bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and Physicochemical Characterization of Rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa P6
Authors: El-Housseiny Ghadir S. , Aboshanab Khaled M. , Aboulwafa Mohammad M. , Hassouna Nadia A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Rhamnolipids are important biosurfactants for application in bioremediation, enhanced oil recovery, pharmaceutical, and detergent industry. In this study, rhamnolipids extracted from P. aeruginosa P6 were characterized to determine their potential fields of application. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of the produced rhamnolipids indicated the production of two homologues: mono- and di-rhamnolipids, whose structures were verified by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified seven different rhamnolipid congeners, of which a significantly high proportion was di-rhamnolipids reaching 80.16%. Rha-Rha-C10-C10 was confirmed as the principal compound of the rhamnolipid mixture (24.30%). The rhamnolipids were capable of lowering surface tension of water to 36 mN/m at a critical micelle concentration of 0.2 g/L, and exhibited a great emulsifying activity (E24 = 63%). In addition, they showed excellent stability at pH ranges 4–8, NaCl concentrations up to 9% (w/v) and temperatures ranging from 20 to 100 °C and even after autoclaving. These results suggest that rhamnolipids, produced by P. aeruginosa P6 using the cheap substrate glycerol, are propitious for biotechnology use in extreme and complex environments, like oil reservoirs and hydrocarbon contaminated soil. Moreover, P. aeruginosa P6 may be considered, in its wild type form, as a promising industrial producer of di-RLs, which have superior characteristics for potential applications and offer outstanding commercial benefits.
Rescue therapy with inhaled nitric oxide and almitrine in COVID-19 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Bagate François , Tuffet Samuel , Masi Paul , Perier François , Razazi Keyvan , de Prost Nicolas , Carteaux Guillaume , Payen Didier , Mekontso Dessap Armand 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In COVID-19 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the relatively preserved respiratory system compliance despite severe hypoxemia, with specific pulmonary vascular dysfunction, suggests a possible hemodynamic mechanism for VA/Q mismatch, as hypoxic vasoconstriction alteration. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO)–almitrine combination to restore oxygenation in severe COVID-19 ARDS (C-ARDS) patients.

Methods
We conducted a monocentric preliminary pilot study in intubated patients with severe C-ARDS. Respiratory mechanics was assessed after a prone session. Then, patients received iNO (10 ppm) alone and in association with almitrine (10 μg/kg/min) during 30 min in each step. Echocardiographic and blood gases measurements were performed at baseline, during iNO alone, and iNO–almitrine combination. The primary endpoint was the variation of oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2 ratio).

Results
Ten severe C-ARDS patients were assessed (7 males and 3 females), with a median age of 60 [52–72] years. Combination of iNO and almitrine outperformed iNO alone for oxygenation improvement. The median of PaO2/FiO2 ratio varied from 102 [89–134] mmHg at baseline, to 124 [108–146] mmHg after iNO (p = 0.13) and 180 [132–206] mmHg after iNO and almitrine (p < 0.01). We found no correlation between the increase in oxygenation caused by iNO–almitrine combination and that caused by proning.

Conclusion
In this pilot study of severe C-ARDS patients, iNO–almitrine combination was associated with rapid and significant improvement of oxygenation. These findings highlight the role of pulmonary vascular function in COVID-19 pathophysiology.
Steerable differential beamformers with planar microphone arrays
Authors: Huang Gongping , Chen Jingdong , Benesty Jacob , Cohen Israel , Zhao Xudong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Humanoid robots require to use microphone arrays to acquire speech signals from the human communication partner while suppressing noise, reverberation, and interferences. Unlike many other applications, microphone arrays in humanoid robots have to face the restrictions in size and geometry. To address these challenges, this paper presents an approach to differential beamforming with arbitrary planar array geometries. The major contributions of this work are as follows: (1) a method is presented to design differential beamformers, which works for regular geometries such as linear, circular, and concentric circular ones, as well as irregular geometries, as long as the sensors’ positions are given or can be measured; (2) fundamental requirements for the design of different orders of linear differential microphone arrays (DMAs), partially steerable DMAs, fully steerable DMAs, and robust DMAs are discussed; (3) the validity and limitations of the Jacobi-Anger expansion approximation is analyzed, where we discuss how to achieve an optimal approximation by properly choosing the reference point; and (4) we show how to design an Nth-order DMA with 2N microphones using the Jacobi-Anger expansion.
Association of sexually-transmitted infection and African–American race with Streptococcus agalactiae colonization in pregnancy
Authors: Capraro Gerald A. , Lala Sajel , Khaled Khaldia , Gosciniak Elizabeth , Saadat Brianna , Alvarez Sarah M. , Kumar Seema , Calhoun Tara , Landry Edward , Caldito Gloria , Bocchini Joseph A. , Vanchiere John A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a significant cause of neonatal infection, but the maternal risk factors for GBS colonization remain poorly defined. We hypothesized that there may be an association between antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and GBS colonization and/or the presence of inducible clindamycin resistance (iCLI-R) in GBS isolates from GBS-colonized pregnant women.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – Shreveport including demographic and clinical data from 1513 pregnant women who were screened for GBS between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.

