bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir is effective and safe in treating patients with hepatitis C and severe renal impairment
Authors: Poustchi Hossein , Majd Jabbari Sara , Merat Shahin , Sharifi Amir‐Houshang , Shayesteh Ali Akbar , Shayesteh Elahe , Minakari Mohammad , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Moini Maryam , Roozbeh Fatemeh , Mansour‐Ghanaei Fariborz , Afshar Behrooz , Mokhtare Marjan , Amiriani Taghi , Sofian Masoomeh , Somi Mohammad‐Hossein , Agah Shahram , Maleki Iradj , Latifnia Maryam , Fattahi Abdizadeh Mojtaba , Hormati Ahmad , Khoshnia Masoud , Sohrabi Masoudreza , Malekzadeh Zeinab , Merat Dorsa , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

Many of the treatment regimens available for hepatitis C include sofosbuvir. Unfortunately, sofosbuvir has not been recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment leaving these group of patients with very few options. Nevertheless, there are many reports in which these patients have been treated with sofosbuvir‐containing regiments without important adverse events. This study aims at determining the safety and effectiveness of a sofosbuvir‐based treatment in patients with severe renal impairment, including those on hemodialysis.

Method

We enrolled subjects with hepatitis C and estimated glomerular filtration rate under ml/min/1.73m2 from 13 centers in Iran. Patients were treated for 12 weeks with a single daily pill containing 400‐mg sofosbuvir and 60‐mg daclatasvir. Patients with cirrhosis were treated for 24 weeks. Response to treatment was evaluated 12 weeks after end of treatment (sustained viral response [SVR]). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03063879.

Results

A total of 103 patients were enrolled from 13 centers. Seventy‐five patients were on hemodialysis. Thirty‐nine had cirrhosis and eight were decompensated. Fifty‐three were Genotype 1, and 27 Genotype 3. Twenty‐seven patients had history of previous failed interferon‐based treatment. Three patients died in which cause of death was not related to treatment. Six patients were lost to follow‐up. The remaining 94 patients all achieved SVR. No adverse events leading to discontinuation of medicine was observed.

Conclusions

The combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir is an effective and safe treatment for patients infected with all genotypes of hepatitis C who have severe renal impairment, including patients on hemodialysis.
Actions, habits and forms of life
Authors: Rueda Garrido Daniel
Published: January 2020

After a survey on the work of prominent philosophers within the Western tradition, it can be noticed a tendency to view habits as automatic, unfree and unconscious behaviour. In this context, this article attempts to show that habits are actually much closer to the characteristics that are otherwise attributed to actions. That is, following the dialectical approach of Sartre, I develop arguments to support that habits are conscious actions carried out with a sense of identification towards the form of life that actions, in turn, project as a whole; in this way, each form of life requires a set of habits that the agent performs freely and rationally, understanding the latter as the dialectical procedure by which the act itself brings about a totalizing identity. This vision implies that habits are interrelated and codependent within a network of social behavior, so they cannot be discarded without discarding the form of life to which they belong. That is, a change of habit requires a change in the totality of which it is a part. But that change can only occur if social agents become aware that their habits are a product of their free acceptance and not of necessity. In the article, this latter is paradigmatically exemplified by neoliberal capitalism as a form of life.
A numerical study of pumping effects on flow velocity distributions in Mosul Dam reservoir using the HEC‐RAS model
Authors: Mohammad Mohammad E. , Al‐Ansari Nadhir , Knutsson Sven , Laue Jan
Published: January 2020

Water flow direction and velocity affect and controls erosion, transport and deposition of sediment in rivers, reservoirs and different hydraulic structures. One of the main structures affected is pumping stations within the dams wherein the velocity distribution near the station intake is disturbed. The two‐dimensional (2‐D) HEC‐RAS 5.01 model was utilized to study, analyse and evaluate the effects of pumping rates and flow depth on the flow velocity distribution, flow stream power and their effects in the Mosul Dam reservoir. The pumping station was considered as a case study. The station is suffering from sediment accumulation around, and in, its intake and suction pipes. The main inflow sources to the reservoir are the Tigris River and run‐off from the valleys within its basin. The reservoir was divided into two parts for the present study, including the upper part near the pumping station (analysed as a two‐dimensional zone), while the lower part was analysed as a one‐dimensional flow to reduce the simulation period computation time (1986–2011). Different operation plans (i.e. pumping rate and water depth) were considered. The results of the depth‐averaged velocity model indicated that when the pumping station was working at a range from the designed full capacity (100% to 25% of its full capacity), the maximum flow velocity increased from 75 to 4 times the normal velocity when there is no pumping dependent on pumping rate and flow depth. For the same operation plans, the flow stream power varied from around zero values to 400 times at full pumping capacity and low flow depth. For sediment routing along the reservoir, the considered statistical criteria indicated the model performance in estimating the total sediment load deposition and invert bed level is much better than in the case of erosion and deposition areas for different considered bed sections of the reservoir.
Acid invertase confers heat tolerance in rice plants by maintaining energy homoeostasis of spikelets
Authors: Jiang Ning , Yu Pinghui , Fu Weimeng , Li Guangyan , Feng Baohua , Chen Tingting , Li Hubo , Tao Longxing , Fu Guanfu
Published: January 2020

