bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery of thermophilic Bacillales using reduced-representation genotyping for identification
Authors: Talamantes-Becerra Berenice , Carling Jason , Kilian Andrzej , Georges Arthur 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
This study demonstrates the use of reduced-representation genotyping to provide preliminary identifications for thermophilic bacterial isolates. The approach combines restriction enzyme digestion and PCR with next-generation sequencing to provide thousands of short-read sequences from across the bacterial genomes. Isolates were obtained from compost, hot water systems, and artesian bores of the Great Artesian Basin. Genomic DNA was double-digested with two combinations of restriction enzymes followed by PCR amplification, using a commercial provider of DArTseq™, Diversity Arrays Technology Pty Ltd. (Canberra, Australia). The resulting fragments which formed a reduced-representation of approximately 2.3% of the genome were sequenced. The sequence tags obtained were aligned against all available RefSeq bacterial genome assemblies by BLASTn to identify the nearest reference genome.

Results
Based on the preliminary identifications, a total of 99 bacterial isolates were identified to species level, from which 8 isolates were selected for whole-genome sequencing to assess the identification results. Novel species and strains were discovered within this set of isolates. The preliminary identifications obtained by reduced-representation genotyping, as well as identifications obtained by BLASTn alignment of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, were compared with those derived from the whole-genome sequence data, using the same RefSeq sequence database for the three methods. Identifications obtained with reduced-representation sequencing agreed with the identifications provided by whole-genome sequencing in 100% of cases. The identifications produced by BLASTn alignment of 16S rRNA gene sequence to the same database differed from those provided by whole-genome sequencing in 37.5% of cases, and produced ambiguous identifications in 50% of cases.

Conclusions
Previously, this method has been successfully demonstrated for use in bacterial identification for medical microbiology. This study demonstrates the first successful use of DArTseq™ for preliminary identification of thermophilic bacterial isolates, providing results in complete agreement with those obtained from whole-genome sequencing of the same isolates. The growing database of bacterial genome sequences provides an excellent resource for alignment of reduced-representation sequence data for identification purposes, and as the available sequenced genomes continue to grow, the technique will become more effective.
Resuscitation with macromolecular superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic polynitroxylated PEGylated hemoglobin offers neuroprotection in guinea pigs after traumatic brain injury combined with hemorrhage shock
Authors: Seno Soichiro , Wang Jun , Cao Suyi , Saraswati Manda , Park Sharon , Simoni Jan , Ma Li , Soltys Bohdan , Hsia Carleton J. C. , Koehler Raymond C. , Robertson Courtney L. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Polynitroxylated PEGylated hemoglobin (PNPH, aka SanFlow) possesses superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic activities that may directly protect the brain from oxidative stress. Stabilization of PNPH with bound carbon monoxide prevents methemoglobin formation during storage and permits it to serve as a carbon monoxide donor. We determined whether small volume transfusion of hyperoncotic PNPH is neuroprotective in a polytrauma model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) plus hemorrhagic shock. Guinea pigs were used because, like humans, they do not synthesize their own ascorbic acid, which is important in reducing methemoglobin.

Results
TBI was produced by controlled cortical impact and was followed by 20 mL/kg hemorrhage to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mmHg. At 90 min, animals were resuscitated with 20 mL/kg lactated Ringer’s solution or 10 mL/kg PNPH. Resuscitation with PNPH significantly augmented the early recovery of MAP after hemorrhagic shock by 10–18 mmHg; whole blood methemoglobin was only 1% higher and carboxyhemoglobin was 2% higher. At 9 days of recovery, unbiased stereology analysis revealed that, compared to animals resuscitated with lactated Ringer’s solution, those treated with PNPH had significantly more viable neurons in the hippocampus CA1 + 2 region (59 ± 10% versus 87 ± 18% of sham and naïve mean value) and in the dentate gyrus (70 ± 21% versus 96 ± 24%; n = 12 per group).

Conclusion
PNPH may serve as a small-volume resuscitation fluid for polytrauma involving TBI and hemorrhagic shock. The neuroprotection afforded by PNPH seen in other species was sustained in a species without endogenous ascorbic acid synthesis, thereby supporting potential translatability for human use.
Molecular characteristics of Clostridium difficile in children with acute gastroenteritis from Zhejiang
Authors: Shuai Huiqun , Bian Qiao , Luo Yun , Zhou Xiaohong , Song Xiaojun , Ye Julian , Huang Qinghong , Peng Zhaoyang , Wu Jun , Jiang Jianmin , Jin Dazhi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has an increasing pediatric prevalence worldwide. However, molecular characteristics of C. difficile in Chinese children with acute gastroenteritis have not been reported.

