bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular resection and reconstruction in hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: She Wong Hoi , Cheung Tan To , Ma Ka Wing , Tsang Simon H. Y. , Dai Wing Chiu , Chan Albert C. Y. , Lo Chung Mau
Published: May 2020

Background

The aggressive approach of vascular resection plus reconstruction in curative resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) remains controversial. This retrospective study investigated its short‐ and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

Data of HC patients from 1989 to 2016 were reviewed. Operated patients were divided into two groups (with and without vascular resection) and compared in terms of perioperative results. Patients who had unresectable HC were also compared with patients who had been operated.

Results

Ninety patients underwent curative HC resection. They were divided into group A (without aggressive approach, n = 68) and group B (with aggressive approach, n = 22). The groups were comparable in all parameters including rates of overall and major complication and in‐hospital, 30‐day and 90‐day mortality except that group B had more patients with more advanced disease (P = 0.008), more patients with tumour invasion of the vasculature (40.9% versus 7.4%, P = 0.001), and fewer patients with blood transfusion (27.3% versus 52.9%, P = 0.036). The groups had similar disease‐free survival (group A: median, 17.9 months, 5 years, 27.4%; group B: median, 11.7 months, 5 years, 14.3%; P = 0.427) and overall survival (group A: median, 22.0 months, 5 years, 26.5%; group B: median, 26.5 months, 5 years, 14.7%; P = 0.90). Two hundred patients with unresectable HC were compared with patients who had received operation and found to have worse survival outcomes (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Vascular resection plus reconstruction in HC resection was feasible and safe and might improve the long‐term survival of patients with advanced HC. This aggressive approach should be adopted if the expertise is available and the patient's condition allows.
Gonad development in mature females of tidal spray crab Plagusia depressa (Brachyura: Plagusiidae)
Authors: Guimarães Marcio Paiva , Calado Tereza Cristina dos Santos , de Barros Matheus Souza Ferreira
Published: May 2020

Information on crustacean ovary development is important to properly understand many life story traits. This study aimed to describe macroscopic and microscopic stages of gonad development in females of Plagusia depressa (Fabricius, 1775). Thirty females of P. depressa were captured manually and underwent analgesia by decreasing temperature to collect the gonads, which underwent standard histological techniques. The macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the ovaries and the frequency of germ cells and their location in the organ were used to determine the stage of gonadal development. A total of four stages were defined. Stage 1: marks the end and beginning of gonadal maturation cycle. The germinal zone is tightly reduced with few oogonia and pre‐vitellogenic oocytes are rarely observed. Stage 2: yellow to orange colour and firm consistency. Oogonias and pre‐vitellogenic oocytes can be observed at this stage, as well as a few vitellogenic oocytes at organ limits. Stage 3: colour between red and dark brown. The gonad already presents many mature oocytes. Stage 4: characterized by the abundance of mature oocytes that occupy almost the entire organ. Macroscopic appearance of the female reproductive system, cell characteristics and changes during maturation of P. depressa corroborate with the normally found in Malacostraca.
Venetoclax induces rapid elimination of NPM1 mutant measurable residual disease in combination with low‐intensity chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Tiong Ing S. , Dillon Richard , Ivey Adam , Teh Tse‐Chieh , Nguyen Phillip , Cummings Nicholas , Taussig David C. , Latif Annie‐Louise , Potter Nicola E. , Runglall Manohursingh , Russell Nigel H. , Raj Kavita , Schwarer Anthony P. , Fong Chun Yew , Grigg Andrew P. , Wei Andrew H.
Published: May 2020

