bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Singlet Oxygen Quantum Yield Using Novel Green‐Absorbing Baird‐type Aromatic Photosensitizers†
Authors: Morgan Jayla , Yun Young Ju , Ayitou A. Jean‐Luc
Published: July 2021

We report two new organic green‐absorbing singlet oxygen (1O2) photosensitizers: Quinoidal naphthyl thioamide (QDM) and bis‐iodol‐dipyrrolonaphthyridine‐dione (I2–DPND), with triplet energies of 40.8 and 47.5 kcal mol−1(at 77 K in a glassy matrix) , respectively. The UV–vis absorption and emission characteristics of QDM and I2–DPND are similar to other commercially available organic 1O2 photosensitizers such as Rose Bengal, which was used as standard/reference to estimate the 1O2 quantum yield (Φ∆) of the chromophores under study. Using 9,10‐diphenylanthracene (DPA) as an 1O2 quencher, we estimated the Φ∆ ≈ 67–85% for QDM and Φ∆ ≈ 25–32% for I2–DPND. The discrepancy in the Φ∆ values could be explained by the apparent photo‐decomposition of the later dye. Nevertheless, the high Φ∆ value for QDM is unprecedented, as this chromophore exhibits relatively low structural complexity and could further be derivatized to create novel photodynamic agents.
Effects of insect herbivory on seedling mortality in restored and remnant tropical forest
Authors: Kulikowski Andy J. , Zahawi Rakan A. , Holl Karen D.
Published: July 2021

Insect herbivory is one of the major drivers of seedling mortality in the tropics and influences plant abundances and community composition. Anthropogenic disturbance can alter patterns of insect herbivory with potential consequences on plant communities in restored forests. We planted seedlings of early‐ and later‐stage successional tree species in 13–15‐year‐old restored and remnant tropical forests. We then either excluded insect herbivores or left seedlings exposed to examine how insect herbivory‐affected seedling mortality. Early‐successional seedlings experienced similar decreases in mortality when insect herbivores were excluded from both restored and remnant forest sites, but this effect was smaller and driven by only a few species in restored forests. Later‐successional seedlings experienced a stronger decrease in mortality between open and insect‐excluded treatments in remnant than restored sites. Our results suggest that herbivory‐driven seedling mortality is lower in restored forests, particularly for later‐successional seedlings. Results are encouraging from a restoration perspective because recruitment of later‐successional seedlings is a key component of ecosystem recovery. However, if reductions in seedling mortality continue over the long term, this may affect tree community composition as succession progresses.
Short‐term nutrient reduction reduces cover of an invasive winter annual grass without negatively impacting the soil microbial community
Authors: Lamm Jared , Bastow Justin , Brown Rebecca , Nezat Carmen , Lamm Ashley
Published: July 2021

Invasive winter annual grasses have degraded ecosystems around the world, forming large monocultures. However, common management methods, such as tillage, herbicide, and prescribed burning, also reduce native plant diversity and harm the soil microbial community. Early‐season, short‐term nutrient reduction applied to intact vegetation to manage invasive winter annual grasses could potentially decrease their abundance, while not impacting later season species. Low rates of sucrose, a labile carbon, were applied in a Pacific Northwest semiarid grassland in early spring to stimulate microbial growth and reduce nutrient availability to the invasive grass Ventenata dubia. Inorganic nitrogen was tracked throughout the experiment and plant and soil microbial community changes were determined at the end of the growing season. Sucrose application reduced nitrogen at the beginning of the season, but effects did not persist to mid‐May when most plants were still active and soil moisture was not limiting. Treatments reduced V. dubia cover, per area seed production, and seed mass with no corresponding impact on perennial or other annual plants, except at the highest application rate when annual cover was reduced by 2%. The soil microbial community, determined via phospholipid fatty acid and neutral lipid fatty acid analysis, and the soil nematode community were largely unchanged at the end of the growing season with no reduction in the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This short‐term nutrient reduction method has the potential to not only target invasive winter annual grasses, but any plants that are active earlier or later than the rest of the community.
Environmental and anthropogenic factors affecting natural regeneration of degraded dry Afromontane forest
Authors: Hishe Hadgu , Giday Kidane , Fremout Tobias , Negussie Aklilu , Aerts Raf , Muys Bart
Published: July 2021

