bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coverage rates against vaccine-preventable diseases among healthcare workers in Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Ledda Caterina , Rapisarda Venerando , Maltezou Helena C , Contrino Eleonora , Conforto Arianna , Maida Carmelo Massimo , Tramuto Fabio , Vitale Francesco , Costantino Claudio 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) reduces the risk of occupational vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), prevents their nosocomial transmission and preserves healthcare delivery during outbreaks. Extensive implementation of vaccination programmes for HCWs allowed the elimination or control of several VPDs within healthcare facilities; despite these, the vaccine adherence rates among HCWs are persistently suboptimal.

Methods
A questionnaire was self-administered by HCWs to assess their vaccination rates against several VPDs and self-reported immunity in two university hospitals of Southern Italy (Catania and Palermo).

Results
A total of 2586 questionnaires were analysed. More than 50% of HCWs did not know their own immunization status against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. More than half of the HCWs interviewed at University Hospital (UH) of Catania (UHC) was immune against measles (72.1%), in contrast with data reported at the UH of Palermo (UHP) (45.9%). Immunization status against mumps (67.5% UHC vs. 40.6% UHP), rubella (69.9% UHC vs. 46.6% UHP) and varicella (70.4% UHC vs. 50.7% UHP). Overall, about 30% of HCWs did not know their own immunization status against these VPDs. Moreover, 84.2% at UHC and 66.7% at UHP stated that was previously vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Conclusion
Vaccination coverage rates reported from the HCWs against influenza during the last three seasons were considerably low. In conclusion, totally inadequate vaccination rates against several VPDs were found in two university hospitals in Sicily, in terms of preventing not only disease transmission by susceptible HCWs, but also nosocomial outbreaks, confirming data from previous national and international studies.
Health literacy and adherence to treatment in different districts in Chile
Authors: Durán Doris , Retamal Ignacio , Ochoa Tatiana , Monsalves Maria Jose 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe relationship between health literacy and adherence has been described in medical literature, especially for patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the relevance that an individual’s local context can have has not been considered. This study aimed to examine the association of both concepts at a population level and estimate the correlation between health literacy and adherence to pharmacological treatment in adults from 14 districts in different regions in Chile. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 14 districts from 3 different regions of Chile. Sampling was carried out by volunteers. Three questionnaires were applied: sociodemographic; Morisky-Green-Levine (MMAS-4) and the Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish Adults test (SAHLSA-50). Data were analyzed descriptively, and a Multilevel Poisson Regression model was fitted to evaluate the relationship between health literacy and adherence to pharmacological treatment, considering the districts as fixed intercepts. A total of 1,336 persons were surveyed; 811 self-reported as having at least 1 NCD. A 83.4% had adequate literacy and 37.1% were adherent to pharmacological treatment, regardless of their health literacy. A 3.6% (variance partition coefficient = 0.036) correlation of adherence to treatment was observed in respondents living in the same district. Those with inadequate health literacy had a 12% greater prevalence of being non-adherent (prevalence ratio 1.12; IC 95% 0.87 − 1.47) when adjusting for individual variables. These results could suggest that the individual’s local context does not influence the relation of functional health literacy and adherence to pharmacological treatment in populations with basic and intermediate levels of education. We suggest further studies in this matter.
On the W 2
p Estimate for Oblique Derivative Problem in Lipschitz Domains
Authors: Dong Hongjie , Li Zongyuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to establish $W^2_p$ estimate for non-divergence form 2nd-order elliptic equations with the oblique derivative boundary condition in domains with small Lipschitz constants. Our result generalizes those in [ 16] and [ 17], which work for $C^{1,\alpha }$ domains with $\alpha&gt; 1-1/p$. As an application, we also obtain a solvability result. An extension to fully nonlinear elliptic equations with the oblique derivative boundary condition is also discussed.
Ideal conditions for increased trapping success of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) across the Great Basin
Authors: Crowell M M , Shoemaker K T , Matocq M D 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Sagebrush-steppe ecosystems are one of the most imperiled ecosystems in North America and many of the species that rely on these habitats are of great conservation concern. Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are one of these species. They rely on sagebrush year-round for food and cover, and are understudied across their range in the intermountain west due in part to their recalcitrance to standard capture techniques. Identifying an efficient and minimally biased trapping method therefore is a critical first step in learning more about this species. We assessed how trap orientation and weather characteristics influenced trap success for Tomahawk traps placed in and around pygmy rabbit burrows by carrying out trapping surveys at 16 occupied pygmy rabbit sites across the Great Basin from 2016 to 2018. We found that pygmy rabbits had a greater probability of being captured in traps with the open end facing away from burrow entrances. Pygmy rabbits also were more likely to be captured on clear days (0–5% cloud cover) and during periods of cooler temperatures during summer months (June–August). We found no evidence that sex or age ratios differed, or that individuals differed meaningfully, in their preference for certain trap orientations. To increase trap success for pygmy rabbits, we suggest maximizing trapping effort during summer months, at dawn, and maximizing the proportion of Tomahawk traps facing away from burrow entrances. We anticipate that our monitoring protocol will enable more effective research into the ecology and conservation of this cryptic and potentially imperiled species.
