bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of petroleum-based plastics and their absorbed trace metals from the sediments of the Marina Beach in Chennai, India
Authors: Suman Thodhal Yoganandham , Li Wei-Guo , Alif Shaji , Faris Valappil Rahman Panangala , Amarnath Duvvuru Joshua , Ma Jun-Guo , Pei De-Sheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Pollution by marine plastic debris becomes an increasing global concern. Characteristics of petroleum-based plastics pollution and its absorbed metals in Marina Beach, Chennai, in India are not reported yet. In this study, we first characterized the petroleum-based plastic debris and quantified the concentration of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in plastics from the Marina Beach.

Results
A total of 2275 samples of the sediments were collected from three different locations across the Marina Beach. Our results showed that plastics debris mainly were three shapes as fiber, sphere, and fragment. The plastic fragments were mechanically eroded and chemically weathered observed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Five types of polymers were identified, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), and polycarbonate (PC). Their absorbed trace metals, such as Cr, As, Pb, and Cu, were determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The level of As was high in most plastics. However, the highest levels of Pb, Cu, and Cr were in the PA, PP, and PA, respectively, implying the adsorption preference of plastics from different sources.

Conclusion
Taken together, this study first characterized petroleum-based plastics and their absorbed trace metals in the sediments of the Marina Beach, indicating that petroleum-based plastics acted as the vectors for the transportation of metal elements in the marine biome.
Microsatellite variation revealed panmictic pattern for Triatoma brasiliensis (Triatominae: Reduviidae) in rural northeastern Brazil: the control measures implications
Authors: Bezerra Claudia Mendonça , Belisário Carlota Josefovicz , D’Ávilla Pessoa Grasielle Caldas , Rosa Aline Cristine Luiz , Barezani Carla Patrícia , Ferreira Flávio Campos , Ramos Alberto Novaes , Gürtler Ricardo Esteban , Diotaiuti Liléia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Despite of its epidemiological relevance, there are few studies on its genetic variability. Using microsatellite markers, we characterized the variability and dynamics of infestation and reinfestation of T. brasiliensis after residual insecticide spraying in five surveys conducted in a well-defined rural area located in the municipality of Tauá, Ceará, between 2009 and 2015. We evaluated: (1) general variability among local of captures; (2) variability along the time analysis (2009, 2010 and 2015); (3) and reinfestation process.

Results
On the analysis (1) global and pairwise FST values suggested absence of clusters among the area. AMOVA indicated that total variation is mainly represented by individual differences. Absence of clustering indicates a panmitic unit, with free gene flow. For (2), Pairwise FST indicated alterations in the genetic profile of the triatomines along the time. (3) Analysis of the reinfestation process showed that the domiciliary units investigated had different sources of infestation despite of its proximity.

Conclusions
Observed homogeneity can be explained by the great dispersal capacity of T. brasiliensis, overlapping the different environments. Persistent house infestation in Tauá may be attributed to the occurrence of postspraying residual foci and the invasion of triatomines from their natural habitats.
Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917-derived outer membrane vesicles enhance immunomodulation and antimicrobial activity in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Hu Rujiu , Lin Hua , Li Jing , Zhao Yuezhen , Wang Mimi , Sun Xiaoqin , Min Yuna , Gao Yupeng , Yang Mingming 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundProbioticEscherichia coliNissle 1917 (EcN) has been widely studied for the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases and infectious diarrhea, but the mechanisms by which they communicate with the host are not well-known. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced by Gram-negative bacteria and deliver microbial molecules to distant target cells in the host, which play a very important role in mediating bacteria-host communication. Here, we aimed to investigate whether EcN-derived OMVs (EcN_OMVs) could mediate immune regulation in macrophages.ResultsIn this study, after the characterization of EcN_OMVs using electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking and proteomic analyses, we demonstrated by confocal fluorescence microscopy that EcN_OMVs could be internalized by RAW 264.7 macrophages. Stimulation with EcN_OMVs at appropriate concentrations promoted proliferation, immune-related enzymatic activities and phagocytic functions of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, EcN_OMVs induced more anti-inflammatory responses (IL-10) than pro-inflammatory responses (IL-6 and TNF-α) in vitro, and also modulated the production of Th1-polarizing cytokine (IL-12) and Th2-polarizing cytokine (IL-4). Treatments with EcN_OMVs effectively improved the antibacterial activity of RAW 264.7 macrophages.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that EcN_OMVs could modulate the functions of the host immune cells, which will enrich the existing body of knowledge of EVs as an important mechanism for the communication of probiotics with their hosts.
Dissecting the genetic basis of wheat blast resistance in the Brazilian wheat cultivar BR 18-Terena
Authors: Goddard Rachel , Steed Andrew , Chinoy Catherine , Ferreira Jéssica Rosset , Scheeren Pedro Luiz , Maciel João Leodato Nunes , Caierão Eduardo , Torres Gisele Abigail Montan , Consoli Luciano , Santana Flavio Martins , Fernandes José Mauricio Cunha , Simmonds James , Uauy Cristobal , Cockram James , Nicholson Paul 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Wheat blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT) pathotype, is a global threat to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Few blast resistance (R) genes have been identified to date, therefore assessing potential sources of resistance in wheat is important. The Brazilian wheat cultivar BR 18-Terena is considered one of the best sources of resistance to blast and has been widely used in Brazilian breeding programmes, however the underlying genetics of this resistance are unknown.

