bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry and Fluid Inclusions Analysis of Vein Quartz in the Multiple Hydrothermal Systems of Mankayan Mineral District, Philippines
Authors: Manalo Pearlyn C. , Subang Leo L. , Imai Akira , de los Santos Mervin C. , Takahashi Ryohei , Blamey Nigel J. F.
Published: September 2019

Several high‐sulfidation epithermal gold orebodies in the Mankayan Mineral District were formed in an environment that has been already affected by earlier porphyry‐type mineralization. This study reports the geologic and geochemical characteristics of the Carmen and Florence epithermal orebodies, which are located in the south of the Lepanto main enargite–gold orebody. The gold‐bearing epithermal quartz veins in the Carmen and Florence areas are of two types: (i) the enargite‐rich veins and (ii) the quartz–pyrite–gold (QPG) veins. The two types of veins are mainly hosted by the Cretaceous Lepanto Metavolcanics basement rocks, with minor veins cutting the Pleistocene Imbanguila Dacite Pyroclastics. The mineral assemblages and homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions indicate that the Carmen and Florence orebodies were deposited by fluids varying from high to very high sulfidation state. The enargite and QPG epithermal veins of Carmen and Florence cut porphyry‐type quartz veinlet stockworks and veins that host polyphase hypersaline fluid inclusions that did not homogenize at or below 400°C. These high‐temperature quartz exhibits distinctly different mineral chemistry from the quartz of the QPG and enargite‐rich epithermal veins. In particular, the Ti content of quartz of the porphyry‐type veinlet stockwork is elevated (>100 ppm), whereas the Ti concentration of the epithermal vein quartz crystals are below detection limits. The Fe concentration of quartz is high in epithermal vein quartz (>300 ppm), whereas nearly undetected in the porphyry‐type stockwork veinlet quartz. Multiple generations of quartz with different mineral chemistry, fluid inclusions morphology, temperature, salinity and bulk gas compositions, and stable isotopic ratios indicate the variable hydrothermal conditions throughout the mineralization history of the Mankayan District. The temperature, pH, sulfidation state, oxidation state, and fluid composition vary among the orebodies in Carmen and Florence areas. Furthermore, the characteristics of earlier alteration affected the apparent characteristics of subsequent mineralization.
Duration of sudden stop spells: A hazard model approach
Authors: Bandaogo Mahama Samir , Chen Yu‐chin
Published: September 2019

Using a hazard‐based duration model, we analyze the determinants of the duration of a period of sudden stop, which is defined as a drop in capital inflow by two standard deviations, for at least two consecutive quarters. The hazard model estimates the conditional probability that the country exits the sudden stop today given that it experienced one until the end of last period. We find that a higher ratio of foreign exchange reserves to short‐term external debt shortens the duration of sudden stops. We also find that a higher global economic growth rate tends to shorten sudden stop spells. Our results are robust to various alternative specifications.
Assessment of oral health‐related quality of life in adolescents, young adults, and adults with dental agenesis: A comparative study
Authors: Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves , Freire Jacquelline Santos , Da Silva Gabriel Inácio Melandes , Rodrigues Amanda Silva , Antunes Leonardo Dos Santos
Published: September 2019

Aim

To detect the impact on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescents, young adults, and adults with dental agenesis (DA).

Methods

A comparative study (1:2) matched for age and sex was designed. Data of participants, aged 14‐55 years (group with DA: G1; group without DA: G2), and who answered the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 questionnaire, were collected. One‐way analysis of variance and Student's t‐test were applied, considering p <.05 to be significant.

Results

The final sample consisted of 90 participants (G1 = 30; G2 = 60), with a mean age of 28.76 (±10.87) years. The mean scores in the G1 and G2 groups were 5.30 ± 5.35 and 2.45 ± 3.95, respectively. Comparing the means of both groups, in terms of the total score (p = .01), psychological discomfort (p = .04), psychological disability (p = .01), and social disability (p = .04) showed statistical differences. Evaluating G1, the age did not influence the negative impact on OHRQoL. The variables, years of study (≥9), DA severity, and location of DA in the anterior and posterior regions negatively influenced OHRQoL in different domains (p <.05).

Conclusion

Despite low OHRQoL, DA generated negative impact on OHRQoL in adolescents/young adults, and adults.
Jump height from inertial recordings: A tutorial for a sports scientist
Authors: Rantalainen Timo , Finni Taija , Walker Simon
Published: September 2019

