bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modelling on the control of HIV/AIDS with campaign on vaccination and therapy
Authors: Omale David
Published: March 2020

HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic ravaging nations with negative adverse effect creating high level of mortality rate and increase the number of orphans worldwide. The control of this pandemic disease like any other diseases becomes a global fight, thus we use mathematical epidemic model with effective public health campaign on the need for vaccination and effective therapeutic dose as a measure to it spread. A Susceptible, Vaccinated, Infected, Treatment and AIDS (S V IT A) compartmental model is developed in the study. We conducted a qualitative analysis on the models by carrying out the local and global stability analysis on the disease free and endemic equilibrium point. The basic reproduction number R0 is found using the next generation matrix approach. The condition R0 < 1 indicates that with effective public health campaign on the need for vaccination and therapeutic dose, the HIV/AIDS burden will be drastically reduced together with the transmission rate of HIV/AIDS within the population. within the population.
Erfolgreiche Lebensstiländerung für schwer adipöse Patienten - Eine kontrollierte Studie zur Evaluation eines Patientenschulungsprogramms
Authors: Hanssen Ruth , Kohlenbach Lukas , Albus Kerstin , Edwin Thanarajah Sharmili , Cornely Oliver Andreas , Tittgemeyer Marc , Faust Michael
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund Trotz der stetig zunehmenden Adipositasepidemie ist das konservative Therapieangebot für schwerstadipöse Patienten begrenzt, sodass die Poliklinik für Endokrinologie der Uniklinik Köln gemäß den Gemeinsamen Empfehlungen der Ersatzkassen das interdisziplinäre Patientenschulungsprogramm „Change your Life!“ (CyL) für eine langfristige Lebensstiländerung und Gewichtsreduktion entworfen hat. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie waren die Evaluation des Schulungsprogramms sowie sein Wirksamkeitsnachweis.

Methode Der Wirksamkeitsnachweis erfolgte wie von den Gemeinsamen Empfehlungen vorgesehen mittels Prä-post-Interventionsvergleich. Dabei führte die CyL-Gruppe eine 6-monatige Gewichtsreduktionsphase mit anschließender 6-monatiger Gewichtsstabilisierungsphase durch. Zudem wurden die 12 Patienten des CyL-Programms in einer gematchten, kontrollierten, prospektiven Studie mit 12 Patienten der regulären Adipositassprechstunde verglichen (Kontrollgruppe). Primärer Endpunkt war der prozentuale Gewichtsverlust nach 1 Jahr. Sekundäre Endpunkte waren metabolische Parameter, Blutdruck, Fitness sowie Lebensqualität.

Ergebnisse Die CyL-Patienten reduzierten ihr Gewicht im Median um 13,9 % (von 122 kg [25.; 75. Perzentil: 103,5; 126,0] auf 104 kg [25.; 75. Perzentil: 92,0; 116,0]; p = 0,006). Die Gewichtsreduktion der CyL-Gruppe war zudem signifikant größer als in der Kontrollgruppe (1,7 % [25.; 75. Perzentil: 0,2; 3,2]; p = 0,005). Damit einher gingen signifikante Verbesserungen metabolischer Parameter, des Blutdrucks, der Fitness sowie der Lebensqualität.

Schlussfolgerung Das Patientenschulungsprogramm CyL stellt somit eine erfolgversprechende Lebensstilintervention für schwerstadipöse Patienten dar.
Isolated Echogenic Cardiac Focus: Assessing Association with Trisomy 21 by Combining Results from a Prenatal Center with a Bayesian Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wrede Elisabeth , Knippel Alexander Johannes , Verde Pablo Emilio , Hammer Ruediger , Kozlowski Peter
Published: March 2020

Objective To investigate the clinical relevance of an isolated echogenic cardiac focus (iECF) as a marker for trisomy 21 using a large second-trimester collective including a low-risk subgroup.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 1 25 211 pregnancies from 2000–2016 and analyzed all iECF cases with regard to chromosomal anomalies. It consisted of an early second-trimester collective from 14+0−17+6 weeks (n=34 791) and a second-trimester anomaly scan collective from 18+0–21+6 weeks. Two a priori risk subgroups (high and low risk) of the latter were built based on maternal age and previous screening test results using a cut-off of 1:300. Likelihood ratios (LR) of iECF for the detection of trisomy 21, trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and structural chromosomal anomalies were estimated.

Results In total, 1 04 001 patients were included. An iECF was found in 4416 of 1 02 847 euploid fetuses (4.29%) and in 64 of 557 cases with trisomy 21 (11.49%) giving a positive LR of 2.68 (CI: 2.12–3.2). The sensitivity was 11.5% at a false-positive rate of 4.29% (CI:4.17–4.42) with p≤0.01%. In the high-and low-risk subgroups, the prevalence of iECF was comparable: 5.08% vs. 5.05%. The frequency of trisomy 21 was 0.39%, 98/24 979 vs 0.16%, 69/44 103. LR+was 3.86 (2.43–5.14) and 2.59 (1.05–4). For both subgroups the association of iECF with trisomy 21 was statistically significant. The prevalence of structural chromosomal anomalies in the second-trimester anomaly scan collective was 0.08% (52/68 967), of which 2 showed an iECF.

