bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biofilm Formation on Breast Implant Surfaces by Major Gram-Positive Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Rezende-Pereira Gabriel , Albuquerque Julia P , Souza Monica C , Nogueira Barbara A , Silva Marlei G , Hirata Raphael , Mattos-Guaraldi Ana L , Duarte Rafael S , Neves Felipe P G 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundBacterial biofilm on surfaces of mammary implants is a predisposing factor for several outcomes. Because Gram-positive bacteria are potential agents of biomaterial-associated infections (BAIs), their abilities to form biofilm on breast implants should be elucidated.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate biofilm formation on different mammary prosthesis surfaces by major Gram-positive bacterial pathogens involved in BAIs.MethodsWe initially evaluated biofilm formation on polystyrene plates with and without fibrinogen or collagen for 1 reference strain and 1 clinical isolate of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. We also tested the ability of clinical isolates to form biofilm on 4 different implant surfaces: polyurethane foam and smooth, microtextured, and standard textured silicone. Biofilm structure and cell viability were observed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy.ResultsAll strains showed strong biofilm formation on polystyrene. After fibrinogen or collagen treatment, biofilm formation varied. With fibrinogen, reference strains of S. aureus and S. pyogenes increased biofilm formation (P &lt; 0.05). Reference strains of all species and the clinical isolate of S. pyogenes increased biofilm formation after collagen treatment (P &lt; 0.05). In general, S. aureus showed higher capacity to produce biofilm. Scanning electron microscopy showed that biofilm attached to all surfaces tested, with the presence of extracellular polymeric substances and voids. Viable cells were more frequent for E. faecalis and S. pyogenes.ConclusionsAll species produced biofilm on all prosthesis surfaces and under different conditions. Micrographies indicated thicker bacterial biofilm formation on microtextured and/or standard textured silicone by all species, except E. faecalis.
The PTP1B mutant PTP1B∆2–4 is a positive regulator of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Zahn Malena , Kaluszniak Bianca , Möller Peter , Marienfeld Ralf 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The neoplastic Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) depend on chronic activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signalling pathways to maintain survival and proliferation. Accumulating reports highlight the importance of the inactivation or reduced expression of negative JAK/STAT regulators such as the protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B/PTPN1) in this process. Various PTPN1 mRNA variants as well as truncated PTP1B proteins were identified in cHL cell lines and primary cHL tumour samples. These PTPN1 mRNA variants lack either one or several exon sequences and therefore render these PTP1B variants catalytically inactive. Here, we show that one of these mutants, PTP1B∆2–4, is not only a catalytically inactive variant, but also augmented the IL-4-induced JAK/STAT activity similar to the recently reported PTP1B∆6 splice variant. Moreover, while PTP1B∆6 diminished the activity and protein levels of PTP1BWT, PTP1BWT remained unaffected by PTP1B∆2–4, arguing for different molecular mechanisms of JAK/STAT modulation by PTP1B∆6 and PTP1B∆2–4. Collectively, these data indicate that PTPN1 variants missing one or more exon sequences originated either from alternative splicing or from gene mutation, create PTP1B gain-of-function variants with oncogenic potential by augmenting JAK/STAT signalling in cHL.
Odor Canopy: A Method for Comfortable Odorant Delivery in MRI
Authors: Gorodisky Lior , Livne Ethan , Weiss Tali , Weissbrod Aharon , Weissgross Reut , Mishor Eva , Furman-Haran Edna , Sobel Noam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become the leading method for measuring the human brain response to sensory stimuli. However, olfaction fMRI lags behind vision and audition fMRI for 2 primary reasons: First, the olfactory brain areas are particularly susceptible to imaging artifacts, and second, the olfactory stimulus is particularly difficult to control in the fMRI environment. A component of the latter is related to the odorant delivery human–machine interface, namely the point where odorants exit the dispensing apparatus to reach at the nose. Previous approaches relied on either nasal cannulas or nasal masks, each associated with particular drawbacks and discomforts. Here, we provide detailed descriptions and instructions for transforming the MRI head-coil into an olfactory microenvironment, or odor canopy, where odorants can be switched on and off in less than 150 ms without cannula or mask. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we demonstrate that odor canopy provides for clearly dissociable odorant presence and absence, with no nonolfactory cues. Moreover, we find that odor canopy is rated more comfortable than nasal mask, and we demonstrate that using odor canopy in the fMRI generates a typical olfactory brain response. We conclude in recommending this approach for minimized discomfort in fMRI of olfaction.
