bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 48‐week efficacy of tenofovir vs entecavir for patients with chronic hepatitis B: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Con Danny , Goodwin Thomas , Majeed Ammar , Roberts Stuart , Kemp William
Published: September 2020

Both tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) are accepted as first‐line treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, there are few randomized studies comparing their efficacy. The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of TDF and ETV using a network meta‐analysis of randomized trials. The secondary aim was to additionally include propensity‐matched cohort studies in a conventional meta‐analysis. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for published English‐language randomized and propensity‐matched studies between 1/1/2000 and 4/2/2020. Outcomes included undetectable HBV DNA, ALT normalization and HBeAg seroconversion at 48 weeks. We excluded patients who had co‐infection or significant prior treatment with antivirals. 13 517 participants from 16 studies (11 RCTs, n = 2675; five propensity‐matched cohort studies, n = 10 842) were included. Virological response at 48 weeks was higher in patients receiving TDF compared to ETV using both the network meta‐analytic approach (OR 1.69, P < .001) and the conventional meta‐analysis including propensity‐matched cohort studies (OR 1.40, P < .001). On subgroup analysis, this difference was only significant in HBeAg‐positive patients (OR 1.81, P = .037). There was limited evidence to suggest a higher rate of ALT normalization with ETV (OR 0.74, P = .07). There was no difference in rates of HBeAg seroconversion between the two antivirals. TDF is more likely than ETV to induce virological response at 48 weeks in treatment‐naïve CHB patients. Future studies should focus on elucidating associations between early and sustained virological response with adverse patient outcomes including development of HCC or cirrhosis.
Sequence labelling and sequence classification with gaze: Novel uses of eye‐tracking data for Natural Language Processing
Authors: Barrett Maria , Hollenstein Nora
Published: September 2020

Eye‐tracking data from reading provide a structured signal with a fine‐grained temporal resolution which closely follows the sequential structure of the text. It is highly correlated with the cognitive load associated with different stages of human, cognitive text processing. While eye‐tracking data have been extensively studied to understand human cognition, it has only recently been considered for Natural Language Processing (NLP). In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of how gaze data are being used in data‐driven NLP, in particular for sequence labelling and sequence classification tasks. We argue that eye‐tracking may effectively counter one of the core challenges of machine‐learning‐based NLP: the scarcity of annotated data. We outline the recent advances in gaze‐augmented NLP to discuss how the gaze signal from human readers can be leveraged while also considering the potentials and limitations of this data source.
Obtaining a hub position: A New Economic Geography analysis of industry location and trade network structures
Authors: Commendatore P. , Kubin I. , Sushko I.
Published: September 2020

We present a linear New Economic Geography model with three regions, one remote region and two regions that entertain a trade agreement with low bilateral trade costs. Only one of these two integrated regions has the outside option to conclude an additional trade agreement with the remote region and to obtain a hub position. We show that the new trade agreement has a substantial impact on industry location and trade patterns and that the effects strongly depend upon level of integration between the initial two regions. It is not always the region with the outside option that profits from using it. Finally, we also show that higher firm mobility may lead to complex dynamics.
Epicardial implantation of a leadless pacemaker in a lamb model
Authors: Backhoff David , Betz Teresa , Eildermann Katja , Paul Thomas , Zenker Dieter , Bonner Matthew , Krause Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Background

Pacemaker used in small children typically consist of an abdominally placed generator and epicardially affixed leads, making such a system prone to lead dysfunction during growth. Aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of epicardial pacing with a leadless pacemaker in a lamb model.

Animals and methods

Seventeen lambs underwent epicardial implantation of a Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS) (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) via left‐lateral thoracotomy to the left ventricle (LV) surface (n = 11/17) and to the left atrial appendage (n = 6). Ventricular devices were fixated with the tines within the pericardium, whereas the tines of the atrial devices penetrated the myocardium of the left atrial appendage. After 31 weeks, animals were sacrificed and hearts were explanted for histological analysis.

Results

Following implantation, median P/R amplitude was 4.25/5.5 mV while median pacing threshold was 1.1/1.9 V at 0.24 ms. After 31 weeks, median P/R amplitude was 3.3/4.2 mV. Median atrial pacing threshold was 0.5/0.24 ms. Eight of 10 ventricular pacemakers had lost capture at standard impulse width even at maximum impulse amplitude. On explantation, firm adhesion of the device to the thoracic wall and dislodgement of the electrode tip was found in those ventricular devices.

Conclusions

Firm fixation of the Micra electrode to the epicardial surface as applied to the atrial devices resulted in excellent electrical properties during midterm follow up. Pericardial fixation as in the ventricular devices was associated with loss of capture. Therefore, it is important to embed the tines in the myocardium and to choose an alternative implantation site allowing for safe fixation of the Micra TPS in a position perpendicular to ventricular epimyocardium.
Transseptal access through atrial flow regulator device during ventricular tachycardia ablation
Authors: Dural Muhammet , Yorgun Hikmet , Canpolat Ugur , Kaya Ergun Baris , Aytemir Kudret
Published: September 2020

Novel interventional therapies for heart failure patients are emerging like atrial flow regulator (AFR). Our case showed that endocardial ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation could be performed safely by passing through the AFR device lumen without additional transseptal puncture in these patients.
Facilitators and barriers to leadership and career opportunities in minority nurses in public health departments
Authors: Fowler Barbara A.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Elicit information from minority public health nurses regarding experiences and opportunities for leadership development and career advancement in public health departments (PHDs).

Design

Qualitative research design to determine minority nurses' experiences of opportunities and barriers influencing leadership development and career advancement in PHDs.

Sample

Thirty‐nine minority nurses from all regions of the United States participated in a telephone interview. Demographics reveal that 46% were African American or Mixed Race, 31% were Hispanic/Latina, 18% were Asian, and 5% were Indian heritage.

Measurements

Participants completed the researcher‐designed, open‐ended interview which was audio‐recorded. The researcher conducted all interviews. Transcriptions were coded for major concepts and then codes were collapsed into major themes by the researcher and consultant in qualitative research.

Results

Six themes were identified from the data: commitment to public health, motivation for leadership development, barriers for leadership development, racism: influence on nurses from minority backgrounds, supports for leadership development, and survival skills.

Conclusions

Participants desired an opportunity for career advancement and leadership development, but encountered entrenched systemic/organizational barriers and obstacles in fulfilling this important role impacting healthcare delivery of minority and underrepresented groups. Public health officials and administrators are challenged to strengthen opportunities for career advancement and leadership development for minority nurses in PHDs.
Etiology and prognosis for dogs with abnormal blood glucose concentrations evaluated in an emergency room
Authors: Hagley Simon P. , Hopper Kate , Epstein Steven E.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To determine the prevalence of glucose abnormalities in nondiabetic dogs presenting to a veterinary emergency room (ER) and their association with underlying disease processes, previous glucocorticoid administration, and overall mortality.

Design

Single‐center, retrospective study from January 2013 to December 2014.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital.

Animals

A total of 660 dogs presenting to an ER with a blood glucose concentration measured within 6 hours of presentation.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

Medical records from dogs with a blood glucose concentration measured within 6 hours of hospital admission were reviewed. Medications administered prior to blood sampling, the presence of shock, final clinical diagnosis, and survival were recorded. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were defined as a blood glucose <4.4 mmol/L (80 mg/dL) and >6.7 mmol/L (120 mg/dL), respectively. Diabetic patients were removed from analysis. Hyperglycemia was found in 40.1% of dogs, whereas hypoglycemia was present in 9.0%. Hyperglycemia was most often associated with gastrointestinal disease, trauma, neoplasia, and respiratory disease. The most common diseases associated with hypoglycemia were sepsis, gastrointestinal disease, and neoplasia. Dogs in shock or with hyperlactatemia had higher blood glucose values than dogs with normal perfusion and plasma lactate concentrations (P = 0.016 andP < 0.0001, respectively). Mortality was higher in dogs with hyperglycemia (33.2%,P = 0.03) or hypoglycemia (44.6%,P = 0.0024) compared to those with normoglycemia (24.9%).

Conclusion

Dysglycemia in nondiabetic dogs evaluated in an ER was associated with a higher mortality rate than dogs in the same population with normoglycemia. Hyperglycemia in this population was common and may represent a stress response.
In vitro evaluation of the modified forwarder knot used to end a continuous suture pattern in large‐gauge suture
Authors: Gillen Alex , Munsterman Amelia , Barrett Erin , Caston Stephanie , Kersh Kevin , Tatarniuk Dane , Swor Tamara , Hanson R. Reid
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the strength and size of forwarder end (FE) knots modified to end continuous suture lines compared with Aberdeen (AB), square (SQ), and surgeon's (SU) knots.

Study design

In vitro mechanical study.

Study population

Knotted suture.

Methods

Knots were tied with 2 USP (United States Pharmacopeia) polydioxanone, 2 USP, and 3 USP polyglactin 910 and tested on a universal testing machine under linear tension. Mode of failure and knot holding capacity (KHC) were recorded, and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated. Knot volume and weight were determined by digital micrometer and balance. Knot holding capacity, RKS, size, and weight between knot type, number of throws, and suture type and size were compared by using analysis of variance testing, with P < .05 considered significant.

Results

In all suture types and number of throws, FE knot KHC/RKS was 28% to 66.99% (1.2‐1.6 fold) stronger compared with SQ/SU knots (P < .001). For 2 USP polydioxanone, FE knots had 10% (1.1 fold) higher KHC/RKS compared with AB knots (P < .042). However, in 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910, FE knot KHC/RKS values were not different from those of AB knots (P > .080). Forwarder end/AB knots failed by suture breakage at the knot, whereas some SQ/SU knots unraveled. Forwarder end knots in 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 were 21.1% to 44.4% (1.2‐1.4 fold) smaller compared with SQ/SU knots (P < .028). Forwarder end knots in 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 were 40% to 99% (1.4‐2.0 fold) larger compared with AB knots (P < .001).

Conclusion

Forwarder end knots provided increased KHC/RKS compared with SQ/SU knots.

