bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of daily hygiene routine using cleansing wipes in the reduction of eyelid bacterial load.
Authors: Gómez-Gómez Clara , Méndez Javier , Muniesa Maite 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background- This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of using a cleansing eyelid wipe to reduce microbial load in healthy subjects. Methods- A single-center, prospective study was conducted. Twenty healthy subjects were assigned to wipe their periocular area (eyelid, eyelashes and lid margin) twice a day with a commercial sterile wipe for 5 consecutive days. Bacterial load (total aerobic bacteria and Staphylococcus genus) was recovered from the same wipes and was measured on day 1, 3 and 5, with day 1 serving as an internal control. Both eyes were assessed independently, resulting in a total of 40 samples. Microbial evaluation was performed by culture on Tryptone Soy Agar (TSA) and Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) plates. Results- Positive and negative controls rendered expected results thus validating this innovative extraction procedure. Microbial growth on both media revealed that the great majority of microorganisms detected belong to the genus Staphylococcus. Bacterial load reduction was significant (Mann-Whitney test p < 0.05) for both microorganisms between days 1 to 3, days 3 to 5 and days 1 to 5. Measurements at day 3 revealed a reduction on bacterial load of total aerobes and Staphylococcus spp. by 58.7% and 56.5% respectively. Moreover, on day 5, bacterial load showed a mean reduction of 80.8% and 82.7% on total aerobes and Staphylococcus spp. respectively. Furthermore, on day 5, 42.5% of the eyes showed ≥ 90% reduction in total aerobes and 42.5% for Staphylococcus spp. On the third day 25% of the volunteers showed ≥ 90% reduction of aerobes microbial load at least in one eye and the percentage was 15% for Staphylococcus spp. On the fifth day those values arise to 50% for total aerobes and 65% for Staphylococcus spp.Conclusions- The study demonstrates the efficacy of the eyelid hygiene with commercial cleansing wipes in significantly reducing (p < 0.05) bacterial load in the periocular area after 3 days of use, with further reduction on the fifth day. Therefore, these wipes could be recommended in situations in which adequate of palpebral hygiene is needed.
Study on Pure Oxygen Exhaust Gas Combustion: Key Technology of CO2 Capture for High Temperature Fuel Cell With Coal Syngas
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Lei Qilong , Li Pingping , Liu Changlei , Xue Yunpeng , Zhang Xuewei , Li Chufu , Yang Zhibin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
IGFC based on high temperature SOFC coupled with CO2 capture process provides a new technology route of high efficiency and nearly zero CO2 emission power system. Flame burning is an ideal method for tail gas treatment. In this paper, an oxy-combustor for a 10kW IGFC system anode exhaust gas is experimentally and numerically studied. Simulation method is verified by experiments. Key performances of the combustor are studied under different system process design conditions. 315K might be an ideal condensation temperature before burning for flame stability. CO could be almost fully converted under flame burning condition.CO2 concentration after burning is over 0.958 when excess O2 is less than 5%. Overall,5% excess O2 could be recommended for environment consideration. An optimal tangential angle exists around 25°for liner temperature controlling.Systems with anode cycling might release less CO pollutant in theory for no addition of extra H2O. Total fuel utilization percent had better be high enough to make oxygen flame temperature of anode exhaust gas lower than 1800K to make systems environment friendly.The results would be of great value to IGFC and CO2 capture combined system designing.
