bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inputs from wastewater treatment plant effluent influence the temporal variability of nutrient uptake in an intermittent stream
Authors: Castelar Sara , Bernal Susana , Ribot Miquel , Merbt Stephanie N. , Tobella Marta , Sabater Francesc , Ledesma José Luís , Guasch Helena , Lupon Anna , Gacia Esperança , Drummond Jennifer , Marti Eugenia 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) affect water chemistry and in-stream nutrient uptake capacity from receiving freshwaters, thus altering the amount and fate of nutrients exported. In Mediterranean regions, the dilution capacity of receiving streams to buffer the WWTP biogeochemical fingerprint can vary seasonally due to changes in hydrologic conditions. We assessed the temporal patterns and controls on nutrient uptake in an intermittent Mediterranean stream receiving WWTP effluent inputs. We compiled data on longitudinal profiles of ambient concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus along a 800 m reach on 47 sampling dates between 2001 and 2017 that cover a wide range of hydrological conditions. Data were used to estimate net nutrient uptake in the receiving stream. Ammonium concentration decreased along the reach in 72% of dates, and these decreases were coupled with increases of either nitrite or nitrate. This phenomenon suggests that the stream acted as a hot spot of nitrification. Conversely, concentration of phosphorus did not show any longitudinal pattern in 75% of dates, suggesting that uptake and release processes for this element were commonly counterbalanced. Finally, ammonium net uptake decreased when the stream had a low dilution capacity, suggesting that excess of available nutrients associated with WWTP inputs control de temporal variation of the bioreactive capacity of the receiving streams. Overall, this study suggests that water management should consider the biogeochemical interplay between WWTP operation and the functioning of receiving streams as a strategy to improve stream water quality in urban landscapes.
Expression of Five Target Proteins Related to Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Brain Metastases of Lung Cancer
Authors: Wu Jie , Zhao Haifeng , Yan Ke , Xie Xiangtong , Gu Donghua , Wang Weihua , Fei Xifeng , Zhu Wenyu , Wang Zhimin , Huang Qiang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The links between brain metastases of lung cancer and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection have been controversial for a long time. This study aims to explore the links between brain metastases of lung cancer and HCMV infection from the perspective of expression and detection of HCMV immediate early gene (IE), guanine nucleotide-binding protein 4 (GBP4), CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) proteins. Methods: We collected brain metastases specimens and lung primary tumor specimens of a series of patients that have not undergone any treatment. Conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of target molecules was performed. We used the ImageJ software to process the average optical density value of immune complexes and GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 to perform image analysis, and the SPSS 22.0 statistics package (t test) to analyze the expression differences of target molecules.Results: Based on five cases of brain metastases and two cases of lung primary tumors, a total of seven samples were investigated. Conventional pathology diagnosis reported four cases of brain metastases of lung adenocarcinoma and one case of brain metastases of mixed small cell lung cancer with adenocarcinoma. Among the 19 molecular immunopathological test samples, only GBP4, related to HCMV infection, and TTF1, related to metastases, were highly expressed in all seven samples. A comparison of the AOD values of the primary lung cancer to the AOD values of brain metastases, yielded statistically significant differences as follows: in Case No.1, GBP4 (p=0.016), EGRF (p<0.001); in Case No. 2, IE (p<0.001), CXCR4 (p=0.005), EGFR (p=0.023), TTF1 (p=0.004). Conclusions: Although TTF1 is known to be a kinesin for brain metastases of lung cancer cells and it is associated with poor survival prognosis, the role of GBP4, which is closely related to HCMV infection and a key protein of brain metastases of lung cancer, remains unknown. The findings provide new knowledge into the role of GBP4 and could provide clues for devising novel strategies for target molecular therapy research in brain metastases of lung cancer in the context of HCMV infection.
