess the survival prognosis of Ferroptosis-related genes and to construct a 7-genes risk signature. Correlation tests, difference tests and cluster analysis were performed to explore the role of FRGs in the immune microenvironment and immunotherapy efficacy in LUAD. The effects of FRGs on LUAD cells were assessed by methods such as Western Blot, iron assay and lipid peroxidation assay.Results: The 7-gene risk signature of LUAD patients was established and validated. FRGs clustering based on 70 differentially expressed FRGs are associated with the immune microenvironment, a potential immune subtype of LUAD. 7-gene risk signature is an independent prognostic factor for LUAD and classified LUAD cohort into high- risk and low-risk groups. Immunocytes infiltration levels, immune checkpoints and immunotherapy response rates are significantly different between the two groups. Patients with high-risk scores have lower overall levels of immunocytes infiltration but higher immunotherapy response rates. The key gene RRM2 could influence LUAD prognosis by regulating the level of Mast cells activated and T cells CD4 memory activated infiltration. In addition, RRM2 was involved in the ferroptosis process, and the expression of RRM2 was up-regulated in Lung cancer tissues and LUAD cell H1975. Silencing RRM2 could promote the occurrence of ferroptosis in H1975 cell.Conclusion: Our results identified RRM2 as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets associated with tumor immune infiltration in LUAD patients.
AntiPD-L1 antibody conjugated Au-SPIOs nanoparticles for enhancing radiosensitivity and activating anti-tumor immune response
Authors: Du Chengrun , Jiang Jianyun , Wan Caifeng , Pan Guangsen , Kong Fangfang , Zhai Ruiping , Hu Chaosu , Ying Hongmei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
To improve the radiation therapy outcomes by inducing more toxicity for tumors and less for normal tissue and switch microenvironment immunosuppressive caused by expression of PD-L1 and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to immunoreactive, we designed a PD-L1-targeted nanoplatform consisting of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs)( antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au). AntiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au targeted on the B16F10 cell membrane and in cytoplasm, and the association could be reduced by the antibody blocking. In vivo T2-weight image, the best enhancement effect of tumor was achieved two hours after intravenous injection of antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au. Compared with radiation alone, the Do sensitization ratios of antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au was 1.34. The inhibition effect of irradiation combined with antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au was higher than that of radiotherapy alone in the B16F10 subcutaneous tumor model. During the entire observation period, all mice in the antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au group lived longer than 3 weeks. AntiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au enhancing radiosensitivity was achieved by increasing ROS production and attenuating DNA damage repair. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au could promote the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to M1 and reverse the immunosuppressive regulation induced by TAMs. antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au could increase the expression of CRT in tumor, block the PD-L1/PD pathway, activate CD8+T cells, promote the increase of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12 release, and finally activate the anti-tumor immune response. In conclusion, antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au was proved to have the ability to form targeted imaging and enhance radiosensitivity, block the PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint pathway, reverse the immunosuppressive regulation caused by TAMs, successfully realizing the synergistic effect of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy.