bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, risk factors and distribution of syphilis in the end-stage renal disease population in the USA
Authors: Weathers Erena N , Waller Jennifer L , Nahman N Stanley , Colombo Rhonda E , Kheda Mufaddal F , Baer Stephanie L
Published: July 2019

Background

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection with an incidence of 14.9 cases per 100 000 persons in the USA in 2011. Untreated syphilis may remain quiescent for years but can also result in clinical sequelae, including neurosyphilis. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients may be at risk for syphilis due to a higher incidence of risk factors for the disease, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite the presence of these risk factors, the incidence of syphilis in the ESRD population has not been reported. To address this issue, we investigated the incidence and risk factors for syphilis in the ESRD population using the United States Renal Data System (USRDS).

Methods

This study analyzed incident ESRD patients from 2004 to 2010. Based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for syphilis, we determined the incidence and risk factors for syphilis following an inpatient diagnosis. Generalized linear modeling was used to examine the relative risk (RR) for the disease when controlling for demographic and other clinical risk factors.

Results

A total of 383 diagnoses of syphilis were identified after screening 759 066 patients. The 8-year incidence of any type of syphilis was 50.45 cases per 100 000 person-years. Other unspecified syphilis (29.77 cases per 100 000 person-years) and neurosyphilis (10.93 cases per 100 000 person-years) were the most common diagnoses. The greatest incidence was found on the East and West Coasts. Patients with the disease were younger and more likely to be black and non-Hispanic. In the final model, the adjusted RR for syphilis was significantly increased with HIV (7.61), hepatitis C (3.57), herpes simplex (2.06) and hepatitis B (1.75).

Conclusions

The incidence of syphilis is >3-fold greater in ESRD patients when compared with the general population and is associated with sexually transmitted viral infections. Neurosyphilis is a common occurrence and is treatable, suggesting that all assessments of confusion in dialysis patients should include screening for the disease.
The impact of mixtures of xylose and glucose on the microbial diversity and fermentative metabolism of sequencing-batch or continuous enrichment cultures
Authors: Rombouts Julius L , Mos Galvin , Weissbrodt David G , Kleerebezem Robbert , Van Loosdrecht Mark C M
Published: July 2019

Efficient industrial fermentation of lignocellulosic waste containing a large part of glucose and xylose is desirable to implement a circular economy. Mixed culture biotechnologies can aid in realizing this goal. The effect of feeding equivalent substrates to a microbial community, such a xylose and glucose, is not well understood in terms of the number of dominant species and how these species compete for the substrates. We compared the metabolism and microbial community structure in a continuous-flow stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) fed with a mixture of xylose and glucose, inoculated with bovine rumen at pH 8, 30°C and a hydraulic retention time of 8 h. We hypothesised that a CSTR will select for generalist species, taking up both substrates. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridisation to accurately determine the microbial community structures. Both enrichments were stoichiometrically and kinetically characterised. The CSTR enrichment culture was dominated by Clostridium intestinale (91% ± 2%). The SBR showed an abundance of Enterobacteriaceae (75% ± 8%), dominated by Citrobacter freundii and a minor fraction of Raoultella ornithinolytica. C. freundii ferments xylose and glucose in a non-diauxic fashion. Clearly, a non-diauxic generalist outcompetes specialists and diauxic generalists in SBR environments.
The Origin of Modern Public History in China
Authors: Li Na
Published: July 2019

This article tracks the origin of modern public history in China. Through a critical survey of the landscape, the article focuses on why public history has such a widespread appeal among ordinary Chinese, and how it is used for social cohesion and identity building to mobilize a general population. The author argues that public history has flourished in the last two decades alongside a deteriorating notion of national identity unified by the state; the genesis of this can be traced back to the turn of the twentieth century. Three propositions are suggested for further developing public history in China, namely writing differently, a broader and more liberal understanding of history, and an emphasis on rigour.
On the standard Galerkin method with explicit RK4 time stepping for the shallow water equations
Authors: Antonopoulos D C , Dougalis V A , Kounadis G
Published: July 2019

We consider a simple initial-boundary-value problem for the shallow water equations in one space dimension. We discretize the problem in space by the standard Galerkin finite element method on a quasiuniform mesh and in time by the classical four-stage, fourth order, explicit Runge–Kutta scheme. Assuming smoothness of solutions, a Courant number restriction and certain hypotheses on the finite element spaces, we prove $L^{2}$ error estimates that are of fourth-order accuracy in the temporal variable and of the usual, due to the nonuniform mesh, suboptimal order in space. We also make a computational study of the numerical spatial and temporal orders of convergence, and of the validity of a hypothesis made on the finite element spaces.
Unique Structural/Stereo-Isomer and Isobar Analysis of Novel Fentanyl Analogues in Postmortem and DUID Whole Blood by UHPLC–MS-MS
Authors: Sofalvi Szabolcs , Lavins Eric S , Brooker Ian T , Kaspar Claire K , Kucmanic John , Mazzola Carrie D , Mitchell-Mata Christie L , Clyde Cassandra L , Rico Rindi N , Apollonio Luigino G , Goggin Charissa , Marshall Brittany , Moore Danielle , Gilson Thomas P
Published: July 2019

