bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the diversity and distribution of potential intermediate hosts snails for urogenital schistosomiasis: Bulinus spp. (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) of Lake Victoria
Authors: Chibwana Fred D. , Tumwebaze Immaculate , Mahulu Anna , Sands Arthur F. , Albrecht Christian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The Lake Victoria basin is one of the most persistent hotspots of schistosomiasis in Africa, the intestinal form of the disease being studied more often than the urogenital form. Most schistosomiasis studies have been directed to Schistosoma mansoni and their corresponding intermediate snail hosts of the genus Biomphalaria, while neglecting S. haematobium and their intermediate snail hosts of the genus Bulinus. In the present study, we used DNA sequences from part of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region to investigate Bulinus populations obtained from a longitudinal survey in Lake Victoria and neighbouring systems during 2010–2019.

Methods
Sequences were obtained to (i) determine specimen identities, diversity and phylogenetic positions, (ii) reconstruct phylogeographical affinities, and (iii) determine the population structure to discuss the results and their implications for the transmission and epidemiology of urogenital schistosomiasis in Lake Victoria.

Results
Phylogenies, species delimitation methods (SDMs) and statistical parsimony networks revealed the presence of two main groups of Bulinus species occurring in Lake Victoria; B. truncatus/B. tropicus complex with three species (B. truncatus, B. tropicus and Bulinus sp. 1), dominating the lake proper, and a B. africanus group, prevalent in banks and marshes. Although a total of 47 cox1 haplotypes, were detected within and outside Lake Victoria, there was limited haplotype sharing (only Haplotype 6 was shared between populations from Lake Victoria open waters and neighbouring aquatic systems) – an indication that haplotypes are specific to habitats.

Conclusions
The Bulinus fauna of Lake Victoria consists of at least B. truncatus, B. tropicus, Bulinus sp. 1 (B. trigonus?) and B. ugandae. The occurrence and wide distribution of Bulinus species in Lake Victoria potentially implies the occurrence of urogenital schistosomiasis in communities living along the shores and on islands of the lake who depend solely on the lake for their livelihood. More in-depth studies are needed to obtain a better picture of the extent of the disease in the Lake Victoria basin.
Delivering ‘tiny targets’ in a remote region of southern Chad: a cost analysis of tsetse control in the Mandoul sleeping sickness focus
Authors: Rayaisse Jean-Baptiste , Courtin Fabrice , Mahamat Mahamat Hisséne , Chérif Mahamat , Yoni Wilfrid , Gadjibet Nadmba M. O. , Peka Mallaye , Solano Philippe , Torr Steve J. , Shaw Alexandra P. M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSince 2012, the World Health Organisation and the countries affected by the Gambian form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) have been committed to eliminating the disease, primarily through active case-finding and treatment. To interrupt transmission ofTrypanosoma brucei gambienseand move more rapidly towards elimination, it was decided to add vector control using ‘tiny targets’. Chad’s Mandoul HAT focus extends over 840 km2, with a human population of 39,000 as well as 14,000 cattle and 3000 pigs. Some 2700 tiny targets were deployed annually from 2014 onwards.MethodsA protocol was developed for the routine collection of tsetse control costs during all field missions. This was implemented throughout 2015 and 2016, and combined with the recorded costs of the preliminary survey and sensitisation activities. The objective was to calculate the full costs at local prices in Chad. Costs were adjusted to remove research components and to ensure that items outside the project budget lines were included, such as administrative overheads and a share of staff salaries.ResultsTargets were deployed at about 60 per linear km of riverine tsetse habitat. The average annual cost of the operation was USD 56,113, working out at USD 66.8 per km2 protected and USD 1.4 per person protected. Of this, 12.8% was an annual share of the initial tsetse survey, 40.6% for regular tsetse monitoring undertaken three times a year, 36.8% for target deployment and checking and 9.8% for sensitisation of local populations. Targets accounted for 8.3% of the cost, and the cost of delivering a target was USD 19.0 per target deployed.ConclusionsThis study has confirmed that tiny targets provide a consistently low cost option for controlling tsetse in gambiense HAT foci. Although the study area is remote with a tsetse habitat characterised by wide river marshes, the costs were similar to those of tiny target work in Uganda, with some differences, in particular a higher cost per target delivered. As was the case in Uganda, the cost was between a quarter and a third that of historical target operations using full size targets or traps.
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in cardiac arrest: results of a hands-on training for a simplified TEE protocol
Authors: Nazerian Peiman , De Stefano Giuliano , Albano Giovanni , Gaspari Vera , Bevilacqua Sergio , Campagnolo Valter , Stefàno Pierluigi , Grifoni Stefano 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Integration of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) can impact decision-making, assist in the diagnosis of reversible etiologies and help guiding resuscitation of patients with cardiac arrest.

