bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of Campylobacter species from human and cattle faecal samples in Kilosa district, Tanzania
Authors: Gahamanyi Noel , Mboera Leonard E.G. , Matee Mecky I. , Mutangana Dieudonné , Amachawadi Raghavendra G. , Yoon Kye-Yoon , Mabwi Humphrey A. , Cha Kwang Hyun , Pan Cheol-Ho , Komba Erick V.G. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: A growing number of Campylobacter species other than C. jejuni and C. coli have been considered as emerging human and animal pathogens. However, the contribution of these species to human gastroenteritis is poorly documented. This study aimed at detecting Campylobacter species from human and cattle faecal samples in Kilosa district, Tanzania using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, and Sanger sequencing . Methods: A total number of 100 faecal samples (70 from human and 30 from cattle) were collected from diarrheic and non-diarrheic patients and healthy cattle in Kilosa district, Tanzania from July to October 2019. Species identification was conducted by PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. The phylogenetic analysis was carried out by comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences to reference strains by the Neighbor-Joining method in MEGA X. Results: Campylobacter species detection rate by PCR was 65.7% (46/70) and 20% (6/30) in humans and cattle, respectively. There were five human diarrheic cases, four showed Campylobacter presence and two were from children ≤15 years of age. In humans, the 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that C. concisus was the most predominant species occurring at a frequency of 37.8% (14/37), followed by uncultured Campylobacter spp. 24.3% (9/37) and C. hominis 21.6% (8/37). The least represented species were C. jejuni and C. lanienae all occurring at 2.7% (1/37). In cattle, five (100%) sequenced PCR products matched with C. lanienae . Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Campylobacter 16S rRNA sequences were closely related to C. concisus , uncultured Campylobacter sp., C. hominis , and C. gracilis . Conclusion: The non- C. jejuni / C. coli species are present in human and cattle faecal samples and their true occurrence is probably under-reported due to shortcomings of conventional techniques used in most diagnostic microbiology laboratories. Based on our findings, we recommend that molecular techniques be adopted for direct detection of Campylobacter species during routine laboratory screening and surveillance studies. Keywords: Campylobacter , molecular diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, gastroenteritis, Tanzania
Effect of Pyrolytic Carbon Interphase on Mechanical Properties of mini T800-C/SiC Composites
Authors: Zhao Donglin , Guo Tong , Fan X.M. , Chen Chao , Ma Yue 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The effect of pyrolytic carbon (PyC) thickness on the tensile property of mini T800-carbon fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (mini-C/SiC) was studied in this work. PyC interphase was prepared by CVI process, and the PyC thickness was adjusted from 0 to 400 nm. The results showed that the tensile strength of mini-C/SiC first increased and then decreased with the increase of the PyC thickness. When the thickness of PyC was 100 nm, the average strength reached the maximum value of 393±70 MPa. Weibull modulus increased from 2.0 to 8.06 with the increase of PyC thickness, indicating that the increase of PyC thickness is conducive to reducing the dispersion of mechanical properties.
Association between polypharmacy and the persistence of delirium: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kurisu Ken , Miyabe Daisuke , Furukawa Yoshiko , Shibayama Osamu , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Although the association between polypharmacy and the occurrence of delirium has been well studied, the influence of polypharmacy on the persistence of delirium remains unclear. We aimed to explore the effect of polypharmacy on the persistence of delirium.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital. The medical records of patients diagnosed with delirium who were referred to the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine were reviewed. Presentation with delirium on day 3 was set as the outcome in this study. We counted the number of drugs prescribed on the date of referral, excluding general infusion fluids, nutritional or electrolytic products, and psychotropics. To define polypharmacy, we developed a classification and regression tree (CART) model and drew a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The odds ratio (OR) of polypharmacy for the persistence of delirium on day 3 was calculated using a logistic regression model with the propensity score as a covariate.
Results
We reviewed the data of 113 patients. The CART model and ROC curve indicated an optimal polypharmacy cutoff of six drugs. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with the persistence of delirium both before [OR, 3.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.39–6.81; P = 0.0062] and after (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.32–8.03; P = 0.011) propensity score adjustment.
