bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A tale of two STs: molecular and clinical epidemiology of MRSA t304 in Norway 2008–2016
Authors: Enger Hege , Larssen Kjersti Wik , Damås Elise Størvold , Aamot Hege Vangstein , Blomfeldt Anita , Elstrøm Petter , Ås Christina Gabrielsen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiological, molecular, and clinical characteristics of MRSA t304/ST8 and t304/ST6 in Norway from 2008 to 2016. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected for each case included in the study. Strains were characterized by PCR, spa typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing. The overall number of cases of MRSA t304 increased from 27 in 2008 to 203 in 2016. Most MRSA t304/ST8 cases were defined as HA-MRSA (89.9%) and diagnosed in persons with Norwegian background, many of them living in nursing homes (62.3%). The number of t304/ST8 cases declined throughout the study period and it has not been reported in Norway since 2014. The increasing MRSA t304/ST6 genotype has mainly been introduced to Norway by immigration from the Middle East, but also from other parts of the world. The t304/ST6 clone is mostly classified as CA-MRSA (75.1%), does not seem to cause serious infections, is not multi-resistant, and has not yet caused outbreaks in Norway. This study provides an example of two MRSA clones with the same spa type found in different epidemiological settings. This is very unusual, but still a reminder that spa typing in some cases may have insufficient discriminatory power for surveillance of MRSA. Our results highlight the importance of active surveillance and characterization of emerging MRSA clones with high potential for spread in the community, which may potentially cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities.
Bioethanol production from grass pea and wild oat hydrolysates using S. cerevisiae ETP53, K. marxianus ETP87, and P. fermentans ETP22
Authors: Tesfaw Asmamaw , Kosebent Deniz , Oner Ebru Toksoy , Assefa Fassil 
Published: October 2021

AbstractConversion of lignocellulosic biomass into bioethanol is essential to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. After the grass pea and wild oat straws were characterized, they were hydrolyzed by live fungi (in situ), crude fungal enzymes, and chemical methods (sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acids at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3%). The fungi used for in situ degradation and crude lignocellulosic enzymes were Aspergillus niger JMC22344, Trichoderma reesei JMC22, Pleurotus ostreatus M2191, and Pleurotus sajor-caju M2145. Furfural content of hydrolysates was analyzed by GC–MS. The potential of activated charcoal, overliming, and sequential activated charcoal-overliming potential to reduce furfural in the acid hydrolysates were evaluated. The hydrolysates were fermented by S. cerevisiae ETP53, K. marxianus ETP87, and P. fermentans ETP22. Sulphuric acid hydrolyzed common wild oat (8.91 g/L) yielded higher sugars than NaOH (3.88 g/L) and NaOH treated wild oat (8.14 g/L) was superior in terms of sugars released than grass pea (4.21 g/L). P. ostreatus M2191 liberated the highest sugar (18.63 g/L) extracts than T. reesei JMC22676, A. niger ETP22344 and P. sajor-caju M2145. The 23–77% of the furfural in acid hydrolysates was reduced by overliming, activated charcoal, and the sequential activated charcoal-overliming. Yeasts produced optimal ethanol from straws hydrolyzed by crude enzymes from A. niger JMC22344. Generally, the ethanol titer was directly proportional to the amount of sugars released.
maplet: an extensible R toolbox for modular and reproducible metabolomics pipelines
Authors: Chetnik Kelsey , Benedetti Elisa , Gomari Daniel P , Schweickart Annalise , Batra Richa , Buyukozkan Mustafa , Wang Zeyu , Arnold Matthias , Zierer Jonas , Suhre Karsten , Krumsiek Jan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

This article presents maplet, an open-source R package for the creation of highly customizable, fully reproducible statistical pipelines for metabolomics data analysis. It builds on the SummarizedExperiment data structure to create a centralized pipeline framework for storing data, analysis steps, results and visualizations. maplet’s key design feature is its modularity, which offers several advantages, such as ensuring code quality through the maintenance of individual functions and promoting collaborative development by removing technical barriers to code contribution. With over 90 functions, the package includes a wide range of functionalities, covering many widely used statistical approaches and data visualization techniques.

