bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an aquatic exposure assessment model for Imidacloprid in sewage treatment plant discharges arising from use of veterinary medicinal products
Authors: Anthe Mechthild , Valles-Ebeling Beatrice , Achtenhagen Jan , Arenz-Leufen Martina , Atkinson Jackie , Starp Michael , Corsing Christian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundImidacloprid is an active ingredient included in plant protection, biocidal and veterinary medicinal products (VMPs). VMPs containing Imidacloprid are formulated as spot-on products or collars and designed to protect pets, predominantly dogs and cats, from parasite infestation. Monitoring data collected under the Water Framework Directive between 2016 and 2018 showed detectable and varying levels of Imidacloprid in the UK surface water bodies. The aim of the work was to investigate the potential contribution of VMPs by developing a model for predicting the emissions from sewage treatment plants from the use of dog and cat spot-on and collar VMPs. Due to the absence of appropriate exposure models for VMPs, the model was built based on the principles of environmental exposure assessment for biocidal products.ResultsThree emission paths were considered to be the most likely routes for repeated emissions to waterways from the use of spot-on and collar VMPs, i.e., transfer to pet bedding followed by washing, washing/bathing of dogs, and walking dogs in the rain. The developed model was used to calculate the Imidacloprid concentrations in surface water after discharge from wastewater treatment plants. Realistic worst-case input parameters were deduced from sales and survey data and experimental studies. Modelled total concentrations in surface water for each pathway ranged from 0.84 to 4.8 ng/L. The calculated concentrations did not exceed the ecological thresholds for the most sensitive aquatic invertebrate organisms and were found to be much lower than the UK monitoring data for river water. For example, the calculated concentration from the bathing/washing of dogs was < 3% of the highest levels of Imidacloprid measured in surface waters.ConclusionIn conclusion, a model has been successfully built and applied. The modelled data indicate that these VMPs make only a very small contribution to the levels of Imidacloprid observed in the UK water monitoring programme. Further, calculated concentrations do not exceed ecotoxicological threshold values indicating acceptable chronic safety to aquatic organisms.
Can a chemical be both readily biodegradable AND very persistent (vP)? Weight-of-evidence determination demonstrates that phenanthrene is not persistent in the environment
Authors: Hughes Christopher B. , Brown David M. , Camenzuli Louise , Redman Aaron D. , Arey J. Samuel , Vione Davide , Wang Neil , Vaiopoulou Eleni 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUnder the European REACH regulation, chemicals are assessed for persistence as part of weight-of-evidence determinations of persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT), as required under Annex XIII and supported by an Integrated Assessment and Testing Strategy (ITS). This study describes the persistence assessment of phenanthrene, a data-rich polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), in accordance with this framework. All available data from screening and simulation tests, for water, soil and sediment compartments, plus other relevant information, have been compiled. These have been evaluated for reliability and relevance, and a weight-of-evidence determination of persistence has been carried out. Aspects relevant to the assessment, such as degradation metabolites, non-extractable residues (NER), test temperature and bioavailability, have also been considered. The resulting assessment considered a wide range of evidence, including 101 experimental data points. Phenanthrene was demonstrated to be readily biodegradable, a first-tier screen for non-persistence in the ITS. Furthermore, weight-of-evidence assessment of data for water, soil and sediment compartments supported a conclusion of “not persistent” (not P). In non-standard soil studies with sludge-amended soils, longer half-lives were observed. This was attributable to pyrogenic sources of and significantly reduced bioavailability of phenanthrene, highlighting the importance of bioavailability as a major source of variability in persistence data. Available simulation test data for the sediment compartment were found to be unreliable due to the anoxic impact of the use of a biodegradable solvent in a closed system, and were inconsistent with the broader weight of evidence. Estimation of photodegradation using AOPWIN and the APEX model demonstrated this to be an important fate process not currently considered in persistence assessments under REACH. The assessment is not in agreement with a recent regulatory decision in which phenanthrene was determined to be very persistent (vP). This assessment provides a case study for persistence assessment using the REACH ITS and highlights the need for improved guidance to improve consistency and predictability of assessments. This is particularly important for complex cases with data-rich chemicals, such as phenanthrene.
Long term outcomes of colon polyps with high grade dysplasia following endoscopic resection
Authors: Chang Jia-Jang , Chien Cheng-Hung , Chen Shuo-Wei , Chen Li-Wei , Liu Ching-Jung , Yen Cho-Li 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of recurrent colonic adenoma associated with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) colon polyps at baseline colonoscopy remains unclear. We conducted a clinical cohort study with patients who underwent polypectomy during screen colonoscopy to assess recurrent colonic adenoma risk factors.Methods11,565 patients at our facility underwent screen colonoscopy between September 1998 and August 2007. Data from patients with HGD colon polyps who had undergone follow-up colonoscopy were included for analysis.ResultsData from 211 patients was included. Rates of metachronous adenoma and advanced adenoma at follow-up were 58% and 20%, respectively. Mean follow-up period was 5.5 ± 1.8 (3–12) years. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an adenoma count of ≥ 3 at baseline colonoscopy was strongly associated with overall recurrence, multiple recurrence, advanced recurrence, proximal recurrence, and distal adenoma recurrence with odds ratios of 4.32 (2.06–9.04 95% CI), 3.47 (1.67–7.22 95% CI), 2.55 (1.11–5.89 95% CI), 2.46 (1.16–5.22 95% CI), 2.89 (1.44–5.78 95% CI), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed gender (male) [P = 0.010; OR 3.09(1.32–7.25 95% CI)] and adenoma count ≥ 3 [P = 0.002; OR 3.08(1.52–6.24 95% CI)] at index colonoscopy to be significantly associated with recurrence of advanced adenoma.ConclusionRecurrence of colonic adenoma at time of follow-up colonoscopy is common in patients who undergo polypectomy for HGD colon adenomas during baseline colonoscopy. Risk of further developing advanced adenomas is associated with gender and the number of colon adenomas present.
Evaluation of TaqMan Array card (TAC) for the detection of 28 respiratory pathogens
Authors: Liu Keke , Jing Hongbo , Chen Ying , Zheng Xin , Jiang Hua , Kong Decong , Zheng Yvling , Chen Shuiping , Liu Peng , Jiang Yongqiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Respiratory infections are a serious threat to human health. So, rapid detection of all respiratory pathogens can facilitate prompt treatment and prevent the deterioration of respiratory disease. Previously published primers and probes of the TaqMan array card (TAC) for respiratory pathogens are not sensitive to Chinese clinical specimens. This study aimed to develop and improve the TAC assay to detect 28 respiratory viral and bacterial pathogens in a Chinese population.

