bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of oral characteristics and oral health of individuals with fragile X syndrome and related guardians perceptions
Authors: Montez Ana Rita Henriques , Bizarra Maria de Fátima , Graça Sandra Ribeiro
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To relate the oral health of individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) with their oral characteristics, habits, and difficulties in terms of oral hygiene and the perception of oral health of the guardians.

Methods and results

This observational transversal study included 31 volunteers who belong to the Portuguese Fragile X Syndrome Association. A questionnaire was presented to guardians, and a head and neck and oral examination was performed to the individuals: decay, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT) = 4.65, gingival index (GI) = 1.01, and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI‐S) = 2.26 and Malocclusion Class Angle II (61.3%) with dental aesthetic index 34.90. A high‐arch narrow palate (71%), accentuated gagging reflex (45.2%), and bruxism (22.6%) were the most common oral characteristics. There was a negative correlation between the several behaviors, attitudes, and habits reported by the guardians and all the indexes of oral health, with significance to the DMFT (P = .032), missing teeth (P = .032), and GI (P = .04).

Conclusion

There was a variability in oral characteristics, and these can represent a difficulty in performing oral hygiene. The collected data provide information for the health professionals and guardians to guide the monitoring of patients with FXS as well as to create strategies to improve oral hygiene.
The HLA‐C*03:539 allele identified in a kidney transplantation recipient
Authors: Yang John J. , Kwon Oh‐Joong , Oh Heung‐Bum
Published: October 2020

The novel HLA‐C*03:539 allele differs from HLA‐C*03:04:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at codon 26.
The NanDeSyn database for Nannochloropsis systems and synthetic biology
Authors: Gong Yanhai , Kang Nam K. , Kim Young U. , Wang Zengbin , Wei Li , Xin Yi , Shen Chen , Wang Qintao , You Wuxin , Lim Jong‐Min , Jeong Suk‐Won , Park Youn‐Il , Oh Hee‐Mock , Pan Kehou , Poliner Eric , Yang Guanpin , Li‐Beisson Yonghua , Li Yantao , Hu Qiang , Poetsch Ansgar , Farre Eva M. , Chang Yong K. , Jeong Won‐Joong , Jeong Byeong‐ryool , Xu Jian
Published: October 2020

Nannochloropsis species, unicellular industrial oleaginous microalgae, are model organisms for microalgal systems and synthetic biology. To facilitate community‐based annotation and mining of the rapidly accumulating functional genomics resources, we have initiated an international consortium and present a comprehensive multi‐omics resource database named Nannochloropsis Design and Synthesis (NanDeSyn; http://nandesyn.single‐cell.cn). Via the Tripal toolkit, it features user‐friendly interfaces hosting genomic resources with gene annotations and transcriptomic and proteomic data for six Nannochloropsis species, including two updated genomes of Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1 and Nannochloropsis salina CCMP1776. Toolboxes for search, Blast, synteny view, enrichment analysis, metabolic pathway analysis, a genome browser, etc. are also included. In addition, functional validation of genes is indicated based on phenotypes of mutants and relevant bibliography. Furthermore, epigenomic resources are also incorporated, especially for sequencing of small RNAs including microRNAs and circular RNAs. Such comprehensive and integrated landscapes of Nannochloropsis genomics and epigenomics will promote and accelerate community efforts in systems and synthetic biology of these industrially important microalgae.
Neutralizing and binding activities against SARS‐CoV‐1/2, MERS‐CoV, and human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 by normal human intravenous immunoglobulin derived from healthy donors in Japan
Authors: Kubota‐Koketsu Ritsuko , Terada Yutaka , Yunoki Mikihiro , Sasaki Tadahiro , Nakayama Emi E. , Kamitani Wataru , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: October 2020

Background

There are several types of coronaviruses that infect humans and cause disease. The latest is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which is an emerging global threat with no current effective treatment. Normal intravenous immunoglobulin (N‐IVIG) has been administered to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients to control severe inflammation and the cellular immune response. However, the neutralizing activity of N‐IVIG against SARS‐CoV‐2 has not yet been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine whether N‐IVIG manufactured before the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic contained IgG antibodies against the circulating human coronaviruses (HCoVs) that cross‐react with the highly pathogenic coronaviruses SARS‐CoV‐1, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), and SARS‐CoV‐2. No cases of SARS‐CoV‐1 or MERS‐CoV have been reported in Japan.

Study Design and Methods

The neutralizing and binding activities of N‐IVIG against SARS‐CoV‐1, MERS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2, HCoV 229E, and HCoV OC43 were evaluated. Nine N‐IVIG lots manufactured between 2000 and 2018, derived from donors in Japan, were tested. Binding activity was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Results

None of the N‐IVIG lots tested displayed neutralizing or binding activity against SARS‐CoV‐1, MERS‐CoV, or SARS‐CoV‐2. However, they displayed substantial neutralizing and binding activity against HCoV OC43 and weak neutralizing and substantial binding activity against HCoV 229E.

