bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast Dual Divergent Promoter Plasmid for Heterologous Protein Expression in Tetraselmis suecica (Chlorophyceae, Chlorodendrales)
Authors: Gutiérrez Carla L. , Muñoz Carla , San Martín Margarita , Cadoret Jean‐Paul , Henríquez Vitalia 
Published: May 2020

The eukaryotic green microalga Tetraselmis suecica is commonly used for aquaculture purposes because of its high stress tolerance and ease of culture in a wide spectrum of environments; they are therefore suitable candidates for biotechnology applications. To date, no data are available regarding chloroplast transformation vectors based on specific endogenous promoters and homologous targeting regions. We report on the identification of Tetraselmis suecica genes encoding the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit protein, the photosystem II D1 protein and the ATP synthase CF1‐beta subunit protein together with their untranslated regions (5′UTR, 3′UTR). The full‐length ORFs of the putative genes with their regulatory sequences were obtained. We were also able to identify the downstream 3′ end of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (23S) along with the 5S RNA end‐to‐end with the psbA gene on the complementary strand. The intergenic region between these genes appears to be a good target site for the integration of target proteins. Moreover, we identified a back‐to‐back promoter region among the rbcL and atpB genes. To assess the bidirectionality activities of both promoters, a dual reporter vector was constructed for Tetraselmis suecica transformation containing the cat and TurboGFP genes driven by the 5′rbcL/5′atpB divergent promoter. The vector included the 23S‐5S and psbA nucleotide sequences as flanking regions. These flanking regions provided suitable insertion sites within the chloroplast genome for cassette integration via homologous recombination. Simultaneous expression of the chloramphenicol‐resistant conferring gene and the gene coding for TurboGFP driven by 5′rbcL/5′atpB showed a potent natural bidirectional promoter as a reliable genetic tool.
High sustained viral response rate in patients with hepatitis C using generic sofosbuvir and daclatasvir in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Zhang Meiwen , O’Keefe Daniel , Iwamoto Momoko , Sann Kimchamroeun , Kien Antharo , Hang Vithurneat , Brucker Cecile , Jolivet Pascal , Ly Sovann , Chhit Dimanche , Balkan Suna , Marquardt Tonia , Le Paih Mickael , Dousset Jean‐Philippe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSafe and efficacious pan‐genotypic direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimens, such as sofosbuvir and daclatasvir (SOF + DCV), facilitate simplified models of care for hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, in Cambodia access to HCV testing and treatment has typically been low. In response, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) implemented a HCV testing and treatment pilot project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2016. This project provides the first real‐world evidence of SOF + DCV effectiveness across a large patient cohort using a simplified care model in Cambodia. Patients treated with SOF + DCV from September 2016 to June 2019 were included in the analysis. Medical standard operational procedures (SOPs) were simplified significantly across the study period. Treatment effectiveness was assessed by sustained viral response at 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) according to a modified intention‐to‐treat methodology. Treatment safety was assessed by clinical outcome and occurrence of serious and nonserious adverse events (S/AE). Of 9158 patients, median age was 57 years and 39.6% were male. At baseline assessment, 27.2% of patients had compensated cirrhosis and 2.9% had decompensated cirrhosis. Genotype 6 was predominant (53.0%). Among patients analysed according to modified intention to treat (n = 8525), treatment effectiveness was high, with 97.2% of patients achieving SVR12. Occurrence of SAE was low (0.7%). Treatment effectiveness and safety was not affected by the iterative simplification to treatment modality. In conclusion, in this large treatment cohort in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the SOF + DCV regimen showed high rates of treatment effectiveness and safety across patient sub‐groups and during progressive simplification.
Feeding intensity and molecular prey identification of the mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria (De Haan, 1844), in the Tianjin coastal zone of Bohai Bay
Authors: Bo Qi‐Kang , Lu Yun‐Zhao , Mi Hui‐Jing , Yu Yan‐Guang , Gu De‐Xian , You Hong‐Zheng , Hao Shuang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBohai Bay, a representative semi‐enclosed bay of China, has been severely impacted in recent decades by rapid human development. Although the mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria plays an important role in the Bohai Bay ecosystem and fishery, its feeding ecology and the impact of habitat changes on its feeding habits are poorly known. In this study, we sought to identify its feeding strategy through the separation of stomach contents, and to describe its trophic ecology during maturation in the Tianjin coastal zone of Bohai Bay by the DNA barcoding method using a fragment (about 690 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (CO I) gene. A total of 594 specimens were collected from March to July 2018, and 347 (58.42%) stomachs were found to have food remains. More than half of the O. oratoria individuals had poor feeding activity, and the degree of feeding of females was higher than that of males, but there was no significant difference in the visual fullness index and the fullness weight index (FWI) between sexes for each month. In addition, the feeding activity of O. oratoria was consistent across the months, suggesting in artificial breeding programs it is not worried too much about the accessional diet supplied to the female bloodstocks except maintaining their normal food. A total of 167 retrieved prey items yielded 187 readable sequences; 86.63% of these sequences could be assigned to the species level. Consequently, 25 different prey taxa covering all readable sequences were identified, showing O. oratoria is a generalist predator. In terms of percent composition by frequency of occurrences (%N), crustaceans and fishes accounted for the same and highest percentage (35.83%) in the mantis shrimp diet, followed by mollusks (24.59%) and the remaining marine organisms (3.73%) including Polychaeta (2.67%), Sagittoidea (0.53%), and Chromadorea (0.53%). The result shows the benthic fish Oxudercidae (family) appears to be an especially important food supply for O. oratoria during maturation. The degree of cannibalism decreased with an increase in diet species and the frequencies of cannibalism in this study was noticeably higher than that in previous studies, suggesting that cannibalism may be a significant feeding strategy in the mantis shrimp O. oratoria in the Tianjin coastal zone of Bohai Bay, and because of the frequently cannibalistic behavior, the high stocking density of broodstocks should be avoided.
How can we optimise antifungal use in a solid organ transplant centre? Local epidemiology and antifungal stewardship implementation: A single‐centre study
Authors: Mularoni Alessandra , Adamoli Lucia , Polidori Piera , Ragonese Barbara , Gioè Santi Mauro , Pietrosi Astrid , Tuzzolino Fabio , Guadagnino Giuliana , Monaco Francesco , Grossi Paolo Antonio , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Luca Angelo , Mikulska Malgorzata 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to implement and to assess the impact of the antifungal stewardship programme (AFSp) on prescription appropriateness of antifungals, management and outcomes of candidaemia patients, and antifungal consumption and costs at our solid organ transplant (SOT) institute.MethodsLocal epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) from 2009 to 2017 was analysed in order to prepare an effective AFSp, implemented in January 2018. It included suspension of empirical antifungal prescriptions after 72 hours (antifungal time‐out), automated alert and infectious disease (ID) consult for empirical prescriptions and for every patient with IFI, and indication for step‐down to oral fluconazole when possible. We used process measures and results measures to assess the effects of the implemented programme.ResultsThe ASFp led to significant improvements in selection of the appropriate antifungal (40.5% in pre‐AFS vs 78.6% in post‐AFS), correct dosing (51.2% vs 79.8%), correct length of treatment (55.9% vs 75%) and better management of patients with candidaemia. Analysis of prescribed empirical antifungal revealed that defined daily doses (DDDs) per 100 patient days decreased by 36.7% in 2018 compared to the average of pre‐AFSp period, with important savings in costs.ConclusionThis AFSp led to a better use of antifungal drugs in terms of appropriateness and consumption, with stable clinical and microbiological outcomes in patients with IFI.
Systematic review of the impact of unstructured play interventions to improve young children's physical, social, and emotional wellbeing
Authors: Lee Regina Lai Tong , Lane Shelly , Brown Graeme , Leung Cynthia , Kwok Stephen Wai Hang , Chan Sally Wai Chi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis review aimed to examine the effectiveness of unstructured play interventions on young children's physical, emotional and social wellbeing in various community settings. Eligibility criteria of articles included (1) studies which included young children aged three to seven years; (2) intervention studies which involved unstructured, free or loose parts play; (3) experimental or randomized controlled trial designs, with or without random allocation to groups; and (4) target variables of the study should include measurable physical, social or psychological constructs as modifiable outcomes. Electronic searches were conducted from June 2018 to March 2019 in ERIC, MEDLINE, PubMed, ProQuest, Sage Publications, Web of Science, Scopus, and Sociological Abstracts. Data were extracted from the included studies independently by using a pilot form. The study outcome measures of unstructured play in the eight selected articles were categorized into three aspects of children's physical health, social skills and emotional wellbeing. All studies reported positive impacts on children's physical activity level, social engagement and emotional wellbeing. We conclude that our review with identified impacts would assist future research directions and policy implementation in this promising field..
The first, holistic immunological model of COVID‐19: Implications for prevention, diagnosis, and public health measures
Authors: Matricardi Paolo Maria , Dal Negro Roberto Walter , Nisini Roberto 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe natural history of COVID‐19 caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 is extremely variable, ranging from asymptomatic or mild infection, mainly in children, to multi‐organ failure, eventually fatal, mainly in the eldest. We propose here the first model explaining how the outcome of first, crucial 10‐15 days after infection, depends on the balance between the cumulative dose of viral exposure and the efficacy of the local innate immune response (natural IgA and IgM antibodies, mannose‐binding lectin). If SARS‐CoV‐2 runs the blockade of this innate immunity and spreads from the upper airways to the alveoli in the early phases of the infections, it can replicate with no local resistance, causing pneumonia and releasing high amounts of antigens. The delayed and strong adaptive immune response (high‐affinity IgM and IgG antibodies) that follows, causes severe inflammation and triggers mediator cascades (complement, coagulation, and cytokine storm), leading to complications often requiring intensive therapy and being, in some patients, fatal. Low‐moderate physical activity can still be recommended. However, extreme physical activity and oral breathing with hyperventilation during the incubation days and early stages of COVID‐19 facilitates re‐inhalation and early direct penetration of high numbers of own virus particles in the lower airways and the alveoli, without impacting on the airway’s mucosae covered by neutralizing antibodies ("viral auto‐inhalation" phenomenon). This allows the virus to bypass the efficient immune barrier of the upper airway mucosa in already infected, young, and otherwise healthy athletes. In conclusion, whether the virus or the adaptive immune response reaches the lungs first is a crucial factor deciding the fate of the patient. This “quantitative and time‐/sequence‐dependent” model has several implications for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of COVID‐19 at all ages.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of nalmefene in Japanese patients with alcohol dependence
Authors: Higuchi Susumu , Takahashi Masayoshi , Murai Yoshiyuki , Tsuneyoshi Kana , Nakamura Izuru , Meulien Didier , Miyata Hisatsugu 
Published: May 2020

AimThe safety and efficacy of nalmefene in Japanese patients with high or very high World Health Organization drinking risk level of alcohol dependence were assessed in a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 (lead‐in) study. Here, the long‐term safety and efficacy of nalmefene in an open‐label extension of the lead‐in study are presented.MethodsPatients who completed the 24‐week lead‐in study were eligible for the extension study, where they were treated with nalmefene 20 mg as needed for 24 weeks. The long‐term safety and efficacy of nalmefene 20 mg during the total 48‐week period were evaluated. Treatment‐emergent adverse events during the study period were recorded and change from baseline in the number of heavy drinking days and total alcohol consumption were calculated.ResultsOverall, long‐term nalmefene 20 mg was well tolerated; the main treatment‐emergent adverse events reported in ≥5% of patients included nasopharyngitis (37.2%), nausea (36.5%), somnolence (21.2%), dizziness (16.8%), malaise (14.6%), and vomiting (12.4%). The number of heavy drinking days and total alcohol consumption decreased from baseline to 48 weeks (mixed model for repeated measures, least squares mean ± standard error, −15.09 ± 0.77 days/month and −53.20 ± 2.29 g/day, respectively) during the study.ConclusionThis long‐term evaluation in Japanese patients with high or very high drinking risk levels of alcohol dependence indicated that nalmefene was safe, well tolerated, and efficacious.
