bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addition of chemoradiotherapy to palliative chemotherapy in de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a real-world study
Authors: Zheng Shuo-Han , Wang Yu-Tong , Liu Song-Ran , Huang Zi-Lu , Wang Guan-Nan , Lin Jin-Tao , Ding Shi-Rong , Chen Chen , Xia Yun-Fei 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
To determine whether concurrent chemotherapy is necessary during locoregional radiotherapy (RT) after palliative chemotherapy (PCT) in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC).

Methods
A total of 746 patients with mNPC from 2000 to 2017 at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 355 patients received PCT followed by RT. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), including locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) and distant progression-free survival (DPFS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Cox proportional-hazards models, landmark analyses, propensity score matching, and subgroup analyses were used to address confounding.

Results
Of the patients included in our study, 192 received radiotherapy alone after PCT (PCT + RT), and 163 received concurrent chemoradiotherapy after PCT (PCT + CCRT). The prognosis of PCT + CCRT was significantly better than that of PCT + RT (5 year OS, 53.0 vs 36.2%; P = 0.004). After matching, the 5 year OS rates of the two groups were 55.7 and 39.0%, respectively (P = 0.034) and the median DPFS were 29.4 and 18.7 months, respectively (P = 0.052). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that PCT + CCRT was an independent favorable prognostic factor (P = 0.009). In addition, conducting concurrent chemoradiotherapy after 4–6 cycles of PCT or conducting concurrent chemotherapy with single-agent platinum was associated with significant survival benefit in the matched cohort (5 year OS rate, 60.4 or 57.4%, respectively). The survival difference between groups remained significant when evaluating patients who survived for ≥ 1 year (P = 0.028).

Conclusions
The optimal treatment strategy of mNPC is the combination of PCT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. More specifically, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with single-agent platinum after 4–6 cycles of PCT is suggested.
HIV-2/SIV Vpx antagonises NF-κB activation by targeting p65
Authors: Fink Douglas L. , Cai James , Whelan Matthew V. X. , Monit Christopher , Maluquer de Motes Carlos , Towers Greg J. , Sumner Rebecca P. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The NF-κB family of transcription factors and associated signalling pathways are abundant and ubiquitous in human immune responses. Activation of NF-κB transcription factors by viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as viral RNA and DNA, is fundamental to anti-viral innate immune defences and pro-inflammatory cytokine production that steers adaptive immune responses. Diverse non-viral stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide and cytokines, also activate NF-κB and the same anti-pathogen gene networks. Viruses adapted to human cells often encode multiple proteins targeting the NF-κB pathway to mitigate the anti-viral effects of NF-κB-dependent host immunity.

Results
In this study we have demonstrated using a variety of assays, in a number of different cell types including primary cells, that plasmid-encoded or virus-delivered simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) accessory protein Vpx is a broad antagonist of NF-κB signalling active against diverse innate NF-κB agonists. Using targeted Vpx mutagenesis, we showed that this novel Vpx phenotype is independent of known Vpx cofactor DCAF1 and other cellular binding partners, including SAMHD1, STING and the HUSH complex. We found that Vpx co-immunoprecipitated with canonical NF-κB transcription factor p65, but not NF-κB family members p50 or p100, preventing nuclear translocation of p65. We found that broad antagonism of NF-κB activation by Vpx was conserved across distantly related lentiviruses as well as for Vpr from SIV Mona monkey (SIVmon), which has Vpx-like SAMHD1-degradation activity.

Conclusions
We have discovered a novel mechanism by which lentiviruses antagonise NF-κB activation by targeting p65. These findings extend our knowledge of how lentiviruses manipulate universal regulators of immunity to avoid the anti-viral sequelae of pro-inflammatory gene expression stimulated by both viral and extra-viral agonists. Importantly our findings are also relevant to the gene therapy field where virus-like particle associated Vpx is routinely used to enhance vector transduction through antagonism of SAMHD1, and perhaps also through manipulation of NF-κB.

