bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Window phase analysis of nutrient losses from a typical rice-planting area in the Yangtze river delta region of China
Authors: He Shuang , Li Fayong , LIANG XINQIANG , Li Hua , Wang Sheng , Jin Yingbing , Liu Boyi , Tian Guangming 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Rice paddy wetlands may serve as a nutrient source or sink in agricultural ecosystems. However, the pattern of nutrient loss on a watershed scale is not clear. A year-round on-site observation study based on 6-h intervals was conducted. Rainfall, temperature, runoff nutrient concentrations, and adjacent stream water samples were automatically monitored to uncover the temporal changes in the runoff losses of the predominant nutrient proxies (total N and total P) from a typical rice-planting area (120 ha) in the Yangtze delta region of China. Results: A high total N concentration in the rice-planting area was observed during the rice-planting season; however, significant fluctuation in the total P was evident throughout the year. The Δtotal N (drainage minus stream) parameter showed negative values with a mean of −0.25 mg L -1 , while Δtotal P showed positive values with a mean of 0.06 mg L −1 . The annual average N and P runoff from paddy field were 11.6 kg ha −1 and 1.5 kg ha −1 , respectively. The window phases for the total N loss were mainly concentrated in the rice-growing season. However, the window phase for the total P loss was more dispersive throughout the year. No apparent relationships were found between rainfall and N and P concentrations by self-organizing map analysis. Conclusions: The high-resolution monitoring, in this study, suggested that nutrient loss loading rather than nutrient concentration, was strongly related to surface runoff Therefore, fertilization before high-intensity rainfall should be avoided to mitigate the nutrient runoff losses and maintain the rice wetland eco-function.
Application of alkaline Pulping to Pruned Branches of Citrus limon from Sudan
Authors: Khider Tarig , Omer Safaa Hassan , Elzaki Osman Taha , Mohieldin Salaheldin Dafalla , Shomeina Suhair Kamal 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study to utilize the pruned branches of Citrus limon in pulping with alkaline pulping methods and to determine the suitability of guar gum to improve the strength properties of pulps. The physical properties of these branches exhibited high medium density and very low percentages of bark to wood ratio. The whole chemical components of these raw materials indicated the suitability to pulp with alkaline cooking methods. Alkaline sulfite anthrquinone with methanol methods gave very good screened yield (60.1%), negligible rejects and bleachable Kappa number 19.5 and best strength properties especially tensile and strengths. Alkaline sulfite with anthraquinone gave very good screened yield with small percentage of rejects and bleachable Kappa number. On the other hand soda cooking produced pulps with acceptable yield (41.9%), rejects (3%) and suitable strengths. The soda anthraquinone pulping methods produced pulp with good yields (56 -59.7%).It is obvious the effect of anthraquinone in preserving carbohydrates specifically hemicelluloses which increase the yields and strengths. Guar gum improved the physical properties of pulps when added during beating with (0.25% on oven dry Soda-AQ pulps) It clear the suitability of Citrus limon branches with age of two years in cooking with all alkaline pulping methods applied.
Altered Gut Microbiota in Infants is Associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Severity
Authors: Harding Jeffrey , Siefker David , Vu Luan , You Dahui , Devincenzo John , Pierre Joseph , Cormier Stephania A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Rationale Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the number one cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants. There are still no vaccines or specific antiviral therapies against RSV, mainly due to the inadequate understanding of RSV pathogenesis. Recent data suggest a role for gut microbiota community structure in determining RSV disease severity.Objectives Our objective was to determine the gut microbial profile associated with severe RSV patients, which could be used to help identify future at-risk patients and develop therapeutically protective microbial assemblages that may stimulate immuno-protection.Methods We enrolled 58 infants hospitalized with RSV, 5 were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit and thus considered severe, 53 were admitted to the pediatric ward and considered moderate, and 37 healthy controls collected from infants during “well-baby checkups” from 2012 to 2015. We evaluated the composition of gut microbiota within 72 hours of enrollment in these patients via 16s sequencing of fecal DNA.Measurements and Main Results There was a significant enrichment in S24_7, Clostridiales, Odoribacteraceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Actinomyces in RSV vs. controls. Patients with severe RSV disease had slightly lower alpha diversity (richness and evenness of the bacterial community) of the gut microbiota compared to patients with moderate RSV and healthy controls. Beta diversity (overall microbial composition) was significantly different between all RSV patients (severe and moderate) compared to controls and had significant microbial composition separating all three groups (control, moderate RSV, and Severe RSV). Conclusions Collectively, these data indicate that a unique gut microbial profile that is associated with severe RSV disease. More mechanistic experiments are needed to determine whether the differences observed in gut microbiota are the cause or consequences of severe RSV disease.
