bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid In‐Vitro Inactivation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Using Povidone‐Iodine Oral Antiseptic Rinse
Authors: Bidra Avinash S. , Pelletier Jesse S , Westover Jonna B , Frank Samantha , Brown Seth M , Tessema Belachew
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the optimal contact time and concentration for viricidal activity of oral preparation of povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) against SARS‐CoV‐2 (‘corona virus’) to mitigate the risk and transmission of the virus in the dental practice.

Materials and Methods

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) USA‐WA1/2020 strain, virus stock was tested against oral antiseptic solutions consisting of aqueous povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) as the sole active ingredient. The PVP‐I was tested at diluted concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. Test media without any virus was added to 2 tubes of the compounds to serve as toxicity and neutralization controls. Ethanol (70%) was tested in parallel as a positive control, and water only as a negative control. The test solutions and virus were incubated at room temperature (22 ± 2 °C) for time periods of 15 and 30 seconds. The solution was then neutralized by a 1/10 dilution in minimum essential medium (MEM) 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 50 µg/mL gentamicin. Surviving virus from each sample was quantified by standard end‐point dilution assay and the log reduction value (LRV) of each compound compared to the negative (water) control was calculated.

Results

PVP‐I oral antiseptics at all tested concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, completely inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 within 15 seconds of contact. The 70% ethanol control group was unable to completely inactivate SARS‐CoV‐2 after 15 seconds of contact, but was able to inactivate the virus at 30 seconds of contact.

Conclusions

PVP‐I oral antiseptic preparations rapidly inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in vitro. The viricidal activity was present at the lowest concentration of 0.5 % PVP‐I and at the lowest contact time of 15 seconds. This important finding can justify the use of preprocedural oral rinsing with PVP‐I (for patients and health care providers) may be useful as an adjunct to personal protective equipment, for dental and surgical specialties during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The merger paradox, collusion, and competition policy
Authors: Garcia Filomena , Paz y Miño Jose Manuel , Torrens Gustavo
Published: June 2020

This paper develops a model that formalizes several connections between mergers, collusion, and competition policy. In equilibrium, firms may merge to make collusion sustainable when it cannot be sustained with the original set of firms. A rise in the probability of detecting and prosecuting collusion could induce a wave of mergers, so firms can sustain collusion again. Indeed, mergers could fully neutralize the procompetitive effect of an improvement in collusion detection and prosecution. From a normative perspective, we show that merger policy is crucial when cost synergies are small (or nonexistent) and the competition authority can only deter collusion by restricting mergers. Finally, we highlight that mergers could be more harmful (less beneficial) than expected if the impact that mergers have on the competition regime is properly considered, which suggests a decomposition of the welfare impact of mergers into unilateral and coordinated effects.
Metabolomics in equine sport and exercise
Authors: Klein Dylan J. , Anthony Tracy G. , McKeever Kenneth H.
Published: June 2020

metabolomics is the high‐throughput, multiparametric identification and classification of hundreds of low molecular weight metabolites in a biological sample. Ultimately, metabolites are the downstream readouts of cellular signalling, transcriptomic and proteomic changes that can provide a comprehensive view of tissue and organismal phenotype. The popularity of metabolomics in human sport and exercise has been gaining over the past decade and has provided important insights into the energetic demands and mechanistic underpinnings of exercise and training. To the contrary, metabolomics in the field of equine exercise physiology is lagging despite the horse's superior aerobic and muscular capabilities, as well as its prominence in competitive sport. As such, this narrative review aims to describe metabolomics, its routine implementation, the various analytical methods applied and the state of its use in the equine athlete. Sufficient attention will be paid to methodological considerations, as well as gaps in the equine literature, particularly with regard to the skeletal muscle metabolome. Finally, there will be a brief discussion of the future directions and barriers to metabolomics use in the athletic horse. A thorough understanding of the metabolomics changes that occur in the equine athlete with exercise will undoubtedly help to improve horse management and health across the lifespan.
The possibility of using citric phosphate dextrose in chilling ram semen instead of egg yolk and soybean lecithin to improve fertility
Authors: Mohamed Mahmoud Yassin , Mahdy Tarek M. M. , Khalifa Ezz I.
Published: June 2020

