bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New update on molecular diversity of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Iran: Antimicrobial resistance, adhesion and virulence factors, biofilm formation and SCCmec typing
Authors: Tabandeh Mahtab , Kaboosi Hami , Armaki Mojtaba Taghizadeh , Pournajaf Abazar , Ghadikolaii Fatemeh Peyravii 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Staphylococcus. aureus is often considered as a potential pathogen and resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. The pathogenicity of this bacterium is due to the presence of multiple virulence factors and ability to form biofilm. SCCmec types I, II and III are mainly attributed to HA-MRSA, while SCCmec types IV and V have usually been reported in CA-MRSA infections. In this study, we performed a cross-sectional study in order to determine the antimicrobial resistance, adhesion and virulence factors, biofilm formation and SCCmec typing of clinical S. aureus isolates in Iran. S. aureus isolate was identified using microbiological standard methods and antibiotic susceptibility test was performed as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Inducible resistance phenotype and biofilm formation were determined using D-test and tissue culture plate methods, respectively. Multiplex-PCRs were performed to detect adhesion and virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, biofilm formation and SCCmec typing by specific primers. Among 143 clinical samples, 67.8% were identified as MRSA. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. The prevalence of cMLSB, iMLSB and MS phenotypes were 61.1%, 22.2% and 14.8%, respectively. The TCP method revealed that 71.3% of isolates were able to form biofilm. The predominant virulence and inducible resistance genes in both MRSA and MSSA isolates were related to sea and ermC respectively. SCCmec type III was the predominant type. Data show the high prevalence rates of virulence elements among S. aureus isolates, especially MRSA strains. This result might be attributed to antibiotic pressure, facilitating clonal selection.
Neurovascular Unit Alterations In The Growth Restricted Newborn Are Improved Following Ibuprofen Treatment
Authors: Chand Kirat K. , Miller Stephanie M. , Cowin Gary J. , Mohanty Lipsa , Pienaar Jany , Colditz Paul B. , Bjorkman Stella Tracey , Wixey Julie A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to fetal growth restriction (FGR) and abnormal neurodevelopment is common in the FGR infant ranging from behavioural and learning disorders through to cerebral palsy. No treatment exists to protect the FGR newborn brain. Recent evidence suggests inflammation may play a key role in the mechanism responsible for the progression of brain impairment in the FGR newborn, including disruption to the neurovascular unit (NVU). We explored whether ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, could reduce NVU disruption and brain impairment in the FGR newborn. Using a preclinical FGR piglet model, ibuprofen was administered for three days from birth. FGR brains demonstrated an inflammatory state, with changes to glial morphology (astrocytes and microglia), and blood brain barrier disruption, assessed by IgG and albumin leakage into the brain parenchyma and a decrease in blood vessel density. Loss of interaction between astrocytic end-feet and blood vessels was evident where plasma protein leakage was present, suggestive of structural deficits to the NVU. A significant increase in peripheral infiltrates were also evident in the parenchyma of FGR piglet brains. Ibuprofen treatment reduced the pro-inflammatory response in FGR piglets, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and number of activated microglia and astrocytes associated with blood vessels. Ibuprofen also attenuated plasma protein leakage, regained astrocytic end-feet interaction around vessels, and decreased T-cell infiltration into the FGR brain. These findings suggest postnatal administration of ibuprofen modulates the inflammatory state, allowing for stronger interaction between vasculature and astrocytic end-feet to restore NVU integrity. These changes to the FGR brain microenvironment may be key to neuroprotection.
