bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aerobic Exercise&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tear Secretion and Tear Film Stability in Dry Eye Patients
Authors: Sun Chao , Chen Xiaofan , Huang Yanming , Zou Huan , Fan Wei , Yang Mei , Yuan Rongdi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: To study the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) on tear secretion and tear film stability in dry eye patients.Methods: Firstly we observed Schirmer Ⅰ test and 6 tear compositions detected by ELISA in 34 eyes of dry eye patients and 34 eyes of normal subjects before and after AE. Then we observed 30 eyes of dry eye patients and 30 eyes of normal subjects before and after AE, the evaluated variables included tear meniscus height (TMH), first and average non-invasive tear breakup time (F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), number of incomplete and complete blinks, partial blink rate (PBR) and visual acuity.Results: In dry eye group, compared with baseline, Schirmer Ⅰ test at 0 minutes after AE increased significantly (P < 0.001), F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT at every time point after AE prolonged significantly (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P = 0.036; P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.044), number of incomplete blinks and PBR at 10 minutes after AE decreased significantly (P < 0.001; P < 0.001) while number of complete blinks increased significantly (P < 0.001), visual acuity at 10 and 20 minutes after AE improved significantly (P = 0.017, P = 0.021). The overall oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine at 0 minutes after AE decreased significantly compared with baseline (P = 0.040).Conclusion: AE promotes tear secretion and improves tear film stability in dry eye patients. AE may be a potential treatment for dry eye.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038673. Registered 27 September 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=57282
Necessity requires no decision: carbon source-dependent pattern of antimicrobial activity and gene expression in Pseudomonas donghuensis P482
Authors: Matuszewska Marta , Maciag Tomasz , Rajewska Magdalena , Wierzbicka Aldona , Jafra Sylwia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Pseudomonas donghuensis P482 is a tomato rhizosphere isolate with the ability to inhibit growth of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Herein, we analysed the impact of the carbon source on the antibacterial activity of P482 and expression of the selected genes of three genomic regions in the P482 genome. These regions are involved in the synthesis of pyoverdine, 7‑hydroxytropolone (7-HT) and an unknown compound (“cluster 17”) and are responsible for antimicrobial activity of P482. We showed that the P482 mutants, defective in these regions, show variations and contrasting patterns of growth inhibition of the target pathogen under given nutritional conditions (with glucose or glycerol as a carbon source). We also selected and validated the reference genes for gene expression studies in P. donghuensis P482. Amongst ten candidate genes, we found gyrB, rpoD and mrdA the most stably expressed. Using selected reference genes in RT-qPCR, we assessed the expression of the genes of interest under minimal medium conditions with glucose or glycerol as carbon sources. Glycerol was shown to negatively affect the expression of genes necessary for 7-HT synthesis. The significance of this finding in the light of the role of nutrient (carbon) availability in biological plant protection is discussed.
Impact of Prescriptionauditing&nbsp;and Intervention of Infectious Diseases Specialist on The Use of Antimicrobials in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Silva Ravena Melo Ribeiro da , Câmara Ana Cláudia de Brito , Koga Ellen Karla Chaves Vieira , Lobo Iza Maria Fraga , Silva Wellington Barros da 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Antimicrobials are among the most prescribed drugs in ICUs, where the use of these drugs is approximately 10 times greater than that of other wards. Even so, it is observed that between 30 to 60% of antimicrobial prescriptions performed in these units are unnecessary or inadequate. Thus, surveillance of antimicrobial prescription is a first and essential step to identify potential overuse or misuse, which could be the target of interventions for antimicrobial administration.Methods: This is an observational, analytical, and prospective study conducted in two adult intensive care units (ICU 1 = surgical and ICU 2 = clinic), with 27 beds each. The study period was divided into pre-intervention (January to June 2019) and post-intervention (July to December 2019).Results: Overall, in the pre- and post-intervention period, 91.4% and 90.0%, respectively, of patients received at least one antimicrobial agent. The most frequently prescribed antimicrobial classes were carbapenems (PRE = 26.0% vs POST = 24.9%; p = 0.245) followed by glycopeptides (PRE = 21.0% vs POST = 18.6%; p = 0.056). Overall, there was a significant reduction in the duration of therapy (PRE = 727 LOT / 1000pd vs POST = 680 LOT / 1000pd; p = 0.028). The highest rates regarding the time of use of antimicrobials were observed for carbapenems, followed by glycopeptides, with significant reductions in the time of exposure of glycopeptides and polymyxin B, and significant increases for penicillins, and tigecycline.Conclusions: In general, the intervention of infectious diseases specialistsin intensive care units had a limited impact on the results evaluated. This may be due to the short period analyzed. Therefore, it is important to monitor the impact of these changes in the long term, drawing a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of an intervention, with the implementation of active feedback.
Necrosis Binding of Ac-Lys0(IRDye800CW)-Tyr3-octreotate: Pros and Cons of Using Cyanine-labeled Small Molecules
Authors: Stroet Marcus Cornelis Maria , Dijkstra Bianca M. , Dulfer Sebastiaan E. , Kruijff Schelto , Dunnen Wilfred F.A. den , Kruyt Frank A.E. , Groen Rob J.M. , Seimbille Yann , Panth Kranthi M. , Mezzanotte Laura , Lowik Clemens W.G.M. , Jong Marion de 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