Conclusion
We discovered an association between polypharmacy and worsening courses of delirium and suggest that polypharmacy is a prognostic factor for delirium.
Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases Among Pre-School Age Children (12-59 Months) and WASH Condition in Mkuranga, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Musfata Ummul-khair , Tarimo Donath Samuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNational efforts for STH control have hitherto been concentrated on school age children (SAC) excluding pre-school age children (PSAC). Though Preventive Chemotherapy (PC) for PSAC has been going on during deworming and vitamin A supplementation campaigns in the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) clinics since 2004, it has not been optimal because not all PSAC receive PC thus remaining vulnerable to STH infections and potential source of community transmission. This study examined the prevalence and intensity of STHs infections among PSAC and the associated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) factors in Mkuranga district, Tanzania.MethodsA quantitative community based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2019. Stool samples from 525 PSAC were examined for STH infections. This was complemented with a questionnaire interview of mothers/caretakers of the PSAC to obtain their socio-demographic characteristics and WASH practices. An observation check list was used to gather environmental WASH practices. Data were analyzed by statistical computer package (SPSS version 23), and summarized by descriptive statistics; proportions were compared by the Chi-square test at the significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe overall prevalence of STH infection was very low (1.3%) and was significantly associated with condition of child finger nails (P= 0.001) and place of disposal of faecal matter (P= 0.031). Latrine coverage was very high (97.3%), while disposal of children faeces was 100% hygienic. Less than a half (43.6%) of households were using improved latrines. Majority (95%) of households had access to improved water sources; however, only few (5.3%) treated drinking water. Very few (1.3%) households owned hand washing facilities, conceivably leading to a low practice of hand washing with soap at food preparation (12.8%), child feeding (13%), after defecation (34.1%) and after handling children faeces (23%). Nail trimming habit was very good as a large majority (83.8%) of caretakers and corresponding children (87.2%) had their finger nails trimmed at time of survey.Conclusion PSAC are a reservoir of STHs infections, which coupled with the prevalent risk factors of transmission, form a potential source of continuity of transmission in the community, hence the need for a national deworming program extending to PSAC*Corresponding author: Address: P. O. BOX 2329, Dar es Salaam, email: ummybadia@gmail.com;
Low Bone Mineral Density is a Potential Risk Factor for Symptom Onset and Related with Hypocitraturia in Urolithiasis Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Taguchi Kazumi , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Atsushi , Tanaka Yutaro , Sugino Teruaki , Unno Rei , Kato Taiki , Ando Ryosuke , Tozawa Keiichi , Yasui Takahiro 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with urolithiasis have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) than those without stones, suggesting a potential correlation between calcium stone formation and bone resorption disorders, including osteopenia and osteoporosis. Methods: To investigate the influence of BMD on clinical outcomes in urolithiasis, we performed a single-center retrospective cohort study to analyze patients with urolithiasis who underwent both BMD examination and 24-hour urine collection between 2006 and 2015. Data from the national cross-sectional surveillance of the Japanese Society on Urolithiasis Research in 2015 were utilized, and additional data related to urinary tract stones were obtained from medical records. The primary outcome was the development of stone-related symptoms and recurrences during follow-up. A total of 370 patients were included in this 10-year study period. Results: Half of the patients had recurrent stones, and the two-thirds were symptomatic stone formers. While only 9% of patients had hypercalciuria, 27% and 55% had hyperoxaluria and hypocitraturia, respectively. There was a positive correlation between T-scores and urinary citrate excretion. Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that female sex was associated with recurrences (odds ratio=0.44, p=0.007), whereas a T-score <−2.5 and hyperoxaluria were associated with symptoms (odds ratio=2.59, p=0.037; odds ratio=0.45, p=0.01; respectively). Conclusion: These results revealed that low T-scores might cause symptoms in patients with urolithiasis, suggesting the importance of BMD examination for high-risk Japanese patients with urolithiasis having hypocitraturia.
8q24 Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Germline Variant is Associated with VHL Mutation Status and Clinical Aggressiveness
