bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Correlation between ATP Measurement and Microbial Contamination of Inanimate Surfaces
Authors: Arkel Andreas van , Willemsen Ina , Kluytmans Jan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background:The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements and microbial contamination using a standardized method. Secondarily, analyzing reproducibility of ATP measurements and aerobic colony counts (ACC’s) on the same surface. Methods: ATP measurements and ACC’s were conducted on 10 pre-defined fomites in a hospital and nursing home setting. Per fomite two ATP measurements and two agar plate measurements were conducted, each measurement was conducted on a 25 cm2 surface. Both measurements were compared and analyzed for correlation.Results: In total 200 paired measurements were conducted, 200 ATP measurements and 200 ACC’s. The mean of all ATP measurements tested on the same surface was calculated, as was for all 200 ACC’s. There was a strong correlation between the mean of two ATP measurements on two different sites on the same fomite (R=0.800, p<0.001) as well as between two ACC measurements on the same fomite (R=0.667, p<0.001). A much weaker correlation was found between RLU values and ACC’s (R=0.244, p<0.001). Conclusions: Reproducibility of ATP measurements and ACC’s on the same fomite was good. However, the correlation between RLU values and ACC’s on hospital surfaces was much lower. This may be explained by the wide variety of biological material that is measured with ATP, of which the bacterial load is only one of many components. ATP measurement can be used to give a quantifiable outcome for the rating of cleanliness in health care facilities, however the results cannot be translated into the level of microbial contamination.
Geotechnical aspects of Alluvial soils at different depths under sodium chloride action, Najran region, Saudi Arabia: Field supported by laboratory tests
Authors: Aal Ahmed Abd El , Abdullah Gamil 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The present work is to investigated the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the behavior of semi-arid soils in the Najran region of Saudi Arabia. An experiment work was carried out to investigate how the addition of (NaCl) "salt" to semi-arid soils collected from Najran region affects the Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and shear strength. All tests were performed on soils samples collected from different areas in Najran region at various depths of 1.5, 3, and 4.5 m along soil profiles. Soils samples were tested alone and then compared with the same soils samples mixed with sodium chloride (salt) at different percentages of 5, 10, and 20% respectively. Using advanced techniques, such as the scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), the process of stabilization was examined. The results showed that salt has a major impact on the geotechnical characteristics of semi-arid soils. With the addition of sodium chloride, the maximum dry density increased and the optimal water content decreased with the increase in the added salt percentage. The liquid and plastic limits and, in turn, plasticity index reduced as the added percentage of sodium chloride increased. Furthermore, significant increase in CBR and shear strength parameters was noticed. It is therefore concluded that, the sodium chloride could be a good stabilizing agent, particularly at 20% and could be used as a sub-base material in road construction. Technical and economic advantages arise from the implementation of NaCl.
WITHDRAWN: Atropine Reverts the Neurobehavioral Toxicity Elicited by Acute Exposure to Buprofezin in Sprague Dowley Rats
