bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Algal immobilization as a green technology for domestic wastewater treatment
Authors: Salman Jasim M. , Kaduem Nuhaa F. , Juda Sarab A. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
wastewater treatment technology is an important issue because of numerous organic and inorganic impurities in municipal, industrial, and agricultural waters. Different systems of wastewater treatment used the microorganisms for the removal of organic materials, most species of algae represent promising biosystems for treating of wastewater by transformation or direct uptake of pollutants and improving the purification performance of bacterial systems. This work aimed to study the efficiency of immobilization technology using immobilized cells of green algae Chlorella vulgaris in the treatment of domestic wastewater. Some physical and chemical characteristics of domestic wastewater were examined and the percentage of treatment efficiency with free and immobilized cells of alga were compared. The results of the study presented high reduction of EC, salinity, TDS, total alkalinity, hardness, calcium, and chloride with slight induction of pH values to the basal side after treatment with free and immobilized algae. After (3,5,7) days of treatment with free microalgae and immobilized microalgae, the recorded value of wastewater had been eliminated to (2.09, 2, 1.8) μs/cm and (2.36, 1.27, 1.07) μs/cm of EC; (689, 580, 520) mg/L and (620,520,489) mg/L of the total hardness; (320, 244, 220) mg/L and (300, 244, 204 ) mg/L of the calcium; (420, 369, 309) mg/L and (400, 340, 289) mg/L of chloride, respectively, while pH value increased to (8.6, 8.7, 8.6) after treated with free microalgae. The results showed high efficiency of mobilized algae compared with free algal cells in reducing many physical and chemical parameters and the immobilized algal cell technique is useful as tools in the treatment process of wastewater.
Investigation of several heavy metals in Al-Saddah agricultural drainage in Hilla city /Iraq
Authors: Al-Muttairi A K , Al-Mayaly I K 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This study was done to determine the concentration of several heavy metals in the water of Al-Saddah agricultural drainage in Al-Saddah District in Babylon Province/Iraq. The concentrations of six heavy metals were measured (Pb, Cd, Cu, Hg, Fe, Zn). It was found that Pb concentration ranged from 0.06 mg/L at St.2 in autumn to 0.13 mg/L at St.2 in winter. Fe concentrations ranged from 0.04 mg/L at St.2 in autumn and winter to 0.41 at St.2 in Summer. Cd concentrations ranged from 0.008 mg/L at St.2 in summer to 0.05 mg/L at St.2 in winter. Cu concentrations ranged from 0.01 mg/L at St.1 in both autumn and winter to 0.63 mg/L at St.2 in winter. Hg concentrations was ranged from 0.002 mg/L at St.2 in summer to 0.009mg/L at St.2 in spring. Zn concentrations ranged from 0.02 mg/L at St.2 in summer to 0.14 mg/L at St.2 in winter. physiochemical parameters of water such as temperature, pH, E.C. D.O., and B.O.D.5 was also measured.
Biological challenges to conclusions from molecular phylogenies: behaviour strongly favours orb web monophyly, contradicting molecular analyses