Authors: Eckel-Passow Jeanette E , Yan Huihuang , Kosel Matthew , Serie Daniel , Decker Paul A. , Jenkins Robert , Costello Brian , Leibovich Bradley , Ho Thai , Parker Alexander 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The four most commonly-mutated genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors are BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 and VHL. And, there are currently 14 known RCC germline variants that have been reproducibly shown to be associated with RCC risk. However, the association of germline genetics with tumor genetics and clinical aggressiveness are unknown.Methods: We analyzed 420 ccRCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Molecular subtype was determined based on acquired mutations in BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 and VHL. Aggressive subtype was defined clinically using Mayo SSIGN score and molecularly using the ccA/ccB gene expression subtype. Publically-available Hi-C data were used to link germline risk variants with candidate target genes. Results: The 8q24 variant rs35252396 was significantly associated with VHL mutation status (OR=1.6, p=0.0037) and SSIGN score (OR=1.9, p=0.00094), after adjusting for multiple comparisons. We observed that, while some germline variants have interactions with nearby genes, some variants demonstrate long-range interactions with target genes.Conclusions: These data further demonstrate the link between rs35252396, HIF pathway and ccRCC clinical aggressiveness, providing a more comprehensive picture of how germline genetics and tumor genetics interact with respect to tumor development and progression.
Accumulation of the Delivered Dose Based on Cone-beam CT and Deformable Image Registration for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Hypofractionated Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang DaQuan , Lin MaoSheng , Lu ShiPei , Zhang Jun , Chen Li , Li QiWen , Cheng ZhangKai , Liu FangJie , Guo JinYu , Liu Hui , Qiu Bo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to quantify the dosimetric differences between the planned and delivered dose to tumor and normal organs in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LANSCLC) treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT), and to explore the necessity and identify optimal candidates for adaptive radiotherapy (ART).Methods: Twenty-seven patients with stage III NSCLC were enrolled. Planned radiation dose was 51Gy in 17 fractions with cone-beam CT (CBCT) acquired at each fraction. Virtual CT was generated by deformable image registration (DIR) of the planning CT to CBCT for dose calculation and accumulation. Dosimetric parameters were compared between original and accumulated plans using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Correlations between dosimetric differences and clinical variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-square test.Results: Patients had varied gross tumor volume (GTV) reduction by HRT (median reduction rate 11.1% , range -2.9%-44.0%). The V51 of PTV-GTV was similar between original and accumulated plans (mean, 88.2% vs. 87.6%, p=0.452). Only 11.1% of patients had above 5% relative decrease in V51 of PTV-GTV in accumulated plans. Compared to the original plan, limited increase (median relative increase <5%) was observed in doses of total lung (mean dose, V20 and V30), esophagus (mean dose, maximum dose) and heart (mean dose, V30 and V40) in accumulated plans. Less than 30% of patients had above 5% relative increase of lung or heart doses. Patients with quick tumor regression or baseline obstructive pneumonitis showed more notable increase in doses to normal structures. Patients with baseline obstructive atelectasis showed notable decrease (10.3%) in dose coverage of PTV-GTV.Conclusions: LANSCLC patients treated with HRT had sufficient tumor dose coverage and acceptable normal tissue dose deviation. ART should be applied in patients with quick tumor regression and baseline obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis to spare more normal structures.
Detention-based green roofs for stormwater management under extreme precipitation due to climate change
Authors: Hamouz Vladimír , Pons Vincent , Sivertsen Edvard , Raspati Gema Sakti , Bertrand-Krajewski Jean-Luc , Muthanna Tone Merete 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Rooftops cover a large percentage of land area in urban areas, which can potentially be used for stormwater purposes. Seeking adaptation strategies, there is an increasing interest in utilising green roofs for stormwater management. However, the impact of extreme rainfall on the hydrological performance of green roofs and their design implications remain challenging to quantify. In this study, a method was developed to assess the detention performance of a detention-based green roof (underlaid with 100 mm of expanded clay) for current and future climate conditions under extreme precipitation using an artificial rainfall generator. The green roof runoff was found to be more sensitive to the initial water content than the hyetograph shape. The green roof outperformed the black roof for performance indicators (time of concentration, centroid delay, T50 or peak attenuation). While the time of concentration for the reference black roof was within 5 minutes independently of rainfall intensity, for the green roof was extrapolated between 30 and 90 minutes with intensity from 0.8 to 2.5 mm/min. Adding a layer of expanded clay under the green roof substrate provided a significant improvement to the detention performance under extreme precipitation in current and future climate conditions.