Typical Cases of Groundwater Pollution and Control Strategies for Closed Coal Mine in China
Authors: Feng Qiyan , Zhou Lai , Liang Yongping , Zhou Jianwei , Ren Hujun , Lu Ping 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Due to the coal resource depletion, complicated geological conditions, and policy adjustment of China coal mine industry, a large number of coal mines have been closed and abandoned. The rebound of groundwater level will cause flooding of goaf and roadways after mine closure. The hydrogeological conditions change significantly as well. The pollutants will leach out, transform and transport which lead to pollution and increase risk to the groundwater system in the mining area. This research investigated closed coal mining area in Xuzhou, Zibo, Fengfeng, Kaili, Yangquan, Doulishan, Huaibei, Jiaozuo, Jingxing, Mile, etc., to present typical cases for analyzing the featured pollutants in mine water. Eight groundwater pollution pathways were summarized in closed coal mines, including pollution infiltration from surface mining fissures; submerged water infiltration pollution; leaching pollution of surface solid waste; cross strata pollution from the diversion fissure zone in the mining roof; cross strata pollution through the mining fissures in the mining floor; cross strata pollution through the water-conducting wells; cross strata pollution of faults or collapse columns; water overflow from goaf. Three typical cases on cross strata pollution in the closed/abandoned coal mine were analyzed emphatically. Aiming at the prevention and control of groundwater pollution risk in coal mine, the technical ideas of reducing quantity and pollutant of mine water, channel blocking, extraction control, purification and utilization are put forward. Based on this idea, the main pollution prevention and control technologies are recommended, and the countermeasures for the environmental protection of groundwater in closed mine are proposed.
Pancreatic Metastasis from Prostate Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Zhou Zhengyu , Zhang Yimu , Hong Yazhen , Bai Jiyan , Zhao Pengcheng , Yang Dong , He Chaohong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The most common site of prostate cancer metastasesis the bone, followed by the lung, bladder, liver, and adrenal gland. Metastasis from other primary tumours to the pancreas is relatively rare. Here, we report a case of pancreatic metastasis from the prostate.Case presentation:A 52-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with pain in his upper abdomen that had persisted for 20 days. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography examination revealed malignant lesions in the head and tail of the pancreas and a possibility of prostate cancer. Biopsy of the prostate and pancreas were performed,the resultsof which indicated pancreatic metastasis of prostate cancer. After undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and docetaxel chemotherapy for 6 cycles, re-examination revealed that the pancreatic metastases had disappeared. Conclusion:Pancreatic metastatic cancer usually has a poor prognosis, while prostate cancer generally has better outcomes.In this case, the pancreatic metastases disappeared completely following endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. We hope this case will provide a reference for the treatment of similar cases in the future.
From the Sea to the Land: Dynamic of the Sargassum Tide Holobiont in the Caribbean Islands
Authors: Lopez Pascal Jean , Hervé Vincent , Lambourdière Josie , René-Trouillefou Malika , Devault Damien 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOver the last decade, intensity and frequency of Sargassum blooms in the Caribbean Sea and central Atlantic Ocean have dramatically increased, causing growing ecological, social and economic concern throughout the entire Caribbean region. These golden-brown tides form an ecosystem that maintains life for a large number of associated species, and their circulation across the Atlantic Ocean support the displacement and maybe the settlement of various species, especially microorganisms. To comprehensively identify the micro- and meiofauna associated to Sargassum, one hundred samples were collected during the 2018 tide events that were the largest ever recorded.ResultsWe investigated the composition and the existence of specific species in three compartments, namely, Sargassum at tide sites, in the surrounding seawater, and in inland seaweed storage sites. Metabarcoding data revealed shifts between compartments in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, and large differences for eukaryotes especially bryozoans, nematodes and ciliates. Among the most abundant nematodes, we identified various bacterivores in all compartments, suggesting trophic interactions in Sargassum tides. We also found a number of species of interest, including methanogenic archaea, sulfate- and nitrate-reducing bacteria as well as putative pathogens.ConclusionsHere we present novel information on the diversity and trophic interactions of the micro- and meiofauna that are associated with Sargassum at tide and storage sites. Such information may help to better understand the ecological consequences of the Sargassum crises, and to develop proper analyses of the Sargassum associated biodiversity that could be important for application purposes such as biogas or fertilizers production, and to local authority for risks assessment.
