bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Fontan failure by classifying the severity of Fontan-associated liver disease: a single-centre cross-sectional study
Authors: Schleiger Anastasia , Kramer Peter , Salzmann Madeleine , Danne Friederike , Schubert Stephan , Bassir Christian , Müller Tobias , Tacke Frank , Müller Hans-Peter , Berger Felix , Photiadis Joachim , Ovroutski Stanislav 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is a hallmark of the failing Fontan circulation, but no general classification of FALD severity exists. In this study, we propose a scoring system to grade the severity of FALD and analyse its applicability for evaluation of Fontan failure.

METHODS
From 2017 to 2019, a total of 129 successive Fontan patients received a comprehensive hepatic assessment. The FALD score was based on results from laboratory testing, hepatic ultrasound and transient elastography by assigning scoring points for each abnormality detected. FALD severity was graded mild, moderate and severe. Haemodynamic assessment was performed using echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and catheterization.

RESULTS
FALD was graded absent/ mild, moderate and severe in 53, 26 and 50 patients, respectively. Cardiopulmonary capacity was significantly impaired in patients with severe FALD compared to patients with absent/mild FALD (P = 0.001). The FALD score significantly correlated with pulmonary artery pressure (P = 0.001), end-diastolic ventricular pressure (P &lt; 0.001), hepatic venous pressure (P = 0.004) and wedged hepatic venous pressure (P = 0.009). Fontan failure was present in 21 patients. FALD was graded moderate in 2 and severe in 19 of these patients. The FALD score accurately discriminated patients with and without Fontan failure (sensitivity 90.5%, specificity 71.3%).

CONCLUSIONS
The FALD score significantly correlates with impaired Fontan haemodynamics. A cut-off value ≥6.0 has a high diagnostic accuracy in detecting Fontan failure.

Clinical trial registry
DRKS (GCTR, German clinical trial registry)

Clinical trial registration number
DRKS00015039
Adopt a Bacterium: a professional development opportunity for teacher assistants
Authors: Taschner N P , de Almeida L G , Pose R A , Ferreira R C C 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Science teaching in most Brazilian Universities tends to focus mainly on lectures and provides few opportunities for the development of modern teaching skills. Our group developed an online tool called Adopt a Bacterium, which consists on a Facebook group where teacher assistants (TAs) can interact with students and have a first contact with student-focused learning approaches. This work shows the TAs’ own assessment of how the tool could be further explored to help them develop skills and become better teachers.
Searching for principles of microbial physiology
Authors: Bruggeman Frank J , Planqué Robert , Molenaar Douwe , Teusink Bas 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTWhy do evolutionarily distinct microorganisms display similar physiological behaviours? Why are transitions from high-ATP yield to low(er)-ATP yield metabolisms so widespread across species? Why is fast growth generally accompanied with low stress tolerance? Do these regularities occur because most microbial species are subject to the same selective pressures and physicochemical constraints? If so, a broadly-applicable theory might be developed that predicts common microbiological behaviours. Microbial systems biologists have been working out the contours of this theory for the last two decades, guided by experimental data. At its foundations lie basic principles from evolutionary biology, enzyme biochemistry, metabolism, cell composition and steady-state growth. The theory makes predictions about fitness costs and benefits of protein expression, physicochemical constraints on cell growth and characteristics of optimal metabolisms that maximise growth rate. Comparisons of the theory with experimental data indicates that microorganisms often aim for maximisation of growth rate, also in the presence of stresses; they often express optimal metabolisms and metabolic proteins at optimal concentrations. This review explains the current status of the theory for microbiologists; its roots, predictions, experimental evidence and future directions.
Helmert transformation strategies in analysis of GPS position time-series
Authors: Guo Shiwei , Shi Chuang , Wei Na , Li Min , Fan Lei , Wang Cheng , Zheng Fu 
Published: August 2020

