bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the Distribution and Source of Multidrug-resistant Organisms Infection in Non-ICU&nbsp;Departments
Authors: Li Zhanjie , Wu Xing , Liu Bo , Zhang Wei-hong , Zhou Su-ming , Zhang Yong-xiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: To analyze the distribution and source of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) infection in non-ICU departments, and provide basis for accurate prevention and control measures of MDRO. Methods: A total of 1116 MDRO infection strains isolated from 802 patients with MDRO infection in the non-ICU departments of The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical Universityl from October 2017 to September 2019 were selected as subjects. According to the source, MDRO was divided into two types and four groups: out-of-hospital infection (transferred from outside hospital and community-acquired) and nosocomial infection (transferred from our hospital and department-acquired). Results: The major MDRO infections in non-ICU departments were CRE (34.41%) and MRSA (29.66%). There were significant differences in the composition of MDRO infection among different departments (χ2 = 185.687, P < 0.001). The departments with the most MDRO infection were geriatric medicine (13.17%), neurosurgery (10.04%), and rehabilitation medicine (8.51%). The detection rates of CRE, MRSA, CRAB, and CRPA were 10.69%, 43.83%, 33.72%, and 27.11%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of CRE, MRSA, CRAB, and CRPA in the departments of the whole hospital (25.35%, 51.48%, 79.15%, 46.99%), and the differences were statistically significant (χ2 = 584.309, 15.583, 960.632, 203.726; all P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the detection rates of four kinds of MDRO among different non-ICU departments (χ2 = 190.766, 97.642, 75.078, 69.515; all P <0.001). The most common sites of MDRO infection were lower respiratory tract (48.39%), surgical site (11.83%), and urinary tract (11.02%). There were 641 cases of out-of-hospital infection (57.44%), including out-of-hospital transfer (33.42%) and community-acquire (24.01%), and 475 cases of nosocomial infection (42.56%), including our hospital transfer (4.66%) and department-acquire (37.90%). The composition of MDRO source was different among non-ICU departments. Conclusion: Nearly 2/3 of MDRO infection in non-ICU departments came from out-of-hospital input and in-hospital transfer. The implementation of basic infection control measures and early identification through information system need be noticed. The distribution and source of MDRO infection varied in different departments, and targeted prevention and control measures should be made according to its characteristics to achieve accurate prevention and control.
Highly Improved Mis Photodetector Sensitivity Using Ge Nanocrystals
Authors: Aouassa Mansour , M’gaieth Ridha , Azeza Bilel , Berbezier Isabelle , Favre Luc 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We report the high performances of Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Photodetectors (MIS PD) made with crystalline Ge nanocrystals (Ge NCs) as the active absorbers embedded in a silicon dioxide matrix. The Ge NCs have been obtained by a combination of Ge deposition by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) on tunnel thermal silicon oxide and solid state dewetting processes. Ge NCs structure and morphology are characterized by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The photocurrent generation is determined by I-V spectroscopy and Photocurrent spectroscopy. We evidence the role of high quality Ge NCs on photocurrent and explain the high sensitivity of MIS photodetector as a result of transport mechanisms via photoexcited Ge NCs.These results indicate that the crystalline Ge NCs obtained via solid state dewetting can be integrated with opto-electronics and photonics technologies to produce new high performance optoelectronic devices fully compatible with Complementary Oxide Metal (CMOS) technology.
The Association Between Insulin Sensitivity Indices, ECG Findings and Mortality: A 40 Year Cohort Study
Authors: Moshkovits Yonatan , Rott David , Chetrit Angela , Dankner Rachel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Type 2 Diabetes is associated with insulin resistance and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Insulin resistance can be evaluated non-invasively by insulin sensitivity indices, like the Mcauley index (MCAi), which is a function of fasting plasma insulin and triglycerides. We sought to further elucidate the association between insulin sensitivity indices and incidental ECG findings and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a large cohort followed for decades. Methods: In a prospective study of the Israel cohort on Glucose Intolerance, Obesity and Hypertension (GOH) second phase (1979-1982) 1830 men and women were followed until December 2016 for cardiovascular mortality and December 2019 for all-cause mortality. ECGs were recorded and oral glucose tolerance tests performed during baseline. Insulin sensitivity indices were categorized into quartiles and evaluated against ECG findings and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.Results: Mean age at baseline was 52.0±8.1 years, and 75 (15.2%) and 47 (25.3%) participants in the upper quartiles (Q2-4) and the lower quartile (Q1) of the MCAi, presented with ischemic changes on ECG respectively (p=0.02). Multivariable analysis showed higher odds for ECG ischemic changes, for individuals in Q1-MCAi (adjusted OR=1.7, 95%CI 1.02-2.8), compared with Q2-4-MCAi, which attenuated when excluding individuals with diabetes (adjusted OR=1.6, 95%CI 0.9-2.7, p=0.09). Cox proportional-hazards regression showed an increased risk for all-cause mortality for individuals in Q1-MCAi (HR=1.2, 95%CI 1.02-1.3) as well as an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality (HR=1.4, 95%CI 1.1-1.8) compared with Q2-4-MCAi. Individuals in Q4-Ln HOMA-IR and Q1-QUICKI also presented with increased risk for all-cause-mortality (HR=1.2, 95%CI 1.04-1.4; and HR=1.2, 95%CI 1.04-1.4, respectively). Other ISIs did not show significant association with cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions: Higher insulin-resistance, according to the MCAi, associated with ECG changes, and with greater risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality over a 40-year follow-up. The MCAi may be considered as an early predictive and prognostic biomarker for CV-morbidity and mortality in adults.
