bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immediate Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccination to Neonates Requiring Perinatal Treatment at the Maternity Ward in Guinea-Bissau: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schaltz-Buchholzer Frederik , Aaby Peter , Monteiro Ivan , Camala Luis , Faurholt Simonsen Simone , Nørtoft Frankel Hannah , Lindberg Larsen Kristina , Golding Christian N , Kollmann Tobias R , Amenyogbe Nelly , Stabell Benn Christine , Bjerregaard-Andersen Morten 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate that bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination provides broad beneficial “nonspecific” protection against infections. We investigated the effect on in-hospital mortality of providing BCG immediately upon admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), rather than BCG-at-discharge. The pretrial NICU mortality was 13% and we hypothesized that BCG would reduce mortality by 40%.

Methods
Parallel-group, open-label RCT was initiated in 2013 in Guinea-Bissau. Neonatal intensive care unit-admitted neonates were randomized 1:1 to BCG + oral polio vaccine (OPV) immediately (intervention) versus BCG + OPV at hospital discharge (control; usual practice). The trial was discontinued due to decreasing in-hospital mortality and major NICU restructuring. We assessed overall and disease-specific mortality by randomization allocation in cox proportional hazards models providing mortality rate ratios (MRRs).

Results
We recruited 3353 neonates, and the overall mortality was 3.1% (52 of 1676) for BCG-vaccinated neonates versus 3.3% (55 of 1677) for controls (MRR = 0.94; 0.64–1.36). For noninfectious causes of death, the MRR was 1.20 (0.70–2.07), and there tended to be fewer deaths from infections in the BCG group (N = 14) than among controls (N = 21) (MRR = 0.65; 0.33–1.28).

Conclusions
Providing BCG + OPV to frail neonates was safe and might protect against fatal infection in the immediate newborn period. Deaths due to prematurity and perinatal complications were unaffected by BCG.
In vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam against clinical isolates of Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Middle Eastern and African countries: ATLAS global surveillance programme 2015–18
Authors: Karlowsky James A , Bouchillon Samuel K , El Mahdy Kotb Ramy , Mohamed Naglaa , Stone Gregory G , Sahm Daniel F 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam against a recent, 2015–18, collection of clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli from Middle Eastern and African countries with a focus on isolates from ICUs and with MDR and difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) phenotypes.

Methods
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 4608 isolates of Enterobacterales (997 isolates from ICU patients) and 1358 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (374 isolates from ICU patients) was performed by CLSI broth microdilution methodology in a central laboratory. MICs were interpreted using both CLSI (2020) and EUCAST (2020) MIC breakpoints.

Results
Most isolates of Enterobacterales (Middle East: ICU, 99.1% susceptible, non-ICU, 99.1%; Africa: ICU, 96.9% susceptible, non-ICU, 98.3%) and P. aeruginosa (Middle East: ICU, 93.4%, non-ICU, 92.1%; Africa: ICU, 89.8%; non-ICU, 94.1%) were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. Applying CLSI and EUCAST breakpoints, MDR rates were similar for Enterobacterales (27.8%–36.0% of isolates) and P. aeruginosa (25.0%–36.4%) while DTR rates were lower for Enterobacterales (1.6%–1.8%) than for P. aeruginosa (5.2%–7.4%). Percentage susceptible rates for ceftazidime/avibactam for MDR Enterobacterales were 96.8%–97.5% (Middle East) and 92.5%–94.3% (Africa) while rates for P. aeruginosa were 70.1%–80.0% (Middle East) and 69.5%–78.2% (Africa). 60.5%–65.8% (Middle East) and 38.9%–52.2% (Africa) of isolates of Enterobacterales with DTR phenotypes were ceftazidime/avibactam susceptible as were 29.2%–31.1% (Middle East) and 28.2%–35.8% (Africa) of DTR P. aeruginosa.