Lessons To Be Learned: Identifying High-Risk Medication and Circumstances In Patients At Risk For Suicidal Self-Poisoning
Authors: Geith Stefanie , Didden Christiane , Rabe Christian , Zellner Tobias , Ott Armin , Eyer Florian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough the total number of suicides decreased since the beginning of the 80s, the number of suicide-related behaviors using self-intoxication increased. Therefore, research on the characteristics of individuals committing self-intoxication becomes of growing importance for risk assessments and the development of preventive measures. MethodsIn this prospective, observational, monocentric cohort study, all incoming calls at our Poisons Control Centre reporting suicide-related behavior through self-intoxication, were analyzed via a standardized questionnaire over 12 months. Both univariate and bivariate analyses were performed.Results1238 cases of deliberate intoxication were included in the study. The majority of cases occurred in the age group between 18 and 44 (n=607/49%), two-thirds were female (n=817/66%). The main substances used were antidepressants (n=420/34%), peripheral analgesics (n=322/26%) and neuroleptics (n=282/23%). The majority of patients ingested substances from their prescribed medication (n=640/82%) with the highest proportion in the eldest (n=72/113; 91%, p<0.001). Addiction was reported for the minority of patients (n=175/23%). For 704 cases (57%), a psychiatric diagnosis was documented. Factors associated with recurrent suicide-related behaviors were: i) an underlying psychiatric diagnosis (OR=6.2; 95% CI 3.8-10.4); ii) addiction problems (OR=2.4; 95% CI 1.5-3.8); iii) ingestion of neuroleptics (OR=2.1, 95%-CI 1.4-3.0) or antidepressants (OR=1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.3).ConclusionThis study might contribute to identifying individuals with an increased risk of suicide-related behaviors and to developing preventive strategies for future suicide attempt(s).
Potential Effect of Pomegranate Peels Extract (Punica Granatum.) against Covid-19 Virus .
Authors: mosa Ashraf fawzy , Mohamed Mostafa abo Elhoda 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Covid-19 Virus infection poses significant global health challenges and considered a global epidemic sweeping all countries of the world Which prompted scientists around the world to search for a quick or safe treatment to preserve people's lives .So far, options for controlling and treating the disease have not been revealed. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pomegranate peels extract against the Covid-19 virus in the laboratory. Methods: In this research, tow methods of extraction are carried out ethyl alcohol and distal water extract of pomegranate peels . activity of the extract assessed using 50% Tissue Culture Infectious Doses (TCID50) method in Vero E6 cells. Results: Pomegranate peels extract had the highest inhibitory effect against Covid -19 virus with IC50 value of 0.125, 0.0625 and 0.031256 μl in Vero E6 cells. Conclusion: Based on our results, the aqueous extract of pomegranate peels can inhibit Covid-19 virus replication in vitro.
Feasibility and Stability of a Long Term “Awake” Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Model in Large Animal
Authors: Qi Jiachen , Gao Sizhe , Liu Gang , Yan Shujie , Zhang Min , Yan Weidong , Zhang Qiaoni , Teng Yuan , Wang Jian , Zhou Chun , Wang Qian , Ji Bingyang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is rapidly becoming a mainstream technology for lung or heart/lung support especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Awake ECMO”is frequently used to indicate an alternative approach of using ECMO without invasive mechanical ventilation, and it has the unique advantages of application. In this study, we explored the feasibility and stability of the establishment method and management strategy of long-term awake ECMO model in healthy sheep. As the sheep are healthy, according to the histopathological analysis , we explored the effect of ECMO circuit itself on organs and tissues. As a preclinical study in large animals, our study aims to provide clues for further research on application expansion, management strategy optimization, pathophysiology exploration, equipment development and subsequent establishment of the disease animal model.Methods: Ten healthy sheep were treated with awake veno-arterial (V-A) or veno-venous (V-V) ECMO for 7 days. They were transferred into the monitoring cages after operation and were ambulatory after anesthesia recovery. ECMO configurations, hemodynamic and hematologic parameters were measured every day. Necropsy was conducted at the endpoint of the experiment to visualize the cannula position in vivo and to examine cannulation related injury and thrombus formation in blood vessels and major organs. Main organs and blood vessels were harvested for pathological investigation.Results: All sheep survived to the end of the experiment (the 7th day). In the whole process of the experiment, the vital signs of which were stable, and no serious bleeding and coagulation events occurred. Hemoglobin concentration and platelet count were in normal reference range, plasma free hemoglobin concentration was maintained at a low level. ECMO flow was stable, and oxygenation performance of oxygenator was satisfied. There was no major adverse pathological injury occurred.Conclusions: Long term awake extracorporeal membrane oxygenation model in large animal is feasible and stable. Perioperative management is the key to the success of this model. As a basic research, it can also provide an alternative strategy for mechanical circulatory support in patients with awake ECMO indications.
