bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloma cells induce the accumulation of activated CD94low NK cells by cell-to-cell contacts involving CD56 molecules
Authors: Barberi Chiara , De Pasquale Claudia , Allegra Alessandro , Sidoti Migliore Giacomo , Oliveri Daniela , Loiacono Fabrizio , Innao Vanessa , Musolino Caterina , Pende Daniela , Cantoni Claudia , Carrega Paolo , Mingari Maria Cristina , Campana Stefania , Ferlazzo Guido
Published: May 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells represent innate effector cells potentially able to play a role during the immune response against multiple myeloma (MM). To better define the distribution and the specific properties of NK cell subsets during MM disease, we analyzed their features in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of newly diagnosed MM patients. Our findings revealed that, in both compartments, NK cells were more abundant than in healthy donors. Among total MM-NK cells, a significant increase of CD94lowCD56dim NK cell subset was observed, which already appears in clinical precursor conditions leading to MM, namely monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering MM, and eventually accumulates with disease progression. Moreover, a consistent fraction of CD94lowCD56dim NK cells was in a proliferation phase. When analyzed for their killing abilities, they represented the main cytotoxic NK cell subset against autologous MM cells. In vitro, MM cells could rapidly induce the expansion of the CD94lowCD56dim NK cell subset, thus reminiscent of that observed in MM patients. Mechanistically, this accumulation relied on cell to cell contacts between MM and NK cells and required both activation via DNAM-1 and homophilic interaction with CD56 expressed on MM cells. Considering the growing variety of combination treatments aimed at enhancing NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against MM, these results may also be informative for optimizing current immunotherapeutic approaches.
Real-world outcomes of adult B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia patients treated with blinatumomab
Authors: Badar Talha , Szabo Aniko , Advani Anjali , Wadleigh Martha , Arslan Shukaib , Khan Muhammad Ali , Aldoss Ibrahim , Siebenaller Caitlin , Schultz Elizabeth , Hefazi Mehrdad , Shallis Rory M. , Yurkiewicz Ilana , Podoltsev Nikolai , Patel Anand A. , Curran Emily , Balasubramanian Suresh , Yang Jay , Mattison Ryan J. , Burkart Madelyn , Dinner Shira , Liedtke Michaela , Litzow Mark R. , Atallah Ehab
Published: May 2020

The availability and use of blinatumomab symbolizes a paradigm shift in the management of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort analysis of 239 ALL patients (227 relapsed refractory [RR], n = 227; minimal residual disease [MRD], n = 12) who received blinatumomab outside of clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy in the “real-world” setting. The median age of patients at blinatumomab initiation was 48 years (range, 18-85). Sixty-one (26%) patients had ≥3 prior therapies and 46 (19%) had allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation before blinatumomab. The response rate (complete remission/complete remission with incomplete count recovery) in patients with RR disease was 65% (47% MRD−). Among 12 patients who received blinatumomab for MRD, 9 (75%) patients achieved MRD negativity. In patients with RR disease, median relapse-free survival and overall survival (OS) after blinatumomab was 32 months and 12.7 months, respectively. Among patients who received blinatumomab for MRD, median relapse-free survival was not reached (54% MRD− at 2 years) and OS was 34.7 months. Grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity were observed in 3%, 7%, and 10% of patients, respectively. Among patients who achieved complete remission/complete remission with incomplete count recovery, consolidation therapy with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation retained favorable prognostic significance for OS (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.97; P = .04). In this largest “real-world” experience published to date, blinatumomab demonstrated responses comparable to those reported in clinical trials. The optimal sequencing of newer therapies in ALL requires further study.
Unilateral acute anterior uveitis is associated with ipsilateral changes in the tear fluid proteome that involves the LXR/RXR pathway
Authors: Eidet Jon Roger , Jørstad Øystein Kalsnes , Fostad Ida G. , Olstad Ole K. , Sørland Ragnhild Ø. , Moe Morten C. , Petrovski Goran , Pepaj Milaim
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To determine whether unilateral acute anterior uveitis (AAU) induces ipsilateral changes in the tear fluid proteome.

Methods

Five patients (25–77 years old) with unilateral AAU were included. Tear fluid samples were obtained using Schirmer’s test strips. The healthy eye served as control. Proteins were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Two hundred forty-two tear fluid sample proteins were identified, of which 75 were present in at least three patients. Nine proteins were at least 1.5-fold increased, whereas eight were at least 1.5-fold decreased in tears from the diseased eye compared with the healthy eye. APOBEC3A was significantly increased (1.43-fold; P = 0.04), whereas TGM2 was significantly decreased (− 1.21-fold; P = 0.03) in tears from the diseased eye relative to the healthy eye. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified LXR/RXR (P < 1.02E−4) as a top canonical pathway.

