bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra-trace Extraction of Two Bactericides Via Ultrasound-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Gao Xun , Si Xinxin , Yuan Yunxia , Chen Kexin , Qin Kunming 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
A simple, rapid and sensitive method coupling ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the simultaneous determination of malachite green (MG) and crystal violet (CV) in different water samples.

Objective
In ultrasound-assisted DLLME procedure, several parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, including pH, type and volume of the extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction time, ionic strength, were optimized to improve the accuracy and precision of this method.

Methods
MG and CV were extracted and preconcentrated using dichloromethane and acetonitrile as the extraction and dispersive solvents, respectively.

Results
Under the optimum conditions, the proposed method affords good linearity in the range of 0.40–20.0 ng/L, and the limit of detections were 0.21 and 0.32 ng/L for MG and CV, respectively. The recoveries of the method at three spiked levels were in the range of 83.4–94.2% with relative standard deviations lower than 4.7% (n = 3).

Conclusions
Satisfactorily, no significant matrix effect has been found as the data ranged between 68% and 102%.
The cardiac impact of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in survivors of testicular cancer: a 30-year follow-up
Authors: Bjerring Anders W , Fosså Sophie D , Haugnes Hege S , Nome Ragnhild , Stokke Thomas M , Haugaa Kristina H , Kiserud Cecilie E , Edvardsen Thor , Sarvari Sebastian I 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBCT) is essential in the treatment of metastatic testicular cancer (TC) but has been associated with long-term risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, cisplatin can be detected in the body decades after treatment. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of CBCT on cardiac function and morphology in TC survivors 30 years after treatment.

Methods and results
TC survivors treated with CBCT (1980–94) were recruited from the longitudinal Norwegian Cancer Study in Testicular Cancer Survivors and compared with a control group matched for sex, age, smoking status, and heredity for coronary artery disease. All participants underwent laboratory tests, blood pressure measurement, and 2D and 3D echocardiography including 2D speckle-tracking strain analyses. Ninety-four TC survivors, on average 60 ± 9 years old, received a median cumulative cisplatin dose of 780 mg (IQR 600–800). Compared with controls, TC survivors more frequently used anti-hypertensive (55% vs. 24%, P &lt; 0.001) and lipid-lowering medication (44% vs. 18%, P &lt; 0.001). TC survivors had worse diastolic function parameters with higher E/e′-ratio (9.8 ± 3.2 vs. 7.7 ± 2.5, P &lt; 0.001), longer mitral deceleration time (221 ± 69 vs. 196 ± 57ms, P &lt; 0.01), and higher maximal tricuspid regurgitation velocity (25 ± 7 vs. 21 ± 4 m/s, P = 0.001). The groups did not differ in left or right ventricular systolic function, prevalence of arrhythmias, or valvular heart disease. Cumulative cisplatin dose did not correlate with cardiac parameters.

Conclusion
No signs of overt or subclinical reduction in systolic function were identified. Long-term cardiovascular adverse effects three decades after CBCT may be limited to metabolic dysfunction and worse diastolic function in TC survivors.
Aortic valve replacement due to granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case series
Authors: Uijtterhaegen Gilles , De Donder Laura , Ameloot Eline , Lefebvre Kristof , Van Dorpe Jo , De Pauw Michel , François Katrien 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a systemic inflammatory process predominantly affecting upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys. Valvular heart disease is a rare manifestation of GPA.

Case summary
We report two cases of acute valvular heart disease mimicking acute endocarditis caused by GPA. Both patients were middle-aged females with acute aortic valve regurgitation suggestive of possible infective endocarditis. In their recent medical history, atypical otitis and sinusitis were noted. The first patient was admitted with heart failure and the second patient because of persisting fever. Echocardiogram revealed severe aortic regurgitation with an additional structure on two cusps, suggestive of infective endocarditis in both patients. Urgent surgical replacement was performed; however, intraoperative findings did not show infective endocarditis, but severe inflammatory changes of the valve and surrounding tissue. In both patients, the valve was replaced by a prosthetic valve. Microscopic examination of the valve/myocardial biopsy showed diffuse acute and chronic inflammation with necrosis and necrotizing granulomas, compatible with GPA after infectious causes were excluded. Disease remission was obtained in both patients, in one patient with Rituximab and in the other with Glucocorticoids and Cyclophosphamide. Both had an uneventful follow-up.

