bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bovine ticks harbour a diverse array of microorganisms in Pakistan
Authors: Ghafar Abdul , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Galon Clemence , Obregon Dasiel , Gasser Robin B. , Moutailler Sara , Jabbar Abdul 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBP) are a major constraint to livestock production in Pakistan; despite a high prevalence of TTBPs, knowledge on the capacity of Pakistani ticks to carry pathogens and endosymbionts is limited. Furthermore, mixed infections with multiple microorganisms further complicate and limit the detection potential of traditional diagnostic methods. The present study investigated the tick-borne microorganisms in bovine ticks in Pakistan, employing a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR based technique.

Methods
Ticks were collected from clinically healthy cattle (n = 116) and water buffaloes (n = 88) from 30 villages across six districts located in five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Pakistan from September to November 2017. The microfluidic real-time PCR was used to test the genomic DNA of individual ticks for the presence of 27 bacterial and eight parasitic microorganisms. Phylogenetic methods were used to assess the genetic relationship of DNA sequences determined herein.

Results
PCR detected DNA of at least one microorganism in each of 221 ticks tested (94.4%, 221/234). DNA-based detection inferred that single pathogens/endosymbionts were the most common (43.4%, 96/221) followed by double (38.9%, 86/221), triple (14.5%, 32/221), quadruple (2.3%, 5/221) and quintuple (0.9%, 2/221) mixed infections. Piroplasms (Babesia/Theileria spp.) were the most prevalent (31.6%, 74/234), followed by Ehrlichia spp. (20%, 47/234) and Anaplasma marginale (7.7%, 18/234). Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. ovis, A. centrale, Babesia ovis, Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., R. massiliae, Bartonella spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were also detected. Endosymbionts such as Francisella-like (91.5%, 214/234) and Coxiella-like (1.3%, 3/234) organisms were also detected in ticks. The highest diversity of microorganisms was detected in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks (test-positive for 14/14 microorganisms), followed by Rhipicephalus microplus (4/14), Hy. hussaini (3/14) and Rh. annulatus (2/14). Ticks collected from cattle carried significantly more frequently piroplasms (41.2%, 54/131; P < 0.05) than those from buffaloes (19.4%, 20/103). However, the overall prevalence of microorganisms did not vary significantly among ticks from the two host species as well as across different AEZs.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate a wide range of tick-borne microorganisms in bovine ticks using a high-throughput diagnostic method from different AEZs in Pakistan. These findings will aid in establishing the distribution patterns and the control of tick-borne pathogens of bovines in Pakistan.
Benefits and harm of systemic steroids for short- and long-term use in rhinitis and rhinosinusitis: an EAACI position paper
Authors: Hox Valerie , Lourijsen Evelijn , Jordens Arnout , Aasbjerg Kristian , Agache Ioana , Alobid Isam , Bachert Claus , Boussery Koen , Campo Paloma , Fokkens Wytske , Hellings Peter , Hopkins Claire , Klimek Ludger , Mäkelä Mika , Mösges Ralph , Mullol Joaquim , Pujols Laura , Rondon Carmen , Rudenko Michael , Toppila-Salmi Sanna , Scadding Glenis , Scheire Sophie , Tomazic Peter-Valentin , Van Zele Thibaut , Wagenmann Martin , van Boven Job F. M. , Gevaert Philippe 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBecause of the inflammatory mechanisms of most chronic upper airway diseases such as rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, systemic steroids have been used for their treatment for decades. However, it has been very well documented that—potentially severe—side-effects can occur with the accumulation of systemic steroid courses over the years. A consensus document summarizing the benefits of systemic steroids for each upper airway disease type, as well as highlighting the potential harms of this treatment is currently lacking. Therefore, a panel of international experts in the field of Rhinology reviewed the available literature with the aim of providing recommendations for the use of systemic steroids in treating upper airway disease.
ICU-acquired weakness, diaphragm dysfunction and long-term outcomes of critically ill patients
Authors: Saccheri Clément , Morawiec Elise , Delemazure Julie , Mayaux Julien , Dubé Bruno-Pierre , Similowski Thomas , Demoule Alexandre , Dres Martin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness and diaphragm dysfunction are frequent conditions, both associated with poor prognosis in critically ill patients. While it is well established that ICU-acquired weakness severely impairs long-term prognosis, the association of diaphragm dysfunction with this outcome has never been reported. This study investigated whether diaphragm dysfunction is associated with negative long-term outcomes and whether the coexistence of diaphragm dysfunction and ICU-acquired weakness has a particular association with 2-year survival and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods
This study is an ancillary study derived from an observational cohort study. Patients under mechanical ventilation were enrolled at the time of their first spontaneous breathing trial. Diaphragm dysfunction was defined by tracheal pressure generated by phrenic nerve stimulation < 11 cmH2O and ICU-acquired weakness was defined by Medical Research Council (MRC) score < 48. HRQOL was evaluated with the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results
Sixty-nine of the 76 patients enrolled in the original study were included in the survival analysis and 40 were interviewed. Overall 2-year survival was 67% (46/69): 64% (29/45) in patients with diaphragm dysfunction, 71% (17/24) in patients without diaphragm dysfunction, 46% (11/24) in patients with ICU-acquired weakness and 76% (34/45) in patients without ICU-acquired weakness. Patients with concomitant diaphragm dysfunction and ICU-acquired weakness had a poorer outcome with a 2-year survival rate of 36% (5/14) compared to patients without diaphragm function and ICU-acquired weakness [79% (11/14) (p < 0.01)]. Health-related quality of life was not influenced by the presence of ICU-acquired weakness, diaphragm dysfunction or their coexistence.