Conclusions
Overall, the isolates of Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa tested from Middle Eastern and African countries were highly susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. Most MDR and many DTR isolates of Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam.
Management of Pea Leaf Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Development of a Nominal Threshold in Faba Beans
Authors: Wijerathna Asha , Evenden Maya , Reid Patty , Tidemann Breanne , Cárcamo Héctor 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), can reduce the yield of field pea [Pisum sativum (L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae)] and faba bean [Vicia faba (L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae)]. Adults feed on the foliage and larvae feed on root nodules and nodule-associated Rhizobium Frank (Rhizobiales: Rhizobiacea) bacteria. In this study, we developed a data-based nominal threshold for pea leaf weevil in faba bean. We further tested the efficacy of insecticidal seed treatment and foliar insecticide (thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively), and nitrogen amendment for pea leaf weevil control using a multi-year field plot study at two sites in Alberta, Canada. Pea leaf weevil feeding damage significantly reduced faba bean yields. Thiamethoxam reduced adult and larval damage, and protected faba bean yield, while neither lambda-cyhalothrin nor a nitrogen amendment was effective in protecting yield. The percentage of seedlings with feeding on the terminal leaf had a negative relationship with yield and was used to estimate a nominal threshold near 15% of seedlings with terminal leaf damage. Since lambda-cyhalothrin is not effective in managing pea leaf weevil on faba bean, there is a need to research additional integrated pest management strategies to reduce prophylactic insecticidal seed treatments.
Partial Budget Analysis of Exclusion Netting and Organic-certified Insecticides for Management of Spotted-wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) on Small Farms in the Upper Midwest
Authors: DiGiacomo G , Gullickson M G , Rogers M , Peterson H H , Hutchison W D 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), or spotted-wing drosophila, is an invasive pest first detected in the United States in 2008. Although D. suzukii can use many cultivated fruit as hosts, raspberries are considered ‘most at risk’ for infestation. Conventional broad-spectrum insecticides are proven effective D. suzukii controls and can be economically profitable when combined with integrated pest management (IPM) on large-scale commercial raspberry farms. It remains unclear, however, whether organic controls are cost-effective strategies, particularly for farms operating on a small-scale seasonal basis, as is common in the Upper Midwest. The purpose of this paper is to explore the efficacy of two organic D. suzukii controls—exclusion netting for high tunnels and organic insecticides for open plots using data available from different field trials—and to ascertain whether any economic benefits of the organic controls outweigh treatment costs for small-scale raspberry operations under different risk scenarios. The field trials suggest that the organic treatments are effective controls for D. suzukii infestation and economically profitable. The exclusion netting treatment produced positive net returns compared to the alternative of no treatment and economically outperformed the organic-certified insecticide treatment for several yield, price and infestation scenarios. As D. suzukii infestation rates increased, net returns improved for both organic treatments. The economic results were robust across a range of yields and prices, suggesting that in almost all scenarios small scale organic raspberry growers benefit economically from the application of exclusion netting on high tunnels and insecticides for open plots.
Treatment of liver cancer cells with ethyl acetate extract of Crithmum maritimum permits reducing sorafenib dose and toxicity maintaining its efficacy
Authors: Gnocchi Davide , Castellaneta Francesca , Cesari Gianluigi , Fiore Giorgio , Sabbà Carlo , Mazzocca Antonio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent tumours worldwide and available drugs are inadequate for therapeutic results and tolerability. Hence, novel effective therapeutic tools with fewer side effects are of paramount importance. We have previously shown that Crithmum maritimum ethyl acetate extract exerts a cytostatic effect in HCC cells. Here, we tested whether C. maritimum ethyl acetate extract in combination with half sorafenib IC50 dose ameliorated efficacy and toxicity of sorafenib in inhibiting liver cancer cell growth. Moreover, we investigated the mechanisms involved.

