bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Literature review on congenital glucose–galactose malabsorption from 2001 to 2019
Authors: Wang Weiyan , Wang Liang , Ma Ming
Published: September 2020

Aim

Congenital glucose–galactose malabsorption (CGGM) is a rare disease characterised by severe diarrhoea, dehydration and weight loss. To better understand CGGM, we investigated all the case reports and series of CGGM from 2001 to 2019.

Methods

A review of reports of CGGM published from 2001 to 2019 was undertaken, using PubMed, Ovid Medline, Springer, Wanfang Database, CBMD database and CKNI database. The clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of CGGM in these reports were obtained and analysed.

Results

We reviewed 107 cases for this study. Out of 55 cases from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, 43 cases (78.2%) were from consanguineous marriage. Forty‐nine cases (73.1%) were infants. Dehydration, diarrhoea and weight loss occurred in almost all cases. Half of the cases presented hypernatremia and abdominal distension. Vomiting, polyuria/haematuria and fever were reported in 11, 7 and 3 cases, respectively. Twenty cases (18.7%) showed hypercalcaemia or nephrolithiasis. Stool pH was tested in 43 cases (40.2%). Fifty‐five cases (51.4%) were diagnosed for more than 1 month after the onset of symptoms. Two cases (1.9%) died, one needed amputation, and the other 104 cases (97.2%) recovered with fructose formula. Seventy‐three cases (68.2%) underwent gene testing, 30 SLC5A1 gene mutations were detected, with 23 cases homozygous, and seven heterozygous mutation.

Conclusion

The clinical characteristics of CGGM are nonspecific, and the diagnosis method is not conventionally applied. Fasting and gene testing are the two most important diagnostic methods. The best treatment of CGGM is supplementation with fructose‐based formula.
Prognostic accuracy of FIB‐4, NAFLD fibrosis score and APRI for NAFLD‐related events: A systematic review
Authors: Lee Jenny , Vali Yasaman , Boursier Jerome , Spijker Rene , Anstee Quentin M. , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Zafarmand Mohammad H.
Published: September 2020

Background & Aims

Fibrosis is the strongest predictor for long‐term clinical outcomes among patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There is growing interest in employing non‐invasive methods for risk stratification based on prognosis. FIB‐4, NFS and APRI are models commonly used for detecting fibrosis among NAFLD patients. We aimed to synthesize existing literature on the ability of these models in prognosticating NAFLD‐related events.

Methods

A sensitive search was conducted in two medical databases to retrieve studies evaluating the prognostic accuracy of FIB‐4, NFS and APRI among NAFLD patients. Target events were change in fibrosis, liver‐related event and mortality. Two reviewers independently performed reference screening, data extraction and quality assessment (QUAPAS tool).

Results

A total of 13 studies (FIB‐4:12, NFS: 11, APRI: 10), published between 2013 and 2019, were retrieved. All studies were conducted in a secondary or tertiary care setting, with follow‐up ranging from 1 to 20 years. All three markers showed consistently good prognostication of liver‐related events (AUC from 0.69 to 0.92). For mortality, FIB‐4 (AUC of 0.67‐0.82) and NFS (AUC of 0.70‐0.83) outperformed APRI (AUC of 0.52‐0.73) in all studies. All markers had inconsistent performance for predicting change in fibrosis stage.

Conclusions

FIB‐4, NFS, and APRI have demonstrated ability to risk stratify patients for liver‐related morbidity and mortality, with comparable performance to a liver biopsy, although more head‐to‐head studies are needed to validate this. More refined models to prognosticate NAFLD‐events may further enhance performance and clinical utility of non‐invasive markers.
Genetic and phenotypic evidence of a contact zone between divergent colour morphs of the iconic red‐eyed treefrog
Authors: Akopyan Maria , Gompert Zachariah , Klonoski Karina , Vega Andres , Kaiser Kristine , Mackelprang Rachel , Rosenblum Erica Bree , Robertson Jeanne M.
Published: September 2020

Hybrid zones act as natural laboratories where divergent genomes interact, providing powerful systems for examining the evolutionary processes underlying biological diversity. In this study, we characterized patterns of genomic and phenotypic variation resulting from hybridization between divergent intraspecific lineages of the Neotropical red‐eyed treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas). We found genetic evidence of a newly discovered contact zone and phenotypic novelty in leg colour—a trait suspected to play a role in mediating assortative mating in this species. Analysis of hybrid ancestry revealed an abundance of later‐generationFnindividuals, suggesting persistence of hybrids in the contact zone. Hybrids are predominantly of southern ancestry but are phenotypically more similar to northern populations. Genome‐wide association mapping revealed QTL with measurable effects on leg‐colour variation, but further work is required to dissect the architecture of this trait and establish causal links. Further, genomic cline analyses indicated substantial variation in patterns of introgression across the genome. Directional introgression of loci associated with different aspects of leg colour are inherited from each parental lineage, creating a distinct hybrid colour pattern. We show that hybridization can generate new phenotypes, revealing the evolutionary processes that potentially underlie patterns of phenotypic diversity in this iconic polytypic frog. Our study is consistent with a role of hybridization and sexual selection in lineage diversification, evolutionary processes that have been implicated in accelerating divergence in the most phenotypically diverse species.
Fatherhood group sessions: A descriptive and summative qualitative study
Authors: Berlin Anita , Rosander Michael , Frykedal Karin F. , Törnkvist Lena , Barimani Mia
Published: September 2020