SUMMARY
Global positioning system (GPS) position time-series generated using inconsistent satellite products should be aligned to a secular Terrestrial Reference Frame by Helmert transformation. However, unmodelled non-linear variations in station positions can alias into transformation parameters. Based on 17 yr of position time-series of 112 stations produced by precise point positioning (PPP), we investigated the impact of network configuration and scale factor on long-term time-series processing. Relative to the uniform network, the uneven network can introduce a discrepancy of 0.7–1.1 mm, 21.3–27.5 μas and 1.3 mm in terms of root mean square (RMS) for the translation, rotation and scale factor (if estimated), respectively, no matter whether the scale factor is estimated. The RMS of vertical annual amplitude differences caused by such network effect reaches 0.5–0.6 mm. Whether estimating the scale factor mostly affects the Z-translation and vertical annual amplitude, leading to a difference of 1.3 mm when the uneven network is used. Meanwhile, the annual amplitude differences caused by the scale factor present different geographic location dependences over the north, east and up components. The seasonal signals derived from the transformation using the uniform network and without estimating scale factor have better consistency with surface mass loadings with more than 41 per cent of the vertical annual variations explained. Simulation studies show that 40–50 per cent of the annual signals in the scale factor can be explained by the aliasing of surface mass loadings. Another finding is that GPS draconitic errors in station positions can also alias into transformation parameters, while different transformation strategies have limited influence on identifying the draconitic errors. We suggest that the uniform network should be used and the scale factor should not be estimated in Helmert transformation. It is also suggested to perform frame alignment on PPP time-series, even though the used satellite products belong to a consistent reference frame, as the origin of PPP positions inherited from satellite orbits and clocks is not so stable during a long period. With Helmert transformation, the seasonal variations would better agree with surface mass loadings, and noise level of time-series is reduced.
Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program: key implementation characteristics of a school peer mentorship program in Canada
Authors: Lopresti Sabrina , Willows Noreen D , Storey Kate E , McHugh Tara-Leigh F 
Published: August 2020

