bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between the Tat Protein Transport System and Virulence of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli
Authors: gong zhaolong , Wang Liyuan , Cheng Jiali , Zhuo Qin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background We aimed to investigate the effect of Tat deletion on the pathogenicity of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Changes in bacterial dynamics and virulence after deletion were examined using mobility and animal toxicity tests for ETEC. Further, differential expression of proteins between the gene-deletion and wild-type strains was analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to explore the possible mechanisms underlying the effects of this gene on bacterial virulence. Results After Tat knockout, the virulence of ETEC10407 was strongly attenuated, and its invasion in rabbit intestinal mucosa was significantly reduced. Mass spectrometry revealed that 17 differentially expressed proteins involved in physiological functions of bacteria, such as virulence and substance or energy metabolism might affect bacterial pathogenicity. Conclusions The Tat protein transport system of ETEC is closely related to its virulence.
Prognostic Nomograms Based on Microvascular Invasion Grade for Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Curative Hepatectomy
Authors: Ke Jingpeng , Ye Honghao , Lin Fangzhou , Shi Yingjun , Zhong Aoxue , Yang Huang , Chen Hengkai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most frequent causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although predictive models for postoperative early recurrence in patients with HCC have been established, this is the first study to develop and evaluate a predictive model based on the microvascular invasion classification for early recurrence and survival after curative hepatectomy in patients with early-stage HCC.Methods: The database of patients with early-stage HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University was retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Nomogram models were constructed on the datasets from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, which were validated using bootstrap resampling with 30% samples as internal validation. Data of patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University were used for external validation.Results: A total of 703 patients with early-stage HCC were included in our study. An eight-factor nomogram for predicting recurrence or metastasis and a six-factor nomogram for predicting survival were created. The concordance indexes were 0.775 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.720-0.830) for the DFS nomogram and 0.812 for the OS nomogram (95% CI, 0.732-0.892) in the training cohort; 0.865 (95% CI, 0.806-0.924) and 0.839 (95% CI, 0.675-1.00), respectively, in the internal validation cohort; and 0.857 (95% CI, 0.763-0.951) and 0.842 (95% CI, 0.708-0.970), respectively, in the external validation cohort. The calibration curves showed optimal agreement between the predicted and observed DFS and OS rates. The predictive accuracy was significantly better than that of the classic HCC staging systems.Conclusions: This study developed and validated nomograms for predicting recurrence, especially early recurrence, and overall survival in patients with early-stage HCC after curative resection with high predictive accuracy.
Quality of Life and Symptom Distress After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Wang Ya-Fen , Wang Ting-Yao , Liao Tzu-Ting , Lin Meng-Hung , Huang Tzu-Hao , Hsieh Meng-Chiao , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Lee Li-Wen , Huang Wen-Shih , Chen Chao-Yu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for peritoneal surface malignancy can effectively control the disease, however it is also associated with adverse effects which may affect quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to investigate early perioperative QoL after CRS/HIPEC, which has rarely been discussed in the literature.
Methods
This single institution, prospective cohort study enrolled patients who received CRS/HIPEC. We assessed QoL using the Taiwanese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-T) and European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Participants completed the questionnaires before CRS/HIPEC (S1), at the first outpatient follow-up (S2), and 3 months after CRS/HIPEC (S3).
Results
Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. There was no significant perioperative difference in global health status. Significant changes in physical and role functioning scores decreased at S2, and fatigue and pain scores increased at S2 but returned to baseline at S3. Multiple regression analysis showed that age and performance status were significantly correlated with QoL. In the MDASI-T questionnaire, distress/feeling upset and lack of appetite had the highest scores at S1, compared to fatigue and distress/feeling upset at S2, and fatigue and lack of appetite at S3. The leading interference items were working at S1 and S2 and activity at S3. MDASI-T scores were significantly negatively correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 results.
Conclusion
QoL and symptom severity improved or returned to baseline in most categories within 3 months after CRS/HIPEC. Our findings can help with preoperative consultation and perioperative care.