The presented analytical method enabled the Toxicology Department at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office to identify 26 and quantitatively report 24 compounds in 500 μL of whole blood, including fentanyl analogues (fentalogues) such as methoxyacetyl fentanyl (MeOAF) and cyclopropyl fentanyl (CPF). This second-generation method (FG2) was developed with the objective to improve the existing analysis (FG1) by decreasing sample size, lowering limits of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantitation, minimizing ion suppression and resolving chromatographic interferences. Interferences may occur in the analysis of fentanyl, MeOAF, CPF, 3-methylfentanyl (3MF), butyryl fentanyl and isobutyryl fentanyl due to isobars and structural or geometric isomerism with another analogue or metabolite. The isomeric and isobaric fentalogues were grouped into three sets. The LOD established for Set 1 [MeOAF, para-methoxyacetyl fentanyl, para-fluoro acryl fentanyl (isobar), fentanyl carbamate], 2-furanyl fentanyl, Set 2 [CPF, (E)-crotonyl fentanyl] and carfentanil was 0.0125 ng/mL. The LOD established for N-methyl norfentanyl, norfentanyl, norcarfentanil, despropionyl fentanyl (4-ANPP), acetyl fentanyl, β-hydroxy fentanyl, benzyl fentanyl, acryl fentanyl, alfentanil, fentanyl, para-fluoro fentanyl, Set 3 [(±)-trans-3MF, (±)-cis-3MF, isobutyryl and butyryl fentanyl], para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, sufentanil, phenyl fentanyl and cyclopentenyl fentanyl was 0.0625 ng/mL. Seven-point linear calibration curves were established between 0.025 and 4.0 ng/mL for the 8 analytes with the lower LOD and 0.125 and 20 ng/mL for the 18 analytes with the higher LOD. 4-ANPP and cyclopentenyl fentanyl met qualitative reporting criteria only. The results for five postmortem and two driving under the influence of drugs authentic case samples are presented. To the authors’ knowledge, FG2 is the first published method that achieved baseline resolution of the nine structural/stereo isomers and one isobar by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–MS-MS and provided quantitative validation data for nine compounds. FG2 may be used as the new baseline for future isomers that need to be chromatographically separated.
LC-QTOF-MS Identification of Major Urinary Cyclopropylfentanyl Metabolites Using Synthesized Standards
Authors: Vikingsson Svante , Rautio Tobias , Wallgren Jakob , Åstrand Anna , Watanabe Shimpei , Dahlén Johan , Wohlfarth Ariane , Konradsson Peter , Wu Xiongyu , Kronstrand Robert , Gréen Henrik
Published: July 2019

Cyclopropylfentanyl is a fentanyl analog implicated in 78 deaths in Europe and over 100 deaths in the United States, but toxicological information including metabolism data about this drug is scarce. The aim of this study was to provide the exact structure of abundant and unique metabolites of cyclopropylfentanyl along with synthesis routes.

In this study, metabolites were identified in 13 post-mortem urine samples using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Samples were analyzed with and without enzymatic hydrolysis, and seven potential metabolites were synthesized in-house to provide the identity of major metabolites.

Cyclopropylfentanyl was detected in all samples, and the most abundant metabolite was norcyclopropylfentanyl (M1) that was detected in 12 out of 13 samples.

Reference materials were synthesized (synthesis routes provided) to identify the exact structure of the major metabolites 4-hydroxyphenethyl cyclopropylfentanyl (M8), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl cyclopropylfentanyl (M5) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethyl cyclopropylfentanyl (M9). These metabolites are suitable urinary markers of cyclopropylfentanyl intake as they are unique and detected in a majority of hydrolyzed urine samples.

Minor metabolites included two quinone metabolites (M6 and M7), not previously reported for fentanyl analogs. Interestingly, with the exception of norcyclopropylfentanyl (M1), the metabolites appeared to be between 40% and 90% conjugated in urine. In total, 11 metabolites of cyclopropylfentanyl were identified, including most metabolites previously reported after hepatocyte incubation.
A New Method for Securing Dermal Substitutes and Skin Grafts to Difficult Portions of the Face Using a Custom 3D-Printed Facemask
Authors: Aguilar Hernán A , Mayer Horacio F
Published: July 2019

Management of third-degree facial burns remains one of the most difficult challenges in burn care. Patients with deep facial burns usually require gradual escharectomy, tangential excision of the wound, and resurfacing with full-thickness skin grafts or dermal substitutes associated with split-thickness skin grafts to provide better and superior cosmetic results. Immobilization of skin grafts and dermal substitutes by reducing shearing forces and hematoma formation underneath is paramount to improve success rates. Due to the irregular shape of the face, the proper immobilization of grafts with traditional methods is often difficult, especially over concave portions of the face. Herein, we report the original use of a custom three-dimensional printing facemask for securing dermal substitutes and skin grafts to difficult sites on the face.
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Medical Management of Pediatric Luminal Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Mack David R , Benchimol Eric I , Critch Jeff , deBruyn Jennifer , Tse Frances , Moayyedi Paul , Church Peter , Deslandres Colette , El-Matary Wael , Huynh Hien , Jantchou Prévost , Lawrence Sally , Otley Anthony , Sherlock Mary , Walters Thomas , Kappelman Michael D , Sadowski Dan , Marshall John K , Griffiths Anne
Published: July 2019