The aim of this qualitative study of fatherhood group sessions offered as part of child health care services for new parents was to examine the activities, roles, and topics initiated by the leader and describe fathers' participation. Eight new fathers took part in three audio‐ and video‐recorded sessions led by a male leader. Three qualitative content analysis approaches were used to analyze the data. The analysis showed that the group leader took on four leadership roles, mainly that of discussion leader, but also expert, friend, and organizer. When the group leader acted as discussion leader, fathers participated by discussing challenges and changes in their new situation. Challenges were related to raising the child, partner relationships, everyday life, and gender equality. Fathers also discussed changes in their partner relationships and an increased focus on practicalities in daily life. Fatherhood groups can help new fathers form social networks and can create space for fathers to work through challenging topics, such as gender equality in parenting. The discussion leader's choice of role is crucial to creating the space for such discussions.
GERD for the nongastroenterologist: successful evaluation, management, and lifestyle‐based symptom control
Authors: Stein Ellen , Sloan Josh , Sonu Irene , Kathpalia Priya , Jodorkovsky Daniela
Published: September 2020

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a complex disorder. Symptoms of heartburn can help find the disorder of GERD. pH testing is the mainstay of evaluation of symptoms, including 24‐h and longer pH studies to detect pathologic acid exposure. The use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for approved indications is helpful for both symptomatic relief and esophagitis healing in the majority of patients with abnormal acid exposure. PPI medications are safe in short‐ or long‐term use. It is recommended not to maintain cirrhotic patients on PPI therapy without a meaningful indication. Dietary adjustment can provide benefit to some patients, but the data are mixed on how much benefit has been demonstrated from specific food avoidance. Reduction in weight improves reflux. Obesity has measurable effects on the esophageal acid exposure but fewer effects on the motility of the esophagus itself. Controlling weight and changing lifestyle can be helpful for improving GERD symptoms. For some patients in whom either the control of reflux with medications and lifestyle change is not sufficient or a hernia is contributing to symptom generation, surgical and endosurgical interventions can be considered to help manage reflux after a thorough workup with pH testing and manometry.
Immunohistochemical analysis of epithelium adjacent to lip cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Varela‐Centelles Pablo , Gonzalez‐Moles Miguel Ángel , Seoane‐Romero Javier , Leira‐Feijoo Yago , Takkouche Bahi , Seoane‐Romero Juan Manuel
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To identify the immunohistochemical pattern of non‐tumoral epithelium adjacent to lip cancer (ANTE) to unveil molecular alterations and potential biomarkers in lip cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search at MEDLINE, EMBASE and proceedings Web of Science, OpenGrey and WorldCat. The PICOS outline (Population: lip cancer patients; Intervention: immunostaining with biomarkers in surgical specimens; Comparisons: ANTE versus LC; Outcomes: primary—to identify the immunohistochemical pattern of peritumoral epithelium and secondary—to assess the immunoreactivity of LC epithelium; and Study design: cross‐sectional, case‐control and cohort studies).

Results

A total of 339 records were identified. Seven studies reporting on ANTE and LCs were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 4 of them (p53 immunostaining) were selected for meta‐analysis. In the ANTE group, the pooled prevalence of p53 was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.66 – 0.82), while in the lip squamous cell carcinoma group this prevalence was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75 – 0.89).

Conclusions

Similar immunoexpression was found in lip epithelium adjacent to lip carcinoma, even in epithelia with normal appearance or mild histological alterations. The role of biomarkers in the follow‐up of actinic cheilitis patients deserves additional clinical assessment.
The enterococcal PASTA kinase: A sentinel for cell envelope stress
Authors: Djorić Dušanka , Minton Nicole E. , Kristich Christopher J.
Published: September 2020

Enterococci are Gram‐positive, opportunistic pathogens that reside throughout the gastrointestinal tracts of most terrestrial organisms. Enterococci are resistant to many antibiotics, which makes enterococcal infections difficult to treat. Enterococci are also particularly hardy bacteria that can tolerate a variety of environmental stressors. Understanding how enterococci sense and respond to the extracellular environment to enact adaptive biological responses may identify new targets that can be exploited for development of treatments for enterococcal infections. Bacterial eukaryotic‐like serine/threonine kinases (eSTKs) and cognate phosphatases (STPs) are important signaling systems that mediate biological responses to extracellular stimuli. Some bacterial eSTKs are transmembrane proteins that contain a series of extracellular repeats of the penicillin‐binding and Ser/Thr kinase‐associated (PASTA) domain, leading to their designation as “PASTA kinases.” Enterococcal genomes encode a single PASTA kinase and its cognate phosphatase. Investigations of the enterococcal PASTA kinase revealed its importance in resistance to antibiotics and other cell wall stresses, in enterococcal colonization of the mammalian gut, clues about its mechanism of signal transduction, and its integration with other enterococcal signal transduction systems. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge of PASTA kinase signaling in enterococci and describe important gaps that still need to be addressed to provide a better understanding of this important signaling system.
Sagitta of ophthalmic lenses
Authors: Faria‐e‐Sousa Sidney Julio
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To propose alternative formulas for the sagitta calculation of ophthalmic lenses.