Based on promising results in older adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), we treated patients with NPM1mut measurable residual disease (MRD) using off‐label venetoclax in combination with low‐dose cytarabine or azacitidine. Twelve consecutive patients were retrospectively identified, including five with molecular persistence and seven with molecular relapse/progression. All patients with molecular persistence achieved durable molecular complete remission (CRMRD‐) without transplantation. Six of seven patients with molecular relapse/progression achieved CRMRD‐ after 1–2 cycles of venetoclax. This paper highlights the promising efficacy of venetoclax‐based therapy to reduce the relapse risk in patients with persistent or rising NPM1mut MRD.
Increased expression of miR142 and miR155 in glial and immune cells after traumatic brain injury may contribute to neuroinflammation via astrocyte activation
Authors: Korotkov Anatoly , Puhakka Noora , Gupta Shalini Das , Vuokila Niina , Broekaart Diede W. M. , Anink Jasper J. , Heiskanen Mette , Karttunen Jenni , van Scheppingen Jackelien , Huitinga Inge , Mills James D. , van Vliet Erwin A. , Pitkänen Asla , Aronica Eleonora
Published: May 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with the pathological activation of immune‐competent cells in the brain, such as astrocytes, microglia and infiltrating immune blood cells, resulting in chronic inflammation and gliosis. This may contribute to the secondary injury after TBI, thus understanding of these processes is crucial for the development of effective treatments of post‐traumatic pathologies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small noncoding RNAs, functioning as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. The increased expression of inflammation‐associated microRNAs miR155 and miR142 has been reported after TBI in rats. However, expression of these miRNAs in the human brain post‐TBI is not studied and their functions are not well understood. Moreover, circulating miR155 and miR142 are candidate biomarkers. Therefore, we characterized miR142 and miR155 expression in the perilesional cortex and plasma of rats that underwent lateral fluid‐percussion injury, a model for TBI and in the human perilesional cortex post‐TBI. We demonstrated higher miR155 and miR142 expression in the perilesional cortex of rats 2 weeks post‐TBI. In plasma, miR155 was associated with proteins and miR142 with extracellular vesicles, however their expression did not change. In the human perilesional cortex miR155 was most prominently expressed by activated astrocytes, whereas miR142 was expressed predominantly by microglia, macrophages and lymphocytes. Pro‐inflammatory medium from macrophage‐like cells stimulated miR155 expression in astrocytes and overexpression of miR142 in these cells further potentiated a pro‐inflammatory state of activated astrocytes. We conclude that miR155 and miR142 promote brain inflammation via astrocyte activation and may be involved in the secondary brain injury after TBI.
Mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis versus connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease: Effectiveness and risk factors for death
Authors: Luo Zujin , Yang Liu , Liu Sijie , Hu Yuhan , Cao Zhixin , Zhu Jian , Wang Jing , Ma Yingmin
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Relatively little is known about the effects of mechanical ventilation (MV; including invasive MV [IMV] and noninvasive ventilation) on clinical outcomes of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease (CTD‐ILD) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and risk factors for ICU death remain to be determined.

Objectives

Our objective was to determine and compare mortality rates between IPF and CTD‐ILD patients receiving MV and to identify risk factors for ICU death in these patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in respiratory ICUs of three university hospitals in China during a 7‐year period. We compared clinical data and outcomes between patients with IPF and those with CTD‐ILD and performed logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors for ICU death.

Results

Of the 94 patients in the analyses, 63 were diagnosed with IPF and 31 were diagnosed with CTD‐ILD. ICU mortality was significantly higher in the IPF group than in the CTD‐ILD group (86% vs 68%; P = 0.041) and was significantly lower in patients receiving noninvasive ventilation than in those receiving IMV (62% vs 88%; P = 0.004). Risk factors for ICU death were disease progression as the principal cause of acute respiratory failure and IMV.

Conclusion

Based on current clinical practice in three ICUs, the mortality rate in IPF patients receiving MV might reach 86% and is higher than in CTD‐ILD patients. IMV might be initiated cautiously, especially in patients with disease progression as the principal cause of acute respiratory failure.
Transitions in smoking and nicotine use from 2016 to 2017 among a UK cohort of adult smokers and ex‐smokers
Authors: Simonavicius Erikas , McNeill Ann , Brose Leonie S.
Published: May 2020

Introduction and Aims

Smokers differ in how they smoke and how they stop smoking. Use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and e‐cigarettes further diversifies smokers. We aimed to identify and compare latent groups of past‐year smokers and to describe longitudinal transitions between the identified groups.

Design and Methods

Latent transition analysis of online UK past‐year smokers' data (n = 2857) collected in June 2016 and followed‐up in October 2017. Latent groups were identified based on participants' smoking, e‐cigarette use, NRT use, urges to smoke and last quit attempt. Sociodemographic and smoking characteristics between the groups were compared using Pearson's χ2 test and Cramer's V.

Results

Four latent groups of smokers (heavy smokers, light smokers, smokers using NRT, smokers using e‐cigarettes) and two recently quit smokers (abstinent ex‐smokers, ex‐smokers using e‐cigarettes) were identified. Nearly half the participants (48.9%) were heavy or light smokers who did not use alternative nicotine products and largely had not tried quitting smoking. Latent groups were relatively stable and transitions to quitting smoking were more probable in groups of smokers using alternative nicotine products. Smokers using NRT transitioned mostly to abstinent ex‐smokers, and smokers using e‐cigarettes to ex‐smokers using e‐cigarettes' groups (11.2% and 11.4%, respectively). The abstinent ex‐smokers group grew the most at follow‐up (+6.3%).

Discussion and Conclusions

Nearly half of the participants continued smoking without having tried to reduce harm or quit. Of smokers who transitioned, the majority quit smoking and abstained from nicotine altogether. Use of alternative nicotine products alongside smoking was associated with higher probabilities of becoming an ex‐smoker.
International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 3. Injuries in the primary dentition
Authors: Day Peter F. , Flores Marie Therese , O'Connell Anne C. , Abbott Paul V. , Tsilingaridis Georgios , Fouad Ashraf F. , Cohenca Nestor , Lauridsen Eva , Bourguignon Cecilia , Hicks Lamar , Andreasen Jens Ove , Cehreli Zafer C. , Harlamb Stephen , Kahler Bill , Oginni Adeleke , Semper Marc , Levin Liran
Published: May 2020

