bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outbreak of Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia in patients undergoing haemodialysis at a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Said Mohamed , van Hougenhouck-Tulleken Wesley , Naidoo Rashmika , Mbelle Nontombi , Ismail Farzana 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Ralstonia species are Gram-negative bacilli of low virulence. These organisms are capable of causing healthcare associated infections through contaminated solutions. In this study, we aimed to determine the source of Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia in affected patients in a haemodialysis unit.

Methods
Our laboratory noted an increase in cases of bacteraemia caused by Ralstonia mannitililytica between May and June 2016. All affected patients underwent haemodialysis at the haemodialysis unit of an academic hospital. The reverse osmosis filter of the haemodialysis water system was found to be dysfunctional. We collected water for culture at various points of the dialysis system to determine the source of the organism implicated. ERIC-PCR was used to determine relatedness of patient and environmental isolates.

Results
Sixteen patients were found to have Ralstonia mannitolilytica bacteraemia during the outbreak period. We cultured Ralstonia spp. from water collected in the dialysis system. This isolate and patient isolates were found to have the identical molecular banding pattern.

Conclusions
All patients were septic and received directed antibiotic therapy. There was 1 mortality. The source of the R. mannitolilytica infection in these patients was most likely the dialysis water as the identical organism was cultured from the dialysis water and the patients. The hospital management intervened and repaired the dialysis water system following which no further cases of R. mannitolilytca infections were detected. A multidisciplinary approach is required to control healthcare associated infections such as these. Routine maintenance of water systems in the hospital is essential to prevent clinical infections with R.mannitolilytica.
Prediction of lisinopril pediatric dose from the reference adult dose by employing a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model
Authors: Rashid Memoona , Sarfraz Muhammad , Arafat Mosab , Hussain Amjad , Abbas Nasir , Sadiq Muhammad Waqas , Rasool Muhammad Fawad , Bukhari Nadeem Irfan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to assess the pediatric lisinopril doses using an adult physiological based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. As the empirical rules of dose calculation cannot calculate gender-specific pediatric doses and ignores the age-related physiological differences.MethodsA PBPK model of lisinopril for the healthy adult population was developed for oral (fed and fasting) and IV administration using PK-Sim MoBI® and was scaled down to a virtual pediatric population for prediction of lisinopril doses in neonates to infants, infants to toddler, children at pre-school age, children at school age and the adolescents. The pharmacokinetic parameters were predicted for the above groups at decremental doses of 20 mg, 10 mg, 5 mg, 2.5 mg, and 1.5 mg in order to accomplish doses producing the pharmacokinetic parameters, similar (or comparable) to that of the adult population. The above simulated pediatric doses were compared to the doses computed using the conventional four methods, such as Young’s rule, Clark’s rule, and weight-based and body surface area-based equations and the dose reported in different studies.ResultsThough the doses predicted for all subpopulations of children were comparable to those calculated by Young’s rule, yet the conventional methods overestimated the pediatric doses when compared to the respective PBPK-predicted doses. The findings of previous real time pharmacokinetic studies in pediatric patients supported the present simulated dose.ConclusionThus, PBPK seems to have predictability potential for pediatric dose since it takes into consideration the physiological changes related to age and gender.
On the observation of magnetic events on broad-band seismometers
