bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salt-tolerant and thermostable mechanisms of an endoglucanase from marine Aspergillus niger
Authors: Cai Li-Nian , Xu Sheng-Nan , Lu Tao , Lin Dong-Qiang , Yao Shan-Jing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe cellulase cocktail of marine Aspergillus niger exhibited salt-tolerant and thermostable properties, which is of great potential in industrial application. In order to excavate the single tolerant cellulase components from complex cellulase cocktail, constitutive homologous expression was employed for direct obtainment of the endoglucanase (AnEGL). Enzymatic property study revealed that AnEGL exhibited a property of salt tolerance and a strong thermostability in high salinity environment. Significantly, its activity increased to 129% and the half-life at 65 °C increased to 27.7-fold with the presence of 4.5 M NaCl. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that Na+ and Cl− could form salt bridges with charged residues, and then influenced the activity of loops and the stability of substrate binding pocket, which accounted for the salt tolerance and thermostability. Further, site-specific mutagenesis study proved that the residues Asp95 and Asp99 in the pocket were of great concern for the tolerant properties. The salt-tolerant and thermostable AnEGL was of great value in lignocellulosic utilization and the conjectural mechanisms were of referential significance for other tolerant enzymes.
Graphical Abstract
Impact of sheep wool residues as soil amendments on olive beneficial symbionts and bacterial diversity
Authors: Palla Michela , Turrini Alessandra , Cristani Caterina , Bonora Laura , Pellegrini David , Primicerio Jacopo , Grassi Arianna , Hilaj Filip , Giovannetti Manuela , Agnolucci Monica 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn recent years the use of organic matter soil amendments, such as agricultural by-products, has been implemented with the aim of increasing soil fertility, while minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. Sheep wool residues (SWR) have shown beneficial effects on plant nutrition and soil properties, while only few works assessed their impact on soil microbial communities. The main aim of this work was to investigate the possible valorization of two SWR types (scoured residues, white wool, WW, and carbonized scoured residues, black wool, BW) as organic soil amendments, in pot-grown olive trees, by evaluating their impact on soil bacterial communities and mycorrhizal symbionts. The two SWR types did not negatively impact on the diversity and composition of soil bacterial communities, as revealed by PCR-denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of partial 16S rRNA gene, and on the activity of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), while positively affecting plant growth. Only the highest doses of one SWR type (2% BW) caused a decrease in bacterial diversity and native AMF ability to colonize olive roots. DGGE bands sequencing allowed the identification of the major bacterial taxa. Sequences corresponding toOhtaekwangiaspp., Beta proteobacterium,Blastocatellasp.,Ramlibacter monticolaandMassilia frigida/rubra,Dongiasp. and Chloroflexi were mainly represented in SWR-amended soils, while those represented byChryseolinea soliand Acidobacteria were abundant in control soil. Overall, this work showed that SWR may be valorized as organic soil amendments, as soil bacteria and AMF, representing key factors of biological soil fertility, were not negatively affected, while the activity of bacterial genera and species known for their ability to decompose complex compounds was boosted. Further studies will investigate the biodegradation efficiency of the diverse bacterial taxa developing in SWR-amended soils.Graphic Abstract
Evaluation of the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children by PYMS, STAMP, and STRONGkids tools and comparison with their anthropometric indices: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Malekiantaghi Armen , AsnaAshari Kosar , Shabani-Mirzaee Hosein , Vigeh Mohsen , Sadatinezhad Mohsen , Eftekhari Kambiz 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Malnutrition is a determining factor of pediatric mortality and morbidity, especially in low and middle-income countries. Hospitalized children are at a higher risk of malnutrition. Several malnutrition screening tools have been used, among which STAMP, PYMS, and STRONGkids are valid tools with high sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to compare these screening tools to find the best ones in identifying the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study performed on hospitalized children aged 1 to 16 years. The questionnaires of PYMS, STAMP, STRONGkids malnutrition risk assessment tools were filled. The weight for height and BMI for age Z-scores were calculated. The data were analyzed by SPSS. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of the risk scores based on weight for height and BMI for age Z-scores were calculated.

Results
Ninety-three patients with a mean age of 5.53 ± 3.9 years were included. The frequency of malnutrition was reported as 26% and 39% according to weight for height and BMI for age Z-scores, respectively. A significant relationship was found between PYMS and Weight for height Z-score (P-value < 0.001), and BMI for age Z-score (P-value < 0.001). Moreover, STRONGkids was found to be associated with weight for height Z-score (P-value: 0.017).

