bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐additive effects of adjunct erythropoietin therapy with therapeutic hypothermia after global cerebral ischaemia in near‐term fetal sheep
Authors: Wassink Guido , Davidson Joanne O. , Fraser Mhoyra , Yuill Caroline A. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: January 2020

Key points

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rEpo) is neuroprotective in immature animals, but it is unclear whether the combination of high‐dose rEpo therapy with therapeutic hypothermia can further improve outcomes.

Hypothermia and rEpo independently improved neuronal survival, with greater improvement with hypothermia, and similarly reduced numbers of caspase‐3 positive cells and reactive microglia after 7 days recovery.

Hypothermia, but not rEpo, was associated with markedly improved EEG power, whereas both interventions improved recovery of EEG frequency.

There was no significant improvement in any outcome after combined rEpo and hypothermia compared with hypothermia alone, and of concern, the combination was associated with increased numbers of cortical caspase‐3‐positive cells compared with ischaemia‐hypothermia.

These data suggest that the mechanisms of neuroprotection with hypothermia and rEpo overlap and, thus, high‐dose rEpo infusion does not appear to be an effective adjunct therapy for therapeutic hypothermia.

Therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) provides incomplete neuroprotection. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rEpo) is neuroprotective in immature animals, but it is unclear whether adjunct rEpo therapy with therapeutic hypothermia can further improve outcomes. Near‐term fetal sheep received sham‐ischaemia (n = 9) or global cerebral ischaemia for 30 min (ischaemia‐vehicle, n = 8), followed by intravenous infusion of rEpo (ischaemia‐Epo, n = 8; 5000 U/kg loading dose, then 833.3 U/kg/h), cerebral hypothermia (ischaemia‐hypothermia, n = 8), or rEpo plus hypothermia (ischaemia‐Epo‐hypothermia, n = 8), from 3 to 72 h post ischaemia. Fetal brains were collected 7 days after cerebral ischaemia. Cerebral ischaemia was associated with severe neuronal loss and microglial induction in the parasagittal cortex and subcortical regions. Hypothermia reduced overall neuronal loss, cortical caspase‐3 and reactive microglia in the striatum and cortex, with greater recovery of electroencephalographic (EEG) power and spectral edge (SEF) from 48 h onwards. rEpo independently improved neuronal survival in the parasagittal cortex, hippocampal CA4 and thalamus, and reduced cortical caspase‐3 and activated microglia in striatal and cortical areas, with greater SEF from 120 h onwards. However, ischaemia‐Epo‐hypothermia did not further improve outcomes compared with ischaemia‐hypothermia and was associated with increased numbers of cortical caspase‐3‐positive cells. These findings suggest that although delayed, prolonged treatment with both hypothermia and rEpo are independently neuroprotective, they have overlapping anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic mechanisms, such that the delayed, high‐dose rEpo infusion for 3 days did not materially augment neuroprotection with therapeutic hypothermia.
Verification and Validation of Solar Photovoltaic Thermal Water Collectors Performance Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Sridharan M. , Jayaprakash G.
Published: January 2020

The performance of the solar photovoltaic (PV) module is more sensitive to its operating temperature. A PV module with a cooling system produces higher electrical power output than a PV module without a cooling system. In addition, the PV module with the integrated cooling system is capable of generating electrical and thermal energy simultaneously. Such an integrated (hybrid) system is termed as a solar photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system. When two or more collectors connected in series as a mean to have higher output, then such a system is termed as series-connected PV/T water collectors. This study presents two fuzzy inference systems (FISs), namely, Mamdani and Sugeno, for predicting the performance of series-connected PV/T water collectors. The set of rules was framed individually for both models in a way to predict the power output of PV/T water collectors in an inaccurate manner. The predicted results by inference systems are compared with experimental values to check their prediction accuracies. The accuracy of such a proposed Mamdani and Sugeno FIS is 95.67% and 99.92%.
Non-Linear Radiation, Chemical Reaction, and Soret/Dufour Effects on Magnetohydrodynamic Natural Convection About a Permeable Horizontal Circular Cylinder in Non-Darcy Porous Media With Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Yih Kuo-Ann , Huang Chuo-Jeng
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the nonlinear radiation, chemical reaction, and Soret/Dufour effects on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection about a permeable horizontal circular cylinder in non-Darcy porous media with heat source/sink are numerically analyzed. The surface of the horizontal circular cylinder is subjected to uniform wall temperature and uniform wall concentration (UWT/UWC). The governing equations are transformed into dimensionless, non-similar forms using suitable non-dimensional variables and then solved using Keller box method (KBM). Comparisons with previously published work are performed, and the results are found to be in an excellent agreement. Numerical data of the dimensionless temperature profile, the dimensionless concentration profile, the Nusselt number, and the Sherwood number are presented in graphic and tabular forms for the main parameters. The physical aspects of the problem are discussed in detail. The Nusselt number increases with increasing the Soret parameter, radiation parameter, and surface temperature ratio. Increasing the Dufour parameter, radiation parameter, surface temperature ratio, coefficient of space-dependent internal heat generation/absorption, and dimensionless chemical reaction parameter enhances the Sherwood number.
Characterization of Spatially Graded Biomechanical Scaffolds
Authors: Hugenberg Nicholas R. , Dong Li , Cooper James A. , Corr David T. , Oberai Assad A.
Published: January 2020

