bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal may improve outcomes in elderly patients with COPD exacerbation: a nationwide database study
Authors: Jo Taisuke , Yasunaga Hideo , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Mitani Akihisa , Hiraishi Yoshihisa , Hasegawa Wakae , Sakamoto Yukiyo , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Nagase Takahide 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundInhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are used for advanced-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The application and safety of ICS withdrawal remain controversial.This study aimed to evaluate the association between ICS withdrawal and outcomes in elderly patients with COPD with or without comorbid bronchial asthma, who were hospitalised for exacerbation.Patients and methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from July 2010 to March 2016.We identified patients aged ≥65 years who were hospitalised for COPD exacerbation. Re-hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation or death, frequency of antimicrobial medicine prescriptions and frequency of oral corticosteroid prescriptions after discharge were compared between patients with withdrawal and continuation of ICSs using propensity score analyses, namely 1–2 propensity score matching and stabilised inverse probability of treatment weighting.ResultsAmong 3735 eligible patients, 971 and 2764 patients had ICS withdrawal and continuation, respectively. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of re-hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation or death for ICS withdrawal compared to continuation were 0.65 (0.52–0.80) in the propensity score matching and 0.71 (0.56–0.90) in the inverse probability of treatment weighting. The frequency of antimicrobial prescriptions but not corticosteroid prescriptions within 1 year was significantly less in the ICS withdrawal group. Among patients with comorbid bronchial asthma, ICS withdrawal was significantly associated with reduced re-hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation or death only in the propensity score matching analysis.ConclusionICS withdrawal after COPD exacerbation was significantly associated with reduced incidences of re-hospitalisation or death among elderly patients, including those with comorbid bronchial asthma.
A Computational Synthesis Approach of Mechanical Conceptual Design Based on Graph Theory and Polynomial Operation
Authors: Han Lin , Liu Geng , Yang Xiaohui , Han Bing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe design synthesis is the key issue in the mechanical conceptual design to generate the design candidates that meet the design requirements. This paper devotes to propose a novel and computable synthesis approach of mechanisms based on graph theory and polynomial operation. The graph framework of the synthesis approach is built firstly, and it involves: (1) the kinematic function units extracted from mechanisms; (2) the kinematic link graph that transforms the synthesis problem from mechanical domain into graph domain; (3) two graph representations, i.e., walk representation and path representation, of design candidates; (4) a weighted matrix theorem that transforms the synthesis process into polynomial operation. Then, the formulas and algorithm to the polynomial operation are presented. Based on them, the computational flowchart to the synthesis approach is summarized. A design example is used to validate and illustrate the synthesis approach in detail. The proposed synthesis approach is not only supportive to enumerate the design candidates to the conceptual design of a mechanical system exhaustively and automatically, but also helpful to make that enumeration process computable.
Dynamic viscoelastic properties of wood and acetylated wood in nonequilibrium states swollen by water or organic liquids
Authors: Miyoshi Yuka , Sakae Ai , Arimura Nao , Kojiro Keisuke , Furuta Yuzo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo discuss the factors that greatly affect the stabilization and destabilization of the conformation of lignin caused by changes in temperature and/or swelling, the temperature dependence of the loss tangent (tanδ) of the sample given the different cooling rates and the changes in the storage elastic modulus (E′) and the loss elastic modulus (Eʺ) over time during the swelling process were measured using the untreated or the acetylated wood samples swollen by water or organic liquids. The difference in the glass transition temperature of lignin mainly affects the degree of the destabilization of the conformation of lignin caused by quenching in the untreated and acetylated wood samples. The changes in E′ and Eʺ during swelling process were significantly different between the liquids in the untreated wood sample. The differences of E′ and Eʺ in the different liquids were considered to be caused by the balance of the stabilization depending on the swelling amount and passage of time and the destabilization due to the rapid swelling.
Are pre-existing psychiatric disorders the only reason for involuntary holds in the emergency department?
Authors: Lachner Christian , Maniaci Michael J. , Vadeboncoeur Tyler F. , Dawson Nancy L. , Rummans Teresa A. , Roy Archana , Hall Lorrina L. , Burton M. Caroline 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives
To determine the role of previous psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders on emergency department (ED) patients on involuntary holds and compare presentations, treatment, and outcomes based on cause.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of patients ≥ 18 years old on involuntary holds in the ED of a tertiary care center from January 1, 2013, to November 30, 2015. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Those with and without prior psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder were compared.