A secondary data analysis of qualitative study of individualized treatment regimen for North Indians living with human immunodeficiency virus-1
Authors: Barik Sushanta Kumar , Bansal Avi Kumar , Yadav Ashwini , Tripathy Srikanth Prasad , Singh Tej Pal , Jena Srikanta , Patil Shripad A , Mohanty Keshar Kunja 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The follow-up of fifty-seven patients were conducted after a confirmation genotyping test. The secondary data analysis was done on the data available to observe the correlation between the CD4 counts and viral loads (One of the markers of clinical outcome) of the individual North Indian patients infected with HIV-1 Subtype C. The drug resistance mutations in individual patient were analysed through the drug resistance database, Stanford University, USA. The data of resistance associated with drugs, CD4 counts, viral loads of the individual patient was compiled and statistically analysed for drug resistance pattern profiles using Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS Version 22. The normality of data was checked by Shapiro-Wilk test (p<0.05). The study starting and endpoint data on CD4 counts, viral loads and drug resistance patterns associated with multiple first-line ART was available for 24 north Indian patients. The starting and study endpoint data on CD4 counts and drug resistance patterns associated with multiple first- line ART was available for 33 North Indian patients. The study indicative that the recommendation of policy to provide a tailor-made individualized regimen to each patient under AIDS control program.
Preparing for Participation in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Bundle Care Payment Initiative – Advanced (BPCI-A) for Major Bowel Surgery
Authors: Collins Caitlin , Abel Mary Kathryn , Shui Amy , Intinarelli Gina , Sosa Julie Ann , Wick Elizabeth C. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAs healthcare costs rise, there is increasing emphasis on alternative payment models to improve care efficiency. Bundled payment represents an alternative reimbursement model gaining popularity within the surgical sphere. We aimed to assess where the largest opportunities for care improvement lay and how best to identify patients at high-risk of suffering costly complications.MethodsWe utilized itemized CMS claims data for a historical group of 252 bundled payment patients and performed a cost analysis to identify opportunities for improved care efficiency. Based on the results of this cost analysis, we identified readmissions as a target for improvement. We then assessed whether the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator could accurately identify patients within our bundled payment population who were at high-risk of readmission using a logistic regression model.ResultsReadmissions accounted for 12.8% of the average total care episode cost with a coefficient of variation of 2.72, thereby representing the most substantial, non-fixed cost for our bundled payment patients. Patients readmitted within their 90-day care episode were 2.53 times more likely to be high-cost (>$60,000) than patients not readmitted. However, the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator did not accurately predict patients at high-risk of readmission within the first 30-days with an AUROC of 0.58.ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of reducing readmissions as a central component to improving care for bowel surgery bundled payment patients. Preventing such readmissions requires accurate identification of patients at high-risk of readmission; however, current risk prediction models lack the adaptability necessary for this task.
Evidence-Based Optimization of the Mandarin Version of the Post Stroke Checklist: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Jia Miao , Lu Huiqi , Li Yan , Liu Zhihong , Tu Jinyi , Liu Yue , Huang Simin , Li Jinjun , Zhou Hongzhen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The Post Stroke Checklist has been proved to be feasible and useful in standardizing the process for long-term post-stroke care and we developed a Mandarin version of it (M-PSC). However, it is not capable of enforcing follow-up care after stroke and further optimization is needed.Methods: Participants were consecutively recruited from 13 departments in a specialized hospital on the discharge date. The trained clinicians contacted them by telephone calls at six months since the most recent diagnosis. A satisfaction questionnaire was sent to the participant whilst clinicians completed a satisfaction questionnaire and the Pragmatic Face and Content Validity Test (PRAC-Test). Then, a debriefing meeting was held to discuss potential problems of the M-PSC. Quantitative and qualitative data were both collected from April 2021 to May 2021.Results: A total of 167 individuals consented to take part in the study.113 participants completed the assessment at six months and three were excluded due to missing data. The M-PSC identified a wide range of unmet needs related to stroke and at least one need was reported in 76.4% of participants. The average time taken to administer the M-PSC was 8 mins. Satisfaction ratings were high for participants (8.5/10) and clinicians (9.6/10). Totally 31 further screenings were conducted and 33 appropriate referrals were accomplished. Several areas for improvement were identified and revised.Conclusions: The M-PSC is a feasible and useful measure in enforcing follow-up care and promising to be an approach in standardizing post-stroke follow-up practice in telehealth during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR)
