bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E. MISHAN & SONS, INC (T/A EMSON) v HOZELOCK LTD
Authors:   Patents Court
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Patents – European Patents – Expandable garden hoses – Infringement – Validity – Person skilled in the art – Common general knowledge – Construction – Whether tubes “unattached” between “couplers” – Meaning of “non-elastic” – Equivalents – Obviousness – Prior user – Inventor working in front garden – Whether what was visible was made available to the public – Commercial success – Burden of proof – Priority – “Formstein” defences
Association of Obesity With Maternal and Cord Blood Penicillin Levels in Women With Group B Streptococcus Colonization
Authors: McCoy Jennifer A. , Elovitz Michal A. , Alby Kevin , Koelper Nathanael C. , Nissim Itzhak , Levine Lisa D. 
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVE:
To compare maternal and cord blood penicillin concentrations in women with and without obesity who are receiving intrapartum group B streptococcus (GBS) prophylaxis.

METHODS:
We performed a prospective cohort study of term women receiving intrapartum penicillin prophylaxis for GBS colonization (determined by antenatal rectovaginal culture). The following outcomes were compared between obese (body mass index [BMI] 35 or higher at delivery) and nonobese (BMI less than 30 at delivery) groups: penicillin concentration in maternal blood (after two penicillin doses) and umbilical cord blood, GBS rectovaginal colonization status on admission and after two completed doses, and neonatal GBS colonization (using a postnatal ear swab). Fifty-five women were needed to detect a 0.75 SD difference in cord blood penicillin concentrations.

RESULTS:
Fifty-five women were enrolled and had all specimens collected; 49 had complete data for analysis (obese n=25, nonobese n=24). There was no difference in the median maternal penicillin concentration between groups (obese 4.2 micrograms/mL vs nonobese 4.0 micrograms/mL, P=.58). There was, however, a 60% lower median cord blood penicillin concentration in the obese compared with the nonobese group (2.7 micrograms/mL vs 6.7 micrograms/mL, respectively, P<.01), with no significant difference in time from last penicillin dose to delivery (obese 2.9 hours vs nonobese 1.7 hours, P=.07). The difference in cord blood concentrations remained significant after adjustment for nulliparity, hypertensive disorders, and time from last penicillin dose to delivery. Only 59.6% of women tested positive for GBS by rectovaginal culture on admission (obese 60.9% vs nonobese 58.3%, P=.86).

CONCLUSION:
The median cord blood penicillin concentration was 60% lower in neonates born to women with obesity compared with those born to women without obesity. However, all concentrations exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration. Maternal penicillin levels were not significantly different between groups. More than 40% of women who previously tested positive for GBS by antenatal culture tested negative for GBS on admission for delivery.
Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancies Conceived After Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenetic Diseases
Authors: Feldman Baruch , Orvieto Raoul , Weisel Marine , Aizer Adva , Meyer Raanan , Haas Jigal , Kirshenbaum Michal 
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate whether the addition of embryo biopsy performed during preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases is associated with a higher risk of obstetric and neonatal complications compared with in vitro fertilization (IVF) without preimplantation genetic testing or spontaneously conceived pregnancies.

METHODS:
This is a cohort study of all pregnancies conceived after preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M group) from 2006 to 2018 at Sheba Medical Center, Israel. The control groups included patients who had conceived spontaneously (spontaneous conception group) or by IVF without preimplantation genetic testing (IVF group) and delivered at Sheba Medical Center. The obstetrics outcomes were compared among the groups. Multivariable regression modeling was performed, focusing on the relationship between preimplantation genetic testing and adverse outcomes.