Objective
To evaluate the ability of emergency physicians (EPs) to obtain and maintain skills in performing resusTEE after a course with clinical training in the cardiac surgery theatre.

Methods
Ten EPs without previous TEE experience underwent a resusTEE course, based on a 2-h workshop and an 8-h hands-on training. The training was performed in a cardiac surgery theatre tutored by cardiovascular anesthesiologists. The six taught views were mid-esophageal four-chamber (ME4CH), mid-esophageal long axis (MELAX), mid-esophageal two-chamber (ME2CH), mid-esophageal bicaval view (MEbicaval), transgastric short axis (TGSAX) and aorta view (AOview). The EPs were evaluated by a cardiovascular anesthesiologist at the end of the course as well as after 12 weeks according to a standardized evaluation method. Once the course was completed, resusTEE exams, performed by EPs in Emergency Department (ED), were monitored for a 12-week period.

Results
The average assessment of the ten EPs by the tutors was higher than 4 points out of 5, both at the end of the course and after 12 weeks. Probe insertion, acquisition and interpretation of the different views scored on average more than 4 points out of 5 except for TGSAX that showed worsening after 12 weeks. Trainees performed twelve resusTEE exams in ED in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) over 12 weeks after the course. EPs used only four out of six taught views in clinical practice, in the following order of frequency: ME4CH, AOview, MEbicaval and MELAX.

Conclusions
EPs, after a course with clinical training in the cardiac surgery theatre, can successfully acquire and maintain the skills needed to perform resusTEE. However, among the six views learned in the course, EPs used only four of them (ME4CH, MEbicaval, MELAX and AOview).
Diagnostic Reference Levels based on clinical indications in computed tomography: a literature review
Authors: Paulo Graciano , Damilakis John , Tsapaki Virginia , Schegerer Alexander A. , Repussard Jacques , Jaschke Werner , Frija Guy ,   European Society of Radiology, Hierath Monika , Clark Jonathan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
In August 2017, the European Commission awarded the “European Study on Clinical Diagnostic Reference levels for X-ray Medical Imaging” project to the European Society of Radiology, to provide up-to-date Diagnostic Reference Levels based on clinical indications.
The aim of this work was to conduct an extensive literature review by analysing the most recent studies published and the data provided by the National Competent Authorities, to understand the current situation regarding Diagnostic Reference Levels based on clinical indications for computed tomography.

Results
The literature review has identified 23 papers with Diagnostic Reference Levels based on clinical indications for computed tomography from 15 countries; 12 of them from Europe.
A total of 28 clinical indications for 6 anatomical areas (head, cervical spine/neck, chest, abdomen, abdomen-pelvis, chest-abdomen-pelvis) have been identified.

