bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benzo[a]pyrene sourcing and abundance in a Coal Region in Transition reveals historical pollution, rendering soil screening levels impractical.
Authors: Boente Carlos , Baragaño Diego , Gallego José Luis R. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a hazardous compound for human health and for environmental compartments. Its transfer and deposition through the atmosphere affects soil quality. In this regard, soil screening levels are commonly used to monitor the degree of soil contamination. However, these thresholds are often established without considering historical anthropogenic activities that affect soil (diffuse pollution). In this context, this study had the following objectives: 1) to identify the potential pollutant load of BaP, as well as other Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), in the soil of an area in a prominent Coal Region in Transition in NW Spain; 2) to test whether soil screening levels are realistic and whether they reflect the complexity of regions closely linked to heavy industries and mining; and 3) to determine whether there is a relationship between PAHs and inorganic pollutants.
Results
The 150 soil samples studied showed a notable content of high molecular weight PAHs. In this regard, BaP surpassed the threshold levels in practically the entire area. Samples fell into groups: a first group of outliers statistically determined through robust Mahalanobis distance, and three more by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. PAH-parent diagrams revealed a relatively homogenous fingerprint for all clusters. In addition, molecular diagnostic ratios pointed to coal combustion as the main pollution source, whereas only a few of the outliers appeared to be related to specific spills. The BaP background was calculated to be 0.24 mg·kg− 1, exceeding the threshold limits established in Spain by more than 10 times. Finally, a factor analysis revealed a moderate correlation of BaP with elements usually associated with coal combustion, such as Tl and V.
Conclusions
The soils of regions associated with coal exploitation and heavy industry have an indelible pollution fingerprint, caused namely by BaP and other PAHs, which come to form part of the geochemical background. The use of official soil screening levels in such regions is therefore questionable, and hot points should be determined on the basis of soil backgrounds specifically calculated for these areas.
Chikungunya and dengue virus infection among febrile children in North-Eastern Tanzania: prospective study
Authors: Saro Adonira , Kajeguka Debora , Azizi Kaunara , Mwakalinga Steven , Mosha Franklin , Alifrangis Michael , Kinabo Grace , Kavishe Reginald 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

There are several unknown illnesses including chikungunya and dengue viruses that present with fever in children. Therefore there are many cases that are misdiagnosed. Consequently we performed a study to determine the clinical characteristics of dengue and chikungunya in order to assist clinicians in management.
Methods

A total of 196 children with history of fever for ≤ 10 days were enrolled prospectively at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre from September 2015 to May 2016. All cases were screened for chikungunya and dengue viruses by PCR as well as other febrile illnesses such as malaria, bacteria and HIV through other diagnostic method. We performed logistic regression to find association between clinical symptoms and chikungunya infection.
Results

In our study, 21.9% (43/196) of the cases received laboratory investigations and the diagnoses were as follows; malaria only (n = 1, 0.5%), bacterial infections only (n = 4, 2.0%), HIV/AIDS only (n = 37, 18.9%), as well as malaria, meningitis and urinary tract co-infection (n = 1, 0.5%). Further investigation of all cases revealed that 11.7%( 23) had chikungunya virus while none had dengue virus. For the cases of chikungunya, 78.3% (18) were below 5 years of age, 65.2%( 15) were females, majority were from Kilimanjaro 95.7%( 22) and Arusha region 4.3% (1). The clinical features were as follows; nausea/vomit 50.0% (98), cough 48.5% (95), convulsion/comma 34.7%( 68), diarrhea 26.0% (51), joint pain 13.3% (26), sore throat 7.1%( 14), rashes 4.1%(8)chills 2.6%༈5༉. Nevertheless, there was no statistical significant relationship between chikungunya virus and aforementioned symptoms/signs according to logistic regression.
Conclusion

This study reveals that chikungunya infection is common cause of febrile illnesses; however it does not have treatment. Therefore, we encourage chikungunya infection to be included in routine investigation as these children are receiving inappropriate treatments such as antibiotics and ant malarial which should be avoided in order to minimize over use of drugs and resource wastage.