Methods

Equation factoring.

Results

The conventional sagitta formula is algebraically inconsistent when applied to curves with direction‐oriented radii. It is possible to correct this problem by factoring it.

Conclusions

The conventional sagitta formula can and should be replaced by unambiguous equations.
When States Align Social Welfare Programs: Considering the Child Support Income Exclusion for SNAP
Authors: Heflin Colleen M. , Lopoo Leonard M. , Mackenzie‐Liu Mattie
Published: September 2020

Objective

In the United States, state social services rarely coordinate across departments, a practice that could both increase receipt and reduce administrative burden. The purpose of this article is to investigate the state‐level conditions associated with the adoption of policies that benefit participants in multiple social welfare programs, focusing on the case of the child support income exclusion for SNAP benefit eligibility calculations.

Methods

Using annual data for each of the states (including the District of Columbia), we estimate multiple analyses to test three hypotheses regarding which factors are associated with policy adoption.

Results

We find that collaboration across social programs is more likely as state income tax revenues increase and when administrative costs are lower.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that state revenue and administrative costs are associated with state interagency alignment but find only weak evidence that political ideology is a factor.
Isavuconazole for the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal disease: A single‐center experience
Authors: Vu Christine A. , Rana Meenakshi M. , Jacobs Samantha E. , Saunders‐Hao Patricia
Published: September 2020

Background

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a serious complication among the immunocompromised population. Isavuconazole is a newer broad‐spectrum antifungal agent with promising efficacy and safety. However, there remains limited data to favor its use over current first‐line agents.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate isavuconazole use and describe rates of associated breakthrough invasive fungal disease (bIFD).

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patients receiving isavuconazole for prophylaxis or treatment of IFD between July 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Patient‐related and outcomes data were extracted from electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze our findings.

Results

A total of 54 patients received 61 isavuconazole courses. Isavuconazole was most commonly prescribed for primary prophylaxis in the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) population along with treatment for possible invasive fungal disease. The primary reasons for choosing isavuconazole included QTc shortening effects, decreased risk of acute kidney injury, broader spectrum of activity, and concern for breakthrough invasive fungal disease on a different prophylactic agent. We found a breakthrough rate of 8.5% for patients and 7.8% for courses.

Conclusions

Isavuconazole appears to be a promising alternative for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal disease. We observed similar bIFD rates and improved tolerability when compared to historical data for posaconazole and voriconazole.
Normal Stress Differences of Human Blood in Unidirectional Large-Amplitude Oscillatory Shear Flow
Authors: Saengow Chaimongkol , Giacomin Alan Jeffrey , Dimitrov Andrea Stephanie
Published: September 2020

This work analyzes normal stress difference responses in blood tested in unidirectional large-amplitude oscillatory shear flow (udLAOS), a novel rheological test, designed for human blood. udLAOS mimics the pulsatile flow in veins and arteries, in the sense that it never reverses, and yet also nearly stops once per heartbeat. As for our continuum fluid model, we choose the Oldroyd 8-constant framework for its rich diversity of popular constitutive equations, including the corotational Jeffreys fluid. This work arrives at exact solutions for normal stress differences from the corotational Jeffreys fluid in udLAOS. We discover fractional harmonics comprising the transient part of the normal stress difference responses, and both integer and fractional harmonics, the alternant part. By fractional, we mean that these occur at frequencies other than integer multiples of the superposed oscillation frequency. More generally, predictions from the Oldroyd 8-constant framework are explored by means of the finite difference method. Finally, the generalized versions of both the Oldroyd 8-constant framework and the corotational Jeffreys fluid are employed to predict the nonlinear normal stress responses for the model parameters fitted to udLAOS measurements from three very different donors, all healthy. From our predictions, we are led to expect less variation in normal stress differences in udLAOS from healthy donor to donor, than for the corresponding measured shear stress responses.
Biological control efficiency of an ectoparasitic mite Pyemotes zhonghuajia on oriental armyworm Mythimna separata

Authors: Tian Tai-An , Yu Li-Chen , Sun Guang-jun , Yu Xiao-Fei , Li Li-Tao , Wu Cheng-Xu , Chen Yi-Chai , Yang Mao-Fa , Liu Jianfeng
Published: September 2020

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a notorious migratory pest of cereal crops. Pyemotes zhonghuajia Yu, Zhang & He (Prostigmata: Pyemotidae) is an ectoparasitic mite with great potential in controlling many species of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Homoptera. To evaluate the control efficiency of P. zhonghuajia on M. separata, we tested how initial density (1, 5, 10, or 20 mites) of P. zhonghuajia affected the mortality of oriental armyworm and the number of P. zhonghuajia fed upon individual hosts, and also determined the diameter growth of the opisthosoma and reproduction of P. zhonghuajia at different life stages of M. separata. Our results show that differing densities of P. zhonghuajia could significantly affect the mortality rate of different life stages of M. separata and the recruitment number of P. zhonghuajia on hosts, and there were significant differences in the development and reproduction parameters of P. zhonghuajia on different immature stages of M. separata. A single P. zhonghuajia could cause at least a 50% mortality rate of M. separata first to third instar larvae within 48 h. At higher density of 20 P. zhonghuajia, 100% of first to fourth and 30% of fifth instar larvae of M. separata were killed within 24 h. All prepupae and pupae of M. separata died when they were exposed to 10 and 20 P. zhonghuajia, respectively. In addition, density of P. zhonghuajia significantly influenced their adult recruitment of the body surface of M. separata. Pyemotes zhonghuajia could only complete development and reproduction on M. separata eggs, prepupae and pupae. However, the longevity, opisthosoma size and fecundity of P. zhonghuajia paralyzed on prepupae and pupae were significantly higher than those on eggs. In conclusion, P. zhonghuajia might be a suitable biological control agent against the oriental armyworm, and M. separata prepupae and pupae may be used as alternative prey for the mass rearing of P. zhonghuajia.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the storage mite pest Tyrophagus fanetzhangorum (Acari: Acaridae)