RESULTS:
Final analysis included 345 singleton and 76 twin deliveries in the PGT-M group. The spontaneous conception group included 5,290 singleton and 92 twin deliveries. The IVF group included 422 singleton and 101 twin deliveries. Among singleton pregnancies, patients in the PGT-M group had a higher rate of hypertensive disorders (6.9%) compared with those in the spontaneous conception group (2.3%; odds ratio [OR] 3.3; 95% CI 1.9–4.8; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 14.8; 95% CI 7.4–29.8) and the IVF group (4.7%; OR 1.5; 95% CI 0.8–2.7; aOR 5.9; 95% CI 1.9–18.2). Likewise, patients in the PGT-M group had a higher rate of small-for-gestational age neonates (12.4%) compared with those in the spontaneous conception group (3.9%; OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.4–4.9; aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.5–3.4) and the IVF group (4.5%; OR 3; 95% CI 1.7–5.2; aOR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7–5.2). Among twin pregnancies, patients in the PGT-M group also had an increased rate of hypertensive disorders compared with those in the spontaneous conception group (4.3%; OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.2–13.3; aOR 10.9; 95% CI 2.3–50) and the IVF group (4%; OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.4–14.7; aOR 3.7; 95% CI 1.1–12.8).

CONCLUSION:
Pregnancies conceived after preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders were associated with an increased risk of obstetric complications compared with pregnancies conceived spontaneously or by IVF without preimplantation genetic testing.
Trend prediction of COVID-19 based on ARIMA model in mainland of China
Authors: Han Chuqiao , Ju Xifeng , Zheng Jianghua 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has aroused widespread concern around the world and poses a severe threat to public health worldwide. In this paper, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to predict the epidemic trend of COVID-19 in mainland of China. We collected the cumulative cases, cumulative deaths, and cumulative recovery in mainland of China from January 20 to June 30, 2020, and divided the data into experimental group and test group. The ARIMA model was fitted with the experimental group data, and the optimal model was selected for prediction analysis. The predicted data were compared with the test group. The average relative errors of actual cumulative cases, deaths, recovery and predicted values in each province are between −22.32%−22.66%, −9.52%−0.08%, −8.84%−1.16, the results of the comprehensive experimental group and test group show The error of fitting and prediction is small, the degree of fitting is good, the model supports and is suitable for the prediction of the epidemic situation, which has practical guiding significance for the prevention and control of the epidemic situation.Highlights:We predicted future COVID-19 occurrences in mainland of China based on ARIMA model.We validated the model based on the previous outbreak data with actual data for June, 2020.The measures taken by the government have contained spread of the epidemicThe combination of multiple models may improve the robustness of the model
Effectiveness of digital interventions to improve household and community infection prevention and control behaviours and to reduce incidence of respiratory and/or gastro-intestinal infections: A rapid systematic review
Authors: Gold Natalie , Hu Xiao-Yang , Denford Sarah , Xia Ru-Yu , Towler Lauren , Groot Julia , Gledhill Rachel , Willcox Merlin , Ainsworth Ben , Miller Sascha , Denison-Day James , Moore Michael , Rice Cathy , Bostock Jennifer , Stuart Beth , Morton Kate , Little Paul , Amlôt Richard , Chadborn Tim , Yardley Lucy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundDigital interventions have potential to efficiently support improved hygiene practices to reduce transmission of COVID-19.ObjectiveTo evaluate the evidence for digital interventions to improve hygiene practices within the community.MethodsWe reviewed articles published between 01 January 2000 and 26 May 2019 that presented a controlled trial of a digital intervention to improve hygiene behaviours in the community. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure and grey literature. Trials in hospitals were excluded, as were trials aiming at prevention of sexually transmitted infections; only target diseases with transmission mechanisms similar to COVID-19 (e.g. respiratory and gastrointestinal infections) were included. Trials had to evaluate a uniquely digital component of an intervention. Study designs were limited to randomised controlled trials, controlled before-and-after trials, and interrupted time series analyses. Outcomes could be either incidence of infections or change in hygiene behaviours. The Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess study quality.ResultsWe found seven studies that met the inclusion criteria. Six studies reported successfully improving self-reported hygiene behaviour or health outcomes, but only one of these six trials confirmed improvements using objective measures (reduced consultations and antibiotic prescriptions), Germ Defence. Settings included kindergartens, workplaces, and service station restrooms. Modes of delivery were diverse: WeChat, website, text messages, audio messages to mobiles, electronic billboards, and electronic personal care records. Four interventions targeted parents of young children with educational materials. Two targeted the general population; these also used behaviour change techniques or theory to inform the intervention. Only one trial had low risk of bias, Germ Defence; the most common concerns were lack of information about the randomisation, possible bias in reporting of behavioural outcomes, and lack of an analysis plan and possible selective reporting of results.ConclusionThere was only one intervention that was judged to be at low risk of bias, Germ Defence, which reduced incidence and severity of illness, as confirmed by objective measures. Further evaluation is required to determine the effectiveness of the other interventions reviewed.
