bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction in acute kidney injury post cardiac surgery using balanced forced diuresis: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Luckraz Heyman , Giri Ramesh , Wrigley Benjamin , Nagarajan Kumaresan , Senanayake Eshan , Sharman Emma , Beare Lawrence , Nevill Alan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOBJECTIVESOur goal was to investigate the efficacy of balanced forced diuresis in reducing the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) in cardiac surgical patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), using the RenalGuard® (RG) system.METHODSPatients at risk of developing AKI (history of diabetes and/or anaemia; estimated glomerular filtration rate 20–60 ml/min/1.73 m2; anticipated CPB time &gt;120 min; log EuroSCORE &gt; 5) were randomized to the RG system group (n = 110) or managed according to current practice (control = 110). The primary end point was the development of AKI within the first 3 postoperative days as defined by the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, End-stage renal disease) criteria.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in preoperative and intraoperative characteristics between the 2 groups. Postoperative AKI rates were significantly lower in the RG system group compared to the control group [10% (11/110) vs 20.9% (23/110); P = 0.025]. This effect persisted even after controlling for a number of potential confounders (odds ratio 2.82, 95% confidence interval 1.20–6.60; P = 0.017) when assessed by binary logistic regression analysis. The mean volumes of urine produced during surgery and within the first 24 h postoperatively were significantly higher in the RG system group (P &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of blood transfusions, atrial fibrillation and infections and in the median duration of intensive care unit stays between the groups. The number needed to treat with the RG system to prevent AKI was 9 patients (95% confidence interval 6.0–19.2).CONCLUSIONSIn patients at risk for AKI who had cardiac surgery with CPB, the RS RG system significantly reduced the incidence of AKI and can be used safely and reproducibly. Larger studies are required to confirm cost benefits.Clinical trial registration numberNCT02974946
Temperature-sensitive recombinant subtilisin protease variants that efficiently degrade molecular biology enzymes
Authors: Thompson Vanessa C , McGuire Bailey E , Frier Mia S , Legg Max S G , Dyer Tyler W , Gudavicius Geoff , Potter Sheila , Nano Francis E 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTWe used error-prone PCR to generate mutations in a subtilisin protease-encoding gene, and screened for recombinants that expressed temperature-sensitive (TS) variants. From the dozens of mutations that we detected in the recombinant genes we found that those mutations that affected aspartate-75 had the most profound effect on temperature stability. We thus focused our analysis on two variants of subtilisin C, the more heat-sensitive variant 24 (V24), with amino acid changes D75G, L234M and Q274P; and variant 25 (V25), with a single amino acid change, D75A. For V24 a two log-fold reduction in activity occurs in under 10 min at 50°C. For V25, a two log-fold reduction occurs at 60°C, a temperature that reduces the activity of the wild type enzyme by about 30%. The V24 variant fully inactivates enzymes commonly used in molecular biology research and in molecular diagnostics, and is stabilized against autolysis with propylene glycol concentrations of 10% or greater. The subtilisin variants are produced by a strain of Bacillus subtilis that lacks expression of its native secreted proteases, and the variants can be isolated from the supernatants using nickel affinity chromatography.
New Environment, New Invaders—Repeated Horizontal Transfer of LINEs to Sea Snakes
Authors: Galbraith James D. , Ludington Alastair J. , Suh Alexander , Sanders Kate L. , Adelson David L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Although numerous studies have found horizontal transposon transfer (HTT) to be widespread across metazoans, few have focused on HTT in marine ecosystems. To investigate potential recent HTTs into marine species, we searched for novel repetitive elements in sea snakes, a group of elapids which transitioned to a marine habitat at most 18 Ma. Our analysis uncovered repeated HTTs into sea snakes following their marine transition. The seven subfamilies of horizontally transferred LINE retrotransposons we identified in the olive sea snake (Aipysurus laevis) are transcribed, and hence are likely still active and expanding across the genome. A search of 600 metazoan genomes found all seven were absent from other amniotes, including terrestrial elapids, with the most similar LINEs present in fish and marine invertebrates. The one exception was a similar LINE found in sea kraits, a lineage of amphibious elapids which independently transitioned to a marine environment 25 Ma. Our finding of repeated horizontal transfer events into marine snakes greatly expands past findings that the marine environment promotes the transfer of transposons. Transposons are drivers of evolution as sources of genomic sequence and hence genomic novelty. We identified 13 candidate genes for HTT-induced adaptive change based on internal or neighboring HTT LINE insertions. One of these, ADCY4, is of particular interest as a part of the KEGG adaptation pathway “Circadian Entrainment.” This provides evidence of the ecological interactions between species influencing evolution of metazoans not only through specific selection pressures, but also by contributing novel genomic material.
A novel two-layer-integrated microfluidic device for high-throughput yeast proteomic dynamics analysis at the single-cell level
Authors: Chen Kaiyue , Rong Nan , Wang Shujing , Luo Chunxiong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Current microfluidic methods for studying multicell strains (e.g., m-types) with multienvironments (e.g., n-types) require large numbers of inlets/outlets (m*n), a complicated procedure or expensive machinery. Here, we developed a novel two-layer-integrated method to combine different PDMS microchannel layers with different functions into one chip by a PDMS through-hole array, which improved the design of a PDMS-based microfluidic system. Using this method, we succeeded in converting 2 × m × n inlets/outlets into m + n inlets/outlets and reduced the time cost of loading processing (from m × n to m) of the device for studying multicell strains (e.g., m-types) in varied multitemporal environments (i.e., n-types). Using this device, the dynamic behavior of the cell-stress-response proteins was studied when the glucose concentration decreased from 2% to a series of lower concentrations. Our device could also be widely used in high-throughput studies of various stress responses, and the new concept of a multilayer-integrated fabrication method could greatly improve the design of PDMS-based microfluidic systems.
Assessment of the amino acid profile in Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Sriboonvorakul Natthida , Pan-Ngum Wirichada , Poovorawan Kittiyod , Winterberg Markus , Tarning Joel , Muangnoicharoen Sant 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health problem. Early identification of those at risk is necessary to prevent its onset through lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions. T2DM is characterized by metabolic abnormalities, including protein metabolism. Evaluation of the amino acid profile might be beneficial for early assessment.

Methods
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to separate and quantify plasma amino acids from two groups of Thai individuals, patients with T2DM (n=103) and healthy individuals (n=104). Multivariate analysis was applied to compare free amino acid levels between groups. Subgroup analyses of patients with T2DM were performed to assess the association between amino acid profiles and important T2DM clinical characteristics.

Results
The multivariate analysis showed that glutamic acid was significantly associated with T2DM (OR 1.113, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.231) and results from the subgroup analyses showed that this correlation was significant in all subgroups of patients (p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions
This finding needs to be confirmed in larger groups of patients with T2DM to explore glutamic acid as a biomarker for early prevention in particular at-risk groups. An in-depth understanding of the involvement of glutamic acid in T2DM could enhance our understanding of the disease and potentially provide novel interventions.
Introduction
Authors: Chronis-Tuscano Andrea , O’Brien Kelly , Danko Christina M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The etiology of ADHD lies in the brain, yet the quality of the parenting and family environment can scaffold the child’s development to maximize their functioning, while minimizing impairment and the development of comorbid problems. Given that parents and children exert reciprocal, transactional influences on one another, parent and child mental health must both be targeted in parenting interventions for ADHD. In this introduction, the authors present behavioral and cognitive-behavioral theoretical models that lay the foundation for the skills presented in this therapist guide. In addition, general guidelines for delivering this program in both individual and group formats are presented.
Module 1: Psychoeducation and Theoretical Foundations
Authors: Chronis-Tuscano Andrea , O’Brien Kelly , Danko Christina M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In Module 1, parents learn the theoretical foundations for the program. This is a time to build rapport, learn more about the child’s specific problems, identify treatment goals, and instill hope. Parents learn about two foundational models in Module 1: the ABC model of child behavior and the transactional model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and families. The difficulties that children with ADHD experience can contribute to parent stress and/or negative reactions to their child. Parents may feel frustrated, stressed, worried, and/or sad about their child’s behavior. Some parents may blame themselves or feel they’re not doing a good job. On the other hand, the degree to which a parent is responsive and sensitive can help or hinder temperamentally at-risk infants and young children in terms of the later development of ADHD-related problems. Teaching parents effective ways to respond to their child can have important implications for the child’s ongoing adjustment.
Module 8: Working Effectively with the Schools
Authors: Chronis-Tuscano Andrea , O’Brien Kelly , Danko Christina M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In Module 8, parents learn the importance of advocating for their children’s educational needs by developing and maintaining a collaborative working relationship with the school. The most effective outcomes come when parent(s) and school collaboratively work together toward the common goal of helping the child succeed. To be the most effective advocate for the child, parents must understand their educational rights. Parents should also be familiar with evidence-based strategies for addressing academic productivity and behavior management in the classroom (e.g., Daily Report Card [DRC]) so that they know what to ask for. Some parents will need support to appropriately assert themselves in this context, refraining from being either too passive or too aggressive. Other parents will need support with keeping organized records of their children’s psychological evaluations, records, and report cards, which is essential as they prepare for school (IEP, 504 Plan) meetings.
Module 10: Home Point Systems
Authors: Chronis-Tuscano Andrea , O’Brien Kelly , Danko Christina M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
When parents have tried everything and their child is still struggling with compliance, routines, and other serious behaviors, you can suggest a more intensive point/token system. The rationale for this type of system is that children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) respond better to frequent, immediate rewards over delayed rewards. The overall goal of the home point/token system is to make the expected behaviors very explicit and to provide more frequent rewards or consequences contingent on an explicit set of behaviors, using a more structured system of reinforcement. For a system like this to work effectively, it must be implemented consistently across caregivers, which is challenging for many parents. Keeping the system simple and straightforward tends to work best, especially as parents are first learning the principles. It may also be helpful to begin by focusing on one time of day to acclimate parents to the system, later expanding to other times of the day.
Contingent Objects, Contingent Propositions, and Essentialism
Authors: Werner Jonas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTrevor Teitel (2017) has recently argued that combining the assumption that modality reduces to essence with the assumption that possibly some objects contingently exist leads to problems if one wishes to uphold that the logic of metaphysical modality is S5. In this paper I will argue that there is a way for the essentialist to evade the problem described by Teitel. The proposed solution crucially involves the assumption that some propositions possibly fail to exist. I will show how this assumption affords a motivated contingentist response to Teitel’s argument.
Pooling of Upper Respiratory Specimens Using a SARS-CoV-2 Real-time RT-PCR Assay Authorized for Emergency Use in Low-Prevalence Populations for High-Throughput Testing
Authors: Borillo Gwynngelle A , Kagan Ron M , Baumann Russell E , Fainstein Boris M , Umaru Lamela , Li Hai-Rong , Kaufman Harvey W , Clarke Nigel J , Marlowe Elizabeth M 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Nucleic acid amplification testing is a critical tool for addressing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Specimen pooling can increase throughput and conserve testing resources but requires validation to ensure that reduced sensitivity does not increase the false-negative rate. We evaluated the performance of a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use for pooled testing of upper respiratory specimens.

