bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presepsin and (1,3)-β-D-Glucan as a Tool for Predicting Candida Sepsis and Monitoring the Effectiveness of Treatment in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Dobias Radim , Kanova Marcela , Petejova Nadezda , Pisti Stefan Kis , Bocek Robert , Krejci Eva , Struzkova Helena , Cachova Michaela , Tomaskova Hana , Havlicek Vladimir , Hamal Petr , Raska Milan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: To improve the accuracy in invasive candidiasis diagnostics, a new biomarker panel has been developed and validated on a 165-patient cohort of critically ill adults.Methods: The serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers, C-reactive protein, presepsin (PSEP), procalcitonin (PCT), and of panfungal (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG), were correlated with culture-confirmed candidemia or bacteremia in 58 or 107 patients, respectively. The diagnostic effect of the host and pathogen biomarkers was expressed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).Results: For invasive candidiasis, the best performing BDG exhibited 96.6% sensitivity, 97.2% specificity, 94.9% PPV and 98.1% NPV at a cut-off of 200 pg/mL (P ≤ 0.001). PSEP exhibited 100% sensitivity and 100% NPV at a cut-off of 700 pg/mL. Furthermore, PSEP was more accurate for 28-day mortality prediction (AUC = 0.74) than PCT (AUC = 0.31; PCT cut-off 0.5 ng/mL). Finally, PSEP showed a significant serum decrease as early as 14 days after echinocandin therapy initiation (P = 0.0012).Conclusions: At concentrations of BDG > 200 pg/mL and PSEP > 700 pg/mL, the probability of invasive candidiasis in critically ill adults is close to 100% defining a borderline between non-invasive superficial Candida colonization and invasive candidiasis.Trial registration: The study was approved by the University Hospital Ostrava Ethics Committee for Multicenter Clinical Trials (no. 448/2018) and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03584594), date of registration June 28,2018.
Carvedilol Versus Propranolol in the Prevention of Variceal Rebleeding in Hepatic Schistosomiasis: Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Razafindrazoto Chantelli Iamblaudiot , Razafindrabekoto Lova Dany Ella , Laingonirina Domoina Harivonjy Hasina , Raveloson Raveloson , Rasolonjatovo Anjaramalala Sitraka , Rakotozafindrabe Andry Lalaina Rinà , Rabenjanahary Tovo Harimanana , Razafimahefa Soloniaina Hélio , Ramanampamonjy Rado Manitrala 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The betablockers combined with endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) is the most effective prevention of variceal rebleeding. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carvedilol compared to propranolol as secondary prevention of variceal bleeding in hepatic schistosomiasis. Methods: All patients with portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis presenting for EVL with at least one episode of variceal bleeding were included and randomized into propranolol + EVL and Carvedilol + EVL groups. Results: Sixty-one patients were selected and randomized into the propranolol group (n=30) and carvedilol group (n=31). We noted less recurrence of bleeding in the carvedilol group (n=1) than in the propranolol group (n=3) (3.33% vs 10%; p=0.30). Bleeding recurrence occurred after 30 days in the carvedilol group and after 5, 45 and 90 days in the propranolol group. At 4 months, a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (-4.13 mmHg; 95%CI: -6.27 and -1.99; p <0.05) and heart rate (-12.13 mmHg; 95%CI: -13.92 and -10.35; p<0.05) was found in the carvedilol group. There was no significant difference between the two groups on the mean difference in mean arterial pressure. A patient in the carvedilol group presented breathing difficulty. No adverse effects have been demonstrated in the propranolol group. Conclusion: Carvedilol is as effective as propranolol in the prevention of variceal rebleeding in hepatic schistosomiasis.