Conclusion

N‐IVIG derived from healthy donors in Japan before the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic had no direct effect against SARS‐CoV‐2. Further studies are warranted to determine the effects of N‐IVIG manufactured after the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic against SARS‐CoV‐2.
Evaluation of a microvascular anastomotic coupler for end‐to‐side arterial and venous anastomosis for feline renal transplantation
Authors: Mickelson Megan A. , Hardie Robert J. , Hespel Adrien‐Maxence , Dreyfus Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Objective

To describe the technique and determine the feasibility of an end‐to‐side (ETS) anastomosis of the renal vein to vena cava and renal artery to aorta using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) for feline renal transplantation.

Study design

In vivo experimental study.

Animals

Six purpose‐bred domestic shorthair cats.

Methods

The left kidney was autotransplanted using a MAC for ETS vascular anastomosis. Outcomes included intraoperative hemorrhage from the anastomosis sites, duration of anastomoses, surgical complications, postoperative renal perfusion (including resistive index (RI)) measured by Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography, and histopathological examination of the left kidney and anastomosis sites (30 days).

Results

Anastomosis was successful in all cats, and intraoperative hemorrhage was negligible. Intraoperative renal perfusion was considered excellent. Venous and arterial anastomoses were completed in 11 minutes 20 seconds (range, 6:38‐13:27) and 21 minutes 50 seconds (range, 11:05‐30:24), respectively. Vascular occlusion time was 32 minutes (17:43‐42:03). One cat was euthanized 5 hours postoperatively because of bleeding from a muscular arterial branch of the dorsal aorta causing hemoabdomen. Renal perfusion and RI of the remaining five cats were within normal range (<0.8) and similar to the contralateral kidney at all time points. Endothelialization of the anastomosis was complete with mild‐to‐moderate fibrosis surrounding the MAC in all cats.

Conclusion

End‐to‐side anastomosis of the renal vein and artery to the vena cava and aorta, respectively, was consistently achieved in all six cats with the MAC.

Clinical significance

The use of the MAC may be considered as an alternative to hand suturing for ETS anastomoses for feline renal transplantation.
Bingham Fluid Flow in the Entrance Region of a Pipe
Authors: Baioumy Basma , Chebbi Rachid , Abdel Jabbar Nabil
Published: October 2020

Laminar Bingham fluid flow in the entrance region of a circular pipe is investigated using a momentum integral model. The fully developed flow is uniform in the core region, while the velocity changes in the annular part of the cross section of the pipe. The inlet-filled region concept is adopted. In the inlet region, the boundary layer thickness increases until the size of the plug flow area reaches the fully developed flow size. The model converges to the fully developed solution in the filled region. The model provides the velocity, pressure drop, and skin friction coefficient profiles. The pressure drop results are in good agreement with published experimental data. The flow results asymptotically converge to the fully developed values. In addition, the results are consistent with published Newtonian fluid flow experimental data and theoretical results for the boundary layer thickness, pressure drop, and centerline velocity for small values of the Bingham number.
Amino Sugars Reshape Interactions between Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii
Authors: Chen Lulu , Walker Alejandro R. , Burne Robert A. , Zeng Lin
Published: October 2020

Carbohydrate metabolism is central to the development of dental caries. A variety of sugars available to dental microorganisms influence the development of caries by affecting the physiology, ecology, and pathogenic potential of tooth biofilms. Using two well-characterized oral bacteria, one pathogen (
Streptococcus mutans
) and one commensal (
Streptococcus gordonii
), in an RNA deep-sequencing analysis, we studied the impact of two abundant amino sugars on bacterial gene expression and interspecies interactions. The results indicated large-scale remodeling of gene expression induced by GlcN in particular, affecting bacterial energy generation, acid production, protein synthesis, and release of antimicrobial molecules. Our study provides novel insights into how amino sugars modify bacterial behavior, information that will be valuable in the design of new technologies to detect and prevent oral infectious diseases.
Dietary Phytase- and Lactic Acid-Treated Cereals Caused Greater Taxonomic Adaptations than Functional Adaptations in the Cecal Metagenome of Growing Pigs
Authors: Klinsoda Jutamat , Vötterl Julia , Koger Simone , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U.
Published: October 2020

Dietary strategies (e.g., phytase supplementation and lactic acid [LA] treatment of cereals) used to improve the availability of phytate-phosphorus (P) from pig feed reduce the amount of P flowing into the large intestine, whereas LA treatment-induced changes in nutrient fractions alter the substrate being available to the microbiota. In ruminants, lower intestinal P availability compromises the fibrolytic activity of the microbiome. Here, we report that the functional capacities were less dramatically affected than the taxonomic composition by phytase-supplemented and LA-treated cereals. The bacterial community appeared to be partly capable of functionally compensating for the altered flow of P by replacing taxa with higher P needs by those with lower P needs. Therefore, by acting as mucosal immune stimulants, alterations in microbiota-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) due to the taxonomic shifts may play a greater role for host physiology and health than functional differences caused by differing intestinal P availabilities, which merits further research.
Chasing Waterborne Pathogens in Antarctic Human-Made and Natural Environments, with Special Reference to
Legionella
spp
Authors: Shimada Sho , Nakai Ryosuke , Aoki Kotaro , Shimoeda Norifumi , Ohno Giichiro , Kudoh Sakae , Imura Satoshi , Watanabe Kentaro , Miyazaki Yasunari , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tateda Kazuhiro
Published: October 2020