Latest trends in L. infantum infection in dogs in Spain (Part II): current clinical management and control according to a national survey in practitioners
Authors: Montoya Ana , Gálvez Rosa , Checa Rocio , Sarquis Juliana , Plaza Alexandra , Barrera Juan Pedro , Marino Valentina , Miró Guadalupe 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a parasitic zoonotic disease, endemic in the Mediterranean basin including Spain. While knowledge about CanL, its management, treatment, prevention and control mounts, it remains unclear whether all clinical veterinarians follow the same international recommendations, such as those of the LeishVet group. This study was thus designed to assess recent trends in the clinical management of CanL in veterinary clinics across Spain through a questionnaire-based survey. Results were compared with those of our prior national multicenter questionnaire administered by our research team in 2005. Methods A questionnaire consisting of 28 questions about CanL was developed using Google Forms and distributed by email to 1428 veterinary clinics in Spain. Questions were designed to obtain data on common clinical signs, techniques and complementary exams used to diagnose the disease, and on its monitoring, treatment and control measures. Data were collected in a database for statistical analysis. Results Completed questionnaires were returned by 295 clinics. Compared to the situation in 2005, replies indicate that clinical signs of CanL have not changed significantly, cutaneous lesions being still the most prevalent sign observed by practitioners. Quantitative serological techniques are considered an adequate approach to diagnosis, provided their results are supported by the findings of a thorough physical exam, as well as complementary tests (complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, plasma protein electrophoretogram and complete urinalysis). Treatment protocols and check-ups follow international recommendations. Finally, a multimodal approach is being endorsed to adequately control CanL including preventive measures such as: annual serological check-ups and the combination of repellents and vaccines. Besides, owners are being better informed about CanL by veterinarians, which translates to the improved control of this zoonosis. Conclusions The clinical management of CanL has recently undergone significant changes owing to improvements in clinical knowledge of the disease, more unified international criteria, improved diagnostic techniques and their adequate interpretation, as well as a greater awareness of the disease transmitted to owners.
Exploring the Necessity of the Establishment of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program from expertise’s view; A Qualitative Study
Authors: rivaz mozhgan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Complex healthcare landscape increasingly demands leaders who are adept at managing change in health care environments. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) prepares nurses for the most advance level of clinical nursing practice. The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of the establishment of the DNP program in Iran from expertise’s view.Methods This study was conducted using a qualitative approach. The participants included thirteen faculty members and PhD candidates who were selected through a purposive sampling. Data were collected through focus group and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results Qualitative data analysis resulted in two main categories: “provide infrastructures” and “DNP: as an opportunity to drive positive changes” with two categories respectively.Conclusion The findings showed although DNP as an opportunity to drive positive changes is necessary in the nursing education, but inadequate resources, cultural, social, and economic differences in the developing countries especially in Iran, are important limitations of the implementation of the DNP. Therefore, a multidisciplinary collaboration to provide a well-integrated means of meeting the needs of the patients recommended for better designing of the DNP and break down the obstacles.
Developing core competencies for pharmacy graduates: The Lebanese Experience
Authors: Sacre Hala , Hallit Souheil , Hajj Aline , Zeenny Rony M , Akel Marwan , Raad Elie , Salameh Pascale 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objectives Nowadays, new roles are emerging in the pharmacy profession, all increasingly focused on competencies and skills. Adopting competency-based educational designs prepares pharmacists for their societal role, ultimately leading to improvement of health care and patient safety. The Lebanese Order of Pharmacists (OPL, the official pharmacy association in Lebanon) took the initiative of developing a pharmacy competency framework with the ultimate goal of standardizing pharmacy education at all universities, and appointed a subcommittee within the scientific committee – the Academic Board – to achieve this task.Methods The work started using a primer developed by a group of academic instructors, who drafted the competencies for Lebanese pharmacists based on international reference documents from various parts of the world. The Academic board reviewed, streamlined and validated the suggested primer.Results Our work distributed competencies over seven axes: fundamental knowledge, professional practice, personal skills, supply of medications, safe and rational use of medications, pharmaceutical public health competencies, and organization and management competencies. These results are expected to homogenize basic pharmacy skills, improve the level of pharmacy graduates, and start a dialogue and a partnership between academic institutions, health care organizations and other pharmacy practice institutions, to address the training needs of the healthcare workforce.Conclusion The results of this project are a first step towards providing information on human resource planning and professional development of the pharmacy workforce, and pave the way for future studies to gather new evidence in this area. This initiative is expected to ensure high-quality, team-based delivery of care by pharmacists that is imperative for improving patient care.