Methods
Two HCC cell lines (Huh7 and HepG2) were treated with C. maritimum ethyl acetate extract and half IC50 sorafenib dose usually employed in vitro. Then, cell proliferation, growth kinetics and cell toxicity were analysed together with an investigation of the cellular mechanisms involved, focusing on cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

Key findings
Results show that combined treatment with C. maritimum ethyl acetate extract and half IC50 sorafenib dose decreased cell proliferation comparably to full-dose sorafenib without increasing cell toxicity as confirmed by the effect on cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

Conclusions
These results provide scientific support for the possibility of an effective integrative therapeutic approach for HCC with fewer side effects on patients.
Liver Blood Tests in the Management of Suspected Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Mongelli Francesco , Di Giuseppe Matteo , Porcellini Iride , Proietti Francesco , Cristaudi Alessandra , Pini Ramon , La Regina Davide 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objective
The likelihood of common bile duct (CBD) stones considers liver blood tests (LBTs) if they are markedly altered only. The aim of our study was to find a reliable tool based on LBTs to predict the presence of CBD stones.

Methods
We retrospectively considered all patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) because of suspected CBD stones from January 2014 to June 2019. Demographic, clinical data, and LBT values were collected and analyzed.

Results
We selected 191 patients, 64 (33.5%) with positive MRCP and 127 (66.5%) with negative MRCP. The analysis showed that our compound LBT-based score had 83.6%, 90.7%, and 90.6% sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values, respectively, in determining MRCP results.

