bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P2857Implantable cardioverter defibrillator and pacemaker lead extraction: is it safe to do it again?
Authors: Cubberley A , Sharedalal P , Shah N , Essilfie G , Burkman G , Saltzman H E , Kutalek S P
Published: October 2019

Background/Introduction

There are growing numbers of transvenous implantable devices for patients requiring permanent pacemakers (PPM) as well as Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD). As such, there has been a concomitant increased need for lead extraction. Lead extraction is associated with increased morbidity and mortality (Hamid, 2010). Comparative outcomes of repeat lead extraction are not extensively studied.

Purpose

We compared demographics as well as major and minor adverse outcomes in patients undergoing first time vs. repeat lead extraction procedures.

Methods

In our single center study, 1278 extractions took place between January 2004 and December of 2018. Of these 1177 patients underwent PPM or ICD lead extraction for the first time; 101 patients underwent repeat extractions. Baseline characteristics including gender, history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, hypertension (HTN), systolic heart failure (HF) defined as ejection fraction <40%, hyperlipidemia (HLD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and coronary artery disease (CAD) were evaluated using chi-squared analysis. Adverse events, as defined by the 2017 HRS Expert Consensus Statement on Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Lead Management and Extraction, were identified as major complications (death, cardiac arrest, cardiac perforation, coronary venous dissection, pericardial tamponade, or urgent cardiac surgery), and minor complications (coronary sinus dissection, pneumothorax, pocket bleeding requiring drainage, worsening tricuspid valve function, vegetation embolization, venous thrombosis, requirement of blood transfusion or lead migration).

Results

Comparing first time extractions vs repeat extractions, there was no significant difference in proportion of patients of female gender (32.4% vs. 28.3%, p=0.412), patients with prior CABG (23.0 vs. 23.4%, p=0.227), HTN (66.0% vs. 62.2%, p=0.462), HF (52.3% vs. 62.0%), HLD (39.6% vs 39.7%, p=0.682), DM (35.3% vs. 30.8%, p=0.387), or CAD (55.9% vs 56.0%, p=0.978). There was no significant difference in major complications (1.4% vs. 1.0%, p=0.749) and minor complications (3.5% vs 4.1%, p=0.741).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing repeat lead extractions showed very similar baseline demographics compared to first time lead extractions. Repeat extractions did not have increased rates of major or minor complications.
Antithrombotic treatment for newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in relation to patient age: the GLORIA-AF registry programme
Authors: Mazurek Michał , Halperin Jonathan L , Huisman Menno V , Diener Hans-Christoph , Dubner Sergio J , Ma Chang Sheng , Rothman Kenneth J , Healey Jeff S , Teutsch Christine , Paquette Miney , França Lionel Riou , Lu Shihai , Bartels Dorothee B , Lip Gregory Y H
Published: October 2019

Aims

To assess antithrombotic therapy choices in relation to patient age in a large, global registry on atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results

Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (GLORIA-AF) is an international programme involving patients with newly diagnosed AF and ≥1 risk factors for stroke. We used Phase II data (from November 2011 through December 2014), which commenced immediately following first non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) approval in participating countries. Of 15 092 patients (mean age 70.5 ± 11.0 years), enrolled at 982 centres, 26.9% were aged <65 years, 33.9% 65–74, 30.5% 75–84, and 8.6% ≥85 years old. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) use was 73.5%, 81.4%, 83.3%, and 82.3% (overall NOACs use was 44.4%, 49.7%, 48.7%, and 45.6%) for those aged <65, 65–74, 75–84 and ≥85 years, respectively. Corresponding proportions for antiplatelet monotherapy and no treatment were: 16.2% and 10.2%; 11.2% and 7.3%; 10.0% and 6.5%; 10.5% and 7.0%, respectively. Of those aged 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years, respectively, 83.7, 86.8 and 85.4% received OAC unless bleeding risk was high (HAS-BLED ≥3), whereby 64.1%, 63.5%, and 64.5% were anticoagulated, and 31.1%, 30.3%, and 31.3% received antiplatelets only. Of patients ≥85 years, OAC use was 88.1% in Europe (NOAC 45.1%), 79.5% in North America (NOAC 44.8%), and 54.1% in Asia (NOAC 40.2%).

Conclusion

Despite geographic differences in OAC use, neither OAC nor NOAC uptake was lower for patients ≥85 years old compared with younger patients. Although the majority of patients was prescribed OAC at all ages, nearly one-third received antiplatelet monotherapy when bleeding risk was increased.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01468701
Amplified sinus-P-wave reveals localization and extent of left atrial low-voltage substrate: implications for arrhythmia freedom following pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Müller-Edenborn Björn , Chen Juan , Allgeier Jürgen , Didenko Maxim , Moreno-Weidmann Zoraida , Neumann Franz-Josef , Lehrmann Heiko , Weber Reinhold , Arentz Thomas , Jadidi Amir
Published: October 2019

Aims 

Presence of arrhythmogenic left atrial (LA) low-voltage substrate (LVS) is associated with reduced arthythmia freedom rates following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that LA-LVS modifies amplified sinus-P-wave (APW) characteristics, enabling identification of patients at risk for arrhythmia recurrences following PVI.

