bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*33:170 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: February 2019

HLA‐A*33:170 differs from HLA‐A*33:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at codon 222 in exon 4.
Risk of HPA‐1a–immunization in HPA‐1a–negative women after giving birth to an HPA‐1a–positive child
Authors: Kjeldsen‐Kragh Jens , Olsen Klaus Juel
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is the platelet counterpart of hemolytic disease of the newborn. Most severe cases of FNAIT are caused by antibodies against human platelet antigen‐1a (HPA‐1a). HPA‐1a–negative women giving birth to an HPA‐1a–positive child are at risk of becoming HPA‐1a–immunized, particularly women who are HLA‐DRB3*01:01–positive. The aim of the study was to estimate the risk of HPA‐1a–immunization in both HPA‐1a–negative/HLA‐DRB3*01:01–positive and HPA‐1a–negative/HLA‐DRB3*01:01–negative women after delivery of an HPA‐1a–positive child.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted, which identified 10 prospective FNAIT studies. The risk of becoming HPA‐1a–immunized postpartum was calculated by Bayes' theorem. The results of HLA‐DRB3/4/5 typing of 212,472 European Caucasians from the National Marrow Donor Program were used as estimate of the frequency of the HLA‐DRB3*01:01 allele.

RESULTS

In HPA‐1a–negative/HLA‐DRB3*01:01–positive women, the risk of HPA‐1a–immunization after delivery of an HPA‐1a–positive child was estimated to 12.7% (95% confidence interval, 8.6%–16.8%) as compared to 0.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.1%–0.9%) in women who were HPA‐1a–negative/HLA‐DRB3*01:01–negative. Potential differences between nulliparous and multiparous and the role of one versus two doses of HLA‐DRB3*01:01 could not be determined.

CONCLUSION

In HPA‐1a–negative/HLA‐DRB3*01:01–positive women, the risk of HPA‐1a–immunization is 12.7% after delivery of an HPA‐1a–positive child, which is 25 times higher than in HPA‐1a–negative/HLA‐DRB3*01:01–negative women. Thus, the risk of HPA‐1a–immunization in high‐risk pregnancies is in the same range as the risk of RhD immunization in RhD‐negative women after delivery of a RhD‐positive child without RhD prophylaxis.
Agglutination testing for human erythrocyte product in the rhesus macaque
Authors: Jackson Isabel L. , Vicente Elisabeth , Yazer Mark H. , Spinella Philip C.
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

There has been interest in using human blood products in nonhuman primate models of trauma to supplement human studies and to provide evidence to guide novel trauma resuscitation strategies. The compatibility of human RBCs has not been extensively studied in nonhuman primate species.

METHODS

Whole blood samples were collected from five healthy, nontransfused, not previously pregnant Chinese‐bred rhesus macaques. The whole blood was centrifuged, and the plasma was decanted from each sample. Group O‐negative human RBCs were mixed with the plasma from the rhesus macaque monkeys. Compatibility testing was performed by an immediate spin test and polyspecific and monospecific anti‐human globulin (AHG) tests in glass tubes.

RESULTS

Immediate spin testing revealed three out of five plasma samples (60%) from rhesus macaques caused at least 1+ agglutination with the human RBCs. Polyspecific anti‐human globulin (AHG) tests demonstrated that two of five plasma samples (40%) from rhesus macaques caused at least 1+ agglutination with the human RBC, while the monospecific AHG testing revealed that the incompatibility was caused by C3d, not IgG.

CONCLUSION

Human RBCs are not compatible with the plasma of some, but not all, Chinese‐bred rhesus macaques.
Distinct dampening effects of progesterone on the activity of nucleus tractus solitarii neurons in rat pups
Authors: Fournier Stéphanie , Boukari Ryma , Chamberland Simon , Bretzner Frédéric , Joseph Vincent , Kinkead Richard
Published: February 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of the study?

Progesterone is considered a respiratory stimulant drug, but its effect on medullary respiratory neurons are poorly documented. We investigated whether progesterone alters spontaneous activity of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS).

What is the main finding and its importance?

In NTS neurons, progesterone decreases the action potential firing frequency in response to current injections and the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents. Based on the established neuroprotective effect of progesterone against excitotoxicity resulting from insults, this inhibitory effect is likely to reflect inhibition of ion fluxes. These results are important because they further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the diversity of respiratory effects of progesterone.

Progesterone is known to stimulate breathing, but its actions on the respiratory control system have received limited attention. We addressed this issue at the cellular level by testing the hypothesis that progesterone augments excitatory currents at the level of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Medullary slices from juvenile male rats (14–17 days of age) containing the commissural region of the NTS (NTScom) were incubated with progesterone (1 μm) or vehicle (0.004% DMSO) for 60 min. We performed whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the NTScom and determined membrane properties by applying depolarizing current steps. In comparison to vehicle‐treated cells, progesterone exposure attenuates the firing frequency response to current injection and reduces the EPSC amplitude without modifying the EPSC frequency or the basal membrane properties. These data do not support our hypothesis, because they indicate that incubation with progesterone attenuates intrinsic action potential generation and inhibits excitatory synaptic inputs in the NTS. Given that these results are more in line with the protective effect of progesterone against excitotoxicity resulting from various insults, we propose that progesterone acts via inhibition of ionic flux.
Postnatal undernutrition alters adult female mouse cardiac structure and function leading to limited exercise capacity
Authors: Ferguson David P. , Monroe Tanner O. , Heredia Celia Pena , Fleischmann Ryan , Rodney George G. , Taffet George E. , Fiorotto Marta L.
Published: February 2019

Key points

Impaired growth during fetal life can reprogramme heart development and increase the risk for long‐term cardiovascular dysfunction.

