bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical model of evaporator-condenser
Authors: Chernenko V V , Chernenko D V
Published: May 2020

The basic provisions of the mathematical model of a condenser-evaporator in relation to air separation units are considered. All influencing quantities are shown, the main component blocks are highlighted, and the sequence of their solution is given. The model is based on a joint solution of the equations of hydrodynamics and heat transfer for tubular apparatuses using iterative calculations to clarify the initial values of the determining parameters both within individual blocks and between blocks. Application of the model is possible for both design and verification calculations with minimal changes. The development of the considered model is associated with the adaptation of its algorithm to machine calculation. One of the main directions is the inclusion of a database of parameters of working substances in the field of vapor-liquid states with the ability to automatically search and transfer the required thermophysical parameters on the evaporation and condensation lines in the model.
Study of TGM-94 boiler with variable feed water temperature using a calculation model
Authors: Shaposhnikov V V , Dyakonov E M , Mihalko Ya O , Batko D N
Published: May 2020

The article substantiates the need to test performance capability and effectiveness of a steam boiler in the new conditions under any changes in the regenerative heating circuit of the feed water in a steam turbine plant. Such changes may include: the displacement of steam extractions onto high pressure feed water heaters by the sun, by heat from biomass or garbage burning, or by steam from third-party sources. For this purpose we have developed a mathematical model of the steam boiler TGM-94 from steam turbine installation K-150-130. The model was created with Boiler Designer program. Verification of the calculated and experimental data provided by Krasnodar TTP showed sufficient convergence in both the steam-water and gas paths. We observed differences in the following temperatures: feed water temperature after the first stage of the economizer, flue gases and air temperature at the inlet to the furnace. The maximum difference between calculation and experiment here is 6 °C. We studied the boiler operation at a variable load, but with a constant temperature of the feed water equal to the nominal value of 230 °C. It was shown that in order to work in this mode, and in order to maintain the superheat temperature of the primary and secondary steam, it is necessary to turn on the flue gas recirculation smoke exhausters. We studied the operation of the boiler at a reduced feed water temperature. It turned out that such work leads to a decrease in steam production, if we keep the fuel consumption unchanged. In the case of sustaining steam production, it is required to assess the temperature state of the heating surfaces additionally due to a significant increase in the superheat temperature of both the primary and secondary steam.
Heat and mass transfer in unit of cooling tower filler with advanced gas-liquid contact surface
Authors: Dmitriev A V , Madyshev I N , Khafizova A I , Kharkov V V , Vakhitov M R
Published: May 2020

On a global scale, many cooling towers and contact elements occur in a variety of types. In this paper, a new design of the tower with the technology of contactless evaporation cooling has been presented. Experimental studies of the efficiency of heat and mass transfer processes in the inclined-corrugated element with the advanced gas-liquid contact surface as metal mesh were performed. Results of the change in the efficiency of heat and mass transfer processes from various gas velocity and the ratio of mass flow ratio of liquid and gas phases were reported. Comparative analysis of the influence of specific surface of phase contact on the efficiency of cooling circulating water was carried out. It was found that the use of additional contact surface of the phases allows increasing the efficiency of thermal and mass transfer on average of 44.8% and 54.2%, respectively. The mean-flow air velocity without entrainment of liquid from the apparatus reaches 2.7 m/s.
Nitride solar cells - improving efficiency based on simulation
Authors: Rabinovich O , Podgornaya S
Published: May 2020

Solar cells model based on GaN/Si heterostructure was made. The optimum heterostructure design and doping profile were defined. Quite high solar cell efficiencies based on n-GaN−p-Si heterostructures such as 14.35 % at 1 · AM 1.5 and 21.10 % at 1000 · AM 1.5 were achieved.
Chemical resistance of a surface of an offset cylinder of printing equipment
Authors: Yamilinets S Yu , Zhuravleva G N , Kondratov A P
Published: May 2020

The mechanical properties and chemical stability of the rubber-fabric coating of the printing cylinder of offset printing equipment were studied according to the parameters: compression and recovery rates during cyclic deformation of the material in the printing contact strip before and after swelling in printing ink solvents and technological solutions.
In-situ observation of nucleation and property evolution in films grown with an atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition system
Authors: Mistry Kissan , Jones Alexander , Kao Manfred , Yeow Travis Wen-Kai , Yavuz Mustafa , Musselman Kevin P
Published: May 2020

Atmospheric pressure—spatial atomic layer deposition (AP-SALD) is a promising open-air deposition technique for high-throughput manufacturing of nanoscale films, yet the nucleation and property evolution in these films has not been studied in detail. In this work, in situ reflectance spectroscopy was implemented in an AP-SALD system to measure the properties of Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) films during their deposition. For the first time, this revealed a substrate nucleation period for this technique, where the length of the nucleation time was sensitive to the deposition parameters. The in situ characterization of thickness showed that varying the deposition parameters can achieve a wide range of growth rates (0.1–3 nm/cycle), and the evolution of optical properties throughout film growth was observed. For ZnO, the initial bandgap increased when deposited at lower temperatures and subsequently decreased as the film thickness increased. Similarly, for Al2O3 the refractive index was lower for films deposited at a lower temperature and subsequently increased as the film thickness increased. Notably, where other implementations of reflectance spectroscopy require previous knowledge of the film’s optical properties to fit the spectra to optical dispersion models, the approach developed here utilizes a large range of initial guesses that are inputted into a Levenberg-Marquardt fitting algorithm in parallel to accurately determine both the film thickness and complex refractive index.
PLK1 is required for chromosome compaction and microtubule organization in mouse oocytes
Authors: Little Tara M. , Jordan Philip W.
Published: May 2020