Results
We identified 251 patients of which 129 (51.4%) had a psychiatric disorder, 23 (9.2%) had a substance use disorder, and 86 (34.3%) had both. Thirteen patients (5.2%) had no psychiatric disorder or substance use disorder and the majority 10 (76.9%) were on involuntary holds due to suicidal threats related to pain or another medical problem. Patients without a psychiatric or substance use disorder were older (55 years [17.8] vs 42 [19]; P = 0.01), more likely to be married (10 [76.9%] vs 64 [26.9%]; P < 0.001), and had more medical comorbidities (10 [76.9%] vs 114 [47.9%]; P = 0.049) compared with those without a psychiatric or substance use disorder.

Conclusion
Patients on involuntary holds most commonly have pre-existing psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder. Patients on involuntary holds without history of psychiatric disorder often have severe pain or other active medical conditions which may contribute to suicidal thoughts. Addressing these underlying medical issues may be crucial in preventing further psychiatric decompensation.
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: February 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 river 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.
Chronic administration of plasma from exercised rats to sedentary rats does not induce redox and metabolic adaptations
Authors: Goutianos Georgios , Margaritelis Nikos V. , Sparopoulou Theodora , Veskoukis Aristidis S. , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Paschalis Vassilis , Nikolaidis Michalis G. , Kyparos Antonios 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate whether endurance exercise-induced changes in blood plasma composition may lead to adaptations in erythrocytes, skeletal muscle and liver. Forty sedentary rats were randomly distributed into two groups: a group that was injected with pooled plasma from rats that swam until exhaustion and a group that was injected with the pooled plasma from resting rats (intravenous administration at a dose of 2 mL/kg body weight for 21 days). Total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls were higher in the plasma collected from the exercised rats compared to the plasma from the resting rats. Νo significant difference was found in blood and tissue redox biomarkers and in tissue metabolic markers between rats that received the “exercised” or the “non-exercised” plasma (P > 0.05). Our results demonstrate that plasma injections from exercised rats to sedentary rats do not induce redox or metabolic adaptations in erythrocytes, skeletal muscle and liver.
Genomic evolution of Neisseria gonorrhoeae since the preantibiotic era (1928–2013): antimicrobial use/misuse selects for resistance and drives evolution
Authors: Golparian Daniel , Harris Simon R. , Sánchez-Busó Leonor , Hoffmann Steen , Shafer William M. , Bentley Stephen D. , Jensen Jörgen S. , Unemo Magnus 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains are prevalent, threatening gonorrhoea treatment globally, and understanding of emergence, evolution, and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in gonococci remains limited. We describe the genomic evolution of gonococci and their AMR, related to the introduction of antimicrobial therapies, examining isolates from 1928 (preantibiotic era) to 2013 in Denmark. This is, to our knowledge, the oldest gonococcal collection globally.

Methods
Lyophilised isolates were revived and examined using Etest (18 antimicrobials) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Quality-assured genome sequences were obtained for 191 viable and 40 non-viable isolates and analysed with multiple phylogenomic approaches.

Results
Gonococcal AMR, including an accumulation of multiple AMR determinants, started to emerge particularly in the 1950s–1970s. By the twenty-first century, resistance to most antimicrobials was common. Despite that some AMR determinants affect many physiological functions and fitness, AMR determinants were mainly selected by the use/misuse of gonorrhoea therapeutic antimicrobials. Most AMR developed in strains belonging to one multidrug-resistant (MDR) clade with close to three times higher genomic mutation rate. Modern N. gonorrhoeae was inferred to have emerged in the late-1500s and its genome became increasingly conserved over time.