Discussion
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis can be a rare cause of acute aortic valve regurgitation mimicking infective endocarditis with the need for surgical valve replacement. Atypical ear, nose, and throat symptoms can be a first sign of GPA. Symptom recognition is important for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent further progression of the disease.
Variation in general practitioners’ depression care following certification of sickness absence: a registry-based cohort study
Authors: Riiser Sharline , Haukenes Inger , Baste Valborg , Smith-Sivertsen Tone , Hetlevik Øystein , Ruths Sabine 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Depression is more prevalent among women and people with low socio-economic status. Uncertainties exist about how general practitioner (GP) depression care varies with patients’ social position.

Objective
To investigate associations between patients’ gender and educational status combined and GP depression care following certification of sickness absence.

Methods
Nationwide registry-based cohort study, Norway, 2012–14. Reimbursement claims data from all consultations in general practice for depression were linked with information on socio-demographic data, social security benefits and depression medication. The study population comprised all individuals aged 25–66 years with taxable income, sick-listed with a new depression diagnosis in general practice in 2013 (n = 8857). We defined six intersectional groups by combining educational level and gender. The outcome was type of GP depression care during sick leave: follow-up consultation(s), talking therapy, medication and referral to secondary care. Associations between intersectional groups and outcome were estimated using generalized linear models.

Results
Among long-term absentees (17 days or more), highly educated women were less likely to receive medication compared to all other patient groups [relative risk (RR) ranging from 1.17 (95% confidence interval 1.03–1.33) to 1.49 (1.29–1.72)] and more likely to receive talking therapy than women with medium [RR = 0.90 (0.84–0.98)] or low [RR = 0.91 (0.85–0.98)] education.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that GPs provide equitable depression care regarding consultations and referrals for all intersectional groups but differential drug treatment and talking therapy for highly educated women. GPs need to be aware of these variations to provide personalized care and to prevent reproducing inequity.
Activation of cellular immune response in insect model host Galleria mellonella by fungal α-1,3-glucan
Authors: Stączek Sylwia , Zdybicka-Barabas Agnieszka , Wiater Adrian , Pleszczyńska Małgorzata , Cytryńska Małgorzata 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Alpha-1,3-glucan, in addition to β-1,3-glucan, is an important polysaccharide component of fungal cell walls. It is reported for many fungal species, including human pathogenic genera: Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma and Pneumocystis, plant pathogens, e.g. Magnaporthe oryzae and entomopathogens, e.g. Metarhizium acridum. In human and plant pathogenic fungi, α-1,3-glucan is considered as a shield for the β-1,3-glucan layer preventing recognition of the pathogen by the host. However, its role in induction of immune response is not clear. In the present study, the cellular immune response of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella to Aspergillus niger α-1,3-glucan was investigated for the first time. The changes detected in the total hemocyte count (THC) and differential hemocyte count (DHC), formation of hemocyte aggregates and changes in apolipophorin III localization indicated activation of G. mellonella cellular mechanisms in response to immunization with A. niger α-1,3-glucan. Our results, which have clearly demonstrated the response of the insect immune system to this fungal cell wall component, will help in understanding the α-1,3-glucan role in immune response against fungal pathogens not only in insects but also in mammals, including humans.
A Pathophysiological Model for COVID-19: Critical Importance of Transepithelial Sodium Transport upon Airway Infection
Authors: Gentzsch Martina , Rossier Bernard C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains a serious public health problem and will continue to be until effective drugs and/or vaccines are available. The rational development of drugs critically depends on our understanding of disease mechanisms, that is, the physiology and pathophysiology underlying the function of the organ targeted by the virus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, tireless efforts around the globe have led to numerous publications on the virus, its receptor, its entry into the cell, its cytopathic effects, and how it triggers innate and native immunity but the role of apical sodium transport mediated by the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) during the early phases of the infection in the airways has received little attention. We propose a pathophysiological model that defines the possible role of ENaC in this process.
Increasing Life-Space Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Persons With Cognitive Impairment Following Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ullrich Phoebe , Werner Christian , Bongartz Martin , Eckert Tobias , Abel Bastian , Schönstein Anton , Kiss Rainer , Hauer Klaus 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Community-dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) following discharge from geriatric rehabilitation are at high risk of losing life-space mobility (LSM). Interventions to improve their LSM are, however, still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CI-specific, home-based physical training and activity promotion program on LSM.

Methods
Older persons with mild-to-moderate CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 17–26 points) discharged home from rehabilitation were included in this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention period and 12-week follow-up period. The intervention group received a CI-specific, home-based strength, balance, and walking training supported by tailored motivational strategies. The control group received a placebo activity. LSM was evaluated by the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment, including a composite score for LSM and 3 subscores for maximal, equipment-assisted, and independent life space. Mixed-model repeated-measures analyses were used.