Experimental and numerical investigation of some impeller geometric parameters of an industrial electric submersible pump
Authors: Firatoglu Zeynel Abbidin , Alihanoglu Mustafa Nuri 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Submersible pumps, which are the main means of bringing the ground liquid to the surface, are widely used in agricultural irrigation, petroleum industry, geothermal fields, and similar applications. In most applications, submersible pumps are the main energy inputs of the operating process. Therefore, a small improvement in submersible pump efficiency will significantly reduce the operating cost of the system. The motivation and focus of this study are to experimentally and numerically investigate the effect of the geometric parameters of the submersible pump on the efficiency of the pump. The submersible pump has a design in the form of the serial connection of the stages including the impeller and the diffuser and enters the multi-stage pump category. All the impeller connected to a single shaft rotates at the same angular velocity. Despite the rotation of the impeller at a constant angular speed along with the pump, the flow structure at each stage shows large variations compared to other stages. These differences lead to the formation of a complex flow structure and thus to great difficulties in the experimental identification of the flow field along with the pump. Another difficulty in the experimental definition is that the measured values can show dramatic changes depending on many parameters such as fluid viscosity-temperature, impeller inlet-outlet angle, diffuser inlet-outlet angle, number of blades, the distance between stages, surface roughness. The current general trend is to solve the above-mentioned problems with numerical simulations verified by experimental data. This trend is a result of significant developments in computer capacities parallel to the development of numerical solution methods in recent years. This trend, or the method, has been followed throughout this study. Firstly, within the scope of this study, the performance in different stages of a selected industrial submersible pump was measured by the experimental. Following the measurements, the effects of two basic geometric parameters, such as impeller outlet width and impeller outlet angle on the pump performance were examined with CFD simulations verified by the experimental measurements. This small deviation indicates that the CFD simulation results are in perfect agreement with the experimental measurements. In the simulations performed, it is observed that the time-dependent variables have their size changed but the flow structure does not change. Another striking finding from the CFD simulations carried out is; it has been observed that while geometric arrangements have a partial effect on the flow structure along with the pump, they cause a difference in the critical values on the basic variables that define pump performance, such as pressure.
Proteotranscriptomics assisted gene annotation and spatial proteomics of Bombyx mori BmN4 cell line
Authors: Levin Michal , Scheibe Marion , Butter Falk 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The process of identifying all coding regions in a genome is crucial for any study at the level of molecular biology, ranging from single-gene cloning to genome-wide measurements using RNA-Seq or mass spectrometry. While satisfactory annotation has been made feasible for well-studied model organisms through great efforts of big consortia, for most systems this kind of data is either absent or not adequately precise. Results Combining in-depth transcriptome sequencing and high resolution mass spectrometry, we here use proteotranscriptomics to improve gene annotation of protein-coding genes in the Bombyx mori cell line BmN4 which is an increasingly used tool for the analysis of piRNA biogenesis and function. Using this approach we provide the exact coding sequence and evidence for more than 6,200 genes on the protein level. Furthermore using spatial proteomics, we establish the subcellular localization of thousands of these proteins. We show that our approach outperforms current Bombyx mori annotation attempts in terms of accuracy and coverage. Conclusions We show that proteotranscriptomics is an efficient, cost-effective and accurate approach to improve previous annotations or generate new gene models. As this technique is based on de-novo transcriptome assembly, it provides the possibility to study any species also in the absence of genome sequence information.
PM2.5 exposure induces renal injury via the activation of the autophagic pathway in rat and HK-2 cell
Authors: Huang Xiaoliu , Li Jue 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been declared to be harmful to the human kidney. However, whether activation of the autophagic pathway plays key roles in the nephrotoxicity caused by PM2.5 exposure is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of kidney damage after PM2.5 exposure in vivo and in vitro.
Results
In the present study, statistically significant alterations in water intake, urine flow rate and mean blood pressure were observed between the PM2.5 group and FA group during the period of PM2.5 exposure. Exposed animals showed severe edema of renal tubular epithelial cells, capillary congestion, reduction of the glomerular urinary space and early pro-fibrotic state. Moreover, significant increases in the levels of early kidney damage markers were observed in the exposed rats and these animals exhibited more apoptosis rate in kidney cells. In addition, PM2.5 exposure resulted in the activation of the autophagic pathway, as evidenced by LC3-I to LC3-II conversion, P62 and beclin-1 activated. All of these effects are in concurrence with the presence of more autophagosomes both in vivo and in vitro after PM2.5 exposure.
Conclusions
Taken together, our findings indicated that PM2.5-induced renal injury via the activation of the autophagic pathway in renal tubular epithelial cells.
Implantation of Impella CP® left ventricular assist device under the guidance of three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography.
