bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation of axenic cyanobacterium and the promoting effect of associated bacterium on axenic cyanobacterium
Authors: Gao Suqin , Kong Yun , Yu Jing , Miao Lihong , Ji Lipeng , Song Lirong , Zeng Chi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Harmful cyanobacterial blooms have attracted wide attention all over the world as they cause water quality deterioration and ecosystem health issues. Microcystis aeruginosa associated with a large number of bacteria is one of the most common and widespread bloom-forming cyanobacteria that secret toxins. These associated bacteria are considered to benefit from organic substrates released by the cyanobacterium. In order to avoid the influence of associated heterotrophic bacteria on the target cyanobacteria for physiological and molecular studies, it is urgent to obtain an axenic M. aeruginosa culture and further investigate the speciﬁc interaction between the heterotroph and the cyanobacterium.Results: A traditional and reliable method based on solid-liquid alternate cultivation is carried out to purify the xenic cyanobacterium M. aeruginosa FACHB-905. On the basis of 16S rDNA gene sequences, two associated bacteria named strain B905-1 and strain B905-2, are identified as Pannonibacter sp. and Chryseobacterium sp. with a 99% and 97% similarity value, respectively. The axenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-905A (Microcystis 905A) is not able to form colonies on BG11 agar medium without the addition of strain B905-1, while it grows well in BG11 liquid medium. Although the presence of B905-1 is not indispensable for the growth of Microcystis 905A, B905-1 has a positive effect on promoting the growth of Microcystis 905A. Conclusions: The associated bacteria are eliminated by solid-liquid alternate cultivation method and the axenic Microcystis 905A is successfully purified. The associated bacterium B905-1 has the potential to promote the growth of Microcystis 905A. Moreover, the purification technique for cyanobacteria described in this study is potentially applicable to a wider range of unicellular cyanobacteria.
Association of childhood undernutrition with water supply, sanitation and hygiene interventions in Kersa and Omo Nada districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: A case-control study
Authors: Soboksa Negasa Eshete , Gari Sirak Robele , Hailu Abebe Beyene , Alemu Bezatu Mengistie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to describe the association of childhood undernutrition with water supply, sanitation, and hygiene interventions in Kersa and Omo Nada districts of the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia.Design: A case-control study design was undertaken from December 2018 to January 2019.Setting: Kersa and Omo Nada districts of the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia.Subjects: 128 cases and 256 controls were randomly selected from malnourished and well-nourished children, respectively.Outcome measures: Bodyweight, length/height, mid-upper arm circumference and presence of edema of the children were measured according to the WHO references. Then, the nutritional status of children was identified as case or control using cutoff points recommended by the WHO based on the Z-score, edema, and MUAC values recorded.Results: A total of 378 children were included in this study, with a response rate of 98.44%. Undernutrition was significantly increased among children who delayed breastfeeding initiation (AOR=2.60; 95% CI: 1.02-6.65), diarrhea (AOR=9.50; 95% CI: 5.19-17.36), living with households indexed as the poorest (AOR=2.57; 95% CI: 1.09-6.07) and defecated in a pit latrine without slab/open pit (AOR=2.49; 95% CI: 1.17-5.30), and sometimes practiced hand washing at the critical times (AOR=2.52; 95% CI: 1.10-5.75) compared with their counterparts. However, lactating during the survey (AOR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.18-0.71) and collection and disposal of under-five children feces elsewhere (AOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.75) significantly reduced the likelihood of undernutrition.Conclusions: Early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding, diarrhea prevention, the use of improved latrine, and always handwashing practices at critical times could be important variables to improve the nutritional status of children.
Modifying ways to perform ICU tracheostomies in COVID-19 patients: Approach to a safe and secure method
Authors: Bhavana Kranti , Srinivaa Arun , Ouseph Sheelia , Suneha Swati , Prakash Rudra , Bharti Bhartendu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background- This study outlines the unique modifications to surgical tracheostomy procedure to combat the extraordinary situation the world has found itself in due to COVID 19 pandemic. We explain the modifications employed to the operative setup, anesthetic considerations and surgical procedure to enable us to provide timely and safe tracheostomy to the COVID ICU patients requiring it, while simultaneously maximally protecting our surgical personnel from the deadly exposure.Methods- We conducted 55 surgical tracheostomies in severely sick ICU patients with the modifications deemed fit to achieve safe procedure for both the patient and the operating team. We analyzed the hospital record data of these patients and the surgical teams COVID 19 status to assesss the efficacy of our procedural modifications.Discussion- The COVID 19 pandemic has thrown the entire medical fraternity into a dilemma as to how to provide the best possible care to the patients while protecting ourselves from its grip. Severely sick COVID patients often require tracheostomy for improved prognosis. We performed bedside open surgical tracheostomy and induced transient apnoea periprocedur along with carinal intubation. By making these simple and cost effective modifications to the procedure, we have ensured that patients get tracheostomised as and when required but not at the cost of the health and lives of our health care workers.