An Ultra-thin Multiband Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber and Sensing Applications
Authors: Bai Jinjun , Shen Wei , Wang Shasha , Ge Meilan , Chen Tingting , Shen Pengyan , Chang Shengjiang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We propose an ultra-thin multiband terahertz metamaterial absorber, whose thickness is only 3.8μm. Simulation results show that we can get four narrow absorption peaks with near-perfect absorption in the 4.5 THz-6.0 Thz frequency range. The resonance absorption mechanism is interpreted by the electromagnetic field energy distributions at resonance frequency. Moreover, we also analyze the sensing performances of the absorber in the refractive index and the thickness of the analyte. The refractive index and thickness sensitivities of the sensor are 0.471THz/RIU, 36.594THz/RIU and the FOMs are 8.887RIU -1 , 938.308RIU -1 , respectively. The absorber has potential applications in photodetector, multi-spectral imaging and biosensors.
Habitat environmental factors and gender influence intestinal microbial diversity of the short-faced moles (Scaptochirus moschata)
Authors: Chen Lei , Xu Di , Zhu Jing , Wang Shen , Liu Mi , Sun Mengyao , Wang Geyang , Song Lingyu , Liu Xiaoyu , Xie Tianyu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The short-faced moles (Scaptochirus moschata) are unique Chinese mammal that live in burrows for life. They have complex ecological adaptation mechanisms to adapt to perennial underground life. Intestinal microbes play an important role in the ecological adaptation of wild animals. The gut microbiota diversity and its function in short-faced moles’ ecological adaptation is a scientific issue worth exploring. In this study, the Illumina HiSeq sequencing platform was used to sequence the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA genes of 22 short-faced moles’ intestinal samples to study the composition and functional structure of their intestinal microbiota. The results showed that in the short-faced moles’ intestine, there are four main phyla, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidete. At the family level, Peptostreptococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae have the highest abundance. At the genus level, Romboutsia is the genus with the highest microbial abundance. According to the KEGG database, the main functions of short-faced mole gut microbes are metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental information processing, and cellular processes. The function of short-faced mole intestinal microbiota is suitable for its long-term burrowing life. No gender difference is found in the composition and function of the short-faced mole intestinal microbiota. There are significant differences in the composition and functional structure of the short-faced mole gut microbiota between samples collected from different habitats. We conferred that this is related to the different environment factors in which they live, especially to the edaphic factors.
Artificial reefs: a double-edged fishery management tool
Authors: Brochier Timothée , Brehmer Patrice , Mbaye Adama , Diop Mamadou , Watanuki Naohiko , Terashima Hiroaki , Kaplan David , Auger Pierre 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Artificial reefs (ARs) are one of the most popular means of supporting marine ecosystem conservation and coastal fisheries, particularly in developing countries. However, ARs generate complex socio-bio-economic interactions that require careful evaluation. This is particularly the case for ARs outside no-take zones, where fish might be subject to enhanced exploitation due to easier catchability Here, we conducted an interdisciplinary study on how ARs impact fish and fishing yields, combining mathematical and sociological approaches. Both approaches confirmed that fishery yields declined when ARs were exploited as if they were open access areas. This situation typically occurs in areas with weak governance, which is common in developing countries. To avoid these adverse effects we recommend to prioritize the onset of a long-term surveillance system against illegal fishing activities, and to adapt design and location of the ARs based on both and local and academic knowledge, before the deployment of ARs.