Conclusions
In all the six anatomical areas for which Diagnostic Reference Levels based on clinical indications were found, a huge variation of computed tomography dose descriptor values was identified, providing evidence for a need to develop strategies to standardise and optimise computed tomography protocols.
3D co-culture model of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) reverses late passage adipose-derived stem cell senescence for wound healing
Authors: Hu Wansheng , Zhu Shengqian , Fanai Mimi Lalrimawii , Wang Jing , Cai Junrong , Feng Jingwei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundExtensive passage of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro leads to loss of function. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) can be isolated from adult peripheral blood. A 3D co-culture system may rescue in vitro ASC senescence.MethodsA 3D co-culture model was successfully established using hyaluronic acid (HA) gel and a 10:1 ratio of late-passage ASCs and ECFCs. Cell density and culture conditions were optimized. Stem cell phenotype was characterized by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to measure the trophic effect of angiogenic growth factors and compare the effects of these factors between the 3-D co-culture and single-cell culture. Therapeutic potential of ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures was evaluated in a mouse chronic injury model.ResultsFollowing incubation in a HA substrate 3D co-culture system, ASC morphology, phenotype, secretory profile, and differentiation capacity were restored. The ASC/ECFC co-culture increased the secretion of cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor, compared with single-cell 3D culture or monolayer culture. Mice radiation-ulcer wounds treated with ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures (spheroids) showed epithelialization and improved healing compared with wounds treated with ASCs or ECFCs alone. Further, transplanted ASC/ECFC spheroids exhibited superior angiogenic potential due to the ability of the ASCs to transdifferentiate into pericytes.Conclusion3D co-culture of ECFCs and ASCs in vitro restored native ASC properties by reversing cellular senescence and loss of trophic function. Transplant of ASC/ECFC 3D spheroids in vivo demonstrated pro-angiogenic capacity with improved therapeutic potential.
Disruption of pyruvate phosphate dikinase in Brucella ovis PA CO2-dependent and independent strains generates attenuation in the mouse model
Authors: Vizcaíno Nieves , Pérez-Etayo Lara , Conde-Álvarez Raquel , Iriarte Maite , Moriyón Ignacio , Zúñiga-Ripa Amaia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBrucella ovis is a non-zoonotic rough Brucella that causes genital lesions, abortions and increased perinatal mortality in sheep and is responsible for important economic losses worldwide. Research on virulence factors of B. ovis is necessary for deciphering the mechanisms that enable this facultative intracellular pathogen to establish persistent infections and for developing a species-specific vaccine, a need in areas where the cross-protecting ovine smooth B. melitensis Rev1 vaccine is banned. Although several B. ovis virulence factors have been identified, there is little information on its metabolic abilities and their role in virulence. Here, we report that deletion of pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PpdK, catalyzing the bidirectional conversion pyruvate ⇌ phosphoenolpyruvate) in B. ovis PA (virulent and CO2-dependent) impaired growth in vitro. In cell infection experiments, although showing an initial survival higher than that of the parental strain, this ppdK mutant was unable to multiply. Moreover, when inoculated at high doses in mice, it displayed an initial spleen colonization higher than that of the parental strain followed by a marked comparative decrease, an unusual pattern of attenuation in mice. A homologous mutant was also obtained in a B. ovis PA CO2-independent construct previously proposed for developing B. ovis vaccines to solve the problem that CO2-dependence represents for large scale production. This CO2-independent ppdK mutant reproduced the growth defect in vitro and the multiplication/clearance pattern in mouse spleens, and is thus an interesting vaccine candidate for the immunoprophylaxis of B. ovis ovine brucellosis.
Gamma operators reproducing exponential functions
Authors: Acar Tuncer , Mursaleen Mohammad , Deveci Serife Nur 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe present paper deals with reconstruction of Gamma operators preserving some exponential functions and studies their approximation properties: uniform convergence, rate of convergence, asymptotic formula and saturation. The effectiveness of new operators compared to classical ones is presented in certain senses as well. The last section is devoted to numerical results which compare the effectiveness of new constructions of Gamma operators.
The dynamics of COVID-19 with quarantined and isolation
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf , Atangana Abdon , Alzahrani Ebraheem , Fatmawati  
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the present paper, we formulate a new mathematical model for the dynamics of COVID-19 with quarantine and isolation. Initially, we provide a brief discussion on the model formulation and provide relevant mathematical results. Then, we consider the fractal-fractional derivative in Atangana–Baleanu sense, and we also generalize the model. The generalized model is used to obtain its stability results. We show that the model is locally asymptotically stable if$\mathcal{R}_{0}<1$R0<1. Further, we consider the real cases reported in China since January 11 till April 9, 2020. The reported cases have been used for obtaining the real parameters and the basic reproduction number for the given period,$\mathcal{R}_{0}\approx 6.6361$R0≈6.6361. The data of reported cases versus model for classical and fractal-factional order are presented. We show that the fractal-fractional order model provides the best fitting to the reported cases. The fractional mathematical model is solved by a novel numerical technique based on Newton approach, which is useful and reliable. A brief discussion on the graphical results using the novel numerical procedures are shown. Some key parameters that show significance in the disease elimination from the society are explored.
Prevalence of fosfomycin resistance and gene mutations in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lee Yi-Chien , Chen Pao-Yu , Wang Jann-Tay , Chang Shan-Chwen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Fosfomycin exhibits excellent in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Increasing fosfomycin resistance among clinical MRSA isolates was reported previously, but little is known about the relative abundance of Fosfomycin resistance genes in MRSA isolates circulating in Taiwan.