Summary
The Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program (IYMP) is a peer-led health promotion program developed for elementary school students in Indigenous school communities in Canada. A local young adult health leader (YAHL) and high school mentors offer students healthy snacks, physical activity games, relationship building activities and cultural teachings. IYMP aims to improve children’s health and wellbeing and empower Indigenous youth and communities. The purpose of this focused ethnography was to describe the key characteristics of successful IYMP delivery. Two focus groups were conducted with 16 participants (8 YAHLS and 8 youth mentors) from 7 schools followed by 4 individual interviews (3 YAHLs, 1 youth peer mentor). Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Findings were triangulated with IYMP program field observations and notes from IYMP national team meetings. The five characteristics identified as important for IYMP delivery were a sense of ownership by those delivering the program, inclusion of Indigenous Elders/knowledge keepers, establishing trusting relationships, open communication among all stakeholder groups, including community and academic partners, and adequate program supports in the form of program funding, manuals that described program activities, and local and national gatherings between academic and community partners for sharing ideas about the program and its components. This study indicates the importance of respectful partnerships between community and academic leads for program success and sustainability. As IYMP is implemented in more communities and becomes community autonomous, program sustainability may be ensured and implementation challenges mitigated by embedding the identified five essential characteristics within the fabric of IYMP.
A Low-Powered and Highly Selective Trap for Male Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) Surveillance: The Male Aedes Sound Trap
Authors: Staunton Kyran M , Crawford Jacob E , Liu Jianyi , Townsend Michael , Han Yu , Desnoyer Mark , Howell Paul , Xiang Wei , Burkot Thomas R , Snoad Nigel , Ritchie Scott A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
As Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, Diptera: Culicidae) expands its global distribution and vectors a range of debilitating arboviruses there is an increased need for enhanced mosquito surveillance. Consequently, we developed a Male Aedes Sound Trap (MAST) that requires minimal power and is highly species-specific. Two different versions of the MAST were developed, one that uses synthetic pyrethroid to kill captured mosquitoes (MAST Spray) and another which has an internal divider to create a killing chamber in which a sticky panel can be placed to capture mosquitoes (MAST Sticky). We compared weekly capture rates of male Ae. aegypti and bycatch from the two MAST versions to those from BG-Sentinel (BGS) traps and Sound-producing BG-Gravid Aedes Traps (SGATs) throughout Cairns, northern Australia. Weekly mean male Ae. aegypti catches did not significantly differ between trap types. However, the rate of positive weekly detections of male Ae. aegypti was lower for the MAST Sticky than the other three trap types. The MASTs sampled significantly fewer mosquitoes other than male Ae. aegypti, than either the BGS trap or the SGAT. Also, the MASTs and SGATs all caught significantly less non-Culicidae bycatch than the BGS traps. Consequently, we have developed a versatile male Ae. aegypti trap which is potentially of great benefit to Ae. aegypti surveillance programs.
A Survey of Chemoreceptive Responses on Different Mosquito Appendages
Authors: Yang Liu , Agramonte Natasha , Linthicum Kenneth J , Bloomquist Jeffrey R 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResearch on the functions of insect chemoreceptors have primarily focused on antennae (olfactory receptors) and mouthparts (gustatory receptors). However, chemoreceptive sensilla are also present on other appendages, such as the leg tarsi and the anterior wing margin, and their specific roles in chemoreception and mosquito behavior remain largely unknown. In this study, electrophysiological analyses in an electroantennogram recording format were performed on Aedes aegypti (L., Diptera: Culicidae) antennae, mouthparts, tarsi, and wings during exposure to a variety of insect repellent and attractant compounds. The results provide evidence that the tarsi and wings can sense chemicals in a gaseous form, and that the odors produce differing responses on different appendages. The most consistent and strongest response occurred when exposed to triethylamine (TEA). Antennae and mouthparts showed nearly identical responses pattern to all tested compounds, and their rank orders of effectiveness were similar to those of fore- and mid-leg tarsi. Hindleg tarsi only responded to TEA, indicating that the hind legs are not as chemoreceptive. Wings responded to a range of odorants, but with a different rank order and voltage amplitude. Insights gleaned into the function of these appendages in insect chemoreception are discussed.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Tropical Bed Bugs From Two Cities of the Pearl River Delta in China