Authors: Yastrebov Konstantin , Brunel Laurencie , Williams Zoe , Wise Innes , Burrows Christopher , Paterson Hugh , Bannon Paul 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Impella CP® is a percutaneously inserted left ventricular assist device indicated for temporary mechanical cardiac support during high risk percutaneous coronary interventions and for cardiogenic shock. The potential application of Impella has become particularly relevant during the current COVID-19 pandemic, for patients with acute severe heart failure complicating viral illness. Standard implantation of the Impella CP® is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Positioning of the Impella CP® can be confirmed with transthoracic or transoesophageal echocardiography. We conducted translational study in ovine model describing an alternative approach to guide implantation of the Impella CP® using two-dimensional and three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography. This new technique can be useful in selected groups of patients when fluoroscopy, transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography is deemed inapplicable or limited for epidemiological or clinical reasons. Intracardiac three-dimensional echocardiography is a feasible alternative to the traditional techniques for implantation of an Impella device.
Knowledge and Attitudes about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Among Psychiatrists in China
Authors: Deng Jiahui , Gong Yimiao , Lin Xiao , Bao Yanping , Sun Hongqiang , Lu Lin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation. It has been used in many mental health institutions to treat mental disorders worldwide. However, comprehensive knowledge about rTMS is not yet widespread among psychiatrists. The present study assessed psychiatrists’ knowledge and attitudes about rTMS in China and investigated related factors.Methods A quantitative observational cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey. The sample consisted of 522 psychiatrists. Multinomial logistic regression and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore factors that contributed to psychiatrists’ knowledge about rTMS. We also ascertained psychiatrists’ attitudes about rTMS and provide recommendations for the more widespread use of rTMS.Results The majority of respondents (86.4%) reported having access to rTMS at their institution. A total of 379 psychiatrists (72.6%) knew that rTMS is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treatment-resistant depression. Univariate logistic regression indicated that psychiatrists who were older, had a senior professional title, worked more years, had an onsite clinical rTMS program in their hospital, and received formal training in theory and application (all p < 0.05) were more likely to know that rTMS is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression. Linear regression showed that formal training in rTMS theory and practice were associated with higher knowledge scores (all p < 0.05). Most of the subjects had negative attitudes about using rTMS to treat mental disorders. When asked about their attitudes about continuing rTMS education, nearly all of the respondents indicated that they were willing to pursue continuing training in rTMS in the future.Conclusions Many psychiatrists had an insufficient level of knowledge about rTMS and negative attitudes about rTMS. Psychiatrists who had formal rTMS training experience had higher levels of rTMS knowledge. rTMS training and relevant policy making should be strengthened.
Chlorophyll Changes Using Neural Network and Vegetation Indices in Tropical deciduous forest
Authors: Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Pandey Arvind Chandra 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Ongoing climate and Earth’s atmosphere changes create profound effect on distribution and composition of forest, as well as on the fauna that depends on forest. The Sentinel-2A satellite data eases the mapping of Leaf Chlorophyll Content (LCC) at higher spatial and temporal resolution. In the present study, the temporal dimension of LCC was evaluated as an indicator of plant stress. LCC was retrieved using the inversion of the radiative transfer model based on an artificial neural network. The data used for Spatio-temporal modelling of LCC was Landsat data.Result: From the Sentinel imagery derived vegetation indices, it was found that the narrowband indices having high correlation with LCC were pigment specific simple ratio and normalized difference index (45) (R2 > 0.7; p < 0.001) centred at 665 nm, 705 nm, and 740 nm. Landsat 8 infrared percentage vegetation index had a strong relationship with LCC (R2 =0.8). The Spatio-temporal (1997 to 2017) plant stress were detected using changes in LCC through an equation of correlation. The negative changes and deterioration of LCC were seen in the forest during the year 1997 to 20I7(rate = -1.2 µgcm-2year-1) showing higher rate of forest health decline. Conclusion: The 33% of plant stress increased currently in the protected forest mainly because of anthropogenic influences. These vast decline in the chlorophyll gives rise to various photosynthetic vulnerabilities in forest ecosystem and indirectly affects human including wildlife.
Hydrological Functioning of Forested Catchments, Western Himalayan Region, India.