Availability and implementation
The maplet package is implemented in R and freely available at https://github.com/krumsieklab/maplet
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on IBD Care in Alberta: Patient and Provider Perspectives
Authors: Dahiya Monica , Olayinka Lily , Kaplan Gilaad G , Reeb Leanne , Ma Christopher , Panaccione Remo , Kroeker Karen I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated changes in the delivery of ambulatory care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including transitioning many visits to virtual formats and delaying non-urgent assessments. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IBD patient care from health care providers’ (HCP) and patients’ perspectives.

Methods
We administered a 42-question HCP survey and a 44-question patient survey, which evaluated HCP and patient experience and satisfaction with care delivery and delays in access to IBD care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results
Surveys were completed by 19.2% (24/125) HCPs and 25.8% (408/1581) patients. Overall, 82.7% of patients with IBD maintained their care without disruption. The majority of patients were satisfied with a transition to virtual care. All HCPs were willing to use virtual care in the future; however, 60% (14/24) of HCPs reported that virtual care was not equivalent to in-person visits. Patients reported concerns around access to health resources, the uncertainty of IBD-specific care, and fear and stress due to employment uncertainty and safety. Providers also reported concerns about patient safety, patient education, adequate remuneration and challenges with providing care for new patients on virtual platforms.

Conclusion
While some delays in health care delivery occurred during the first wave of the pandemic, both patients and HCPs were satisfied with a transition to new models of care delivery. These models may remain in place post-pandemic and allow for flexibility in care delivery that is acceptable to both patients and HCPs.
Changes in Corneal Biomechanical Properties After Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction and Photorefractive Keratectomy, Using a Noncontact Tonometer
Authors: Zarei-Ghanavati Siamak , Jafarpour Soheyla , Hassanzadeh Samira , Bakhtiari Elham , Daraee Ghazaleh , Monadi Sahar Darabi , Ziaei Mohammed 
Published: October 2021

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare early corneal biomechanical changes after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods:
The study comprised 74 patients eligible for refractive surgery, equally allocated to PRK (37 patients) and SMILE (37 patients). Corneal biomechanical properties were recorded and compared between the 2 groups at preoperatively and 3 months after surgery using a dynamic ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug camera equipped with a noncontact tonometer.

Results:
Both procedures significantly affected corneal biomechanical properties at 3 months after surgery. Patients in the PRK group showed significantly better results for deformation amplitude ratio (DA ratio) (P = 0.03), maximum inverse radius (InvRadMax) (P = 0.02), and A2 time (P = 0.03). The mean changes in DA ratio, HC radius, InvRadMax, and Ambrosio relational thickness were significantly higher in the SMILE group in comparison with those of the PRK group (all, P < 0.05). In both groups, change in CCT was significantly correlated with changes in DA ratio and InvRadMax (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:s
Both SMILE and PRK refractive surgeries significantly altered corneal biomechanical properties but the changes were more prominent after SMILE.
An endoparasitoid uses its egg surface proteins to regulate its host immune response
Authors: Teng Zi‐Wen , Wu Hui‐Zi , Ye Xin‐Hai , Fang Qi , Zhou Hong‐Xu , Ye Gong‐Yin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWith proteomic analysis, we identified 379 egg surface proteins from an endoparasitoid, Cotesia chilonis. Proteins containing conserved enzymatic domains constitute a large proportion of egg surface components. Some proteins, such as superoxidase dismutase, homolog of C. rubecula 32‐kDa protein, and immunoevasive protein‐2A, are classical parasitism factors that have known functions in host immunity regulation. Melanization assays revealed that a novel egg surface protein, C. chilonis egg surface serpin domain‐containing protein had the same function as a C. chilonis venom serpin, as both suppressed host melanization in a dose‐dependent manner. C. chilonis egg surface serpin domain‐containing protein is mainly transcribed in C. chilonis oocytes with follicular cells, and it is located on both the anterior and posterior sides of the mature egg surface. Additionally, we used LC‐MS/MS to identify 586 binding proteins sourced from C. suppressalis plasma located on the eggshell surface of C. chilonis, which included some immunity‐related proteins. These results not only indicate that C. chilonis uses its egg surface proteins to reduce the immune response of its host but also imply that endoparasitoid egg surface proteins might be a new parasitism factor involved in host immune regulation.
Haemobilia secondary to an arterio‐biliary fistula: A rare complication of intra‐operative microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dissanayake Shashini K , Jennings Melissa , Marshall Martin 
Published: October 2021

SummaryA rare case of arterio‐biliary fistula and haemobilia complicating intra‐operative microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in a 58‐year‐old woman with cirrhosis.
Density prediction and ecological description of the biotope of the Algerian nuthatch (Sitta ledanti), endemic to Algeria
Authors: Mayache Mohammed El Arbi , Temagoult Lakhdar , Moulaï Riadh 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn the first study of its kind, carried out in an Algerian forest, we predicted the density of breeding pairs and the influence of habitat and threats on the distribution of Algerian nuthatch (Sitta ledanti) territories. During the breeding period of 2018, a total of 23 pairs were counted; the majority located in the central part of the forest, on a northern slope, in <300 ha. The Algerian Nuthatch prefers Zeen Oak stands, or Afares‐Zeen mixed stands. Forest stands with least degradation attract the species more. The main threats to nuthatch within this forest are habitat fragmentation and destruction and some predators such as the great spotted woodpecker, Dendrocopos major. The future of the Algerian nuthatch in this forest seems uncertain if conservation measures are not undertaken urgently.
Absence of large portal collateral vessels is associated with spontaneous improvement of cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Yokoyama Shinya , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Imai Norihiro , Ito Takanori , Yamamoto Kenta , Tsuzuki Tomoyuki , Ishigami Masatoshi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimPortal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a major complication in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). In some cases, PVT decreases spontaneously, but the factors that predict this are still not fully understood.MethodsThis was a retrospective, multicenter study that included 77 consecutive patients with cirrhotic PVT. Forty‐eight patients did not undergo anticoagulation and 29 patients did between the time of the first diagnosis of PVT and the follow‐up radiological imaging undertaken 1–6 months later. A complete disappearance and 25% shrinkage of PVT was defined as complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), respectively. Portosystemic collateral vessels larger than 9 mm in diameter were defined as large collateral vessels.ResultsComplete remission + PR was found in 37.5% of the anticoagulation‐naïve patients. On univariate analysis, the absence of large collateral vessels, absence of PVT in the main trunk of the portal vein, a high platelet count, and a low FIB‐4 index were significant factors associated with CR + PR. On multivariate analysis, the absence of large collateral vessels was the unique factor associated with CR + PR of PVT (odds ratio 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.73–20.1). The CR + PR rate for anticoagulated patients was 44.8%. However, no predictors for a good treatment effect of anticoagulation for PVT were identified.ConclusionsSpontaneous improvement of PVT in patients with LC can be expected when large collateral vessels are absent. For these patients, the option of observing them without anticoagulation can be considered in expectation of spontaneous reduction of PVT.
Relationships between Kazakh elders' disability severity and informal care time in far north‐western low‐income areas in China: The mediating roles of caregiver health and home‐based care quality
Authors: Ma Wen Juan , He Bin , Wang Yu Huan , Huang Wei , Zhou Jia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundElders' disability severity and caregiver health could predict elders' informal care time, but the mechanism by which the degree of disability in the elderly affects informal care time is unclear.AimThe aim of this works is to explore the mediating roles of caregiver health and home‐based care quality between disability severity of elders and informal care time in far north‐western low‐income areas in China.MethodFrom September 2017 to February 2018, three hundred fifty‐two dyads of Kazakh disabled elders and informal caregivers in Xinjiang were interviewed. Structural equation modelling analyses were applied.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were observed between elders' disability severity and informal care time, caregiver health and informal care time, elders' disability severity and caregiver health. Significant negative correlations were observed between home‐based care quality and informal care time, elders' disability severity and home‐based care quality, caregiver health and home‐based care quality. Elders' disability severity had 71.94% direct effect on informal care time, 28.06% indirect effect on informal care time mediated by home‐based care quality and caregiver health.ConclusionCaregiver health and home‐based care quality play mediating roles on the path relationship between the elders' disability severity and informal care time.
The effect of different concentrations of chlorhexidine on microbial colonization: A double‐blinded randomized controlled study
Authors: Özdemir Sercan , Türk Gülengün 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimStudy aims were to determine the most effective chlorhexidine concentration to be used in reducing microbial colonization in patients under mechanical ventilation and to examine the effect of oral care using different concentrations on the integrity of the oral mucous membranes.DesignThis research was a randomized controlled double‐blinded experimental study.MethodThe sample of study consisted of the 116 adult patients who remained intubated. Oral care was given to patients 4 times/day as per nurse protocol. Every morning during for 4 days, the intraoral mucosa of all groups of patients was assessed. Microbial colonization samples from oral mucosa were taken in the morning before oral care. A determination of the species of microorganisms in these samples was made.ResultsA statistically significant difference was found with regard to the reproduction of microorganisms between the oral mucosa samples taken from patients using 2% and 1% chlorhexidine solutions (P < 0.001). In the cultures taken from patients on the first and fourth days of intubation, a total of 36 different microorganisms were seen to be reproducing.ConclusionIt was concluded that the most effective oral solution for the prevention of microbial colonization in patients under mechanical ventilation was chlorhexidine 1%.
Chemothermal pulverization: Crushing titanate crystals to obtain nanosized powders via high‐temperature treatment
Authors: Ohashi Naoki , Matsui Yoshio , Segawa Hiroyo , Tanida Noboru , Nagaso Satoshi , Nishida Masaya , Okamura Ichitaro , Osawa Yuta , Noviyanto Alfian , Soulie Benjamin , Watanabe Kenji , Nishimura Toshiyuki , Ohsawa Takeo , Ogiso Yoshifumi , Omiya Suetake 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this study, we investigated chemothermal pulverization (CTP) phenomena that are induced in titanate single crystals and ceramics by high‐temperature treatment at approximately 1000℃ under reactive gas containing ammonia and oxygen and cause these materials to break down into nanosized powders. Structural characterization revealed that there were many nanosized voids formed in titanates during heat treatment for CTP, and subsequent analysis revealed that these voids were filled with nitrogen gas. These results indicated that CTP consisted of four steps: the in‐diffusion of nitride ions from the surface to titanates, the deposition of nitrogen molecules (gas) inside the titanate crystals instead of nitride formation, the growth of voids by further nitrogen transport from the surface to voids, and, finally, the breakdown of the walls between voids to form nanopowders. Furthermore, we discussed the exact mechanism of CTP phenomena by examining the effect of doping into titanates on the progress of CTP and by conducting theoretical calculations for the simulation of nitrogen impurities in titanate lattices.
Seeding as a restoration technique for a rare prairie plant: an 11‐year field experiment with Asclepias meadii
Authors: Hoffpauir Alexandria N. , Reed Aaron W. , Kettle W. Dean , Roels Steven M. , Alexander Helen M. 
Published: October 2021