We comprehensively examined the localization of potential waterborne pathogens in the Antarctic human-made and natural aquatic environment with special focus on
Legionella
spp. Some potential pathogenic genera were detected with low relative abundance in the natural environment, but most detections of these genera occurred in the station. Through detailed community analysis of
Legionella
spp., we revealed that a variety of
Legionella
spp. was widely distributed in the Antarctic environment and that they were phylogenetically distinct from the described species. This fact indicates that there are still diverse unknown
Legionella
spp. in Antarctica, and this genus encompasses a greater variety of species in low-temperature environments than is currently known. In contrast, amplicon sequence variants closely related to known
Legionella
spp. with reported pathogenicity were almost solely localized in the station, suggesting that human-made environments alter the
Legionella
community.
Response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the Innate Immune System-Derived Oxidants Hypochlorous Acid and Hypothiocyanous Acid
Authors: Farrant Katie V. , Spiga Livia , Davies Jane C. , Williams Huw D.
Published: October 2020

The bacterial pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes devastating infections in immunocompromised hosts, including chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. To combat infection, the host’s immune system produces the antimicrobial oxidants hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN). Little is known about how
P. aeruginosa
responds to and survives attack from these oxidants. To address this, we carried out two approaches: a mutant screen and transcriptional study. We identified the
P. aeruginosa
transcriptional regulator, RclR, which responds specifically to HOCl and HOSCN stress and is essential for protection against both oxidants. We uncovered a link between the
P. aeruginosa
transcriptional response to these oxidants and physiological processes associated with pathogenicity, including antibiotic resistance and the type 3 secretion system.
Marek’s Disease Virus Requires Both Copies of the Inverted Repeat Regions for Efficient
In Vivo
Replication and Pathogenesis
Authors: Vychodil Tereza , Conradie Andelé M. , Trimpert Jakob , Aswad Amr , Bertzbach Luca D. , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: October 2020

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is a highly oncogenic alphaherpesvirus that infects chickens and causes losses in the poultry industry of up to $2 billion per year. The virus is also widely used as a model to study alphaherpesvirus pathogenesis and virus-induced tumor development in a natural host. MDV and most other herpesviruses harbor direct or inverted repeats regions in their genome. However, the role of these sequence duplications in MDV remains elusive and has never been investigated in a natural virus-host model for any herpesvirus. Here, we demonstrate that both copies of the repeats are needed for efficient MDV replication and pathogenesis
in vivo
, while replication was not affected in cell culture. With this, we further dissect herpesvirus genome biology and the role of repeat regions in Marek’s disease virus replication and pathogenesis.
Population Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus Reveals a Cryptic, Highly Prevalent Superantigen SElW That Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Bacteremia
Authors: Vrieling Manouk , Tuffs Stephen W. , Yebra Gonzalo , van Smoorenburg Marleen Y. , Alves Joana , Pickering Amy C. , Park Joo Youn , Park Nogi , Heinrichs David E. , Benedictus Lindert , Connelley Timothy , Seo Keun Seok , McCormick John K. , Fitzgerald J. Ross
Published: October 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
is an important human and animal pathogen associated with an array of diseases, including life-threatening necrotizing pneumonia and infective endocarditis. The success of
S. aureus
as a pathogen has been linked in part to its ability to manipulate the host immune response through the secretion of toxins and immune evasion molecules. The staphylococcal superantigens (SAgs) have been studied for decades, but their role in
S. aureus
pathogenesis is not well understood, and an appreciation for how SAgs manipulate the host immune response to promote infection may be crucial for the development of novel intervention strategies. Here, we characterized a widely prevalent, previously cryptic, staphylococcal SAg, SElW, that contributes to the severity of
S. aureus
infections caused by an important epidemic clone of
S. aureus
CC398. Our findings add to the understanding of staphylococcal SAg diversity and function and provide new insights into the capacity of
S. aureus
to cause disease.
Gene Loss and Acquisition in Lineages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Evolving in Cystic Fibrosis Patient Airways
Authors: Gabrielaite Migle , Johansen Helle K. , Molin Søren , Nielsen Finn C. , Marvig Rasmus L.
Published: October 2020

Bacterial airway infections, predominantly caused by
P. aeruginosa
, are a major cause of mortality and morbidity of CF patients. While short insertions and deletions as well as point mutations occurring during infection are well studied, there is a lack of understanding of how gene loss and acquisition play roles in bacterial adaptation to the human airways. Here, we investigated
P. aeruginosa
within-host evolution with regard to gene loss and acquisition. We show that during long-term infection
P. aeruginosa
genomes tend to lose genes, in particular, genes related to virulence. This adaptive strategy allows reduction of the genome size and evasion of the host’s immune response. This knowledge is crucial to understand the basic mutational steps that, on the timescale of years, diversify lineages and adds to the identification of bacterial genetic determinants that have implications for CF disease.
Biomimetic Gut Model Systems for Development of Targeted Microbial Solutions for Enhancing Warfighter Health and Performance
Authors: Brinkac Lauren M. , Rahman Nandita , Chua Loun-Loun , Thomas Sterling
Published: October 2020