Natural regeneration of trees may provide a cost‐effective way to restore degraded tropical dry forests, but the factors predominantly affecting natural regeneration success are poorly understood. We performed a multifactor analysis of natural regeneration in an Afromontane forest in Northern Ethiopia. Inventory plots of 400 m2, each with a nested 9 m2 subplot, were systematically established. All trees larger than 5 cm DBH and natural regeneration were identified and recorded in the plots and subplots, respectively. Variables describing climate, topography, soil, vegetation, and indications of local human degradation were collected. Determinants of regeneration presence and abundance were analyzed using Hurdle negative binomial regressions. Sixty‐nine woody species were represented in the regeneration, with an average regeneration density (SE) of 14,700 (51) ha−1. The presence of regeneration was positively associated with canopy cover (p < 0.001), distance to the road network (p = 0.04), precipitation (p = 0.003) and tree species diversity (p = 0.03), and negatively with Northing (p = 0.003). The regeneration abundance was positively associated with soil quality (p = 0.001), canopy cover (p = 0.04), and precipitation (p = 0.01). Including the abundance of dominant species in the tree canopy and regeneration layers in the regression model did not affect the presence of natural regeneration, but it clearly affected regeneration abundance. In such a model, the regeneration abundance was positively associated with Euclea racemosa seedlings abundance and negatively associated with the basal area of Dodonaea angustifolia (p = 0.02) and Rhus natalensis (p = 0.04). In this model, forest degradation (p = 0.01) negatively affected the late‐successional species regeneration but not the regeneration of the drought‐resistant light‐demanding species. The low representation of late‐successional trees species in the natural regeneration calls for active restoration intervention.
Growing up in the Iran–Iraq war and preferences for strong defense
Authors: Farzanegan Mohammad Reza , Gholipour Hassan F.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between individuals’ experiences of the Iran–Iraq war (1980–1988) during early adulthood (18–25 years) and their preference for strong national defense forces and their willingness to fight for Iran (in the event of another war). Using the World Values Survey data, we provide evidence that Iranians who experienced the war during their early adulthood give top priority to strong defense forces. However, we find that there is no significant association between individuals’ experiences of the war during early adulthood and their willingness to fight for Iran. The results are robust to controlling for a set of individuals’ socioeconomic and political characteristics as well as different age cohorts. Finally, we show that our results are not influenced by age cohort effect.
Capillary‐gravity solitary waves on water of finite depth interacting with a linear shear current
Authors: Gao T. , Milewski P. A. , Wang Z.
Published: July 2021

The problem of two‐dimensional capillary‐gravity waves on an inviscid fluid of finite depth interacting with a linear shear current is considered. The shear current breaks the symmetry of the irrotational problem and supports simultaneously counter‐propagating waves of different types: Korteweg de‐Vries (KdV)‐type long solitary waves and wave‐packet solitary waves whose envelopes are associated with the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. A simple intuition for the broken symmetry is that the current modifies the Bond number differently for left‐ and right‐propagating waves. Weakly nonlinear theories are developed in general and for two particular resonant cases: the case of second harmonic resonance and long‐wave/short‐wave interaction. Traveling‐wave solutions and their dynamics in the full Euler equations are computed numerically using a time‐dependent conformal mapping technique, and compared to some weakly nonlinear solutions. Additional attention is paid to branches of elevation generalized solitary waves of KdV type: although true embedded solitary waves are not detected on these branches, it is found that periodic wavetrains on their tails can be arbitrarily small as the vorticity increases. Excitation of waves by moving pressure distributions and modulational instabilities of the periodic waves in the resonant cases described above are also examined by the fully nonlinear computations.
No association between maternal exercise during pregnancy and the child’s weight status at age 7 years: The MoBa study
Authors: Andreassen Silje Malen , Ekelund Ulf , Bernhardsen Guro Pauck
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Maternal lifestyle during pregnancy may affect the development of overweight and obesity in the child. We examined whether maternal exercise during pregnancy is associated with offspring overweight and obesity in childhood. A secondary aim was to examine whether the association is affected by the child's physical activity level.

Materials and methods

This study is based on data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), including 44 352 pregnancies and children (n = 32 304 in week 17 and n = 32 419 in week 30 in the final adjusted model). Maternal exercise during pregnancy was self‐reported in gestational weeks 17 and 30. We conducted linear and logistic regression separately for girls and boys, and outcomes were the child's body mass index (BMI) and weight status (overweight/obese) at age 7 years. We further examined the additive joint association between maternal exercise during pregnancy and the child's leisure time physical activity on weight status at age 7 years.

Results

In total, 12.4% of the children were classified as overweight or obese, and 1.7% as obese. The results suggest no association between maternal exercise in both gestational weeks 17 and 30 and the weight status of the child at age 7 years. The association between maternal exercise and the child's weight status at age 7 years appears not to be affected by the child's physical activity level.

Conclusion

Maternal exercise level during pregnancy does not appear to be associated with the child's BMI or odds of being overweight or obese in childhood.
Validation of skeletal muscle mass estimation equations in active young adults: A preliminary study
Authors: Sagayama Hiroyuki , Yamada Yosuke , Tanabe Yoko , Kondo Emi , Ohnishi Takahiro , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: July 2021