It is uncertain if the developmental window during which the heart is vulnerable to reprogramming as a result of inadequate nutrition extends into the postnatal period.

We found that adult female mice that had been undernourished only from birth to 3 weeks of age had disproportionately smaller hearts compared to males, with thinner ventricle walls and more mononucleated cardiomyocytes.

In females, but not males, cardiac diastolic function, and heart rate responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation were limited and maximal exercise capacity was compromised.

These data suggest that the developmental window during which the heart is vulnerable to reprogramming by inadequacies in nutrient intake may extend into postnatal life and such individuals could be at increased risk for a cardiac event as a result of strenuous exercise.

Adults who experienced undernutrition during critical windows of development are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The contribution of cardiac function to this increased disease risk is uncertain. We evaluated the effect of a short episode of postnatal undernutrition on cardiovascular function in mice at the whole animal, organ, and cellular levels. Pups born to control mouse dams were suckled from birth to postnatal day (PN) 21 on dams fed either a control (20% protein) or a low protein (8% protein) isocaloric diet. After PN21 offspring were fed the same control diet until adulthood. At PN70 was measured by treadmill test. At PN80 cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and Doppler analysis at rest and following β‐adrenergic stimulation. Isolated cardiomyocyte nucleation and Ca2+ transients (with and without β‐adrenergic stimulation) were measured at PN90. Female mice that were undernourished and then refed (PUN), unlike male mice, had disproportionately smaller hearts and their exercise capacity, cardiac diastolic function, and heart rate responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation were limited. A reduced left ventricular end diastolic volume, impaired early filling, and decreased stored energy at the beginning of diastole contributed to these impairments. Female PUN mice had more mononucleated cardiomyocytes; under resting conditions binucleated cells had a functional profile suggestive of increased basal adrenergic activation. Thus, a brief episode of early postnatal undernutrition in the mouse can produce persistent changes to cardiac structure and function that limit exercise/functional capacity and thereby increase the risk for the development of a wide variety of cardiovascular morbidities.
5G Unleashes the Future
Authors: Shah Agam
Published: February 2019

The new data sharing network that defines so many technical applications would be almost impossible without 5G. Because it transmits data more efficiently, 5G has the potential to be 40 times faster and suffer shorter lag times than the current 4G standard. That speed is critical for autonomous cars, where timely decisions need to be made to avoid crashes. In this article, learn how 5G will impact automotive and a host of new technical applications.
Experimentally and Numerically Validated Analytical Solutions to Nonbuckling Piezoelectric Serpentine Ribbons
Authors: Liu Siyi , Ha Taewoo , Lu Nanshu
Published: February 2019

Emerging stretchable piezoelectric devices have added exciting sensing and energy harvesting capabilities to wearable and implantable soft electronics. As conventional piezoelectric materials are intrinsically stiff and some are even brittle, out-of-plane wrinkled or buckled structures and in-plane serpentine ribbons have been introduced to enhance their compliance and stretchability. Among those stretchable structures, in-plane piezoelectric serpentine ribbons (PSRs) are preferred on account of their manufacturability and low profiles. To elucidate the trade-off between compliance and sensitivity of PSRs of various shapes, we herein report a theoretical framework by combining the piezoelectric plate theory with our previously developed elasticity solutions for passive serpentine ribbons without piezoelectric property. The electric displacement field and the output voltage of a freestanding but nonbuckling PSR under uniaxial stretch can be analytically solved under linear assumptions. Our analytical solutions were validated by finite element modeling (FEM) and experiments using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based PSR. In addition to freestanding PSRs, PSRs sandwiched by polymer layers were also investigated by FEM and experiments. We found that thicker and stiffer polymers reduce the stretchability but enhance the voltage output of PSRs. When the matrix is much softer than the piezoelectric material, our analytical solutions to a freestanding PSR are also applicable to the sandwiched ones.
Experimental Investigation of the Implications of Model Granularity for Design Process Simulation
Authors: Maier Jakob F. , Eckert Claudia , Clarkson P. John
Published: February 2019

Determining a suitable level of description, or granularity, for a product or process model is not straightforward, especially since granularity can manifest in multiple ways, but it is important to capture important elements in the model without building models that are too large to understand. This article investigates the implications of model granularity choices by simulating the design process of a diesel engine on different levels of detail, comparing the results and exploring ways to account for the differences. It uses two Design Structure Matrix (DSM) models for change prediction in a diesel engine at different levels of granularity to run simulations of the design process. Changes are a major source of rework and lead to frequent rescheduling of design tasks. The incremental nature of product development as well as design changes and their propagation complicate design process planning further. Process simulation may provide support in such contexts when it is based on an appropriate description of the product. The article shows that while coarse models can give an indication of likely process behavior, they miss potentially significant iteration loops.
Effects of Pretreatment Outside of Torrefaction Range on Combustion Characteristics of Chars From Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Caliskan Sarikaya A. , Haykiri-Acma H. , Yaman S.
Published: February 2019