Advances in fabrication have allowed tissue engineers to better mimic complex structures and tissue interfaces by designing nanofibrous scaffolds with spatially graded material properties. However, the nonuniform properties that grant the desired biomechanical function also make these constructs difficult to characterize. In light of this, we developed a novel procedure to create graded nanofibrous scaffolds and determine the spatial distribution of their material properties. Multilayered nanofiber constructs were synthesized, controlling spatial gradation of the stiffness to mimic the soft tissue gradients found in tendon or ligament tissue. Constructs were characterized using uniaxial tension testing with digital image correlation (DIC) to measure the displacements throughout the sample, in a noncontacting fashion, as it deformed. Noise was removed from the displacement data using principal component analysis (PCA), and the final denoised field served as the input to an inverse elasticity problem whose solution determines the spatial distribution of the Young's modulus throughout the material, up to a multiplicative factor. Our approach was able to construct, characterize, and determine the spatially varying moduli, in four electrospun scaffolds, highlighting its great promise for analyzing tissues and engineered constructs with spatial gradations in modulus, such as those at the interfaces between two disparate tissues (e.g., myotendinous junction, tendon- and ligament-to-bone entheses).
Validated Computational Framework for Evaluation of In Vivo Knee Mechanics
Authors: Ali Azhar A. , Mannen Erin M. , Rullkoetter Paul J. , Shelburne Kevin B.
Published: January 2020

Dynamic, in vivo evaluations of knee mechanics are important for understanding knee injury and repair, and developing successful treatments. Computational models have been used with in vivo experiments to quantify joint mechanics, but they are typically not predictive. The current study presents a novel integrated approach with high-speed stereo radiography, musculoskeletal modeling, and finite element (FE) modeling for evaluation of subject-specific, in vivo knee mechanics in a healthy subject performing a seated knee extension and weight-bearing lunge. Whole-body motion capture, ground reaction forces, and radiography-based kinematics were used to drive musculoskeletal and predictive FE models for load-controlled simulation of in vivo knee mechanics. A predictive simulation of knee mechanics was developed in four stages: (1) in vivo measurements of one subject performing a lunge and a seated knee extension, (2) rigid-body musculoskeletal modeling to determine muscle forces, (3) FE simulation of knee extension for knee-ligament calibration, and (4) predictive FE simulation of a lunge. FE models predicted knee contact and ligament mechanics and evaluated the impact of cruciate ligament properties on joint kinematics and loading. Calibrated model kinematics demonstrated good agreement to the experimental motion with root-mean-square differences of tibiofemoral flexion–extension <3 deg, internal–external <4 deg, and anterior–posterior <2 mm. Ligament reference strain and attachment locations were the most critical properties in the calibration process. The current work advances previous in vivo knee modeling through simulation of dynamic activities, modeling of subject-specific knee behavior, and development of a load-controlled knee model.
Guaranteed Continuity and Computational Improvement in SDRE Controllers for Cancer Treatment Analysis
Authors: Lin Li-Gang , Xin Ming
Published: January 2020

This study provides a novel analysis and design of the state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) control in cancer treatment application. The key assumption to ensure continuous SDRE controllers—in terms of the solvability of pointwise Riccati equations—is replaced by a simplified equivalent condition, which largely alleviates the computational burden. At the discontinuities, an alternative solution is novelly suggested, because the conventional/empirical α−parameterization technique to seek a continuous SDRE implementation without breakdowns is analyzed to be ineffective, which is the first counterexample in literature. Representatively, among discontinuities, an objective conflict against tumor eradication is discovered. Another value of the proposed analysis is supported by the generality demonstrations, in various fields beyond biomedical systems. Finally, the robustness of SDRE scheme to parameter variations is established via simulations, which more promotes the alternative solution as applied throughout the treatment course.
Visual Investigation on the Arc Burning Behaviors and Features in Underwater Wet FCAW
Authors: Yang Qingyuan , Han Yanfei , Jia Chuanbao , Dong Shengfa , Wu Chuansong
Published: January 2020

The dynamic arc behaviors have a significant effect on the process stability and welded joint quality in underwater wet flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). In this study, clear underwater arc images are obtained by using a high-speed camera, which further reveal the complex physical process of underwater wet welding. The mechanism of underwater contact arc ignition is described in detail. Gas ionization and electron emission processes are carried out in bubbles generated by resistance heat. The dynamic arc behaviors are obviously different between bubble growth and separation stages. The high-speed gas flow in the bubble separation stage has a great disturbance to the arc. The arc shapes under water and in air under the same parameters are compared, and the mechanism of arc column shrinkage and arc length shortening is revealed from the aspects of water environment cooling, gas composition in bubbles, disturbance of gas flow, water pressure, and electric field strength.
Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels and ASME RTP-1–Reinforced Thermoset Plastic Corrosion-Resistance Equipment
Authors: Conlisk Peter , Shelley Bernard F.
Published: January 2020