There is a growing body of nuclear contrast agents that are repurposed for fluorescence guided surgery. New contrast agents are obtained by substituting the radioactive tag with, or adding a fluorescent cyanine to the molecular structure. This enables intra-operative fluorescent detection of cancerous tissue, leading to more complete tumor resection. However, these fluorescent cyanines can have a remarkable influence on pharmacokinetics and tumor uptake. Here we demonstrate the effect of cyanine-mediated dead cell binding of Ac-Lys0(IRDye800CW)-Tyr3-octreotate (800CW-TATE) and how this can be used as an advantage for the purpose of fluorescence guided surgery. We exposed cultured U2OS cells (alive or dead, with or without SSTR2-expression) and frozen human tumor tissue sections of NCI-H69 (SSTR2 positive) and CH-157MN (SSTR2 negative) to 800CW-TATE. We then injected 800CW-TATE into NCI-H69-tumor-bearing mice. Blocking experiment were included with DOTA0-Tyr3-octreotate (DOTA-TATE). Paraffin sections of the resected tumors were imaged for near infrared fluorescence and cell death staining was performed.
Results

Binding of 800CW-TATE could be blocked with DOTA-TATE and was absent in SSTR2 negative cells. However, strong binding was observed to dead cells, which could not be blocked with DOTA-TATE and was also present in dead SSTR2 negative cells. No SSTR2-mediated binding was observed in frozen sections, possibly due to disruption of the cells in the process of sectioning the tissue before exposure to the contrast agent. DOTA-TATE blocking resulted in incomplete reduction of 61.5 ± 5.8% fluorescence uptake by the tumors in the mice. Paraffin sections revealed that fluorescence uptake persisted in necrotic regions upon blocking.
Conclusion