Authors: Qazi Nuzhat Ul Qayoom 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Forests, being the largest ecosystem and primary consumer of water, significantly affect the hydrological cycle at both global and local level and provide innumerable ecosystem services to humans. Western Himalayan forested catchments provide fresh water supply to millions of people. Hence, the understanding of linkages between forests and water is very crucial to recognize for availability and quality of water at catchment scale. Therefore, present study aims to understand hydrological response of two forested catchments (namely, Arnigad and Bansigad) in the Western Himalayan Region.Methods Three-year data (March, 2008 to February, 2011) were collected from meteorological and hydrological stations installed at Arnigad and Bansigad catchments. The present paper displays average hydrological response of forested catchments through detailed field investigation.Results The annual hyetograph analysis reveals that the rainfall at both the catchments were highly seasonal, and wet-period (June-September) plays a key role in catchment functioning. Exceedance of rainfall threshold of ~288 mm (~10% of annual rainfall) significantly increased streamflow generation at both the catchments. At Arnigad, stream was perennial with a mean baseflow of ~80 mm per month (~5% of annual streamflow) whereas, Bansigad had greater seasonality due to lack of flow during the pre-wet-period (March-May). Separation of hydrographs at Arnigad and Bansigad catchments i.e. stormflow (6% and 31%, respectively) and baseflow (50% and 32%, respectively) helps to understand the probability of flooding during wet-period and drought during dry-period. Forest ecosystem at Arnigad improves the hydrological functioning by: reducing stormflow (82%), and enhancing baseflow (52%), soil moisture (13%), steady infiltration rate (22%) and by increasing lag time (~15 minutes) relative to Bansigad. These enhanced values indicated potential for soil to store water at forested catchment (Arnigad) and helps to understand the volume of water that is available during dry-period. The decrease of denudation rate (at Arnigad) by 41% resulting in decrease of suspended sediment (18%) and bed load (75%) compared to Bansigad. Further, the enhancement of dissolved solids in stream resulted due to maximum organic matter generated in forest floor of Arnigad. Conclusion This study confirms the crucial role of forests in maintaining hydrological balances at catchment scale in the Western Himalayan region.
Multi-locus sequence typing of Mycoplasma bovis to assess its genetic diversity from 2009-2018 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Guo Yanan , Luo Haifeng , Guo Shuqiang , Lei Yuanyuan , Li Yong , He Shenghu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a highly contagious cattle pathogen spreading worldwide and especially in Ningxia province in China. Methods: For investing epidemiology and population structure, we isolated 65 strains of M. bovis from infectious cattle with pneumonia or mastitis or arthritis. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis were used to compare these 65 strains isolated from 2009 to 2018. The molecular epidemiology and population structure of M. bovis of these strains were further compared to PG45 strain and HB0801 reported for the first time in China and others strains isolated from different province of China through MLST analysis. Seven gene sequences of 65 strains in Ningxia and the strains of different STs in China and PG45 reference strains were concatenated to constructe a phylogenetic tree. Results: Totally two types of ST, ST10 and ST134, were identified in Ningxia. 37 Ningxia strains were classified to ST10 and 28 Ningxia strains were classified to ST134. ST134 strain was a new ST and first found in 2009 and was only widely distributed in Ningxia at present. The M. bovis of ST10 was widely spread in many provinces in China and was widespread in Ningxia since 2010. It is speculated that the prevalence of M. bovis ST10 in Ningxia began in 2010. Conclusion: This study is the first report on the genetic diversity of M. bovis from 2009 to 2018 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and provides the epidemiological information, thus is meaningful for providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of M.bovis in Ningxia, China.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Young Adults with Osteonecrosis Secondary to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Roposch Andreas , Marks Avi , Maor Dror , Cortina-Borja Mario , Hashemi-Nejad Aresh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral epiphysis is a common complication in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). While functional outcomes of affected patients are good in childhood, it is not clear how they change during the transition to young adulthood. This study looks at determining the relationship between osteonecrosis of the femoral head and hip function, physical function and health status in adolescents and young adults treated for DDH.Methods We included 149 patients with a mean (and standard deviation) age of 19.7 (3.8) years with osteonecrosis following an open or closed reduction (1995–2005) and 32 age-matched patients without osteonecrosis. All patients completed valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures in 2015/16 to quantify their hip function (maximum score 100); physical function (maximum score 100); and general health status (maximum score 1). We graded all radiographs for severity of osteonecrosis (Bucholz-Ogden); acetabular dysplasia (centre-edge angle); subluxation (Shenton’s line); and osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence). We determined the association between the patient-reported outcomes and radiographic severity of osteonecrosis using mixed-effects regression analysis adjusted for age and acetabular dysplasia at study assessment, and number of prior operations.Results In 149 patients (186 hips) with and without osteonecrosis, the mean differences (95% confidence interval) in hip function, physical function and quality of life were − 4.7 (-10.26, 0.81), -1.03 (-9.29, 7.23) and 0.10 (-1.15, 1.18), respectively. Adjusted analysis stratified across radiographic severity of osteonecrosis showed only patients with Bucholz grade III had significantly worse hip function (p < 0.01) and physical function (p < 0.05) but no difference in health-related quality of life when compared to no osteonecrosis.Conclusion Osteonecrosis secondary to DDH is a relatively benign disorder in young adulthood. Affected patients demonstrated minimal physical disability, a normal quality of life but reduced hip function.