bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive factors of outcome following nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Santos Ana Claudia Moro Lima dos , Hernandes Rodrigo Travanelli , Montelli Augusto Cezar , Monteiro Aydir Cecília Marinho , Barbosa Thais Alves , Camargo Carlos Henrique , Ferreira Adriano Martison , Mondelli Alessandro Lia , Cunha Maria de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza da , BARRETTI PASQUAL 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Peritonitis due to gram-negative bacilli (GNB), particularly nonfermenting GNB (NF-GNB), is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) with a low resolution rate. Beyond the patient’s condition, microbiological properties such as antimicrobial resistance, biofilms and the production of other virulence factors can explain the bad outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the patient’s condition, the microbiological characteristics, including biofilm production, and the treatment of peritonitis on peritonitis resolution.Methods We reviewed the records of 62 new peritonitis episodes caused by NF-GNB that occurred between 1997 and 2015 at a single university center. The influence of microbiological and clinical factors on resolution chance was analyzed by logistic regression.Results The etiologies were species of Pseudomonas (51.6%), Acinetobacter (32.2%), and others (16.1%). There was a high (72.9%) proportion of biofilm producers’ lineages. The in vitro susceptibility rate of Pseudomonas spp. to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime was significantly greater than that of Acinetobacter spp. and other species; however, there was a similar low resolution rate (<45%) among the episodes attributable to Pseudomonas spp, Acinetobacter spp, and other NF-GNB. Pre-existent exit-site infection was independently associated with nonresolution. No other factor, including biofilm production, was associated with the outcome. Conclusions Peritonitis due to NF-GNB in PD is a severe infection with a reduced resolution rate, and pre-existent exit site infection negatively influences the chance of resolution. The higher in vitro susceptibility of Pseudomonas compared to that of other NF-GNB with a similar resolution rate, suggests bacterial virulence factors beyond biofilm and can act in concert, thereby worsening the outcome.
Development of a superstructure optimization framework for the design of municipal solid waste facilities
Authors: Puchongkawarin Channarong , Mattaraj Supatpong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to develop a decision-making tool for the design of the optimal municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities based on superstructure optimization. Currently, the disposal of MSW is a major problem due to the lack of awareness of the negative impacts resulting from dumping MSW into the environment. This poses a challenge for the authorities. MSW valorization such as anaerobic digestion (AD), pyrolysis, gasification etc has been increasingly focused on as an approach when handling MSW to enhance both economic and environmental sustainability. However, with an increasing array of processing technologies, the design of MSW facilities involving the integration of these technologies is becoming tedious and unmanageable. To deal with this problem, superstructure optimization is proposed. It is an effective tool for the design of several chemical processes because it is able to consider all potential process alternatives including the optimal solution using mathematical models based on mass and energy balances. Uncertainty is incorporated into the optimization framework to enhance the robustness of the solution. The proposed methodology was applied in the design process of the MSW facility in Ubon Rathathani province, Thailand, with the objective function of maximizing the profit. The optimization problem was developed as Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and it was solved using an optimization platform, GAMS, with CPLEX as the solver related to obtaining the optimal solution. The results show there to be as positive profit that is economically viable compared to the use of landfill technology.