By deleting Plk1 in mouse oocytes before meiotic resumption, we show that PLK1 is essential for the formation of condensed bivalent chromosomes, microtubule organizing center fragmentation, liquid-like spindle domain localization, and bipolar spindle formation. Thus, PLK1 coordinates processes that ensure chromosome segregation during meiosis I.
Investigating multiple sources of data for smart infusion pump and electronic health record interoperability
Authors: Marwitz Kathryn K , Fritschle Andrew C , Trivedi Vivek , Covert Matthew L , Walroth Todd A , DeLaurentis Poching , Saunders Taren , Walleser Nathan , Fuller James , Degnan Dan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Infusion pump data, which describe compliance to dose-error reduction software among other metrics, are retrievable from infusion pump vendor software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and regional and national data repositories such as the Regenstrief National Center for Medical Device Informatics (REMEDI). Smart infusion pump and EHR interoperability has added to the granularity and complexity of data collected, and clinicians are challenged with efficiently comprehending and interpreting the data and reports available.

Collaborative partnerships between the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety and the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering allowed for clinicians, informaticists, researchers, and engineers to compare the information gained and strengths of using smart infusion pumps, EHR, and REMEDI to assess hospital medication safety in a setting of interoperability. Seven reporting capabilities were used to compare available reports, and 2 hypothetical scenarios were developed to highlight these processes. Infusion pump vendor–provided software and reports were found to provide the most usable information for detailed infusion reporting, while the EHR was strongly usable for interoperability compliance and REMEDI excelled in benchmarking capabilities.

Conclusion

While infusion analytics needs may differ across health systems, a better understanding of the strengths of infusion pump data and EHR data may help provide structure and direction in the infusion analytics process. Infusion data repositories such as REMEDI are useful tools to obtain information in a way not delivered by smart pump data.
Carbonation dysgeusia associated with topiramate
Authors: Charbonneau Maria , Doyle-Campbell Courtney , Laskey Corey , Capoccia Kam
Published: May 2020

Purpose

A case of carbonation dysgeusia associated with the use of topiramate is reported in order to bring awareness to a lesser-known adverse effect of the medication so that providers may be able to more effectively counsel patients and provide potential solutions.

A 39-year-old Caucasian woman with longstanding epilepsy was initiated on topiramate therapy after experiencing a generalized seizure (she reported not taking any antiepileptic medication for years). Topiramate was started at a dosage of 25 mg by mouth twice daily and after 3 weeks titrated to a dosage of 100 mg by mouth twice daily for maintenance therapy. After initiation of topiramate therapy, the patient began to experience an immediate change in her carbonation perception when drinking carbonated beverages; all carbonated beverages, including seltzer and beer, tasted “flat.” The patient remained on topiramate for the subsequent 12 months without her carbonation perception returning to normal but noted that drinking carbonated beverages through straws slightly mitigated the adverse effect. Case assessment using the adverse drug reaction probability scale of Naranjo et al indicated that topiramate was the probable cause of the patient’s carbonation taste perversion.

Conclusion

A 39-year-old Caucasian woman developed chronic carbonation dysgeusia after initiation of topiramate following a generalized seizure.
Comparing the Prognosis of Patient with Alcohol and Nonalcohol-Associated Cirrhosis with Bacteremia
Authors: Huang Hsu-Kai , Chen Hung-Yu , Hsu Yin-Chou
Published: May 2020

Aims

Patients with liver cirrhosis are more susceptible to bacteremia and more likely to have a poor prognosis in comparison to healthy individuals. Studies on the role of alcohol in cirrhotic patients with bacteremia are limited. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic differences between the patients with alcohol and non-alcohol-associated cirrhosis with bacteremia.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients who presented to the emergency department from January 2015 to December 2018. All patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and bacteremia were enrolled and divided into alcohol-associated and non-alcohol-associated groups according to the etiology of their cirrhosis. We compared their clinical characteristics, laboratory results, microbiological data, and infection source as well as outcome measurements between the two groups.

Results

A total of 112 cirrhotic patients with bacteremia (alcohol-associated: 67; non-alcohol-associated: 45) were eligible for this study. In comparison with the non-alcohol-associated group, patients in the alcohol-associated group had a significantly higher rate of intensive care unit transfer (41.8% vs. 22.2%, P = 0.04), septic shock occurrence (56.7% vs. 35.6%, P = 0.04) and 30-day mortality risk (37.3% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.02). Moreover, alcohol-associated cirrhosis and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score were independent predictors of 30-day mortality in cirrhotic patients with bacteremia.