Conclusion

Unilateral AAU induced detectable changes in the ipsilateral tear fluid proteome and involvement of the inflammation-associated LXR/RXR pathway.
Discovery of significant porcine SNPs for swine breed identification by a hybrid of information gain, genetic algorithm, and frequency feature selection technique
Authors: Pasupa Kitsuchart , Rathasamuth Wanthanee , Tongsima Sissades
Published: May 2020

Background

The number of porcine Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) used in genetic association studies is very large, suitable for statistical testing. However, in breed classification problem, one needs to have a much smaller porcine-classifying SNPs (PCSNPs) set that could accurately classify pigs into different breeds. This study attempted to find such PCSNPs by using several combinations of feature selection and classification methods. We experimented with different combinations of feature selection methods including information gain, conventional as well as modified genetic algorithms, and our developed frequency feature selection method in combination with a common classification method, Support Vector Machine, to evaluate the method’s performance. Experiments were conducted on a comprehensive data set containing SNPs from native pigs from America, Europe, Africa, and Asia including Chinese breeds, Vietnamese breeds, and hybrid breeds from Thailand.

Results

The best combination of feature selection methods—information gain, modified genetic algorithm, and frequency feature selection hybrid—was able to reduce the number of possible PCSNPs to only 1.62% (164 PCSNPs) of the total number of SNPs (10,210 SNPs) while maintaining a high classification accuracy (95.12%). Moreover, the near-identical performance of this PCSNPs set to those of bigger data sets as well as even the entire data set. Moreover, most PCSNPs were well-matched to a set of 94 genes in the PANTHER pathway, conforming to a suggestion by the Porcine Genomic Sequencing Initiative.

Conclusions

The best hybrid method truly provided a sufficiently small number of porcine SNPs that accurately classified swine breeds.
Resurgence risk for malaria, and the characterization of a recent outbreak in an Amazonian border area between French Guiana and Brazil
Authors: Mosnier Emilie , Dusfour Isabelle , Lacour Guillaume , Saldanha Raphael , Guidez Amandine , Gomes Margarete S. , Sanna Alice , Epelboin Yanouk , Restrepo Johana , Davy Damien , Demar Magalie , Djossou Félix , Douine Maylis , Ardillon Vanessa , Nacher Mathieu , Musset Lise , Roux Emmanuel
Published: May 2020

Background

In 2017, inhabitants along the border between French Guiana and Brazil were affected by a malaria outbreak primarily due toPlasmodium vivax(Pv). While malaria cases have steadily declined between 2005 and 2016 in this Amazonian region, a resurgence was observed in 2017.

Methods

Two investigations were performed according to different spatial scales and information details: (1) a local study on the French Guiana border, which enabled a thorough investigation of malaria cases treated at a local village health center and the entomological circumstances in the most affected neighborhood, and (2) a regional and cross-border study, which enabled exploration of the regional spatiotemporal epidemic dynamic. Number and location of malaria cases were estimated using French and Brazilian surveillance systems.

Results

On the French Guianese side of the border in Saint-Georges de l’Oyapock, the attack rate was 5.5% (n = 4000), reaching 51.4% (n = 175) in one Indigenous neighborhood. Entomological findings suggest a peak ofAnopheles darlingidensity in August and September. Two femaleAn. darlingi(n = 1104, 0.18%) were found to bePv-positive during this peak. During the same period, aggregated data from passive surveillance conducted by Brazilian and French Guianese border health centers identified 1566 cases ofPvinfection. Temporal distribution during the 2007–2018 period displayed seasonal patterns with a peak in November 2017. Four clusters were identified among epidemic profiles of cross-border area localities. All localities of the first two clusters were Brazilian. The localization of the first cluster suggests an onset of the outbreak in an Indigenous reservation, subsequently expanding to French Indigenous neighborhoods and non-Native communities.

Conclusions

The current findings demonstrate a potential increase in malaria cases in an area with otherwise declining numbers. This is a transborder region where human mobility and remote populations challenge malaria control programs. This investigation illustrates the importance of international border surveillance and collaboration for malaria control, particularly in Indigenous villages and mobile populations.
Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, multi-morbid conditions and depressive symptoms among Nepalese older adults
Authors: Yadav Uday Narayan , Thapa Tarka Bahadur , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Pokhrel Roshan , Harris Mark Fort
Published: May 2020

Background

Depressive symptoms (DS) are a well-recognized public health problem across the world. There is limited evidence with regard to DS and its associates, such as socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic conditions in low-income countries like Nepal. In this study, we aimed to assess the level of DS and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic disease conditions among community dwelling older people in Nepal.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 794 older adults aged 60 or above residing in the rural setting of the Sunsari and Morang districts of eastern Nepal between January and April 2018. Multi-stage cluster sampling was adopted to select the study participants. Data included socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, self-reported chronic disease conditions and the Geriatric depression scale. On Geriatric depression scale, an older adult with a test score greater than five were defined as having depressive symptoms. Determinants of DS were estimated through the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach by considering exchangeable correlation structure among clusters.

Results

In our study samples, nearly 55.8% of the older adults were found to be suffering from DS. We found a significant association between DS and being female (aOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.89–2.09), Buddhism (aOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.58–2.42), Dalits (aOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.19–5.65), unemployed, low family income (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.07–2.92), smokers (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01–2.20) and having chronic multi-morbid conditions (aOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.09–2.55).