Background & Aims

We aim to provide guidance for medical treatment of luminal Crohn’s disease in children.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of publication databases to identify studies of medical management of pediatric Crohn’s disease. Quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. We developed statements through an iterative online platform and then finalized and voted on them.

Results

The consensus includes 25 statements focused on medical treatment options. Consensus was not reached, and no recommendations were made, for 14 additional statements, largely due to lack of evidence. The group suggested corticosteroid therapies (including budesonide for mild to moderate disease). The group suggested exclusive enteral nutrition for induction therapy and biologic tumor necrosis factor antagonists for induction and maintenance therapy at diagnosis or at early stages of severe disease, and for patients failed by steroid and immunosuppressant induction therapies. The group recommended against the use of oral 5-aminosalicylate for induction or maintenance therapy in patients with moderate disease, and recommended against thiopurines for induction therapy, corticosteroids for maintenance therapy, and cannabis in any role. The group was unable to clearly define the role of concomitant immunosuppressants during initiation therapy with a biologic agent, although thiopurine combinations are not recommended for male patients. No consensus was reached on the role of aminosalicylates in treatment of patients with mild disease, antibiotics or vedolizumab for induction or maintenance therapy, or methotrexate for induction therapy. Patients in clinical remission who are receiving immunomodulators should be assessed for mucosal healing within 1 year of treatment initiation.

Conclusions

Evidence-based medical treatment of Crohn’s disease in children is recommended, with thorough ongoing assessments to define treatment success.
Numerical simulation and analysis of the characteristics of spatial distribution of induced γ-ray source used for D-D source density measurement
Authors: Zhang Li , Yu Huawei , Jia Wenbao , Wang Yinhui , Qu Jingkai
Published: July 2019

D-D source has a promising prospect of application in the field of controllable source density logging. However, the spatial distribution of a D-D ‘induced γ-ray source’ varies significantly and such a source is more susceptible to the influence of various formation factors, resulting in relatively low accuracy of density measurement. This study researched the spatial distribution of an induced γ-ray source. First, the principle of D-D controllable source density measurement was analyzed. Second, the generation process of a D-D induced γ-ray source and the spatial distribution under different formation conditions were simulated and studied. Finally, the associated influential factors were summarized. The results indicate that the spatial position and intensity of the induced γ-ray source were susceptible to the influence of various formation factors, such as HI, lithology and salinity. Among these factors, HI had greatest impact on the spatial position of induced γ-ray source and, particularly, when formation HI varied within the range of 0–0.1, the spatial positions of capture γ-rays changed significantly. In addition, as HI increased, the intensity of γ-rays also increased gradually. Formation lithology and salinity had a greater impact on the intensity of induced γ-rays than on the spatial distribution of these γ-rays. For formations of different lithologies, as the types and contents of main elements were different, the intensity of capture γ-rays also varied. This research provides the basic data for correcting the effects on a D-D induced γ-ray source and establishing a method of density measurement using a D-D controllable source.
Biological relevance of antler, horn, and pronghorn size in records programs
Authors: LaSharr Tayler N , Long Ryan A , Heffelfinger James R , Bleich Vernon C , Krausman Paul R , Bowyer R Terry , Shannon Justin M , Rominger Eric M , Lehman Chadwick P , Cox Mike , Monteith Kevin L
Published: July 2019

Long-term datasets are becoming increasingly important for assessing population- and species-level responses to a changing environment. Programs that record morphological measurements of horns, antlers, and pronghorns were established in the early- to mid-20th century to collect biological information about animals that possess large horns, antlers, or pronghorns, which could be used to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts for large mammals in North America. The general relevance of record books has been questioned because of the minimum size requirements for inclusion in a record book, which may mask trends when changes in the population occur. We compared trends in size of antlers, horns, and pronghorns through time using records from three records programs with different minimum size requirements to evaluate the influence of entry requirements on temporal trends. We also investigated whether horn, antler, or pronghorn size affected the probability of specimens being submitted to a records program. Only two of 17 categories exhibited less-pronounced trends in the record book with the highest size requirements for entry, and in two categories trends were more pronounced. Although societal interest in submitting eligible specimens increased slightly over time in one of six categories, the probability of voluntary entry was largely random and not affected by year of harvest or size of specimen. In contrast to previous criticisms, trends in record books should not be expected to represent the size of all males within a population. Instead, our evaluation indicates that the records programs we examined can provide a useful resource for assessing long-term changes in phenotypic characteristics of ungulates, but importantly, they represent the respective range of sizes within which each program collects data.
Mammographic Density Change and Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Azam Shadi , Eriksson Mikael , Sjölander Arvid , Hellgren Roxanna , Gabrielson Marike , Czene Kamila , Hall Per
Published: July 2019

Background

We examined the association between annual mammographic density change (MDC) and breast cancer (BC) risk, and how annual MDC influences the association between baseline mammographic density (MD) and BC risk.