Lignocellulosic woody biomasses such as rhododendron (RD), ash tree (AT), and hybrid poplar (HP) were heated under N2 at 200 °C and 400 °C, which are regarded as outside the range of efficient torrefaction temperatures. Also, several Turkish brown coals were carbonized at 750 °C for comparison. The obtained biochars/chars were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal analysis. Combustion reactivity of the raw samples and the chars was estimated using the burning profiles. Burning kinetics was established by the Borchardt and Daniels (B&D) kinetic analysis method that was based on the evaluation of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data. Ignition index (Ci), burnout index (Cb), comprehensive combustibility index (S), and burning stability index (DW) were considered to evaluate the combustion performance. It was concluded that although treatment at 200 °C did not lead to considerable changes on the biomass structure, the combustion performance of the treated biomass became highly improved in comparison with the raw biomass. However, treatment at 400 °C led to serious variations in the biomass structure mainly due to reduction in O content and volatiles so that the fuel properties and the burning characteristics were affected, and the combustion performance was negatively influenced.
On Improving Full-Coverage Effusion Cooling Efficiency by Varying Cooling Arrangements and Wall Thickness in Double Wall Cooling Application
Authors: Li Weihong , Lu Xunfeng , Li Xueying , Ren Jing , Jiang Hongde
Published: February 2019

Overall cooling effectiveness was determined for a full-coverage effusion cooled surface which simulated a portion of a double wall cooling gas turbine blade. The overall cooling effectiveness was measured with high thermal-conductivity artificial marble using infrared thermography. The Biot number of artificial marble was matched to real gas turbine blade conditions. Blowing ratio ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 with the density ratio of DR = 1.5. A variation of cooling arrangements, including impingement-only, film cooling-only, film cooling with impingement, and film cooling with impingement and pins, as well as forward/backward film injection, was employed to provide a systematic understanding on their contribution to improve cooling efficiency. Also investigated was the effect of reducing wall thickness. Local, laterally averaged, and area-averaged overall cooling effectiveness were shown to illustrate the effects of cooling arrangements and wall thickness. Results showed that adding impingement and pins to film cooling, and decreasing wall thickness increase the cooling efficiency significantly. Also observed was that adopting backward injection for thin full-coverage effusion plate improves the cooling efficiency.
Mining Changes in User Expectation Over Time From Online Reviews
Authors: Hou Tianjun , Yannou Bernard , Leroy Yann , Poirson Emilie
Published: February 2019

Customers post online reviews at any time. With the timestamp of online reviews, they can be regarded as a flow of information. With this characteristic, designers can capture the changes in customer feedback to help set up product improvement strategies. Here, we propose an approach for capturing changes in user expectation on product affordances based on the online reviews for two generations of products. First, the approach uses a rule-based natural language processing method to automatically identify and structure product affordances from review text. Then, inspired by the Kano model which classifies preferences of product attributes in five categories, conjoint analysis is used to quantitatively categorize the structured affordances. Finally, changes in user expectation can be found by applying the conjoint analysis on the online reviews posted for two successive generations of products. A case study based on the online reviews of Kindle e-readers downloaded from amazon.com shows that designers can use our proposed approach to evaluate their product improvement strategies for previous products and develop new product improvement strategies for future products.
Minimal domain size necessary to simulate the field enhancement factor numerically with specified precision
Authors: de Assis Thiago A. , Dall’Agnol Fernando F.
Published: February 2019

In the literature about field emission, finite elements and finite differences techniques are being increasingly employed to understand the local field enhancement factor (FEF) via numerical simulations. In theoretical analyses, it is usual to consider the emitter as isolated, i.e., a single tip field emitter infinitely far from any physical boundary, except the substrate. However, simulation domains must be finite and the simulation boundaries influence the electrostatic potential distribution. In either finite elements or finite differences techniques, there is a systematic error (ϵ) in the FEF caused by the finite size of the simulation domain. It is attempting to oversize the domain to avoid any influence from the boundaries; however, the computation might become memory and time consuming, especially in full three dimensional analyses. In this work, we provide the minimum width and height of the simulation domain necessary to evaluate the FEF with ϵ being the desired tolerance. The minimum width (A) and the height (B) are given relative to the height of the emitter (h), that is, (A/h)min×(B/h)min necessary to simulate isolated emitters on a substrate. The authors also provide the (B/h)min to simulate arrays and the (A/h)min to simulate an emitter between an anode–cathode planar capacitor. At last, they present the formulae to obtain the minimal domain size to simulate clusters of emitters with precision ϵtol. The formulae account for ellipsoidal emitters and hemisphere on cylindrical posts. In the latter case, where an analytical solution is not known at present, the results are expected to produce an unprecedented numerical accuracy in the corresponding local FEF.
Experiment and estimation of the sound absorption coefficient for clearance of corrugated honeycomb
Authors: Sakamoto Shuichi , Maruyama Yuki , Yamaguchi Kohei , Ii Kohei
Published: February 2019

