bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Masking the Detection of Taste Stimuli in Rats: NaCl and Sucrose
Authors: Blonde Ginger D , Spector Alan C 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhile psychophysical and neurophysiological assessments of taste sensitivity to single chemical compounds have revealed some fundamental properties of gustatory processing, taste stimuli are rarely ingested in isolation. Arguably, the gustatory system was adapted to identify and report the presence of numerous chemicals ingested concurrently. To begin systematically exploring the detectability of a target stimulus in a background in rodents, we used a gustometer to train rats in a 2-response operant task to detect either NaCl (n = 8) or sucrose (n = 8) dissolved in water, and then tested the sensitivity of rats to the trained NaCl stimulus dissolved in a sucrose masker (0.3, 0.6, or 1.0 M, tested consecutively) versus sucrose, or the trained sucrose stimulus dissolved in a NaCl masker (0.04, 0.2, or 0.4 M) versus NaCl. Detection thresholds (EC50 values) were determined for the target stimulus dissolved in each concentration of the masker. Except for 0.04 M NaCl, all masker concentrations tested increased the target stimulus EC50. Target stimulus detectability decreased systematically as masker concentrations increased. The shift in liminal sensitivity for either target was similar when the threshold for the masker was considered. At least for these prototypical stimuli, it appears that the attenuating impact of a masker on the detection of a target stimulus depends on sensitivity to the masking stimulus. Further study will be required to generalize these results and extend them to more complex maskers, and to discern neural circuits involved in the detection of specific taste signals in the context of noisy backgrounds.
Epidemiology of Escherichia coli Bacteremia: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bonten Marc , Johnson James R , van den Biggelaar Anita H J , Georgalis Leonidas , Geurtsen Jeroen , de Palacios Patricia Ibarra , Gravenstein Stefan , Verstraeten Thomas , Hermans Peter , Poolman Jan T 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Escherichia coli is the most common cause of bacteremia in high-income countries. To enable the development and implementation of effective prevention strategies, a better understanding of the current epidemiology of invasive E. coli infections is needed.

Methods
A systematic review of literature published between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2018 on the burden and epidemiology of E. coli bacteremia in populations that include adults in high-income countries was conducted. Meta-analysis was performed for descriptive purposes.

Results
During the studied time interval, the estimated incidence rate of E. coli bacteremia was 48 per 100 000 person-years, but this increased considerably with age: rates per 100 000 person-years were &gt;100 in 55-to-75-year-olds and &gt;300 in 75-to-85-year-olds. Overall, E. coli accounted for 27% of documented bacteremia episodes: 18% if hospital acquired, 32% if community-onset healthcare associated, and 33% if community acquired. The estimated case fatality rate was 12%. Approximately 44% of episodes were community acquired, 27% community-onset healthcare associated, and 27% hospital acquired. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the primary source for 53% of episodes.

Conclusions
This systematic review confirms the substantial burden of E. coli bacteremia in older adults and justifies the implementation of community-level programs to prevent E. coli bacteremia and ideally UTI in this age group.
Gavi Support for Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines: Moving From Global Investments to Country Introduction
Authors: Soble Adam , Patel Zeenat , Sosler Stephen , Hampton Lee , Johnson Hope 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Nine years elapsed between Gavi’s investment decision to support typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) in 2008 and Gavi support becoming available for countries to introduce TCV. The protracted path toward Gavi support for TCV highlights the challenges of vaccine development for lower-income countries and the importance of Gavi engagement as early as possible in product development processes to support the alignment of manufacturing, global policy, and program implementation. Early engagement would provide inputs to inform strategic vaccine investment decisions that transition more efficiently toward country implementation. Several countries have been approved for Gavi support to introduce TCV in 2019–2020. The paucity of generalizable typhoid epidemiological data in early introducing countries has reinforced the need for continued evidence generation regarding typhoid epidemiology and TCV impact. This has led to the development of guidance and tools to support country decision making for TCV introduction based on enhanced understanding of local typhoid burden and risk.
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines and Enteric Fever Control: Where to Next?
Authors: Steele A Duncan , Carey Megan E , Kumar Supriya , MacLennan Calman A , Ma Lyou-Fu , Diaz Zoey , Zaidi Anita K M 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
After the unprecedented success and acceleration of the global agenda towards typhoid fever control with a strong World Health Organization recommendation and the approval of funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), for the use of a new typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), we should turn our minds to the challenges that remain ahead. Despite the evidence showing the safety and clinical efficacy of TCV in endemic populations in developing countries, we should remain vigilant and explore hurdles for the full public health impact of TCV, including vaccine supply for the potential global demand, immunization strategies to optimize the effectiveness and long-term protection provided by the vaccines, potential use of TCV in outbreak settings, and scenarios for addressing chronic carriers. Finally, challenges face endemic countries with poor surveillance systems concerning awareness of the need for TCV and the extent of the issue across their populations, and how to target immunization strategies appropriately.
The Late Arrival of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa: Mitigating Pan-continental Spread
Authors: Nachega Jean , Seydi Moussa , Zumla Alimuddin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread to all 7 continents. Due to yet unknown reasons, the African continent has remained relatively unaffected. We discuss the importance of mitigating pan-continental spread in light of the fragile healthcare systems.
In vitro elimination of anti-infective drugs by the Seraph® 100 Microbind® affinity blood filter
Authors: Schmidt Julius J , Eden Gabriele , Seffer Malin-Theres , Winkler Manuela , Kielstein Jan T 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
In August 2019, the European Union licensed the first ever haemoperfusion device aimed to reduce pathogens in the blood. The core of the adsorber consists of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene beads with endpoint-attached heparin. These beads utilize pathogen inherent adhesion mechanisms to reduce pathogen load. So far, it is unknown whether the device has an effect on anti-infective drug concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro adsorption of multiple anti-infective drugs from human plasma.