Effect of Empagliflozin on Liver Function in type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Roostaei Davoud 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Many reports are indicating the blood sugar-lowering potential of Empagliflozin in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its anti-lipogenesis effects in the liver, as studied in mice models; while few clinical trials have evaluated its effect on liver fat content and liver function. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Empagliflozin on the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.Search methods Scopus, Cochran Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from 1990 to 2020 together with reference checking and citation searching to identify additional studies. Selection criteria Inclusion criteria for studies were the evaluation of patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes being treated with Empagliflozin for 24 weeks. Our interest outcomes were Liver fat, ALT, and AST. Data analysis Random effect size model was used for pooling data to calculate mean differences in RevMan Version 5.3. I2 was used to evaluate heterogeneity. Results Three clinical trial studies were included with 2344 patients. In pooled ALT ‎mean difference evaluation within 24 weeks of studies, there was a significant ‎difference between subjects receiving Empagliflozin versus controls (MD=-6.6 ‎CI95%(-10.27 to -3.73; P=0.06; I2=99%). ‎ In case of AST (MD=-9.06 CI95% (-20.45 to 2.34; P=0.12; I2=98%) and Liver fat (MD=-4.46 CI95% (-10.06 to 0.77; P=0.09; I2=98%), ‎there was not any significant difference between subjects receiving Empagliflozin ‎versus controls. Conclusion While Empagliflozin seems to be effective in lowering ALT levels; further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in lowering liver fat.
WITHDRAWN: Efficacy and Safety of Ivermectin for Treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Elgazzar Ahmed , Hany Basma , Youssef Shaimaa Abo , Hany Basma , Hafez Mohy , Moussa Hany 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background: Up-to-date, there is no recognized effective treatment or vaccine for the treatment of COVID-19 that emphasize urgency around distinctive effective therapies. This study aims to evaluate the anti-parasitic medication efficacy "Ivermectin" plus standard care (azithromycin, vitamin C, Zinc, Lactoferrin & Acetylcystein & prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation if D-dimer > 1000) in the treatment of mild/moderate and severely ill cases with COVID 19 infection, as well as prophylaxis of health care and/ or household contacts in comparison to the Hydroxychloroquine plus standard treatment.

Subject and methods: 600 subjects; 400 symptomatic confirmed COVID-19 patients and 200 health care and household contacts distributed over 6 groups; Group I: 100 patients with Mild/Moderate COVID-19 infection received a 4-days course of Ivermectin plus standard of care; Group II: 100 patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 infection received hydroxyxholorquine plus standard of care; Group III: 100 patients with severe COVID-19 infection received Ivermectin plus standard of care; Group IV: 100 patients with Severe COVID-19 infection received hydroxyxholorquine plus standard of care. Routine laboratory investigations and RT-PCR were reported before and after initiation of treatment. Group V stick to personal protective equipment (PPE) plus Ivermectin 400mcg / kg to be repeated after one week, and Group VI stick to PPE only and both groups V&VI were followed for two weeks.

Results: Patients received ivermectin reported substantial recovery of laboratory investigations; and significant reduction in RT-PCR conversion days. A substantial improvement and reduction in mortality rate in Ivermectin treated groups; group I (mild/moderate cases), (99%, and 0.0%, respectively) and group III (severe cases), (94%, and 2.0%, respectively) versus hydroxychloroquine plus standard care treated groups; group II (mild/moderate cases), (74% and 4%, respectively) and group IV (severe cases) (50% and 20%, respectively). Ivermectin had significantly reduced the incidence of infection in health care and household contacts up to 2% compared to 10% in non ivermectin group

Conclusion: Addition of Ivermectin to standard care is very effective drug for treatment of COVID-19 patients with significant reduction in mortality compared to Hydroxychloroquine plus standard treatment only. Early use of Ivermectin is very useful for controlling COVID 19 infections, prophylaxis and improving cytokines storm
Statistical Analyses of the Strengths of Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (PRMMCs) Subjected to Multiple Tensile and Shear Stresses
Authors: Chen Geng , Xin Shengzhen , Zhang Lele , Broeckmann Christoph 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Predicting the material strengths of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) and understanding how these properties are related to the constituents and microstructural features are essential for material designers and application engineers. To this end, a computational approach consists of the direct methods, homogenization, and statistical analyses is introduced in our previous studies [1,2]. Since in various engineering applications failure of PRMMC materials are caused by time-varied combinations of tensile and shear stresses, to take into account of such situations the established approach is extended in the present work. In this paper, ultimate strengths and endurance limits of an exemplary PRMMC material, WC-Co, are predicted under three independently varied tensile and shear stresses. In order to cover the entire load space with least amount of weight factors, a new method for generating optimally distributed weight factors in an n dimensional space is formulated. Employing weight factors determined by this algorithm, direct method calculations were performed on many statistically equivalent representative volume elements (SERVE) samples, and through analyzing statistical characteristics associated with results the study suggests a simplified approach to estimate the material strength under superposed stresses without solving the difficult high dimensional shakedown problem.
