bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Adverse Clinical Outcomes of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a Cases—United States, 2011–2015
Authors: Bozio Catherine H , Blain Amy , Edge Karen , Farley Monica M , Harrison Lee H , Poissant Tasha , Schaffner William , Scheuer Tara , Torres Salina , Triden Lori , Briere Elizabeth , Oliver Sara E
Published: July 2020

Background

Incidence of invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) increased an average of 13% annually from 2002 through 2015. We describe clinical characteristics and adverse clinical outcomes of US invasive Hia cases detected through multistate surveillance during 2011–2015.

Methods

Medical record data were abstracted for cases reported in 8 jurisdictions conducting active population- and laboratory-based surveillance for invasive Hia disease across the United States. Isolates from sterile sites were serotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Adverse clinical outcomes were defined as any possible complication of meningitis, bacteremic pneumonia, or bacteremia (including hearing loss and developmental delay, but excluding death) and were assessed at hospital discharge and one-year post-disease onset.

Results

During 2011–2015, 190 Hia cases were reported to the 8 participating sites; 169 (88.9%) had data abstracted. Many patients were aged <5 years (42.6%). Meningitis was the most common clinical presentation among those aged <1 year (71.4%); bacteremic pneumonia was the most common presentation among persons aged ≥50 years (78.7%). Overall, 95.9% of patients were hospitalized. Among those hospitalized, 47.5% were admitted to an intensive care unit and 6.2% died during hospitalization. At hospital discharge and one-year post-disease onset, adverse outcomes were identified in 17.7% and 17.8% of patients overall and in 43.9% and 48.5% of patients with meningitis (primarily children).

Conclusions

Hia infection can cause severe disease that requires hospitalization and may also cause short- and long-term adverse clinical outcomes, especially among children. Novel vaccines could prevent morbidity and mortality.
Towards a critical ontology of socio-economic transformation processes: Marx’s contribution
Authors: Bonifati Giovanni
Published: July 2020

The aim of the article is to contribute to a critical ontology of socio-economic transformation processes. Elements for such an ontology, it argues, can be found in the interaction between three foundational aspects of Marx’s thought: the notion of labour as a human social activity; the meaning and implications of the notion of alienation; and the relationship between quantitative and qualitative changes. After analysing these elements, the article discusses possible developments for an ontology of socio-economic transformation processes and concludes that Marx’s fundamental contribution to such an ontology is to show that the emergence of a new system of division of labour as a qualitative transformation requires a change in the relationships between the entities of an already existing system of division of labour that gives it a new functionality and a new direction. Marx teaches us that we need to identify the turning points in change processes and that, in this last respect, emergence is not a gradual process. The article argues that, in more general terms, the notion of emergence as a process of change in the functionality of an existing system of relationships to which a new direction is given can be used as a method to analyse socio-economic transformation processes at different levels of social reality. Thus understood, emergence involves the rejection of any form of reductionism in the social sciences.
House Prices and Growth with Fixed Land Supply
Authors: Miles David , Sefton James
Published: July 2020

We analyse housing costs and patterns of residential development over the long term in a dynamic general equilibrium. We show that in a growing economy the speed of travel improvements is crucial to the evolution of land and house prices. We derive a condition for the rate of change in transport efficiency that generates flat land and house prices on a balanced growth path. We present evidence that this condition was satisfied in many countries between the mid-nineteenth century and the mid-twentieth century, but since then passenger transport improvements have slowed down with major implications for how house prices evolve.
Ventricular assist device bridging with gender-mismatch increases rejection and decreases survival following a heart transplant
Authors: Itoda Yoshifumi , Okamoto Toshihiro , Niikawa Hiromichi , Ayyat Kamal S , Tu Chao , McCurry Kenneth R
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVES

Survival is poor following an orthotopic heart transplant with gender-mismatched donors and recipients. Patients bridged to an orthotopic heart transplant with a ventricular assist device (VAD) frequently become sensitized. We hypothesized that the combination of VAD bridging and gender-mismatch may result in greater rejection and poorer survival.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the United Network of Organ Sharing database. Patients were divided into 4 groups: (i) VAD recipients who received a heart from a gender-matched donor (VAD-M); (ii) VAD recipients who received a heart from a gender-mismatched donor (VAD-MM); (iii) noVAD recipients who received a heart from a gender-matched donor (noVAD-M); and (iv) noVAD recipients who received a heart from a gender-mismatched donor (noVAD-MM). Rejection episodes within 1-year post-transplant and transplant survival were compared in VAD-M versus VAD-MM and noVAD-M versus noVAD-MM groups, respectively.