Methods
In this in vitro study, 18 anti-infective drugs were administered to human donor plasma and pumped through the heparin-coated pathogen adsorber (Seraph® 100 Microbind®Affinity Blood Filter; ExThera Medical Corp., Martinez, CA, USA) at a plasma flow rate of 250 mL/min for 60 min. Pre- and post-adsorber plasma samples were quantified after 5, 15, 30 and 60 min.

Results
We found a reduction ratio (RR) in anti-infective plasma levels between −1% and 62%. This decrease occurred mainly in the first 5 min of the experiment (RR0–5 −4 to 62%). Mean plasma clearance rates ranged between –11.93 mL/min (fluconazole) and 4.86 mL/min (clindamycin). The highest RRs were measured for aminoglycosides (tobramycin 62% and gentamycin 59%).

Conclusions
The elimination of anti-infective drugs by the Seraph is neglectable in all but 2 of 18 of the investigated substances. Aminoglycosides may be adsorbed by the device during their first pass.
Short- and Long-term Outcomes Following Side-to-side Strictureplasty and its Modification Over the Ileocaecal Valve for Extensive Crohn’s Ileitis
Authors: Bislenghi G , Ferrante M , Sabino J , Verstockt B , Martin-Perez B , Fieuws S , Wolthuis A , Vermeire S , D’Hoore A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
Postoperative recurrence remains a challenging problem in patients with Crohn’s disease [CD]. To avoid development of short bowel syndrome, strictureplasty techniques have therefore been proposed. We evaluated short- and long-term outcomes of atypical strictureplasties in CD patients with extensive bowel involvement.

Methods
Side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty [SSIS] was performed according to the Michelassi technique or modification of this over the ileocaecal valve [mSSIS]. Ninety-day postoperative morbidity was assessed using the comprehensive complication index [CCI]. Clinical recurrence was defined as symptomatic, endoscopically or radiologically confirmed, stricture/inflammatory lesion requiring medical treatment or surgery. Surgical recurrence was defined as the need for any surgical intervention. Endoscopic remission was defined as ≤i1, according to the modified Rutgeerts score. Deep remission was defined as the combination of endoscopic remission and absence of clinical symptoms. Perioperative factors related to clinical recurrence were evaluated.

Results
A total of 52 CD patients [SSIS n = 12; mSSIS n = 40] were included. No mortality occurred. Mean CCI was 10.3 [range 0–33.7]. Median follow-up was 5.9 years [range 0.8–9.9]. Clinical recurrence [19 patients] was 29.7% and 39.6% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. Surgical recurrence [seven patients] was 2% and 14.1% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, 92% of patients kept the original strictureplasty and deep remission was observed in 25.7% of the mSSIS patients. None of the perioperative variables considered showed a significant association with clinical recurrence.

