bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Azithromycin resistance mechanisms in typhoidal salmonellae in India
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Kumari Bhavana , Dahiya Sushila , Kulsum Umay , Kumar Sambuddha , Manral Neelam , Pandey Sangeeta , Kaur Punit , Sood Seema , Das Bimal Kumar , Kapil Arti 
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:
Azithromycin has been in use as an alternate treatment option for enteric fever even when the guidelines on the susceptibility testing were not available. There is lack of data on susceptibility and mechanisms of resistance of azithromycin in Salmonella Typhi and S. Paratyphi A. The aim of the present study was to determine the azithromycin susceptibility and resistance mechanisms in typhoidal salmonellae isolates archived in a tertiary care centre in north India for a period of 25 years.

Methods:
Azithromycin susceptibility was determined in 602 isolates of S. Typhi (469) and S. Paratyphi A (133) available as archived collection isolated during 1993 to 2016, by disc diffusion and E-test method.PCR was done for ereA, ermA, ermB, ermC, mefA, mphA and msrA genes from plasmid and genomic DNA and sequencing was done to detect mutations in acrR, rplD and rplV genes.

Results:
Azithromycin susceptibility was seen in 437/469 [93.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 90.5 to 95.1%] isolates of S. Typhi. Amongst 133 isolates of S. Paratyphi A studied, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≤16 mg/l was found in 102 (76.7%; 95% CI, 68.8 to 83.0). MIC value ranged between 1.5 and 32 mg/l with an increasing trend in MIC50 and MIC90 with time. Mutations were found in acrR in one and rplV in two isolates of S. Typhi. No acquired mechanism for macrolide resistance was found.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Azithromycin could be considered as a promising agent against typhoid fever on the basis of MIC distribution in India. However, due to emergence of resistance in some parts, there is a need for continuous surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance mechanisms. There is also a need to determine the breakpoints for S. Paratyphi A.
Seroprevalence of measles, mumps & rubella antibodies among 5-10 years old children in north India
Authors: Gupta Madhu , Tripathy Jaya Prasad , Verma Madhur , Singh Mini P. , Kaur Ramanpreet , Ratho R.K. , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:
Globally, there is an effort to eliminate the measles and control rubella as these diseases lead to considerable morbidity and mortality especially among under-five children and are important public health problems. This study was aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) antibodies among children of age 5-10 yr in Chandigarh, north India, to provide evidence on prevalent immunity levels.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chandigarh, among 196 randomly selected healthy children (5-10 yr), who received either one or two doses of measles or MMR combination vaccine. Socio-economic background and immunization history were recorded. Blood sample (2 ml) was collected to estimate the MMR IgG antibody titres by using ELISA kits.

Results:
Protective seroprevalence of MMR antibodies was 40.8, 75.5 and 86.2 per cent, respectively. The geometric mean titres of MMR IgG antibodies in the study children were 11.3, 50.6 and 54.3 international units (IU)/ ml, respectively. The proportion of seroprotected children for measles was significantly higher among those who had received two or more doses (46.4%) of measles vaccine compared to those who had received single dose (35.6%) (P<0.001). About 16 per cent of children had received single dose of MMR vaccine. Among these, 71.4 and 100 per cent were seroprotected against mumps and rubella, respectively.

Interpretation & conclusions:
A large proportion of children aged 5-10 yr lacked protective immunity against measles (60%); about one-fourth (15-25%) were susceptible to infection with mumps and rubella virus. Mumps vaccination may be considered to be included in National Immunization Schedule for children with periodic serosurveillance.
Digital pressure in haemodialysis patients with brachial arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Oprea Alexandru , Molnar Adrian , Scridon Traian , Mircea Petru Adrian 
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:
The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in distal pressure changes following arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are not completely understood. This study was aimed to assess digital pressure changes post-AVF creation and to identify the factors that might influence these changes in ESRD patients.