Traumatic injuries to the primary dentition present special problems that often require far different management when compared to that used for the permanent dentition. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has developed these Guidelines as a consensus statement after a comprehensive review of the dental literature and working group discussions. Experienced researchers and clinicians from various specialties and the general dentistry community were included in the working group. In cases where the published data did not appear conclusive, recommendations were based on the consensus opinions or majority decisions of the working group. They were then reviewed and approved by the members of the IADT Board of Directors. The primary goal of these Guidelines is to provide clinicians with an approach for the immediate or urgent care of primary teeth injuries based on the best evidence provided by the literature and expert opinions. The IADT cannot, and does not, guarantee favorable outcomes from strict adherence to the Guidelines; however, the IADT believes their application can maximize the probability of favorable outcomes.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for help‐seeking adolescents and young adults with at‐risk‐mental state: Effects on subclinical positive symptoms
Authors: Pozza Andrea , Domenichetti Sandro , Dèttore Davide
Published: May 2020

Aim

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for at‐risk‐mental state (ARMS) in reducing/delaying transition to psychosis. However, previous systematic reviews pointed out the small number of trials as a limitation and suggested that additional outcomes should be evaluated, not only prevention of first psychosis episode. No study assessed the CBT effects on subclinical psychotic symptoms. The present study investigated the effects of CBT on the transition risk (primary outcome), and on overall remission from ARMS and severity of subclinical symptoms, that is, unusual content of thought, non‐bizarre ideas, perceptual abnormalities, disorganized speech (secondary outcome).

Methods

CBT consisted of 30 individual weekly sessions over 7 months. Fifty‐eight participants with ARMS detected by the Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk‐Mental States were randomized to CBT or control condition.

Results

Respectively in the CBT and control groups, 1 (3.40%) and 5 (26.31%) participants at post‐treatment and 3 (10.30%) and 8 (42.10%) at follow‐up made transition with a difference between the two groups, despite at borderline significance. At post‐treatment and follow‐up, respectively, the number of participants recovered from ARMS was significantly higher in CBT (76.92% and 61.53%) than in control (10.52% and 15.80%). Participants in the control group reported lower reductions on all the subclinical symptoms over time as compared with those in CBT.

Conclusions

This is the first study assessing CBT on subclinical positive symptoms in ARMS. CBT seems to be a tailored approach able to produce short‐ and long‐term benefits on this outcome.
A 71‐nucleotide deletion in the periaxin gene in an Italian patient with late‐onset slowly progressive demyelinating Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Citrigno L. , Zoccolella S. , Lastella P. , Simone I. L. , Muglia M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) constitutes a group of heterogeneous hereditary motor and sensor neuropathies. Mutations in the periaxin (PRX) gene cause CMT4F with an autosomal recessive early‐onset demyelinating neuropathy and are extremely rare in a non‐Romani white population.

Methods

We report on a 66‐year‐old Italian man presenting with slowly progressive and late‐onset demyelinating CMT. The molecular analysis was performed using a custom panel containing 39 genes associated with the CMT phenotype.

Results

The patient harbored a homozygous PRX 71‐nucleotide deletion (c.3286_3356del71, I1096fsX17).

Conclusions

This is the first report that describes such a genetic mutation in a population of non‐Romani origin.
Cancer risk perception predictors for total body skin examinations: a cross‐sectional study using Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2017 data
Authors: Merten Julie W. , Hamadi Hanadi , Wheeler Meghann
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite the lack of national skin cancer screening recommendations, a total body skin examination by a healthcare provider may detect skin cancer earlier, allowing for more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Objective

Examine prevalence, demographic, and cancer risk perceptions of adults who have had a skin examination performed by a healthcare provider.

Methods

Retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Logistic regressions were performed to identify associations between having a skin examination, risk perceptions, and demographic variables.

Results

Approximately 46% of the sample reported having a skin examination. Females, college graduates, those with a history of skin cancer, people who check their skin for signs of skin cancer, and adults over the age of 45 were more likely to have a skin examination. The people least likely to be screened were those not wanting to know their chances of getting cancer.

Limitations

HINTS is a cross‐sectional survey which provides only a glimpse of predictors.

Conclusions

The findings are consistent with other studies that people sometimes avoid cancer risk information. An educational intervention focused on the benefits of early cancer detection would benefit people who report not wanting to know their chances of getting cancer.
Equity in sustainable development: Community responses to environmental gentrification
Authors: Krings Amy , Schusler Tania M.
Published: May 2020

Sustainable development aims to address economic, social, and environmental imperatives; yet, in practice, it often embodies a neoliberal market logic that reinforces inequalities. Thus, as the social work profession grapples with its role in advancing environmental sustainability, practice models must explicitly attend to social and economic justice. For example, environmental gentrification refers to situations in which the cleanup of contaminated land or the installation of environmental amenities intentionally or unintentionally catalyzes increased housing costs, thereby contributing to the displacement of vulnerable residents. With the goal of contributing to practice knowledge, we conducted a systematic review of peer‐reviewed articles (1997−2017) to learn how community groups have responded to the threat of environmental gentrification. We found that community organizations employ a range of strategies, including blocking development, negotiating for protections, planning alternatives, and allying with gentrifiers. We conclude by exploring ethical implications and practice principles to help social workers engage in truly sustainable development.