The sound absorption coefficient of thin tubes with a honeycomb-corrugated structure was estimated via theoretical analysis assuming the dimensions of the tube and the known physical properties of air. This analysis yields a propagation constant and characteristic impedance, which can be modeled as a one-dimensional transfer matrix. The sound absorption coefficient is then calculated by the transfer-matrix method and the results of comparison with the experiments are reported. The corrugated clearance was divided into elements for which approximations that assumed the clearance between two planes and took into account the perimeter and cross-sectional area of each element were considered. The theoretical value of the sound absorption coefficient obtained using this method was shown to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The experimental value of the sound absorption coefficient was larger than the theoretical value in the previous method in the analysis wherein each divided element was approximated by the distance between two planes taking into account the thickness and cross-sectional area of the clearance.
Cold acclimation via the KQT-2 potassium channel is modulated by oxygen in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Okahata Misaki , Wei Aguan D. , Ohta Akane , Kuhara Atsushi
Published: February 2019

Environmental oxygen concentration affects cold acclimation via KQT potassium channel in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
.
Optimization of Methionyl tRNA-Synthetase Inhibitors for Treatment of
Cryptosporidium
Infection
Authors: Buckner Frederick S. , Ranade Ranae M. , Gillespie J. Robert , Shibata Sayaka , Hulverson Matthew A. , Zhang Zhongsheng , Huang Wenlin , Choi Ryan , Verlinde Christophe L. M. J. , Hol Wim G. J. , Ochida Atsuko , Akao Yuichiro , Choy Robert K. M. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Arnold Sam L. M. , Jumani Rajiv S. , Huston Christopher D. , Fan Erkang
Published: February 2019

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the leading causes of moderate to severe diarrhea in children in low-resource settings. The therapeutic options for cryptosporidiosis are limited to one drug, nitazoxanide, which unfortunately has poor activity in the most needy populations of malnourished children and HIV-infected persons.
Bacterial Cytological Profiling as a Tool To Study Mechanisms of Action of Antibiotics That Are Active against Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Htoo Htut Htut , Brumage Lauren , Chaikeeratisak Vorrapon , Tsunemoto Hannah , Sugie Joseph , Tribuddharat Chanwit , Pogliano Joe , Nonejuie Poochit
Published: February 2019

An increasing number of multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
(MDR-
AB
) infections have been reported worldwide, posing a threat to public health. The establishment of methods to elucidate the mechanism of action (MOA) of
A. baumannii
-specific antibiotics is needed to develop novel antimicrobial therapeutics with activity against MDR-
AB
.
Population Pharmacokinetic Assessment of Vancomycin Dosing in the Large Pediatric Patient
Authors: Moffett Brady S. , Ivaturi Vijay , Morris Jennifer , Akcan Arikan Ayse , Dutta Ankhi
Published: February 2019

The most appropriate vancomycin dosing strategy in pediatric patients weighing ≥70 kg (weight based versus non-weight based) to achieve an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of ≥400 mg·liter/h and a trough concentration of <20 mg/liter is not known. Population pharmacokinetic analysis determined that dosing of vancomycin should be weight based using fat-free mass, with appropriate adjustment for kidney dysfunction.
Clostridium scindens ATCC 35704: Integration of Nutritional Requirements, the Complete Genome Sequence, and Global Transcriptional Responses to Bile Acids
Authors: Devendran Saravanan , Shrestha Rachana , Alves João M. P. , Wolf Patricia G. , Ly Lindsey , Hernandez Alvaro G. , Méndez-García Celia , Inboden Ashley , Wiley J'nai , Paul Oindrila , Allen Avery , Springer Emily , Wright Chris L. , Fields Christopher J. , Daniel Steven L. , Ridlon Jason M.
Published: February 2019

C. scindens
is one of a few identified gut bacterial species capable of converting host cholic acid into disease-associated secondary bile acids such as deoxycholic acid. The current work represents an important advance in understanding the nutritional requirements and response to bile acids of the medically important human gut bacterium,
C. scindens
ATCC 35704. A defined medium has been developed which will further the understanding of bile acid metabolism in the context of growth substrates, cofactors, and other metabolites in the vertebrate gut. Analysis of the complete genome supports the nutritional requirements reported here. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of gene expression in the presence of cholic acid and deoxycholic acid provides a unique insight into the complex response of
C. scindens
ATCC 35704 to primary and secondary bile acids. Also revealed are genes with the potential to function in bile acid transport and metabolism.
Environmental Sources of Bacteria and Genetic Variation in Behavior Influence Host-Associated Microbiota
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A. , Arbore Roberto , Walser Jean-Claude , Ebert Dieter
Published: February 2019