Jump performance provides meaningful information both for sporting and clinical needs. Current state of the art in jump performance assessment is laboratory‐bound; however, out‐of‐the‐laboratory methods are desirable. Therefore, the purposes of the present investigation were (a) to explore whether utilizing a novel analytical approach minimizes the bias between inertial recording unit (IMU)‐based and jump mat‐based jump height estimates and (b) to provide a thorough tutorial for a sport scientist (see Appendix S1) to facilitate standardization of jump height estimation. Forty‐one women, men, and boys aged 6 to 77 years completed three maximal countermovement jumps without arm swing, which were concurrently registered with a jump mat, and an IMU worn in low lumbar region. Excellent agreement between the novel IMU‐based jump height and jump mat jump height was observed (mean IMU 22.6 [8.3] cm, mean jump mat 22.7 [8.9], mean bias −0.1 cm [95% limits of agreement −4.5 cm to 4.4 cm; P = .826], and intra‐class correlation coefficient 0.97 [95% CI 0.94 to 0.98, P < .001]). In conclusion, inertial recordings conducted with lightweight IMUs worn on the hip provide a valid and feasible assessment of jump height among people with varying athletic ability. Inertial signals have the potential to afford (at least semi‐) automated analysis pipeline with low labor cost thus being potentially feasible in applied settings such as in professional sports or in the clinics.
Collisions Between Institutional and Populist Risk Imaginaries: The “Dark Side” of Negative Asymmetric Thinking
Authors: Hagen Ryan
Published: September 2019

Expert knowledge informs the construction of public problems from gun violence to disease epidemics to climate change, and institutional actors draw on this knowledge to implement public policy to mitigate or repair the related harms. The expanding role of experts and institutions in managing risks has come at a time of declining public trust in institutions and a legitimacy crisis around expert knowledge. What happens when these tendencies collide? Previous scholarship has examined how disaster arises through failures of foresight, and how cultural‐cognitive biases can prevent actors from seeing disasters coming. Less is known about the mobilization of resistance against risk management policies. This theoretical essay examines a particular category of that resistance: conspiracist discourse that frames risk as emanating primarily from perceived secret agendas of institutions and experts that explicitly claim to be acting in the public interest. This essay argues that conspiracy thinking can be best understood as rooted in a “populist risk imaginary,” which is rooted in negative asymmetry, a cultural‐cognitive bias that foregrounds the possibility of worst‐case outcomes. Conspiracy discourse can be understood as the “dark side” of negative asymmetry, which is otherwise used by service‐oriented professionals to sharpen their foresight in preempting future dangers.
Vertical transmission of dengue virus in Aedes aegypti and its role in the epidemiological persistence of dengue in Central and Southern Mexico
Authors: Danis‐Lozano Rogelio , Díaz‐González Esteban E. , Malo‐García Iliana R. , Rodríguez Mario Henry , Ramos‐Castañeda José , Juárez‐Palma Lilia , Ramos Celso , López‐Ordóñez Teresa , Mosso‐González Clemente , Fernández‐Salas Ildefonso
Published: September 2019

Background

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the main mosquito species responsible for dengue virus (DENV) transmission to humans in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The role of vertical transmission in the epidemiology of dengue and the maintenance of this arbovirus in nature during interepidemic periods remain poorly understood, and DENV vertical transmission could sustain the existence of virus reservoirs within Aedes populations.

Methods

Between April 2011 and October 2012, we monitored vertical transmission of DENV in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in 9 cities of 4 Mexican states. Aedes eggs were collected in ovitraps, then adults were reared under laboratory conditions and their heads were used to infect C6/36 cells. The presence of flavivirus was detected by immunofluorescence assays (IFA), and DENV infection was confirmed by RT‐PCR.

Results

About 96% of reared adults were Ae. aegypti and 4.0% were Ae. albopictus. No infection was detected in Ae. albopictus, whereas 54 of 713 (7.8%) of Ae. aegypti pools tested positive. A minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.52 per 1000 mosquitoes was estimated for Ae. aegypti. DENV‐1, DENV‐2 & DENV‐3 serotypes were detected even during interepidemic periods.

Conclusions

This study reports the evidence of vertical transmission of dengue virus with viral isolation and molecular confirmation in Ae. aegypti eggs collected in four endemic regions of Central and Southern Mexico. Vertical transmission may play a role as a reservoir mechanism during mosquito dormancy in interepidemic periods but with minor participation in transmission during epidemic periods.
Auxin signaling modulates LATERAL ROOT PRIMORDIUM1 (LRP1) expression during lateral root development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Singh Sharmila , Yadav Sandeep , Singh Alka , Mahima Mahima , Singh Archita , Gautam Vibhav , Sarkar Ananda K.
Published: September 2019