Non-cruelty eradication of European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus from a small Mediterranean island (Isola delle Femmine, Italy)
Authors: Valvo Mario Lo , Lillo Francesco , Dio Vincenzo Di 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
European wild rabbit is, among mammals, one of the most widespread species almost worldwide, introduced on over 800 islands. In microinsular habitats, the introduction of alien species represents a major threat for the biodiversity, and the wild rabbit is included in the IUCN published list of the 100 worst invasive species. In 2008, an eradication plan was launched on “Isola delle Femmine”, a small and uninhabited island of about 14,5 hectares, located in the Mediterranean basin and established as nature reserve in 1997 to protect its flora and vegetation. The plan was realised without the use of poison and avoiding the killing of rabbits, which were live-trapped and moved out for successive conservation projects in Sicily. The Wild Rabbit eradication plan began in December 2007 and ended in 2016, with the complete eradication of the species achieved in 2012. During the 5 years in which trapping took place on the island, a total of 799 rabbits were trapped and translocated. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.986; p = 0.014) was observed between the number of catches made during the year and the estimated rabbit density in July (considered the highest of the year). The method used showed considerable efficacy for the management of rabbit populations in microinsular environments, highlighting the possibility of intervention with these methods when control by the use of poison or direct culling is impractical or inadvisable.
Antiviral Therapy Use and Related Outcomes in Patients with Cancer and Viral Infections: Results from SWOG S1204
Authors: Hwang Jessica P. , Arnold Kathryn B. , Unger Joseph M. , Chugh Rashmi , Tincopa Monica A. , Loomba Rohit , Hershman Dawn , Ramsey Scott D. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Information is limited about adherence to practice guidelines in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or HIV infection receiving anticancer treatment.
Methods
Newly diagnosed adult cancer patients were enrolled in a multicenter, prospective cohort study (SWOG S1204) from 2013-2017 to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, or HIV in patients initiating anticancer treatment. At 6 months, records of virus-positive patients were reviewed for antiviral therapy use; anticancer treatment dose reduction; and HBV reactivation (elevated viral load). Categorical variables were compared using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test.
Results
Of 3055 enrolled patients with viral testing, 230 had chronic or past HBV, HCV, or HIV with 6-month follow-up data (chronic HBV, 15 patients; past HBV, 158; HCV, 49; HIV, 30). Twenty percent (3/15) of chronic HBV and 11% (17/158) of past HBV patients were co-infected with HCV and/or HIV. Rates of antiviral therapy use by 6 months were as follows: chronic HBV, 85% (11/13); past HBV receiving anti-B cell therapy, 60% (3/5); past HBV receiving systemic anticancer therapy without anti-B cell therapy, 8% (8/105); HCV, 6% (2/35); and HIV, 90% (19/21). Among patients with available data, anticancer treatment dose was reduced in 1 of 145 patients with past HBV and 1 of 42 with HCV. HBV reactivation occurred in 1 of 15 patients with chronic HBV; this patient was not receiving antiviral therapy.
Conclusion
In many patients with cancer and viral infections, antiviral treatment does not match guidelines. Further education is needed to improve adherence to guidelines.
Differential Regulation of Intramuscular Fat and Abdominal Fat Deposition in Chickens
Authors: Luo Na , Shu Jingting , Yuan Xiaoya , Jin Yuxi , Cui Huanxian , Zhao Guiping , Wen Jie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Chicken intramuscular fat (IMF) content is closely related to meat quality and performance such as tenderness and flavor. Abdominal fat (AF) in chickens is one of the main waste products at slaughter. Excessive AF reduces feed efficiency and carcass quality.Results: To analyze the differential deposition of IMF and AF in chickens, gene expression profiles in the breast muscle (BM) and AF tissues of 18 animals were analyzed by differential expression analysis and weighted co-expression network analysis. The results showed that IMF deposition in BM was associated with pyruvate and citric acid metabolism through GAPDH, LDHA, GPX1, GBE1, and other genes, whereas AF deposition was related to acetyl CoA and glycerol metabolism through FABP1, ELOVL6, SCD, ADIPOQ, and other genes. Carbohydrate metabolism plays an important role in IMF deposition, and fatty acid and glycerol metabolism regulate AF deposition.Conclusion: In conclusion, this study elucidated the molecular mechanism governing IMF and AF deposition through key genes and signaling pathways and provided a theoretical basis for producing high-quality broilers.
Fall Predictors in Hospitalized Patients Living with Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Zeneli Anita , Montalti Sandra , Masciangelo Itria , Manieri Gloria , Golinucci Monica , Nanni Oriana , Montella Maria Teresa , Martinelli Giovanni , Petracci Elisabetta 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
to identify fall predictors and develop an assessment tool to be used for screening hospitalized cancer patients at risk for fall.