Conclusions
ICU-acquired weakness but not diaphragm dysfunction was associated with a poor 2-year survival of critically ill patients.
Nationwide survey on training and device utilization during tracheal intubation in French intensive care units
Authors:   The Intubation Practices Survey Group, Martin M. , Decamps P. , Seguin A. , Garret C. , Crosby L. , Zambon O. , Miailhe A. F. , Canet E. , Reignier J. , Lascarrou J. B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntubation is a lifesaving procedure that is often performed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but leads to serious adverse events in 20–40% of cases. Recent trials aimed to provide guidance about which medications, devices, and modalities maximize patient safety. Videolaryngoscopes are being offered in an increasing range of options and used in broadening indications (from difficult to unremarkable intubation). The objective of this study was to describe intubation practices and device availability in French ICUs.Materials and methodsWe conducted an online nationwide survey by emailing an anonymous 26-item questionnaire to physicians in French ICUs. A single questionnaire was sent to either the head or the intubation expert at each ICU.ResultsOf 257 ICUs, 180 (70%) returned the completed questionnaire. The results showed that 43% of intubators were not fully proficient in intubation; among them, 18.8% had no intubation training or had received only basic training (lectures and observation at the bedside). Among the participating ICUs, 94.4% had a difficult intubation trolley, 74.5% an intubation protocol, 92.2% a capnography device (used routinely to check tube position in 69.3% of ICUs having the device), 91.6% a laryngeal mask, 97.2% front-of-neck access capabilities, and 76.6% a videolaryngoscope. In case of difficult intubation, 85.6% of ICUs used a bougie (154/180) and 7.8% switched to a videolaryngoscope (14/180). Use of a videolaryngoscope was reserved for difficult intubation in 84% of ICUs (154/180). Having a videolaryngoscope was significantly associated with having an intubation protocol (P = 0.043) and using capnography (P = 0.02). Airtraq®was the most often used videolaryngoscope (39.3%), followed by McGrath®Mac (36.9%) then by Glidescope®(14.5%).ConclusionNearly half the intubators in French ICUs are not fully proficient with OTI. Access to modern training methods such as simulation is inadequate. Most ICUs own a videolaryngoscope, but reserve it for difficult intubations.
How do world and European standard populations impact burden of disease studies? A case study of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Scotland
Authors: Wyper Grant M. A. , Grant Ian , Fletcher Eilidh , McCartney Gerry , Fischbacher Colin , Stockton Diane L. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) are an established method for quantifying population health needs and guiding prioritisation decisions. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates aim to ensure comparability between countries and over time by using age-standardised rates (ASR) to account for differences in the age structure of different populations. Different standard populations are used for this purpose but it is not widely appreciated that the choice of standard may affect not only the resulting rates but also the rankings of causes of DALYs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the choice of standard, using the example of Scotland.

Methods
DALY estimates were derived from the 2016 Scottish Burden of Disease (SBoD) study for an abridged list of 68 causes of disease/injury, representing a three-year annual average across 2014–16. Crude DALY rates were calculated using Scottish national population estimates. DALY ASRs standardised using the GBD World Standard Population (GBD WSP) were compared to those using the 2013 European Standard Population (ESP2013). Differences in ASR and in rank order within the cause list were summarised for all-cause and for each individual cause.

Results
The ranking of causes by DALYs were similar using crude rates or ASR (ESP2013). All-cause DALY rates using ASR (GBD WSP) were around 26% lower. Overall 58 out of 68 causes had a lower ASR using GBD WSP compared with ESP2013, with the largest falls occurring for leading causes of mortality observed in older ages. Gains in ASR were much smaller in absolute scale and largely affected causes that operated early in life. These differences were associated with a substantial change to the ranking of causes when GBD WSP was used compared with ESP2013.