Development and Psychometrics Test of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Perception Scale for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zheng Jing , Wang Yamin , Zhao Wenbo , Li Huiqun , Shang Hongli , Pei Qianqian , Chen Yanru 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) has been proved to be beneficial to blood pressure control for both patients with hypertension and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, what are the psychodynamic predictors like perception for the establishment and persistence of HBPM have not been deeply explored, and there is a lack of instruments for assessing psychodynamic characteristics on HBPM from patients’ perspectives, which has limited the in-depth understanding of HBPM behavior. The study aimed to develop an instrument for evaluating HBPM perception in patients with CKD, and to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. Methods: The original item pool of the HBPM perception scale was developed according to the framework of the health promotion model and literature review. The psychometric characteristics of the instrument were examined with a sample of 436 CKD patients in China. Internal consistency reliability, split-half reliability, test-retest reliability and construct reliability were used to verify the reliability of the scale. And content validity, construct validity and criterion-related validity were used to test the validity of the scale.Results: The expert consultation showed satisfactory content validity of the HBPM perception scale and produced a first draft of the survey with 43 items. By exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we found evidence for the construct validity of the following factors: perceived benefits of HBPM, perceived barriers of HBPM, perceived self-efficacy of HBPM, situational influences and commitment to a plan of HBPM, and immediate competing demands and preferences. The finalized five-component HBPM perception scale has 27 items. CFA suggested the model fit the data well (ꭓ2=679.649, df=310, ꭓ2/df=2.192, root mean square error of approximation =0.074, confirmatory fit index=0.902). The HBPM perception scale was positively associated with the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-item Scale ( r= 0.256, p＜0.001). The Cronbach’s α coefficient of all dimensions was above 0.750, the split-half reliability was above 0.624, and the test-retest reliability was above 0.749. The construct reliability of dimensions ranged from 0.749 to 0.951. Conclusion Given reasonable psychometric properties, the HBPM perception scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to assess the perception of HBPM.
Causal Relationship between Postoperative Recurrence and PD-L1 and EGFR Mutations in NSCLC: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kojima Kensuke , Sakamoto Tetsuki , Kasai Takahiko , Kagawa Tomoko , Yoon Hyungeun , Atagi Shinji 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Although information on the PD-L1 expression and EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is important for determining therapeutic strategies, the causality between these two factors and postoperative recurrence and the association between each factor have remained unclear. We retrospectively assessed the PD-L1 expression and EGFR mutations in tumors of 280 NSCLC patients. The causality between the PD-L1 expression, EGFR mutations and postoperative recurrence were evaluated by a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis. The association between the PD-L1 expression and EGFR mutations was evaluated by a multinomial logistic regression analysis. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) in cases with high (≥ 50%) PD-L1 expression was 4.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51–15.5). The adjusted HRs in cases with EGFR major and minor mutations were 0.42 (95% CI: 0.14–1.25) and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.18–2.15), respectively. The high expression of PD-L1 (≥ 50%) was significantly associated with exon 21 L858R mutation (Ex21) of EGFR (adjusted odds ratio, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01–0.87). The high expression of PD-L1 was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence in NSCLC, whereas EGFR mutations were not. The high expression of PD-L1 was negatively associated with Ex21. These findings may help identify NSCLC patients with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence.
Randomized Trial of Surveillance with Abbreviated MRI in Breast Cancer Survivors – Does it impact patient anxiety and cancer detection rate?
Authors: Seely Jean Morag , Fonseca Marina Mohallem , Alhassan Tasmeen , Nisha Yashmin , Koszycki Diana , Schwarz Betty Anne , Segal Roanne , Arnaout Angel , Ramsay Tim , Lau Jacqueline 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Abbreviated breast MRI substantially reduces the image acquisition and reading times and has been reported to have similar diagnostic accuracy as a full diagnostic protocol but has not been evaluated prospectively with respect to impact on patient anxiety in breast cancer survivors and cancer outcomes.Methods: This prospective controlled trial of parallel design was performed at an academic center on women with a personal history of breast cancer who were randomized into two groups: surveillance with MG or MG plus A-MRI. Primary outcome was anxiety compared between the two and measured by four validated questionnaires at three different time-points during the study. Other parameters including the CDR, abnormal interpretation rate (AIR), and positive predictive value for biopsy (PPV3) were compared between modalities of MG and A-MRI. Tissue diagnoses or 1 year of follow-up were used to establish the reference standard. Linear mixed models were used to analyze anxiety and Fisher’s exact test to compare imaging outcomes.Results: 198 patients were allocated to either MG alone (94) or A-MRI plus MG (104). Anxiety scores in all questionnaires were similarly elevated in both groups (50.99+/-4.6 with MG vs 51.73+/-2.56 with MRI,p>0.05) and did not change over time. MRI detected 5 invasive cancers and 1 DCIS, and MG detected 1 DCIS. MRI had higher incremental CDR(48/1000(5/104) vs MG 5/1000(1/198,p=0.01)) and higher AIR 25%(26/104) vs MG 4.5%(9/198,p<0.00001), with no difference in PPV3:MRI 28.6%(6/21)vs MG 16.7%(1/6,p=0.557).Conclusion:Compared to mammography alone, A-MRI had significantly higher incremental cancer detection in breast cancer survivors. Despite a higher rate of recalls and biopsies, A-MRI had no adverse impact on anxiety.
