bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbonized metal–organic frameworks with trapped cobalt nanoparticles as biocompatible and efficient azo-dye adsorbent
Authors: Trukawka Martyna , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Peruzynska Magdalena , Augustyniak Adrian , Nawrotek Pawel , Drozdzik Marek , Mijowska Ewa 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derived carbonaceous materials functionalized with metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles are obtained by its carbonization. The carbonization of MOFs occurs simultaneously with the metal and metal-oxide particle formation. The carbon-based flake-like nanostructures with trapped metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles have been formed. Due to its non-toxicity and environmental friendliness, the capacity for pollution adsorption using model anionic dye has been revealed.ResultsThe structure of the hybrid is formed as the effect of carbonization of metal–organic frameworks with cobalt as a metal counterpart (CoOF). The cobalt nanoparticles are placed between the carbon layers what limits the dissolution of cobalt nanoparticles and protects the environment from its toxicity. It is preliminary validated by means of two reference micro-organisms (Gram-negativePseudomonas aeruginosaand Gram-positiveStaphylococcus aureus) and in in vitro analysis with human cell line (A375). The efficiency of the adsorption properties of the material was tested with Acid Red 18 as a model anionic dye. The mechanism of dye adsorption was analyzed in details. In addition, various thermodynamic parameters, such as standard enthalpy, standard entropy, and standard Gibbs free energy, were tested. In addition, it was proved that the main substrate of CoOF (terephthalic acid) can be used from PET bottles, while the organic solvent used in its synthesis (N,N-dimethylformamide) was distilled and reused. The obtained carbonized CoOF revealed the same morphology and properties as pristine material.ConclusionsThe kinetic data of dye adsorption fit well with the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir type. Acid Red 18 adsorption is more favourable at lower temperatures and lower pH. The location of the cobalt nanoparticles between the carbon flakes effectively limits their toxicity compared to the free metal nanoparticles. The CoOF can be obtained from recycled substrates, which revealed the same morphology as pristine material. Therefore, it is believed that this work highlights the practical application of carbonized CoOF as an adsorbate and provides the evidence that such nanocomposite can be applied without environmental risks.
Partitioning behavior, source identification, and risk assessment of perfluorinated compounds in an industry-influenced river
Authors: Lv Jiapei , Guo Changsheng , Liang Shuxuan , Zhang Yuan , Xu Jian 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The widespread application of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) makes them ubiquitously distributed in the environment. Investigation of contamination profiles, distribution, possible sources and risks of PFCs in Liaohe River, an industry-influenced river in northeast China was conducted in the present study.

Results
The total PFCs concentrations (∑PFCs) were in the range 0.38–127.88 ng/L (average value of 36.41 ng/L) in water and 1.72–10.44 ng/g dry weight (average of 4.99 ng/g) in sediment. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the dominant individual in water and sediment phases, in the range 0.38–73.94 ng/L in water and below detection limit (BDL) to 7.88 ng/g dw in the sediments. The organic carbon normalized partition coefficients (Koc) ranged from 2.46 L/kg (PFHxA) to 4.29 L/kg (PFUnDA). The average Koc values for perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) increased by 0.13–0.62 log unit with each increasing CF2 moiety, and the Koc values were lower than perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFASs). The sources of PFCs identified from diagnostic ratios suggested that the contaminants were mainly from the emission of manufacturing processes and precursors degradation. Result from risk assessment indicated that the immediate health impact through intaking water was negligible, but the levels of PFOA in surface water might cause effects on aquatic ecosystem. The mass inventories of ∑PFCs and PFOA were estimated to be 328.74 t and 103.43 t in the study area, respectively, suggesting that the sediment in Liaohe River may act as a potential PFCs source to the surrounding areas.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that PFCs were widely presented in the water and sediments of Liaohe River. In general, PFCAs had higher concentrations and detection frequency than PFSAs, and PFCAs with short carbon chains had much higher detection frequencies than long-carbon chain compounds in water. Among all PFC homologues, the average Koc increased with the increased carbon chain. Koc values were higher for PFSAs than PFCAs. The risk assessment suggested that PFOA in water may exert adverse effect on the aquatic ecosystem. Liaohe River was likely acting as a PFCs source to the surrounding area.
The effect of age on DNA methylation in whole blood among Bangladeshi men and women
Authors: Jansen Rick J. , Tong Lin , Argos Maria , Jasmine Farzana , Rakibuz-Zaman Muhammad , Sarwar Golam , Islam Md. Tariqul , Shahriar Hasan , Islam Tariqul , Rahman Mahfuzar , Yunus Md. , Kibriya Muhammad G. , Baron John A. , Ahsan Habibul , Pierce Brandon L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
It is well-known that methylation changes occur as humans age, however, understanding how age-related changes in DNA methylation vary by sex is lacking. In this study, we characterize the effect of age on DNA methylation in a sex-specific manner and determine if these effects vary by genomic context. We used the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 K array and DNA derived from whole blood for 400 adult participants (189 males and 211 females) from Bangladesh to identify age-associated CpG sites and regions and characterize the location of these age-associated sites with respect to CpG islands (vs. shore, shelf, or open sea) and gene regions (vs. intergenic). We conducted a genome-wide search for age-associated CpG sites (among 423,604 sites) using a reference-free approach to adjust for cell type composition (the R package RefFreeEWAS) and performed an independent replication analysis of age-associated CpGs.