Methods:
In this prospective study, 41 patients with ESRD underwent AVF creation. Basal digital pressure (BDP), digital brachial index (DBI), calcium, phosphorus and blood urea levels were assessed preoperatively. BDP, DBI, vein and artery diameters, and AVF blood flow were also evaluated at one and two month(s) post-AVF creation.

Results:
Mean BDP significantly decreased from 131.64±25.86 mmHg (baseline) to 93.15±32.14 and 94.53±32.90 mmHg at one and two months post-AVF creation, respectively (P<0.001). Mean DBI significantly decreased one month post-AVF creation versus baseline (0.70±0.18 vs. 0.89±0.17 mm, P<0.001) and remained similar at two versus one month(s) postoperatively (0.70±0.23 vs. 0.70±0.18 mm). At both postoperative timepoints, no correlation between DBI decrease and increased artery and vein diameters or fistula blood flow was observed. Mean DBI difference between patients with previous ipsilateral access versus those without was not significant from pre to one month postoperatively. No correlation was observed between baseline phosphorus, calcium and blood urea nitrogen and DBI changes.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our findings suggest that decrease in distal pressure following AVF creation may not be influenced by the arterial remodelling degree, vein diameter or fistula flow. In uraemic patients, those with low calcium and/or increased phosphorus, no association between these parameters and DBI changes could be observed.
Distributive rainfall–runoff modelling to understand runoff-to-baseflow proportioning and its impact on the determination of reserve requirements of the Verlorenvlei estuarine lake, west coast, South Africa
Authors: Watson Andrew , Miller Jodie , Fink Manfred , Kralisch Sven , Fleischer Melanie , de Clercq Willem 
Published: June 2019

Abstract. River systems that support high biodiversity profiles are conservation
priorities worldwide. Understanding river ecosystem thresholds to low-flow
conditions is important for the conservation of these systems. While
climatic variations are likely to impact the streamflow variability of many
river courses into the future, understanding specific river flow dynamics
with regard to streamflow variability and aquifer baseflow contributions is
central to the implementation of protection strategies. While streamflow is
a measurable quantity, baseflow has to be estimated or calculated through
the incorporation of hydrogeological variables. In this study, the
groundwater components within the J2000 rainfall–runoff model were
distributed to provide daily baseflow and streamflow estimates needed for
reserve determination. The modelling approach was applied to the
RAMSAR-listed Verlorenvlei estuarine lake system on the west coast of South
Africa, which is under threat due to agricultural expansion and climatic
fluctuations. The sub-catchment consists of four main tributaries, Krom
Antonies, Hol, Bergvallei and Kruismans. Of these, Krom Antonies was
initially presumed the largest baseflow contributor, but was shown to have
significant streamflow variability attributed to the highly conductive
nature of the Table Mountain Group sandstones and Quaternary sediments.
Instead, Bergvallei was identified as the major contributor of baseflow. Hol
was the least susceptible to streamflow fluctuations due to the higher
baseflow proportion (56 %) as well as the dominance of less conductive
Malmesbury shales that underlie it. The estimated flow exceedance
probabilities indicated that during the 2008–2017 wet cycle average lake
inflows exceeded the average evaporation demand, although yearly rainfall is
twice as variable in comparison to the first wet cycle between 1987 and 1996.
During the 1997–2007 dry cycle, average lake inflows are exceeded 85 % of
the time by the evaporation demand. The exceedance probabilities estimated
here suggest that inflows from the four main tributaries are not enough to
support Verlorenvlei, with the evaporation demand of the entire lake being
met only 35 % of the time. This highlights the importance of low-occurrence events for filling up Verlorenvlei, allowing for regeneration of
lake-supported ecosystems. As climate change drives increased temperatures
and rainfall variability, the length of dry cycles is likely to increase
into the future and result in the lake drying up more frequently. For this
reason, it is important to ensure that water resources are not over-allocated
during wet cycles, hindering ecosystem regeneration and prolonging the
length of these dry cycle conditions.
Sevoflurane postconditioning alleviates hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of cardiomyocytes by promoting mitochondrial autophagy through the HIF-1/BNIP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Long , Wu Jianjiang , Xie Peng , Yu Jin , Li Xin , Wang Jiang , Zheng Hong 
Published: June 2019

Background
Sevoflurane postconditioning (SpostC) can alleviate hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of cardiomyocytes; however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether SpostC promotes mitochondrial autophagy through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)/BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) signaling pathway to attenuate hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes.