Conclusions
SSIS is safe, effective, and provides durable disease control in patients with extensive CD ileitis.
A Field-Relevant Concentration of the Insecticide Imidacloprid Affects Grooming, Locomotion, and Longevity in the Biological Control Agent Spalangia endius (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Burgess Edwin R , King B H 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Foreign materials like insecticides may increase grooming in insects; and generally, grooming may be expected to reduce effects of insecticides, but this may not be the case when grooming involves the mouth and hence a risk of ingestion. To examine this, female Spalangia endius, a wasp that parasitizes filth fly pupae, were exposed to a surface coated with a low concentration of imidacloprid or not. Their mouthparts were sealed or not to determine whether sealing is a useful method for examining effects of mouth grooming. Wasps mouth-groomed more frequently while exposed to imidacloprid than when not. However, imidacloprid did not increase the number of times that a wasp groomed the rest of her body, and this was true regardless of whether or not her mouthparts were sealed. While exposed to imidacloprid, wasps spent less time locomoting only if their mouthparts were not sealed. Having been exposed to imidacloprid also decreased subsequent longevity, from 9 to 7 d. These effects of imidacloprid on grooming, locomotion, and longevity occurred despite exposure being for just 5 min and to only 2% of the amount that will be present in an area immediately after house fly baits are scattered at their recommended coverage. This is such a low amount that, with 48 h of constant exposure, mortality of these wasps is only 10%. Having mouthparts sealed decreased locomotion and longevity regardless of exposure to imidacloprid. Thus, sealing mouthparts is not useful for measuring effects of mouth grooming.
Statin dose titration patterns and subsequent major cardiovascular events in very high-risk patients: estimates from Swedish population-based registry data
Authors: Banefelt Jonas , Lindh Maria , Svensson Maria K , Eliasson Björn , Tai Ming-Hui 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Aims
Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of intensive statin therapy in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular (CV) events. Our objective was to examine statin titration patterns and the association between titration patterns and subsequent CV events in very high-risk patients.

Methods and results
Using Swedish national population-based registry data, we identified 192 435 patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic CV disease initiated on moderate-intensity statin therapy between 2006 and 2013. Outcomes of interest were titration to high-intensity therapy and the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) composite (myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and CV death) outcome. Cumulative incidence of MACE was assessed by titration status 1-year post-treatment initiation in patients adherent to treatment during the first year, using a 12-week cut-off from initiation to define early, delayed and no up-titration to high-intensity statins. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). In 144 498 eligible patients, early titration was associated with significantly lower risk of MACE in the subsequent 2 years compared to no up-titration (HR 0.76, P &lt; 0.01]. Delayed up-titration was associated with a smaller reduction (HR 0.88, P = 0.08). The majority of patients did not up-titrate.

Conclusion
Early up-titration to high-intensity statins was independently associated with lower risk of subsequent CV events compared to no up-titration. Delayed up-titration was not associated with the same benefit. Despite the higher risk associated with no up-titration, few patients at very high CV risk who started treatment on moderate-intensity up-titrated to high intensity, indicating a potential need for more aggressive lipid management of these patients in clinical practice.
Customary International Law: Interpretation from Beginning to End
Authors: Chasapis Tassinis Orfeas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Does interpretation have a role to play with respect to customary international law? Common wisdom suggests that, because customary legal norms are unwritten, they need not be interpreted prior to their application. Instead, it is assumed that once one has identified such a norm, one also knows its content. This approach glosses over a series of critical questions: what interpretative choices are made when describing the practice leading to the formation of legal norm in a certain way as opposed to another? What choices are made when interpreting a given practice so as to infer norms of a general import? And what leeway is then left for interpreting norms already identified so as to clarify their meaning? Tackling these questions, this article argues that interpretation in fact can play a role at every stage in the life of custom. As such, interpretation calls us to rethink our operating assumptions about this fundamental source of international law by putting front and centre two neglected theoretical problems: custom’s inherent plasticity and the difficulty of clearly individuating its legal rules.
Prevalence and in-hospital outcomes of patients with malignancies undergoing de novo cardiac electronic device implantation in the USA
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed O , Barac Ana , Contractor Tahmeed , Silvet Helme , Arroyo Ruben Casado , Parwani Purvi , Kwok Chun Shing , Martin Glen P , Patwala Ashish , Mamas Mamas A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Aims
To study the outcomes of cancer patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation.

Methods and results
De novo CIED implantations (2004–15; n = 2 670 590) from the National Inpatient Sample were analysed for characteristics and in-hospital outcomes, stratified by presence of cancer (no cancer, historical and current cancers) and further by current cancer type (haematological, lung, breast, colon, and prostate). Current and historical cancer prevalence has increased from 3.3% to 7.8%, and 5.8% to 7.8%, respectively, between 2004 and 2015. Current cancer was associated with increased adjusted odds ratio (OR) of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [composite of all-cause mortality, thoracic and cardiac complications, and device-related infection; OR 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–1.30], all-cause mortality (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35–1.50), major bleeding (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.32–1.44), and thoracic complications (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.35–1.43). Differences in outcomes were observed according to cancer type, with significantly worse MACE, mortality and thoracic complications with lung and haematological malignancies, and increased major bleeding in colon and prostate malignancies. The risk of complications was also different according to CIED subtype.