Conclusion
Disease rankings based on DALY ASRs are strongly influenced by the choice of standard population. While GBD WSP offers international comparability, within-country analyses based on DALY ASRs should reflect local age structures. For European countries, including Scotland, ESP2013 may better guide local priority setting by avoiding large disparities occurring between crude and age-standardised results sets, which could potentially confuse non-technical audiences.
Is the soil seed bank a reliable source for passive restoration of bush-cleared semi-arid rangelands of South Africa?
Authors: Mndela Mthunzi , Madakadze Casper Ignacio , Nherera-Chokuda Florence , Dube Sikhalazo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundBush clearing of encroached rangelands is crucial for restoration of herbaceous cover and diversity. Regeneration after bush clearing depends largely on the soil seed bank (SSB) size and composition. To assess the potential of the SSB to facilitate post-clearing herbaceous restoration, we examined the SSB density, composition and diversity and similarity between SSB and aboveground vegetation (AGV).MethodsThe study was conducted in semi-arid rangelands of Maseding and Kgomokgomo in North-West Province of South Africa. In each rangeland, all woody plants in three 1250 m2plots were cut using saws and loppers, with the stumps treated with picloram. Paired observations were conducted in cleared and uncleared microsites. Soil samples were collected at three depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) in each microsite in April (pre-treatment), August, October and December 2016 and in April and August 2017. SSB was assessed using seedling emergence method, whereas pre- and post-clearing surveys of AGV were conducted in February 2016 and 2017, respectively.ResultsCleared microsites had significantly (p< 0.01) higher seed bank densities (1872 and 693 seeds m-2at Maseding and Kgomokgomo, respectively) relative to uncleared microsites in August 2017, with grasses accounting for higher densities than other plant functional groups in the upper 0–10 cm. Pioneer grasses (Aristida congestasubsp. barbicollis,Brachiaria eruciformisandTragus berteronianus) and invasive forbs (Bidens pilosaandSchkuhria pinnata) dominated the SSB in cleared microsites at Maseding, whereas succulents (Portulacaspp.) and pioneer grasses (T. berteronianusandUrochloa mosambicensis) were abundant at Kgomokgomo in August 2017. SSB and AGV were dissimilar until December 2016; thereafter, similarity increased significantly (p< 0.05) in cleared microsites (Sørensen’s coefficient = 0.60 to 0.66 at Maseding and 0.43 to 0.52 at Kgomokgomo) compared to uncleared microsites. Species diversity was highest in August 2016 and April 2017 at Maseding, but it did not differ between two microsites (p> 0.05). At Kgomokgomo, SSB was more diverse in cleared than uncleared microsites in April and August 2017.ConclusionHigh seed bank densities in the upper soil layer in cleared microsites would promote passive restoration, but regeneration is likely to be initiated by early successional species. However, close monitoring and eradication of invasive forbs and succulents is necessary following bush clearing. The tendency of SSB resembling AGV over time in cleared microsites signifies that seed production from AGV is important for passive restoration following bush clearing.
Clinical characteristics of patients with pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in Taiwan and prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant and hypervirulent strains: a retrospective study
Authors: Juan Chih-Han , Fang Shih-Yu , Chou Chia-Hsin , Tsai Tsung-Ying , Lin Yi-Tsung 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and analyze the antimicrobial resistance and proportion of hypervirluent strains of the microbial isolates.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study on patients with pneumonia caused by K. pneumoniae at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan between January 2014 and December 2016. To analyze the clinical characteristics of these patients, data was extracted from their medical records. K. pneumoniae strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, capsular genotyping and detection of the rmpA and rmpA2 genes to identify hypervirulent strains.

Results
We identified 276 patients with pneumonia caused by K. pneumoniae, of which 68 (24.6%), 74 (26.8%), and 134 (48.6%) presented with CAP, HCAP, and HAP, respectively. The 28-day mortality was highest in the HAP group (39.6%), followed by the HCAP (29.7%) and CAP (27.9%) groups. The HAP group also featured the highest proportion of multi-drug resistant strains (49.3%), followed by the HCAP (36.5%) and CAP groups (10.3%), while the CAP group had the highest proportion of hypervirulent strains (79.4%), followed by the HCAP (55.4%) and HAP groups (41.0%).

Conclusion
Pneumonia caused by K. pneumoniae was associated with a high mortality. Importantly, multi-drug resistant strains were also detected in patients with CAP. Hypervirulent strains were prevalent in all 3 groups of pneumonia patients, even in those with HAP.
Global dynamic spatiotemporal pattern of seasonal influenza since 2009 influenza pandemic
Authors: Xu Zhi-Wei , Li Zhong-Jie , Hu Wen-Biao 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Understanding the global spatiotemporal pattern of seasonal influenza is essential for influenza control and prevention. Available data on the updated global spatiotemporal pattern of seasonal influenza are scarce. This study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal pattern of seasonal influenza after the 2009 influenza pandemic.