Conclusion The detection of an iECF at the time of 14+0–21+6 weeks significantly increases the risk for trisomy 21 in the high-risk and in the low-risk subgroups and does not statistically change the risks for trisomy 13/18 or structural abnormalitie.
Xanthine Derivatives for Kidney Protection in the Critically Ill Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Flores Saul , Culichia Corissa N. , Villarreal Enrique G. , Savorgnan Fabio , Checchia Paul A. , Loomba Rohit S.
Published: March 2020

Different types of diuretics have been used to minimize fluid overload after resuscitation. This meta-analysis determined the effects of xanthine derivatives on creatinine, creatinine clearance, and urine output. Studies included data from pediatric patients, whoused theophylline or aminophylline, and included pre- and postxanthine data for at least one of the outcomes of interest. A total of 13 studies with 198 patients were included in the pooled analyses. The study recorded data prior, and a mean of 36 hours after xanthine administration. This meta-analysis demonstrates that xanthine derivatives in critically ill children, using a dose of approximately5 mg/kg, lead to a statistically significant increase in creatinine clearance and urine output without significantly altering serum creatinine. Xanthine derivatives may be beneficial for fluid management in critically ill children. Further studies are warranted assessing the association with additional clinical outcomes.
Computer-aided detection and morphological characterization of nanotube layers using scanning electron microscopy images
Authors: Ciobanu Adrian , Luca Mihaela , Konrad-Soare Claudia Teodora , Stoian George , Luca Dumitru
Published: March 2020

We propose an approach for computer-aided morphological analysis of titania nanotube arrays by using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy images. Based on top-view images and several preset parameters, our experimental MATLAB® routine finds possible candidates for nanotube openings and validates them by size, solidity, and eccentricity. Centers and inner diameters are computed followed by a local validation of pixels belonging to nanotube openings and walls. To achieve this goal, input gray level images are repeatedly converted to black and white using the entire range of thresholds from 254 to 1 to reveal black patches as nanotube openings. Nanotube locations are identified level after level in a systematic manner, taking into account the local gray level distribution. This approach allowed to identify most nanotubes in a reasonable computation time. When the nanotube detection is completed, the routine computes the nanotube surface density, the average nanotube diameter, the percentage of area occupied in the input image by nanotubes and unreacted titania, and the distribution of nanotubes based on their diameter, solidity and eccentricity. Our method provides a reliable and automated quality assessment of titania nanotube array layers used in sensor-based and photocatalytic applications. The total number of the detected nanotubes in the SEM images is dramatically increased by 30% to 40% when compared to previous methods. The proposed procedure can be easily adjusted for morphological analysis of any other materials structured as nanotube layers.
Enhanced memory characteristics of charge trapping memory by employing graphene oxide quantum dots
Authors: Yang Tao , Wang Hong , Zhang Bo , Yan Xiaobing
Published: March 2020

In this study, graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) are embedded in the charge trapping layer of high-k material HfO2 for nonvolatile memory applications. The fabricated devices exhibit a large memory window of ∼1.57 V under a ±3.5 V applied sweeping voltage and show only ∼13.1% of charge loss after a retention time of 1.2 × 104 s. This excellent performance is attributed to the quantum well formed in the charge trapping layer. Defect traps in the HfO2 film enhance the charge trapping efficiency and retention property of fabricated devices. This work implies that GOQDs embedded in high-k materials are promising for charge trapping memory applications.
On helicon thrusters: Will they ever fly?
Authors: Godyak Valery
Published: March 2020

The feasibility of helicon plasma thrusters, commonly considered the most promising for deep space propulsion, is evaluated in terms of their plasma production efficiency, longevity, operation stability, and need for massive magnets with large power consumption. It is shown that helicon thrusters should be inferior to those based on inductively coupled plasmas.
Transition from ambipolar to free diffusion in an EUV-induced argon plasma
Authors: Platier B. , Limpens R. , Lassise A. C. , Staps T. J. A. , van Ninhuijs M. A. W. , Daamen K. A. , Luiten O. J. , IJzerman W. L. , Beckers J.
Published: March 2020

Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) optical components used in EUV lithography tools are continuously impacted by an exotic and highly transient type of plasma: EUV-induced plasma. Such an EUV-induced plasma is generated in a repetitive fashion upon sending a pulsed beam of high energy (92 eV) photons through a low-pressure background gas. Although its formation occurs on a time scale of ∼100 ns, it is the plasma's decay dynamics on longer time scales that dictates the fluxes and energy distribution of the produced ions. Therefore, the plasma decay also determines the overall impact on plasma-facing EUV optical components. Enabled by electron density measurements using Microwave Cavity Resonance Spectroscopy at a much higher sensitivity, we clearly show the breakdown of the ambipolar field in an EUV photon-induced plasma below electron densities of ∼2 × 1012 m−3 and the—until now—unidentified transition from ambipolar diffusion-driven decay into a decay regime driven by free diffusion. These results not only further improve the understanding of elementary processes in this type of plasma but also have a significant value for modeling and predicting the stability and lifetime of optical components in EUV lithography.
Transparent thin film transistors of polycrystalline SnO2−x and epitaxial SnO2−x
Authors: Jang Yeaju , Lee Hahoon , Char Kookrin
Published: March 2020

