bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plastics and the microbiome: impacts and solutions
Authors: Lear G. , Kingsbury J. M. , Franchini S. , Gambarini V. , Maday S. D. M. , Wallbank J. A. , Weaver L. , Pantos O. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlobal plastic production has increased exponentially since manufacturing commenced in the 1950’s, including polymer types infused with diverse additives and fillers. While the negative impacts of plastics are widely reported, particularly on marine vertebrates, impacts on microbial life remain poorly understood. Plastics impact microbiomes directly, exerting toxic effects, providing supplemental carbon sources and acting as rafts for microbial colonisation and dispersal. Indirect consequences include increased environmental shading, altered compositions of host communities and disruption of host organism or community health, hormone balances and immune responses. The isolation and application of plastic-degrading microbes are of substantial interest yet little evidence supports the microbial biodegradation of most high molecular weight synthetic polymers. Over 400 microbial species have been presumptively identified as capable of plastic degradation, but evidence for the degradation of highly prevalent polymers including polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride must be treated with caution; most studies fail to differentiate losses caused by the leaching or degradation of polymer monomers, additives or fillers. Even where polymer degradation is demonstrated, such as for polyethylene terephthalate, the ability of microorganisms to degrade more highly crystalline forms of the polymer used in commercial plastics appears limited. Microbiomes frequently work in conjunction with abiotic factors such as heat and light to impact the structural integrity of polymers and accessibility to enzymatic attack. Consequently, there remains much scope for extremophile microbiomes to be explored as a source of plastic-degrading enzymes and microorganisms. We propose a best-practice workflow for isolating and reporting plastic-degrading taxa from diverse environmental microbiomes, which should include multiple lines of evidence supporting changes in polymer structure, mass loss, and detection of presumed degradation products, along with confirmation of microbial strains and enzymes (and their associated genes) responsible for high molecular weight plastic polymer degradation. Such approaches are necessary for enzymatic degraders of high molecular weight plastic polymers to be differentiated from organisms only capable of degrading the more labile carbon within predominantly amorphous plastics, plastic monomers, additives or fillers.
Estimating health state utilities in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Nafees Beenish , Lloyd Andrew , Dewilde Sarah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Hemophagocyti.c lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and severe disorder characterized by abnormal activation of the immune system. Primary HLH causes prolonged fever, spleen and liver enlargement, and organ dysfunction, usually in infancy and early childhood and is fatal if left untreated. As effective treatment options emerge, such as emapalumab-lzsg, Health Technology Assessment bodies around the world will assess them in terms of cost-effectiveness. This study was designed to estimate quality of life weights (utilities) for such analyses.

Methods
Vignettes were developed describing HLH treatment related health states. Health states included active HLH, HLH plus neurological symptoms, receiving chemotherapy, undergoing stem cell transplant (SCT), graft versus host disease (GVHD), cure and end of life care. The vignettes were based on information from in depth interviews with clinical specialists; and qualitative research with four parents of children with primary HLH aged between 1 and 18 years old. The vignettes were then assessed in time trade off (TTO) interviews with members of the UK general public in one on one face to face interviews with trained, experienced interviewers. Preference data were analysed using the generalised estimating equations framework.

Results
Detailed qualitative data captured the substantial burden of this disease for young children. One hundred participants completed the TTO interviews. The utility score for Active HLH was estimated as 0.32 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.39). Values for other states were HLH plus neurological symptoms (0.27, 95%CI 0.18–0.35), receiving chemotherapy (0.26, 95%CI 0.17–0.34), undergoing SCT (0.18, 95%CI 0.07–0.28), GVHD (0.07, 95%CI -0.04-0.17), cure (0.72, 95%CI 0.67–0.77) and end of life care (− 0.17, 95%CI -0.27- -0.07).