Methods
A five-year cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary children’s hospital in Zhejiang. Consecutive stool specimens from outpatient children with acute gastroenteritis were cultured for C. difficile, and isolates then were analyzed for toxin genes, multi-locus sequence type and antimicrobial resistance. Diarrhea-related viruses were detected, and demographic data were collected.

Results
A total of 115 CDI cases (14.3%), and 69 co-infected cases with both viruses and toxigenic C. difficile, were found in the 804 stool samples. The 186 C. difficile isolates included 6 of toxin A-positive/toxin B-positive/binary toxin-positive (A+B+CDT+), 139 of A+B+CDT−, 3 of A−B+CDT+, 36 of A−B+CDT− and 2 of A−B−CDT−. Sequence types 26 (17.7%), 35 (11.3%), 39 (12.4%), 54 (16.7%), and 152 (11.3%) were major genotypes with significant differences among different antimicrobial resistances (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.001). The A−B+ isolates had significantly higher resistance, compared to erythromycin, rifampin, moxifloxacin, and gatifloxacin, than that of the A+B+ (χ2 = 7.78 to 29.26, P < 0.01). The positive CDI rate in infants (16.2%) was significantly higher than that of children over 1 year old (10.8%) (χ2 = 4.39, P = 0.036).

Conclusions
CDI has been revealed as a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children with various genotypes. The role of toxigenic C. difficile and risk factors of CDI should be emphatically considered in subsequent diarrhea surveillance in children from China.
Evaluation of microstructural changes in spinal cord of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy by diffusion kurtosis imaging and investigate the correlation with JOA score
Authors: Liu Zhuohang , Bian Bingyang , Wang Gang , Tian Cheukying , Lv Zhenshan , Shao Zhiqing , Li Dan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
To explore the feasibility of the metrics of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) for investigations of the microstructural changes of spinal cord injury in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and the correlation between Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and DKI metrics.

Methods
Fifty-seven patients with DCM and 38 healthy volunteers underwent 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with routine MRI sequences and DKI from echo-planar imaging sequence. Based on the JOA score, DCM patients were divided into four subgroups. DKI metrics of the DCM group and control group were obtained and compared, separately for the white matter (WM) and the gray matter (GM).

Results
The FA values in WM were significantly lower (P = 0.020) in the DCM group than in the control group. The MK values in GM were lower (P = 0.011) in the DCM group than in the control group. The MD values in WM were significantly higher (P = 0.010) in the DCM group than in the control group. In GM, the JOA score was positively correlated with the MK values (r = 0.768, P < 0.05). In the WM, the JOA score was positively correlated with the FA values (r = 0.612, P < 0.05).

Conclusion
DKI provides quantitive evaluation to the characters of microstructure of the spinal cord damage in patients with DCM compared to conventional MR. MK values can reflect microstructural abnormalities of gray matter of the cervical spinal cord and provide more information beyond that obtained with routine diffusion metrics. In addition, MK values of GM and FA values of WM may as a be highly sensitive biomarker for the degree of cervical spinal cord damage.
Kayser–Fleischer ring with keratoconus: a coincidence? A case report
Authors: Hu Peike , Lin Lin , Wu Zhiyi , Jin Xiuming , Ni Hailong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
It is rare for hepatolenticular degeneration [Wilson’s disease (WD)] to occur along with keratoconus (KC). In our report, a teenager was diagnosed with WD because of the discovery of Kayser–Fleischer (KF) ring in the cornea, and concomitant KC was found.

Case presentation
A 19-year-old male was diagnosed with KC due to a rapid decline in visual acuity within a short period of time. Ocular examination revealed the presence of ring-shaped, dense, brown sediment at the Descemet membrane of the bilateral limbus cornea, exhibiting characteristics similar to those of KF ring. Then, the patient was referred to the Department of Neurology and diagnosed with asymptomatic WD. During the next 5 years of follow-up, the patient has worn RGP lenses, routinely taken drugs that inhibit copper absorption and promote copper excretion, and maintained a low-copper diet. He has never exhibited obvious systemic symptoms associated with WD, such as neurological, mental, or hepatic dysfunction, and the color of the KF ring has grown obviously lighter. Moreover, the morphology of the cornea has stabilized.