We report on transparent thin film field effect transistors (TFTs) based on polycrystalline SnO2−x and epitaxial SnO2−x. Polycrystalline SnO2−x TFTs of the top and the bottom gate geometries exhibited high mobility values of 145.7 cm2/V s and 160.0 cm2/V s, respectively. However, our polycrystalline SnO2−x devices showed non-ideal behaviors in their output and transfer characteristics; a large hysteresis was observed along with large voltage dependence. The probable origin of these non-ideal behaviors is the barrier formation across grain boundaries of polycrystalline SnO2. To confirm this, we used SnO2−x epitaxially grown on r-plane sapphire substrates as a channel layer and compared their performance with those of polycrystalline SnO2−x based TFTs. Although the mobility of epitaxial SnO2−x TFTs was not as high as that of the polycrystalline SnO2−x TFTs, the non-ideal voltage dependence in output and transfer characteristics disappeared. We believe our direct experimental comparison clearly demonstrates the grain boundary issue in polycrystalline SnO2−x.
Effect of ambient pressure on fluorescence intensity of inexpensive inorganic fluorescent tracer for particle image velocimetry of gaseous flows near solid objects
Authors: Kondo C. , Muramatsu K. , Okamoto T.
Published: March 2020

Flow dynamics near the spark plug gap have become more important to promote more stable lean/dilute combustion in internal combustion engines. One experimental technique for the measurement of instantaneous gaseous flow in an engine cylinder is particle image velocimetry (PIV). However, PIV measurement of the flow near solid objects is difficult because of the flare due to strong scattered light from the solid objects. Therefore, methods that use fluorescent particles (f-particles) have been proposed to reduce this undesirable effect. The mass production of inexpensive inorganic-based f-particles was previously proposed by one of the authors of this paper, assuming flow measurement in a firing engine. Furthermore, flow measurement near the spark plug gap was attempted using PIV with these f-particles, whereby the unsteady flow motion near the spark plug was successfully detected. However, the measurements were conducted under atmospheric conditions at room temperature. Therefore, as a next step, investigation of the effect of ambient pressure and temperature on the fluorescence intensity of the f-particles, is required to clarify the degree of oxygen quenching and temperature quenching of the f-particles. The effect of ambient pressure on fluorescent intensity was investigated fundamentally using a constant volume vessel. As a result, the intensity of fluorescence emitted from the f-particles was almost equal at pressures between 0.1 MPa and 2.0 MPa.
The “High Cost of Low Living”: Substance use Recovery among Older Formerly Homeless Adults
Authors: Padgett Deborah , Gurdak Kristen , Bond Lynden
Published: March 2020

Background

The population of older homeless substance-using adults is growing considerably, and we sought to understand how such individuals gain control of problematic substance use amidst other life problems.

Methods

Data were collected in an NIMH-funded study in which four in-depth interviews were conducted over 18 months with formerly homeless adults living in permanent supportive housing. The study subsample was comprised of 15 predominantly African American individuals over age 45 who were in recovery for at least six months. Cross-case analyses used a template approach followed by inductive sub-theme analyses.

Results

Three themes drawn from the literature yielded seven sub-themes as follows. Theme #1: Acute life stressors: (a) “substance use as primary”; (b) “acute life events and substance use”; (c) “incarceration as turning point.” Theme #2: Attributions of recovery: (a) “quitting as personal decision”; (b) “I just got to stay on top of it”; Theme #3: Social relationships: (a) “I have associates, not friends”; (b) “taking a cautious approach.”

Conclusion

Participants viewed substance use as the primary problem in their lives despite other adversity. Recovery was viewed as a personal decision, but maintaining recovery involved positive social relationships. Policies and practices related to recovery should address the complexities of lives-as-lived.
m7GHub: deciphering the location, regulation and pathogenesis of internal mRNA N7-methylguanosine (m7G) sites in human
Authors: Song Bowen , Tang Yujiao , Chen Kunqi , Wei Zhen , Rong Rong , Lu Zhiliang , Su Jionglong , de Magalhães João Pedro , Rigden Daniel J , Meng Jia
Published: March 2020

Motivation

Recent progress in N7-methylguanosine (m7G) RNA methylation studies has focused on its internal (rather than capped) presence within mRNAs. Tens of thousands of internal mRNA m7G sites have been identified within mammalian transcriptomes, and a single resource to best share, annotate and analyze the massive m7G data generated recently are sorely needed.

Results

We report here m7GHub, a comprehensive online platform for deciphering the location, regulation and pathogenesis of internal mRNA m7G. The m7GHub consists of four main components, including: the first internal mRNA m7G database containing 44 058 experimentally validated internal mRNA m7G sites, a sequence-based high-accuracy predictor, the first web server for assessing the impact of mutations on m7G status, and the first database recording 1218 disease-associated genetic mutations that may function through regulation of m7G methylation. Together, m7GHub will serve as a useful resource for research on internal mRNA m7G modification.

Availability and implementation

m7GHub is freely accessible online at www.xjtlu.edu.cn/biologicalsciences/m7ghub.