Heat stress impairs both pollen germination and pollen tube elongation, resulting in pollination failure caused by energy imbalance. Invertase plays a critical role in the maintenance of energy homoeostasis; however, few studies investigated this during heat stress. Two rice cultivars with different heat tolerance, namely, TLY83 (heat tolerant) and LLY722 (heat susceptible), were subjected to heat stress. At anthesis, heat stress significantly decreased spikelet fertility, accompanied by notable reductions in pollen germination on stigma and pollen tube elongation in ovule, especially in LLY722. Acid invertase (INV), rather than sucrose synthase, contributed to sucrose metabolism, which explains the different tolerances of both cultivars. Under heat stress, larger enhancements in NAD(H), ATP, and antioxidant capacity were found in TLY83 compared with LLY722, whereas a sharp reduction in poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity was found in the former compared with the latter. Importantly, exogenous INV, 3‐aminobenzamide (a PARP inhibitor), sucrose, glucose, and fructose significantly increased spikelet fertility under heat stress, where INV activity was enhanced and PARP activity was inhibited. Therefore, INV can balance the energy production and consumption to provide sufficient energy for pollen germination and pollen tube growth under heat stress.
Genomic sequencing indicates non‐random mating ofVenturia inaequalisin a mixed cultivar orchard
Authors: Passey Thomas A. J. , Armitage Andrew D. , Sobczyk Maria K. , Shaw Michael W. , Xu Xiangming
Published: January 2020

Apple scab is one of the most economically important diseases of apples worldwide. The disease is caused by the haploid ascomyceteVenturia inaequalis. Growing apples in cultivar mixtures may reduce disease severity. To determine how the pathogen population structure is affected by host mixtures we studied 24 V.inaequalisisolates sampled from three different apple cultivars (Bramley, Cox, and Worcester) growing in a mixed orchard approximately 50 years old. The isolates were aligned against a reference genome and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were called between the isolates. The populations isolated from Bramley and Worcester were distinct, while Cox isolates were an admixture. This supports previous tests of the ability of isolates to cross‐infect hosts, and molecular comparisons using simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Genotype‐specific allele (GSA) loci were not distributed randomly across contigs in proportion to contig length, but were clustered. Clustered GSA loci were observed in almost all contigs. This indicates population differentiation across the whole genome, presumably due to lack of crossing‐over events between Bramley and Worcester isolates. This lack is probably due to physical separation effects: sexual mating is more likely to take place and succeed between isolates from lesions on the same leaf than from contact between independently infected leaves in leaf litter on the orchard floor. This would especially be the case if sexual reproduction is initiated before leaf‐fall.
Determination of the Intrinsic Gasification Kinetics of a Bituminous Coal Including Product Gas Inhibition and Char Deactivation Under Entrained Flow Conditions
Authors: Netter Tobias , Geißler Andreas , Spliethoff Hartmut
Published: January 2020

This work provides experimentally obtained data concerning the gasification of bituminous coal under entrained-flow conditions. The main focus lies on the determination of reaction kinetics with and without product gas inhibition as well as on thermal deactivation behavior. For this reason, experiments were carried out in a pressurized high-temperature entrained-flow reactor. The reactor is designed for temperatures of up to 1800 °C and pressures of up to 50 bar. In this study, char samples with different residence times at temperatures between 1200 °C and 1600 °C and a pressure of 10 bar were obtained. Pyrolysis experiments were performed in pure nitrogen, while an O/C ratio of one was selected for the gasification. In addition to ultimate, proximate, and structural analyses of the char samples, e.g., to calculate conversion according to the ash tracer method, intrinsic reaction kinetics of the pyrolysis chars with carbon dioxide and steam were determined in a high-pressure thermogravimetric analyzer. The influence of carbon monoxide inhibition on carbon dioxide gasification and of hydrogen on steam gasification was quantified using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood equation. Further, the deactivation behavior of the pyrolysis chars was analyzed by measuring their reactivities under constant reaction conditions and plotting them as a function of residence time. The presented results give an overview about factors like temperature, pressure, gas composition, and residence time affecting fuel conversion. Furthermore, constants describing the reaction behavior of the fuel were determined, which can be used for future simulation of gasification processes.
Comparative Analysis Between Different Configurations in a Biomass Gasifier and a Genset for Electrical Energy Production
Authors: da Silva Jandemarques Alexandre Soares , de Luna Francisco Everton Tavares , Filho Vicente de Vasconcelos Claudino , Freitas Merques do Nascimento
Published: January 2020

The effect of different gensets coupled to a downdraft, fixed bed gasifier was investigated, pruning residue from five different tree species was used. This gasifier was designed to power a dual (produced gas/diesel) engine, with a maximum power electric generation of 20 kWe. This engine was first replaced by a four-cylinder engine, and later by a six-cylinder diesel engine, which underwent a conversion process for the Otto cycle; it was thus possible to operate the genset only with produced gas. This modification allowed an increase in the produced electric power from 20 kWe to 32 kWe. To operate this engine only with the produced gas, without harming its capacity to generate electric power, it required many modifications, as an increase in motor supply pipe diameter. Also, due to excessive accumulation of ash on the grate that separates the reactor core from the ash deposit, a mechanical system that clears this grate has been installed. This device allows gases produced in the gasification to have a continuous flow through the grate, being manually operated whenever required. In order to evaluate the viability of this new set gasifier/genset, some parameters such as consumption, power output, and system efficiency were studied, and a comparison was made with the data generated by works previously done by the same laboratory team and using the same gasifier.
Measurement and empirical evaluation of acoustic loss in tube with abrupt area change
Authors: Ueda Yuki , Yonemitsu Shunsuke , Ohashi Kenichiro , Okamoto Takuya
Published: January 2020