Outstanding Improvement of the Advanced Lipoprotein Profile in Subjects with New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus After Achieving Optimal Glycemic Control
Authors: Castelblanco Esmeralda , Hernández Marta , Ortega Emilio , Amigó Nuria , Real Jordi , Miñambres Inka , Lopez Carolina , Lecube Albert , Bermúdez-López Marcelino , Alonso Núria , Julve Josep , Mauricio Didac 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: An altered lipoprotein profile is often hidden in normolipidemic subjects with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Conceivably, its amelioration after glycemic control may be overlooked in controlled T1D subjects. In this regard, we investigated the influence of glycemic optimization on lipoprotein subfraction parameters in normolipidemic new-onset T1D subjects.Methods: Twelve subjects at onset of T1D (5 women and 7 men) were studied. Serum lipid and advanced lipoprotein profiles were determined by routine laboratory methods and 1H-NMR spectroscopy shortly after diabetes diagnosis (baseline), and after achieving optimal glycemic control (HbA1c<7%) at a follow-up of 11.3 to 25.6 weeks.Results: Advanced lipoprotein analysis revealed a significant reduction from baseline in plasma concentrations of triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (C), and in apolipoprotein (Apo)B-containing lipoproteins of treated subjects (VLDL-TG: -21%, LDL-TG: -36%, IDL-TG: -32%, LDL-TG: -36%, P<0.05; VLDL-C: -46%, IDL-C: -46%, LDL-C: -16%; P<0.05). Additionally, neither VLDL-TG and LDL-TG nor LDL-C of T1D subjects at follow-up differed from those of non-diabetic subjects. Decreased VLDL and LDL lipids were mainly attributed to concomitant reductions in the concentration of medium-sized VLDL (-39%) and medium-sized LDL (34%) and, to a lesser extent, to large-sized LDL (13%), respectively. Notably, proatherogenic IDL characteristics and related surrogates of atherogenicity were resolved upon intensive glycemic control. However, neither the concentration of HDL-P, nor the relative proportion of HDL sizes was influenced by the glucose-lowering therapy.Conclusions: In otherwise normolipidemic T1D subjects according to the conventional lipid profile, the achievement of optimal glycemic control after diabetes onset is associated with normalization of profound derangements in ApoB-containing lipoproteins (VLDL, IDL, and LDL). Whether higher cardiovascular risk in poorly controlled T1D is partially mediated by these proatherogenic lipid alterations should be elucidated by further studies.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Integrated Community Case Management Delivery Models Utilizing Drug Sellers and Community Health Workers for Treatment of Under-Five Febrile Cases of Malaria, Pneumonia, Diarrhea in Rural Uganda.
Authors: Lubogo Patrick , Lukyamuzi John Edward , Kyambadde Deo , Komakech Alex Aboda , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Mulogo Edgar Mugema 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea continue to be the leading causes of death in children under the age of five in Uganda. To combat the above-mentioned febrile illnesses, integrated community case management (iCCM) delivery models utilizing CHWs or drug sellers have been implemented. The purpose of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of delivering iCCM interventions via drug sellers versus community health workers in rural Uganda.MethodologyThis study was a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the iCCM delivery model utilizing drug sellers against the model using CHWs. The effect measure was the number of appropriately treated U5 children, and data on effectiveness came from a quasi-experimental study in Southwestern Uganda and the inSCALE cross-sectional household survey in eight districts of mid-Western Uganda. The iCCM interventions were costed using the micro-costing (ingredients) approach, with costs expressed in US dollars. Cost and effect data were linked together using a decision tree model and analyzed using the Amua modeling software.ResultsThe costs per 100 treated U5 were US$591.20 and US$298.42 for the iCCM trained-drug seller and iCCM trained-CHW models, respectively, with 30 and 21 appropriately treated children in the iCCM trained-drug seller and iCCM trained-CHW models. When the drug seller arm (intervention) was compared to the CHW arm (control), an incremental effect of 9 per 100 appropriately treated under-five children was observed, as well as an incremental cost of US$292.78 per 100 appropriately treated children, resulting in an ICER of US$33.86 per appropriately treated U5 patient.ConclusionSince both models were cost-effective compared to the do-nothing option, the iCCM trained-drug seller model could complement the iCCM trained-CHW intervention as a strategy to increase access to quality treatment.