Contact

kunqi.chen@liverpool.ac.uk

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Geographic Shifts in Antibacterial Drug Clinical Trial Enrollment: Implications for Generalizability
Authors: Bart Stephen M , Farley John J , Bala Shukal , Amini Thushi , Cox Edward
Published: March 2020

Background

As drug development has globalized, trials have increasingly enrolled participants from all parts of the world rather than just the United States and Western Europe. For antibacterial drug trials, understanding enrollment trends and regional differences is important for generalizability considerations.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 42 phase 3 trials submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration after 2001 for complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI), community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection (ABSSSI) (n = 29 282 participants). Enrollment numbers, demographics, clinical characteristics, and microbiological data were compared to identify temporal and geographic trends.

Results

For cUTI, cIAI, and CABP trials, Eastern European enrollment greatly increased over the study period. For ABSSSI trials, North American enrollment increased. Demographic characteristics and regional microbiology among regions were broadly similar with several exceptions. For cIAI trials, Eastern European participants had the lowest proportion of participants with prior antibacterial drug therapy. For ABSSSI trials, North American participants more commonly reported intravenous drug use. Microbiological differences relative to North America included a greater proportion of Klebsiella pneumoniae among Asian cIAI isolates (17.8% vs 9.0%, P = .0057), a higher proportion of cephalosporin resistance in South American Enterobacteriaceae cUTI isolates (26.8% vs 15.7%, P = .044), and a lower proportion of Staphylococcus aureus in Eastern European ABSSSI isolates (43.7% vs 61.9%, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Geographic trends in recruitment for recent antibacterial clinical trials differ by indication. Regional similarities in demographic characteristics and microbiology across regions lessen concerns regarding generalizability due to shifting enrollment trends.
Prognosis of Lymphoma in Patients With Known Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A French Multicentre Cohort Study
Authors: Severyns T , Kirchgesner J , Lambert J , Thieblemont C , Amiot A , Abitbol V , Treton X , Cazals-Hatem D , Malamut G , Coppo P , Galicier L , Walter-Petrich A , Deau-Fischer B , Besson C , Aparicio T , Beaugerie L , Allez M , Gornet J M
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

The prognosis of lymphoma that occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is poorly known.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective cohort analysis was done in seven French tertiary centres from 1999 to 2019. Only lymphoma occurring in patients with previous established diagnosis of IBD were analysed. The primary outcome was progression-free survival at 3 years.

Results

A total of 52 patients [male 65%, Crohn’s disease 79%, median age 48.3 years, median duration of IBD 10.1 years] were included, of whom 37 had been previously exposed to immunosuppressants and/or biologics for at least 3 months and 20 had primary intestinal lymphomas. The lymphoma histological types were: diffuse large B cell lymphomas [N = 17], Hodgkin lymphomas [N = 17], indolent B cell lymphomas [N = 12], and others including T cell lymphomas, mantle cell lymphomas, and unclassifiable B cell lymphoma [N = 6]. The median follow-up after lymphoma was 5.1 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4–7.8). Progression-free survival at 3 years was 85% in the overall population (95% confidence interval [CI] 75%–96%) with no significant difference between the exposed and unexposed group, 79% for patients exposed to immunosuppressants and/or biologics [95% CI 67%–94%], and 83% for patients diagnosed with primary intestinal lymphoma [95% CI 67%–100%]. No relapse of IBD has been observed during chemotherapy. The IBD relapse rate at the end of the last chemotherapy cycle was 23% at 3 years [95% CI 11%-39%] in the overall population.

Conclusions

In this large cohort, the prognosis for lymphomas occurring in IBD appears to be good and similar to what is expected, irrespective of the exposure to biologics and/or immunosuppressants.
Intermittent hypoxia retards mandibular growth and alters RANKL expression in adolescent and juvenile rats
Authors: Hong Haixin , Hosomichi Jun , Maeda Hideyuki , Lekvijittada Kochakorn , Oishi Shuji , Ishida Yuji , Usumi-Fujita Risa , Kaneko Sawa , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Ono Takashi
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH), a common state experienced in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), retards mandibular growth in adolescent rats. The aim of this study was to elucidate the differential effects of IH on mandibular growth in different growth stages.

Materials and methods

Three-week-old (juvenile stage) and 7-week-old (adolescent stage) male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent IH for 3 weeks. Age-matched control rats were exposed to room air. Mandibular growth was evaluated by radiograph analysis, micro-computed tomography, real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistology. Tibial growth was evaluated as an index of systemic skeletal growth.

Results

IH had no significant impact on the general growth of either the juvenile or adolescent rats. However, it significantly decreased the total mandibular length and the posterior corpus length of the mandible in the adolescent rats and the anterior corpus length in the juvenile rats. IH also increased bone mineral density (BMD) of the condylar head in adolescent rats but did not affect the BMD of the tibia. Immunohistological analysis showed that the expression level of receptor activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand significantly decreased (in contrast to its messenger ribonucleicacid level) in the condylar head of adolescent rats with IH, while the number of osteoprotegerin-positive cells was comparable in the mandibles of adolescent IH rats and control rats.

Limitations

The animal model could not simulate the pathological conditions of OSA completely and there were differences in bone growth between humans and rodents.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the susceptibility of mandibular growth retardation to IH depends on the growth stage of the rats.
Triglycerides and remnant cholesterol associated with risk of aortic valve stenosis: Mendelian randomization in the Copenhagen General Population Study
Authors: Kaltoft Morten , Langsted Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G
Published: March 2020

Aims

We tested the hypothesis that higher levels of plasma triglycerides and remnant cholesterol are observationally and genetically associated with increased risk of aortic valve stenosis.