This study measures the acoustic power loss that occurs when an acoustic wave passes through a tube with an abrupt change in area. It is determined that the power loss is proportional to the third power of the velocity amplitude, and that the proportionality coefficient depends upon the area change ratio of the tube. On the other hand, the proportionality coefficient is almost independent of the acoustic impedance and frequency in the 80–250 Hz range. Furthermore, the effect of a tapered tube in reducing the coefficient is experimentally investigated. Based on these experimental results, an empirical estimation method for the acoustic power loss is proposed and validated using a high-pressure-helium-filled tube.
Antibodies recognizing the C terminus of PP2A catalytic subunit are unsuitable for evaluating PP2A activity and holoenzyme composition
Authors: Frohner Ingrid E. , Mudrak Ingrid , Kronlachner Stephanie , Schüchner Stefan , Ogris Egon
Published: January 2020

C-terminal PP2A antibodies widely used to measure PP2A activity do not immunoprecipitate major PP2A holoenzyme classes.
In Vitro
Susceptibility of Thai Pythium insidiosum Isolates to Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Worasilchai Navaporn , Chindamporn Ariya , Plongla Rongpong , Torvorapanit Pattama , Manothummetha Kasama , Chuleerarux Nipat , Permpalung Nitipong
Published: January 2020

Human pythiosis is a life-threatening human disease caused by
Pythium insidiosum
. In Thailand, vascular pythiosis is the most common form and carries a mortality rate of 10 to 40%, despite aggressive treatment with radical surgery, antifungal agents, and immunotherapy. Itraconazole and terbinafine have been the mainstay of treatment, until recently, based on case report data showing potential synergistic effects against Brazilian
P. insidiosum
isolates. However, the synergistic effects of itraconazole and terbinafine against Thai
P. insidiosum
isolates were not observed.
A Simple Method To Detect Point Mutations in Aspergillus fumigatus
cyp51A
Gene Using a Surveyor Nuclease Assay
Authors: Arai Teppei , Majima Hidetaka , Watanabe Akira , Kamei Katsuhiko
Published: January 2020

One of the main mechanisms of azole resistance of
Aspergillus fumigatus
is thought to be a reduction in the drug’s affinity for the target molecule, Cyp51A, due to its amino acid mutation(s). It is known that the azole resistance pattern is closely related to the mutation site(s) of the molecule. In this study, we tried to develop a simple and rapid detection method for
cyp51A
mutations using the endonuclease Surveyor nuclease. The Surveyor nuclease assay was verified using several azole-resistant strains of
A. fumigatus
that possess point mutations in Cyp51A.
Correlation between Broth Microdilution and Disk Diffusion Results when Testing Ceftazidime-Avibactam against a Challenge Collection of
Enterobacterales
Isolates: Results from a Multilaboratory Study
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Chandrasekaran Sukantha , Trejo Marisol , Fedler Kelley A. , Boyken Linda D. , Diekema Daniel J.
Published: January 2020

We assessed the ceftazidime-avibactam disk diffusion breakpoints that provide the lowest discrepancy error rates by testing an
Enterobacterales
isolate collection with ceftazidime-avibactam MIC values near the breakpoints. Isolates (
n
 = 112) were susceptibility tested by broth microdilution and disk diffusion methods in 3 laboratories. Current disk diffusion breakpoints (≥21/≤20 mm for susceptible/resistant) provided the lowest error rates, but confirmatory MIC testing is indicated for isolates with inhibition zones of 20 to 22 mm.
One Complete and Seven Draft Genome Sequences of Subdivision 1 and 3
Acidobacteria
Isolated from Soil
Authors: Eichorst Stephanie A. , Trojan Daniela , Huntemann Marcel , Clum Alicia , Pillay Manoj , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Varghese Neha , Mikhailova Natalia , Stamatis Dimitrios , Reddy T. B. K. , Daum Chris , Goodwin Lynne A. , Shapiro Nicole , Ivanova Natalia , Kyrpides Nikos , Woyke Tanja , Woebken Dagmar
Published: January 2020

We report eight genomes from representatives of the phylum
Acidobacteria
subdivisions 1 and 3, isolated from soils. The genome sizes range from 4.9 to 6.7 Mb. Genomic analysis reveals putative genes for low- and high-affinity respiratory oxygen reductases, high-affinity hydrogenases, and the capacity to use a diverse collection of carbohydrates.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New
Chickpea Chlorotic Dwarf Virus
Strain Isolated from Tomato in Kenya, Obtained from Illumina Sequencing
Authors: Avedi E. K. , Kilalo C. D. , Olubayo F. M. , Macharia I. , Adediji A. O. , Ateka E. M. , Machuka E. M. , Mutuku J. M.
Published: January 2020

High-throughput sequence analysis revealed the complete genome sequence of a novel, hitherto uncharacterized strain of
Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus
(CpCDV) from tomato plants in Kenya. The sequence shared its highest nucleotide similarity (88.7%) with two CpCDV isolates from Burkina Faso.
Deep Sequencing of Urine Specimens Detects Two BK Polyomavirus Genotypes in a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient
Authors: Van Trang Dinh , Dwyer Dominic E. , Jeoffreys Neisha , Kok Jen , Nankivell Brian J. , Rockett Rebecca J.
Published: January 2020