Adsorptive&nbsp;removal&nbsp;of&nbsp;malachite&nbsp;green&nbsp;dye&nbsp;from&nbsp;aqueous&nbsp;solution&nbsp;onto&nbsp;activated carbon of Catha edulis stem as a low cost bio-adsorbent
Authors: Abate Gietu yirga , Alene Adugna Nigatu , Habte Adere Tarekegne , Getahun Desiew Mekuanint 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The release of hazardous synthetic dyes into industrial effluents has emerged as an environmental problem requiring remediation. The present study focused on the preparation of a new and environmentally-friendly material (adsorbent) for the remediation of hazardous dyes from aqueous solution. The low cost adsorbent was prepared from locally available khat (Catha edulis) stem which considered as waste and accumulated on waste disposal areas of Woldia town, Ethiopia. Comprehensive characterization studies were carried out on the bio-adsorbent such as proximate analyses, specific surface area, point of zero charge and FT-IR analysis. Results: The proximate analysis shows the prepared adsorbent has very high fixed carbon content (83.65%), which refers to high quality of the adsorbent. The adsorption performance of the prepared activated carbon was optimized by varying operational parameters such as initial dye concentration (10 mg/L), pH (10), dosage (0.5 g), and contact time (60 min). The maximum removal efficiency of the prepared adsorbent at those optimum conditions was 98.8%. The experimental data was tested by most common kinetics and isotherm models. It was observed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model fits better with good correlation coefficient and the equilibrium data fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model.Conclusion: In summery this study demonstrated that the waste bio sorbent could be employed as an effective and eco-friendly alternative for the cleanup of dye-polluted aqueous system.
Infra-acetabular screw exited between ischial tuberosity and ischial spine is more suitable for Asian population: A 3D Morphometric study
Authors: Liu Fei , Feng Xiaoreng , Xiao Yang , Xiang Jie , Chen Keyu , Deng Yihang , Lv Jiaxin , Chen Bin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Recently, the infra-acetabular screw has been proposed for use in treatment of acetabular fractures as a part of a periacetabular fixation frame. Biomechanical studies have shown that an additional infra-acetabular screw placement can enhance the fixation strength of acetabular fracture internal fixation. Currently, the reported exit point of the infra-acetabular screw has been located at the ischial tuberosity (Screw I). However, our significant experience in placement of the infra-acetabular screw has suggested that when the exit point is located between the ischial tuberosity and the ischial spine (Screw II), the placement of a 3.5 mm infra-acetabular screw may be easier for some patients. We conducted this study in order to determine the anatomical differences between the two different IACs. Methods The raw datasets were reconstructed into 3D models using the software MIMICS. Then, the models, in the STL format model, were imported into the software Geomagic Studio to delete the inner triangular patches. Additionally, the STL format image processed by Geomagic Studio was imported again into MIMICS. Finally, we used an axial perspective based on 3D models in order to study the anatomical parameters of the two infra-acetabular screw corridors with different exit points. Hence, we placed the largest diameter virtual screw in the two different screw corridors. The data obtained from this study presents the maximum diameter, length, direction, and distances between the entry point and center of IPE. Results In 65.31% males and 40.54% females, we found a screw I corridor with a diameter of at least 5 mm, while a screw II corridor was present in 77.55% in males and 62.16% in females. Compared to screw I, the length of screw II is reduced, the angle with the coronal plane is significantly reduced, and the angle with the transverse plane is significantly increased.Conclusions For East Asians, changing the exit point of the infra-acetabular screw can increase the scope of infra-acetabular screw use, especially for females.
Genomic characterization of carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli from multiple hospitals in Nanjing, China: focusing on frequent co-occurrence of blaNDM and blaKPC-2&nbsp;
Authors: Cao Xiaoli , Zheng Jie , Cheng Li , Zhou Wanqing , Zhang Zhifeng , Zhang Kui , Shen Han , Hamprecht Axel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The increasing emergence of carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) poses a potential threat to public health, hence genomic characterization of isolates is needed for a better understanding of its transmission and implementation of infection control measures. Materials and methods：Eleven CREC isolates were collected in 2015 from 6 hospitals in Nanjing, China, and analyzed using whole genome sequencing. Resistance determinants, virulence elements, multi-locus sequence type (MLST), serotypes, phylogeny and fimH types were determined. Results: All of the CREC carried at least one carbapenemase. NDM-5 (n=9) was the most frequent carbapenemase, followed by KPC-2 (n=3) and NDM-1 (n=2); three isolates produced NDM-5 and KPC-2. Ten out of the 11 isolates co-carried blaCTX-M variants. MLST analysis found 7 distinct STs, including ST410 (n=2), ST3489 (n=1), ST156 (n=1), ST683 (n=1), ST297 (n=1), ST167 (n=1), and ST361 (n=1). Six distinct serotypes and 8 Fim types were identified. A great diversity of plasmid profiles was observed with plasmid replicon IncX3 being the most frequent (n=11). Phylogenetic analysis showed great diversity between the 11 CREC isolates and also between 6 additional isolates co-carrying blaNDM and blaKPC which were selected from the strains collection of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital for comparison. Conjugation assays demonstrated that blaNDM was transferable. Conclusion: NDM is the major carbapenemase among CREC, with NDM-5 being the main variant which can be horizontally disseminated by IncX3 plasmids. These isolates displayed genetic diversity by MLST, Fim typing and serotyping. We herein provided the first report on emergence of NDM-5 producing E. coli ST297, ST683, ST3489, and NDM-1 producing E. coli ST361.