The human gut microbiome plays a vital role in both health and disease states and as a mediator of cognitive and physical performance. Despite major advances in our understanding of the role of gut microbes in host physiology, mechanisms underlying human-microbiome dynamics have yet to be fully elucidated.
Lost and Found: Re-searching and Re-scoring Proteomics Data Aids Genome Annotation and Improves Proteome Coverage
Authors: Willems Patrick , Fijalkowski Igor , Van Damme Petra
Published: October 2020

Delineation of open reading frames (ORFs) causes persistent inconsistencies in prokaryote genome annotation. We demonstrate that by advanced (re)analysis of omics data, a higher proteome coverage and sensitive detection of unannotated ORFs can be achieved, which can be exploited for conditional bacterial genome (re)annotation, which is especially relevant in view of annotating the wealth of sequenced prokaryotic genomes obtained in recent years.
New advances in the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Ju Dong , Heimbach Julie K
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer related death in the world. Biannual surveillance for the disease in patients with cirrhosis and in high risk carriers of hepatitis B virus allows early stage cancer detection and treatment with good long term outcomes. Liver ultrasonography and serum α fetoprotein are the most commonly used surveillance tests. If suspicious results are found on the surveillance test, multiphasic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be undertaken to confirm the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. If radiologic tests show inconclusive results, liver biopsy or repeat imaging could be considered for confirmation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Management of the disease is complex. Patients should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, and the selection of treatment should consider factors such as tumor burden, severity of liver dysfunction, medical comorbidities, local expertise, and preference of patients. Early stage hepatocellular carcinoma is best managed by curative treatment, which includes resection, ablation, or transplantation. Patients with intermediate stage disease often receive locoregional treatment. Systemic treatment is reserved for patients with advanced disease. Several positive, phase III, randomized controlled trials have expanded the systemic treatment options for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with promising long term outcomes, especially trials using combination treatments, which could also have eventual implications for the treatment of earlier stage disease.
Inpatient patient safety events in vulnerable populations: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schulson Lucy B , Novack Victor , Folcarelli Patricia H , Stevens Jennifer P , Landon Bruce E
Published: October 2020

Background

Widespread attention to structural racism has heightened interest in disparities in the quality of care delivered to racial/ethnic minorities and other vulnerable populations. These groups may also be at increased risk of patient safety events.

Objective

To examine differences in inpatient patient safety events for vulnerable populations defined by race/ethnicity, insurance status and limited English proficiency (LEP).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single tertiary care academic medical centre.

Participants

Inpatient admissions of those aged ≥18 years from 1 October 2014 to 31 December 2018.

Measurements

Primary exposures of interest were self-identified race/ethnicity, Medicaid insurance/uninsured and LEP. The primary outcome of interest was the total number of patient safety events, defined as any event identified by a modified version of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement global trigger tool that automatically identifies patient safety events (‘automated’) from the electronic record or by the hospital-wide voluntary provider reporting system (‘voluntary’). Negative binomial models were used to adjust for demographic and clinical factors. We also stratified results by automated and voluntary.

Results

We studied 141 877 hospitalisations, of which 13.6% had any patient safety event. In adjusted analyses, Asian race/ethnicity was associated with a lower event rate (incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.96); LEP patients had a lower risk of any patient safety event and voluntary events (IRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.96; IRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.94). Asian and Latino race/ethnicity were also associated with a lower rate of voluntary events but no difference in risk of automated events. Black race was associated with an increased risk of automated events (IRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.20).

Limitations

This is a single centre study.

Conclusions

A commonly used method for monitoring patient safety problems, namely voluntary incident reporting, may underdetect safety events in vulnerable populations.
Improving outcomes for older people in the emergency department: a review of reviews
Authors: Preston Louise , van Oppen James David , Conroy Simon Paul , Ablard Suzanne , Buckley Woods Helen , Mason Suzanne M
Published: October 2020

Background

There has been a recognised trend of increasing use of emergency and urgent care and emergency departments (EDs) by older people, which is marked by a substantial evidence base reporting interventions for this population and guidance from key organisations. Despite this, outcomes for this population remain suboptimal. A plethora of reviews in this area provides challenges for clinicians and commissioners in determining which interventions and models of care best meet people’s needs. The aim of this review was to identify effective ED interventions which have been reported for older people, and to provide a clear summary of the myriad reviews and numerous intervention types in this area.

Methods

A review of reviews, reporting interventions for older people, either initiated or wholly delivered within the ED.

Results

A total of 15 review articles describing 83 primary studies met our content and reporting standards criteria. The majority (n=13) were systematic reviews (four using meta-analysis.) Across the reviews, 26 different outcomes were reported with inconsistency. Follow-up duration varied within and across the reviews. Based on how authors had reported results, evidence clusters were developed: (1) staff-focused reviews, (2) discharge intervention reviews, (3) population-focused reviews and (4) intervention component reviews.