Umbilical shapes predict future protrusion in pediatric umbilical hernias
Authors: Nakajima Yuta , Kondoh Shoji , Yuzuriha Shunsuke , Yasunaga Yoshichika 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and early predictive factors of the development of protuberant umbilicus in pediatric umbilical hernia patients.MethodsIn this retrospective visual and chart review, patients younger than 3 months with umbilical hernias who initially visited Ina Central Hospital from April 2011 to March 2017 and were followed until they started to walk (at the age of 1 year) were evaluated. The umbilici of the patients at the age of 1 year were classified into two types based on their appearance: concave and protuberant umbilici. Single‐factor and logistic regression analyses of the association between the appearance of the umbilicus at the age of 1 year and various clinical data were performed.ResultsOf the 103 patients, 72% had concave umbilici, and 28% had protuberant umbilici. Single‐factor analysis showed significant differences in the umbilical shapes at the initial visit (P < 0.001) and straining habit (P < 0.001). The most ideal logistic regression model demonstrated that umbilici of the highly inflated balloon type (odds ratio, 27.00; 95% confidence interval odds ratio, 5.60–130.08) and crescent type (odds ratio, 14.34; 95% confidence interval odds ratio, 4.22–48.77) were more likely to develop into protuberant umbilici.ConclusionsUmbilical shapes at the initial visit can be used to predict the future development of protuberant umbilici in pediatric patients with umbilical hernias.
High‐intensity swimming exercise reduces inflammatory pain in mice by activation of the endocannabinoid system
Authors: Ludtke Daniela D. , Siteneski Aline , Galassi Taynah de Oliveira , Buffon Alexandre Carlos , Cidral‐Filho Francisco José , Reed William R. , Salgado Afonso Shiguemi Inoue , dos Santos Adair R.S. , Martins Daniel F. 
Published: May 2020

As exercise intervention solely for pain reduction is relatively new, the available research still leaves an incomplete picture of responsible mechanisms and pathways. Nonetheless, evidence indicates that exercise‐induced analgesia involves activation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system. The present study investigated the role of the eCB system on the antihyperalgesic effect of high‐intensity swimming exercise (HISE) in an animal model of peripheral persistent inflammation. Male Swiss mice were allocated to non‐exercised and exercised groups and subjected to subcutaneous intraplantar injection (i.pl.) of a single dose of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce inflammatory pain. Cumulative HISE was performed once a day, and mechanical hyperalgesia and edema were evaluated 0.5 hour after HISE for seven consecutive days. To investigate the role of the eCB system on the antihyperalgesic effect of HISE, non‐exercised and exercised mice received intraperitoneal (ip), intrathecal (i.t.) or i.pl. injections of vehicle, AM281 (a CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist) or AM630 (a CB2 cannabinoid receptor antagonist) from the 3rd to 5th day after CFA injection. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated 0.5 hour after HISE. In addition, the effect of the fatty acid amide hydrolase [FAAH] inhibitor or monoacylglycerol lipase [MAGL] inhibitor on the antihyperalgesic action of HISE was investigated. HISE reduced mechanical hyperalgesia with effects prevented by AM281 or AM630 pretreatment in all delivery routes tested. The inhibition of FAAH and MAGL prolonged the antihyperalgesic effect of HISE. These data demonstrate evidence for the role of the eCB system upon exercise‐induced analgesia in a murine model of inflammatory pain.
Ehrlichiosis infection mimicking thrombotic microangiopathy syndrome early after kidney transplantation
Authors: Hassan Waleed , Talwar Manish , Balaraman Vasanthi , Molnar Miklos Z. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFever of unknown origin and the clinical picture of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) are diagnostic challenges in the early period after kidney transplantation. Here, we report a case of human monocytic ehrlichiosis in a renal allograft recipient who presented with fever and clinical picture of TMA in the first month post–kidney transplant. Despite broad coverage with multiple antimicrobial agents, fever and hematological abnormalities persisted for several days. A history of contact exposure and living in an endemic area raised clinical suspicion for human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), and empiric treatment with doxycycline was initiated. Definitive diagnosis of HME was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Human ehrlichiosis should be considered within the differential diagnosis in kidney transplant recipients with the clinical picture of TMA and fever of unknown origin. Furthermore, early treatment with doxycycline enhances rapid resolution of clinical and laboratory recovery.