Authors: Eberhard William G 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This first-ever extensive review of the construction behaviour of orb webs, of webs secondarily derived from orbs, and of non-orbs shows that the evidence favouring monophyly over convergent evolution of orbs is stronger than previously appreciated. The two major orb-weaving groups, Uloboridae and Araneoidea, share 31 construction behaviour traits, 20 of which are likely to be both derived and to have feasible alternatives, making convergence an unlikely explanation. Convergence in two lineages seems unlikely, and convergence in five different lineages, as proposed in some recent molecular studies of phylogeny, is even less credible. A further set of seven shared responses in orb design to experimentally constrained spaces also supports orb monophyly. Finally, a ‘control’ case of confirmed convergence on similar ‘pseudo-orbs’ in a taxonomically distant group also supports this argument, as it shows a low frequency of behavioural similarities. I argue that the omission of behavioural data from recent molecular studies of orb web evolution represents a failure of the analytic techniques, not the data, and increases the risk of making mistakes. In general, phylogenetic studies that aim to understand the evolution of particular phenotypes can benefit from including careful study of the phenotypes themselves.
An accelerated degeneration of white matter microstructure and networks in the nondemented old–old
Authors: Zhao Haichao , Wen Wei , Cheng Jian , Jiang Jiyang , Kochan Nicole , Niu Haijun , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder , Liu Tao 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe nondemented old–old over the age of 80 comprise a rapidly increasing population group; they can be regarded as exemplars of successful aging. However, our current understanding of successful aging in advanced age and its neural underpinnings is limited. In this study, we measured the microstructural and network-based topological properties of brain white matter using diffusion-weighted imaging scans of 419 community-dwelling nondemented older participants. The participants were further divided into 230 young–old (between 72 and 79, mean = 76.25 ± 2.00) and 219 old–old (between 80 and 92, mean = 83.98 ± 2.97). Results showed that white matter connectivity in microstructure and brain networks significantly declined with increased age and that the declined rates were faster in the old–old compared with young–old. Mediation models indicated that cognitive decline was in part through the age effect on the white matter connectivity in the old–old but not in the young–old. Machine learning predictive models further supported the crucial role of declines in white matter connectivity as a neural substrate of cognitive aging in the nondemented older population. Our findings shed new light on white matter connectivity in the nondemented aging brains and may contribute to uncovering the neural substrates of successful brain aging.
Vascular calcification maladaptively participates in acute phosphate homeostasis
Authors: Turner Mandy E , Rowsell Tyler S , Lansing Austin P , Jeronimo Paul S , Lee Lok Hang , Svajger Bruno A , Zelt Jason G E , Forster Corey M , Petkovich Martin P , Holden Rachel M , Adams Michael A 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aims
Non-renal extravasation of phosphate from the circulation and transient accumulation into tissues and extracellular fluid is a regulated process of acute phosphate homeostasis that is not well understood. This process is especially relevant in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD), where exposure to increased phosphate is prolonged due to inefficient kidney excretion. Furthermore, CKD-associated mineral dysregulation induces pathological accumulation of phosphate causing vascular calcification (VC). Our objective was to determine whether the systemic response to acute phosphate challenges is altered by VC.