Semen chilling has some harmful effects on sperm characteristics. Modification of extenders by using conventional and non‐conventional chilling substances can affect sperm characteristics and fertility. One of the important substances using to chilling human blood cells is citric phosphate dextrose (CPD); therefore, it can be used to store ram semen. This study aimed to assay the ability of CPD instead of egg yolk (EGD) and soybean lecithin (SLD)‐based extenders to store ram semen at 5°C. This trial was carried on pooling semen samples that were collected from five rams using a standard artificial vagina and an oestrous restrained ewe. Immediately after semen collection, semen was divided into four portions. The EGD, SLD and citric phosphate dextrose with an antibiotic (CPDA) and without antibiotic (CPD) were extender in the first, second, third and fourth portions of semen, respectively. Sperm characteristics were evaluated after dilution and cooling up to 7 days. Also, conception rate and fertility potential were assayed by 48 ewes (12 each) after 2 days of store ram semen extenders. Data clearly indicated that higher (p > .05) sperm characteristics in EGD, SLD and CPDA than CPD at 0 day of storage. Whilst, sperm characteristics from 1 day up to 7 days of storage were higher (p < .05) in EGD, SLD, CPDA extenders than CPD. Moreover amongst extender types, the advancing of chilling days reduced sperm characteristics. Also, the results showed an acceptable conception rate and the fertility rate of dilution ram semen, which stored 2 days in EGD, SLD and CPDA than CPD. Using of CPD substances with antibiotic in chilling extension ram semen has benefits as well as EGD‐ and SLD‐based extenders. The future work should be conducted to validate these results in frozen ram semen.
Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Genus Minidiscus (Bacillariophyceae), with Description of Mediolabrus gen. nov
Authors: Li Yang , Guo Xiao‐Hui , Lundholm Nina
Published: June 2020

The genus Minidiscus comprises a group of ecologically‐important and globally‐distributed planktonic diatoms that are characterized by their small cell size, high mantle and processes more or less concentrated in the valve center. Monoclonal strains were established from collections along the Chinese coast. In the phylogenetic analyses inferred from a LSU and SSU dataset, six Minidiscus species clustered into two well‐supported clades. The first clade was located within a larger clade formed mainly by Thalassiosira taxa, and the second clade appeared as sister to a clade comprising the genus Skeletonema. Hence, presently known Minidiscus do not form a monophyletic clade, but rather make up a phenotypic grouping. Based on the morphology of the type species, M. trioculatus, as well as morphological characters of all taxa in the clade with M. trioculatus, Minidiscus is characterized by having fultoportula(e) in the valve center or sub‐centered close to a single rimoportula, and the cells are usually cylindrical. Mediolabrus gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate species in the second clade. The main difference between Minidiscus and Mediolabrus is the type of process found in the valve (sub‐)center, with fultoportula(e) close to a rimoportula in the former, and only a single rimoportula in the latter. According to the above criteria, previously described Minidiscus taxa were re‐examined, and either retained in Minidiscus or transferred to Mediolabrus.
The impact of incorporating toilet‐training status in the pediatric Rome IV criteria for functional constipation in infant and toddlers
Authors: Saps Miguel , Velasco‐Benitez Carlos Alberto , Fernandez Valdes Lilibet , Mejia Jorge , Villamarin Eder , Moreno Jairo , Ramirez Carmen , González María José , Vallenilla Isabella , Falcon Ana Corina , Axelrod Cara
Published: June 2020

Background

The diagnosis of functional constipation (FC) is based on the Rome criteria. The last edition of the criteria (Rome IV) for infants and toddlers modified the criteria to differentiate toilet‐trained (TT) and non‐toilet‐trained (NTT) children. These changes have not been validated. We aimed to understand the impact of adding toilet training to the diagnostic criteria and to assess the prevalence of FC.

Methods

Parents of infants and toddlers from six outpatient clinics (four public, two private) located in three geographically dispersed cities in Colombia completed validated questionnaires to diagnose functional gastrointestinal disorders according to Spanish version of Rome IV criteria (QPGS‐IV).

Results

A total of 1334 children (24.4 months ±15.0) participated: 482 (36%) TT and 852 (64%) NTT. The prevalence of FC was 21.1%. The prevalence increased with age, 0‐1 years 7.7%; 2 years 18.2%; 3 years 23.7%; and 4 years 37.2%. TT vs NTT for FC 41.9% vs 9.3%, respectively (OR 7.06, 95% CI 5.26‐9.47, P < .0001). TT more likely to report ≥ 3 criteria (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.41‐4.21, P = .0015). 18.3% of TT had episodes of fecal incontinence that met the frequency required by Rome for FC (≤1 episode/week). However, 87.1% had fecal incontinence less often. 7.4% of them characterized as large quantity.

Conclusion

We found no changes in the prevalence of FC using the Rome IV criteria vs Rome III. TT children are more likely to have FC. Study suggests that changes in Rome IV criteria were potentially clinically relevant and to have adequate face validity. Future studies should confirm our findings.
Oral health‐related quality of life in different rheumatic diseases
Authors: Schmalz Gerhard , Patschan Daniel , Schmickler Jan , Bethke Nora , Scherzinger Elena , Müller Gerhard A. , Ziebolz Dirk , Patschan Susann
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with different rheumatic diseases.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematodes (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and vasculitis were included. OHRQoL was assessed with the German short form of oral health impact profile (OHIP G14). Age, disease duration, leukocytes, c‐reactive protein (CRP) and haemoglobin counts were considered as disease related parameters.