Methods
a retrospective case-control study was conducted in 2018 at a cancer center in Northern Italy. The study participants were 448 adult cancer patients admitted to the oncology ward from 2009 to 2013. The cases group consisted of 112 patients presenting at least one fall, while controls were randomly chosen by matching each case for age, sex and admission period with three patients who did not fall. Data for the fall predictors were extracted from the electronic medical records. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between patient’s characteristics and fall risk.
Results
the overall prevalence of patients having at least one candidate fall predictor was high (98%). Seven of the studied variables showed an independent association with fall risk at multivariate analysis. These were tumor site, the presence of neurologic diseases, gait imbalance disorders, fatigue and the assumption of certain medications such as diuretics, hypnotics and opioids (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals in brackets were 3.78 (1.78-8.13), 2.26 (1.08-4.77), 4.22 (1.87-9.52), 2.76 (1.45-5.26), 2.66 (1.52-4.66), 2.41 (1.20-4.85), and 3.03 (1.68-5.45), respectively).
Conclusions
results of our study highlight the need for developing risk assessment tools based on the characteristics of cancer centres. The validation with a prospective independent cohort is necessary before implementing our screening tool in clinical practice.
The mollusks’ periodic table: Elemental analysis reveals distinct mineralization patterns in radular teeth
Authors: Krings Wencke , Brütt Jan-Ole , Gorb Stanislav N. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The molluscan phylum is the second specious animal group inhabiting various habitats and feeding on a variety of food sources. The latter is enabled by the radula, a small chitinous membrane with embedded teeth, one important molluscan autapomorphy. Between species, radulae can vary in their morphology, mechanical, and chemical properties. With regard to radular chemical composition, some taxa (Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda) were studied extensively in the past decades, due to their specificity to incorporate high proportions of iron, calcium, and silicon. There is, however, a huge lack of knowledge about radular chemical composition in other molluscan taxa. The work presented here aims at shedding light on the radular chemistry by performing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses on overall 24 molluscan species, thereof two Polyplacophora, two Cephalopoda, and 20 Gastropoda, which was never done before in such a comprehensiveness. The elements, which are not part of chitin, and their proportions were documented for overall 1448 individual, mature teeth and hypotheses about potential biomineralizations types were proposed. The here presented work additionally comprises a detailed record on past studies about the chemical composition of molluscan teeth, which is an important basis for further investigation of the radular chemistry. The found disparity in elements detected, in their distribution and proportions highlights the diversity of evolutionary solutions, as it depicts multiple biomineralization types present within Mollusca.
Thermal and microwave synthesis of silica fume-based solid activator for the one-part geopolymerization of fly ash
Authors: Panitsa Olga Andriana , Kioupis Dimitrios , Kakali Glikeria 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper tests the development of a silica fume-based material, capable to be used as a solid activator for the one-part geopolymerization of fly ash. Through a simple procedure, a mixture of silica fume, an amorphous and silicon-rich by-product, sodium hydroxide and water, is converted, after a low temperature treatment, to a new powder product mainly containing sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). Two different treatment methods are tested for the synthesis of the solid activator: heat and microwave treatment. Microwave processing is more sustainable and more efficient than thermal treatment, since purer products are produced with less energy consumption. The use of these low embodied energy products, as the only solid activator of fly ash, leads to geopolymers with comparable mechanical performance to those prepared with commercial products revealing their potential successful addition in the geopolymer market.
NSUN6, a Gene Related With m5c Methylation, May Serve as a Biomarker for Pan-cancer
Authors: Ma Baishun , Wang Pu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: 5-methylcytosine (m5c) is a common chemical alteration in DNA and RNA, however unlike DNA modifying enzymes, the methyl-transferases that make m5c changes in RNA are little understood. The putative RNA methyltransferase NSUN6 is a member of the Nol1/Nop2/SUN domain (NSUN) protein family, but its function in most malignancies is uncertain.Methods: The relevance of NSUN6 in tumor metabolism and tumor immunity was investigated in the present study. Through a pan-cancer analysis using multiple databases. The expression levels, prognosis, tumor progression, immunological checkpoints, and immune metabolism of NSUN6 in 33 cancers were determined using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) datasets. The current study looked at pathways, immunological checkpoints, immune neo-antigens, immune microenvironment, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA mismatch repair (MMR), and the usefulness of NSUN6 methyl-transferases. For quantitative analysis and panoramic description, the R package was employed.Results: We discovered that NSUN6 is variably expressed in pan carcinomas, and that NSUN6 was typically related with the prognosis of ACC, COAD, KIRC, SARC, and THCA, where low expression of NSUN6 was associated with a significantly worse prognosis. While high NSUN6 expression has been linked to a worse prognosis in patients with BLCA, LGG, and PAAD. Second, we confirmed that the level of NSUN6 expression was linked to tumor immune infiltration and the tumor microenvironment, particularly in BLCA, KIRC, and KIRP. Finally, in addition to TMB and MSI in pan-malignancies, NSUN6 was linked to immunological neo-antigen and immune checkpoint gene expression profiles in all cancers.Conclusion: NSUN6 is variably expressed in pan-cancers and has the potential to be used as a predictive biomarker for tumors.