Graphical Abstract
BioRssay: an R package for analyses of bioassays and probit graphs
Authors: Karunarathne Piyal , Pocquet Nicolas , Labbé Pierrick , Milesi Pascal 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDose–response relationships reflect the effects of a substance on organisms, and are widely used in broad research areas, from medicine and physiology, to vector control and pest management in agronomy. Furthermore, reporting on the response of organisms to stressors is an essential component of many public policies (e.g. public health, environment), and assessment of xenobiotic responses is an integral part of World Health Organization recommendations. Building upon an R script that we previously made available, and considering its popularity, we have now developed a software package in the R environment,BioRssay, to efficiently analyze dose–response relationships. It has more user-friendly functions and more flexibility, and proposes an easy interpretation of the results. The functions in theBioRssaypackage are built on robust statistical analyses to compare the dose/exposure–response of various bioassays and effectively visualize them in probit-graphs.Graphical Abstract
Spatiotemporal distribution, abundance, and host interactions of two invasive vectors of arboviruses, Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus, in Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Little Eliza A. H. , Hutchinson Michael L. , Price Keith J. , Marini Alyssa , Shepard John J. , Molaei Goudarz 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus, two invasive mosquito species in the United States, are implicated in the transmission of arboviruses. Studies have shown interactions of these two mosquito species with a variety of vertebrate hosts; however, regional differences exist and may influence their contribution to arbovirus transmission.

Methods
We investigated the distribution, abundance, host interactions, and West Nile virus infection prevalence of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus by examining Pennsylvania mosquito and arbovirus surveillance data for the period between 2010 and 2018. Mosquitoes were primarily collected using gravid traps and BG-Sentinel traps, and sources of blood meals were determined by analyzing mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences amplified in PCR assays.

Results
A total of 10,878,727 female mosquitoes representing 51 species were collected in Pennsylvania over the 9-year study period, with Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus representing 4.06% and 3.02% of all collected mosquitoes, respectively. Aedes albopictus was distributed in 39 counties and Ae. japonicus in all 67 counties, and the abundance of these species increased between 2010 and 2018. Models suggested an increase in the spatial extent of Ae. albopictus during the study period, while that of Ae. japonicus remained unchanged. We found a differential association between the abundance of the two mosquito species and environmental conditions, percent development, and median household income. Of 110 Ae. albopictus and 97 Ae. japonicus blood meals successfully identified to species level, 98% and 100% were derived from mammalian hosts, respectively. Among 12 mammalian species, domestic cats, humans, and white-tailed deer served as the most frequent hosts for the two mosquito species. A limited number of Ae. albopictus acquired blood meals from avian hosts solely or in mixed blood meals. West Nile virus was detected in 31 pools (n = 3582 total number of pools) of Ae. albopictus and 12 pools (n = 977 total pools) of Ae. japonicus.

Conclusions
Extensive distribution, high abundance, and frequent interactions with mammalian hosts suggest potential involvement of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus in the transmission of human arboviruses including Cache Valley, Jamestown Canyon, La Crosse, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika should any of these viruses become prevalent in Pennsylvania. Limited interaction with avian hosts suggests that Ae. albopictus might occasionally be involved in transmission of arboviruses such as West Nile in the region.

Graphical Abstract
Social life-cycle assessment (S-LCA) of residential rooftop solar panels using challenge-derived framework
Authors: Bonilla-Alicea Ricardo J. , Fu Katherine 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Social life-cycle assessment (S-LCA) provides a framework to evaluate the social impacts of decisions made during the design phases of a product. Rooftop solar panels are considered an environmentally friendly renewable energy technology due to their ability to generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases while generating electricity. This study presents the application of a challenge-derived S-LCA framework to assess the social impacts of rooftop solar panels in the southeast region of the United States (U.S.) during the use and end-of-life phases.

Methods
The challenge-derived S-LCA framework was developed based on a set of challenges to performing social assessments. The challenges were identified through a systematic mapping process and verified using expert feedback. Additional feedback is gathered through users from mechanical engineering capstone design students. The case study application shown in this paper aims to identify the potential social impacts at a pre-implementation stage of the rooftop solar panel in residential applications. The framework follows the ISO 14040 LCA structure, and the analysis was performed based on impact indicators (Type-I framework) and performance reference points (PRP).

Results
The framework implements existing social impact assessment methodologies, and guides each of the assessment stages based on the type of analysis performed. The results highlight the workers as the stakeholder group with the highest social impacts. The results also highlight the need for regulation to make rooftop solar panels accessible to low-income community members.

