bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns and Plasmid Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Some Swimming Pools in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Onifade A. K. , Francis B. E. , Aiyenuro E. A. 
Published: December 2020

Aims: To evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity profile of bacteria isolated from swimming pools in Akure, Nigeria.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure Ondo state Nigeria between May and July, 2018.
Methodology: Water samples were collected in the morning and evening periods including weekends, from ten (10) swimming pools in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The temperature and the pH of the water samples were measured and recorded at the time of collection. The types and loads of bacteria at different times of each day were determined for each of the swimming pools. Characterization and Identification of the various bacterial isolates were based on Gram-staining techniques and biochemical tests. Antibacterial susceptibility profile of the isolates was evaluated using standard methods. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus being resistant to multiple antibiotics were subjected to plasmid analysis.
Results: Bacteria isolated include; E. coli which had the highest occurrence rate (25%), S. aureus (18.75%), Shigella flexneri (14.50%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.50%), Proteus mirabilis (9.37%), Citrobacter freundii (6.25%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.25%) Enterobacter faecalis (3.13%) and Salmonella bongori (3.13%). Ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin and tarivid recorded remarkable zones of inhibition against the isolates. The isolates were notably resistant towards chloramphenicol and septrin. The isolates were further examined for the presence of conjugative plasmids. The results showed that their resistance was chromosomal mediated.
Conclusion: Despite the fact that these pools meet the World Health Organization minimum requirement, Microbiological examination of the swimming pools revealed that most of them are contaminated with various pathogenic microorganisms which are potentially harmful.
Effects of Herbal Medicine Use on Adherence to Conventional Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Karungi Christine , Asiimwe Philip , Ssentongo Conrad , Tuhaise Sharon Primah , Oloro Joseph 
Published: December 2020

Background: Use of herbal medicines alongside conventional anticancer drugs is common among cancer patients. This may potentially cause reduced adherence to conventional anti-cancer drugs, unpredictable side effects and unknown drug-herb interactions. This in the long run could result in poor clinical outcomes.
Aim: This study was conducted to investigate how use of herbal medicines affects adherence to conventional anti-cancer drugs, to determine the proportion of patients using both conventional and herbal anticancer medicines and to identify the common herbal medicines used alongside conventional anti-cancer drugs by patients at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Oncology unit.
Methods and Findings: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the oncology clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital found in Mbarara district, Uganda. Data was collected between 20th March and 20th April 2019 from 122 participants who met the inclusion criteria with subsequent consenting. Our primary outcome was adherence and secondary outcome was to investigate whether cancer patients use herbal medicines alongside conventional anti-cancer drugs.
Our study had 122 patients most of them belonging to the Banyankole tribe, 75 (61.5%) being males. Of the 72 (59.02%) patients who used herbal medicine, 40 (55.56%) were males and 66.67% of the herbal users reported relief from herbal medicines. Aloe Vera was the most commonly used herb. Most of the patients 77 (63.1%) showed high adherence, this was greater in the non-herbal users than in the herbal users (COR=1.62) though this was not significant (p=0.399).
Conclusion: It is most likely that majority of cancer patients use at least one herb during their course of life. The results did not show a significant relationship between herbal medicine use and adherence to conventional anti-cancer drugs. The high proportion of herbal medicine users calls for more research into the area to provide further information that can help optimize cancer treatment outcomes.
Osteitis in Systemic Sclerosis: A Nationwide Case–Control Retrospective Study
Authors: Cosse Cyril , Kernéis Solen , Lescoat Alain , Pugnet Gregory , Truchetet Marie‐Elise , Priollet Pascal , Diot Elisabeth , Martin Mickael , Maurier François , Viallard Jean François , Agard Christian , Granel Brigitte , Berthier Sabine , Fagedet Dorothée , Watelet Bénédicte , Toquet Ségolène , Luque Paz David , Giret Chloé , Cerles Olivier , Dion Jérémie , Nguyen Christelle , Raffray Loïc , Bertolino Julien , Jourde Wendy , Le Jeunne Claire , Mouthon Luc , Chaigne Benjamin 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by skin fibrosis, vasculopathy, and dysimmunity. Data regarding osteitis in SSc are scarce.MethodsWe performed a nationwide multicenter, retrospective, case–control study including patients with SSc, according to the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification, with a diagnosis of osteitis. The objectives of the study were to describe, to characterize, and to identify associated factors for osteitis in patients with SSc.ResultsForty‐eight patients were included. Twenty‐six patients (54.1%) had osteitis beneath digital tip ulcers. Physical symptoms included pain (36 of 48, 75%), erythema (35 of 48, 73%), and local warmth (35 of 48, 73%). Thirty‐one (65%) patients had median (interquartile range) C‐reactive protein levels >2 mg/liter of 8 (2.7–44.3) mg/liter. On radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, osteitis was characterized by swelling or abscess of soft tissues, with acro‐osteolysis or lysis in 28 patients (58%). Microbiological sampling was performed in 45 (94%) patients. Most pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (43.8%), anaerobes and Enterobacteriaceae (29.1%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.4%). Management comprised antibiotics in 37 (77.1%) patients and/or surgery in 26 (54.2%). Fluoroquinolones were used in 22 (45.8%) patients, and amoxicillin plus β‐lactamase inhibitor in 7 (14.6%). Six (12.6%) patients relapsed, 6 (12.6%) patients had osteitis recurrence, 15 (32%) sequelae, and 2 patients had septic shock and died.ConclusionThis study confirmed digital tip ulcers as an associated factor for osteitis and revealed a high rate of functional sequelae. Antimicrobial therapy with oral fluoroquinolone or intravenous amoxicillin and β‐lactamase inhibitor are used as first‐line antibiotic therapy in SSc patients with osteitis.
Total Synthesis of Calothrixin B via an Intramolecular Baylis‐Hillman Cyclization/6π Electrocyclization/Dehydro‐aromatization Sequence and a Specific Oxidative Quinone Formation
Authors: Liu Yuancui , Xu Mei , Xie Kaiqiang , Liu Sheng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA short total synthesis of bioactive alkaloid calothrixin B have been accomplished with atom and step economy from commercially available starting materials. The key cyclization involved a Baylis−Hillman/6π electrocyclization/dehydroaromatiz‐ation sequence to construct the pentacyclic skeleton. Reduction of the resulting lactam followed by oxidation led to the characteristic quino[4,3‐b]carbazole framework. This intermediate underwent a direct oxidation with high regioselectivity to yield the final product.magnified image
Triage physicians in an academic emergency department: Impact on resident education
Authors: Jen Maxwell , Goubert Ronald , Toohey Shannon , Zuabi Nadia , Wray Alisa 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundOvercrowding in emergency departments (EDs) in the United States has been linked to worse patient outcomes. Implementation of countermeasures such as a physician‐in‐triage (PIT) system have improved patient care and decreased wait times. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how a PIT system affects medical resident education in an academic ED.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational comparison of resident metrics at a single‐site, urban, academic ED before and after implementing a PIT system. Resident metrics of average emergency severity index (ESI), patients‐per‐hour, and in‐training‐examination scores were measured before and six months after the implementation of the PIT system.ResultsIn total, 18,231 patients were evaluated by all residents in the study period before PIT implementation compared to 17,008 in the study period following PIT implementation. The average ESI among patients evaluated by residents decreased from 3.00 to 2.68 (p < 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31 to 0.33), while average resident patient‐per‐hour rate decreased from 1.41 to 1.32 (p < 0.01, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.13] and ITE scores saw no statistically significant change of 76.11 to 78.26 (p = 0.26, 95% CI = −5.75 to 1.45). While these differences are statistically significant, they are likely not clinically significant.ConclusionsOur implementation of PIT system at one academic medical center minimally increased the acuity and minimally decreased the number of patients that residents see. This suggested that in our center, a PIT program did not detract from ED resident clinical education. However, further research with alternative markers in multiple centers is needed.