Authors: Su Xuan , Fang Yu , Xu Jiao-Yang , Fang Wei-Xi , Zhan Xue-Bing , Fang Ying , Chu Ling-Miao , Feng Rui , Jin Yue-Long , Sun En-tao
Published: September 2020

Mitochondrial (mt) genomes of astigmatid mites typically contain 37 genes for 13 proteins, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. However, two Tyrophagus mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae and T. longior) were reported as having lost three tRNAs in their mt genomes. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Tyrophagus fanetzhangorum (14,257 bp) and found typical set of mt tRNA genes (22 tRNAs). The gene arrangement of T. fanetzhangorum is consistent with the pattern of possible common ancestor of astigmatid mites. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. Phylogenetic analysis shows that T. fanetzhangorum is more closely related to T. putrescentiae than to T. longior within the genus Tyrophagus.
Atomic layer deposition of ruthenium using an ABC-type process: Role of oxygen exposure during nucleation
Authors: Chopra Sonali N. , Vos Martijn F. J. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Ekerdt John G. , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. , Mackus Adriaan J. M.
Published: September 2020

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ruthenium is of interest for various applications in nanoelectronics and is currently gaining attention for its potential role in interconnect technology in future technology nodes. This work provides insights into the influence of the O2 pulse time on the film nucleation on SiO2 and on the resulting material properties. Ru thin films were deposited using a three-step ALD process consisting of ethylbenzene(1,3-butadiene)Ru(0) precursor, O2 gas, and H2 gas pulses. It is shown that the addition of an H2 pulse to a conventional two-step process reduces any RuOx formed during the O2 pulse to metallic Ru. This provides the opportunity to employ longer O2 pulses, which enhances nucleation, leading to faster growth initiation and smooth films. Using this process, the deposition of Ru films at 225 °C with a low oxygen impurity level (<4 at. %) and a resistivity of 26 ± 2 μΩ cm is demonstrated. The data illustrate that the dosing time required for saturation during the nucleation phase can substantially deviate from the conditions required for the steady-growth phase.
Preceding syllables are necessary for the accent advantage effect
Authors: Rysling Amanda , Bishop Jason , Clifton Charles , Yacovone Anthony
Published: September 2020

The accent advantage effect in phoneme monitoring—faster responses to a target phoneme at the beginning of an L + H*-accented word than to a target phoneme at the beginning of an unaccented word—is viewed as a product of listeners' predictive capabilities [Cutler (1976). Percept. Psychophys. 20(1), 55–60]. However, previous studies have not established what information listeners use to form these predictions [Cutler (1987). Proceedings of the International Congress of Phonetic Sciences, pp. 84–87; Cutler and Darwin (1981). Percept. Psychophys. 29(3), 217–224]. This article presents evidence that at least the information in the syllable immediately preceding a target phoneme is necessary to cue the predictive attention allocation that underlies the accent advantage effect.
Learn to Run for Anxiety Sensitivity: A Short-Term, Community-Based, Accessible Physical Activity Intervention for Women
Authors: Olthuis Janine V. , Watt Margo C. , DeWolfe Christopher E. J. , Connell Emma , Wright Emily N. , Sevigny Laura
Published: September 2020

Women, relative to men, are at particularly high risk for anxiety and depression, perhaps in part due to their heightened levels of anxiety sensitivity (AS). Physical activity (PA) is an accessible mental health intervention that may be particularly beneficial for women. Using a within-subjects pre-post mixed methods design, this study tested the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and evidence-base of a community-based PA intervention for AS among women at high risk for anxiety and depression. Participants were 45 women with high AS who completed an 8-week group PA intervention. Data were collected via self-report questionnaires, interviews, and recruitment, participation, and retention rates. Results suggest the intervention is acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. Interviews reveal high intervention satisfaction and perceived benefits beyond AS reduction. There was a relatively high attrition rate that suggests room for improvement. The intervention significantly reduced AS, as well as panic, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression symptoms. In the context of the preliminary nature of this study, results suggest the use of community-delivered, group-based PA as a mental health intervention strategy for women is worth further exploration. There is potential for collaboration between the health system, PA delivery professionals, and community organizations to improve access to care.
Electrical control of single-photon emission in highly charged individual colloidal quantum dots
Authors: Morozov Sergii , Pensa Evangelina L. , Khan Ali Hossain , Polovitsyn Anatolii , Cortés Emiliano , Maier Stefan A. , Vezzoli Stefano , Moreels Iwan , Sapienza Riccardo
Published: September 2020