Conclusions

The etiology of liver cirrhosis influences the outcomes of patients with bacteremia as well as the severity of their cirrhosis.
Identifying Regional Viscoelastic Properties of the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System
Authors: Lukavsky Robert , Trussler Andrew , Barton Fritz E , Lee Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

Suspension of the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) is generally believed to be necessary in facelift surgery. Although many techniques have been suggested, all rely on the viscoelastic properties of the SMAS

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the viscoelastic properties of bursting strength, stress relaxation, and creep in the lateral, mid-cheek, and medial regions of the SMAS.

Methods

The viscoelastic properties of the SMAS were determined in 12 cadaveric hemifaces. Lateral SMAS was classified as the SMAS overlying the parotid gland; mid-cheek SMAS as anterior to the parotid and overlying the masseter muscle; and medial SMAS as including tissue extending medial from the lateral canthus and ending at the nasolabial fold.

Results

The 3 SMAS regions showed significantly different bursting strengths: 38.9 N for the lateral SMAS, 26.7 N for the mid-cheek SMAS, and 11.9 N for the medial SMAS (P < 0.0001). Stress relaxation was similar in all vertical regions with measurements of 54% in the lateral, 48% in the mid-cheek, and 59% in the medial SMAS. Creep was found to be similar in the lateral and mid-cheek SMAS with values of 18% and 19%, respectively. The medial SMAS was noted to have a higher creep at 22%.

Conclusions

The lateral SMAS has a stronger bursting strength than the mid-cheek and medial SMAS. Creep appears to be lower in the lateral and mid-cheek SMAS. Stress relaxation appears to be similar in all 3 vertical regions.
Surgical Mask Partition Reduces the Risk of Noncontact Transmission in a Golden Syrian Hamster Model for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Yuan Shuofeng , Zhang Anna Jinxia , Poon Vincent Kwok-Man , Chan Chris Chung-Sing , Lee Andrew Chak-Yiu , Fan Zhimeng , Li Can , Liang Ronghui , Cao Jianli , Tang Kaiming , Luo Cuiting , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Cai Jian-Piao , Chu Hin , Chan Kwok-Hung , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Sridhar Siddharth , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: May 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is believed to be mostly transmitted by medium- to large-sized respiratory droplets, although airborne transmission may be possible in healthcare settings involving aerosol-generating procedures. Exposure to respiratory droplets can theoretically be reduced by surgical mask usage. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence supporting surgical mask usage for prevention of COVID-19.

Methods

We used a well-established golden Syrian hamster SARS-CoV-2 model. We placed SARS-CoV-2-challenged index hamsters and naive hamsters into closed system units each comprising 2 different cages separated by a polyvinyl chloride air porous partition with unidirectional airflow within the isolator. The effect of a surgical mask partition placed between the cages was investigated. Besides clinical scoring, hamster specimens were tested for viral load, histopathology, and viral nucleocapsid antigen expression.

Results

Noncontact transmission was found in 66.7% (10/15) of exposed naive hamsters. Surgical mask partition for challenged index or naive hamsters significantly reduced transmission to 25% (6/24, P = .018). Surgical mask partition for challenged index hamsters significantly reduced transmission to only 16.7% (2/12, P = .019) of exposed naive hamsters. Unlike the severe manifestations of challenged hamsters, infected naive hamsters had lower clinical scores, milder histopathological changes, and lower viral nucleocapsid antigen expression in respiratory tract tissues.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted by respiratory droplets or airborne droplet nuclei which could be reduced by surgical mask partition in the hamster model. This is the first in vivo experimental evidence to support the possible benefit of surgical mask in prevention of COVID-19 transmission, especially when masks were worn by infected individuals.
Low Prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Pregnant and Postpartum Patients With Universal Screening in Seattle, Washington
Authors: LaCourse Sylvia M , Kachikis Alisa , Blain Michela , Simmons LaVone E , Mays James A , Pattison Amber D , Salerno Carol C , McCartney Stephen A , Kretzer Nicole M , Resnick Rebecca , Shay Rosemary L , Savitsky Leah M , Curtin Anna C , Huebner Emily M , Ma Kimberly K , Delaney Shani , Delgado Carlos , Schippers Adrienne , Munson Jeff , Pottinger Paul S , Cohen Seth , Neme Santiago , Bourassa Lori , Bryan Andrew , Greninger Alex , Jerome Keith R , Roxby Alison C , Lokken Erica , Cheng Edith , Adams Waldorf Kristina M , Hitti Jane
Published: May 2020

We found low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (2.7% [5/188]) among pregnant and postpartum patients with universal testing. Prevalence among symptomatic patients was similar under initial targeted screening (22.2% [4/18]) and universal approaches (19.1% [8/42]). Among 170 asymptomatic patients, 2 were positive or inconclusive, respectively; repeat testing at 24 hours was negative.
A Conceptual Discussion About the Basic Reproduction Number of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Temime Laura , Gustin Marie-Paule , Duval Audrey , Buetti Niccolò , Crépey Pascal , Guillemot Didier , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Vanhems Philippe , Zahar Jean-Ralph , Smith David R M , Opatowski Lulla
Published: May 2020