Results

A total of 356 patients, assigned to the groups RA (n = 218), SLE (n = 36), AS (n = 36), PsA (n = 33), vasculitis (n = 19) and SSc (n = 14) were included. The OHIP G14 sub‐scale psychosocial impact differed significantly between groups (p = .02). The OHIP G14 sum score was also significantly different between groups (p < .01). A medium‐sized correlation was found for CRP with OHIP G14 sum score within SLE group (r = .344, p = .04). A large correlation was detected for leukocytes within PsA group (r = .525, p < .01). The reliability of the applied OHIP G14 was high.

Conclusion

Patients with rheumatic disease show a reduced OHRQoL, with several differences between the entities. Psychosocial aspects appear to be of relevance and should be considered in multidisciplinary dental care of these patients.
The core executive and small states: Is coordination the primary challenge?
Authors: Corbett Jack , Veenendaal Wouter , Connell John
Published: June 2020

This article interrogates three key arguments derived from the functional approach to studying the core executive: (1) that coordination is the primary problem that confronts executive decision‐makers; (2) that improved coordination will lead to better governance; and (3) that linkage problems dissipate as policy systems consolidate. Drawing on the experience of hitherto understudied small states, including 112 interviews with political elites, we show how the effects of country size create governance challenges in the form of leader dominance, patronage systems and capacity constraints. Our findings support the call to broaden the focus of functional analysis beyond its traditional emphasis on coordination. For scholars of small states we synthesize existing empirical findings and provide a theoretical justification for future work using an adaptation of the core executive approach.
Cardioceptive accuracy is associated with arousal but not with valence and perceived exertion under physical load
Authors: Köteles Ferenc , Teufel Bence , Körmendi János , Ferentzi Eszter , Szemerszky Renáta
Published: June 2020

Under resting conditions, cardioceptive accuracy—the acuity of the perception of heartbeats—is associated with the self‐reported intensity of affective states but not with reported valence. Physical exertion elicits positive affect below the anaerobic threshold and negative affect above the threshold while arousal gradually increases. The current research aimed to study the associations between cardioceptive accuracy and characteristics of the affective response (arousal and valence) during physical activity. About 67 undergraduate students completed the Schandry task and rated their perceived exertion (Borg‐scale) and affective experience (arousal and valence) under three physical loads (running on a treadmill below, around, and above the anaerobic threshold). Cardioceptive accuracy was associated with the arousal component of the affective states during physical activity but not with valence and perceived exertion.
Cigarette smoke extract decreased basal and lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression of MARCO via degradation of p300
Authors: Lee Kyoung‐Hee , Woo Jisu , Kim Jiyeon , Lee Chang‐Hoon , Yoo Chul‐Gyu
Published: June 2020

Background and objective

Alveolar macrophages of patients with COPD display impaired cytokine release and diminished phagocytosis. COPD exacerbations exhibit immune dysfunction towards the respiratory pathogens. CS and CSE were reported to aggravate bacterial infections in COPD patients.

Methods

MARCO is highly expressed in lungs and is involved in pathogen clearance. We investigated the effect of CSE on MARCO expression and its regulatory mechanisms. After relevant siRNA transfection and treatment with CSE and/or LPS, we measured the levels of MARCO by q‐RT PCR, immunoblotting and flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence staining and immunoprecipitation were used to evaluate the mechanism.

Results

CSE decreased LPS‐induced expression of MARCO mRNA and protein. Upregulation of MARCO by LPS was Nrf2‐dependent. Nrf2 knockdown significantly suppressed LPS‐induced increase in MARCO transcripts. CSE did not block nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in LPS‐treated cells, but rather CSE itself strongly accumulated Nrf2 in the nucleus through the degradation of its cytoplasmic inhibitor, KEAP1. However, CSE markedly suppressed LPS‐induced Nrf2 acetylation. Histone acetyltransferase p300/CBP directly acetylates Nrf2, which augments promoter‐specific DNA binding of Nrf2. Our results reveal CSE‐induced polyubiquitinylation and subsequent degradation of p300 via the proteasome. Pretreatment with proteasome inhibitors completely blocked CSE‐induced degradation of p300 and suppression of MARCO expression.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that CSE decreases MARCO expression via the proteasomal degradation of p300 in macrophages, which may be in part responsible for impaired bacterial phagocytosis.
A Similarity-Based Approach for Macroeconomic Forecasting
Authors: Dendramis Y. , Kapetanios G. , Marcellino M.
Published: June 2020