Methods

We used the Karolinska Mammography Project for Risk Prediction of Breast Cancer cohort of Swedish women (N = 43 810) aged 30–79 years with full access to BC risk factors and mammograms. MD was measured as dense area (cm2) and percent MD using the STRATUS method. We used the contralateral mammogram for women with BC and randomly selected a mammogram from either left or right breast for healthy women. We calculated relative area MDC between repeated examinations. Relative area MDC was categorized as decreased (>10% decrease per year), stable (no change), or increased (>10% increase per year). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the association of BC with MDC and interaction analysis to investigate how MDC modified the association between baseline MD and BC risk. All tests of statistical significance were two-sided.

Results

In all, 563 women were diagnosed with BC. Compared with women with a decreased MD over time, no statistically significant difference in BC risk was seen for women with either stable MD or increasing MD (hazard ratio = 1.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.82 to 1.23, P = .90; and hazard ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval = 0.80 to 1.22, P = .90, respectively). Categorizing baseline MD and subsequently adding MDC did not seem to influence the association between baseline MD and BC risk.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that annual MDC does not influence BC risk. Furthermore, MDC does not seem to influence the association between baseline MD and BC risk.
The Gut Microbiome and Pediatric Cancer: Current Research and Gaps in Knowledge
Authors: Bhuta Roma , Nieder Michael , Jubelirer Tracey , Ladas Elena J
Published: July 2019

The human microbiome consists of trillions of microbial cells that interact with one another and the human host to play a clinically significant role in health and disease. Gut microbial changes have been identified in cancer pathogenesis, at disease diagnosis, during therapy, and even long after completion of treatment. Alterations in the gut microbiome have been linked to treatment-related toxicity and potential long-term morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. Such alterations are plausible given immune modulation due to disease as well as exposure to cytotoxic chemotherapy, infections, and antibiotics. The following review presents our current scientific understanding on the role of the gut microbiome in pediatric cancer, identifies gaps in knowledge, and suggests future research goals.
Extremely metal-poor galaxies with HST/COS: laboratories for models of low-metallicity massive stars and high-redshift galaxies
Authors: Senchyna Peter , Stark Daniel P , Chevallard Jacopo , Charlot Stéphane , Jones Tucker , Vidal-García Alba
Published: July 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) observations of local star-forming galaxies have begun to establish an empirical baseline for interpreting the rest-UV spectra of reionization-era galaxies. However, existing high-ionization emission line measurements at z > 6 ($\rm W_{C\, {\scriptscriptstyle IV},0}{} \gtrsim 20$ Å) are uniformly stronger than observed locally ($\rm W_{C\, {\scriptscriptstyle IV},0}{} \lesssim 2$ Å), likely due to the relatively high metallicities (Z/Z$\odot$ > 0.1) typically probed by UV surveys of nearby galaxies. We present new HST/COS spectra of six nearby (z < 0.01) extremely metal-poor galaxies (XMPs, Z/Z$\odot$ ≲ 0.1) targeted to address this limitation and provide constraints on the highly uncertain ionizing spectra powered by low-metallicity massive stars. Our data reveal a range of spectral features, including one of the most prominent nebular C iv doublets yet observed in local star-forming systems and strong He ii emission. Using all published UV observations of local XMPs to date, we find that nebular C iv emission is ubiquitous in very high specific star formation rate systems at low metallicity, but still find equivalent widths smaller than those measured in individual lensed systems at z > 6. Our moderate-resolution HST/COS data allow us to conduct an analysis of the stellar winds in a local nebular C iv emitter, which suggests that some of the tension with z > 6 data may be due to existing local samples not yet probing sufficiently high α/Fe abundance ratios. Our results indicate that C iv emission can play a crucial role in the JWST and ELT era by acting as an accessible signpost of very low metallicity (Z/Z$\odot$ < 0.1) massive stars in assembling reionization-era systems.
Circumstellar properties of Type Ia supernovae from the helium star donor channel
Authors: Moriya Takashi J , Liu Dongdong , Wang Bo , Liu Zheng-Wei
Published: July 2019