Human papillomavirus in female adolescents and young adults after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—Not a problem prior to coitarche
Authors: Bauer Dorothea , Tüchler Raffaela , Lawitschka Anita , Dörfler Daniela 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of HPV colonization in female adolescents and young adults after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Study designIn this prospective pilot study, we enrolled 18 girls and young women aged 12‐22 years cared for at the SCT (stem cell transplantation) Outpatient Clinic of the St. Anna children's hospital. Vaginal, buccal, and rectal HPV swabs were collected twice at intervals of 2‐6 months at the Outpatient Clinic for children's and adolescents' gynecology of the University Clinic for Gynecology Vienna.ResultsOverall, 3 (16.7%; 95% CL [≥0.0%; 33.9%]) of the 18 patients were vaginally HPV‐positive at least at one timepoint. Among these three, two patients belonged to the smaller sub‐group (3 patients) of patients after coitarche and one patient belonged to the larger one (15 patients) of patients prior to coitarche. In one of the three vaginally HPV‐positive patients, we also found HPV DNA rectally. Orally, HPV DNA could not be detected at all.ConclusionsAccording to the data of this study, vaginal, buccal, and rectal HPV colonization seems to be of little relevance in girls and young women after HSCT prior to coitarche. As expected, a higher risk for vaginal HPV colonization could be shown by trend for patients after coitarche, but also for those having been treated with total body irradiation as a conditioning regimen and for those showing signs of vaginal hypoestrogenization—which has not been published so far.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption among adults in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar
Authors: Naznin Eva , Wynne Olivia , George Johnson , Hoque Mohammad Enamul , Milton Abul Hasnat , Bonevski Billie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the pooled prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption (STC) by gender and location in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar and to identify periodic changes in STC prevalence using data extracted from published studies.MethodsWe searched for a combination of keywords in electronic databases and used a standard form to extract data from each article. We undertook a meta‐analysis to estimate pooled prevalence and confidence intervals within these countries. To compare periodic changes in STC prevalence, we grouped studies into five‐year periods (2000–2004, 2005–2009, 2010–2014 and 2015–2019).ResultsThe pooled estimates of STC prevalence were 25% (95% CI: 22–28%), 22% (95% CI: 15–28%) and 21% (95% CI: 14–28%) for Bangladesh, India and Myanmar, respectively. In pooled estimates across these countries, we found higher STC prevalence for men (30%; 95% CI: 24–35%) than women (16%; 95% CI: 10–23%) and for rural dwellings (24%; 95% CI: 18–31%) than urban dwellings (17%; 95% CI: 10–24%). We found significant decrease in STC in Bangladesh and India in the period 2010–2014 and 2015–2019, respectively. In Myanmar, STC prevalence increased significantly and substantially in 2010–2014, to levels higher than in Bangladesh and India.ConclusionsThe prevalence of STC in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar is highest in rural areas and among men. Public health prevention strategies are needed to maintain decrease in STC in Bangladesh and India, and to reverse the increased use in Myanmar.
The prevalence, diagnosis and surgical risk factors of spinal tuberculosis in children
Authors: Wang Mao‐Shui , Han Chao , Wang Jun‐Li , Liu Feng‐Lin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo date, the burden of childhood spinal TB in China has not been estimated, and current treatment is hindered by a lack of evidence. This study aimed to review our experience of childhood spinal TB.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of paediatric patients (≤15 years) admitted for spinal TB (confirmed or possible) at Shandong Provincial Chest Hospital from January 2006 to December 2019. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were collected from medical records and analysed retrospectively.ResultsSeventy‐two patients were diagnosed with spinal TB. 45 were male (62.5%), and 27 female (37.5%), with a mean age of 8.42 ± 4.47 (SD) years. During this 14‐year period, the overall prevalence of spinal TB among childhood TB was 4.5%. T‐SPOT.TB, AFB smear, mycobacterial culture, TB RT‐PCR and biopsies were positive in 29.6%, 14.3%, 23.3%, 43.8% and 88.5% of assayed patients, respectively. The overall surgical rate of the studied patients was 40.3%. The requirement of surgery in childhood spinal TB was associated with pulmonary TB (OR = 4.000, 95% CI: 1.197, 13.367).ConclusionSpinal TB in children cannot be neglected. It remains a severe problem to public health, and more attention should be paid to initiating treatment early.