Conclusion
The PYMS is a practical and beneficial tool in early identifying the risk of severe malnutrition in hospitalized patients. It is a suitable method for patients in our settings.
Lack of an association between dietary patterns and adiposity among primary school children in Kilimanjaro Tanzania
Authors: Mosha Mary Vincent , Paulo Heavenlight A. , Msuya Sia E. , Grosskurth Heiner , Filteau Suzanne 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionHealthy dietary habits prevent childhood overweight and obesity and the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) later in life. We examined dietary patterns and their association with adiposity among primary school children in northern Tanzania.MethodsDietary data was collected by 24-h recall and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for 1170 primary school children aged 9 – 11 years from 20 primary schools in the Kilimanjaro region. Factor analysis and FFQ data were used to identify dietary patterns. Children were categorized into terciles of their adherence to each dietary pattern. Multilevel logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of dietary pattern terciles with adiposity indicators: body mass index z–scores (BMI z scores), body fat percentage by bioelectrical impedance, triceps, subscapular skinfold thicknesses, and waist circumference.ResultsFifteen percent of children had BMI Z > 1.0, indicating overweight or obesity. Two dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis: a healthy pattern characterized by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables; and a mixed dietary pattern characterized by intake of fatty snacks, sweets and sugar snacks, sugary beverages, meat and alternatives, milk, and milk products. After adjusting for potential confounders, for both models: model 1 (age and sex), and model 2 (age, sex, school type, time spent walking to school, district [urban/ rural], availability of television and electronic gadgets at home and neighbourhood playground); we found no significant associations between dietary patterns and adiposity measures.ConclusionDietary patterns were not associated with adiposity in Tanzanian primary school children, possibly because of limitations of the FFQ, which did not record information on portion sizes. Future research should focus on understanding the key foods / snacks consumed by school children, portion sizes and their long-term effects on adiposity in children.
Advancing genome editing to improve the sustainability and resiliency of animal agriculture
Authors: Wray-Cahen Diane , Bodnar Anastasia , Rexroad Caird , Siewerdt Frank , Kovich Dan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAnimal agriculture faces unprecedented challenges, including the need to increase productivity to meet increasing demands for high quality protein while combating increasing pest and disease pressures, improving animal welfare, adapting to a changing climate, and reducing the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Genome editing, in concert with other existing technologies, has the potential to accelerate these efforts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports research focused on delivering scientific solutions to these national and global agricultural challenges and transferring these solutions to farmers. Genome editing, along with a broad range of other tools, provides an opportunity for scientists, breeders, farmers, and ranchers to meet these challenges and provides additional benefits for society, including healthier and more resilient livestock, while reducing agriculture’s impact on the environment. Farmers and ranchers need a full toolbox of existing and innovative options. However, they will not be able to access these tools unless flexible approaches are in place that encourage innovation and allow safe innovations to be used on farms. Genome editing can help us achieve these goals only if global regulatory and policy approaches allow their use in agricultural breeding programs and deployment to farms. The global regulatory landscape for products of genome editing is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of countries focusing more on characteristics of products and whether they could be achieved by conventional breeding, rather than the technologies used to create them. The livelihoods of people along the agricultural value chain depend upon countries’ regulatory and policy choices; regulatory approaches and how they are applied have a dramatic impact in determining what products are developed and who can afford to use these new biotechnologies. We need to step forward and continue the momentum towards regulatory approaches that encourage innovation to ensure continued access to a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply for future generations.
International Regulatory Collaboration on the Analysis of Nitrosamines in Metformin-Containing Medicines
Authors: Keire David A. , Bream Robert , Wollein Uwe , Schmaler-Ripcke Jeannette , Burchardt Annette , Conti Massimiliano , Zmysłowski Adam , Keizers Peter , Morin Justin , Poh Jalene , George Mark , Wierer Michael 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Recalls of some batches of metformin have occurred due to the detection of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in amounts above the acceptable intake (AI) of 96 ng per day. Prior to the recalls, an international regulatory laboratory network had been monitoring drugs for nitrosamine impurities with each laboratory independently developing and validating multiple analytical procedures to detect and measure nitrosamines in metformin drugs used in their jurisdictions. Here, we provide an overview of the analysis of metformin active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products with 1090 samples (875 finished dosage forms (FDFs) and 215 API samples) tested beginning in November of 2019 through July of 2020. Samples were obtained internationally by a variety of approaches, including purchased, received from firms via information requests or selected by regional regulatory authorities (either at wholesalers or during GMP inspections). Only one nitrosamine (NDMA) was detected and was only present in some batches of metformin products. For API samples, 213 out of 215 lots tested had no measurable level of NDMA. For FDF samples tested, the number of batches with NDMA above the AI amount for patient safety was 17.8% (156/875). Based on these data, although the presence of NDMA was of concern, 82.2% of the samples of metformin drug products tested met quality and safety standards for patients. Regulatory agencies continue to collaborate extensively and work with marketing authorization holders to understand root causes of nitrosamine formation and agree on corrective actions to mitigate the presence of NDMA in future metformin batches.
Graphical abstract
Dose Escalation Pharmacokinetic Study of Intranasal Atomized Dexmedetomidine in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Grogan Kelly , Thibault Céline , Moorthy Ganesh , Prodell Janice , Nicolson Susan C. , Zuppa Athena 
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:
Atomized intranasal dexmedetomidine is an attractive option when sedation is required for pediatric patients as either premedication or the sole agent for noninvasive, nonpainful procedures. While intranasal dexmedetomidine is used frequently in this population, it is still unclear what dose and time of administration relative to the procedure will result in the optimal effect. Knowledge regarding the maximum concentration (Cmax) and time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) of intranasally administered dexmedetomidine is the first step toward this. The risk of hemodynamic instability caused by increasing doses of dexmedetomidine necessitates a greater understanding of the pharmacokinetics in children.