We investigate the predicted circumstellar properties of Type Ia supernova progenitor systems with non-degenerate helium star donors. It has been suggested that systems consisting of a carbon + oxygen white dwarf and a helium star can lead to Type Ia supernova explosions. Binary evolution calculations for the helium star donor channel predict that such a progenitor system is in either a stable helium-shell burning phase or a weak helium-shell flash phase at the time of the Type Ia supernova explosion. By using the binary evolution models from our previous study, we show that a large fraction of the progenitor systems with a helium star donor have a low enough density to explain the current non-detection of radio emission from Type Ia supernovae. Most of the progenitor systems in the weak helium-shell flash phase at the time of the Type Ia supernova explosion, which may dominate the prompt (short delay time) Type Ia supernova population, have both a low circumstellar density and a faint helium star donor, which could account for the non-detection of radio emission and a pre-explosion companion star in SN 2011fe and SN 2014J. We also find some progenitor systems that are consistent with the properties of the companion star candidate identified at the explosion location of the Type Iax SN 2012Z.
ISW in ΛCDM or something else?
Authors: Sołtan A M
Published: July 2019

We investigate a correlation between the Planck’s CMB temperature map and statistics based on the space density of quasars in the SDSS catalogue. It is shown that the amplitude of the positive correlation imposes a lower limit on the amplitude of the Integrated Sachs–Wolfe effect independent of the quasar bias factor. Implications of this constraint for the ISW effect in the Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model are examined. Strength of the correlation indicates that the rms of temperature fluctuations associated with the quasars distributed between 1500 and 3000 Mpc likely exceeds $11{\!-\!}12\, \mu$K. The signal seems to be related to an overall space distribution of quasars rather than to a few exceptionally dominant structures like supervoids. Although, the present estimates are subject to sizable uncertainties, the signal apparently exceeds the model predictions of the ISW effect for the standard ΛCDM cosmology. This conclusion is consistent with several other investigations that also claim some disparity between the observed ISW signal and the theoretical predictions.
The origin of lopsided satellite galaxy distribution in galaxy pairs
Authors: Gong Chen Chris , Libeskind Noam I , Tempel Elmo , Guo Quan , Gottlöber Stefan , Yepes Gustavo , Wang Peng , Sorce Jenny , Pawlowski Marcel
Published: July 2019

It is well known that satellite galaxies are not isotropically distributed among their host galaxies as suggested by most interpretations of the Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model. One type of anisotropy recently detected in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (and seen when examining the distribution of satellites in the Local Group and in the Centaurus group) is a tendency to be so-called lopsided. Namely, in pairs of galaxies (like Andromeda and the Milky Way) the satellites are more likely to inhabit the region in between the pair, rather than on opposing sides. Although recent studies found a similar set-up when comparing pairs of galaxies in ΛCDM simulations indicating that such a set-up is not inconsistent with ΛCDM, the origin has yet to be explained. Here we examine the origin of such lopsided set-ups by first identifying such distributions in pairs of galaxies in numerical cosmological simulations, and then tracking back the orbital trajectories of satellites (which at z = 0 display the effect). We report two main results: first, the lopsided distribution was stronger in the past and weakens towards z = 0. Secondly, the weakening of the signal is due to the interaction of satellite galaxies with the pair. Finally, we show that the z = 0 signal is driven primarily by satellites that are on first approach, who have yet to experience a ‘flyby’. This suggests that the signal seen in the observations is also dominated by dynamically young accretion events.
Admixture between Ancient Lineages, Selection, and the Formation of Sympatric Stickleback Species-Pairs
Authors: Dean Laura L , Magalhaes Isabel S , Foote Andrew , D’Agostino Daniele , McGowan Suzanne , MacColl Andrew D C
Published: July 2019

Ecological speciation has become a popular model for the development and maintenance of reproductive isolation in closely related sympatric pairs of species or ecotypes. An implicit assumption has been that such pairs originate (possibly with gene flow) from a recent, genetically homogeneous ancestor. However, recent genomic data have revealed that currently sympatric taxa are often a result of secondary contact between ancestrally allopatric lineages. This has sparked an interest in the importance of initial hybridization upon secondary contact, with genomic reanalysis of classic examples of ecological speciation often implicating admixture in speciation. We describe a novel occurrence of unusually well-developed reproductive isolation in a model system for ecological speciation: the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), breeding sympatrically in multiple lagoons on the Scottish island of North Uist. Using morphological data, targeted genotyping, and genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data, we show that lagoon resident and anadromous ecotypes are strongly reproductively isolated with an estimated hybridization rate of only ∼1%. We use palaeoecological and genetic data to test three hypotheses to explain the existence of these species-pairs. Our results suggest that recent, purely ecological speciation from a genetically homogeneous ancestor is probably not solely responsible for the evolution of species-pairs. Instead, we reveal a complex colonization history with multiple ancestral lineages contributing to the genetic composition of species-pairs, alongside strong disruptive selection. Our results imply a role for admixture upon secondary contact and are consistent with the recent suggestion that the genomic underpinning of ecological speciation often has an older, allopatric origin.
Bio-inspired untethered fully soft robots in liquid actuated by induced energy gradients
Authors: Lyu Liang Xiong , Li Fen , Wu Kang , Deng Pan , Jeong Seung Hee , Wu Zhigang , Ding Han
Published: July 2019