Outcomes of screening for gammopathies in children and adults with Gaucher disease type 1 in a cohort from Brazil and the United States
Authors: Abell Katherine , Chadwell Sarah E. , Burrow Thomas Andrew , Becker Ana Paula Pizzio , Bailey Laurie , Steele Paul , Zhang Xue , Islas‐Ohlmayer Miguel , Bittencourt Rosane , Schwartz Ida Vanessa Doederlein , Prada Carlos E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMultiple myeloma is the most common hematological malignancy in Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1). There is a lack of outcome data and consensus regarding screening of gammopathies. This study explores utility of screening in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and Cincinnati, Ohio. A retrospective analysis of clinical information and laboratory data from GD1 patients was performed. Over 19 years, 68 individuals with GD1 (31 males, 37 females) underwent screening, and 20 (29.4%) had abnormalities. Twelve (17.6%) had polyclonal gammopathy (mean age 24.2 years, p = .02), seven (10%) had monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS; mean age 52.7 years, p = .009). One had multiple myeloma (age 61 years). Risk factors for MGUS included male gender (p = .05), p.N409S allele (p = .032). MGUS developed in six of 62 treated and two of four untreated individuals. Of those with MGUS receiving treatment, four were on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and one on substrate reduction therapy (SRT). Gammopathy normalized in 13 treated individuals (10 polyclonal, three MGUS) and remained abnormal in two treated individuals (two polyclonal, two MGUS). Gammopathy relapse was seen in one individual with MGUS and three with polyclonal gammopathy. This study describes screening for gammopathies and identifies risk factors in individuals with GD1.
Concurrent measurement of nitrate and ammonium in water and soil samples using ion‐selective electrodes: Tackling sensitivity and precision issues
Authors: Fayose Tolulope , Thomas Ellen , Radu Tanja , Dillingham Peter , Ullah Sami , Radu Aleksandar 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we demonstrate the suitability, sensitivity, and precision of low‐cost and easy‐to‐use ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) for concurrent detection of NH4+ and NO3‐ in soil and water by technical and non‐technical end‐users to enable efficient soil and water management exposed to chronic reactive nitrogen loading. We developed a simplified methodology for sample preparation followed by the demonstration of an analytical methodology resulting in improvements of sensitivity and precision of ISEs. Herein, we compared and contrasted ISEs with traditional laboratory‐based technique such as Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) and portable colorimetric assay followed by comparisons of linear regression and Bayesian nonlinear calibration approaches applied on both direct potentiometry and standard addition modes of analysis in terms of in‐field applications and improvement of sensitivity and precision. The ISEs were validated for sensing on a range of ambient soil and water samples representing a range of NH4+ and NO3‐ concentrations from pristine to excessive saturation conditions. Herein developed methodology showed excellent agreement with lab‐based and portable analytical techniques while demonstrating improvements in precision and sensitivity analysis illustrated by a decrease in confidence intervals by 50‐60%. We also demonstrated the utilization of the entire ISE response curve thus removing the biases originating from linear approximation which is often currently employed. Therefore, we show that ISEs are robust yet low cost and an easy to use technology that can enable high‐frequency measurement of mineral N and help to improve our understanding of N transformation processes as influenced by soil management, fertilization, land use, and climate change.
Can we identify cystic fibrosis from skeletal remains? A proposed differential diagnosis
Authors: Beasley Melanie M. , Remy Clare K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disease within populations with European ancestry and affects approximately 60,000 individuals living in North America and Europe. With recent medical advancement, the life span of CF patients has been extended by decades and bone disease has been observed as a common complication of long‐term survivors. In addition to bone disease and associated bone fracturing, living CF patients have a unique etiology of chronic sinusitis, which manifests as a medial bulge in the lateral walls of the nasal aperture, distinct from non‐CF chronic sinusitis. We suggest that available data from medical literature is sufficient evidence to indicate that CF can be identified during skeletal analysis, but future work is needed to quantify the sensitivity of the lesions for confirming a CF diagnosis.