Conclusions
WGS of gonococci from 1928 to 2013 showed that no AMR determinants, except penB, were in detectable frequency before the introduction of gonorrhoea therapeutic antimicrobials. The modern gonococcus is substantially younger than previously hypothesized and has been evolving into a more clonal species, driven by the use/misuse of antimicrobials. The MDR gonococcal clade should be further investigated for early detection of strains with predispositions to develop and maintain MDR and for initiation of public health interventions.
Insights on bio-degumming of kenaf bast based on metagenomic and proteomics
Authors: Duan Sheng Wen , Cheng Li Feng , Feng Xiang Yuan , Yang Qi , Liu Zhi Yuan , Zheng Ke , Peng Yuan De 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundMicrobes play important roles in kanef-degumming. This study aims at identifying the key candidate microbes and proteins responsible for the degumming of kenaf bast (Hibiscus cannabinus). Kenaf bast was cut into pieces and immersed into microbia fermentation liquid collected from different sites. Fermentation liquid samples were collected at 0, 40, 110 and 150 h and then subjected to the 16S/18S rRNA sequencing analysis and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis. The microbial (bacterial and fungal) diversity and the differentially expressed proteins/peptides (DEPs) were identified.ResultsWith the prolonged degumming time, the weight loss rate increased, the bacterial diversity was decreased. [Weeksellaceae],EnterobacteriaceaeandMoraxellaceaewere rapidly increased at 0~40 h, and then decreased and were gradually replaced byBacteroidaceaefrom 40 h to 150 h. Similarly,ChryseobacteriumandDysgonomonaswere gradually increased at 0~110 h and then decreased;AcinetobacterandLactococcuswere increased at 0~40 h, followed by decrease.Bacteroideswas the dominant genus at 150 h. Sequencing 18S rRNA-seq showed the gradually decreasedWallemia hederaeand increasedCodosiga hollandicaduring degumming. iTRAQ data analysis showed Rds1, and pyruvate kinase I was decreased and increased in the kanef-degumming, respectively. Other DEPs of ferredoxin I, superoxide dismutase and aconitatehydratase were identified to be related to the Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (ko00630).ConclusionsBacteria includingChryseobacterium,Dysgonomonas,Acinetobacter,LactococcusandBacteroidesand fungi likeWallemia hederaeandCodosiga hollandicaare key candidate microbes for kanef degumming.
Biodegradation of endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A by Pseudomonas putida strain YC-AE1 isolated from polluted soil, Guangdong, China
Authors: Eltoukhy Adel , Jia Yang , Nahurira Ruth , Abo-Kadoum M. A. , Khokhar Ibatsam , Wang Junhuan , Yan Yanchun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Bisphenol A is an important organic chemical as an intermediate, final and inert ingredient in manufacturing of many important products like polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, flame retardants, food–drink packaging coating, and other. BPA is an endocrine disruptor compound that mimics the function of estrogen causing damage to reproductive organs. Bacterial degradation has been consider as a cost effective and eco-friendly method for BPA degradation compared with physical and chemical methods. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial strain capable to degrade and tolerate high concentrations of this pollutant, studying the factors affecting the degradation process and study the degradation mechanism of this strain.

Results
YC-AE1 is a Gram negative bacterial strain isolated from soil and identified as Pseudomonas putida by 16S rRNA gene sequence and BIOLOG identification system. This strain found to have a high capacity to degrade the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA). Response surface methodology using central composite design was used to statistically optimize the environmental factors during BPA degradation and the results obtained by significant model were 7.2, 30 °C and 2.5% for optimum initial pH, temperature and inoculum size, respectively. Prolonged incubation period with low NaCl concentration improve the biodegradation of BPA. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed high coefficient of determination, R2 and Adj-R2 which were 0.9979 and 0.9935, respectively. Substrate analysis found that, strain YC-AE1 could degrade a wide variety of bisphenol A-related pollutants such as bisphenol B, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, Dibutyl phthalate, Diethylhexyl phthalate and Diethyl phthalate in varying proportion. Pseudomonas putida YC-AE1 showed high ability to degrade a wide range of BPA concentrations (0.5–1000 mg l− 1) with completely degradation for 500 mg l− 1 within 72 h. Metabolic intermediates detected in this study by HPLC-MS were identified as 4,4-dihydroxy-alpha-methylstilbene, p-hydroxybenzaldeyde, p-hydroxyacetophenone, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, 4-hydroxyphenacyl alcohol, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol, 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propanol and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate.