Biological efficiency and nutritional composition of Pleurotus djamor cultivated on bagasse of Agave salmiana
Authors: de Lucio Brianda Susana Velázquez , Domínguez Edna María Hernández , Jiménez Xochitl Tovar , Ortega Laura Sofia Castillo , Godínez Gerardo Díaz , Jurado Alejandro Tellez , Cervantes Jorge Alvarez 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The objective of the present study was to use molecular techniques to identify a wild mushroom isolated from A. salmiana, and then evaluate its biological efficiency, production rate, and nutritional and morphological characteristics when grown on A. salmiana bagasse with various concentrations of urea as a source of nitrogen. Two types of inoculum were employed: in grain (WG) and pellet (WP) form. The substrate was supplemented with total nitrogen concentrations (TN) of 0.77, 0.95, 1.14, 1.32, and 1.5% to evaluate its effect on the biological efficiency (BE), production rate (PR), and morphological and nutritional characteristics of the fruiting bodies. The molecular analysis of the ITS region permitted the amplification of a product of 750 pb. The mushroom was identified as Pleurotus djamor. After supplementing the substrate with urea, a BE of 70% was obtained in the sample inoculated with WG at 1.32% TN. Observations found that the TN concentration of 1.5% produced malformations in the fruiting bodies. The analysis of the sporocarps indicated a raw protein content (RP) of 15–26% and that the mushroom’s nutritional composition changed according to the inoculum utilized and the percentage of nitrogen in the substrate. This is the first report on the isolation of P. djamor on A. salmiana as an atypical substrate, and so represents an opportunity for further study and commercialization. To its chemical composition and high availability, A. salmiana bagasse is a suitable alternative substrate for cultivating edible mushrooms, specifically P. djamor.
Microbial Methanol Sink of a Grass and a Flower Host Species From a Temperate Grassland
Authors: Kanukollu Saranya , Remus Rainer , Ruecker Alexander Martin , Tschiskale Caroline Buchen , Hoffmann Mathias , Kolb Steffen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Managed grasslands are global sources of atmospheric methanol, which is one of the most abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere and promotes oxidative capacity for tropospheric and stratospheric ozone depletion. The phyllosphere is a favoured habitat of plant-colonizing methanol-utilizing bacteria. These bacteria also occur in the rhizosphere, but their relevance for methanol consumption and ecosystem fluxes is unclear. The estimated global methanol emission rate is considerably higher than those escaped into the atmosphere. Thus, methanol utilizers in the plant microbiota might be key for the mitigation of methanol emission through consumption. However, information about grassland plant microbiota members, their biodiversity and metabolic traits, and thus key actors in the global methanol budget is largely lacking.Results: We investigated the methanol utilization and consumption potentials of two common plant species (Festuca arundinacea and Taraxacum officinale) in a temperate and fertilized grassland. The selected grassland exhibited net methanol emission. The detection of 13C derived from 13C-methanol in 16S rRNA of the plant microbiota by stable isotope probing (SIP) revealed distinct methanol utilizer communities in the phyllosphere, roots and rhizosphere but not between plant host species. The phyllosphere was colonized by members of Gamma- and Betaproteobacteria. In the rhizosphere, 13C-labelled Bacteria were affiliated with Deltaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadates, and Verrucomicrobiae. Less-abundant 13C-labelled Bacteria were affiliated with well-known methylotrophs of Alpha-, Gamma-, and Betaproteobacteria. Additional metagenome analyses of both plants were consistent with the SIP results and revealed Bacteria with methanol dehydrogenases (e.g., MxaF1 and XoxF1-5) of known but also unusual genera (i.e., Methylomirabilis, Methylooceanibacter, Gemmatimonas, Verminephrobacter). 14C-methanol tracing of alive plant material revealed divergent methanol oxidation rates in both plant species but similarly high rates in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere.Conclusions: The rhizosphere has been shown to be an overlooked hotspot for methanol consumption in grasslands. We also identified unusual methanol utilizers in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere. We did not observe a plant host-specific methanol utilizer community. Our results suggest a model for methanol turnover in which both the sources (plants) and sinks (microbiota) of a volatile are separated but in the same ecological unit.