Correlation of Macular Sensitivity Measures and Visual Acuity to Vision-related Quality of Life in Patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Forshaw Thomas , Parpounas Alexandra Kalia , Sørensen Torben Lykke 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Visual acuity is commonly used as a functional outcome measure in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), despite having a weak correlation with self-perceived visual quality of life. Microperimetry is a useful method of detecting loss of macular function. We wanted to investigate the relationship between these two objective visual outcome measures and subjective vision-related quality of life, finding out which objective measure is more patient-relevant. Methods: Fifty-six consecutive patients with AMD were recruited to the study. Participants were required to complete the Visual Function Questionnaire 39, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity examination and a microperimetry assessment using the Micro Perimeter 3. One patient withdrew consent and seven patients dropped out due to cooperation difficulties under microperimetry. Forty-eight patients with AMD were included in the study: thirty-three patients with late AMD (exudative AMD and/or geographic atrophy) and fifteen patients with early (non-exudative) AMD. The right eye was included as standard, as was the eye with the best-corrected visual acuity. Results: There was a higher correlation between vision-related quality of life and macular sensitivity (rho=0.371; p=0.034) than between vision-related quality of life and visual acuity (rho=0.334; p=0.058) in patients with late AMD. These correlations were not statistically significant in patients with early AMD. Composite score (rho=0.405; p=0.019) and near-distance activities score (rho=0.469; p=0.006) correlated highest with the nasal inner macular sub-region in patients with late AMD. Correlations between composite score and macular sub-regions in patients with early AMD were not significant, but near-distance activities score correlated highest with the nasal outer macular sub-region in these patients (rho=0.735; p=0.002). Conclusions: Macular sensitivity as measured using microperimetry correlates significantly better with vision-related quality of life than visual acuity, showing it to be a more patient-relevant outcome measure in patients with late AMD. Furthermore, the nasal sub-regions of the macula appear to be preferred retinal loci in patients with AMD. Trial registration: This study, registration number SJ-618, was registered with the Region Zealand Ethics Committee on 3 rd July 2017.
The incremental prognostic value of sIL-2R and HGF in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhao Haiping , Li Fangfang , Huang Yuyou , Zhang Sijia , Li Lingzhi , Yang Zhenhong , Wang Rongliang , Tao Zhen , Han Ziping , Fan Junfen , Zheng Yangmin , Ma Qingfeng , Luo Yumin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Inflammation affect long-term neurological outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Comprehensive and insightful understanding of correlation of inflammatory mediators and stroke outcome may offer new biomarkers or therapeutic approaches for AIS.Methods: We collected plasma from in 204 AIS patients and 76 healthy controls, and ten cytokines (HGF, IL-1β, IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-5, IL-10, IL-16, MIP-3α, CD40L and MMP1) screened out by Immune Monitoring 65-Plex Human ProcartaPlex Panel were measured. Functional outcome 3 months after stroke was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. To assess the prognostic ability of inflammatory mediators, we applied multivariate logistic regression and construction of multimarker score.Results: HGF, IL-10, IL-1β, MIP-3α, IL-2, sIL-2R, and IL-5 were significantly upregulated in AIS patients compared to control. After multivariable adjustment, sIL-2R (OR, 1.138; 95% CI, 1.028-1.259; P=0.012) and HGF (OR, 1.121; 95% CI, 1.030-1.218; P=0.008) remained individually associated with unfavorable outcomes at 3 months (p < 0.05). Furthermore, adding sIL-2R and HGF to the conventional model significantly improved risk reclassification for unfavorable outcomes (continuous net reclassification improvement 32.18%, p < 0.001; integrated discrimination improvement 10.21%, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Higher plasma sIL-2R was a new independent predictor of unfavorable outcomes in AIS, and incorporation of sIL-2R and HGF into the conventional model significantly improved risk stratification for unfavorable outcomes.