Regulation of Synovial Inflammation and Tissue Destruction by Guanylate Binding Protein 5 in Synovial Fibroblasts From Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rats With Adjuvant‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Haque Mahamudul , Singh Anil K. , Ouseph Madhu M. , Ahmed Salahuddin 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) are crucial mediators of synovial inflammation and joint destruction. However, their intrinsic immunoregulatory mechanisms under chronic inflammation remain unclear. Thus, the present study was undertaken to understand the role of a newly identified GTPase, guanylate binding protein 5 (GBP‐5), in RA pathogenesis.MethodsThe expression of GBP1–GBP7 transcripts was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in RA synovial tissue or synovial tissue unaffected by RA. Our investigation on transient small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown and lentiviral overexpression in human RASFs examined the regulatory role of GBP‐5 on proinflammatory cytokine signaling pathways. Unbiased whole transcriptome RNA sequencing analysis was used to assess the impact of GBP‐5 on RASF molecular functions. These findings were confirmed using a rat model of adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AIA) in vivo.ResultsAmong different GBPs evaluated, GBP‐5 was selectively up‐regulated in RA synovial tissue (P < 0.05; n = 4) and in the joints of rats with AIA (P < 0.05; n = 6) and was significantly induced in human RASFs by interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and/or interferon‐γ (IFNγ) (P < 0.05; n = 3). Bioinformatics analysis of RNA sequencing data identified cytokine–cytokine receptor signaling as a major function altered by GBP‐5, with IL‐6 signaling as a primary target. Knockdown of GBP‐5 amplified IL‐1β–induced IL‐6, IL‐8, and epithelial neutrophil–activating peptide 78/CXCL5 production by 44%, 54%, 45%, respectively, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) production by several‐fold—effects that reversed with exogenously delivered GBP‐5. Lack of GBP‐5 increased IFNγ‐induced proliferation and migration of human RASFs. GBP‐5 knockdown in vivo using intraarticular siRNA exacerbated disease onset, severity, synovitis, and bone destruction in rat AIA.ConclusionExpressed by RASFs in response to cytokine stimulation, GBP‐5 has potential to restore cellular homeostasis and blunt inflammation and tissue destruction in RA.
Early neurological deterioration in cardiogenic cerebral embolism due to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Predisposing factors and clinical implications
Authors: Cong Lin , Ma Weining 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate factors which may predispose patients to early neurological deterioration (END) and explore peripheral biomarkers for the prediction of END in cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE) patients.MethodsPatients diagnosed with CCE within 24 hr of onset between January 2017 and January 2019 were included in this study. END was defined as an increase of ≥2 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or the emergence of new neurological symptoms within 3 days of admission. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated with END. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then generated to determine the predictive value of the potential biomarkers and the optimal cutoff values.ResultsOf the 129 (male, 55.81%; mean age 71.85 ± 11.99 years) CCE patients, 55 patients with END were identified. Hemorrhage transformation (HT), coronary heart disease (CHD), diastolic blood pressure, cystatin C levels, NIHSS score, and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) at admission were independently associated with END. A peripheral cystatin C level ≥ 1.41 mg/L and a PLR ≥ 132.97 were predictive factors for END in CCE patients. The lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) was negatively independently associated with HT, and LMR < 2.31 may predict the occurrence of HT in patients with CCE.ConclusionsOf the potential predisposing factors considered, increased cystatin C and PLR were associated with END within 3 days of CCE, and a decreased LMR may have predictive value for HT in CCE patients.
Antemortem diagnosis of human rabies: A case report
Authors: Goravey Wael , Husain Ahmed , Ali Gawahir A. , Al Maslamani Muna A. , Ziglam Hisham 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAntemortem diagnosis of rabies is challenging, and usually, more than one test modality is needed to confirm the diagnosis. No effective treatment exists so far, and the Milwaukee Protocol is debatable.