Detection of Structural and Conformational Changes in ALS-Causing Mutant Profilin1 With Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry and Bioinformatics Techniques
Authors: Sadr Ahmad Shahir , abdollahpour zahra , Aliahmadi Atousa , Eslahchi Changiz , Nekouei Mina , Kiaei Lily , Kiaei Mahmoud , Ghassempour Alireza 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) is a reliable method to survey the dynamic behavior of proteins and epitope mapping. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a quantifying tool to assay for HDX in the protein of interest. We combined HDX-MALDI-TOF MS and molecular docking/MD simulation to identify accessible amino acids and analyze their contribution in the structural changes of profilin1 (PFN1). The molecular docking/MD simulations are computational tools for enabling the analysis of the type of amino acids that may be involved via HDX identified under the lowest binding energy condition. Glycine to Valine amino acid (G117V) substitution mutation is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This mutation is found to be in the actin-binding site of PFN1 and prevents the dimerization/polymerization of actin and invokes a pathologic toxicity that leads to ALS. In this study, we sought to understand the PFN1 protein dynamic behavior using purified wild type and mutant PFN1 proteins. The data obtained from HDX-MALDI-TOF MS for PFN1WT and PFN1G117V at various time intervals, from seconds to hours, revealed multiple peaks corresponding to molecular weights from monomers to multimers. PFN1/Benzaldehyde complexes identified 20 accessible amino acids to HDX that participate in the docking simulation in the surface of WT and mutant PFN1. Consistent results from HDX-MALDI-TOF MS and docking simulation predict candidate amino acid(s) involved in the dimerization/polymerization of PFNG117V. This information may shed critical light on the structural and conformational changes with details of amino acid epitopes for mutant PFN1s’ dimerization, oligomerization, and aggregation.
Current standard protocols of RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab in neonatal patient is not sensitive enough for determination of vertical transmission
Authors: Fusco Maria Alice , Mantini Vinícius , Júnior Jarba S. S. , Gomes Raphael G. C. , Salmont Camilla G. , Abuassi Clarissa , Lima Andressa R. O. , Clarim Helena L. O. , Ferreira Erika Caminha , Almeida Simone S. A. , Rodrigues Felipe V. F. , Zanirati Gabriele , Becker Nicole , Galina João P. , Costa Jaderson C. da , Marinowic Daniel Rodrigo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The pandemic experienced in recent months has raised questions that should be investigate in the clinical practice. Transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the consequences to the fetus and newborn have called attention due to the increasing number of infections, contradicting previous evidences that there was no possibility of coronavirus transmission from the mother to the fetus. We presented three cases of pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies serology on admission in Naval Hospital Marcílio Dias (HNMD), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Samples of umbilical cord blood was double positive (IgM and IgG) for one patient, double negative for one patient and positive for IgG and negative for IgM for third patient. Maternal and neonatal nasopharyngeal swab samples analyzed by PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was positive for two maternal patients and negative for all newborns tested. It was possible to detect the SARS-CoV-2 in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood using the nested-PCR technics, thus being successfully evidenced transplacental transmission. We suggested that nasopharyngeal swab PCR test of neonates does not have a correlation with vertical transmission and thus, this molecular test is not useful for investigation of transplacental infection.