Conclusion
Only one report of WD combined with KC was found in the literature. So far, there is no evidence of a correlation between the occurrence of the two diseases. However, a low-copper diet and active copper-reducing therapy may have played a role in stabilizing the patient’s condition in this case.
Depression, anxiety and associated factors among housemaids working in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Authors: Ejigu Alem K. , Seraj Zahra R. , Gebrelibanos Mahlet W. , Jilcha Tolesa F. , Bezabih Yodit H. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Housemaids are part of women with low socioeconomic status and most of them are migrant from rural to central part of Ethiopia, less educated, either with poor, separated, single or divorced family and/or dead parents. Housemaid may experience problems like depression and anxiety more than other groups of women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and determinants of those problems among housemaids.

Objective
To assess the magnitude and determinants of depression & anxiety among housemaids in Addis Ababa; Ethiopia; 2018.

Methods
Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to August 30, 2018 among housemaids working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was applied with a total of 826 samples. Quantitative data was employed by using structured questionnaires. The collected data was coded, entered in to Epi-Info version 7 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive, analytical statistical procedures; bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval was employed. The statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05.

Results
This study enrolled 862 participants with response rate 99.5%, 99.5% refers to the number of people who actually completed the interview. The result showed prevalence of depression and anxiety among housemaids 27.5% and 32.3% respectively. Among all participants 44.6% (95% CI= 41.0 – 47.9) have mild, 18.5% (95% CI= 15.7 – 21.2) have moderate and 6.1% (95% CI= 4.5 – 7.8) have severe form of comorbid anxiety with depression. Depression (44.9%) and anxiety (41.9%) found more prevalent among the age group 16 to 20. In this study history of parental divorce, participant’s divorce, physical violence and sexual violence are positively associated. Other factors; being less educated and living with relatives; were associated negatively.

Conclusion
The prevalence of Depression and Anxiety is found high among housemaid; its prevalence is more among age group 16 to 20 than other age groups. Violence, participant’s divorce, history of parental divorce and contraceptive use has positively associated with depression and anxiety.
The neighborhood food environment modifies the effect of the 2009 WIC food package change on childhood obesity in Los Angeles County, California
Authors: Anderson Christopher E. , Crespi Catherine M. , Wang May C. , Whaley Shannon E. , Chaparro M. Pia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Food packages provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) were revised in 2009 to better align them with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the effect of the food package change on childhood obesity varied by the food environment in the neighborhoods where WIC-participating children live.

Methods
Administrative data from participating children in Los Angeles County, California (2003–2016) were merged with geocoded food vendor information by neighborhood of residence. Obesity risk at age 4 was compared between children receiving old (2003–2009) and new (2010–2016) WIC food packages using sex-stratified Poisson regression models, with interaction terms between WIC package and neighborhood density (number per square mile) of healthy and unhealthy food outlets.

Results
The new food package was associated with a significant decrease in obesity risk. Among boys, the new food package was associated with 8 to 18% lower obesity risk at all healthy and unhealthy food outlet densities, and the association was not modified by neighborhood food outlet density. Among girls, the association of the new food package with obesity risk was protective in neighborhoods with high healthy and low unhealthy food outlet densities, and adverse in neighborhoods with high unhealthy and low healthy food outlet densities. The effect of the new food package among girls was modified by unhealthy food outlet density, with significantly smaller (p-value = 0.004) decreases in obesity risk observed in neighborhoods with higher unhealthy food outlet density.

Conclusions
The impact of the food package change was modified by the neighborhood food environment among girls only. Future policy changes should incorporate consideration of ways to mitigate potentially inequitable geographic distribution of the health benefits of policy changes.
Risk perception and behavior in Egyptian adolescent pesticide applicators: an intervention study
Authors: Rohlman Diane S. , Davis Jonathan W. , Ismail Ahmed , Abdel Rasoul Gaafar M. , Hendy Olfat , Olson James R. , Bonner Matthew R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents are engaged in agricultural work, including pesticide application, around the world. Adolescent pesticide applicators are more likely to be exposed to pesticides than their adult counterparts because of their application practice and hygiene habits surrounding pesticide use. There is a need for low-cost interventions to reduce pesticide exposure. We evaluated a theoretically-based educational intervention to change perceptions about the risk of pesticide use and hygiene habits during and after pesticide application for adolescent and young adult pesticide applicators in Egypt.MethodsYoung adult and adolescent male pesticide applicators were given a one-hour educational intervention to inform them about the risk of pesticide use and how to reduce pesticide exposure. The median age of participants was 18 years old. Changes in perceived susceptibility and effectiveness were measured with a survey pre and post-intervention (n = 119) on the same day. The same survey (n = 95) was given 8-months post-intervention to identify sustained effects. Observational checklists of pesticide application practice were also completed during application seasons before and after the intervention.ResultsThere was an increase in the proportion of individuals who viewed pesticides as being a long-term health risk (74.7% pre-intervention to 97.9% post-intervention, McNemar testp < 0.001). This change remained significant when surveyed at the 8-month follow-up (90.5%,p < 0.001). There was also a sustained improvement regarding participants’ views of proper hygiene practice surrounding pesticide application. Applicators were observed wearing goggles, shoes, and masks more frequently post-intervention.ConclusionThis theoretically-based intervention is an example of a low-cost solution that can improve adolescents’ and young adults’ practices regarding pesticide application and personal hygiene practices during and after pesticide application. The intervention can be applied in other countries with similar safety culture surrounding pesticide application.
The effect of health education on knowledge and behavior toward respiratory infectious diseases among students in Gansu, China: a quasi-natural experiment
Authors: Wang Manli , Fang Haiqing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The respiratory infectious diseases (RID) threaten the health and life quality of school students. However, previous related studies were insufficient in research design and method applied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of health education on the knowledge and behavior of students toward RID through difference-in-difference (DID) analysis in Gansu, China.