Conclusions
This study has estimated utility weights for seven different HLH related states which are based on detailed input from carers and physicians and have good face validity. There are few other options for collecting these data in an ultra-rare setting.
Responses of two plant-derived bioinsecticides as protectants of smoke-dried catfish, Clarias gariepinus [Pisces: Clariidae] against hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus (De Geer) [Coleoptera: Dermestidae]
Authors: Ileke Kayode David 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Toxicities of Vernonia amygdalina and Tithonia diversifolia leaf powders and extracts on larva and adult mortality of Dermestes maculatus on smoke-dried catfish were evaluated in the laboratory. The leaf powders were admixed at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/100 g of smoked catfish in 500 ml plastic container while plant extracts were tested at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12% concentrations.

Results
The toxicities of the plant products were concentrations and exposure time dependent. Significant difference (P < 0.05) existed between the toxicity of V. amygdalina and T. diversifolia leaf powders and control. Tithonia diversifolia powder evoked 27.5, 40, 52.7, 60 and 82.5% larval mortalities at the various concentrations after 24 h of exposure of the catfishes to the plant powder. Similarly, V. amygdalina leaf powders caused 20, 30, 42.5, 52.5 and 77.5% larval mortalities at varying concentrations of 24 h intervals of exposure to the plant powder. Tithonia diversifolia powder achieved 100% mortality at 9 g dosage after 96 h of treatment. Similar trend was achieved on the response of both plant leaf extracts as protectants of smoke-dried catfish against hide beetle.

Conclusion
Tithonia diversifolia powder and extract were more lethal than bitter leaf (V. amygdalina) and could be integrated as smoked fish protectant against hide beetle (D. maculatus).
Mechanoresponsive Behavior of Rod-like Liquid Crystalline Luminophores on an Alignment Layer
Authors: Kondo Mizuho , Yamoto Taku , Tada Motoki , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Mechanochromic luminescence (MCL) compounds exhibit change of their photoluminescent color in response to mechanical stimuli. The initial molecular alignment of a liquid-crystalline MCL compound was controlled by using an alignment layer. The rubbing method and rubbing direction were successfully determined. Influence of mechanical force on photoluminescent behavior was evaluated.
A Method to Prepare Hollow Spherical Hydroxyapatite Granules for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhu XinWei , Li JinYuan , Zheng ZhaoLi , Liang TongXiang , Yang Hui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A suitable microenvironment provided by artificial granule scaffold plays a critical regulatory role in bone repairing progression. Till now, it is still a challenge to prepare large hydroxyapatite granules (millimetre level) which provide beneficial physical and chemical stimulation for bone reconstruction. Herein, we developed a facile synthetic strategy for synthesizing hydroxyapatite granules by a repaid gelling method. Also, the satisfying drug-releasing behavior of these granules further proves their potential prospect for bone tissue engineering as bone filler.
REGULATED PROFESSIONS AND PROFESSIONAL COUNCILS: AN ANALYSIS IN THE LIGHT OF LIBERAL DOCTRINAL TEACHING
Authors: Alves Júnior Luís Carlos Martins , Deus Paulo Ricardo Aguiar de 
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Este artigo propõe uma abordagem aprofundada a respeito dos conselhos profissionais e regulamentação profissional, baseada em argumentos políticos, jurídicos e filosóficos-econômicos, buscando demonstrar que menos regulação profissional leva a maior qualidade e segurança na prestação de serviços e não o contrário, como normalmente se prega.Metodologia: O trabalho foi estruturado por meio de pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa, cruzada com análise de dados de sistemas nacionais e internacionais de indexação. Tudo por meio do raciocínio indutivo sob a perspectiva histórica e contemporânea do tema.Resultados: Foi possível determinar que o padrão de regulação ideal e é o de um mercado levemente regulado e que, através de seu uso cuidadoso, é possível angariar vantagens para a sociedade ao contrário do excesso prejudicial de regulações no país.Contribuições: Dentre os debates mais antigos da civilização ocidental, chamada liberal, está o constante atrito entre liberdade individual e intervenção do Estado. Uma das áreas em que essa fricção é naturalmente mais intensa é no campo profissional. No Brasil, a discussão foi resgatada após a apresentação de emenda à constituição que pretende inibir o excesso regulamentar profissional, bem como retirar do Estado a responsabilidade de coordenar e controlar as atividades de profissionais. Este artigo pretende lançar alguma luz e fornecer fundamentos para o debate deste relevante tema.
Large CRISPR-Cas-induced deletions in the oxamniquine resistance locus of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Geetha , Coghlan Avril , Driguez Patrick , Lotkowska Magda E. , Sanders Mandy , Holroyd Nancy , Tracey Alan , Berriman Matthew , Rinaldi Gabriel 
Published: January 2021