Conclusions

The prevalence of DS was high among community-dwelling older adults in eastern Nepal. Our findings suggest the need for mental health prevention and management programs targeting the older population in rural Nepal.
Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care devices for detection of anemia in community settings in India
Authors: Neogi Sutapa Bandyopadhyay , Sharma Jyoti , Pandey Shivam , Zaidi Nausheen , Bhattacharya Maitreyee , Kar Rakhee , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Purohit Abhishek , Bandyopadhyay Sanjib , Saxena Renu
Published: May 2020

Background

Accurate diagnosis of anemia by community workers using a point-of-care device is a challenge. The objective of the study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care devices for detecting anemia in community settings.

Methods

It was diagnostic accuracy study with cross-sectional design on adult patients attending the outpatient department of rural/ urban health centres of Medical colleges from India. The index tests were HemoCue, TrueHb, Massimo’s device and spectroscopic device, compared against autoanalyzer (gold standard). Accuracy was expressed by sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, predictive values, area under the curve (AUC) and levels of agreement. For the diagnostic accuracy component, 1407 participants were recruited with a minimum of 600 for each device. An additional 200 participants were considered to elucidate the performance of devices in different weather conditions.

Results

HemoCue and TrueHb performed better than Massimo and spectroscopic devices. Detection of anemia by technicians was similar between TrueHb and HemoCue (AUC 0.92 v/s 0.90,p > 0.05). Community workers performed better with Hemocue for detecting anemia compared to TrueHb (AUC 0.92 v/s 0.90,p < 0.05). For detection of severe anemia, accuracy of TrueHb was significantly better with technicians (AUC 0.91 v/s 0.70;p < 0.05) and community workers (AUC 0.91 v/s 0.73;p < 0.05).

HemoCue showed a bias or mean difference (95%CI) of 0.47 g/dl (0.42, 0.52) for all values, and 0.92 g/dl (0.82, 1.03) for severe anemia. For TrueHb, it was − 0.28 g/dl (− 0.37, − 0.20) for all readings, and 0.06 g/dl (− 0.52, 0.63) for severe anemia. TrueHb appeared to be more consistent across different weather conditions, although it overestimated Hb in extreme cold weather conditions.

Conclusion

For detection of anemia, True Hb and HemoCue were comparable. For severe anemia, True Hb seemed to be a better and feasible point-of-care device for detecting anemia in the community settings.
A novel protein chip for simultaneous detection of antibodies against four epidemic swine viruses in China
Authors: Wu Yue , Wu Xudan , Chen Jing , Hu Jingfei , Huang Xiaobo , Zhou Bin
Published: May 2020

Background

At present, pig industry in China is faced with the complex situation of mixed infection caused by multiple pathogens. It is urgent to develop some new high-throughput molecular diagnosis assays to simultaneously detect pathogens or antibodies. Biochip array technology has made it possible to screen thousands of samples simultaneously; it has been twice named as one of the top 10 scientific and technological breakthroughs. Studies have reported encouraging results using protein biochips for detecting antibodies against avian infectious bronchitis virus and ruminant bluetongue virus, but the research of this technology for the diagnosis of swine diseases is still sparse.

Results

In this study, a novel protein chip was developed that can simultaneously detect the antibodies of four important swine viruses as follow, classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Four prokaryotic expression plasmids pET-32a-E2 of CSFV, −VP2 of PPV, −EDIII of JEV, and -N of PRRSV were induced by IPTG (Isopropyl β-D-1-Thiogalactopyranoside) and overexpressed in E.coli, respectively. The purified proteins were identified by Western blotting and then printed on epoxy-coated glass slides. The optimized parameters of this diagnostic chip showed that the spotting concentrations of E2、VP2、EDIII、N proteins were 0.2, 0.4, 0.4, and 0.4 mg/mL. The optimal primary and secondary antibody dilutions were 1:50 and 1: 600. Compared with the commercial ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kits, the positive and negative coincidence rates of this chip were 95.8% ~ 100 and 86.2% ~ 100%, as well as, no cross-reaction.

Conclusion

This protein chip provided a fast, specific, and sensitive method for simultaneous detection of antibodies in clinical serum samples. Compared with traditional methods, this protein chip can monitor very small amount of serum.
The association of hearing impairment and its severity with physical and mental health among Chinese middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Ye Xin , Zhu Dawei , Chen Siyuan , He Ping
Published: May 2020

Background

Hearing impairment is a common chronic condition which can be closely related to people’s health. However, current studies on this topic are quite limited in developing countries, and few with standardized audiometric measurement and multiple health outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between hearing impairment and its severity with physical and mental health among Chinese middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

We obtained data from two sources: (1) China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011, 2013, and 2015, in which hearing impairment was measured by asking whether participants aged 45 years old had hearing problems; and (2) Hearing Survey 2019, the baseline survey of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Shandong Province of China, including 376 middle-aged and older participants. The severity of hearing impairment was identified by pure tone average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz.