Trends in out of pocket payments and catastrophic health expenditure in the Kyrgyz Republic post “Manas Taalimi” and “Den Sooluk” health reforms, 2012 - 2018
Authors: Iamschikova Mariia , Mogilevskii Roman , Onah Michael N 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Over the years, the Kyrgyz Republic has implemented health reforms that target health financing with the aim of removing financial barriers to healthcare including out-of-pocket health payments (OOPPs). This study examines the trends in OOPPs and the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) post the “Manas Taalimi” and “Den Sooluk” health reforms. Methods: We used data from the Kyrgyzstan Integrated Household Surveys (2012 – 2018). Population-weighted descriptive statistics were used to examine the trends in OOPPs and CHE at three thresholds; 10 percent of total household consumption expenditure (Cata10), 25 percent of total household consumption expenditure (Cata25) and 40 percent of total household non-food consumption expenditure (Cata40). Panel and cross-sectional logistic regression with marginal effects were used to examine the predictors of Cata10 and Cata40. Findings: Between 2012 and 2018, OOPPs increased by about US $6 and inpatient costs placed the highest cost burden on users (US $13.6), followed by self-treatment (US $10.7), and outpatient costs (US $9). Medication continues to predominantly drive inpatient, outpatient, and self-treatment OOPPs. About 0.378 to 2.084 million people (6 – 33 percent) of the population incurred catastrophic health expenditure at the three thresholds between 2012 and 2018. Residing in households headed by a widowed or single head, or residing in rural regions, increases the likelihood of incurring catastrophic health expenditure.Conclusions: The initial gains in the reduction of OOPPs and catastrophic health expenditure appear to gradually erode since costs continue to increase after an initial decline and catastrophic health expenditure continues to rise unabated. This implies that households are increasingly incurring economic hardship from seeking healthcare. Considering that this could result to forgone expenditure on essential items including food and education, efforts should target the sustainability of these health reforms to sustain the reduction of catastrophic health payments and its dire consequences.
State-level needs for social distancing and contact tracing to contain COVID-19 in the United States&nbsp;
Authors: Chiu Weihsueh A. , Fischer Rebecca , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Starting in mid-May 2020, many US states began relaxing social distancing measures that were put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. To evaluate the impact of relaxation of restrictions on COVID-19 dynamics and control, we developed a transmission dynamic model and calibrated it to US state-level COVID-19 cases and deaths. We used this model to evaluate the impact of social distancing, testing and contact tracing on the COVID-19 epidemic in each state. As of July 22, 2020, we found only three states were on track to curtail their epidemic curve. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia may have to double their testing and/or tracing rates and/or rolling back reopening by 25%, while eight states require an even greater measure of combined testing, tracing, and distancing. Increased testing and contact tracing capacity is paramount for mitigating the recent large-scale increases in U.S. cases and deaths.