Results
The number of age-associated CpGs (p < 5 x 10− 8) were 986 among men and 3479 among women of which 2027(63.8%) and 572 (64.1%) replicated (using Bonferroni adjusted p < 1.2 × 10− 5). For both sexes, age-associated CpG sites were more likely to be hyper-methylated with increasing age (compared to hypo-methylated) and were enriched in CpG islands and promoter regions compared with other locations and all CpGs on the array. Although we observed strong correlation between chronological age and previously-developed epigenetic age models (r ≈ 0.8), among our top (based on lowest p-value) age-associated CpG sites only 12 for males and 44 for females are included in these prediction models, and the median chronological age compared to predicted age was 44 vs. 51.7 in males and 45 vs. 52.1 in females.

Conclusions
Our results describe genome-wide features of age-related changes in DNA methylation. The observed associations between age and methylation were generally consistent for both sexes, although the associations tended to be stronger among women. Our population may have unique age-related methylation changes that are not captured in the established methylation-based age prediction model we used, which was developed to be non-tissue-specific.
Genome-wide effects of social status on DNA methylation in the brain of a cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni
Authors: Hilliard Austin T. , Xie Dan , Ma Zhihai , Snyder Michael P. , Fernald Russell D. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful social behavior requires real-time integration of information about the environment, internal physiology, and past experience. The molecular substrates of this integration are poorly understood, but likely modulate neural plasticity and gene regulation. In the cichlid fish speciesAstatotilapia burtoni, male social status can shift rapidly depending on the environment, causing fast behavioral modifications and a cascade of changes in gene transcription, the brain, and the reproductive system. These changes can be permanent but are also reversible, implying the involvement of a robust but flexible mechanism that regulates plasticity based on internal and external conditions. One candidate mechanism is DNA methylation, which has been linked to social behavior in many species, includingA. burtoni. But, the extent of its effects afterA. burtonisocial change were previously unknown.ResultsWe performed the first genome-wide search for DNA methylation patterns associated with social status in the brains of maleA. burtoni, identifying hundreds of Differentially Methylated genomic Regions (DMRs) in dominant versus non-dominant fish. Most DMRs were inside genes supporting neural development, synapse function, and other processes relevant to neural plasticity, and DMRs could affect gene expression in multiple ways. DMR genes were more likely to be transcription factors, have a duplicate elsewhere in the genome, have an anti-sense lncRNA, and have more splice variants than other genes. Dozens of genes had multiple DMRs that were often seemingly positioned to regulate specific splice variants.ConclusionsOur results revealed genome-wide effects ofA. burtonisocial status on DNA methylation in the brain and strongly suggest a role for methylation in modulating plasticity across multiple biological levels. They also suggest many novel hypotheses to address in mechanistic follow-up studies, and will be a rich resource for identifying the relationships between behavioral, neural, and transcriptional plasticity in the context of social status.
Achromobacter spp. healthcare associated infections in the French West Indies: a longitudinal study from 2006 to 2016
Authors: Marion-Sanchez Karine , Pailla Karine , Olive Claude , Le Coutour Xavier , Derancourt Christian 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Bacteria of the Achromobacter genus, more particularly xylosoxidans species, are responsible for various healthcare associated infections (HAI) which are increasingly described since the last decade. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are considered as potential reservoirs in hospitals. We performed a retrospective study to estimate the frequencies of Achromobacter spp. HAI among patients from French West Indies, to determine characteristics of infected patients and establish a possible link between CF and infections.