This study shows that labeling peptides with cyanines can result in dead cell binding. This does not hamper the ultimate purpose of fluorescence guided surgery, as necrotic tissue appears in most solid tumors. Hence, the necrosis binding can increase the overall tumor uptake. Moreover, necrotic tissue should be removed as much as possible: it cannot be salvaged, causes inflammation, and is tumorigenic. However, when performing binding experiments to cells with disrupted membrane integrity, which is routinely done with nuclear probes, this dead cell binding can resemble non-specific binding. This study will benefit development fluorescent contrast agents.
Role of seed bank in aboveground vegetation regeneration signal ecosystem transition from arid grassland to shrubland with decreasing soil moisture
Authors: Zhao Yunpeng , Du Guozhen , Qi Wei , An Hang , Wang Lipei , Luo Shuaiwei , Ma Beibei , Ma Miaojun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the role of seed bank during ecosystem transitions from arid grassland to shrubland. Methods We explored the aboveground vegetation, seed bank and soil environmental factors at 29 sites along a moisture gradient that served as a space-for-time substitution in the Qaidam Basin on the Tibetan Plateau to test whether changes seed bank composition or changes in the ability of the seed bank to restore aboveground vegetation could lead to ecosystem transition. Results We found that the composition of the aboveground vegetation presented nonlinear changes with decreased soil moisture and showed an inflection point in the threshold zone on the spatial scale of ecosystem transition from arid grassland to shrubland; however, an inflection point was not observed for the seed bank. Surprisingly, an inflection point of the similarity between the aboveground vegetation and seed bank also emerged at this threshold zone (ecosystem transition from arid grassland and shrubland). Conclusions Our results suggest that the transition from arid grassland to shrub ecosystem is not caused by changes of the seed bank composition but by the inhibition of the seed bank's restorability to aboveground vegetation. Future work on changes in vegetation composition and species diversity with ecosystem transitions should consider the belowground seed bank.
Tensile properties of the FFF-processed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer
Authors: Arifvianto Budi , Iman Teguh Nur , Prayoga Benidiktus Tulung , Dharmastiti Rini , Salim Urip Agus , Mahardika Muslim , Suyitno Suyitno 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) has become one of the most popular, practical, and low-cost additive manufacturing techniques for fabricating geometrically-complex thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer. However, there are still some uncertainties concerning the relationship between several operating parameters applied in this technique and the mechanical properties of the processed material. In this research, the influences of extruder temperature and raster orientation on the mechanical properties of the FFF-processed TPU elastomer were studied. A series of uniaxial tensile tests was carried out to determine tensile strength, strain, and elastic modulus of TPU elastomer that had been printed with various extruder temperatures, i.e., 190–230 °C, and raster angles, i.e., 0–90°. Thermal and chemical characterizations were also conducted to support the analysis in this research. The results obviously showed the ductile and elastic characteristics of the FFF-processed TPU, with specific tensile strength and strain that could reach up to 39 MPa and 600%, respectively. The failure mechanisms operating on the FFF-processed TPU and the result of stress analysis by using the developed Mohr’s circle are also discussed in this paper. In conclusion, the extrusion temperature of 200 °C and raster angle of 0° could be preferred to be applied in the FFF process to achieve high strength and ductile TPU elastomer.
Epidemiological Factors Associated With Hbv Infection And Uptake Of Hbv Testing In South West Region Of Cameroon:&nbsp;What Can Be Done To Scale Up Hbv Testing In Our Setting?
Authors: Meriki Henry Dilonga , Tufon Kukwah Anthony , Georges Teuwafeu Denis , Tony Nyeke James , Kwenti Tebit Emmanuel , Bolimo Ayah Flora , Yolande Fokam Djike Puepi , Itoe Iyah Rebecca , Beltine Tsamul , Cyrille Nkouonlack , Nkuo-Akenji Theresa , Anong Damian Nota 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

HBV infection affects millions of people globally and this can be partly attributed to its high degree of transmissibility. This study was aimed at identifying some prevailing epidemiological factors associated with HBV infection and uptake of HBV testing in South West region of Cameroon.
Methods

This was a hospital-based case-control study which enrolled HBV infected participants and “healthy” controls ≥ 18 years old. Venous blood collected from participants was used to conduct HBV panel test. Data on demographic and behavioral risk factors as well as reasons for doing the HBV test for the first time were collected using a questionnaire.
Results

A total of 424 participants were enrolled (212 “healthy” controls and 212 HBV infected cases). Male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08, p = 0.010), ≤ secondary education level (OR = 4.83, p < 0.001), low income level (OR = 3.79, p < 0.001), rural settlement (OR = 2.17, p = 0.031), history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) (OR = 4.24, p < 0.001) and ignorance of sex partners HBsAg status (OR = 2.70, p = 0.003) all had an independent and significant association with HBV infection. Top 3 reasons for doing HBsAg test were free screening (40.3%), Blood donation (15.0%) and administrative requirements (14.9%). Seven (1.7%) participants got tested for the first time after symptoms were identified by a doctor.
Conclusion