This chapter is intended primarily for engineers and designers whose experience with vessels is primarily with metal equipment. Those having experience with fiberglass equipment but not with Section X or RTP-1 will also find this chapter useful. Section X is part of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and governs vessels constructed of thermosetting resin reinforced with glass fibers and vessels reinforced with carbon or aramid fibers. The chapter is intended to serve as a manual on the use of Section X and RTP-1. The pressure scope of Section X is 15 psig to 15,000 psig internal pressure. RTP-1 covers tanks and vessels with design pressures of 0–5 psig. The chapter begins with a discussion on the basics of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) technology used in RTP-1 and Section X that may not be familiar to engineers and designers of metal vessels. It describes the resins and reinforcing fibers included in RTP-1 and Section X. The chapter then discusses the following processes used to manufacture RTP-1 and Section X vessels: contact molding, bag molding, centrifugal casting, and filament winding. The joining of vessel parts made by these methods is also discussed. The chapter describes ways to treat the two factors that complicate the stress analysis of FRP vessels. The scope of Section X and RTP-1 is covered next. It then looks at the design qualification of Section X, Class I, Class II, Class III, and RTP-1 vessels. In addition, it presents an example of a Section X Design Specification and its calculations as well as RTP-1 design examples. The chapter closes with a discussion on the quality assurance requirements of Section X and RTP-1.
2D topological insulator bismuth selenide analyzed by in situ XPS
Authors: Wang Xinglu , Smyth Christopher M. , Khosravi Ava , Cormier Christopher R. , Shallenberger Jeffrey R. , Addou Rafik , Wallace Robert M.
Published: January 2020

Bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3), a two-dimensional topological insulator material purchased from Alfa Aesar, was analyzed using in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS spectra obtained from a fresh surface exfoliated in ultrahigh vacuum include a survey scan, high resolution spectra of O 1s, Bi 5d, Se 3d, Bi 4f, Se 3p, Se LMM, C 1s, and the valence band. Quantitative analysis indicates a Se deficient surface composition of Bi2Se2.8, which is consistent with the Fermi level position in the conduction band detected in this work.
Pattern dependent profile distortion during plasma etching of high aspect ratio features in SiO2
Authors: Huang Shuo , Shim Seungbo , Nam Sang Ki , Kushner Mark J.
Published: January 2020

As aspect ratios of features in microelectronics fabrication increase to beyond 100, transferring patterns using plasma etching into underlying materials becomes more challenging due to undesirable feature distortion such as twisting, tilting, and surface roughening. These distortions can be attributed to several causes including the randomness of reactive fluxes into features, charging, and pattern dependencies. Randomness mainly results from disparities in the fluxes of etching species into adjacent features, which can be exacerbated when reaching the etch front in high aspect ratio (HAR) features due to conduction limits. These stochastic variations in energy, angle, and sequence of the incident species into adjacent features, rather than reactor scale nonuniformities, produce many of the feature-to-feature variations in etch performance. Pattern dependent distortion results from interference between the features due to charging of the feature surfaces. The resulting electric fields act not only on the ions incident into a given feature, but also on the ions in adjacent features. With symmetric patterns, stochastic charging of the inside surfaces of features results in tilting of HAR features in random directions. However, with nominally identical neighboring features, electrical forces on ions inside the features should, in principle, cancel. Statistical variations will produce some random tilting; but on average, there is no systematic tilting. With asymmetric patterns, horizontal electric fields are generated by feature charging that point from dense (more positively charged) to sparse (less positively charged) areas of the pattern. These net electric fields deviate ions from normal incidence and produce systematic tilting.
Attenuation of Lower Body Acceleration in Overweight and Healthy-Weight Children During Running
Authors: Tirosh Oren , Orland Guy , Eliakim Alon , Nemet Dan , Steinberg Nili
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to identify differences in ground impact shock attenuation between overweight and healthy-weight children during running. Twenty overweight children aged 8.4 (1.1) years and 12 healthy-weight children aged 10.7 (1.3) years ran on a treadmill (120% of baseline speed) while wearing 2 inertial sensors located on their distal tibia and lower back (L3). Peak acceleration attenuation coefficient at foot contact and transfer function of the acceleration were calculated. Peak positive acceleration values were not significantly different between the overweight children and healthy-weight children (3.98 [1.17] g and 3.71 [0.84] g, respectively, P = .49). Children with healthy weight demonstrated significant greater attenuation as evident by greater peak acceleration attenuation coefficient (35.4 [19.3] and 11.9 [27.3], respectively, P < .05) and lower transfer function of the acceleration values (−3.8 [1.9] and −1.2 [1.5], respectively, P < .05). Despite the nonsignificant differences between groups in tibia acceleration at foot–ground impact that was found in the current study, the shock absorption of overweight children was reduced compared with their healthy-weight counterparts.
Enact, Discard, Transform: An Impact Agenda
Authors: McGarry Jennifer E.
Published: January 2020