Soft robotics with new designs, fabrication technologies and control strategies inspired by nature have been totally changing our view on robotics. To fully exploit their potential in practical applications, untethered designs are preferred in implementation. However, hindered by the limited thermal/mechanical performance of soft materials, it has been always challenging for researchers to implement untethered solutions, which generally involve rigid forms of high energy-density power sources or high energy-density processes. A number of insects in nature, such as rove beetles, can gain a burst of kinetic energy from the induced surface-energy gradient on water to return to their familiar habitats, which is generally known as Marangoni propulsion. Inspired by such a behavior, we report the agile untethered mobility of a fully soft robot in liquid based on induced energy gradients and also develop corresponding fabrication and maneuvering strategies. The robot can reach a speed of 5.5 body lengths per second, which is 7-fold more than the best reported, 0.69 (body length per second), in the previous work on untethered soft robots in liquid by far. Further controlling the robots, we demonstrate a soft-robot swarm that can approach a target simultaneously to assure a hit with high accuracy. Without employing any high energy-density power sources or processes, our robot exhibits many attractive merits, such as quietness, no mechanical wear, no thermal fatigue, invisibility and ease of robot fabrication, which may potentially impact many fields in the future.
Obstructive sleep apnea in children aged 3 years and younger: Rate and risk factors
Authors: Selvadurai Sarah , Voutsas Giorge , Propst Evan J , Wolter Nikolaus E , Narang Indra
Published: July 2019

Objective

Undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can predispose children to neurobehavioural consequences. However, there is a lack of data identifying rate of, and risk factors for, OSA in very young healthy children. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of OSA and identify risk factors associated with the presence and severity of OSA in children aged 3 years and younger.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of healthy children between 1 and 3 years old who had a baseline polysomnogram (PSG) between January 2012 and June 2017. Patient demographics, referral history, and PSG data were recorded.

Results

One hundred and thirteen children were referred for a PSG, of which 66 (58%) were diagnosed with OSA and 47 (42%) did not have OSA. In the OSA group, 13 (20%) were mild and 53 (80%) were moderate-severe. Nasal congestion (P=0.001), adenoid hypertrophy (P=<0.001), and tonsillar hypertrophy (P=0.04) reported at the time of referral were more common in the OSA group compared to the no-OSA group. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that referral from an otolaryngologist (odds ratio=2.6, 95% confidence interval=1.1 to 6.0) were associated with moderate-severe OSA.

Conclusion

A high rate of OSA was found among children aged 3 years and younger. Children referred by an otolaryngologist are more likely to be diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA. Children aged 3 years and younger with symptoms of OSA should be considered high-risk for OSA and be prioritized for early PSG and management.
Measuring scientific impact of fisheries and aquaculture research-for-development projects in South East Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Hiruy Kiros , Murphy Ray , Lewis Tom , White William T , Purcell Steven W
Published: July 2019

Research-for-development (R4D), as a mode of foreign aid, is a practical way to support developing countries. However, few studies have assessed the scientific impacts of R4D projects. Here, we applied an integrated assessment approach to evaluate the scientific impact of research projects commissioned by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research’s Fisheries Program in the Asia-Pacific region between 2000 and 2012. We use publication metrics and expert panel reviews to examine trends in scientific outputs among 73 fisheries and aquaculture research projects. ‘Among projects, there was considerable variation in publication types and outputs (including academic papers, magazine articles, policy reports, books, and book chapters), and projects produced, on average, 10 publications at a funded-dollar cost of AU$41,000 per publication. Bilateral and multilateral projects tended to produce more refereed journal articles and citations per funded dollar than single-country projects, and publication outputs were poor for certain countries. With the exception of fisheries projects, larger (more highly funded) projects did not produce more journal articles per funded dollar than smaller projects. Project duration had no significant effect on the number of refereed publications, citation rates, or total citations per funded dollar across projects. Aquaculture projects had greater publication impact, per funded dollar than fisheries projects. Beyond the bibliometric measures, qualitative findings indicated that scientific impact was strongly influenced by motivations of project leaders and their institutions. We identified disparate impact performance among industries and countries. These findings could inform future overseas aid investments, policies and strategies. This study offers useful benchmarks for gauging scientific impacts of R4D programs and shows the value of using approaches that go beyond bibliometric measures.
Raising the Stakes: Inequality and Testing in the Russian Education System
Authors: Jackson Michelle , Khavenson Tatiana , Chirkina Tatiana
Published: July 2019

Sociologists have argued that high-stakes tests open the door to high levels of educational inequality at transition points: in a high-stakes testing regime, parents and students are able to focus all energy and resources on test preparation, thus enhancing pre-existing inequalities in academic performance. But arguments about a special role for high-stakes tests are often prosecuted without explicit comparisons to other types of tests and assessments, usually because information on other tests is not available. In this article, we analyze a unique dataset on a contemporary cohort of Russian students, for whom we have PISA and TIMSS scores, low-stakes test scores, and high-stakes test scores. We compare the role each test plays in mediating socioeconomic background inequalities at the important transitions in the Russian educational system: the transition to upper secondary education and the transition to university. We find evidence in favor of a special role for the high-stakes test at the transition to university, but we also find evidence that gives cause to question the standard assumption that high-stakes tests should be a primary focus for those concerned about inequality of educational opportunity.
Wheat Stem Maggot (Diptera: Chloropidae): An Emerging Pest of Cover Crop to Corn Transition Systems
Authors: Inveninato Carmona Gabriela , Rees Jennifer , Seymour Ron , Wright Robert , McMechan Anthony Justin
Published: July 2019