In the aftermath of the recent financial crisis there has been considerable focus on methods for predicting macroeconomic variables when their behaviour is subject to abrupt changes, associated for example with crisis periods. We propose similarity-based approaches as a way to handle parameter instability and apply them to macroeconomic forecasting. The rationale is that clusters of past data that match the current economic conditions can be more informative for forecasting than the entire past behaviour of the variable of interest. We apply our methods to predict both simulated data in a set of Monte Carlo experiments, and a broad set of key US macroeconomic indicators. The forecast evaluation exercises indicate that similarity-based approaches perform well, in general, in comparison with other common time-varying forecasting methods, and particularly well during crisis episodes.
Nebkha dune morphology in the gobi deserts of northern China and potential implications for dust emission
Authors: Zhang ZhengCai , Han LanYing , Pan KaiJia , Dong ZhiBao , Liang Aimin , Nan Ling , Li XingCai , Xiao Nan , Li Chao
Published: June 2020

Nebkhas (coppice dunes) have formed throughout the gobi desert regions of China in response to the decreased near‐surface wind speed caused by vegetation, combined with deposition of aeolian sediment in and around the vegetation. Although nebkhas have been extensively studied on several land surfaces, they have not yet been fully described where they form in areas of gobi desert. Based on field investigations of nebkha morphology and adjacent land surface sediment content on and inside the surface of these dunes, the following were found: (i) the nebkhas that develop in gobi deserts consist of two types – dunes with or without a depositional tail (a shadow dune); (ii) the nebkhas in the area of gobi desert were smaller than those found in sandy deserts, oases, or other areas with a rich sediment source, with a mean height of 0.28 m, mean width 1.63 m and mean length 1.34 m; and (iii) the dune height, length and width were significantly positively linearly related to the vegetation height, length and width. These patterns were similar at all four of the study sites, but the relationships with dune width differed among the sites. The average particle‐size distributions on and inside the vegetation did not differ between the four sites. However, significant spatial differences in the sediments on and inside the dunes indicate that nebkhas can capture both local and distant sediments driven by the wind. These findings suggest a potential role of nebkhas in dust emission, although this role must be confirmed in future research.
The stabilization role of police spending in a neo‐Keynesian economy with credit market imperfections
Authors: Jia Pengfei , Lim King Yoong
Published: June 2020

Motivated by a seemingly persistent “twin‐high” phenomenon in Latin America, we present a novel theoretical framework that has linkages between three institutions (education, criminal justice, and credit) to study policy‐pertinent research questions with regards to whether police spending has the potential to serve as an unconventional policy tool for macroeconomic management. Based on a stylized parameterization, we find formal and illegal human capital to share common cyclical properties, which can be "decoupled" under a rule‐based regime to police spending. This nonetheless comes at a cost of a greater propagation of the credit friction‐induced financial accelerator effect.
Distributed Rural Proofing – An Essential Tool for the Future of Rural Development?
Authors: Nordberg Kenneth
Published: June 2020

Current rural proofing models are criticised for the inability to perceive detailed and varying local circumstances and the inability to pay attention to dynamics, to changing circumstances and the potential for change. The concept of rural proofing is discussed in this article, along with examples of proofing models in different countries. The deficiencies of the models are addressed using the concepts spatial justice and social innovation, which in combination allow for perceiving essential factors connected to geography and the varying capability of places. Two case studies are used for demonstrating the importance of these factors when judging centralising reforms. Together, the theoretical discussion and the case studies inform the construction of a new model for rural proofing, more relevant to rural development.
Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella and generic Escherichia coli isolated from surface water samples used for recreation and a source of drinking water in southwestern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Kadykalo Stefanie , Thomas Janis , Parmley E. Jane , Pintar Katarina , Fleury Manon
Published: June 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the aquatic environment represents an important means of introduction and dissemination of resistance genes, and presence of resistant pathogens in surface waters may pose a public health concern to recreational and drinking water users. The purpose of this study was to explore antimicrobial resistance patterns in water samples collected from the Grand River watershed (southwestern Ontario, Canada) to describe the composition, trends and potential risks of AMR in the aquatic environment. As part of FoodNet Canada and the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS), stream water samples were collected bi‐weekly from sampling sites within the Grand River watershed in the Waterloo, Ontario sentinel site and tested for the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. (2005–2013) and generic Escherichia coli (2012–2013). Of all samples tested, 16% of Salmonella and 22% of E. coli isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, including three Salmonella isolates and two E. coli isolates that were resistant to Category I antimicrobials, which are classified as very high importance for the treatment of serious bacterial infections in humans. The greatest proportion of resistant E. coli isolates were observed from the river site upstream of the drinking water intake, while the greatest proportion of resistant Salmonella isolates were from sites upstream in the watershed, and at one recreational water site. Salmonella resistance trends remained fairly stable between 2007 and 2013, with the exception of streptomycin and tetracycline which increased in 2010 and 2013. Continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns and exploration of risk factor data will allow for a better understanding of resistance transmission in the aquatic environment.
Joint Estimation of Direction-Dependent Velocity and Damage Location of CFRP
Authors: Shao Yongsheng , Zeng Liang , Lin Jing
Published: June 2020