Methods and results
After bolus phosphate administration, circulating and tissue deposition of this challenge was assessed in two rat models of VC using a radiolabelled phosphate tracer. In an adenine-induced model of CKD (N = 70), animals with VC had a blunted elevation of circulating 33PO4 following oral phosphate administration (P &lt; 0.01), and the discordant deposition could be traced to the calcified arteries (11.4 [7.5–13.1] vs.43.0 [35.5–53.7] pmol/ng tissue, P &lt; 0.001). In a non-CKD model of VC, calcification was induced with 0.5 ug/kg calcitriol and then withdrawn (N = 24). New phosphate uptake by the calcified vasculature correlated to the pre-existing burden of calcification (r = 38, P &lt; 0.001) and was substantially attenuated in the absence of calcification stimulus (P &lt; 0.01). Phosphate accrual was stimulated by the phosphate challenge and not present to the same degree during passive disposition of circulating phosphate. Further, the form of phosphate that deposited to the vasculature was predominately amorphous inorganic phosphate and not that which was bound in matured calciprotein particles.

Conclusions
In the process of calcification, arteries acutely deposit substantial amorphous phosphate while blunting the elevation in the circulation, thereby altering the systemic disposition of phosphate and identifying VC as a participatory mineral homeostatic organ. This study demonstrates the negative vascular consequence of acute fluctuations in circulating phosphate, and supports the importance of phosphate bioavailability and diet management in CKD patients as a mediator of cardiovascular risk.
Correlation of serial high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T values to infarct mass determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: a validation study
Authors: Salatzki Janek , Giannitsis Evangelos , Hegenbarth Anastasia , Mueller-Hennessen Matthias , André Florian , Katus Hugo A , Frey Norbert , Biener Moritz 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aim
To validate correlations between contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) infarct mass and high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTnT) values at different time points in patients with confirmed acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and results
Patients presenting with AMI and with available CE-MRI between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020 were included. Correlation coefficients between hs-cTnT on admission, after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and peak hs-cTnT values and CE-MRI infarct mass were calculated. Correlations between hs-cTnT and CE-MRI infarct mass were compared with those of a third generation cTnT assay from a previously published study of our group. A total of 137 patients were included for the present analysis. Median CE-MRI infarct mass was 12,5 g [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.8–16.2 g]. Hs-cTnT values and infarct mass correlated well at all time points including admission (r = 0.474, 95% CI: 0.331–0.560, P &lt; 0.0001), 24 h (r = 0.508, 95% CI: 0.370–0.625, P &lt; 0.0001), 48 h (r = 0.547, 95% CI: 0.404–0.664, P &lt; 0.0001), 72 h (r = 0.489, 95% CI: 0.320–0.628, P &lt; 0.0001), 96 h (r = 0.509, 95% CI: 0.330–0.653, P &lt; 0.001) including peak hs-cTnT values (r = 0.547, 95% CI: 0.416–0.656, P &lt; 0.0001), and maximum absolute delta changes within 96 h (r = 0.507, 95% CI: 0.369–0.622, P &lt; 0.001). Correlations of the third generation assay could be confirmed for hs-cTnT at all time points. A superior correlation with CE-MRI infarct mass was observed for hs-cTnT values on admission.

Conclusion
Hs-cTnT values at different time points correlate well with CE-MRI infarct mass. Correlations of admission hs-cTnT values are superior to those of a third generation assay.
Long-term results of the Ross operation in rheumatic valve disease
Authors: Réa Ana Beatriz Brenner Affonso da Costa , Affonso da Costa Francisco Diniz , Adam Eduardo Leal , El-Hamamsy Ismail , Balbi Filho Eduardo Mendel , Oliveira Carolina Limongi , Fernandes-Silva Miguel Morita 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

AIMS
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) on the long-term outcomes of the Ross operation when compared to patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV).

METHODS AND RESULTS
We analysed patients with rheumatic disease and BAV who underwent a Ross operation between 1995 and 2020. The primary outcomes were late survival and reoperations on the pulmonary autograft and the right ventricular allograft. We also performed a propensity score analysis to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. The cumulative incidence of the events in the matched cohorts was compared using the Fine–Gray model. There were 147 patients with rheumatic disease and 314 with bicuspid valves. In the unmatched population, patients with rheumatic disease were younger, more symptomatic, had worse left ventricular function and were more likely to present a preoperative diagnosis of aortic insufficiency. Propensity matching resulted in 86 pairs with similar baseline characteristics. Compared with those with bicuspid valves, rheumatic patients had similar 20-year survival both in the unmatched (RHD = 67.8% vs BAV = 79.7%, P = 0.27] and matched cohorts (RHD = 72.5% vs BAV = 82.9%, P = 0.46). Cumulative incidence of reoperations on the pulmonary autograft after 20 years was also comparable between them in the unmatched (RHD 13.4% vs BAV 14.4%, P = 0.67) and matched patients (RHD 11.6% vs BAV 21.1%, P = 0.47). Pulmonary autograft dysfunction due to rheumatic involvement was detected in only three occasions. Cumulative incidence of reoperations on the right-sided allograft was higher in the unmatched cohort (RHD = 5.5% vs BAV = 16.7%, P = 0.035) but became nonsignificant after propensity score matching (RHD = 9.9% vs BAV = 32.3%, P = 0.051). The cumulative incidence of all Ross-related reoperations was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Among patients undergoing Ross operation, patients with RHD had similar long-term survival and rates of reoperations, when compared to patients with BAV.
Shared Care Networks Assisting Older Adults: New Insights From the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Hu Mengyao , Freedman Vicki A , Patterson Sarah E , Lewis Nora 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Caregiving research often assumes older adults receiving care have a primary caregiver who provides the bulk of care. Consequently, little is known about the extent to which care responsibilities are shared more evenly within a care network, the characteristics associated with sharing, or the consequences for meeting older adults’ care needs.