Patients’ perspectives on the use of non-pharmacological home remedies in Geneva: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Winkler Neria E. , Sebo Paul , Haller Dagmar M. , Maisonneuve Hubert 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Home remedies are anchored in patients’ everyday life, but their use in Western cultures remains scarcely explored. Our objectives were to investigate primary care patients’ perspectives and use of non-pharmacological home remedies in Geneva (Switzerland).Methods In spring 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among adult primary care patients in randomly selected general practices (N = 15). Patients were recruited in the waiting rooms and asked to complete a questionnaire about their sociodemographic characteristics, their home remedy use, and their expectations and reasons for using (or not using) home remedies. We employed descriptive statistics to summarise the data and logistic regression adjusted for clustering within practices to explore associations between home remedy use and participants’ sociodemographic characteristics.Results 314 of 390 patients agreed to participate in the study (participation rate 80.5%). Home remedies were used by 64.4% of patients. The main reasons given were for preventive purposes (55.3%), self-care (41.0%), as an alternative to conventional medicine (40.5%) and to avoid or delay a medical consultation (38.5%). One-third of patients considered that it was the GP’s role to spontaneously inform them about home remedies (36.4%), another third considered that it was the GP’s role to inform them, but only upon specific request (32.3%), and the last third of patients declared that it was not the GP’s role to provide information about home remedies (30.3%). Patients living in an urban zone (adjusted OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.0-4.4; p 0.05) and those with a tertiary education background (adjusted OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.0-3.6; p 0.05) believed that it was their GP’s role to inform them about home remedies.Conclusions Home remedies are used by a majority of primary care patients in Geneva. For a comprehensive and safe health-care management in the context of patient-oriented medicine, more evidence-based research on efficacy and safety of home remedies as well as their place in primary care consultation is required.
Preclinical Assessment of Nanostructured Liquid Crystalline Particles for the Management of Bacterial Keratitis: in-vivo and Pharmacokinetics Study
Authors: Kaul Shreya , Nagaich Upendra , Verma Navneet 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The research work was driven to develop novel nanostructured liquid crystalline particles of vancomycin for its improved pre-ocular residence time, ocular bio-availability, enhanced targeting, increased permeability, reduced dosing frequency, controlled drug release and reduced systemic side-effects. Formulation was developed by fragmenting cubic crystalline phase of glycerol monooleate, water and poloxamer 407. A four-factor, three-level Taguchi statistical experimental design was constructed to optimize the formulation. Formulations exhibited internal-cubic structure of the vesicles with particle size in the range of 51.11 ± 0.96 nm to 158.73 ± 0.46 nm and negative zeta potential. Ex-vivo transcorneal permeation studies demonstrated that the optimized cubosomes had 2.4-fold increase in apparent permeability co-efficient as compared to vancomycin solution. Whereas, in-vivo studies in rabbits demonstrated that the severity of keratitis was considerably lowered in day 3 with optimized cubosomes. Ocular pharmacokinetic studies evaluated level of drug in aqueous humor and results revealed that the time to peak concentration (Tmax) of vancomycin loaded cubosomal formulation was about 1.9-fold higher and mean residence time was 2.2-fold greater than vancomycin solution. Furthermore, histological examination revealed that the corneal layers displayed well-maintained morphology without any stromal swelling, consequently indicating safety of formulation. In conclusion, results manifested that the developed vancomycin loaded cubosomes could be a promising novel ocular carrier and an ideal substitute for conventional eye-drops for the management of bacterial-keratitis.