Methods
To improve the sensitivity, we redesigned the primers and probes, and labeled the probes with minor groove binders. The amplification efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity of the primers and probes were determined using target-gene containing standard plasmids. The detection performance of the TAC was evaluated on 754 clinical specimens and the results were compared with those from conventional methods.

Results
The performance of the TAC assay was evaluated using 754 clinical throat swab samples and the results were compared with those from gold-standard methods. The sensitivity and specificity were 95.4 and 96.6%, respectively. The lowest detection limit of the TAC was 10 to 100 copies/μL.

Conclusions
TAC is an efficient, accurate, and high-throughput approach to detecting multiple respiratory pathogens simultaneously and is a promising tool for the identification of pathogen outbreaks.
A novel genetic variant in DNAI2 detected by custom gene panel in a newborn with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: case report
Authors: Rocca Maria Santa , Piatti Gioia , Michelucci Angela , Guazzo Raffaella , Bertini Veronica , Vinanzi Cinzia , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Valetto Angelo , Foresta Carlo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a highly heterogeneous genetic disorder caused by defects in motile cilia. The hallmark features of PCD are the chronic infections of the respiratory tract, moreover, clinical manifestations include also laterality defects and risk of male infertility.
Clinical phenotypes of PCD are the result of mutations in genes encoding components of axonema or factors involved in axonemal assembly. Recent studies have identified over 45 PCD-associated genes, therefore, molecular analysis represents a powerful diagnostic tool to confirm and uncover new genetic causes of this rare disease.