Auxin signaling mediated by various auxin/indole‐3‐acetic acid (Aux/IAAs) and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (ARFs) regulate lateral root (LR) development by controlling the expression of downstream genes. LATERAL ROOT PRIMORDIUM1 (LRP1), a member of the SHORT INTERNODES/STYLISH (SHI/STY) family, was identified as an auxin‐inducible gene. The precise developmental role and molecular regulation of LRP1 in root development remain to be understood. Here we show that LRP1 is expressed in all stages of LR development, besides the primary root. The expression of LRP1 is regulated by histone deacetylation in an auxin‐dependent manner. Our genetic interaction studies showed that LRP1 acts downstream of auxin responsive Aux/IAAs‐ARFs modules during LR development. We showed that auxin‐mediated induction of LRP1 is lost in emerging LRs of slr‐1 and arf7arf19 mutants roots. NPA treatment studies showed that LRP1 acts after LR founder cell specification and asymmetric division during LR development. Overexpression of LRP1 (LRP1 OE) showed an increased number of LR primordia (LRP) at stages I, IV and V, resulting in reduced emerged LR density, which suggests that it is involved in LRP development. Interestingly, LRP1‐induced expression of YUC4, which is involved in auxin biosynthesis, contributes to the increased accumulation of endogenous auxin in LRP1 OE roots. LRP1 interacts with SHI, STY1, SRS3, SRS6 and SRS7 proteins of the SHI/STY family, indicating their possible redundant role during root development. Our results suggested that auxin and histone deacetylation affect LRP1 expression and it acts downstream of LR forming auxin response modules to negatively regulate LRP development by modulating auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Implementation and 2‐year outcomes of the first FDA‐approved implantable apheresis vascular access device
Authors: Gray Kristin L. , Steidley Isabella G. , Benson Hollie L. , Pearce Christine L. , Bachman Amy M. , Adamski Jill
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Patients requiring chronic apheresis treatments typically lack sufficient peripheral venous access to support long‐term therapy. Historically, central venous tunneled catheters, septum‐bearing subcutaneous ports, and fistulas were used to obtain required blood flow rates for apheresis procedures. In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first intravascular device specifically designed for apheresis therapy, the PowerFlow Implantable Apheresis IV Port.

METHODS

Several preimplementation meetings with key hospital stakeholders were held to determine the most efficient and safest strategy for integrating the PowerFlow device into our practice. Interventional radiologists implanted the apheresis port in patients meeting specified criteria. Performance metrics and adverse events were evaluated over a 2‐year period, July 2017 through June 2019.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients underwent apheresis therapy using the PowerFlow port. The most common apheresis therapy provided was extracorporeal photopheresis, followed by therapeutic plasma exchange and low‐density lipoprotein apheresis. Flow rates up to 90 mL/min were obtained; the rates were limited by patient tolerance for the apheresis procedure. Complications included infection, obstruction due to fibroblastic sleeve, and migration of the vascular device. The estimated risk of PowerFlow‐associated bloodstream infection in the study population was 0.18 per 1000 intravascular device days.

CONCLUSION

The PowerFlow Implantable Apheresis IV Port can achieve flow rates necessary for all apheresis therapies and is a promising alternative vascular access device for patients undergoing apheresis.
Retrospective evaluation of the severity of and prognosis associated with potassium abnormalities in dogs and cats presenting to an emergency room (January 2014–August 2015): 2441 cases
Authors: Hoehne Sabrina N. , Hopper Kate , Epstein Steven E.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To determine the severity, concurrent clinical signs, and disease processes associated with potassium abnormalities in dogs and cats presenting to a veterinary emergency department and associated mortality.

Design

Retrospective and descriptive study over 20 months.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

1916 dog and 525 cat visits.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records from patients with a potassium concentration measured within 24 hours of admission were identified. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were defined as a potassium concentration <3.5 mmol/L [3.5 mEq/L] and >5 mmol/L [5 mEq/L], respectively. Associated disease processes and pathophysiologic risk factors for potassium abnormalities were reviewed for moderate to severe potassium abnormalities (<3 mmol/L or ≥6 mmol/L) [<3 mEq/L or ≥6 mEq/L]. Mortality associated with normokalemia, mild, and moderate to severe dyskalemia were evaluated. Overall prevalence of abnormal potassium concentration was 27% in dogs and 40% in cats. Moderate to severe hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were present in 3% of dogs and 8% of cats, and 2% of dogs and 7% of cats, respectively. Moderate to severe hypokalemia was most commonly associated with gastrointestinal disease (48% of dogs and 44% of cats) while moderate to severe hyperkalemia was most commonly associated with urinary tract disease (60% of dogs and 97% of cats). Dogs with hypokalemia and dogs and cats with hyperkalemia (P < 0.001) had significantly greater mortality than those with normokalemia. Dogs with mild hypokalemia and mild hyperkalemia (P < 0.0001) had higher mortality than dogs with normokalemia, but this was not found in cats.

Conclusions

Dyskalemia was common in this population and was associated with greater mortality. Moderate to severe potassium abnormalities were uncommon in this population and occurred most frequently in animals with gastrointestinal and urinary tract disease.
Probing Phenomenological Experiences Through Electroencephalography Brainwave Signals In Neuroarchitecture Study
Authors: Vijayan Vickram Thevar , Embi Mohamed Rashid
Published: September 2019