Inference of SARS-CoV-2 spike-binding neutralizing antibody titers in sera from hospitalized COVID-19 patients by using commercial enzyme and chemiluminescent immunoassays
Authors: Valdivia Arantxa , Torres Ignacio , Latorre Víctor , Francés-Gómez Clara , Albert Eliseo , Gozalbo-Rovira Roberto , Jesús Alcaraz María , Buesa Javier , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús , Geller Ron , Navarro David 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundWhether antibody levels measured by commercially-available enzyme or chemiluminescent immunoassays targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein can act as a proxy for serum neutralizing activity remains to be established for many of these assays.ObjectivesTo evaluate the degree of correlation between neutralizing antibodies (NtAb) binding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein and SARS-CoV-2-S-IgG levels measured by four commercial immunoassays in sera drawn from hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Patients and MethodsNinety sera from 51 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were assayed by a pseudotyped virus neutralization assay, the LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG, the Euroimmun SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA, the MAGLUMI 2019-nCoV IgG and the COVID-19 ELISA IgG assays.ResultsOverall, the results obtained with the COVID-19 ELISA IgG test showed the highest agreement with the NtAb assay (κ, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63-1). The most sensitive tests were the pseudotyped virus NtAb assay and the COVID-19 ELISA IgG assay (92.2% for both). Overall, the degree correlation between antibody titers resulting in 50% virus neutralization (NtAb50) in the pseudotyped virus assay and SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels was strong for the Euroimmun SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA (Rho = 0.73) and moderate for the remaining assays (Rho = 0.48 to 0.59). The kinetic profile of serum NtAb50titers could not be reliably predicted by any of the SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassays.ConclusionsThe suitability of SARS-CoV-2-S-IgG commercial immunoassays for inferring neutralizing activity of sera from hospitalized COVID-19 patients varies widely across tests and is influenced by the time of sera collection after the onset of symptoms.
A Continuously Active Antimicrobial Coating Remains Effective After Multiple Contamination Events
Authors: Ikner Luisa A. , Beck Valerie , Gundy Patricia M. , Gerba Charles P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLiquid-based disinfection of environmental surfaces is a momentary intervention while the recontamination of these surfaces is continuous. In between disinfection cycles, contaminated surfaces remain a potential source of infection. The use of continuously active antimicrobial surface coatings would reduce the risk of transmission between routine cleaning and liquid disinfection events by serving as an “always-on” approach to reduce pathogen burden. We have recently reported on a surface coating having antiviral properties. Here, the spectrum of activity was broadened assessment efficacy of the coating to withstand multiple contamination events against viruses and pathogenic bacteria.
Mitigation Strategies and Compliance in the Covid-19 Fight; How Much Compliance is Enough?