Case presentation
Here, we describe a female infant of Moroccan origin with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in addition to most common PCD symptoms. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and molecular tests, such as a Next generation Sequencing panel and a custom array CGH, were performed for diagnosis of PCD. TEM revealed outer dynein arm (ODA) defects, whilst molecular analyses detected a novel 6,9 kb microdeletion in DNAI2 gene.

Conclusions
Since DNAI2 mutations are very rare, this case report contributes to better delineate the important role of DNAI2 as causative of PCD phenotype, suggesting, furthermore, that the variations in DNAI2 may be as a new genetic risk factor for NPH. Indeed, although the association of hydrocephalus with PCD has been well documented, however, only a small number of human patients show this defect.
Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of high-throughput technologies in advancing our understanding of heterogeneous genetic disorders.
Effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients with IgA nephropathy with insufficient responses to immunosuppressive therapy: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Tang Chen , Lv Ji-Cheng , Shi Su-Fang , Chen Yu-Qing , Liu Li-Jun , Zhang Hong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a well-known immunomodulator that was recently used in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) due to its antiproteinuric effects. We investigated the effects of HCQ in patients with IgAN whose proteinuria remained above 1 g/d after conventional immunosuppressive (IS) therapy.

Methods
This study was a retrospective case-control study. Twenty-six patients with IgAN who received HCQ and had insufficient responses to IS therapy (corticosteroid (CS) therapy with/without IS agents) were included. Twenty-six matched historical controls who received conventional IS therapy were selected using propensity score matching. The clinical data from 6 months were compared.

Results
Proteinuria at baseline was comparable between the “IS therapy plus HCQ” and “conventional IS therapy” groups (2.35 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.47, 2.98] vs. 2.35 [IQR, 1.54, 2.98] g/d, p = 0.920). A significant reduction in proteinuria was noted in IgAN patients with HCQ treatment (2.35 [IQR, 1.47, 2.98] vs. 1.10 [IQR, 0.85, 1.61] g/d, p = 0.002). The percent reduction in proteinuria at 6 months was similar between the two groups (− 39.81% [− 66.26, − 12.37] vs. -31.99% [− 67.08, − 9.14], p = 0.968). The cumulative frequency of patients with a 50% reduction in proteinuria during the study was also comparable between the two groups (53.8% vs. 57.7%, p = 0.780). No serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed during the study.

Conclusions
Use of HCQ achieved has similar reduction in proteinuria compared to conventional IS therapy in patients with IgAN who had insufficient responses to IS therapy.
Elevated blood urea nitrogen is associated with recurrence of post-operative chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Wang Ning , Hu Jiangnan , Oppong-Gyebi Anthony , Zhu Xuanhao , Li Yihao , Yang Jianjing , Ruan Linhui , Zhuge Qichuan , Ye Sheng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is fundamentally treatable with about a 2–31% recurrence rate. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the association between Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and intracranial lesion. Therefore, this paper attempts to show the relationship between BUN and CSDH recurrence.

Methods
A total of 653 CSDH cases with Burr-hole Irrigation (BHI) were enrolled from December 2014 to April 2019. The analyzed parameters included age, gender, comorbidities, laboratory investigations, medication use and hematoma location. The cases were divided into recurrence and non-recurrence groups while postoperative BUN concentration was further separated into quartiles (Q1 ≤ 4.0 mmol/L, 4.0 < Q2 ≤ 4.9 mmol/L, 4.9 < Q3 ≤ 6.4 mmol/L, Q4 > 6.4 mmol/L). Restricted cubic spline regressions and logistic regression models were performed to estimate the effect of BUN on CSDH recurrence.

Results
CSDH recurrence was observed in 96 (14.7%) cases. Significant distinctions were found between recurrence and non-recurrence groups in postoperative BUN quartiles of cases (P = 0.003). After adjusting for the potential confounders, the odds ratio of recurrence was 3.069 (95%CI =1.488–6.330, p = 0.002) for the highest quartile of BUN compared with the lowest quartile. In multiple-adjusted spline regression, a high BUN level visually showed a significantly high OR value of recurrence risk.