Research Design and Methods
We analyze a sample of U.S. older adults receiving care from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (n = 2,398). Based on variables reflecting differences in care hours, activities, and care provided by the whole network, we create network typologies for those with two or more caregivers (n = 1,309) using K-means cluster analysis. We estimate multinomial and logistic regression models to identify factors associated with network type and the association between type and unmet needs. We conduct analyses overall and for older adults living with and without dementia.

Results
Analyses reveal four network types: Small, low-intensity shared care network (SCN); large, moderate-intensity SCN; small, low-intensity primary caregiver network (PCN); and moderate-sized, high-intensity PCN. Among all older adults receiving care, 51% have a sole caregiver, 20% have an SCN with no primary caregiver, and 29% have a PCN. Among older adults with dementia receiving intense care, unmet needs are lower among those with an SCN (vs. PCN).

Discussion and Implications
Findings underscore that the primary caregiver construct, although common, does not apply to a substantial share of care networks. Moreover, having an SCN when needs are high may be beneficial to meeting older adult’s needs.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care facility in Nigeria: a changing trend?
Authors: Uwe Nkoyo O , Ezenwa Beatrice N , Fajolu Iretiola B , Oshun Philip , Chukwuma Stella T , Ezeaka Veronica C 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates, especially in developing countries.

Objectives
To determine the prevalence, common bacterial pathogens, and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of neonatal sepsis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of neonates who presented at the facility with symptoms and signs of sepsis from January 2017 to October 2017. Demographic and clinical data were extracted using a structured questionnaire. Blood culture, urine and CSF were collected and cultured on blood and MacConkey agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using Microbact 24E system and biochemical tests. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was done using the modified Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results
Two hundred and ninety neonates were recruited during the study period. Seventy-three (25.2%) neonates had culture-proven sepsis. One (0.3%) neonate had meningitis and no neonates (0%) had confirmed urinary tract infection. Of the 73 neonates with positive blood cultures, 56 (76.7%) had early-onset sepsis and 17 (23.3%) had late-onset sepsis. Gram-negative bacilli accounted for 60.3% of all isolates. Predominantly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (20.5%), CoNS (19.2%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.7%). The isolates were most susceptible to levofloxacin and amikacin.

Conclusions
Neonatal sepsis is still a huge burden in the newborn. S. aureus, CoNS and K. pneumoniae are the prevalent pathogens in the local facility, with good susceptibility to levofloxacin and amikacin. Maintaining regular antibiotic surveillance for appropriate empirical antibiotics is important as part of neonatal care.
Determining thein vitrosusceptibility of tebipenem, an oral carbapenem, against third-generation cephalosporin-resistantEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaeisolated from bloodstream infections
Authors: Ranasinghe Ama , Henderson Andrew , Cottrell Kyra , Tan Cindy S E , Burnard Delaney , Kato Hideo , Paterson David L , Harris Patrick N A 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobials for bloodstream infections due to ESBL- and AmpC-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are significantly limited due to widespread antimicrobial resistance. Tebipenem, an oral carbapenem, exhibits stability against these resistance mechanisms and may prove an attractive alternative.MethodsThe in vitro susceptibility of tebipenem was assessed against previously whole-genome sequenced ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli (274 isolates) and K. pneumoniae (42 isolates) derived from bloodstream infections using broth microdilution testing. Resulting tebipenem MICs were compared with those of other carbapenems previously tested against the isolate collection. Tebipenem activity was also compared against those isolates expressing co-resistance to the common oral antibiotics ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.ResultsThe tebipenem MIC90 value was found to be 0.03 mg/L for E. coli and 0.125 mg/L for K. pneumoniae. For E. coli, the tebipenem MIC90 value was equivalent to that of meropenem, 2-fold lower than that of doripenem, and 8-fold and 4-fold lower than that of imipenem and ertapenem, respectively. For K. pneumoniae, the tebipenem MIC90 value was 2-fold higher than that of meropenem, equivalent to that of doripenem, and 4-fold and 2-fold lower than that of imipenem and ertapenem, respectively. Tebipenem MICs were also unaffected by the expression of co-resistance to ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.ConclusionsThe in vitro activity of tebipenem was unaffected by the production of ESBL and AmpC enzymes. Tebipenem also retained its activity against those isolates expressing co-resistance to ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. These findings therefore highlight tebipenem as a potential option for the treatment of invasive MDR infections.
Sensitive Serology Measurements in the Saliva of Individuals with COVID-19 Symptoms Using a Multiplexed Immunoassay
Authors: Sohaei Dorsa , Ulndreaj Antigona , Mathew Anu , Campbell Christopher , Stengelin Martin , Sigal George , Joe Jessica , Romero Daniel , Padmanabhan Nikhil , Ren Annie , Ghorbani Atefeh , Soosaipillai Antoninus , Kulasingam Vathany , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
There are numerous benefits to performing salivary serology measurements for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative pathogen for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we used a sensitive multiplex serology assay to quantitate salivary IgG against 4 SARS-CoV-2 antigens: nucleocapsid, receptor-binding domain, spike, and N-terminal domain.