Computational Design of Stable, Soluble and Highly Active Alcohol Dehydrogenase for NADPH Regeneration
Authors: Xu jinling , Zhou Haisheng , Deng Tong , Yu Haoran , Wang Ziyuan , Zhang Hongyu , Wu Jianping , Xu Gang , Yang Lirong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), as a well-known cofactor, is widely used in the most of enzymatic redox reactions, playing an important role in industrial catalysis. However, the absence of a comparable method for efficient NADP + to NADPH cofactor regeneration radically impairs efficient green chemical synthesis. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes, allowing the in situ regeneration of the redox cofactor NADPH with high specific activity and easy by-product separation process, are provided with great industrial application potential and research attention. Accordingly, herein a NADP + specific ADH from Clostridium beijerinckii was selected to be engineered for cofactor recycle, using an automated algorithm named Protein Repair One-stop Shop (PROSS). The mutant CbADH-6M exhibited a favorable soluble and highly active expression with an activity of 46.3 U/mL, which was 16 times higher than the wild type (2.9 U/mL), and a more stable protein conformation with an enhanced thermal stability: Δ = +3.6°C (temperature of 50% inactivation after incubation for 60 min). Furthermore, the activity of CbADH-6M was up-graded to 2401.8 U/mL by high cell density fermentation strategy, demonstrating its industrial potential. Finally, the superb efficiency for NADPH regeneration of the mutant enzyme was testified in the synthesis of some fine chiral aromatic alcohols coupling with anther ADH from Lactobacillus kefir (LkADH). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), as a well-known cofactor, is widely used in the most of enzymatic redox reactions, playing an important role in industrial catalysis. However, the absence of a comparable method for efficient NADP + to NADPH cofactor regeneration radically impairs efficient green chemical synthesis. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes, allowing the in situ regeneration of the redox cofactor NADPH with high specific activity and easy by-product separation process, are provided with great industrial application potential and research attention. Accordingly, herein a NADP + specific ADH from Clostridium beijerinckii was selected to be engineered for cofactor recycle, using an automated algorithm named Protein Repair One-stop Shop (PROSS). The mutant CbADH-6M exhibited a favorable soluble and highly active expression with an activity of 46.3 U/mL, which was 16 times higher than the wild type (2.9 U/mL), and a more stable protein conformation with an enhanced thermal stability: ΔT60 min 1/2 = +3.6°C (temperature of 50% inactivation after incubation for 60 min). Furthermore, the activity of CbADH-6M was up-graded to 2401.8 U/mL by high cell density fermentation strategy, demonstrating its industrial potential. Finally, the superb efficiency for NADPH regeneration of the mutant enzyme was testified in the synthesis of some fine chiral aromatic alcohols coupling with anther ADH from Lactobacillus kefir (LkADH).
Laparoscopic Petersen’s Hernia Reduction Was Associated With A Better Clinical Course Than Open Reduction After Gastrectomy: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Min Jae-Seok , Seo Kyung Won , Jeong Sangho , Kim Ki Hyun , Park Ji-ho , Yoon Ki Young , Kim Tae-Han , Jung Eun-Jung , Ju Young-tae , Jeong Chi-Young , Kim Ju-Yeon , Lee Young-Joon 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of this multicenter cohort study was to compare the clinical courses between open and laparoscopic Petersen’s hernia (PH) reduction.Materials and method We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients who underwent PH repair surgery after gastrectomy for gastric cancer from 2015-2018. Forty patients underwent PH reduction operations that were performed by six expert surgeons at four hospitals. Among the 40 patients, 15 underwent laparoscopic PH reduction (LPH), and 25 underwent open PH reduction (OPH), including 4 patients who underwent LPH but required conversion to OPH.Results We compared the clinical factors between the LPH and OPH groups. In the clinical course, we found no differences in operation times or intraoperative bowel injury, morbidity, or mortality rates between the two groups (p>0.05). However, the number of days on a soft fluid diet (OPH vs. LPH; 5.8 vs. 3.7 days, p=0.03) and length of hospital stay (12.6 vs. 8.2 days, p=0.04) were significantly less in the LPH group than the OPH group. Regarding postoperative complications, the OPH group had a case of pneumonia and sepsis with multi-organ failure, which resulted in mortality. In the LPH group, one patient experienced recurrence and required reoperation for PH.Conclusion Laparoscopic PH reduction was associated with a faster postoperative recovery period than open PH reduction, with a similar incidence of complications. The laparoscopic approach should be considered an appropriate strategy for PH reduction.