Background. At least 250 million people worldwide suffer from schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma worms. Genome sequences for several Schistosoma species are available, including a high-quality annotated reference for Schistosoma mansoni. There is a pressing need to develop a reliable functional toolkit to translate these data into new biological insights and targets for intervention. CRISPR-Cas9 was recently demonstrated for the first time in S. mansoni, to produce somatic mutations in the omega-1 (ω1) gene. Methods. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce somatic mutations in a second gene, SULT-OR, a sulfotransferase expressed in the parasitic stages of S. mansoni, in which mutations confer resistance to the drug oxamniquine. A 262-bp PCR product spanning the region targeted by the gRNA against SULT-OR was amplified, and mutations identified in it by high-throughput sequencing. Results. We found that 0.3-2.0% of aligned reads from CRISPR-Cas9-treated adult worms showed deletions spanning the predicted Cas9 cut site, compared to 0.1-0.2% for sporocysts, while deletions were extremely rare in eggs. The most common deletion observed in adults and sporocysts was a 34 bp-deletion directly upstream of the predicted cut site, but rarer deletions reaching as far as 102 bp upstream of the cut site were also detected. The CRISPR-Cas9-induced deletions, if homozygous, are predicted to cause resistance to oxamniquine by producing frameshifts, ablating SULT-OR transcription, or leading to mRNA degradation via the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. However, no SULT-OR knock down at the mRNA level was observed, presumably because the cells in which CRISPR-Cas9 did induce mutations represented a small fraction of all cells expressing SULT-OR. Conclusions. Further optimisation of CRISPR-Cas protocols for different developmental stages and particular cell types, including germline cells, will contribute to the generation of a homozygous knock-out in any gene of interest, and in particular the SULT-OR gene to derive an oxamniquine-resistant stable transgenic line.
Long-term outcomes after kidney transplant failure and variables related to risk of death and probability of retransplant: Results from a single-center cohort study in Brazil
Authors: Requião-Moura Lúcio R. , Albino Cássio R. Moreira , Bicalho Paula Rebello , Ferraz Érika de Arruda , Pires Luciana Mello de Mello Barros , da Silva Maurício Fregonesi Rodrigues , Pacheco-Silva Alvaro 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundReturning to dialysis after kidney graft loss (GL) is associated with a high risk of mortality, mainly in the first 3–6 months. The follow-up of patients with GL should be extended to better understand crude patient outcomes, mainly in emerging countries, where the transplantation activity has increased.MethodsThis is a historical single-center cohort study conducted in an emerging country (Brazil) that included 115 transplant patients with kidney allograft failure who were followed for 44.1 (21.4; 72.6) months after GL. The outcomes were death or retransplantation after GL calculated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Proportional hazard ratios for death and retransplantation were assessed by Cox regression.ResultsThe 5-year probability of retransplantation was 38.7% (95% CI: 26.1%-51.2%) and that of death was 37.7% (95% CI: 24.9%-50.5%); OR = 1.03 (95% CI: 0.71–1.70) and P = 0.66. The likelihood of retransplantation was higher in patients who resumed dialysis with higher levels of hemoglobin (HR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.04–1.43; P = 0.01) and lower in blood type O patients (HR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.25–0.93; P = 0.03), which was associated with a lower frequency of retransplantation with a subsequent living-donor kidney. On the other hand, the risk of death was significantly associated with Charlson comorbidity index (HR for each point = 1.37; 95% CI 1.19–1.50; P<0.001), and residual eGFR at the time when patients had resumed to dialysis (HR for each mL = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.05–1.25; P = 0.002). The trend toward a lower risk of death when patients had resumed to dialysis using AV fistula access was observed (HR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.25–1.02; P = 0.06), while a higher risk seems to be associated with the number of previous engraftment (HR = 2.01; 95% CI 0.99–4.07; P = 0.05).ConclusionsThe 5-year probability of retransplantation was not less than that of death. Variables related to the probability of retransplantation were hemoglobin level before resuming dialysis and ABO blood type, while the risk of death was associated with comorbidities and residual eGFR.
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of anogenital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) carriage in a cross-sectional, multi-ethnic, community-based Asian male population
Authors: Khoo Su Pei , Shafii Mohd Khairul Anwar , Bhoo-Pathy Nirmala , Yap Siew Hwei , Subramaniam Shridevi , Nasir Nazrila Hairizan , Lin Zhang , Belinson Jerome , Goh Pik Pin , Qu Xinfeng , Gravitt Patti , Woo Yin Ling 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAddressing the burden of HPV-associated diseases among men is increasingly becoming a public health issue. The main objective of this study was to determine HPV prevalence among a healthy community-based Malaysian men.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study that recruited 503 healthy males from 3 community-based clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. Genital and anal samples were collected from each participant for 14 high risk and 2 low risk HPV DNA detection and genotyping. All participants responded to a set of detailed sociodemographic and sexual behaviour questionnaire.ResultsThe median age at enrolment was 40 years old (IQR: 31–50). The anogenital HPV6/11 prevalence was 3.2% whereas high risk HPV prevalence was 27.1%. The genital HPV prevalence for HPV6/11 was 2.9% while high risk HPV was 18.8%. HPV6/11 prevalence in the anal canal was 1.6% and high risk HPV was 12.7%. HPV 18 was the most prevalent genotype detected in the anogenital area. There was a significant independent association between genital and anal HPV infections.ConclusionAnogenital HPV infection is common among Malaysian men. These findings emphasize the ubiquity of HPV infection and thus the value of population-wide access to HPV prevention.
New and Old Routes of Portuguese Emigration: Uncertain Futures at the Periphery of Europe, Cláudia Pereira and Joana Azevedo (eds) (2019)
Authors: Garraio Júlia 
Published: January 2021