Results
One hundred eighteen participants (82.3 ± 6.0 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 23.3 ± 2.4) were randomized. After the intervention, the home-based training program resulted in a significant benefit in the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment composite scores (b = 8.15; 95% confidence interval: 2.89–13.41; p = .003) and independent life-space subscores (b = 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.78; p = .048) in the intervention group (n = 63) compared to control group (n = 55). Other subscores and follow-up results were not significantly different.

Conclusions
The home-based training program improved LSM and independent life space significantly in this vulnerable population. Effects were not sustained over the follow-up. The program may represent a model for improved transition from rehabilitation to the community to prevent high risk of LSM restriction.
Risk Factors for Hospital Admission After a Fall: A Prospective Cohort Study of Community-Dwelling Older People
Authors: Abell Jessica G , Lassale Camille , Batty G David , Zaninotto Paola 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Falls in later life that require admission to hospital have well-established consequences for future disability and health. The likelihood and severity of a fall will result from the presence of one or more risk factors. The aim of this study is to examine risk factors identified for their ability to prevent falls and to assess whether they are associated with hospital admission after a fall.

Methods
Analyses of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), a prospective cohort study. In a sample of 3783 men and women older than 60 years old, a range of potential risk factors measured at Wave 4 (demographic, social environment, physical, and mental functioning) were examined as predictors of fall-related hospitalizations, identified using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code from linked hospital records in the United Kingdom. Subdistribution hazard models were used to account for competing risk of death.

Results
Several risk factors identified by previous work were confirmed. Suffering from urinary incontinence (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.95) and osteoporosis (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.07), which are not commonly considered at an early stage of screening, were found to be associated with hospital admission after a fall. Both low and moderate levels of physical activity were also found to somewhat increase the risk of hospital admission after a fall.

Conclusions
Several predictors of having a fall, severe enough to require hospital admission, have been confirmed. In particular, urinary incontinence should be considered at an earlier point in the assessment of risk.
Association of maternal diabetes with neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disability
Authors: Chen Shuyun , Zhao Sixian , Dalman Christina , Karlsson Håkan , Gardner Renee 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Maternal diabetes has been associated with a risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in offspring, though the common co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intellectual disability (ID) is rarely considered, nor is the potential for confounding by shared familial factors (e.g. genetics).

Methods
This population-based cohort study used data from Psychiatry Sweden, a linkage of Swedish national registers, to follow 2 369 680 individuals born from 1987 to 2010. We used population-averaged logit models to examine the association between exposure to maternal type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), pre-gestational type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and odds of NDDs in offspring. Subgroup analysis was then performed to investigate the timings of GDM diagnosis during pregnancy and its effect on the odds of NDDs in offspring. We compared these results to models considering paternal lifetime T1DM and T2DM as exposures.

Results
Overall, 45 678 individuals (1.93%) were diagnosed with ASD, 20 823 (0.88%) with ID and 102 018 (4.31%) with ADHD. All types of maternal diabetes were associated with odds of NDDs, with T2DM most strongly associated with any diagnosis of ASD (odds ratioadjusted 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.84), ID (2.09, 1.53–2.87) and ADHD (1.43, 1.16–1.77). Considering common co-morbid groups, the associations were strongest between maternal diabetes and diagnostic combinations that included ID. Paternal T1DM and T2DM diagnoses were also associated with offspring NDDs, but these associations were weaker than those with maternal diabetes. Diagnosis of GDM between 27 and 30 weeks of gestation was generally associated with the greatest risk of NDDs in offspring, with the strongest associations for outcomes that included ID.