Results

In CHARLS, 1248 (8.36%) participants suffered from hearing impairment at baseline, and hearing-impaired individuals were more likely to have chronic diseases, impaired activities of daily living (ADLs), impaired instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and depressive symptoms. For the 376 hearing-impaired participants in Hearing Survey 2019, 30.32, 38.30 and 31.38% of them had moderate, severe and profound hearing impairment, respectively. As the severity of hearing impairment increased, individuals were likely to have impaired ADLs, impaired IADLs and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Hearing impairment and its severity were closely related to multiple physical and mental health outcomes among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Actions should be taken to prevent and treat hearing impairment, so as to improve people’s health and well-being.
FORK-seq: replication landscape of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome by nanopore sequencing
Authors: Hennion Magali , Arbona Jean-Michel , Lacroix Laurent , Cruaud Corinne , Theulot Bertrand , Tallec Benoît Le , Proux Florence , Wu Xia , Novikova Elizaveta , Engelen Stefan , Lemainque Arnaud , Audit Benjamin , Hyrien Olivier
Published: May 2020

Genome replication mapping methods profile cell populations, masking cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Here, we describe FORK-seq, a nanopore sequencing method to map replication of single DNA molecules at 200-nucleotide resolution. By quantifying BrdU incorporation along pulse-chased replication intermediates from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we orient 58,651 replication tracks reproducing population-based replication directionality profiles and map 4964 and 4485 individual initiation and termination events, respectively. Although most events cluster at known origins and fork merging zones, 9% and 18% of initiation and termination events, respectively, occur at many locations previously missed. Thus, FORK-seq reveals the full extent of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in DNA replication.
Catamenial rectal bleeding due to invasive endometriosis: a case report
Authors: Keith Joshua J. , Hernandez Lorenzo O. , Maruoka Nishi Livia Y. , Jethwa Tarang P. , Lewis Jason T. , Pujalte George G. A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Although gastrointestinal involvement is the most common site for extra-genital endometriosis, deep infiltrative endometriosis, which affects the mucosal layer, is very rare.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 41-year-old white woman with cyclic rectal bleeding. Magnetic resonance imaging was done, together with colonoscopy and histologic staining of biopsied samples, which led to the final diagnosis of intestinal invasive endometriosis with recto-sigmoid stricture. Our patient was treated symptomatically with stool softeners.

Conclusion

This case provides a rare example of catamenial bleeding. It is important to keep invasive endometriosis on the differential diagnosis whenever a premenopausal woman has cyclical rectal bleeding.
Quantifying the role of social distancing, personal protection and case detection in mitigating COVID-19 outbreak in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Wu Jianhong , Tang Biao , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Nah Kyeongah , McCarthy Zachary
Published: May 2020

Public health interventions have been implemented to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Ontario, Canada; however, the quantification of their effectiveness remains to be done and is important to determine if some of the social distancing measures can be relaxed without resulting in a second wave. We aim to equip local public health decision- and policy-makers with mathematical model-based quantification of implemented public health measures and estimation of the trend of COVID-19 in Ontario to inform future actions in terms of outbreak control and de-escalation of social distancing. Our estimates confirm that (1) social distancing measures have helped mitigate transmission by reducing daily infection contact rate, but the disease transmission probability per contact remains as high as 0.145 and case detection rate was so low that the effective reproduction number remained higher than the threshold for disease control until the closure of non-essential business in the Province; (2) improvement in case detection rate and closure of non-essential business had resulted in further reduction of the effective control number to under the threshold. We predict the number of confirmed cases according to different control efficacies including a combination of reducing further contact rates and transmission probability per contact. We show that improved case detection rate plays a decisive role to reduce the effective reproduction number, and there is still much room in terms of improving personal protection measures to compensate for the strict social distancing measures.
Assessing the wood sourcing practices of the U.S. industrial wood pellet industry supplying European energy demand
Authors: Kittler Brian , Stupak Inge , Smith C. Tattersall
Published: May 2020

Background

As the demand for wood pellets has increased in EU member states, so has a multi-pronged examination of the environmental effects of establishing a transatlantic trade in wood pellets between the U.S. and Europe. However, the nature of industrial wood pellet supply chains is poorly understood or little known. This work aimed to understand the feedstock sourcing strategies being used by the wood pellet industry in the southeast U.S., commonly applied approaches to documenting sustainability of these feedstocks, and drivers operating behind related developments.

Methods

This study used structured interviews of sustainability managers and procurement staff at pellet mills comprising 75% of the U.S. industrial pellet sector. The industry was classified into types of supply chains, based on the role of loggers, wood dealers, sawmills, and other wood product facilities in the supply chains. Additional classifications examined feedstock types and origins, number and type of suppliers, contractual relationships with suppliers, applied procurement systems, risk assessment and due-diligence methodologies, risk mitigation procedures, and supply chain certifications.

Results

Three main types of supply chains were identified within the U.S. industrial pellet sector, differentiated based on features of feedstock procurement, risk assessment procedures, and risk management. The study observed a slight shift toward using a higher proportion of wood residuals as feedstock in some of the larger pellet mills. Policy requirements, customer orders, and external pressures were driving the sector’s adoption of sustainability programs, with risk assessments and wood procurement procedures aligned to policy requirements.