Methods and results 

Ninety-five patients with persistent AF underwent high-density (>1200 sites) voltage mapping in sinus rhythm. Left atrial low-voltage substrate (<0.5 and <1.0 mV) was quantified in a 10-segment LA model. Amplified sinus-P-wave-morphology and -duration were evaluated using digitized 12-lead electrocardiograms (40–80 mm/mV, 100–200 mm/s). 12-months arrhythmia freedom following circumferential PVI was assessed in 139 patients with persistent AF. Left atrial low-voltage substrate was most frequently (84%) found at the anteroseptal LA. Characteristic changes of APW were related to the localization and extent of LA-LVS. At an early stage, LA-LVS predominantly located to the LA-anteroseptum and was associated with APW-prolongation (≥150 ms). More extensive LA-LVS involved larger areas of LA-anteroseptum, leading to morphological changes of APW (biphasic positive–negative P-waves in inferior leads). Severe LA-LVS involved the LA-anteroseptum, roof and posterior LA, but spared the inferior LA, lateral LA, and LA appendage. In this advanced stage, widespread LVS at the posterior LA abolished the negative portion of P-wave in the inferior leads. The delayed activation of the lateral LA and LA appendage produced the late positive deflections in the anterolateral leads, resulting in the “late-terminal P”-pattern. Structured analysis of APW-duration and -morphology stratified patients to their individual extent of LA-LVS (Grade 1: mean LA-LVS 4.9 cm2 at <1.0 mV; Grade 2: 28.6 cm2; Grade 3: 42.3 cm2; P < 0.01). The diagnostic value of APW-duration for identification of LA-LVS was significantly superior to standard P-wave-amplification (c-statistic 0.945 vs. 0.647). Arrhythmia freedom following PVI differed significantly between APW-predicted grades of LA-LVS-severity [hazard ratio (HR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–4.83; P = 0.015 for Grade 1 vs. Grade 2; HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.00–3.21, P = 0.049 for Grade 2 vs. Grade 3). Arrhythmia freedom 12 months after PVI was 77%, 53%, and 33% in Grades 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

Conclusion 

Localization and extent of LA-LVS modifies APW-morphology and -duration. Analysis of APW allows accurate prediction of LA-LVS and enables rapid and non-invasive estimation of arrhythmia freedom following PVI.
Ethical aspects of digital health from a justice point of view
Authors: Brall Caroline , Schröder-Bäck Peter , Maeckelberghe Els
Published: October 2019

Digital health is transforming healthcare systems worldwide. It promises benefits for population health but might also lead to health inequities. From an ethical perspective, it is hence much needed to adopt a fair approach. This article aims at outlining chances and challenges from an ethical perspective, focusing especially on the dimension of justice—a value, which has been described as the core value for public health. Analysed through the lenses of a standard approach for health justice—Norman Daniels’ account of just health and accountability for reasonableness—most recent and relevant literature was reviewed and challenges from a justice point of view were identified. Among them are challenges with regard to digital illiteracy, resulting inequities in access to healthcare, truthful information sharing to end users demanding fully informed consent, dignity and fairness in storage, access, sharing and ownership of data. All stakeholders involved bear responsibilities to shape digital health in an ethical and fair way. When all stakeholders, especially digital health providers and regulators, ensure that digital health interventions are designed and set up in an ethical and fair way and foster health equity for all population groups, there is a chance for this transformation resulting in a fair approach to digital health.
Phylogenetic complexities of the members of Rivulariaceae with the re-creation of the family Calotrichaceae and description of Dulcicalothrix necridiiformans gen nov., sp nov., and reclassification of Calothrix desertica
Authors: Saraf Aniket , Suradkar Archana , Dawda Himanshu G , Gaysina Lira A , Gabidullin Yunir , Kumat Ankita , Behere Isha , Kotulkar Manasi , Batule Priyanka , Singh Prashant
Published: October 2019

A freshwater dwelling, tapering, heterocytous cyanobacterium (strain V13) was isolated from an oligotrophic pond in the Shrirampur taluka, Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra in India. Initial morphological examination indicated that strain V13 belonged to the genus Calothrix. Subsequent molecular and phylogenetic assessment based on 16S rRNA gene, led us to describe the freshwater/terrestrial clade of Calothrix strains without terminal hairs as a new genus Dulcicalothrix gen. nov., with the type species Dulcicalothrix necridiiformans sp. nov. (Strain V13) on the basis of the necridia forming ability of the strain. Also, the 16S-23S ITS secondary structure analysis clearly differentiated strain V13 from the other members of the clade. Past studies and the current state of knowledge makes it imperative to separate the groups Calothrix (marine/freshwater Calothrix), Macrochaete and Dulcicalothrix (freshwater/terrestrial Calothrix) into separate genera in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants. Robust phylogenetic evidence and previous reports strongly support the re-erection of the family Calotrichaceae distinct from the existing family Rivulariaceae.
Low-frequency layer-induced kinematic parameters in transversely isotropic media and orthorhombic media
Authors: Shuai Da , Stovas Alexey
Published: October 2019