Ultrasonic phased array (UPA) provides a powerful tool for nondestructive testing (NDT) of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). By the aid of full matrix capture (FMC) technique, the optimum resolution of anisotropic CFRP inspection could be achieved by the total focusing method (TFM). The directional dependence of ultrasonic velocity is one of the biggest challenges due to the anisotropy of CFRP. The objective of this research is to establish a joint method to estimate direction-dependent velocity and damage location of CFRP. To obtain group velocity without prior knowledge of neither theoretical calculation nor experimental determination, a limited angle range of the anisotropic velocity is first obtained by backwall reflection method (BRM), which is then extended by analyzing the relation between the time delay of backwall and side drilled hole (SDH) reflection. The effectiveness of the proposed method is experimentally demonstrated with UPA imaging of SDH in composite laminates.
Vapor deposition of quaternary ammonium methacrylate polymers with high antimicrobial activity: Synthetic route, toxicity assessment, and durability analysis
Authors: Çıtak Emre , Testici Hilal , Gürsoy Mehmet , Sevgili Emine , Dağı Hatice Türk , Öztürk Bahadır , Karaman Mustafa
Published: June 2020

In this study, vapor phase deposition of quaternary ammonium polymers on different substrates was reported. Thin films of the poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) homopolymer and the poly(diethyl aminoethyl methacrylate-co-vinylbenzyl chloride) [P(DEAEMA-VBC)] copolymer were deposited by an initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) technique using tert-butyl peroxide as an initiator. The variation of monomer feed ratios allowed control over the film structure. In the film structure, the tertiary amine group of DEAEMA is a key functionality behind the antibacterial activity, as verified after Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The PDEAEMA homopolymer could be quaternized in a dry manner using an oxygen plasma treatment. The P(DEAEMA-VBC) copolymer, however, did not need an extra quaternization step because the tertiary amine group of the polymer could be readily quaternized by the chlorine moiety of the VBC unit. Both the homo- and copolymers exhibited high antibacterial activity on three different substrates, namely, glass, a polyethylene terephthalate sheet, and fabric. The antibacterial activity depended on the intensity of the quaternized nitrogen atoms in the as-deposited polymer. The adhesion and durability of the copolymer films were superior to that of the homopolymer film, verified using an adhesive tape peel-off test. The most durable copolymer film exhibited very high log-reduction values (>3) against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Based on e cell viability analysis, the antibacterial films deposited by iCVD in this study were found to be nontoxic.
Filovirus Antiviral Activity of Cationic Amphiphilic Drugs Is Associated with Lipophilicity and Ability To Induce Phospholipidosis
Authors: Gunesch Antonia P. , Zapatero-Belinchón Francisco J. , Pinkert Lukas , Steinmann Eike , Manns Michael P. , Schneider Gisbert , Pietschmann Thomas , Brönstrup Mark , von Hahn Thomas
Published: June 2020

Several cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs) have been found to inhibit cell entry of filoviruses and other enveloped viruses. Structurally unrelated CADs may have antiviral activity, yet the underlying common mechanism and structure-activity relationship are incompletely understood. We aimed to understand how widespread antiviral activity is among CADs and which structural and physico-chemical properties are linked to entry inhibition. We measured inhibition of Marburg virus pseudoparticle (MARVpp) cell entry by 45 heterogeneous and mostly FDA-approved CADs and cytotoxicity in EA.
Comparative Target Analysis of Chlorinated Biphenyl Antimicrobials Highlights MenG as a Molecular Target of Triclocarban
Authors: Macsics Robert , Hackl Mathias W. , Fetzer Christian , Mostert Dietrich , Bender Jennifer , Layer Franziska , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: June 2020

TCC’s widespread use as an antimicrobial agent has made it a ubiquitous environmental pollutant despite its withdrawal due to ecological and toxicological concerns. With its antibacterial mechanism of action still being unknown, we undertook a comparative target analysis between TCC, PK150 (a recently discovered antibacterial compound with structural resemblance to TCC), and TCS (another widely employed chlorinated biphenyl antimicrobial) in the bacterium
Staphylococcus aureus
. We show that there are distinct differences in each compound’s mode of action, but also identify a shared target between TCC and PK150, the interference with menaquinone metabolism by inhibition of MenG. The prevailing differences, however, which also manifest in a remarkably better broad-spectrum activity of PK150, suggest that even high levels of TCC or TCS resistance observed by continuous environmental exposure may not affect the potential of PK150 or related
N
,
N′
-diaryl urea compounds as new antibiotic drug candidates against multidrug-resistant infections.
Innate Effector Systems in Primary Human Macrophages Sensitize Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae to Antibiotics
Authors: Rekha Rokeya Sultana , Karadottir Harpa , Ahmed Sultan , Gudmundsson Gudmundur H. , Agerberth Birgitta , Bergman Peter
Published: June 2020