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is an important pathogen in transplant recipients. We report four draft BKPyV genomes, three of BKPyV genotype I (subtype I-b2) (AUS-105, AUS-106, and AUS-108) and one of genotype II (AUS-107). These draft genomes were identified in longitudinal urine samples collected from a single hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient.
Draft Genome Sequence of Idiomarina sp. Strain W-5T, Isolated from the Andaman Sea
Authors: Deb Sushanta , Das Subrata K.
Published: January 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Idiomarina
sp. strain W-5T, which was isolated from the Andaman Sea. The genome encodes 2,207 proteins. The
Idiomarina
sp. strain W-5T whole-genome sequence will help us to understand the metabolic diversity in marine bacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Legionella longbeachae Serogroup 2 Isolate Derived from a Patient with Legionnaires’ Disease
Authors: Haviernik Jan , Dawson Krista , Anderson Trevor , Murdoch David , Chambers Stephen , Biggs Patrick , Cree Simone , Slow Sandy
Published: January 2020

Legionella longbeachae
is the predominant cause of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) in New Zealand. Although serogroup 2 (sg2) does not contain the most clinically significant strain, it is an important cause of disease. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of an sg2 isolate from a patient who was hospitalized with LD.
Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina
Authors: Jamaer Emily , Liang Zach , Stagg Brendan
Published: January 2020

Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina is a rare gynaecological neoplasm with an aggressive course of disease. Although not many cases have been reported in the literature, its manifestations appear to be fairly consistent. The challenge comes in knowing how to approach this cancer clinically, since information about its staging and treatment is limited. In this report, we present a case of an 84-year-old postmenopausal woman in whom a suspicious vaginal lesion was discovered incidentally during a procedure. Wide local excision was carried out at a later date and histopathology confirmed a malignant melanoma of the vagina contained locally with no radiological finding of distant metastases. No additional treatment was given, and three monthly follow-ups were arranged for this patient. We review the literature and briefly discuss the epidemiology, treatment approaches, prognostic factors and expected outcomes of this rare disease.
Porcine LIF gene polymorphisms and their association with litter size traits in four pig breeds
Authors: Ding Yueyun , Ding Chong , Wu Xudong , Wu Chaodong , Qian Li , Li Dengtao , Zhang Wei , Wang Yuanlang , Yang Min , Wang Li , Ding Jian , Zhang Xiaodong , Gao Yafei , Yin Zongjun
Published: January 2020

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an important productivity-related gene in pigs. We found two polymorphisms — g.6646C>T and g.6988C>T — in exon 3 of LIF in pigs by using DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Three genotypes were obtained and associated with litter size traits in Anqing Six-end-white (AQ), Wei (W), Wannan Black (WNB), and Large White (LW) pigs. At locus g.6646C>T, the g.6646C allele frequency variation was 0.6869 (AQ), 0.7473 (W), 1 (WNB), and 0.6852 (LW). In AQ pigs, sows with the TT genotype had higher total number of piglets born (TNB) and number of piglets born alive (NBA) in the first parity and multiparities (P < 0.01). In W and LW pigs, sows with the CC genotype had higher TNB and NBA in multiparities (P < 0.01). At locus g.6988C>T, the g.6988C allele frequency variation was 1 (AQ), 0.6154 (W), 1 (WNB), and 0.6667 (LW). The CC genotype significantly differed from CT or TT genotypes (P < 0.01) for TNB and NBA in W and LW pigs. Thus, LIF was shown to have a significant influence on litter size. Therefore, g.6646C>T and g.6988C>T loci of LIF could be potential marker-assisted selection tools for improving litter size in pig production.
Effect of blood flow occlusion on corticospinal excitability during sustained low-intensity isometric elbow flexion
Authors: Copithorne D. B. , Rice C. L. , McNeil C. J.
Published: January 2020

Blood flow occlusion (BFO) has been used to study the influence of group III/IV muscle afferents after fatiguing exercise, but it is unknown how BFO-induced activity of these afferents affects motor cortical and motoneuronal excitability during low-intensity exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the acute effect of BFO on peripheral [maximal M wave (Mmax)], spinal [cervicomedullary motor evoked potential (CMEP) normalized to Mmax], and motor cortical [motor evoked potential (MEP) normalized to CMEP] excitability. Nine healthy men completed a sustained isometric contraction of the elbow flexors at 20% of maximal force under three conditions: 1) contractile failure with BFO, 2) a time-matched trial without restriction [free flow (FFiso)], and 3) contractile failure with free flow (FFfail). Time to failure for BFO (and FFiso) were ~80% shorter than that for FFfail ( P < 0.05). For FFfail and FFiso, Mmax area decreased ~17% and ~7%, respectively ( P < 0.05), with no change during BFO. CMEP/Mmax area increased ~226% and ~80% during BFO and FFfail, respectively ( P < 0.05), with no change during FFiso ( P > 0.05). The increase in normalized CMEP area was greater for BFO and FFfail compared with FFiso and for BFO compared with FFfail. MEP/CMEP area was not different among the protocols ( P > 0.05) and increased ~64% with time ( P < 0.05). It is likely that group III/IV muscle afferent feedback to the spinal cord modulates the large increase in motoneuronal excitability for the BFO compared with FFfail and FFiso protocols.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have observed how blood flow occlusion modulates motor cortical, spinal, and peripheral excitability during and immediately after a sustained low-intensity isometric elbow flexion contraction to failure. We conclude that blood flow occlusion causes a greater and more rapid increase in motoneuronal excitability.
A Retrospective Study on Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection in Patients with Intracranial Cerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Mu Jingsong , Ni Chaomin , Wu Ming , Fan Wenxiang , Liu Zheng , Xu Fengjuan , Liu Lei
Published: January 2020

