bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Mask Partition Reduces the Risk of Noncontact Transmission in a Golden Syrian Hamster Model for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Yuan Shuofeng , Zhang Anna Jinxia , Poon Vincent Kwok-Man , Chan Chris Chung-Sing , Lee Andrew Chak-Yiu , Fan Zhimeng , Li Can , Liang Ronghui , Cao Jianli , Tang Kaiming , Luo Cuiting , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Cai Jian-Piao , Chu Hin , Chan Kwok-Hung , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Sridhar Siddharth , Yuen Kwok-Yung 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is believed to be mostly transmitted by medium- to large-sized respiratory droplets, although airborne transmission may be possible in healthcare settings involving aerosol-generating procedures. Exposure to respiratory droplets can theoretically be reduced by surgical mask usage. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence supporting surgical mask usage for prevention of COVID-19.

Methods
We used a well-established golden Syrian hamster SARS-CoV-2 model. We placed SARS-CoV-2-challenged index hamsters and naive hamsters into closed system units each comprising 2 different cages separated by a polyvinyl chloride air porous partition with unidirectional airflow within the isolator. The effect of a surgical mask partition placed between the cages was investigated. Besides clinical scoring, hamster specimens were tested for viral load, histopathology, and viral nucleocapsid antigen expression.

Results
Noncontact transmission was found in 66.7% (10/15) of exposed naive hamsters. Surgical mask partition for challenged index or naive hamsters significantly reduced transmission to 25% (6/24, P = .018). Surgical mask partition for challenged index hamsters significantly reduced transmission to only 16.7% (2/12, P = .019) of exposed naive hamsters. Unlike the severe manifestations of challenged hamsters, infected naive hamsters had lower clinical scores, milder histopathological changes, and lower viral nucleocapsid antigen expression in respiratory tract tissues.

Conclusions
SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted by respiratory droplets or airborne droplet nuclei which could be reduced by surgical mask partition in the hamster model. This is the first in vivo experimental evidence to support the possible benefit of surgical mask in prevention of COVID-19 transmission, especially when masks were worn by infected individuals.
Low Prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Pregnant and Postpartum Patients With Universal Screening in Seattle, Washington
Authors: LaCourse Sylvia M , Kachikis Alisa , Blain Michela , Simmons LaVone E , Mays James A , Pattison Amber D , Salerno Carol C , McCartney Stephen A , Kretzer Nicole M , Resnick Rebecca , Shay Rosemary L , Savitsky Leah M , Curtin Anna C , Huebner Emily M , Ma Kimberly K , Delaney Shani , Delgado Carlos , Schippers Adrienne , Munson Jeff , Pottinger Paul S , Cohen Seth , Neme Santiago , Bourassa Lori , Bryan Andrew , Greninger Alex , Jerome Keith R , Roxby Alison C , Lokken Erica , Cheng Edith , Adams Waldorf Kristina M , Hitti Jane 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We found low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (2.7% [5/188]) among pregnant and postpartum patients with universal testing. Prevalence among symptomatic patients was similar under initial targeted screening (22.2% [4/18]) and universal approaches (19.1% [8/42]). Among 170 asymptomatic patients, 2 were positive or inconclusive, respectively; repeat testing at 24 hours was negative.
A Conceptual Discussion About the Basic Reproduction Number of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Temime Laura , Gustin Marie-Paule , Duval Audrey , Buetti Niccolò , Crépey Pascal , Guillemot Didier , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Vanhems Philippe , Zahar Jean-Ralph , Smith David R M , Opatowski Lulla 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
To date, no specific estimate of R0 for SARS-CoV-2 is available for healthcare settings. Using interindividual contact data, we highlight that R0 estimates from the community cannot translate directly to healthcare settings, with pre-pandemic R0 values ranging 1.3–7.7 in 3 illustrative healthcare institutions. This has implications for nosocomial COVID-19 control.
The multifarious roles of Tol-Pal in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Szczepaniak Joanna , Press Cara , Kleanthous Colin 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTIn the 1960s several groups reported the isolation and preliminary genetic mapping of Escherichia coli strains tolerant towards the action of colicins. These pioneering studies kick-started two new fields in bacteriology; one centred on how bacteriocins like colicins exploit the Tol (or more commonly Tol-Pal) system to kill bacteria, the other on the physiological role of this cell envelope-spanning assembly. The following half century has seen significant advances in the first of these fields whereas the second has remained elusive, until recently. Here, we review work that begins to shed light on Tol-Pal function in Gram-negative bacteria. What emerges from these studies is that Tol-Pal is an energised system with fundamental, interlinked roles in cell division – coordinating the re-structuring of peptidoglycan at division sites and stabilising the connection between the outer membrane and underlying cell wall. This latter role is achieved by Tol-Pal exploiting the proton motive force to catalyse the accumulation of the outer membrane peptidoglycan associated lipoprotein Pal at division sites while simultaneously mobilising Pal molecules from around the cell. These studies begin to explain the diverse phenotypic outcomes of tol-pal mutations, point to other cell envelope roles Tol-Pal may have and raise many new questions.
Water soluble lipid precursor contaminants in yeast culture medium ingredients
Authors: Renne Mike F , Bao Xue , de Kroon Anton I P M 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The presence of the water soluble glycerophospholipid precursors choline and inositol in culture media highly affects lipid biosynthesis and regulation thereof. We report that widely used media ingredients contain trace amounts of choline and inositol that are not mentioned on the product label, influencing experimental outcome.
Multifaceted regulation of Notch signaling by glycosylation
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Niknejad Nima , Jafar-Nejad Hamed 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTo build a complex body composed of various cell types and tissues and to maintain tissue homeostasis in the postembryonic period, animals use a small number of highly conserved intercellular communication pathways. Among these is the Notch signaling pathway, which is mediated via the interaction of transmembrane Notch receptors and ligands usually expressed by neighboring cells. Maintaining optimal Notch pathway activity is essential for normal development, as evidenced by various human diseases caused by decreased and increased Notch signaling. It is therefore not surprising that multiple mechanisms are used to control the activation of this pathway in time and space. Over the last 20 years, protein glycosylation has been recognized as a major regulatory mechanism for Notch signaling. In this review, we will provide a summary of the various types of glycan that have been shown to modulate Notch signaling. Building on recent advances in the biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and genetics of Notch receptors and the glycosyltransferases that modify them, we will provide a detailed discussion on how various steps during Notch activation are regulated by glycans. Our hope is that the current review article will stimulate additional research in the field of Notch glycobiology and will potentially be of benefit to investigators examining the contribution of glycosylation to other developmental processes.
Reawakening of Ancestral Dental Potential as a Mechanism to Explain Dental Pathologies
Authors: Hovorakova Maria , Zahradnicek Oldrich , Bartos Martin , Hurnik Pavel , Stransky Jiri , Stembirek Jan , Tucker Abigail S 
Published: May 2020