Methods
Weekly influenza surveillance data in 86 countries from 2010 to 2017 were obtained from FluNet. First, the proportion of influenza A in total influenza viruses (PA) was calculated. Second, weekly numbers of influenza positive virus (A and B) were divided by the total number of samples processed to get weekly positive rates of influenza A (RWA) and influenza B (RWB). Third, the average positive rates of influenza A (RA) and influenza B (RB) for each country were calculated by averaging RWA, and RWB of 52 weeks. A Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to examine if the year-to-year change in PA in all countries were significant, and a universal kriging method with linear semivariogram model was used to extrapolate RA and RB in all countries.

Results
PA ranged from 0.43 in Zambia to 0.98 in Belarus, and PA in countries with higher income was greater than those countries with lower income. The spatial patterns of high RB were the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific region and South America. RWA peaked in early weeks in temperate countries, and the peak of RWB occurred a bit later. There were some temperate countries with non-distinct influenza seasonality (e.g., Mauritius and Maldives) and some tropical/subtropical countries with distinct influenza seasonality (e.g., Chile and South Africa).

Conclusions
Influenza seasonality is not predictable in some temperate countries, and it is distinct in Chile, Argentina and South Africa, implying that the optimal timing for influenza vaccination needs to be chosen with caution in these unpredictable countries.
Oleic acid conjugated polymeric photosensitizer for metastatic cancer targeting in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Lee Sanghee , Na Kun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Cancer has been conquered by recent advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and their combinations. However, 90 % of cancer patients die due to cancer recurrence or metastasis. Cancer cell change their metabolic properties to metastasize, changing from conventional glycometabolism to fat metabolism. This is because cancer cells are mainly spread through lymphatic system, which responsible for the absorption and transport of fatty acids and fats. Therefore, cancer cells ahead of metastasis specifically absorb fat to produce energy. Using this property, a photodynamic therapeutic agent conjugated with fatty acids (oleic acid, OA) capable of targeting metastatic cancer cells was developed.

Main body
Polymeric photosensitizer conjugated with OA were composed biocompatible polymers (pullulan) and photosensitizers (chlorin e6, Ce6) (OA-Pullulan-Ce6, OPuC). Pullulan consists of various repeated units, and it is possible to maximize the effects of OA and Ce6 by binding several them to one repeated unit. In this study, the interaction and detection potency of OPuC with cancer cells was confirmed using colon, breast, and lung cancer cell lines. In metastatic cancer cell, OPuC exhibited 3.27-fold higher cellular internalization than non-OA conjugated polymer (Pullulan-Ce6, PuC), however, in negative cell, the variation between OPuC and PuC was negligible despite the existence of OA (1.86-fold). OPuC accumulated in cancer cells could generate singlet oxygen under laser irradiation, resulting in cellular apoptosis and necrosis. Hereby, we proved that OA conjugated polymeric photosensitizer will be a potential metastatic cancer targeting photodynamic therapeutic agent.

Conclusion
Cancer cells actively receive OA conjugated polymeric photosensitizers for fat metabolic pathway, compared with normal cells. Therefore, a new type of polymeric photosensitizer using cancer metabolic properties has potency in metastatic cancer therapy.
Hip MRI findings and outcomes following imaging-guided hip injections
Authors: Pochon Laura , Peterson Cynthia K. , Sutter Reto , Del Grande Filippo , Ulbrich Erika J. , Pfirrmann Christian W. 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
To determine if MRI findings prior to intra-articular corticosteroid hip infiltration are related to treatment outcomes.

Methods:
This prospective outcome study with retrospective MRI evaluation includes 100 consecutive patients with MRI within 6 months before a therapeutic intra-articular hip injection. Labrum, bone marrow, acetabular and femoral cartilage abnormalities were assessed by two radiologists blinded to patient outcomes: the proportion reporting "improvement" on the Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month follow-up were compared based on MRI findings using χ2. The t-test was used to compare pain change scores with MRI abnormalities.

Results:
Patients with a normal labrum in the posterosuperior quadrant were more likely to report PGIC "improvement" at 1 week compared to labral degeneration (p = 0.048). Significant differences in pain change scores were found at all time points for the labral anteroinferior quadrant (p = 0.001, 1 day; p = 0.010, 1 week; p = 0.034, 1 month) with the highest reduction in patients with labral degeneration. Females were 2.80 times more likely to report clinically relevant "improvement" at 1 day (p = .049) and 2.90 times more likely to report clinically relevant "improvement" at 1 month (p = .045).

Conclusion:
Cartilage defects and marrow abnormalities were not associated with outcomes. Patients with a normal labrum in the posterosuperior quadrant had better outcomes at 1 week. Patients with labral degeneration of the anteroinferior quadrant had higher levels of pain reduction at all time points. Females were significantly more likely to report PGIC "improvement"

Advances in knowledge:
A significant treatment outcome was observed amongst gender, although there were no significant differences in the MRI findings.