An animal’s behavior can affect its risk of infection, but it is not well understood how behavior affects microbiome composition. The aquatic crustacean
Daphnia
exhibits genetic variation in the extent to which it browses in the sediment at the bottoms of ponds. We show that this behavior affects the
Daphnia
microbiome, indicating that genetic variation among individuals may affect microbiome composition and the movement of bacteria in different environments.
Unveiling Genomic Diversity among Members of the Species
Bifidobacterium pseudolongum
, a Widely Distributed Gut Commensal of the Animal Kingdom
Authors: Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Duranti Sabrina , Albert Korin , Mancabelli Leonardo , Napoli Stefania , Viappiani Alice , Anzalone Rosaria , Longhi Giulia , Milani Christian , Turroni Francesca , Alessandri Giulia , Sela David A. , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: February 2019

Currently, little information exists on the genetics of the
B. pseudolongum
taxon due to the limited number of sequenced genomes belonging to this species. In order to survey genome variability within this species and explore how members of this taxon evolved as commensals of the animal gut, we isolated and decoded the genomes of 51 newly isolated strains. Comparative genomics coupled with growth profiles on different carbohydrates has further provided insights concerning the genotype and phenotype of members of the
B. pseudolongum
taxon.
Blocking HIV-1 Infection by Chromosomal Integrative Expression of Human CD4 on the Surface of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356
Authors: Wei Wenzhong , Wiggins Joshua , Hu Duoyi , Vrbanac Vladimir , Bowder Dane , Mellon Michael , Tager Andrew , Sodroski Joseph , Xiang Shi-Hua
Published: February 2019

In the absence of an effective vaccine, alternative approaches to block HIV-1 infection and transmission with commensal bacteria expressing antiviral proteins are being considered. This report provides a proof-of-concept by using
Lactobacillus
bacteria stably expressing the HIV-1 receptor CD4 to capture and neutralize HIV-1
in vitro
and in a humanized mouse model. The stable expression of antiviral proteins, such as CD4, following genomic integration of the corresponding genes into this
Lactobacillus
strain may contribute to the prevention of HIV-1 sexual transmission.
Infectious Herpes Simplex Virus in the Brain Stem Is Correlated with Reactivation in the Trigeminal Ganglia
Authors: Doll Jessica R. , Thompson Richard L. , Sawtell Nancy M.
Published: February 2019

Latent herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA has been detected in the central nervous systems (CNS) of humans postmortem, and infection with HSV has been correlated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether HSV can directly reactivate in the CNS and/or infectious virus can be transported to the CNS following reactivation in peripheral ganglia has been unclear. In this study, infectious virus was recovered from both the trigeminal ganglia and the brain stem of latently infected mice following a reactivation stimulus, but a higher frequency of reactivation and increased titers of infectious virus were recovered from the trigeminal ganglia. Viral proteins were detected in neurons of the trigeminal ganglia, but a cellular source of infectious virus could not be identified in the brain stem. These results suggest that infectious virus is transported from the ganglia to the CNS following reactivation but do not exclude the potential for direct reactivation in the CNS.
Comparison of the Whole-Genome Sequence of an Oka Varicella Vaccine from China with Other Oka Vaccine Strains Reveals Sites Putatively Critical for Vaccine Efficacy
Authors: Wu Qiuhua , Rivailler Pierre , Xu Songtao , Xu Wenbo
Published: February 2019

Varicella, also known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease, caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Varicella is a common childhood disease that can be prevented by a live attenuated vaccine. The first available vaccine was derived from the parental Oka strain in Japan in 1974. Several live attenuated vaccines based on the Oka strain are currently available worldwide. Among the four vaccines produced in China, the vaccine manufactured by Changchun BCHT Biotechnology, also known as Baike, has been reported to be very efficacious. Comparative genomic analysis of the Baike vaccine with other Oka vaccine strains identified sites that might be involved in vaccine efficacy, as well as important for the biology of the virus.
Regulation of Hepatitis C Virus Infection by Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Proteins through the Modulation of Lipid Droplet Abundance
Authors: Bang Bo-Ram , Li Meng , Tsai Kuen-Nan , Aoyagi Haruyo , Lee Shin-Ae , Machida Keigo , Aizaki Hideki , Jung Jae U. , Ou Jing-Hsiung James , Saito Takeshi
Published: February 2019

ATRA, a biologically active metabolite of vitamin A, exerts pleiotropic biological effects, including the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity, thereby serving as a potent antimicrobial compound against numerous viral pathogens. Despite the enrichment of hepatocytes with vitamin A, HCV still establishes an efficient viral life cycle. Here, we discovered that the hepatocellular response to ATRA creates either a proviral or an antiviral environment depending on its engagement with CRABP1 or -2, respectively. CRABP1 supports the robust replication of HCV, while CRABP2 potently inhibits the efficiency of viral replication. Our biochemical, genetic, and microscopic analyses reveal that the pro- and antiviral effects of CRABPs are mediated by modulation of LD abundance, where HCV establishes the platform for viral replication and assembly on the LD-associated ER membrane. This study uncovered a cell-intrinsic mechanism by which HCV exploits the proviral function of CRABP1 to establish an efficient viral life cycle.
Mat Pilates and aquatic aerobic exercises for women with fibromyalgia: a protocol for a randomised controlled blind study
Authors: Silva Hugo Jario de Almeida , Lins Caio Alano de Almeida , Nobre Thaiza Teixeira Xavier , de Sousa Vanessa Patrícia Soares , Caldas Renata Trajano Jorge , de Souza Marcelo Cardoso
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Physical exercises have been recommended to improve the overall well-being of patients with fibromyalgia, with the main objective of repairing the effects of lack of physical conditioning and of improving the symptoms, especially pain and fatigue. Although widely recommended and widely known, few studies support the use of Pilates as an effective method in improving the symptoms of the disease, comparing it with other well-founded exercise modalities. This protocol was developed to describe the design of a randomised controlled study with a blind evaluator that evaluates the effectiveness of mat Pilates, comparing it with aquatic aerobic exercises, in improving pain in women with fibromyalgia.