Objective. This study aimed to explore the risk factors of urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with intracranial cerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Design. This is a retrospective study, and a total of 77 patients with ICH consecutively admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China) during the period of August 2015 to August 2017 were included. The patients were divided into an UTI group (24 cases) and a non‐UTI group (53 cases); patients with UTI were diagnosed according to clinical manifestations, recent urinary routines, and urine culture results. The following information in these two groups was recorded: age, sex, course of disease, side of paralysis, location and type of cerebral hemorrhage, disturbance of consciousness or not, the Brunnstrom stage of paralysed lower limbs, number of basic diseases, whether there were complications (tracheotomy, retention catheterization, pulmonary infection, pressure sore, deep venous thrombosis, etc.), whether rehabilitation interventions were conducted, blood routine, biochemistry index, DIC complete set, urine routine, and urine culture data. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to examine the risk factors of UTI in patients with ICH. Results. Univariate analysis showed that age, side of paralysis, disturbance of consciousness, the Brunnstrom stage of lower limbs, tracheotomies, retention catheterization, pulmonary infection, leukocyte count, neutrophil proportion, sodium, uric acid, D‐dimer, and fibrinogen may be related to UTI in patients with ICH (P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that age (OR (95% CI) = 1.207 (1.022–1.424), P = 0.026), right‐sided paralysis (OR (95% CI) = 0.20 (0.001–0.650), P = 0.028), and D‐dimer (OR (95% CI) = 1.403 (1.003–1.961), P = 0.048) were associated with UTI in ICH patients. Conclusions. Increased age and high D‐dimer are independent risk factors for UTI in patients with ICH, while right‐sided paralysis is a protective factor for UTI in patients with ICH.
Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth and Schistosoma mansoni Infection and Their Associated Factors among Hiruy Abaregawi Primary School Children, Rural Debre Tabor, North West Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Workineh Lemma , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Damtie Shewaneh , Andualem Tesfaye , Dessie Bizualem
Published: January 2020

Background. In Ethiopia, 25.3 and 12.3 million school-age children are living in soil-transmitted helminth and schistosomiasis endemic areas, respectively. The school children are at risk for both soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni due to juvenile activities like walking barefoot, playing with dirty objects that might be contaminated with feces, and fetching of unclean water for drinking. There are no data that indicate the status of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni among children at Hiruy Abaregawi primary school. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth and Schistosoma mansoni infection among Hiruy Abaregawi primary school children. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2019, at Hiruy Abaregawi primary school, Rural Debre Tabor, North West Ethiopia. A total of 340 students were included in the study. Informed written consent was obtained from the children’s parent. Systematic sampling technique was used to select the children. About 2 grams of stool samples was collected and transported to Debre Tabor University Microbiology and Parasitology Teaching Laboratory to conduct the Kato-Katz technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Variables with a p value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was 51/340 (15%). Among the identified parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides accounts for 28 (8.2%), hookworm 13 (3.8%), Trichuris trichiura 4 (1.2%), and Schistosoma mansoni 6 (1.8%). In this study, 24 (7%) of Ascaris lumbricoides-, 11 (3.2%) of hookworm-, 4 (1.2%) of Trichuris trichiura-, and 5 (1.5%) of Schistosoma mansoni-infected children showed light infections and no heavy infection in both soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was observed. Finger nail trimming status, hand washing before eating, availability of toilet at home, educational level of students, and sex of students were factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection. Conclusion and Recommendations. In this study, the low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was observed. The combination of regular mass deworming program and health information on risk factors should be strengthened for the prevention and control of soil-transmitted helminth infection.
Effect of Root Restriction on the Growth, Photosynthesis Rate, and Source and Sink Relationship of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Grown in Soilless Culture
Authors: Zakaria Nurul Idayu , Ismail Mohd Razi , Awang Yahya , Megat Wahab Puteri Edaroyati , Berahim Zulkarami
Published: January 2020

Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) plant is a high economic value vegetable in Malaysia, cultivated in soilless culture containers. In soilless culture, the adoption of small container sizes to optimize the volume of the growing substrate could potentially reduce the production cost, but will lead to a reduction of plant growth and yield. By understanding the physiological mechanism of the growth reduction, several potential measures could be adopted to improve yield under restricted root conditions. The mechanism of growth reduction of plants subjected to root restriction remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine the physiological mechanism of growth reduction of root‐restricted chilli plants grown in polyvinyl‐chloride (PVC) column of two different volumes, 2392 cm3 (root‐restricted) and 9570 cm3 (control) in soilless culture. Root restriction affected plant growth, physiological process, and yield of chilli plants. Root restriction reduced the photosynthesis rate and photochemical activity of PSII, and increased relative chlorophyll content. Limited root growth in root restriction caused an accumulation of high levels of sucrose in the stem and suggested a transition of the stem as a major sink organ for photoassimilate. Growth reduction in root restriction was not related to limited carbohydrate production, but due to the low sink demand from the roots. Reduction of the total yield per plant about, 23% in root restriction was concomitant, with a slightly increased harvest index which reflected an increased photoassimilate partitioning to the fruit production and suggested more efficient fruits production in the given small plant size of root restriction.
Whole‐Genome Resequencing of Twenty Branchiostoma belcheri Individuals Provides a Brand‐New Variant Dataset for Branchiostoma
Authors: Bi Changwei , Lu Na , Han Tingyu , Huang Zhen , Chen J.-Y. , He Chunpeng , Lu Zuhong
Published: January 2020