Gonadal Development and Associated Changes in Estradiol, Thyroid Hormones, and Sex-Related Genes During Different Growth Stages in Cultured Female Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) in Yunnan
Authors: Kong Lingfu , Bi Baoliang , Su Yanhua , Rong Hua , Hu Qing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is an important fishing resource in Yunnan. However, the oocyte quality and fecundity are particularly affected by environmental factors when fish are undergoing sexual maturation, which hinders the development of the O. mykiss industry.Results: Estradiol (E2), thyroid hormones (THs), and sex-related genes transcription associated with gonadal development were analyzed in different growth stages of O. mykiss cultured in Yunnan. Females were classified into four growth stages: growth stage Ⅰ, growth stage Ⅱ, growth stage Ⅲ, and growth stage Ⅳ. Histological analysis found a correlated relationship between body growth and ovary development. Serum levels of E2 and THs increased during ovarian development and reached the highest level at growth stage Ⅳ indicated that E2 and THs play important roles in the development and maturation of oocytes in O. mykiss. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis showed that the vitellogenin mRNA (vtg) transcription level increased significantly both in ovaries and liver during ovarian development, then reaching its peak at the post-vitellogenetic (growth stage Ⅳ) period. The same transcription trend was detected in the levels of ovarian estrogen receptors (ers). Conclusions: These results indicated that the high level of E2 promotes the transcription of the vtg mediated by different types of ers, and then accelerates the maturation of oocytes, and THs also participate in the regulation of maturation of oocytes in cultured O. mykiss during the individual development in Yunnan.
Seasonally evolving hydraulic transmissivity beneath Greenland supraglacial lakes
Authors: Lai Ching-Yao , Stevens Laura , Chase Danielle , Creyts Timothy , Behn Mark , Das Sarah , Stone Howard 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Surface meltwater reaching the base of the Greenland Ice Sheet transits through drainage networks, modulating the flow of the ice sheet. Dye-tracing studies indicate that drainage efficiency evolves seasonally along the drainage pathway. However, the local evolution of drainage systems further inland, where ice thicknesses exceed 1000 m, remains largely unknown. Here, we develop a novel method to infer transmissivity of the drainage system based on surface uplift relaxation following rapid lake drainage events. Combining field observations of five lake drainage events with a mathematical model and laboratory experiments, we show that the surface uplift decreases exponentially with time, as the water in the blister formed beneath the drained lake permeates through the subglacial drainage system. This deflation obeys a universal relaxation law with a timescale that reveals hydraulic transmissivity and indicates a two-order-of-magnitude increase in subglacial transmissivity as the melt season progresses, suggesting significant changes in basal hydrology beneath the lakes.
Protective Effects of Aquaporin-4 Deficiency on Longer-Term Neurological Outcomes in a Mouse Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Liu Xiaosong , Xie Yingxin , Wan Xiangdong , Wu Jianliang , Fan Zhenzeng , Yang Lijun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been a crucial health problem, with more than 50 million patients worldwide each year. Glymphatic system is a fluid exchange system that relies on the polarized water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) at the astrocytes, accounting for the clearance of abnormal proteins and metabolites from brain tissues. However, the dysfunction of glymphatic system and alteration of AQP4 polarization during the progression of TBI remain unclear.Methods: AQP4−/− and Wild Type (WT) mice were used to establish the TBI mouse model respectively. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to establish the cognitive functions of AQP4−/− and WT mice post TBI. Western-blot and qRT-PCR assays were performed to demonstrate protective effects of AQP4 deficiency to blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and amyloid-β clearance. The inflammation of cerebral tissues post TBI was estimated by ELISA assay.Results: AQP4 deficiency alleviated the brain edema and neurological deficit in TBI mice. AQP4-knockout led to improved cognitive outcomes in mice post TBI. The BBB integrity and cerebral amyloid-β clearance were protected by AQP4 deficiency in TBI mice. AQP4 deficiency ameliorated the TBI-induced inflammation.Conclusion: AQP4 deficiency improved longer-term neurological outcomes in a mouse model of TBI.