Methods
Positive specimens were selected from 3 prevalence groups, 1%–3%, &gt;3%–6%, and &gt;6%–10%. Positive percent agreement (PPA) was assessed by pooling single-positive specimens with 3 negative specimens; performance was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression. Additionally, we assessed the distributions of RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values for 3091 positive specimens.

Results
PPA was 100% for the 101 pooled specimens. There was a linear relationship between Ct values for pooled and single-tested specimens (r = 0.96–0.99; slope ≈ 1). The mean pooled Ct shifts at 40 cycles were 2.38 and 1.90, respectively, for the N1 and N3 targets. The median Cts for 3091 positive specimens were 25.9 (N1) and 24.7 (N3). The percentage of positive specimens with Cts between 40 and the shifted Ct was 1.42% (N1) and 0.0% (N3).

Conclusions
Pooled and individual testing of specimens positive for SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated 100% agreement, which demonstrates the viability of pooled specimens for SARS-COV-2 testing using a dual-target RT-PCR system. Pooled specimen testing can help increase testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2 with a low risk of false-negative results.
Bank Cleanups, Capitalization, and Lending: Evidence from India
Authors: Chopra Yakshup , Subramanian Krishnamurthy , Tantri Prasanna L 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We examine the Indian bank asset quality review, which doubled the declared loan delinquency rate. Relative economic stability during the exercise and the absence of a capital backstop together make it unique. We find that the expected reduction in information asymmetry does not automatically lead to the recapitalization of banks by markets. The consequent undercapitalization leads to underinvestment and risk-shifting through zombie lending. The impact flows to the real economy through borrowers, including shadow banks, and adversely impacts growth. These findings show that bank cleanup exercises not accompanied by policies aimed at recapitalization may be insufficient even during normal times.
Humans’ pupillary contagion extends to cats and dogs
Authors: Axelsson Emma L , Fawcett Christine 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
When viewing pupil sizes change, our own pupil sizes change, a phenomenon known as pupillary contagion. This involuntary response is reliable between humans but can be affected by familiarity and empathy. We investigated whether the pupillary contagion response occurs for humans viewing familiar species—cats and dogs—and whether it is modulated by preferences for particular species. Pupil sizes were measured while viewing cat, dog and human images with small, medium and large pupils. Trait empathy, cat and dog affiliation and experience were subsequently measured. There was an image pupil size effect, but this did not vary by species. There was greater pupil size change to cats and dogs than to humans, but this might have been due to the varying size and appearance of the cats and dogs. Greater dog affiliation was also associated with smaller overall pupil size change to dogs and larger change to humans, but this did not interact with image pupil size. Dog affiliation might be associated with less arousal to dog images. In sum, pupillary contagion responses indicate a spontaneous transfer of information about internal states and the findings suggest that humans are sensitive to this across species, regardless of individual preference.
Evaluation of the Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation Handover Tool in Improving Communication and Satisfaction Among Jordanian Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Dalky Heyam Fawaz , Al-Jaradeen Rawan Salem , AbuAlRrub Raeda Fawzi 
Published: September 2020

Background
The SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) is a standardized handover tool that has been utilized in health care settings. It has positive impacts on staff communication and patient quality of care. In Jordan, few reports are available about handover tools' impacts.