RESULTS

Between January 2000 and June 2017, of 33 401 adult patients who underwent heart transplants, 8648, 2441, 12 761 and 4992 patients were identified as VAD-M, VAD-MM, noVAD-M and noVAD-MM, respectively. Rejection within 1-year post-transplant occurred in 23.3% and 27.3% of the VAD-M and VAD-MM groups, respectively (P < 0.01) and in 21.8% and 23.6% of the noVAD-M and noVAD-MM groups (P = 0.02), respectively. In an adjusted survival analysis, the VAD-MM group showed significantly worse survival than the VAD-M group (P < 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference between the noVAD-M and noVAD-MM groups (P = 0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that the combination of VAD bridging and gender-mismatch caused greater rejection and worse survival following a transplant. Further study is necessary to prove comparable post-transplant survival of gender-matched or -mismatched recipients without VAD bridging.
Tocqueville and the Consciousness of Capital (Reading The Ancien RÉgime with LukÁcs)
Authors: Dodman Thomas
Published: July 2020

Abstract—

Since the 1970s, Alexis de Tocqueville’s The Ancien Régime and the French Revolution has provided an intellectual linchpin for revisionist accounts of the French Revolution as a political event, divorced from socioeconomic logics. This article offers an alternative reading of this classic text. It argues that Tocqueville’s analysis grapples at a fundamental level with social change and tries to grasp its manifestations in processes of bureaucratization and abstraction. Read alongside Georg Lukács’ seminal analysis of modern rationalization as reification, it offers a suggestive take on capitalist transformation in eighteenth and nineteenth-century France. I suggest that in our current historiographical conjuncture, Tocqueville’s analysis can serve as a point of departure to understanding how capitalism invests all spheres of life, both material and ideational.
Impact of Diabetes on Life and Healthy Life Expectancy Among Older Women
Authors: Wubishet Befikadu L , Byles Julie E , Harris Melissa L , Jagger Carol
Published: July 2020

Background

Diabetes is a major chronic condition with ever-increasing health and economic burden. This study aimed to measure the impact of diabetes on total life expectancy (TLE) and healthy life expectancy (HLE) at ages 70 and 80 and to assess how educational level, obesity, and comorbidity affected the expectancies.

Methods

The study involved 9849 population-representative women born between 1921 and 1926 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH). Self-rated health was obtained from the ALSWH surveys. Diabetes diagnosis was ascertained using survey and health care administrative data. Total life expectancy and HLE were estimated for women with and without diabetes using multistate modeling.

Results

Diabetes was associated with an increased risk of poor health (adjusted risk ratio: 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.49–1.79). Diabetes was also associated with a reduction of 0.9 years in HLE and 2.6 years in TLE at age 70 and 0.4 years in HLE and 1.3 years in TLE at age 80. If a woman had low education, obesity, and more than 2 comorbidities in addition to diabetes, these reductions increased to 3.0 years in TLE and 7.9 years in HLE at age 70 and 1.5 years in TLE and 3.8 years in HLE at age 80.

Conclusions

Diabetes substantially reduced older women’s quantity and quality of life, with further reductions for those with lower education, obesity, and comorbidities. These findings underscore the importance of optimally managing diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight and delaying the onset of comorbidities, to promote healthy aging for older women with diabetes.
Knowledge intermediation strategies: a dynamic capability perspective
Authors: Traoré Namatié , Amara Nabil , Rhaiem Khalil
Published: July 2020

This study investigates (i) differences in knowledge intermediation strategies among knowledge and technology transfer organizations (KTTOs) and (ii) the factors that explain such differences. It uses data from 212 Canadian KTTOs. When knowledge delivery capacity (KDC) and knowledge integration capacity (KIC) dimensions of knowledge intermediation are simultaneously accounted for, four categories of KTTOs emerge, namely, (1) knowledge stores; (2) knowledge match providers; (3) knowledge integrators; and (4) knowledge brokers. This heterogeneity results in a differentiation in KTTOs' service delivery strategies. Factors that are conducive to custom-made solutions include (i) increased innovativeness; (ii) higher absorptive capacity; (iii) stronger information search and storage capabilities; (iv) effective customer knowledge management (CKM); and (v) increased networking capabilities. Larger knowledge intermediaries suffer from internal organizational stickiness that prevents them from delivering custom-made services. KTTOs with a low degree of formalization and centralization in decision-making are likely to adopt intermediation strategies aimed at reaching the largest possible number of users. Some managerial and public policy implications are drawn.
Smart advertising and online dictionary usefulness
Authors: Dziemianko Anna
Published: July 2020

Today, online advertisements are smart. Based on targeting, they are highly personalized to match the interests of Internet users. Smart advertisements feature even in high-quality online dictionaries, which is a trade-off for free dictionary content. The aim of the paper is to investigate the influence of targeted advertisements in online dictionaries on language reception, production and learning. The study also identifies the effect of advertisement targeting on the time of online dictionary consultation. In addition, dictionary users’ attitudes to advertisements are explored. The results reveal that either targeted or non-targeted advertisements in online dictionaries do not significantly affect language reception, production and learning, irrespective of sense position in entries. Yet, both targeted and non-targeted advertisements prolong dictionary consultation. Non-targeted advertisements were found only marginally more disruptive than targeted ones, and the assessment of advertisements was not dependent on the experimental condition.
Modelling the order of scoring in team sports
Authors: Hamada Kengo , Tanaka Ken-ichi
Published: July 2020