In her 2019 Earle F. Zeigler address, Jennifer McGarry drew on the 2017 Academy of Management Report “Measuring and Achieving Scholarly Impact” to examine how the field of sport management and the North American Society for Sport Management operationalize impact. She pointed to a broader, more inclusive, and critical examination of impact. McGarry highlighted impact on practice and impact through being explicit, particularly about the ways gender and race affect what we deem to have impact. Finally, she spoke to impact through individual and collective action, such as educating students, scholarship, and policy and advocacy. She provided examples of where we could disrupt the structures that work to maintain the status quo in terms of impact—the in-groups and the out-groups, the metrics and evaluations. She also gave examples of impact that have happened, that are happening, and that can happen even more.
Complete Genome and Plasmid Sequences of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Enteritidis PT1, Obtained from the
Salmonella
Reference Laboratory at Public Health England, Colindale, United Kingdom
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Zohaib , Zervas Athanasios , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg , Barker Gary , Anesio Alexandre Magno , Jacobsen Carsten Suhr
Published: January 2020

Hybrid assembly of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing was used here to produce the complete circular genome and plasmid sequences of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Enteritidis PT1 (phage type 1). The organism was obtained from the
Salmonella
Reference Laboratory at Public Health England, Colindale, UK.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New Strain of Sida Golden Mosaic Buckup Virus from Florida, USA
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Arous Salma , Polston J. E.
Published: January 2020

The complete genome sequence of a bipartite begomovirus found in aSidasp. plant growing in Bradenton, FL, was determined. The virus is a new strain of Sida golden mosaic Buckup virus (familyGeminiviridae, genusBegomovirus). This is the first report of this virus in the United States and the first report outside Jamaica.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhizobium tropici SARCC-755, a Free-Living Rhizobium That Nodulated and Promoted Growth in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]
Authors: Bopape Francina Lebogang , Hassen Ahmed Idris , Swanevelder Zacharias H. , Gwata Eastonce T.
Published: January 2020

Rhizobium tropici
SARCC-755 is a free-living soil bacterium that formed nodules on pigeonpea roots in the present study. However, the draft genome sequence reveals that this
Rhizobium
species contains the
nolR
gene but lacks the common nodulation (
nodABC
) genes and probably uses other pathways to induce nodules on the legume plant.
Genome Sequences of a Green-Colored Chlorobium phaeovibrioides Strain Containing Two Plasmids and a Closely Related Plasmid-Free Brown-Colored Strain
Authors: Boldyreva Daria I. , Babenko Vladislav V. , Kanygina Alexandra V. , Lunina Olga N. , Letarova Maria A. , Kostryukova Elena S. , Savvichev Alexander S. , Gorlenko Vladimir M. , Letarov Andrey V.
Published: January 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of the green sulfur bacterium
Chlorobium phaeovibrioides
strains GrTcv12 and PhvTcv-s14, isolated from the chemocline zone from meromictic Lake Trekhtzvetnoe, separated from the White Sea, in Russia. This is the first report showing the presence of plasmids containing antiphage systems in the
Chlorobium
sp. genome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Strain UNMSM10RA, Isolated from Potato Crop Soil in Peru
Authors: Delgado-Silva Yolanda Bedsabé , Tarazona David , Serna Fernando , Juscamayta Eduardo , Chávez-Galarza Julio César , Farfán-Vignolo Evelyn Roxana , Delgado Gabriel , Flores Abad , Solano Gabriela , Gutierrez Dina L.
Published: January 2020

The 5.5-Mb genome sequence of
Bacillus thuringiensis
strain UNMSM10RA, isolated from potato crop soil, is reported in this study. The strain UNMSM10RA contains 5,347 protein-coding sequences, 105 tRNA genes, 15 rRNA genes, and 5 noncoding RNA (ncRNA) genes, with an average G+C content of 35.1%.
Draft Genome Sequences of Strains TAV3 and TAV4 (
Verrucomicrobia
:
Opitutaceae
), Isolated from a Wood-Feeding Termite, and
In Silico
Analysis of Their Polysaccharide-Degrading Enzymes
Authors: Kotak Malini , Lin Jonathan Y. , Isanapong Jantiya , Rodrigues Jorge L. M.
Published: January 2020

Here, we report the high-quality draft genome sequences of
Opitutaceae
sp. strains TAV3 and TAV4, which were isolated from the hindgut of the wood-feeding termite
Reticulitermes flavipes
. Using a combination of Illumina and PacBio sequencing, we constructed nearly complete assemblies totaling 5.84 and 5.91 Mbp in length for strains TAV3 and TAV4, respectively. In addition, we report an
in silico
analysis of potential lignocellulose-digesting enzymes present in these strains.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Serratia marcescens Strain Isolated from the Pitcher Fluids of a
Sarracenia
Pitcher Plant
Authors: Zhang Shumeng , Chaluvadi Srinivasa R. , Bennetzen Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2020

The genome of a
Serratia marcescens
strain (C7) that was found in the pitcher fluids of a
Sarracenia rosea
pitcher plant was sequenced using the Illumina platform. A 5,543,750-bp genome assembly was obtained. A total of 6,278 coding sequences are predicted from this assembly.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Isolated in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Kasumi , Mitsuhara Ichiro
Published: January 2020