The rate of photon emission from a quantum dot can be controlled and speed up by over hundred times by applying a voltage.
Artificial cells drive neural differentiation
Authors: Toparlak Ö. Duhan , Zasso Jacopo , Bridi Simone , Serra Mauro Dalla , Macchi Paolo , Conti Luciano , Baudet Marie-Laure , Mansy Sheref S.
Published: September 2020

Stimuli-responsive artificial cells synthesize and controllably release therapeutics for neural differentiation.
Single-molecule imaging reveals control of parental histone recycling by free histones during DNA replication
Authors: Gruszka D. T. , Xie S. , Kimura H. , Yardimci H.
Published: September 2020

Parental histone dynamics at the replication fork are altered by free histones, leading to controlled eviction or transfer.
Structural insights into ADP-ribosylation of ubiquitin by Deltex family E3 ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Chatrin Chatrin , Gabrielsen Mads , Buetow Lori , Nakasone Mark A. , Ahmed Syed F. , Sumpton David , Sibbet Gary J. , Smith Brian O. , Huang Danny T.
Published: September 2020

The C-terminal RING and DTC domains of mammalian Deltex proteins catalyze ADP-ribosylation at the C terminus of ubiquitin.
Snapshot spectral imaging with parallel metasystems
Authors: McClung Andrew , Samudrala Sarath , Torfeh Mahsa , Mansouree Mahdad , Arbabi Amir
Published: September 2020

An array of cascaded metasurfaces implements a compact and lightweight spectral imager that acquires real-time videos.
USP15 suppresses tumor immunity via deubiquitylation and inactivation of TET2
Authors: Chen Lei-lei , Smith Matthew D. , Lv Lei , Nakagawa Tadashi , Li Zhijun , Sun Shao-Cong , Brown Nicholas G. , Xiong Yue , Xu Yan-ping
Published: September 2020

USP15 deubiquitinase inactivates TET2 to suppress tumor immunity and is a potential therapeutic target of immunotherapy.
Antibody-like proteins that capture and neutralize SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kondo T. , Iwatani Y. , Matsuoka K. , Fujino T. , Umemoto S. , Yokomaku Y. , Ishizaki K. , Kito S. , Sezaki T. , Hayashi G. , Murakami H.
Published: September 2020

SARS-CoV-2–neutralizing antibody-like proteins were generated by a high-speed in vitro selection method.
Genome-Centric Metagenomic Insights into the Impact of Alkaline/Acid and Thermal Sludge Pretreatment on the Microbiome in Digestion Sludge
Authors: Liang Zhiwei , Shi Jiangjian , Wang Chen , Li Junhui , Liang Dawei , Yong Ee Ling , He Zhili , Wang Shanquan
Published: September 2020

Wastewater treatment generates large amounts of waste-activated sludge (WAS), which consists mainly of recalcitrant microbial cells and particulate organic matter. Though WAS pretreatment is an effective way to release sludge organic matter for subsequent digestion, detailed information on the impact of the sludge pretreatment on the digestion sludge microbiome remains scarce. Our study provides unprecedented genome-centric metagenomic insights into how WAS pretreatments change the digestion sludge microbiomes, as well as their metabolic networks. Moreover, digestion sludge microbiomes could be a unique source for exploring microbial dark matter. These results may inform future optimization of methanogenic sludge digestion and resource recovery.
Performance of Commercial Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Serum Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays under Experimental and Field Conditions
Authors: Poeta Silva Ana Paula S. , Magtoto Ronaldo L. , Souza Almeida Henrique M. , McDaniel Aric , Magtoto Precy D. , Derscheid Rachel J. , Merodio Maria M. , Matias Ferreyra Franco S. , Gatto Igor R. H. , Baum David H. , Clavijo Maria J. , Arruda Bailey L. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J. , Giménez-Lirola Luis G.
Published: September 2020

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaeis an economically significant pathogen of swine.M. hyopneumoniaeserum antibody detection via commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) is widely used for routine surveillance in commercial swine production systems. Samples from two studies were used to evaluate assay performance. In study 1, 6 commercialM. hyopneumoniaeELISAs were compared using serum samples from 8-week-old cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived (CDCD) pigs allocated to the following 5 inoculation groups of 10 pigs each: (i) negative control, (ii)Mycoplasma flocculare(strain 27399), (iii)Mycoplasma hyorhinis(strain 38983), (iv)Mycoplasma hyosynoviae(strain 34428), and (v)M. hyopneumoniae(strain 232).
Fifteen minute consultation: When can I use a medical app?
Authors: Rowe-Setz Gala , Behringer Wilhelm , Roland Damian , Lyttle Mark D , Jahn Haiko Kurt
Published: September 2020

Advances in mobile device technology and internet connectivity have created powerful new mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine capabilities. The guidelines regarding mHealth use in the clinical environment can be conflicting, which has resulted in some reluctance by institutions and medical staff to fully embrace these advances due to privacy and patient confidentiality concerns among others. The COVID-19 response has led to departments to reconfigurate care and revisit mHealth as a tool to allow social distancing and remote care. This article reviews mHealth guidance in practice and describes its use and interpretation as rapid decision-making aid and in telehealth.
Self-administration of adrenaline for anaphylaxis during in-hospital food challenges improves health-related quality of life
Authors: Burrell Sarah , Patel Nandinee , Vazquez-Ortiz Marta , Campbell Dianne E. , DunnGalvin Audrey , Turner Paul J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of anaphylaxis on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and self-efficacy in food-allergic patients undergoing in-hospital food challenge.