Results
BR 18-Terena was used as the common parent in the development of two recombinant inbred line (RIL) F6 populations with the Brazilian cultivars Anahuac 75 and BRS 179. Populations were phenotyped for resistance at the seedling and heading stage using the sequenced MoT isolate BR32, with transgressive segregation being observed. Genetic maps containing 1779 and 1318 markers, were produced for the Anahuac 75 × BR 18-Terena and BR 18-Terena × BRS 179 populations, respectively. Five quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seedling resistance, on chromosomes 2B, 4B (2 QTL), 5A and 6A, were identified, as were four QTL associated with heading stage resistance (1A, 2B, 4A and 5A). Seedling and heading stage QTL did not co-locate, despite a significant positive correlation between these traits, indicating that resistance at these developmental stages is likely to be controlled by different genes. BR 18-Terena provided the resistant allele for six QTL, at both developmental stages, with the largest phenotypic effect conferred by a QTL being 24.8% suggesting that BR 18-Terena possesses quantitative resistance. Haplotype analysis of 100 Brazilian wheat cultivars indicates that 11.0% of cultivars already possess a BR 18-Terena-like haplotype for more than one of the identified heading stage QTL.

Conclusions
This study suggests that BR 18-Terena possesses quantitative resistance to wheat blast, with nine QTL associated with resistance at either the seedling or heading stage being detected. Wheat blast resistance is also largely tissue-specific. Identification of durable quantitative resistances which can be combined with race-specific R gene-mediated resistance is critical to effectively control wheat blast. Collectively, this work facilitates marker-assisted selection to develop new varieties for cultivation in regions at risk from this emerging disease.
Predictors of suboptimal coronary blood flow after primary angioplasty and its implications on short-term outcomes in patients with acute anterior STEMI
Authors: Elakabawi Karim , Huang Xin , Shah Sardar Ali , Ullah Hameed , Mintz Gary S. , Yuan Zuyi , Guo Ning 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Suboptimal coronary blood flow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a complex multifactorial phenomenon. Although extensively studied, defined modifiable risk factors and efficient management strategy are lacking. This study aims to determine the potential causes of suboptimal flow and associated impact on 30-day outcomes in patients presenting with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods
We evaluated a total of 1104 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 with the diagnosis of anterior wall STEMI who had primary PCI.

Results
Overall, 245 patients (22.2%) had final post-PCI TIMI flow ≤2 in the LAD (suboptimal flow group) and 859 (77.8%) had final TIMI-3 flow (optimal flow group). The independent predictors of suboptimal flow were thrombus burden grade (Odds ratio (OR) 1.848; p < 0.001), age (OR 1.039 per 1-year increase; p < 0.001), low systolic blood pressure (OR 1.017 per 1 mmHg decrease; p < 0.001), total stent length (OR 1.021 per 1 mm increase; p < 0.001), and baseline TIMI flow ≤1 (OR 1.674; p = 0.018). The 30-day rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiac mortality were significantly higher in patients with TIMI flow ≤2 compared to those with TIMI-3 flow (MACE: adjusted risk ratio [RR] 2.021; P = 0.025, cardiac mortality: adjusted RR 2.931; P = 0.031).