Hepatitis C Core Antigen Testing to Diagnose Active Hepatitis C Infection Among Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wong Xue Zheng , Gan Chye Chung , Mohamed Rosmawati , Yahya Rosnawati , Ganapathy Shubash , Tan Seok Siam , Lim Soo Kun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 185 million people worldwide and chronic HCV infection increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and failure. Haemodialysis (HD) is one of the renal replacement therapies with risk of HCV transmission. Anti-HCV antibodies had been the serological screening test for HCV infection that does not detect active phase of infection. Majority HCV infected HD patients in Malaysia do not have further HCV RNA performed due to high cost and subsequently less HCV treatment offered. HCV Core Antigen (HCV Ag) can potentially be used to diagnose active HCV infection in HD population in replace of HCV RNA, which costs lesser.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the correlation between HCV Ag and HCV RNA and to identify the prevalence of active HCV infection among HCV seropositive HD patients from dialysis centres across West Malaysia from July 2019 to May 2020. Pre-dialysis blood was taken and tested for both HCV Ag and HCV RNA tests. HCV Ag was tested with Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag test.
RESULTS
We recruited 112 seropositive HD patients from 17 centres with mean age of 54.04±11.62 years, HD vintage of 14.1±9.7 years, and male constitute 59.8% (67) of the study population. HCV Ag correlates well with HCV RNA (Spearman test coefficient 0.833, p < 0.001). The sensitivity was 90.7%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) 76.5%, and accuracy 92.9%. For HCV RNA level > 3000 IU/mL, HCV Ag had a higher sensitivity of 95.1% and greater correlation (Spearman test coefficient 0.897, p < 0.001). The prevalence of active HCV infection was 76.8% among HCV seropositive HD patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Although HCV Ag is less sensitive, it shows an excellent correlation with HCV RNA and has 100% PPV. HCV Ag can be considered as an alternative diagnostic tool for acute or chronic active HCV infection among HD cohort, who can then be considered for HCV treatment.
Economic, Mental Health, HIV Prevention and HIV Treatment Impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 response on a Global Sample of Cisgender Gay Men and Other Men who have sex with Men
Authors: Santos Glenn-Milo , Ackerman Benjamin , Rao Amrita , Wallach Sara , Ayala George , Lamontage Erik , Garner Alex , Holloway Ian , Arreola Sonya , Silenzio Vince , Ström Susanne , Yu Louis , Strong Carol , Adamson Tyler , Yakusik Anna , Doan Tran , Huang Poyao , Cerasuolo Damiano , Bishop Amie , Noori Teymur , Pharris Anastasia , Aung Max , Dara Masoud , Chung Ssu Yu , Hanley Marguerite , Baral Stefan , Beyrer Chris , Howell Sean 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
There is an urgent need to measure the impacts of COVID-19 among gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a global sample of gay men and other MSM (n= 2732) from April 16, 2020 to May 4, 2020, through a social networking app. We characterized the economic, mental health, HIV prevention and HIV treatment impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 response, and examined whether subgroups of our study population are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Many men not only reported economic and mental health consequences, but also interruptions to HIV prevention and testing, and HIV care and treatment services. Consequences were significantly greater among people living with HIV, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, sex workers, and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Findings underscore the crucial need to mitigate the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 among gay men and other MSM, especially for those with intersecting vulnerabilities.
Low Reported COVID-19 Cases in South Asian Countries: A Luck of Nature or A Ticking Time Bomb
Authors: Moheet Imran Alam , Khan Soban Qadir , Farooqi Faraz Ahmed , Alhareky Muhanad , Alonaizan Faisal 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective Purpose of the current study was to find the trend in progression of COVID-19 among South Asian countries as compared to more developed western countries. Method COVID-19 data of South Asian countries was taken for this observational study. Data was taken up to 21 st April since the outbreak of the virus. There were 4 out of 7 countries which passed through the inclusion criteria and included for analysis. Results Increase in average weekly reported cases after 5 th week since first case reported was exponential. Correlation between reported cases and tests performed was found strong and significant (r=0.90, p-value=0.037). However, on average 315.25 tests per million population was performed which was at least 12 times lower than the tests performed in the countries having large number of COVID-19 cases. Conclusion At present, number of reported cases from South Asia was found extrememly lower than western countries. However, it could be due to a smaller number of tests performed. Hence, increase in strength of performing diagnostic tests is highly recommended. Strict measures are required to be taken to make the people of these countries to follow the instructions of social distancing and comply with preventive measures.