Conclusion
The association of maternal diabetes with NDDs in offspring varies depending on the co-morbid presentation of the NDDs, with the greatest odds associated with outcomes that included ID. Results of paternal-comparison studies suggest that the above associations are likely to be partly confounded by shared familial factors, such as genetic liability.
A Bijective Proof of the ASM Theorem Part II: ASM Enumeration and ASM–DPP Relation
Authors: Fischer Ilse , Konvalinka Matjaž 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This paper is the 2nd in a series of planned papers that provide 1st bijective proofs of alternating sign matrix (ASM) results. Based on the main result from the 1st paper, we construct a bijective proof of the enumeration formula for ASMs and of the fact that ASMs are equinumerous with descending plane partitions. We are also able to refine these bijections by including the position of the unique $1$ in the top row of the matrix. Our constructions rely on signed sets and related notions. The starting point for these constructions were known “computational” proofs, but the combinatorial point of view led to several drastic modifications. We also provide computer code where all of our constructions have been implemented.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vpu Inhibitor, BIT225, in Combination with 3-Drug Antiretroviral Therapy: Inflammation and Immune Cell Modulation
Authors: Luscombe Carolyn A , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Supparatpinyo Khuanchai , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Han Win Min , Ewart Gary D , Thomson Audrey S , Miller Michelle , Becker Stephen , Murphy Robert L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BIT225 is a first-in-class inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 Vpu. A phase II trial enrolled 36 HIV-1–infected, treatment-naive participants in Thailand to receive standard-of-care antiretroviral therapy (ART), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/efavirenz (Atripla), with 100 or 200 mg of BIT225 or placebo (daily) for 12 weeks. Combined treatment with BIT225 and ART was found to be generally safe and well tolerated, with antiviral efficacy comparable to that of ART alone. The secondary end point—soluble CD163, a marker of monocyte/macrophage inflammation—was noted to be significantly decreased in the BIT225 arm. Plasma-derived activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, and interleukin 21 were increased in those treated with BIT225. These findings are consistent with inhibition of the known effects of HIV Vpu and may reflect clinically important modulation of inflammatory and immune function. Further clinical study is planned to both confirm and extend these important findings in treatment-naive, and treatment-experienced individuals.
Clinical Trials Registration. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Universal Trial Number U1111-1191-2194).
How has ASEAN+3 financial cooperation affected global financial governance?
Authors: Kring William N. , Grimes William W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the wake of the Asian Financial Crisis, East Asia’s efforts to enhance regional financial cooperation raised the possibility of East Asia playing a more assertive role in global financial governance. However, despite the region’s increased voice in governance and economic weight, East Asian financial systems and markets have mostly adapted to global norms developed in New York, London, and Washington, DC. We argue that the failure of East Asia to push an alternative vision of financial governance reflects both the lack of regional political unity and, more crucially, the divisions of interests both between and within key East Asian economies. Despite nearly universal regional dissatisfaction with global standards and institutions in the wake of the Asian Financial Crisis, these two factors have combined to prevent the development of a distinctive regional model that could be promoted at the global level.
Species Diversity in the Braconid Wasp Genus Allorhogas (Doryctinae) Associated With Cynipid Galls on Live Oaks (Quercus: Fagaceae) Using Natural History, Phylogenetics, and Morphology
Authors: Samacá-Sáenz Ernesto , Egan Scott P , Zaldívar-Riverón Alejandro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe discovery of new biodiversity, during an age of unprecedented extinction, is vital for all the life sciences and the quality of human life. One ecologically and economically important group that requires attention is the hymenopteran family Braconidae, which is estimated to include thousands of undescribed species. Here we assessed the genetic structure and species diversification in the braconid wasp genus Allorhogas Gahan (Doryctinae) that were reared from galls of five cynipid wasp species associated with three live oak species (Fagaceae: Quercus: subsection Virentes) in the southeastern United States. We explored genetic variation in the single-locus barcoding COI region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and conducted analyses with different DNA sequence-based species delimitation approaches both for the above marker and genome-wide nuclear data using ultraconserved elements (UCEs). We found high variation in the mtDNA barcoding region among specimens of Allorhogas reared from galls made by different cynipid species in distinct plant organs and among specimens reared from the same type of gall from two separate geographic regions. In addition, our analyses of mtDNA and multilocus nuclear data were concordant in consistently delimiting at least five genetic lineages. We combined this molecular evidence with morphological data to describe four new species and redescribe the type species of the genus, Allorhogas gallicola Gahan, which exhibited similar morphological, ecological, and biogeographic characteristics to the four new species. This study highlights the importance of carrying detailed rearing surveys to uncover the intricate species interactions and species diversity that is present in gall-former systems.
First international quality control programme for laboratories measuring antimicrobial drugs to support dose individualization in critically ill patients
Authors: Wallenburg E , Brüggemann R J , Asouit K , Teulen M , de Haan A F J , Franssen E J F , Aarnoutse R E 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesInternational quality control (proficiency testing) programmes are instituted to safeguard the analytical performance of laboratories and to aid these laboratories in identifying sources of error in their analytical methods. We describe the first international quality control programme for antimicrobial agents that are frequently used in critically ill patients.MethodsSpiked plasma samples with ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, flucloxacillin, piperacillin, sulfamethoxazole, N-acetyl sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim were shipped to 22 laboratories from eight different countries. Acceptable accuracy by the performing laboratory was defined if measurements were within 80%–120% limits of the true weighed-in concentrations.ResultsA total of 81% of the measurements (ranging between 56% and 100%, dependent on drug) were within the 80%–120% limits of the true weighed-in concentrations.ConclusionsWe found a relatively good performance of the participating laboratories in measuring eight different antimicrobial drugs. Nevertheless, some of the antimicrobial drugs were not measured properly as up to 44% of the measurements was inaccurate depending on the drug. Our results emphasize the need for and utility of an ongoing quality control programme.