Genome Wide Identification, Phylogeny and Expression Profiling Analysis of Shattering genes in Rapeseed and Mustard Plants
Authors: Afridi Mahideen , Ahmad Khurshid , Malik Shahana Seher , Rehman Nazia , Yasin Muhammad , Yasin Muhammad Talha , Hussain Adil , Khan Muhammad Ramzan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-synchronized pods shattering in the Brassicaceae family bring upon huge yield losses around the world. The shattering process was validated to be controlled by eight different genes in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, including SHATTERPROOF1, SHATTERPROOF2, FRUITFULL, INDEHISCENT, ALCATRAZ, NAC, REPLUMLESS and POLYGlACTOURANAZE. To obtain gene family & examine their expression patterns into fresh & mature silique, then completed genome wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of shattering genes in B. napus and B. juncea.Results: Complete genome analysis of B. napus and B. juncea revealed 32 shattering genes, which were identified and categorize based on protein motif structure, exon-intron organization and phylogeny. The phylogenetic study revealed that these shattering genes contain little duplications that were determined with a distinct chromosome number. Motifs of 32 shattering proteins were also observed where motifs 6 were found to be more conserved. A single motif was observed for other genes like BrnS7, BrnS8, BrjS23 and BrjS26. Comparative genomics for synteny analysis was performed that validated a conserved pattern of blocks among these cultivars. RT-PCR based expressions profile showed higher expression of shattering genes in B. juncea as compared to B. napus. FUL gene was expressed more in the mature silique. ALC gene was not expressed in the fresh silique of B. napus but highly expressed in the mature silique. Conclusion: This study authenticates that shattering genes exist in the local cultivars of Brassica. ALC exhibited strong expression in both the mature and fresh silique of B. juncea. Our results showed that shattering genes expression occurred more in B. juncea as compared to B. napus. It also contributes to the screening of more candidate gene for further investigation and characterization.
Sine Scleroderma, Limited Cutaneous and Diffused Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis Survival and Predictors of Mortality
Authors: Chaves Sebastien De Almeida , Porel Tiphaine , Mounié Mickael , Alric Laurent , Astudillo Léonardo , Huart Antoine , Lairez Olivier , Michaud Martin , Prevot Gregoire , Ribes David , Sailler Laurent , Gaches Francis , Adoue Daniel , Pugnet Gregory 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a variability of mortality rate in the literature.Objective: To determine the mortality and its predictors in a long-term follow- up of a bi-centric cohort of SSc patients.Methods: A retrospective observational study by systematically analyzing the medical records of patients diagnosed with SSc in Toulouse University Hospital and Ducuing Hospital. Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR), mortality at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 years of disease and causes of death were described. Predictors of mortality using Cox regression were assessed.Results: 375 patients were included: 63 with diffuse cutaneous SSc, 279 with limited cutaneous SSc and 33 with sine scleroderma. The SMR ratio was 1.88 (95% CI 1.46-1.97). The overall survival rates were 97.6% at 1 year, 93.4% at 3 years, 87.1% at 5 years, 77.9% at 10 years and 61.3% at 15 years. 69 deaths were recorded. 46.4% were SSc related deaths secondary to interstitial lung disease (ILD) (34.4%), pulmonary hypertension (31.2%) and digestive tract involvement (18.8%). 53.6% were non-related to SSc: cardiovascular disorders (37.8%) and various infections (35.1%) largely distanced those from cancer (13.5%). Four significant independent predictive factors were identified: carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) < 70% (HR=3.01; p=0.0053), C-reactive protein (CRP) >5 mg/l (HR=2.13; p=0.0174), cardiac involvement (HR=2.86; p=0.0012) and the fact of being male (HR=3.25; p=0.0004).Conclusion: Long term data confirmed high mortality of SSc. Male sex, DLCO <70%, cardiac involvement and CRP> 5mg/l were identified as independent predictors of mortality.