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two strains of
Xanthomonas campestris
pv. campestris (MAFF106712 and MAFF302021), which cause black rot in crucifer crops, isolated from Chinese cabbage and cauliflower, respectively, in Japan. The MAFF106712 chromosome was 5,002,720 bp, with a G+C content of 65.2%, and harbored one plasmid of 78,747 bp. The MAFF302021 chromosome was 5,048,651 bp, with a G+C content of 65.1%.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sequence Type 3351 Strain Exhibiting High-Level Resistance to Polymyxins in a Pediatric Patient with Cystic Fibrosis in Mexico
Authors: Rosales-Reyes Roberto , Esposito Fernanda , Fuga Bruna , Cerdeira Louise , Gayosso-Vázquez Catalina , Lezana-Fernández José L. , Lascurain Ricardo , Valvano Miguel A. , Lincopan Nilton , Santos-Preciado José I.
Published: January 2020

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolate (strain CF16053) belonging to a novel sequence type (ST), ST3351, isolated from a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF16053 shows high-level resistance to polymyxins associated with mutations in the
pmrB
gene. Biofilm, pyoverdine, exotoxin A, and type III secretion system (T3SS) genes were identified.
Genomic Sequence of a New
Alphavirus
Detected in Comber (Serranus cabrilla)
Authors: Zamperin Gianpiero , Milani Adelaide , Gastaldelli Michele , Quartesan Rosita , Fortin Andrea , Cappellozza Elisabetta , Patarnello Pierpaolo , Toffan Anna
Published: January 2020

The comber alphavirus was isolated from a fish cell line from the brain of an apparently healthy
Serranus cabrilla
specimen collected during wild fish surveillance in southern Italy. The comber alphavirus is a new member of the genus
Alphavirus
, family
Togaviridae
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus crispatus CIP 104459, Isolated from a Vaginal Swab
Authors: Clabaut Maximilien , Boukerb Amine M. , Racine Pierre-Jean , Pichon Chantal , Kremser Coralie , Picot Jean-Pierre , Karsybayeva Madina , Redziniak Gérard , Chevalier Sylvie , Feuilloley Marc G. J.
Published: January 2020

We report the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus crispatus
CIP 104459, isolated from a human vaginal swab. This draft genome consists of 1,993,673 bp, with 36.8% G+C content and 2,024 predicted protein-encoding sequences.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Gordonia
sp. 135, a Promising Dibenzothiophene- and Hydrocarbon-Degrading Strain
Authors: Delegan Yanina , Valentovich Leonid , Vetrova Anna , Frantsuzova Ekaterina , Kocharovskaya Yulia
Published: January 2020

Gordonia
sp. strain 135 is a promising dibenzothiophene-desulfurizing and hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium. It can utilize dibenzothiophene as the sole sulfur source. The genome of strain 135 was completely sequenced; it consists of a 5,039,827-bp circular chromosome and a 164,963-bp circular plasmid.
Complete Genome Sequences of Rhodothermus marinus Strains AA2-13 and AA3-38, Isolated from Arima Onsen Hot Spring in Japan
Authors: Tomariguchi Natsuki , Miyazaki Kentaro
Published: January 2020

We isolated
Rhodothermus marinus
strains AA2-13 and AA3-38 from Arima Onsen, a hot spring in Japan, and sequenced their genomes. The average nucleotide identity between their genomes was 99.2%, and that with the genome of
R. marinus
strain DSM 4252
T
(isolated from Iceland) was ∼95.2%, suggesting close relationships among these strains.
Complete High-Quality Genome Sequence of Clostridium limosum (Hathewaya limosa) Isolate 14S0207, Recovered from a Cow with Suspected Blackleg in Germany
Authors: Thomas Prasad , Abdel-Glil Mostafa Y. , Busch Anne , Wieler Lothar H. , Eichhorn Inga , Bodenthin-Drauschke Anne , Neubauer Heinrich , Seyboldt Christian
Published: January 2020

Clostridium limosum
can be found in soil and the intestinal tract of animals. In 2014,
C. limosum
was isolated from a suspected blackleg outbreak in cattle in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. We present a complete genome sequence of a
C. limosum
strain represented by a circular chromosome and three plasmids.
Preferences for everyday living inventory (PELI): study protocol for piloting a culture-sensitive and setting-specific translated instrument in German care settings (PELI-D)
Authors: Stacke Tobias Ingo , Bergmann Johannes Michael , Ströbel Armin Michael , Müller-Widmer René , Purwins Daniel , Manietta Christina , Rommerskirch Mike , Nebowsky Anna-Eva , Wegner Anne , White Jane , Kelleter Heidemarie , Ralic Nada , Van Haitsma Kimberly , Roes Martina
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Regardless of the healthcare setting, person-centred care and its implementation in caring for older people are a central issue for those who are responsible as professional caregivers and for those in need of care within the care process. Both aspects encompass the possibility of recognising personal preferences. To provide person-centred care, professional caregivers need to know about the individual preferences of the persons being cared for. Therefore, the PELI (an acronym for ‘Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory’) instrument was developed at the Polisher Research Institute (USA) for the systematic recording of individual preferences of older people in need of care. There is currently no comparable instrument available in the German language.