Methods and results

We included 108 559 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Plasma triglycerides, remnant cholesterol (total cholesterol minus low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and 16 genetic variants causing such increased or decreased levels were determined. Incident aortic valve stenosis occurred in 1593 individuals. Observationally compared to individuals with triglycerides <1 mmol/L (<89 mg/dL), the multifactorially adjusted hazard ratio for aortic valve stenosis was 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–1.19] for individuals with triglycerides of 1.0–1.9 mmol/L (89–176 mg/dL), 1.22 (1.02–1.46) for 2.0–2.9 mmol/L (177–265 mg/dL), 1.40 (1.11–1.77) for 3.0–3.9 mmol/L (266–353 mg/dL), 1.29 (0.88–1.90) for 4.0–4.9 mmol/L (354–442 mg/dL), and 1.52 (1.02–2.27) for individuals with triglycerides ≥5 mmol/L (≥443 mg/dL). By age 85, the cumulative incidence of aortic valve stenosis was 5.1% for individuals with plasma triglycerides <2.0 mmol/L (77 mg/dL), 6.5% at 2.0–4.9 mmol/L (177–442 mg/dL), and 8.2% for individuals with plasma triglycerides ≥5.0 mmol/L (443 mg/dL). The corresponding values for remnant cholesterol categories were 4.8% for <0.5 mmol/L (19 mg/dL), 5.6% for 0.5–1.4 mmol/L (19–57 mg/dL), and 7.4% for ≥1.5 mmol/L (58 mg/dL). Genetically, compared to individuals with allele score 13–16, odds ratios for aortic valve stenosis were 1.30 (95% CI 1.20–1.42; Δtriglycerides +12%; Δremnant cholesterol +11%) for allele score 17–18, 1.41 (1.31–1.52; +25%; +22%) for allele score 19–20, and 1.51 (1.22–1.86; +51%; +44%) for individuals with allele score 21–23.

Conclusion

Higher triglycerides and remnant cholesterol were observationally and genetically associated with increased risk of aortic valve stenosis.
Adherence to ESC cardiac resynchronization therapy guidelines: findings from the ESC CRT Survey II
Authors: Normand Camilla , Linde Cecilia , Blomström-Lundqvist Carina , Stellbrink Christoph , Gasparini Maurizio , Anker Stefan D , Plummer Chris , Sarigul Nedim Umutay , Papiashvili Giorgi , Iovev Svetoslav , Dickstein Kenneth
Published: March 2020

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and electrical dyssynchrony. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations indicating optimal patient selection for CRT implantation in both the 2013 European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and the 2016 Heart Failure Association (HFA) Guidelines. We assessed the adherence to guidelines and identified factors associated with guideline adherence.

Methods and results

In 2016, the HFA and EHRA conducted the CRT Survey II in 42 ESC countries. The data collected were sufficient to evaluate adherence to guidelines in 8021 patients. Of these, 67% had a Class I guideline indication for CRT implantation, which was significantly correlated with female gender (1.70, P < 0.0001), age <75 years (1.55, P < 0.0001), non-ischaemic HF aetiology (1.22, P < 0.0001), and elective admission (1.87, P < 0.0001). A further 26% of implants had a Class IIa indication, 5% IIb and only 2% a contraindication to CRT—a Class III indication. Patients implanted under Level IIa indications were much more likely to have more comorbidities than patients implanted under Level I indications. However, there were large variations in guideline adherence between ESC countries.

Conclusion

Implanters in ESC member states demonstrate a high degree of adherence to ESC guidelines with 98% of implants having a documented Class I, IIa or IIb indication. Cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation without a Class I indication was more likely in men, patients age ≥75 years, with HF of ischaemic origin and in patients admitted to hospital acutely.
A potential post-perovskite province in D″ beneath the Eastern Pacific: evidence from new analysis of discrepant SKS–SKKS shear-wave splitting
Authors: Asplet Joseph , Wookey James , Kendall Michael
Published: March 2020

Observations of seismic anisotropy in the lowermost mantle—D″—are abundant. As seismic anisotropy is known to develop as a response to plastic flow in the mantle, constraining lowermost mantle anisotropy allows us to better understand mantle dynamics. Measuring shear-wave splitting in body wave phases which traverse the lowermost mantle is a powerful tool to constrain this anisotropy. Isolating a signal from lowermost mantle anisotropy requires the use of multiple shear-wave phases, such as SKS and SKKS. These phases can also be used to constrain azimuthal anisotropy in D″: the ray paths of SKS and SKKS are nearly coincident in the upper mantle but diverge significantly at the core–mantle boundary. Any significant discrepancy in the shear-wave splitting measured for each phase can be ascribed to anisotropy in D″. We search for statistically significant discrepancies in shear-wave splitting measured for a data set of 420 SKS–SKKS event–station pairs that sample D″ beneath the Eastern Pacific. To ensure robust results, we develop a new multiparameter approach which combines a measure derived from the eigenvalue minimization approach for measuring shear-wave splitting with an existing splitting intensity method. This combined approach allows for easier automation of discrepant shear-wave splitting analysis. Using this approach we identify 30 SKS–SKKS event–station pairs as discrepant. These predominantly sit along a backazimuth range of 260°–290°. From our results we interpret a region of azimuthal anisotropy in D″ beneath the Eastern Pacific, characterized by null SKS splitting, and mean delay time of $1.15 \, \mathrm{ s}$ in SKKS. These measurements corroborate and expand upon previous observations made using SKS–SKKS and S–ScS phases in this region. Our preferred explanation for this anisotropy is the lattice-preferred orientation of post-perovskite. A plausible mechanism for the deformation causing this anisotropy is the impingement of subducted material from the Farallon slab at the core–mantle boundary.
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-Specific Antibody Response and Development of Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Against HCMV After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Vietzen Hannes , Görzer Irene , Honsig Claudia , Jaksch Peter , Puchhammer-Stöckl Elisabeth
Published: March 2020

