bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infectious diseases in rising riding-horse and donkey milk industry: First detection of Neospora sp. antibodies in donkeys in Turkey
Authors: Baydar Ersoy , Aydogdu Ugur , Utuk Armagan Erdem , Kaya Feyyaz , Timurkan Ozkan , Erol Ufuk , Babur Cahit 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of some protozoa (B. caballi, T. equi, T. gondii, Neospora sp.) and viral agents (equine influenza, equine viral arteritis, equine herpesviruses) of equids in Balikesir and its surroundings, in Turkey. Plasma and serum samples were collected from 66 horses and 96 donkeys. Babesia caballi, T. equi, Neospora sp. antibodies were detected with c-ELISA while T. gondii antibodies with the Sabin Feldman Dye test. Viral agents were detected by using the PCR technique. The prevalence rates of the protozoa in horses were 12.12% for B. caballi, 34.84% for T. equi, 9.09% for T. gondii, and 10.6% for Neospora sp. respectively. The molecular prevalence of the viral agents was detected as 3.03% for equine influenza virus, and 6.06% for equine herpesvirus 5. Equine viral arteritis virus and other herpesviruses (1,2 and 4) were not detected (0%) in any of the samples. However, the rates of seropositivities in donkeys were B. caballi 1.69%, T. equi 71.87%, T. gondii 90.62%, Neospora sp. 23.95%, equine influenza virus 1.04%, equine viral arteritis virus 0%, equine herpesvirus-5 3.12%, and other herpesviruses 0%. The results indicated that T. equi was more prevalent than B. caballi in both species. This study is important about being is the first study in Turkey that reported the existence of anti-Neospora sp. antibodies in donkeys, and the seroprevalence of T. gondii west side of the country in horses and donkeys.
Exploring Alternative Financing Models and Early Access Schemes for Orphan Drugs: a Belgian Case Study
Authors: Abdallah Khadidja , Claes Kathleen , Huys Isabelle , Follon Lennert , Calis Charlotte , Simoens Steven 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Although some countries have made specific adjustments in their healthcare system to accommodate often-expensive orphan drugs, availability of these orphan drugs is still not evident. This study investigates alternative financing models and early access schemes for orphan drugs in the context of the Belgian healthcare system. Methods: Three focus group discussions were held with a panel of eleven experts from the Belgian Drug Reimbursement Committee, the Colleges for Orphan Drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, physicians, ethicists and pharmacists. Retrieved data were pseudonymised, analysed and coded according to the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.Results: Experts disfavoured an insulated orphan drug fund as well as private insurance, as isolation of a separate budget and a mostly profit-driven mechanism, respectively, would contradict the Belgian fundamental principle of solidarity. Moreover, an insulated fund could potentially reproduce the same budgetary constraints as the general reimbursement system albeit on a smaller scale. As the Special Solidarity Fund is intended for urgent care and exclusively accommodates eligible to the criteria, its design would not allow general financing of orphan drugs. Overall, implementation of an alternative financing model was not endorsed, instead, suggestions to improve the current reimbursement system were preferred; increased collaboration and transparency, robust and quality real-world evidence but also digitalization of data were elements mentioned. Alleviating administrative burden and simplifying the admission process for compassionate use program/medical need program and early treatment reimbursement should be prioritized to facilitate early access. Furthermore, a legal framework for off-label use could stimulate proper adoption. Efforts on collaboration of expertise centres and coordination of orphan drug databases across Europe could foster a robust data network to support orphan drug availability in individual countries. Conclusions: This research reveals that reassessing current financing models and early access schemes by eliminating inadequacies, may be more conducive than establishing alternative systems to increase availability of orphan drugs in Belgium. Other jurisdictions may rely on this information to review their own models of early access and financing and cultivate a more sustainable delivery of orphan drugs.
Urine CD163 is a Promising Biomarker for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Huang Yun Ju , Lin Chiung-Hung , Huang-Yu Yang , Luo Shue-Fen , Kuo Chang-Fu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Urine soluble CD163 (usCD163) is released from alternatively activated macrophages involved in the resolution of inflammation in glomeruli, and plays an important role in glomerulonephritis. This study explored the role of usCD163 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods
usCD163 concentrations were measured cross-sectionally in 261 SLE patients. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and SLE disease activity scores were calculated to assess the correlation with usCD163.