Prairie restorations typically differ from remnant prairies in forb composition; long‐lived, late‐successional plants are often missing. To study establishment of such species, we set up a field experiment where seeds of the threatened, long‐lived Asclepias meadii were sown individually into the field with initial fire and soil disturbance treatments. We returned each year for 11 years to record the presence/absence, size, and reproduction of each plant. Individual plants were sometimes observed 1 year, not observed a subsequent year, and then observed again. We therefore analyzed survival data with mark‐recapture models and found that the probability of a seed germinating and the resulting plant surviving for 11 years was 0.057 (5.7%). Probability of detection was approximately 0.80, suggesting that we did not observe all living plants. Vegetative dormancy, herbivory on above‐ground parts, and observer error could all be responsible. We found no relationship between plant survival and the initial burn/disturbance treatment or previous year precipitation. Plants that were observed in the last study year were individuals that had, on average, greater size in earlier years. Three plants produced flowers and two produced fruit; we believe such reproductive success has not been previously documented for seed of A. meadii sowed into a restoration site. Our restoration study dovetails with the more typical plant community restoration research. In such studies, seeds of many species are sown, but often the late successional species do not establish. We show the value of detailed multiyear monitoring to determine the fate of such plant introductions.
The Effect of Sodium Chloride Balance on the Avidity of Isohemagglutinins
Authors: Patterson Katharine O. 
Published: October 2021