Conclusions

The evidence base describing interventions is weak due to inconsistent reporting, differing emphasis placed on the key characteristics of primary studies (staff, location and outcome) by review authors and varying quality of reviews. No individual interventions have been found to be more promising, but interventions initiated in the ED and continued into other settings have tended to result in more favourable patient and health service outcomes. Despite many interventions reported within the reviews being holistic and patient focused, outcomes measured were largely service focused.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO CRD42018111461.
Dilated cardiomyopathy caused by truncating titin variants: long-term outcomes, arrhythmias, response to treatment and sex differences
Authors: Vissing Christoffer Rasmus , Rasmussen Torsten Bloch , Dybro Anne Mette , Olesen Morten Salling , Pedersen Lisbeth Nørum , Jensen Morten , Bundgaard Henning , Christensen Alex Hørby
Published: October 2020

Background

Truncating variants in titin (TTNtv) are the most common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We evaluated the genotype-phenotype correlation in TTNtv-DCM, with a special focus on long-term outcomes, arrhythmias, response to treatment and sex-related presentation.

Methods

Data on patient characteristics and outcomes were collected retrospectively from electronic health records of patients genotyped at two Danish heart transplantation centres.

Results

We included 115 patients (66% men). At diagnosis of DCM, mean age was 46±13 years and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 28%±13%. During a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 26% reached a composite outcome of left ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation or death. In 20% an arrhythmia preceded the DCM diagnosis. In total, 43% had atrial fibrillation (AF) and 23% had ventricular arrhythmias. Long-term left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR; LVEF increase ≥10% points or normalisation) was achieved in 58% and occurred more frequently in women (72% vs 51%, p=0.042).

In multivariable proportional hazards analyses, occurrence of LVRR was a strong independent negative predictor of the composite outcome (HR: 0.05 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.14); p<0.001). Female sex independently predicted lower rates of ventricular arrhythmias (HR: 0.33 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.99); p=0.05), while the location of the TTNtv was not associated with cardiovascular outcomes.

Conclusion

DCM caused by TTNtv presented in midlife and was associated with a high burden of AF and ventricular arrhythmias, which often preceded DCM diagnosis. Furthermore, LVRR occurred in a high proportion of patients and was a strong negative predictor of the composite outcome. Female sex was positively associated with occurrence of LVRR and longer event-free survival.
Decade of variable progress: trends in fatal injury in workers in New Zealand from a national observational study
Authors: Lilley Rebbecca , Maclennan Brett , Davie Gabrielle , McNoe Bronwen M , Horsburgh Simon , Driscoll Tim R
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Analyses of secular trends in work-related fatal injury in New Zealand have previously only considered the total working population, potentially hiding trends for important subgroups of workers. This paper examines trends in work-related fatalities in worker subgroups between 2005 and 2014 to indicate where workplace safety action should be prioritised.

Methods

A dataset of fatally injured workers was created; all persons aged 15–84 years, fatally injured in the period 2005–2014, were identified from mortality records, linked to coronial records which were then reviewed for work relatedness. Poisson regression modelling was used to estimate annual percentage change in rates by age, sex, ethnicity, employment status, industry and occupation.

Results

Overall, worker fatalities decreased by 2.4% (95% CI 0.0% to 4.6%) annually; an average reduction of 18 deaths per year from baseline (2005). Significant declines in annual rates were observed for younger workers (15–29 and 30–49 years), indigenous Māori, those in the public administration and service sector, and those in community and personal service occupations. Increases in annual rates occurred for workers in agriculture and forestry and fisheries sectors and for labourers. Rates of worker deaths in work-traffic settings declined faster than in workplace settings.

Discussion

Although overall age-standardised rates of work-related fatal injury have been declining, these trends were variable. Sources of injury risk in identifiable subgroups with increases in annual rates need to be urgently addressed. This study demonstrates the need for regular, detailed examination of the secular trends to identify those subgroups of workers requiring further workplace safety attention.
Lymphogranuloma venereum genovariants in men having sex with men in Italy
Authors: Marangoni Antonella , Foschi Claudio , Tartari Federico , Gaspari Valeria , Re Maria Carla
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an STI caused byChlamydia trachomatisserovars L1-L3. In Europe, the current epidemic is caused mainly by L2b genovariant, although increasing cases associated with other L2 variants have been reported. Here, we assessed the distribution of rectal LGV genovariants among men having sex with men (MSM) in Italy.

Methods

From 2016 to 2020, all the anorectal swabs collected from MSM attending the STI Clinic of St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna and positive forC. trachomatiswere stored. LGV infection was confirmed by apmpHPCR, and, subsequently, a fragment of theompAgene was amplified and sequenced. Sequences were aligned to reference strains representing different LGV variants.