Purpose
To evaluate the implementation of the SBAR among nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) in Jordan.

Methods
A pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was used. A convenience sample of 71 ICU nurses participated. The 43-item ICU physician-nurse questionnaire was used to measure SBAR effectiveness as measured by the following subscales: general relationship and communication, teamwork and leadership, and job satisfaction.

Results
There was a significant improvement in posttest knowledge scores and in “general relationships and communication” and “satisfaction” scores. There was a significant improvement in both “general relationships and communication” and “satisfaction” posttest scores compared with their pretest scores (t = 16.709, 2.656; P < .001, P < .01) consecutively.

Conclusions
This study revealed a strong indicator to encourage the SBAR utilization among nurses in health care settings. The SBAR has a positive impact on enhancing communication between nurses and increasing their job satisfaction. Thus, the utilization of such a standardized tool that maintains and assures good communication relationships shall increase level of satisfaction. Future studies are recommended to provide further evidence on its feasibility and efficacy as compared with traditional handover tools and among different health care contexts.
Reduction of Postoperative Infections Through Routine Preoperative Universal Decolonization of Advanced Heart Failure Patients With Chlorhexidine and Mupirocin Before Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: George Susan , Leasure A. Renee , McGovern Angela , Horstmanshof Douglas A. 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundLeft ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used in patients with advanced heart failure as bridge to transplant, bridge to decision, or destination therapy. Infections are a major complication associated with LVADs. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common causative organisms associated with LVAD infections. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-colonized patients are at an increased risk for developing MRSA-associated infections. Various studies have demonstrated decolonization of skin with topical chlorhexidine and nares with 2% intranasal mupirocin ointment is effective in reducing MRSA-associated infections.ObjectiveThe objective of this observational study was to examine the impact of a universal decolonization protocol using topical chlorhexidine and intranasal mupirocin ointment for 5 days before LVAD implantation on postoperative infections (30, 60, and 90 days) and 30-day infection-related rehospitalization.MethodsA preoperative universal decolonization with 4% chlorhexidine daily whole-body bath and 2% intranasal mupirocin ointment twice a day for 5 days was implemented for patients undergoing elective LVAD implantation. Using an observational study design, we included a convenience sample of 84 subjects who were established patients in an accredited advanced heart failure program. Thirty-seven patients served in the standard protocol group, and 47 in the universal decolonization protocol group participated in the observational study.ResultsIn the standard protocol group, there were 4 MRSA infections with none in the universal decolonization group (χ2= 5.34,P= .03). In total, there were 8 surgical site infections in the standard protocol group and 1 in the universal decolonization group (χ2= 5.95,P= .01).ConclusionA 5-day universal decolonization protocol before LVAD implantation was effective in reducing total infections as well as MRSA-specific infections.
A UNILATERAL FOVEAL VITELLIFORM LESION IN A CHOROIDEREMIA CARRIER
Authors: Torm Marie E. W. , Eckmann-Hansen Christina , Christensen Søren K. , Larsen Michael 
Published: September 2020

Purpose:
To describe a unilateral foveal vitelliform lesion associated with subnormal visual acuity in a choroideremia carrier.

Methods:
A retrospective case report, assessment of the best-corrected visual acuity, fundus photography, wide-angle scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, and microperimetry.

Results:
A 37-year-old woman with a pathogenic 907C>T mutation in the choroideremia gene encoding Rab escort protein-1 presented with blurred vision in her left eye.
The Snellen best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/32 in the left eye, a unilateral decrease because it was 20/20 in both eyes at the most recent examination nine years earlier. In the left eye, a large vitelliform lesion with a diameter of 1,300 µm had developed in the fovea, whereas in the right eye, a smaller similar lesion was seen close to the fovea. Both eyes showed classical radial patterns of multiple bright fundus patches with associated autofluorescence defects and focal drusenoid lesions of the outer retina.

Conclusion:
With its large size and foveal location the vitelliform lesion in this patient's left eye is an unusual manifestation in an otherwise common Rab escort protein-1 mutation carrier state, and its unilaterality fits the assumption of random X-chromosome inactivation.