Key Practitioner Message: •The term environmental gentrification describes situations where improvements to environmental quality increase real estate prices, contributing to the displacement of vulnerable residents; •An environmental justice framework attending to procedural, distributional, and recognition-based claims provides a model for social work practice;•Opportunities exist for social workers to take an intersectional rather than siloed approach to integrate economic, social, and environmental concerns.
The early landscape of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine development in the UK and rest of the world
Authors: Sharpe Hannah R. , Gilbride Ciaran , Allen Elizabeth , Belij‐Rammerstorfer Sandra , Bissett Cameron , Ewer Katie , Lambe Teresa
Published: May 2020

Since the first World Health Organization notification on 31 December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has been responsible for over four million confirmed infections and almost 300 000 deaths worldwide. The pandemic has led to over half of the world's population living under lockdown conditions. To allow normal life to resume, public health interventions will be needed to prevent further waves of infections as lockdown measures are lifted. As one of the most effective countermeasures against infectious diseases, an efficacious vaccine is considered crucial to containing the COVID‐19 pandemic. Following the publication of the genome sequence of SARS‐CoV‐2, vaccine development has accelerated at an unprecedented pace across the world. Here we review the different platforms employed to develop vaccines, the standard timelines of development and how they can be condensed in a pandemic situation. We focus on vaccine development in the UK and vaccines that have entered clinical trials around the world.
Sustainability of high flow in a Peruvian PICU: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Jacob‐Files Elizabeth , Becerra Rosario , Mallma Gabriela , Tantaleán da Fieno José , Nielsen Katie R.
Published: May 2020

Aim

To describe nurse and physician perspectives on enabling factors that promote sustainability of high flow use in resource‐limited settings.

Background

Over 650 000 children died from respiratory infections in 2016 globally. Many deaths could be prevented with access to advanced paediatric respiratory support, but sustainability of technology in resource‐limited settings remains challenging.

Introduction

Local providers have expertise related to site‐specific barriers to sustainability. Engaging local providers during implementation can identify strategies to promote ongoing technology use beyond initial deployment.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted five focus groups with nineteen nurses and seven individual interviews with physicians in a Peruvian paediatric intensive care unit. Data were analysed using a realist thematic approach.

Results

Providers described five important factors for high flow sustainability: (i) Applying high flow to a broader patient population, including use outside the paediatric intensive care unit to increase opportunities for practice; (ii) Establishing a multidisciplinary approach to high flow management at all hours; (iii) Willingness of nurses and physicians to adopt standardization; (iv) Ongoing high flow leadership; (v) Transparency of high flow impact, including frequent reporting of clinical outcomes of high flow patients.

Discussion

Local providers described strategies to overcome barriers to sustainability of high flow in their clinical setting, many of which are generalizable to implementation projects in other resource‐limited settings.

Conclusion and policy implications

These findings provide nursing, administrative leaders and policymakers with strategies to promote sustainability of new technology in resource‐limited settings, including development of guidelines for appropriate clinical use, change management support, leadership development and clinical outcome reporting procedures. Administrative support and oversight are paramount to foster successful implementation in these settings.
Transbaffle/transconduit puncture using a simple CARTO‐guided approach without echocardiography in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Laredo Mikael , Waldmann Victor , Soulat Gilles , Amet Denis , Marijon Eloi , Iserin Laurence , Ladouceur Magalie , Zhao Alexandre
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATs) in patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) often requires technically challenging transbaffle or transconduit puncture. The aim was to assess the feasibility and safety of transbaffle/transconduit puncture based on computed tomography (CT) three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction merged with electro‐anatomical mapping (EAM) without per‐procedure echocardiographic guidance.

Methods and Results

We included 18 consecutive CHD patients in two centers who had atrial‐switch or Fontan surgery and underwent CA of AT by an antegrade approach requiring intracardiac puncture.

Twelve patients with atrial‐switch surgery and six patients with extracardiac Fontan surgery were referred for CA of AT. Cardiac CT with 3D reconstruction was performed before the procedure. The 3D volume of the systemic venous atrium or extracardiac conduit acquired by EAM was merged with the corresponding CT 3D reconstruction. The ablation catheter was positioned at the optimal puncture site. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the needle was positioned next to the ablation and the puncture was performed. Balloon expansion of the puncture site was performed in every case of transconduit puncture and in two (17%) cases of transbaffle puncture. Overall, 17 intra‐atrial reentrant tachycarrythmias and 9 focal ATs were successfully ablated, with no acute complications. The median time to access the pulmonary atrium was 78.5 minutes (range, 55‐185) and total median fluoroscopy time was 23 minutes (range, 7‐53).