Authors: Hu Fang-Wen , Lin Cheng-Han , Yueh Fang-Ru , Lo Yu-Tai , Lin Chung-Ying 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Physical resilience is known to minimize the adverse outcomes of health stressors for older people. However, validated instruments that assess physical resilience in older adults are rare. Therefore, we aimed to validate the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR) to fill the literature gap. Methods: Content analysis with content validity was first carried out to generate relevant items assessing physical resilience for older adults, and 19 items were developed. Psychometric evaluation of the 19 items was then tested on 200 older adults (mean [SD] age = 76.4 [6.6] years; 51.0% women) via item properties, factor structure, item fit, internal consistency, criterion-related validity, and known-group validity. Results: All 19 items had satisfactory item properties, as they were normally distributed (skewness = -1.03 to 0.38; kurtosis = -1.05 to 0.32). However, two items were removed due to substantial ceiling effects. The retained 17 items were embedded in three factors as suggested by the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). All items except one had satisfactory item fit statistics; thus, the unidimensionality was supported for the three factors on 16 items. The retained 16 items showed promising properties in known-group validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency (α = 0.94). Conclusions: The 16-item PRIFOR exhibits good psychometric properties. Using this instrument to measure physical resilience would be beneficial to identify factors that could protect older people from negative health consequence. With the use of the PRIFOR, intervention effects can also be evaluated. It is helpful to strengthen resilience and thereby facilitate successful aging.
Geophysical Assessment of Impact of E-Waste Pollutants on the Subsurface Soil of Alaba International Market Dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria.
Authors: AJAKAYE PAUL ADENIRAN , Somoye Emmanuel , Owolabi Lawal 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Soil degradation forms a part of the significant impacts arising from indiscriminate disposal of e-waste. This study was aimed at assessing the magnitude of legacy contamination by e-waste, particularly, its depth and spread in the subsurface soil of Alaba International Market e-waste dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria through the analysis of VES and 2D-Wenner array configuration data acquired on the dumpsite. The results of the VES data and 2D resistivity analysis showed that Alaba dumpsite was highly impacted by e-wastes due to the permeable geo-electric characteristics of the lithologic units beneath the dumpsite. The lithogy enables the pollutants to spread laterally and progressively increase in depth through sand column subsurface to more than 30m. It also showed that the contaminated zones are characterised by resistivity values ranging from 5.0 to 8.3 Ω.m. The study site is highly populated with wells and boreholes as the main sources of water for the community, thus the findings from this study could facilitate Lagos State Government decisions on improving protection for groundwater resources around the study area.
Jagged2-γδT17 is Regulated by Mycobacterium Vaccae in Asthmatic Mice
Authors: Yao Yi-En , Sun Qi-Xiang , Zhang Jing-Hong , Huang Jian-Lin , Xu Si-Yue , Li Chao-Qian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Mycobacterium vaccae nebulization imparted protective effect against asthma in a mouse model. The Jagged2-γδT17 signal transduction pathway plays an important role in bronchial asthma. However, the effect of M. vaccae nebulization on the Jagged2-γδT17 signal transduction pathway in mouse models of asthma remains unclear. Methods: In total, 30 female C57 mice were randomized to normal control (group a), asthma control (group b), M. vaccae nebulization prevention,and M. vaccae nebulization treatment (group d) groups. Asthma mice models were created using ovalbumin (OVA). The Notch signaling pathway was blocked by DAPT inhibitors. Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) was measured by noninvasive lung function tests. Histopathological analyses using blue-periodic acid Schiff along with hematoxylin and eosin were performed. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and a Western blotting assay allowed for the detection of lung protein expressions, while spleen expressions of IL-17+γδT+ cytokines were assessed with FLOW cytometry. One-way analysis of variance for within-group comparisons, the least significant difference t-test or Student-Newman-Keuls test for intergroup comparisons, and the nonparametric rank sum test for analysis of airway inflammation scores were used in the study. Results: Asthmatic mice models demonstrated downregulated Notch signaling pathway activation and decreased γδT cells and IL-17 cytokine secretion. There was also increased Jagged2 protein expression which correlated positively with γδT+IL-17+ secretion. In asthmatic mice, the expressions of Jagged2 and γδT17, along with airway inflammation and airway reactivity, were all decreased after M. vaccae exposure (p<0.05). Conclusion: The Notch signaling pathway contributed towards asthma initiation and progression by facilitating γδT cells and IL-17 cytokines production. Inhaled M. vaccae led to a significant decrease in Jagged2 and γδT17 expressions in asthmatic mice, indicating its utility in asthma prevention.