Conclusion
We designed a weighted score with high diagnostic power in determining MRCP results that could help in differentiating between candidates for primary cholecystectomy and patients who benefit from preoperative MRCP.
EDGE: two routes to dark matter core formation in ultra-faint dwarfs
Authors: Orkney Matthew D A , Read Justin I , Rey Martin P , Nasim Imran , Pontzen Andrew , Agertz Oscar , Kim Stacy Y , Delorme Maxime , Dehnen Walter 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
In the standard Lambda cold dark matter paradigm, pure dark matter simulations predict dwarf galaxies should inhabit dark matter haloes with a centrally diverging density ‘cusp’. This is in conflict with observations that typically favour a constant density ‘core’. We investigate this ‘cusp-core problem’ in ‘ultra-faint’ dwarf galaxies simulated as part of the ‘Engineering Dwarfs at Galaxy formation’s Edge’ project. We find, similarly to previous work, that gravitational potential fluctuations within the central region of the simulated dwarfs kinematically heat the dark matter particles, lowering the dwarfs’ central dark matter density. However, these fluctuations are not exclusively caused by gas inflow/outflow, but also by impulsive heating from minor mergers. We use the genetic modification approach on one of our dwarf’s initial conditions to show how a delayed assembly history leads to more late minor mergers and, correspondingly, more dark matter heating. This provides a mechanism by which even ultra-faint dwarfs ($M_* \lt 10^5\, \text{M}_{\odot }$), in which star formation was fully quenched at high redshift, can have their central dark matter density lowered over time. In contrast, we find that late major mergers can regenerate a central dark matter cusp, if the merging galaxy had sufficiently little star formation. The combination of these effects leads us to predict significant stochasticity in the central dark matter density slopes of the smallest dwarfs, driven by their unique star formation and mass assembly histories.
OH in the diffuse interstellar medium: physical modelling and prospects with upcoming SKA precursor/pathfinder surveys
Authors: Balashev S A , Gupta N , Kosenko D N 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Hydroxyl ($\rm OH$) is known to form efficiently in cold gas (T ∼ 100 K) along with the molecule $\rm H_2$ and can be used as an efficient tracer of the diffuse molecular gas in the interstellar medium (ISM). Using a simple formalism describing the $\rm H\, I/H_2$ transition and a reduced network of major chemical reactions, we present a semi-analytical prescription to estimate the abundances of O-bearing molecules in the diffuse ISM. We show that predictions based on our prescription are in good agreement with the estimates obtained using the meudon pdr code which utilizes the full reaction network. We investigate the dependence of the relative abundances of $\rm OH/H\, I$ and $\rm OH/H_2$ on the variations of physical conditions i.e. the metallicity, number density (n), cosmic ray ionization rate (ζ), and strength of UV field (χ) in the medium. We find that the $\rm OH/H\, I$ abundances observed in the Galactic ISM can be reproduced by models with n ∼ 50 cm−3, χ ∼ 1 (Mathis field), and ζ ∼ 3 × 10−17 s−1, with a variation of about 1 dex allowed around these values. Using the constrained $\rm H_2$ column density distribution function at z ∼ 3, we estimate the $\rm OH$ column density distribution function and discuss future prospects with the upcoming large radio absorption line surveys.
A Case of Gene Fragmentation in Plant Mitochondria Fixed by the Selection of a Compensatory Restorer of Fertility-Like PPR Gene
Authors: Nguyen Tan-Trung , Planchard Noelya , Dahan Jennifer , Arnal Nadège , Balzergue Sandrine , Benamar Abdelilah , Bertin Pierre , Brunaud Véronique , Dargel-Graffin Céline , Macherel David , Martin-Magniette Marie-Laure , Quadrado Martine , Namy Olivier , Mireau Hakim 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The high mutational load of mitochondrial genomes combined with their uniparental inheritance and high polyploidy favors the maintenance of deleterious mutations within populations. How cells compose and adapt to the accumulation of disadvantageous mitochondrial alleles remains unclear. Most harmful changes are likely corrected by purifying selection, however, the intimate collaboration between mitochondria- and nuclear-encoded gene products offers theoretical potential for compensatory adaptive changes. In plants, cytoplasmic male sterilities are known examples of nucleo-mitochondrial coadaptation situations in which nuclear-encoded restorer of fertility (Rf) genes evolve to counteract the effect of mitochondria-encoded cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) genes and restore fertility. Most cloned Rfs belong to a small monophyletic group, comprising 26 pentatricopeptide repeat genes in Arabidopsis, called Rf-like (RFL). In this analysis, we explored the functional diversity of RFL genes in Arabidopsis and found that the RFL8 gene is not related to CMS suppression but essential for plant embryo development. In vitro-rescued rfl8 plantlets are deficient in the production of the mitochondrial heme–lyase complex. A complete ensemble of molecular and genetic analyses allowed us to demonstrate that the RFL8 gene has been selected to permit the translation of the mitochondrial ccmFN2 gene encoding a heme–lyase complex subunit which derives from the split of the ccmFN gene, specifically in Brassicaceae plants. This study represents thus a clear case of nuclear compensation to a lineage-specific mitochondrial genomic rearrangement in plants and demonstrates that RFL genes can be selected in response to other mitochondrial deviancies than CMS suppression.
Excess fibronectin 1 participates in pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia by promoting apoptosis and autophagy in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Wu Haiying , Liu Kan , Zhang Jingli 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPlasma fibronectin 1 (FN1) levels are elevated in individuals with pre-eclampsia (PE), which may be applied as a possible b marker for vascular endothelial injury during PE. In the present study, the possible role of FN1 in the pathogenesis of PE and regulation of apoptosis and autophagy in vascular endothelial cells was explored. Plasma FN1 levels in 80 patients with PE and 40 healthy pregnant individuals were measured using ELISA to verify its relationship with the severity of PE. pcDNA3.1-FN1 or FN1-small interfering (si) RNA was used to manipulate the expression of FN1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to assess the effects of FN1 on cell apoptosis, autophagy, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. It was found that upregulation of FN1 promoted apoptosis and autophagy, in addition to significantly inhibiting the activation of AKT and mTOR in HUVECs. By contrast, downregulation of FN1 expression inhibited cell apoptosis and autophagy, but increased AKT and mTOR phosphorylation in HUVECs that were cultured in serum samples obtained from patients with PE. Rescue experiments found that the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 reversed the effects of FN1-siRNA on apoptosis and autophagy in HUVECs cultured in serum from patients with PE. Therefore, data from the present study suggest that FN1 participates in the pathogenesis of PE by promoting apoptosis and autophagy in vascular endothelial cells, which is associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Activation-induced deaminase is critical for the establishment of DNA methylation patterns prior to the germinal center reaction
Authors: Català-Moll Francesc , Ferreté-Bonastre Anna G , Li Tianlu , Weichenhan Dieter , Lutsik Pavlo , Ciudad Laura , Álvarez-Prado Ángel F , Rodríguez-Ubreva Javier , Klemann Christian , Speckmann Carsten , Vilas-Zornoza Amaya , Abolhassani Hassan , Martínez-Gallo Mónica , Dieli-Crimi Romina , Rivière Jacques G , Martín-Nalda Andrea , Colobran Roger , Soler-Palacín Pere , Kracker Sven , Hammarström Lennart , Prosper Felipe , Durandy Anne , Grimbacher Bodo , Plass Christoph , Ballestar Esteban 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Activation-induced deaminase (AID) initiates antibody diversification in germinal center B cells by deaminating cytosines, leading to somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination. Loss-of-function mutations in AID lead to hyper-IgM syndrome type 2 (HIGM2), a rare human primary antibody deficiency. AID-mediated deamination has been proposed as leading to active demethylation of 5-methycytosines in the DNA, although evidence both supports and casts doubt on such a role. In this study, using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of HIGM2 B cells, we investigated direct AID involvement in active DNA demethylation. HIGM2 naïve and memory B cells both display widespread DNA methylation alterations, of which ∼25% are attributable to active DNA demethylation. For genes that undergo active demethylation that is impaired in HIGM2 individuals, our analysis indicates that AID is not directly involved. We demonstrate that the widespread alterations in the DNA methylation and expression profiles of HIGM2 naïve B cells result from premature overstimulation of the B-cell receptor prior to the germinal center reaction. Our data support a role for AID in B cell central tolerance in preventing the expansion of autoreactive cell clones, affecting the correct establishment of DNA methylation patterns.
Effectiveness of Mobilization of the Talus and Distal Fibula in the Management of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
Authors: Izaola-Azkona Loitzun , Vicenzino Bill , Olabarrieta-Eguia Iratxe , Saez Marc , Lascurain-Aguirrebeña Ion 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objective
Distal fibular mobilization with movement (MWM), with and without a posterior gliding fibular tape, and anteroposterior mobilization of the talus (MOB) are widely used to treat acute lateral ankle sprains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term and long-term relative effectiveness of these techniques.