Clinical relevance

Forwarder end knots should be considered for closures when suture is placed under tension.
SEA LEVEL ANOMALY ASSESSMENT OF SARAL/ALTIKA MISSION USING HIGH AND LOW RESOLUTION DATA
Authors: Sheng How Goh , Md Din Ami Hassan , Hamden Mohammad Hanif , Uti Mat Nizam , Mohd Adzmi Nadia Hartini
Published: September 2020

Peninsular Malaysia is located at the focal point of Sunda Shelf, encompassed by the South China Sea to the East and by Andaman Sea at Indian Ocean in the west that causes various phenomena relevant to sea level along Malaysian coast. When the monsoons strike, the effect of wind and other factors will change the variability of Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) along coastal Malaysia. Traditionally, sea level change is observed using tide gauge installed along Malaysian coastal area. However, the data obtained is limited to the tide gauge station area, the sea level data for the deep sea cannot be obtained and there is no long-term record of observation. Therefore, satellite altimeter is used as a new alternative which enables sea level data to be obtained from space observation and to monitor SLA via SARAL/AltiKa which available since 2013, thus complementing the tide gauge. The aim of this study is to derive SLA parameter from high and low resolution of satellite altimetry data. This study involved the acquisition of SLA data by using RADS and PEACHI (AVISO) database system from satellite mission SARAL/AltiKa. Sequentially, SLA data has been analysed and evaluated based on tide gauge data provided by using UHSLC system. Comparison between the high resolution (PEACHI) and low resolution (RADS) data has been made to evaluate the density of altimetry data in term of distance to coast. As a result, high resolution (PEACHI) data are more accurate for coastal application with root mean square error (RMSE) of ±0.14 metre level. The analysis shows that the footprint of high resolution altimetry data is denser than the low resolution altimetry data. Data from distance to coast for PEACHI achieved a satisfactory standard deviation of residual, which is ranged between 0cm to 1.04cm as compared to altimetry RADS which is ranged 0.34cm to 12.57cm. The results can be used by various agencies in planning and developing Malaysian coastal areas as well as in assisting the development of community economies such as fishery and tourism activities.
THE INFLUENCE OF RIVER AND VOLCANIC SAND AS COATINGS ON POLYPROPYLENE WASTE COARSE AGGREGATE TOWARDS CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Authors: Pamudji Gandjar , Satim Madsuri , Chalid Mochamad , Purnomo Heru
Published: September 2020

One of the most important factors used to determine the compressive strength of concrete is its aggregate and matrix adhesion. This study examines the surface properties of polypropylene (PP) waste coarse aggregate (PWCA) to determine the influence of sand. The PWCA was made from the PP waste and different types of coating such as PWCA-R (river sand) and PWCA-V (volcanic sand), with experimental tests conducted on the physical properties of sand and PWCA, while the compressive strength, FESEM and density of polypropylene waste coarse aggregate concrete (PWCAC). Concrete specimens were prepared by replacing natural coarse aggregate with PWCA in percentages of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, varying the water-cement ratio by 0.3 and 0.42 and using polypropylene (PP) waste coarse aggregate (PWCA-R and PWCA-V) as the coating material. The results showed that fineness modulus (F.M) and water absorption of the river sand was higher compared to volcanic sand. The PWCA-V had higher density and specific gravity compared to PWCA-R. On the other hand, water absorption of the PWCA-V was lower than PWCA-R. The PWCA concrete had density which varies from 1740 kg/m3 to 2074 kg/m3. For both, the PWCA concrete compressive strength at 28 days with a 100% replacement ratio was reduced by 43% to 55% compared to the natural coarse aggregate (NCA) concrete with 0.3 and 0.42 water-cement ratios. Also, the structural efficiency of PWCAC decreased with an increase in replacement ratio. River sand adhered to the PWCA surface resulted in a better compressive strength value compared to the volcanic sand.
Computational Cost Reduction of MIMO Controllers for Active Magnetic Bearing Systems
Authors: Sahinkaya Alican , Hawkins Larry , Sawicki Jerzy T.
Published: September 2020

Generalized multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) controllers such as H∞ and μ have not been widely adopted in the magnetic bearing industry, partially due to high computational cost relative to simpler single-input-single-output schemes. Computational cost is important to industrial magnetic bearing vendors as their controller hardware is based on embedded processors that have limited bandwidth. Studies to mitigate the problem of high-order controllers show the limit of the existing methods in order reduction while still maintaining satisfying robust performance. A novel method is proposed to reduce the computational cost of robust controllers by identifying bounds in their dynamic response, such that an implementation of a controller within those bounds results in the robust performance. The bounds are used to develop two computational cost reduction schemes for controller implementation, i.e., (1) identifying a dual-rate implementation of a single-rate controller which uniformly reduces the computational cost via interlacing technique, and (2) redesign of a controller by identifying its negligible dynamics based on the identified bounds in the controllers' dynamic response. The results of both approaches are demonstrated on two active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, a model of a 300 kW turbine generator with permanent magnet biased AMBs, and an experimental high-speed AMB machining spindle. μ-synthesis controllers are designed for both systems, and the proposed method and schemes are applied accordingly. The comparison of standard implementations of the synthesized controllers and the proposed new implementations is presented. The results demonstrate considerable reduction in the computational cost in terms of required number of multiply accumulate (MAC) operations.
Constrained Quasi-Spectral MPSP With Application to High-Precision Missile Guidance With Path Constraints
Authors: Mondal Sabyasachi , Padhi Radhakant
Published: September 2020

This paper extends the recently developed quasi-spectral model predictive static programming (QS-MPSP) to include state and control path-constraints and yet retain its computational efficiency. This is achieved by (i) formulating the entire problem in the control variables alone by (a) converting the system dynamics to an equivalent algebraic constraint and (b) converting the state constraints to equivalent control constraints, both of which is done by manipulating the system dynamics, (ii) representing the control variables in Quasi-spectral form, which makes the number of free-variables independent of time-grids and (iii) using a computationally efficient optimization algorithm to solve this low-dimensional problem. This generic computationally efficient technique is utilized next as an effective lead angle, and lateral acceleration constrained optimal missile guidance to intercept incoming high-speed ballistic targets with high precision successfully. Both of these constraints, as well as near-zero miss-distance, are of high practical significance for this challenging problem. Extensive three-dimensional simulation studies show the effectiveness of the newly proposed constrained QS-MPSP guidance algorithm. Six degrees-of-freedom simulation studies have also been carried out using autopilot in the loop to validate the results more realistically.
Radial velocity of a sound source in circular motion for illustrating the detection of an exoplanet
Authors: Médjahdi Kader
Published: September 2020

Since the discovery of the first planet outside the solar system in 1995, the detection of exoplanets has been an attractive and engaging scientific field. This article intends to present briefly the radial velocity method for detecting the presence of an unseen planet orbiting a star. Based on an experimental setup, the presentation resorts to the analogy between sound waves and light waves. In particular, they can undergo the Doppler effect from which the radial velocity can be determined. Because the Doppler effect is easier to observe for sound waves than for light waves, a Bluetooth speaker simulates a star. It rotates in a horizontal circle with a constant angular speed, while emitting at two user-selected frequencies, simulating two spectral lines of a star. From the analysis of spectrograms, the radial velocities are deduced. Very good agreement is found between the experiment and theory.
A step forward in kinesthetic activities for teaching kinematics in introductory physics
Authors: Dale Zachary , DeStefano Paul R. , Shaaban Lori , Siebert Cora , Widenhorn Ralf
Published: September 2020

We present a set of kinesthetic activities that utilize a local positioning system to teach kinematics in the physics classroom or laboratory. The activities build on previously reported activities in scope and complexity, incorporating two-dimensional motion and the simultaneous motions of multiple bodies. In these activities, students act out motions illustrated in graphs of kinematic quantities while holding a local positioning system device that tracks their position. Students are able to watch the data as they are graphed in real-time. These activities provide a kinesthetic experience of kinematics by allowing students to analyze their own movement rather than just the movement of specialized laboratory equipment.
A simplified treatment of neutron slowing by elastic collisions
Authors: Reed B. Cameron
Published: September 2020

An approximate treatment of neutron slowing by elastic collisions with nuclei of a moderating material in a nuclear reactor is developed on the basis of a compact treatment of elastic collisions previously published in this journal [B. C. Reed, Am. J. Phys. 86(8), 622 (2018)]. The analysis is straightforward enough to be presented to lower-level students and gives results in good accord with more sophisticated treatments.
Adventures with historical physics apparatus
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: September 2020

The past is always with us, not only the physics history that we revere and try to put into our classroom presentations. Two hundred years of teaching natural philosophy (physics) have left us a significant amount of physics history in the form of early apparatus. In this article, I will tell stories about how I have become involved in the study of early physics apparatus. Because of my website on Historical Physics Teaching Apparatus, I have fielded a series of queries since the year 2000: I have inherited this apparatus, what is it and how much is it worth? My students turned up this interesting piece of apparatus and think that they might use it in an experiment—what is it and tell me how it can be put into the curriculum?
Developing New Drugs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Therapy: What Information Do We Get from Preclinical Animal Models?
Authors: Drusano G. L. , Duncanson Brandon , Scanga C. A. , Kim S. , Schmidt S. , Neely M. N. , Yamada W. M. , Vicchiarelli Michael , Peloquin C. A. , Louie Arnold
Published: September 2020

Preclinical animal models of infection are employed to develop new agents but also to screen among molecules to rank them. There are often major differences between human pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and those developed by animal models of infection, and these may lead to substantial differences in efficacy relative to that seen in humans. Linezolid is a repurposed agent employed to great effect for therapy of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. In this study, we used the hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) to evaluate the impact of different pharmacokinetic profiles of mice and nonhuman primates (NHP) versus humans on bacterial cell kill as well as resistance suppression.
Neisseria meningitidis Urethritis Outbreak Isolates Express a Novel Factor H Binding Protein Variant That Is a Potential Target of Group B-Directed Meningococcal (MenB) Vaccines
Authors: Tzeng Yih-Ling , Giuntini Serena , Berman Zachary , Sannigrahi Soma , Granoff Dan M. , Stephens David S.
Published: September 2020

Factor H binding protein (FHbp) is an important
Neisseria meningitidis
virulence factor that binds a negative regulator of the alternative complement pathway, human factor H (FH). Binding of FH increases meningococcal resistance to complement-mediated killing. FHbp also is reported to prevent interaction of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL-37 with the meningococcal surface and meningococcal killing. FHbp is a target of two licensed group B-directed meningococcal (MenB) vaccines.
Comparison of Agar Dilution to Broth Microdilution for Testing
In Vitro
Activity of Cefiderocol against Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Albano Mariana , Karau Melissa J. , Schuetz Audrey N. , Patel Robin
Published: September 2020

Cefiderocol (CFDC) is a siderophore cephalosporin with activity against Gram-negative bacterial species that are resistant to carbapenems and other drugs. The MICs of CFDC were determined for 610 Gram-negative bacilli, including 302 multinational
Enterobacterales
isolates with characterized mechanisms of beta-lactam resistance, 180 clinical isolates from the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Laboratories not characterized for specific resistance mechanisms, and 128 isolates with CFDC MICs of ≥8 μg/ml obtained from International Health Management Associates, Inc.
Cytoplasmic Cargo Receptor p62 Inhibits Avibirnavirus Replication by Mediating Autophagic Degradation of Viral Protein VP2
Authors: Li Yahui , Hu Boli , Ji Gang , Zhang Yina , Xu Chenyang , Lei Jing , Ding Chan , Zhou Jiyong
Published: September 2020

Avibirnavirus causes severe immunosuppression and mortality in young chickens. VP2, the capsid protein of avibirnavirus, is responsible for virus assembly, maturation, and replication. Previous study showed that avibirnavirus particles could be engulfed into the autophagosome and degradation of virus particles took apart. Selective autophagy is a highly specific and regulated degradation pathway for the clearance of damaged or unwanted cytosolic components and superfluous organelles as well as invading microbes. However, whether and how selective autophagy removes avibirnavirus capsids is largely unknown. Here, we have shown that selective autophagy specifically clears ubiquitinated avibirnavirus protein VP2 by p62 recognition and that p62 is an inhibitor of avibirnavirus replication, highlighting the role of p62 as a potential drug target for mediating the removal of ubiquitinated virus components from cells.
Establishment of a Controlled Human Infection Model with a Lyophilized Strain of Shigella sonnei 53G
Authors: Frenck Robert W. , Dickey Michelle , Suvarnapunya Akamol E. , Chandrasekaran Lakshmi , Kaminski Robert W. , Clarkson Kristen A. , McNeal Monica , Lynen Amanda , Parker Susan , Hoeper Amy , Mani Sachin , Fix Alan , Maier Nicole , Venkatesan Malabi M. , Porter Chad K.
Published: September 2020

Controlled human infection models (CHIMs) are invaluable tools utilized to understand the human response to infection, potentially leading to protective immune mechanisms and allowing efficacy testing of enteric countermeasures, including vaccines, antibiotics, and other products. The development of an improved
Shigella
CHIM for both
Shigella sonnei
and
Shigella flexneri
is consistent with international efforts, supported by international donors and the World Health Organization, focused on standardizing
Shigella
CHIMs and using them to accelerate
Shigella
vaccine development. The use of lyophilized
Shigella
challenge strains rather than plate-grown inoculum preparations is considered an important step forward in the standardization process. Furthermore, the results of studies such as this justify the development of lyophilized preparations for additional epidemiologically important
S. flexneri
serotypes, including
S. flexneri
3a and
S. flexneri
6.
Dispensable Role of Mitochondrial Fission Protein 1 (Fis1) in the Erythrocytic Development of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Maruthi Mulaka , Ling Liqin , Zhou Jing , Ke Hangjun
Published: September 2020

Malaria is responsible for over 230 million clinical cases and ∼half a million deaths each year. The single mitochondrion of the malaria parasite functions as a metabolic hub throughout the parasite’s developmental cycle (DC) and also as a source of ATP in certain stages. To pass on its essential functions, the parasite’s mitochondrion needs to be properly divided and segregated into all progeny during cell division via a process termed mitochondrial fission. Due to the divergent nature of
Plasmodium
spp., the molecular players involved in mitochondrial fission and their mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the only identifiable mitochondrial fission adaptor protein that is evolutionarily conserved in the Apicomplexan phylum, Fis1, it not essential in
P. falciparum
asexual stages. Our data suggest that malaria parasites use redundant fission adaptor proteins on the mitochondrial outer membrane to mediate the fission process.
Antibodies to Variable Domain 4 Linear Epitopes of theChlamydia trachomatisMajor Outer Membrane Protein Are Not Associated with Chlamydia Resolution or Reinfection in Women
Authors: Collar Amanda L. , Linville Alexandria C. , Core Susan B. , Wheeler Cosette M. , Geisler William M. , Peabody David S. , Chackerian Bryce , Frietze Kathryn M.
Published: September 2020

C. trachomatisinfection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection, and infection in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. No licensed vaccine exists to preventC. trachomatisinfection, and investigations of the natural immune response may inform the design of targeted vaccines forC. trachomatis. Our study fills a gap in knowledge regarding the epitope specificity of antibody responses that are elicited in response toC. trachomatisinfection in women. We identified several new B cell epitopes forC. trachomatisantigens and confirmed B cell epitopes that have been identified by other methods. Our finding that women produce antibodies to the VD4-MOMP regardless of infection outcome provides insight into vaccine development, suggesting that vaccines targeting VD4-MOMP may need to elicit higher-titer antibody responses than natural infection imparts or that additional vaccine targets should be pursued in the future.
Supplemental Material: Fragmentation of South China from greater India during the Rodinia-Gondwana transition
Authors: Wang, Wei , al. et
Published: September 2020

Analytical methods and data sources.
Supplemental Material: Detrital zircon populations of the eastern Laurentian margin in the Appalachians
Authors: Kuiper Yvette D , Hepburn J. Christopher
Published: September 2020

Table S1 (U-Pb detrital zircon data used in Figures 2 and 3).
Supplemental Material: Inside the volcano: Three-dimensional magmatic architecture of a buried shield volcano
Authors: Walker Faye , al. et
Published: September 2020

Detailed methodology, Video S1 (volcanic edifice and plumbing system in 3-D), and Figures S2–S6.
Supplemental Material: Mercury isotopes track the cause of carbon perturbations in the Ediacaran ocean
Authors: Fan Haifeng , al. et
Published: September 2020

Detailed geological setting, methods, supplemental notes, Figures S1–S3, and Tables S1–S4.
Resuscitation of non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid: post policy change impact analysis
Authors: Oommen Vinod Idicula , Ramaswamy Viraraghavan Vadakkencherry , Szyld Edgardo , Roehr Charles Christoph
Published: September 2020

Background

We investigated the impact of policy change in delivery room resuscitation from routine endotracheal (ET) suctioning of non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) to immediate non-invasive respiratory support.

Design

Single-centre cohort study. Prospective group (October 2016–September 2017)—non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF managed according to the current (2015) guidance of commencing respiratory support without prior suctioning. Retrospective group (August 2015–July 2016)—non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF who underwent routine ET suctioning.

Results

1138 neonates born through MSAF were analysed. No differences in the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), requirement of mechanical ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide or surfactant therapy were found between groups. Less neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions were necessary in the prospective cohort compared with the retrospective group (19.1% vs 55.6%, respectively; p<0.05).

Conclusion

The policy change towards not routinely suctioning non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF at birth was not associated with an increase in the local incidence of MAS and was associated with fewer NICU admissions.
Acellular dermal matrix reconstruction of a nail bed avulsion in a 13-year-old child
Authors: Kiely Ailbhe L , Cooper Lilli RL , Greig Aina
Published: September 2020

Nail bed avulsion injuries often require reconstruction, particularly in cases where the avulsed fragment is lost. We describe a simple way to reconstruct a large nail bed defect, with no donor site. A 13-year-old boy with a hypoplastic left heart and autism accidentally sustained a left little distal phalanx injury with an avulsion of 60% of the nail bed, exposing the distal phalanx. This boy had a history of poor compliance, qualifying the need to find a technique that would minimise operative time and dressing changes. As such, it was elected to use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) (Matriderm) as a one-step reconstruction. Signs of vascularisation of the ADM were noted at 2 weeks, and 3-month follow-up demonstrated integration, with normal nail growth. We found that Matriderm was able to support the regeneration of a full thickness wound in a simple one-step procedure.
Referenced scans improve the repeatability of optical coherence tomography angiography measurements in normal and glaucoma eyes
Authors: Rao Harsha Laxmana , Dasari Srilakshmi , Riyazuddin Mohammed , Lavanya Raghavan , P Narenda K , Pradhan Zia Sultan , Moghimi Sasan , Mansouri Kaweh , Webers Carroll A B , Weinreb Robert N
Published: September 2020

Aim

To compare the repeatability of peripapillary perfusion density and flux index measurements on referenced and non-referenced optical microangiography (OMAG) scans in normal, glaucoma suspect and glaucoma eyes.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 48 eyes (33 subjects) underwent three repeat, non-referenced peripapillary OMAG scans in the same session and 43 eyes (25 subjects) underwent three referenced peripapillary OMAG scans. In the referenced scan group, repeat scans (second and the third scan) were acquired exactly on the baseline (first) scan using the ‘track to prior scan’ option on the device. Repeatability estimates of the mean and four-sector (temporal, superior, nasal and inferior) OMAG measurements on the non-referenced and referenced scans were assessed using within-subject coefficient of repeatability (CR
w
) and variation (CV
w
).

Results

CR
w
(%) of peripapillary perfusion density measurements (range: 2.0–4.1) on non-referenced scans were significantly higher than that on referenced scans (range: 1.4–2.7). CV
w
(%) on non-referenced and referenced scans ranged from 1.7 to 3.1 and from 1.2 to 2.1, respectively . CR
w
of flux index on non-referenced and referenced scans ranged from 4.4 to 5.8 and from 3.6 to 4.8, respectively. CV
w
on non-referenced and referenced scans ranged from 4.1 to 5.2 and from 3.3 to 4.5, respectively.

Conclusions

Repeatability estimates of OMAG measurements were better on referenced scans compared with non-referenced scans. Perfusion density measurements had lower variability than flux index. OCTA-measured perfusion density of referenced scans is preferable for monitoring vascular change in glaucoma.
Keratitis occurring in patients treated with miltefosine for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis
Authors: Kusumesh Rakhi , Ambasta Anita , Arya Lalan Kumar , Mohan Nilesh , Sinha Bibhuti Prassan , Ravidas Vidyanand
Published: September 2020

Aim

To describe the characteristic clinical features and management of keratitis in the patients receiving miltefosine for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL).

Methods

The medical records of five patients with PKDL who presented with keratitis were reviewed retrospectively from April 2018 to December 2019. The evaluation included a thorough medical history including details on drugs used, particularly miltefosine. The drug causality assessment was also performed. The clinical and microbiological characteristics of keratitis were noted.

Results

The ocular symptoms included pain, redness, watering, photophobia and diminution of vision. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed peripheral, paralimbal, ring-shaped, full-thickness stromal infiltration resulting in ulcerative keratitis in all cases. Two patients had unilateral keratitis, while three had bilateral keratitis. All five patients received miltefosine for an average period of 48 days before the onset of keratitis. The corrected distance visual acuity at presentation ranged from hand movement to 20/125. The causality assessment revealed a ‘probable’ association between the adverse drug reaction and miltefosine in all patients. Discontinuation of miltefosine and initiation of corticosteroid therapy resulted in resolution of keratitis in all cases. The unilateral keratitis treated with topical corticosteroids had improved outcomes, but poor outcomes were found in the bilateral keratitis.

Conclusion

These observations indicate that prolonged use of miltefosine might cause keratitis that resembles infectious keratitis. Early diagnosis with discontinuation of the drug and initiation of corticosteroid therapy are the key to successful management.
Bile acid diarrhoea: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management
Authors: Farrugia Alexia , Arasaradnam Ramesh
Published: September 2020

The actual incidence of bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is unknown, however, there is increasing evidence that it is misdiagnosed in up to 30% with diarrhoea-predominant patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Besides this, it may also occur following cholecystectomy, infectious diarrhoea and pelvic chemoradiotherapy.

BAD may result from either hepatic overproduction of bile acids or their malabsorption in the terminal ileum. It can result in symptoms such as bowel frequency, urgency, nocturnal defecation, excessive flatulence, abdominal pain and incontinence of stool. Bile acid synthesis is regulated by negative feedback loops related to the enterohepatic circulation, which are dependent on the farnesoid X receptor and fibroblast growth factor 19. Interruption of these feedback loops is thought to cause bile acid overproduction leading to BAD. This process may occur idiopathically or following a specific trigger such as cholecystectomy. There may also be an interplay with the gut microbiota, which has been reported to be significantly different in patients with severe BAD.

Patients with suspected BAD are investigated in various ways including radionucleotide imaging such as SeHCAT scans (though this is not available worldwide) and blood tests. However, other methods such as bile acid measurement in stool (either spot test or 48 hours samples) and urine tests have been explored. Importantly, delay in diagnosis and treatment of BAD greatly affects patient’s quality of life and may double the overall cost of diagnosis.
Multimorbidity and oral health: need for new models of care
Authors: Gill Balraj , Harris Andrew , Tredwin Christopher , Gill Paramjit
Published: September 2020

Multimorbidity is defined as patients living with two or more chronic health conditions. The prevalence of multimorbidity is increasing, driven by the ageing population, and represents a major challenge to all healthcare systems because these patients are heavy users of services. The link with oral health is growing although there is need for further robust evidence. There is also need for new models of care to address oral health in patients with multimorbidity.
Asthma and all-cause mortality in children and young adults: a population-based study
Authors: Caffrey Osvald Emma , Bower Hannah , Lundholm Cecilia , Larsson Henrik , Brew Bronwyn K , Almqvist Catarina
Published: September 2020

Background

Studies suggest an increased all-cause mortality among adults with asthma. We aimed to study the relationship between asthma in children and young adults and all-cause mortality, and investigate differences in mortality rate by also having a life-limiting condition (LLC) or by parental socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods

Included in this register-based study are 2 775 430 individuals born in Sweden between January 1986 and December 2012. We identified asthma cases using the National Patient Register (NPR) and the Prescribed Drug Register. Those with LLC were identified using the NPR. Parental SES at birth (income and education) was retrieved from Statistics Sweden. We estimated the association between asthma and all-cause mortality using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Effect modification by LLC or parental SES was studied using interaction terms in the adjusted model.

Results

The adjusted hazard rate (adjHR) for all-cause mortality in asthma cases versus non-asthma cases was 1.46 (95% CI 1.33 to 1.62). The highest increased rate appeared to be for those aged 5–15 years. In persons with asthma and without LLC, the adjHR remained increased at 1.33 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.50), but differed (p=0.002) from those with asthma and LLC, with an adjHR of 1.87 (95% CI 1.57 to 2.22). Parental SES did not alter the association (income, p=0.55; education, p=0.83).

Conclusion

This study shows that asthma is associated with an increased mortality in children and young adults regardless of LLC or parental SES. Further research is warranted to investigate the possible mechanisms for this association.
Polar form of spinor fields from regular to singular: the flag-dipoles
Authors: Fabbri Luca , Rogerio Rodolfo José Bueno
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we perform the polar analysis of the spinorial fields, starting from the regular cases and up to the singular cases: we will give for the first time the polar form of the spinorial field equations for the singular cases constituted by the flag-dipole spinor fields. Comments on the role of further spinor sub-classes containing Majorana and Weyl spinors will be sketched.
Single production of vector-like bottom quark at the LHeC
Authors: Gong Xue , Yue Chong-Xing , Yu Hai-Mei , Li Dong
Published: September 2020

Existences of vector-like quarks (VLQs) are predicted in many new physics scenarios beyond the Standard Model (SM). We study the possibility of detecting the vector-like bottom quark (VLQ-B) being the SU(2) singlet with electric charge $$-1/3$$

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1
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3

at Large Hadron electron Collider (LHeC) in a model-independent framework. The decay properties and single production of VLQ-B at the LHeC are explored. Three types of signatures are investigated. By carrying out a fast simulation for the signals and the corresponding backgrounds, the signal significances are obtained. Our numerical results show that detecting of VLQ-B via the semileptonic channel is better than via the fully hadronic or leptonic channel.
ADAPTATIONS AND MITIGATION POLICIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A DYNAMIC CGE-WE MODEL
Authors: ZESHAN MUHAMMAD , SHAKEEL MUHAMMAD
Published: September 2020

Recently, South Asian countries have committed their mitigation targets to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This study examines the effectiveness of these efforts by developing a dynamic computable general equilibrium-water-energy (CGE-WE) model. Using the GTAP database version 9, it examines how different sectors respond to these policies in South Asia. Besides, it argues that an improved irrigation system can reduce the output losses caused by the mitigation policies. In a nutshell, the cost of improving irrigation system is USD 159.7 million in Bangladesh, 224 million in India, 9.1 million in Nepal, 38.5 million in Pakistan and 10.4 million in Sri Lanka. The proposed adaptation strategy can save more than USD 76.43 billion in the region after fulfilling the region’s commitment toward the global mitigation efforts.
Cosmic evolution in f(T) gravity theory
Authors: Bose Akash , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: September 2020

The paper deals with cosmology in modified [Formula: see text] gravity theory. With some phenomenological choices for the function [Formula: see text] it is possible to have cosmological solutions describing different phases of the evolution of the Universe for the homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) model. By proper choice of the parameters involved in the function [Formula: see text] and also in the cosmological solutions it is shown that a continuous cosmic evolution starting from the emergent scenario to the present late-time acceleration is possible. Finally thermodynamical analysis of [Formula: see text] gravity is presented.
Statefinder diagnostic for exponential harmonic field
Authors: Kanfon A. D. , Mavoa F. , Koto N’Gobi G.
Published: September 2020

The dynamic study of the harmonic exponential field has been made using the statefinder diagnostic. By the use of a specific method, we find out the statefinder parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] according to the deceleration parameter and the redshift. The numerical analysis of these parameters brings out the transition between the accelerated and decelerated phases of the universe. There is also an attracting effect from the SCDM (Standard Cold Dark Matter) model toward the LCDM model ([Formula: see text]CDM). In view of the results this study allows us to classify the exponential harmonic field among the quintessential models.
Study of the branching ratios andCPasymmetries in Bs0¯ → K∗0ρ0(ω) decays within QCD factorization
Authors: Raslan E. H. , Khan H. R.
Published: September 2020

We study analytically the branching ratio (BR) and charge parity (CP[Formula: see text]) asymmetries of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decay modes within QCDF approach. We find the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We also find the values of CP asymmetries are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. The reported results are consistent with the recent theoretical predictions and can be used as a reference values in the forthcoming experiments.
A novel dissipative and conservative megastable oscillator with engineering applications
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Singh Jay Prakash , Akgul Akif , Karthikeyan Anitha , Duraisamy Prakash , Roy Binoy Krishna , Karaca Ahmet
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we have proposed a new chaotic megastable oscillator which has both conservative and dissipative characters depending on the selection of parameters. Various dynamical characteristics including megastability of the new system are investigated and presented. The bifurcation plots and the corresponding Lyapunov exponents (LEs) confirm the existence of both dissipative and conservative oscillations in the system. The proposed megastable oscillator is used as a carrier generator in a differential chaos shift keying (DCSK). Another application of the new chaotic oscillator is shown by using it in developing a random number generator (RNG) and the NIST test results are presented to show the statistical complexity of the new system.