Evaluation of the Kenya Livestock and Wildlife Syndromic Surveillance System for Rift Valley Fever, Narok County, Kenya, 2018-2019
Authors: Nakadio Erenius , Kahariri Samuel , Owiny Maurice 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreaks in livestock have had a detrimental impact on livestock trade, animal breeding, and productivity. Routine evaluation and data analysis of surveillance systems ensure that health events are efficiently and effectively monitored. This study evaluated Kenya Livestock and Wildlife Surveillance System (KLWSS) and characterized RVF cases reported for Narok County.
Methods

We evaluated KLWSS from January 2018 to December 2019 using CDC guidelines for evaluating surveillance systems. Attributes of simplicity, flexibility, data quality, acceptability, representativeness, timeliness, stability, sensitivity, and predictive value positive were examined. A retrospective review of RVF surveillance data for Narok County was performed. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed. Data were cleaned in Ms. Excel and descriptive analysis was done using Epi Info 7. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and proportions while continuous variables were summarized using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Study authorization was granted by the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
Results

System was simple in structure and operation, accommodated upgrading of its application, data quality performance was 69.8%, stakeholder’s participation rate was 80% with 842 reports coming from six sub-counties and 30 wards. The median time between event occurrence and event reporting was two days (range one to six days). The system had been operational since 2018 with no reports of any unscheduled outages and downtimes. Suspected cases of RVF reported were 11% (95/842) of the reported cases. The livestock species affected were cattle 56% (53/95) and Sheep 44% (42/95). About 96% (91/95) of the suspected cases were in mixed livestock production systems. The common syndrome was abortions 74% (95/129) with Loita ward recording 97% (92/95) suspected RVF cases. All suspected cases were reported in March 2018.
Conclusions

The KLWSS system was found to be stable but with below-par performance in data quality. Improvement in data quality is required to ensure that the surveillance system is efficient and effective.
Mannose Modified Co-Loaded Zoledronic Liposomes Deplete M2-tumor-associated Macrophages to Enhance Anti-Tumor Effect of Doxorubicin on TNBC
Authors: Yao Wendong , Xu Hengwu , Chen Yanhong , Xu Yingying , Zhou Feng , Wang Zeng , Cai Xinjun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
As the most numerous inflammatory cell group in tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have an essential effect in tumor therapy and are potential therapeutic targets. M2 type tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) were involved in the entire process of tumor development, invasion, and metastasis, obstructing the anti-tumor effect of chemotherapy drugs and nano-medicine. This study aimed to construct a mannose modified co-loaded zoledronic acid and doxorubicin liposomes (Man-LP@ZOL/DOX) for improving the anti-tumor effect by suppressing M2-TAMs on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The size, PDI, and Zeta-potential of Man-LP@ZOL/DOX liposomes were determined to be 212.80±7.74 nm, 0.1413±0.0232, -33.63±0.49 mV, respectively. The Man-LP@ZOL/DOX's EE% and DL% of ZOL as measured were 17.21±2.26% and 1.56±0.21%, while for DOX, they were 84.42±2.05% and 5.12±0.14%. The uptake of Man-LP into cells was increased when it was modified with a TAMs target ligand. The liposomes inhibited the invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by M2-TAMs, and expression of biomarkers on M2-TAMs (Arg1 and CD206 in vitro, CD68, and CD206 in vivo) was apparent. Moreover, co-loaded drugs liposome system remarkably enhanced anticancer effects both in vitro and vivo combined with ZOL. In conclusion, all these results established that Man-LP@ZOL/DOX could enhance anti-tumor effect of DOX via depleting M2-TAMs on TNBC.