Design

Secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Specialist allergy centre.

Patients

Peanut-allergic young people aged 8–16 years.

Interventions

Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge to peanut, with HRQL and self-efficacy assessed using validated questionnaire, approximately 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after challenge. Where possible, anaphylaxis was treated with self-injected adrenaline (epinephrine).

Main outcome measures

Change in HRQL and self-efficacy.

Results

56 participants had reactions at food challenge, of whom 16 (29%) had anaphylaxis. Overall, there was an improvement in HRQL (mean 2.6 points (95% CI 0.3 to 4.8); p=0.030) and self-efficacy (mean 4.1 points (95% CI 2.4 to 5.9); p<0.0001), independent of whether anaphylaxis occurred. Parents also reported improved HRQL (mean 10.3 points (95% CI 5.9 to 14.7); p<0.0001). We found evidence of discordance between the improvement in HRQL and self-efficacy as reported by young people and that perceived by parents in their child.

Conclusions

Anaphylaxis at food challenge, followed by self-administration of injected adrenaline, was associated with an increase in HRQL and self-efficacy in young people with peanut allergy. We found no evidence that the occurrence of anaphylaxis had a detrimental effect. Young people should be encouraged to self-administer adrenaline using their autoinjector device to treat anaphylaxis at in-hospital challenge.

Trial registration number

NCT02149719
Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis associated with anti-GM1 and anti-GD1a antibodies
Authors: Cleaver Jonathan , James Richard , Chohan Gurjit , Lyons Paul
Published: September 2020

Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) spectrum disorder associated with predominantly central nervous system predilection. Patients exhibit a variable constellation of depressed consciousness, bilateral external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and long tract signs. Although the pathophysiology is not fully understood, it has been associated with anti-GQ1b antibodies in two-thirds of patients. We present a patient with clinical features consistent with BBE and positive anti-GM1 and anti-GD1a antibodies. A diagnostic approach to the acutely unwell patient with brainstem encephalitis is explored in this clinical context with a literature review of the aforementioned ganglioside antibody significance. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is highlighted in BBE using up-to-date evidence-based extrapolation from GBS.
Structure of the lens and its associations with the visual quality
Authors: Ruan Xiaoting , Liu Zhenzhen , Luo Lixia , Liu Yizhi
Published: September 2020

In humans, the lens is the organ with the ability to change morphology and refractive power, designated as accommodation, to focus light from various distances and obtain clear retinal image. The accommodative ability of the lens depends on its structure and biological parameters. The lens grows throughout the life, forming specific lens sutures and a unique gradient refractive index, and possesses regenerative ability under certain circumstances. Minimally invasive lens surgery that preserves endogenous lens epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LECs) can achieve functional lens regeneration in humans. The lens is the main source of intraocular aberration, especially intraocular higher-order aberrations (IHOAs) which is found to be binocularly symmetrical in phakic eyes. There is a compensation mechanism between corneal aberrations and lens aberrations. Therefore, the structure and the biological parameters of the lens, the binocular relationship of the lens and the correlation between the lens and cornea affect visual quality. This paper summarises the above findings and their current and potential applications in refractive surgeries, providing a comprehensive understanding of the lens as a strong determinant of visual quality in the optical system.
Prospective multicentre multifaceted before-after implementation study of ICU delirium guidelines: a process evaluation
Authors: Trogrlic Zoran , van der Jagt Mathieu , van Achterberg Theo , Ponssen Huibert , Schoonderbeek Jeannette , Schreiner Frodo , Verbrugge Serge , Dijkstra Annemieke , Bakker Jan , Ista Erwin
Published: September 2020

Objective

We aimed to explore: the exposure of healthcare workers to a delirium guidelines implementation programme; effects on guideline adherence at intensive care unit (ICU) level; impact on knowledge and barriers, and experiences with the implementation.

Design

A mixed-methods process evaluation of a prospective multicentre implementation study.

Setting

Six ICUs.

Participants

4449 adult ICU patients and 500 ICU professionals approximately.

Intervention

A tailored implementation programme.

Main outcome measure

Adherence to delirium guidelines recommendations at ICU level before, during and after implementation; knowledge and perceived barriers; and experiences with the implementation.

Results

Five of six ICUs were exposed to all implementation strategies as planned. More than 85% followed the required e-learnings; 92% of the nurses attended the clinical classroom lessons; five ICUs used all available implementation strategies and perceived to have implemented all guideline recommendations (>90%). Adherence to predefined performance indicators (PIs) at ICU level was only above the preset target (>85%) for delirium screening. For all other PIs, the inter-ICU variability was between 34% and 72%. The implementation of delirium guidelines was feasible and successful in resolving the majority of barriers found before the implementation. The improvement was well sustained 6 months after full guideline implementation. Knowledge about delirium was improved (from 61% to 65%). The implementation programme was experienced as very successful.