Methods
We used single samples from 90 individuals with COVID-19 diagnosis collected at 0 to 42 days postsymptom onset (PSO) and from 15 uninfected control subjects. The infected individuals were segmented in 4 groups (0–7 days, 8–14 days, 15–21 days, and &gt;21 days) based on days PSO, and values were compared to controls.

Results
Compared to controls, infected individuals showed higher levels of antibodies against all antigens starting from 8 days PSO. When applying cut-offs with at least 93.3% specificity at every time interval segment, nucleocapsid protein serology had the best sensitivity at 0 to 7 days PSO (60% sensitivity [35.75% to 80.18%], ROC area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73, P = 0.034). Receptor-binding domain serology had the best sensitivity at 8 to 14 days PSO (83.33% sensitivity [66.44%–92.66%], ROC AUC = 0.90, P &lt; 0.0001), and all assays except for N-terminal domain had 92% sensitivity (75.03%–98.58%) at &gt;14 days PSO.

Conclusions
This study shows that our multiplexed immunoassay can distinguish infected from uninfected individuals and reliably (93.3% specificity) detect seroconversion (in 60% of infected individuals) as early as the first week PSO, using easy-to-collect saliva samples.
Rare diseases and orphan medicines: knowledge and perceptions of healthcare professionals and the public
Authors: Vassallo Sharon , Attard Pizzuto Maresca , Azzopardi Lilian M , Serracino-Inglott Anthony 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the public’s and healthcare professionals’ awareness and perception on rare diseases and orphan drugs, and to identify challenges faced by both populations.

Methods
Two questionnaires, one for healthcare professionals and one for the public including rare disease patients, were developed, validated and disseminated. The experience and awareness of the public and healthcare professionals with regard to rare diseases and orphan medicines were analysed.

Key findings
The questionnaires were completed by 228 members of the public and 73 healthcare professionals. Thirty-seven percent of the public knew or were related to someone with a rare disease. Public participants consisted of those who knew or were related to someone with a rare disease (37%) and rare disease patients (12%). Nineteen percent of rare disease patients had encountered problems while trying to obtain an orphan drug. Seventy-three healthcare professionals completed the questionnaire. Fifty-five percent had diagnosed, encountered or examined a rare disease patient at a point in their career, while 32% had dispensed or tried to dispense an orphan drug. Twenty-seven percent of healthcare professionals had encountered various problems while trying to obtain an orphan drug for patients.

Conclusions
The elucidation of public’s perception on rare diseases can offer better guidelines for healthcare professionals to support rare disease patients better.