Experiences are a part of our daily lives through our interactions with the environment around us. We live life through the realm of experiences, be it playing or working. As we encounter phenomena frequently, it is deduced that most of it comes from within the built environment, considering how most of our time is spent indoors. Hence, it is imperative that we understand the impact of the built environment on human physiology especially within the context of religious spaces which is largely attributed to phenomenological experiences. Despite the importance of understanding the impact of the built environment on human physiology, phenomenological studies that addresses this relationship are still lacking. This presents a gap which necessitates evidence to be provided in the form of phenomenological studies. Hence, this study attempts to address the gap by utilising evidential data with the utilisation of the portable electroencephalography (EEG) device. In doing so, the brainwave readings from four participants at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque were observed. Data from the EEG device in the form of brainwave signals was analysed through the performance metrics detection suite which focused on the possibility of analysing brainwave data through three phases of habitation. The findings detected relaxation performance metrics from the participants whilst being within the mosque prayer area, whereas the phases prior to entering and after leaving the mosque appears to have detected higher excitement and engagement levels. Thus, it could be deduced that the interior prayer area of the mosque appears to have had a positive influence on the participant's physiology. This study could contribute to the novel field of neuroarchitecture in Malaysia, an area of study at the threshold of neuroscience and architecture that could be significant in understanding the relationship between the built environment and human physiology.
Vocación del servicio en colombia y nuevas formas de colonialismo en la lógica managerial
Authors: López Cortés Oscar Andrés
Published: September 2019

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación etnográfica y de análisis documental sobre la vocación del servicio en el sector público. La hipótesis es que la vocación del servicio entró en la gestión pública nacional como parte de un conjunto de reformas administrativas orientadas por la lógica managerial, adoptadas por los gobiernos de Colombia para atender las exigencias de los organismos internacionales, configurándose así una nueva forma de colonialidad epistémica. Como material análisis se emplearon fragmentos de entrevistas etnográficas realizadas a funcionarios públicos en Colombia entre 2012 y 2014, diarios de campo producto de la observación participante y documentos institucionales. Se concluye que en las prácticas y discursos institucionales que definen y prescriben la vocación del servicio, esta se asume como un atributo natural de las personas que laboran en la administración pública y que se puede incentivar sin importar las condiciones objetivas de trabajo.
Experimental Performance Evaluation of Humidification–Dehumidification System With Direct-Contact Dehumidifier
Authors: Dehghani Saeed , Mahmoudi Farzaneh , Date Abhijit , Akbarzadeh Aliakbar
Published: September 2019

Humidification–dehumidification (HDH) desalination with direct contact dehumidifier system is designed and fabricated. Experimental tests are performed under various operating conditions in order to explore the influence of temperatures and mass flow rates of seawater and freshwater on system performance by utilizing non-dimensional parameters. It is shown that, for any case, there is an optimum flow rate ratio of water to air, which results in a maximum water production rate. A mathematical model is utilized to evaluate the system performance and compare the outcomes with the experimental results. In addition, the effect of feed water salinity from 0–30% on the water production rate is experimentally investigated. The results showed that the maximum achieved recovery ratio of the proposed HDH system is 5% under the working condition of seawater temperature at 73 °C with 3% salinity and cold freshwater at 28 °C. Furthermore, the system was able to produce water at nearly saturated seawater feed.
Performance Evaluation of the Thermophotovoltaic-Driven Thermoionic Refrigerator
Authors: Açıkkalp Emin , Yerel Kandemir Süheyla , Ahmadi Mohammad H.
Published: September 2019

In this study, the thermophotovoltaic (TPV)-driven thermionic refrigerator (TIR) is presented as an alternative refrigerator operated by the solar energy. Solar energy is the main energy source and its performance is analyzed. Power output density of the TPV, cooling rate density, COP, exergy destruction rate densities, and exergy efficiencies are the considered parameters. Calculations are performed numerically; results are presented and discussed. The most suitable operation conditions are defined. According to the results, the cooling rate density is 648 W/m2, power output densities are 1189.86 W/m2 and 667.234 W/m2 for the eg = 0.3 eV and eg = 0.4 eV, and the exergy efficiency of the system is about 0.071.
Modeling the Effect of Parametric Variations on Soot Particle Size Distribution in a Diesel Engine
Authors: Duvvuri Pavan Prakash , Sukumaran Sujith , Shrivastava Rajesh Kumar , Sreedhara Sheshadri
Published: September 2019

Stringent emission legislations, increasing environmental and health issues, have driven extensive research on combustion engines to control pollutants. Modeling of emissions offers a cost-saving alternative to experimental analysis for combustion chamber design and optimization. Soot modeling in diesel engines has evolved over four decades from simple empirical relations to detailed kinetics involving polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and complex particle dynamics. Although numerical models have been established for predicting soot mass for parametric variations, there is a lack of modeling studies for predicting soot particle size distribution for parametric variations. This becomes important considering the inclusion of limits on soot particle count in recent emission norms. The current work aims at modeling the soot particle size distribution inside a heavy-duty diesel engine and validating the results for a parametric variation in injection pressure and intake temperature. Closed cycle combustion simulations have been performed using converge, a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. A sectional soot model coupled with gas-phase kinetics has been used with source terms for inception, condensation, surface reactions, and coagulation. Numerical predictions for soot mass and particle size distribution at the exhaust show good agreement with experimental data after increasing the transition regime collision frequency by a factor of 100.
Investigation and Improvement of Thermal Performance of a Solar Air Heater Using Extended Surfaces Through the Phase Change Material
Authors: Shalaby S. M. , Kabeel A. E. , El-Bialy E. , Elfakharany M. K.
Published: September 2019