Methods

As part of the proposed project PELI-D, all versions of the original PELI instrument (nursing home version) were (1) culture-sensitively translated into German and will be (2) examined in a pilot study for their reliability, feasibility and practicability. For the project PELI-D, we worked together with our practice partners in Germany (Diaconia and Caritas in North Rhine-Westphalia) and collaborated with our partners in the USA who developed the PELI instrument. This study protocol focuses on the pilot study, which will be conducted by the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) (site Witten).

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the internal quality control committee of the DZNE (ID number: WI029 PELI-D) and by the ethics committee of the German Society of Nursing Science Duisburg branch office (ID number: 18-010). All personal information will be deidentified with a specific identification code and stored in a secured location apart from the rest of the study data. Only qualified and study-related staff will be allowed access to the data. The results of the study will be distributed nationally and internationally through peer-reviewed journals, conferences and journals for nursing care practice.
Association between cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery disease assessed using CAD-RADS classification: a cross-sectional study in Romanian population
Authors: Popa Loredana Elisabeta , Petresc Bianca , Cătană Cristina , Moldovanu Claudia Gabriela , Feier Diana Sorina , Lebovici Andrei , Schiau Călin , Rancea Raluca Alina , Molnar Adrian , Buruian Mircea Marian
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and Coronary Artery Disease—Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) score in the Romanian population. CAD-RADS is a new, standardised method to assess coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Design

A cross-sectional observational, patient-based study.

Setting

Referred imaging centre for CAD in Transylvania, Romania.

Participants

We retrospectively reviewed 674 patients who underwent CCTA between January 2017 and August 2018. The exclusion criteria included: previously known CAD, defined as prior myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (n=91), cardiac CT for other than evaluation of possible CAD (n=85), significant arrhythmias compromising imaging quality (n=23). Finally, 475 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Methods

Demographical, clinical and CCTA characteristics of the patients were obtained. CAD was evaluated using CAD-RADS score. Obstructive CAD was defined as ≥50% stenosis of ≥1 coronary segment on CCTA.

Results

We evaluated the association between risk factors and CAD-RADS score in univariate and multivariable analysis. We divided the patients into two groups according to the CAD-RADS system: group 1: CAD-RADS score between 0 and 2 (stenosis <50%) and group 2: CAD-RADS score ≥3 (stenosis ≥50%). On univariate analysis, male gender, age, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking and diabetes mellitus were positively associated with a CAD-RADS score ≥3. The multivariate analysis showed that male sex, age, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and smoking were independently associated with obstructive CAD.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a significant association between multiple cardiovascular risk factors and a higher coronary atherosclerotic burden assessed using CAD-RADS system in the Romanian population.
Adjusting Early Warning Score by clinical assessment: a study protocol for a Danish cluster-randomised, multicentre study of an Individual Early Warning Score (I-EWS)
Authors: Nielsen Pernille B , Schultz Martin , Langkjaer Caroline Sophie , Kodal Anne Marie , Pedersen Niels Egholm , Petersen John Asger , Lange Theis , Arvig Michael Dan , Meyhoff Christian Sahlholt , Bestle Morten , Hølge-Hazelton Bibi , Bunkenborg Gitte , Lippert Anne , Andersen Ove , Rasmussen Lars Simon , Iversen Kasper Karmark
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Track and trigger systems (TTSs) based on vital signs are implemented in hospitals worldwide to identify patients with clinical deterioration. TTSs may provide prognostic information but do not actively include clinical assessment, and their impact on severe adverse events remain uncertain. The demand for prospective, multicentre studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of TTSs has grown the last decade. Individual Early Warning Score (I-EWS) is a newly developed TTS with an aggregated score based on vital signs that can be adjusted according to the clinical assessment of the patient. The objective is to compare I-EWS with the existing National Early Warning Score (NEWS) algorithm regarding clinical outcomes and use of resources.

Method and analysis

In a prospective, multicentre, cluster-randomised, crossover, non-inferiority study. Eight hospitals are randomised to use either NEWS in combination with the Capital Region of Denmark NEWS Override System (CROS) or implement I-EWS for 6.5 months, followed by a crossover. Based on their clinical assessment, the nursing staff can adjust the aggregated score with a maximum of −4 or +6 points. We expect to include 150 000 unique patients. The primary endpoint is all-cause mortality at 30 days. Coprimary endpoint is the average number of times per day a patient is NEWS/I-EWS-scored, and secondary outcomes are all-cause mortality at 48 hours and at 7 days as well as length of stay.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was presented for the Regional Ethics committee who decided that no formal approval was needed according to Danish law (J.no. 1701733). The I-EWS study is a large prospective, randomised multicentre study that investigates the effect of integrating a clinical assessment performed by the nursing staff in a TTS, in a head-to-head comparison with the internationally used NEWS with the opportunity to use CROS.