Authors: muhammad aslam 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Buprofezin (BPFN) is a thiadiazine insecticide that inhibits chitin synthesis and the moulting in case of white flies, mealybugs and leaf hoppers. The exposed insects are unable to shed their cuticle and ultimately die as moulting ensue. Neurobehavioral toxic effects elicited by buprofezin remained unclear. Furthermore, the reversal of buprofezin induced neurobehavioral toxicity by atropine was not elaborated. Thus, we explored the neurobehavioral toxic consequences of acute buprofezin exposure in adult male rats and effective reversal of these changes by pretreatment with atropine as an antidote. Acute administration of commercial buprofezin (87.9mg/kg/day through oral gavage with corn oil as vehicle) induce a wide range of neurobehavioral toxicity including damage to pyramidal cells of hippocampal CA1, and CA3,region and behavioral impairments as demonstrated through, loss of motor coordination, locomotor activity, fear loss, hearing, sensorimotor, cognitive and spatial navigation impairment following the exposure .These neurobehavioral toxic effect of acute buprofezin exposure were significantly reversed by the 15 min pre-treatment of atropine antidote before the buprofezin administration. Pre-treated atropine (20mg/kg/day;i.p) attenuates the neurobehavioral toxicity induced by buprofezin in male rats. It was suggested that acute buprofezin exposure elevated the acetylcholine level, by inhibiting the synthesis and release of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) in synapse. But the complete mechanisms are remained to be elucidated
Effects of uric acid, creatinine clearance, and infusion duration on the population pharmacokinetics of meropenem in critically ill patients
Authors: Zhao Yi Chang , Zou Yang , Xiao Yi Wen , Wang Feng , Zhang Bi Kui , Xiang Da Xiong , Yu Feng , Luo Hong , Yan Miao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that has demonstrated excellent in vitro activity against gram-negative clinical isolates and is commonly used in critically ill patients. This study aimed to find the pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic of meropenem in critically ill patients and whether prolonged injection duration is really beneficial to meropenem therapy. Method: We included 209 samples in 64 patients in this prospective study. PPK analysis and Monte Carlo dosing simulations were developed using Phoenix.Results: A two-compartment model described the data adequately. Clearance (CL), volume (V), clearance of peripheral compartment (CL2), volume of peripheral compartment (V2) were 6.15 L/h, 2.83 L/h, 17.40L, and 17.48L, respectively. Creatinine clearance and uric acid were significant covariates. Patients with creatinine clearance of 60 ml/min or less and uric acid greater than 400 μmol/l could achieve the target > 90% under the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 mg/L, even with the administration dose of 500 mg/8 h with a 2-h infusion. Prolonging the infusion time significantly improved the therapeutic effect when MIC＜4. However, for the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of 100% fT > MIC and 100% fT > 4MIC, no significant statistical difference was observed in critically ill patients.Conclusions: Critically ill patients with lower creatinine clearance and higher uric acid levels were likely to need a lower dosage of meropenem. Prolonged infusion time were not always beneficial for those who need a higher therapeutic target (100% fT > MIC,100% fT > 4 MIC) or with MIC 4mg/L. Increasing dose or alternative therapeutic strategies may be required for critically ill patients with drug-resistant or severe infections. The study is of great significance to guide the rational use of meropenem in critically ill patients.Trial registration: The trial was registered in the China Clinical Trial (ChiCTR1900020672). Registered on 12 January 2019.
One-step Green Synthesis of Eco-friendly Novel N-P Synergistic Flame Retardant for Cotton Fabric