Metagenomic analysis of gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease patients from Central China
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhao Qiang , Fang Xing , Xu Meiling , Tang Jie , Zhang Yu , Gao Ping , Sun Xiaodong , Sang Ming , Wang Puqing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that gut microbiota may be involved in the occurrence and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nevertheless, the alterations in fecal microbiome in PD patients from Central China have not been previously investigated, and the way in which these microbes influence PD remain unclear.Methods: We performed metagenomic shotgun analyses to investigate the gut microbiota composition of 46 Central China PD patients and their healthy spouses. The relationships between microbiota and PD clinical features were analyzed, and functional pathways were compared for further understaning the contributions of gut microbiota in PD. We also explored potential biomarker for PD diagnosis.Results: Microbial communities in the feces of PD patients were notably different from those of healthy spouses at species level. Gut microbiota of patients was characterized by depletion of Subdoligranulum_unclassified and Prevotella_copri, while the Bacteroides_stercoris and Escherichia_coli were markedly elevated. Correlation analysis found that most identified species were negatively correlated with disease clinical features. In particular, Prevotella_copri was negatively correlated with age, H-Y stage, UPDRS total score and UPDRS Ⅲ score. Random forest model indicated that 6 species including Prevotella_copri had good predictive value for disease. Functional analyses of the metagenomes revealed differences in microbiota metabolism. Pathways associated with superpathway of thiamin diphosphate biosynthesis, 4-aminobutanoate degradation, glucose-1-phosphate degradation and methylphosphonate degradation were significant increase in patients, while pathways associated with aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, chorismate biosynthesis, thiamin formation and pyrimidine deoxyribonucleosides salvage were significantly decrease. Functional pathways of Prevotella_copri were mainly concentrated in UMP biosynthesis, S-adenosyl-L-methionine cycle and guanosine ribonucleotides de novo biosynthesis. Conclusion: This study revealed the differences of gut microbiota between PD patients and their healthy spouses. Altered microbiota had correlation with the clinical characteristics of the disease, and maybe used as potential biomarkers for disease status prediction. We also observed differenct functional pathways of gut microbiota in PD patients,which may help to reveal the mechanism of disease occurrence and progression.
A practical staging atlas to study embryonic development of Octopus vulgaris under controlled laboratory conditions
Authors: Deryckere Astrid , Styfhals Ruth , Vidal Erica AG , Almansa Eduardo , Seuntjens Eve 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOctopus vulgaris has been an iconic cephalopod species for neurobiology research as well as for cephalopod aquaculture. It is one of the most intelligent and well-studied invertebrates, possessing both long- and short-term memory and the striking ability to perform complex cognitive tasks. Nevertheless, how the common octopus developed these uncommon features remains enigmatic. O. vulgaris females spawn thousands of small eggs and remain with their clutch during their entire development, cleaning, venting and protecting the eggs. In fact, eggs incubated without females usually do not develop normally, mainly due to biological contamination (fungi, bacteria, etc.). This high level of parental care might have hampered laboratory research on the embryonic development of this intriguing cephalopod. ResultsHere, we present a completely parameter-controlled artificial seawater standalone egg incubation system that replaces maternal care and allows successful embryonic development of a small-egged octopus species until hatching in a laboratory environment. We also provide a practical and detailed staging atlas based on bright-field and light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging for precise monitoring of embryonic development. The atlas has a comparative section to benchmark stages to the different scales published by Naef (1928), Arnold (1965) and Boletzky (2016). Finally, we provide methods to monitor health and wellbeing of embryos during organogenesis. ConclusionBesides introducing the study of O. vulgaris embryonic development to a wider community, this work can be a high-quality reference for comparative evolutionary developmental biology.
Genital chlamydia trachomatis infection: an underestimated sexually transmitted disease in China
Authors: Chen Xinlong , Gan Yanling , Chen Qiu , Ren Zhuo , Li Furong , liu dianchang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Genital chlamydia trachomatis infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease globally. The diagnosis and reporting of genital chlamydia trachomatis infection mainly rely on effective laboratory testing available. The prevalence of genital chlamydia trachomatis infection in China may be largely underestimated, based on the reported data. Methods A survey was conducted among hospitals provided clinical services for STD in Shandong Province in 2018. Basic information on the hospitals, type of laboratory tests provided and cases reported of GCTI were collected and analysed in SPSS 22. Results Among 456 hospitals surveyed, antigen testing, PCR testing, and either antigen or PCR testing were available among 200 (43.9%), 88 (19.3%) and 268 (58.8%) hospitals, respectively. PCR testing was more available among tertiary and secondary hospitals than primary hospitals (X 2 =28.560, P=0.000). Significant differences were observed in the availability of antigen testing, PCR testing, and either antigen or PCR testing among different type of hospitals (X 2 =15.708, P=0.003; X 2 =22.494, P=0.000; X 2 =21.729, P=0.000). In 2018, a total of 1532 cases of GCTI were reported in 99 hospitals. More cases were reported by tertiary and secondary hospitals than primary hospitals (X 2 =24.082, P=0.000). The proportion of different kind of hospitals that reported case of GCTI cases was consistent with that of hospitals provided laboratory testing for GCTI. Conclusion The availability of laboratory testing for GCTI in Shandong province was poor, which may lead to underestimation of prevalence of GCTI. More effort needs to improve the availability of GCTI laboratory testing in order to effectively control of GCTI in Shandong province.