Phaeochromocytoma recurrence in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A
Authors: Gupta Rishabh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a hereditary syndrome associated with tumours of the endocrine system. Principally, it is characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with some individuals also developing phaeochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism. Patients with fewer than two clinical features require either an identification of a germline rearranged in transfection mutation, or MEN2A characteristics in first-degree relatives, to establish a diagnosis of MEN2A. We present the case of a 54-year-old female with MEN2A, diagnosed by genetic screening, due to a substantial history of the disease in her ancestry. This case outlines the successful treatment of recurrent phaeochromocytoma, through the medium of radioactive iobenguane as an adjunct to surgical management. The report focuses particularly on the significance of innovative treatment strategies and forthcoming approaches to improve patient care in treating phaeochromocytoma in MEN2A.
Beneficial rhizobacteria Pseudomonas simiae WCS417 induce major transcriptional changes in plant sugar transport
Authors: Desrut Antoine , Moumen Bouziane , Thibault Florence , Le Hir Rozenn , Coutos-Thévenot Pierre , Vriet Cécile 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Plants live in close relationships with complex populations of microorganisms, including rhizobacterial species commonly referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR are able to improve plant productivity, but the molecular mechanisms involved in this process remain largely unknown. Using an in vitro experimental system, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and the well-characterized PGPR strain Pseudomonas simiae WCS417r (PsWCS417r), we carried out a comprehensive set of phenotypic and gene expression analyses. Our results show that PsWCS417r induces major transcriptional changes in sugar transport and in other key biological processes linked to plant growth, development, and defense. Notably, we identified a set of 13 genes of the SWEET and ERD6-like sugar transporter gene families whose expression is up- or down-regulated in response to seedling root inoculation with the PGPR or exposure to their volatile compounds. Using a reverse genetic approach, we demonstrate that SWEET11 and SWEET12 are functionally involved in the interaction and its plant growth-promoting effects, possibly by controlling the amount of sugar transported from the shoot to the root and to the PGPR. Altogether, our study reveals that PGPR-induced beneficial effects on plant growth and development are associated with changes in plant sugar transport.
Soybean TILLING-by-Sequencing+ reveals the role of novel GmSACPD members in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis while maintaining healthy nodules
Authors: Lakhssassi Naoufal , Zhou Zhou , Liu Shiming , Piya Sarbottam , Cullen Mallory A , El Baze Abdelhalim , Knizia Dounya , Patil Gunvant B , Badad Oussama , Embaby Mohamed G , Meksem Jonas , Lakhssassi Aicha , AbuGhazaleh Amer , Hewezi Tarek , Meksem Khalid 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Developing soybean lines with high levels of stearic acid is a primary goal of the soybean industry. Most high-stearic-acid soybeans carry different GmSACPD-C mutated alleles. However, due to the dual role of GmSACPD-C in seeds and nodule development, all derived deleterious GmSACPD-C mutant alleles are of extremely poor agronomic value because of defective nodulation. The soybean stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase (GmSACPD) gene family is composed of five members. Comparative genomics analysis indicated that SACPD genes were duplicated and derived from a common ancestor that is still present in chlorophytic algae. Synteny analysis showed the presence of segment duplications between GmSACPD-A/GmSACPD-B, and GmSACPD-C/GmSACPD-D. GmSACPD-E was not contained in any duplicated segment and may be the result of tandem duplication. We developed a TILLING by Target Capture Sequencing (Tilling-by-Sequencing+) technology, a versatile extension of the conventional TILLING by sequencing, and successfully identified 12, 14, and 18 ethyl methanesulfonate mutants at the GmSACPD-A, GmSACPD-B, and GmSACPD-D genes, respectively. Functional analysis of all identified mutants revealed an unprecedented role of GmSACPD-A, GmSACPD-B, and GmSACPD-D in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis without affecting nodule development and structure. This discovery will positively impact the development of high-stearic-acid lines to enhance soybean nutritional value without potential developmental tradeoffs.
The Development and Implementation of Specimens for Accident Forensic Toxicology Investigation Kit for Special Operations Forces
Authors: Caldara Gabrielle N , Isbester Michelle , Sartori David , Wilson Ramey L 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Introduction
After a vehicle rollover led to the death of a military member in Central Africa in 2018, it became apparent there was a significant gap in the capability to collect toxicology samples of Service Members involved in accidents and mishaps at remote Special Operations Forces locations in Africa. Multiple misconceptions surrounding sample collection, procedures for laboratory evaluation, and methods for shipment signaled the importance of establishing a procedure and a plan to provide the necessary medical inventory to properly collect and ship samples.

Materials and Methods
The Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) Surgeon’s Office gathered the appropriate supplies for collection of forensic toxicology samples, and simultaneously developed a step-by-step checklist to safely and correctly perform urine and blood collection. The procedures were further improved after the completion of cognitive interviews with a Navy corpsman and Army Civil Affairs medic. Multiple shipping iterations occurred to ensure safe movement and arrival of samples at Armed Forces Medical Examiner System Dover AFB. Two Separate Specimens for Accident Forensic Toxicology Investigation Kits were generated to accommodate personnel typically associated with accidents involving vehicles and aircraft.

Results
SOCAFRICA’s toxicology kit supports legal and medical chain of custody requirements for investigations, and provides deployed forces in Africa with a mechanism to collect and ship samples from Africa to Dover AFB. The kits are provided to ensure these samples are successfully analyzed, thereby removing any ambiguity surrounding an accident or mishap.

Conclusion
SOCAFRICA established a prepared kit with all of the materials for sample collection, accompanied by step-by-step descriptions of the procedure, and clear guidance on the proper completion of the requisite paperwork that meets medico-legal requirements.
Formation of the large nearby galaxies
Authors: Peebles P J E 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTSimulations of galaxy formation tend to place star particles in orbits seriously different from circular in numbers far larger than seem reasonable for the bulges and stellar haloes of the nearby L ∼ L* galaxies that can be examined in particularly close detail. I offer an example of how the situation might be improved: a prescription for non-Gaussian initial conditions on the scale of galaxies.
Exploring Protein Space: From Hydrolase to Ligase by Substitution
Authors: Hecht Nir , Monteil Caroline L , Perrière Guy , Vishkautzan Marina , Gur Eyal 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The understanding of how proteins evolve to perform novel functions has long been sought by biologists. In this regard, two homologous bacterial enzymes, PafA and Dop, pose an insightful case study, as both rely on similar mechanistic properties, yet catalyze different reactions. PafA conjugates a small protein tag to target proteins, whereas Dop removes the tag by hydrolysis. Given that both enzymes present a similar fold and high sequence similarity, we sought to identify the differences in the amino acid sequence and folding responsible for each distinct activity. We tackled this question using analysis of sequence–function relationships, and identified a set of uniquely conserved residues in each enzyme. Reciprocal mutagenesis of the hydrolase, Dop, completely abolished the native activity, at the same time yielding a catalytically active ligase. Based on the available Dop and PafA crystal structures, this change of activity required a conformational change of a critical loop at the vicinity of the active site. We identified the conserved positions essential for stabilization of the alternative loop conformation, and tracked alternative mutational pathways that lead to a change in activity. Remarkably, all these pathways were combined in the evolution of PafA and Dop, despite their redundant effect on activity. Overall, we identified the residues and structural elements in PafA and Dop responsible for their activity differences. This analysis delineated, in molecular terms, the changes required for the emergence of a new catalytic function from a preexisting one.
Recent advances in the nucleolar responses to DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Korsholm Lea Milling , Gál Zita , Nieto Blanca , Quevedo Oliver , Boukoura Stavroula , Lund Casper Carstens , Larsen Dorthe Helena 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDNA damage poses a serious threat to human health and cells therefore continuously monitor and repair DNA lesions across the genome. Ribosomal DNA is a genomic domain that represents a particular challenge due to repetitive sequences, high transcriptional activity and its localization in the nucleolus, where the accessibility of DNA repair factors is limited. Recent discoveries have significantly extended our understanding of how cells respond to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the nucleolus, and new kinases and multiple down-stream targets have been identified. Restructuring of the nucleolus can occur as a consequence of DSBs and new data point to an active regulation of this process, challenging previous views. Furthermore, new insights into coordination of cell cycle phases and ribosomal DNA repair argue against existing concepts. In addition, the importance of nucleolar-DNA damage response (n-DDR) mechanisms for maintenance of genome stability and the potential of such factors as anti-cancer targets is becoming apparent. This review will provide a detailed discussion of recent findings and their implications for our understanding of the n-DDR. The n-DDR shares features with the DNA damage response (DDR) elsewhere in the genome but is also emerging as an independent response unique to ribosomal DNA and the nucleolus.
Epidemiologic and Microbiologic Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients Co-colonized With Multiple Species of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the United States
Authors: Adediran Timileyin , Harris Anthony D , Johnson J Kristie , Calfee David P , Miller Loren G , Nguyen M Hong , Morgan Daniel J , Goodman Katherine E , Hitchcock Stephanie , Pineles Lisa , O’Hara Lyndsay M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We describe the epidemiologic and microbiologic characteristics of patients co-colonized with different species of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) from 5 hospitals in 4 states. Twenty-eight of 313 patients (8.9%) were co-colonized with at least 2 different CRE species. Different species within the same patient showed identical mechanism resistance in 18/28 (64%) cases.
Disseminated Nannizziopsis Infection in an Adolescent With a STAT1 Mutation
Authors: Most Zachary M , Lieu Tiffany , Filkins Laura , Nicolaides Rory , Rakheja Dinesh , Gelfand Andrew , Kahn Jeffrey 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn adolescent with failure to thrive developed cuboid bone osteomyelitis and brain abscesses. Mold isolated from both locations was identified by universal genetic sequencing as Nannizziopsis spp, which is typically a pathogen of reptiles. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with a STAT1 mutation and was successfully treated.
Quantum-corrected thermodynamics and P–V criticality of self-gravitating Skyrmion black holes
Authors: Khan Yawar H , Ganai Prince A , Upadhyay Sudhaker 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We study the quantum-corrected thermodynamics of a class of black holes generated by self-gravitating Skyrmion models. One such black hole solution is the Einstein–Skrymion black hole. We first compute the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner mass of an Einstein–Skyrmion black hole using an on-shell Hamiltonian formalism already present in the literature. We then consider nonextended phase space thermodynamics and derive expressions for various thermodynamic quantities like the Hawking temperature, entropy, pressure, Gibbs free energy, and heat capacity. Next, we study the effect of quantum corrections on the thermodynamics of the Einstein–Skyrmion black hole. We observe that apart from leading to stability, the quantum correction induces an anti-de Sitter to de Sitter phase transition in the Einstein–Skrymion black hole. Treating the cosmological constant as the pressure, we determine the $P$–$V$ criticality of the Einstein–Skrymion black hole and observe that it depends on the model parameters $\lambda$ and $K$. This study of the $P$–$V$ criticality could help to estimate the experimental bound on the values of $\lambda$ and $K$.
Arbitrage Portfolios
Authors: Kim Soohun , Korajczyk Robert A , Neuhierl Andreas 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We propose a new methodology for forming arbitrage portfolios that utilizes the information contained in firm characteristics for both abnormal returns and factor loadings. The methodology gives maximal weight to risk-based interpretations of characteristics’ predictive power before any attribution is made to abnormal returns. We apply the methodology to simulated economies and to a large panel of U.S. stock returns. The methodology works well in our simulation and when applied to stocks. Empirically, we find the arbitrage portfolio has (statistically and economically) significant alphas relative to several popular asset pricing models and annualized Sharpe ratios ranging from 1.31 to 1.66.
A phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study of oral seletalisib in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Juarez Maria , Diaz Nieves , Johnston Geoffrey I , Nayar Saba , Payne Andrew , Helmer Eric , Cain Dionne , Williams Paulette , Devauchelle-Pensec Valerie , Fisher Benjamin A , Giacomelli Roberto , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Guggino Giuliana , Kvarnström Marika , Mariette Xavier , Ng Wan Fai , Rosas José , Sánchez Bursón Juan , Triolo Giovanni , Barone Francesca , Bowman Simon J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
This phase 2 proof-of-concept study (NCT02610543) assessed efficacy, safety and effects on salivary gland inflammation of seletalisib, a potent and selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, in patients with moderate-to-severe primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS).