We develop a method to compute frequency-dependent kinematic parameters for an effective orthorhombic (ORT) medium. In order to investigate the influence of fracture weaknesses on the kinematic parameters, the effective ORT medium is composed based on the linear slip theory and derived by applying the limited Baker–Campbell–Hausdorff series. The frequency-dependent kinematic parameters including vertical velocity, two normal moveout velocities defined in vertical symmetry planes, and three anelliptic parameters (two of them are defined in vertical symmetry plane and one parameter is the cross-term one). We also investigate the influence of volume fraction, frequency, velocity ratio and fracture weaknesses on the effective kinematic parameters.
BRCA1 mislocalization leads to aberrant DNA damage response in heterozygous ABRAXAS1 mutation carrier cells
Authors: Bose Muthiah , Sachsenweger Juliane , Laurila Niina , Parplys Ann Christin , Willmann Jonas , Jungwirth Johannes , Groth Marco , Rapakko Katrin , Nieminen Pentti , Friedl Thomas W P , Heiserich Lisa , Meyer Felix , Tuppurainen Hanna , Peltoketo Hellevi , Nevanlinna Heli , Pylkäs Katri , Borgmann Kerstin , Wiesmüller Lisa , Winqvist Robert , Pospiech Helmut
Published: October 2019

Whilst heterozygous germline mutations in the ABRAXAS1 gene have been associated with a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer, their effect on promoting tumourigenesis at the cellular level has not been explored. Here, we demonstrate in patient-derived cells that the Finnish ABRAXAS1 founder mutation (c.1082G>A, Arg361Gln), even in the heterozygous state leads to decreased BRCA1 protein levels as well as reduced nuclear localization and foci formation of BRCA1 and CtIP. This causes disturbances in basal BRCA1-A complex localization, which is reflected by a restraint in error-prone DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway usage, attenuated DNA damage response and deregulated G2-M checkpoint control. The current study clearly demonstrates how the Finnish ABRAXAS1 founder mutation acts in a dominant-negative manner on BRCA1 to promote genome destabilisation in heterozygous carrier cells.
Recurrence of Crohn’s Disease After Small Bowel Transplantation: Fact or Fiction
Authors: Fahad Hamma , Abu-Elmagd Kareem , Lashner Bret , Fiocchi Claudio
Published: October 2019

Small bowel transplant is an acceptable procedure for intractable Crohn’s disease (CD). Some case reports and small series describe the apparent recurrence of CD in the transplanted bowel. This commentary discusses evidence in favor of and against this alleged recurrence and argues that a molecular characterization is needed to prove or disprove that inflammation emerging in the transplanted bowel is a true recurrence of the original CD.
Mucosal Eosinophilia Is an Independent Predictor of Vedolizumab Efficacy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Kim Erin M , Randall Cara , Betancourt Renee , Keene Staci , Lilly Amy , Fowler Mark , Dellon Evan S , Herfarth Hans H
Published: October 2019

Background

Peripheral and mucosal eosinophilia may be associated with more aggressive disease in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Vedolizumab blocks T lymphocytes, eosinophil adhesion, and extravasation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is not known if mucosal eosinophilia is a predictor for the therapeutic efficacy of vedolizumab.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of IBD patients with ileal or colonic biopsies who were off steroids before starting vedolizumab. Biopsies were rereviewed by pathologists, and mean eosinophil density was quantified. Patient characteristics and steroid-free clinical response 6 months after beginning vedolizumab were determined. Features were compared between nonresponders and responders, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of clinical response.

Results

Of 251 IBD patients starting vedolizumab therapy, 65 patients (48% Crohn’s disease, 52% ulcerative colitis) met inclusion criteria. All IBD patients not responding to vedolizumab were more likely to have a higher baseline mean eosinophil count (340 ± 156 vs 236 ± 124; P = 0.004), be previously exposed to an anti-TNF (96% vs 56%; P = 0.001), and be male (58% vs 28%; P = 0.02). Mean eosinophil counts were significantly increased in colonic biopsies in UC nonresponders (438 ± 149 vs 299 ± 145; P = 0.01). A similar trend was seen in CD nonresponders. On multivariable analysis, colonic eosinophil density and prior anti-TNF exposure—and the combination of both—were independent predictors of response.

Conclusion

In ulcerative colitis, colonic eosinophilia and prior anti-TNF exposure were independent predictors of 6-month clinical nonresponse to vedolizumab. Mucosal eosinophil density as a novel biomarker should be explored in larger patient cohorts.

Aside from the previous anti-TNF exposure, eosinophil density in the colon of patients with UC is a negative predictor for a steroid-free long-term response to vedolizumab. The degree colonic eosinophilia may be a novel biomarker that should be further explored.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Increases Drug Retention of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agents in Pediatric Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Gofin Yoel , Matar Manar , Shamir Raanan , Assa Amit
Published: October 2019

Background

In recent years, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of anti–tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) agents has been commonly utilized. We aimed to investigate its effect on long-term drug retention and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

The medical records of pediatric CD patients receiving anti-TNFα agents from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were stratified to those who initiated anti-TNFα treatment between 2007 and 2012, an era when TDM was not available (TDM-), and patients who initiated anti-TNFα treatment between 2013 and 2018, with at least 1 TDM during firstline anti-TNFα treatment (TDM+). The main outcome measures included time to first anti-TNFα discontinuation (drug retention), flares, and hospitalizations per year of first anti-TNFα treatment, treatment intensification rate, and surgical resection rate.