As the extant representatives of the basal chordate lineage, amphioxi (including the genera Branchiostoma, Asymmetron and Epigonichthys) play important roles in tracing the state of chordate ancestry. Previous studies have reported that members of the Branchiostoma species have similar morphological phenotypic characteristics, but in contrast, there are high levels of genetic polymorphisms in the populations. Here, we resequenced 20 Branchiostomabelcheri genomes to an average depth of approximately 12.5X using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. In this study, over 52 million variations (~12% of the total genome) were detected in the B. belcheri population, and an average of 12.8 million variations (~3% of the total genome) were detected in each individual, confirming that Branchiostoma is one of the most genetically diverse species sequenced to date. Demographic inference analysis highlighted the role of historical global temperature in the long‐term population dynamics of Branchiostoma, and revealed a population expansion at the Greenlandian stage of the current geological epoch. We detected 594 Single nucleotide polymorphism and 148 Indels in the Branchiostoma mitochondrial genome, and further analyzed their genetic mutations. A recent study found that the epithelial cells of the digestive tract in Branchiostoma can directly phagocytize food particles and convert them into absorbable nontoxic nutrients using powerful digestive and immune gene groups. In this study, we predicted all potential mutations in intracellular digestion‐associated genes. The results showed that most “probably damaging” mutations were related to rare variants (MAF < 0.05) involved in strengthening or weakening the intracellular digestive capacity of Branchiostoma. Due to the extremely high number of polymorphisms in the Branchiostoma genome, our analysis with a depth of approximately 12.5X can only be considered a preliminary analysis. However, the novel variant dataset provided here is a valuable resource for further investigation of phagocytic intracellular digestion in Branchiostoma and determination of the phenotypic and genotypic features of Branchiostoma.
An Approach for Reconstructing Applications to Develop Container-Based Microservices
Authors: Park Joonseok , Kim Daeho , Yeom Keunhyuk
Published: January 2020

Microservices are small-scale services that can operate independently. An application consisting of microservice units can be developed independently as a service unit, and it can handle individual logic without being affected by other services. In addition, it is possible to rapidly distribute the configured microservices by a container, and a container orchestration technology that manages the distributed multiple containers can be realized; thus, it is possible to update and distribute the microservices separately. Therefore, many companies are moving away from existing monolithic structures and attempting to switch to microservices. In this paper, we present a method for reconstructing a monolithic application into a container-based microservice unit. The microservices of data units are derived through the collection and analysis of monolithic design data. Furthermore, we propose a method to generate a template script based on deployment design data so that the derived microservice and support distribution can be implemented in a container environment. The results of a case study conducted verified that the container-based microservices deployed in this study work properly. In addition, for the development of monolithic applications and the development of container-based microservices presented in this paper, we confirmed that developing on the basis of microservices is efficient by conducting execution time performance evaluation for API calls at various iterations. Finally, we show that microservices constructed using the proposed method have higher reusability than those constructed using existing methods.
Adaptive Observer-Based Output Feedback Control for Two-Wheeled Self-Balancing Robot
Authors: Jmel Ines , Dimassi Habib , Hadj Said Salim , M’Sahli Faouzi
Published: January 2020

In this paper, an output feedback control approach based on an adaptive observer is developed for the two-wheeled self-balancing robot subject to unknown parameters (with nonlinear parameterization). Firstly, a high gain control method with state feedback is proposed. Then, an adaptive observer is designed to estimate the unknown state and the unknown body mass of the robot which influences the height of the center of mass. Next, the adaptive observer is combined with the designed high gain controller: a Lyapunov-based stability analysis of the closed loop system is developed to establish the convergence of the tracking error as well as estimation and adaptation errors. Simulation results assert the performance of the developed tracking control scheme for the two-wheeled self-balancing robot subject to mass variation.
Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Mukuku Olivier , Nawej Pascal , Bugeme Marcellin , Nduu Frank , Mawaw Paul Makan , Luboya Oscar Numbi
Published: January 2020