Methods
The H9C2 cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation model was established and treated with 2.4% sevoflurane at the beginning of reoxygenation. Cell damage was determined by measuring cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial ultrastructural and autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of HIF-1, BNIP3, and Beclin-1 proteins. The effects of BNIP3 on promoting autophagy were determined using interfering RNA technology to silence BNIP3.

Results
Hypoxia-reoxygenation injury led to accumulation of autophagosomes in cardiomyocytes, and cell viability was significantly reduced, which seriously damaged cells. Sevoflurane postconditioning could upregulate HIF-1α and BNIP3 protein expression, promote autophagosome clearance, and reduce cell damage. However, these protective effects were inhibited by 2-methoxyestradiol or sinBNIP3.

Conclusion
Sevoflurane postconditioning can alleviate hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes, and this effect may be achieved by promoting mitochondrial autophagy through the HIF-1/BNIP3 signaling pathway.
Musculo-skeletal Symptoms and Its Severity among Radiographers and Sonographers in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Udoh Benjamin Effiong , Ulu Ulu Okoro , Eze Joseph Chukwuemeka , Chiegwu Hyacienth Uche 
Published: June 2019

Background: A lot of activities have been found to contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among different professionals such as lifting of heavy objects, prolonged sitting or standing, long schedule of duties equipment manipulation and others. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and severity as well as risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among practicing radiographers and sonographers in the southern part of Nigeria.
Methods: This study involved distribution of questionnaire to radiographers and sonographers within the southern part of Nigeria. A total of 48 radiographers and 45 sonographers were involved in this study. Information collected from the participants included categories of work performed, schedule/ duration of duty, types of equipment used, work organizational factors, prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms to mention a few.
Results: Out of the 48 Radiographers and 45 sonographers that participated in the study, 76.3% complained of at least one episode of symptom. Low back pain was the most frequent complaint (52.6%), followed by neck pain, shoulder pain and hand/wrist pain. Reports showed that some of the respondents were prevented from performing their duties as a result of the symptoms experienced. The major risk factors were prolonged standing/sitting during prolonged duration of duty, lifting of patients and heavy equipment, overstretching of the neck following heavy work schedules.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiographers and sonographers in Southern Nigeria. Work schedule/duration of duty and lifting of heavy loads are important factors to be controlled in order to reduce the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiographers and sonographers in Southern Nigeria.
Genetic Variability and Heritability among Sugarcane Genotypes in Plant Crop for Some Agronomic Traits under Tropical Dry Climate of Ferké, Ivory Coast
Authors: Béhou M. Y. , Péné C. B. 
Published: June 2019

