bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming behavioral obstacles to prevent periodontal disease: Behavioral change techniques and self‐performed periodontal infection control
Authors: Jönsson Birgitta , Abrahamsson Kajsa H.
Published: August 2020

It is well established that periodontal infection control, by means of adequate oral hygiene such as daily toothbrushing and interdental cleaning, is essential for prevention of periodontal disease. Evidence suggests that oral health behavioral intervention is more effective if based on a theoretic framework that includes behavioral change techniques based on goals and planning and on feedback and monitoring. This review focuses on factors that influence behavioral changes in oral hygiene measures (both obstacles and facilitators) and a person‐centered approach to treatment planning and communication with patients. A person‐centered model of oral hygiene is presented that can be integrated into periodontal treatment using different behavioral techniques.
Implementation science and periodontal practice: Translation of evidence into periodontology
Authors: Frantsve‐Hawley Julie , Kumar Satish S. , Rindal D. Brad , Weyant Robert J.
Published: August 2020

The advent of evidence‐based practice in the 1990s led to the development of processes and resources to support the use of high‐quality research in the provision of health care. As the evidence‐based approach to health care continues to evolve, it has become apparent that mere creation and access to scientific knowledge is not sufficient to facilitate its routine adoption in health care. Throughout any health care system, there are inherent barriers preventing the adoption and routine use of new evidence in patient care. These barriers include provider‐level factors, such as knowledge and access to new evidence, as well as each provider's attitudes and beliefs around adopting and applying the evidence with their patients. Importantly, there are also health care system‐level barriers that, even among willing providers, prevent the easy adoption of new evidence and routine application in patient care. In addition to barriers, there are facilitators that help promote adoption of evidence into practice. Understanding and addressing barriers and facilitators to promote adoption of evidence into practice has led to the growth of a new field known as implementation science. Successful application of implementation science in all areas of health care, including periodontology, will help bridge the gap between what are known from clinical research to be effective treatments and what treatments should be applied routinely in clinical practice. This article reviews key concepts in implementation science and how its application in periodontology can facilitate the translation of high‐quality evidence into routine periodontal practice and improved patient outcomes.
Novel natural product‐based oral topical rinses and toothpastes to prevent periodontal diseases
Authors: Laleman Isabelle , Teughels Wim
Published: August 2020

There is increasing public interest in natural or herbal‐based healthcare products. This trend is not only visible in supermarkets and dental practices, but also in the scientific world. An improving number of clinical trials are being conducted to validate the claims made about these products in regards to periodontal health. Among single component preparations, Aloe vera and green tea are the most studied natural ingredients. Concerning polyherbal mixtures, triphala has garnered great interest. The effects of these natural products on periodontal health is encouraging, with almost all studies showing an inhibitory effect on plaque accumulation and an improvement in gingival health. However, more studies are needed to be able to design clinical guidelines to guide the use of these natural products in periodontal practice. For most of these products, few studies are available and, moreover, the available studies are limited in duration, the number of participants, and the specific composition of the natural product is often not described in detail.
The impacts of China’s exchange rate regime reform in 2005: A counterfactual analysis
Authors: Du Zaichao , Li Jie , Pei Pei
Published: August 2020

This paper empirically evaluates the impacts of China’s exchange rate regime reform in 2005 on its macroeconomy. We propose to use a new counterfactual policy evaluation method that is robust to the choice of control group. Using the new method, we find that China’s exchange rate regime reform in 2005 mildly reduces the Consumer Price Index, has a substantial damping effect on export, significantly increases employment, and has negligible impact on industrial production.
Assessing Causal Effects of Extra Compulsory Learning on College Students’ Academic Performances
Authors: Licari Federica , Mattei Alessandra
Published: August 2020

In Italian state universities candidate freshmen must take an entrance examination. Candidates who obtain a test score less than or equal to a pre-fixed threshold may enrol at the university but must comply with an additional compulsory educational obligation, called obblighi formativi aggiuntivi (OFA). The OFA assignment rule appeals to a (sharp) regression discontinuity design with the entrance examination score acting as the forcing variable. We assess causal effects of OFA status by using data from a school of engineering of a specific Italian state university. For subpopulations of units for which our regression discontinuity design can be described as a local randomized experiment, we draw inference on the causal effects of OFA on students’ academic performances measured by using two variables: the number of university credits awarded at the end of the first academic year and the corresponding average grade. These outcome variables suffer from the problem of truncation by ‘death’, because neither is defined for students who decide not to enrol. Moreover, nor is the average grade defined for students who enrol but do not either take or pass any examination in the first academic year. We deal with these issues by using the framework of principal stratification and adopting a Bayesian approach to inference. We find some evidence that the receipt of OFA may negatively affect students’ academic performances, although the posterior distributions of the causal estimands have high variability.
One-Class Classification with Application to Forensic Analysis
Authors: Fortunato Francesca , Anderlucci Laura , Montanari Angela
Published: August 2020

The analysis of broken glass is forensically important to reconstruct the events of a criminal act. In particular, the comparison between the glass fragments found on a suspect (recovered cases) and those collected at the crime scene (control cases) may help the police to identify the offender(s) correctly. The forensic issue can be framed as a one-class classification problem. One-class classification is a recently emerging and special classification task, where only one class is fully known (the so-called target class), whereas information on the others is completely missing. We propose to consider Gini's classical transvariation probability as a measure of typicality, i.e. a measure of resemblance between an observation and a set of well-known objects (the control cases). The aim of the proposed transvariation-based one-class classifier is to identify the best boundary around the target class, i.e. to recognize as many target objects as possible while rejecting all those deviating from this class.
Got your mother in a whirl: The role of maternal T cells and myeloid cells in pregnancy
Authors: Eikmans Michael , van der Zwan Anita , Claas Frans H. J. , van der Hoorn Marie‐Louise , Heidt Sebastiaan
Published: August 2020

Appropriate development of the placenta is required for healthy pregnancy to occur. After implantation of the fertilized blastocyst, fetal trophoblasts invade the endometrium and myometrium of the mother's uterus to establish placentation. In this process, fetal trophoblasts encounter maternal immune cells. In this review, we focus on the role of maternal T cells and myeloid cells (macrophages, dendritic cells) in pregnancy and their interaction with trophoblasts. To retain immunologic tolerization, trophoblasts evade immune recognition by T cells and produce factors that modulate their phenotype and function. On top of that, the local environment at the maternal‐fetal interface favors expansion of regulatory T cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells are essential in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. They produce soluble factors and act as antigen‐presenting cells, thereby interacting with T cells. Herein, M2 macrophages, immature dendritic cells, CD4+ Th2 cells, and regulatory T cells represent an axis that maintains a local immune tolerant environment. We consider outstanding issues concerning these cell types and their pathways, which need to be addressed in future investigations. Data from recent single‐cell sequencing experiments of the placental bed, to study heterogeneity of maternal immune cells and to predict cell‐cell interactions, are discussed. Novel ways for long‐term culturing of primary trophoblasts allow for cell‐cell interaction studies in a functional way. Future directions should include study of the functionality of currently known and newly identified decidual immune cell subsets in healthy and complicated pregnancies, and their interaction with and modulation by trophoblast cells.
Has the Construction of the Free Trade Zone Increased the Enterprise's Total Factor Productivity—Evidence from Generalized Synthetic Control
Authors: Zhou Chao
Published: August 2020

The Free Trade Zone(FTZ) is a new policy for China to open wider to the outside world. Reducing trade barriers and promoting high-quality enterprise development is an important part of the construction of the FTZ. This article takes the construction of the FTZ based on From 2004 to 2018 as a quasi-natural experiment. The study found that: (1) The policy evaluation results show that after controlling the time and individual effects, the construction of the FTZ plays a significant role in promoting TFP. (2) The construction of the FTZ can promote the improvement of TFP through innovation-driven effects and resource allocation adjustment effects. The analysis shows that patents and the return on assets play an intermediary role between the FTZ and TFP. (3) After considering the time and industry effects, the construction of the FTZ has a significant impact on the TFP growth in state-owned enterprises; the general synthetic control method was used to investigate 11 FTZ, and the construction of Shanghai free trade zone has the most significant effect on the promotion of TFP. The main innovation of this article is the establishment of the FTZ has carried out a policy effect evaluation on the promotion effect of TFP, and has conducted a robustness test using the multi-phase DID method. It has a guiding significance for improving the construction of FTZ and promoting the improvement of enterprise TFP.
Tissue‐specific deletion of mouse basolateral uniporter LAT4 (Slc43a2) reveals its crucial role in small intestine and kidney amino acid transport
Authors: Rajendran Anuradha , Poncet Nadège , Oparija‐Rogenmozere Lalita , Herzog Brigitte , Verrey François
Published: August 2020

Key points

LAT4 is a broadly expressed uniporter selective for essential branched chain amino acids, methionine and phenylalanine, which are involved in epithelial transport.

Its global deletion leads to an early malnutrition‐like phenotype and death within 10 days after birth.

Here, we tested the impact of deleting LAT4 selectively in the mouse intestine. This affected slightly the absorption of amino acids (AAs) and delayed gastrointestinal motility; however, it had no major phenotypic effect, even when combined with aromatic AA uniporter TAT1 knockout (KO).

Conversely, kidney tubule‐selective deletion of LAT4 led to a substantial aminoaciduria that strongly increased under a high protein diet. Combining a partial tubular LAT4 deletion with TAT1 KO implicated their synergistic action on AA reabsorption.

These results show that LAT4 plays an important role for kidney AA reabsorption, but that its functional role in intestinal AA absorption is largely dispensable.

Amino acid (AA) transporter LAT4 (Slc43a2) functions as facilitated diffusion uniporter for essential neutral AAs and is highly expressed at the basolateral membrane of small intestine (SI) and kidney tubule epithelia. Previously, we showed that LAT4 global knockout (KO) mice were born at the expected Mendelian ratio but died within 10 days. Their failure to gain weight and a severe malnutrition‐like phenotype contrasted with apparently normal feeding, suggesting a severe intestinal AA absorption defect. In the present study, using conditional global and tissue‐specific LAT4 KO mouse models, we nullified this hypothesis, demonstrating that the selective lack of intestinal LAT4 does not impair postnatal development, although it leads to an absorption defect accompanied by delayed gastrointestinal motility. Kidney tubule‐specific LAT4 KO led to a substantial aminoaciduria as a result of a reabsorption defect of AAs transported by LAT4 and of other AAs that are substrates of the antiporter LAT2, demonstrating, in vivo, the functional co‐operation of these two transporters. The major role played by basolateral uniporters in the kidney was further supported by the observation that, in mice lacking TAT1, another neutral AA uniporter, a partial LAT4 KO led to a synergistic increase of urinary AA loss. Surprisingly in the SI, the same combined KO induced no major effect, suggesting yet unknown compensatory mechanisms. Taken together, the lethal malnutrition‐like phenotype observed previously in LAT4 global KO pups is suggested to be the consequence of a combinatorial effect of LAT4 deletion in the SI, kidney and presumably other tissues.
Distinct features of calcium handling and β‐adrenergic sensitivity in heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Kilfoil Peter J. , Lotteau Sabine , Zhang Rui , Yue Xin , Aynaszyan Stephan , Solymani Ryan E. , Cingolani Eugenio , Marbán Eduardo , Goldhaber Joshua I.
Published: August 2020

Key points

Heart failure (HF), the leading cause of death in developed countries, occurs in the setting of reduced (HFrEF) or preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction. Unlike HFrEF, there are no effective treatments for HFpEF, which accounts for ∼50% of heart failure.

Abnormal intracellular calcium dynamics in cardiomyocytes have major implications for contractility and rhythm, but compared to HFrEF, very little is known about calcium cycling in HFpEF.

We used rat models of HFpEF and HFrEF to reveal distinct differences in intracellular calcium regulation and excitation‐contraction (EC) coupling.

While HFrEF is characterized by defective EC coupling at baseline, HFpEF exhibits enhanced coupling fidelity, further aggravated by a reduction in β‐adrenergic sensitivity.

These differences in EC coupling and β‐adrenergic sensitivity may help explain why therapies that work in HFrEF are ineffective in HFpEF.

Heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction (respectively, HFrEF and HFpEF) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Although numerous therapies improve outcomes in HFrEF, there are no effective treatments for HFpEF. We studied phenotypically verified rat models of HFrEF and HFpEF to compare excitation‐contraction (EC) coupling and protein expression in these two forms of heart failure. Dahl salt‐sensitive rats were fed a high‐salt diet (8% NaCl) from 7 weeks of age to induce HFpEF. Impaired diastolic relaxation and preserved ejection fraction were confirmed in each animal echocardiographically, and clinical signs of heart failure were documented. To generate HFrEF, Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats underwent permanent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation which, 8–10 weeks later, led to systolic dysfunction (verified echocardiographically) and clinical signs of heart failure. Calcium (Ca2+) transients were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes under field stimulation or patch clamp. Ultra‐high‐speed laser scanning confocal imaging captured Ca2+ sparks evoked by voltage steps. Western blotting and PCR were used to assay changes in EC coupling protein and RNA expression. Cardiomyocytes from rats with HFrEF exhibited impaired EC coupling, including decreased Ca2+ transient (CaT) amplitude and defective couplon recruitment, associated with transverse (t)‐tubule disruption. In stark contrast, HFpEF cardiomyocytes showed saturated EC coupling (increased ICa, high probability of couplon recruitment with greater Ca2+ release synchrony, increased CaT) and preserved t‐tubule integrity. β‐Adrenergic stimulation of HFpEF myocytes with isoprenaline (isoproterenol) failed to elicit robust increases in ICa or CaT and relaxation kinetics. Fundamental differences in EC coupling distinguish HFrEF from HFpEF.
A Novel Multi-Stage Impingement Cooling Scheme—Part I: Concept Study
Authors: Liu Kexin , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2020

The impingement cooling for a modern gas turbine component, either a combustor liner or a high-pressure turbine blade, is often not as efficient as required due to strong cross-flow effect and coolant maldistribution. This paper reports a novel multi-stage impingement cooling scheme to effectively use the coolant and minimize the cross-flow effect. The design concept and general working mechanism are introduced in this Part I paper. The extra design flexibilities and optimization strategies are reported in Part II. Numerical simulations on conjugate heat transfer (CHT) were carried out to assess the flow structure and thermal performance between a typical single-stage cooling design and a three-stage cooling design at typical operating conditions. It has been observed that the novel multi-stage cooling design can reinitiate impingement jets at each stage, which greatly reduces the cross-flow impact and local thermal gradient. The staging of cooling air for the target surface also offers better utilization of the cooling capacity. Even by using 50% of the coolant designed for the single-stage impingement cooling, the multi-stage case can still sufficiently cool the target surface. The additional pressure loss penalty introduced in multi-stage design needs further efforts on design optimization.
Study on Melt Coolability and Water Ingression Through Melt Pool in Scaled Down Core Catcher—The Influence of Vessel Angle
Authors: V. Ganesh , Kulkarni Parimal P. , Nayak Arun K.
Published: August 2020

An ex-vessel core catcher is generally used in advanced reactors to mitigate core melt scenarios by stabilizing and cooling the corium for prolonged period by strategically flooding it. The side indirect cooling along with delayed top flooding of water ensures that the water interacts with the oxidic components only after melt inversion. However, water ingression either through the top of melt pool or through the crust–vessel gap may lead to unoxidized metal–water interaction in the melt leading to hydrogen production. To avoid this deleterious scenario, water ingression into the bulk of the melt is to be avoided. In this study, a series of experiments using a scaled down core catcher has been conducted to study the phenomena of melt coolability and water ingression by varying the bottom vessel angle of the core catcher. Three different angles of the bottom plate were considered: 10, 20, and 30 deg. The melt used was a corium simulant in the form of CaO–B2O3.The transient temperature history of melt pool, inside and outside vessel surface temperatures along with the post-test evaluation of the test section reveals that the bottom angle has an effect on water ingression and the resultant melt eruption at different locations. The tests conducted showed that the scaled down core catcher with 10-deg inclination of the bottom plate does not exhibit water ingression, whereas the 20- and 30-deg angle-scaled down core catchers showed water ingression and subsequent melt eruption.
Quantum turbulence in Bose–Einstein condensates: Present status and new challenges ahead
Authors: Madeira L. , Cidrim A. , Hemmerling M. , Caracanhas M. A. , dos Santos F. E. A. , Bagnato V. S.
Published: August 2020

The field of quantum turbulence is related to the manifestation of turbulence in quantum fluids, such as liquid helium and ultracold gases. The concept of turbulence in quantum systems was conceived more than 70 years ago by Onsager and Feynman, but the study of turbulent ultracold gases is very recent. Although it is a young field, it already provides new approaches to the problem of turbulence. The authors review the advances and present status, of both theory and experiments, concerning atomic Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs). The authors present the difficulties in characterizing turbulence in trapped BECs, if compared to classical turbulence or turbulence in liquid helium. The authors summarize the challenges ahead, mostly related to the understanding of fundamental properties of quantum turbulence, including what is being done to investigate them.
Atomic spectroscopy and laser frequency stabilization with scalable micrometer and sub-micrometer vapor cells
Authors: Talker Eliran , Zektzer Roy , Barash Yefim , Mazurski Noa , Levy Uriel
Published: August 2020

We report on the atomic spectroscopy and laser frequency stabilization using a new type of a miniaturized glass vapor cell with a scalable thickness varying from 500 nm up to 8 μm. The cell is fabricated by lithography and etching techniques in a Pyrex glass substrate, followed by anodic bonding. It is filled with rubidium vapor using a distillation procedure. This simple and cost-effective fabrication method provides an attractive and compact solution for atomic cells, with applications in quantum metrology, sensing, communication, and light-vapor manipulations at the subwavelength scale. Using the fabricated cell, we have performed fluorescence and transmission spectroscopy of the Rubidium D2 line and observed sub-Doppler broadened lines. As an example, for a potential application, we have used the fabricated cell to demonstrate the stabilization of a 780 nm diode laser to the level about 10−10 in fractional frequency.
SQR mediates therapeutic effects of H
2
S by targeting mitochondrial electron transport to induce mitochondrial uncoupling
Authors: Jia Jia , Wang Zichuang , Zhang Minjie , Huang Caiyun , Song Yanmei , Xu Fuyou , Zhang Jingyu , Li Jie , He Meijun , Li Yuyao , Ao Guizhen , Hong Chengjiao , Cao Yongjun , Chin Y. Eugene , Hua Zi-chun , Cheng Jian
Published: August 2020

A sulfide oxidase mediates therapeutic actions of H
2
S by targeting mitochondrial electron flow to induce mitochondrial uncoupling.
Nanoparticle-based computing architecture for nanoparticle neural networks
Authors: Kim Sungi , Kim Namjun , Seo Jinyoung , Park Jeong-Eun , Song Eun Ho , Choi So Young , Kim Ji Eun , Cha Seungsang , Park Ha H. , Nam Jwa-Min
Published: August 2020

The nanoparticle-based von Neumann architecture is constructed on a lipid chip to execute nanoparticle neural networks with DNA.
Structural response of α-quartz under plate-impact shock compression
Authors: Tracy Sally June , Turneaure Stefan J. , Duffy Thomas S.
Published: August 2020

Gas-gun shock compression and pulsed x-ray diffraction reveal new details of the crystal structure of SiO
2
under shock loading.
Rupture of blood clots: Mechanics and pathophysiology
Authors: Tutwiler Valerie , Singh Jaspreet , Litvinov Rustem I. , Bassani John L. , Purohit Prashant K. , Weisel John W.
Published: August 2020

We investigate the biomechanical and structural origins of blood clot rupture with implications for thrombotic embolization.
The participatory and partisan impacts of mandatory vote-by-mail
Authors: Barber Michael , Holbein John B.
Published: August 2020

This paper shows that mandatory vote-by-mail increases voter turnout but does not advantage one political party over the other.
3D-printed programmable tensegrity for soft robotics
Authors: Lee Hajun , Jang Yeonwoo , Choe Jun Kyu , Lee Suwoo , Song Hyeonseo , Lee Jin Pyo , Lone Nasreena , Kim Jiyun
Published: August 2020

Additive manufacturing enables the integration of smart materials into tensegrity metamaterials for functional soft systems.
BET inhibition increases βIII-tubulin expression and sensitizes metastatic breast cancer in the brain to vinorelbine
Authors: Kanojia Deepak , Panek Wojciech K. , Cordero Alex , Fares Jawad , Xiao Annie , Savchuk Solomiia , Kumar Krishan , Xiao Ting , Pituch Katarzyna C. , Miska Jason , Zhang Peng , Kam Kwok-Ling , Horbinski Craig , Balyasnikova Irina V. , Ahmed Atique U. , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: August 2020

Combination of BET inhibitor and vinorelbine improves survival in preclinical models of brain metastases.
A second X chromosome contributes to resilience in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Davis Emily J. , Broestl Lauren , Abdulai-Saiku Samira , Worden Kurtresha , Bonham Luke W. , Miñones-Moyano Elena , Moreno Arturo J. , Wang Dan , Chang Kevin , Williams Gina , Garay Bayardo I. , Lobach Iryna , Devidze Nino , Kim Daniel , Anderson-Bergman Cliff , Yu Gui-Qiu , White Charles C. , Harris Julie A. , Miller Bruce L. , Bennett David A. , Arnold Arthur P. , De Jager Phil L. , Palop Jorge J. , Panning Barbara , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Mucke Lennart , Dubal Dena B.
Published: August 2020

The second X chromosome confers resilience in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease potentially through the X-linked gene
Kdm6a
.
Complete Genome Assemblies of the Rare Salmonella enterica Serovar Adjame Using Nanopore and Illumina Sequence Reads
Authors: Gao Ruimin , Duceppe Marc-Olivier , Naushad Sohail , Chattaway Marie Anne , Ogunremi Dele
Published: August 2020

The complete genome sequences of 12 isolates of the rare
Salmonella enterica
serovar Adjame were determined by combining Nanopore and Illumina sequence reads. Chromosome sizes ranged from 4,597,011 bp to 4,678,052 bp, and the GC content was 52.3%. A virulent plasmid of 87,433 bp was found in only one isolate.
Two Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequences of Magnetotactic Bacteria in the Order
Magnetococcales
Authors: Zhang Wensi , Ji Runjia , Liu Jia , Pan Yongxin , Wu Long-Fei , Lin Wei
Published: August 2020

Magnetotactic bacteria represent a valuable model system for the study of microbial biomineralization and magnetotaxis. Here, we report two metagenome-assembled genome sequences of uncultivated magnetotactic bacteria belonging to the order
Magnetococcales
. These genomes contain nearly complete magnetosome gene clusters responsible for magnetosome biomineralization.
Near-Complete Genome Sequences of a
Wolbachia
Strain Isolated from Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (
Hemiptera
:
Liviidae
)
Authors: Neupane Surendra , Bonilla Sylvia I. , Manalo Andrew M. , Pelz-Stelinski Kirsten S.
Published: August 2020

Wolbachia
strains are one of three endosymbionts associated with the insect vector of “
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus,”
Diaphorina citri
Kuwayama (
Hemiptera
:
Liviidae
). We report three near-complete genome sequences of samples of
Wolbachia
from
D. citri
(wDi), with sizes of 1,518,595, 1,542,468, and 1,538,523 bp.
Complete Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma asteris” RP166, a Plant Pathogen Associated with Rapeseed Phyllody Disease in Poland
Authors: Cho Shu-Ting , Zwolińska Agnieszka , Huang Weijie , Wouters Roland H. M. , Mugford Sam T. , Hogenhout Saskia A. , Kuo Chih-Horng
Published: August 2020

The complete genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Phytoplasma asteris” RP166, which consists of one 829,546-bp circular chromosome, is presented in this work. This bacterium is associated with rapeseed phyllody disease in Poland and belongs to the 16SrI-B (i.e., aster yellows) group.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Strain Francisella tularensis subsp.
mediasiatica
240, Isolated in Kazakhstan
Authors: Kuibagarov Marat , Kairzhanova Alma , Vergnaud Gilles , Amirgazin Asylulan , Lukhnova Larissa , Izbanova Uinkul , Ramankulov Yerlan , Shevtsov Alexandr
Published: August 2020

Francisella tularensis
subsp.
mediasiatica
is the least studied among the four
F. tularensis
subspecies. We present here the genome data of
F. tularensis
subsp
. mediasiatica
240, isolated in the southern region of Kazakhstan.
Reconstruction of Bacterial Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequences from Alpine Bog Vegetation
Authors: Wicaksono Wisnu Adi , Cernava Tomislav , Berg Christian , Berg Gabriele
Published: August 2020

Bacteria are essential constituents of bog ecosystems. Here, we report 44 bacterial genome sequences reconstructed from metagenomes sampled across 12 plant species representing Alpine bog vegetation. This resource will facilitate further exploration of the genetic potential of these bacteria and allow researchers to refine their ecological roles in association with their plant hosts.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio ostreicida Strain PP-203, the Type Strain of a Pathogen That Infects Bivalve Larvae
Authors: Kumar Ritikaa S. , Galvis Fabian , Wasson Benjamin J. , Saw Jimmy H. , Oline David K. , Barja Juan L. , Ushijima Blake , Koyack Marc J. , Prado Susana , Videau Patrick
Published: August 2020

Vibrio ostreicida
is a Gram-negative gammaproteobacterium that has been shown to cause disease in bivalve larvae. Presented here is the draft genome of the type strain
Vibrio ostreicida
strain PP-203, which was isolated from the inner surface of an
Ostrea edulis
(European flat oyster) spat container with recorded deaths at a hatchery in Galicia, Spain.
Supplemental Material: Regional chronostratigraphic synthesis of the Cenomanian-Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) interval, Western Interior Basin (USA): New Re-Os chemostratigraphy and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Authors: Jones Matthew M. , al. et
Published: August 2020

(1) Complete Ar geochronology data, bentonite correlations, and collection in Kaiparowits Plateau, Cenomanian-Turonian boundary age calculations, core photos and description of hiatuses, and Angus Core depth scale alignment correction. (2) Time scale tables for cores.
Influenza A-associated acute necrotising encephalopathy in a 10-year-old child
Authors: Sanders Patricia JLT , van Waardenburg Dick A , Vermeulen R Jeroen
Published: August 2020

We report an otherwise healthy 10-year-old boy who was brought to the emergency department with altered mental status, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever (39.5°C), without signs of meningitis. The CT scan revealed bilateral hypodensities of the thalamus and cerebellum, with diffuse oedema and slight compression of the brainstem and a triventricular hydrocephalus. Lumbar puncture and blood examination revealed markedly elevated protein level of 2.4 g/L in cerebrospinal fluid and high serum aminotransferase, characteristic of acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE). The PCR of the nasopharyngeal swab was influenza A positive. Because of signs of high intracranial pressure, mannitol was given, an external ventricular drain was placed and subsequently, a posterior fossa craniectomy was performed. Postoperatively, he showed signs of cerebellar mutism with emotional instability and diminished speech. Six months after presentation, he showed full recovery. This case illustrates ANE as a rare complication of influenza A infection.
Septic arthritis caused byCandida albicans: post intra-articular steroid injection in a native joint
Authors: Chung Siok Li , Papanikitas Joseph , Johnstone David , McKean David
Published: August 2020

Intra-articular steroid injections are widely prescribed for management of osteoarthritis when oral medication or physiotherapy treatment fails to relieve patient’s pain. Septic arthritis is an uncommon side effect of steroid injection. Common causal micro-organisms are bacterial withStaphylococcus aureusbeing the most frequent. Fungal septic arthritis is rare and does not usually present beyond the neonatal period. We present a rare case of septic arthritis secondary to fungal infection.
Resistant hypertension after shockwave lithotripsy: the rude awakening of an adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Larrazabal Ramon Jr Bagaporo , Chiu Harold Henrison Chang , Sandoval Mark Anthony Santiago
Published: August 2020

A 41-year-old woman presented to the hospital because of left flank pain. CT scan of the kidneys revealed left-sided calculi and an incidental right adrenal mass, no other symptoms noted. She then underwent shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). However, immediately postoperatively, she had elevated blood pressure and remained hypertensive despite having four different medications. How SWL could have increased blood pressure could not be identified. On endocrine consult 16 months after SWL, she was found to now exhibit signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. Further workup revealed the adrenal incidentaloma to be cortisol-secreting. After undergoing right laparoscopic adrenalectomy, her blood pressure normalised, cortisol levels decreased and signs of Cushing’s syndrome gradually improved. We hypothesise that the performance of the SWL could have triggered the adenoma to ‘awaken’ from being non-functioning to cortisol-producing since this was the only intervening event. Observations of other patients are needed to validate our hypothesis.
High-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL6 rearrangements presenting as a cervical mass
Authors: Costa Philippos Apolinario , Needelman Brandon S , Tjendra Youley , Hoffman James E
Published: August 2020

Lymphoid malignancies represent 0. 008% of all cervical tumours. While uncommon, lymphoid malignancies of the gynaecological tract require careful diagnosis and classification to ensure appropriate treatment. We present a case of a 54-year-old woman with HIV who presented with urinary and faecal incontinence for 2 weeks, associated with the feeling of a mass in her vagina. A smooth flesh-coloured pelvic mass was seen on physical examination, and a transvaginal biopsy revealed infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells with fluorescence in situ hybridisation positive for MYC and BCL6, and negative for IGH/BCL2. Bone marrow and cerebral spinal fluid analysis also showed involvement by atypical lymphocytes. She was diagnosed with stage IV high-grade B-cells lymphoma (HGBLs) with MYC and BCL6 rearrangements. She was given R-CODOX-M plus IVAC with no evidence of disease at 4-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first literature report of a HGBL with MYC and BCL6 rearrangement presenting as a cervical mass.
Streptococcus anginosuspurulent pericarditis with cardiac tamponade after coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Cai Qiangjun
Published: August 2020

Purulent pericarditis caused byStreptococcus anginosusis extremely rare. A 66-year-old man underwent elective coronary artery bypass surgery. This was complicated by sternal wound dehiscence with drainage. Subsequently, he developed fever, progressive dyspnoea and presyncope. Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion with evidence of tamponade. He underwent emergent pericardiocentesis. The pericardial fluid culture grewS. anginosus. He was treated with 4 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone with complete clinical recovery. The source of infection was most likely the sternal wound which was overlooked during debridement and rewiring surgery.
Spontaneous hepatic haemorrhage secondary to ruptured hepatocellular adenoma in a young male patient
Authors: Yoon Peter Daechul , Chen Andy Ze Lin , Tovmassian David , Pleass Henry
Published: August 2020

A 27-year-old man presented with acute right upper quadrant abdominal pain and vomiting. He was clinically in hypovolaemic shock. Investigations revealed normocytic anaemia with a normal bilirubin and moderate liver function test abnormalities. CT abdomen and pelvis demonstrated haemoperitoneum and a large solitary hepatic mass in segments V and VI, suspicious for a ruptured hepatic tumour. Massive transfusion protocol was commenced and angioembolisation of the inferior branch of the right hepatic artery was undertaken. Despite this, his haemorrhagic shock was resistant to resuscitation. Thus, he underwent emergent exploratory laparotomy, which resulted in segments V and VI liver resection and packing. Re-look laparotomy 2 days following initial exploration was performed where haemostasis was confirmed. Histopathology revealed a ruptured well-differentiated hepatocellular adenoma. The patient made a good recovery following a 2-week admission.
Subacute thyroiditis associated with COVID-19
Authors: Mattar Shaikh Abdul Matin , Koh Samuel Ji Quan , Rama Chandran Suresh , Cherng Benjamin Pei Zhi
Published: August 2020

We report a case of a hospitalised patient with COVID-19 who developed subacute thyroiditis in association with SARS-COV-2 infection. The patient presented with tachycardia, anterior neck pain and thyroid function tests revealing hyperthyroidism together with consistent ultrasonographic evidence suggesting subacute thyroiditis. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in rapid clinical resolution. This case illustrates that subacute thyroiditis associated with viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 should be recognised as a complication of COVID-19 and considered as a differential diagnosis when infected patients present with tachycardia without evidence of progression of COVID-19 illness.
Meningococcal meningitis and COVID-19 co-infection
Authors: Gallacher Stuart Declan , Seaton Andrew
Published: August 2020

Bacterial co-infection in the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 is associated with poor outcomes but remains little understood. A 22-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of fever, headache, neck stiffness, rigours and confusion. She was noted to have a purpuric rash over her hands and feet. Cerebrospinal fluid bacterial PCR was positive forNeisseria meningitidis. A concurrent nasopharyngeal RT-PCR was positive for SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of COVID-19. She was treated with antibiotics for bacterial meningitis and made a complete recovery. Bacterial infection from nasopharyngeal organisms has followed previous pandemic viral upper respiratory illnesses and the risk of bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 remains unclear. Research characterising COVID-19 should specify the frequency, species and outcome of bacterial co-infection. Management of bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 presents major challenges for antimicrobial stewardship and clinical management. Judicious use of local antibiotic guidelines and early liaison with infection specialists is key.
Community and healthcare system-related factors feeding the phenomenon of evading medical attention for time-dependent emergencies during COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Ahmed Taha , Lodhi Samra Haroon , Kapadia Samir , Shah Gautam V
Published: August 2020

The current COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted healthcare systems worldwide. There has been a palpable increase in public avoidance of hospitals, which has interfered in timely care of critical cardiovascular conditions. Complications from late presentation of myocardial infarction, which had become a rarity, resurfaced during the pandemic. We present two such encounters that occurred due to delay in seeking medical care following myocardial infarction due to the fear of contracting COVID-19 in the hospital. Moreover, a comprehensive review of literature is performed to illustrate the potential factors delaying and decreasing timely presentations and interventions for time-dependent medical emergencies like ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We emphasise that clinicians should remain vigilant of encountering rare and catastrophic complications of STEMI during this current era of COVID-19 pandemic.
Potential impact of missing outcome data on treatment effects in systematic reviews: imputation study
Authors: Kahale Lara A , Khamis Assem M , Diab Batoul , Chang Yaping , Lopes Luciane Cruz , Agarwal Arnav , Li Ling , Mustafa Reem A , Koujanian Serge , Waziry Reem , Busse Jason W , Dakik Abeer , Schünemann Holger J , Hooft Lotty , Scholten Rob JPM , Guyatt Gordon H , Akl Elie A
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the risk of bias associated with missing outcome data in systematic reviews.

Design

Imputation study.

Setting

Systematic reviews.

Population

100 systematic reviews that included a group level meta-analysis with a statistically significant effect on a patient important dichotomous efficacy outcome.

Main outcome measures

Median percentage change in the relative effect estimate when applying each of the following assumption (four commonly discussed but implausible assumptions (best case scenario, none had the event, all had the event, and worst case scenario) and four plausible assumptions for missing data based on the informative missingness odds ratio (IMOR) approach (IMOR 1.5 (least stringent), IMOR 2, IMOR 3, IMOR 5 (most stringent)); percentage of meta-analyses that crossed the threshold of the null effect for each method; and percentage of meta-analyses that qualitatively changed direction of effect for each method. Sensitivity analyses based on the eight different methods of handling missing data were conducted.

Results

100 systematic reviews with 653 randomised controlled trials were included. When applying the implausible but commonly discussed assumptions, the median change in the relative effect estimate varied from 0% to 30.4%. The percentage of meta-analyses crossing the threshold of the null effect varied from 1% (best case scenario) to 60% (worst case scenario), and 26% changed direction with the worst case scenario. When applying the plausible assumptions, the median percentage change in relative effect estimate varied from 1.4% to 7.0%. The percentage of meta-analyses crossing the threshold of the null effect varied from 6% (IMOR 1.5) to 22% (IMOR 5) of meta-analyses, and 2% changed direction with the most stringent (IMOR 5).

Conclusion

Even when applying plausible assumptions to the outcomes of participants with definite missing data, the average change in pooled relative effect estimate is substantive, and almost a quarter (22%) of meta-analyses crossed the threshold of the null effect. Systematic review authors should present the potential impact of missing outcome data on their effect estimates and use this to inform their overall GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) ratings of risk of bias and their interpretation of the results.
Tailored support for national NCD policy and programme implementation: an over-looked priority
Authors: Jackson-Morris Angela , Nugent Rachel
Published: August 2020

Many low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are unlikely to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third by 2030. For some, the prospect is receding: between 2010 and 2020, the decline in premature deaths for the major NCDs slowed compared with the prior decade. Barriers to implementing effective strategies are well known, yet the value of tailored technical support to countries has been overlooked and downplayed. Tailored technical support is specialist guidance for country-specific application of technical tools, and capacity enhancement when needed, that enables an LMIC to advance its NCD priorities and plans. We present a model identifying pivotal junctures where tailored technical support can help surmount implementation obstacles. We draw on our experience preparing NCD investment cases with health ministries, development partners and technical agencies. National investment cases produce evidence based, locally tailored and costed packages of NCD interventions and policies appropriate to national needs and circumstances. They can include analysis of financing needs and point towards sustainable funding mechanisms. Enhancing the NCD-specific knowledge of government and Civil Society Organization leads can capitalise on existing expertise, aid integrative health system developments and unlock capabilities to use global tools and guidance. Investment cases form a platform to develop or review NCD plans and (re)prioritise action, then apply implementation science to trouble-shoot obstacles. Partnering national stakeholders with technical support in this process is critical to develop and implement effective NCD strategies.
Provision of care for pregnant women with IBD in the UK: the current landscape
Authors: Wolloff Sarah , Moore Emma , Glanville Tracey , Limdi Jimmy , Kok Klaartje B , Fraser Aileen , Kent Alexandra , Mulgabal Khasia , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Selinger Christian
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Suboptimal control of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can result in increased rates of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. We aimed to describe the current landscape of provision of antenatal care for women with IBD in the UK.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey collected data on service setup; principles of care pre-conception, during pregnancy and post partum; and on perceived roles and responsibilities of relevant clinicians.

Results

Data were provided for 97 IBD units. Prepregnancy counselling was offered mostly on request only (54%) and in an ad hoc manner. In 86% of units, IBD antenatal care was provided by the patient’s usual gastroenterologist, rather than a gastroenterologist with expertise in pregnancy (14%). Combined clinics with obstetricians and gastroenterologists were offered in 14% of units (24% academic vs 7% district hospitals; p=0.043). Communication with obstetrics was ‘as and when required’ in 51% and 30% of IBD units reviewed pregnant women with IBD ‘only when required’. The majority of respondents thought gastroenterologists should be involved in decisions regarding routine vaccinations (70%), breast feeding (80%), folic acid dosage (61%) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis (53%). Sixty-five per cent of respondents thought that gastroenterologists should be involved in decisions around mode of delivery and 30% recommended caesarean sections for previous but healed perianal disease.

Conclusions

This nationwide survey found considerable variation in IBD antenatal services. We identified deficiencies in service setup, care provided by IBD units and clinician knowledge. A basic framework to inform service setup, and better education on the available clinical guidance, is required to ensure consistent high-quality multidisciplinary care.
Constipation in ulcerative colitis: pathophysiology and practical management
Authors: Miller Charles , Emmanuel Anton , Zarate-Lopez Natalia , Taylor Stuart , Bloom Stuart
Published: August 2020

Clinical experience suggests that there is a cohort of patients with refractory colitis who do have faecal stasis that contributes to symptoms. The underlying physiology is poorly understood, partly because until recently the technology to examine segmental colonic motility has not existed. Patients are given little information on how proximal faecal stasis can complicate colitis. Treatment guidelines are scanty and many patients are offered little apart from laxatives and advice on increasing fibre intake, which often makes symptoms worse. This article aims to review the history, pathology and management, and create impetus for future research on this underappreciated condition.