Conclusions

The strength of a risk-based approach to sustainability documentation depends on the quality of source data on risks within a sourcing area, scale of analysis, and integration of risk assessments into procurement practices. Some risk categories are more difficult to assess and control. Challenges increase with increasing number and diversity of supply chain actors and depend on the nature of agreements between these entities for the conveyance of feedstocks to pellet mills. Fiber procurement is similar to pulpwood-using industries, but extending the risk assessment to residuals is complicated and challenging to the sector. The study identified a number of strategies in use within pellet mill supply chains for dealing with these challenges.
Optimization of pH as a strategy to improve enzymatic saccharification of wheat straw for enhancing bioethanol production
Authors: Abdulsattar M. O. , Abdulsattar J. O. , Greenway G. M. , Welham K. J. , Zein S. H.
Published: May 2020

In this work, wheat straw (WS) was used as a lignocellulosic substrate to investigate the influence of pH on enzymatic saccharification. The optimum enzymatic hydrolysis occurred at pH range 5.8–6.0, instead of 4.8–5.0 as has been widely reported in research. Two enzymes cocktails, Celluclast® 1.5 L with Novozymes 188, Cellic® CTec2 and endo-1,4-β-xylanase, were used for the pH investigation over a pH range of 3.0–7.0. The highest concentration of total reduced sugar was found at pH 6.0 for all the different enzymes used in this study. The total reduced sugar produced from the enzymatic saccharification at pH 6.0 was found to be 7.0, 7.4, and 10.8 (g L−1) for Celluclast® 1.5 L with Novozymes 188, endo-1,4-β-xylanase and Cellic® CTec2, respectively. By increasing the pH from 4.8 to 6.0, the total reduced sugar yield increased by 25% for Celluclast® 1.5 L with Novozymes 188 and endo-1 4-β-xylanase and 21% for Cellic® CTec2. The results from this study indicate that WS hydrolysis can be improved significantly by elevating the pH at which the reaction occurs to the range of 5.8 to 6.0.
Approving the biocontrol method of potato wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) using Enterobacter cloacae PS14 and Trichoderma asperellum T34
Authors: Mohamed Bereika F. F. , Sallam Nashwa M. A. , Alamri Saad A. M. , Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M. , Mostafa Yasser S. , Hashem Mohamed
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency ofEnterobacter cloacaePS14 andTrichoderma asperellumT34 in the control of potato wilt, caused byRalstonia solanacearum(Smith), under greenhouse and field conditions. In vitro, the endophyteE.cloacaePS14 caused the highest reduction of the pathogen growth among 7 screened bacteria. It produced an inhibition zone as 16.9 mm compared to a specific antibiotic (20.0 mm).E.cloacaePS14 was selected as an effective antagonistic bacterium to be compared toT.asperellumstrain T34 for reduction of the disease as well as increasing the crop yield of potato plants. BothE.cloacaeandT.asperellumreduced the disease severity up to 10.7–26.5%, respectively, under greenhouse and up to 26.6–36.6%, respectively, under field conditions. The results approved that bothE.cloacaeandT.asperellumincreased the yield of the crop by 20.44–40.96%, respectively. Their mode of action was indicated by suppression of the pathogen as well as induction of plant systemic resistance. The induction of systemic resistance was confirmed by increasing the total phenol and salicylic acid contents as well as increasing the activities of peroxidase, lipoxygenase, and polyphenol oxidase in potato plants than the healthy or only infected plants. Production of siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid (0.577–0.884 μM), hydrogen cyanide (2.34–3.61 μg/ml), and salicylic acid (0.436–1.488 μg/ml) was confirmed by E. cloacae PS14 andT.asperellumT34, respectively, in vitro. The study recommends the new strainE.cloacaePS14, as new endophytic effective bacteria, in the control ofR.solanacearumcausing the potato wilt disease.
Communicating Complex STEM Program Evaluation to Diverse Stakeholders
Authors: Reeves Philip M. , Bobrownicki Aiyana , Bauer Melanie , Graham Mark J.
Published: May 2020

This methods essay describes a three-stage method for developing progressively less complex visualizations to improve communication about program evaluation with wider audiences by engaging each stakeholder with respect to his or her knowledge of the program and/or his or her knowledge of the evaluation process.
Scientific Societies Fostering Inclusive Scientific Environments through Travel Awards: Current Practices and Recommendations
Authors: Segarra Verónica A. , Vega Leticia R. , Primus Clara , Etson Candice , Guillory Ashley N. , Edwards Ashanti , Flores Sonia C. , Fry Catherine , Ingram Susan L. , Lawson Mark , McGee Richard , Paxson Stephanie , Phelan Laura , Suggs Kirsta , Vuong Elizabeth , Hammonds-Odie Latanya , Leibowitz Michael J. , Zavala MariaElena , Lujan J. Luis , Ramirez-Alvarado Marina
Published: May 2020