Methods
In 2015–2016, a one-year health education program in Gansu, China was conducted. The intervention group contained 1064 students before and 1001 students after the health education (2015 and 2016, respectively). The control group contained 1018 and 1001 students, respectively. The health education, including playing promotional cartoons, developing lectures, giving out handbook copies and making hand copy and blackboard newspapers, and publicity columns on RID, were conducted monthly from 2015 to 2016 in intervention group. The data were collected before and after the health education program with a questionnaire on the students’ knowledge and preventive behaviors regarding RID. The ×2 and t tests were performed to compare the accuracy rate and scores for RID knowledge and behavior of the two groups. DID estimation was conducted to evaluate the effect of health education on RID knowledge and behavior while controlling the non- equilibrium variables.

Results
After the health education program, the accuracy rate and scores of most items in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05) except for item k9 “What methods can prevent flu?”. The DID results wherein the demographics- age, nationality, and household register were controlled showed that health education significantly improved the accuracy rate of RID knowledge by 5.2–63.9% for most items, although the accuracy rates of items k2 “What’s the transmission way of the mumps?” and k9 were significantly decreased by 36.8 and 12.0%. The health education significantly improved the score of knowledge by 155.2% (P < 0.001) and the accuracy rate of all items of RID behavior by 2.9–51.5% except for item b3 “If you have phlegm, how do you usually deal with it?”. In addition, the health education also significantly improved the score of behavior toward RID of the sampled students by 138.2% (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
The results of this study show that health education seemed to increase the RID knowledge and behavior of students. It is recommended that the health education should be enhanced and popularized in schools of China, and RID transmission routes and prevention methods should attract more attention.
Ethical issues and practical barriers in internet-based suicide prevention research: a review and investigator survey
Authors: Bailey Eleanor , Mühlmann Charlotte , Rice Simon , Nedeljkovic Maja , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario , Sander Lasse , Calear Alison L. , Batterham Philip J. , Robinson Jo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
People who are at elevated risk of suicide stand to benefit from internet-based interventions; however, research in this area is likely impacted by a range of ethical and practical challenges. The aim of this study was to examine the ethical issues and practical barriers associated with clinical studies of internet-based interventions for suicide prevention.

Method
This was a mixed-methods study involving two phases. First, a systematic search was conducted to identify studies evaluating internet-based interventions for people at risk of suicide, and information pertaining to safety protocols and exclusion criteria was extracted. Second, investigators on the included studies were invited to complete an online survey comprising open-ended and forced-choice responses. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse the data.

Results
The literature search identified 18 eligible studies, of which three excluded participants based on severity of suicide risk. Half of the 15 suicide researchers who participated in the survey had experienced problems obtaining ethics approval, and none had encountered adverse events attributed to their intervention. Survey respondents noted the difficulty of managing risk in online environments and the limitations associated with implementing safety protocols, although some also reported increased confidence resulting from the ethical review process. Respondents recommended researchers pursue a collaborative relationship with their research ethics committees.

Conclusion
There is a balance to be achieved between the need to minimise the risk of adverse events whilst also ensuring interventions are being validated on populations who may be most likely to use and benefit from them (i.e., those who prefer anonymity). Further research is required to obtain the views of research ethics committees and research participants on these issues. Dialogue between researchers and ethics committees is necessary to address the need to ensure safety while also advancing the timely development of effective interventions in this critical area.