(1) The avidity of agglutinins in human anti-A and anti-B serums is influenced by the tonicity of the menstruum.
(2) The addition of sodium chloride in final concentration in a range of 1.45 to 1.75 per cent. will greatly increase the avidity of human serum isohemagglutinins.
The author wishes to gratefully acknowledge the suggestion of Captain John Elliott (U.S.A.Sn.C.), that the restoration with hypertonic saline solution be investigated.
Investigating the existence of gravitomagnetic monopole in M87*
Authors: Ghasemi-Nodehi M. , Chakraborty Chandrachur , Yu Qingjuan , Lu Youjun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe examine the possibility for the existence of gravitomagnetic monopole ($$n_*$$

n

∗

) in M87* by using the results obtained from its first Event Horizon Telescope image. By numerically deducing the shadow sizes in Kerr-Taub-NUT (KTN) spacetime, we show that the shadow size increases with increasing $$|n_*|$$

|

n

∗

|

for a fixed Kerr parameter $$|a_*|$$

|

a

∗

|

in case of the KTN black hole, whereas for a KTN naked singularity it increases with increasing $$n_*$$

n

∗

for a fixed $$a_* > 0$$

a

∗

>
0

if $$n_* > -\cot 17^{\circ }$$

n

∗

>
-
cot

17
∘

. In general, the asymmetry of shadow shape increases if the central dark object in M87 is a KTN/Kerr naked singularity instead of a KTN/Kerr black hole. We find that a non-zero gravitomagnetic monopole is still compatible with the current EHT observations, in which case the upper limit of $$n_*$$

n

∗

cannot be greater than 1.1, i.e., $$n_* \lesssim 1.1$$

n

∗

≲
1.1

for the prograde rotation ($$a_* > 0$$

a

∗

>
0

), and the lower limit of $$n_*$$

n

∗

cannot be less than $$-1.1$$

-
1.1

, i.e., $$ n_* \gtrsim -1.1$$

n

∗

≳
-
1.1

for the retrograde rotation ($$a_* < 0$$

a

∗

<
0

). Moreover, if the circularity of the shadow can be measured on a precision of $$\lesssim 1\%$$

≲
1
%

, the Kerr and KTN naked singularities can be falsified for M87*.
Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Octogenarians
Authors: Alnahhal Khaled I. , Narayanan Meyyammai K , Lingutla Ranjana , Parikh Shailraj , Iafrati Mark , Kumar Shivani , Zhan Yong , Salehi Payam 
Published: October 2021

Objective The aim of this study is to compare outcomes between octogenarians and non-octogenarians undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified octogenarians (≥80 years) and non-octogenarians (<80 years) who had undergone thoracic endovascular aortic repair between 2012 and 2017. We compared patients’ demographic, socioeconomic, comorbidity data between the two groups as well as the procedure indications and perioperative outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of advanced age (≥80 years) on the in-hospital mortality rates in patients who underwent TEVAR. This analysis was also performed for a separate cohort which included only patients who underwent TEVAR for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. Results A total of 4108 patients were included in our study; 3432 (83.5%) patients were <80 years (37.9% female; median age, 64 years; 34.3% non-white) and 676 (16.5%) patients were ≥80 years (50.7% female; median age, 83 years; 20.4% non-white). Non-ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm was the most common indication for TEVAR in older patients (61.4%), whereas type B aortic dissection was the most common indication in younger patients (36.4%). In-hospital complications were comparable between the two groups except for respiratory complications that were higher in the younger patients (21.2% vs. 15.2%; P <.001). The multivariable analysis demonstrated that advanced age had no association with increased in-hospital mortality rates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], .97-2.05), However, in ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm cohort, octogenarians had higher in-hospital mortality rates (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.04-3.32). Conclusions Octogenarians have acceptable rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality compared to the younger group and should be considered for TEVAR. Octogenarians are at higher risk for in-hospital mortality in the setting of ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm, supporting the appropriateness of elective TEVAR in selected Octogenarians.