This essay compares the approaches that scientific societies in the ACCESS meta-organization use to implement and assess travel award programs for URM trainees and presents a set of recommendations, including both short- and long-term outcomes assessment in populations of interest and specialized programmatic activities coupled to travel award programs.
Multicenter Study of Risk-Adapted Therapy With Dose-Adjusted EPOCH-R in Adults With Untreated Burkitt Lymphoma
Authors: Roschewski Mark , Dunleavy Kieron , Abramson Jeremy S. , Powell Bayard L. , Link Brian K. , Patel Prapti , Bierman Philip J. , Jagadeesh Deepa , Mitsuyasu Ronald T. , Peace David , Watson Peter R. , Hanna Wahid T. , Melani Christopher , Lucas Andrea N. , Steinberg Seth M. , Pittaluga Stefania , Jaffe Elaine S. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Kahl Brad S. , Little Richard F. , Bartlett Nancy L. , Fanale Michelle A. , Noy Ariela , Wilson Wyndham H.
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma curable with dose-intensive chemotherapy derived from pediatric leukemia regimens. Treatment is acutely toxic with late sequelae. We hypothesized that dose-adjusted etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) may obviate the need for highly dose-intensive chemotherapy in adults with Burkitt lymphoma.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter risk-adapted study of DA-EPOCH-R in untreated adult Burkitt lymphoma. Low-risk patients received three cycles without CNS prophylaxis, and high-risk patients received six cycles with intrathecal CNS prophylaxis or extended intrathecal treatment if leptomeninges were involved. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS), and secondary endpoints were toxicity and predictors of EFS and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2017, 113 patients were enrolled across 22 centers, and 98 (87%) were high risk. The median age was 49 (range, 18-86) years, and 62% were ≥ 40 years. Bone marrow and/or CSF was involved in 29 (26%) of patients, and 28 (25%) were HIV positive. At a median follow-up of 58.7 months, EFS and OS were 84.5% and 87.0%, respectively, and EFS was 100% and 82.1% in low- and high-risk patients. Therapy was equally effective across age groups, HIV status, and International Prognostic Index risk groups. Involvement of the CSF identified the group at greatest risk for early toxicity-related death or treatment failure. Five treatment-related deaths (4%) occurred during therapy. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 16% of cycles, and tumor lysis syndrome was rare.

CONCLUSION

Risk-adapted DA-EPOCH-R therapy is effective in adult Burkitt lymphoma regardless of age or HIV status and was well tolerated. Improved therapeutic strategies for adults with CSF involvement are needed (funded by the National Cancer Institute; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01092182 ).
Second waves, social distancing, and the spread of COVID-19 across America
Authors: Friston Karl J. , Parr Thomas , Zeidman Peter , Razi Adeel , Flandin Guillaume , Daunizeau Jean , Hulme Oliver J. , Billig Alexander J. , Litvak Vladimir , Price Catherine J. , Moran Rosalyn J. , Lambert Christian
Published: May 2020

We recently described a dynamic causal model of a COVID-19 outbreak within a single region. Here, we combine several of these (epidemic) models to create a (pandemic) model of viral spread among regions. Our focus is on a second wave of new cases that may result from loss of immunity—and the exchange of people between regions—and how mortality rates can be ameliorated under different strategic responses. In particular, we consider hard or soft social distancing strategies predicated on national (Federal) or regional (State) estimates of the prevalence of infection in the population. The modelling is demonstrated using timeseries of new cases and deaths from the United States to estimate the parameters of a factorial (compartmental) epidemiological model of each State and, crucially, coupling between States. Using Bayesian model reduction, we identify the effective connectivity between States that best explains the initial phases of the outbreak in the United States. Using the ensuing posterior parameter estimates, we then evaluate the likely outcomes of different policies in terms of mortality, working days lost due to lockdown and demands upon critical care. The provisional results of this modelling suggest that social distancing and loss of immunity are the two key factors that underwrite a return to endemic equilibrium.
INTRODUCTION AND USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN DAIRY ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Authors: Sitdikov Farit , Ziganshin Bulat , Shaydullin Radik , Moskvicheva Anastasiya
Published: May 2020

The use of modern computer technology in animal husbandry without taking into account an experience can lead to unexpected results. From an economic point of view, the introduction and use of innovations in agriculture is not always justified, because of it is necessary to deal with the natural environment, and it is difficult to make predictions for obtaining particular results under such conditions. The article summarizes the experience of using modern computer technologies in dairy farming, considers approaches to improving the technology of milk production in cattle breeding, its innovative potential. Industrial-type enterprises must be modernized with the maximum use of existing facilities and technical equipment, with equipping them with advanced machines, automatic machines and equipment. The use of mechanization and automation should ensure reliable implementation and control of the processes of preparation, transportation and dosing of feed, removal and processing of manure and wastewater, and the creation of an optimal microclimate regardless of the season and climatic zone. The necessity of spreading a loose-line method of keeping cows, milking parlors and automated systems is substantiated. Cow milking should be considered a significant element in the mechanization of technological processes on a livestock farm, and therefore the most promising development of milking systems in automated and computerized installations such as Europarallel, Herringbone, and Carousel. The use of innovative digital developments such as the creation of large databases in dairy farming allows us to more accurately determine the possible results of investments and more efficiently integrate agriculture into society. The development of modern technologies contributes to a more complete realization of the genetic potential of animals and thereby increases the efficiency of dairy cattle breeding
IMPACT OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT QUALITY ON ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
Authors: Budarin Sergey , El'bek Yuliya
Published: May 2020