Results

One hundred ninety-seven patients were included (n = 98, TDM-; n = 99, TDM+; median [interquartile range] age, 12.6 [10.1–14.2] years; females 68 [35%]). Compared with the TDM- group, the TDM+ group had a longer drug retention time (mean ± SE, 45.0 ± 2.7 vs 33.5 ± 2.4 months; P = 0.001), lower hospitalization rate per patient per year (mean ± SE, 0.51 ± 0.7 vs 0.92 ± 0.81; P < 0.001), and higher treatment intensification rate (70% vs 18%; P < 0.001). Surgical resection rate was not significantly different. Analysis of the entire cohort showed a longer retention time for adalimumab vs infliximab (45.3 ± 2.8 vs 34.8 ± 2.5 months; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

TDM-based treatment enables longer drug retention time, reflecting better utilization of anti-TNFα agents, with several additional favorable outcomes.
Delayed lung expansion after decortication in a case of trapped lung resulting from catamenial haemothorax
Authors: Miller Matthew I , Meister Amanda C , Litle Virginia R , Suzuki Kei
Published: October 2019

Herein, we report the case of a 35-year-old female with a trapped right lung secondary to catamenial haemothorax. Following surgical decortication, re-expansion of the lung was not observed until postoperative day 81. This delay represents a heretofore unencountered complication that should be considered in the surgical management of catamenial haemothorax due to thoracic endometriosis syndrome.
Developing Broad-Spectrum Antivirals Using Porcine and Rhesus Macaque Models
Authors: Qiu Xueer , Taft Justin , Bogunovic Dusan
Published: October 2019

ISG15-deficient humans exhibit permanent, low-level expression of antiviral effectors that safely protect them from various viruses. Because the murine ISG15 axis functions differently, we identified animal models that recapitulate the human condition for the development of ISG15-targeting broad-spectrum antivirals. Canine, porcine, and rhesus macaque ISG15, such as human ISG15, stabilize USP18, a potent inhibitor of type I interferon (IFN)-I. Type I Interferon-primed ISG15-knockout porcine and rhesus cells demonstrate enhanced ISG expression and protection against vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus infection compared with wild type. Collectively, we unveil the interspecies diversity of the ability of ISG15/USP18 axis to control IFN-I signaling and reveal the therapeutic potential of ISG15-deficient porcine and rhesus models.
Emersion and Terrestrial Locomotion of the Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) on Multiple Substrates
Authors: Bressman N R , Love J W , King T W , Horne C G , Ashley-Ross M A
Published: October 2019

Synopsis

Most fishes known for terrestrial locomotion are small and/or elongate. Northern snakeheads (Channa argus) are large, air-breathing piscivores anecdotally known for terrestrial behaviors. Our goals were to determine their environmental motivations for emersion, describe their terrestrial kinematics for fish 3.0–70.0 cm and compare kinematics among four substrates. For emersion experiments, C. argus was individually placed into aquatic containers with ramps extending through the surface of the water, and exposed to 15 ecologically-relevant environmental conditions. For kinematic experiments, fish were filmed moving on moist bench liner, grass, artificial turf, and a flat or tilted rubber boat deck. Videos were digitized for analysis in MATLAB and electromyography was used to measure muscular activity. Only the low pH (4.8), high salinity (30 ppt), and high dCO2 (10% seltzer solution) treatments elicited emersion responses. While extreme, these conditions do occur in some of their native Asian swamps. Northern snakeheads >4.5 cm used a unique form of axial-appendage-based terrestrial locomotion involving cyclic oscillations of the axial body, paired with near-simultaneous movements of both pectoral fins. Individuals ≤3.5 cm used tail-flip jumps to travel on land. Northern snakeheads also moved more quickly on complex, three-dimensional substrates (e.g., grass) than on smooth substrates (e.g., bench liner), and when moving downslope. Release of snakeheads onto land by humans or accidentally by predators may be more common than voluntary emersion, but because northern snakeheads can respire air, it may be necessary to factor in the ability to spread overland into the management of this invasive species.
Results of a Multicenter Feasibility Study of an Automated Bedside Glucose Monitoring System in the Burn Intensive Care Setting
Authors: Elder Craig T , Thigpin Tera , Karlnoski Rachel , Smith David , Mozingo David , Carson Joshua S
Published: October 2019

Intensive blood glucose regimens required for tight glycemic control in critically ill burn patients carry risk of hypoglycemia and are ultimately limited by the frequency of which serum glucose measurements can be feasibly monitored. Continuous inline glucose monitoring has the potential to significantly increase the frequency of serum glucose measurement. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of a continuous glucose monitor with inline capability (Optiscanner) in the burn intensive care setting. A multicenter, observational study was conducted at two academic burn centers. One hundred and six paired blood samples were collected from 10 patients and measured on the Optiscanner and the Yellow Springs Instrument. Values were plotted on a Clarke Error Grid and mean absolute relative difference calculated. Treatment was guided by existing hospital protocols using separately obtained values. 97.2% of results obtained from Optiscanner were within 25% of corresponding Yellow Springs Instrument values and 100% were within 30%. Mean absolute relative difference was calculated at 9.6%. Our findings suggest that a continuous glucose monitor with inline capability provides accurate blood glucose measurements among critically ill burn patients.
Effects of Interspecific Larval Competition on Developmental Parameters in Nutrient Sources Between Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Zaprionus indianus
Authors: Shrader Meredith Edana , Burrack Hannah J , Pfeiffer Douglas G
Published: October 2019