The Impact of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer : An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Li Xin-Ru , Zhu Yi , Zhang Guo-Nan , Huang Jian-Ming , Pei Li-Xia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) could improve the survival rate of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer in previous meta-analysis studies. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to further update the role of PLD in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.Methods: Literature search was performed by using the electronic databases Medicine, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library until 27 July 2020. We only restricted the randomized clinical trials. Study specific hazard ratios and 95% confidence level (HR/95% CI), risk ratios and 95% confidence level (RR/95% CI), were pooled using a random effect model. Results: 10 studies (12 trials) were included after screening of 940 articles. We categorized the eligible studies into two groups: the doublet regimens (four trials, 1767 patients) resulted that PLD plus carboplatin(carbo) provided superior progression free survival (PFS) (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97) and similar overall survival (OS) (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.88-1.14) compared PAC plus carbo. PLD plus carboplatin was associated with significantly more anemia and Thrombocytopenia, other side effects well-tolerated. In platin resistant patients, the monotherapy regimens (eight trials, 1980 patients) resulted that PLD had similar PFS (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90–1.16) and OS (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.77–1.01) to other monotherapies. PLD alone was more associated with mucositis/stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome, other side effects well-tolerated.Conclusion: In platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, PLD plus carbo is more effective than PAC plus carbo. In platinum-resistant or refractory recurrent ovarian cancer, PLD has similar survival to others monotherapies. For side effects, PLD plus carbo or monotherapy chemotherapy both were well-tolerated.
Regulatory responses of Methanosarcina barkeri to freezing temperatures and perchlorates: Transcriptomic insights into the potential for biological Martian methanogenesis
Authors: Harris Rachel , Schuerger Andrew , Wang Wei , Tamama Yuri , Garvin Zachary , Onstott Tullis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Observations of trace methane (CH4) in the Martian atmosphere are significant to the astrobiology community given the overwhelming contribution of biological methanogenesis to atmospheric CH4­ on Earth. Previous studies have shown that methanogenic Archaea can generate CH4 when incubated with perchlorates, highly oxidizing chaotropic salts which have been found across the Martian surface. However, the regulatory mechanisms behind this remain completely unexplored. In this study we performed comparative transcriptomics on the methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri, which was incubated at 30˚C and 0˚C with 10 mM calcium-, magnesium-, or sodium perchlorate. Consistent with prior studies, we observed decreased CH4 production and apparent perchlorate reduction, with the latter process proceeding by heretofore essentially unknown mechanisms. Transcriptomic responses of M. barkeri to perchlorates include up-regulation of osmoprotectant transporters and selection against redox-sensitive amino acids. Regulatory switches to methylamines for methanogenesis suggest competition for H2 with perchlorate reduction, which we propose is catalyzed by up-regulated molybdenum-containing enzymes and maintained by siphoning diffused H2 from energy-conserving hydrogenases. Methanogenesis regulatory patterns suggest Mars’ freezing temperatures alone pose greater constraints to CH4 production than perchlorates. These findings increase our understanding of potential methanogen survival beyond Earth and a biological contribution to Martian CH4.
A proteome-wide map of 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol interactors in cell membranes
Authors: Cheng Yu-Shiuan , Zhang Tianyi , Ma Xiang , Pratuangtham Sarida , Zhang Grace , Ondrus Alexander , Mafi Amirhossein , Lomenick Brett , Jones Jeffrey , Ondrus Alison 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Oxysterols (OHCs) are hydroxylated cholesterol metabolites that play ubiquitous roles in health and disease. Due to the non-covalent nature of their interactions and unique partitioning in membranes, the analysis of live-cell, proteome-wide interactions of OHCs remains an unmet challenge. In this Resource, we present a structurally precise chemoproteomics probe for the osteogenic molecule 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol (20(S)-OHC) and provide a map of its proteome-wide targets in the membranes of living cells. Our target catalogue consolidates diverse OHC ontologies and demonstrates that OHC-interacting proteins cluster with specific processes in immune response and cancer. Competition experiments reveal that 20(S)-OHC is a chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective ligand for the protein Tmem97 (σ2 receptor), enabling molecular reconstruction of the Tmem97:20(S)-OHC binding site. Our results demonstrate that multiplexed, quantitative analysis of cellular target engagement can expose new dimensions of OHC activity and identify actionable targets for molecular therapy.
In-Situ Monitoring of Xenobiotics using Genetically Engineered Whole-Cell-Based Microbial Biosensors: Recent Advances and Outlook
Authors: Ali Syed Azmal , Mittal Deepti , Kaur Gurjeet 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Industrialisation, directly or indirectly, exposes humans to various xenobiotics. The increased magnitude of chemical pesticides and toxic heavy metals in the environment, as well as their intrusion into the food chain, seriously threatens human health. Therefore, the surveillance of xenobiotics is crucial for social safety and security. Online investigation by traditional methods is not sufficient for the detection and identification of such compounds because of the high costs and their complexity. Advancement in the field of genetic engineering provides a potential opportunity to use genetically modified microorganisms. In this regard, whole-cell-based microbial biosensors (WCBMB) represent an essential tool that couples genetically engineered organisms with an operator/promoter derived from a heavy metal-resistant operon combined with a regulatory protein in the gene circuit. The plasmid controls the expression of the reporter gene, such as gfp, luc, lux and lacZ, to an inducible gene promoter and has been widely applied to assay toxicity and bioavailability. This review summarises the recent trends in the development and application of microbial biosensors and the use of mobile genes for biomedical and environmental safety concerns.