To date, no specific estimate of R0 for SARS-CoV-2 is available for healthcare settings. Using interindividual contact data, we highlight that R0 estimates from the community cannot translate directly to healthcare settings, with pre-pandemic R0 values ranging 1.3–7.7 in 3 illustrative healthcare institutions. This has implications for nosocomial COVID-19 control.
The multifarious roles of Tol-Pal in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Szczepaniak Joanna , Press Cara , Kleanthous Colin
Published: May 2020

In the 1960s several groups reported the isolation and preliminary genetic mapping of Escherichia coli strains tolerant towards the action of colicins. These pioneering studies kick-started two new fields in bacteriology; one centred on how bacteriocins like colicins exploit the Tol (or more commonly Tol-Pal) system to kill bacteria, the other on the physiological role of this cell envelope-spanning assembly. The following half century has seen significant advances in the first of these fields whereas the second has remained elusive, until recently. Here, we review work that begins to shed light on Tol-Pal function in Gram-negative bacteria. What emerges from these studies is that Tol-Pal is an energised system with fundamental, interlinked roles in cell division – coordinating the re-structuring of peptidoglycan at division sites and stabilising the connection between the outer membrane and underlying cell wall. This latter role is achieved by Tol-Pal exploiting the proton motive force to catalyse the accumulation of the outer membrane peptidoglycan associated lipoprotein Pal at division sites while simultaneously mobilising Pal molecules from around the cell. These studies begin to explain the diverse phenotypic outcomes of tol-pal mutations, point to other cell envelope roles Tol-Pal may have and raise many new questions.
Water soluble lipid precursor contaminants in yeast culture medium ingredients
Authors: Renne Mike F , Bao Xue , de Kroon Anton I P M
Published: May 2020

The presence of the water soluble glycerophospholipid precursors choline and inositol in culture media highly affects lipid biosynthesis and regulation thereof. We report that widely used media ingredients contain trace amounts of choline and inositol that are not mentioned on the product label, influencing experimental outcome.
Multifaceted regulation of Notch signaling by glycosylation
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Niknejad Nima , Jafar-Nejad Hamed
Published: May 2020

To build a complex body composed of various cell types and tissues and to maintain tissue homeostasis in the postembryonic period, animals use a small number of highly conserved intercellular communication pathways. Among these is the Notch signaling pathway, which is mediated via the interaction of transmembrane Notch receptors and ligands usually expressed by neighboring cells. Maintaining optimal Notch pathway activity is essential for normal development, as evidenced by various human diseases caused by decreased and increased Notch signaling. It is therefore not surprising that multiple mechanisms are used to control the activation of this pathway in time and space. Over the last 20 years, protein glycosylation has been recognized as a major regulatory mechanism for Notch signaling. In this review, we will provide a summary of the various types of glycan that have been shown to modulate Notch signaling. Building on recent advances in the biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and genetics of Notch receptors and the glycosyltransferases that modify them, we will provide a detailed discussion on how various steps during Notch activation are regulated by glycans. Our hope is that the current review article will stimulate additional research in the field of Notch glycobiology and will potentially be of benefit to investigators examining the contribution of glycosylation to other developmental processes.
Reawakening of Ancestral Dental Potential as a Mechanism to Explain Dental Pathologies
Authors: Hovorakova Maria , Zahradnicek Oldrich , Bartos Martin , Hurnik Pavel , Stransky Jiri , Stembirek Jan , Tucker Abigail S
Published: May 2020

Synopsis

During evolution, there has been a trend to reduce both the number of teeth and the location where they are found within the oral cavity. In mammals, the formation of teeth is restricted to a horseshoe band of odontogenic tissue, creating a single dental arch on the top and bottom of the jaw. Additional teeth and structures containing dental tissue, such as odontogenic tumors or cysts, can appear as pathologies. These tooth-like structures can be associated with the normal dentition, appearing within the dental arch, or in nondental areas. The etiology of these pathologies is not well elucidated. Reawakening of the potential to form teeth in different parts of the oral cavity could explain the origin of dental pathologies outside the dental arch, thus such pathologies are a consequence of our evolutionary history. In this review, we look at the changing pattern of tooth formation within the oral cavity during vertebrate evolution, the potential to form additional tooth-like structures in mammals, and discuss how this knowledge shapes our understanding of dental pathologies in humans.
The Clinical and Economic Burden of Norovirus Gastroenteritis in the United States
Authors: Bartsch Sarah M , O’Shea Kelly J , Lee Bruce Y
Published: May 2020

Background

Although norovirus outbreaks periodically make headlines, it is unclear how much attention norovirus may receive otherwise. A better understanding of the burden could help determine how to prioritize norovirus prevention and control.

Methods

We developed a computational simulation model to quantify the clinical and economic burden of norovirus in the United States.

Results

A symptomatic case generated $48 in direct medical costs, $416 in productivity losses ($464 total). The median yearly cost of outbreaks was $7.6 million (range across years, $7.5–$8.2 million) in direct medical costs, and $165.3 million ($161.1–$176.4 million) in productivity losses ($173.5 million total). Sporadic illnesses in the community (incidence, 10–150/1000 population) resulted in 14 118–211 705 hospitalizations, 8.2–122.9 million missed school/work days, $0.2–$2.3 billion in direct medical costs, and $1.4–$20.7 billion in productivity losses ($1.5–$23.1 billion total). The total cost was $10.6 billion based on the current incidence estimate (68.9/1000).