Two invasive drosophilids, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are expanding their geographic distribution and cohabiting grape production in the Mid-Atlantic. The ecological and economic impact of these two species within vineyards is currently unknown. Zaprionus indianus was presumably not capable of ovipositing directly into grapes because they lack a serrated ovipositor and may use D. suzukii oviposition punctures for depositing their own eggs. Therefore, an interspecific larval competition assay was performed at varying larval densities using commercial medium and four commonly grown wine grapes in Virginia to investigate the impact Z. indianus larvae may have on the mortality and developmental parameters of D. suzukii larvae. Zaprionus indianus did not affect D. suzukii mortality or development parameters even at high interspecific densities when reared in commercial medium, but it did cause higher D. suzukii mortality within grapes. Mortality was also influenced by the variety of grape in which the larvae were reared, with smaller grapes having the highest D. suzukii mortality. Presence of Z. indianus also increased development time to pupariation and adult emergence for most interspecific competition levels compared with the intraspecific D. suzukii controls. Pupal volume was marginally affected at the highest interspecific larval densities. This laboratory study suggests that competition from Z. indianus and grape variety can limit D. suzukii numbers, and the implications on D. suzukii pest management be further verified in the field.
Pushing the Boundaries: Can We “Decolonize” Security Studies?
Authors: Adamson Fiona B
Published: October 2019

This essay reflects on the approaches to inclusion and exclusion put forward in this special issue and suggests a more radical alternative: the project of “decolonizing” the field of security studies. Drawing on work in decolonial thought and critical security studies, I discuss systemic-level structures of inclusion and exclusion such as global racial hierarchies, imperial and colonial legacies, and North-South inequities. Such structures both shape the material reality of the global security order, and affect knowledge production in the field of security studies itself, including the definition of what is and is not viewed as a legitimate “security issue.” I conclude by asking what a “decolonized” security studies might look like.
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Among Children for the 2017–2018 Season
Authors: Powell Lauren N , Bégué Rodolfo E
Published: October 2019

Background

The 2017–2018 influenza season was of high severity. Circulating influenza strains change periodically, making it important to determine vaccine effectiveness on an annual basis, especially for susceptible populations. The primary aim of our study was to estimate the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine among children. Secondary aims were to assess the effect of previous season vaccination and intraseasonal waning of immunity.

Methods

Children 6 months to 17 years of age tested for influenza during the 2017–2018 season were included. Clinical charts were reviewed, and immunization status was confirmed via the Louisiana Immunization Registry. Influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) was estimated in a test-negative design by comparing vaccination status of influenza-positive vs influenza-negative cases.

Results

A total of 3595 children were included, 26% of whom tested positive for influenza, mostly type A (79%); 15% had received an influenza vaccine prior to illness: 8% among the influenza-positive and 17% among influenza-negative cases (P <.0001). IVE for the 2017–2018 influenza season was 52% overall (95% confidence interval, 38%–62%), 49% for influenza A, and 60% for influenza B. While receiving current year (2017–2018) vaccine had the most effect, receiving the previous year (2016–2017) vaccine had a small benefit and no interference. We found no evidence of waning immunity of the vaccine for the 2017–2018 season.

Conclusions

IVE was moderate for children. Previous year vaccination had a small but significant benefit and there was no evidence of waning immunity in our cohort. Ongoing national and local surveillance is important to understand the benefit of influenza vaccination.
AsWRKY44 represses the wound-induced sesquiterpene biosynthetic gene ASS1 expression in Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg
Authors: Sun Pei-Wen , Xu Yan-Hong , Yu Cui-Cui , Lv Fei-Fei , Tang Xiao-Lin , Gao Zhi-Hui , Zhang Zheng , Wang Hui , Liu Yang , Wei Jian-He
Published: October 2019

Agarwood is derived from wounded Aquilaria trees and is widely used in traditional medicine, incense, and perfume. Sesquiterpenes are one of the main active components in agarwood and are known to be induced by wounding or injury. The molecular mechanism by which wounding leads to sesquiterpene formation remains largely unknown. ASS1 is one of key enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes and is a pivotal jasmonate (JA)-responsive wound-inducible synthase. However, why ASS1 does not express in healthy trees and how its expression is induced as a result of wounding remains unexplored. Here, we report that ASS1 is a wound-induced gene with a promoter in which the 242-bp (-973 to -731bp) region is identified as the core sequence for responding to wound signals. AsWRKY44 binds directly to this region and represses ASS1 promoter activity. Downregulation or disruption of AsWRKY44 can relieve the inhibition and activate ASS1 expression. Further, it is found that in response to the exogenous MeJA, AsWRKY44 is degraded and the expression of ASS1 is significantly upregulated. These findings confirm AsWRKY44 is a crucial negative regulator involved in the regulation of wound-induced ASS1 transcription, which reveals the core mechanism of agarwood sesquiterpenes biosynthesis.
Single-base resolution methylomes of cotton CMS system reveal epigenomic changes in response to high-temperature stress during anther development
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Xuexian , Guo Liping , Qi Tingxiang , Liu Guoyuan , Feng Juanjuan , Shahzad Kashif , Zhang Bingbing , Li Xue , Wang Hailin , Tang Huini , Qiao Xiuqin , Wu Jianyong , Xing Chaozhu
Published: October 2019