We analyzed the validity of the estimation equations for skeletal muscle mass (SMM) using mass of appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST), evaluated by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), in healthy young males undergoing training, and compared it with the results obtained using whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that a novel variable, that is, trunk and trunk‐to‐appendicular ratio of lean soft tissues (trunk/ALST), would be useful in reducing estimation errors in athletes or physically active participants. We analyzed the data of 30 participants (mean age 19.9 ± 1.8 years). SMM was measured using whole‐body MRI, while mass of trunk and ALST was assessed using DXA. Three previously utilized estimation equations were retrieved from the literature and used for comparison. The estimated SMM values using previous equations highly correlated with measured SMM, which was determined by MRI, but the mean estimated SMM values were significantly lower than the measured‐SMM values. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that mass of ALST, trunk/ALST ratio, and percent body fat were significant predictors of SMM and were incorporated as the new suggested variables. This equation accounted for 90.3% of the variance in SMM. While the previous equations’ estimated SMM correlated with measured‐SMM in participants with trunk/ALST ratios ≤1.05, they underestimated SMMs in those with trunk/ALST ratios >1.05. The present study confirms that the previously used equations underestimate the actual SMM, particularly in participants with high trunk/ALST ratios (>1.05). The current equation may be used in healthy and active young males, including athletes, as a preliminary tool.
The racialized patterns of police violence: The critical importance of research as praxis
Authors: Durán Robert J. , Shroulote‐Durán Charlene M.
Published: July 2021

The tragic killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police resulted in hundreds of thousands of protestors marching in the streets demanding change. The call for change criticized the killing of Blacks by law enforcement and challenged White supremacy as an institution of social control and racial violence. A key component of the marches and protests was a message to the residents of the United States: “Black Lives Matter.” As society grapples with a reckoning, researchers studying police violence for the past 6 decades have been empirically and theoretically debating the reasons why use of force by law enforcement continues to have a higher proportion of Black and Brown victims compared to Whites. Although the research on fatal police killings was studied by only a small number of individuals prior to 2014, after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri the research in different areas of the country increased rapidly as did the forms of analysis and research disciplines making their own contributions. TheWashington PostandGuardiannews agencies established that deaths at the hands of the police were occurring for at least 900 to 1100 individual deaths per year for which firearms resulted in the greatest cause of death. As US government agencies failed to produce a national data source on police involved killings, the media took a leading role in providing greater national understanding. The authors examine what role academic researchers contribute to the discussion for solutions, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. As protestors march, lawyers sue and defend, and politicians create new forms of legislation, researchers need to play a more important role initiating critical studies, making sense of the data, and providing a theoretical framework for which police violence can be understood. This article will provide an overview of the literature on racialized police violence, point out key patterns involving racial and ethnic disparities, and emphasize how researchers can play a more important role in advocating for change.
Neurocysticercosis and HIV/AIDS co‐infection: A scoping review
Authors: Jewell Paul D. , Abraham Annette , Schmidt Veronika , Buell Kevin G. , Bustos Javier A. , Garcia Hector H. , Dixon Matthew A. , Walker Martin , Ngowi Bernard J. , Basáñez Maria‐Gloria , Winkler Andrea S.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a high disease burden and are prevalent in overlapping low‐ and middle‐income areas. Yet, treatment guidance for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) co‐infected with NCC is currently lacking. This study aims to scope the available literature on HIV/AIDS and NCC co‐infection, focusing on epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostics and treatment outcomes.

Methods

The scoping literature review methodological framework, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were followed. A total of 16,969 records identified through database searching, and 45 additional records from other sources were reduced to 52 included studies after a standardised selection process.

Results

Two experimental studies, ten observational studies, 23 case series/case reports and 17 reviews or letters were identified. Observational studies demonstrated similar NCC seroprevalence in PLWH/A and their HIV‐negative counterparts. Of 29 PLWH/A and NCC co‐infection, 17 (59%) suffered from epileptic seizures, 15 (52%) from headaches and 15 (52%) had focal neurological deficits. Eighteen (62%) had viable vesicular cysts, and six (21%) had calcified cysts. Fifteen (52%) were treated with albendazole, of which 11 (73%) responded well to treatment. Five individuals potentially demonstrated an immune‐reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after commencing antiretroviral therapy, although this was in the absence of immunological and neuroimaging confirmation.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of evidence to guide treatment of PLWH/A and NCC co‐infection. There is a pressing need for high‐quality studies in this patient group to appropriately inform diagnostic and management guidelines for HIV‐positive patients with NCC.
Spatial distribution of proteins and metabolites in developing wheat grain and their differential regulatory response during the grain filling process
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Ghatak Arindam , Bazargani Mitra Mohammadi , Bajaj Prasad , Varshney Rajeev K. , Chaturvedi Palak , Jiang Dong , Weckwerth Wolfram
Published: July 2021