This paper considers sports matches in which two teams compete to score more points within a set amount of time (e.g. football, ice hockey). We focus on the order in which the competing teams score during the match (order of scoring). This type of order of scoring problem has not been addressed previously, and doing so here gives new insights into sports matches. For example, our analysis can deal with a situation that spectators find matches that involve comebacks particularly exciting. To describe such problems mathematically, we formulate the probabilities of (i) the favourite team leading throughout the match and (ii) the favourite team falling behind the opposing team but then making a comeback. These probabilities are derived using an independent Poisson model and lattice path enumeration, the latter of which involves the well-known ballot theorem. The independence assumption allows lattice path enumeration to be applied directly to the Poisson model and various scoring patterns to be addressed. We confirm that the values obtained from the proposed models agree well with actual sports data from football, futsal and ice hockey.
Analysis of an interior penalty DG method for the quad-curl problem
Authors: Chen Gang , Qiu Weifeng , Xu Liwei
Published: July 2020

The quad-curl term is an essential part of the resistive magnetohydrodynamic equation and the fourth-order inverse electromagnetic scattering problem, which are both of great significance in science and engineering. It is desirable to develop efficient and practical numerical methods for the quad-curl problem. In this paper we first present some new regularity results for the quad-curl problem on Lipschitz polyhedron domains, and then propose a mixed finite element method for solving the quad-curl problem. With a novel discrete Sobolev imbedding inequality for the piecewise polynomials, we obtain stability results and derive error estimates based on a relatively low-regularity assumption of the exact solution.
Long-term Safety and Immunogenicity of a Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine Candidate in Children and Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Study
Authors: Sirivichayakul Chukiat , Barranco-Santana Elizabeth A , Rivera Inés Esquilín , Kilbury Jennifer , Raanan Marsha , Borkowski Astrid , Papadimitriou Athanasia , Wallace Derek
Published: July 2020

Background

We report long-term safety and immunogenicity of Takeda’s tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate (TAK-003) in healthy children and adults living in dengue-endemic areas in Puerto Rico, Columbia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Methods

In part 1 of this phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial we sequentially enrolled 1.5–45 year olds (n = 148) into 4 age-descending groups, randomized 2:1 to receive 2 doses of TAK-003 or placebo 90 days apart. In part 2, 1–11 year olds (n = 212) were enrolled and randomized 3:1 to TAK-003 or placebo groups. We assessed neutralizing antibody titers for the 4 dengue serotypes (DENV) up to month 36 in part 1, and symptomatic dengue and serious adverse events (SAEs) up to month 36 in both parts.

Results

At month 36, seropositivity rates were 97.3%, 98.7%, 88.0% and 56.0% for DENV-1, -2, -3 and -4, respectively. Seropositivity rates varied significantly for DENV-4 according to serostatus at baseline (89.5% in seropositives versus 21.6% in seronegatives). No vaccine-related SAEs were reported.

Conclusions

The trial demonstrated persistence of neutralizing antibody titers against TAK-003 over 3 years in children and adults living in dengue-endemic countries, with limited contribution from natural infection. TAK-003 was well tolerated.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01511250
GBDT version of the Darboux transformation for the matrix coupled dispersionless equations (local and non-local cases)
Authors: Popovych Roman O , Sakhnovich Alexander L
Published: July 2020

We introduce matrix coupled (local and non-local) dispersionless equations, construct GBDT (generalized Bäcklund-Darboux transformation) for these equations, derive wide classes of explicit multipole solutions, give explicit expressions for the corresponding Darboux and wave matrix valued functions and study their asymptotics in some interesting cases. We consider the scalar cases of coupled, complex coupled and non-local dispersionless equations as well.
Small Pediatric Burns Can Be Safely Managed on an Outpatient Basis
Authors: Grote Andrea C , Lacey Alexandra M , Garner Warren L , Gillenwater Timothy Justin , Maniago Ellen , Yenikomshian Haig A
Published: July 2020

