bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation in patients with heart failure: Validity of the APPLE and CAAP‐AF risk scoring systems
Authors: Black‐Maier Eric , Parish Alice , Steinberg Benjamin A. , Green Cynthia L. , Loring Zak , Barnett Adam S. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Atwater Brett D. , Daubert James P. , Frazier‐Mills Camille , Hegland Donald D. , Jackson Kevin P. , Jackson Larry R. , Koontz Jason , Lewis Robert K. , Pokorney Sean D. , Sun Albert Y. , Thomas Kevin L. , Bahnson Tristam D. , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: September 2019

Background

Compared with medical therapy, catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure (HF) improves cardiovascular outcomes. Risk scores (CAAP‐AF and APPLE) have been developed to predict the likelihood of AF recurrence after ablation, have not been validated specifically in patients with AF and HF.

Methods

We analyzed baseline characteristics, risk scores, and rates of AF recurrence 12 months postablation in a cohort of 230 consecutive patients with AF and HF undergoing PVI in the Duke Center for Atrial Fibrillation registry from 2009‐2013.

Results

During a follow‐up period of 12 months, 76 of 230 (33%) patients with HF experienced recurrent AF after ablation. The median APPLE and CAAP‐AF scores were 1.5 ([Q1, Q3]: [1.0, 2.0]) and 4.0 ([Q1, Q3]: [3.0, 5.0]), respectively and were not different from those patients with and without recurrent AF. Freedom from AF was not different according to APPLE and CAAP‐AF scores. Discrimination for recurrent AF with the CAAP‐AF score was modest with a C‐statistic of 0.60 (95% CI 0.52‐0.67). Discrimination with the APPLE score was similarly modest, with a C‐statistic of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.47‐0.62).

Conclusions

Validated predictive risk scores for recurrent AF after catheter ablation exhibit limited predictive ability in cohorts of AF and HF. Additional tools are needed to facilitate risk stratification and patient selection for AF ablation in patients with concomitant HF.
MiR‐505 promotes M2 polarization in choroidal neovascularization model mice by targeting transmembrane protein 229B
Authors: Zhao Su , Lu Lu , Liu Qing , Chen Jun , Yuan Qi , Qiu Shunmei , Wang Xian
Published: September 2019

We aimed to analyse the relative abundance of miR‐505 in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Relative expression of miR‐505 was analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Macrophage polarization was characterized by measurement of molecular markers including Ym‐1, Arg‐1, TNF‐α and iNOS via both real‐time PCR and Western blot. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) content was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) formation was evaluated by choroidal flat mount technique. The regulatory action of miR‐505‐5p on 3′UTR of Transmembrane Protein 229B (TMEM229B) was interrogated by luciferase reporter assay. miR‐505 was aberrantly upregulated in both AMD and laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization mouse model. Administration with miR‐505 specific inhibitor suppressed M2 polarization in CNV mice as indicated by decreasing both Ym‐1 and Arg‐1. Meanwhile, VEGF expression and CNV formation were greatly suppressed by miR‐505 inhibition as well. The similar phenotype was consolidated in Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)‐stimulated bone marrow‐derived macrophages. At the molecular level, miR‐505‐5p directly targeted and negatively regulated TMEM229B expression, while forced ectopic expression of TMEM229B significantly rescued miR‐505‐imposed M2 polarization. Our data have uncovered the critical contribution of miR‐505 in AMD, which is predominantly mediated by downregulation of TMEM229B.
The external validity of a novel contract‐relax stretching technique on knee flexor range of motion
Authors: Kay Anthony D. , Dixon Joshua , Bligh Liam D. , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Compromised joint range of motion (ROM) can negatively affect the capacity to perform activities of daily living in clinical populations. Recently, similar improvements in dorsiflexion ROM were reported following dynamometry‐based contract‐relax (CR) stretching and modified CR stretching technique (stretch‐return‐contract [SRC]) where the contraction phase was performed “off stretch.” As neither the impact of SRC on other muscle groups nor the ecological validity of SRC performed in an applied environment has been tested, the acute effects of both techniques in dynamometry‐ (CRdyna and SRCdyna) and field‐based (CRfield and SRCfield) environments were compared with the hamstring muscle group.

Methods

Seventeen participants performed each of the four stretching conditions on separate days in a randomized order. Before and after the stretches, knee extension ROM and passive knee flexor moment were recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer.

Results

Significant (P < .01) increases in knee extension ROM (4.6‐5.2°) and elastic potential energy storage (12.0%‐23.6%) and decreases in the slope of the passive moment‐angle relation (8.9%‐12.2%) occurred in all conditions. Significant increases in peak passive joint moment were observed after field‐ (14.3%‐14.8%) but not dynamometry‐based (4.6%‐6.6%) stretches. No difference (P > .05) in any measure was found between conditions.

Conclusions

These data confirm the acute efficacy of the SRC technique in the hamstring muscle group and demonstrate its ecological validity in an applied environment in healthy participants. As the field‐based SRC technique was performed without partner assistance, when compared with classical PNF it represents an equally effective and practical stretching paradigm to support athletic and clinical exercise prescription.
Comparisons of laboratory‐based methods to calculate jump height and improvements to the field‐based flight‐time method
Authors: Wade Logan , Lichtwark Glen A , Farris Dominic J
Published: September 2019

Laboratory methods that are required to calculate highly precise jump heights during experimental research have never been sufficiently compared and examined. Our first aim was to compare jumping outcome measures of the same jump, using four different methods (double integration from force plate data, rigid‐body modeling from motion capture data, marker‐based video tracking, and a hybrid method), separately for countermovement and squat jumps. Additionally, laboratory methods are often unsuitable for field use due to equipment or time restrictions. Therefore, our second aim was to improve an additional field‐based method (flight‐time method), by combining this method with an anthropometrically scaled constant. Motion capture and ground reaction forces were used to calculate jump height of twenty‐four participants who performed five maximal countermovement jumps and five maximal squat jumps. Within‐participant mean and standard deviation of jump height, flight distance, heel‐lift, and take‐off velocity were compared for each of the four methods. All four methods calculated countermovement jump height with low variability and are suitable for research applications. The double integration method had significant errors in squat jump height due to integration drift, and all other methods had low variability and are therefore suitable for research applications. Rigid‐body modeling was unable to determine the position of the center of mass at take‐off in both jumping movements and should not be used to calculate heel‐lift or flight distance. The flight‐time method was greatly improved with the addition of an anthropometrically scaled heel‐lift constant, enabling this method to estimate jump height and subsequently estimate power output in the field.
Device‐measured light‐intensity physical activity and mortality: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ku Po‐Wen , Hamer Mark , Liao Yung , Hsueh Ming‐Chun , Chen Li‐Jung
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The association of light‐intensity physical activity (LPA) with mortality is poorly understood. This meta‐analysis of cohort studies aimed to examine the dose‐response relationships between daily device‐measured LPA and mortality in adults aged 18 or older and to explore whether the associations were independent of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Methods

Searches for prospective cohort studies providing effect estimates of daily LPA (exposure) on all‐cause mortality (outcome) were systematically undertaken in electronic databases up to April 30, 2019. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression analyses with random‐effects models were performed to quantify the dose‐response relationships between daily LPA and mortality. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess the stability of the results.

Results

A total of 11 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Analyses contained 49 239 individuals (mean age 60.7, SD = 13.6) who were followed up for a mean 6.2 years (2.3‐14.2 years), during which 3669 (7.5%) died. In comparison with the reference group (<3 h/d), the pooled HRs (and 95% CIs) of mortality were 0.71 (0.62‐0.82), 0.68 (0.59‐0.79), 0.56 (0.44‐0.71) for groups 3 to <5 h/d, 5 to <7 h/d, and more than 7 hours a day LPA, respectively. Meta‐regression models indicated that there was a log‐cubic dose‐response relationship between daily LPA and mortality in adults and older people, independent of MVPA.

Conclusions

Time spent in daily LPA was associated with reduced risks of mortality in adults and older people. These data support the inclusion of LPA in the future physical activity guidelines.
Beyond the “Usual Suspects”? Reimagining Democracy With Participatory Budgeting in Chicago
Authors: Pape Madeleine , Lim Chaeyoon
Published: September 2019

This article examines whether democratic innovations in the United States attract citizens who are typically underrepresented within existing political institutions. We focus on participatory budgeting, an intervention where residents decide how to allocate a particular pot of public money. Taking “PB Chicago” as our case study, we use survey and interview data to examine whether organizers realized their stated goal of involving residents other than the “usual suspects.” We find that residents who voted in PB Chicago were more often white, college educated, and from higher‐income households relative to both the local population and politically active residents in Chicago. While these residents were not necessarily the most active across other stages of the PB Chicago process, we find little evidence that lower socioeconomic status and minority residents were accessing the civic learning and empowerment gains associated with participatory forms of democracy. Outreach made the process more inclusive but was insufficient to overcome several important structural constraints. Of particular note, the needs and interests of less privileged residents were not met by the narrow capital works focus of PB Chicago. We suggest that when implemented under such conditions, participatory budgeting risks deepening existing political and social inequalities.
Analyses of size and computed tomography densitometry parameters for prediction of keloid recurrence after postoperative electron beam radiation therapy
Authors: Maemoto Hitoshi , Ishigami Kousei , Iraha Shiro , Arashiro Ken , Kusada Takeaki , Ganaha Fumikiyo , Murayama Sadayuki
Published: September 2019

Background

The lesion size is a risk factor for keloid recurrence after postoperative radiotherapy. However, it remains unclear whether the major axis diameter is the most appropriate parameter to evaluate lesion size, because keloids are often irregular in shape. Additionally, no previous study has investigated computed tomography (CT) densitometry parameters of keloids as potential predictors for recurrence after postoperative radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods

The size and CT densitometry parameters were measured for 74 lesions with CT images of sufficient quality for evaluation. The association between recurrence and size or CT densitometry parameters was analyzed for 64 lesions that could be followed up for 6 months or more.

Results

The major axis diameter × minor axis diameter × thickness showed the strongest correlation with volume (ρ = 0.96, P < .0001). The median follow‐up period was 71 months, and 17 lesions recurred. The major axis diameter × minor axis diameter × thickness ≥2.5 cm3 (hazard ratio = 5.9, P = .0052) and volume ≥1.2 ml (hazard ratio = 4.3, P = .029) were significantly associated with keloid recurrence under multivariate analyses, while the major axis diameter alone were not. The mean and maximum CT values, and the kurtosis and skewness of density histogram were not significantly different between recurrent and non‐recurrent lesions.

Conclusion

The major axis diameter × minor axis diameter × thickness may be a better parameter than the major axis diameter alone. CT densitometry analyses may not help to predict keloid recurrence after postoperative electron beam radiotherapy.
Butyrate‐producing gut bacteria and viral infections in kidney transplant recipients: A pilot study
Authors: Lee John R. , Huang Jennifer , Magruder Matthew , Zhang Lisa T. , Gong Catherine , Sholi Adam N. , Albakry Shady , Edusei Emmanuel , Muthukumar Thangamani , Lubetzky Michelle , Dadhania Darshana M. , Taur Ying , Pamer Eric G. , Suthanthiran Manikkam
Published: September 2019

Background

The gut microbiome is being associated increasingly with development of infections besides Clostridium difficile infection. A recent study found an association between butyrate‐producing gut (BPG) bacteria and less frequent development of lower respiratory viral infections in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (Haak et al, Blood 131(26): 2978, 2018). In this investigation, we examine the relationship between the abundance of BPG bacteria and the development of viral infections in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

We recruited 168 kidney transplant recipients who provided 510 fecal specimens in the first 3 months after transplantation and profiled the gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4‐V5 hypervariable region. We classified the kidney transplant recipients into higher BPG Bacteria Group and lower BPG Bacteria Group using the same criteria of 1% relative gut abundance of BPG bacteria as the Haak et al study.

Results

Administration of antibiotics against anaerobes was associated with a significant decrease in the relative gut abundance of BPG bacteria. The higher BPG Bacteria Group was associated with less development of respiratory viral infections (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.28, P = .01) but not with less development of CMV viremia (HR: 0.38, P = .13) or BK viremia (HR: 1.02, P = .98) at 2 years post transplantation.

Conclusion

Our pilot investigation supports future validation of the relationship between high relative gut abundance of BPG bacteria and decreased risk for development of respiratory viral infections.
Cactus‐induced keratoconjunctivitis in Texas: A case series of three dogs and one cat
Authors: Dowler Kourtney K. , Scott Erin M. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Vallone Lucien V.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To describe the historical, clinical, and diagnostic features of small animal patients affected by cactus‐induced keratoconjunctivitis and their response to therapy.

Animals studied

Three dogs and one cat.

Procedures

Ophthalmic examination directed subsequent selected diagnostic tests in each case including light microscopy of extracted foreign bodies, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), corneal histopathology, and corneal bacterial culture. Treatments consisted of foreign body surgical extraction with concurrent medical therapy (three cases), or medical therapy alone (one case).

Results

Clinical histories obtained supported acute cactus injury in all cases. Ophthalmic abnormalities were unilateral in each case and included ulcerative keratoconjunctivitis associated with linear, microscopic conjunctival and/or corneal penetrating cactus spines, known as glochids. Light microscopy and IVCM showed glochids to be heavily barbed, consistent with the spine morphology Prickly Pear (Opuntia) cactus species. Bacterial culture yielded Proprionicimonas sp. in one case with keratomalacia. Surgical extraction of spines was challenging, and residual conjunctival and/or corneal glochids were present in all cases. Patient discomfort resolved at a median of 21 days (range 10‐51 days). Vision‐threatening complications were not observed in any case at the time of last follow‐up examination. Epithelial downgrowth, demonstrated by IVCM and histopathology, was present in one case at 108‐day follow‐up.

Conclusions

Cactus‐induced keratoconjunctivitis should be considered as a differential in regions in which Opuntia cacti are prevalent, and microscopic ocular foreign bodies are observed. Although glochids are difficult to extract, positive clinical outcomes can occur in small animal patients despite the presence of residual organic corneal foreign material.
ToF-SIMS and TIRF microscopy investigation on the effects of HEMA copolymer surface chemistry on spatial localization, surface intensity, and release of fluorescently labeled keratinocyte growth factor
Authors: Sen-Britain Shohini , Britain Derek M. , Hicks Wesley L. , Gardella Joseph A.
Published: September 2019

The need for direct biomaterial-based delivery of growth factors to wound surfaces to aid in wound healing emphasizes the importance of interfacial interactions between the biomaterial and the wound surface. These interactions include the spatial localization of growth factor, the surface intensity of growth factor in contact with the wound, and the release profile of growth factor to the wound surface. The authors report the use of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to determine the relationship between biomaterial surface chemistry and the spatial localization of growth factor. They have implemented a novel application of total internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to measure the surface intensity and release of growth factor in contact with a glass substrate that has been used to model a wound surface. Detailed information regarding TIRF experiments has been included to aid in future studies regarding the biomaterial delivery to interfaces. The authors have evaluated the effects of (hydroxyethyl)methacrylate (HEMA) homopolymer, 5.89% methyl methacrylate/HEMA, and 5.89% methacrylic acid/HEMA surface chemistry on the spatial localization of AlexaFluor 488-labeled keratinocyte growth factor (AF488-KGF), AF488-KGF surface intensity at the copolymer surface, and release to a glass substrate. KGF is known to promote re-epithelialization in wound healing. The results show that the two copolymers allow for increased surface coverage, surface intensity, and release of AF488-KGF in comparison to the homopolymer. It is likely that differences in these three aspects could have a profound effect on the wound healing response.
The effect of vocal effort on contrastive voice quality in Shaoxing Wu
Authors: Kuang Jianjing , Tian Jia , Jiang Bing'er
Published: September 2019

Voice quality varies at different levels of communication functions. In order to better understand the range of voice quality variation in normal speech, it is important to examine the interaction between global functions and local functions. This study investigates the effect of vocal effort on the contrastive voice quality in Shaoxing Wu. Results show that register contrasts are maintained in all vocal effort conditions, suggesting that the controls for global vs local functions are rather independent. However, the contrastivity of the registers is modulated by the vocal effort conditions, and the register contrasts are less well-defined in the loud and soft conditions.
Constraints imposed by zero-crossing invariance on cochlear models with two mechanical degrees of freedom
Authors: Sisto Renata , Shera Christopher A. , Altoè Alessandro , Moleti Arturo
Published: September 2019

The zero crossings of basilar-membrane (BM) responses to clicks are nearly independent of stimulus intensity. This work explores the constraints that this invariance imposes on one-dimensional nonlinear cochlear models with two degrees of freedom (2DoF). The locations of the poles and zeros of the BM admittance, calculated for a set of linear models in which the strength of the active force is progressively decreased, provides a playground for evaluating the behavior of a corresponding nonlinear model at increasing stimulus levels. Mathematical constraints on the model parameters are derived by requiring that the poles of the admittance move horizontally in the s-plane as the active force is varied. These constraints ensure approximate zero-crossing invariance over a wide stimulus level range in a nonlinear model in which the active force varies as a function of the local instantaneous BM displacement and velocity. Two different 2DoF models are explored, each capable of reproducing the main qualitative characteristics of the BM response to tones (i.e., the tall and broad activity pattern at low stimulus levels, the large gain dynamics, and the partial decoupling between gain and phase). In each model, the motions of the two masses are compared with response data from animal experiments.
SeqSero2: Rapid and Improved
Salmonella
Serotype Determination Using Whole-Genome Sequencing Data
Authors: Zhang Shaokang , den Bakker Hendrik C. , Li Shaoting , Chen Jessica , Dinsmore Blake A. , Lane Charlotte , Lauer A. C. , Fields Patricia I. , Deng Xiangyu
Published: September 2019

Serotyping is the basis of public health surveillance of
Salmonella
. It remains a first-line subtyping method even as surveillance continues to be transformed by whole-genome sequencing. SeqSero allows the integration of
Salmonella
serotyping into a whole-genome-sequencing-based laboratory workflow while maintaining continuity with the classic serotyping scheme. SeqSero2, informed by extensive testing and application of SeqSero in the United States and other countries, incorporates important improvements and updates that further strengthen its application in routine and large-scale surveillance of
Salmonella
by whole-genome sequencing.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis Outer Membrane Protein 1-Specific Human Antibody-Mediated Immunity Is Defined by Intracellular TRIM21-Dependent Innate Immune Activation and Extracellular Neutralization
Authors: Velayutham Thangam Sudha , Kumar Sandeep , Zhang Xiaofeng , Kose Nurgun , Walker David H. , Winslow Gary , Crowe James E. , McBride Jere W.
Published: September 2019

Antibodies are essential for immunity against
Ehrlichia chaffeensis
, and protective mechanisms involve blocking of ehrlichial attachment or complement and Fcγ-receptor-dependent destruction. In this study, we determined that major outer membrane protein 1 (OMP-19) hypervariable region 1 (HVR1)-specific human monoclonal antibodies (huMAbs) are protective through conventional extracellular neutralization and, more significantly, through a novel intracellular TRIM21-mediated mechanism.
Lipopolysaccharides from Different
Burkholderia
Species with Different Lipid A Structures Induce Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation and React with Melioidosis Patient Sera
Authors: Sengyee Sineenart , Yoon Sung Hwan , West T. Eoin , Ernst Robert K. , Chantratita Narisara
Published: September 2019

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of Gram-negative bacteria comprise lipid A, core, and O-polysaccharide (OPS) components. Studies have demonstrated that LPSs isolated from the pathogenic species
Burkholderia pseudomallei
and
Burkholderia mallei
and from less-pathogenic species, such as
Burkholderia thailandensis
, are potent immune stimulators.
Antibodies Specific to Membrane Proteins Are Effective in Complement-Mediated Killing of Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Zhang Yun-ke , Li Xia , Zhao Hao-ran , Jiang Fei , Wang Zhan-hui , Wu Wen-xue
Published: September 2019

The metabolic inhibition (MI) test is a classic test for the identification of mycoplasmas, used for measuring the growth-inhibiting antibodies directed against acid-producing mycoplasmas, although their mechanism still remains obscure. To determine the major antigens involved in the immune killing ofMycoplasma bovis, we used a pulldown assay with anti-M. bovisantibodies as bait and identified nine major antigens.
A New Family of Small-Molecule CD4-Mimetic Compounds Contacts Highly Conserved Aspartic Acid 368 of HIV-1 gp120 and Mediates Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity
Authors: Ding Shilei , Grenier Melissa C. , Tolbert William D. , Vézina Dani , Sherburn Rebekah , Richard Jonathan , Prévost Jérémie , Chapleau Jean-Philippe , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Medjahed Halima , Abrams Cameron , Sodroski Joseph , Pazgier Marzena , Smith Amos B. , Finzi Andrés
Published: September 2019

HIV-1 has evolved multiple strategies to avoid humoral responses. One efficient mechanism is to keep its envelope glycoprotein (Env) in its “closed” conformation. Here, we report on a new family of small molecules that are able to “open up” Env, thus exposing vulnerable epitopes. This new family of molecules binds in the Phe43 cavity and contacts the highly conserved D368 residue. The structural and biological attributes of molecules of this family make them good candidates for drug development.
Role of Dietary Flavonoid Compounds in Driving Patterns of Microbial Community Assembly
Authors: Ivey Kerry L. , Chan Andrew T. , Izard Jacques , Cassidy Aedin , Rogers Geraint B. , Rimm Eric B.
Published: September 2019

Dietary flavonoids, which have been implicated in lowering chronic disease risk and improving blood pressure, represent a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in many commonly consumed foods such as tea, red wine, apples, and berries. The bioactivity and bioavailability of more dietary flavonoids can be influenced by gastrointestinal microbiome metabolism. With demonstrated prebiotic and antimicrobial effects in
in vitro
and in animal models, it is surprising that there are not many human studies investigating the role dietary flavonoids play in shaping the gastrointestinal microbiome. Our analysis revealed patterns of community assembly that uniquely and independently characterize an individual’s exposure to various flavonoid compounds. Furthermore, this study confirmed, independent from effects of other dietary and lifestyle factors included in the multivariate-adjusted model, that flavonoid intake is associated with microbial community assembly.
Cofactor Selectivity in Methylmalonyl Coenzyme A Mutase, a Model Cobamide-Dependent Enzyme
Authors: Sokolovskaya Olga M. , Mok Kenny C. , Park Jong Duk , Tran Jennifer L. A. , Quanstrom Kathryn A. , Taga Michiko E.
Published: September 2019

Cobamides, including vitamin B
12
, are enzyme cofactors used by organisms in all domains of life. Cobamides are structurally diverse, and microbial growth and metabolism vary based on cobamide structure. Understanding cobamide preference in microorganisms is important given that cobamides are widely used and appear to mediate microbial interactions in host-associated and aquatic environments. Until now, the biochemical basis for cobamide preferences was largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the structural diversity of cobamides on a model cobamide-dependent enzyme, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM). We found that very small changes in cobamide structure could dramatically affect the binding affinity of cobamides to MCM. Strikingly, cobamide-dependent growth of a model bacterium,
Sinorhizobium meliloti
, largely correlated with the cofactor binding selectivity of
S. meliloti
MCM, emphasizing the importance of cobamide-dependent enzyme selectivity in bacterial growth and cobamide-mediated microbial interactions.
Relative Contributions of Extracellular and Internalized Bacteria to Early Macrophage Proinflammatory Responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Periselneris Jimstan , Ercoli Giuseppe , Pollard Tracey , Chimalapati Suneeta , Camberlein Emilie , Szylar Gabriella , Hyams Catherine , Tomlinson Gillian , Petersen Fernanda C. , Floto R. Andres , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Brown Jeremy S.
Published: September 2019

Multiple extra- and intracellular innate immune receptors have been identified that recognizeStreptococcus pneumoniae, but the relative contributions of intra- versus extracellular bacteria to the inflammatory response were unknown. We have shown that intracellularS. pneumoniaecontributes surprisingly little to the inflammatory responses, with production of important proinflammatory cytokines largely dependent on extracellular bacteria. Furthermore, although we expected theS. pneumoniaepolysaccharide capsule to block activation of the host immune system by reducing bacterial internalization and therefore activation of intracellular innate immune receptors, there was an increased inflammatory response to encapsulated compared to unencapsulated bacteria, which is likely to contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Molecular and Microbial Microenvironments in Chronically Diseased Lungs Associated with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Melnik Alexey V. , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , Aksenov Alexander A. , Hyde Embriette , McAvoy Andrew C. , Wang Mingxun , da Silva Ricardo R. , Protsyuk Ivan , Wu Jason V. , Bouslimani Amina , Lim Yan Wei , Luzzatto-Knaan Tal , Comstock William , Quinn Robert A. , Wong Richard , Humphrey Greg , Ackermann Gail , Spivey Timothy , Brouha Sharon S. , Bandeira Nuno , Lin Grace Y. , Rohwer Forest , Conrad Douglas J. , Alexandrov Theodore , Knight Rob , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Garg Neha
Published: September 2019

Microbial infections are now recognized to be polymicrobial and personalized in nature. Comprehensive analysis and understanding of the factors underlying the polymicrobial and personalized nature of infections remain limited, especially in the context of the host. By visualizing microbiomes and metabolomes of diseased human lungs, we reveal how different the chemical environments are between hosts that are dominated by the same pathogen and how community interactions shape the chemical environment or vice versa. We highlight that three-dimensional organ mapping methods represent hypothesis-building tools that allow us to design mechanistic studies aimed at addressing microbial responses to other microbes, the host, and pharmaceutical drugs.
A short, sharp pulse of potassium-rich volcanism during continental collision and subduction
Authors: Palmer M.R. , Ersoy E.Y. , Akal C. , Uysal İ. , Genç Ş.C. , Banks L.A. , Cooper M.J. , Milton J.A. , Zhao K.D.
Published: September 2019

Potassic volcanic rocks are characteristic of collisional tectonic zones, with recycling of continental crust playing an important role in their generation. Potassium-rich partial melts and/or fluids derived from subducted continental material initiate and/or mix with mantle-derived melts and then erupt at the surface with varying degrees of interaction with the overlying lithosphere. The details of how continental material incorporates into mantle melts are, however, uncertain. In particular, the depths from which the potassium-rich fluids and/or melts are released from the continental material and then react with the mantle-derived melts remain a subject of debate. We have measured the boron isotope composition of volcanic rocks from Western Anatolia (Turkey) that erupted between 52 and 0.1 Ma, and span the lifetime of collisional events from initial arc-type eruptions to post-collisional volcanism. These data and other geochemical indices show that ultrapotassic volcanism was mainly confined to a narrow window between ca. 20 and 15 Ma, consistent with recycling of high-pressure phengite, with the timing of the potassic volcanism coincident with slab rollback and breakoff.
Late Holocene ice-mass changes recorded in a relative sea-level record from Joinville Island, Antarctica
Authors: Zurbuchen Julie , Simms Alexander R.
Published: September 2019

Recent ice-mass loss driven by warming along the Antarctic Peninsula has resulted in rapid changes in uplift rates across the region. Are such events only a function of recent warming? If not, does the Earth response to such events last long enough to be preserved in Holocene records of relative sea level (RSL), and thus have a bearing on global-scale glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models (e.g. ICE-6G)? Answering such questions in Antarctica is hindered by the scarcity of RSL reconstructions within the region. Here, a new RSL reconstruction for Antarctica is presented based on beach ridges from Joinville Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. We find that RSL has fallen 4.9 ± 0.58 m over the past 3100 yr, and that the island experienced a significant increase in the rate of RSL fall from 1540 ± 125 cal. (calibrated) yr B.P. to 1320 ± 125 cal. yr B.P. This increase in the rate of RSL fall is likely due to the viscoelastic response of the solid Earth to terrestrial ice-mass loss from the Antarctic Peninsula, similar to the Earth response experienced after ice-mass loss following acceleration of glaciers behind the collapsed Larsen B ice shelf in 2002 C.E. Additionally, slower rates of beach-ridge progradation from 695 ± 190 cal. yr B.P. to 235 ± 175 cal. yr B.P. potentially reflect erosion of beach ridges from a RSL rise induced by a local glacial advance. The rapid response of the Earth to minor ice-mass changes recorded in the RSL record further supports recent assertions of a more responsive Earth to glacial unloading and at time scales relevant for GIA of Holocene and Pleistocene sea levels. Thus, current continental and global GIA models may not accurately capture the ice-mass changes of the Antarctic ice sheets at decadal and centennial time scales.
Tropical temperature in the Maastrichtian Danish Basin: Data from coccolith Δ47 and δ18O
Authors: Tagliavento Mattia , John Cédric M. , Stemmerik Lars
Published: September 2019

The Cretaceous Earth, with its greenhouse climate and absence of major ice caps in the polar regions, represents an extreme scenario for modeling future warming. Despite considerable efforts, we are just at the verge of fully understanding the conditions of a warm Earth, and better, more extensive proxy evidence is needed to solve existing discrepancies between the applied temperature proxies. In particular, the Maastrichtian temperature trends are controversial, since data indicate cooling in the South Atlantic and contemporary warming of the North Atlantic. The “heat piracy” hypothesis involves northward heat transport to midlatitudes via oceanic currents and is used to explain the contrasting polar cooling/warming patterns. Here, we present Δ47 and δ18O data from nine coccolith-enriched samples from a shallow core taken from the Danish Basin (Chalk Sea), representing a key location at the northern mid-latitudes. Based on Δ47 data of coccolith-enriched material, sea-surface temperatures for the late Campanian–Maastrichtian ranged from 24 °C to 30 °C, with an average of 25.9 °C ± 2 °C. This is 4–6 °C higher than estimates based on Δ47 of bulk samples and 8–10 °C higher than reported temperatures based on bulk δ18O data from the same core. However, these higher temperature estimates are lower, but overall in line with estimates of Late Cretaceous tropical sea-surface temperatures from TEX86 (tetraether index of 86 carbons), when considering latitudinal differences. The study highlights the potential of clumped isotope paleothermometry on coccoliths as a valid, reliable proxy with which to reconstruct sea-surface temperatures.
Health professionals’ experiences and views on obstetric ultrasound in Vietnam: a regional, cross-sectional study
Authors: Holmlund Sophia , Lan Pham Thi , Edvardsson Kristina , Phuc Ho Dang , Ntaganira Joseph , Small Rhonda , Kidanto Hussein , Ngarina Matilda , Mogren Ingrid
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Obstetric ultrasound is an important part of antenatal care in Vietnam, although there are great differences in access to antenatal care and ultrasound services across the country. The aim of this study was to explore Vietnamese health professionals’ experiences and views of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management, resources and skills.

Design

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed as part of the CROss Country UltraSound study.

Setting

Health facilities (n=29) in urban, semiurban and rural areas of Hanoi region in Vietnam.

Participants

Participants were 289 obstetricians/gynaecologists and 535 midwives.

Results

A majority (88%) of participants agreed that ‘every woman should undergo ultrasound examination’ during pregnancy to determine gestational age. Participants reported an average of six ultrasound examinations as medically indicated during an uncomplicated pregnancy. Access to ultrasound at participants’ workplaces was reported as always available regardless of health facility level. Most participants performing ultrasound reported high-level skills for fetal heart rate examination (70%), whereas few (23%) reported being skilled in examination of the anatomy of the fetal heart. Insufficient ultrasound training leading to suboptimal pregnancy management was reported by 37% of all participants. ‘Better quality of ultrasound machines’, ‘more physicians trained in ultrasound’ and ‘more training for health professionals currently performing ultrasound’ were reported as ways to improve the utilisation of ultrasound.

Conclusions

Obstetric ultrasound is used as an integral part of antenatal care at all selected health facility levels in the region of Hanoi, and access was reported as high. However, reports of insufficient ultrasound training resulting in suboptimal pregnancy management indicate a need for additional training of ultrasound operators to improve utilisation of ultrasound.
Direct thromboaspiration efficacy for mechanical thrombectomy is related to the angle of interaction between the aspiration catheter and the clot
Authors: Bernava Gianmarco , Rosi Andrea , Boto José , Brina Olivier , Kulcsar Zsolt , Czarnetzki Christoph , Carrera Emmanuel , Schaller Karl , Lovblad Karl-Olof , Machi Paolo
Published: September 2019

Background

Direct thromboaspiration has been reported as an effective mechanical treatment for acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to determine whether the angle of interaction between the aspiration catheter and the clot affects the success of clot removal in ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior and posterior circulation.

Methods

All patients treated at our institution by direct thromboaspiration as a firstline technique between January 2016 and December 2017 were enrolled in the study. We retrospectively reviewed baseline and procedural characteristics, the angle of interaction formed between the aspiration catheter and the clot, the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score, and the 3 month modified Rankin Scale score.

Results

85 patients underwent direct thromboaspiration as the firstline treatment during the study period. 100 direct thromboaspiration passes were performed. An angle of interaction of ≥125.5° significantly influenced the success of clot removal (P<0.001) with good sensitivity and specificity, in particular for occlusion of the middle cerebral and basilar artery. The combination of aspiration with a stent retriever based thrombectomy was a valid rescue treatment in cases of standalone direct thromboaspiration failure.

Conclusions

In our series, an angle of interaction between the aspiration catheter and the clot of ≥125.5° was significantly associated with successful clot removal. The prediction of the angle of interaction on pretreatment imaging may help operators to select the most adequate mechanical thrombectomy technique on a case by case basis.
Dynamic analysis of the 2012 Johnsons Landing landslide at Kootenay Lake, British Columbia: the importance of undrained flow potential
Authors: Aaron Jordan , McDougall Scott , Jordan Peter
Published: September 2019

The Johnsons Landing landslide occurred on 12 July 2012 on the shores of Kootenay Lake, British Columbia. The landslide consisted of poorly sorted, low-plasticity debris that initially descended a steep channel, before avulsing onto a glaciofluvial terrace. This event destroyed three homes and killed four people who lived on this terrace. This paper presents a back-analysis of this event using numerical runout modelling. It is shown that undrained flow can explain the observed channel avulsion with fewer model parameters than needed by previous analyses. This mechanism should be considered in similar settings, as ignoring it can lead to underestimation of runup and overtopping of natural and anthropogenic flow obstacles, such as landslide protection structures.
Renaissance of vancomycin: approaches for breaking antibiotic resistance in multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Mühlberg Eric , Umstätter Florian , Kleist Christian , Domhan Cornelius , Mier Walter , Uhl Philipp
Published: September 2019

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria demands innovations in the development of new antibiotics. For decades, the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin has been considered as the “last resort” treatment of severe infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Since the discovery of the first vancomycin-resistant enterococci strains in the late 1980s, the number of resistances has been steadily rising, with often life-threatening consequences. As an alternative to the generation of completely new substances, novel approaches focus on structural modifications of established antibiotics such as vancomycin to overcome these resistances. Here, we provide an overview of several promising modifications of vancomycin to restore its efficacy against vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
Avoiding instabilities in antisymmetric tensor field driven inflation
Authors: Aashish Sandeep , Padhy Abhilash , Panda Sukanta
Published: September 2019

Models of inflation with antisymmetric tensor studied in the past are plagued with ghost instability even in an unperturbed FRW background. We show that it is possible to avoid ghosts in an unperturbed FRW background by considering the most general kinetic term for antisymmetric tensor field. The kinetic part acquires a new gauge symmetry violating term whose effect on perturbed modes is to prevent the appearance of nondynamical modes, and thus avoid ghosts. For completeness, we perform a check for gradient instability and derive the conditions for perturbations to be free of gradient instability.
Comment on “Three-party quantum secret sharing based on d-dimensional Bell state”
Authors: Gao Gan , Song Hong-Ru
Published: September 2019

In the paper [Mod. Phys. Lett. B 33 (2019) 1950023 ], Qin et al. proposed a three-party quantum secret sharing scheme based on [Formula: see text]-dimensional Bell states. We study the security of the proposed scheme and find that it is not secure, that is, one sharer can obtain Alice’s secret messages without the help of the other sharer.
A simple way to investigate the temperature of film growth surface during sputtering process
Authors: Liu Yuanbing , Liu Hao , Zhang Yi , Zhao Shiping , Li Yan , Wang Zehui , Li Guozeng , Wang Hualin , Jiang Weiwei , Liu Chaoqian , Liu Shimin , Wang Nan , Cui Yunxian , Ding Wanyu
Published: September 2019

During the sputtering-deposition process, the temperature of film growth surface is more important than that of the substrate, which could seriously influence the film growth behavior. While, it is difficult to measure the temperature of film growth surface, because of the low space resolution of traditional temperature measurement systems. In this paper, the temperature of TiO2 film growth surface and substrate were monitored by the home-made NiCr/NiSi film thermocouple and standard NiCr/NiSi K type wire thermocouple. With the same sputtering parameters, the temperature of TiO2 film growth surface could reach [Formula: see text]C. While, the temperature of substrate was only about [Formula: see text]C. Finally, combining the temperature of film growth surface in sputtering-deposition process, the film growth behavior can be investigated and controlled in future.
Interband optical absorption in wurtzite GaN/InxGa1−xN/GaN spherical quantum dots with built-in electric field
Authors: Cao X. M. , Liu W. H. , Yang X. C. , Qu Y. , Xing Y.
Published: September 2019

Based on the principle of density matrix and the finite element method, the interband optical absorption between the electron and hole has been investigated in a wurtzite [Formula: see text] spherical core–shell quantum dot (CSQD) including a strong built-in electric field (BEF). We have studied the effects of the size and the ternary mixed crystal on the optical absorption coefficients (ACs) and refraction index changes (RICs). The results indicate that the absorption peaks of ACs and RICs decrease rapidly, and show a redshift with the increase of the component [Formula: see text]. It is also found that the absorption peaks of ACs and RICs reduce obviously and depend on the core radius and the well width. When the core radius increases, the positions of the maximum ACs and RICs show a blueshift. At the same time, it presents a redshift when the well width increases. Particularly, the influence of the well width is much stronger than the core radius in the wurtzite [Formula: see text] spherical CSQDs. We hope that these results could provide guidance on both theoretical and experimental study related to the optical properties of spherical CSQDs.
Splitting in lateral shift induced by strong coupling in Kretschmann configuration involving molecular J-aggregates
Authors: Pang Kunwei , Li Haihong , Song Gang , Zhang Pengfei
Published: September 2019

Molecular J-aggregates are widely used as emitters to achieve the quantum effects, such as the strong coupling phenomenon. We investigate the lateral shift splitting/Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift splitting induced by strong coupling in Kretschmann configuration involving molecular J-aggregates by using classical methods. The optical response of molecular J-aggregates is modeled by a single Lorentzian oscillator, and Fresnel equations and the stationary phase method are employed to solve our proposed structure. Our results show that the lateral shift versus the incident wavelength shows Rabi splitting-like line shape and the reflection spectrum exhibits the strong coupling phenomenon. Based on the results of the previous experiment work, we well explain the relation between Rabi splitting and the thickness of the metal film and provide a new method to choose the parameters of the structure for experiment.
Tactile Texture Display with Vibrotactile and Electrostatic Friction Stimuli Mixed at Appropriate Ratio Presents Better Roughness Textures
Authors: Ito Ken , Okamoto Shogo , Yamada Yoji , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2019

Vibrotactile and friction texture displays are good options for artificially presenting the roughness and frictional properties of textures, respectively. These two types of displays are compatible with touch panels and exhibit complementary characteristics. We combine vibrotactile and electrostatic friction texture displays to improve the quality of virtual textures, considering that actual textured surfaces are composed of both properties. We investigate their composition ratios when displaying roughness textures. Grating roughness scales with one of the six surface wavelengths are generated under 11 display conditions, and in 9 of which, vibrotactile and friction stimuli are combined with different composition ratios. A forced-choice experiment regarding subjective realism indicates that a vibrotactile stimulus with a slight variable-friction stimulus is effective for presenting quality textures for surface wavelengths greater than or equal to 1.0mm.