Authors: Díaz J. , Ruiz M. , Curto J. J. , Torta J. M. , Ledo J. , Marcuello A. , Queralt P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe objective of this contribution is to get new insights into the effects of magnetic field variations of natural and anthropogenic origin on broad-band seismic stations. Regarding natural sources of magnetic perturbations, we have investigated if the Sudden Storm Commencements (SSC) cataloged during the 24th solar cycle (2008–2019) can be systematically identified in broad-band seismic stations distributed worldwide. The results show that the 23 SSC events with a mean amplitude above 30 nT and most of those with lower energy but still clearly identified in the magnetometer detection network can be observed at broad-band stations’ network using a simple low-pass filter. Although the preliminary impulse of those signals is usually stronger at stations located at high latitudes, major SSC are observed at seismic stations distributed worldwide. Regarding anthropogenic sources, we focus on the short period seismic signals recorded in urban environments which are correlated with the activity of the railway transportation system. We have analyzed collocated measurements of electric field and seismic signals within Barcelona, evidencing that significant changes in the electric field following the activity of the transportation systems can be attributed to leakage currents transmitted to the soil by trains. During space weather events, electric currents in the magnetosphere and ionosphere experience large variations inducing telluric currents near the Earth surface, which in turn generate a secondary magnetic field. In the case of underground trains, leakage currents are transmitted to the soil, which in turn can result in local variations in the magnetic field. The observed signals in modern seismometers can be related to the reaction of the suspension springs to these magnetic field variations or to the effect of the magnetic field variations on the force transducers used to keep the mass fixed.
Enhanced wide-area multi-GNSS RTK and rapid static positioning in the presence of ionospheric disturbances
Authors: Paziewski Jacek , Sieradzki Rafal 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIonospheric disturbances are the phenomena which adversely affect the performance of precise positioning. This holds true even for multi-constellation relative positioning supported with network-derived ionospheric corrections. In such scenario the unfavorable effect is caused by a poor accuracy of corrections, which, in turn, is driven by the deterioration of the spatial interpolation process. The positioning becomes even more challenging in a wide-area scenario with baselines over 100 km. In this paper, we assess the methodology which aims at reliable and accurate wide-area RTK and rapid static positioning in the presence of severe ionospheric conditions. The approach takes advantage of multi-constellation network ionospheric corrections and an algorithm which allows the elimination of the temporal variations of the ionospheric delay. The experimental evaluation was performed on the basis of multi-station RTK and static positioning using GPS, BDS and Galileo data collected at high latitudes during the ionospheric storm on August 25–26, 2018. The results confirmed the deterioration of the accuracy of the network ionospheric corrections and consequently a decline in the positioning performance with routine models such as ionosphere-float and ionosphere-weighted. On the other hand, the results obtained with the application of the developed methodology demonstrated a very distinctive improvement in the ambiguity resolution domain and thus proved the advantage over benchmark models. In this case, the developed methodology allowed up to 20% enhancement of the ambiguity success rate with respect to benchmark strategies.
Successful growth of fresh retinoblastoma cells in chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Fialho Silvia L. , Silvestrini Bárbara R. , Vieira Juliana , Paiva Mayara R. B. , Silva Luciana M. , Chahud Fernando , Silva-Cunha Armando , Correa Zelia M. , Jorge Rodrigo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe authors developed a retinoblastoma model using fresh harvested cells from an enucleated eye that were transplanted in chick embryos (chorioallantoic membrane model). The transplanted embryos were treated with escalating doses of Melphalan. This exploratory model was developed with the goal of testing drug sensitivity. Our findings suggest this tumor model could be employed to personalize treatment for patients with retinoblastoma, especially those with bilateral and more refractory disease.
Posterior shoulder tightness; an intersession reliability study of 3 clinical tests
Authors: Hall Kevin , Lewis Jeremy , Moore Ann , Ridehalgh Colette 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Although posterior shoulder tightness (PST) has been associated with shoulder pathology and altered glenohumeral joint kinematics, uncertainty remains regarding its cause and definition. To understand the efficacy of treatments for PST, it must be possible to identify people with PST for the purposes of research and clinical decision-making. Clinical tests for PST must demonstrate acceptable levels of measurement reliability in order to identify the condition and to evaluate the response to intervention. There is currently a lack of research describing intersession reliability for measures of PST. The aim of this study was to quantify the inter-session reliability for three clinical tests used to identify PST over a 6–10 week interval.