Results
Among 526 (34.8%) women who screened positive for GBS, 124 (23.6%) carried GBS strains with iCLI-R (GBS-iCLI-R). While antibiotic exposure, race, sexually-transmitted infection (STI) in pregnancy, GBS colonization in prior pregnancy and BMI were identified as risk factors for GBS colonization in univariate analyses, the only independent risk factors for GBS colonization were African–American race (AOR = 2.142; 95% CI = 2.092–3.861) and STI during pregnancy (AOR = 1.309; 95% CI = 1.035–1.653). Independent risk factors for GBS-iCLI-R among women colonized with GBS were non-African–American race (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.20–3.78) and younger age (AOR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.91–0.98). Among GBS-colonized women with an STI in the current pregnancy, the only independent risk factor for iCLI-R was Chlamydia trachomatis infection (AOR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.78–10.41).

Conclusions
This study identified novel associations for GBS colonization and colonization with GBS-iCLI-R. Prospective studies will improve our understanding of the epidemiology of GBS colonization during pregnancy and the role of antibiotic exposure in alterations of the maternal microbiome.
Fluoroquinolone resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from healthy conjunctiva and analysis of their mutations in quinolone-resistance determining region
Authors: Kang Jung Youb , Lee Woonhyoung , Noh Gwang Myeong , Jeong Bo Hyun , Park Indal , Lee Sang Joon 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundStaphylococcus epidermidisis the most common pathogen in postoperative endophthalmitis and causes various infectious eye diseases. However, there is very little information on fluoroquinolone antibiotic resistance toS. epidermidisidentified in conjunctival microbe and analysis of related genes. Here, the authors investigated the rate of resistance to fluoroquinolones ofStaphylococcus epidermidisisolated from normal conjunctival microbes and mutations in the quinolone-resistance determining region (QRDR).Methods377 eye samples from 187 patients who underwent intravitreal injection and cataract surgery were included. Specimens were taken from the bilateral lower conjunctival sacs using a cotton swab and cultured. The cultures were identified using MALDI-TOP MS andgyrA, gyrB, parC, andparEgene mutations of QRDR were confirmed by DNA extraction from resistant strains ofS. epidermidiswith a micro-dilution method using ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin.ResultsThe culture positive rate was 61.8% (231) for 374 eye samples. Of the 303 total strains cultured,S. epidermidiswas the most common with 33.7% (102). Ten types of gene mutations were observed in the resistantS. epidermidisof 21 strains. One-point mutation was observed mainly ingyrAandparC, and a small number of mutations were observed inparEin the form of a double point mutations. When there were multiple point mutations in bothgyrAandparC, the highest minimum inhibitory concentration was observed.ConclusionsThe quinolone resistance rate ofS. epidermidisincreased in comparison with previous studies, and resistantS. epidermidisshowed mostly QRDR mutations, which were mainly found ingyrAandparC, and showed strong resistance when mutated in both genes.
Disinfectant wipes transfer Clostridioides difficile spores from contaminated surfaces to uncontaminated surfaces during the disinfection process
Authors: Nkemngong Carine A. , Chaggar Gurpreet K. , Li Xiaobao , Teska Peter J. , Oliver Haley F. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Pre-wetted disinfectant wipes are increasingly being used in healthcare facilities to help address the risk of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). However, HAIs are still a major problem in the US with Clostridioides difficile being the most common cause, leading to approximately 12,800 deaths annually in the US. An underexplored risk when using disinfectant wipes is that they may cross-contaminate uncontaminated surfaces during the wiping process. The objective of this study was to determine the cross-contamination risk that pre-wetted disinfectant towelettes may pose when challenged with C. difficile spores. We hypothesized that although the tested disinfectant wipes had no sporicidal claims, they will reduce spore loads. We also hypothesized that hydrogen peroxide disinfectant towelettes would present a lower cross-contamination risk than quaternary ammonium products.

Methods
We evaluated the risk of cross-contamination when disinfectant wipes are challenged with C. difficile ATCC 43598 spores on Formica surfaces. A disinfectant wipe was used to wipe a Formica sheet inoculated with C. difficile. After the wiping process, we determined log10 CFU on previously uncontaminated pre-determined distances from the inoculation point and on the used wipes.