Low thermal conductivity is the main drawback of using paraffin wax as a latent heat thermal storage material in the solar air heater (SAH). In order to overcome this drawback, an absorber plate with extended surfaces through the paraffin wax was used. Two extended surface absorbers were used: a flat plate attached with downward fins and a V-corrugated plate. For the purpose of comparison, the SAH integrated with paraffin wax was tested using three proposed types of the absorber plate: flat, downward finned, and V-corrugated plates. The results showed superiority of the downward finned plate during the day. But the V-corrugated SAH remains the best choice for the applications in which the hot air is mostly needed during night as it is continuously operated for 7 h after sunset with the outlet air temperature of 8–11 °C more than the ambient air temperature.
An Investigation on Ventilation of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics System Using Numerical Modeling
Authors: Lau Siu-Kit , Zhao Yong , Lau Stephen Siu Yu , Yuan Chao , Shabunko Veronika
Published: September 2019

This study numerically investigates the thermal behavior and airflow characteristics of the building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façade. A three-dimensional model is developed based on the typical BIPV façade. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with the shear stress transport (SST) κ-omega turbulent model is used in the study. The effects of geometric configurations on the BIPV cell temperature in steady state are evaluated including the sizes of the bottom and top openings and the depth of the back air cavity (or so-called cavity depth). When the sizes of the inlet and outlet openings are the same, the effects on the decrease of cell temperature are limited. By enlarging the bottom (inlet) opening, the impact of ventilation in the cavity behind is more significant and the cell temperature decreases. Cavity depth is also a vital factor affecting BIPV cell temperature. The paper identifies the optimal cavity depth of approximately 100–125 mm. Flow disturbance and a vortex may be observed at the bottom and top of the air cavity, respectively, as the cavity depth increases which negatively affects the ventilation causing these flow disturbances to increase the cell temperature. Thermal effects of environmental conditions are compared with regard to two selected BIPV configurations. The wind velocity and the attack angle also have an obvious impact on cell temperature. Ambient temperature and solar irradiance exhibit a linear relationship with BIPV cell temperature as expected.
The Volunteer Experience in a Para-Sport Event: An Autoethnography
Authors: Lachance Erik L. , Parent Milena M.
Published: September 2019

Sport event volunteers have predominantly been examined in able-bodied events using quantitative methods. Studies examining the volunteer experience have focused on its relationship with different constructs, resulting in a siloed body of literature in which a holistic understanding of the volunteer experience remains poor. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between key constructs (satisfaction, motivation, commitment, and sense of community) and the first author’s (E.L. Lachance) volunteer experience in a para-sport event. The analysis of the narrative using a volunteer experience conceptual framework composed of the key volunteer constructs identified two themes: (a) the power of sense of community and (b) the volunteer role as a source of dissatisfaction. Contributions include the volunteer experience conceptual framework and the relationships between the four constructs and the volunteer experience. Event managers should implement strategies to create a strong sense of community to enhance their volunteers’ experience.
Diversity Characteristics and Experiences of Discrimination in Certified Mental Performance Consultants
Authors: McCarver Zachary , Anderson Shelby , Vosloo Justine , Harenberg Sebastian
Published: September 2019

The purpose of the present study was to explore diversity characteristics and experiences of discrimination in certified mental-performance consultants (CMPCs). The results of a questionnaire (N = 260) indicated that CMPCs remain a rather homogeneous population (>80% White, heterosexual, and able-bodied). Female and non-White consultants were significantly more likely to experience discrimination in the field. The findings indicate that minorities remain underrepresented among CMPCs. In addition, the profession is in need of interventional strategies to prevent experiences of discrimination in applied sport psychology.
Mechanism of the allosteric activation of the ClpP protease machinery by substrates and active-site inhibitors
Authors: Felix Jan , Weinhäupl Katharina , Chipot Christophe , Dehez François , Hessel Audrey , Gauto Diego F. , Morlot Cecile , Abian Olga , Gutsche Irina , Velazquez-Campoy Adrian , Schanda Paul , Fraga Hugo
Published: September 2019

We decipher how an allosteric inhibitor activates the ClpP protease machinery by binding to the catalytic site.
Anti-HIV and Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Drugs Inhibit P-Glycoprotein Efflux Activity in Caco-2 Cells and Precision-Cut Rat and Human Intestinal Slices
Authors: Martinec Ondrej , Huliciak Martin , Staud Frantisek , Cecka Filip , Vokral Ivan , Cerveny Lukas
Published: September 2019

P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), an ATP-binding-cassette efflux transporter, limits intestinal absorption of its substrates and is a common site of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). ABCB1 has been suggested to interact with many antivirals used to treat HIV and/or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.
Identification of FosA8, a Plasmid-Encoded Fosfomycin Resistance Determinant from Escherichia coli, and Its Origin in Leclercia adecarboxylata
Authors: Poirel Laurent , Vuillemin Xavier , Kieffer Nicolas , Mueller Linda , Descombes Marie-Christine , Nordmann Patrice
Published: September 2019