Results
SLE patients with high usCD163 levels tended to be younger, with a higher hospital admission rate, higher prednisolone dose, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR), more pyuria and hematuria, higher levels of inflammatory markers, higher rates of anemia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia, lower complement 3 (C3) levels, higher anti-double stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA Ab) levels, and higher disease activity scores (p < 0.05). usCD163 levels were significantly higher in patients with active lupus nephritis (LN) than in those with extrarenal or inactive SLE, and correlated with UPCR, disease activity, and anti-dsDNA Ab levels. SLE patients with high usCD163 levels tended to have a higher chronic kidney disease stage.
Conclusion
The usCD163 level correlates with the severity of LN and disease activity in renal SLE.
Association of hemoglobin levels with bone mineral density in the thoracic and lumbar spine for adults over 18 years of age: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu En Qi , Hou Xin Zheng , Liu Si Qi , Han Jing , Lv Hao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Aim:The overall object of this study is to find out the association between hemoglobin (HGB) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar and thoracic spine among adults over the age of 18.Methods:The current cross-sectional study used the non-institutionalised US population from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) as the sample source. A multiple linear regression model and smoothed curve fitting were used to show the assessment of the relationship between hemoglobin and bone mineral density in the lumbar and thoracic spine, with analysis of subgroups according to gender and race.Results:After accounting for relevant confounders, HGB was negatively associated with bone mineral density in multiple regression models. In subgroup analyses stratified by sex or race, however, the relationship between HGB and thoracic spine BMD was only found in women and Mexican-Americans, and the association with lumbar spine BMD was present in males and females, Mexican-American and Non-Hispanic White. Among participants in other races and those whose race was not reported, the relationship between HGB with BMD in the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine showed an inverted U-shaped curve (turning point: HGB 11.9 g/dL).Conclusion: HGB was negatively associated with BMD in the lumbar spine and BMD in the thoracic spine. However, this significant correlation varies by gender and race.
Full-length ITS Amplicon Sequencing of Feline Gut Mycobiome of Malaysian Local Breeds Using Nanopore Flongle
Authors: Tay Darren Dean , Siew Shing Wei , Kamal Shamrulazhar Shamzir , Razali Mohd Najib , Ahmad Hajar Fauzan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The gut mycobiome exhibits major influence on the gastrointestinal health and disease but received less attention due to low abundance. This study characterises the fungal community and compares the microbial diversity between indoor and outdoor cats. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced by targeting the full-length internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using Flongle flow cell on MinION™ sequencing platform. Results show the Ascomycota and Peniophorella were numerous in indoor cats, whereas the Basidiomycota and Pichia were abundant in outdoor cats. Peniophorella formed the core mycobiome in both feline populations. Furthermore, alpha (p-value = 0.0207) and beta diversities results (p-value = 0.009) showed significant differences between the two groups. Overall, indoor cats have greater amounts of Peniophorella, whereas outdoor cats have higher Trichosporon and unclassified Sordariaceae. The study also suggests that keeping a cat indoors or left as a stray will affect their respective gut mycobiome.
Effect of body mass index on symptomatic venous thromboembolism and prosthesis revision risk after total knee arthroplasty: Data from China
Authors: Shao Changjie , Xu Kuishuai , Zhang Liang , Yu Tengbo , Yu Ning 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the risk of symptomatic VTE and prosthesis revision after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: 7182 patients with primary unilateral TKA treated in our hospital from 2011 to 2020 were divided into four groups according to BMI: BMI<25 kg/m2, BMI 25 kg/m2-29.9 kg/m2, BMI 30 kg/m2-34.9 kg/m2 and BMI≥35 kg/m2. Incidence, Odds ratio and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the effects of BMI on symptomatic VTE and prosthesis revision risk after TKA.Results: The incidence of VTE after TKA was 8.9‰（64/7182）. There was no significant difference in the incidence of VTE among different BMI groups（P=0.452）. Deep vein thrombosis mainly occurred in the distal lower extremities, especially in intermuscular veins. Revision rate of prosthesis after TKA was 6.4‰（46/7182）. There was no significant difference in revision rate among different BMI groups（P=0.718）.In the univariate analysis of TKA, there was no increased risk of postoperative VTE and prosthesis revision in patients with different obesity categories compared with patients with normal BMI. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the prosthesis survival rate of patients with BMI≥35 kg/m2 was relatively low, but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The higher BMI was not associated with the increased risk of symptomatic VTE and prosthesis revision after TKA. When TKA was used for appropriate indications, high BMI should not be considered as a contraindication.