Conclusion
Failure to achieve normal TIMI-3 flow was associated with patient-related (age) and other potentially modifiable risk factors (thrombus burden, admission systolic blood pressure, total stent length, and baseline TIMI flow). The absence of final TIMI-3 flow carried worse short-term clinical outcomes.
Independent risk factors and long-term outcomes for acute kidney injury in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hirano Daishi , Kakegawa Daisuke , Miwa Saori , Umeda Chisato , Takemasa Yoichi , Tokunaga Ai , Kawakami Yuhei , Ito Akira 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) remains a frequent complication in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and an independent risk factor of the patient’s survival and a prognostic factor of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the causes of these complications are diverse, usually overlapping, and less well understood.MethodsThis retrospective analysis was performed in 43 patients (28 boys, 15 girls; median age, 5.5 years) undergoing HSCT between April 2006 and March 2019. The main outcome was the development of AKI defined according to the Pediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-stage Renal Disease (pRIFLE) criteria as ≥ 25% decrease in estimated creatinine clearance. The secondary outcome was the development of CKD after a 2-year follow-up.ResultsAKI developed in 21 patients (49%) within 100 days after HSCT. After adjusting for possible confounders, posttransplant AKI was associated with matched unrelated donor (MUD) (HR, 6.26;P = 0.042), but not total body irradiation (TBI). Of 37 patients who were able to follow-up for 2 years, 7 patients died, but none had reached CKD during the 2 years after transplantation.ConclusionsPosttransplant AKI was strongly associated with HSCT from MUD. Although the incidence of AKI was high in our cohort, that of posttransplant CKD was lower than reported previously in adults. TBI dose reduced, GVHD minimized, and infection prevented are required to avoid late renal dysfunction after HSCT in children since their combinations may contribute to the occurrence of AKI.
Communication in high risk ante-natal consultations: a direct observational study of interactions between patients and obstetricians
Authors: Hilder Jo , Stubbe Maria , Macdonald Lindsay , Abels Peter , Dowell Anthony C. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Effective communication is crucial to any doctor-patient consultation, not least in pregnancy where the outcome affects more than one person. While higher levels of patient participation and shared decision making are recognised as desirable, there is little agreement on how best to achieve this. Most previous research in this area is based on reported data such as interviews or surveys and there is a need for more fine-grained analysis of authentic interaction. This study aimed to identify the discourse characteristics and patterns that exemplify effective communication practices in a high-risk ante-natal clinic.

Methods
We video-recorded 20 consultations in a high-risk ante-natal clinic in a large New Zealand city with patients attending for the first time. Post-consultation interviews were conducted with the 20 patients and 13 obstetricians involved. Discourse analysis of the transcripts and videos of the consultations was conducted, in conjunction with thematic analysis of interview transcripts.

Results
Most patients reported high quality communication and high levels of satisfaction; the detailed consultation analysis revealed a range of features likely to have contributed. On the clinician side, these included clear explanations, acknowledgement of the patient’s experience, consideration of patient wishes, and realistic and honest answers to patient questions. On the patient side, these included a high level of engagement with technical aspects of events and procedures, and appropriate questioning of obstetricians.

Conclusions
This study has demonstrated the utility of combining direct observation of consultations with data from patient experience interviews to identify specific features of effective communication in routine obstetric ante-natal care. The findings are relevant to improvements needed in obstetric communication identified in the literature, especially in relation to handling psychosocial issues and conveying empathy, and may be useful to inform communication training for obstetricians. The presence of the unborn child may provide an added incentive for parents to develop their own health literacy and to be an active participant in the consultation on behalf of their child. The findings of this study can lay the groundwork for further, more detailed analysis of communication in ante-natal consultations.
First-step validation of a text message-based application for newborn clinical management among pediatricians
Authors: Data Santorino , Mukama Martin , McMillan Douglas , Singhal Nalini , Bajunirwe Francis 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Neonatal mortality is high in developing countries. Lack of adequate training and insufficient management skills for sick newborn care contribute to these deaths. We developed a phone application dubbed Protecting Infants Remotely by Short Message Service (PRISMS). The PRISMS application uses routine clinical assessments with algorithms to provide newborn clinical management suggestions. We measured the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of PRISMS by comparing its clinical case management suggestions with those of experienced pediatricians as the gold standard.

Methods
Twelve different newborn case scenarios developed by pediatrics residents, based on real cases they had seen, were managed by pediatricians and PRISMS®. Each pediatrician was randomly assigned six of twelve cases. Pediatricians developed clinical case management plans for all assigned cases and then obtained PRISMS suggested clinical case managements. We calculated percent agreement and kappa (k) statistics to test the null hypothesis that pediatrician and PRISMS management plans were independent.

Results
We found high level of agreement between pediatricians and PRISMS for components of newborn care including: 10% dextrose (Agreement = 73.8%), normal saline (Agreement = 73.8%), anticonvulsants (Agreement = 100%), blood transfusion (Agreement =81%), phototherapy (Agreement = 90.5%), and supplemental oxygen (agreement = 69.1%). However, we found poor agreement with potential investigations such as complete blood count, blood culture and lumbar puncture. PRISMS had a user satisfaction score of 3.8 out of 5 (range 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) and an average PRISMS user experience score of 4.1 out of 5 (range 1 = very bad, 5 = very good).