The wheat stem maggot (Meromyza americana Fitch) (WSM) is a minor pest of wheat, rye, and other grasses. In 2017, growers in Nebraska reported dead center whorls and excessive tillering in early-season cornfields that followed wheat or rye terminated after planting corn. A survey was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for this insect in cover crop to corn transition systems. In each field, management practices and the percentage of injured plants were recorded. Symptomatic corn plants were collected from each field and dissected to determine larval and plant characteristics. In a few cases, small patches of a field were planted to a cover crop to manage soil erosion, and injured plants were only found where the cover crop was present. From these observations, the hypothesis is that terminating a cover crop after planting corn allowed the WSM larva to move from the dying cover crop to corn to complete its development. Cornfields infested with WSM had a frequency of injured corn plants from 0 to 60% with yield losses estimated at 30 bushels/acre. This paper provides the first detailed documentation of WSM injury in corn and addresses important management practices that may have influenced this uncommon situation.
First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus Infecting Siam Tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia) in Florida
Authors: Dey K. K. , Li C. , Elliott M. , McVay John , Whilby L. , Hodges G. , Smith T. R.
Published: July 2019

Siam tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia) has become an important crop for breeding new varieties owing to its high economic value as a tropical ornamental. In September 2017, C. alismatifolia potted plants, originally from Alachua, FL, were submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, FL, for identification. The plants exhibited petal and bract necrosis. Initial serological testing for the presence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) using ELISA yielded positive results. To confirm pathogen identification, a two-step quantitative reverse transcription PCR, using primers targeting CMV-specific coat protein (amplicon of ∼450 bp), was performed. The PCR product, GenBank accession MG652768, had 99% nucleotide identity with CMV isolates in GenBank. Although all the tissues tested positive for CMV, it is unknown whether the necrotic symptoms were solely owing to CMV infection. CMV is known to infect a wide variety of plants in the ginger family, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV in C. alismatifolia.
Endophytes from Wild Rubber Trees as Antagonists of the Pathogen Corynespora cassiicola
Authors: Pujade-Renaud Valérie , Déon Marine , Gazis Romina , Ribeiro Sébastien , Dessailly Florence , Granet Françoise , Chaverri Priscila
Published: July 2019

The Corynespora leaf fall disease of rubber trees, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Corynespora cassiicola, is responsible for important yield losses in Asian and African plantations, whereas its impact is negligible in South America. The objective of this study was to identify potential antagonists of C. cassiicola among fungal endophytes (i.e., Pestalotiopsis, Colletotrichum, and Trichoderma spp.) isolated from wild and cultivated rubber trees distributed in the Peruvian Amazon. We first tested the endophytes in dual in vitro confrontation assays against a virulent C. cassiicola isolate (CCP) obtained from diseased rubber trees in the Philippines. All Trichoderma isolates overran the CCP colony, suggesting some antagonistic mechanism, while species from the other genera behaved as mutual antagonists. Trichoderma isolates were then tested through antibiosis assays for their capacity to produce growth-inhibiting molecules. One isolate (LA279), recovered as an endophyte from a wild Hevea guianensis specimen and identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis, showed significant antibiosis capacity. We demonstrated that LA279 was also able to endophytically colonize the cultivated rubber tree species (H. brasiliensis). Under controlled laboratory conditions, rubber plants were inoculated with three Trichoderma strains, including LA279, in combination with the pathogenic CCP. Results showed that 1 week preinoculation with the endophytes differentially reduced CCP mycelial development and symptoms. In conclusion, this study suggests that T. koningiopsis isolate LA279—and derivate compounds—could be a promising candidate for the biological control of the important rubber tree pathogen C. cassiicola.
Vascular Protection and Decongestion Without Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Stimulation Mediated by a Novel Dual-Acting Vasopressin V1a/V2 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Kolkhof Peter , Pook Elisabeth , Pavkovic Mira , Kretschmer Axel , Buchmüller Anja , Tinel Hanna , Delbeck Martina , Mondritzki Thomas , Wasnaire Pierre , Dinh Wilfried , Truebel Hubert , Hüser Jörg , Schmeck Carsten
Published: July 2019