Conclusion
The prevalence of cancer patients amongst those undergoing CIED implantation has significantly increased over 12 years. Overall, current cancers are associated with increased mortality and worse outcomes, especially in patients with lung, haematological, and colon malignancies whereas there was no evidence that historical cancer had a negative impact on outcomes.
C-reactive protein after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and its relationship with postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Olesen Oliver Juul , Vinding Naja Emborg , Østergaard Lauge , Butt Jawad H , Gislason Gunnar H , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsPostoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Inflammation may be an important factor for the pathogenesis of POAF, and increased preoperative levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with the development of POAF. However, the relationship between postoperative CRP and POAF is less well established.Methods and resultsPatients undergoing first-time isolated CABG surgery (1 January 2000–31 December 2016) were identified using the Eastern Danish Heart Surgery Database and nationwide administrative registries. Patients with no history of atrial fibrillation and with available CRP measurements from postoperative day (POD) 4 were included. The study population was divided into quartiles based on CRP. The association between CRP levels and the odds of developing POAF was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. We included 6711 patients. The CRP intervals on POD 4 for the CRP groups (lowest to highest) were ≤90, &gt;90 to ≤127, &gt;127 to ≤175, and &gt;175 mg/L, respectively. Patients in the highest CRP group were older and more often men compared with patients in the lowest CRP group [median age 67 years (P25–P75: 61–73) and 84.7% men vs. median age 64 years (P25–P75: 56–70) and 77.9% men]. In the lowest and highest CRP groups, 25% and 35% developed POAF, respectively. In adjusted analysis, the highest CRP group, compared with the lowest CRP group, was associated with greater odds of developing POAF (odds ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.54).ConclusionIncreased postoperative CRP levels after CABG surgery was associated with the development of POAF.
Research advance in regulation of fruit quality characteristics by microRNAs
Authors: Ma Li , Shi Yan-na , Grierson Don , Chen Kun-song 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (19–24 nucleotides in length) noncoding RNAs that have a profound effect on gene expression. By completely or almost perfectly base-pairing with their individual target mRNAs they cause mRNA cleavage or repression of translation. As important regulators, miRNAs plays an important role in the regulation of fruit quality. Extensive studies have been reported in fruits, however current studies are mostly focused on the identification of miRNAs and the prediction and validation of target genes. This review summarizes research progress on the role of miRNAs in regulating fruit ripening and senescence and quality characteristics, such as coloration, flavor metabolism, and texture for providing information for future research.
Rheology and thermal structure of the lithosphere beneath the Hawaiian Ridge inferred from gravity data and models of plate flexure
Authors: Pleus Alexandra , Ito Garrett , Wessel Paul , Frazer L Neil 
Published: March 2020

SUMMARYWe examine the rheology and thermal structure of the oceanic lithosphere, expressed in situ by plate flexure beneath the Hawaiian Ridge, where volcanoes of variable sizes have loaded seafloor of approximately the same age, and thus where the lithosphere is expected to have had an approximately uniform age-dependent thermal structure at the time of loading. Shipboard and satellite-derived gravity, as well as multibeam bathymetry data are used in models of plate flexure with curvature-dependent flexural rigidity, the strength of which is limited, in the shallow lithosphere, by brittle failure, and in the deeper lithosphere, by low-temperature plasticity (LTP). We compute relative likelihoods and posterior probabilities for four model parameters: average crustal density ρc, friction coefficient for brittle failure ${\mu _f}$, a pre-exponential weakening factor F controlling the strength of LTP and lithospheric geotherm age t. Results show that if the lithosphere temperatures were as is expected for normal (t = ) 90-Myr-old seafloor at the time of volcano loading, the rheology must be significantly weaker than expected. Specifically, weak brittle strengths (μf ≤ 0.3) show relatively high probabilities for three of the six published LTP flow laws examined. Alternatively, moderate-to-large brittle strengths (μf ≥ 0.5) require all LTP flow laws to be substantially weakened with F = 102 to &gt; 108 or, equivalently, activation energy reduced by 10–35 per cent. In contrast, if the lithosphere has been moderately reheated by the Hawaiian hotspot, represented by geotherms for t = 50–70 Myr, then the flow laws of Evans & Goetze, Raterron et al. and Krancj et al. require little or no weakening. Such modest thermal rejuvenation is allowed by heatflow constraints, supported by regional mantle seismic tomography imaging as well as compositions of mantle xenoliths, and reconciles previously noted discrepancies between the LTP strengths of lithosphere beneath Hawaii versus that entering the Pacific subduction zones.