METHODS:
Sixteen pediatric patients 2 to 6 years of age undergoing elective cardiac catheterization received 2 or 4 μg/kg dexmedetomidine intranasally. Plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with a validated assay. Descriptive noncompartmental analysis provided estimates of peak concentrations and time to reach peak concentrations. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Simulations were performed using the final model to assess dose concentrations with an alternative dosing regimen of 3 µg/kg.

RESULTS:
A median peak plasma concentration of 413 pg/mL was achieved 91 minutes after 2 μg/kg dosing, and a median peak plasma concentration of 1000 pg/mL was achieved 54 minutes after 4 μg/kg dosing. A 1-compartment pharmacokinetic model adequately described the data. Three subjects in the 4 μg/kg dosing cohort achieved a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), defined as a plasma dexmedetomidine concentration >1000 pg/mL. None of these subjects had any significant hemodynamic consequences. Simulations showed that no subjects would experience a level >1000 pg/mL when using a dose of 3 µg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS:
Concentrations associated with adequate sedation can be achieved with intranasal dexmedetomidine doses of 2 to 4 µg/kg in children 2 to 6 years of age. However, 50% of our evaluable subjects in this cohort reached a plasma concentration >1000 pg/mL. Doses of 3 µg/kg may be optimal in this population, with simulated concentrations remaining below this previously established toxicity threshold. Further studies correlating concentrations with efficacy and adverse effects are needed.
Aesthetic development of children
Authors: HAMADA MASATOSHI 
Published: April 2022

Background: The dynamics between conceptualizing art-making and responding to aesthetic phenomena in relation to aesthetic development of children (ADC) are unclear. This study aimed to investigate what facilitates the transition between conceptualizing art-making and responding to aesthetic phenomena in terms of metaphors of life and nature in ADC. Methods: We adopted an ethical methodology prioritizing movement and respecting children’s autonomy toward positive emotions. The participants were eight Japanese children (age range: 7−15 years; 6 girls, 2 boys). They were in the same painting class to ensure nearly identical aesthetic conditions. Results: Four states according to children’s ages were observed in their perceptions of metaphors of life and nature in conscious and unconscious ways in the iterative dynamics between conceptualizing art-making and responding to aesthetic phenomena. Conclusion: Two important findings from systems-oriented perspectives are that emotional communication in art can be theorized, and that the four states of the aesthetic development of children seem to be related to children's age-specific tension-flow rhythms. By making the process of art therapy for ADC, we can expect art therapy and art-based research to be more developmentally appropriate for children.
Malaria prevalence in Commune 5 in Tumaco (Nariño, Colombia)
Authors: Chaparro Narváez Pablo Enrique , Jimenez-Serna Monica Marcela , Gunturiz Albarracin Maria Luz , Carrasquilla Gutierrez Gabriel 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundUrban malaria is a public health problem in Colombia and there is still lack of knowledge about its epidemiological characteristics, which are key to the implementation of control measures. The presence of urban malaria cases and disease diagnosis are some of the challenges faced by malaria elimination programs. The objective of this research was to estimate malaria prevalence, explore associated factors and detectpfhrp2/3genes, in the urban area of Tumaco between July and December 2019.MethodsA prevalence study was conducted by using a stratified random probability sample. Structured surveys were administered and blood samples were taken and examined through optical microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A logistic regression model was used to explore associated factors.Results1,504 people living in 526 households were surveyed. The overall prevalence was 2.97% (95% CI: 2.1 - 4.3%). It was higher in males, in the 10-19 age group and in asymptomatic cases. The prevalence ofpfhrp2amplification was 2.16% (95% CI: 1.6 - 2.9%). Households with three or more people had a higher risk of malaria infection (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) 4.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-10.43). All cases were due toP.falciparum.ConclusionsThe prevalence of urban malaria was low. Strategies to eliminate malaria in urban areas should be adjusted considering access to early diagnosis, asymptomatic infection, and the RDTs used to detect the presence of thepfhrp2gene.
Cost and pollution by the use of xylene in cervical cytology in four Peruvian hospitals
Authors: Moya-Salazar Jeel , Salazar-Hernández Richard , Rojas-Zumaran Victor , Cruz-Gonzales Gloria , Contreras-Pulache Hans 
Published: April 2022