A plasmid-located fosfomycin resistance gene,
fosA8
, was identified from a CTX-M-15-producing
Escherichia coli
isolate recovered from urine. Identification of this gene was obtained by whole-genome sequencing. It encoded FosA8, which shares 79% and 78% amino acid identity with the most closely related FosA2 and FosA1 enzymes, respectively. The
fosA8
gene was located on a transferable 50-kb plasmid of IncN type encoding high-level resistance to fosfomycin.
CD4 Incorporation into HIV-1 Viral Particles Exposes Envelope Epitopes Recognized by CD4-Induced Antibodies
Authors: Ding Shilei , Gasser Romain , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Medjahed Halima , Tolbert William D. , Sodroski Joseph , Pazgier Marzena , Finzi Andrés
Published: September 2019

It has been well established that Env-CD4 complexes expose epitopes recognized by commonly elicited CD4-induced antibodies at the surface of HIV-1-infected cells, rendering them vulnerable to ADCC responses. Here, we show that CD4 incorporation has a profound impact on Env conformation at the surface of viral particles. Incorporated CD4 exposes CD4-induced epitopes on Env, rendering HIV-1 susceptible to neutralization by otherwise nonneutralizing antibodies.
A Validated Set of Fluorescent-Protein-Based Markers for Major Organelles in Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zhang Zheng-Tan , Tang Shi-Wei , Zhao Bo-Song , Li Hui , Song Jing-Zhen , Li Dan , Xie Zhiping
Published: September 2019

Eukaryotic cells share a basic scheme of internal organization featuring membrane-based organelles. The use of fluorescent proteins (FPs) greatly facilitated live-cell imaging of organelle dynamics and protein trafficking. One major limitation of this approach is that the fusion of an FP to a target protein can and often does compromise the function of the target protein and alter its subcellular localization. The optimization process to obtain a desirable fusion construct can be time-consuming or even unsuccessful. In this work, we set out to provide a validated set of FP-based markers for major organelles in the budding yeast (
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
). Out of over 160 plasmids constructed, we present a final set of 42 plasmids, the recommendations for which are backed up by meticulous evaluations. The tool set includes three colors (green, red, and blue) and covers the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), nucleus, Golgi apparatus, endosomes, vacuoles, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and lipid droplets. The fidelity of the markers was established by systematic cross-comparison and quantification. Functional assays were performed to examine the impact of marker expression on the secretory pathway, endocytic pathway, and metabolic activities of mitochondria and peroxisomes. Concomitantly, our work constitutes a reassessment of organelle identities in this model organism. Our data support the recognition that “late Golgi” and “early endosomes,” two seemingly distinct terms, denote the same compartment in yeast. Conversely, all other organelles can be visually separated from each other at the resolution of conventional light microscopy, and quantification results justify their classification as distinct entities.

IMPORTANCE
Cells contain elaborate internal structures. For eukaryotic cells, like those in our bodies, the internal space is compartmentalized into membrane-bound organelles, each tasked with specialized functions. Oftentimes, one needs to visualize organelles to understand a complex cellular process. Here, we provide a validated set of fluorescent protein-based markers for major organelles in budding yeast. Yeast is a commonly used model when investigating basic mechanisms shared among eukaryotes. Fluorescent proteins are produced by cells themselves, avoiding the need for expensive chemical dyes. Through extensive cross-comparison, we make sure that each of our markers labels and only labels the intended organelle. We also carefully examined if the presence of our markers has any negative impact on the functionality of the cells and found none. Our work also helps answer a related question: are the structures we see really what we think they are?
Complete Genome Sequence of
Escherichia
-Infecting Phage CEC_KAZ_2018, Isolated from Soil
Authors: Moldakhanov Yergali S. , Alexyuk Madina S. , Bogoyavlenskiy Andrey P. , Alexyuk Pavel G. , Turmagambetova Aizhan S. , Zaitseva Irina A. , Sokolova Nadezhda S. , Akanova Kuralay S. , Anarkulova Elmira I. , Omirtaeva Elmira S. , Berezin Vladimir E.
Published: September 2019

Avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(APEC) bacteria are one of the main problems of the poultry industry. An effective way to combat colibacillosis is to use a phage preparation that lyses the bacteria. Here, we report the isolation of an
E. coli
-infecting phage, CEC_KAZ_2018, isolated from soil.
First Detection of a Novel Reassortant Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Clade 2.3.2.1c Virus, Isolated from a Wild Bird in China
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Ruiyun , Zhu Gaodong , Chang Jianyu , Xu Bing
Published: September 2019

We report the first isolation of a reassortant clade 2.3.2.1c avian influenza A(H5N6) virus isolated from a wild bird sample in Jiangxi, China, in 2016. Sequence analyses indicated that this virus most likely evolved from Eurasia-derived H5N1 and H6N6 viruses through frequent interactions at the wild-domestic bird interface.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Phlox Powdery Mildew Pathogen Golovinomyces magnicellulatus Strain FPH2017-1
Authors: Farinas Coralie , Gluck-Thaler Emile , Slot Jason C. , Peduto Hand Francesca
Published: September 2019