Methods
In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 45 amateur soccer players with acute (&lt;72 hours) lateral ankle sprain were randomly allocated to 6 sessions (3/wk within the first 2 weeks) of either MWM, MWM with tape (MWMtape), or MOB. All participants also received general advice, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, edema draining massage, and a program of proprioception exercises. Participant ratings of function on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure and Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale were the primary outcomes measured over 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes were ankle pain, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, volume, and strength.

Results
MWM and MWMtape were equally effective and participants demonstrated greater function on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure at 12 and 52 weeks when compared with those receiving MOB; however, the latter demonstrated superior function at 2 weeks. No differences between groups were observed for Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale or any of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion
There are limited differences in the short term among techniques, with the exception of better sport function with MOB. Over the longer term, the distal fibular MWM is most effective to achieve activities of daily living and sport function when added to usual physical therapy care. The addition of a posterior gliding fibular tape provides no additional benefit.

Impact
Distal fibular mobilization with movement may be the most appropriate choice of treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain to achieve long-term activities of daily living and sport function. In the short term, anteroposterior mobilization of the talus offers greater improvement in sport function. The use of fibular tape provides no added benefit as an adjunct to a treatment that includes distal fibular mobilization with movement.
Public Procurement, Regional Integration, and the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Ghossein Tania , Hoekman Bernard , Shingal Anirudh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChina's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a mechanism through which countries can upgrade connectivity-related infrastructure, including through cross-border projects, complementing traditional sources of finance. An overarching goal of the BRI is to reduce trade costs between China and partner countries, in part by helping to integrate regional markets. The large-scale borrowing associated with BRI projects has given rise to potential debt servicing and sustainability concerns. The rate of return of BRI regional infrastructure projects depends in part on the integrity of public procurement processes and realizing value-for-money objectives. To date BRI projects financed by Chinese institutions have been largely awarded to Chinese companies. Enhancing transparency of BRI procurement processes and international cooperation among countries participating in the BRI would help achieve value for money goals and support the integration of BRI countries.