Methods
All adults with at least one Achromobacter spp. positive sample and infection criteria in accordance with European official definitions of HAI, hospitalized in University Hospital of Martinique from 2006 to 2016 for more than 48 h, were included. Patient clinical features, immune status and underlying diseases were obtained from medical files. A list of CF patients was given by clinicians.
Antibiotic-susceptibility profiles of the strains were determined using an automated method.

Results
Mean incidence density was 0.038/1000 days of hospitalization. Achromobacter spp. HAI evolved as an endemic situation with a low but pretty much stable incidence rate over the 11-year observation period. An epidemic peak was noticed in 2013. Among the 66 included patients, 56.1% were immunocompetent and no one had CF. Pneumonia and bacteraemia were the two main HAI. Among the 79 isolated strains, 92.4% were resistant to at least 1 major antibiotic and 16.4% met the definition of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Conclusions
This microorganism, little known in our country because of the scarcity of CF patients, represents a threat for both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients and a therapeutic challenge because of its high resistance.
Long-term responders to trastuzumab monotherapy in first-line HER-2+ advanced breast cancer: characteristics and survival data
Authors: Schmid Sabine , Klingbiel Dirk , Aebi Stefan , Goldhirsch Aron , Mamot Christoph , Munzone Elisabetta , Nolè Franco , Oehlschlegel Christian , Pagani Olivia , Pestalozzi Bernhard , Rochlitz Christoph , Thürlimann Beat , von Moos Roger , Weder Patrik , Zaman Khalil , Ruhstaller Thomas 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The impact of HER2-targeted therapy alone followed by the addition of chemotherapy at disease progression (PD) versus upfront combination was investigated by the SAKK 22/99 trial. The aim of this exploratory analysis of the SAKK 22/99 trial was to characterize the specific subset of patients deriving long-term benefit from trastuzumab monotherapy alone and to identify potential predictive factors of long-term response.

Methods
This is an unplanned post-hoc analysis of patients randomized to Arm A (trastuzumab monotherapy). Patients were divided in two groups: patients with durable clinical benefit from trastuzumab monotherapy and short-term responders without durable clinical benefit from trastuzumab monotherapy Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical characteristics correlating with response duration was performed.

Results
Eighty six patients were randomized in arm A, 24 patients (28%) were long-term responders and 62 (72%) were short-term responders with a 5y-overall survival (OS) of 54% (95% CI 31–72) and of 18% (95%CI 10–30), respectively. Absence of ER expression, absence of PgR expression and presence of visceral disease emerged as possible negative predictive factors for durable clinical benefit.

Conclusion
Durable clinical benefit can be achieved with trastuzumab monotherapy in a subgroup of HER2-positive patients with advanced disease and it is predictive for longer OS. Further investigations of predictive biomarkers are necessary to better characterize this subgroup of patients and develop further de-escalating strategies.