Grain filling and grain development are essential biological processes in the plant’s life cycle, eventually contributing to the final seed yield and quality in all cereal crops. Studies of how the different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain components contribute to the overall development of the seed are very scarce. We performed a proteomics and metabolomics analysis in four different developing components of the wheat grain (seed coat, embryo, endosperm, and cavity fluid) to characterize molecular processes during early and late grain development. In‐gel shotgun proteomics analysis at 12, 15, 20, and 26 days after anthesis (DAA) revealed 15 484 identified and quantified proteins, out of which 410 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the seed coat, 815 in the embryo, 372 in the endosperm, and 492 in the cavity fluid. The abundance of selected protein candidates revealed spatially and temporally resolved protein functions associated with development and grain filling. Multiple wheat protein isoforms involved in starch synthesis such as sucrose synthases, starch phosphorylase, granule‐bound and soluble starch synthase, pyruvate phosphate dikinase, 14‐3‐3 proteins as well as sugar precursors undergo a major tissue‐dependent change in abundance during wheat grain development suggesting an intimate interplay of starch biosynthesis control. Different isoforms of the protein disulfide isomerase family as well as glutamine levels, both involved in the glutenin macropolymer pattern, showed distinct spatial and temporal abundance, revealing their specific role as indicators of wheat gluten quality. Proteins binned into the functional category of cell growth/division and protein synthesis/degradation were more abundant in the early stages (12 and 15 DAA). At the metabolome level all tissues and especially the cavity fluid showed highly distinct metabolite profiles. The tissue‐specific data are integrated with biochemical networks to generate a comprehensive map of molecular processes during grain filling and developmental processes.
Genome‐wide analysis of genomic imprinting in the endosperm and allelic variation in flax
Authors: Jiang Haixia , Guo Dongliang , Ye Jiali , Gao Yanfang , Liu Huiqing , Wang Yue , Xue Min , Yan Qingcheng , Chen Jiaxun , Duan Lepeng , Li Gongze , Li Xiao , Xie Liqiong
Published: July 2021

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that causes biased expression of maternally and paternally inherited alleles. In flowering plants, genomic imprinting predominantly occurs in the triploid endosperm and plays a vital role in seed development. In this study, we identified 248 candidate imprinted genes including 114 maternally expressed imprinted genes (MEGs) and 134 paternally expressed imprinted genes (PEGs) in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) endosperm using deep RNA sequencing. These imprinted genes were neither clustered in specific chromosomal regions nor well conserved among flax and other plant species. MEGs tended to be expressed specifically in the endosperm, whereas the expression of PEGs was not tissue‐specific. Imprinted single nucleotide polymorphisms differentiated 200 flax cultivars into the oil flax, oil‐fiber dual purpose flax and fiber flax subgroups, suggesting that genomic imprinting contributed to intraspecific variation in flax. The nucleotide diversity of imprinted genes in the oil flax subgroup was significantly higher than that in the fiber flax subgroup, indicating that some imprinted genes underwent positive selection during flax domestication from oil flax to fiber flax. Moreover, imprinted genes that underwent positive selection were related to flax functions. Thirteen imprinted genes related to flax seed size and weight were identified using a candidate gene‐based association study. Therefore, our study provides information for further exploration of the function and genomic variation of imprinted genes in the flax population.
The safety of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donation: A multi‐institutional donor hemovigilance study
Authors: Cho Joseph H. , Rajbhandary Srijana , van Buren Nancy L. , Fung Mark K. , Al‐Ghafry Maha , Fridey Joy L. , Dy Beth A. , Ziman Alyssa , Schreiber George B. , Gammon Richard R. , Reik Rita , Stubbs James R. , van Buskirk Camille M. , Kamel Hany , Townsend Mary J. , Zeller Michelle P. , Gottschall Jerome L.
Published: July 2021

Background

Although the safety and therapeutic efficacy of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) has been extensively evaluated, the safety of CCP donation has not been explored in a multi‐institutional context.

Study design and methods

Nine blood collection organizations (BCOs) participated in a multi‐institutional donor hemovigilance effort to assess the safety of CCP donation. Donor adverse events (DAEs) were defined according to the Standard for Surveillance of Complications Related to Blood Donation, and severity was assessed using the severity grading tool. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine attributes associated with DAE severity.

Results

The overall DAE rate was 37.7 per 1000 donations. Repeat apheresis and apheresis‐naïve donors experienced adverse event rates of 19.9 and 49.8 per 1000 donations, respectively. Female donors contributed 51.9% of CCP donations with a DAE rate of 49.4 per 1000 donations. The DAE rate for male donors was 27.4 per 1000 donations. Vasovagal reactions accounted for over half of all reported DAEs (51.1%). After adjustment, volume of CCP donated was associated with vasovagal reaction severity (odds ratio [OR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5–17.1). Donor age and donation history were also associated with DAE severity. Considerable differences in DAE types and rates were observed across the participating BCOs despite the use of standardized hemovigilance definitions.

Conclusion

The safety of CCP donation appears comparable to that of conventional apheresis plasma donation with similar associated risk factors for DAE types and severity.
An unusual case of anti‐D detection in two consecutive D+ patient samples: Antibody carryover on an automated gel platform
Authors: Gabert Kimberly , Seheult Jansen N. , Meyer Michael P. , Triulzi Darrell J. , Kaplan Alesia
Published: July 2021

Background

Laboratory results can be affected by sample to sample carryover. Carryover of different analytes occurring in automated clinical chemistry, immunology, hematology, and molecular laboratories is well described. However, carryover in a transfusion service laboratory is not reported in medical literature.

Materials and methods

Immunohematology testing results, demographic data, and clinical data were reviewed on three patients retrospectively from 2015 to 2019.