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. Thus, alternative strategies to control the growth of MDR
Klebsiella
are warranted. We hypothesized that activation of innate effector systems could sensitize MDR
K. pneumoniae
to conventional antibiotics. Thus, human primary macrophages were stimulated with compounds known to activate innate immunity (vitamin D
3
, phenylbutyrate [PBA], and the aroylated phenylenediamine HO53) and then infected with MDR
Klebsiella
in the presence or absence of antibiotics.
A Framework for Effective Application of Machine Learning to Microbiome-Based Classification Problems
Authors: Topçuoğlu Begüm D. , Lesniak Nicholas A. , Ruffin Mack T. , Wiens Jenna , Schloss Patrick D.
Published: June 2020

Diagnosing diseases using machine learning (ML) is rapidly being adopted in microbiome studies. However, the estimated performance associated with these models is likely overoptimistic. Moreover, there is a trend toward using black box models without a discussion of the difficulty of interpreting such models when trying to identify microbial biomarkers of disease. This work represents a step toward developing more-reproducible ML practices in applying ML to microbiome research. We implement a rigorous pipeline and emphasize the importance of selecting ML models that reflect the goal of the study. These concepts are not particular to the study of human health but can also be applied to environmental microbiology studies.
Tombusvirusp19 Captures RNase III-Cleaved Double-Stranded RNAs Formed by Overlapping Sense and Antisense Transcripts in Escherichia coli
Authors: Huang Linfeng , Deighan Padraig , Jin Jingmin , Li Yingxue , Cheung Hung-Chi , Lee Elaine , Mo Shirley S. , Hoover Heather , Abubucker Sahar , Finkel Nancy , McReynolds Larry , Hochschild Ann , Lieberman Judy
Published: June 2020

Antisense transcription is widespread in bacteria. By base pairing with overlapping sense RNAs, antisense RNAs (asRNA) can form double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA), which are cleaved by RNase III, a dsRNA endoribonuclease. The ectopic expression of plantTombusvirusp19 inEscherichia colistabilizes ∼21-nucleotide (nt) dsRNA RNase III decay intermediates, which enabled us to characterize otherwise highly unstable asRNA by deep sequencing of p19-captured dsRNA. RNase III-produced small dsRNA were formed at most bacterial genes in the bacterial genome and in a plasmid.
Emergence of Metabolite Provisioning as a By-Product of Evolved Biological Functions
Authors: Gude Sebastian , Pherribo Gordon J. , Taga Michiko E.
Published: June 2020

Microbes commonly use metabolites produced by other organisms to compete effectively with others in their environment. As a result, microbial communities are composed of networks of metabolically interdependent organisms. How these networks evolve and shape population diversity, stability, and community function is a subject of active research. But how did these metabolic interactions develop initially? In particular, how and why are metabolites such as amino acids, cofactors, and nucleobases released for the benefit of others when there apparently is no incentive to do so? Here, we discuss the hypothesis that metabolite provisioning is not itself adaptive but rather can be a natural consequence of other evolved biological functions.
Spatial Compartmentalization of the Microbiome between the Lumen and Crypts Is Lost in the Murine Cecum following the Process of Surgery, Including Overnight Fasting and Exposure to Antibiotics
Authors: Zaborin Alexander , Penalver Bernabe Beatriz , Keskey Robert , Sangwan Naseer , Hyoju Sanjiv , Gottel Neil , Gilbert Jack A. , Zaborina Olga , Alverdy John C.
Published: June 2020

The proximal colon and cecum are two intestinal regions in which the microbiome localizes to two spatially distinct compartments, the lumen and crypts. The differences in composition and function of luminal and crypt microbiome in the cecum and the effect of physiological stress on their compartmentalization remain poorly characterized. Here, we characterized the composition and function of the lumen-, mucus-, and crypt-associated microbiome in the cecum of mice. We observed a highly ordered microbial architecture within the cecum whose assembly and function become markedly disrupted when provoked by physiological stress such as surgery and its attendant preoperative treatments (i.e., overnight fasting and antibiotics). Major shifts in local physicochemical cues including a decrease in hypoxia levels, an increase in pH, and a loss of butyrate production were associated with the loss of compositional and functional compartmentalization of the cecal microbiome.
Shifts in the Bacterial Population and Ecosystem Functions in Response to Vegetation in the Yellow River Delta Wetlands
Authors: Wang Jianing , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Zheng , Li Zhifeng , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhao Decun , Wang Lidong , Lu Feng , Li Yue-zhong
Published: June 2020

Vegetation probably represents the most crucial step for the ecosystem functions of wetlands, but it is unclear how microbial populations and functions shift in pace with the colonization and succession of vegetation. In this study, we found that a
Cyanobacteria
monospecies genus and a
Gemmatimonadetes
multispecies genus are fastidiously predominant in the bare and vegetative wetlands of the Yellow River Delta, respectively. Consistently, photosynthesis genes were enriched exclusively in bare land, while genes involved in biological organic carbon metabolism and the cycling of main elements were highly expressed in vegetative wetlands, were mostly included in the MAG of
Gemmatimonadetes
, and were consistent with soil metabolomic results. Our results provide insight into the adaptive succession of predominant bacterial species and their ecosystem functions in response to the presence of vegetation.
Spastic paraparesis associated with advanced liver cirrhosis: a condition obscure in terms of treatment and prognosis
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Jesrani Gautam , Gupta Monica , Lehl Sarabmeet Singh
Published: June 2020