Authors: Mukerjee Swati , Chow Clifton , Li Mingfei 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTToday, with only 4% of the world’s population, the U.S. is bearing a disproportionate share of COVID-19 infections. Seeking to understand this puzzle, we investigate how mitigation strategies and compliance can work together (or in opposition) to reduce (or increase) the spread of COVID-19 infection. Drilling down to the state level, we create specific state indices suitable for the U.S. to measure the degree of strictness of public mitigation measures. In this, we build on the Oxford Stringency Index. A modified time-varying SEIRD model, incorporating this Stringency Index as well as a Compliance Indicator to reduce the transmission, is then estimated with daily data for a sample of 6 U.S. states. These are New York, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. We provide a simple visual policy tool to evaluate the various combinations of mitigation policies and compliance that can reduce the basic reproduction number to less than one; this is the acknowledged threshold in the epidemiological literature to control the pandemic. States successful in combating the pandemic were able to achieve a suitable combination. Understanding of this relationship by the public and policy makers is key to controlling the pandemic. This tool has the potential to be used in a real-time, dynamic fashion for flexible policy options.
Kinetics of Immunoglobulins in Septic Shock Patients Treated with an IgM and IgA-Enriched Intravenous Preparation: an Observational Study
Authors: Berlot Giorgio , Scamperle Alice , Istrati Tatiana , Dattola Roberto , Longo Irene , Chillemi Antonino , Baronio Silvia , Quarantotto Giada , Roman-Pognuz Erik , Tomasini Ariella , Bixio Mattia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveto assess the variations of the blood levels of immunoglobulins (Ig) in septic shock patients treated with an Ig preparation enriched in IgM and IgA (eIg).DesignThe blood levels of Ig in survivors (S) and non-survivors (NS) of a group of septic shock patients were measured before the initial administration (D0) and one (D1), four (D4) and seven (D7) days thereafter. The SAPS II score, the capillary permeability, the primary site of infection, the antibiotic appropriateness, the microorganisms isolated and the outcome at 28 days were also assessed.ResultsIn the interval D0-D7 the IgM increased significantly only in the S while remained stable in NS; the IgA significantly increased in both groups; the IgG did not vary significantly in both groups. At D7 the capillary permeability significantly decreased in S but not in NS.ConclusionsThe kinetics of the different classes of Ig after eIg were different between S and NS. This could be related either to (a) different capillary permeability in the two groups and/or (b) higher Ig consumption in NS. Further studies to confirm the benefits of eIg in the treatment of sepsis syndrome, to define the specific target population and the correct eIg dose are warranted.
Transmitted HIV-1 is more pathogenic in heterosexual individuals than homosexual men
Authors: James Ananthu , Dixit Narendra M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTransmission bottlenecks introduce selection pressures on HIV-1 that vary substantially with the mode of transmission. Recent studies on small cohorts have suggested that stronger selection pressures lead to fitter transmitted/founder (T/F) strains. Manifestations of this selection bias at the population level have remained elusive. Here, we analysed early CD4 cell count measurements reported from ∼340,000 infected heterosexual individuals (HSX) and men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), across geographies, ethnicities and calendar years and found them to be consistently lower in HSX than MSM (P<0.05). The corresponding average reduction in CD4 counts relative to healthy adults was 86.5% in HSX and 67.8% in MSM (P<10−4). This difference could not be attributed to differences in age, HIV-1 subtype, viral load, gender, ethnicity, time of transmission, or diagnosis delay across the groups. We concluded that the different selection pressures arising from the different predominant transmission modes have resulted in more pathogenic T/F strains in HSX than MSM.