Results

Type and screen samples tested on automated gel platform from two D+ patients were affected by anti‐D carryover from a patient sample with a very high‐titer anti‐D. Additional immunohematology and molecular testing confirmed that anti‐D in samples of two D+ patients was due to carryover.

Conclusion

A case of anti‐D carryover caused false detection of anti‐D in two D+ patients. Carryover can have implications for patient management. Transfusion laboratory staff need to be aware of it and investigate any unexpected results further.
Generation of glycans depleted decellularized porcine pericardium, using digestive enzymatic supplements and enzymatic mixtures for food industry
Authors: Morticelli Lucrezia , Magdei Mikhail , Tschalaki Negin , Petersen Björn , Haverich Axel , Hilfiker Andres
Published: July 2021

Background

Xenogeneic pericardium has been used largely for various applications in cardiovascular surgery. Nevertheless, xenogeneic pericardial patches fail mainly due to their antigenic components. The xenoantigens identified as playing a major role in recipient immune response are the Galα1‐3Gal (α‐Gal) epitope, the non‐human sialic acid N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), and the porcine SDa antigen, associated with both proteins and lipids. The reduction in glycans from porcine pericardium might hinder or reduce the immunogenicity of xenogeneic scaffolds.

Methods

Decellularized porcine pericardia were further treated at different time points and dilutions with digestive enzymatic supplements and enzymatic mixtures applied for food industry, for the removal of potentially immunogenic carbohydrates. Carbohydrates removal was investigated using up to 8 different lectin stains for the identification of N‐ and O‐glycosylations, as well as glycolipids. Histoarchitectural changes in the ECM were assessed using Elastica van Gieson stain, whereas changes in mechanical properties were investigated via uniaxial tensile test and burst pressure test.

Results

Tissues after enzymatic treatments showed a dramatic decrease in lectin stainings in comparison to tissues which were only decellularized. Histological assessment revealed cell‐nuclei removal after decellularization. Some of the enzymatic treatments induced elastic lamellae disruption. Tissue strength decreased after enzymatic treatment; however, treated tissues showed values of burst pressure higher than physiological transvalvular pressures.

Conclusions

The application of these enzymatic treatments for tissue deglycosylation is totally novel, low cost, and appears to be very efficient for glycan removal. The immunogenic potential of treated tissues will be further investigated in subsequent studies, in vitro and in vivo.
Heat Transfer Enhancement Feature of the Non-Fourier Cattaneo–Christov Heat Flux Model
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: July 2021

Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model was proposed to remedy the weakness of the traditional Fourier heat flux model to maintain the finite travel time of heat. The literature is replete with numerical studies to understand the heat transfer enhancement property. The present effort is to provide a mathematical rigor and to analytically demonstrate why the new model should act toward cooling and thus, in the way of enhancing the heat transfer rate from the surfaces. The derived and presented formulae here prove this assertion through comparison with a few selected examples from the open literature.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Supercritical Methane on a Cooling Channel of Electromechanical Actuator Under Various Flight Acceleration Overloads
Authors: Gao Zhigang , Zhou Jun , Wang Tianhu , Li Peng
Published: July 2021

The crucial distinction of heat transfer between the earth environment and the high acceleration overloads of flight vehicle is the secondary flow resulting from the gravitational buoyancy force and centrifugal one, which influences the heat transfer of supercritical fluid significantly. Hence, in this work, the effect of various flight acceleration overloads on turbulent convection heat transfer in the cooling channel of flight vehicle electromechanical actuator (EMA) is investigated numerically. The cooling channel is constructed from a helically coiled tube with an inner diameter of 8 mm, coil diameter of 74 mm, and screw pitch of 10 mm, the operation pressure covers the range of 5–9 MPa, and the gravity ranges from 1 g to 50 g. Based on this model, the heat transfer characteristics of supercritical methane in the cooling channel of flight vehicle EMA under various acceleration overloads are studied, aiming to obtain a deep understanding of flow and heat transfer mechanism and thermal performance of supercritical methane in the cooling channel under the conditions of actual flight. The simulation result indicates that with the high-g overload, the heat transfer enhancement becomes obvious and the effect of secondary flow caused by the flight acceleration exhibits the non-negligible influence. The secondary flow caused by flight acceleration overloads disturbs the flow acceleration of the main stream that weakens the suppression of heat transfer. However, the effect of gravitational buoyancy does not dominate on forced convection heat transfer even under the high acceleration overload.
Long-chain polyphosphates impair SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication
Authors: Ferrucci Veronica , Kong Dae-Young , Asadzadeh Fatemeh , Marrone Laura , Boccia Angelo , Siciliano Roberto , Criscuolo Giuseppina , Anastasio Camilla , Quarantelli Fabrizio , Comegna Marika , Pisano Ida , Passariello Margherita , Iacobucci Ilaria , Monica Rosa Della , Izzo Barbara , Cerino Pellegrino , Fusco Giovanna , Viscardi Maurizio , Brandi Sergio , Pierri Bianca Maria , Borriello Giorgia , Tiberio Claudia , Atripaldi Luigi , Bianchi Martina , Paolella Giovanni , Capoluongo Ettore , Castaldo Giuseppe , Chiariotti Lorenzo , Monti Maria , De Lorenzo Claudia , Yun Kyong-Seop , Pascarella Stefano , Cheong Jae-Ho , Kim Hong-Yeoul , Zollo Massimo
Published: July 2021