Comprehensive analysis of immune prognostic‐related genes in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Weike , Li Luan , Li Chengzhen , Yu Guanying , Zhang Lei , Zhang Dongsheng , Liu Caiyun , Hong Shuai , Wang Dongliang , Guo Peiming , Shi Guangjun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background : The percentage of death resulted from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains high worldwide, despite surgical and chemotherapy treatment. Immunotherapy offers great promise in the treatment of a rapidly expanding spectrum of HCC. Therefore, further exploration of the immune-related signatures in the tumor microenvironment, which plays a vital role in tumor initiation and progression for immunotherapy is currently needed. Methods: In this present research, 866 immune-related difference expression genes (DEGs) were identified by integrating the DEGs between TCGA HCC and normal tissue and the immune genes from databases (Innate DB; Imm Port), and 144 candidate prognostic genes were defined through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Results: Seven prognostic immune-related DEGs were determined by LASSO Cox PH model, which were followed by constructing the ImmuneRiskScore model based on the prognostic immune-related DEGs. The prognostic index of the ImmuneRiskScore was validated then in the dependent dataset. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to ImmuneRiskScore. The difference in ImmuneRiskScore and infiltration of immune cells between groups was detected and the correlation analysis for immunotherapy biomarkers was further explored. Conclusion: The ImmuneRiskScore of HCC could provide a prognostic signature and reflect immune characteristics within tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, it also may provide novel immunotherapy predictive biomarker for HCC patients in the near future.
Age Differences in the Relationships between Risk Factors and Loss of Kidney Function: a General Population Cohort Study
Authors: Toyama Tadashi , Kitagawa Kiyoki , Oshima Megumi , Kitajima Shinji , Hara Akinori , Iwata Yasunori , Sakai Norihiko , Miho Shimizu , Hashiba Atsushi , Furuichi Kengo , Wada Takashi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Annual decline in kidney function is a widely applied surrogate outcome of renal failure. It is important to understand the relationships between known risk factors and the annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to baseline age; however, these remain unclear.Methods: A community-based retrospective cohort study of adults who underwent annual medical examinations between 1999 and 2013 was conducted. The participants were stratified into different age groups (40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 years) to assess the risk for loss of kidney function. A mixed-effects model was used to estimate the association between risk factors and annual changes in eGFR.Results: A total of 51,938 participants were included in the analysis. The age group of ≥80 years included 8,127 individuals. The mean annual change in eGFR was -0.39 (95% confidence interval -0.41 to -0.37) mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. Older age was related to faster loss of kidney function. In the older age group, higher systolic blood pressure, proteinuria, and current smoking were related to faster loss of kidney function (p trend <0.01, 0.03, and <0.01, respectively). Conversely, each age group showed similar annual loss of kidney function related to lower hemoglobin levels and diabetes mellitus (p trend 0.47 and 0.17, respectively).Conclusions: Higher systolic blood pressure, proteinuria, and smoking were related to faster loss of kidney function, and greater effect size was observed in the older participants. More risk assessments for older people are required for personalized care.