Trial registration
NCT00004935; first posted 27.01.2003, retrospectively registered.
Radioablation +/− hormonotherapy for prostate cancer oligorecurrences (Radiosa trial): potential of imaging and biology (AIRC IG-22159)
Authors: Marvaso Giulia , Ciardo Delia , Corrao Giulia , Gandini Sara , Fodor Cristiana , Zerini Dario , Rojas Damaris Patricia , Augugliaro Matteo , Bonizzi Giuseppina , Pece Salvatore , Cattani Federica , Mazzocco Ketti , Mistretta Francesco Alessandro , Musi Gennaro , Alessi Sarah , Petralia Giuseppe , Pravettoni Gabriella , De Cobelli Ottavio , Di Fiore Pier Paolo , Viale Giuseppe , Orecchia Roberto , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men. New imaging-modalities have increased the diagnosed patients with limited number of metastasis after primary curative therapy, introducing so-called oligometastatic state. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is emerging as a low-toxicity treatment to erase PCa localizations and postpone androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). A deeper understanding of the predictive role of biomarkers is desirable for a targeted treatment selection and surveillance programs. The aims of the RADIOSA trial are:

Compare SBRT +/− ADT for oligorecurrent-castration-sensitive PCa (OCS-PCa) in terms of efficacy, toxicity and Quality of Life (QoL).

Develop biology/imaging based prognostic tool that allows identifying OCS-PCa subclasses.

Methods
This is a randomized phase II clinical trial, recruiting 160 OCS-PCa in 3 years, with progression-free survival (PFS) as primary endpoint. Three tasks will be developed:

Randomized clinical study (3 years for accrual and 2 years for follow-up and data analysis);

Imaging study, including imaging registration and METastasis Reporting and Data System (MET-RADS) criteria;

Pre-clinical study, development of a biobank of blood samples for the analysis of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and preparatory for a subsequent miRNA profiling.

We aim to determine which arm is justified for testing in a subsequent Phase III trial. A decision-tree algorithm, based on prognosis, biological phenotype and imaging profile, will be developed.

Discussion
Recruiting will start in July 2019. SBRT will allow obtaining excellent PFS, local control, QoL and low toxicity. In SBRT arm, ADT deferral will allow for a drug-holiday, delaying the detrimental impact on QoL. A sufficient number of blood samples will be collected to perform biological patient profiling. A stratification tool will be established with an analysis of morphological and functional imaging, based on the use of MET-RADS criteria.
So, in conclusion, RADIOSA aims to define the optimal management of bone/nodal PCa relapses in a SBRT regimen. This study will increase our knowledge on low-burden metastatic PCa in the era of high precision and high technology personalized medicine, offering highly effective therapy in terms of clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness.

Trial registration
The RADIOSA study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03940235, May 2019).
Multicenter prospective clinical study to evaluate children short-term neurodevelopmental outcome in congenital heart disease (children NEURO-HEART): study protocol
Authors: Ribera I. , Ruiz A. , Sánchez O. , Eixarch E. , Antolín E. , Gómez-Montes E. , Pérez-Cruz M. , Cruz-Lemini M. , Sanz-Cortés M. , Arévalo S. , Ferrer Q. , Vázquez E. , Vega L. , Dolader P. , Montoliu A. , Boix H. , Simões R. V. , Masoller N. , Sánchez-de-Toledo J. , Comas M. , Bartha J. M. , Galindo A. , Martínez J.M. , Gómez-Roig L. , Crispi F. , Gómez O. , Carreras E. , Cabero L. , Gratacós E. , Llurba E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most prevalent congenital malformation affecting 1 in 100 newborns. While advances in early diagnosis and postnatal management have increased survival in CHD children, worrying long-term outcomes, particularly neurodevelopmental disability, have emerged as a key prognostic factor in the counseling of these pregnancies.

Methods
Eligible participants are women presenting at 20 to < 37 weeks of gestation carrying a fetus with CHD. Maternal/neonatal recordings are performed at regular intervals, from the fetal period to 24 months of age, and include: placental and fetal hemodynamics, fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional echocardiography, cerebral oxymetry, electroencephalography and serum neurological and cardiac biomarkers. Neurodevelopmental assessment is planned at 12 months of age using the ages and stages questionnaire (ASQ) and at 24 months of age with the Bayley-III test. Target recruitment is at least 150 cases classified in three groups according to three main severe CHD groups: transposition of great arteries (TGA), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction (LVOTO).