Background. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, but the majority of epilepsy patients in sub-Saharan countries do not receive appropriate treatment. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in Lubumbashi, very few epidemiological studies on epilepsy have emerged. This study aims to analyze demographic characteristics, semiology of epileptic seizures, and their etiologies in patients followed in hospital. Methods. This is a prospective descriptive study that enrolled 177 epileptic patients who performed a neurological consultation at the Centre Médical du Centre Ville (CMDC) in Lubumbashi (DRC) from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Results. The mean age of the patients was 20.0 years (range: 5 months and 86 years). The male sex was predominant (57.1%). The mean age at the seizure onset was 13.1 years, and the mean duration between onset of seizures and consultation was 83.5 months. The family history of epilepsy was present in 27.7%. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most frequent (58.2%), followed by atonic generalized seizures (9.6%) and focal clonic seizures (8.5%). The etiology was found in 68 (38.4%) patients and was dominated by neurocysticercosis (26.5%), meningitis (25%), perinatal pathologies (20.6%), and head injury (20.6%). Conclusion. This study is a useful starting point from which health programs and health professionals can work to improve the diagnosis and quality of epilepsy management in our community.
Diagnostic Value of TLE1 in Synovial Sarcoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: El Beaino Marc , Jupiter Daniel C. , Assi Tarek , Rassy Elie , Lazar Alexander J. , Araujo Dejka M. , Lin Patrick P.
Published: January 2020

Background. Synovial sarcoma can present morphologically in multiple forms, including biphasic and monophasic subtypes. As a result, the histological diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. Transducin-Like Enhancer 1 (TLE1) is a transcriptional corepressor that normally is involved in embryogenesis and hematopoiesis but is also expressed in certain tumors. This systematic review examines the potential role of TLE1 as a diagnostic biomarker for the synovial sarcoma. Materials and Methods. A literature review and meta-analysis were conducted using the electronic databases Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Thirteen studies met our eligibility criteria and were selected for in-depth analysis. Results. The mean sensitivity and specificity of TLE1 in detecting synovial sarcoma were 94% (95% CI 91%–97%) and 81% (95% CI 72%–91%), respectively, when all studies were aggregated together. The mean positive predictive value (PPV) of TLE1 was 75% (95% CI 62%–87%), whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI 93%–98%). Conclusion. TLE1 is a sensitive and specific marker for synovial sarcoma that can aid in its diagnosis. Due to its involvement in several relevant signaling pathways, TLE1 might have direct relevance to the pathophysiology of the disease.
Association of Serum Uric Acid Concentration and Its Change with Cardiovascular Death and All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Dong Ze-Xuan , Tian Ming , Li Hua , Wu Yang , Du Xing-Guo , Dong Jun-Wu , Xiao Hui-Hui , Dong Li-Ping , Song Xiao-Hong
Published: January 2020

Objective. There is no consensus on the role of abnormal uric acid (UA) levels in the prognosis of patients undergoing hemodialysis. We therefore aimed to investigate the effects of changes in UA concentration on the risk of all-cause death and cardiac death in such patients. Method. In this retrospective cohort study, patients admitted to two hemodialysis centers performing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in Wuhan First Hospital and Fourth Hospital Hemodialysis Center from January 1, 2007, to October 31, 2017, were included. Results. In all, 325 patients undergoing MHD aged 59.7±14.7 years, including 195 men (60%), were enrolled, with a median follow-up of 37 months. Serum UA (p<0.001) was significantly higher in the surviving group than in the death group. No significant difference was found in UA variability (p=0.193) between the two groups. Patients were assigned Quartile 1-Quartile 4 (from lowest to highest) based on serum UA levels. A total of 45 of 81 (55.6%) patients in Quartile 1 experienced all-cause death; 19 of 82 (23.2%) in Quartile 4 had all-cause mortality (OR, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1 to 0.5; p for trend<0.001). 25 of 81 (30.9%) in Quartile 1 had cardiac death; and 11 of 82 (13.4%) in Quartile 4 had cardiac death (OR, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 0.8; p for trend=0.003). After adjusting for age, primary renal disease, vascular access, serum albumin, and UA variability, the OR values and 95% CI for all-cause death and cardiac death were 0.3 and 0.1-0.7 (p=0.001) and 0.6 and 0.2-1.4 (p=0.101), respectively. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that UA concentration and its changes combined with age had a good predictive value for all-cause mortality in patients undergoing MHD (AUC=0.7517, 95% CI: 0.6677-0.811, p=0.0245). However, the predictive value of cardiac death was not improved (AUC=0.7394, 95% CI: 0.6677-0.811, p=0.2194). Conclusion. Low UA levels were closely related to all-cause mortality in patients undergoing MHD. Although UA levels had no significant effect on cardiac death, they had a good predictive value for long-term prognosis in patients on MHD.
L vs. LCL Filter for Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter: A Reliability Study
Authors: Villanueva Ignacio , Vázquez Nimrod , Vaquero Joaquín , Hernández Claudia , López Héctor , Osorio Rene
Published: January 2020

The increasing use of photovoltaic systems entails the use of new technologies to improve the efficiency and power quality of the grid. System performance is constantly increasing, but its reliability decreases due to factors such as the uncontrolled operation, the quality of the design and quantity of components, and the use of nonlinear loads that may lead to distortion in the signal, which directly affects the life of the system globally. This article presents an analysis of the reliability of a single-phase full-bridge inverter for active power injection into the grid, which considers the inverter stage with its coupling stage. A comparison between an L filter and an LCL filter, which comprise the coupling stage, is made. Reliability prediction is based on metrics, failure rate, mean time between failures, and total harmonic distortion. The analysis and numerical simulation are performed. Finally, filter considerations are suggested to extend the reliability of the inverter in a photovoltaic system.
Fabrication and Electrochemical Behavior Investigation of a Pt-Loaded Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite (Pt@rGO) as a High-Performance Cathode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Le Viet Hai , Nguyen Thai Hoang , Nguyen Huu Hieu , Huynh Le Thanh Nguyen , Vo An Le , Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyet , Nguyen Duc Thinh , Lam Vinh Quang
Published: January 2020