Conclusion
Management plans for newborn care from PRISMS showed good agreement with management plans from experienced Pediatricians. We acknowledge that the level of agreement was low in some aspects of newborn care.
Do memories of the Ebola virus disease outbreak influence post-Ebola health seeking behaviour in Guéckédou district (epicentre) in Guinea? A cross-sectional study of children with febrile illness
Authors: Camara Bienvenu Salim , Okumura Junko , Delamou Alexandre 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The 2013–2015 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Guinea resulted in community mistrust that influenced health care service utilization. This study aimed to assess whether EVD-related memories affect post-outbreak health-seeking behaviours for children under 5 years of age with febrile illnesses in Guéckédou district, Guinea.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted by surveying caregivers of children under 5 years of age in the sub-district most affected by the EVD outbreak (Guèndembou) and the least affected sub-district (Bolodou) in Guéckédou district. Memories of the outbreak were referred to as EVD-related fears in the post-EVD period, which was based on a series of questions regarding current feelings.

Results
While the majority of caregivers sought care for their children with febrile illness in both districts, a statistically significantly higher proportion of caregivers in Guèndembou sought care, compared to caregivers in Bolodou.. More caregivers in Guèndembou (19.9%; n = 39) reported the death of family members or friends due to EVD compared to Bolodou (6.9%; n = 14; P < 0.001). The mean EVD fear score of caregivers was significantly higher in Guèndembou (3.0; SD: 3.0) than in Bolodou (2.0; SD: 1.1) (p < 0.001). Caregivers with a fear score above the median were 1.68 times more likely to seek care than those whose fear score was equal to or below the median; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Caregivers who reported family members’ or friends’ death due to EVD were also more likely to seek care (AOR = 2.12; 95%CI: 0.91–4.91), however, with no statistical significance. Only residing in the EVD-most affected sub-district of Guèndembou (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1·09–2.79) was positively associated with seeking care.

Conclusions
This study reveals that community members in the rural district of Guéckédou still live with fear related to EVD nearly 2 years after the outbreak. It calls for more efforts in the health domain to preserve communities’ key values and address the psychosocial effect of EVD in rural Guinea.
Secondary signs on preoperative CT as predictive factors for febrile urinary tract infection after ureteroscopic lithotripsy
Authors: Kim Jin Woo , Lee You Jin , Ha Yun-Sok , Lee Jun Nyung , Kim Hyun Tae , Chun So Young , Kim Bum Soo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common complications after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS). We evaluated the effect of secondary signs on preoperative computed tomography (CT) for febrile UTI after URS.

Methods
In total, 182 patients who underwent URS for ureteral stones from January 2013 to December 2015 were retrospectively included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of postoperative febrile UTI after URS. We compared the clinical factors, stone factors, and secondary signs between the groups. Predictive factors for febrile UTI after URS were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results
Febrile UTI occurred in 26 of the 182 patients. In univariate analysis, presence of comorbid chronic kidney disease (CKD) and stone size were significantly different between UTI and non-UTI groups. Among secondary signs, presence of hydroureter, perinephric fat stranding, periureteral fat stranding, and tissue rim sign were significantly different between the groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, comorbid CKD, stone size, perinephric fat stranding, and tissue rim sign were independent predictive factors for febrile UTI after URS.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that secondary signs including perinephric fat stranding and tissue rim sign on preoperative CT, CKD, and stone size are independent predictive factors for febrile UTI after URS.
Establishing a sensitive fluorescence-based quantification method for cyclic nucleotides
Authors: Gruteser Nadine , Kohlhas Viktoria , Balfanz Sabine , Franzen Arne , Günther Anne , Offenhäusser Andreas , Müller Frank , Nikolaev Viacheslav , Lohse Martin J. , Baumann Arnd 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Approximately 40% of prescribed drugs exert their activity via GTP-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Once activated, these receptors cause transient changes in the concentration of second messengers, e.g., cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP). Specific and efficacious genetically encoded biosensors have been developed to monitor cAMP fluctuations with high spatial and temporal resolution in living cells or tissue. A well characterized biosensor for cAMP is the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Epac1-camps protein. Pharmacological characterization of newly developed ligands acting at GPCRs often includes numerical quantification of the second messenger amount that was produced.

Results
To quantify cellular cAMP concentrations, we bacterially over-expressed and purified Epac1-camps and applied the purified protein in a cell-free detection assay for cAMP in a multi-well format. We found that the biosensor can detect as little as 0.15 pmol of cAMP, and that the sensitivity is not impaired by non-physiological salt concentrations or pH values. Notably, the assay tolerated desiccation and storage of the protein without affecting Epac1-camps cyclic nucleotide sensitivity.

Conclusions
We found that determination cAMP in lysates obtained from cell assays or tissue samples by purified Epac1-camps is a robust, fast, and sensitive assay suitable for routine and high throughput analyses.