Conclusions
Elevated BUN at post-operation is significantly associated with the recurrence of CSDH, and it is indicated that high levels of serum BUN after evacuation may serve as a risk factor for CSDH recurrence.
Improving outcomes after autologous transplantation in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: a European expert perspective
Authors: Sureda Anna , André Marc , Borchmann Peter , da Silva Maria G. , Gisselbrecht Christian , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Walewski Jan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a well-established approach to treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) recommended by both the European Society for Medical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network based on the results from randomized controlled studies. However, a considerable number of patients who receive ASCT will progress/relapse and display suboptimal post-transplant outcomes. Over recent years, a number of different strategies have been assessed to improve post-ASCT outcomes and augment HL cure rates. These include use of pre- and post-ASCT salvage therapies and post-ASCT consolidative therapy, with the greatest benefits demonstrated by targeted therapies, such as brentuximab vedotin. However, adoption of these new approaches has been inconsistent across different centers and regions.
In this article, we provide a European perspective on the available treatment options and likely future developments in the salvage and consolidation settings, with the aim to improve management of patients with HL who have a high risk of post-ASCT failure.

Conclusions
We conclude that early intervention with post-ASCT consolidation improves outcomes in patients with R/R HL who require ASCT. Future approvals of targeted agents are expected to further improve outcomes and provide additional treatment options in the coming age of personalized medicine.
A large decrease in the magnitude of seasonal fluctuations in mortality among elderly explains part of the increase in longevity in Sweden during 20th century
Authors: Ledberg Anders 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Mortality rates are known to depend on the seasons and, in temperate climates, rates are highest during winter. The magnitude of these seasonal fluctuations in mortality has decreased substantially in many countries during the 20th century, but the extent to which this decrease has contributed to the concurrent increase in life expectancy is not known. Here, I describe how the seasonality of all-cause mortality among people ages 60 years or more has changed in Sweden between 1860 and 1995, and investigate how this change has contributed to the increase in life expectancy observed during the same time period.

Methods
Yearly sex-specific birth cohorts consisting of all people born in Sweden between 1800 and 1901 who reached at least 59 years of age were obtained from a genealogical database. The mortality rates for each cohort were modeled by an exponential function of age modulated by a sinusoidal function of time of year. The potential impact of seasonal fluctuations on life expectancy was investigated by a novel decomposition of the total mortality rate into a seasonal part and a part independent of the seasons. Cohort life expectancy at age 60 was used to quantify changes in lifespan during the time period.

Results
The magnitude of seasonal fluctuations in mortality rates decreased substantially between 1860 and 1995. For cohorts born in 1800, the risk of dying during the winter season was almost twice that of dying during summer. For cohorts born in 1900, the relative increase in winter mortality was 10%. Cohort life expectancy at age 60 increased by 4.3 years for men and 6.8 years for women, and the decrease in seasonal mortality fluctuations accounted for approximately 40% of this increase in average lifespan.