Background: Cytological samples are cleared with xylene in two or three baths during a Pap test, however, this solvent has a high degree of toxicity, and being a controlled reagent infers high costs for its purchase and implications for environmental pollution. We estimated the impact of xylene during the Pap test in terms of the number of liters and cost of two baths of xylene, and also estimated the impact with three baths Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in four hospitals of EsSalud in Peru in two stages. First, the analysis of the impact due to the use of two baths of xylene was conducted during the period 2015–2019, and second, the estimates were calculated based on the assumption of three baths of xylene for the years 2020–2025. The assumption was based on the recommendations of the 2018 EsSalud cytology guideline. The monthly amount of xylene was ~10 liters per bath/month and the cost per liter was estimated at 8.13 USD (27 soles). Results: For the staining of 594,898 cytology tests, 7,848 liters of xylene were necessary, resulting in a cost of 60,861 USD (202,068 soles) during the period 2015–2019. The estimates showed a maximum assumption of 9,483 liters and 77,110 USD (256,040 soles) for the use of three baths of xylene in the four EsSalud hospitals (p = 0.0025) during the period 2020–2025. Conclusions: We determined that there was a high economic impact of using xylene with two baths from 2015 to 2019 and a dramatic increase in costs with the possible use of three baths of xylene in the Pap test for the following five years.
Analysis of the replanting of banana hills with infection by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum philotype II race 2 and economic losses
Authors: Grajales-Amorocho Marly , Acosta-Minoli Cesar , Muñoz-Pizza Dalia , Manrique-Arias Oscar , Muñoz Loaiza Anibal 
Published: April 2022

Background: Moko is a disease caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum philotype II race 2, which has caused great economic losses and continues without proper management. So far there is no treatment to control the disease and the best solution is to avoid the arrival of the bacteria. This is done through strategies for managing the cultivation and eradication of infected plants, since the bacteria have the ability to spread through water, wind, and animals, among others. However, the main form of dispersal is infected planting material (hills). Methods: For this reason, to investigate the dynamics of Moko disease in plantain, a population simulation model with nonlinear ordinary differential equations was presented, with disease prevention and population of susceptible and infected plants and associated economic losses over time. Results: We found that replanting infected hills has a large effect on increasing the incidence of the disease and on production costs, in addition to generating greater economic losses. Both prevention strategies should be implemented in a medium proportion ( f=60% ; g=70%), in order to sustain a reasonable amount of susceptible plants over time. With this, the infected plants tend to be controlled, as well as leading to lower economic losses in general. Conclusion: cultural control strategies in banana Moko disease, such as disinfestation of tools, footwear, weed pruning, among others, are important agronomic practices for disease control, however the identification of infected hills plays an essential role in preventing the spread of the disease.
Determinants of maternal healthcare service utilisation among Indonesian mothers: A population-based study
Authors: Aji Ridwan Setyo , Efendi Ferry , Kurnia Iqlima Dwi , Tonapa Santo Imanuel , Chan Chong-Mei 
Published: April 2022

Background:In Indonesia, maternal health care services are widely available, aiming to improve health and survival among mothers. However, these services remain underutilised, and its determining factor was unknown. This study sought to identify determinant factors of maternal healthcare services utilisation among Indonesian mothers.Methods:This population-based cross-sectional study leveraged the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey data. A total of 12,033 mothers aged from 15 to 49 years who had a live birth in the five years preceding the survey were included in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the determinant factors.Results:Approximately 93.44% of the mothers had adequate antenatal care, 83.73% had a delivery at the healthcare facility, and 71.46% received postnatal care. The mother’s age and household wealth index were the typical determinants of all maternal healthcare services. Determinants of antenatal care visits were husband’s occupational status, the number of children, and access to the healthcare facility. Next, factors that drive mothers’ delivery at the healthcare facility were the mother’s education level, husband’s educational level, and residential area. The use of postnatal care was determined by the mother’s occupational status, husband’s educational level, number of children, wealth index, access to the healthcare facility, and residential area.Conclusions: The utilisation of each maternal healthcare service was determined by various socio-structural and intermediary determinants, but the mother’s age and household wealth index were emerged as the typical determinants of all maternal healthcare services. Providing maternal healthcare services that are adjusted and tuned with these socio determinant factors may ensure that mothers can adequately utilise each service.