Simultaneous HPLC Assay of Gliclazide and Ciprofloxacin in Plasma and its Implementation for Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats
Authors: Sasongko Lucy , Pratiwi Gladdis K , Leo Margaretha , Adiwidjaja Jeffry 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A simple and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous quantitation of gliclazide and ciprofloxacin in plasma sample has been developed and validated. This method implements protein precipitation, a simple and practical pretreatment method by the addition of acetonitrile that gives a clean supernatant. The separation was carried out in a system consisted of a C18 column with acetonitrile and KH2PO4 (0.01 M, 0.1% v/v of triethylamine, pH 2.7) as the mobile phase in a gradient elution at a total flow-rate of 1 mL/min. Gliclazide and ciprofloxacin were quantitated using an ultraviolet detector set at wavelengths of 229 and 277 nm, respectively, which ensures optimal sensitivity for both compounds. This method possesses an excellent linearity at concentration ranges of 0.5–50 mg/L for gliclazide and 0.1–10 mg/L for ciprofloxacin. High within- and between-run accuracy for both gliclazide (% error of −8.00 to 0.45%) and ciprofloxacin (% error of −10.00 to 7.63%) were demonstrated. The intra- and inter-day precision (expressed as %CV) was &lt;8 and 12% for gliclazide and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Both analytes were stable during storage and sample processing. The method reported in this study can be implemented for pharmacokinetic interaction study in rats.
Novel Criteria for Diagnosing Acute and Early Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in a Multinational Study of Early Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation
Authors: Crowell Trevor A , Ritz Justin , Coombs Robert W , Zheng Lu , Eron Joseph J , Mellors John W , Dragavon Joan , van Zyl Gert U , Lama Javier R , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Arduino Roberto C , Fox Lawrence , Ananworanich Jintanat , Daar Eric S ,   AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5354/EARLIER (Early ART to Limit Infection and Establishment of Reservoir) Study Team, Alli Oladapo , Anisman-Posner Deborah , Borowski LuAnn , Chi Benjamin , Cohn Susan E , Collier Ann , Gapara Morgan , Heath Sonya , Higgins Tydie , Hoagland Brenda , Kaytes Andrew , Kliemann Dimas , Kroon Eugène , Nair Gonasagrie , Persaud Deborah , Riddler Sharon , Rooney James , Sieg Scott , Sobieszczyk Magdalena , Tiu Jennifer , Whitson Kyle 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation during acute and early human immunodeficiency virus infection (AEHI) limits HIV reservoir formation and may facilitate post-ART control but is logistically challenging. We evaluated the performance of AEHI diagnostic criteria from a prospective study of early ART initiation.

Methods
AIDS Clinical Trials Group A 5354 enrolled adults at 30 sites in the Americas, Africa, and Asia who met any 1 of 6 criteria based on combinations of results of HIV RNA, HIV antibody, Western blot or Geenius assay, and/or the signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratio of the ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo or GS HIV Combo Ag/Ab EIA. HIV status and Fiebig stage were confirmed by centralized testing.

Results
From 2017 through 2019, 195 participants were enrolled with median age of 27 years (interquartile range, 23–39). Thirty (15.4%) were female. ART was started by 171 (87.7%) on the day of enrollment and 24 (12.3%) the next day. AEHI was confirmed in 188 (96.4%) participants after centralized testing, 4 (2.0%) participants were found to have chronic infection, and 3 (1.5%) found not to have HIV discontinued ART and were withdrawn. Retrospectively, a nonreactive or indeterminate HIV antibody on the Geenius assay combined with ARCHITECT S/CO ≥10 correctly identified 99 of 122 (81.2%) Fiebig II–IV AEHI cases with no false-positive results.