Assessment of artificial intelligence models for calculating optimum properties of lined channels
Authors: Niazkar Majid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Lined channels with trapezoidal, rectangular and triangular sections are the most common manmade canals in practice. Since the construction cost plays a key role in water conveyance projects, it has been considered as the prominent factor in optimum channel designs. In this study, artificial neural networks (ANN) and genetic programming (GP) are used to determine optimum channel geometries for trapezoidal-family cross sections. For this purpose, the problem statement is treated as an optimization problem whose objective function and constraint are earthwork and lining costs and Manning's equation, respectively. The comparison remarkably demonstrates that the applied artificial intelligence (AI) models achieved much closer results to the numerical benchmark solutions than the available explicit equations for optimum design of lined channels with trapezoidal, rectangular and triangular sections. Also, investigating the average of absolute relative errors obtained for determination of dimensionless geometries of trapezoidal-family channels using AI models shows that this criterion will not be more than 0.0013 for the worst case, which indicates the high accuracy of AI models in optimum design of trapezoidal channels.
Characterizing the structure of aerobic granular sludge using ultra-high field magnetic resonance
Authors: Kirkland Catherine M. , Krug Julia R. , Vergeldt Frank J. , van den Berg Lenno , Velders Aldrik H. , Seymour Joseph D. , Codd Sarah L. , Van As Henk , de Kreuk Merle K. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Despite aerobic granular sludge wastewater treatment plants operating around the world, our understanding of internal granule structure and its relation to treatment efficiency remains limited. This can be attributed in part to the drawbacks of time-consuming, labor-intensive, and invasive microscopy protocols which effectively restrict samples sizes and may introduce artefacts. Time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) allows non-invasive measurements which describe internal structural features of opaque, complex materials like biofilms. NMR was used to image aerobic granules collected from five full-scale wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands and United States, as well as laboratory granules and control beads. T1 and T2 relaxation-weighted images reveal heterogeneous structures that include high- and low-density biofilm regions, water-like voids, and solid-like inclusions. Channels larger than approximately 50 μm and connected to the bulk fluid were not visible. Both cluster and ring-like structures were observed with each granule source having a characteristic structural type. These structures, and their NMR relaxation behavior, were stable over several months of storage. These observations reveal the complex structures within aerobic granules from a range of sources and highlight the need for non-invasive characterization methods like NMR to be applied in the ongoing effort to correlate structure and function.
Agricultural biowaste, rice bran, as carbon source to enhance biomass and lipid production: analysis with various growth rate models
Authors: Choi H. J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs a byproduct of agriculture, rice bran can be a good alternative carbon source to mass-produce microalgae and increase lipid content. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of rice bran extract (RBE) on the mass culture and oil content of microalgae. Various parameters were applied to the growth rate model to explain the dynamics of substrate inhibition and growth of microalgae. The rice bran contains 46.1% of carbohydrates, in which is 38.3% glucose, and is very suitable as a carbon source for microalgae growth. The culture with RBE had a four times higher biomass production than microalgae cultured on Jaworski's medium (JM) with a small amount of 1 g/L. In addition, for RBE, the lipid content was three times higher and saturated fatty acid was 3% lower than were those of JM. According to the above results, when Chlorella vulgaris is cultured using RBE, a high amount of biomass and high lipid content can be obtained with a small amount of RBE. RBE is a discarded waste and has a high content of glucose, so it can be replaced by an organic carbon source to increase microbial biomass growth and lipid content at low cost.
Effects of Montmorillonite on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry and Oxidative Stress of Red-Crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) Fed Mycotoxin-Contaminated Feed
Authors: Liu Dawei , Wu Qinghua , Liu Hongyi , Lu Changhu , Gu Chao , Kuca Kamil , Wu Wenda 
Published: July 2020