Conclusions

Transbaffle and transconduit punctures can be performed safely in CHD patients by using a simple technique relying on CT 3D reconstruction and EAM.
Modeling dependence of growth inhibition of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes by oregano or thyme essential oils on the chemical composition of minced pork
Authors: Hulankova Radka , Borilova Gabriela
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of selected essential oils (EOs) at concentration of 1% in minced pork from five different meat cuts (loin, ham, shoulder, neck, and belly) and to assess the influence of the chemical parameters of meat on EO efficiency, determined by the decrease of pathogens in comparison to a control in samples after storage at 3°C/7 d in a vacuum. The inhibition was significant (p < .05) only in minced pork from meat cuts with a fat content lower than 5% (leg, loin and shoulder). Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was more sensitive than Listeria monocytogenes and oregano was more effective than thyme (p < .001). The inhibition of S. Typhimurium depended mainly on the fat content (logarithmic dependence) and to a lesser degree on the pH, whereas pH was not found to be a significant predictor in the case of L. monocytogenes. The results of this study show that only lean minced meat (with a fat content max. 5%) is a suitable matrix for pathogen control by EOs.
Morphological peculiarities in the integument of enigmatic anomalurid gliders (Anomaluridae, Rodentia)
Authors: Panyutina Aleksandra A. , Chernova Olga F. , Soldatova Irina B.
Published: May 2020

Scaly‐tailed squirrels, the most poorly known group of gliding mammals, hold the record for variety of remarkable integument peculiarities. One of the most striking of these features is the scales on the tail, which apparently allow them to reduce energy costs when positioning themselves on a tree trunk. No less interesting is a peculiar spur that supports the flying membrane: the unciform element (‘spur’). Despite the peculiarity of such elements, their nature has not yet been studied. Using anatomical, histological methods and scanning electron microscopy we studied the structure of the skin and its derivatives in five of the six species from both genera of extant gliding scaly‐tailed squirrels (Anomaluridae, Rodentia): Idiurus macrotis, Idiurus zenkeri, Anomalurus beecrofti, Anomalurus pusillus and Anomalurus derbianus. In addition to the common mammalian skin structures, such as hair, vibrissae, sebaceous glands, meibomian glands of eyelids and eccrine sweat glands of the palmar and plantar pads, these animals have unique species‐specific skin derivatives (the tail scaly organ and its specific glands, vibrissae of the withers, patagium and its hair brush) that play a significant role in their adaptation to gliding and to their environment in general. The structure of the elbow spur is also described and hypotheses on its evolutionary origin from the tendon of the triceps muscle are presented.
COVID‐19 and renin‐angiotensin system inhibition: role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) ‐ Is there any scientific evidence for controversy?
Authors: Aleksova A. , Ferro F. , Gagno G. , Cappelletto C. , Santon D. , Rossi M. , Ippolito G. , Zumla A. , Beltrami A. P. , Sinagra G.
Published: May 2020

Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers are extensively used worldwide to treat many cardiovascular disorders, where they are effective in reducing both mortality and morbidity. These drugs are known to induce an increased expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 acts as receptor for the novel SARS coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) which raising the important issue of possible detrimental effects that RAS blockers could exert on the natural history and pathogenesis of the coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) and associated excessive inflammation, myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias. We review the current knowledge on the interaction between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and RAS blockers and suggest a scientific rationale for continuing RAS blockers therapy in patients with COVID‐19 infection.
COVID‐19 and maternal and child food and nutrition insecurity: a complex syndemic
Authors: Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Cunningham Kenda , Moran Victoria Hall
Published: May 2020

Globally, the COVID‐19 pandemic has already led to major increases in unemployment and is expected to lead to unprecedented increases in poverty and food and nutrition insecurity, as well as poor health outcomes. Families where young children, youth, pregnant and lactating women live need to be protected against the ongoing protracted pandemic and the aftershocks that are very likely to follow for years to come. The future wellbeing of the vast majority of the world now depends on reconfiguring the current ineffective food, nutrition, health, and social protection systems to ensure food and nutrition security for all. Because food, nutrition, health, and socio‐economic outcomes are intimately inter‐linked, it is essential that we find out how to effectively address the need to reconfigure and to provide better intersecoral coordination among global and local food, health care, and social protection systems taking equity and sutainability principles into account. Implementation science research informed by complex adaptive sytems frameworks will be needed to fill in the major knowledge gaps. Not doing so will not only put the development of individuals at further risk, but also negatively impact on the development potential of entire nations and ultimately our planet.
Dynamic origin‐destination flow estimation using automatic vehicle identification data: A 3D convolutional neural network approach
Authors: Tang Keshuang , Cao Yumin , Chen Can , Yao Jiarong , Tan Chaopeng , Sun Jian
Published: May 2020