Conclusions
Novel AEHI criteria that incorporate ARCHITECT S/CO facilitated rapid and efficient ART initiation without waiting for an HIV RNA result. These criteria may facilitate AEHI diagnosis, staging, and immediate ART initiation in future research studies and clinical practice.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02859558.
Fulminant myocarditis in a COVID-19 positive patient treated with mechanical circulatory support – a case report
Authors: Papageorgiou Joanna-Maria , Almroth Henrik , Törnudd Mattias , van der Wal Henriëtte , Varelogianni Georgia , Lawesson Sofia Sederholm 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading from Wuhan, Hubei province in China, is an expanding global pandemic with significant morbidity and mortality. Even though respiratory failure is the cardinal form of severe COVID-19, concomitant cardiac involvement is common. Myocarditis is a challenging diagnosis due to heterogeneity of clinical presentation, ranging from mild symptoms to fatal arrhythmia and cardiogenic shock (CS). The aetiology is often viral and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is the gold standard for definite myocarditis. However, the diagnosis is often made on medical history, clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging, and blood tests.

Case summary
We present a 43-year-old man with mixed connective tissue disease treated with hydroxychloroquine who rapidly developed CS 4 days from symptom onset with fever and cough, showing positive polymerase chain reaction nasopharyngeal swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA. While computed tomography of the thorax was normal, high-sensitivity troponin T was elevated and electrocardiogram showed diffuse ST elevation and low voltage as signs of myocardial oedema. Echocardiography showed severe depression of left ventricular function. The myocardium recovered completely after a week with mechanical circulatory support (MCS). EMB was performed but could neither identify the virus in the cardiomyocytes, nor signs of inflammation. Still the most probable aetiology of CS in this case is myocarditis as a sole symptom of COVID-19.

Discussion
COVID-19 patients in need of hospitalization present commonly with respiratory manifestations. We present the first case of fulminant myocarditis rapidly progressing to CS in a COVID-19 patient without respiratory failure, successfully treated with inotropes and MCS.
Gerbode defect following surgical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair: a case report
Authors: Haraf Rebecca H , Karnib Mohamad , El Amm Chantal , Plummer Sarah , Bocks Martin , Sabik Ellen M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Gerbode defect is a congenital or acquired communication between the left ventricle and right atrium. While the defect is becoming a more well-recognized complication of cardiac surgery, it presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for providers. This case highlights the predisposing factors and imaging features that may assist in the diagnosis of Gerbode defect, as well as potential approaches to treatment.

Case summary
We report a patient with severe mitral stenosis as a result of remote mediastinal radiation who underwent extensive decalcification during surgical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair. Following the procedure, he developed progressive heart failure refractory to medical management. Extensive workup ultimately led to the diagnosis of iatrogenic acquired Gerbode defect. Close collaboration between adult cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and the congenital cardiology services led to an optimal treatment plan involving percutaneous closure of the defect.

Discussion
Gerbode defect is a rare complication of invasive procedures involving the interventricular septum or its nearby structures. An understanding of the key echocardiographic features will aid providers in timely diagnosis. Percutaneous repair should be strongly considered for patients who may be poor surgical candidates.
Parental Involvement and the Intergenerational Transmission of Economic Preferences, Attitudes and Personality Traits
Authors: Zumbuehl Maria , Dohmen Thomas , Pfann Gerard 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe empirically investigate the link between parental involvement and shaping of the economic preferences, attitudes and personality traits of their children. We exploit information on the risk and trust attitudes, the Big Five personality traits and locus of control of parents and their children, as well as rich information about parental efforts in the upbringing of their children from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP). Our results show that parents who are more involved in the upbringing of their children have children with more favourable attitudes and traits. These children rank higher in traits that further their success in life, and they are more similar to their parents in those attitudes, where the optimum level is more ambiguous.
Antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation who survive an intracerebral haemorrhage: results of an EHRA survey
Authors: Ivany Elena , Lane Deirdre A , Dan Gheorghe-Andrei , Doehner Wolfram , Farkowski Michal M , Iliodromitis Konstantinos , Lenarczyk Radoslaw , Potpara Tatjana S 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The aim of this survey is to provide a snapshot of current practice regarding antithrombotic therapy (ATT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) comorbid with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). An online survey was distributed to members of the European Heart Rhythm Association. A total of 163 clinicians responded, mostly cardiologists or electrophysiologists (87.7%), predominantly working in University hospitals (61.3%). Most respondents (47.2%) had seen one to five patients with AF comorbid with ICH in the last 12 months. Among patients sustaining an ICH on oral anticoagulation (OAC), 84.3% respondents would consider some form of ATT post-ICH, with 73.2% preferring to switch from a vitamin-K antagonist (VKA) to a non-VKA oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and 37.2% preferring to switch from one NOAC to another. Most (36.6%) would restart OAC &gt;30 days post-ICH. Among patients considered unable to take OAC, left atrial appendage occlusion procedure was the therapy of choice in 73.3% respondents. When deciding on ATT, respondents considered patient’s CHA2DS2-VASc score, ICH type, demographics, risk factors, and patient adherence. The main reason for not restarting or commencing ATT was concern about recurrent ICH (80.8%). National or international clinical guidelines would be advantageous to support decision-making (84.3%). Other helpful resources reported were multidisciplinary team involvement (46.9%) and patient education (82%). In summary, most survey respondents would prescribe OAC therapy for patients with AF who have sustained an ICH on OAC and would restart OAC &gt;30 days post-ICH. The risk of recurrent ICH was the main reason for not prescribing any ATT post-ICH.
On the aftershock productivity in mining-induced seismicity—insight into seismicity of Rudna copper ore mine, Poland
Authors: Kozłowska Maria , Jamroz Mateusz , Olszewska Dorota 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYMining-induced seismic events can be followed by aftershocks that increase the risk associated with the exploitation. The understanding of the aftershock generation process in induced seismicity may improve post-earthquake safety procedures applied in mines. Rudna copper ore mine in southwestern Poland commonly experiences intense and strong seismic activity accompanying the room-and-pillar exploitation of copper ore. Some strong (magnitude &gt;2) mining events are followed by numerous aftershocks and some are not followed by any. In this study, we seek to find whether there is any geological, technological or seismological cause of this diversity. We study 46 strong mining events and focus on their aftershock productivity. We analyse the geological and mining setting of the studied events, their signal similarity, stress drops and the ground motion effect using data from three different seismic networks. Our results show that seismic events producing large aftershock sequences may share similar focal mechanisms and have larger ground effects than events with no aftershocks. The results also indicate the potential differences in stress drops. This interesting observation may help to better evaluate the aftershock hazard in mines. It also indicates the need for a more detailed analysis of the focal mechanisms of strong events and their relationship to the exploitation technique.
Interactions between nitrogen nutrition, canopy architecture and photosynthesis in rice, assessed using high-resolution 3D reconstruction
Authors: Burgess Alexandra J , Herman Tiara , Ali Asgar , Murchie Erik H 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIncreasing nitrogen use efficiency is a key target for yield improvement programs. Here we identify features of rice canopy architecture during altered N availability and link them to photosynthetic productivity. Empirical mathematical modelling, high-resolution 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and gas exchange measurements were employed to investigate the effect of a mild N deficiency vs. surplus N application on canopy architecture, light and photosynthesis distribution throughout development. Three contrasting rice lines: two Malaysian rice varieties (MR219 and MR253) and a high-yielding indica cultivar (IR64) were cultivated. 3D reconstruction indicated key N-dependent differences in plant architecture and canopy light distribution including changes to leaf area index (LAI), tiller number, leaf angle and modelled light extinction coefficients. Measured leaf photosynthetic capacity did not differ substantially between the high and reduced N treatments; however, modelled canopy photosynthesis rate indicated a higher carbon gain per unit leaf area for the reduced N treatment but a higher carbon gain per unit ground area for the high N treatment. This is a result of altered canopy structure leading to increased light distribution under reduced N which partially offsets the reduced LAI. Within rice, altered N availability results in the development of full photosynthetically functional leaves, but leads to altered canopy architecture, light distribution and overall productivity suggested that N availability can be fine-tuned to optimize biomass production. We propose wider use of 3D reconstruction to assess canopy architecture and productivity under differing N availabilities for a range of species.