Conclusion

Our study quantified norovirus’ burden. Of the total burden, sporadic cases constituted >90% (thus, annual burden may vary depending on incidence) and productivity losses represented 89%. More than half the economic burden is in adults ≥45, more than half occurs in winter months, and >90% of outbreak costs are due to person-to-person transmission, offering insights into where and when prevention/control efforts may yield returns.
Maintenance of Viral Suppression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Controllers Despite Waning T-Cell Responses During Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Jilg Nikolaus , Garcia-Broncano Pilar , Peluso Michael , Segal Florencia P , Bosch Ronald J , Roberts-Toler Carla , Chen Samantha M Y , Van Dam Cornelius N , Keefer Michael C , Kuritzkes Daniel R , Landay Alan L , Deeks Steven , Yu Xu G , Sax Paul E , Li Jonathan Z ,   AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5308 Study Team
Published: May 2020

AIDS Clinical Trials Group study A5308 found reduced T-cell activation and exhaustion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) controllers start antiretroviral therapy (ART). We further assessed HIV-specific T-cell responses and post-ART viral loads. Before ART, the 31% of participants with persistently undetectable viremia had more robust HIV-specific T-cell responses. During ART, significant decreases were observed in a broad range of T-cell responses. Eight controllers in A5308 and the Study of the Consequences of the Protease Inhibitor Era (SCOPE) cohort showed no viremia above the level of quantification in the first 12 weeks after ART discontinuation. ART significantly reduced HIV-specific T-cell responses in HIV controllers but did not adversely affect controller status after ART discontinuation.
Impact of Biological Sex on Immune Activation and Frequency of the Latent HIV Reservoir During Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Falcinelli Shane D , Shook-Sa Bonnie E , Dewey Morgan G , Sridhar Sumati , Read Jenna , Kirchherr Jennifer , James Katherine S , Allard Brigitte , Ghofrani Simon , Stuelke Erin , Baker Caroline , Roan Nadia R , Eron Joseph J , Kuruc JoAnn D , Ramirez Catalina , Gay Cynthia , Mollan Katie R , Margolis David M , Adimora Adaora A , Archin Nancie M
Published: May 2020

Background

Persistent HIV infection of long-lived resting CD4 T cells, despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), remains a barrier to HIV cure. Women have a more robust type 1 interferon response during HIV infection relative to men, contributing to lower initial plasma viremia. As lower viremia during acute infection is associated with reduced frequency of latent HIV infection, we hypothesized that women on ART would have a lower frequency of latent HIV compared to men.

Methods

ART-suppressed, HIV seropositive women (n = 22) were matched 1:1 to 22 of 39 ART-suppressed men. We also compared the 22 women to all 39 men, adjusting for age and race as covariates. We measured the frequency of latent HIV using the quantitative viral outgrowth assay, the intact proviral DNA assay, and total HIV gag DNA. We also performed activation/exhaustion immunophenotyping on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and quantified interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in CD4 T cells.

Results

We did not observe evident sex differences in the frequency of persistent HIV in resting CD4 T cells. Immunophenotyping and CD4 T-cell ISG expression analysis revealed marginal differences across the sexes.

Conclusions

Differences in HIV reservoir frequency and immune activation appear to be small across sexes during long-term suppressive therapy.
Vaccine Effectiveness Against Prevalent Anal and Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men—United States, 2016–2018
Authors: Meites Elissa , Winer Rachel L , Newcomb Michael E , Gorbach Pamina M , Querec Troy D , Rudd Jessica , Collins Tom , Lin John , Moore Janell , Remble Thomas , Swanson Fred , Franz Justin , Bolan Robert K , Golden Matthew R , Mustanski Brian , Crosby Richard A , Unger Elizabeth R , Markowitz Lauri E
Published: May 2020

Background

In the United States, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been recommended for young adult men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2011.

Methods

The Vaccine Impact in Men study surveyed MSM and transgender women aged 18–26 years in 3 US cities during 2016–2018. Self-collected anal swab and oral rinse specimens were assessed for 37 types of HPV. We compared HPV prevalence among vaccinated and unvaccinated participants and determined adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among 1767 participants, 704 (39.8%) self-reported receiving HPV vaccine. Median age at vaccination (18.7 years) was older than age at first sex (15.7 years). Quadrivalent vaccine-type HPV was detected in anal or oral specimens from 475 (26.9%) participants. Vaccine-type HPV prevalence was lower among vaccinated (22.9%) compared with unvaccinated (31.6%) participants; aPR for those who initiated vaccination at age ≤18 years was 0.41 (CI, 0.24–0.57) and at age >18 years was 0.82 (CI, 0.67–0.98). Vaccine effectiveness of at least 1 HPV vaccine dose at age ≤18 years or >18 years was 59% and 18%, respectively.