Authors: Zhang Jingsheng , Xia Yanwei , Wang Changlu , Han Dongliang , Ren Dongsheng , Zheng Jun , Xu Xu , He Yurong , Wang Desen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFrom the 1960s to the 1980s, with the implementation of nationwide ‘Four-Pest Elimination’ campaigns (bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), were listed as one of the targeted pests), bed bug infestations were gradually eliminated in most provinces in China. However, during the last two decades, reports of bed bug infestations in the Pearl River Delta of China have shown an upward trend. Up to now, the bed bug species occurring in this area was much less frequently reported. In this study, we used both morphological and molecular methods to accurately identify the species of bed bugs collected from the cities of Guangzhou and Foshan, China. Results indicated that no significant difference was observed in the mean pronotum width-to-length ratio of Guangzhou (2.6) and Foshan (2.4) specimens; however, both were significantly lower than that of a laboratory strain C. lectularius (3.1). The genetic distances of our specimens with C. hemipterus and C. lectularius were 0–0.2% and 22.2–22.6%, respectively. On the basis of the morphological characteristics and mitochondrial DNA sequence data, it can be affirmed that bed bugs collected from Guangzhou and Foshan were C. hemipterus.
Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Sheep (Ovis aries) With Quinolinic Acid Lesions of the Striatum: Time-Dependent Recovery of N-Acetylaspartate and Fractional Anisotropy
Authors: O’Connell Adam B , Kuchel Timothy R , Perumal Sunthara R , Sherwood Victoria , Neumann Daniel , Finnie John W , Hemsley Kim M , Morton A Jennifer 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We created an excitotoxic striatal lesion model of Huntington disease (HD) in sheep, using the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor agonist, quinolinic acid (QA). Sixteen sheep received a bolus infusion of QA (75 µL, 180 mM) or saline, first into the left and then (4 weeks later) into the right striatum. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the striata were performed. Metabolite concentrations and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured at baseline, acutely (1 week after each surgery) and chronically (5 weeks or greater after the surgeries). There was a significant decrease in the neuronal marker N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and in FA in acutely lesioned striata of the QA-lesioned sheep, followed by a recovery of NAA and FA in the chronically lesioned striata. NAA level changes indicate acute death and/or impairment of neurons immediately after surgery, with recovery of reversibly impaired neurons over time. The change in FA values of the QA-lesioned striata is consistent with acute structural disruption, followed by re-organization and glial cell infiltration with time. Our study demonstrates that MRS and DTI changes in QA-sheep are consistent with HD-like pathology shown in other model species and that the MR investigations can be performed in sheep using a clinically relevant human 3T MRI scanner.
Hunting monolignol transporters: membrane proteomics and biochemical transport assays with membrane vesicles of Norway spruce
Authors: Väisänen Enni , Takahashi Junko , Obudulu Ogonna , Bygdell Joakim , Karhunen Pirkko , Blokhina Olga , Laitinen Teresa , Teeri Teemu H , Wingsle Gunnar , Fagerstedt Kurt V , Kärkönen Anna 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBoth the mechanisms of monolignol transport and the transported form of monolignols in developing xylem of trees are unknown. We tested the hypothesis of an active, plasma membrane-localized transport of monolignol monomers, dimers, and/or glucosidic forms with membrane vesicles prepared from developing xylem and lignin-forming tissue-cultured cells of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), as well as from control materials, comprising non-lignifying Norway spruce phloem and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) BY-2 cells. Xylem and BY-2 vesicles transported both coniferin and p-coumaryl alcohol glucoside, but inhibitor assays suggested that this transport was through the tonoplast. Membrane vesicles prepared from lignin-forming spruce cells showed coniferin transport, but the Km value for coniferin was much higher than those of xylem and BY-2 cells. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of membrane proteins isolated from spruce developing xylem, phloem, and lignin-forming cultured cells revealed multiple transporters. These were compared with a transporter gene set obtained by a correlation analysis with a selected set of spruce monolignol biosynthesis genes. Biochemical membrane vesicle assays showed no support for ABC-transporter-mediated monolignol transport but point to a role for secondary active transporters (such as MFS or MATE transporters). In contrast, proteomic and co-expression analyses suggested a role for ABC transporters and MFS transporters.
Factors associated with treatment failure of high-flow nasal cannula among children with bronchiolitis: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: D’Alessandro Michelle , Vanniyasingam Thuva , Patel Ashaka , Gupta Ronish , Giglia Lucy , Federici Giuliana , Wahi Gita 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Bronchiolitis is the most common viral lower respiratory tract infection in children under age 2 for which high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used. Understanding factors associated with HFNC failure is important to identify patients at risk for respiratory deterioration. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient characteristics associated with HFNC failure in bronchiolitis.