Conclusions
An S-LCA framework to assess the social impacts of product systems and technologies is implemented to evaluate the potential social impacts of residential rooftop solar panels. The framework presented applies to product systems and technologies at a pre- or post-implementation state, and it aims to guide novice and expert users alike. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to improve the methodology presented, and additional case studies should be performed to test the applicability of the framework across a broad set of fields.
Multi-temporal analysis of past and future land cover change in the highly urbanized state of Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Azari Majid , Billa Lawal , Chan Andy 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
This study analysed the multi-temporal trend in land cover, and modelled a future scenario of land cover for the year 2030 in the highly urbanized state of Selangor, Malaysia. The study used a Decision Forest-Markov chain model in the land change modeller (LCM) tool of TerrSet software. Land cover maps of 1999, 2006 and 2017 were classified into 5 classes, namely water, natural vegetation, agriculture, built-up land and cleared land. A simulated land cover map of 2017 was validated against the actual land cover map 2017. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.84 of Total Operating Characteristics (TOC) and higher percentage of components of agreement (Hits + Correct rejection) compared to components of disagreement (Misses + False alarm + Wrong hits) indicated successful validation of the model.

Results
The results showed between the years 1999 to 2017 there was an increase in built-up land cover of 608.8 km2 (7.5%), and agricultural land 285.5 km2 (3.5%), whereas natural vegetation decreased by 831.8 km2 (10.2%). The simulated land cover map of 2030 showed a continuation of this trend, where built-up area is estimated to increase by 723 km2 (8.9%), and agricultural land is estimated to increase by 57.2 km2 (0.7%), leading to a decrease of natural vegetation by 663.9 km2 (8.1%) for the period 2017 to 2030. The spatial trend of land cover change shows built-up areas mostly located in central Selangor where the highly urbanized and populated cities of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and the Klang valley are located.

Conclusion
The future land cover modelling indicates that built-up expansion mostly takes place at edges of existing urban boundaries. The results of this study can be used by policy makers, urban planners and other stakeholders for future decision making and city planning.
Systematic review on factors influencing the effectiveness of alcohol-based hand rubbing in healthcare
Authors: Price Lesley , Gozdzielewska Lucyna , Alejandre Julius Cesar , Jorgenson Annelysse , Stewart Emma , Pittet Didier , Reilly Jacqui 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The effectiveness of hand rubbing with alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) is impacted by several factors. To investigate these, World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned a systematic review.

Aim
To evaluate the impact of ABHR volume, application time, rubbing friction and hand size on microbiological load reduction, hand surface coverage or drying time.

Methods
Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases were searched for healthcare or laboratory-based primary studies, published in English, (1980- February 2021), investigating the impact of ABHR volume, application time, rubbing friction or hand size on bacterial load reduction, hand coverage or drying time. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality assessment. The results are presented narratively.

Findings
Twenty studies were included in the review. Categories included: ABHR volume, application time and rubbing friction. Sub-categories: bacterial load reduction, hand size, drying time or hand surface coverage. All used experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Findings showed as ABHR volume increased, bacterial load reduced, and drying times increased. Furthermore, one study showed that the application of sprayed ABHR without hand rubbing resulted in significantly lower bacterial load reduction than poured or sprayed ABHR with hand rubbing (− 0.70; 95%CI: − 1.13 to − 0.28). Evidence was heterogeneous in application time, volume, technique, and product. All studies were assessed as high risk of bias.

Conclusions
There is insufficient evidence to change WHO recommendation of a palmful of ABHR in a cupped hand applied for 20–30 s or manufacturer-recommended volume applied for about 20 s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Future hand hygiene research should standardise volume, application time, and consider hand size.
Dimensions of poverty as risk factors for antimicrobial resistant organisms in Canada: a structured narrative review
Authors: King Teagan , Schindler Richelle , Chavda Swati , Conly John 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Few studies have assessed the relationship between poverty and the risk of infection with antimicrobial resistant organisms (AROs). We sought to identify, appraise, and synthesize the available published Canadian literature that analyzes living in poverty and risk of AROs.

Methods
A structured narrative review methodology was used, including a systematic search of three databases: MedLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science for articles pertaining to poverty, and infection with AROs in Canada between 1990 and 2020. Poverty was broadly defined to include economic measures and associated social determinants of health. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, there were 889 initial articles, and 43 included in the final review. The final articles were extracted using a standard format and appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Levels of Evidence framework.

Results
Of 43 studies, 15 (35%) related to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One study found a 73% risk reduction (RR 0.27, 95%CI 0.19–0.39, p =  < 0.0001) in community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infection for each $100,000 income increase. Results pertaining to homelessness and MRSA suggested transmission was related to patterns of frequent drug use, skin-to-skin contact and sexual contact more than shelter contact. Indigenous persons have high rates of CA-MRSA, with more rooms in the house being a significant protective factor (OR 0.86, p = 0.023). One study found household income over $60,000 (OR 0.83, p = 0.039) in univariate analysis and higher maternal education (OR 0.76, 95%CI 0.63–0.92, p = 0.005) in multivariate analysis were protective for otitis media due to an ARO among children. Twenty of 43 (46.5%) articles pertained to tuberculosis (TB). Foreign-born persons were four times more likely to have resistant TB compared to Canadian-born persons. None of the 20 studies used income in their analyses.