Functional differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are associated with alternative reproductive tactics based on an inversion polymorphism
Authors: Loveland JL , Giraldo-Deck LM , Lank D , Goymann W , Gahr M , Küpper C 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe evolution of social behavior depends on genetic changes, yet, how genomic variation manifests itself in behavioral diversity is still largely unresolved. Chromosomal inversions can play a pivotal role in producing distinct behavioral phenotypes, in particular, when inversion genes are functionally associated with hormone synthesis and signaling. Male Ruffs exhibit alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) with an autosomal inversion determining two alternative morphs with clear behavioral and hormonal differences to the ancestral morph. We investigated hormonal and transcriptomic differences in the pituitary and gonads. Using a GnRH challenge, we found that the ability to synthesize testosterone in inversion carriers is severely constrained, whereas the synthesis of androstenedione, a testosterone precursor, is not. Inversion morphs were able to produce a transient increase in androstenedione following the GnRH injection, supporting the view that pituitary sensitivity to GnRH is comparable to that of the ancestral morph. We then performed gene expression analyses in a second set of untreated birds and found no evidence of alterations to pituitary sensitivity, gonadotropin production or gonad sensitivity to luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone across morphs. Inversion morphs also showed reduced progesterone receptor expression in the pituitary. Strikingly, in the gonads, inversion morphs over-expressedSTAR, a gene that is located outside of the inversion and responsible for providing the cholesterol substrate required for the synthesis of sex hormones. In conclusion, our results suggest that the gonads determine morph-specific differences in hormonal regulation.
Daily and Intermittent Smoking Decrease Gray Matter Volume and Concentrations of Glutamate, Creatine, Myo-Inositol andN-acetylaspartate in the Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Faulkner Paul , Paioni Susanna Lucini , Kozhuharova Petya , Orlov Natasza , Lythgoe David J. , Daniju Yusuf , Morgenroth Elenor , Barker Holly , Allen Paul 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCigarette smoking is still the largest contributor to disease and death worldwide. Successful cessation is hindered by decreases in prefrontal glutamate concentrations and gray matter volume due to daily smoking. Because non-daily, intermittent smoking also contributes greatly to disease and death, understanding whether infrequent tobacco use is associated with reductions in prefrontal glutamate concentrations and gray matter volume may aid public health. Eighty-five young participants (41 non-smokers, 24 intermittent smokers, 20 daily smokers, mean age ~23 years old), underwent1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the medial prefrontal cortex, as well as structural MRI to determine whole-brain gray matter volume. Compared to non-smokers, both daily and intermittent smokers exhibited lower concentrations of glutamate, creatine,N-acetylaspartate and myo-inositol in the medial prefrontal cortex, and lower gray matter volume in the right inferior frontal gyrus; these measures of prefrontal metabolites and structure did not differ between daily and intermittent smokers. Finally, medial prefrontal metabolite concentrations and right inferior frontal gray matter volume were positively correlated, but these relationships were not influenced by smoking status. This study provides the first evidence that both daily and intermittent smoking are associated with low concentrations of glutamate, creatine,N-acetylaspartate and myo-inositol, and low gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex. Future tobacco cessation efforts should not ignore potential deleterious effects of intermittent smoking by considering only daily smokers. Finally, because low glutamate concentrations hinder cessation, treatments that can normalize tonic levels of prefrontal glutamate, such as N-acetylcysteine, may help intermittent and daily smokers to quit.
Enhanced endogenous activity predicts elimination of adult-born neurons in the mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Su Xin , Kovalchuk Yury , Mojtahedi Nima , Garaschuk Olga 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAdult-born cells, arriving daily into the rodent olfactory bulb, either integrate into the neural circuitry or get eliminated. Whether these two populations differ in their morphological or functional properties remains, however, unclear. Using longitudinalin vivotwo-photon imaging, we monitored dendritic morphogenesis, odor-evoked responsiveness, endogenous Ca2+signaling, and survival/death of adult-born juxtaglomerular neurons (abJGNs). We found that maturation of abJGNs is accompanied by a significant reduction in dendritic complexity, with surviving and subsequently eliminated cells showing similar degrees of dendritic remodeling. Surprisingly, 63% of eliminated abJGNs acquired odor-responsiveness before death, with amplitudes and time courses of odor-evoked responses similar to those recorded in surviving cells. We observed, however, a significant long-lasting enhancement of endogenous Ca2+signaling in subsequently eliminated abJGNs, visible already 6 days before death. These findings identify ongoing endogenous Ca2+signaling as a key predictor of abJGNs’ fate.