Background

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) may cause severe infections in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). The impact of the host antibody (AB)-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) on HCMV is still unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the AB-response against HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) and the pentameric complex (PC) and the ADCC response in HCMV-seropositive (R+) LTRs and in seronegative recipients of positive organs (D+/R−).

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 35 R+ and 28 D+/R− LTRs for 1 (R+) or 2 (D+/R−) years posttransplantation and from 114 healthy control persons. The PC- and gB-specific ABs were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ADCC was analyzed by focal expansion assay and CD107 cytotoxicity assay.

Results

In R+ LTRs, significantly higher gB-specific AB levels developed within 1 year posttransplantation than in controls (immunoglobulin [Ig]G1, P < .001; IgG3, P < .001). In addition, higher levels of ADCC were observed by FEA and CD107 assay in R+ patients compared with controls (P < .001). In 23 D+R− patients, HCMV-specific ABs developed. Antibody-dependent cytotoxicity became detectable 3 months posttransplantation in these, with higher ADCC observed in viremic patients. Depletion of gB- and PC-specific ABs revealed that, in particular, gB-specific Abs were associated with the ADCC response.

Conclusions

We show that a strong ADCC is elicited after transplantation and is especially based on gB-specific ABs.
Genomic characterization of 16S rRNA methyltransferase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from the Parisian area, France
Authors: Caméléna François , Morel Florence , Merimèche Manel , Decousser Jean-Winoc , Jacquier Hervé , Clermont Olivier , Darty Mélanie , Mainardis Mary , Cambau Emmanuelle , Tenaillon Olivier , Denamur Erick , Berçot Béatrice ,   the IAME Resistance Group, Rousseau Clotilde , Poncin Thibaut , Braille Aymeric , Amara Marlène , Mammeri Hedi , Armand-Lefevre Laurence , Kumanski Sylvain , Royer Guilhem , Bialek Suzanne , Landraud Luce , Branger Catherine , Carbonnelle Etienne , Bonacorsi Stéphane
Published: March 2020

Background

The resistance to all aminoglycosides (AGs) conferred by 16S rRNA methyltransferase enzymes (16S-RMTases) is a major public health concern.

Objectives

To characterize the resistance genotype, its genetic environment and plasmid support, and the phylogenetic relatedness of 16S-RMTase-producing Escherichia coli from France.

Methods

We screened 137 E. coli isolates resistant to all clinically relevant AGs from nine Parisian hospitals for 16S-RMTases. WGS was performed on clinical isolates with high-level AG resistance (MIC ≥256 mg/L) and their transformants.

Results

Thirty of the 137 AG-resistant E. coli produced 16S-RMTases: 11 ArmA, 18 RmtB and 1 RmtC. The 16S-RMTase producers were also resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (90% due to a blaCTX-M gene), co-trimoxazole, fluoroquinolones and carbapenems (blaNDM and blaVIM genes) in 97%, 83%, 70% and 10% of cases, respectively. Phylogenomic diversity was high in ArmA producers, with 10 different STs, but a similar genetic environment, with the Tn1548 transposon carried by a plasmid closely related to pCTX-M-3 in 6/11 isolates. Conversely, RmtB producers belonged to 12 STs, the most frequent being ST405 and ST complex (STc) 10 (four and four isolates, respectively). The rmtB gene was carried by IncF plasmids in 10 isolates and was found in different genetic environments. The rmtC gene was carried by the pNDM-US plasmid.

Conclusions

ArmA and RmtB are the predominant 16S-RMTases in France, but their spread follows two different patterns: (i) dissemination of a conserved genetic support carrying armA in E. coli with high levels of genomic diversity; and (ii) various genetic environments surrounding rmtB in clonally related E. coli.
Hospice Utilization in Elderly Patients With Brain Metastases
Authors: Mehanna Elie K , Catalano Paul J , Cagney Daniel N , Haas-Kogan Daphne A , Alexander Brian M , Tulsky James A , Aizer Ayal A
Published: March 2020

Background

Brain metastases are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Integration of hospice at the end of life offers patients symptom relief and improves quality of life, particularly for elderly patients who are less able to tolerate brain-directed therapy. Population-level investigations of hospice utilization among elderly patients with brain metastases are limited.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results–Medicare database for primary cancer sites that commonly metastasize to the brain, we identified 50 148 patients (aged 66 years and older) diagnosed with brain metastases between 2005 and 2016. We calculated the incidence, timing, and predictors of hospice enrollment using descriptive techniques and multivariable logistic regression. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

The incidence of hospice enrollment was 71.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 71.0 to 71.9; P < .001), a rate that increased over the study period (P < .001). The odds of enrollment for black (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.71 to 0.82; P < .001), Hispanic (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.87; P < .001), and Asian patients (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.57; P < .001) were substantially lower than white patients; men were less likely to be enrolled in hospice than women (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.81; P < .001). Among patients enrolled in hospice, 32.6% (95% CI = 32.1 to 33.1; P < .001) were enrolled less than 7 days prior to death, a rate that was stable over the study period.