Trial registration number

NCT03690128.
Recurrence of WHO-defined fast breathing pneumonia among infants, its occurrence and predictors in Pakistan: a nested case–control analysis
Authors: Brown Nick , Rizvi Arjumand , Kerai Salima , Nisar Muhammad Imran , Rahman Najeeb , Baloch Benazir , Jehan Fyezah
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Studies in low-income and middle-income countries have shown an adverse association between environmental exposures including poverty. There is little literature from South Asia. We aimed to test the associations between housing, indoor air pollution and children’s respiratory health and recurrent fast breathing pneumonia in a poor urban setting in Pakistan.

Setting

Primary health centres in a periurban slum in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

Nested matched case–control study within a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial of fast breathing pneumonia (Randomised Trial of Amoxicillin vs Placebo for Pneumonia (RETAPP)) in periurban slums of Karachi, Pakistan. Cases were children aged 2–60 months enrolled in RETAPP with fast breathing pneumonia who presented again with fast breathing between 8 weeks and 12 months after full recovery. Controls, selected in a 2:1 ratio, were age-matched participants who did not represent. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was undertaken to explore associations with potentially modifiable environmental predictors including housing type, indoor air quality, exposure to tobacco smoke, outdoor pollution, household crowding, water and sanitation quality, nutritional status, immunisation completeness, breast feeding and airways hyperactivity.

Results

Fast breathing recurred in 151 (3.7%) of children out of the total (4003) enrolled in the trial. Poor-quality housing of either katcha or mixed type strongly predicted recurrence with adjusted matched ORs 2.43 (95% CI 1.02 to 5.80) and 2.44 (1.11 to 5.38), respectively. Poor air quality, cooking fuel, inadequate ventilation, nutritional status, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) index, wheeze at first presentation and group of initial trial assignment were not independently predictive of recurrence.

Conclusion

Poor-quality housing independently predicted recurrence of fast breathing pneumonia.

Trial registration number

NCT02372461
Burden of injuries in Vietnam: emerging trends from a decade of economic achievement
Authors: Nguyen Quynh Anh , Nguyen Thu Ha , Beardsley Justin , Castle Chris D , Dang Anh Kim , Dingels Zachary V , Fox Jack T , Hoang Chi Linh , Lewycka Sonia , Liu Zichen , Mokdad Ali H , Nguyen Nhung Thi Trang , Nguyen Son Hoang , Pham Hai Quang , Roberts Nicholas L S , Sylte Dillon O , Tran Bach Xuan , Tran Khanh Bao , Vu Giang Thu , James Spencer L , Nguyen Thanh Huong
Published: January 2020

Background

Vietnam has been one of the fastest-growing world economies in the past decade. The burden of injuries can be affected by economic growth given the increased exposure to causes of injury as well as decreased morbidity and mortality of those that experience injury. It is of interest to evaluate the trends in injury burden that occurred alongside Vietnam’s economic growth in the past decade.

Methods

Results from Global Burden of Disease 2017 were obtained and reviewed. Estimates of incidence, cause-specific mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years were analysed and reported for 30 causes of injury in Vietnam from 2007 to 2017.

Results

Between 2007 and 2017, the age-standardised incidence rate of all injuries increased by 14.6% (11.5%–18.2%), while the age-standardised mortality rate decreased by 11.6% (3.0%–20.2%). Interpersonal violence experienced the largest increase in age-standardised incidence (28.3% (17.6%–40.1%)), while exposure to forces of nature had the largest decrease in age-standardised mortality (47.1% (37.9%–54.6%)). The five leading causes of injury in both 2007 and 2017 were road injuries, falls, exposure to mechanical forces, interpersonal violence and other unintentional injuries, all of which increased in incidence from 2007 to 2017. Injury burden varied markedly by age and sex.

Conclusions

The rapid expansions of economic growth in Vietnam as well as improvements in the Sociodemographic Index have occurred alongside dynamic patterns in injury burden. These results should be used to develop and implement prevention and treatment programme.
Approaching autonomous driving with cautious optimism: analysis of road traffic injuries involving autonomous vehicles based on field test data
Authors: Ye Wanbao , Wang Chuanlin , Chen Fuxiang , Yan Shuzhen , Li Liping
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To examine the patterns and associated factors of road traffic injuries (RTIs) involving autonomous vehicles (AVs) and to discuss the public health implications and challenges of autonomous driving.

Methods

Data were extracted from the reports of traffic crashes involving AVs. All the reports were submitted to the California Department of Motor Vehicles by manufacturers with permission to operate AV test on public roads. Descriptive analysis and χ2analysis or Fisher’s exact test was conducted to describe the injury patterns and to examine the influencing factors of injury outcomes, respectively. Binary logistic regression using the Wald test was employed to calculate the OR, adjusted OR (AOR) and 95% CIs. A two-tailed probability (p<0.05) was adopted to indicate statistical significance.

Results

133 reports documented 24 individuals injured in 19 crashes involving AVs, with the overestimated incidence rate of 18.05 per 100 crashes. 70.83% of the injured were AV occupants, replacing vulnerable road users as the leading victims. Head and neck were the most commonly injured locations. Driving in poor lighting was at greater risk of RTIs (AOR 6.37, 95% CI 1.47 to 27.54). Collisions with vulnerable road users or incidents happening during commute periods led to a greater number of victims (p<0.05). Autonomous mode cannot perform better than conventional mode in road traffic safety to date (p=0.468).