Conclusion
By following a large number of extinct cohorts, it was possible to show how the decrease in seasonal fluctuations in mortality has contributed to an increase in life expectancy. The decomposition of total mortality introduced here might be useful to better understand the processes and mechanisms underlying the marked improvements in life expectancy seen over the last 150 years.
Disability-adjusted life years for respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years
Authors: Villamil Juana Patricia Sánchez , Polack Fernando P. , Buendía Jefferson Antonio 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus infection is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in Colombia. There is growing evidence about the impact of Respiratory syncytial virus on society in terms of years of life lost due to this condition. The objective of the present study is to determine the Disability-Adjusted Life Years for respiratory syncytial virus in children under 2 years in Colombia.MethodsData from the national epidemiological surveillance system were used to estimate DALYs, calculated from the sum of years of life lost and years lived with disability due to RSV infection in Colombia. A bootstrapped method with 10,000 iterations was used to estimate each statistical parameter using the package DALY calculator in R.ResultsIn 2019, 260,873 years of life (CI95% 208,180–347,023) were lost due to RSV bronchiolitis in Colombian children under 2 years. The estimated rate was 20 DALYs / 1000 person-year (95% CI 16–27).ConclusionThis is the first report estimating the impact of RSV bronchiolitis morbidity and mortality in Colombia. The findings of the present study suggest that the actual burden and cost of bronchiolitis due to RSV is high. Prevention strategies, such as RSV vaccination, to reduce morbidity associated with RSV infection should be encouraged in our country.
Serum and salivary levels of lactate dehydrogenase in oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reaction
Authors: Gholizadeh Narges , Alipanahi Ramandi Maryam , Motiee-Langroudi Maziar , Jafari Mehrdad , Sharouny Hadi , Sheykhbahaei Nafiseh 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIncreased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a tumor marker have been reported in malignant and some premalignant oral lesions such as oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid reactions (OLRs). This study aimed to assess the level of total LDH in the saliva and serum of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), OLP and OLRs.MethodsIn this case–control study, the participants were divided into four groups (n = 25) of healthy controls, OLP, OLRs, and OSCC. The serum and stimulated/unstimulated salivary levels of LDH were spectrophotometrically measured using standard LDH kits (Pars Azmoun). One-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were applied to analyze the data.ResultsThe serum and salivary levels of LDH in OSCC patients were significantly higher than that the corresponding values in other groups (P = 0.0001). The serum level of LDH in OLR group was significantly higher than that in the control and OLP groups (P = 0.0001), but the difference in salivary level of LDH was not significant. The ROC analysis showed that both the serum and salivary levels of LDH had significant diagnostic ability for detection of OSCC and OLRs. Significant associations were noted between the serum and salivary levels of LDH.ConclusionsPatients with OSCC and OLRs had higher serum levels of LDH than OLP and control groups. Further prospective longitudinal studies are required to assess the tissue level of LDH and monitor the transformation of OLRs because they have low rate of malignant transformation compared with other oral premalignant lesions.
Jianpi Yangwei decoction promotes apoptosis and suppresses proliferation of 5-fluorouracil resistant gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tang Huijuan , Huang Wenjie , Yang Qiang , Lin Ying , Chen Yihui , Shu Peng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The exploration of new therapeutic agents targeting 5-Fu resistance may open a new opportunity to gastric cancer treatment. The objective is to establish a 5-Fu resistant gastric cancer cell line and observe the effect of Jianpi Yangwei decoction (JPYW) on its apoptosis and drug-resistance related proteins.

Methods
MTT assay was used to measure the effect of JPYW on the BGC823 cells proliferation, and the apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry and Hoechst fluorescence staining. The BGC823 xenograft tumor nude mice models were established, the apoptosis was detected by Tunel method. BGC-823/5-Fu was established by repeated low-dose 5-Fu shocks, the drug resistance index and proliferation were detected by the MTT assay; MDR1 mRNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR; Western blot was used to detect the ratio of p-AKT to AKT; The BGC823/5-Fu xenograft tumor nude mice models were established and apoptosis was measured. The expressions of MRP1, MDR1, ABCG2, AKT, p-AKT, caspase-3 and bcl-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry and the AKT mRNA expression was detected by real-time RT-PCR.

Results
JPYW induced apoptosis in BGC823 cells; Drug-resistant cell line BGC-823/5-Fu was sucessfully established; JPYW induced apoptosis of BGC823/5-Fu cells, down-regulated the expression of MRP1, MDR1 and ABCG2 in vitro and in vivo, and further decreased MDR1 expression when combined with pathway inhibitor LY294002 (P < 0.05); JPYW down-regulated the ratio of p-AKT to AKT in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, the same as after the combination with LY294002 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
JPYW can induce apoptosis of BGC823 and BGC823/5-Fu cells, and down-regulate the expression of MDR1, MRP1, ABCG2 in vitro and in vivo. Its in vitro effect is related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.