Increased plasma vasopressin levels have been shown to be associated with the progression of congestive heart failure. Vasopressin mediates water retention by renal tubular V2 receptor activation as well as vasoconstriction, cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis through V1a receptor activation. Therefore, we developed a novel, dual-acting vasopressin receptor antagonist, BAY 1753011, with almost identical Ki-values of 0.5 nM at the human V1a receptor and 0.6 nM at the human V2 receptor as determined in radioactive binding assays. Renal V2 antagonism by BAY 1753011 was compared with the loop diuretic furosemide in acute diuresis experiments in conscious rats. Similar diuretic efficacy was found with 300-mg/kg furosemide (maximal diuretic response) and 0.1-mg/kg BAY 1753011. Furosemide dose-dependently induced plasma renin and angiotensin I levels, while an equiefficient diuretic BAY 1753011 dose did not activate the renin–angiotensin system. BAY 1753011 dose-dependently decreased the vasopressin-induced expression of the profibrotic/hypertrophic marker plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and osteopontin in rat cardiomyocytes, while the selective V2 antagonist satavaptan was without any effect. The combined vascular V1a-mediated and renal V2-mediated properties as well as the antihypertrophic/antifibrotic activity enable BAY 1753011 to become a viable treatment option for oral chronic treatment of congestive heart failure.
Two Compounds Isolated From Ganglioside GM1 Promote Angiogenesis in Zebrafish
Authors: Shi Yunwei , Wang Xiaoning , Shi Yuanyuan , Zhang Jie , Zhao Shuyong , Yin Zhenhua , Xu Guangmin , Duan Xuchu , Guo Zhimou , Liang Xinmiao , Liu Dong
Published: July 2019

Ganglioside has been implicated to play important roles in modulating various cell signaling and biological functions. However, the functional analysis of a single ganglioside in a zebrafish model is so far lacking. In this study, we investigated the angiogenic effects of 2 monosialoganglioside compounds isolated from GM1 in zebrafish embryos. First, we showed the tested compounds are adequate safe. Then, we found that these compounds exhibited significant proangiogenic effect through enhancement of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Furthermore, the 2 compounds were proved to promote angiogenesis through, at least partially, modulating the level of Notch signaling. This study provides the novel insights into the clinical application of the 2 ganglioside compounds and GM1.
The financial impact of postoperative complications following liver resection
Authors: Cosic Luka , Ma Ronald , Churilov Leonid , Debono David , Nikfarjam Mehrdad , Christophi Christopher , Weinberg Laurence
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study was to determine the financial burden of complications and examine the cost differentials between complicated and uncomplicated hospital stays, including the differences in cost due to extent of resection and operative technique.

Liver resection carries a high financial cost. Despite improvements in perioperative care, postoperative morbidity remains high. The contribution of postoperative complications to the cost of liver resection is poorly quantified, and there is little data to help guide cost containment strategies.

Complications for 317 consecutive adult patients undergoing liver resection were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Patients were stratified based on the grade of their worst complication to assess the contribution of morbidity to resource use of specific cost centers. Costs were calculated using an activity-based costing methodology.

Complications dramatically increased median hospital cost ($22,954 vs $15,593, P < .001). Major resection cost over $10,000 more than minor resection and carried greater morbidity (82% vs 59%, P < .001). Similarly, open resection cost more than laparoscopic resection ($21,548 vs $15,235, P < .001) and carried higher rates of complications (72% vs 41.5%, P < .001). Hospital cost increased with increasing incidence and severity of complications. Complications increased costs across all cost centers. Minor complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade I and II) were shown to significantly increase costs compared with uncomplicated patients.

Liver resection continues to carry a high incidence of complications, and these result in a substantial financial burden. Hospital cost and length of stay increase with greater severity and number of complications. Our findings provide an in-depth analysis by stratifying total costs by cost centers, therefore guiding future economic studies and strategies aimed at cost containment for liver resection.
A case report of infectious scleritis with corneal ulcer caused by Scedosporium aurantiacum
Authors: Kim Hyuna , Ahn Ja-Young , Chung In-Young , Seo Seong-Wook , Yoo Woong-Sun , Shin Jong Hee , Kim Seong-Jae
Published: July 2019

Rationale:

Scedosporium species is rare pathogen of ocular infection. The accurate diagnosis is delaying in many cases and the clinical prognosis is poor due to its resistance to antifungal agents. This report describes a patient with infectious scleritis and corneal ulcer caused by Scedosporium auranticum infection who required enucleation to control the infection.

Patient concerns:

A 70-year-old woman visited our clinic after experiencing ocular discomfort in her right eye for 4 days after minor ocular trauma, with soil exposure.

Diagnoses:

Scedosporium species was isolated from a culture of corneal tissue, Scedosporium aurantiacum was identified in a culture of necrotic tissue.

Interventions:

She was started on treatment with antifungal agents, including topical amphotericin B and systemic fluconazole, but her ocular condition did not improve. Although the lesion showed temporary improvement, ocular pain and corneal ulcer recurred 3 months later. Evisceration was performed due to corneal perforation, and enucleation was also performed for dehiscence of the conjunctiva and scleral necrosis.

Outcomes:

After enucleation, postoperative systemic voriconazole treatment controlled the infection without recurrence.

Lessons:

S aurantiacum keratitis is difficult to eradicate, even with several months of treatment with systemic and topical antifungal agents, and tends to progress to scleritis. The infection can be terminated by the orbital enucleation. Infection with this rare organism should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with severe infectious keratitis.