Methods
A convenience sample of 26 asymptomatic adult participants (52 shoulders) were recruited from a university setting over a five-month duration. Participants attended the human movement laboratory for measurement of glenohumeral joint internal rotation, horizontal adduction and low flexion on two occasions separated by an interval of 6–10 weeks.
Intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated from the mean square values derived from the within-subject, single factor (repeated measures) ANOVA. Test-retest measurement stability was evaluated by calculating the standard error of measurement and the minimum detectable change for each measurement.

Results
All 3 tests demonstrated good intersession intra-rater reliability (0.86–0.88), and the standard error of measurement (95%) were 7.3° for glenohumeral horizontal adduction, 9.4° for internal rotation, and 6.9° for low flexion. The minimum detectable change for glenohumeral horizontal adduction was 10.2°, internal rotation was 13.3°, and low flexion was 9.7°.

Conclusion
In this population of people without symptoms, the 3 measures of PST all demonstrated acceptable inter-session reliability. The standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change results can be used to determine if a change in measures of PST are due to measurement error or an actual change over time.
Coexistence of plant species under harsh environmental conditions: an evaluation of niche differentiation and stochasticity along salt marsh creeks
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Ohr Sewon 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundEcologists have achieved much progress in the study of mechanisms that maintain species coexistence and diversity. In this paper, we reviewed a wide range of past research related to these topics, focusing on five theoretical bodies: (1) coexistence by niche differentiation, (2) coexistence without niche differentiation, (3) coexistence along environmental stress gradients, (4) coexistence under non-equilibrium versus equilibrium conditions, and (5) modern perspectives.ResultsFrom the review, we identified that there are few models that can be generally and confidently applicable to different ecological systems. This problem arises mainly because most theories have not been substantiated by enough empirical research based on field data to test various coexistence hypotheses at different spatial scales. We also found that little is still known about the mechanisms of species coexistence underharshenvironmental conditions. This is because most previous models treat disturbance as a key factor shaping community structure, but they do not explicitly deal with stressful systems with non-lethal conditions. We evaluated the mainstream ideas of niche differentiation and stochasticity for the coexistence of plant species across salt marsh creeks in southwestern Denmark. The results showed that diversity indices, such as Shannon–Wiener diversity, richness, and evenness, decreased with increasing surface elevation and increased with increasing niche overlap and niche breadth. The two niche parameters linearly decreased with increasing elevation. These findings imply a substantial influence of an equalizing mechanism that reduces differences in relative fitness among species in the highly stressful environments of the marsh. We propose that species evenness increases under very harsh conditions if the associated stress is not lethal. Finally, we present a conceptual model of patterns related to the level of environmental stress and niche characteristics along a microhabitat gradient (i.e., surface elevation).ConclusionsThe ecology of stressful systems with non-lethal conditions will be increasingly important as ongoing global-scale climate change extends the period ofchronicstresses that are not necessarily fatal to inhabiting plants. We recommend that more ecologists continue this line of research.
Ameliorative effect of foliar application of calcium on vegetative growth and mineral contents of olive trees Kalmata and Manzanillo cultivars irrigated with saline water
Authors: Hagagg Laila F. , Merwad Mohamed A. , Shahin Mohamed M. F. , El-Hady Eman S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
This work was carried out through 2017 and 2018 seasons on tow olive cultivars (Kalmata and Manzanillo). Trees were 15 years old, grown in sandy soil, planted at 5 × 5 m apart, and irrigated with saline water through drip irrigation system. This investigation aimed to improve vegetative growth and its mineral contents of the tow olive cultivars. Trees were sprayed with calcium at 0.5% as calcium chloride (21% Ca) and chelated calcium.

Results
The results revealed that there were significant differences with calcium source treatment regarding vegetative growth and leaf mineral contents.

Conclusions
Results proved that olive trees sprayed at the end of December with 0.5% calcium as chelated calcium was the promising treatment for good vegetative growth and leaf mineral contents.
Factors influencing the clinical presentation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in pigeon breeders in Minia governorate: an Egyptian experience
Authors: Mohamed Nezar R. , Ghazawy Eman Ramadan , Saeed Zainab H. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Bird fanciers’ lung (BFL) is a very famous type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) produced by airborne exposure to avian antigens. Immunological response and duration of exposure to the avian protein increase the risk of developing BFL. The current study investigates the risk factors and the clinical characteristics of BFL in pigeon breeders. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and clinical characteristics of HP in pigeon breeders.

Results
This cross-sectional observational study included 67 hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients with a history of pigeon breeding. Patients were subjected to history taking (age, smoking history and duration, and type of exposure to birds), clinical examination, chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), oxygen saturation, and spirometry.
Most of BFL patients were females (83.6%) and non-smokers (86.6%). Breathlessness, cough, fever, and crackles were the most common findings. Sweeping for birds was associated with more reduction of forced vital capacity (FVC) (p value 0.02). Patients who were exposed in closed places had a rapid onset of symptoms (p value 0.01).