American Burn Association (ABA) guidelines recommend that all pediatric burns be transferred to a burn center if their presenting hospital lacks the necessary personnel or equipment for their care. Our institution often treats small burns (<10% TBSA) in pediatric patients in an ambulatory setting with a nondaily dressing. The aim of this study was to determine whether small pediatric burns could be safely managed on an outpatient basis. A retrospective review at a single ABA-verified burn center was conducted, including 742 pediatric patients presenting to the burn evaluation clinic in a 3-year period. Postburn day, age, sex, TBSA, burn etiology, body area burned, burn dressing type, outpatient versus inpatient management, reason(s) for admission, and any operative intervention were collected. Overall, the most common burn etiologies were scald (68%), contact (20%), and flame (5%). In this cohort, 14% (101) of patients were admitted on evaluation to the burn center with a mean TBSA of 9%. The remaining 86% (641) of patients were treated outpatient with a mean TBSA of 3%. Of those who were treated outpatient, 96% (613) successfully completed outpatient care and 4% (28) were subsequently admitted. The patients who were successfully managed in an ambulatory setting had a mean TBSA of 3%, whereas the patients who failed outpatient care had a mean TBSA of 4%. The primary reason for the subsequent admission of these patients was nutrition optimization (61%). The vast majority of small pediatric burns can be effectively treated on an outpatient basis with a nondaily dressing.
Fistulotomy-First Approach is Safe and Effective in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography: Results of a Prospective Case Series
Authors: Hnaris Konstantinos , Taylor Connie , Hookey Lawrence , Bechara Robert
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of using needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) as a primary cannulation technique in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a native papilla.

Patients and Methods

This prospective feasibility study enrolled 50 patients between December 2018 and June 2019. The procedure was performed by two expert endoscopists (R.B. and L.H.). The primary outcome was the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Other variables assessed included the success rate of cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD), time to successful cannulation, and incidence of adverse events.

Results

Between December 2018 and June 2019, 50 patients enrolled in the study. The mean age was 63.4 years (standard deviation 18.1), and there were 26 females. Indications included biliary obstruction secondary to malignancy (n = 14) and choledocholithiasis (n = 36). Successful cannulation of the CBD through the fistulotomy occurred in 49/50 cases. The time to successful cannulation was 5.1 minutes (range 0.5 to 23 minutes). Mild acute pancreatitis occurred in two cases (4%). Post-ERCP bleeding occurred in three patients (6%)

Conclusions

In this pilot study, NKF was used as the primary biliary access technique and it was demonstrated that it appears to be at least as safe as the traditional access technique with a sphinctertome. However, its role as a primary cannulation technique requires further investigation with multicenter, randomized control studies.
Biting Midges in Jamari National Forest, in the Brazilian Amazon, With 12 New Records of Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for the State of Rondônia
Authors: Carvalho Luis Paulo Costa , Pereira Júnior Antônio Marques , Pessoa Felipe Arley Costa , Medeiros Jansen Fernandes
Published: July 2020

Culicoides biting midges are small hematophagous flies, some species of which transmit pathogens to livestock and humans. In the Brazilian Amazon Basin, Culicoides diversity has remained largely unexamined. Jamari National Forest (JNF) is a conservation area in Rondônia State where research and environmental education are conducted in conjunction with the protection of natural resources, and the recovery of degraded areas. The present study augments our knowledge of Culicoides diversity in JNF. The survey collected 640 individuals from 41 species; 632 individuals were collected by HP light trap and 8 were collected by the BG Sentinel trap. Twelve species are first-time records for Rondônia: Culicoides acotylus Lutz, Culicoides albuquerquei Wirth & Blanton, Culicoides baniwa Felippe-Bauer, Culicoides bricenoi Ortiz, Culicoides brownei Spinelli, Culicoides carsiomelas Wirth & Blanton, Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz, Culicoides forattinii Ortiz, Culicoides ginesi Ortiz, Culicoides profundus Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Trindade, Culicoides pseudoreticulatus Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Castellón, and Culicoides spurius Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Trindade. The most abundant species were Culicoides glabrior Macfie, Culicoides pseudodiabolicus Fox, Culicoides debilipalpis, Culicoides quasiparaensis Clastrier, and Culicoides brownei Spinelli. The present study updates the Culicoides species count in Rondônia to 55, and highlights the importance of JNF as a hotbed for biting midge diversity.
Music Therapy to Regulate Arousal and Attention in Patients With Substance Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Hakvoort Laurien , de Jong Sirik , van de Ree Maartje , Kok Tim , Macfarlane Clare , de Haan Hein
Published: July 2020

Patients diagnosed with both substance use disorder (SUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience hypervigilance, increased fear, and difficulties regulating emotions. This dual diagnosis increases treatment complexity. Recently, a short-term music therapy intervention for arousal and attention regulation (the SMAART intervention) was designed based on neurobiological findings. Twelve patients with SUD and PTSD (50% females) in outpatient treatment participated in six weekly one-hour sessions of the SMAART intervention. Six patients completed the study. PTSD symptom severity was evaluated with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale Interview for DSM–5 (PSSI-5) pre- and post-intervention, and sustained attention was evaluated with the Bourdon–Wiersma (BW) test. A significant difference in measurements for the PSSI-5 overall symptom severity was found pre- and post-intervention. Furthermore, participants showed significant improvement on subscales of hyperarousal, mood and cognition, and attention. The BW test completion time decreased significantly. Two participants dropped out before the end of the intervention due to craving. Concerning future research, it is recommended to define the role of the music more explicitly and to change the design to a randomized controlled trial. A risk for future larger studies is a high dropout rate (50%). Several limitations of the study are discussed.
Vertical life: impact of roof height on beetle diversity and abundance on wildflower green roofs
Authors: Mills William P , Rott Anja
Published: July 2020