Fatigue strength of welded joints by considering the residual stress
Authors: mahfoudh bacem jacem , NASR Anouar 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this study, a fatigue life prediction model was proposed to evaluate the fatigue life of welded joints in 316L steel stainless considering (i) the as-weld Residual Stress (RS) relaxation and (ii) using the Crossland multi-axial fatigue criterion. Initially, a sequential coupling 3D thermo-mechanical finite element method was used to simulate the as-weld RS. Primary, the weld heating process was calculated by applying a heat source of double ellipsoidal distribution. Its movements along the weld direction were modeled by a user subroutine DFLUX. Secondly, the heat losses are considered by taking into account both the convection and the radiation. The behavior of the material was modeled by an elastoplastic model which combines isotropic and non linear kinematic hardening laws by using the Chaboche parameters. The latter model allows studying the redistribution of the residual stress under the cyclic load. The predicted results by the finite element method were in good agreement with the experimental data. After that, the equivalent fatigue stress was calculated (i) with considering the RS relaxation (ii) and without taking into account the RS (without thermal process). For the tensile test under 0.1 load ratio, the difference between the two cases is about 6%. The presence of the compressive RS in the high loaded point has a beneficial effect on the Crossland equivalent stress.
Synthesis of a Novel Supermagnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and their Congo Red Dye Removal, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: GÖKDAĞ Semih , CAF Fatma , DOĞANER Fulya , KAYA BÜLENT , AYNA Adnan , AYKUTOĞLU Gürkan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Biogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles has been reported in many studies. However, there is no such study that combines antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and dye removal activities of the synthesized iron nanoparticles. The present study focused on the green synthesis and Congo Red (CR) dye removal, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of supermagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles using Plantago lanceolata L. extracts (PLE@FeNPs). The morphology and physical properties of PLE@FeNPs were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM and DLS analysis. XRD and zeta potential analysis revealed a potential of-12.2 mV and formation of cubic crystals, with an average dimension of 7 nm, and a wide band at 352 nm was detected in UV-vis spectroscopy. The optimum adsorption conditions of pH, temperature and adsorbent amount for CR removal were found as pH 4, 25 ℃ and 15 mg respectively with a high removal efficiency of 99 %. To evaluate dye adsorption behaviors of the PLE@FeNPs, adsorption isotherm models -Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin- were applied to the present data. Langmuir Isotherm model (R2 = 0.96, 25 °C) were best fitted to our data. Thermodynamic evaluation of the results showed that the reaction was spontaneous (∆G = -26.6 kJ mol-1) and exothermic (∆H -35, 3 kJ mol-1). PLE@FeNPs showed highest antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant activities of PLE@FeNP was examined by DPPH removal (89.79%) and metal-chelating activity (74%). The in vitro cytotoxicity experiments showed that PLE@FeNPs possessed significant cytotoxic effects in human lung cancer (A549) cell line while no such effects were observed on human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. PLE@FeNPs also caused DNA fragmentation on A549 cells. Overall these results pave the way for further applications in dye removal and biological applications of environmentally friendly PLE@FeNPs.
STING promotes proliferation and induces drug resistance via regulating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Yao Huihui , Wang Suo , Zhou Xin , Zhou Guoqiang , Zhou Diyuan , Chen Guoliang , Shi Xinyu , Chen Junjie , Wu Guanting , Sun Liang , Yao Yizhou , Gu Wen , Wan Daiwei , He Songbing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite a rapidly growing body of pertinent literature, the relationship between stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein expression and the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of STING as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in the medical management of CRC. Methods: STING expression was examined by immunohistochemistry to evaluate its association with clinicopathological factors. Moreover, the effects of STING on CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and drug resistance were examined. Gene set enrichment analysis was applied to explore potential downstream mechanisms of STING in CRC. Meanwhile, we evaluated the effect of STING on glucose uptake. Results: Our study confirmed that STING expression was significantly up-regulated in CRC tissues, and was associated with TNM stage and a poor prognosis. Additionally, STING promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and drug resistance by mediating AMPK-mTOR signaling. Finally, we confirmed that STING regulates energy metabolism in CRC cells. Conclusions: STING may represent a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for chemosensitization and inhibition of CRC progression.