Conclusion
In this study, most of the patients with BFL are females and non-smokers. Sweeping for birds and exposure in closed areas are important risk factors of HP in BFL.
Survivorship Care Plans: Reaching a Benchmark and Striving to Achieve Intent
Authors: Stuver Robert , Faig Jennifer , Cadorette Matthew , Decaneas Will , Kaplan Irving , VanDeWege Christine , Weden Victoria , Kent Michael , Zerillo Jessica A. 
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE: Survivorship care plans (SCPs) have been endorsed by major oncologic organizations despite challenges in implementation and unclear patient-specific benefits. In January 2020, the Commission on Cancer removed a 2018 provision that required accredited programs to deliver SCPs to eligible patients. Programs must determine whether to continue SCP use or begin de-implementation. We detail a framework to increase SCP delivery for programs continuing to provide SCPs as a component of survivorship care and suggest a patient-centered approach to evaluate continued utility amidst updated national standards. METHODS: We surveyed medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists at our academic and community sites to identify barriers to SCP use and performed a Pareto analysis to highlight the most notable barriers. We then designed an intervention that used SCP templates within the medical record, disease-specific recommendations, delegation to nonphysician staff, and provider education. We monitored our intervention via a statistical process control analysis and assessed patient perceptions of SCP usefulness via a questionnaire. RESULTS: Before implementing our process improvements, our SCP completion rate during a 10-month period was 45%. During the 6-month period after our intervention, the SCP completion rate increased to 89%. Greater than 80% of patients who had recently received an SCP found the information helpful and were satisfied with the amount of information received. More than 40% did not remember receiving their original SCP. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a feasible method for increasing SCP delivery for all cancers across a cancer network and used a patient-specific questionnaire to assess continued value amidst changing national standards.
Characteristics of the built environment on GPS-determined bicycle routes used by adolescents
Authors: Camargo Edina Maria de , Alberico Claudia Oliveira , Lopes Adalberto Aparecido Santos , Schipperijn Jasper , Reis Rodrigo Siqueira 
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the routes used for cycling according to gender on a sample of adolescents from the city of Curitiba, Brazil. The study was conducted in 2013 with 147 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, who wore accelerometer and Global Positioning System receivers to assess physical activity and geographic locations. A total of 38 participants (50.0% girls) presented at least one bicycle route and were included in the analytic sample. A total of 386 routes were identified. Nearly all routes included public transportation facilities, plazas, and parcels with residential, retail, food or recreational land use (> 97.0%) while bike lanes/paths (62.7%) and Fitness Zones were less frequent (71.8%). Bus rapid transit (BRT) stations, parks and vacant lots were the least frequent feature in the routes (37.3%; 17.1%; and 7.5%, respectively). Routes used by girls had fewer vacant lots (3.9%; p = 0.001) and more residential, retail, food services, and recreational uses (99.6%; p = 0.003; 99.1%; p = 0.011; 98.7%; p = 0.030, respectively) than those used by boys. The findings suggest that the routes used by adolescents have mixed and diverse land use and girls ride along routes with greater bicycling and service infrastructure and less physical disorder than boys.
Boom and bust of an aquatic invasive species? Population monitoring of the New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) and interactions with native species in Polecat Creek, WY
Authors: Greenwood Daniel , Krist Amy C. 
Published: July 2020

The invasive New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) has been found to reach densities exceeding 500,000 individuals/m2 in Polecat Creek, located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Wyoming. The biomass of P. antipodarum in Polecat Creek has declined in recent years, suggesting the population “boomed and busted”; the population was booming in 2000-2001, but in 2011 the biomass had decreased by ~93%, suggesting a “bust” period for P. antipodarum. Native, net-spinning caddisflies (Hydropsyche spp.) have increased dramatically in biomass from 2001-2010, which may indicate that some native macroinvertebrates have increased in biomass due to release of suppression by P. antipodarum. I collected macroinvertebrate core samples in Polecat Creek to monitor any changes in macroinvertebrate biomass and performed field experiments to determine a possible mechanism by which P. antipodarum may have suppressed Hydropsyche caddisfly populations. I allowed Hydropsyche larvae to establish and build nets on tiles within experimental chambers in Polecat Creek and added “boom” and “bust” densities of P. antipodarum to chambers. Preliminary results showed no significant difference between the number of nets present in control chambers excluding P. antipodarum and chambers containing “boom” and “bust” densities of P. antipodarum. This suggests that P. antipodarum do not actively destroy nets, but may interfere with feeding by clustering upon nets.

Featured photo from Figure 2 in report.
Factors influencing American Pika (Ochotona princeps) distributions in the Beartooth Mountains and implications of a warming climate
Authors: Tonkyn David , Hanley Kaitlyn , Quakenbush Katie 
Published: July 2020

Over the next century, temperatures are expected to rise by 1-4°C in the Greater Yellowstone Region. This will force alpine species such as the American pika (Ochotona princeps) to compensate, shift in distribution, or disappear. If pika are limited by temperatures, they may disappear from warmer, lower elevation southwest-facing sites and find refuge in cooler, higher elevation northeast-facing sites. However, populations have been found across a range of elevations, suggesting they are instead limited by food or a need for large talus slopes. We explored these possibilities in the Beartooth Mountains, near Yellowstone, by surveying 31 pika populations and asking whether pika density varied with elevation, food availability, or aspect, all related to temperatures, or with talus area, which is not. Pika density was estimated by latrine density, which ranged from 14.6 to 167.4 per ha and declined slightly with elevation but was unrelated to vegetation. From a preliminary analysis of 61 sites, we estimated an occupancy probability of 0.89, with occupancy most strongly related to talus area. We will test and refine these results by predicting the locations of additional colonies, and by incorporating microclimate data into an ecophysiological model of temperature dependence in pika, with the long-term goal of predicting the fate of pika under a warming climate.

Featured photo by Diana R on Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/g6CD00mDN5A