Conclusions

Hospice is used for a majority of elderly patients with brain metastases although a considerable percentage of patients die without hospice services. Many patients enroll in hospice late and, concerningly, statistically significant sociodemographic disparities exist in hospice utilization. Further investigations to facilitate targeted interventions addressing such disparities are warranted.
Reconstruction of an upper lip and intraoral defect following resection of an upper lip melanoma using a lower lip musculomucosal flap combined with a tongue flap
Authors: Yoshioka Yukio , Hayashido Yasutaka , Ito Yoku , Toratani Shigeaki , Okamoto Tetsuji
Published: March 2020

Restoring the cosmetic and functional aspects of the lip after tumor resection is challenging. We report a case of reconstruction for a defect due to resection of a melanoma using a lower lip musculomucosal flap combined with a tongue flap. A 20-year-old man was referred to our hospital and diagnosed with malignant melanoma with metastatic right submaxillary lymph nodes. We excised the tumor with neck dissection. We excised not only the right upper lip mucosa but also the gum, including some orbicularis oris muscle and alveolar bone from the right canine tooth to the left central incisor tooth. The defect was simultaneously reconstructed using both, a lower lip musculomucosal flap and a tongue flap. Revisional operation to remove contraction of a postoperative scar and the right vermillion border collection was performed at 3 months after the initial operation. There had been no functional and cosmetic trouble of the upper lip.
Autologous chondrocyte implantation with a Reveille cartilage processor for articular cartilage injury: a case report
Authors: Igarashi Tadashi , Kaneko Takao , Yoshizawa Shu , Takada Kazutaka , Matsu-ura Yu-uki , Ikegami Hiroyasu , Musha Yoshiro
Published: March 2020

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an important operative option when repairing cartilage defects of the knee. This report introduces a new product development with one-stage ACI using a Reveille Cartilage Processor (Reveille CP) as well as the assessment of MRI and clinical results at a 1-year follow-up. The report compared cases between a 42-year-old female who underwent ACI surgery using Reveille CP and a 51-year old female who received treatment with two-stage ACI of tissue-engineered cartilage-like tissue (J-TEC Autologous Chondrocyte Cultured Cartilage [JACC]). One year after JACC, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed signal intensity area in the grafted area, while patients with Reveille CP showed greater thickness than the surrounding healthy cartilage. The Lysholm, pain and QOL scores of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) at one 1 year after surgery with Reveille CP were higher than JACC.
Physically based alternative to the PE criterion for meteoroids
Authors: Moreno-Ibáñez Manuel , Gritsevich Maria , Trigo-Rodríguez Josep M , Silber Elizabeth A
Published: March 2020

Meteoroids impacting the Earth atmosphere are commonly classified using the PE criterion. This criterion was introduced to support the identification of the fireball type by empirically linking its orbital origin and composition characteristics. Additionally, it is used as an indicator of the meteoroid tensile strength and its ability to penetrate the atmosphere. However, the level of classification accuracy of the PE criterion depends on the ability to constrain the value of the input data, retrieved from the fireball observation, required to derive the PE value. To overcome these uncertainties and achieve a greater classification detail, we propose a new formulation using scaling laws and dimensionless variables that groups all the input variables into two parameters that are directly obtained from the fireball observations. These two parameters, α and β, represent the drag and the mass-loss rates along the luminous part of the trajectory, respectively, and are linked to the shape, strength, ablation efficiency, mineralogical nature of the projectile, and duration of the fireball. Thus, the new formulation relies on a physical basis. This work shows the mathematical equivalence between the PE criterion and the logarithm of 2αβ under the same PE criterion assumptions. We demonstrate that log(2αβ) offers a more general formulation that does not require any preliminary constraint on the meteor flight scenario and discuss the suitability of the new formulation for expanding the classification beyond fully disintegrating fireballs to larger impactors including meteorite-dropping fireballs. The reliability of the new formulation is validated using the Prairie Network meteor observations.
Kozai mechanism inside mean motion resonances in the three-dimensional phase space
Authors: Qi Yi , de Ruiter Anton
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we investigate the Kozai mechanism inside the inclined mean motion resonance (MMR) through a three-dimensional (3D) phase space. The Hamiltonian approximation for both prograde and retrograde MMRs is established by a semi-analytical method. We pick Jupiter as the disturber and study the Kozai mechanism in the Sun–Jupiter circular restricted three-body problem. Kozai islands of the prograde and retrograde MMRs are found in the 3D phase space. Numerical integration demonstrates that the locus of the orbit on the Kozai island is bounded by the Kozai island in the 3D phase space, so the orbit is locked in the Kozai+MMR state. The study of the Kozai dynamics inside a retrograde 1:1 MMR indicates that Kozai islands in the 3D phase space are just a sufficient condition for the Kozai+MMR mechanism rather than a necessary condition. There is no Kozai island in the 3D space for the retrograde 1:1 MMR, but the resonant coupling of Kozai with the retrograde 1:1 MMR appears in the phase space. Finally, dynamical behaviours of the two test particles located on Kozai islands are demonstrated in the ephemeris model.
X-ray signatures of black hole feedback: hot galactic atmospheres in IllustrisTNG and X-ray observations
Authors: Truong Nhut , Pillepich Annalisa , Werner Norbert , Nelson Dylan , Lakhchaura Kiran , Weinberger Rainer , Springel Volker , Vogelsberger Mark , Hernquist Lars
Published: March 2020