Conclusions
This study reports Pseudomonas putida YC-AE1 as BPA biodegrader with high performance in degradation and tolerance to high BPA concentration. It exhibited strong degradation capacity and prominent adaptability towards a wide range of environmental conditions. Moreover, it degrades BPA in a short time via two different degradation pathways.
Effect of sex differences in remifentanil requirements for inhibiting the response to a CO2 pneumoperitoneum during propofol anesthesia: an up-and-down sequential allocation trial
Authors: Yang Chengwei , Feng Yuanyuan , Wang Sheng , Han Mingming , Wang Song , Kang Fang , Huang Xiang , Li Juan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundA CO2pneumoperitoneum during a laparoscopic procedure causes violent hemodynamic changes. However, the remifentanil required to inhibit the cardiovascular response to a CO2pneumoperitoneum combined with propofol remains unknown. Moreover, the sex of the patient may influence the response to opioids, which can affect this requirement. The main objective of this study was to compare the required median effective concentration (EC50) of remifentanil for inhibiting the cardiovascular response to a CO2pneumoperitoneum between female and male patients during propofol anesthesia.MethodsThe current study is an up-and-down sequential allocation trial. Forty-six patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, a body mass index 18 to 30 kg/m2, aged 20 to 60 years, and scheduled for laparoscopic surgery were enrolled. Induction of anesthesia was performed by target-controlled infusion. The effective effect-site concentration (Ce) of propofol was 4 μg/ml. The Ce of remifentanil was initially 4 ng/ml and then adjusted to a predetermined level after I-gel laryngeal mask airway insertion. The Ce of remifentanil for each patient was determined by the response of the previous patient using the modified Dixon “up-and-down” method. The first patient received remifentanil at 5.0 ng/ml Ce, and the step size between patients was 0.5 ng/ml.ResultsPatients characteristics including age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, type of surgery and surgery duration, were comparable between male and female patients. The EC50of remifentanil required to inhibit the response to a CO2pneumoperitoneum based on the Dixon “up-and-down” method in women (4.17 ± 0.38 ng/ml) was significantly lower than that in men (5.00 ± 0.52 ng/ml) during propofol anesthesia (P = 0.01).ConclusionsThe EC50of remifentanil required to inhibit the response to a CO2pneumoperitoneum was lower in women than in men during propofol anesthesia.Trial registrationThe study was registered athttp://www.chictr.org.cn(ChiCTR-IOR-17011906, 8th, July, 2017).
Higher incidence of perivalvular abscess determines perioperative clinical outcome in patients undergoing surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis
Authors: Weber Carolyn , Rahmanian Parwis B. , Nitsche Melanie , Gassa Asmae , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Hamacher Stefanie , Merkle Julia , Deppe Antje-Christin , Sabashnikov Anton , Kuhn Elmar W. , Liakopoulos Oliver J. , Wahlers Thorsten 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Cardiac surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is associated with substantial mortality. We aimed to analyze 30-day and 1-year outcome in patients undergoing surgery for PVE and sought to identify preoperative risk factors for mortality with special regard to perivalvular infection.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data of 418 patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis between January 2009 and July 2018. After 1:1 propensity matching 158 patients (79 PVE/79 NVE) were analyzed with regard to postoperative 30-day and 1-year outcomes. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for mortality.

Results
315 patients (75.4%) underwent surgery for NVE and 103 (24.6%) for PVE. After propensity matching groups were comparable with regard to preoperative characteristics, clinical presentation and microbiological findings, except a higher incidence of perivalvular infection in patients with PVE (51.9%) compared to NVE (26.6%) (p = 0.001), longer cardiopulmonary bypass (166 [76–130] vs. 97 [71–125] min; p < 0.001) and crossclamp time (95 [71–125] vs. 68 [55–85] min; p < 0.001). Matched patients with PVE showed a 4-fold increased 30-day mortality (20.3%) in comparison with NVE patients (5.1%) (p = 0.004) and 2-fold increased 1-year mortality (PVE 29.1% vs. NVE 13.9%; p = 0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed perivalvular abscess, sepsis, preoperative AKI and PVE as independent risk factors for mortality. Patients with perivalvular abscess had a significantly higher 30-day mortality (17.7%) compared to patients without perivalvular abscess (8.0%) (p = 0.003) and a higher rate of perioperative complications (need for postoperative pacemaker implantation, postoperative cerebrovascular events, postoperative AKI). However, perivalvular abscess did not influence 1-year mortality (20.9% vs. 22.3%; p = 0.806), or long-term complications such as readmission rate or relapse of IE.

Conclusions
Patients undergoing surgery for PVE had a significantly higher 30-day and 1-year mortality compared to NVE. After propensity-matching 30-day mortality was still 4-fold increased in PVE compared to NVE.
Patients with perivalvular abscess showed a significantly higher 30-day mortality and perioperative complications, whereas perivalvular abscess seems to have no relevant impact on 1-year mortality, the rate of readmission or relapse of IE.