Review of: New and Old Routes of Portuguese Emigration: Uncertain Futures at the Periphery of Europe, Cláudia Pereira and Joana Azevedo (eds) (2019)
Cham: Springer, 281 pp.,
ISBN 978-3-03015-134-8, e-book, Open Access
Pregnancy in Liver Transplantation Recipients Is Associated With Increased Complications and Healthcare Utilization
Authors: Sobotka Lindsay A. , Mumtaz Khalid , Hinton Alice , Conteh Lanla F. 
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Given the increased rates of pregnancy in liver transplant recipients, evaluating the safety of pregnancy is crucial. We aim to evaluate pregnancy-related complications and outcomes in liver transplant recipients.

METHODS:
A retrospective nationwide review comparing pregnancy outcomes in liver transplant recipients vs the general population was performed between 2005 and 2013. Propensity-matched and multivariable regression analyses were performed to study pregnancy- and delivery-related complications in addition to patient and hospital outcomes.

RESULTS:
A total of 38,449,030 pregnancy-related admissions were evaluated in this study including 1,469 (0.004%) admissions in liver transplant recipients. Liver transplant recipients were more likely to undergo a caesarean delivery (60% vs 36%) and have a pregnancy-related complication (56% vs 27%) including miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, portpartum hemorrhage, hypertension, preeclampsia, and thromboembolism (P < 0.001) compared with the general population. Propensity-weighted analysis revealed higher rates of pregnancy complications (odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63–2.73), cost ($3,023, 95% CI $850–$5,197), and longer length of stay (1.52 days, 95% CI 0.62–2.41) in transplant recipients. Liver transplant recipients experienced zero inpatient mortalities compared with 0.01% of the general population. Transplant recipients with at least 1 complication had a longer length of stay (2.45 days, 95% CI 1.44–3.45) and higher cost of admission ($5,205, 95% CI $2,848–$7,561) compared with transplant recipients without a complication.