Authors: Zhang Fengxiu , Liao Ying , Chen Yu , Lu Yi , Wan Caiyan , Zhang Guangxian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A novel N-P ammonium salt 1,3-propylene glycol diphosphate ester (APGDPE) flame retardant was tersely synthesized under solvent-free condition to lower cotton fabric fire hazard. The APGDPE structure was characterized by 1H NMR,13C NMR,31P NMR and IR spectroscopy. The reactive P=O(NH4+)2 and PO(OH)2 groups of APGDPE were successfully grafted into cotton fabric to form P-O-C covalent bond. The limiting oxygen indexes (LOI) of 20%, 30% and 40% APGDPE treated cotton reach 40-44.5%. After 50 laundering cycles (LCs), the LOI value of 40% treated cotton still maintains 27.3%. These results verified that the treated cotton has obtained outstanding flame retardancy and prominent durability. TG test indicates that the thermal stability and thermal oxidative stability of treated cotton are much higher than those of control cotton. TG-IR test displayed that treated cotton released less flammable volatile gases than those of control cotton. Cone calorimetry revealed that the PHRR and THR values of treated cotton decreased by 5.57 % and 26.8%,respectively. XRD results suggest that the crystallization zone of cotton fabric before and after treatment hardly change. TG-IR and cone calorimetry tests verified the APGDPE condensation phase mechanism for treated cotton.
Effects of Family-Based Dignity Intervention And Expressive Writing On Anticipatory Grief of Family Caregivers of Patient With Cancer: A Study Protocol For A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Seyedfatemi Naima , Ghezeljeh Tahereh Najafi , Bolhari Jafar , Rezaei Masoud 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Family caregivers of dying cancer patients are affected by grief experiences and bereavement complications. Several approaches such as psycho-emotional care and an increase in spirituality have been suggested to diminish these complications. However, no study has examined the effects of family-based dignity intervention and expressive writing on anticipatory grief in family caregivers of dying cancer patients. This study was done to describe the protocol of a mixed-methods study on the effects of family-based dignity intervention and expressive writing on anticipatory grief in family caregivers of dying cancer patients.Methods: This mixed-methods study will be done in an embedded explanatory design with two quantitative and qualitative phases. In the first phase (quantitative), a randomized clinical trial will be done, in which 200 family caregivers of dying cancer patients will be randomly assigned to one of the four groups: family-based dignity intervention (group 1), expressive writing intervention (group 2), combined family-based dignity intervention and expressive writing (group 3), and controls (group 4). At baseline, one week and two weeks after the interventions, anticipatory grief will be assessed by a 13-item anticipatory grief scale. After the quantitative phase, the qualitative phase will be conducted through the conventional content analysis approach of Granheim and Lundman, in which an individual semi-structured interview will be taken from participants in the first phase to collect data on their experiences on interventions. Finally, data from quantitative and qualitative phases will be analyzed and discussed.Discussion: Family caregivers of dying cancer patients usually experience depression, anxiety, and psychological distress due to isolation and inadequate social support. Psychological interventions such as dignity and expressive writing interventions may help caregivers to obtain a better understanding of themselves and to increase their abilities to cope with caregiving difficulties. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive study confirming the effects of mentioned interventions on family caregivers of dying cancer patients. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) IRCT20210111050010N1. Retrospectively registered 6 February 2021.
Increased risk of chronic fatigue and hair loss following COVID-19 in individuals with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Hennig Verena , Schuh Wolfgang , Neubert Antje , Mielenz Dirk , Jäck Hans-Martin , Schneider Holm 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a group of genodermatoses in which deficient ectodysplasin A signalling leads to maldevelopment of skin appendages, various eccrine glands, and teeth. Individuals with HED often have disrupted epithelial barriers and, therefore, were suspected to be more susceptible to coronavirus infection.
Methods