Male sex, low income level, ≤ secondary education level, rural settlement, history of STI and ignorance of sex partners HBsAg status were significantly associated with HBV infection. Free screening, blood donation and administrative requirements were the most common reasons for doing HBsAg test. Uptake of HBsAg testing and early detection can be improved if more sensitization and free/opportunistic screenings are carried out. A significant drop in the cost of the test could encourage more people to get tested as well.
Community Leaders’ Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitating Factors to Kangaroo Mother Care in Mangochi, Malawi: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mathias Christina Tiyankhulenji , Mianda Solange , Ginindza Themba Goffrey 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Low-and middle-income countries widely utilize Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) to care for the Low-Birth Weight Infants (LBWIs). Worldwide, LBWIs is the leading cause of neonatal and child mortality. In Malawi, the government and the notable non-governmental organizations coordinate and collaborate in implementing KMC interventions to reduce neonatal deaths due to LBWIs’ complications. The incorporation of the community leaders’ (CLs) views on KMC access and utilization is optimal in the effective KMC implementation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess CLs perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to KMC utilization by parents of low birth weight infants (PLBWIs) in Mangochi District, Malawi.
Methods

The study used purposive and simple random sampling to identify twelve CLs (N = 12) who participated in the two focused group (n = 6) discussions (FGD) conducted in April 2018 in Mangochi district. A structured FGD guide used to obtain the CLs’ perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to KMC access and utilization by PLBWIs. Thematic content analysis used to analyse the findings.
Results

Four major themes and sub-themes were established from the study. These included Access (availability of KMC providers, place of delivery, strengthen referral systems, cost, health seeking behaviour, women empowerment and quality of obstetric care), Buy-in (KMC knowledge, causes of LBWIs birth, advantages/outcomes of KMC, attitude towards LBWI and KMC, stigma towards mother with a LBWI and preference of LBWI care), Medical issues (safety and maternal health) and traditional/cultural norms (social obligation and gender roles).
Conclusions

Despite the identified facilitating and barriers to KMC utilization, the CLs indirectly supported PLBWIs access to KMC by their influential and participatory role in the Malawi National Safe Motherhood approaches, which facilitated women deliver by the skilled birth attendants and utilized KMC. As such, incorporating the CLs in KMC implementation through KMC capacity building and strengthening linkage of local government structures to health local government structures may enhance KMC access and utilization by the community, through the CLs’ influential role in the communities’ uptake of health services. In a way strengthening the Malawi National Community Health Strategy 2017–2022 approaches.
Multidisciplinary telephone conferences about medication therapy after discharge of older inpatients: A feasibility study
Authors: Ravn-Nielsen Lene Vestergaard , Burghle Alaa , Christensen Palle Mark , Coric Faruk , Graabæk Trine , Henriksen Jolene Pilegaard , Karlsdóttir Fjóla , Rosholm Jens-Ulrik , Pottegård Anton 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Studies have shown poor post-discharge implementation of changes made to patients’ medication during admission by the general practitioner. Objective To assess the feasibility of conducting telephone conferences to deliver information about changes in older patients’ medications from the hospital to the general practitioners. Setting Danish routine healthcare setting including patients admitted to departments of Geriatric medicine at Odense University Hospital and Svendborg Hospital. Method Telephone conferences between pharmacists, geriatricians, and general practitioners were based on a review of the patient’s medication therapy during hospital stay. Older polypharmacy patients were eligible for inclusion. To explore perspectives on the feasibility of telephone conferences, interviews were conducted with pharmacists, geriatricians and general practitioners. Interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation.Main outcome measure The proportion of telephone conferences conducted. Results A total of 113 patients were included. Medication summaries were sent to the general practitioner for 82 patients (75%), thus eligible for telephone conferences. A total of 40 (49%) telephone conferences were conducted. The main reasons for conferences not being conducted were general practitioners not wanting to participate or not returning the calls from the pharmacists. The themes from the qualitative analysis were: Project operations, the telephone conference and cross-sectorial collaboration.The participating general practitioners, pharmacists and geriatricians expressed varied benefit from the conferences and agreed that telephone conferences were relevant and useful for complex patients. Conclusion Telephone conferences between geriatricians, general practitioners and pharmacists were only possible for half of the patients and seemingly mainly relevant for complex patients.
Analytical solutions of the transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 in three interactive populations
Authors: Isea Raúl 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper resolves analytically a mathematical model that reproduces the transmission of Covid-19 in three interactive populations, i.e. from the initial source of contagion associated with the bat population, subsequently transmitted to unknown host (usually associate with pangolins). The host were sent and distributed to Seafood Market in Wuhan (defined reservoir), and finally infected to the human population. The model is based on a system of ten differential equations reproducing all the possible infection scenarios among all of them, that is: (1) there is no infection in any of the three populations, (2) only the population of bats is infected, (3) only the pangolins, (4) only the human people. Later, combinations between them, this is: (5) both the bat and pangolin populations, (6) bats and humans, (7) pangolins and humans, and finally, (8) all the previous populations. In each scenario, I deduced the critical points as well as the eigenvalues that indicate the equilibrium conditions. Finally, it is demonstrated the validity of the model with the data corresponding to the second wave of infections in Australia
Application of video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resections for differential diagnosis of lung diseases
Authors: Samorodov N. A. , Sabanchieva Zh. Kh. , Vasiliev I. V. 
Published: March 2021