Methods
All MRSA isolates, collected in 2002 and 2012 by the Taiwan Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (TSAR) program, were used in this study. Susceptibility to various antimicrobial agents, including fosfomycin, was determined by broth microdilution. Genetic determinants of fosfomycin resistance, including fosB carriage and murA, glpT and uhpT mutations, were investigated using PCR and sequencing of amplicons. Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing was also performed to determine the genetic relatedness of MRSA isolates.

Results
A total of 969 MRSA strains, 495 in the year 2002 and 474 in the year 2012, were analyzed. The overall in vitro susceptibility was 8.2% to erythromycin, 18.0% to clindamycin, 29.0% to tetracycline, 44.6% to ciprofloxacin, 57.5% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 86.9% to rifampicin, 92.9% to fosfomycin and 100% to linezolid and vancomycin. A significant increase in the fosfomycin resistance rate was observed from 3.4% in 2002 to 11.0% in 2012. Of 68 fosfomycin-resistant MRSA isolates, several genetic backgrounds probably contributing to fosfomycin resistance were identified. Twelve isolates harbored the fosB gene, and various mutations in murA, uhpT, and glpT genes were noted in 11, 59, and 66 isolates, respectively. The most prevalent gene mutations were found in the combination of uhpT and glpT genes (58 isolates). The vast majority of the fosfomycin-resistant MRSA isolates belonged to spa type t002.

Conclusions
An increased fosfomycin resistance rate of MRSA isolates was observed in our present study, mostly due to mutations in the glpT and uhpT genes. Clonal spread probably contributed to the increased fosfomycin resistance.
A rapid model for developing dry surface biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for in vitro disinfectant efficacy testing
Authors: Nkemngong Carine A. , Voorn Maxwell G. , Li Xiaobao , Teska Peter J. , Oliver Haley F. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Bacterial biofilms persistent on dry environmental surfaces in healthcare facilities play an important role in the occurrence of healthcare associated infections (HAI). Compared to wet surface biofilms and planktonic bacteria, dry surface biofilms (DSB) are more tolerant to disinfection. However, there is no official method for developing DSB for in vitro disinfectant efficacy testing. The objectives of this study were to (i) develop an in vitro model of DSB of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa for disinfectant efficacy testing and (ii) investigate the effect of drying times and temperatures on DSB development. We hypothesized that a minimum six log10 density of DSB could be achieved on glass coupons by desiccating wet surface biofilms near room temperatures. We also hypothesized that a DSB produced by the model in this study will be encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).

Methods
S. aureus ATCC-6538 and P. aeruginosa ATCC-15442 wet surface biofilms were grown on glass coupons following EPA MLB SOP MB-19. A DSB model was developed by drying coupons in an incubator and viable bacteria were recovered following a modified version of EPA MLB SOP MB-20. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm the EPS presence on DSB.

Results
Overall, a minimum of six mean log10 densities of DSB for disinfectant efficacy were recovered per coupon after drying at different temperatures and drying times. Regardless of strain, temperature and dry time, 86% of coupons with DSB were confirmed to have EPS.