The potential for improving the efficiency of medical organizations that provide medical care to the population in conditions of limited resources largely depends on an objective and comprehensive assessment of their use. In this regard, the research of methodological and practical approaches to assessing the efficiency and rational use of resource potential, which are important for different levels of the organization of the health system, including the provision of medical care to citizens living in rural areas, is of particular relevance. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between indicators for assessing the quality of resource management and indicators of access to medical care of medical organizations of the state health system in Moscow that provide primary health care to adults in 2019. The quality of resource management was assessed using 27 indicators selected for the purpose of the study in 4 areas of resource management (financial management, procurement management, property management, personnel management), provided by the methodology of the resource management quality standard (RMQS). For each indicator, the calculated score based on the importance value (weight value) a normative criterion of evaluation and the degree of difficulty, and by summing up of scores obtained a composite score. The assessment of the availability of medical care is also calculated using the method of point estimates based on 7 indicators developed through the use of the methodology of performance audit. The article presents the results of a study based on data from 9 Moscow city polyclinics, which confirmed the existence of a correlation between the selected indicators of the quality of resource management and the availability of medical care. The total score for 2019 for the selected indicators of resource management quality varies from 9.62 points to 13.92 points, availability-from 5.54 to 11.63 points, and the correlation coefficient was 0.612
MODELING AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF CLOUD COMPUTING LOAD BALANCING ALGORITHMS
Authors: Zolnikov Vladimir , Oksyuta O. , Dayub Nur
Published: May 2020

Currently, the widespread use of cloud computing has led to an increase in the load on cloud servers. The large number of services provided requires a large amount of traffic. This article discusses load balancing algorithms in cloud computing and analyzes their effectiveness. The effectiveness of the algorithms is evaluated by comparing the response time and cost of the VM for three different regions.
SIMULATION OF THE HEATING CONTROL SYSTEM OF A SMART APARTMENT BUILDING
Authors: Polyakov Sergey , Akimov V. , Polukazakov A.
Published: May 2020

The article considers the issues of modeling and control of heating systems in a residential building. The results of analysis, selection of control system parameters are presented. An algorithm is presented that implements the operation of a virtual object. The modeling of typical life support structures in the CX-Programmer environment was carried out. A virtual object control program has been developed in the language of ladder diagrams (relay-contact circuits). The principle of autonomy of managing residential infrastructure facilities in the light of the requirements of “Smart City” is proposed. A heating system stand has been created to test the proposed automation systems. The description of the hydraulic, electrical and software parts of the stand. To control the operation of the stand, a controller is proposed, implemented on the Arduino platform. The results confirming the attainability of the proposed structural changes. The results of experimental studies are presented. The presence of cross-links in the regulatory object and their influence on each other are considered.
Examination of the needs of hygienizational patients of periodontological guidelines in Lublin
Authors: Baranowski Mateusz , Wójcicka Agnieszka , Czerniakiewicz Kacper , Wysokińska-Miszczuk Joanna
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The dental treatment of every patient, who comes to the dental office, should start with his hygienization. The basis of treatment should be daily, careful oral hygiene at home. Clinical observations suggest that patients neglect or perform this incorrectly. Purpose of work: The aim of the study was to assess the oral hygiene condition of patients reporting to the periodontics clinic Materials and Methods: The medical documentation of 52 patients who came to the Clinic of Periodontology at the Clinical Center of the Medical University in Lublin in 2015-2016 was analyzed. There were 24 men and 28 women between 19 and 75 years of age. Extraoral and intraoral examination were performed and  general medical history was taken. The CPITN index was used to assess the presence of dental deposits and tartar. Results: In the group of respondents; 47 patients [90.38%] required professional hygienization. Conclusions: Although almost all patients declare meticulous removal of dental deposits at least twice a day, more than 90% have shown numerous abnormalities in brushing or irregular oral hygiene. Patients do not have the skills or neglect to maintain oral hygiene, while being convinced about compliance with the hygiene regime. The doctor's role is to create conditions for education and patient motivation
Development of dysbiosis in the organism of rats receiving a high-fat diet
Authors: Levitsky A. P. , Markov A. V. , Pupin T. I.
Published: May 2020