Here, cytosine methylation at single-base resolution across the whole genome of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) anthers was mapped using the whole-genome bisulfite sequencing technique, and the methylome changes associated with high-temperature (HT) stress were analysed in two cotton lines of the CMS system with contrasting HT stress tolerance. The cotton anther genome was found to display approximately 31.6%, 68.7%, 61.8%, and 21.8% methylation across all sequenced C sites and in the CG, CHG and CHH sequence contexts, respectively. In an integrated global methylome and transcriptome analysis, only promoter-unmethylated genes showed higher expression levels than promoter-methylated genes, whereas gene body methylation presented an obvious positive correlation with gene expression. The methylation proﬁles of transposable elements in cotton anthers were characterized, and more differentially methylated transposable elements were demethylated under HT stress. HT-induced promoter methylation changes caused upregulated expression of the mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme-associated genes GhNDUS7, GhCOX6A, GhCX5B2, and GhATPBM, ultimately promoting a series of redox processes to form ATP for normal anther development under HT stress. In vitro application of the common DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine and accelerator methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate demonstrated that DNA demethylation promoted anther development, while increased methylation only partially inhibited anther development under HT stress.
Text mining letters from financial regulators to firms they supervise
Authors: Bholat David , Brookes James
Published: October 2019

Our article uses text mining techniques to examine confidential letters sent from the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to financial institutions it supervises. These letters are a ‘report card’ written to firms annually, and are the most important, regularly recurring written communication sent from the PRA to firms it supervises. Using two complementary machine learning techniques—random forests and logistic ridge regression—we explore whether the letters vary in substance and style depending on the size and importance of the firm to whom the PRA is writing. We find that letters to high impact firms use more evaluative, judgment-based language, and adopt a more forward-looking perspective. We also examine how PRA letters differ from similarly purposed letters written by its predecessor, the Financial Services Authority. We find evidence that PRA letters are different, with a greater degree of forward-looking language and directiveness, reflecting the shift in supervisory approach that has occurred in the UK following the financial crisis of 2007–09.
Radio VLBA polarization and multiband monitoring of the high-redshift quasar S5 0836 + 710 during a high-activity period
Authors: Orienti M , D’Ammando F , Giroletti M , Dallacasa D , Giovannini G , Ciprini S
Published: October 2019

We report on results of a multiband monitoring campaign from radio to γ-rays of the high-redshift flat spectrum radio quasar S5 0836 + 710 during a high-activity period detected by the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Two major flares were detected, in 2015 August and November. In both episodes, the apparent isotropic γ-ray luminosity exceeds 1050 erg s−1, with a doubling time-scale of about 3 h. The high γ-ray activity may be related to a superluminal knot that emerged from the core in 2015 April at the peak of the radio activity and is moving downstream along the jet. The low variability observed in X-rays may indicate that X-ray emission is produced by the low-energy tail of the same electron population that produces the γ-ray emission. The analysis of full-polarization pc-scale radio observations suggests the presence of a limb-brightened polarization structure at about 1 mas from the core in which a rotation measure gradient with a sign change is observed transverse to the jet direction. These characteristics are consistent with a scenario in which Faraday rotation is produced by a sheath of thermal electrons with a toroidal magnetic field surrounding the emitting jet.
Genome replication dynamics of a bacteriophage and its satellite reveal strategies for parasitism and viral restriction
Authors: Barth Zachary K , Silvas Tania V , Angermeyer Angus , Seed Kimberley D
Published: October 2019

Phage-inducible chromosomal island-like elements (PLEs) are bacteriophage satellites found in Vibrio cholerae. PLEs parasitize the lytic phage ICP1, excising from the bacterial chromosome, replicating, and mobilizing to new host cells following cell lysis. PLEs protect their host cell populations by completely restricting the production of ICP1 progeny. Previously, it was found that ICP1 replication was reduced during PLE(+) infection. Despite robust replication of the PLE genome, relatively few transducing units are produced. We investigated if PLE DNA replication itself is antagonistic to ICP1 replication. Here we identify key constituents of PLE replication and assess their role in interference of ICP1. PLE encodes a RepA_N initiation factor that is sufficient to drive replication from the PLE origin of replication during ICP1 infection. In contrast to previously characterized bacteriophage satellites, expression of the PLE initiation factor was not sufficient for PLE replication in the absence of phage. Replication of PLE was necessary for interference of ICP1 DNA replication, but replication of a minimalized PLE replicon was not sufficient for ICP1 DNA replication interference. Despite restoration of ICP1 DNA replication, non-replicating PLE remained broadly inhibitory against ICP1. These results suggest that PLE DNA replication is one of multiple mechanisms contributing to ICP1 restriction.
Re-examination of dairy as a single commodity in US dietary guidance
Authors: Jacobs Elizabeth T , Foote Janet A , Kohler Lindsay N , Skiba Meghan B , Thomson Cynthia A
Published: October 2019