Results

LGV cases accounted for one-third of all chlamydial rectal infections with a total prevalence of 4.1% (76/1852). Total number of LGV cases per year remained constant. LGV was mainly found in symptomatic patients (>65%), older than 30 years, with a high burden of other STIs (63.7% HIV-positive, 35.5% with concurrent rectal gonorrhoea, 19.7% with early syphilis). A decreasing trend in HIV-LGV co-infection was noticed over time. Three main LGV genovariants were detected (L2f, 46.1%; L2b, 23.0%; L2-L2b/D-Da, 16.9%), together with other known L2b variants (mainly L2bV2 and L2bV4). Two novel L2bompAvariants with non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found. Over time, the percentage of L2f cases dropped gradually, with a significant increase in L2-L2b/D-Da cases (p=0.04).

Conclusions

In our area, LGV is endemic among MSM with different circulating genovariants. Active surveillance and genotyping programmes are needed to reduce re-establishing of LGV infection.
Single-tablet regimen of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus cobicistat-boosted elvitegravir increase adherence for HIV postexposure prophylaxis in sexual assault victims
Authors: Malinverni Stefano , Bédoret Floriane , Bartiaux Magali , Gilles Christine , De Wit Stéphane , Libois Agnes
Published: October 2020

Background

Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a recommended public health intervention after a sexual assault to prevent HIV infection.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case-control study on how use of a single-tablet regimen (STR) of elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Stribild) affected adherence to PEP and attendance of a follow-up visit to the STI clinic compared with those who received a multitablet regimen (MTR). Data from sexual assault victims consulting for PEP were prospectively recorded between January 2011 and December 2017. Data were systematically collected on patient demographics, time of medical contact, source risk factors, type of exposure, attendance to follow-up visit, reported completion of PEP and adherence based on pharmacy records.

Results

A total of 422 patients received PEP following a sexual assault, of whom 52% had documented completion of a 28-day PEP regimen and 71% attended a follow-up clinic visit. Patients who received an elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF)-based STR had a similar likelihood of attending their first follow-up visit (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.48, p=0.90) but were more likely to complete the PEP regimen (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.50, p=0.007). After adjusting for confounders, those who were prescribed an STR regimen were more likely to complete the PEP regimen (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.53, p=0.019) than those who were prescribed an MTR such as stavudine/lamivudine/lopinavir/ritonavir or zidovudine/lamivudine/indinavir/ritonavir.

Conclusions

Sexual assault victims who were prescribed an STR based on EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF were more likely to complete PEP than those who were prescribed an MTR.
Hadronic vacuum polarization and vector-meson resonance parameters from $$\varvec{e^+e^-\rightarrow \pi ^0\gamma }$$
Authors: Hoid Bai-Long , Hoferichter Martin , Kubis Bastian
Published: October 2020

We study the reaction$$e^+e^-\rightarrow \pi ^0\gamma $$e+e-→π0γbased on a dispersive representation of the underlying$$\pi ^0\rightarrow \gamma \gamma ^*$$π0→γγ∗transition form factor. As a first application, we evaluate the contribution of the$$\pi ^0\gamma $$π0γchannel to the hadronic-vacuum-polarization correction to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We find$$a_\mu ^{\pi ^0\gamma }\big |_{\le 1.35\,\text {GeV}}=43.8(6)\times 10^{-11}$$aμπ0γ|≤1.35GeV=43.8(6)×10-11, in line with evaluations from the direct integration of the data. Second, our fit determines the resonance parameters of$$\omega $$ωand$$\phi $$ϕ. We observe good agreement with the$$e^+e^-\rightarrow 3\pi $$e+e-→3πchannel, explaining a previous tension in the$$\omega $$ωmass between$$\pi ^0\gamma $$π0γand$$3\pi $$3πby an unphysical phase in the fit function. Combining both channels we find$${\bar{M}}_\omega =782.736(24)\,\text {MeV}$$M¯ω=782.736(24)MeVand$${\bar{M}}_\phi =1019.457(20)\,\text {MeV}$$M¯ϕ=1019.457(20)MeVfor the masses including vacuum-polarization corrections. The$$\phi $$ϕmass agrees perfectly with the PDG average, which is dominated by determinations from the$${\bar{K}} K$$K¯Kchannel, demonstrating consistency with$$3\pi $$3πand$$\pi ^0\gamma $$π0γ. For the$$\omega $$ωmass, our result is consistent but more precise, exacerbating tensions with the$$\omega $$ωmass extracted via isospin-breaking effects from the$$2\pi $$2πchannel.
Comparison of Low Cost Versus Conventional Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment: A Prospective Micro Costing Study
Authors: Arakkal Darshana , Mascarenhas Mariano , Mangalaraj Ann M. , Karthikeyan Muthukumar , Prasad Jasmin H. , Kunjummen Aleyamma T. , Kamath Mohan S.
Published: October 2020

Objective: Among multiple barriers for infertility treatment, the major deterrent appears to be the high cost of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Low-cost ART employing mild stimulation protocols among other cost cutting measures has been advocated in resource limited settings. In the current study, we compared the actual cost incurred for conventional and low-cost ART treatment.

Study Design: Prospective micro-costing study at a university-level infertility unit, including women undergoing conventional and low-cost ART. The data collection for micro-costing was done primarily through direct observation of the resources utilized and time involved on a prospective basis. Only direct medical cost involved in ART treatment was calculated. The outcome measures included the cost per cycle and cost per clinical pregnancy.