Hot gaseous atmospheres that permeate galaxies and extend far beyond their stellar distribution, where they are commonly referred to as the circumgalactic medium, imprint important information about feedback processes powered by the stellar populations of galaxies and their central supermassive black holes (SMBHs). In this work, we study the properties of this hot X-ray emitting medium using the IllustrisTNG cosmological simulations. We analyse their mock X-ray spectra, obtained from the diffuse and metal-enriched gas in TNG100 and TNG50, and compare the results with X-ray observations of nearby early-type galaxies. The simulations reproduce the observed X-ray luminosities (LX) and temperature (TX) at small (<Re) and intermediate (<5Re) radii reasonably well. We find that the X-ray properties of lower mass galaxies depend on their star formation rates. In particular, in the magnitude range where the star-forming and quenched populations overlap, $M_{\rm K}\sim -24\ (M_*\sim 10^{10.7}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot)$, we find that the X-ray luminosities of star-forming galaxies are on average about an order of magnitude higher than those of their quenched counterparts. We show that this diversity in LX is a direct manifestation of the quenching mechanism in the simulations, where the galaxies are quenched due to gas expulsion driven by SMBH kinetic feedback. The observed dichotomy in LX is thus an important observable prediction for the SMBH feedback-based quenching mechanisms implemented in state-of-the-art cosmological simulations. While the current X-ray observations of star-forming galaxies are broadly consistent with the predictions of the simulations, the observed samples are small and more decisive tests are expected from the sensitive all-sky X-ray survey with eROSITA.
Constraints on the density distribution of type Ia supernovae ejecta inferred from late-time light-curve flattening
Authors: Kushnir Doron , Waxman Eli
Published: March 2020

The finite time, τdep, over which positrons from β+ decays of 56Co deposit energy in type Ia supernovae ejecta lead, in case the positrons are trapped, to a slower decay of the bolometric luminosity compared to an exponential decline. Significant light-curve flattening is obtained when the ejecta density drops below the value for which τdep equals the 56Co lifetime. We provide a simple method to accurately describe this ‘delayed deposition’ effect, which is straightforward to use for analysis of observed light curves. We find that the ejecta heating is dominated by delayed deposition typically from 600 to 1200 d, and only later by longer lived isotopes 57Co and 55Fe decay (assuming solar abundance). For the relatively narrow 56Ni velocity distributions of commonly studied explosion models, the modification of the light curve depends mainly on the 56Ni mass-weighted average density, 〈ρ〉t3. Accurate late-time bolometric light curves, which may be obtained with JWST far-infrared (far-IR) measurements, will thus enable to discriminate between explosion models by determining 〈ρ〉t3 (and the 57Co and 55Fe abundances). The flattening of light curves inferred from recent observations, which is uncertain due to the lack of far-IR data, is readily explained by delayed deposition in models with $\langle \rho \rangle t^{3} \approx 0.2\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }\, (10^{4}\, \textrm{km}\, \textrm{s}^{-1})^{-3}$, and does not imply supersolar 57Co and 55Fe abundances.
Dimensional Characterization of the Human Cervical Interlaminar Space as a Guide for Safe Application of Minimally Invasive Dilators
Authors: Tumialán Luis M , Lehrman Jennifer N , Mulholland Celene B , de Andrada Pereira Bernardo , Newcomb Anna G U S , Kelly Brian P
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The risk of interlaminar passage of a dilator into the cervical spinal canal in minimally invasive approaches is currently unknown. Among the various anthropometric data reported in the literature, there is no report of the interlaminar dimensions in the cervical spine.

OBJECTIVE

To report the cervical interlaminar dimensions in neutral, flexion, and extension.

METHODS

A total of 8 spines were sectioned into cervical (C2-T1) segments. Digitized coordinate data defining the locations and movements of chosen anatomic points on the laminar edges at a given spinal level were used to compute the dimensions during a static neutral posture, flexion, and extension positions to mimic the positions during surgery. Interlaminar dimensions were averaged and categorized for each vertebral level and spinal posture.

RESULTS

Based on the reported measurements, the smallest diameter dilator in commonly used dilator sets has the potential to traverse the interlaminar space at all levels in flexion. In a neutral posture, the average interlaminar distance at C2-3, C6-7, and C7-T1 was still greater than 2.0 mm, the smallest diameter of the initial dilator. The largest interlaminar distance was at C6-7 in flexion (7.68 ± 1.60 mm).

CONCLUSION

Because dilators pass directly onto the cervical lamina without visualization of the midline structures, the interlaminar distances have increased relevance in the minimally invasive cervical approaches of foraminotomy and laminectomy. The data in this report demonstrate the theoretical risk of interlaminar passage with small diameter dilators in posterior minimally invasive approaches to the cervical spine.