IL36G Genetic Variant is Independently Associated with Susceptibility, Severity and Joint Involvement in Psoriasis
Authors: Moreira Cássio Rafael , Alcântara Camila Cataldi , Flauzino Tamires , Martin Ligia Marcia Mario , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci , Simão Andrea Name Colado 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory and polygenic dermatosis and may be associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Interleukin 36 (IL-36) has important role in to make the interaction between the innate and adaptive immune response. Variants in genes encoding cytokines can modulate the susceptibility as well as the severity of diseases. This study aims to assess the frequency of IL36G intron C > T (rs13392494) and IL36G 3’untranstaled region (UTR) A > G (rs7584409) single nucleotide variants and their association with susceptibility, joint involvement and severity of PsO in Brazilian patients. The study included 154 patients with PsO and 154 healthy individuals. The IL36G rs13392494 and IL36G rs7584409 were genotyped by the allelic discrimination assay using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The severity of PsO was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The rs7584409 variant showed a protective effect in PsO whereas the rs13392494 variant was not associated with susceptibility to PsO. We demonstrated that the G allele of IL36G rs7584409 (dominant model) was associated with 2.3 more chance to PASI > 10, as well as the patients carrying the IL36G rs7584409 GG genotype showed about 5.0 times more chance of PsA than those carrying the AA genotype. The presence of the G allele of the IL36G rs7584409 variant was associated with protection to PsO, higher PASI and the presence of PsA than the A allele, suggesting that this variant may be used as a potential genetic biomarker to predict severity and joint involvement of the PsO.
The Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism among Hospitalized COVID-19 Positive Patients: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Alshahrani Asma , Almoahzieie Abdullah , Alshareef Hanan , Alammashm Buthinah , Alhumaidi Sarah , Meraya Abdulkarim M. , Alshammari Abdullah S. , Ajlan Aziza , Alghofaili Alnajla , Alnassar Abdullah , Alshahrani Nada , Aldossari Maram , Alkhaldi Turkiah , Alwazzeh Marwan J , Alkuwaiti Feras A. , Almashouf Abdullah B. , alghamdi Shrouq Hamed , Alshehri Ohuod 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Coagulation disorders are frequently encountered among coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]-infected patients, especially among those with more severe symptoms. This study aims to determine the incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism [VTE] in COVID-19 patients.Methods The retrospective observational Cohort study was conducted from March to July 2020. All adult patients [>18 years old] with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included. Laboratory data and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [rRT-PCR] for SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from medical records and correlated with those who developed VTE. Results In this study, 1024 patients were identified with confirmed COVID-19, of which 58 patients [5.7%] had VTE. In the bivariate analysis, VTE was associated with chronic kidney disease, hematological disorder, cancer, and high D-dimer>0.50 mg/l. The analysis of the data showed that the number of patients diagnosed with cancer was significantly higher in the VTE group [8 patients, 13.8%] than the non-VTE group [47 patients, 4.9%; p=0.003]. Patients with cancer were 2 times more likely to have VTE [adjusted odds ratio [1]=2.614; 95% CI=[1.048 – 6.519]; p=0.039]. The sensitivity analyses showed that individuals with high D-dimer>0.50 mg/l were more likely to have VTE.Conclusion VTE is more prevalent among individuals with chronic conditions, including cancer. Healthcare professionals should closely monitor individuals with high risk of developing VTE, including those with COVID-19 and chronic conditions, to prevent unwanted complications.
Psychological Distress and Quality of Life Among Opioid Substitution Therapy Participants with Histories of Injecting and Non-Injecting: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Pant Sagun Ballav , Thapa Suraj Bahadur , Howard John , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Lien Lars 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Opioid use is a serious public health problem in Nepal. People who use opioids can experience severe psychological distress over time along with poor quality of life. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) is central in treating opioid dependence. This study aimed to examine factors associated with quality of life and severe psychological distress among OST therapy participants in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal and compare those who had injected opioids prior to OST and those who did not inject.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 231 participants proportionately allocated across five OST sites in the Kathmandu Valley. They were administered a semi-structured questionnaire, the Nepalese versions of the Kessler 6 psychological distress scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to elicit associations between severe psychological distress, quality of life, and independent variables. Results: Of the participants 92% were male and about half were injecting drug users. Severe psychological distress was found in about one in four participants, and significantly more prevalent among participants with a history of injecting practices (32.2%) compared to non-injectors (15.9%). Higher mean psychological distress scores were observed among injecting drug users.Those self-reporting a history of psychiatric illnesses were around seven times more likely to have severe psychological distress, and those with history of comorbidity around 1.6 times more likely. In the adjusted linear regression model, injecting drug users were likely to have lower physical quality of life compared to non-injectors. Age was positively associated with better social quality of life. Lower socioeconomic status and a history of self-reported mental illness and attempt to quit substance use, were found to have significantly lower quality of life on all four domains. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that OST participants with a history of injecting drug use were at higher risk of severe psychological distress and lower physical quality of life. In addition to OST, the complex and entangled needs of injecting drug users and non-injectors need to be addressed to improve quality of life and lessen psychological distress and a return to problematic substance use.