Expression of in vivo biotinylated recombinant antigens SAG1 and SAG2A from Toxoplasma gondii for improved seroepidemiological bead-based multiplex assays
Authors: Klein Sandra , Stern Daniel , Seeber Frank 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Few bead-based multiplex assays for large-scale seroepidemiological surveys aimed at detecting antibodies against the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii have been described, coming in different flavors and each with specific limitations. Moreover, none is commercially available, requiring its establishment by interested groups from individual components. RESULTS Here we report the bacterial expression and use of N-terminal fusion-free, soluble and in vivo biotinylated recombinant surface antigens SAG1 and SAG2A for the detection of anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies. C-terminal biotinylation allowed oriented, reproducible coupling to magnetic Luminex beads, requiring only minute amounts of protein per determination. We could show that an N-terminal fusion partner (maltose-binding protein) negatively influenced antibody binding and developed a successful mitigation strategy. We validated our bead-based multiplex assay with human sera previously tested with commercial diagnostic assays and found concordance of 98-100% regarding both, sensitivity and specificity, even when only biotinylated SAG1 was used as antigen. CONCLUSIONS Our recombinant T. gondii antigens offer distinct advantages compared to previously described test proteins used in multiplex serological assays for T. gondii . They offer a cheap, specific and sensitive alternative to either parasite lysates or eukaryotic-cell expressed SAG1/SAG2A for BBMA and other formats. The described general expression strategy can also be used for other antigens where oriented immobilization is key for sensitive recognition by antibodies.
Pooling Strategy Optimization for Accelerating Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening
Authors: Li Keqin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Testing has been a major factor that limits our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The method of sample pooling and group test has recently been introduced. However, it is still not clearly known how to determine the appropriate group size. In this paper, we develop an analytical method and a numerical algorithm to determine the optimal group size, which minimizes the total number of tests, maximizes the speedup of the pooling strategy, and minimizes both time and cost of testing. The optimal group size is determined by the fraction of infected people and independent of the size of the population. Furthermore, both the optimal pooling size and the achieved speedup grow exponentially with the reciprocal of the fraction of infected people, a quite impressive and nontrivial result. Our method is effective in supporting faster and cheaper asymptomatic COVID-19 screening. Our research has important social implications and financial impacts. For example, if the percentage of infected people is 0.001, we can achieve speedup of almost 16, which means that months of testing time can be reduced to days, and over 93% of the testing cost can be saved. Such a result has not been available in the known literature, and is a significant progress and great advance in pooling strategy optimization for accelerating asymptomatic COVID-19 screening.
A method for estimating the associations of neighborhood type with availability of sit-down restaurants and supermarkets
Authors: Peng Ke , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Hirsch Jana A. , Gordon-Larsen Penny 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Although neighborhood-level access to food differs by sociodemographic factors, almost all research on neighborhoods and food access has used a single construct of neighborhood context, such as income or race. Neighborhoods possess many interrelated built environment and sociodemographic characteristics, a condition that obscures relationships between neighborhood factors and food access.Methods: To account for the effects of many interrelated aspects of neighborhoods in food access, we developed a generally applicable method that used multiple measures (e.g., population density, mix of land use, and sociodemographic factors) that are easy to obtain to define six neighborhood types in 1993 in the Twin Cities Region, Minnesota. We then used mixed effects regression models to estimate differences in the relative availability of sit-down restaurants and supermarkets in 1993, 2001, and 2011 across the six neighborhood types.Results: We observed a higher relative availability of sit-down restaurants in inner city neighborhoods than in urban, aging suburbs, high-income suburbs, or suburban edge neighborhoods for 2011; we did not observe these same patterns for 1993 or 2001. Using nuanced classification of neighborhood type, we found a complex and increasingly varied distribution of restaurants and food stores.Conclusions: The temporal increase in sit-down restaurants in inner cities may be associated with a higher proportion of residents who eat-away-from-home, which is associated with higher calorie and fat intake.