Methods

Sixty women aged 18–60 years with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, with a score of between 3 and 8 points on the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, and who sign the clear and informed consent form will be recruited according to the inclusion criteria. They will be randomised into one of the two intervention groups: (1) Pilates, to perform an exercise programme based on mat Pilates; and (2) aquatic exercise, to participate in a programme of aerobic exercises in the swimming pool. The protocol will correspond to 12 weeks of treatment, with both groups performing the exercises with supervision twice a week. The primary outcome will be pain (Visual Analogue Scale for pain). The secondary outcomes are to include impact related to the disease, functional capacity, sleep quality and overall quality of life. The evaluations will be performed at three points: at baseline and after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of FACISA/UFRN (number: 2.116.314). Data collection will begin after approval by the ethics committee. There will be prior contact with the women, at which time all the information about the study and the objectives will be presented, as well as resolution no 466/2012 of the National Health Council of Brazil for the year 2012, which provides guidelines and regulatory standards for research involving human beings. Participants must sign the informed consent form before the study begins.

Trial registration number

NCT03149198.
Pharmacological interventions for prevention and management of delirium in intensive care patients: a systematic overview of reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Barbateskovic Marija , Krauss Sara Russo , Collet Marie Oxenboell , Larsen Laura Krone , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Perner Anders , Wetterslev Jørn
Published: February 2019

Objectives

We assessed the evidence from reviews and meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials on the effects of pharmacological prevention and management of delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

We searched for reviews in July 2017 in: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index, BIOSIS Previews, CINAHL and LILACS. We assessed whether reviews were systematic according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and assessed the methodological quality using ROBIS.

Outcome measures

Primary outcomes: all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, prevention of delirium and management of delirium. Secondary outcomes: quality of life; non-serious adverse events and cognitive function.

Results

We included 378 reviews: 369 narrative reviews, eight semisystematic reviews which failed on a maximum of two arbitrary PRISMA criteria and one systematic review fulfilling all 27 PRISMA criteria. For the prevention of delirium, we identified the one systematic review and eight semisystematic reviews all assessing the effects of alpha-2-agonists. None found evidence of a reduction of mortality (systematic review RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.24). The systematic review and three semisystematic reviews found no evidence of an effect for the prevention of delirium (systematic review RR 0.85, 0.63 to 1.14). Conversely, four semisystematic reviews found a beneficial effect. Serious adverse events, quality of life, non-serious adverse events and cognitive function were not assessed. We did not identify any systematic or semisystematic reviews addressing other pharmacological interventions for the prevention of delirium. For the management of manifest delirium, we did not identify any systematic or semisystematic review assessing any pharmacological agents.

Conclusion

Based on systematic reviews, the evidence for the use of pharmacological interventions for prevention or management of delirium is poor or sparse. A systematic review with low risk of bias assessing the effects of pharmacological prevention of delirium and management of manifest delirium in ICU patients is urgently needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016046628.
Nicotine arms race: JUUL and the high-nicotine product market
Authors: Jackler Robert K , Ramamurthi Divya
Published: February 2019

Objective

Until recently, purveyors of vaping products marketed e-liquids in the 1%–3% range of nicotine concentration with those at 3% described as ‘super high’ intended for two packs/day smokers. The goal of this study is to evaluate the degree to which JUUL, with its 5% nicotine and 75% US market share, has spurred other e-liquid vendors to raise the nicotine levels of their products.

Methods

Online search to identify brands offering e-liquid in exceptionally high nicotine concentration (≥5%) and to catalogue the appearance of devices which emulate JUUL.

Results

JUUL compatible pods (14) and JUUL knock off devices (39) were identified which offer equal or higher nicotine than JUUL. More than 70 e-liquid brands sell high-nicotine products (≥5%) in bulk (≥30 mL) equivalent to >40 cigarette packs. All of these products come in multiple youth appealing sweet and fruity flavours. It was noted that nicotine percentage is inconsistently reported (eg, JUUL is 5% by weight vs 5.9% by volume).