Long-chain polyphosphates inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting a host receptor and a viral RNA polymerase.
Kynurenic acid may underlie sex-specific immune responses to COVID-19
Authors: Cai Yuping , Kim Daniel J. , Takahashi Takehiro , Broadhurst David I. , Yan Hong , Ma Shuangge , Rattray Nicholas J. W. , Casanovas-Massana Arnau , Israelow Benjamin , Klein Jon , Lucas Carolina , Mao Tianyang , Moore Adam J. , Muenker M. Catherine , Oh Ji Eun , Silva Julio , Wong Patrick ,   Yale IMPACT Research team, Ko Albert I. , Khan Sajid A. , Iwasaki Akiko , Johnson Caroline H.
Published: July 2021

Compared to females, male COVID-19 patients have more kynurenic acid, which may underlie their poorer immune response.
Complex CAFs
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: July 2021

Diversity among cancer-associated fibroblasts from cholangiocarcinomas reveals distinct roles in tumor progression.
Pharmacokinetics and Target Attainment of SQ109 in Plasma and Human-Like Tuberculosis Lesions in Rabbits
Authors: Egbelowo Oluwaseun , Sarathy Jansy P. , Gausi Kamunkhwala , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Wang Han , Wijnant Gert-Jan , Kaya Firat , Gengenbacher Martin , Van Nhi , Degefu Yonatan , Nacy Carol , Aldridge Bree B. , Carter Claire L. , Denti Paolo , Dartois Véronique
Published: July 2021

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) accounts for over 20% of all fatalities due to drug-resistant pathogens. With recently approved drugs and a promising drug candidate pipeline, the challenge faced by clinical developers is prioritization of drug combinations with the best potential to improve cure rates and shorten treatment duration.
Complicated Carriage with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Decolonization Regimens Advised in the Dutch National Guideline
Authors: Westgeest A. C. , Schippers E. F. , Delfos N. M. , Ellerbroek L. J. , Koster T. , Hira V. , Visser L. G. , de Boer M. G. J. , Lambregts M. M. C.
Published: July 2021

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) colonization leads to increased infection rates and mortality. Decolonization treatment has been proven to prevent infection and reduce transmission.
In Vitro
Antifungal Resistance of Candida auris Isolates from Bloodstream Infections, South Africa
Authors: Maphanga Tsidiso G. , Naicker Serisha D. , Kwenda Stanford , Muñoz Jose F. , van Schalkwyk Erika , Wadula Jeannette , Nana Trusha , Ismail Arshad , Coetzee Jennifer , Govind Chetna , Mtshali Phillip S. , Mpembe Ruth S. , Govender Nelesh P.
Published: July 2021

Candida auris
is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that is endemic in South African hospitals. We tested bloodstream
C. auris
isolates that were submitted to a reference laboratory for national laboratory-based surveillance for candidemia in 2016 and 2017.
Assessment of Mortality-Related Risk Factors and Effective Antimicrobial Regimens for Treatment of Bloodstream Infections Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant
Enterobacterales
Authors: Chen Liang , Han Xiudi , Li YanLi , Li Minghui
Published: July 2021

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) attributable to carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
(CRE-BSIs) are dangerous and a major cause of mortality in clinical settings. This study was therefore designed to define risk factors linked to 30-day mortality in CRE-BSI patients and to examine the relative efficacies of different antimicrobial treatment regimens in affected individuals.
KPC-Mediated Resistance to Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Collateral Effects in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Findlay Jacqueline , Poirel Laurent , Juhas Mario , Nordmann Patrice
Published: July 2021

Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
, such as
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing
K. pneumoniae
, represent a major threat to public health due to their rapid spread. Novel drug combinations such as ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), combining a broad-spectrum cephalosporin along with a broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor, have recently been introduced and have been shown to exhibit excellent activity toward multidrug-resistant KPC-producing
Enterobacterales
strains.
Blocking Bacterial Naphthohydroquinone Oxidation and ADP-Ribosylation Improves Activity of Rifamycins against Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Ganapathy Uday S. , Lan Tian , Krastel Philipp , Lindman Marissa , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Ho HsinPin , Sarathy Jansy P. , Evans Joanna C. , Dartois Véronique , Aldrich Courtney C. , Dick Thomas
Published: July 2021

Rifampicin is an effective drug for treating tuberculosis (TB) but is not used to treat
Mycobacterium abscessus
infections due to poor
in vitro
activity. While rifabutin, another rifamycin, has better anti-
M. abscessus
activity, its activity is far from the nanomolar potencies of rifamycins against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
Model-Based Comparative Analysis of Rifampicin and Rifabutin Drug-Drug Interaction Profile
Authors: Tuloup Vianney , France Mathilde , Garreau Romain , Bleyzac Nathalie , Bourguignon Laurent , Tod Michel , Goutelle Sylvain
Published: July 2021