Conclusions

Multifaceted implementation can improve and sustain adherence to delirium guidelines, is feasible and can largely be performed as planned. However, variability in delirium guideline adherence at individual ICUs remains a challenge, indicating the need for more tailoring at centre level.
Development and implementation of a COVID-19 near real-time traffic light system in an acute hospital setting
Authors: Vizcaychipi Marcela P , Shovlin Claire L , McCarthy Alex , Howard Alice , Brown Alexander , Hayes Michelle , Singh Suveer , Christie Linsey , Sisson Alice , Davies Roger , Lockie Christopher , Popescu Monica , Gupta Amandeep , Armstrong James , Said Hisham , Peters Timothy , T Keays Richard
Published: September 2020

Common causes of death in COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 include thromboembolic disease, cytokine storm and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our aim was to develop a system for early detection of disease pattern in the emergency department (ED) that would enhance opportunities for personalised accelerated care to prevent disease progression. A single Trust’s COVID-19 response control command was established, and a reporting team with bioinformaticians was deployed to develop a real-time traffic light system to support clinical and operational teams. An attempt was made to identify predictive elements for thromboembolism, cytokine storm and ARDS based on physiological measurements and blood tests, and to communicate to clinicians managing the patient, initially via single consultants. The input variables were age, sex, and first recorded blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, heart rate, indices of oxygenation and C-reactive protein. Early admissions were used to refine the predictors used in the traffic lights. Of 923 consecutive patients who tested COVID-19 positive, 592 (64%) flagged at risk for thromboembolism, 241/923 (26%) for cytokine storm and 361/923 (39%) for ARDS. Thromboembolism and cytokine storm flags were met in the ED for 342 (37.1%) patients. Of the 318 (34.5%) patients receiving thromboembolism flags, 49 (5.3% of all patients) were for suspected thromboembolism, 103 (11.1%) were high-risk and 166 (18.0%) were medium-risk. Of the 89 (9.6%) who received a cytokine storm flag from the ED, 18 (2.0% of all patients) were for suspected cytokine storm, 13 (1.4%) were high-risk and 58 (6.3%) were medium-risk. Males were more likely to receive a specific traffic light flag. In conclusion, ED predictors were used to identify high proportions of COVID-19 admissions at risk of clinical deterioration due to severity of disease, enabling accelerated care targeted to those more likely to benefit. Larger prospective studies are encouraged.
Targeted delivery of miR-99b reprograms tumor-associated macrophage phenotype leading to tumor regression
Authors: Wang Liang , Hu Yi-Yang , Zhao Jun-Long , Huang Fei , Liang Shi-Qian , Dong Lei , Chen Yan , Yu Heng-Chao , Bai Jian , Yang Jia-Meng , Fan Jie-Yi , Feng Lei , Li San-Zhong , Han Hua , Qin Hong-Yan
Published: September 2020

Background

Accumulating evidence has shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in tumor progression. Targeting TAMs is a potential strategy for tumor immunotherapy. However, the mechanism underlying the TAM phenotype and function needs to be resolved. Our previous studies have demonstrated that miR-125a can reverse the TAM phenotype toward antitumor. Meanwhile, we have found that miR-125a and miR-99b cluster in the first intron of the same host gene, and are transcribed simultaneously in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) following LPS+IFNγ stimulation. However, it remains unclear whether miR-99b by itself can exert an antitumor effect by regulating macrophage phenotype.

Methods

miR-99b and/or miR-125a were delivered into TAMs of orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or subcutaneous Lewis lung cancer (LLC) mice. The effect of treatment was evaluated by live imaging, TUNEL staining and survival tests. The phenotype of the immune cells was determined by qRT-PCR, ELISA, western blot and FACS. The capability of miR-99b-mediated macrophage phagocytosis and antigen presentation was detected by FACS and immunofluorescence staining. The underlying molecular mechanism was examined by qRT-PCR, reporter assay and western blot, and further verified in the tumor model. The expression of miR-99b and its target genes was determined in TAMs sorted from tumor and adjacent tissues in patients with liver cancer.

Results

Targeted delivery of miR-99b and/or miR-125a into TAMs significantly impeded the growth of HCC and LLC, especially after miR-99b delivery. More importantly, the delivery of miR-99b re-educated TAM toward antitumor phenotype with enhanced immune surveillance. Further investigation of mechanisms showed that macrophage-specific overexpression of miR-99b promoted M1 while suppressing M2 macrophage polarization by targeting κB-Ras2 and/or mTOR, respectively. miR-99b-overexpressed M1 macrophage was characterized by stronger capability of phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Additionally, delivery of simTOR or siκB-Ras2 into TAMs inhibited miR-99b antagomir-triggered tumor growth. Finally, miR-99b expression was lower in TAMs of patients with liver cancer than that in adjacent tissues, while the expression of κB-Ras2 and mTOR was reversed.

Conclusions

Our results reveal the mechanism of miR-99b-mediated TAM phenotype, indicating that TAM-targeted delivery of miR-99b is a potential strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
Exploring the α-decay chain of 302122 within relativistic mean-field formalism
Authors: Panigrahi M. , Panda R.N. , Bhuyan M. , Patra S.K.
Published: September 2020

The ground and first excited state structural properties, like binding energy, charge radius, deformation parameter, pairing energy, and two-neutron separation energy, for the isotopic chain of Z = 122 are analysed. The axially deformed relativistic mean-field formalism with NL3* force parameter is used for the present analysis. Based on the analysis of binding energy per particle, chemical potential, and single-particle spacing, we predict the isotopes of Z = 122 with N = 180, 182, and 184 are the possible stable nuclei over the considered isotopic chain. The α-decay energies and the decay half-lives of 302122 chains are investigated using four different empirical formulae. The results of our calculations are compared with the available experimental data and finite range droplet model predictions. We also established a correlation for the decay energy with the half-lives for the considered α-decay chains for various empirical formulae.
Coleman–Weinberg potential in p-adic field theory
Authors: Ageev Dmitry S. , Bagrov Andrey A. , Iliasov Askar A.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study$$\lambda \phi ^4$$λϕ4scalar field theory defined on the unramified extension of p-adic numbers$${\mathbb {Q}}_{p^n}$$Qpn. For different “space-time” dimensionsn, we compute one-loop quantum corrections to the effective potential. Surprisingly, despite the unusual properties of non-Archimedean geometry, the Coleman–Weinberg potential of p-adic field theory has structure very similar to that of its real cousin. We also study two formal limits of the effective potential,$$p \rightarrow 1$$p→1and$$p \rightarrow \infty $$p→∞. We show that the$$p\rightarrow 1$$p→1limit allows to reconstruct the canonical result for real field theory from the p-adic effective potential and provide an explanation of this fact. On the other hand, in the$$p\rightarrow \infty $$p→∞limit, the theory exhibits very peculiar behavior with emerging logarithmic terms in the effective potential, which has no analogue in real theories.
Orbital stability vs. scattering in the cubic-quintic Schrödinger equation
Authors: Carles Rémi , Sparber Christof
Published: September 2020

We consider the cubic-quintic nonlinear Schrödinger equation of up to three space dimensions. The cubic nonlinearity is thereby focusing while the quintic one is defocusing, ensuring global well-posedness of the Cauchy problem in the energy space. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the interplay between dispersion and orbital (in-)stability of solitary waves. In space dimension one, it is already known that all solitons are orbitally stable. In dimension two, we show that if the initial data belong to the conformal space, and have at most the mass of the ground state of the cubic two-dimensional Schrödinger equation, then the solution is asymptotically linear. For larger mass, solitary wave solutions exist, and we review several results on their stability. Finally, in dimension three, relying on previous results from other authors, we show that solitons may or may not be orbitally stable.
Cooperative Path Planning of Multiple UAVs by using Max–Min Ant Colony Optimization along with Cauchy Mutant Operator
Authors: Ali Zain Anwar , Zhangang Han , Hang Wang Bo
Published: September 2020

In a dynamic environment with wind forces and tornadoes, eliminating fluctuations and noise is critical to get the optimal results. Avoiding collision and simultaneous arrival of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (multi-UAVs) is also a great problem. This paper addresses the cooperative path planning of multi-UAVs with in a dynamic environment. To deal with the aforementioned issues, we combine the maximum–minimum ant colony optimization (MMACO) and Cauchy Mutant (CM) operators to make a bio-inspired optimization algorithm. Our proposed algorithm eliminates the limitations of classical ant colony optimization (ACO) and MMACO, which has the issues of the slow convergence speed and a chance of falling into local optimum. This paper chooses the CM operator to enhance the MMACO algorithm by comparing and examining the varying tendency of fitness function of the local optimum position and the global optimum position when taking care of multi-UAVs path planning problems. It also makes sure that the algorithm picks the shortest route possible while avoiding collision. Additionally, the proposed method is more effective and efficient when compared to the classic MMACO. Finally, the simulation experiment results are performed under the dynamic environment containing wind forces and tornadoes.
A note on r-precious ring
Authors: Bisht Nitin
Published: September 2020

An element of a ring [Formula: see text] is said to be [Formula: see text]-precious if it can be written as the sum of a von Neumann regular element, an idempotent element and a nilpotent element. If all the elements of a ring [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]-precious, then [Formula: see text] is called an [Formula: see text]-precious ring. We study some basic properties of [Formula: see text]-precious rings. We also characterize von Neumann regular elements in [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is a Euclidean domain and by this argument, we produce elements that are [Formula: see text]-precious but either not [Formula: see text]-clean or not precious.
A DESIGNATION OF MODULAR MOBILE RECONFIGURABLE PLATFORM SYSTEM
Authors: LIU YUBIN , WEI RUOPENG , DONG HUIJUAN , ZHU YANHE , ZHAO JIE
Published: September 2020

Mobile robots working in special environment have to adapt for unknown and complex environment characteristics, so high mobility, functional versatility and robustness of mobile robots are required. Different from specialized robot designed for single function in single environment, single unit of modular reconfigurable robots has simple mechanical structure, flexible movement and maneuverability; meanwhile, the combination of multiple units has flexible and versatile configuration, combined with distributed control and swarm intelligence algorithm to gain environmental adaptability and functional versatility of the entire reconfigurable robot system. Single unit of modular mobile reconfigurable robots could complete lightweight tasks such as transporting medicines, distributing and accompanying nurses. Meanwhile, the combination of multiple units could complete heavyweight tasks such as transporting patients and large medical equipment. Modular mobile reconfigurable robot system has broad application prospects in the field of medical auxiliary robots.