A Neonatal Sepsis Prediction Algorithm Using Electronic Medical Record Data
Authors: Ezeobi Dennis Peace , Wasswa William , Musimenta Angella , Kyoyagala Stella 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundNeonatal sepsis is a significant cause of neonatal death and has been a major challenge worldwide. The difficulty in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis leads to delay in treatment. The early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis has been predicted to improve neonatal outcomes. The use of machine learning techniques with the relevant screening parameters provides new ways of understanding neonatal sepsis and having possible solutions to tackle the challenges it presents. This work proposes an algorithm for predicting neonatal sepsis using electronic medical record (EMR) data from Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) that can improve the early recognition and treatment of sepsis in neonates.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on datasets composed of de-identified electronic medical records collected between 2015 to 2019. The dataset contains records of 482 neonates hospitalized in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. The proposed algorithm implements Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic regression (LR), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Naïve Bayes (NB), and Decision tree (DT) algorithms, which were trained, tested, and compared based on the acquired data. The performance of the proposed algorithm was evaluated by comparing it with the physician's diagnosis. The experiment used a Stratified K-fold cross-validation technique to evaluate the performance of the models. Statistical significance of the experimental results was carried out using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. ResultsThe results of this study show that the proposed algorithm (with the lowest Sensitivity of 0.95, lowest Specificity of 0.95) outperformed the physician diagnosis (Sensitivity = 0.89, Specificity = 0.11). SVM model with radial basis function, polynomial kernels, and DT model (with the highest AUROC values of 0.98) performed better than the other models in predicting neonatal sepsis as their results were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe study provides evidence that the combination of maternal risk factors, neonatal clinical signs, and laboratory tests effectively diagnose neonatal sepsis. Based on the study result, the proposed algorithm can help identify neonatal sepsis cases as it exceeded clinicians' sensitivity and specificity. A prospective study is warranted to test the algorithm's clinical utility, which could provide a decision support aid to clinicians.
MRI features and treatment options for Idiopathic Chondrolysis of the Hip (ICH) in children. Outcomes of a systematic review.
Authors: Nema Sandeep Kumar , Ramasubramani Premkumar , Austine Jose , Karunakaran Govind , Vendoti Nitheesha Reddy , Vendoti Midhudha Reddy 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this paper is to review the MRI features and treatment for idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip (ICH) in patients aged 18 years or less. Methods: We included studies published in English up to August 2021. We accessed major electronic bibliographic databases on ICH that described MRI features, treatment, or both. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical appraisal checklist for case reports for Risk of bias assessment.Results: We pooled 136 hips (125 participants) from 35 studies with 11.6 ± 3.4 years mean age. We had 46, 8, and 106 hips to assess ICH's MRI, pharmacological, and operative interventions. Geometric marrow edema (GME) (P < 0.01), diffuse marrow edema (DME) (P < 0.05), diffuse cartilage loss (DCL) (P < 0.05), and joint effusion (P < 0.05), were significantly associated with time in first MRI reviews. GME (P < 0.01) and focal cartilage loss (FCL) (P < 0.01) decreased significantly between two MRI reviews at median time of 1.75 (IQR 0.93-4.25) and 12.5 (IQR 3.75-19.5) months. Diffuse cartilage loss (P < 0.01) and degenerative changes (P < 0.01) increased significantly between the two MRI reviews. Etanercept, Methotrexate, and Botulinum Neurotoxin A drugs were used by 3, 3, and 1 report to treat ICH. Capsulectomies, total hip arthroplasty, arthrodiastasis, arthrodesis, arthroscopy operations treated 45, 18, 5, 5, and 2 hips. Discussion: GME may be the most specific and early MRI feature in diagnosing ICH. GME and DME show an inverse relationship over time. So, it is with FCL and DCL. Despite reports on the efficacy of biologics, immunomodulators, and operations, early and late ICH management remains controversial due to poor quality studies.