Rifamycins are widely used for treating mycobacterial and staphylococcal infections. Drug-drug interactions (DDI) caused by rifampicin (RIF) are a major issue. We used a model-based approach to predict the magnitude of DDI with RIF and rifabutin (RBT) for 217 cytochrome P450 (CYP) substrates. On average, DDI caused by low-dose RIF were twice as potent as those caused by RBT. Contrary to RIF, RBT appears unlikely to cause severe DDI, even with sensitive CYP substrates.
Development of Combination Vaccine Conferring Optimal Protection against Six Pore-Forming Toxins of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhang QingFeng , Jiang TingTing , Mao Xinrui , Kim Jae Deog , Ahn Dong Ho , Jung Yunjin , Bae Taeok , Lee Bok Luel
Published: July 2021

In the Gram-positive pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
, pore-forming toxins (PFTs), such as leukocidins and hemolysins, play prominent roles in staphylococcal pathogenesis by killing host immune cells and red blood cells (RBCs). However, it remains unknown which combination of toxin antigens would induce the broadest protective immune response against those toxins.
Bile Salts Regulate Zinc Uptake and Capsule Synthesis in a Mastitis-Associated Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain
Authors: Olson Michael A. , Grimsrud Aleksander , Richards Amanda C. , Mulvey Matthew A. , Wilson Eric , Erickson David L.
Published: July 2021

Extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) strains are major causes of urinary and bloodstream infections. ExPEC reservoirs are not completely understood.
Broadly Reactive IgG Responses to Heterologous H5 Prime-Boost Influenza Vaccination Are Shaped by Antigenic Relatedness to Priming Strains
Authors: Wang Jiong , Li Dongmei , Perry Sheldon , Hilchey Shannon P. , Wiltse Alexander , Treanor John J. , Sangster Mark Y. , Zand Martin S.
Published: July 2021

The antigenic shift and draft of hemagglutinin (HA) in influenza viruses is accepted as one of the major reasons for immune evasion. The analysis of B cell immune responses to influenza infection and vaccination is complicated by the impact of exposure history and antibody cross-reactions between antigenically similar influenza strains.
Replication Dynamics for Six Gram-Negative Bacterial Species during Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Anderson Mark T. , Brown Aric N. , Pirani Ali , Smith Sara N. , Photenhauer Amanda L. , Sun Yuang , Snitkin Evan S. , Bachman Michael A. , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: July 2021

Bloodstream infections are a global public health problem. The goal of this work was to determine the replication characteristics of Gram-negative bacterial species in the host following bloodstream infection.
Microaerobic Lifestyle at Nanomolar O
2
Concentrations Mediated by Low-Affinity Terminal Oxidases in Abundant Soil Bacteria
Authors: Trojan Daniela , Garcia-Robledo Emilio , Meier Dimitri V. , Hausmann Bela , Revsbech Niels Peter , Eichorst Stephanie A. , Woebken Dagmar
Published: July 2021

Low-oxygen habitats are widely distributed on Earth, ranging from the human intestine to soils. Microorganisms are assumed to have the capacity to respire low O
2
concentrations via high-affinity terminal oxidases.
Cross-Scale Analyses of Animal and Human Gut Microbiome Assemblies from Metacommunity to Global Landscape
Authors: Ma Zhanshan (Sam)
Published: July 2021

Understanding how the coevolution (evolutionary time scale) and/or the interactions (ecological time scale) between animal (human) gut microbiomes and their hosts shape the processes of the microbiome assembly and diversity maintenance is important but rather challenging. An effort may start with the understanding of how and why animals and humans may differ in their microbiome neutrality (stochasticity) levels.
Recurrent migraine aura-like symptoms in an elderly woman: symptomatic cortical spreading depression?
Authors: Glössmann Kerstin , Baumgartner Christoph , Koren Johannes Peter , Riederer Franz
Published: July 2021

Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has been directly observed in humans with malignant stroke, traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid haemorrhage and is also considered to be the correlate of migraine aura. We report on a 76-year-old woman with new-onset episodes of headache, paraesthesia, hemiparesis and dysarthria, in whom a small cortical subarachnoid haemorrhage was diagnosed with MRI. Repeated diffusion-weighted MRI scans shortly after transient focal neurological episodes as well as diagnostic workup were normal, which makes recurrent transient ischaemic attacks unlikely. Ictal electroencephalogram recordings showed no epileptic activity. Long-term follow-up revealed a diagnosis of probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy. We propose that CSD could be a pathophysiological correlate of transient focal neurological deficits in patients with cortical bleeding.
Stridor: a rare presentation of motor neuron disease
Authors: Gordon Brian , Joyce Eimear , Counihan Timothy J
Published: July 2021