Dynamic origin‐destination (OD) flow estimation is one of the most fundamental problems in traffic engineering. Despite numerous existing studies, the OD flow estimation problem remains challenging, as there is large dimensional difference between the unknown values to be estimated and the known traffic observations. To meet the needs of active traffic management and control, accurate time‐dependent OD flows are required to understand time‐of‐day traffic flow patterns. In this work, we propose a three‐dimensional (3D) convolution‐based deep neural network, “Res3D,” to learn the high‐dimensional correlations between local traffic patterns presented by automatic vehicle identification observations and OD flows. In this paper, a practical framework combining simulation‐based model training and few‐shot transfer learning is introduced to enhance the applicability of the proposed model, as continuously observing OD flows could be expensive. The proposed model is extensively tested based on a realistic road network, and the results show that for significant OD flows, the relative errors are stable around 5%, outperforming several other models, including prevalent neural networks as well as existing estimation models. Meanwhile, corrupted and out‐of‐distribution samples are generated as real‐world samples to validate Res3D's transferability, and the results indicated a 60% improvement with few‐shot transfer learning. Therefore, this proposed framework could help to bridge the gaps between traffic simulations and empirical cases.
Inhibition of Escherichia coli chromosome replication by rifampicin treatment or during the stringent response is overcome by de novo DnaA protein synthesis
Authors: Riber Leise , Løbner‐Olesen Anders
Published: May 2020

Initiation of Escherichia coli chromosome replication is controlled by the DnaA initiator protein. Both rifampicin‐mediated inhibition of transcription and ppGpp‐induced changes in global transcription stops replication at the level of initiation. Here, we show that continued DnaA protein synthesis allows for replication initiation both during the rifampicin treatment and during the stringent response when the ppGpp level is high. A reduction in or cessation of de novo DnaA synthesis, therefore, causes the initiation arrest in both cases. In accordance with this, inhibition of translation with chloramphenicol also stops initiations. The initiation arrest caused by rifampicin was faster than that caused by chloramphenicol, despite of the latter inhibiting DnaA accumulation immediately. During chloramphenicol treatment transcription is still ongoing and we suggest that transcriptional events in or near the origin, that is, transcriptional activation, can allow for a few extra initiations when DnaA becomes limiting. We suggest, for both rifampicin treated cells and for cells accumulating ppGpp, that a turn‐off of initiation from oriC requires a stop in de novo DnaA synthesis and that an additional lack of transcriptional activation enhances this process, that is, leads to a faster initiation stop.
Respiratory viruses are associated with serum metabolome among infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis: A multicenter study
Authors: Fujiogi Michimasa , Camargo Carlos A. , Raita Yoshihiko , Bochkov Yury A. , Gern James E. , Mansbach Jonathan M. , Piedra Pedro A. , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: May 2020

Background

Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the United States. Growing evidence supports the heterogeneity of bronchiolitis. However, little is known about the interrelationships between major respiratory viruses (and their species), host systemic metabolism, and disease pathobiology.

Methods

In an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study, we profiled the serum metabolome in 113 infants (63 RSV‐only, 21 RV‐A, and 29 RV‐C) hospitalized with bronchiolitis. We identified serum metabolites that are most discriminatory in the RSV‐RV‐A and RSV‐RV‐C comparisons using sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis. We then investigated the association between discriminatory metabolites with acute and chronic outcomes.

Results

In 113 infants with bronchiolitis, we measured 639 metabolites. Serum metabolomic profiles differed in both comparisons (Ppermutation < 0.05). In the RSV‐RV‐A comparison, we identified 30 discriminatory metabolites, predominantly in lipid metabolism pathways (eg, sphingolipids and carnitines). In multivariable models, these metabolites were significantly associated with the risk of clinical outcomes (eg, tricosanoyl sphingomyelin, OR for recurrent wheezing at age of 3 years = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.05‐2.15). In the RSV‐RV‐C comparison, the discriminatory metabolites were also primarily involved in lipid metabolism (eg, glycerophosphocholines [GPCs], 12,13‐diHome). These metabolites were also significantly associated with the risk of outcomes (eg, 1‐stearoyl‐2‐linoleoyl‐GPC, OR for positive pressure ventilation use during hospitalization = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28‐0.78).

Conclusion

Respiratory viruses and their species had distinct serum metabolomic signatures that are associated with differential risks of acute and chronic morbidities of bronchiolitis. Our findings advance research into the complex interrelations between viruses, host systemic response, and bronchiolitis pathobiology.
Comparative physiological and proteomic analysis deciphering tolerance and homeostatic signaling pathways in chrysanthemum under drought stress
Authors: Sahithi Bhuma Mani , Razi Kaukab , Al Murad Musa , Vinothkumar Avanthika , Jagadeesan Saravanan , Benjamin Lincy Kirubhadharsini , Jeong Byoung Ryong , Muneer Sowbiya
Published: May 2020