Conclusions
There is an association between higher income and protection from CA-MRSA. Mixed results exist regarding the impact of homelessness and MRSA, demonstrating a nuanced relationship with behavioural risk factors. Higher income and maternal education were associated with reduced ARO-associated acute otitis media in children in one study. We do not have a robust understanding of the social measures of marginalization related to being foreign-born that contribute to higher rates of resistant TB infection.
Amount, distance-dependent and structural effects of forest patches on bees in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Rahimi Ehsan , Barghjelveh Shahindokht , Dong Pinliang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The growing human population and the need for more food in the world have reduced forests and turned them into agricultural land. Many agricultural products are dependent on pollinating bees, so it is possible to increase crop production by increasing the population of bees in agricultural landscapes and preventing further deforestation. In agricultural landscapes, bees use forest patches as nesting habitats and, therefore, are highly dependent on these patches. Therefore, by creating new forest patches within agricultural fields, we can increase the pollination rate, and thus the crop production. In this regard, understanding the role of forest patches and their effects on bee populations is a key step in successfully implementing the patch creation strategy. To determine the effects of forest patches on bees and pollination services, we reviewed 93 articles examining the effects of forest patches on bees in agricultural landscapes. We divided these effects into three categories based on the sampling method: (1) distance-dependent, (2) amount, and (3) structural effects.

Methods
We searched for published studies related to the effects of the forest patches on bees in agricultural landscapes using the ISI Web of Science. We conducted our search from May 1991 to May 2021 using the following search string keywords: forest fragment, forest patch, forest fragmentation, pollination, and bee.

Results
Approximately, 79% of studies showed that by increasing the distance (up to 2 km) from forest patches, regardless of the type of species, the type of agricultural product around the patches, the size and number of patches, the bees’ diversity and abundance decrease. Approximately, 76% of the studies showed that the presence of forest cover within a radius of 2 km from the target sites has a positive effect on bee populations. Our data also show that larger forest patches maintain a larger population of bees than smaller ones.

Conclusion
It was not clear what percentage of a landscape should be covered by forest or how much habitat was sufficient to maintain a viable population of bees. Therefore, we suggest future studies to find the thresholds of forest amounts below which the bee population is rapidly declining.
Hen raising helps chicks establish gut microbiota in their early life and improve microbiota stability after H9N2 challenge
Authors: Li Xiaobing , Bi Ran , Xiao Kangpeng , Roy Ayan , Zhang Zhipeng , Chen Xiaoyuan , Peng Jinyu , Wang Ruichen , Yang Rou , Shen Xuejuan , Irwin David M. , Shen Yongyi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Early gut microbial colonization is important for postnatal growth and immune development of the chicken. However, at present, commercial chickens are hatched and raised without adult hens, thus are cut off from the microbiota transfer between hens and chicks. In this study, we compared the gut microbiota composition between hen-reared and separately reared chicks, and its impact on the resistance to H9N2 avian influenza virus, with the motive of investigating the impact of this cutoff in microbiota transfer.

Results
We used the 16SrRNA sequencing method to assess the composition of the gut microbiota in chicks represented by three hen-reared groups and one separately reared group. We found that the diversity of gut microbes in the chicks from the three hen-reared groups was more abundant than in the separately reared group, both at the phylum and genus levels. Our findings highlight the importance of early parental care in influencing the establishment of gut microbiota in the early life of chicks. SourceTracker analysis showed that the feather and cloaca microbiota of hens are the main sources of gut microbiota of chicks. After H9N2 exposure, the viral infection lasted longer in the separately reared chicks, with the viral titers in their oropharyngeal swabs being higher compared to the hen-reared chicks at day 5 post-infection. Interestingly, our results revealed that the gut microbiota of the hen-reared chicks was more stable after H9N2 infection in comparison to that of the separately reared chicks.

Conclusions
Microbiota transfer between the hens and their chicks promotes the establishment of a balanced and diverse microbiota in the early life of the chicks and improves microbiota stability after H9N2 challenge. These findings advance our understanding of the protective role of gut microbiota in the early life of chicks and should be instrumental in improving chick rearing in the commercial poultry industry.