Aims: The study aimed to determine the best performing cane genotypes among 29 clones tested under sprinkler irrigation, in comparison with a check variety (R579).
Study Design: The experimental design used was a randomized complete block (RCB) with 30 cane genotypes in three replications. Every plot consisted of two dual rows of five meters with 0.5 and 1.90 m of inter-row spacing, i.e. 19 m² per plot and about 600 m² for the whole experiment.
Place and Duration of Study: It was carried out on a commercial sugarcane plantation of Ferké 2 located in the northern part of the country, over 10 months as a late season crop from late May 2018 to late March 2019.
Methodology: Over each micro-plot, data were collected at harvest from both dual rows consisted of millable stalk number/ha, cane yield, juice quality traits (sucrose, purity, and recoverable sucrose), fiber content, and damaged internodes by stem borer Eldana saccharina.
Results: Based on sugar yields, seven cane genotypes were equivalent to the check variety R579 which gave 17.6 t/ha. Their yield performances ranged from 12.2 to 15.4 t of sugar/ha and from 134.2 to 160.8 t of cane/ha compared to 176.0 t/ha for the check. Higher heritability values ranging from 52 to 85% were observed in traits like sugar yield, juice purity, juice sucrose, recoverable sucrose, sucrose percent, fiber content and stem borer infestations. Differences between PCV and GCV for most traits were small, indicating high prospects for genetic progress through selection under conditions of this study.
Conclusions: Findings obtained need to be confirmed over the 2019-20 cropping season in first ratoon crop to determine promising cane genotypes for the advanced selection stage.
Early alteration of the locus coeruleus in phenotypic variants of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Olivieri Pauline , Lagarde Julien , Lehericy Stéphane , Valabrègue Romain , Michel Adeline , Macé Pierre , Caillé Fabien , Gervais Philippe , Bottlaender Michel , Sarazin Marie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractNeuropathological studies showed early locus coeruleus (LC) neuronal loss associated with tauopathy in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We used the LC signal intensity (LC‐I) on 3T MRI to assess the LC integrity in AD (n = 37) and controls (n = 17). The LC‐I was decreased in AD regardless of typical (amnesic) and atypical presentation (logopenic aphasia/visuo‐spatial deficit), from the prodromal stage, and independently of the amyloid load measured by PiB‐PET. The LC‐I was correlated with memory performance of typical AD. This supports the pathophysiological model in which the LC plays a critical role in AD and may thus be a potential therapeutic target.
White matter mean diffusivity correlates with myelination in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Peters Jurriaan M. , Struyven Robbert R. , Prohl Anna K. , Vasung Lana , Stajduhar Andrija , Taquet Maxime , Bushman John J. , Lidov Hart , Singh Jolene M. , Scherrer Benoit , Madsen Joseph R. , Prabhu Sanjay P. , Sahin Mustafa , Afacan Onur , Warfield Simon K. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the white matter is a biomarker for neurological disease burden in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). To clarify the basis of abnormal diffusion in TSC, we correlated ex vivo high‐resolution diffusion imaging with histopathology in four tissue types: cortex, tuber, perituber, and white matter.MethodsSurgical specimens of three children with TSC were scanned in a 3T or 7T MRI with a structural image isotropic resolution of 137–300 micron, and diffusion image isotropic resolution of 270‐1,000 micron. We stained for myelin (luxol fast blue, LFB), gliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), and neurons (NeuN) and registered the digitized histopathology slides (0.686 micron resolution) to MRI for visual comparison. We then performed colocalization analysis in four tissue types in each specimen. Finally, we applied a linear mixed model (LMM) for pooled analysis across the three specimens.ResultsIn white matter and perituber regions, LFB optical density measures correlated with fractional anisotropy (FA) and inversely with mean diffusivity (MD). In white matter only, GFAP correlated with MD, and inversely with FA. In tubers and in the cortex, there was little variation in mean LFB and GFAP signal intensity, and no correlation with MRI metrics. Neuronal density correlated with MD. In the analysis of the combined specimens, the most robust correlation was between white matter MD and LFB metrics.InterpretationIn TSC, diffusion imaging abnormalities in microscopic tissue types correspond to specific histopathological markers. Across all specimens, white matter diffusivity correlates with myelination.
Ribonucleoprotein: A Biomimetic Platform for Targeted siRNA Delivery