Drought is increasing prevalently, mostly due to global warming, and harmful effects associated with drought stress include a reduction in the developmental phases of the plant life cycle. Drought stress affects vital metabolic processes in plants such as transpiration, photosynthesis and respiration. The other physiological and cellular processes like protein denaturation and aggregation are also affected by drought. Drought stress severely affects the floral industry by reducing the yield of flowers and among them is chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum). In this study, we determined the critical signaling pathways, tolerance mechanism and homeostatic maintenance to drought stress in chrysanthemum. We compared the proteome of chrysanthemum leaves under drought stress. Among 250 proteins on 2DE gels, 30 protein spots were differentially expressed. These proteins were involved in major signaling pathways including, stress response, flower development and other secondary metabolism like physiological transport, circadian rhythm, gene regulation, DNA synthesis and protein ubiquitination. A reduction in a biomass, flower development, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, PSII yield and stomatal index was also observed in our results. Moreover, the stress markers and leaf water potential were also analyzed to depict the level of stress tolerance in chrysanthemum. Our data suggested that chrysanthemum plants developed reactive oxygen species and revealed signaling pathways to cope with drought stress. These results, thus, provide crucial information about how chrysanthemum plants respond to drought stress to maintain homeostasis.
Morphological evolution of a macrotidal back‐barrier environment: The Amazon Coast
Authors: McLachlan Robin L. , Ogston Andrea S. , Asp Nils E. , Fricke Aaron T. , Nittrouer Charles A. , Schettini Carlos A. F.
Published: May 2020

Coastal barriers provide sheltered, low‐energy settings for fine‐grained sediment deposition and retention, although the process of back‐barrier infilling and how tidal‐channel connectivity impacts this process is not well‐understood. Understanding how back‐barrier environments infill and evolve is necessary to predict how they will respond to future changes in sea‐level and sediment supply. With this motivation,in situobservations and sedimentary signatures from an Amazonian tidal‐channel system are interpreted to create a conceptual model of morphological evolution in a macrotidal back‐barrier environment that is rich in fine‐grained sediment, vegetated by mangroves and incised by tidal channels with multiple outlets. Results indicate that within a high‐connectivity back‐barrier channel, tidal processes dominate sedimentation and morphological development. Sediment cores (<60 cm) exhibited millimetre‐scale tidalites composed of sand and mud. High‐connectivity channels allow tidal propagation from multiple inlets, and in this case, the converging flood waves promote delivery of sediment fluxing through the system to the mangrove flats in the convergence zone. Sediment preferentially deposits in regions with adequate accommodation space and dense vegetation, and in these zones, sediment grain size is slightly finer than that transiting through the system. The greatest sediment‐accumulation rates (3 to 4 cm yr−1), calculated from steady‐state210Pb profiles, were found in the convergence zone near the mangrove‐channel edge. As tidal flats aggrade vertically and prograde into the channels, accommodation space diminishes. In effect, the channel’s narrowest stretch is expected to migrate along the path of net‐sediment flux towards regions with more accommodation space until it reaches the tidal‐convergence zone. The location of recent preferential infilling is evidenced by relatively rapid sediment‐accumulation rates, finer sediment and significant clustering of small secondary tidal channels. These findings shed light on how sediment transported through vegetated back‐barrier environments is ultimately preserved and how evidence preserved in surface morphology and the geological record can be interpreted.
Analytical Transport Network Theory for Onsager, Coupled Flows: Part 1—Channel-Scale Modeling of Linear, Electrokinetic Flow
Authors: Cocco Alex P. , Grew Kyle N.
Published: May 2020

The analytical transport network (ATN) model for flow through microstructural networks is extended to linearly coupled flows subject to Onsager reciprocity. Electrokinetic flow is used as an example system. Through the extension, we gain an improved understanding of if, and how, morphology and topology influence coupled flow systems differently than un-coupled flows. In Part 1, a channel-scale model is developed to describe electrokinetic flow through a channel of arbitrary morphology. The analytical model agrees well with finite element analysis (FEA), but is significantly less expensive in terms of computational resources, and, furthermore, offers general insight into morphology's additional influence on coupled flows relative to uncoupled flows. In Part 2, we exploit these savings to develop a computationally economical, network-scale model and associated algorithm for its implementation to voxel-based three-dimensional images. Included in the algorithm is a means for rapidly calculating a structure's tortuosity factor. This modeling effort represents an important initial step in extending the ATN approach to coupled flow phenomena relevant to emerging technologies that rely on heterogeneous, hierarchical materials.
Overview and Kinetostatic Characterization of Compliant Shell Mechanism Building Blocks
Authors: Nijssen Joep P. A. , Radaelli Giuseppe , Kim Charles J. , Herder Just L.
Published: May 2020

Compliant shell mechanisms utilize thin-walled structures to achieve motion and force generation. Shell mechanisms, because of their thin-walled nature and spatial geometry, are building blocks for spatial mechanism applications. In spatial compliant mechanism design, the ratio of compliance is the representation of the kinetostatics involved. Using shell mechanisms in concept design, however, can prove difficult without a uniform characterization method. In this article, we make use of compliance ellipsoids to achieve characterization of the ratio of compliance for shell mechanisms. Ten promising shells are presented with the kinetostatic characteristics, combined with a uniform method of determining the kinetostatic characteristics for other unknown shells. Finally, we show how shells are indeed a valid alternative in the spatial mechanism design, compared to conventional flexure mechanisms.
Identifying the Different Approaches in Use of Social Media Outlets: A Case Study of German Professional Sport Teams
Authors: Kautz Fabian , Schaffrath Michael , Gang Alex C.
Published: May 2020