Conclusion
A rapid model for developing DSB with characteristic EPS was developed for disinfectant efficacy testing against DSB.
Detoxifying and antioxidant effect of ellagic acid nano particles in rats intoxicated with sodium nitrites
Authors: EL Barky Amira Ragab , Mohamed Tarek Mostafa , Ali Ehab Mostafa Mohamed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSodium nitrite is used as a preservative in food products to stabilize color and reduce rancidity. Its absorption into the body causes many diseases. Ellagic acid is a natural polyphenol that contains powerful antioxidants, but it is taken as a poorly absorbed food. Therefore, chitosan-coated nanoparticles (EANP@CS) were loaded to enhance their bioactivity and bioavailability after oral administration. EANP@CS was administrated in rats given water containing sodium nitrite to reduce toxins. Ellagic acid was extracted from pomegranate and manufactured EANP@CS. EANP@CS was identified by FT-IR, UV, X-ray diffraction and TEM. Average EANP@CS size ranges from 20–62 nm. Rats were divided into five groups: normal, treated using EANP@CS; rats were receiving nitrite for 8 weeks, and the last two groups were treated with EANP@CS. Serum and liver NO, MDA, and DNA fragmentation were reduced. Liver thiol and GSH levels, and Gpx, catalase and GST activities increased in rats treated with EANP@CS rats compared to rats drinking nitrites. Liver NOS activity was reduced 7 and 4.9 times in rats treated with EANP@CS during or after discontinuation of nitrite administration, respectively. Liver arginase activity was raised in rats that drink nitrite or were treated using EANP@CS. Inflammatory infiltrations of the liver, kidney, and spleen were observed in the tissues of rats that received nitrites and improved when the rats were given EANP@CS. EANP@CS improved oral bioavailability and reduce the risk of sodium nitrite in rats. EANP@CS can be used as a therapeutic goal to detoxify any unwanted toxic substance in food.
The east coast districts are the possible epicenter of severe dengue in Sabah
Authors: Kaur Narinderjeet , Rahim Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul , Jaimin Joel Judson , Dony Jiloris Julian Frederick , Khoon Koay Teng , Ahmed Kamruddin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundMalaysia recorded the highest number of dengue cases between 2014 and 2017. There are 13 states and three federal territories in Malaysia, and each area varies in their prevalence of dengue. Sabah is one of the states situated in Borneo, Malaysia. Although dengue has been increasing for the last several years, no study was being done to understand the burden and serotype distribution of the dengue virus (DENV) in Sabah. Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the epidemiology of the dengue infection and the factors responsible for severe dengue in Sabah.MethodsData on dengue infection were extracted from the dengue database of the state of Sabah from 2013 through 2018. DENV NS-1-positive serum samples from multiple sites throughout Sabah were sent to the state public health laboratory, Kota Kinabalu Public Health Laboratory, for serotype determination. The analysis of factors associated with severe dengue was determined from the data of 2018 only.ResultsIn 2013, there were 724 dengue cases; however, from 2014, dengue cases increased exponentially and resulted in 3423 cases in 2018. Increasing dengue cases also led to increased dengue mortality. The number of dengue deaths in 2013 was only five which then gradually increased, and in 2018, 29 patients died. This is an increase of 580% from 2013 to 2018. Deaths were considerably more in the districts of the east coast of Sabah compared with districts in the west coast. During the study period, all DENV serotypes could be identified as serotypes circulating in Sabah. In 2018, the predominant serotype was DENV-3. The monthly peak of dengue infection varied in different years. In the logistic regression analysis, it was identified that children were 6.5 times, patients infected with mixed serotype of DENV were 13 times, and cases from the districts of the east coast were 5.2 times more likely to develop severe dengue.ConclusionsAn increasing trend of dengue infection has been observed in Sabah. The burden of dengue, severe dengue, and mortality was noted especially in the districts of the east coast of Sabah. Severe dengue was most likely developed in children, cases from the east coast, and patients infected with mixed serotype of DENV.