Complementary Food Hygiene Practice among Mothers or Caregivers in Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bedada Shumi , Tegegne Mekonnen , Benti Tomas 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Foodborne diseases are a major public health problem which predominantly affects infants and young children. Appropriate complementary food hygiene practice is very important to reduce the prevalence of foodborne illnesses. However, the information regarding this practice is not available and assessed before. Thus, the study was aimed to assess complementary food hygiene practices among mothers of children aged 6-23 months.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town on a samples of 517 mother-child pairs, which were selected by using systematic sampling technique. Data was collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaire, and each variable was described in the frequency and percentage. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with complementary food hygiene practice. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to assess levels of significance. Result: The result indicated that 55% of participated mothers scored above the mean score of food hygiene practices. Mothers of children aged 12-23 months had higher odds to practice good food hygiene measures than those of aged 6-11 months [AOR, 1.82 95% CI (1.21, 2.73)]. Mothers whose children attended growth monitoring session practice good food hygiene than their counterpart [AOR, 2.74 95% CI (1.49, 5.06)]. Mothers having media exposure, and having knowledge on critical times of hand washing had relatively good food hygiene measures [AOR, 0.73 95 CI (1.14, 2.62)]. Among food hygiene measures; handwashing with water and soap were low before eating food (17%), before feeding children (21%) and before preparing food (32%) when compared with after visiting the toilet (81%) and touching dirt (68%). Conclusion and recommendation: The study identified that food hygiene practices in the current study were mainly associated with child age, growth monitoring follow-up, maternal awareness about critical times of hand washing, and media exposure. So, improving knowledge of mothers on critical times of handwashing, strengthening growth monitoring follow-up and media promotion are important measures to improve food hygiene practices among mothers of infants and young children.
Complete Genomic Sequence and Phylogenomics Analysis of Agrobacterium Strain AB2/73: A New Rhizobium Species with a Unique mega-Ti Plasmid
Authors: Hooykaas Marjolein J.G. , Hooykaas Paul J.J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The Agrobacterium strain AB2/73 has a unique host range for the induction of crown gall tumors, and contains an exceptionally large, over 500 kbp mega Ti plasmid. We used whole genome sequencing to fully characterize and comparatively analyze the complex genome of strain AB2/73, including its Ti plasmid and virulence factors. Results: We obtained a high-quality, full genomic sequence of AB2/73 by a combination of short-read Illumina sequencing and long-read Nanopore sequencing. The AB2/73 genome has a total size of 7,266,754 bp with 59.5% GC for which 7,012 genes (6,948 protein coding sequences) are predicted. Phylogenetic and comparative genomics analysis revealed that strain AB2/73 does not belong to the genus Agrobacterium, but to a new species in the genus Rhizobium, which is most related to Rhizobium tropici. In addition to the chromosome, the genome consists of 6 plasmids of which the largest two, of more than 1 Mbp, have chromid-like properties. The mega Ti plasmid is 605 kbp in size and contains two, one of which is incomplete, repABC replication units and thus appears to be a cointegrate consisting of about 175 kbp derived from an unknown Ti plasmid linked to 430 kbp from another large plasmid. In pTiAB2/73 we identified a complete set of virulence genes and two T-DNAs. Besides the previously described T-DNA we found a larger, second T-DNA containing a 6b-like onc gene and the acs gene for agrocinopine synthase. Also we identified two clusters of genes responsible for opine catabolism, including an acc-operon for agrocinopine degradation, and genes putatively involved in ridéopine catabolism. The plasmid also harbours tzs, iaaM and iaaH genes for the biosynthesis of the plant growth regulators cytokinin and auxin. Conclusions: The comparative genomics analysis of the high quality genome of strain AB2/73 provided insight into the unusual phylogeny and genetic composition of the limited host range Agrobacterium strain AB2/73. The description of its unique genomic composition and of all the virulence determinants in pTiAB2/73 will be an invaluable tool for further studies into the special host range properties of this bacterium.