Novel doses of sacubitril/valsartan in patients unable to tolerate traditional therapy: Effects on N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide levels
Authors: Pandey Amitabh C. , Jer Derek , Kuo Ruth S. , Yoo David H. , Christophy Antonio , Mohan Rajeev C. , Srivastava Ajay V. , Heywood James Thomas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundWidespread use of angiotensin receptor blocker and neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) remains low, and many patients are unable to tolerate the medication due to hypotension at the currently recommended starting dose.HypothesisThe aim of this study is to assess if lower than standard doses of ARNI, sacubitril/valsartan (S/V), significantly reduces NT‐proBNP and leads to any change in diuretic dose, serum potassium, or creatinine.MethodsIn a retrospective study of 278 patients who were started on a low dose S/V at a single medical center, 45 patients were selected for the study cohort. Patients were subcategorized to Group 1 (n = 10): very low dose S/V (half a tab of 24/26 mg BID), Group 2 (n = 10): very low dose titrated to low dose S/V, and Group 3 (n = 25): low dose S/V (24/26 mg BID). NT‐proBNP, diuretic dose, serum potassium, and creatinine were compared before and after initiation of S/V.ResultsAmong all groups, there was a significant reduction in NT‐proBNP level (Group 1: p < .01, Group 2: p < .01, and Group 3: p < .001). In addition, there was a significant reduction in diuretic dose across all groups combined (furosemide 53 mg/day vs. 73 mg/day; p = .03), with 17.8% (8/45) patients being able to discontinue their diuretic completely. There was no significant change in potassium or creatinine.ConclusionsLower than standard dose of S/V significantly reduces NT‐proBNP and diuretic requirement without change in potassium or creatinine, which provides hope that patients who cannot tolerate standard doses of S/V due to hypotension may be able to receive the benefits of S/V therapy.
Development of fin‐innervating motor neurons after peripheral target removal in medaka fish
Authors: Chiba Akina , Soma Kenichi , Watanabe Keisuke , Nagashima Hiroshi , Sato Noboru 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPeripheral targets regulate the development and survival of the nerve centers that serve them, because the elimination of the target normally results in massive death of the developing neurons that innervate it. This widely accepted theory appears to be well supported by developing limbs and their innervation in tetrapods, but it is unclear whether this concept applies to primitive vertebrates that have paired appendages. In this study, we examined the development of spinal motor neurons following pectoral fin bud removal (FBR) in medaka fish. After FBR, motor axons initially extended to the plexus region in a morphologically normal pattern. During the period of fin innervation, motor axons in the FBR‐medaka failed to form the normal brachial plexus and elongated ventrally toward the abdominal region. In the ventral horn that would normally innervate the pectoral fin, however, neurons did not undergo cell death following FBR. There were no differences in the numbers of axons in the ventral roots between the FBR and control sides. Motor neuron markers, RALDH2 and FOXP1, that are expressed in limb‐innervating motor neurons in the lateral motor column in tetrapods, were also expressed in the ventral horns of both the control and FBR sides in medaka fish. These results suggest that, although both tetrapod and medaka motor neurons share the same molecular characteristics for innervating paired appendages, the fates of neurons differ following the removal of their peripheral target. Therefore, the relationship between the peripheral target and its nerve center may be altered among vertebrates.
Ecosystem engineering in the streambed: Net‐spinning caddisflies influence hydraulic properties
Authors: MacDonald Michael J. , Albertson Lindsey K. , Poole Geoffrey C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHydropsychid (net‐spinning caddisfly) larvae are aquatic macroinvertebrate ecosystem engineers, altering streambed properties by creating silk nets and retreats. Recent research has shown that caddisfly silk binds stream sediments and alters streambed cohesion, yet potential influences of caddisfly activity on streambed hydrologic properties have not received similar scrutiny. Utilizing a novel downward flow permeameter, we demonstrate how net‐spinning caddisfly colonization of the streambed interstitia at moderate but common densities (2000 m−2) can reduce vertical hydraulic conductivity (KV) by up to 55% in streambed sediments (coarse sand—medium gravel; median diameter = 12.91 mm). Additionally, organic matter content within sediment columns showed that occupation by caddisflies resulted in twice the ash‐free dry mass (AFDM) of noncaddisfly (primarily microbial) organic matter at the end of our experiments relative to control systems that lack caddisflies. These results suggest that net‐spinning caddisflies may restrict hyporheic exchange, alter streambed hydrologic residence time distributions and increase per‐unit‐volume biotic metabolic demand for stream solutes in the hyporheic zone, with the potential to alter whole‐stream biogeochemical processes.