Dairy products have been a key component of dietary guidance in the United States for more than 100 years. In light of major advances in the understanding of dietary intake and metabolism, the aim of this review was to examine whether dairy should remain a single commodity in federal guidance. Considerations include recognizing that a substantial proportion of the world’s adult population (65%–70%) exhibits lactase nonpersistence, a reduced ability to metabolize lactose to glucose and galactose. Shifts in the US population, including a greater proportion of African Americans and Asians, are of key importance because several studies have shown a markedly higher prevalence of lactase nonpersistence and, consequently, a lower dairy intake among these groups. While cow’s milk alternatives are available, families who use them will pay up to an additional $1400 per year compared with those who are able to consume dairy products. Dietary guidance also contains downstream effects for government assistance, such as the US Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. For reasons like these, Canada has recently removed dairy as a separate food group in national dietary guidance. The results of the present review suggest that consideration of this modification when developing population-level guidelines in the United States is warranted.
Predictors of Treatment Failure for Hip and Knee Prosthetic Joint Infections in the Setting of 1- and 2-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Kandel Christopher E , Jenkinson Richard , Daneman Nick , Backstein David , Hansen Bettina E , Muller Matthew P , Katz Kevin C , Widdifield Jessica , Bogoch Earl , Ward Sarah , Sajja Abhilash , Jeldes Felipe Garcia , McGeer Allison
Published: October 2019

Background

Prosthetic hip and knee joint infections (PJIs) are challenging to eradicate despite prosthesis removal and antibiotic therapy. There is a need to understand risk factors for PJI treatment failure in the setting of prosthesis removal.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of individuals who underwent prosthesis removal for a PJI at 5 hospitals in Toronto, Canada, from 2010 to 2014 was created. Treatment failure was defined as recurrent PJI, amputation, death, or chronic antibiotic suppression. Potential risk factors for treatment failure were abstracted by chart review and assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

A total of 533 individuals with prosthesis removal were followed for a median (interquartile range) of 814 (235–1530) days. A 1-stage exchange was performed in 19% (103/533), whereas a 2-stage procedure was completed in 88% (377/430). Treatment failure occurred in 24.8% (132/533) at 2 years; 53% (56/105) of recurrent PJIs were caused by a different bacterial species. At 4 years, treatment failure occurred in 36% of 1-stage and 32% of 2-stage procedures (P = .06). Characteristics associated with treatment failure included liver disease (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.09–4.66), the presence of a sinus tract (aHR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12–2.10), preceding debridement with prosthesis retention (aHR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.13–2.51), a 1-stage procedure (aHR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.28–2.32), and infection due to Gram-negative bacilli (aHR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04–1.76).

Conclusions

Failure of PJI therapy is common, and risk factors are not easily modified. Improvements in treatment paradigms are needed, along with efforts to reduce orthopedic surgical site infections.
Bone metabolism parameters and inactive matrix Gla protein in patients with obstructive sleep apnea†
Authors: Vilovic Marino , Dogas Zoran , Ticinovic Kurir Tina , Borovac Josip A , Supe-Domic Daniela , Vilovic Tina , Ivkovic Natalija , Rusic Doris , Novak Anela , Bozic Josko
Published: October 2019

Study Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) parameters, trabecular bone score (TBS), bone turnover markers and inactive matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) between patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and healthy controls.

Methods

This study enrolled 53 male patients diagnosed with OSA, and 50 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects. All participants underwent DXA imaging, TBS assessment and blood sampling for biochemical analysis of bone metabolism markers.

Results

Mean apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) score of OSA patients was 43.8 ± 18.8 events/h. OSA patients had significantly higher plasma dp-ucMGP levels in comparison to controls (512.7 ± 71.9 vs. 465.8 ± 50.9 pmol/L, p < 0.001). OSA and control group did not significantly differ regarding standard DXA results, while TBS values were significantly lower in the OSA group (1.24 ± 0.17 vs. 1.36 ± 0.15, p < 0.001). AHI score was a significant independent correlate of plasma dp-ucMGP levels (β ± SE, 1.461 ± 0.45, p = 0.002). In addition, TBS retained a significant relationship with dp-ucMGP values (β ± SE, −93.77 ± 38.1, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

dp-ucMGP levels are significantly higher in patients with OSA and correlate with disease severity. In addition, TBS values in OSA patients are lower in comparison with the control group and decrease with disease severity.
The Bible as a Product of Cultural Power: The Case of Gender Ideology in the English Standard Version
Authors: Perry Samuel L
Published: October 2019

Sociologists whose research intersects with American Christianity recognize the critical importance of the Bible to understanding many Americans’ beliefs, values, and behaviors, but their operative approach to the Bible generally ignores that “the Bible” is as much a product of interpretive communities as it is a symbolic marker of identity or shaper of social life. I propose that rather than approaching “the Bible” through a distinctly Protestant lens, as given―specifically as uniform, static, and exogenous―sociologists should apply a critical lens to re-conceptualize the Bible more accurately. That is, sociologists should recognize that Bibles are multiform; they are dynamic; and their contents (not just their current interpretations) are highly contingent on temporal culture and power, being the product of manipulation by interpretive communities and actors with vested interests. Using a recent case study of how complementarian gender ideology became systematically inserted into one the most popular English Bible translations among evangelicals today, I illustrate how a more critical approach toward “the Bible” can provide richer, more sophisticated sociological analyses of power and cultural reproduction within Christian traditions.
A new molecular phylogeny-based taxonomy of parasitic barnacles (Crustacea: Cirripedia: Rhizocephala)
Authors: Høeg Jens T , Noever Christoph , Rees David A , Crandall Keith A , Glenner Henrik
Published: October 2019