Conclusions

Poor lighting improvement and the regulation of commute-period traffic and vulnerable road users should be strengthened for AV-related road safety. So far AVs have not demonstrated the potential to dramatically reduce RTIs. Cautious optimism about AVs is more advisable, and multifaceted efforts, including legislation, smarter roads, and knowledge dissemination campaigns, are fairly required to accelerate the development and acceptance.
Applying a systems thinking lens to injury causation in the outdoors: Evidence collected during 3 years of the Understanding and Preventing Led Outdoor Accidents Data System
Authors: McLean Scott , Finch Caroline F , Goode Natassia , Clacy Amanda , Coventon Lauren J , Salmon Paul M
Published: January 2020

Introduction

This article presents a detailed systems analysis of injury incidents from 35 Australian led outdoor activity organisations between 2014 to 2017.

Method

Injury incident reports were collected using a specific led outdoor activity incident reporting system known as UPLOADS (Understanding and Preventing Led Outdoor Accidents Data System).

Results

In total, 1367 people sustained injuries from across 20 different activities, with an injury rate of 1.9 injured people per 1000 participants over the three-year period. A total of 2234 contributory factors from multiple levels of the led outdoor activity system were identified from the incident reports, and 361 relationships were identified between contributory factors.

Discussion

This systems analysis of injury incidents demonstrates that it is not only factors within the immediate context of the incident (Participants, Environment, Equipment) but factors from across multiple systemic levels that contributes to injury incidents (Schools, Parents, Activity centre management). Prevention efforts should focus on addressing the whole network of contributing factors and not only the prominent factors at the lower system levels within the immediate context of the injury incident occurrences.
Effects of increased minimum wages by unemployment rate on suicide in the USA
Authors: Kaufman John A , Salas-Hernández Leslie K , Komro Kelli A , Livingston Melvin D
Published: January 2020

Background

Social welfare policies such as the minimum wage can affect population health, though the impact may differ by the level of unemployment experienced by society at a given time.

Methods

We ran difference-in-differences models using monthly data from all 50 states and Washington, DC from 1990 to 2015. We used educational attainment to define treatment and control groups. The exposure was the difference between state and federal minimum wage in US$2015, defined both by the date the state law became effective and lagged by 1 year. Models included state and year fixed effects, and additional state-level covariates to account for state-specific time-varying confounding. We assessed effect modification by the state-level unemployment rate, and estimated predicted suicide counts under different minimum wage scenarios.

Results

The effect of a US$1 increase in the minimum wage ranged from a 3.4% decrease (95% CI 0.4 to 6.4) to a 5.9% decrease (95% CI 1.4 to 10.2) in the suicide rate among adults aged 18–64 years with a high school education or less. We detected significant effect modification by unemployment rate, with the largest effects of minimum wage on reducing suicides observed at higher unemployment levels.

Conclusion

Minimum wage increases appear to reduce the suicide rate among those with a high school education or less, and may reduce disparities between socioeconomic groups. Effects appear greatest during periods of high unemployment.
Type I IFN system activation in newborns exposed to Ro/SSA and La/SSB autoantibodies in utero
Authors: Hedlund Malin , Thorlacius Gudny Ella , Ivanchenko Margarita , Ottosson Vijole , Kyriakidis Nikolaos , Lagnefeldt Linda , Tingström Joanna , Sirsjö Allan , Bengtsson Anders A , Aronsson Emma , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Ronnblom Lars , Bergman Gunnar , Espinosa Alexander , Sonesson Sven-Erik , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Wahren-Herlenius Marie
Published: January 2020

Objective

In utero exposure of the fetus to Ro/La autoantibodies may lead to congenital heart block (CHB). In the mother, these autoantibodies are associated with activation of the type I interferon (IFN)-system. As maternal autoantibodies are transferred to the fetus during pregnancy, we investigated whether the type I IFN-system is activated also in newborns of anti-Ro/La positive mothers, and whether fetal IFN activation is affected by maternal immunomodulatory treatment.

Methods

Blood drawn at birth from anti-Ro/La positive mothers, their newborns and healthy control pairs was separated into plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC were analysed directly or cultured. mRNA expression was analysed by microarrays, cell surface markers by flow cytometry, and IFNα levels by immunoassays.

Results

We observed increased expression of IFN-regulated genes and elevated plasma IFNα levels not only in anti-Ro/La positive women, but also in their newborns. CD14+monocytes of both anti-Ro/La positive mothers and their neonates showed increased expression of Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin-1, indicating cellular activation. Notably, the IFN score of neonates born to mothers receiving immunomodulatory treatment was similar to that of controls, despite persistent IFN activation in the mothers. In both maternal and neonatal PBMC, IFNα production was induced when cells were cultured with anti-Ro/La positive plasma.

Conclusions

Ro/La autoantibody-exposed neonates at risk of CHB have signs of an activated immune system with an IFN signature. This study further demonstrates that neonatal cells can produce IFNα when exposed to autoantibody-containing plasma, and that maternal immunomodulatory treatment may diminish the expression of IFN-regulated genes in the fetus.