Discussion
The results of NEURO-HEART study will provide the most comprehensive knowledge until date of children’s neurologic prognosis in CHD and will have the potential for developing future clinical decisive tools and improving preventive strategies in CHD.

Trial registration
NCT02996630, on 4th December 2016 (retrospectively registered).
Childhood MMR vaccination and the incidence rate of measles infection: a ten year longitudinal cohort study of American children born in the 1990s
Authors: Geier David A. , Kern Janet K. , Geier Mark R. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundMeasles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease with significant morbidity/mortality. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) is a live-attenuated vaccine used in the United States (US) since the early 1970s to prevent measles infection. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study examined childhood MMR vaccination effectiveness (VE) on preventing diagnosed measles cases.MethodsThe Independent Healthcare Research Database (IHRD) is composed of non-identifiable linked eligibility and claim healthcare records prospectively generated from the Florida Medicaid system. The SAS system was utilized to examine a cohort of 101,736 persons eligible for Florida Medicaid from 1990 to 2009 and continuously eligible with ≥10 outpatient office visits during the 120-month period following birth. There were 32,870 persons (224,492 person-years) in the cohort receiving a single dose of childhood MMR vaccine (vaccinated) and 43,538 persons (434,637 person-years) in an unvaccinated cohort (no exposures to measles-containing vaccine). The frequency of diagnosed measles (ICD-9 code: 055xxx) was examined. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated MMR vaccination and diagnosed measles over time.ResultsMMR vaccinated cohort members were at significantly reduced risk of measles in the unadjusted (VE = 83.6, 95% CI = 67.2–91.8%) and adjusted (VE = 80.7, 95% CI = 61.5–83.9%) models as compared to the unvaccinated cohort. VE = 80% among younger MMR recipients (12–15 months), whereas VE = 90% among older MMR recipients (16–20 months) as compared to the unvaccinated cohort.ConclusionRoutine childhood MMR vaccination significantly reduced the incidence rate of childhood measles infections, and the VE was greater in the older recipients (16–20 months) than in the younger recipients (12–15 months).
“I just wish it becomes part of routine care”: healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of screening for maternal mental health during and after pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: McCauley Mary , Brown Abigail , Ofosu Bernice , van den Broek Nynke 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Maternal mental health is an international public health concern. Many women experience mental ill-health during and after pregnancy, but assessment is not part of routine maternity care in many low- and middle-income countries. Healthcare providers are in a position to identify and support women who experience mental health disorders during and after pregnancy. We sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of routine screening for maternal mental health during and after pregnancy among healthcare providers providing routine maternity care in Accra, Ghana. Enabling factors, barriers and potential management options to routinely screen maternal mental health during and after pregnancy were explored.

Methods
Semi-structured key informant interviews (n = 20) and one focus group discussion (n = 4) were conducted with healthcare providers working in one public hospital in Accra, Ghana. Transcribed interviews were coded by topic and then grouped into categories. Thematic framework analysis was undertaken to identify emerging themes.

Results
Most healthcare providers are aware of the importance of maternal mental health and would be keen to help women who experience mental ill-health during and after pregnancy, if resources were available to do so. An enabling factor was the suggestion of introducing a culturally appropriate mental health screening tool. However, compromised mental health was often considered a ‘spiritual issue’ and not routinely screened for by healthcare providers, nor requested by women. Barriers to the provision of quality maternal mental health care included lack of trained staff and lack of time.

Conclusions
Healthcare providers are aware of the problem of the lack of maternal mental health provision during and after pregnancy and are open to developing protocols to improve care. Currently, screening for maternal mental ill-health is not part of routine maternity care. The establishment of such a service requires the reprioritisation of workloads, further training, and a change in the attitudes and practices of healthcare providers. Education to change the attitudes of healthcare providers, women and the wider community towards mental health is needed. The development and implementation of culturally appropriate guidelines would be beneficial and result in better quality of maternity care.