56 households with at least one member who had coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) were enrolled in a longitudinal study to compare the course of illness, immune responses, and long-term consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in HED patients (n = 15, age 9–52 years) and control subjects of the same age group (n = 149).
Results

In 14 HED patients, mild or moderate typical COVID-19 symptoms were observed that lasted for 4–45 days. Fever during the first days sometimes required external cooling measures. The course of COVID-19 was similar to that in control subjects if patients developed antibodies blocking the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Five out of six HED patients with completely abrogated ectodysplasin A signalling (83%) suffered from chronic, in two cases very severe fatigue following COVID-19, while only 25% of HED patients with residual activity of this pathway and 21% of control subjects recovering from COVID-19 experienced postinfectious fatigue. Hair loss after COVID-19 was also more frequent among HED patients (64%) than in the control group (13%).
Conclusions

HED appears to be associated with an increased risk of long-term consequences of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preventive vaccination against COVID-19 should be recommended for individuals affected by this rare genetic disorder.
Biocatalytic synthesis of non-standard amino acids by a decarboxylative aldol reaction
Authors: Buller Andrew , Ellis Jonathan , Campbell Meghan , Kumar Prasanth , Geunes Eric , Bingman Craig 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Enzymes are renowned for their catalytic efficiency and selectivity, but relatively few carbon-carbon bond forming enzymes have found their way into the biocatalysis toolbox. While engineering can overcome the challenges associated with C-C bond formation for some enzyme systems, the broader synthetic potential of biocatalysis is hindered by the lack of high-quality C-C bond forming transformations. Here we show that the enzyme UstD performs a highly selective decarboxylative aldol addition with diverse aldehyde substrates to make non-standard, γ-hydroxy amino acids. We increased the activity of UstD through three rounds of classic directed evolution and an additional round of computationally-guided engineering. The enzyme that emerged, UstD2.0, is efficient in a whole-cell biocatalysis format, which circumvents the need for enzyme purification, thereby facilitating its use in traditional organic settings. This new, highly stereoselective enzyme represents a unique expansion of the biosynthetic toolbox. The products are highly desirable, functionally rich bioactive γ-hydroxy amino acids that we demonstrate can be prepared stereoselectively on gram-scale. The X-ray crystal structure of UstD2.0 at 2.25 Å reveals the active site and the molecular basis for the remarkably promiscuity of this catalyst. Taking inspiration from the versatile reactivity of enamines in organic synthesis, we hypothesize that the enamine intermediate of UstD can be engineered to react with electrophiles other than aldehydes. The advent of structural information enabled by engineering of UstD2.0 provides a foundation for probing the unique mechanism of UstD and will guide efforts to expand the reactivity of this unique enzyme.
Sagittal imbalance of the spine is associated with poor sitting posture among primary and secondary school students in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chaoqun Li , Yuqi Zhao , Zhenghui Yu , Xu Han , Li Wen , Xiang Lin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

There's no definite answer as to how writing posture affects students' spine. This study attempted to compare the sagittal curvature of the spine between sitting and standing postures in adolescents. To reveal the variation rule of spinal sagittal curvature of students with learning posture, and to discover the key factors that may affect students' spinal health.
Methods

1138 participants (male, 604; female, 534; age range, 6–18 y) from three schools in Tianjin, China, including 570 primary school students and 568 secondary school students. This study used SpineScan and PA200 Station Posture Assessment System to assess the sagittal curvature of the spine for three postures: sitting on a chair in an upright position, seated at a desk while reading/writing, and standing in a natural relaxed position. Analyze the difference of the spine angle of the three postures and the correlation between the sagittal plane angle of the spine and body posture.
Results

When some teenagers sat reading/writing, the sagittal angle of the spine markedly changed, with the lumbar lordosis angle significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and the thoracic kyphosis angle significantly increased (p < 0.05). These angles interact with each other and were positively correlated with the height of the teenager (R2 = 0.179; p < 0.05). By contrast, teenagers with lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles within standard references ranges in a seated reading/writing posture also had good spine shape while standing.
Conclusions

Compared with standing posture, the angle of thoracic kyphosis gradually increases from upright sitting to reading/writing., Lumbar lordosis significantly decreasing or even disappearing, and the flexion of whole spine will increase the risk of spinal injury. Height is an important factor affecting the shape of students' sitting spine.
Subsidence Characteristics Study on the Highway and Substrata Overlying Acute Inclined Shallow Mined-out Area Under Different Mining Heights and Mining Angles
Authors: Bao Weixing , Wang Haibo , Lai Hongpeng , Zhao Zifeng , Liang Bangwei , Huang Yong , Ma Zhiwei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Based on an actual highway project traversing an acute inclined shallow mined-out area in Urumqi, China, a scale physical model experiment and numerical simulation method were adopted to study the stability and settlement mechanism of the highway subgrade and substrata overlying an acute inclined mined-out area under different mining heights and mining angles. Plastic pneumatic capsules with different shapes were embedded in similar strata made from clay, fine sand, and Vaseline to simulate the mined-out cavity. The capsule was removed to simulate the process of mining, and five cases with different mining heights and angles were studied. According to similarity theory, a physical model was established with a geometric similarity coefficient of 50 of the actual prototype, whereas the numerical model adopted the full-scale value. The physical model experiments and numerical simulations show that the settlement of the subgrade and substrata overlying the mined-out area is directly proportional to the mining height but inversely proportional to the mining angle. According to the settlement contour obtained by numerical simulations, which were in accordance with the physical model experiment results, two parameters, the free slip volume and the free surface, were defined to assess the stability of the subgrade and substrata overlying the mined-out area. The free slip volume and free surface calculation results demonstrate a strong relationship between the settlement and free slip volume and free surface. Therefore, the values of free slip volume and free surface could be reliable reference parameters to evaluate the stability of the subgrade and substrata overlying mined-out areas.
Expression of Efflux Pumps, Porins and Genotypic Insight Into the Carbapenem Resistance in Acinetobacter Baumannii
Authors: Hasani Alka , vahhabi Abolfazl , Rezaee Mohammad Ahangarzadeh , Baradaran Behzad , Hasani Akbar , Kafil Hossein Samadi , Abbaszadeh Faeze 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background.