Methods
A retrospective review of patients aged 0 to 24 months, with bronchiolitis who received HFNC within a single tertiary paediatric intensive care unit, between January 2014 and December 2018 was conducted. HFNC treatment failure was defined as escalation to non-invasive positive pressure or invasive mechanical ventilation. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters associated with HFNC failure.

Results
Two hundred eight patients met inclusion criteria, of which 61 (29.33%) failed HFNC. Risk factors for HFNC failure included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.23; P=0.011) and a Modified Tal score greater than 5 at 4 hours of HFNC therapy (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.04, 7.64; P=0.042). Duration of HFNC in hours was protective (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.92, 0.96; P&lt;0.001), such that deterioration is less likely once patients have remained stable on HFNC for a prolonged time.

Conclusion
This is the first study exploring predictors of HFNC failure among Canadian children with bronchiolitis. Patient age, HFNC duration, and Modified Tal score were associated with HFNC failure. These factors should be considered when initiating HFNC for bronchiolitis to identify patients at risk for deterioration.
Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies in premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis women: relation to disease activity and bone loss
Authors: Elsawy Noha A , Mohamed Rim A , Ghazala Rasha A , Abdelshafy Mennatullah A , Elnemr Rehab 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (anti-CarP Abs) are present in patients with RA, however, their association with bone loss is not confirmed. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between the serum level of anti-CarP Abs in premenopausal RA women and disease activity and bone loss.

Methods
This case–control study was conducted on 48 premenopausal women with RA and 48 matched healthy premenopausal women. All RA women were subjected to clinical examination, disease activity assessment using the 28-joint DAS (DAS28) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), functional assessment using the HAQ, physical activity assessment using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), fatigue assessment using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), serological tests as well as anti-CarP Abs using ELISA. Moreover, the BMD was measured by DXA and plain X-ray of both hands was done to assess juxta-articular osteopenia and erosions.

Results
The anti-CarP Abs level was significantly higher in RA patients than in healthy controls. The serum level of anti-CarP Abs had a significant positive correlation with the RA DAS28, CDAI, HAQ, MFIS and original Sharp score, while a significant negative correlation was present with the IPAQ. Anti-CarP Abs were negatively correlated with either spine BMD or Z-score and positively correlated with the original Sharp score.

Conclusion
Anti-CarP Abs were higher in premenopausal RA women compared with older and BMI matched healthy women. Anti-CarP Abs are associated with higher RA disease activity, increased disability and fatigability and decreased physical activity. Moreover, anti-CarP Abs are associated with systemic trabecular bone loss as well as local bone loss.
Prevalence of Chronic Skin Wounds and Their Risk Factors in an Inpatient Hospital Setting in Northern China
Authors: Yao Zexin , Niu Jun , Cheng Biao 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To gain insight into the magnitude of the problem of chronic skin wounds in a hospital in northern China.

METHODS
Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records of cases and controls, including 1,977 patients with chronic skin wounds admitted to the hospital’s medical wards over 5 years. Multiple logistic regression was used to establish factors correlating with the development of chronic wounds.

RESULTS
The total prevalence of chronic wounds increased over the study period, and the occurrence of these wounds was significantly correlated with male sex, married status, unemployment, autumn season, and older age. The primary causes of chronic wounds were infection and diabetic ulcer. There were proportionally more wounds secondary to disease than traumatic wounds. The mean duration of hospitalization for patients with wounds was 13 days, and patients were readmitted an average of 10 times.

CONCLUSIONS
With the rapidly aging population in China, disability and chronic wounds are significant problems. Reducing hospital lengths of stay and readmissions remains a challenge. Palliative care may be appropriate for the management of some chronic wounds to prevent and treat further complications. Establishing funding guarantees and the reasonable allocation of health resources is required.
Natural history and long-term follow-up of Hymenoptera allergy
Authors: Ruëff Franziska 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
Information on the natural history of hypersensitivity reactions is helpful for deciding which patient urgently needs a venom immunotherapy (VIT).

Recent findings
The frequency of self-reported systemic allergic reactions (SAR) to Hymenoptera stings is approximately 3–7% in the Northern Hemisphere. About 25% of SAR are severe (anaphylactic shock). Fatal sting reactions are very rare. The most important risk factor for severe insect sting anaphylaxis is mast cell disease. Other risk factors are higher age, vespid venom allergy (in contrast to honeybee venom allergy), repeated stings, male sex, and treatment with ACE inhibitors. Preceding large local reactions seem not to play a risk factor for subsequent SAR.

Summary
The majority of risk factors for severe anaphylaxis are not modifiable. For patients presenting with well defined risk factors for a very severe or even fatal anaphylaxis, VIT is of utmost importance, and they should be performed for the rest of their life. Sting challenge tests are required to identify patients in whom treatment was ineffective. Those patients, who did not receive VIT although presenting with a firm indication, or in whom VIT was stopped, require yearly monitoring to teach preventive measures and to renew the emergency kit.