Methods
Adults with PSS were randomized 1:1 to seletalisib 45 mg/day or placebo, in addition to current PSS therapy. Primary end points were safety and tolerability and change from baseline in EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score at week 12. Secondary end points included change from baseline at week 12 in EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) score and histological features in salivary gland biopsies.

Results
Twenty-seven patients were randomized (seletalisib n = 13, placebo n = 14); 20 completed the study. Enrolment challenges led to early study termination with loss of statistical power (36% vs 80% planned). Nonetheless, a trend for improvement in ESSDAI and ESSPRI [difference vs placebo: –2.59 (95% CI: –7.30, 2.11; P=0.266) and –1.55 (95% CI: –3.39, 0.28), respectively] was observed at week 12. No significant changes were seen in saliva and tear flow. Serious adverse events (AEs) were reported in 3/13 of patients receiving seletalisib vs 1/14 for placebo and 5/13 vs 1/14 discontinued due to AEs, respectively. Serum IgM and IgG concentrations decreased in the seletalisib group vs placebo. Seletalisib demonstrated efficacy in reducing size and organisation of salivary gland inflammatory foci and in target engagement, thus reducing PI3K-mTOR signalling compared with placebo.

Conclusion
Despite enrolment challenges, seletalisib demonstrated a trend towards clinical improvement in patients with PSS. Histological analyses demonstrated encouraging effects of seletalisib on salivary gland inflammation and organisation.

Trial registration
https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02610543.