Results: The average cost per couple per initiated cycle for the conventional ART was almost 50% higher as compared to low-cost ART ($1,433 vs. $739). The cost per clinical pregnancy per initiated cycle for conventional ART was lower compared to low-cost ART ($4248 vs. $4960). In a limited number of patients, the clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 40% (2/5 patients) in the conventional cycle as compared to 17% (1/6) in the low-cost ART cycle.

Conclusion: Using mild stimulation protocol in the low-cost ART program resulted in reduction in actual cost per cycle to almost half, but the cost per clinical pregnancy was higher compared to conventional ART.
Gertrude Elles: the pioneering graptolite geologist in a woolly hat. Her career, achievements and personal reflections from her family and colleagues
Authors: Tubb J. , Burek C. V.
Published: October 2020

Gertrude Elles gained worldwide renown for her seminal work with Ethel Wood on
A Monograph of British Graptolites
, which is still used today. She gained the MBE, pioneered female geological education, became the first female reader in Cambridge University and one of the first tranche of female Fellows of the Geological Society in 1919. An eccentric with a vast array of hats, PhD students and lodgers, she was a stalwart member of the Sedgwick Club and life member of the British Federation of University Women. She wrote obituaries for colleagues describing their achievements with humour and good nature. Her family describe her as ‘a fabulous woman’ with a huge range of interests including archaeology, botany and music. She related her geological and botanical knowledge in showing a nephew that plants growing along the Moine Thrust reflected change in the underlying rocks. Cambridge colleagues recall her as a ‘marvellous and well-respected figure’ who caused some amusement by her big old cluttered table from which she swept away material making room for new samples (and work for technicians). She died in 1960 in her beloved Scotland. However, her legacy survives in the classification of a group of fossils extinct for nearly 400 myr.
Partitioning the internet using Anycast catchments
Authors: Schomp Kyle , Al-Dalky Rami
Published: October 2020

In anycast deployments, knowing how traffic will be distributed among the locations is challenging. In this paper, we propose a technique for
partitioning
the Internet using passive measurements of existing anycast deployments such that all IP addresses within a partition are routed to the same location for an arbitrary anycast deployment. One IP address per partition may then represent the entire partition in subsequent measurements of specific anycast deployments. We implement a practical version of our technique and apply it to production traffic from an anycast authoritative DNS service of a major CDN and demonstrate that the resulting partitions have low error even up to 2 weeks after they are generated.
A first look at the IP eXchange ecosystem
Authors: Lutu Andra , Jun Byungjin , Bustamante Fabián E. , Perino Diego , Bagnulo Marcelo , Bontje Carlos Gamboa
Published: October 2020

The IPX Network interconnects about 800 Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) worldwide and a range of other service providers (such as cloud and content providers). It forms the core that enables global data roaming while supporting emerging applications, from VoLTE and video streaming to IoT verticals. This paper presents the first characterization of this, so-far opaque, IPX ecosystem and a first-of-its-kind in-depth analysis of an IPX Provider (IPX-P). The IPX Network is a private network formed by a small set of tightly interconnected IPX-Ps. We analyze an operational dataset from a large IPX-P that includes BGP data as well as statistics from signaling. We shed light on the structure of the IPX Network as well as on the temporal, structural and geographic features of the IPX traffic. Our results are a first step in understanding the IPX Network at its core, key to fully understand the global mobile Internet.
Expression of AIM2 in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Role on Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Chen Yong , Fujuan Qiu , Chen Ensheng , Yu Beijia , Zuo Fangfang , Yuan Yi , Zhao Xiaofeng , Xiao Changhong
Published: October 2020

Objectives. To determine differences in AIM2 inflammasome expression levels between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate the role of AIM2 in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS). Methods. Serum AIM2 levels among health controls (HC,

n
=
20

), OA (

n
=
25

), and RA (n =49) patients were compared via ELISA. The different expression levels of AIM2, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β between RA and OA synovium were semiquantified by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. IHC staining was recorded by

H

scores, and its correlation with the ESR and CRP levels of RA patients was determined. SiRNA AIM2 was transferred to RA-FLS and its effects on the proliferation and migration via CCK-8 assay and Transwell test, respectively. Results. In RA sera, the HC expressed higher level of AIM2 than OA and RA patients, and ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β expressed higher in RA patients than HC; no significant differences were observed between sera of OA and RA patients. However, in affected knee synovium, AIM2, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β were expressed higher in RA than that of OA. Moreover, the

H

scores of AIM2, ASC, and IL-1β were positively correlated with the ESR and CRP levels in RA patients. The proliferation of FLS was significantly inhibited after transferring with AIM2 siRNA to FLS. There were no differences in apoptosis and migration assay between the si-AIM2 group and the control group. Conclusion. AIM2 inflammasome pathway involves in the pathogenesis of RA. si-AIM2 inhibits the proliferation of RA-FLS, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of RA.
MAS-Based Interaction Simulation within Asymmetric Information on Emergency Management of Urban Rainstorm Disaster
Authors: Yang Qing , Wang Jinmei , Liu Xingxing , Xia Jiajia
Published: October 2020