Background:
The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is one of the most vulnerable bird species in the
world. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi and considered naturally unavoidable
contaminants in animal feed. Our recent survey indicated that the mycotoxins had the potential to contaminate redcrowned
crane’s regular diets in China.

Objective:
This experiment was conducted to investigate the protective effects of mycotoxin binder montmorillonite
(Mont) on growth performance, serum biochemistry and oxidative stress parameters of the red-crowned crane.

Methods:
16 red-crowned cranes were divided into four groups and fed one of the following diets; a selected diet,
regular diet, or the selected diet or regular diet with 0.5% montmorillonite added to the diets. The cranes' parameters
of performance, hematology, serum biochemistry and serum oxidative stress were measured.

Results:
Consuming regular diets decreased the average daily feed intake (ADFI), levels of haemoglobin (Hb),
platelet count (PLT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), but
increased the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK)
and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The supplementation of 0.5% Mont provided protection for the red-crowned crane
in terms of feed intake, serum biochemistry and oxidative stress. Moreover, Mont supplementation had no adverse
effect on the health of red-crowned crane.

Conclusions:
Taken together, these findings suggested that the addition of dietary Mont is effective in improving the
health of red-crowned crane.
Exploration of Nanoethosomal Transgel of Naproxen Sodium for the Treatment of Arthritis
Authors: Anjum Farzana , Zakir Foziyah , Verma Devina , Aqil Mohd , Singh Manvi , Jain Pooja , Mirza Mohd Aamir , Anwer Md. Khalid , Iqbal Zeenat 
Published: July 2020

Background:
The present work aimed to develop an ethosomal gel of naproxen sodium for
the amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective:
In the present work, we have explored the potential of ethosomes to deliver naproxen into
deeper skin strata. Further, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of naproxen ethosomal formulation was assessed
using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model.

Methods:
Naproxen sodium nanoethosomes were prepared using different proportions of lipoid S100
(50mg-200mg), ethanol (20-50%) and water, and were further characterized on the basis of vesicle
morphology, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, in-vitro drug release and ex-vivo permeation studies.

Results:
The optimized ethosomal formulation was found to have 129 ± 0.01 nm particle size, 0.295
Polydispersity Index (PDI), -3.29 mV zeta potential, 88% entrapment efficiency and 96.573% drug
release in 24 hours. TEM and SEM analysis of the optimized formulation showed slightly smooth
spherical structures. The Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that ethosomes could easily infiltrate
into deeper dermal layers (upto 104.9μm) whereas the hydroalcoholic solution of the drug could
penetrate up to 74.9μm. Further, the optimized ethosomal formulation was incorporated into 1% carbopol
934 gel base and optimized wherein the transdermal flux was found to be approximately 10 times
more than the hydroethanolic solution. Also, the in-vivo pharmacodynamic study of the optimized ethosomal
gel exhibited a higher percentage inhibition of swelling paw edema than marketed diclofenac gel.

Conclusion:
The ethosomal gel was successfully developed and has shown the potential to be a good
option for the replacement of conventional therapies of rheumatoid arthritis.