Powdery mildew (PM) fungi are obligate biotrophs capable of infecting diverse plant hosts, ranging from monocotyledonous agricultural crops to dicotyledonous ornamental crops. The PM lifestyle poses significant challenges for studying these pathogens in isolation from their host. We present a draft genome of
Golovinomyces magnicellulatus
, a host-specific PM on
Phlox
species.
Genome Sequence of Metarhizium
rileyi
, a Microbial Control Agent for Lepidoptera
Authors: Binneck Eliseu , Lastra Claudia Cristina López , Sosa-Gómez Daniel R.
Published: September 2019

Metarhizium rileyi
(formerly known as
Nomuraea rileyi
) is a potential agent for microbial control of many insect pests from the order Lepidoptera, the damages of which can cause considerable loss of productivity in agriculture. We report the genome sequence and annotation of
M. rileyi
strain Cep018-CH2/ARSEF 7053.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of the Causal Agent of the Current Panama Disease Epidemic
Authors: Warmington Rachel J. , Kay William , Jeffries Aaron , O’Neill Paul , Farbos Audrey , Moore Karen , Bebber Daniel P. , Studholme David J.
Published: September 2019

We present a high-quality draft genome assembly for
Fusarium oxysporum
f. sp.
cubense
tropical race 4 (
Fusarium odoratissimum
), assembled from PacBio reads and consisting of 15 contigs with a total assembly size of 48.59 Mb. This strain appears to belong to vegetative compatibility group complex 01213/16.
Mortality and respiratory support in X-linked myotubular myopathy: a RECENSUS retrospective analysis
Authors: Graham Robert J , Muntoni Francesco , Hughes Imelda , Yum Sabrina W , Kuntz Nancy L , Yang Michele L , Byrne Barry J , Prasad Suyash , Alvarez Rachel , Genetti Casie A , Haselkorn Tmirah , James Emma S , LaRusso Laurie B , Noursalehi Mojtaba , Rico Salvador , Beggs Alan H
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Individuals with X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) who survive infancy require extensive supportive care, including ventilator assistance, wheelchairs and feeding tubes. Half die before 18 months of age. We explored respiratory support and associated mortality risk in RECENSUS, particularly among patients ≤5 years old who received respiratory support at birth; this subgroup closely matches patients in the ASPIRO trial of gene therapy for XLMTM.

Design

RECENSUS is an international, retrospective study of patients with XLMTM. Descriptive and time-to-event analyses examined survival on the basis of age, respiratory support, tracheostomy use, predicted mutational effects and life-sustaining care.

Results

Outcomes for 145 patients were evaluated. Among 126 patients with respiratory support at birth, mortality was 47% overall and 59% among those ≤5 years old. Median survival time was shorter for patients ≤5 years old than for those >5 years old (2.2 years (IQR 0.7–5.6) vs 30.2 years (IQR 19.4–30.2)). The most common cause of death was respiratory failure (66.7%). Median survival time was longer for patients with a tracheostomy than for those without (22.8 years (IQR 8.7–30.2) vs 1.8 years (IQR 0.2–not estimable)). The proportion of patients living without a tracheostomy was 50% at age 6 months and 28% at age 2 years. Median survival time was longer with provision of life-sustaining care than without (19.4 years (IQR 3.1–not estimable) vs 0.2 years (IQR 0.1–2.1)).

Conclusions

High mortality, principally due to respiratory failure, among patients with XLMTM ≤5 years old despite respiratory support underscores the need for early diagnosis, informed decision-making and disease-modifying therapies.

Trial registration number

NCT02231697
The rate and perioperative mortality of caesarean section in Sierra Leone
Authors: Holmer Hampus , Kamara Michael M , Bolkan Håkon Angell , van Duinen Alex , Conteh Sulaiman , Forna Fatu , Hailu Binyam , Hansson Stefan R , Koroma Alimamy P , Koroma Michael M , Liljestrand Jerker , Lonnee Herman , Sesay Santigie , Hagander Lars
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Sierra Leone has the world’s highest maternal mortality, partly due to low access to caesarean section. Limited data are available to guide improvement. In this study, we aimed to analyse the rate and mortality of caesarean sections in the country.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all caesarean sections and all reported in-facility maternal deaths in Sierra Leone in 2016. All facilities performing caesarean sections were visited. Data on in-facility maternal deaths were retrieved from the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response database. Caesarean section mortality was defined as in-facility perioperative mortality.

Results

In 2016, there were 7357 caesarean sections in Sierra Leone. This yields a population rate of 2.9% of all live births, a 35% increase from 2012, with district rates ranging from 0.4% to 5.2%. The most common indications for surgery were obstructed labour (42%), hypertensive disorders (25%) and haemorrhage (22%). Ninety-nine deaths occurred during or after caesarean section, and the in-facility perioperative caesarean section mortality rate was 1.5% (median 0.7%, IQR 0–2.2). Haemorrhage was the leading cause of death (73%), and of those who died during or after surgery, 80% had general anaesthesia, 75% received blood transfusion and 22% had a uterine rupture diagnosed.