The frequent occurrence of urban waterlogging constantly affects resident living and urban construction. Improved adaptive prevention and control strategies are highly requested due to huge economic losses and casualties caused by flood and waterlogging in China. The urban waterlogging may evolve into a serious emergency, generally characterized by high complexity, uncertainty, and time pressure. Coupled with the asymmetric information, waterlogging often exacerbates the impact of urban rainstorm disasters. Through the multi-agent system simulation with given geographic information, government and residents interact under dynamic risk distribution in rainstorm disaster. The results show that the proactive attitude of residents and the government towards disaster relief could have a promoting effect for both, thereby increasing the disaster relief efficiency. Obviously, rapid accurate information collection and analysis facilitate disaster relief to a large extent. Meanwhile, appropriate supply rather than excessive supply may mobilize residents’ self-help and balance replenishment of relief supplies.
Prediction Error and Forecasting Interval Analysis of Decision Trees with an Application in Renewable Energy Supply Forecasting
Authors: Zhao Xin , Nie Xiaokai
Published: October 2020

Renewable energy has become popular compared with traditional energy like coal. The relative demand for renewable energy compared to traditional energy is an important index to determine the energy supply structure. Forecasting the relative demand index has become quite essential. Data mining methods like decision trees are quite effective in such time series forecasting, but theory behind them is rarely discussed in research. In this paper, some theories are explored about decision trees including the behavior of bias, variance, and squared prediction error using trees and the prediction interval analysis. After that, real UK grid data are used in interval forecasting application. In the renewable energy ratio forecasting application, the ratio of renewable energy supply over that of traditional energy can be dynamically forecasted with an interval coverage accuracy higher than 80% and a small width around 22, which is similar to its standard deviation.
The Activity Screening of Hmong Herbs Caesalpiniaminax and an Antitumor Effect Study
Authors: Huang Cong , Dong Minghong , Luo Jinfang , Qian Haibing , Zhang Jingjie , Huang Yongqi
Published: October 2020

Aim. To screen active sites from roots, stems, and leaves of Caesalpinia minax and study its antitumor effect. Methods. Human liver cancer HuH‐7 cells were used to screen the active sites of C. minax by MTT assay, and the polar extracts were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The medicated serum prepared from rats was used to investigate the effect on the proliferation of Hepa 1–6 mouse hepatoma cells. The H22 hepatoma‐bearing mice model was established and treated with the petroleum ether extract of stems and leaves (HY②) by intraperitoneal injection (20, 60 mg·kg−1) and intragastric (100, 300 mg·kg−1) for 12 days. Results. The petroleum ether extracts were the effective active site. The IC50 value of the petroleum ether extract of stems and leaves (HY②) was 58.9 μg·ml−1, and that of the roots (HG②) was 46.79 μg·ml−1. The grey relational analysis cleared that the 11 common peaks of the active extracts had a close correlation with the antitumor activity. The medicated serum prepared by ip. administration had a significant inhibitory effect on the Hepa1‐6 cells, but it had no inhibitory effect by intragastric administration. High‐dose administration significantly reduced tumor size in H22 hepatoma‐bearing mice, and the tumor inhibition rates were 64.47% and 53.41%. Necrosis of tumor cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and fibrous tissue proliferation were promoted, and the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was reduced compared with the control group. Conclusion. The petroleum ether extract of C. minax had a significant antitumor activity. An immunohistochemical study showed that, through inhibiting the expression of the VEGF and growth of the tumor blood vessel, the proliferation of tumor cell and expression of PCNA can be inhibited.
Innate Immune Effectors Play Essential Roles in Acute Respiratory Infection Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Liu Dong , Chen Zhifu , Yuan Yue , Jing Haiming , Zou Jintao , Zhang Xiaoli , Zeng Xi , Zhang Weijun , Zou Quanming , Zhang Jinyong
Published: October 2020

Innate immune effectors constitute the first line of host defense against pathogens. However, the roles of these effectors are not clearly defined during Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) respiratory infection. In the current study, we established an acute pneumonia model of K. pneumoniae respiratory infection in mice and confirmed that the injury was most severe 48 h post infection. Flow cytometric assay demonstrated that alveolar macrophages were the predominant cells in BALF before infection, and neutrophils were quickly recruited after infection, and this was in consistent with the kinetics of chemokine expression. Further, we depleted neutrophils, macrophages, and complement pathways in vivo and challenged these mice with a sublethal dose of K. pneumonia, the result showed that 80%, 60%, and 40% of mice were died in these groups, respectively, while no deaths occurred in the control group. Besides, innate immune effector depleted mice showed higher bacterial burdens in lungs and blood, companied with more severe lung damage and increased levels of cytokine/chemokine expression. These results demonstrated that the innate immune effectors are critical in the early controlling of K. pneumoniae infection, and neutrophils are the most important. Thus, alternative strategies targeting these innate immune effectors may be effective in controlling of K. pneumoniae respiratory infection.