Despite their increasing popularity in an urban setting, we still know relatively little in how well-extensive green roofs support biodiversity in terms of vertical connectivity from terrestrial habitats. Most green roof biodiversity studies have not considered whether the roof height affects community composition and abundance of species present. This study focused on evaluating beetle diversity and abundance in relation to roof height, with emphasis on wildflower roofs. The key results of the study confirm previous studies found that extensive wildflower green roofs are capable of supporting fairly rich beetle communities, including some rare/scarce species. However, an increase of roof height was found to negatively impact both beetle abundance and richness, despite all recorded species being well adapted to active flight and thus dispersal. In addition forb cover decreased with roof height which consequently influenced beetle community structure. These results are therefore indicative that further research is required on species communities found on extensive green roofs that are less adapted to active flight and consequently vertical dispersal. This study further highlights the need for vertical and horizontal connectivity between green roofs and the surrounding natural habitats as a management tool to increase the general ecological value of urban green spaces.
Gravitational microlensing time delays at high optical depth: image parities and the temporal properties of fast radio bursts
Authors: Lewis Geraint F
Published: July 2020

Due to differing gravitational potentials and path lengths, gravitational lensing induces time delays between multiple images of a source that, for solar mass objects, are of the order of ∼10−5 s. If an astrophysically compact source, such as a fast radio burst (FRB), is observed through a region with a high optical depth of such microlensing masses, this gravitational lensing time delay can be imprinted on short time-scale transient signals. In this paper, we consider the impact of the parity of the macroimage on the resultant microlensing time delays. It is found that this parity is directly imprinted on the microlensing signal, with macroimages formed at minima of the time arrival surface beginning with the most highly magnified microimages and then progressing to the fainter microimages. For macroimages at the maxima of the time arrival surface, this situation is reversed, with fainter images observed first and finishing with the brightest microimages. For macroimages at saddle points, the signal again begins with fainter images, followed by brighter images before again fading through the fainter microimages. The growing populations of cosmologically distant bursty transient sources will undoubtedly result in the discovery of strong lensed, multiply imaged FRBs, which will be susceptible to microlensing by compact masses. With the temporal resolution being offered by modern and future facilities, the detection of microlensing-induced time delays will reveal the parities of the gravitational lens macroimages, providing additional constraints on macrolensing mass models and improving the efficacy of these transient sources as cosmological probes.
Star cluster formation and cloud dispersal by radiative feedback: dependence on metallicity and compactness
Authors: Fukushima Hajime , Yajima Hidenobu , Sugimura Kazuyuki , Hosokawa Takashi , Omukai Kazuyuki , Matsumoto Tomoaki
Published: July 2020

We study star cluster formation in various environments with different metallicities and column densities by performing a suite of 3D radiation hydrodynamics simulations. We find that the photoionization feedback from massive stars controls the star formation efficiency (SFE) in a star-forming cloud, and its impact sensitively depends on the gas metallicity Z and initial cloud surface density Σ. At Z = 1 Z⊙, SFE increases as a power law from 0.03 at Σ = 10 M⊙ pc−2 to 0.3 at $\Sigma = 300\,\mathrm{M}_{\odot }\, {\rm pc^{-2}}$. In low-metallicity cases $10^{-2}\!-\!10^{-1}\, \mathrm{Z}_{\odot }$, star clusters form from atomic warm gases because the molecule formation time is not short enough with respect to the cooling or dynamical time. In addition, the whole cloud is disrupted more easily by expanding H ii bubbles that have higher temperature owing to less efficient cooling. With smaller dust attenuation, the ionizing radiation feedback from nearby massive stars is stronger and terminate star formation in dense clumps. These effects result in inefficient star formation in low-metallicity environments: the SFE drops by a factor of ∼3 at Z = 10−2 Z⊙ compared to the results for Z = 1 Z⊙, regardless of Σ. Newborn star clusters are also gravitationally less bound. We further develop a new semi-analytical model that can reproduce the simulation results well, particularly the observed dependencies of the SFEs on the cloud surface densities and metallicities.
Upregulation of BCL-2 by acridone derivative through gene promoter i-motif for alleviating liver damage of NAFLD/NASH
Authors: Li Xiaoya , Wang Jing , Gong Xue , Zhang Meiling , Kang Shuangshuang , Shu Bing , Wei Zuzhuang , Huang Zhi-Shu , Li Ding
Published: July 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are global epidemic public health problems with pathogenesis incompletely understood. Hepatocyte excessive apoptosis is a significant symbol for NAFLD/NASH patients, and therefore anti-apoptosis therapy could be used for NAFLD/NASH treatment. Up-regulation of BCL-2 has been found to be closely related with anti-apoptosis. BCL-2 gene promoter region has a C-rich sequence, which can form i-motif structure and play important role in regulating gene transcription. In this study, after extensive screening and evaluation, we found that acridone derivative A22 could up-regulate BCL-2 transcription and translation in vitro and in cells through selective binding to and stabilizing BCL-2 gene promoter i-motif. Our further experiments showed that A22 could reduce hepatocyte apoptosis in NAFLD/NASH model possibly through up-regulating BCL-2 expression. A22 could reduce inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and cirrhosis in high-fat diet-fed mice liver model. Our findings provide a potentially new approach of anti-apoptosis for NAFLD/NASH treatment, and A22 could be further developed as a lead compound for NAFLD/NASH therapy. Our present study first demonstrated that gene promoter i-motif could be targeted for gene up-regulation for extended treatment of other important diseases besides cancer.
Sex Differences in CMV Replication and HIV Persistence During Suppressive ART
Authors: Gianella Sara , Tran Sarah McDonald , Morris Sheldon , Vargas Millie , Porrachia Magali , Oliveira Michelli F , Lada Steve , Zhao Mitchell , Ellsworth Grant B , Mathad Jyoti S , Wilkin Timothy
Published: July 2020