Conclusions

Findings suggest real-world effectiveness of HPV vaccination among young adult MSM. This effect was stronger with younger age at vaccination.
Optical maps of plasmids as a proxy for clonal spread of MDR bacteria: a case study of an outbreak in a rural Ethiopian hospital
Authors: Lin Yii-Lih , Sewunet Tsegaye , KK Sriram , Giske Christian G , Westerlund Fredrik
Published: May 2020

Objectives

MDR bacteria have become a prevailing health threat worldwide. We here aimed to use optical DNA mapping (ODM) as a rapid method to trace nosocomial spread of bacterial clones and gene elements. We believe that this method has the potential to be a tool of pivotal importance for MDR control.

Methods

Twenty-four Escherichia coli samples of ST410 from three different wards were collected at an Ethiopian hospital and their plasmids were analysed by ODM. Plasmids were specifically digested with Cas9 targeting the antibiotic resistance genes, stained by competitive binding and confined in nanochannels for imaging. The resulting intensity profiles (barcodes) for each plasmid were compared to identify potential clonal spread of resistant bacteria.

Results

ODM demonstrated that a large fraction of the patients carried bacteria with a plasmid of the same origin, carrying the ESBL gene blaCTX-M-15, suggesting clonal spread. The results correlate perfectly with core genome (cg)MLST data, where bacteria with the same plasmid also had very similar cgMLST profiles.

Conclusions

ODM is a rapid discriminatory method for identifying plasmids and antibiotic resistance genes. Long-range deletions/insertions, which are challenging for short-read next-generation sequencing, can be easily identified and used to trace bacterial clonal spread. We propose that plasmid typing can be a useful tool to identify clonal spread of MDR bacteria. Furthermore, the simplicity of the method enables possible future application in low- and middle-income countries.
Arachidonate 12S-lipoxygenase of platelet-type in hepatic stellate cells of methionine and choline-deficient diet-fed mice
Authors: Mori Yoshiko , Kawakami Yuki , Kanzaki Keita , Otsuki Akemi , Kimura Yuka , Kanji Hibiki , Tanaka Ryoma , Tsukayama Izumi , Hojo Nana , Suzuki-Yamamoto Toshiko , Kawakami Takayo , Takahashi Yoshitaka
Published: May 2020

A role of 12-lipoxygenase in the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is suggested, although the underlying mechanism is not entirely understood. The catalytic activity of 12S-lipoxygenase that was hardly observed in liver cytosol of normal chow-fed mice was clearly detectable in that of NASH model mice prepared by feeding a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet. The product profile, substrate specificity and immunogenicity indicated that the enzyme was the platelet-type isoform. The expression levels of mRNA and protein of platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase in the liver of MCD diet-fed mice were significantly increased compared with those of normal chow-fed mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin as well as vitamin A in the cells distributing along liver sinusoids. These results indicate that the expression level of platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase in hepatic stellate cells was increased during the cell activation in MCD diet-fed mice, suggesting a possible role of the enzyme in pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.
Applying International Experiences in National Prosecutions of Conflict-related Sexual Violence
Authors: Ferizović Jasenka , Mlinarević Gorana
Published: May 2020

This article explores the synergies between international and national experiences in prosecutions of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) through a case study of the application of international case law, findings, and practices in national judicial proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The article analyses how the Court of BiH applies the substantive and procedural case law of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in CRSV cases and examines how this case law impacts national efforts to provide justice and accountability for CRSV. Specifically, this article explores the Court’s practices concerning application of the ICTY jurisprudence, adjudicated facts and procedural standards in CRSV cases. The article shows how relationships between international and national practices are important for building more effective prosecutions of CRSV.
Sorghum qTGW1a encodes a G-protein subunit and acts as a negative regulator of grain size
Authors: Zou Guihua , Zhai Guowei , Yan Song , Li Sujuan , Zhou Lengbo , Ding Yanqing , Liu Heqin , Zhang Zhipeng , Zou Jianqiu , Zhang Liyi , Chen Junping , Xin Zhanguo , Tao Yuezhi
Published: May 2020

Grain size is a major determinant of grain yield in sorghum and other cereals. Over 100 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of grain size have been identified in sorghum. However, no gene underlying any grain size QTL has been cloned. Here, we describe the fine mapping and cloning of one grain size QTL. From an F8 recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between inbred lines 654 and LTR108, we identified 44 grain size QTLs. One QTL, qTGW1a, was detected consistently on the long arm of chromosome 1 in the span of 4 years. Using the extreme recombinants from an F2:3 fine-mapping population, qTGW1a was delimited within a ~33 kb region containing three predicted genes. One of them, SORBI_3001G341700, predicted to encode a G-protein γ subunit and homologous to GS3 in rice, is likely to be the causative gene for qTGW1a. qTGW1a appears to act as a negative regulator of grain size in sorghum. The functional allele of the putatively causative gene of qTGW1a from inbred line 654 decreased grain size, plant height, and grain yield in transgenic rice. Identification of the gene underlying qTGW1a advances our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of grain size in sorghum and provides a target to manipulate grain size through genome editing.
A multiplex platform for digital measurement of circular DNA reaction products
Authors: Björkesten Johan , Patil Sourabh , Fredolini Claudia , Lönn Peter , Landegren Ulf
Published: May 2020