The emergence of multidrug and extensive drug resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii‎ is a multifactorial consequence. Carbapenems, once considered the traditional standard of care for Acinetobacter infections however, are gradually being curtailed from the therapeutic regime due to the emergence of Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii‎ (CRAB). Several carbapenem resistant mechanisms have been postulated for the rise of CRAB. This study investigated clinical A.baumannii isolates for the presence and level of expression of enzymatic and non-enzymatic genes, putatively associated with carbapenem resistance and their association with sequence typing.
Methods.

Uniplex, and Multiplex PCR were performed to identify the presence of oxacillinase (OXA) and metallo β-lactamase (MBLs) genes respectively. The level of expression of efflux pumps (adeB and adeJ) and porins (carO, omp33-36 and oprD) was investigated by Real-time PCR.
Results.

Of the 112 isolates obtained during this study, 100% were multidrug-resistant and 48.2% were extensive drug-resistant A.baumannii. All CRAB isolates harbored blaOXA−51−like, while, 82.1% and 63.4% of these isolates carried blaOXA−23−like and blaOXA−24/40−like genes, respectively. In contrast, the frequency of metallo β-lactamase genes was comparatively less than the oxacillinase genes. Over-expression of adeB and adeJ was observed in 66% and 42.8% A.baumannii strains respectively, while, decreased expression of carO, omp33-36 and oprD was observed in 75%, 66% and 72.3% strains respectively.
Conclusion.

Consistent with that reported by others, our study highlights the significant dissemination of the oxacillinase, blaOXA−23−like in CRAB isolates, particularly the simultaneous occurrence of blaOXA−23−like with blaOXA−40. Interestingly, while changes in the expression of efflux pumps and porins were observed nevertheless, more in depth investigation is required to decipher their contribution to carbapenem resistance in these strains.
Optimizing a Bayesian Hierarchical Adaptive Platform Trial Design for Stroke Patients
Authors: Gao Guangyi , Gajewski Byron J , Wick Jo , Beall Jonathan , Saver Jeffrey L , Meinzer Caitlyn 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Platform trials are well-known for their ability to investigate multiple arms on heterogeneous patient populations and their flexibility to add/drop treatment arms due to efficacy/lack of efficacy. Because of their complexity, it is important to develop highly optimized, transparent, and rigorous designs that are cost-efficient, offer high statistical power, maximize patient benefit and are robust to changes over time. Methods: To address these needs, we present a Bayesian platform trial design based on a Beta-Binomial model for binary outcomes that uses three key strategies: 1) Hierarchical modelling of subgroups within treatment arms that allows for borrowing of information across subgroups, 2) utilization of response-adaptive randomization (RAR) schemes that seek a tradeoff between statistical power and patient benefit, and 3) adjustment for potential drift over time. Motivated by a proposed clinical trial that aims to find the appropriate treatment for different subgroup populations of ischemic stroke patients, extensive simulation studies were performed to validate the approach, compare different allocation rules and study the model operating characteristics.Results & Conclusions: Our proposed approach achieved high statistical power, good patient benefit and was also robust against population drift over time. Our design provided a nice balance between the strengths of both the traditional RAR scheme and fixed 1:1 allocation and may be a promising choice for dichotomous outcomes trials investigating multiple subgroups.