Conclusions

The caesarean section rate has increased rapidly in Sierra Leone, but the distribution remains uneven. Caesarean section mortality is high, but there is wide variation. More access to caesarean sections for maternal and neonatal complications is needed in underserved areas, and expansion should be coupled with efforts to limit late presentation, to offer assisted vaginal delivery when indicated and to ensure optimal perioperative care.
Early detection of chronic kidney disease in low-income and middle-income countries: development and validation of a point-of-care screening strategy for India
Authors: Bradshaw Christina , Kondal Dimple , Montez-Rath Maria E , Han Jialin , Zheng Yuanchao , Shivashankar Roopa , Gupta Ruby , Srinivasapura Venkateshmurthy Nikhil , Jarhyan Prashant , Mohan Sailesh , Mohan Viswanathan , Ali Mohammed K , Patel Shivani , Narayan K M Venkat , Tandon Nikhil , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Anand Shuchi
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Although deaths due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) have doubled over the past two decades, few data exist to inform screening strategies for early detection of CKD in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

Using data from three population-based surveys in India, we developed a prediction model to identify a target population that could benefit from further CKD testing, after an initial screening implemented during home health visits. Using data from one urban survey (n=8698), we applied stepwise logistic regression to test three models: one comprised of demographics, self-reported medical history, anthropometry and point-of-care (urine dipstick or capillary glucose) tests; one with demographics and self-reported medical history and one with anthropometry and point-of-care tests. The ‘gold-standard’ definition of CKD was an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2or urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g. Models were internally validated via bootstrap. The most parsimonious model with comparable performance was externally validated on distinct urban (n=5365) and rural (n=6173) Indian cohorts.

Results

A model with age, sex, waist circumference, body mass index and urine dipstick had a c-statistic of 0.76 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.78) for predicting need for further CKD testing, with external validation c-statistics of 0.74 and 0.70 in the urban and rural cohorts, respectively. At a probability cut-point of 0.09, sensitivity was 71% (95% CI 68% to 74%) and specificity was 70% (95% CI 69% to 71%). The model captured 71% of persons with CKD and 90% of persons at highest risk of complications from untreated CKD (ie, CKD stage 3A2 and above).

Conclusion

A point-of-care CKD screening strategy using three simple measures can accurately identify high-risk persons who require confirmatory kidney function testing.
Reducing unnecessary delays during the transfer of patients from the paediatric intensive care unit to the general ward: a quality improvement project
Authors: Alali Hamza , Kazzaz Yasser , Alshehri Ali , Antar Mohannad , Alhamouieh Ousaima , Hasan Zahra , Al-Surimi Khaled
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Delaying the discharge of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients is directly proportional to increased occupancy rate and cost. We aimed to study the process of transferring patients from the PICU to the general ward in order to improve the timeliness of this process while guaranteeing patient safety.

Methods

A multidisciplinary quality improvement (QI) team was formed to analyse the transfer process. Several Plan Do Study Act cycles were tested, targeting all steps of the transfer process, and applying turnaround time (TAT)—the duration from the time of clinical transfer decision until the physical transfer of the patient—as an outcome measure, aiming for a TAT of 4 hours.

Results

Baseline results showed that medical transfer decisions by PICU attending physicians were taken late for most patients: only 19% of decisions were made by 08:00 by the on-call team. Average TAT of the transfer process was over 7 hours, with duration ranging from 7 to 17 hours. After implementing all suggested improvement interventions, early decision compliance improved to 59%. TAT improved gradually, starting in January 2017, until it approached our target (284–261 min≈4 hours) in February–May 2017.

Conclusion

PICU patient transfer process delays can be reduced by early evaluation, timely team communication and proper preparation. It is recommended that all personnel with early involvement avoid unnecessary delays by paying more attention to all process steps, starting with the clinical decision, until the physical transfer. Standardising transfer processes might lead to a decrease in the length of PICU stay, which is a desirable outcome, but this observation needs further exploration.
Open questions on the nature of Parkinson’s disease: from triggers to spreading pathology
Authors: Mou Lei , Ding Wei , Fernandez-Funez Pedro
Published: September 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder identified more than 200 years ago; today it is defined by specific motor symptoms that together receive the name of parkinsonism. PD diagnosis is reached with the full parkinsonian syndrome, but in recent years, a series of non-motor symptoms have arisen as intrinsic components of PD. These non-motor symptoms are variable, creating a widely heterogenous disease presentation. Some non-motor symptoms appear in late disease stages and are explained as the natural progression of PD pathology into other brain centres, including the frontal cortex. Other symptoms can appear a decade or earlier preceding PD diagnosis, particularly hyposmia (loss of smell) and constipation. These early symptoms and the accompanying protein pathology have stimulated a lively conversation about the origin and nature of PD and other related conditions: some authors propose that PD starts in the olfactory mucosa and the gut due to direct exposure to toxins or pathogens. This pathology then travels by anatomically interconnected networks to the midbrain to cause motor symptoms and the cortex to cause late complications. Other models propose that PD develops in multiple independent foci that do not require pathology spread. We will review these hypotheses in the context of recent developments regarding the spread of amyloids and propose a mixed model where a multifocal origin explains the variable presentation of PD, while cell-to-cell spread explains stereotypical disease progression.