Rhizocephalans are abundant members of marine ecosystems and are important regulators of crustacean host populations. Morphological and ecological variation makes them an attractive system for evolutionary studies of advanced parasitism. Such studies have been impeded by a largely formalistic taxonomy, because rhizocephalan morphology offers no characters for a robust phylogenetic analysis. We use DNA sequence data to estimate a new phylogeny for 43 species and use this to develop a revised taxonomy for all Rhizocephala. Our taxonomy accepts 13 new or redefined monophyletic families. The traditional subdivision into the suborders Kentrogonida and Akentrogonida is abandoned, because both are polyphyletic. The three ‘classical’ kentrogonid families are also polyphyletic, including the species-rich Sacculinidae, which is split into a redefined and a new family. Most species of large families remain to be studied based on molecular evidence and are therefore still assigned to their current genus and family by default. We caution against undue generalizations from studies on model species until a more stable species-level taxonomy is also available, which requires more extensive genus- and species-level sampling with molecular tools. We briefly discuss the most promising future studies that will be facilitated by this new phylogeny-based taxonomy.
Phylogeny of the comb-tooth blenny genus Scartella (Blenniiformes: Blenniidae) reveals several cryptic lineages and a trans-Atlantic relationship
Authors: Araujo G S , Vilasboa A , Britto M R , Bernardi G , von der Heyden S , Levy A , Floeter S R
Published: October 2019

Here we present the first phylogeny of the genus Scartella based on mitochondrial data. The analysis strongly corroborates the validity of all species of the genus and shows that Scartella cristata, a species with a disjunct distribution, is a lineage complex comprising five clades: two in Caribbean waters, another in the East Atlantic/Mediterranean and two in Brazil. Brazilian clades occur in sympatry from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Sul states (southern Brazil). One clade (BRA 1) is unique to Brazil, while the other (BRA 2) is closely related to the eastern Atlantic lineage. Possible explanations for this pattern include both natural and anthropic mechanisms.
Transcriptome Profiling of the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae and Its Host Oryza sativa During Infection
Authors: Jeon Jongbum , Lee Gir-Won , Kim Ki-Tae , Park Sook-Young , Kim Seongbeom , Kwon Seomun , Huh Aram , Chung Hyunjung , Lee Da-Young , Kim Chi-Yeol , Lee Yong-Hwan
Published: October 2019

The rice blast (fungal pathogen: Magnaporthe oryzae and host: Oryza sativa) is one of the most important model pathosystems for understanding plant–microbe interactions. Although both genome sequences were published as the first cases of pathogen and host, only a few in planta transcriptome data during infection are available. Due to technical difficulties, previously reported fungal transcriptome data are not highly qualified to comprehensively profile the expression of fungal genes during infection. Here, we report the high-quality transcriptomes of M. oryzae and rice during infection using a sheath infection-based RNA sequencing approach. This comprehensive expression profiling of the fungal pathogen and its host will provide a better platform for understanding the plant–microbe interactions at the genomic level and serve as a valuable resource for the research community.
Sixty Years After the First Description: Genome Sequence and Biological Characterization of European Wheat Striate Mosaic Virus Infecting Cereal Crops
Authors: Sõmera Merike , Kvarnheden Anders , Desbiez Cécile , Blystad Dag-Ragnar , Sooväli Pille , Kundu Jiban Kumar , Gantsovski Mark , Nygren Jim , Lecoq Hervé , Verdin Eric , Spetz Carl , Tamisier Lucie , Truve Erkki , Massart Sébastien
Published: October 2019

High-throughput sequencing technologies were used to identify plant viruses in cereal samples surveyed from 2012 to 2017. Fifteen genome sequences of a tenuivirus infecting wheat, oats, and spelt in Estonia, Norway, and Sweden were identified and characterized by their distances to other tenuivirus sequences. Like most tenuiviruses, the genome of this tenuivirus contains four genomic segments. The isolates found from different countries shared at least 92% nucleotide sequence identity at the genome level. The planthopper Javesella pellucida was identified as a vector of the virus. Laboratory transmission tests using this vector indicated that wheat, oats, barley, rye, and triticale, but none of the tested pasture grass species (Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Lolium multiflorum, Phleum pratense, and Poa pratensis), are susceptible. Taking into account the vector and host range data, the tenuivirus we have found most probably represents European wheat striate mosaic virus first identified about 60 years ago. Interestingly, whereas we were not able to infect any of the tested cereal species mechanically, Nicotiana benthamiana was infected via mechanical inoculation in laboratory conditions, displaying symptoms of yellow spots and vein clearing evolving into necrosis, eventually leading to plant death. Surprisingly, one of the virus genome segments (RNA2) encoding both a putative host systemic movement enhancer protein and a putative vector transmission factor was not detected in N. benthamiana after several passages even though systemic infection was observed, raising fundamental questions about the role of this segment in the systemic spread in several hosts.