Hepatic myelopathy or spastic paraparesis of liver disease is an insidious onset condition with pure motor spastic paraparesis without sensory, bladder or bowel involvement in patients with chronic liver disease, in which the neurological dysfunction cannot be explained by other causes. It is a rare, relentlessly progressive and mostly irreversible neurological complication resulting from portosystemic shunts occurring spontaneously, created surgically or due to ‘functional shunting’. In some cases, no evidence of shunting is elicitable due to difficulty in locating the hidden collaterals. We report this rare case of a 33-year-old man with chronic liver disease presenting with spastic paraparesis after 11 months of resolution of an episode of hepatic encephalopathy.
Extensive maxillary osteomyelitis following tooth extraction in a patient with osteopetrosis
Authors: Nilesh Kumar
Published: June 2020

Osteopetrosis (OP), also known as marble bone disease is an extremely rare inherited skeletal disorder, characterised by abnormal functioning of the osteoclasts that results in incremental bone deposition with lack of normal bone remodelling. This leads to the formation of hard and brittle bone can readily fracture. The compromised quality of marrow tissue with poor vascularity reduces bone healing and increases the risk of infections. The risk of jawbone osteomyelitis in patients with OP is high and invariably involves mandible. Involvement of maxilla is rare and has been sparingly reported in the literature. This paper highlights a case of extensive necrosis of maxilla and mid-face skeleton following tooth extraction in a patient with OP. Review of the English literature identifying 23 previously published reports of maxillary osteomyelitis in patients with OP is also presented. Demographic details, history of tooth extraction, extent of involvement, clinical presentation, imaging finding, treatment provided and the outcome have been discussed.
Quantifying the cost of in-kind contributions to a multidonor-funded health research capacity-building programme: the case of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa
Authors: Fonn Sharon , Hu Jia , Igumbor Jude Ofuzinim , Gatoto Duncan , Muula Adamson , Ezeh Alex
Published: June 2020

Introduction

There are significant investments in health research capacity development in the ‘global-south’. The monetary value of contributions from institutions running these programmes is not known.

Methods

Using the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) as a case study we estimate in-kind contributions made by consortium members. We measured unpaid hours of labour contributed by consortium members and converted this to full-time equivalents. We assigned a monetary value to the time contributed by staff based on salaries by seniority and region. We estimated the monetary value of the contribution made by the African institutions that hosted CARTA events by comparing the difference in cost between university-hosted events with those held in commercial venues. We calculated the foregone overhead costs associated with hosting the CARTA secretariat. We excluded many costs where data were difficult to verify.

Results

Annually, CARTA member institutions committed a minimum of 4.3 full-time staff equivalents that are not funded by the grants. CARTA’s annual in-kind contribution represents at least 20% of total annual donor expenditure. African institutions accounted for 82.9% of the in-kind labour contribution and 91.6% of total in-kind contribution.

Conclusion

The consortium’s institutions and academic and non-academic staff make significant contributions to ensure the effective implementation of donor-funded programmes. This is not unique to CARTA. These contributions are usually not counted, often not recognised at institutional level nor remunerated through grants. Knowing these costs would allow for sustainability appraisals and cost-benefit assessments. This paper offers a method of how to measure these contributions and begins a discussion around this.
A rapid risk analysis tool to prioritise response to infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Lesmanawati Dyah A S , Veenstra Patrick , Moa Aye , Adam Dillon C , MacIntyre Chandini Raina
Published: June 2020

Epidemics are influenced by both disease and societal factors and can grow exponentially over short time periods. Epidemic risk analysis can help in rapidly predicting potentially serious outcomes and flagging the need for rapid response. We developed a multifactorial risk analysis tool ‘EpiRisk’ to provide rapid insight into the potential severity of emerging epidemics by combining disease-related parameters and country-related risk parameters. An initial set of 18 disease and country-related risk parameters was reduced to 14 following qualitative discussions and the removal of highly correlated parameters by a correlation and clustering analysis. Of the remaining parameters, three risk levels were assigned ranging from low (1) moderate (2) and high (3). The total risk score for an outbreak of a given disease in a particular country is calculated by summing these 14 risk scores, and this sum is subsequently classified into one of four risk categories: low risk (<21), moderate risk (21–29), high risk (30–37) and extreme risk (>37). Total risk scores were calculated for nine retrospective outbreaks demonstrating an association with the actual impact of those outbreaks. We also evaluated to what extent the risk scores correlate with the number of cases and deaths in 61 additional outbreaks between 2002 and 2018, demonstrating positive associations with outbreak severity as measured by the number of deaths. Using EpiRisk, timely intervention can be implemented by predicting the risk of emerging outbreaks in real time, which may help government and public health professionals prevent catastrophic epidemic outcomes.
Clinical outcomes among individuals with a first episode psychosis attending Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital in Uganda: a longitudinal cohort study. A study protocol for a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Akena Dickens , Semeere Aggrey , Kadama Philippa , Mwesiga Emanuel , Basangwa David , Nakku Juliet , Nakasujja Noeline
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Psychotic disorders significantly contribute to high morbidity and mortality. In high-income countries, the predictors of mortality, relapse and barriers to care among patients with first episode psychoses (FEP) have been studied as a means of tailoring interventions to improve patient outcomes. However, little has been done to document relapse rates and their predictors in patients with FEP in low resourced, high disease burdened sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective

We shall estimate the rates of relapse of psychotic symptoms and the factors that predict them in patients with FEP over 4 years.

Methods and analysis

We will assemble a cohort of patients with an FEP seen at the Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital in Kampala over a 4-year period. Participants will be adults (≥18 years old), who have received a diagnosis of a psychosis according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Instrument (M.I.N.I.), with a demonstrable resolution of active symptoms following the use of antipsychotic medications, and deemed clinically stable for a discharge by the healthcare practitioner. All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. Trained research assistants will collect Demographic and clinical parameters, age of onset of symptoms, diagnostic data using the M.I.N.I., physical examination data, symptom severity, level of social and occupational functioning and household income, during the 4-year study period. We will conduct a verbal audit in the event of loss of life. We shall perform survival analysis using the Aalen-Johansen estimator, and describe the population characteristics by demographics, social and economic strata using simple proportions.

Ethics and dissemination

All participants will provide written informed consent. Ethical approvals for the study have been obtained from the Makerere University School of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology. Findings will be published in peer reviewed journals
Translation and psychometric evaluation of the German version of the Organisational Readiness for Implementing Change measure (ORIC): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lindig Anja , Hahlweg Pola , Christalle Eva , Scholl Isabelle
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To translate the Organisational Readiness for Implementing Change measure into German and assess its psychometric properties.

Design

Cross-sectional psychometric study based on secondary analysis of baseline data from a shared decision-making implementation study.

Setting

Three departments within one academic cancer centre in Hamburg, Germany.

Participants

For comprehensibility assessment of the translated ORIC version, we conducted cognitive interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs, n=11). Afterwards, HCPs (n=230) filled out the measure.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The original English version of the ORIC was translated into German using a team translation protocol. Based on comprehensibility assessment via cognitive interviews with HCPs, the translated version was revised. We analysed acceptance (completion rate), factorial structure (exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), model fit), item characteristics (item difficulties, corrected item-total correlations, inter-item correlations) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α).

Results

Translation and cognitive testing of the German ORIC was successful except for item 10, which showed low comprehensibility as part of content validity in cognitive interviews. Completion rate was >97%. EFA and CFA provided a one-factorial structure. Item difficulties ranged between 55.98 and 65.32, corrected item-total-correlation ranged between 0.665 and 0.774, inter-item correlations ranged between 0.434 and 0.723 and Cronbach’s α was 0.93.

Conclusions

The German ORIC is a reliable measure with high completion rates and satisfying psychometric properties. A one-factorial structure of the German ORIC was confirmed. Item 10 showed limited comprehensibility and therefore reduces content validity of the measure. The German ORIC can be used to analyse organisational readiness for change as a precursor for implementation success of various interventions.
Study protocol of OncoTolk: an observational study on communication problems in language-mediated consultations with migrant oncology patients in Flanders (Belgium)
Authors: Krystallidou Demi , Vaes Lena , Devisch Ignaas , Wens Johan , Pype Peter
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Effective doctor–patient communication in oncology settings can be challenging due to the complexity of the cancer disease trajectory. The challenges can become greater when doctors and patients do not share a common language and need to rely on language mediators. The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals, patients and language mediators on how to interact with each other during language-mediated consultations in oncology settings.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of the literature on communication problems in monolingual and multilingual oncology settings will be conducted. Thirty language-mediated consultations with Turkish-speaking or Arabic-speaking cancer patients, language mediators and Dutch-speaking oncologists/haematologists will be video-recorded in three urban hospitals in Flanders, Belgium. All participants will be interviewed immediately after the consultation and 2 weeks after it by means of video-stimulated recall. Multimodal interaction analysis will be combined with qualitative content analysis to allow for the identification of communication practices when communication problems occur.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the following ethics committees: Ghent University Hospital, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp Hospitals Network (ZNA). Results will be published via (inter)national peer-reviewed journals and the findings of the study will be communicated using a comprehensive dissemination strategy aimed at healthcare professionals, patients and language mediators.