The sport industry has long used social media as an effective instrument of communication. In the framework of the current study, a content analysis investigated how professional sport clubs in Germany use Facebook and Twitter. The study covers the entire 2015–16 season, which was illustrated via selectively choosing 2 weeks for data analysis; four clubs each from basketball, ice hockey, football, and handball were collected as a sample. All Facebook posts and Twitter tweets published by the 16 clubs during the 2 weeks, a total of 3,412 contributions (Facebook 717, Twitter 2,695), were included in the analysis. The codebook contained 57 variables, and this article presents the results on the identified topics of the published contents on the two social media platforms. On both platforms, the clubs under examination primarily issued statements regarding themselves and their sport-related activities. Twitter is predominantly used as a live medium during games, whereas Facebook allows for significantly greater reach. However, no sport-related differences were found between the two social media platforms.
Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Prather Kimberly A. , Wang Chia C. , Schooley Robert T.
Published: May 2020

Masks and testing are necessary to combat asymptomatic spread in aerosols and droplets
A grim scorekeeper of biological aging
Authors: Stevens Jennifer Strafford
Published: May 2020

An epigenetic clock set to predict lifespan shows accelerated biological aging processes in male veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Chromosomal Resistance to Metronidazole in Clostridioides difficile Can Be Mediated by Epistasis between Iron Homeostasis and Oxidoreductases
Authors: Deshpande Aditi , Wu Xiaoqian , Huo Wenwen , Palmer Kelli L. , Hurdle Julian G.
Published: May 2020

Chromosomal resistance to metronidazole has emerged in clinical
Clostridioides difficile
isolates, but the genetic mechanisms remain unclear. This is further hindered by the inability to generate spontaneous metronidazole-resistant mutants in the lab to interpret genetic variations in clinical isolates. We therefore constructed a mismatch repair mutator in nontoxigenic ATCC 700057 to survey the mutational landscape for
de novo
resistance mechanisms. In separate experimental evolutions, the mutator adopted a deterministic path to resistance, with truncation of the ferrous iron transporter FeoB1 as a first-step mechanism of low-level resistance.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two
Clostridium
Isolates from the Poultry Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Keshri Jitendra , Ramirez Rocio , Chalghoumi Raja , Garrish Johnna K. , Seal Bruce S. , Oakley Brian B.
Published: May 2020

Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of two
Clostridium
strains, C8-1-8 and C2-6-12, isolated from the cecal contents of commercial broiler chickens (in Athens, GA). These strains may represent potentially novel species within the genus
Clostridium
, and these draft genomes allow further investigation into potential probiotics for poultry.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Colistin-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from Houseflies (Musca domestica) in a Trash Disposal Truck in the United States
Authors: Kalalah Anwar , Poudel Anil , Gong Jiansen , Chen Li , Yang Yi , Wang Chengming
Published: May 2020

A
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain isolated from houseflies in a trash disposal truck in the United States was resistant to colistin, a last-resort drug for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Complete genome sequencing resulted in a total genome size of 5,337,408 bp for this isolate with a plasmid of 224,442 bp.
Complete Genome Sequences of Five Salmonella enterica Phages, NBSal001, NBSal002, NBSal003, NBSal004, and NBSal005
Authors: Llanos Carlos D. , Ortega Jaime , Bardales Jorge A.
Published: May 2020

Salmonella enterica
is a Gram-negative bacterium, recognized as one of the most important foodborne pathogens in the world. Bacteriophages represent a promising alternative to the biocontrol of
Salmonella
. Here, we report the isolation of five
Salmonella
bacteriophages, the sequencing of their full genomes, and initial genomic characterization.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis UMB1309, Isolated from Catheterized Urine
Authors: Schwartz Adam , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

A strain of
Enterococcus faecalis
was isolated from catheterized urine. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of this isolate,
E. faecalis
UMB1309. Analysis of the genome revealed multiple genes coding for virulence factors, as well as genes associated with antibiotic resistance.
Supplemental Material: The Chief Joseph dike swarm of the Columbia River flood basalts, and the legacy data set of William H. Taubeneck
Authors: Morriss M.C. , al. et
Published: May 2020

Supplemental ArcGIS Shapefiles. Shapefiles for mapped dikes used in maps throughout paper.
Supplemental Material: The Chief Joseph dike swarm of the Columbia River flood basalts, and the legacy data set of William H. Taubeneck
Authors: Morriss M.C. , al. et
Published: May 2020

Supplemental Tables. Table S1: Location of Dr. William H. Taubeneck’s (WHT) mapped dike midpoints, each dike’s host rock, bearing, azimuthal direction, and segment length. Table S2: Digitized WHT journal entries denoting each dike observation made during his 50-year career. Table S3: Geochemical re-analysis results from Washington State University X-ray fluorescence laboratory. Table S4: Dike width measurements from original field work and WHT notebooks. Tables S5−S7: Locations of mapped bearing, azimuthal direction, and segment length for Ice Harbor (Table S5), Monument (Table S6), and Steens Dikes (Table S7).