Partial stellar explosions – ejected mass and minimal energy
Authors: Linial Itai , Fuller Jim , Sari Re’em 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Many massive stars appear to undergo enhanced mass-loss during late stages of their evolution. In some cases, the ejected mass likely originates from non-terminal explosive outbursts, rather than continuous winds. Here we study the dependence of the ejecta mass, mej, on the energy budget E of an explosion deep within the star, using both analytical arguments and numerical hydrodynamics simulations. Focusing on polytropic stellar models, we find that for explosion energies smaller than the stellar binding energy, the ejected mass scales as $m_{\rm ej} \propto E^{\varepsilon _{\rm m}}$, where εm = 2.4–3.0 depending on the polytropic index. The loss of energy due to shock breakout emission near the stellar edge leads to the existence of a minimal mass-shedding explosion energy, corresponding to a minimal ejecta mass. For a wide range of progenitors, from Wolf–Rayet stars to red supergiants (RSGs), we find a similar limiting energy of $E_{\rm min} \approx 10^{46}\!-\!10^{47} \rm \, erg$, almost independent of the stellar radius. The corresponding minimal ejecta mass varies considerably across different progenitors, ranging from ${\sim } 10^{-8} \, \rm M_\odot$ in compact stars, up to ${\sim } 10^{-2} \, \rm M_\odot$ in RSGs. We discuss implications of our results for pre-supernova outbursts driven by wave heating, and complications caused by the non-constant opacity and adiabatic index of realistic stars.
Interstellar comet 2I/Borisov: dust composition from multiband photometry and modelling
Authors: Busarev Vladimir V , Petrova Elena V , Shcherbina Marina P , Ikonnikova Natalia P , Burlak Marina A , Belinski Alexander A 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTWe present results from multiband photometry of the interstellar comet 2I/Borisov (C/2019 Q4). The observations were carried out in the two months before its perihelion passage. The UBVri photometric data obtained for comet 2I were converted to its reflectance by means of observations of neighbouring solar analogues, which allowed the reflectance of the comet with wavelength to be calculated. The registered prominent changes in the reflectance spectra of 2I while it was approaching the Sun from 2.40 to 2.01 au, and numerical simulations of the light scattering by aggregate particles provide insight into the chemical-mineralogical and structural properties of the cometary dust particles. The close agreement between the trends observed in the spectral characteristics of 2I and some models suggests that, during the observations, conglomerates of magnesium-ferrous (and, probably, organic) submicron particles prevailed in the scattering by its matter, H2O ice particles induced no noticeable spectral signals, and the gas contribution to the scattering by the coma was relatively small.
Searching for energy-resolved quasi-periodic oscillations in AGN
Authors: Ashton Dominic I , Middleton Matthew J 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
X-ray quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in active galactic nucleus (AGN) allow us to probe and understand the nature of accretion in highly curved space–time, yet the most robust form of detection (i.e. repeat detections over multiple observations) has been limited to a single source to-date, with only tentative claims of single observation detections in several others. The association of those established AGN QPOs with a specific spectral component has motivated us to search the XMM–Newton archive and analyse the energy-resolved light curves of 38 bright AGNs. We apply a conservative false alarm testing routine folding in the uncertainty and covariance of the underlying broad-band noise. We also explore the impact of red-noise leak and the assumption of various different forms (power-law, broken power-law, and Lorentzians) for the underlying broad-band noise. In this initial study, we report QPO candidates in six AGNs (seven including one tentative detection in MRK 766) from our sample of 38, which tend to be found at characteristic energies and, in four cases, at the same frequency across at least two observations, indicating they are highly unlikely to be spurious in nature.