A platinum-reduced graphene oxide thin film composite (Pt@rGO, 100 nm) was prepared on a fluorine-doped tin oxide- (FTO-) coated glass substrate by a screen printing method using a Pt@rGO screen printing paste (0.12% Pt;Pt/rGO=1.5 w/w). The as-prepared electrode (denoted as Pt@rGO/FTO) was used as the cathode for the assembly of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). It showed a well-dispersed and high loading of Pt on rGO surface with a particle size distributed around 10 nm. The redox behavior of ferrocene was performed at Pt/FTO, Pt@rGO/FTO, and rGO/FTO electrodes by a cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. The kinetic parameters, in particular, the standard reduction potential (E0, V), the transfer coefficient (α), the heterogeneous rate constant (k0, cm·s-1), and the diffusion coefficient (D, cm2s-1), were determined by CV data treatment using convolution-deconvolution and fitting methods. The values ofE0,α,k0, andDat Pt@rGO/FTO electrode were, respectively, 326 mV, 0.471, 3.33 cm·s-1, and 4.19 cm2·s-1, equivalent to those of Pt/FTO electrode (340 mV, 0.474, 3.18 cm·s-1, and 4.19 cm2·s-1). The Pt@rGO/FTO electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity compared to that of Pt thin film (Pt/FTO electrode) prepared from Pt commercial paste. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constantk0(cm·s-1) for I3-/I-at Pt@rGO/FTO is 1.3 times faster than that at Pt/FTO. The energy conversion efficiency of the DSSCs assembled from Pt@rGO-DSSC cathode reached 7.0%, an increase of 20.7% over the commercial Pt-based cathode (Pt-DSSC, 5.8%). The rGO component in the Pt@rGO composite plays two important roles: (i) facilitating the electron transfer between Pt NPs catalyst and the FTO substrate via the bandgap effect and (ii) the enlargement catalytic surface area of Pt NPs via the loading effect. The rGO material has, therefore, potential to replace the Pt content and improve the performance of the DSSC device.
Rational Cohomology Algebra of Mapping Spaces between Complex Grassmannians
Authors: Otieno Paul Antony , Gatsinzi Jean Baptiste , Onyango-Otieno Vitalis
Published: January 2020

We consider the complex Grassmannian Grk,n of k-dimensional subspaces of ℂn. There is a natural inclusion in,r:Grk,n↪Grk,n+r. Here, we use Sullivan models to compute the rational cohomology algebra of the component of the inclusion in,r in the space of mappings from Grk,n to Grk,n+r for r≥1 and in particular to show that the cohomology of mapGrn,k,Grn,k+r;in,r contains a truncated algebra ℚx/xr+n+k2−nk, where x=2, for k≥2 and n≥4.
A Novel GUCY2C-CD3 T-Cell Engaging Bispecific Construct (PF-07062119) for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Mathur Divya , Root Adam R. , Bugaj-Gaweda Bozena , Bisulco Stephanie , Tan Xingzhi , Fang Wei , Kearney Jessica C. , Lucas Justin , Guffroy Magali , Golas Jonathan , Rohde Cynthia M. , Stevens Chad , Kamperschroer Cris , Kelleher Kerry , Lawrence-Henderson Rosemary F. , Upeslacis Erik , Yao Johnny , Narula Jatin , LaVallie Edward R. , Fernandez Diane R. , Buetow Bernard S. , Rosfjord Edward , Bloom Laird , King Lindsay E. , Tchistiakova Lioudmila , Nguyen Anhco , Sapra Puja
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

Gastrointestinal cancers remain areas of high unmet need despite advances in targeted and immunotherapies. Here, we demonstrate potent, tumor-selective efficacy with PF-07062119, a T-cell engaging CD3 bispecific targeting tumors expressing Guanylyl Cyclase C (GUCY2C), which is expressed widely across colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies. In addition, to address immune evasion mechanisms, we explore combinations with immune checkpoint blockade agents and with antiangiogenesis therapy.

Experimental Design:

PF-07062119 activity was evaluated in vitro in multiple tumor cell lines, and in vivo in established subcutaneous and orthotopic human colorectal cancer xenograft tumors with adoptive transfer of human T cells. Efficacy was also evaluated in mouse syngeneic tumors using human CD3ϵ transgenic mice. IHC and mass cytometry were performed to demonstrate drug biodistribution, recruitment of activated T cells, and to identify markers of immune evasion. Combination studies were performed with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-VEGF antibodies. Toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies were done in cynomolgus macaque.

Results:

We demonstrate that GUCY2C-positive tumors can be targeted with an anti-GUCY2C/anti-CD3ϵ bispecific, with selective drug biodistribution to tumors. PF-07062119 showed potent T-cell–mediated in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy in multiple colorectal cancer human xenograft tumor models, including KRAS- and BRAF-mutant tumors, as well as in the immunocompetent mouse syngeneic tumor model. PF-07062119 activity was further enhanced when combined with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment or in combination with antiangiogenic therapy. Toxicity studies in cynomolgus indicated a monitorable and manageable toxicity profile.

Conclusions:

These data highlight the potential for PF-07062119 to demonstrate efficacy and improve patient outcomes in colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies.