bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of intensity‐modulated radiation treatment on dento‐alveolar microvasculature in pharyngeal cancer implant patients
Authors: Patel Vinod , Di Silvio Lucy , Kwok Jerry , Burns Megan , Henley Smith Rhonda , Thavaraj Selvam , Veschini Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Dental rehabilitation post‐radiotherapy often requires the consideration of dental implants. However, these are tentatively prescribed due to the concern of hypovascularisation and possible osteoradionecrosis. Hence, the current study assessed the microvasculature of the dento‐alveolar bone at implant sites taking into consideration the exact radiotherapy dose received to the region.

Materials and methods

Bone cores were taken from nine patients during implant treatment and compared to nine control patients. Specimens were stained using CD31 and digitalised using a high‐resolution scanner for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the microvasculature. Monaco® treatment planning system was used to volume the implant site providing mean dose (Dmean) and maximum dose (Dmax).

Results

A total of 23 bone cores were retrieved for analysis. The cohort had a Dmean of 38.4 Gy (59.6‐24.3 Gy). Qualitative analysis identified a clear reduction in the miniscule terminal capillaries and high incidence of obliterated lumens with increasing radiotherapy. Microvasculature density of irradiated patients was markedly reduced (P = .0034) compared to the control group with an inverse correlation to RT doses (P < .0001). Specifically, doses up to 30 Gy appear to preserve sufficient vascularisation (~77% in comparison with control) and tissue architecture. By contrast, exposure to higher doses 40%‐61% of the micro‐vessels were lost.

Conclusion

Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy doses above 30 Gy identified reduction in microvasculature which is a lower threshold than previously accepted. In pharyngeal cancer patients’ doses to the jaw bones often exceed this threshold. Coupled with favourable survival in certain oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal cancer, dental rehabilitation via implants provides a significant clinical challenge.
CATA vs. FCP for a rapid descriptive analysis in sensory characterization of fish
Authors: Silva Frederica , Duarte Ana M. , Mendes Susana , Pinto Filipa R. , Barroso Sónia , Ganhão Rui , Gil Maria M.
Published: August 2020

Storing non‐marketable fish aboard fishing vessels takes up valuable storage space and, consequently, it is usually discarded. Therefore, the strategy to minimize the amount of discarded fish and boost the fishing economy should entail measures to turn unexploited species into marketable fish. The use of sensory descriptive analysis is usually the first step in the characterization of foods and assess their baseline appeal to the final consumer. In this study, the sensory characterization of five unexploited fish species was conducted, using a semi‐trained panel, with the objective of establishing the appeal and marketability of these species. Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) and Free Choice Profiling (FCP) were used to obtain descriptive attributes. Correspondence Analysis (CA) was used to examine CATA data and to compare both sensory methods, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used for FCP data analysis. The results obtained with CATA method allowed to differentiate species by appearance, odor and flavor, while appearance and odor were statistically significant descriptors in FCP. CATA method was found to be more suitable to discriminate fish species, presenting a higher discriminatory power than FCP.

Practical Applications

For CATA and FCP methods, using a panel of tasters with short training may increase the quality of a descriptive profile by avoiding the use of less accurate descriptors and ensure that the most relevant descriptors are included, especially in the case of CATA. In this study, both methods were suitable for fish profiling, although they provide different sensory characterization for the different samples. The statistical methods applied allowed to statistically identify significant attributes for each fish species and to differentiate from each other. When comparing both tested sensory methods, CATA reveals a greater discriminatory character compared to FCP. This can be explained by the absence of a support list of descriptors in the FCP that limits the choice of attributes by the panelists.
Response to ‘hepatitis C cure improved patient‐reported outcomes in patients with and without liver fibrosis in a prospective study at a large urban medical center’
Authors: Sung Julie C. , Wyatt Brooke E. , Perumalswami Ponni V. , Branch Andrea D.
Published: August 2020

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are important measures of quality of life. Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C virus (HCV) improved PROs in clinical trials. We prospectively evaluated the impact of DAA‐based HCV cure on PROs and liver‐related outcomes in real‐world patients at a large urban medical centre. The Short Form (SF)‐36 and three additional validated instruments were used. F3–4 fibrosis was defined as >9.6 kPa by transient elastography (TE); S2–3 steatosis was defined as >270 dB/m by TE‐controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Data were analysed by paired and unpaired t tests. Patients (n = 16) who did not achieve a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) were excluded. The study achieved its primary endpoint and showed a significant 30% improvement in the SF‐36 vitality score, measured baseline to SVR12: 63 vs 82, P < .001 (n = 111). Scores in 24 of 25 PRO domains improved at SVR12 (P < .05). Nearly all gains exceeded 5%, indicating their clinical significance. Transaminase values and liver stiffness improved (decreased) significantly, baseline to SVR12 (p<0.005), but steatosis was unchanged (p=0.58). Patients with baseline F0–2 fibrosis and those with F3–F4 fibrosis both improved in 22 domains. Patients with baseline S0–S1 steatosis improved in more domains (23) than patients with S2–S3 steatosis (19). At baseline, patients with F3–F4 fibrosis and patients with S2–3 steatosis had worse scores in certain PRO domains than patients with F0–2 fibrosis or S0–S1 steatosis, but this difference resolved by SVR12. HCV cure led to meaningful gains in PROs, and these findings may encourage patients to seek treatment.
A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of imidafenacin in patients with overactive bladder in Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Lin Chih‐Chieh , Chow Po‐Ming , Lien Chi‐Shun , Tsui Ke‐Hung , Chou Chieh‐Lung , Lee Hsiang‐Ying , Meng En , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of imidafenacin 0.1 mg twice daily vs placebo for Taiwanese patients with overactive bladder (OAB) after a 12‐week oral administration.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, two‐arm, parallel‐group, prospective study enrolled 118 patients across 11 study sites in Taiwan. Subjects were randomized to imidafenacin or placebo in a 2:1 ratio and entered the 12‐week treatment period. At the subsequent visits, efficacy outcome measures and safety assessments were collected for analysis. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in the mean number of micturitions per day. Secondary endpoints included mean changes from baseline in urgency episodes and urge incontinence episodes per day and mean volume voided per micturition. Safety outcomes were also collected and compared between groups.

Results

A total of 78 and 40 patients were allocated to the imidafenacin and placebo groups, respectively. Among them, 100 patients (imidafenacin, 65 and placebo, 35) completed the trial. Compared with placebo, imidafenacin was significantly better at reducing the number of micturitions per day (−1.29 ± 2.23 vs ‐0.46 ± 3.49, P = .0171) and reducing the mean number of urge incontinence episodes (−0.15 ± 0.52 vs 0.04 ± 0.50, P = .0386) at week 12. Adverse events were reported in 35 subjects (44.9%) and 16 (40%) in the imidafenacin and placebo groups, including constipation (n = 3, 4), dry mouth (n = 11, 2), and urinary tract infection (n = 7, 4), respectively. One patient in the imidafenacin group had mild dysuria.

Conclusion

Imidafenacin demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of OAB in Taiwanese patients.
Is the legal framework by itself enough for successful WHO code implementation? A case study from Ethiopia
Authors: Laillou Arnaud , Gerba Heran , Zelalem Meseret , Moges Dereje , Abera Wendafrash , Chuko Tesfaye , Getahun Betre , Kahsay Hilemicael , Chitekwe Stanley
Published: August 2020

Since 2016, Ethiopia has passed several proclamations and directives to regulate the promotion of commercial breastmilk substitute (BMS). Ethiopia's market potential will undoubtedly be the gravitating point for international infant formula companies due to growing urbanization, purchasing power, population, and the relatively low use of BMS to‐date. The aim of this review is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the existing laws, standards, and monitoring documents used to regulate the marketing of BMSs in Ethiopia and make future recommendations. The study findings highlighted that the regulation on marketing are comprehensive and strong to limit the promotion of infant formula. On the other hand, the regulation on marketing of follow‐up formulas, complementary foods, and growing‐up milk by manufacturers and distributors, media houses, and communication and advertisement agencies are underregulated, especially with regards to the international 69.9 regulation. The monitoring and enforcement of the existing marketing regulations remain limited in the absence of a formal coordination mechanism. Several violations of the national BMS regulations were observed. Forty‐one percent of mothers reported observing the BMS advertising and logos were detected in 36% of health facilities assessed. In 100% of cases, the infant formula labels contained violations. As the lead national authority mandated to regulate food safety, the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority needs to update its regulations related to the marketing of BMS to fill the loopholes and revise the national law in line with the international code of marketing of BMSs to protect breastfeeding.
The Influence of Health in Early Adulthood on Male Fertility
Authors: Barclay Kieron , Kolk Martin
Published: August 2020

Despite the large literature examining predictors of fertility, previous research has not offered a population‐level perspective on how health in early adulthood is related to male fertility. Using Swedish population and military conscription registers, we study how body mass index (BMI), physical fitness, and height are associated with total fertility and parity transitions by 2012 among 405,427 Swedish men born 1965–1972, meaning we observe fertility up to age 40 or older. Applying linear regression and sibling fixed effects, we find that these anthropometric measures are strong predictors of fertility, even after accounting for education and cumulative income. Men with a “normal” BMI and in the highest decile of physical fitness have the most children. Men who were obese at ages 17–20 had a relative probability of childlessness almost twice as high as men who had a “normal” BMI, and men in the bottom decile of physical fitness had a relatively probability of childlessness more than 50 percent higher than men in the top decile. In sibling comparison models the tallest men have the most children and men in the lowest two deciles of height have significantly lower fertility. Further analyses show that the strong associations persist even among men who married.
Ozone tolerant maize hybrids maintain Rubisco content and activity during long‐term exposure in the field
Authors: Choquette Nicole E. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. , Bezodis William , Cavanagh Amanda P.
Published: August 2020

Ozone pollution is a damaging air pollutant that reduces maize yields equivalently to nutrient deficiency, heat, and aridity stress. Therefore, understanding the physiological and biochemical responses of maize to ozone pollution and identifying traits predictive of ozone tolerance is important. In this study, we examined the physiological, biochemical and yield responses of six maize hybrids to elevated ozone in the field using Free Air Ozone Enrichment. Elevated ozone stress reduced photosynthetic capacity, in vivo and in vitro, decreasing Rubisco content, but not activation state. Contrary to our hypotheses, variation in maize hybrid responses to ozone was not associated with stomatal limitation or antioxidant pools in maize. Rather, tolerance to ozone stress in the hybrid B73 × Mo17 was correlated with maintenance of leaf N content. Sensitive lines showed greater ozone‐induced senescence and loss of photosynthetic capacity compared to the tolerant line.
The oxygen isotopic signature of soil‐ and plant‐derived sulphate is controlled by fertilizer type and water source
Authors: Novak Vlastimil , Khatri Purna Kumar , Laursen Kristian Holst
Published: August 2020

The oxygen isotope signature of sulphate (δ18Osulphate) is increasingly used to study nutritional fluxes and sulphur transformation processes in a variety of natural environments. However, mechanisms controlling the δ18Osulphate signature in soil–plant systems are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine key factors, which affect δ18Osulphate values in soil and plants. The impact of an 18O‐water isotopic gradient and different types of fertilizers was investigated in a soil incubation study and a radish (Raphanus sativus L.) greenhouse growth experiment. Water provided 31–64% of oxygen atoms in soil sulphate formed via mineralization of organic residues (green and chicken manures) while 49% of oxygen atoms were derived from water during oxidation of elemental sulphur. In contrast, δ18Osulphate values of synthetic fertilizer were not affected by soil water. Correlations between soil and plant δ18Osulphate values were controlled by water δ18O values and fertilizer treatments. Additionally, plant δ34S data showed that the sulphate isotopic composition of plants is a function of S assimilation. This study documents the potential of using compound‐specific isotope ratio analysis for investigating and tracing fertilization strategies in agricultural and environmental studies.
The prevention of periodontal disease—An overview
Authors: Scannapieco Frank A. , Gershovich Eva
Published: August 2020

It is widely accepted that common diseases of the oral cavity, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are preventable. Based on a large body of scientific evidence, a number of preventive strategies are known to prevent these diseases, but only if routinely implemented. Unfortunately, while most preventive strategies are theoretically simple to understand, they are often difficult to employ in practice at individual and public health levels. This volume of Periodontology 2000 provides the most current information on the state of the science and the evidence base supporting a preventive perspective for the management of periodontal disease, including evidence for proven interventions as well as cutting‐edge ideas for potential future interventions. In addition to well‐established and scientifically proven approaches (tooth and implant cleansing, topical chemotherapeutics, reduction in risk factors such as tobacco smoking), a number of new ideas are now under investigation, including antioxidant agents, probiotics, vaccines, and slow‐release alternative chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, there are new ideas to alter patient behaviors with the aim to improve adherence to preventive strategies. Finally, examples from implementation science and public health are provided that suggest novel approaches to bring new ideas into clinical practice.
Breaking the wave of peri‐implantitis
Authors: Fu Jia‐Hui , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: August 2020

Peri‐implant diseases are prevalent with a weighted mean prevalence rate of 43% across Europe and 22% across South and North America. Although the main etiologic agent is bacterial biofilm, a myriad of factors influence the initiation and progression of the disease. Unfortunately, the treatment of peri‐implant diseases is at best favorable in the short term with a high rate of persistent inflammation and recurrence. Therefore, it is sensible to consider and control all potential factors that may predispose an implant to peri‐implant tissue inflammation in an attempt to avoid the disease. This paper reviews recent evidence on factors that may predispose implants to peri‐implantitis and measures that can be taken to prevent it.
Biological strategies for the prevention of periodontal disease: Probiotics and vaccines
Authors: Myneni Srinivas Rao , Brocavich Kristen , H Wang Howard
Published: August 2020

Probiotics have been considered as an adjunct to prevent and treat a variety of diseases. The ease of administration of probiotics and the fact that no adverse outcomes have been reported in the literature has promoted increasing interest from the research community for this preventive approach in a number of diseases, including periodontal diseases. Several preliminary human clinical trials have been conducted and have yielded promising results. Vaccination is another biological strategy considered for use in the prevention of periodontal diseases. To date, no vaccine trials have been conducted in humans to determine if this strategy would prevent alveolar bone loss or bacterial colonization by target pathogens. Although the available research appears promising, the current body of evidence is incomplete for both strategies. This review attempts to summarize the present status of these 2 biological strategies for the prevention of periodontal diseases.
Vibration Analysis of Deep Groove Ball Bearings With Local Defect Using a New Displacement Excitation Function
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Qin Yi , Wang Yi , Chen Haizhou
Published: August 2020

Bearings are vital parts of many mechanical equipment, the vibration signal analysis of bearings with local defects is important in guiding the fault diagnosis. In this paper, a dynamic analysis method is proposed to investigate the vibration response of the deep groove ball bearings (DGBBs) with local defect using a new displacement excitation function based on the Hertz contact theory and Newton's second law. The DGBB is modeled as a two degrees-of-freedom system, and an additional friction force in the defect zone, the influence of centrifugal force, the gravity of rolling elements, and lubrication traction/slip force between rolling elements and raceway are considered. And this model is used to study the dynamic signals of DGBB under different fault sizes and rotation speeds. Results indicate that the simulation signal has many continuous impacts and change over the time which is closer to the actual situation compared with the one-shot impulse function such as rectangular or half-sine or piecewise function when the rolling elements passed through the defect zone. Finally, the validity of the proposed model is verified by experiments. The simulated and experimental results indicate that the proposed model would achieve a more appropriate and accurate dynamic simulation.
Thermohydrodynamic Characteristics and Stability Analysis for a Journal Hybrid Floating Ring Bearing Within Laminar and Turbulent Mixed Flow Regime
Authors: Shuai Yang , Hong Guo , Shao-Lin Zhang , Bo-Qian Xia
Published: August 2020

There exist laminar and turbulent flow in the inner and outer fluid film of the hybrid floating ring bearing at high speed. The finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM) are used to solve the thermohydrodynamic (THD) lubrication model within the laminar and turbulent mixed flow regime which governs the pressure, temperature, viscosity, and Reynolds number of the two-layer fluid films together for a type of the journal hybrid floating ring bearing with deep/shallow pockets. The static and dynamic characteristics are analyzed including the load capacity, the friction moment, the volume flowrate, the stiffness, and damping coefficients with consideration of the mixed flow and thermal effect based on the floating ring balance. The unitized kinematic model of the shaft and floating ring is proposed to deduce the instability criteria and calculate the threshold rotational speed of a rigid Jeffcott rotor system supported on two hybrid floating ring bearings by the Routh–Hurwitz method. The results present that there are non-uniform pressure and temperature profile within the fluid film field, and the laminar flow and turbulent flow appear at certain positions of film through theory and experiment, separately. The mixed flow effect promotes the bearing load capacity and the friction moment at high speed and eccentricity, and the system threshold speed drops within the mixed flow regime. Therefore, the thermal effect and mixed flow existing in the fluid film should be considered into the lubrication analysis for the floating ring bearing.
Optimization of Dynamic Vibration Absorbers for Suppressing Sound Radiation of Plate Structures
Authors: Huo Guanghe , Chen Zhaobo , Jiao Yinghou , Zhu Xuezhi
Published: August 2020

Dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) is a practical tool used for sound and vibration suppression in the specific frequency band. The parameters of DVAs should be optimally tuned to obtain the best sound and vibration suppression application effects. When the DVAs are used for structural vibration reduction, DVAs’ two parameters which are the optimal frequency ratio and damping ratio have simple analytical expressions. However, the concise analytical expressions of the DVAs that are used for suppressing the structural sound radiations have not been reported. First, this paper investigates the characteristics of DVAs in suppressing sound radiation from thin plates. Second, the fixed points’ phenomenon of the sound radiations of the plate carrying DVAs is revealed. In addition, the classical fixed points’ theory is extended into the optimization process of the DVAs that are used for sound radiation control of the plate. The analytical expression of the optimal frequency ratio, as well as the damping ratio optimization method of the DVA, is simultaneously proposed. Third, the installation position of DVAs is also presented to obtain a better acoustic radiation effect. Finally, the numerical simulations are performed to verify the availability of the method. It is showed that the best sound radiation control effect could be obtained by adopting the optimization means proposed in this paper.
Seven-Point Solar Tracking Control for a Fiber-Optic Daylighting System
Authors: Ahmed Rahate , Kim Yeongmin , Zeeshan  , Mehmood Muhammad Uzair , Han Hyun Joo , Chun Wongee , Lim Sang Hoon
Published: August 2020

A strategy for precise solar tracking has been developed using feedback signals from seven photosensors in conjunction with the operation of an active daylighting system. The tracking system was composed of a microcontroller, two stepper motors, photosensors, a grooves-in Fresnel lens concentrator, and a glass optical fiber cable. A robust control was implemented using cadmium sulfide (CdS) sensors to track the sun’s path precisely from sunrise to sunset. To avoid the cloud effect, two separate sensors were installed apart from the main tracking sensors. The control system was allowed to track the sun’s position if clouds covered the sky continuously for less than approximately 70 min. To analyze the performance of the solar tracker for daylighting applications, a series of experiments were performed in different weather conditions where the accuracy and effectiveness of the present solar tracking control were confirmed.
Early-life environmental enrichment generates persistent individualized behavior in mice
Authors: Zocher Sara , Schilling Susan , Grzyb Anna N. , Adusumilli Vijay S. , Bogado Lopes Jadna , Günther Sandra , Overall Rupert W. , Winter York , Kempermann Gerd
Published: August 2020

Experience-induced differences in behavior, brain plasticity, and epigenetics persist even after stimulus withdrawal.
Roboticists should never look at their creations in the same way again
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: August 2020

Little Eyes
by Samanta Schweblin offers a thought experiment in human-robot interaction.
Enhancing insect flight research with a lab-on-cables
Authors: Sane Sanjay P.
Published: August 2020

A cable-driven robot that tracks flying insects at close range offers a useful method to study insects in free flight.
Tensegrity metamaterials for soft robotics
Authors: Wen Li , Pan Fei , Ding Xilun
Published: August 2020

3D-printed flexible tensegrities with metamaterial properties enable customizable complex locomotion in soft robots.
Antisense oligonucleotides increase
Scn1a
expression and reduce seizures and SUDEP incidence in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Han Zhou , Chen Chunling , Christiansen Anne , Ji Sophina , Lin Qian , Anumonwo Charles , Liu Chante , Leiser Steven C. , Meena  , Aznarez Isabel , Liau Gene , Isom Lori L.
Published: August 2020

Antisense oligonucleotide administration reduces seizures and SUDEP incidence in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome.
Gastrointestinal synthetic epithelial linings
Authors: Li Junwei , Wang Thomas , Kirtane Ameya R. , Shi Yunhua , Jones Alexis , Moussa Zaina , Lopes Aaron , Collins Joy , Tamang Siddartha M. , Hess Kaitlyn , Shakur Rameen , Karandikar Paramesh , Lee Jung Seung , Huang Hen-Wei , Hayward Alison , Traverso Giovanni
Published: August 2020

A targeted coating of polydopamine polymerized in situ in the small intestine enables drug delivery and modulation of nutrient absorption in pigs.
Mapping cancer genetics at single-cell resolution
Authors: Gilbert Luke A.
Published: August 2020

CRISPR genetic interaction mapping reveals networks of genes that drive cancer phenotypes.
Breaking up forces stem cells to come together
Authors: Aguilar Carlos A.
Published: August 2020

Microfracture surgery followed by local delivery of therapy induces stem cells to rebuild cartilage in osteoarthritis.
Novel stem cell niche to preserve vision
Authors: Xinyi Su
Published: August 2020

Neural derived cells in the optic nerve express multiple stem cell markers and can differentiate into multiple neural lineages.
Laboratory-Based Surveillance of Clostridium difficile Infection in Australian Health Care and Community Settings, 2013 to 2018
Authors: Hong Stacey , Putsathit Papanin , George Narelle , Hemphill Christine , Huntington Peter G. , Korman Tony M. , Kotsanas Despina , Lahra Monica , McDougall Rodney , Moore Casey V. , Nimmo Graeme R. , Prendergast Louise , Robson Jennifer , Waring Lynette , Wehrhahn Michael C. , Weldhagen Gerhard F. , Wilson Richard M. , Riley Thomas V. , Knight Daniel R.
Published: August 2020

In the early 2000s, a binary toxin (CDT)-producing strain of
Clostridium difficile
, ribotype 027 (RT027), caused extensive outbreaks of diarrheal disease in North America and Europe. This strain has not become established in Australia, and there is a markedly different repertoire of circulating strains there compared to other regions of the world. The
C. difficile
Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CDARS) study is a nationwide longitudinal surveillance study of
C. difficile
infection (CDI) in Australia.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium
Klebsiella
sp. Strain KBG6.2, Imparting Salt Tolerance to Rice
Authors: Girma Berhanu , Panda Ananta N. , Mohanty Sasmita , Ray Lopamudra , Chowdhary Gopal
Published: August 2020

Klebsiella
sp. strain KBG6.2 is a potential salt-tolerant, plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium isolated from a rice field in Konark, Odisha, India. Here, we report the whole-genome sequencing of
Klebsiella
sp. strain KBG6.2, which has a 5.038-Mb genome containing 4,867 predicted protein-coding sequences and 79 RNA genes.
Transcriptome Sequencing Data of Bacillus anthracis Vollum Δ
htrA
and Its Parental Strain, Isolated under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Chitlaru Theodor , Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Israeli Ofir , Elia Uri , Zaide Galia , Israeli Ma'ayan , Beth-Din Adi , Lazar Shirley , Ehrlich Sharon , Zvi Anat , Cohen Ofer
Published: August 2020

The high-temperature requirement chaperone/protease (HtrA) is involved in the stress response of the anthrax-causing pathogen
Bacillus anthracis
. Resilience to oxidative stress is essential for the manifestation of
B. anthracis
pathogenicity. Here, we announce transcriptome data sets detailing global gene expression in
B. anthracis
wild-type and
htrA
-disrupted strains following H
2
O
2
-induced oxidative stress.
Complete Genome Sequence of the
Streptomyces
-Specific Bacteriophage BRock
Authors: Baron Stephen F. , Crossman Ashley N. , Malik Shikha , Sidhu Parveen , Nehra Kiran , Jamdagni Pragati , Erill Ivan , Temple Louise M.
Published: August 2020

The complete genome sequence of the unique virulent bacteriophage BRock, isolated from compost on
Streptomyces
sp. strain SFB5A, was determined. BRock is a myovirus with a 112,523-bp genome containing a GC content of 52.3%. There were 188 protein-coding genes predicted, including structural and enzymatic proteins, but none predicted for lysogeny. Twenty-nine tRNAs were predicted.
Draft Genome Sequences of 15 Bacterial Species Constituting the Stable Defined Intestinal Microbiota of the GM15 Gnotobiotic Mouse Model
Authors: Elie Céline , Mathieu Alban , Saliou Adrien , Villain Adrien , Darnaud Marion , Leulier François , Tamellini Andrea
Published: August 2020

The GM15 community is a bacterial consortium used to generate a novel standardized mouse model with a simplified controlled intestinal microbiota recapitulating the specific opportunistic pathogen-free (SOPF) mouse phenotype and the potential to ensure an increased reproducibility and robustness of preclinical studies by limiting the confounding effect of microbiota composition fluctuation.
High-Quality Draft Single-Cell Genome Sequences of Two
Gammaproteobacteria
Strains Sampled from Soil in a Strawberry Farm
Authors: Yoda Takuya , Arikawa Koji , Saeki Tatsuya , Matsuhashi Ayumi , Hosokawa Masahito
Published: August 2020

Here, we present high-quality draft single-cell genome sequences of
Gammaproteobacteria
strains BBSC-SA01 and BBSC-SA02, obtained from uncultivated cells of soil in a strawberry farm using the single-cell sequencing platform bit-MAP. These draft genomes putatively represent novel species within
Gammaproteobacteria
and allow further investigation into the soil microbiome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium cadaveris Strain AGRFS2.2, Isolated from a Bovine Dairy Farm in New Zealand
Authors: Gupta Tanushree B. , Jauregui Ruy , Maclean Paul , Nawarathana Amila Srilal , Brightwell Gale
Published: August 2020

We report the draft genome sequence of a new
Clostridium cadaveris
strain, AGRFS2.2, isolated from soil in a bovine dairy farm environment in New Zealand. The genome is 3.6 Mbp long with a GC content of 31.3%. The genome sequence was found to be closely related to that of
Clostridium cadaveris
JCM 1392
T
.
Kinematic and geodynamic evolution of the Isthmus of Panama region: Implications for Central American Seaway closure
Authors: McGirr Rebecca , Seton Maria , Williams Simon
Published: August 2020

A major topic of debate in earth science and climate science surrounds the timing of closure of the Central American Seaway. While it is clear that the gateway was closed by ca. 2.8 Ma, recent studies based on geological and marine molecular evidence have suggested an earlier closing time of early to mid-Miocene. In this study, we examined the influences of subduction and slab window formation on the time-varying paleoenvironments of the Isthmus of Panama region. We developed detailed reconstructions of the seafloor spreading history in the Panama Basin and incorporated previously published arc block rotations into a revised global plate model. Our reconstructions indicate that the Central American Seaway region has undergone multiple phases of slab window formation and migration, slab detachment, and flat slab subduction since the Oligocene, while kinematically mapped slab windows agree well with slab gaps imaged in seismic tomography. In particular, we found that from the early Miocene, when there is clear evidence for Isthmus of Panama emergence, the region was underlain by a slab window. During the late Miocene, when there is evidence for intermittent arc deepening, and decreased transcontinental migration, we found an increase in subducted slab volumes beneath the Panama arc. Numerical and analogue models and field observations argue that slab windows can induce >1 km of vertical uplift on the overriding plate. We therefore propose that this previously unexplored geodynamic mechanism can explain the variations in Isthmus of Panama emergence, and intermittent shallow-water connections, reconciling alternative lines of evidence for Central American Seaway closure.
Doege-Potter syndrome presenting as ‘end-stage renal disease-associated hypoglycaemia’: a primary presentation of retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Shekhar Skand , Chen Julie , Desai Kaniksha
Published: August 2020

A middle-aged woman with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to obstructive nephropathy presented to the hospital for an episode of unresponsiveness and hypoglycaemia. Initially, she was diagnosed with hypoglycaemia associated with ESRD and was discharged. However, she returned to the hospital after experiencing tonic–clonic seizures and recurrent hypoglycaemia. Her hypoglycaemia workup revealed an elevated insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) to IGF1 ratio consistent with paraneoplastic IGF2 secretion. Subsequently, a CT abdomen revealed a retroperitoneal mass, found to be a retroperitoneal sarcoma. Her hypoglycaemia was treated with glucocorticoids and growth hormone. Surgical debulking of her tumour was attempted, but she expired due to postoperative haemorrhagic shock. Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare cause of hypoglycaemia which should be suspected in any new-onset, worsening, inexplicable or refractory hypoglycaemia, particularly in non-diabetic ESRD. Here we present a report of retroperitoneal sarcoma presenting with hypoglycaemia in a patient with ESRD without diabetes.
COVID-19–associated acute transverse myelitis: a rare entity
Authors: Chakraborty Uddalak , Chandra Atanu , Ray Aritra Kumar , Biswas Purbasha
Published: August 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has wreaked havoc globally and has claimed innumerable lives all over the world. Apart from the characteristic respiratory illness, this disease has been associated with florid extrapulmonary manifestations and complications. A 59-year-old female healthcare worker presented with features of acute-onset non-compressive myelopathy with a sensory level at T10 segment along with high-grade fever for 4 days. MRI of dorsal spine was suggestive of myelitis at T7 vertebral level. She was initiated on injectable steroids and did show some initial signs of recovery. A day later, she developed an acute-onset respiratory failure but could not be revived despite our best efforts. Her nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab turned out to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We hereby report a case of acute transverse myelitis with COVID-19 as a probable aetiology.
Nine typical injury patterns in German professional male football (soccer): a systematic visual video analysis of 345 match injuries
Authors: Klein Christian , Luig Patrick , Henke Thomas , Bloch Hendrik , Platen Petra
Published: August 2020

Aim

We aimed to systematically analyse the videos of acute injuries in professional men’s football and describe typical injury patterns.

Methods

Injuries were registered with the German statutory accident insurance for professional athletes as part of occupational accident reporting. Following each season (2014–2017), video footage of the two highest divisions in German male football was searched for moderate and severe acute match injuries. Two raters then independently assessed the injuries for: game situation, player and opponent behaviour, referee decision, and injury mechanisms.

Results

The total data set included 7493 acute injuries. Of these, 857 (11%) were moderate or severe match injuries. The video search yielded 345 (40%) clearly identifiable injuries and of those 170 (49%) were contact injuries. We describe nine typical injury patterns: one each for head and shoulder injuries, two for thigh and ankle, and three for knee injuries. The nine patterns are called: (1) Head-to-head injury. (2) Collision-and-fall shoulder injury. (3) Sprinter’s thigh injury. (4) Perturbation-and-strain thigh injury. (5) Tackle knee injury. (6) Tackle-and-twist knee injury. (7) Non-contact knee injury. (8) Attacked ankle injury. (9) Collision-and-twist ankle injury. Thigh injuries occurred primarily in non-contact situations (44/81), mostly while the player was sprinting (23/44). Knee injuries were often caused by direct external impact (49/84)—mainly suffered by the tackler during a tackle (17/49).

Conclusion

The nine common injury patterns in football differed substantially in their mechanisms and causes.
Use of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) in professional hockey, part 1: cross-cultural normative data
Authors: Echemendia Ruben J , Thelen Joanie , Meeuwisse Willem , Hutchison Michael G , Comper Paul , Rizos John , Bruce Jared M
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This paper provides comprehensive normative data stratified by language preference and age on the components of the National Hockey League (NHL) Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) in a multilingual sample of professional ice hockey players and compares the findings from a paper form of the NHL SCAT5 with an electronic (App) version of the tool.

Methods

A total of 1924 male NHL and American Hockey League (AHL) players (ages 17–41) were assessed during preseason medical evaluations (baseline); 1881 were assessed with the NHL SCAT5 App via tablet and 43 received the paper version of the NHL Modified SCAT5.

Results

No significant differences between the App and paper modes of administration emerged in a subsample of English preference players. Significant SCAT5 differences among language preference groups emerged on measures of cognitive functioning (Immediate Memory,Concentration). No language preference differences emerged on the Delayed Recall component. Using age as a continuous variable, older participants outperformed younger players on Immediate Memory, Delayed Recall and Concentration. Players wearing skates demonstrated significantly more modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS) total errors than barefoot players. Normative data tables for language preference groups are presented.

Conclusions

Significant differences were found between English and non-English language preference groups on the components of SCAT5, which suggest that language-specific normative data, rather than aggregated normative data, are preferable when interpreting test scores. Similarly, age-specific normative data tables may provide greater precision in data interpretation. Due to clear ceiling effects on the mBESS single leg and tandem stances, players should not be tested while wearing skates.
Relationship between smoking and ALS: Mendelian randomisation interrogation of causality
Authors: Opie-Martin Sarah , Wootton Robyn E , Budu-Aggrey Ashley , Shatunov Aleksey , Jones Ashley R , Iacoangeli Alfredo , Al Khleifat Ahmad , Davey-Smith George , Al-Chalabi Ammar
Published: August 2020

Objective

Smoking has been widely studied as a susceptibility factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but results are conflicting and at risk of confounding bias. We used the results of recently published large genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomisation methods to reduce confounding to assess the relationship between smoking and ALS.

Methods

Two genome-wide association studies investigating lifetime smoking (n=463 003) and ever smoking (n=1 232 091) were identified and used to define instrumental variables for smoking. A genome-wide association study of ALS (20 806 cases; 59 804 controls) was used as the outcome for inverse variance weighted Mendelian randomisation, and four other Mendelian randomisation methods, to test whether smoking is causal for ALS. Analyses were bidirectional to assess reverse causality.

Results

There was no strong evidence for a causal or reverse causal relationship between smoking and ALS. The results of Mendelian randomisation using the inverse variance weighted method were: lifetime smoking OR 0.94 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.19), p value 0.59; ever smoking OR 1.10 (95% CI 1 to 1.23), p value 0.05.

Conclusions

Using multiple methods, large sample sizes and sensitivity analyses, we find no evidence with Mendelian randomisation techniques that smoking causes ALS. Other smoking phenotypes, such as current smoking, may be suitable for future Mendelian randomisation studies
Cancer surveillance among workers in plastics and rubber manufacturing in Ontario, Canada
Authors: DeBono Nathan L , Logar-Henderson Chlöe , Warden Hunter , Shakik Sharara , Dakouo Mamadou , MacLeod Jill , Demers Paul A
Published: August 2020

Objective

Occupational exposure to agents in plastics and rubber manufacturing has been associated with elevated risk of certain cancers. We sought to evaluate cancer risk among workers employed in occupations and industries with these exposures as part of an ongoing surveillance programme in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

The Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS) cohort was established using workers’ compensation claims data and includes 2.18 million workers employed from 1983 to 2014. Workers were followed for site-specific cancer diagnoses in the Ontario Cancer Registry through 2016. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted HR and 95% CI.

Results

We identified 81 127 workers employed in plastics and rubber manufacturing industries or materials processing and product fabricating occupations. Compared with all other women in the ODSS, those in materials processing occupations had an elevated rate of lung cancer (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.58) that was not observed among men. An elevated rate of breast cancer was observed among female labourers (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.82) and moulders (HR 1.47, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.37) in plastics and rubber product fabricating occupations. Overall, elevated rates were observed for oesophageal, liver, stomach, prostate and kidney cancer in job-specific subgroups, including mixing and blending, bonding and cementing, and labouring. There was little evidence of association for lymphatic or haematopoietic cancers.