The Sulfatide/Myb/MEF2C Axis Controls the Malignant Behaviors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Modulating lncAY Expression
Authors: Chen Mei Hua , Qi Bing , Cai Qian Qian , Sun Jia Wen , Fu Li Sheng , Kang Chun Lan , Ma Ming Zhe , Wu Xing Zhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Plasma level of lipocalin 2 is increased in neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients, particularly those with macular fibrosis
Authors: Chen Mei , Yang Nan , Lechner Judith , Toth Levente , Hogg Ruth , Silverstri Giuliana , Chakravarthy Usha , Xu Heping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Previously, we and others have reported higher populations of circulating neutrophils in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL, also known as lipocalin-2, LCN2), an important innate immune mediator, is known to be critically involved in sterile inflammation-mediated organ failure, fibrosis, cancer progression and retinal degeneration. This study investigated the plasma levels of LCN2, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and LCN2/MMP9 complex in different types of nAMD and examined whether the levels were related to patients’ responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy. Results: One hundred and seventy-four nAMD patients, including 108 with choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), 32 with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), 23 with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 11 unclassified patients, and 43 healthy controls were recruited to this case-control study. Fifty-eight nAMD patients had macular fibrosis and 110 patients did not. Out of the 174 nAMD patients, 80 patients responded completely, 90 responded partially, and 4 did not respond to the anti-VEGF therapy. The plasma levels of LCN2 in nAMD patients (181.46 ± 73.62 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (152.24 ± 49.55 ng/ml, P = 0.047). However, the difference disappeared after adjusting for age. A positive correlation between plasma level of LCN2 and age was observed in nAMD patients (r=0.29, P=0.0002) but not in healthy controls. The plasma level of LCN2 was also positively correlated with circulating neutrophils in nAMD patients (r=0.34, p=0.0007) but not in healthy controls (r=0.057, p=0.77). No correlation was observed between age and circulating neutrophils. Further analysis of nAMD subtypes uncovered a significantly higher level of LCN2 in patients with macular fibrosis even after adjusting for age. No relationship was observed between plasma levels of LCN2 and patients’ responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy. The plasma levels of MMP9 and LCN2/MMP9 complex were comparable between nAMD and controls. Conclusions: Our results suggest that higher plasma levels of LCN2 in nAMD are related to ageing and increased population of circulating neutrophils. Our results also suggest that higher levels of LCN2 may increase the risk of macular fibrosis in nAMD.
High Throughput Bioinformatics-based Prediction of the targets for BushenjieduDecoction in preventing relapse of acute leukemia
Authors: Sun Weilong , Yang Fujun , Shi Weipeng , Tao Xia , Xi Zhiwei , Liu Yihao , Xu Xinxin , Yang Xiangdong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Leukemia is a lethal myeloproliferative disorder, its’ relapse following chemotherapy is the major concern in clinical practice. For a long time, we found that traditional Chinese medicines such as Bushenjiedudecoction (BSJD) have significant effects on delaying relapse. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear, which limits the clinical application of BSJD decoction. Therefore, we tried to make some explorations in this study. We isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) after treated them with BSJD for proteomic analysis. And then 109 targets were screened out through analysis of the shared proteins of that affected by BSJD and those related to leukemia. Subsequently, the data were analyzed by GO functions, KEGG pathways, PPI network and topological analysis, and then some nodes were selected for animal experiment. As a result, we demonstrated the effective targets of BSJD on MSC through bioinformatics analysis and explored the potential mechanism of BSJD from its influence on niches.
Quad test for fetal aneuploidy screening as a predictor of small-for-gestational age fetuses: A population-based study
Authors: Boonpiam Rakchanok , Wanapirak Chanane , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Sekararithi Ratanaporn , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Tongsong Theera 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To identify the relationship between quadruple test for aneuploidy screening (alpha-fetoprotein: AFP; free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin: b-hCG; unconjugated estriol: uE3 and inhibin-A: IHA) and fetal growth restriction and to construct predictive models for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses.Methods: Women who underwent quadruple test for aneuploidy were followed-up for final outcomes. The multiples of the median (MoMs) of the four biochemical markers for the SGA group and those of normal fetuses were compared. The models for predicting SGA by the individual biomarkers and their combination were constructed using binary logistic regression analysis, and their diagnostic performances in predicting SGA were determined.Results: Of 10,155 eligible pregnant women, 578 (5.7%) and 9,577 (94.3%) had SGA and normal growth, respectively. High levels of AFP, b-hCG and IHA but low levels of uE3 significantly increased the risk of SGA. The constructed predictive equations had predictive performance for SGA, with areas under the receiver-operated characteristic curve of 0.724, 0.655, 0.597, 0.664 and 0.754 for AFP, b-hCG, uE3, IHA, and the combination, respectively.Conclusion: The quad test for aneuploidy screening could also be used as a predictor of SGA, without extra-effort and extra-cost.