Background

The association between subclinical cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication and HIV persistence has not been investigated in cis-gender women with HIV.

Methods

Fifty virologically suppressed female participants with HIV were prospectively enrolled and provided oral, vaginal, and urine samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells at 1 cross-sectional time point. CMV DNA was quantified in each specimen by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cellular HIV DNA and HIV RNA transcripts (unspliced and multiply spliced [ms] encoding tat-rev) were quantified by droplet digital (dd) PCR in peripheral blood cells. Forty-nine male individuals with HIV and CMV (historical data) were used as controls.

Results

Levels of cellular HIV DNA and unspliced HIV RNA were not different between sexes, but female participants had less detectable msHIV RNA and CMV DNA compared with males (both P < .01). Unlike previously described for males, the presence of CMV DNA was not associated with increased HIV DNA in females. Among female participants, premenopausal status was independently associated with lower HIV DNA compared with postmenopause, after adjusting for nadir CD4 count (P < .01).

Conclusions

Female participants with HIV had reduced cellular HIV RNA and less subclinical CMV DNA compared with males but overall similar HIV DNA levels in our study. Postmenopausal status was independently associated with higher HIV DNA levels among female participants.
Clinical Characteristics of Pregnant Women With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Cheng Biheng , Jiang Tao , Zhang Lu , Hu Ruheng , Tian Jinhua , Jiang Yan , Huang Bo , Li Jun , Wei Min , Yang Jing , Ren Shengxiang , Wang Gaohua
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic. Despite the growing number of patients with COVID-19 infection, data on the clinical characteristics of pregnant patients are still limited.

Methods

We retrospectively included childbearing-age female patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 15 to February 23, 2020. Demographic, clinical, radiological, laboratory, and treatment data were reviewed. Clinical characteristics of pregnant and nonpregnant patients were compared.

Results

One hundred eleven childbearing-age women with COVID-19 were included, including 16 patients (14.4%) with severe or critical disease. Compared with nonpregnant patients (n = 80), pregnant patients (n = 31) were less likely to have dyspnea (16.1% vs 37.5%), asthenia (3.2% vs 33.8%), and ≥3 symptoms (22.6% vs 45.0%); had a significantly higher neutrophil count (5.2 vs 2.5 ×109/L) and a higher percentage of CD3+ cells (76.7% vs 73.7%) and CD8+ cells (32.3% vs 28.4%); and had a dramatically lower percentage of lymphocytes (18.2% vs 31.8%), a lower CD4+/CD8+ ratio (1.2 vs 1.4), and a lower level of IgG (9.8 vs 11.9 g/L). Of note, pregnant patients had a significantly lower percentage of severe disease (3.2% vs 18.8%) and a substantially higher level of inflammation markers including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (4.4 vs 1.9) and systematic inflammatory index (812.8 vs 354.7) than nonpregnant patients. Seventeen live births were recorded, and all of these showed negative results of postnatal COVID-19 detection together with a normal Apgar score.

Conclusions

Pregnant patients with COVID-19 had a lower level of severity and an enhanced inflammatory response and cell immunity when compared with nonpregnant patients.
Manganese Treatment Alleviates Zinc Deficiency Symptoms in Arabidopsis Seedlings
Authors: Nakayama Sayuri , Sugano Shigeo S , Hirokawa Haruna , Mori Izumi C , Daimon Hiroyuki , Kimura Sachie , Fukao Yoichiro
Published: July 2020