Bayesian Spatial Modelling of Early Childhood Development in Australian Regions
Authors: Li Mu , Baffour Bernard , Richardson Alice 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Children’s early development plays a vital role for maintaining healthy lives and influences future outcomes. It is also heavily affected by community factors which vary geographically. Direct methods do not provide a comprehensive picture of this variation, especially for areas with sparse populations and low data coverage. In the context of Australia, the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) provides a measure of early child development upon school entry. There are two primary aims of this study: (i) provide improved prevalence estimates of children who are considered as developmentally vulnerable in regions across Australia; (ii) ascertain how social-economic disadvantage partly explains the spatial variation. Methods The study included 308,953 children involved in the AEDC 2018 where 21.7% of them were considered to be developmentally vulnerable in at least one domain. We used Bayesian spatial hierarchical models with the Socio-economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) as a covariate for to provide improved prevalence estimates of all 335 SA3 regions in Australia. Results Our results reveal that there is an important geographical dimension to developmental vulnerability in Australia. In addition, there are significant improvements in estimation of the prevalence of developmental vulnerability through incorporating the socio-economic disadvantage in an area. These improvements persist in all five domains – the largest improvements occurred in the Language and Cognitive Skills domain, Conclusion There are a number of sparsely populated areas where direct estimation leads to unreliable estimates of the relatively small prevalence of child vulnerability. Bayesian spatial modelling can account for the spatial patterns in childhood vulnerability while including the impact of socio-economic disadvantage on geographic variation. Further investigation, using a broader range of covariates, could shed more light on explaining this spatial variation.
Geospatial analysis of exposure to violent crime during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: Evidence from São Paulo’s Western Region Birth Cohort
Authors: Santos Angelica Carreira dos , Brentani Alexandra , Fink Günther 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Low birth weight and prematurity remain leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity globally. Although an extensive literature has highlighted the importance of socioenvironmental characteristics for birth outcomes, the role of indirect violence on health remains fairly understudied. Methods Using geocoded birth records from the ongoing Western Region Birth Cohort ( Região Oeste Coorte – ROC-Cohort) of infants born between 2012-2014 and geocoded crime reports, we assessed the associations between exposure to violent crimes during pregnancy within a 1-km radius of mother’s residence and low birth weight, preterm delivery, and being born small-for-gestational-age. Violent crime exposure was categorized into quintiles. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between violence exposure and birth outcomes. Models were adjusted for sex, maternal age and education, socioeconomic status, and risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and drinking during pregnancy. ResultsAmong the 5,268 infants included, the average crime exposure during the first two trimesters of pregnancy ranged from 0.44 violent crimes in the least exposed quintile to 12.74 crimes in the most exposed. Compared to children with the lowest violence exposure, children in the highest exposure quintile were at higher odds of being born small-for-gestational-age (1.41[1.06-1.89]), preterm (1.35[1.01-1.80]), and low birth weight (1.42[1.03-1.98]). While socioeconomic status and maternal education were positively associated with lower violence exposure, no associations were found between these characteristics and the birth outcomes. Conclusions Higher exposure to external violent crimes in the close vicinity are associated with substantial increases in the odds of adverse birth outcomes. Policies to improve neighborhood safety can contribute not only to the short-term well-being of populations but may also have large social, economic, and health benefits in the long run.