DISCUSSION:
Pregnancy after liver transplant is associated with higher rates of complications and worse outcomes without an increased risk of mortality.
Incidencia de factores personales y contextuales sobre el uso de los recursos tecnológicos por el alumnado en América Latina
Authors: Cebrián-Cifuentes Sara , Almerich Gonzalo , Suárez-Rodríguez Jesús , Pedró Francesc 
Published: January 2021

El uso de las tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación (TIC) por parte de alumnado refleja si el proceso de integración es apropiado. No obstante, la tipología de uso de las TIC en el alumnado no se ha establecido de forma empírica en función de su uso en casa y el centro educativo. Así, el propósito del artículo es determinar la estructura del uso de las TIC por parte del alumnado, junto con la influencia de factores personales y contextuales. Se ha empleado un diseño correlacional, siendo la muestra el alumnado de sexto curso de América Latina que ha respondido al cuestionario sobre uso de las TIC en el Tercer Estudio Regional Comparativo y Explicativo (TERCE). El análisis de datos realizado es estadísticos descriptivos, Análisis Multivariado de Varianza (MANOVA) y el análisis de Componentes Principales Categórico (CATPCA). Los resultados arrojados a través de los estadísticos descriptivos, muestran como el alumnado realiza un mayor uso de los recursos tecnológicos en el ámbito del tiempo libre que en el académico. Se ha encontrado, mediante un análisis de Componentes Principales Categorial (CATPCA), que el uso del alumnado se estructura en tres planos: personal, académico no escolar y académico escolar. Además, los resultados obtenidos del MANOVA indican que los factores personales y contextuales influyen en el uso de las TIC, esencialmente la disponibilidad de dispositivos tecnológicos y la conexión a Internet. A la luz de los resultados se recomienda implementar programas que favorezcan el uso académico no escolar de las TIC por parte del alumnado.
Assessing Group-Based Changes in High-Performance Sport. Part 1: Null Hypothesis Significance Testing and the Utility of p Values
Authors: Turner Anthony N. , Parmar Nimai , Jovanovski Alex , Hearne Gary 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
The role of a strength and conditioning coach (SCC) has evolved over the last 10 years to accommodate the large influx of data now available. As such, today's SCC must extend their skill set to include data analysis, understanding the validity and utility of p values, effect sizes, confidence intervals, and terms such as the smallest worthwhile change, and minimal difference. The aim of part one of this 2-part review is to define and discuss the utility of null hypothesis significance testing, p values, and error rates. In part 2, we introduce effect sizes, measures of variability, and confidence intervals, culminating in recommendations as to which may be the most viable options within the context of performance-based sport, and thus potential methods to report group-based changes.
Biogenic amine neurotransmitters promote eicosanoid production and protein homeostasis
Authors: Joshi Kishore K , Matlack Tarmie L , Pyonteck Stephanie , Vora Mehul , Menzel Ralph , Rongo Christopher 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMetazoans use protein homeostasis (proteostasis) pathways to respond to adverse physiological conditions, changing environment, and aging. The nervous system regulates proteostasis in different tissues, but the mechanism is not understood. Here, we show thatCaenorhabditis elegansemploys biogenic amine neurotransmitters to regulate ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) proteostasis in epithelia. Mutants for biogenic amine synthesis show decreased poly‐ubiquitination and turnover of a GFP‐based UPS substrate. Using RNA‐seq and mass spectrometry, we found that biogenic amines promote eicosanoid production from poly‐unsaturated fats (PUFAs) by regulating expression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Mutants for one of these P450s share the same UPS phenotype observed in biogenic amine mutants. The production ofn‐6 eicosanoids is required for UPS substrate turnover, whereas accumulation ofn‐6 eicosanoids accelerates turnover. Our results suggest that sensory neurons secrete biogenic amines to modulate lipid signaling, which in turn activates stress response pathways to maintain UPS proteostasis.