The objective of the study: to determine the place and effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection (VATS resections) in the differential diagnostic procedure for examination of patients with chest diseases.Subjects and methods. In 2017-2019, 1,190 patients with suspected respiratory tuberculosis were examined in the differential diagnostic department of TB Dispensary, the Ministry of Health of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic; 106 (8.9%) needed VATS since it was impossible to verify their diagnosis despite various biopsies. The age of 106 patients varied from 18 to 80 years old, there were 66 men (62.0%), and 40 women (38.0%). The preoperative diagnosis was as follows: single or multiple lung lesions – 83 (76.9%) cases, disseminated lung disease of unknown etiology or interstitial lung disease of unspecified etiology – 25 (23.1%) cases.In all cases, the surgical specimens were sent for comprehensive tests, including histological tests, microbiological tests (fluorescent microscopy with Ziehl-Nielsen staining, culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) by Bactec, and culture for secondary flora and fungi), and molecular genetic tests to detect MTB DNA.Results. The diagnostic efficiency when using VATS resections, histological and microbiological testing of surgical specimens made 98.1% (95% CI 93.38-99.48; Wilson's method). Among the diagnosed diseases, pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed in 47/106 (44.3%) patients, cancer – 37/106 (34.9%), the rest of patients were diagnosed with some other disorders including orphan diseases.
Postponed treatment outcomes in patients with limited fibrous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis with use of valve bronchial block
Authors: Аskalonova O. Yu. , Tseymakh E. A. , Levin A. V. , Zimonin P. E. 
Published: March 2021

The objective of the study: to evaluate postponed outcomes of comprehensive treatment with use of valve bronchial block in patients with limited fibrous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis.Subjects and methods. Treatment outcomes of 97 patients suffering from chronic destructive pulmonary tuberculosis with lesions within one lobe were analyzed. Valve bronchial block (VBB+) was used in 42 patients, and it was not used in 55 patients (VBB-). In addition to anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, artificial pneumoperitoneum was used in all patients as a part of the treatment.Results. Postpones treatment outcomes were followed in 83 patients: in 38 from the Group VBB+ and in 45 from Group VBB-. Clinical cure was achieved in 28/38 (66.7%) patients in Group VBB+ and in 16/45 (29.1%) in Group VBB-, p <0.01. A lethal outcome was registered in 2 (4.8%) patients in Group VBB+ and 10 (18.1%) in Group VBB-, p <0.03.