Conclusions

JUUL has triggered a widespread rush among aerosol purveyors to market e-liquid in unprecedentedly high nicotine concentrations. The rapidly rising popularity of high-nicotine e-liquids threatens to addict a generation of youth. When sold in large quantity bottles (eg, 30 mL) they represent a childhood poisoning risk. Labelling of nicotine concentration in e-liquids needs to be standardised to avoid consumer confusion. The addictiveness and toxicity of these products makes it imperative that regulators act swiftly to enact protective measures.
An endophytic fungus interacts with crown level and larval density to reduce the survival of eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), on white spruce (Picea glauca)
Authors: Quiring Dan , Flaherty Leah , Adams Greg , McCartney Andrew , Miller J. David , Edwards Sara
Published: February 2019

A two-year field study was carried out to determine whether inoculating white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, with a native endophytic fungus, Phialocephala scopiformis DAOM 229536 Kowalski & Kehr (Helotiales, Ascomycota), decreased the performance of eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens, developing on these trees. Second instars were reared at three densities in the mid crown and at one density in the lower, mid, and upper crown. Larval survival (i.e., survival of larvae to pupation) was lower on endophyte-inoculated trees than on control trees in the mid crown and especially the upper crown but was similar in the lower crown, resulting in a significant interaction between endophyte and crown level. A similar but marginally insignificant interaction was observed for overall survival up to adult emergence (i.e., total survival). Larval survival and total survival were approximately 22% and 19% lower, respectively, when developing in the upper crown of endophyte-inoculated trees than in control trees. Larval survival remained relatively constant, with increased density on control trees but decreased with density on endophyte-inoculated trees, resulting in a significant interaction between endophyte and larval density. Sex ratios of emerged adults and wing lengths of emerged females were not influenced by the endophyte. Our results suggest that endophytic fungi could be useful additions to integrated pest management programs.
Effect of three nitrogen fertilizer sources on denitrification rate under irrigated potato production on sandy soils
Authors: Perron Isabelle , Cambouris Athyna N. , Zebarth Bernie J. , Rochette Philippe , Ziadi Noura
Published: February 2019

Large inputs of nitrogen (N) are required to optimize yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and it may result in a high potential for N losses including denitrification. This 5 yr study compared the effect of three N fertilizer sources [ammonium nitrate (AN), ammonium sulfate (AS), and polymer-coated urea (PCU)] at 200 kg N ha−1 (N200) and an unfertilized control (N0) on denitrification rate (DR) from irrigated potato production on a coarse-textured soil in eastern Canada. Fertilizer was banded all at-planting (PCU) or split 40% at-planting and 60% at-hilling (AN and AS). The DR was measured biweekly from planting to harvest at two locations (ridge and furrow) using the acetylene blockage technique. The mean annual DR, averaged across N treatments, ranged from 0.8 to 8.0 μg N2O-N kg dry soil−1 d−1, and it was most closely related to the water inputs in the 72 h before DR measurements. Mean DR averaged across year was greater for N200 than for N0 (4.2 vs. 3.4 μg N2O-N kg dry soil−1 d−1) but did not differ among N sources. Our results suggest that choice of N fertilizer source in sandy soils is more important in controlling losses of N by leaching than by denitrification.
Costal and crural diaphragm function during sustained hypoxia in awake canines
Authors: Ikegami Tetsunori , Ji Michael , Fujimura Naoyuki , Suneby Jagers Jenny V. , Kieser Teresa M. , Easton Paul A.
Published: February 2019

In humans and other mammals, isocapnic hypoxia sustained for 20–60 min exhibits a biphasic ventilation pattern: initial increase followed by a significant ventilatory decline (“roll-off”) to a lesser intermediate plateau. During sustained hypoxia, the mechanical action and activity of the diaphragm have not been studied; thus we assessed diaphragm function in response to hypoxic breathing. Thirteen spontaneously breathing awake canines were exposed to moderate levels of sustained isocapnic hypoxia lasting 20–25 min (80 ± 2% pulse oximeter oxygen saturation). Breathing pattern and changes in muscle length and electromyogram (EMG) activity of the costal and crural diaphragm were continuously recorded. Mean tidal shortening and EMG activity of the costal and crural diaphragm exhibited an overall biphasic pattern, with initial brisk increase followed by a significant decline ( P < 0.01). Although costal and crural shortening did not differ significantly with sustained hypoxia, this equivalence in segmental shortening occurred despite distinct and differing EMG activities of the costal and crural segments. Specifically, initial hypoxia elicited a greater costal EMG activity compared with crural ( P < 0.05), whereas sustained hypoxia resulted in a lesser crural EMG decline/attenuation than costal ( P < 0.05). We conclude that sustained isocapnic hypoxia elicits a biphasic response in both ventilation and diaphragmatic function and there is clear differential activation and contribution of the two diaphragmatic segments. This different diaphragm segmental action is consistent with greater neural activation of costal diaphragm during initial hypoxia, then preferential sparing of crural activation as hypoxia is sustained.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In humans and other mammals, during isocapnic hypoxia sustained for 20–60 min ventilation exhibits a biphasic pattern: initial increase followed by significant ventilatory decline (“roll-off”). During sustained hypoxia, the function of the diaphragm is unknown. This study demonstrates that the diaphragm reveals a biphasic action during the time-dependent hypoxic “roll-off” in ventilation. These results also highlight that the two diaphragm segments, costal and crural, show differing, distinctive contributions to diaphragm function during sustained hypoxia.
Extraction and Analysis of Xylitol in Sugar-Free Gum Samples by GC-MS with Direct Aqueous Injection
Authors: Rajapaksha Suranga M. , Gerken Katherine , Archer Todd , Lathan Patty , Liyanage Achala S. , Mlsna Deb , Mlsna Todd E.
Published: February 2019