Digital PCR provides high sensitivity and unprecedented accuracy in DNA quantification, but current approaches require dedicated instrumentation and have limited opportunities for multiplexing. Here, we present an isothermal platform for digital enumeration of DNA reaction products in multiplex via standard fluorescence microscopy. Circular DNA strands, which may result from a wide range of molecular detection reactions, are captured on streptavidin-coated surfaces via hybridized biotinylated primers, followed by rolling circle amplification (RCA). The addition of 15% polyethylene glycol 4000 during RCA resulted in uniform, easily recorded reaction products. Immobilized DNA circles were visualized as RCA products with 100% efficiency, as determined by droplet digital PCR. We confirmed previous reports about the influence on RCA by sequence composition and size of RCA templates, and we developed an efficient one-step restaining procedure for sequential multiplexing using toehold-triggered DNA strand displacement. Finally, we exemplify applications of this digital readout platform by demonstrating more than three orders of magnitude improved sensitivity by digital measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA) (detection threshold ∼100 pg/l), compared to a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with analogue readout (detection threshold ∼500 ng/l), using the same antibody pair.
All-Cause and Overdose Mortality Risk Among People Prescribed Opioids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Larney Sarah , Peacock Amy , Tran Lucy T , Stockings Emily , Santomauro Damian , Santo Thomas , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: May 2020

Objective

To estimate all-cause and overdose crude mortality rates and standardized mortality ratios among people prescribed opioids for chronic noncancer pain and risk of overdose death in this population relative to people with similar clinical profiles but not prescribed opioids.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched in February 2018 and October 2019 for articles published beginning 2009. Due to limitations in published studies, we revised our inclusion criteria to include cohort studies of people prescribed opioids, excluding those studies where people were explicitly prescribed opioids for the treatment of opioid use disorder or acute cancer or palliative pain. We estimated pooled all-cause and overdose crude mortality rates using random effects meta-analysis models. No studies reported standardized mortality ratios or relative risks.

Results

We included 13 cohorts with 6,029,810 participants. The pooled all-cause crude mortality rate, based on 10 cohorts, was 28.8 per 1000 person-years (95% CI = 17.9–46.4), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.9%). The pooled overdose crude mortality rate, based on six cohorts, was 1.1 per 1000 person-years (95% CI = 0.4–3.4), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.5%), but indications for opioid prescribing and opioid exposure were poorly ascertained. We were unable to estimate mortality in this population relative to clinically similar populations not prescribed opioids.

Conclusions

Methodological limitations in the identified literature complicate efforts to determine the overdose mortality risk of people prescribed opioids. There is a need for large-scale clinical trials to assess adverse outcomes in opioid prescribing, especially for chronic noncancer pain.
Aging-Related Hypometabolism in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Cognitively Intact, Amyloid-Negative Seniors at Rest Mediates the Relationship between Age and Executive Function but Not Memory
Authors: Pardo José V , Nyabwari Shantal M , Lee Joel T ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2020

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) shows the most aging-related brain metabolic dysfunction that correlates with decreasing executive processing in otherwise healthy, cognitively intact volunteers. Here, data from ADNI are used to elucidate potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cognitive aging, that is, age-related decline in cognitive performance in the absence of known neurodegenerative disease. Amyloid-negative volunteers showed statistically significant mediation of ACC metabolism in the relationship between age and verbal fluency. A nonlinguistic task of executive function, Trails B, showed also negative correlation between performance and age, albeit weaker, but was not significant in the mediation analysis. Recall of story items, minimizing attentional demands compared with learning of word lists, did not correlate with age. ADNI subjects selected for low vascular risks also showed correlation between age and declining ACC metabolism. In the whole-brain amyloid-negative subset, ACC amyloid was not correlated with age. As expected, the metabolism in an arbitrary region such as motor cortex that was not expected to decline with cognitive aging showed no correlation with age or ACC metabolism suggesting regional specificity. These findings motivate the search for the pathophysiology of aging-related ACC dysfunction to prevent, diagnose, and treat the decline in executive function associated with cognitive aging.
Genome Sequence of Phoma sorghina var. saccharum That Causes Sugarcane Twisted Leaf Disease in China
Authors: Bao Yixue , Yao Wei , Duan Zhenzhen , Powell Charles A. , Chen Baoshan , Zhang Muqing
Published: May 2020

Phoma sorghina var. saccharum is a fungal pathogen that causes sugarcane twisted leaf disease in China. Here, we report complete genome assemblies of the Phoma sorghina var. saccharum isolate BS2-1, generated using single-molecule real-time sequencing. We present a high-quality genome sequence of a Phoma isolate that was assembled into 22 contigs with an N50 length of 1.92 Mb, a total length of 33.12 Mb, and a GC content of 52.12%. A total of 7,870 genes were annotated, using a combination of gene prediction tools, including 281 noncoding RNAs, 515 genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes, 2,440 genes associated with pathogen-host interactions, and 583 genes encoding secreted proteins. The complete genome sequence will be useful for understanding host-pathogen interaction and for improving disease management strategies.
Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Gray Leaf Spot Resistance in St. Augustinegrass
Authors: Yu Xingwang , Mulkey Steve E. , Zuleta Maria C. , Arellano Consuelo , Ma Bangya , Milla-Lewis Susana R.
Published: May 2020

Gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by Magnaporthe grisea, is a major fungal disease of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), causing widespread blighting of the foliage under warm, humid conditions. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling GLS resistance, an F1 mapping population consisting of 153 hybrids was developed from crosses between cultivar Raleigh (susceptible parent) and plant introduction PI 410353 (resistant parent). Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated from genotyping-by-sequencing constituted nine linkage groups for each parental linkage map. The Raleigh map consisted of 2,257 SNP markers and spanned 916.63 centimorgans (cM), while the PI 410353 map comprised 511 SNP markers and covered 804.27 cM. GLS resistance was evaluated under controlled environmental conditions with measurements of final disease incidence and lesion length. Additionally, two derived traits, area under the disease progress curve and area under the lesion expansion curve, were calculated for QTL analysis. Twenty QTL were identified as being associated with these GLS resistance traits, which explained 7.6 to 37.2% of the total phenotypic variation. Three potential GLS QTL “hotspots” were identified on two linkage groups: P2 (106.26 to 110.36 cM and 113.15 to 116.67 cM) and P5 (17.74 to 19.28 cM). The two major effect QTL glsp2.3 and glsp5.2 together reduced 20.2% of disease incidence in this study. Sequence analysis showed that two candidate genes encoding β-1,3-glucanases were found in the intervals of two QTL, which might function in GLS resistance response. These QTL and linked markers can be potentially used to assist the transfer of GLS resistance genes to elite St. Augustinegrass breeding lines.
Clinical Efficacy of Immediate Manual Meibomian Gland Expression After Thermal Pulsation (LipiFlow) for Obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Comparison With Thermal Pulsation
Authors: Kim Hye Jee , Park Jin Hyoung
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of immediate manual meibomian gland expression (MGX) after LipiFlow thermal pulsation (TearScience Inc, Morrisville, NC) for obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction and to compare the LipiFlow only and MGX after LipiFlow.

Methods:

Patients who underwent immediate manual MGX after LipiFlow or who received only LipiFlow treatment were included. Thirty eyes from 15 patients were enrolled in each group. All patients underwent 3 treatments at monthly intervals. All patients were followed up for 6 months after treatment. All patients were examined before and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Examinations included the Ocular Surface Disease Index score, noninvasive tear film breakup time (NIBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), corneal and conjunctival staining, and tear meniscus height.

Results:

The Ocular Surface Disease Index scores improved in both groups during the follow-up periods (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001). In the LipiFlow-only group, the NIBUT and LLT significantly improved at 3 months (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006) but deteriorated at 6 months. In the MGX after LipiFlow group, the NIBUT and LLT improved at 3 months (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), and this improvement was maintained at 6 months. The improvement of NIBUT at 3 months was greater in the MGX after LipiFlow group (3.24 ± 1.16 to 9.25 ± 1.36 s) than in the LipiFlow-only group (3.78 ± 1.75 to 7.18 ± 2.70 s), and the improvements of the LLT at 6 months were greater in the MGX after LipiFlow group (30.27 ± 10.74 to 46.93 ± 20.81 μm) than in the LipiFlow-only group (34.70 ± 10.79 to 38.73 ± 14.70 μm).

Conclusions:

Both LipiFlow only and MGX after LipiFlow were clinically effective for obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction. However, the efficacy and persistence of treatment were greater in patients who received MGX after LipiFlow.
Endophthalmitis in Advanced Microbial Keratitis: Risk Factors and Examination Findings
Authors: Christopher Karen L. , Hood Christopher T. , Mian Shahzad I. , Ayres Bernadete
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate clinical and ultrasonographic findings associated with advanced microbial keratitis with concurrent endophthalmitis.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analytical study of patients with severe microbial keratitis who underwent ocular ultrasonography for possible endophthalmitis at our institution over a 5-year period. Ocular and medical history, ocular examination findings, microbiology results, and ultrasonographic features were collected.

Results:

Of the 81 included eyes, 15 were diagnosed with endophthalmitis based on clinical findings and evidence of vitritis on ultrasound. Historical factors and physical examination findings more common in the endophthalmitis group than the keratitis-only group include presenting vision of light perception or no light perception (73.3% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.003), history of cataract surgery (80.0% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.02), and full thickness ulcer or perforation (33.3% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.03). Gram-positive organisms were more common in the endophthalmitis group (60.0% vs. 30.3%, P = 0.04). Ultrasound findings of choroidal thickening and retinal detachment were more common in the endophthalmitis group (26.7% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.01 and 13.3% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.04) in addition to the expected preponderance of membranous and dispersed vitreous opacities in that group. Final visual acuity was worse in the endophthalmitis group (2.3 vs. 3.5 LogMAR, P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Diagnosing endophthalmitis can be difficult in eyes with advanced microbial keratitis, and the visual outcomes are often extremely poor. Clinicians should have a particularly high index of suspicion in eyes presenting with light perception or no light perception vision, history of cataract extraction, full thickness ulcer or perforation, or choroidal thickening or retinal detachment on ultrasound.