Cost of Illness of HER2-Positive and Recurrent HER2-Positive Breast Cancer – A Danish Register-Based Study from 2005 to 2016
Authors: Spanggaard Maria , Olsen Jens , Jensen Kenneth Forsström , Andersson Michael 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Information and knowledge about cost of illness and labour productivity in patients with HER2-positive early-stage and metastatic breast cancer treated with trastuzumab is limited. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct and indirect costs associated with treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer among patients with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer, treated with trastuzumab, in a 10-year period after diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This study included all Danish HER2-positive breast cancer patients (≥18 years) treated with trastuzumab between 2005 and 2016 identified in the Danish national registers. Among this population, patients experiencing metastatic breast cancer were identified. For the study populations, we estimated total healthcare costs and indirect costs for one year prior to the breast cancer diagnosis and up to 10 years after diagnosis compared with a group of matched controls free of breast cancer.Results: We identified 4,153 HER2-positive breast cancer patients, whereof 27% were identified with metastatic breast cancer. During the follow-up period of 10 years, we estimated excess healthcare costs of EUR 115,000 among the total study population compared to controls; EUR 211,000 among patients with recurrence; and EUR 89,000 among patients without recurrence. Healthcare costs were found to be highest in the first year after diagnosis and also peaked in the year after recurrence. Labour productivity was significantly lower among patients with recurrence 10 years after breast cancer diagnosis compared with controls.Conclusions: In this study, we estimated the direct and indirect cost associated with HER2-positive breast cancer to be significantly increased during the 10 years after diagnosis, specifically among patients experiencing recurrence of breast cancer.
Troglitazone Derivatives Induce Early Modifications of the Cytoskeleton and Inhibition of Migration in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Marine Geoffroy , Marine Lemesle , Alexandra Kleinclauss , Sabine Mazerbourg , Levy Batista , Muriel BarberiHeyob , Thierry Bastogne , Wilfrid Boireau , Rouleau Alain , Dorian Dupommier , Michel Boisbrun , Corinne Comoy , Stéphane Flament , Grillier-Vuissoz Isabelle , Sandra Kuntz 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background The 5-years survival rate of breast cancer patients is around 90%. Unfortunately, some types of tumors, especially the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), present chemo-resistance and have a higher relapse 5 years post-treatment due to metastasis. These challenges highlight the need for the development of new drugs for these tumors. In this context, we developed new troglitazone derivatives as support for such potential new treatment.Methods The kinetic of early cellular events was investigated after Δ2-TGZ and AB186 treatment by real-time cell analysis system (RTCA) in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, followed by cell morphology analysis by immuno-localization. Then, we characterized the action of both compounds on the cell migration by wound healing and transwell assays in TNBC MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cell lines. Finally, we performed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and pull-down assay using biotinylated AB186 to identify cytoplasmic targets.Results Δ2-TGZ and AB186 induced a rapid modification of impedance-based signals and morphology in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. This process was associated with an inhibition of cell migration in MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cell lines. Subsequently, 6 cytoskeleton components have been identified as potential targets of AB186 in MDA-MB-231 cytoplasmic fraction. We further validated α-tubulin as one of the direct targets of AB186.Conclusion New troglitazone derivatives, Δ2-TGZ and AB186, induced early cell morphological changes and showed anti-migratory effects on TNBC cells suggesting that these drugs could be proposed as novel candidates to treat TNBC patients.