A 74-year-old farmer presented to the emergency department with a subacute history of progressive dyspnoea, wheeze and dysphonia. He was treated for an exacerbation of asthma with poor response to pharmacological therapy. Investigation of dysphonia via laryngoscopy identified a bilateral vocal cord palsy. Subsequently, the patient developed an episode of life-threatening stridor and hypercapnic respiratory failure requiring an emergency tracheostomy. Neurology input identified evidence of widespread muscle fasciculations on clinical examination. MRI of the brain and cervical spine were unremarkable. Electromyogram testing identified changes of acute denervation in several limbs consistent with a diagnosis of motor neuron disease (MND). Bilateral vocal cord palsy has been rarely reported in the literature as the heralding symptom resulting in the diagnosis of MND. In patients with a subacute onset of dysphonia, dyspnoea and stridor, MND should be a differential diagnosis.
Spinal cord ischaemic injury while playing in a playground
Authors: de Brito Chagas Joana , Cancelinha Candida , Pais Rui Pedro , Costa Carmen
Published: July 2021

Spinal cord ischaemia is a rare condition in children in which imaging diagnosis can be difficult and treatment guidelines are not well established. We describe a case of a previously healthy 13-year-old girl admitted to the emergency department with an acute flaccid paralysis of the lower limbs, abdominal and dorsal pain, and bladder dysfunction. A few hours earlier, she had been playing on a swing with hyperextension and an arched back position. Spinal cord MRI was normal in the first hours, but ischaemic signs were described in a second examination performed some hours later. We discuss the extensive investigation for differential diagnosis and the management of this case.
Severe acute liver injury associated withYersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Demes Jessica , Kay Carl , Morales-Cardona Amilcar , Subramanian Stalin
Published: July 2021

Yersinia enterocoliticais a Gram-negative bacterium that causes foodborne illnesses, typically characterised by acute febrile gastroenteritis and is associated with a variety of manifestations. Isolated febrile illness without gastrointestinal symptoms is rare. We report a case ofY. enterocoliticainfection with severe anicteric hepatitis. A 33-year-old Chinese man with no significant medical history presented on multiple occasions to the emergency department with recurrent high-grade fever and chills, but without gastrointestinal symptoms. Hepatic panel showed rising transaminases that peaked at Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) of 991 U/L and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) of 1664 U/L. CT of the abdomen revealed terminal ileitis and mesenteric adenitis. As part of workup, we found positive serology forY. enterocolitica. Ultimately, he improved with supportive care. This case highlights the importance of thorough workup of terminal ileitis and ‘Crohn’s mimics’ which ultimately revealed a unifying diagnosis; and an important addition to the workup for undifferentiated severe isolated hepatocellular liver injury.
Macroglossia secondary to prolonged prone positioning for management of COVID-19 respiratory failure
Authors: Sharma Soorya , Abdul Temilola , Ho Sampson
Published: July 2021

We report the case of a 59-year-old woman who developed acute macroglossia following prolonged prone positioning for management of COVID-19. We found that Biotene mixed in glycerin was effective at removing keratinised lingual plaques and better tolerated than Biotene alone. Additionally, uniform tongue compression applied via tubular elastic dressing yielded more efficacious results than uneven tongue compression via Coban.
Butyrylcholinesterase as a perioperative complication marker in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Michels Bernhard , Holzamer Andreas , Graf Bernhard M , Bredthauer Andre , Petermichl Walter , Müller Anika , Zausig York Alexander , Bitzinger Diane Inge
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is performed in elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and increased operative risks. We tested the hypothesis that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) have a predictive value for prevalent complications after TAVI and could serve as indicators of systemic inflammation in the early postoperative period.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

This study is a secondary analysis of multicentre CESARO- study.

Participants

48 patients with TAVI were included and 43 obtained the complete assessment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Patients’ clinical parameters, demographic data, peripheral AChE and BChE activities and routine blood markers were assessed throughout the perioperative period using bedside point-of-care measurements for AChE and BChE. Postoperative complication screening was conducted up to the third postoperative day and included infections, delirium and heart-rhythm disturbances. After assessment, the patients were divided into complication and noncomplication group.

Results

Of 43 patients, 24 developed postsurgical complications (55.8%). Preoperative assessment showed no significant differences regarding demographic data and laboratory markers, but preoperative BChE levels were significantly lower in patients who developed postoperative complications (complication group 2589.2±556.4 vs noncomplication group 3295.7±628.0, Cohen’s r=0.514, p<0.001). In complication group, we observed an early, sustained reduction in BChE activity from preoperative to postoperative period. In complication group, BChE levels were significantly lower at each time point compared with noncomplication group. AChE activity showed no significant difference between both groups. Complication group also had longer stay in hospital overall.

Conclusion

BChE could be a useful perioperative biomarker to identify patients with a higher risk for postoperative complications after TAVI. By using point-of-care measurements, the levels of BChE are fast available and can lead to an early targeted therapy. Predicting the length of the hospital stay might play an important role in staff and resource management for these patients.

Trial registration number

NCT01964274; Post-results.