Plant phenotypes caused by mineral deficiencies differ depending on growth conditions. We recently reported that the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana was severely inhibited on MGRL-based zinc (Zn)-deficient medium but not on Murashige–Skoog-based Zn-deficient medium. Here, we explored the underlying reason for the phenotypic differences in Arabidopsis grown on the different media. The root growth and chlorophyll contents reduced by Zn deficiency were rescued by the addition of extra manganese (Mn) during short-term growth (10 or 14 d). However, this treatment did not affect the growth recovery after long-term growth (38 d). To investigate the reason for plant recovery from Zn deficiency, we performed the RNA-seq analysis of the roots grown on the Zn-basal medium and the Zn-depleted medium with/without additional Mn. Principal component analysis of the RNA-seq data showed that the gene expression patterns of plants on the Zn-basal medium were similar to those on the Zn-depleted medium with Mn, whereas those on the Zn-depleted medium without Mn were different from the others. The expression of several transcription factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes was upregulated in only plants on the Zn-depleted medium without Mn. Consistent with the gene expression data, ROS accumulation in the roots grown on this medium was higher than those grown in other conditions. These results suggest that plants accumulate ROS and reduce their biomass under undesirable growth conditions, such as Zn depletion. Taken together, this study shows that the addition of extra Mn to the Zn-depleted medium induces transcriptional changes in ROS-related genes, thereby alleviating short-term growth inhibition due to Zn deficiency.
Contralateral Strength Training as Preparation for Direct Strength Training in a Patient With Unilateral Foot-Drop Because of Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Manca Andrea , Ventura Lucia , Martinez Gianluca , Aiello Elena , Deriu Franca
Published: July 2020

Objective

Direct strength training (DST) is effective in managing unilateral weakness in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Its feasibility, however, is considerably reduced if one limb is too compromised to train. In this case, contralateral strength training (CST) of the unaffected side to induce a strength transfer to the untrained homologous muscles can help to establish a strength baseline in the weaker limb, eventually allowing direct training. Limited effects for CST, however, have been reported on patient functioning. We tested the effects on dynamometric, electromyographic, and functional outcomes of a sequential combination of CST and DST of the ankle dorsiflexors in a case of MS-related foot-drop.

Methods

A 56-year-old man diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS exhibited severe weakness of the right dorsiflexors impairing functional dorsiflexion. The intervention consisted of a 6-week CST of the unaffected dorsiflexors followed by 2 consecutive 6-week DST cycles targeting the weaker dorsiflexors.

Results

At baseline, the participant could not dorsiflex his right ankle but could do so after CST. Maximal strength of the affected dorsiflexors increased by 80% following CST, by 31.1% following DST-1, and by a further 44.6% after DST-2. Neuromuscular recruitment was found progressively increased, with the largest changes occurring after DST-1. Improvements in mobility and walking speed were also detected, although plantar flexors’ spasticity on the Modified Ashworth Scale increased from 1+ to 2.

Conclusion

In this case, the sequential combination of CST and DST proved a feasible approach to manage severe unilateral weakness in a patient who was not able, at least initially, to dorsiflex his weaker ankle. In this perspective, CST may prime a minimum gain in strength necessary to allow subsequent direct training.
Linking the patient experience of foot involvement related to psoriatic arthritis to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Carter Kate , Tannous Caterina , Walmsley Steven , Rome Keith , Turner Deborah E
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim was to categorize the patient experience of PsA-related foot involvement by linking it to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Methods

Concepts, obtained from a previous qualitative investigation of people with PsA and health professionals into their perspective of PsA-related foot involvement, were linked to the full version of the ICF classification. Concepts were linked to the most appropriate ICF category using established linking rules, which enable a systematic and standardized linking process. All concepts were linked independently to the ICF by two investigators, followed by a third investigator for adjudication. The professional backgrounds of the investigators included occupational therapy and podiatry.

Results

More than 100 distinct ICF categories were linked to the interview concepts. The most represented ICF category was body functions (35%), followed by environmental factors (31%), activities and participation (19%) and body structure (15%). Concepts that could not be linked to the ICF were related to coping, aspects of time and knowledge. Health professionals identified a greater proportion of body functions and fewer activity and participation categories compared with patients, indicating a possible mismatch of key concerns. Interdisciplinary group analysis demonstrated merit.

Conclusion

A list of ICF categories was generated, defining aspects of functioning important and relevant to the impact of PsA-related foot involvement. Despite the localized anatomical focus of this study, the effect of foot problems in PsA was linked to all components of the ICF, confirming the profound impact on functioning and daily life.
Occupational silica exposure in an Australian systemic sclerosis cohort
Authors: Patel Shreeya , Morrisroe Kathleen , Proudman Susanna , Hansen Dylan , Sahhar Joanne , Sim Malcolm R , Ngian Gene-Siew , Walker Jenny , Strickland Gemma , Wilson Michelle , Ferdowsi Nava , Major Gabor , Roddy Janet , Stevens Wendy , Nikpour Mandana ,   The Australian Scleroderma Interest Group, Nikpour Mandana , Proudman Susanna , Stevens Wendy , Sahhar Joanne , Cooley Helen , Croyle Lucy , Ferdowsi Nava , Hill Catherine , Host Lauren , Major Gabor , Morrisroe Kathleen , Ngian Gene-Siew , Rischmueller Maureen , Roddy Janet , Strickland Gemma , Tay Tien , Tymms Kathleen , Walker Jennifer , Youssef Peter
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the frequency of self-reported occupational exposure to silica in SSc patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study, and to compare the disease characteristics of the silica-exposed patients with those of the non-exposed patients.