Xylitol, a sugar substitute frequently used in sugar-free gum, is generally considered harmless to humans but it can be extremely toxic to dogs. Dog-owning customers are becoming increasingly aware of the risks associated with xylitol-containing chewing gums. However, there remains some uncertainty if these chewing gums are still dangerous to dogs after they have been partially consumed. In this work, a reliable low-cost analytical method has been developed to quantify the xylitol in sugar-free gum samples. Xylitol was extracted from gum samples using water as a solvent. Extractions were analyzed by GC-MS with direct aqueous injection (DAI). This method was successfully applied to over 120 samples including fresh gum and 5 min, 15 min, and 30 min chewed gum samples.
Ecofriendly Reduction of Methylene Blue with Polyurethane Catalyst
Authors: Sultan Misbah , Waheed Alina , Bibi Ismat , Islam Atif
Published: February 2019

A number of physical, chemical, and biological technologies have been developed to address the issue of synthetic dyes in wastewater. One of the important chemical methods involves reduction of these stringent pollutants into less hazardous products. In this study, a cross-linked polyurethane foam (CPUF) was prepared from toluene diisocyanate (TDI), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), and polycaprolactone diol (PCL; Mw: 1000 g/mole). To avoid harmful reducing agents, ecofriendly reduction of methylene blue (MB) was executed with CPUF as catalyst where ascorbic acid and fresh juice extracts were applied as reducing agents. The FTIR and SEM analysis confirmed the chemical composition and porous morphology of CPUF, respectively. The 100% reduction of MB was recorded in just 15 minutes with ascorbic acid and CPUF, while similar result was obtained in 37 minutes in blank experiment composed of only MB and ascorbic acid. Thus, catalytic role of CPUF in reduction process was proved. Fresh fruit extracts also participated in the reduction process, but rate of reaction was accelerated in the presence of CPUF. The reusability study of the catalyst supported its stability and efficiency. All the successful reduction processes followed 1st-order kinetics with highest apparent rate constant for ascorbic acid. Furthermore, phytotoxicity evaluation proved safe reduction of MB with 60% germination index. Hence, it can be concluded that catalytic role of CPUF has been established with safe and biodegradable reducing agents which can be extended to other redox processes.
Chaotic Threshold for a Class of Power System Model
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Lu Zhenyong , Song Caiqin
Published: February 2019

This paper deals with the bifurcation and chaotic dynamic characteristic of a single‐machine infinite‐bus (SMIB) power system under two kinds of harmonic excitation disturbance, which are induced by the external periodic load and the outer mechanical disturbance. By applying Melnikov’s method, the threshold value for the occurrence of chaotic motion is provided. In addition, the chaotic boundary surface is given. The efficiency of the criteria for chaotic motion obtained in this paper is verified by bifurcation diagram, phase portraits, Poincaré section, and frequency spectrum. The results obtained in this paper will provide a better understanding of the nonlinear dynamic behaviors for this class of SMIB power system subjected to two kinds of harmonic excitation components.
Brugada Syndrome Caused by Autonomic Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ibrahim Michel , Saint-Croix Garly , Colombo Rosario
Published: February 2019

Only one case report has previously described a patient with multiple sclerosis and a type 1 Brugada pattern on the electrocardiogram. Patients with multiple sclerosis have several neurological deficits including sensory symptoms, acute or subacute motor weakness, gait disturbance, and balance problems that may lead to an increased risk of falls. Concurrent autonomic dysfunction and neurologic consequences of multiple sclerosis may precipitate both mechanical falls and falls with loss of consciousness. While mechanistically different, the type 1 Brugada pattern presents similarly with syncope due to an insufficient cardiac output during dysrhythmia. In such patients, intracardiac defibrillators have shown to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with the Brugada syndrome. In light of these similarly presenting but unique clinical entities, MS patients who develop a syncopal event in the setting of a spontaneous type I Brugada pattern pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. This case illustrates an approach to the risks and benefits of an ICD placement in an MS patient with the type 1 Brugada pattern.
Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Upper Limb: Double Hit/Double Expressor with CNS Involvement: From Hospice to Remission
Authors: Castillo Brenda S. , Rodriguez Maria L. , John Chao Ju-Hsien , Zoghi Behyar
Published: February 2019

We report a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of skin, nongerminal center type double hit double expressor, with an initial presentation as a left forearm mass. The patient underwent chemotherapy after initial diagnosis. After chemotherapy regimen, she developed a second mass, followed by CNS involvement with neurological defects. At this time, a three line of chemotherapy was used with minimal effects. The patient was deemed terminal and was recommended hospice care. The patient decided to continue with skin and crainospinal radiotherapy and intrathecal chemotherapy; she achieved complete remission. After achieving complete remission, the patient underwent an autologous stem cell transplant with minimal transplant-related toxicity.