Conclusions

Findings for lung and breast cancer in women are consistent with other studies and warrant further attention in Ontario. Given the relatively young age at end of follow-up, surveillance in these workers should continue as the cohort ages.
Crowding-out effect of tobacco expenditure in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Minh , Nguyen Anh
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims at analysing the causal crowding-out effect of tobacco spending on intrahousehold budget share in Vietnam. Besides, we also examine the differences in expenditure patterns between tobacco spending households and non-spending households in Vietnam as well as determine the reason behind these differences.

Methods

We estimated a system of quadratic conditional Engel curve to determine intrahousehold resource allocation using the latest Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey data in 2016. In order to estimate the causal crowding-out effect of tobacco spending, GMM 3SLS method is used to simultaneously deal with heteroscedasticity and endogeneity problems.

Results

Although the Wald test results propose the difference in preferences between tobacco spending and non-spending households in Vietnam, once controlling for household characteristics, the results from GMM 3SLS method show that the differences are insignificant. Generally, the crowding-out effect of tobacco spending in Vietnamese households is modest because of the small share of tobacco in the total household expenditure. An increase in tobacco expenditure only leads to a fall in the budget shares of education. The crowding-out effect, however, mainly appears in the case of low-income households.

Conclusions

The reduction in education caused by tobacco consumption, particularly in low-income households, may extend inequality and thus prevent the socioeconomic development in Vietnam in the long term. Additionally, the tiny share of tobacco in household expenditure reveals that the price of tobacco products in Vietnam is extremely low, leading to high proportion of tobacco smokers. Government, therefore, should continuously increase the tobacco tax so that it could restrict the tobacco affordability.
Changes in knowledge, perceptions and use of JUUL among a cohort of young adults
Authors: Wagoner Kimberly G , King Jessica L , Suerken Cynthia K , Reboussin Beth A , Cornacchione Ross Jennifer , Sutfin Erin L
Published: August 2020

Objective

E-cigarettes have gained popularity, most recently with pod-style devices, such as JUUL. We examined changes in JUUL awareness, use, perceptions, nicotine content knowledge, number of days a pod lasts and exposure to JUUL retail advertising over a 6-month period in a cohort of young adults.

Methods

In spring and fall 2018, 1836 young adults completed online surveys on tobacco use, including JUUL perceptions and use behaviours. Demographics, tobacco use and JUUL advertising exposure in spring 2018 were examined as predictors of current JUUL use in fall 2018.

Results

Ever and current JUUL use doubled in 6 months (5.9% vs 12.7%, p<0.001; 1.6% vs 3.4%, p<0.001). The number of days a JUUL pod lasts significantly changed (p=0.049). Although there was an increase in those reporting JUUL has as much or more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes, 58% are ‘not sure’ of JUUL’s nicotine content. Exposure to JUUL’s advertising significantly increased (31.8% to 46.4%; p<0.001). In multivariable models, those perceiving JUUL as or more harmful than cigarettes, and former and never cigarette smokers had significantly lower odds of current JUUL use at 6 months compared with their respective counterparts (p<0.0001). Those reporting exposure to JUUL’s advertising had significantly increased odds of current JUUL use 6 months later (p<0.03).

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate changes in knowledge of JUUL’s nicotine content, perceptions and use over a short period of time, suggesting frequent measurement is necessary. Additionally, efforts are needed to regulate retail advertising and ensure consumer education about product risks as they are associated with current use.
Warm dense matter and cooling of supernovae remnants
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Das H. C. , Biswal S. K. , Kumar Bharat , Patra S. K.
Published: August 2020

We study the thermal effects on the nuclear matter (NM) properties such as binding energy, incompressibility, free symmetry energy and its coefficients using NL3, G3 and IU-FSU parameter sets of relativistic mean-field models. These models being consistent with the properties of cold NM, have also been used to study the effect of temperature by incorporating the Fermi function. The critical temperature for the liquid-gas phase transition in the symmetric NM is found to be 14.60, 15.37 and 14.50 MeV for NL3, G3 and IU-FSU parameter sets respectively, which is in excellent agreement with previous theoretical and experimental studies. We inspect that the properties related to second differential coefficient of the binding energy and free symmetry energy at saturation density ( i.e. $$K_{0}(n,T)$$K0(n,T) and $$Q_{sym,0}$$Qsym,0 ) exhibit the contrary effects for NL3 and G3 parameters as the temperature increases. We find that the prediction of saturated curvature parameter ( $$K_{sym,0}$$Ksym,0 ) for G3 equation of state at finite temperature favour the combined analysis of $$K_{sym,0}$$Ksym,0 for the existence of massive pulsars, gravitational waves from GW170817 and NICER observations of PSR J0030+0451. Further, we investigate the cooling mechanism of newly born stars through neutrino emissivity controlled by direct Urca process and instate some interesting remarks about neutrino emissivity. We also deliberate the effect of temperature on the M-R profile of Proto-Neutron star.