Results
We found that the disinfectant wipes transferred C. difficile spores from inoculated surfaces to previously uncontaminated surfaces. We also found that wipes physically removed C. difficile spores and that hydrogen peroxide disinfectants were more sporicidal than the quaternary ammonium disinfectants.

Conclusion
Regardless of the product type, all disinfectant wipes had some sporicidal effect but transferred C. difficile spores from contaminated to otherwise previously uncontaminated surfaces. Disinfectant wipes retain C. difficile spores during and after the wiping process.
Source model for the Mw 6.0 earthquake in Jiashi, China on 19 January 2020 from Sentinel-1A InSAR data
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Qiao Xuejun , Xiong Wei , Chen Wei , Nie Zhaosheng , Wang Dijin , Jia Zhige , Li Jie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOn January 19, 2020, anMw6.0 earthquake occurred in Jiashi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. The epicenter was located at the basin-mountain boundary between the southern Tian Shan and the Tarim Basin. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is used to obtain the coseismic deformation field from both ascending and descending Sentinel-1A satellite images of the European Space Agency. The results showed that the coseismic deformation is distributed between the Kalping fault and the Ozgertaou fault. The earthquake produced significant deformation over an area of approximately 40 km by 30 km. The maximum and minimal displacements along the line of sight (LOS) are 5.3 cm and − 4.2 cm for the ascending interferogram and are 7.2 cm and − 3.0 cm for the descending interferogram, respectively. The fault geometry from the Multi peak Particle Swarm Optimization computation indicates that the seismogenic fault is a shallow low-dipping planar fault that is 4.58 km depth underground. The finite slip model inverted by the Steepest Descent Method implies that the rupture is dominated by a thrust fault. The slips are concentrated in a depth of 5–7 km with a maximum slip of 0.29 m. The estimated total seismic moment is 1.688 × 1018Nm, corresponding to a magnitude ofMw6.1. The seismogenic fault is the Kalping fault which has a listric structure. The coseismic deformation only occurred on the décollement layer and did not involve the ramp segment. The coseismic Coulomb stress changes have enhanced the stress on the deep margin of the Jiashi earthquake rupture area, indicating that there is still the possibility of strong earthquakes in this region in the future.
Adrenal metastasis as the initial diagnosis of synchronous papillary and follicular thyroid cancer
Authors: He Xin , Soleimanpour Scott A. , Clines Gregory A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Differentiated thyroid cancer uncommonly presents with distant metastases. Adrenal metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancer presenting as the initial finding is even less common.

Case Presentation
A 71-year-old male was incidentally found on chest CT to have bilateral thyroid nodules, which were confirmed on ultrasound. Fine needle aspiration of the dominant right 3.3 cm nodule contained histologic features most consistent with Bethesda classification III, and repeat fine needle aspiration revealed pathology consistent with Bethesda classification II. Follow-up thyroid ultrasound showed 1% increase and 14% increase in nodule volume at one and two years, respectively, compared to baseline. Prior to the second annual thyroid ultrasound, the patient was incidentally found to have a 4.1 cm heterogeneously enhancing mass in the right adrenal gland on CT of the abdomen and pelvis. Biochemical evaluation was unremarkable with the exception of morning cortisol of 3.2 µg/dL after dexamethasone suppression. The patient then underwent laparoscopic right adrenal gland excision, which revealed metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma. Total thyroidectomy was then performed, with pathology showing a 4.8 cm well-differentiated follicular thyroid carcinoma of the right lobe, a 0.5 cm noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features of the left lobe, and a 0.1 cm papillary microcarcinoma of the left lobe. Thyrotropin-stimulated whole body scan showed normal physiologic uptake of the remnant thyroid tissue without evidence of other iodine avid disease. The patient then received radioactive iodine. At follow-up 14 months after total thyroidectomy, he remains free of recurrent disease.

Conclusion
Despite following the recommended protocol for evaluation and surveillance of thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer can be challenging to diagnose, and may not be diagnosed until distant metastases are identified.
Spillover of ebolaviruses into people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo prior to the 2018 Ebola virus disease outbreak
Authors: Goldstein Tracey , Belaganahalli Manjunatha N. , Syaluha Eddy K. , Lukusa Jean-Paul K. , Greig Denise J. , Anthony Simon J. , Tremeau-Bravard Alexandre , Thakkar Riddhi , Caciula Adrian , Mishra Nischay , Lipkin W. Ian , Dhanota Jasjeet K. , Smith Brett R. , Ontiveros Victoria M. , Randhawa Nistara , Cranfield Michael , Johnson Christine K. , Gilardi Kirsten V. , Mazet Jonna A. K. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The second largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak began in the Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2018 in North Kivu Province. Data suggest the outbreak is not epidemiologically linked to the 2018 outbreak in Equateur Province, and that independent introduction of Ebola virus (EBOV) into humans occurred. We tested for antibodies to ebolaviruses in febrile patients seeking care in North Kivu Province prior to the EVD outbreak.