Method

Data collected over a 12-year period from 1670 SSc patients were analysed. We compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of those who reported occupational silica exposure with those who did not. A subgroup analysis of male patients was performed, as well as a multivariable analysis of correlates of silica exposure.

Results

Overall, 126 (7.5%) of the cohort reported occupational silica exposure. These individuals were more likely to be male (73 of 231, i.e. 31.6% males exposed) and to have worked in mining and construction industries. Those who reported silica exposure were younger at the onset of SSc skin involvement [odds ratio (OR) 0.9, P = 0.02], of male gender (OR 14.9, P < 0.001), have joint contractures (OR 1.8, P = 0.05) and have higher physical disability as defined by scleroderma HAQ (OR 1.4, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

The highest percentage of silica exposure was found in males. These patients were more likely to have the presence of certain clinical manifestations and Scl-70 antibody, which is known to confer a poor prognosis. These findings support the association between occupational silica exposure and the subsequent development of SSc. Further investigation is required to describe the range of clinical manifestations and disease course, including prognosis and treatment response, in those diagnosed with occupationally induced SSc compared with idiopathic SSc.
The art of the shitty deal: media frames and public opinion on financial regulation in the United States
Authors: Culpepper Pepper D , Lee Taeku
Published: July 2020

The Dodd–Frank Act of 2010 is the most comprehensive reform of American finance since the Great Depression and an ideal case to study how public opinion can counter the political power of finance. This article shows how pivotal congressional hearings created a clear story line for American media, one built around the way in which the investment bank Goldman Sachs made money during the crisis. We demonstrate that Goldman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein became the face of finance during these hearings. Results from a 2016 online survey experiment enable us to examine whether media portrayals highlighting the personal attributes of Blankfein and Goldman’s deal-making activate public opinion differently than articles foregrounding conflict of interest regulation and Goldman. Compared to the control condition, focus on Blankfein as the face of banking triggers negative affective response, greater appetite for regulating markets and greater attribution of blame toward banks for the financial crisis.
An intelligent method for controlling the ECP braking system of a heavy-haul train
Authors: Tian Chun , Wu Mengling , Zhu Lu , Qian Jun
Published: July 2020

An intelligent control method is proposed for the electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) braking system of a heavy-haul train. The gradient of the ramp is estimated using a Kalman filter in real time and the braking force is adjusted by the backstepping method, so that vehicles on different gradients change their brake pressure with the change in the gradient to keep the instantaneous deceleration of each vehicle consistent, thus reducing the longitudinal impact between vehicles. The longitudinal impact of heavy-haul trains with and without intelligent control under different gradients, initial braking speeds, loads and complex terrains are simulated and analysed. The results show that when the intelligent control is applied, each vehicle can adjust its brake pressure in time according to the change of gradient. The intelligent control method can effectively alleviate the longitudinal impact of vehicles, and the reduction rate remains greater than 40% under the influence of various factors.
Screening Predictors of Weight Loss: An Integromics Approach
Authors: da Rosa Joel Correa , Aleman Jose O , Mohabir Jason , Liang Yupu , Breslow Jan L. , Holt Peter R.
Published: July 2020

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States but little is known about the mechanisms of weight gain and weight loss. Integration of “omics” data is becoming a popular tool to increase understanding in such complex phenotypes. Biomarkers come in abundance from high-throughput experiments, but small sample size is still is a serious limitation in clinical trials. It makes assessment of more realistic assumptions for complex relationships such as nonlinearity, interaction and normality more difficult. In the present study, we developed a strategy to screen predictors of weight loss from a multi-omics, high-dimensional and longitudinal dataset from a small cohort of subjects. Our proposal explores the combinatorial space of candidate biomarkers from different data sources with the use of first-order Spearman partial correlation coefficients. Statistics derived from the sample correlations are used to rank and select biomarkers, and to evaluate the relative importance of each data source. We tackle the small sample size problem by combining nonparametric statistics and dimensionality reduction techniques useful for omics data. We applied the proposed strategy to assess the relative importance of biomarkers from 6 different data sources: RNA-seq, RT-qPCR, metabolomics, fecal microbiome, fecal bile acid, and clinical data used to predict the rate of weight loss in 10 obese subjects provided an identical low-calorie diet in a hospital metabolic facility. The strategy has reduced an initial set of more than 40K biomarkers to a set of 61 informative ones across 3 time points: pre-study, post-study and changes from pre- to post-study. Our study sheds light on the relative importance of different omics to predict rates of weight loss. We showed that baseline fecal bile acids, and changes in RT-qPCR biomarkers from pre- to post-study are the most predictive data sources for the rate of weight loss.