Background. To determine the effect on the degree of dysbiosis in the organs and tissues of rats treated with high-fat diet (HFD) using fats with various fatty acid compositions.Methods. We used ordinary (high-linoleic) sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, butter, palm and coconut oils. Rats were fed with 15 % of each of the fats for 64 days. In the blood serum from v.cava and v. porta, in the liver, heart, brain, skeletal muscles and intestinal mucosa, urease activity (an indicator of bacterial insemination), lysozyme activity (a factor of non-specific immunity) were determined, and the degree of dysbiosis was calculated from the ratio of relative urease and lysozyme activities. Results. The activity of urease in the blood of v. porta increased in rats treated with HFD, and was significantly higher than in the blood of v.cava. In most of the studied tissues, urease activity increased after HFD, with the exception of rats receiving high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO). In contrast, lysozyme activity was reduced in most tissues, with the exception of rats treated with HOSO. The degree of dysbiosis increased after HFD with the exception of rats treated with HOSO.Conclusion. HFD increases the translocation of bacteria from the intestine. The liver partially neutralizes the microflora coming from the intestines. In blood serum from v. cava and v. porta, urease activity (an indicator of bacterial contamination), lysozyme activity (nonspecific immunity factor) were determined in the liver, heart, brain, skeletal muscle and intestinal mucosa, and the degree of dysbiosis was calculated by the ratio of the relative activities of urease and lysozyme.Results. Blood urease activity v. porta was elevated in rats treated with HFD and was significantly higher than in blood v. cava. In most of the tissues studied, urease activity increased after HFD with the exception of rats treated with high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), the development of dysbiosis in all tissues of the body. The exception is HOSO, which does not cause the development of dysbiosis and inflammation.
Causes of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents
Authors: Maślak Agnieszka Danuta , Kusz Monika , Pawluczuk Paulina , Alzubedi Adam , Polski Paweł
Published: May 2020

Obesity is caused by positive energy balance. Excessive body weight in children is classified by using charts for body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of overweight and obesity is a growing public health problem worldwide. Excess body fat may lead to serious health problems in later life, so it is important to know the main reasons causing weight gain. Those could be classified as genetic and non-genetic factors. The second ones include medical problems (e.g. endocrine and neurological diseases), family and social impact, environmental influence, bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, cultural factors. There are two most important phases in life such as infancy and puberty, which may determine development of overweight or obesity. It is crucial to pay special attention on those periods to prevent weight gain development.
Riscos ocupacionais na sala de vacinação e suas implicações à saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem
Authors: Fonseca Elizabeth Camacho , Sousa Kayo Henrique Jardel Feitosa , Nascimento Flaviana Pereira Bastos , Tracera Gisele Massante Peixoto , dos Santos Katerine Moraes , Zeitoune Regina Célia Gollner
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: analisar a associação entre os riscos ocupacionais e os danos relacionados ao trabalho de enfermagem em sala de vacinação. Métodos: estudo transversal analítico realizado nas salas de vacinação de unidades de atenção primária à saúde do município do Rio de Janeiro entre junho e julho de 2017, com 171 trabalhadores de enfermagem. Utilizou-se um instrumento com informações sobre dados sociodemográficos, laborais e riscos ocupacionais e a Escala de Avaliação dos Danos Relacionados ao Trabalho. O estudo passou por aprovação de Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: a exposição ocupacional ao risco físico e ao ergonômico estiveram associadas a todas as formas de adoecimento investigadas, enquanto a exposição ao risco mecânico às formas de adoecimento relacionadas aos Danos Físicos e Psicológicos e a exposição ao risco químico ao adoecimento físico. Conclusão: as condições de trabalho a que os profissionais da enfermagem são expostos nas salas de vacinação, expressadas em riscos ocupacionais, afetam negativamente sua saúde.
Optical method for micrometer-scale tracerless visualization of ultrafast laser induced gas flow at a water/air interface
Authors: Baasanjav Dashdeleg , Hernandez-Rueda Javier , Mosk Allard P. , van Oosten Dries
Published: May 2020

We study femtosecond-laser-induced flows of air at a water/air interface, at micrometer length scales. To visualize the flow velocity field, we simultaneously induce two flow fronts using two adjacent laser pump spots. Where the flows meet, a stationary shockwave is produced, the length of which is a measure of the local flow velocity at a given radial position. By changing the distance between the spots using a spatial light modulator, we map out the flow velocity around the pump spots. We find gas front velocities near the speed of sound in air

v
s

for two laser excitation energies. We find an energy scaling that is inconsistent with the Sedov–Taylor model. Due to the flexibility offered by spatial beam shaping, our method can be applied to study subsonic laser-induced gas flow fronts in more complicated geometries.
Optomechanical inertial sensors
Authors: Hines Adam , Richardson Logan , Wisniewski Hayden , Guzman Felipe
Published: May 2020

We present a performance analysis of compact monolithic optomechanical inertial sensors that describes their key fundamental limits and overall acceleration noise floor. Performance simulations for low-frequency gravity-sensitive inertial sensors show attainable acceleration noise floors on the order of

1
×

10

−
11

m

/

s

2

H
z

. Furthermore, from our performance models, we devised an optimization approach for our sensor designs, sensitivity, and bandwidth trade space. We conducted characterization measurements of these compact mechanical resonators, demonstrating

mQ

-products at levels of 250 kg, which highlight their exquisite acceleration sensitivity.