Methods
Patients were enrolled between May 2017 and April 2018, before the declared start of the outbreak in eastern DRC. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic and behavioural information to identify risk factors for exposure. Biological samples were evaluated for ebolavirus nucleic acid, and for antibodies to ebolaviruses. Prevalence of exposure was calculated, and demographic factors evaluated for associations with ebolavirus serostatus.

Results
Samples were collected and tested from 272 people seeking care in the Rutshuru Health Zone in North Kivu Province. All patients were negative for filoviruses by PCR. Intial screening by indirect ELISA found that 30 people were reactive to EBOV-rGP. Results were supported by detection of ebolavirus reactive linear peptides using the Serochip platform. Differential screening of all reactive serum samples against the rGP of all six ebolaviruses and Marburg virus (MARV) showed that 29 people exhibited the strongest reactivity to EBOV and one to Bombali virus (BOMV), and western blotting confirmed results. Titers ranged from 1:100 to 1:12,800. Although both sexes and all ages tested positive for antibodies, women were significantly more likely to be positive and the majority of positives were in February 2018.

Conclusions
We provide the first documented evidence of exposure to Ebola virus in people in eastern DRC. We detected antibodies to EBOV in 10% of febrile patients seeking healthcare prior to the declaration of the 2018–2020 outbreak, suggesting early cases may have been missed or exposure ocurred without associated illness. We also report the first known detection of antibodies to BOMV, previously detected in bats in West and East Africa, and show that human exposure to BOMV has occurred. Our data suggest human exposure to ebolaviruses may be more frequent and geographically widespread.
Peri-prosthetic trans-patellar fractures after Total knee Arthroplasty: a case series and review of literature
Authors: Govil Gaurav , Tomar Lavindra , Dhawan Pawan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Peri-prosthetic patella fracture is the second most common peri-prosthetic fracture after total knee arthroplasty. This report presented the treatment results in 6 patients with peri-prosthetic patella fractures. From January 2015 to February 2019, six patients with peri-prosthetic patella fractures were treated. The mean age at surgery was 64 years (range, 48–72 years). Four patients with displaced fractures were treated surgically, and two patients with non-displaced fractures were treated non-surgically. Outcomes were assessed in terms of motion, functional knee score, and Knee Society score. The mean follow-up period lasted 16 months (range: 12–20 months). The average arc of motion was 110° (range: 80°–130°). The mean functional knee score was 77 (range: 70–87). The mean Knee Society score was 84 (range: 75–89). The non-surgical treatment may be a good choice for non-displaced peri-prosthetic patella fractures. For displaced fractures, surgical treatments yielded good functional outcomes.

Level of evidence
IVa
Role of magnetic resonance imaging in characterization of central nervous system lesions in pediatric patients with leukemia and post-treatment complications
Authors: Amer Eman M. , Youssef Ahmed F. , Romeih Marwa A. , Youssef Ayda A. , Khater Hamada M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Leukemia is one of the most common fatal diseases in pediatric oncology. Recently, advances in drug therapy have improved the prognosis of acute leukemia with event-free survival of up to 60%; however, complications and adverse effects of the disease and anti-leukemic treatment have also increased. The CNS complications of leukemia can be classified into those that developed directly or indirectly from the underlying leukemic process and those that can be related to antileukemic therapy. MRI had improved early detection of CNS complications and proper management. The study aims to characterize the MRI findings caused by the leukemic involvement of CNS structures and treatment-associated CNS complications and assess its value in early management and avoidance of long-term side effects.

Results
The patient’s age ranged from 2 to 18 years with different types of leukemia classified regarding the time of presentation as pretreatment, during treatment phases, and post-treatment. Different MRI abnormalities were recorded and clinically correlated.

Conclusion
The neurological complications of leukemia have common presenting symptoms but varying imaging abnormalities. To reach the correct diagnosis, the presenting signs, symptoms, and laboratory data must be considered along with the radiologic findings. A diagnostic algorithm using conventional, post-contrast MRI, MR venography, along with diffusion-weighted MRI was of great value in early detection and differentiation of different CNS lesions detected in pediatric patients with leukemia and post-treatment CNS complications.