Authors: Tai Wanyi , Gao Xiaohu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMany small interfering RNA (siRNA) carriers have been developed over the years, mostly based on cationic lipids and polymers that can condense siRNA into nanoparticle complexes and aid in endosomal escape. In comparison, development of charge‐neutral siRNA carriers to avoid or reduce nonspecific binding, aggregation, and toxicity is limited, due to a lack of mechanisms for carrier‐siRNA association beyond electrostatic interaction. Here, a unique, charge‐neutral, biomimetic platform is reported, mimicking the natural state of functional RNA, ribonucleoprotein (RNP). This RNP architecture is simple to make, precise in assembly stoichiometry, stable in serum, and biocompatible. Gene knockdown is achieved in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating excellent potential for translation.
Solid–Liquid Triboelectrification Control and Antistatic Materials Design Based on Interface Wettability Control
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Liqiang , Feng Yange , Zhang Xiaolong , Wang Daoai , Zhou Feng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSolid–liquid contact triboelectrification has been a hot and important topic due to its severe electrostatic hazards in the petroleum industry and its positive potential application in energy harvesting. Here, the influence of surface structure, composition, and interfacial wettability on the solid–liquid triboelectrification basing on the friction of polypropylene (PP) films and deionized water is systematically studied. PP films with different nanowire structures are prepared by a hot pressing method with varied anodic aluminum oxide as templates. The PP films are surface functionalized with three different functional groups by a surface self‐assembly technology. The results show that compared with the surface structure, the solid–liquid triboelectrification is more sensitive to the surface components. While from the macroscopic view the interfacial wettability plays a dominant role in its electrical output, with the failure of the hydrophobic surface of the PP film, the triboelectrical output continues to deteriorate. Moreover, the increase or decrease of solid–liquid triboelectrification can be achieved by controlling the structure or composition. This study demonstrates the possibility of adjusting the solid–liquid contact electrification in a controllable manner and provides a basis for the utilization or the prevention of solid–liquid friction charges.
Biomimetic Omnidirectional Antireflective Glass via Direct Ultrafast Laser Nanostructuring
Authors: Papadopoulos Antonis , Skoulas Evangelos , Mimidis Alexandros , Perrakis George , Kenanakis George , Tsibidis George D. , Stratakis Emmanuel 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHere, a single‐step, biomimetic approach for the realization of omnidirectional transparent antireflective glass is reported. In particular, it is shown that circularly polarized ultrashort laser pulses produce self‐organized nanopillar structures on fused silica (SiO2). The laser‐induced nanostructures are selectively textured on the glass surface in order to mimic the spatial randomness, pillar‐like morphology, as well as the remarkable antireflection properties found on the wings of the glasswing butterfly, Greta oto, and various Cicada species. The artificial structures exhibit impressive antireflective properties, both in the visible and infrared frequency ranges, which are remarkably stable over time. Accordingly, the laser‐processed glass surfaces show reflectivity smaller than 1% for various angles of incidence in the visible spectrum for s–p linearly polarized configurations. However, in the near‐infrared spectrum, the laser‐textured glass shows higher transmittance compared to the pristine. It is envisaged that the current results will revolutionize the technology of antireflective transparent surfaces and impact numerous applications from glass displays to optoelectronic devices.
Optical Nanomaterials and Enabling Technologies for High‐Security‐Level Anticounterfeiting
Authors: Ren Wei , Lin Gungun , Clarke Christian , Zhou Jiajia , Jin Dayong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOptical nanomaterials have been widely used in anticounterfeiting applications. There have been significant developments powered by recent advances in material science, printing technologies, and the availability of smartphone‐based decoding technology. Recent progress in this field is surveyed, including the availability of optical reflection, absorption, scattering, and luminescent nanoparticles. It is demonstrated that advances in the design and synthesis of lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles will lead to the next generation of anticounterfeiting technologies. Their tunable optical properties and optical responses to a range of external stimuli allow high‐security level information encoding. Challenges in the scale‐up synthesis of nanomaterials, engineering of assessorial devices for smart‐phone‐based decryption, and alignment to the potential markets which will lead to new directions for research, are discussed.