Influence of large-scale circulation and interannual modes of climate variability on seasonal drought characteristics over Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Ma Xieyao , Yin Jun , Saleem Farhan , Syed Sidra , Omer Abubaker , Habtemicheal Birhanu Asmerom 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The long-term drought monitoring and its assessment are of great importance for meteorological disaster risk management. The recurrent spells of heatwaves and droughts have severely affected the environmental conditions worldwide, including Pakistan. The present work sought to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in drought characteristics over Pakistan during Rabi and Kharif cropping seasons. The role of large-scale circulation and interannual mode of climate variability is further explored to identify the physical mechanisms associated with droughts in the region. Monthly precipitation and temperature data (1983–2019) from 53 meteorological stations were used to study drought characteristics, using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK), Sen’s Slope (SS), and Sequential Mann-Kendall (SQMK) tests were applied on the drought index to determine the statistical significance and magnitude of the historical trend. The state-of-the-art Bayesian Dynamic Linear (BDL) model was further used to analyze large scale climate drivers of droughts, analysis revealed an increase in drought severity mostly over arid to semi-arid regions for both cropping seasons. Temperature played a significant role in defining droughts over dry and hot seasons, while rainfall is influential over the western disturbances (WD) influenced region. The analysis of atmospheric circulation patterns revealed that large-scale changes in wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity and geopotential height anomalies are the likely drivers of droughts in the region. We found that Niño4, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), and multivariate El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO4.0) Index are the most influential factors for seasonal droughts across Pakistan. Overall, the findings provide a better understanding of drought-prone areas in the region, and this information is of potential use for mitigating and managing drought risks.
WITHDRAWN: Early Outbreak Analysis of COVID-19 Epidemic: China and Global Health Perspectives
Authors: Dey Samrat Kumar , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Siddiqi Umme Raihan , Howlader Arpita 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Globally, there is an obvious concern about the fact that the evolving 2019-nCoV coronavirus is a worldwide public health threat. The appearance in China at the end of 2019 of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; previously provisionally labeled as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) disease (COVID-19) caused a major global outbreak and right now is a major community health issue. As of 8 March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) data showed that more than 105 500 confirmed cases were reported in over 100 countries/regions, with > 75% of cases being detected in China and >24% of cases detected globally. COVID-19 outbreak is evolving so rapidly; therefore, the available epidemiological data are essential to direct strategies for situational awareness and intervention. Methods: This article will present a visual exploratory data analysis (V-EDA) approach to collect and analyze COVID-19 data on epidemiological outbreaks. Various open data sources on the outbreak of COVID-19 provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Health Commission (NHC), Johns Hopkins University Interactive Dashboard and DXY.cn have been used in this research.Results: Therefore, an Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) with visualizations has been designed and developed in order to understand the number of different cases reported (confirmed, death, and recovered) in different provinces of China and outside of China between 22 January 2020 to 4 March 2020. Various open data sources on the outbreak of COVID-19 provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Health Commission (NHC), Johns Hopkins University Interactive Dashboard and DXY.cn have been used in this research. Conclusion: In all, this is extremely important to promptly spread information to understand the risks of this pandemic and begin containment activities.
Characteristics and Diversity of Mutations in Regulatory Genes of Resistance-nodulation-cell Division Efflux Pumps in Association With Drug-resistant Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter Baumannii
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Ghalavand Zohreh , Yadegar Abbas , Eslami Gita 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and expression of three putative resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND)-type efflux systems and their contribution to multidrug efflux in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 95 A. baumannii isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion for 18 antibiotics and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin was determined by the broth microdilution method. Moreover, the MIC of five classes of antibiotics was assessed using E-test strips in the presence and absence of phenylalanine-arginine beta-naphthylamide (PAβN). Regulatory genes of the RND efflux pumps (adeRS, adeL, adeN and baeSR) were subjected to sequencing. The relative expression of adeB, adeG and adeJ genes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR).Results: Overall, the majority of isolates (93%) were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). In the phenotypic assay, efflux pump activity was observed in 40% of the isolates against multiple antibiotics mainly tigecycline. However, we found no efflux activity against imipenem. Several amino acid substitutions were detected in the products of regulatory genes; except in AdeN. Of note, G186V mutation in AdeS was found to be associated with overexpression of its efflux pump. No insertion sequences were detected. Conclusions: Our findings outlined the role of RND efflux pumps in resistance of A. baumannii to multiple antibiotics particularly tigecycline, and pointed out the importance of a variety of single mutations in the corresponding regulatory systems. Further studies are required to decipher the precise role of RND efflux pumps in multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of A. baumannii.