SynopsisDuring evolution, there has been a trend to reduce both the number of teeth and the location where they are found within the oral cavity. In mammals, the formation of teeth is restricted to a horseshoe band of odontogenic tissue, creating a single dental arch on the top and bottom of the jaw. Additional teeth and structures containing dental tissue, such as odontogenic tumors or cysts, can appear as pathologies. These tooth-like structures can be associated with the normal dentition, appearing within the dental arch, or in nondental areas. The etiology of these pathologies is not well elucidated. Reawakening of the potential to form teeth in different parts of the oral cavity could explain the origin of dental pathologies outside the dental arch, thus such pathologies are a consequence of our evolutionary history. In this review, we look at the changing pattern of tooth formation within the oral cavity during vertebrate evolution, the potential to form additional tooth-like structures in mammals, and discuss how this knowledge shapes our understanding of dental pathologies in humans.
The Clinical and Economic Burden of Norovirus Gastroenteritis in the United States
Authors: Bartsch Sarah M , O’Shea Kelly J , Lee Bruce Y 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Although norovirus outbreaks periodically make headlines, it is unclear how much attention norovirus may receive otherwise. A better understanding of the burden could help determine how to prioritize norovirus prevention and control.

Methods
We developed a computational simulation model to quantify the clinical and economic burden of norovirus in the United States.

Results
A symptomatic case generated $48 in direct medical costs, $416 in productivity losses ($464 total). The median yearly cost of outbreaks was $7.6 million (range across years, $7.5–$8.2 million) in direct medical costs, and $165.3 million ($161.1–$176.4 million) in productivity losses ($173.5 million total). Sporadic illnesses in the community (incidence, 10–150/1000 population) resulted in 14 118–211 705 hospitalizations, 8.2–122.9 million missed school/work days, $0.2–$2.3 billion in direct medical costs, and $1.4–$20.7 billion in productivity losses ($1.5–$23.1 billion total). The total cost was $10.6 billion based on the current incidence estimate (68.9/1000).

Conclusion
Our study quantified norovirus’ burden. Of the total burden, sporadic cases constituted &gt;90% (thus, annual burden may vary depending on incidence) and productivity losses represented 89%. More than half the economic burden is in adults ≥45, more than half occurs in winter months, and &gt;90% of outbreak costs are due to person-to-person transmission, offering insights into where and when prevention/control efforts may yield returns.
Maintenance of Viral Suppression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Controllers Despite Waning T-Cell Responses During Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Jilg Nikolaus , Garcia-Broncano Pilar , Peluso Michael , Segal Florencia P , Bosch Ronald J , Roberts-Toler Carla , Chen Samantha M Y , Van Dam Cornelius N , Keefer Michael C , Kuritzkes Daniel R , Landay Alan L , Deeks Steven , Yu Xu G , Sax Paul E , Li Jonathan Z ,   AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5308 Study Team
Published: May 2020

Abstract
AIDS Clinical Trials Group study A5308 found reduced T-cell activation and exhaustion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) controllers start antiretroviral therapy (ART). We further assessed HIV-specific T-cell responses and post-ART viral loads. Before ART, the 31% of participants with persistently undetectable viremia had more robust HIV-specific T-cell responses. During ART, significant decreases were observed in a broad range of T-cell responses. Eight controllers in A5308 and the Study of the Consequences of the Protease Inhibitor Era (SCOPE) cohort showed no viremia above the level of quantification in the first 12 weeks after ART discontinuation. ART significantly reduced HIV-specific T-cell responses in HIV controllers but did not adversely affect controller status after ART discontinuation.
Impact of Biological Sex on Immune Activation and Frequency of the Latent HIV Reservoir During Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Falcinelli Shane D , Shook-Sa Bonnie E , Dewey Morgan G , Sridhar Sumati , Read Jenna , Kirchherr Jennifer , James Katherine S , Allard Brigitte , Ghofrani Simon , Stuelke Erin , Baker Caroline , Roan Nadia R , Eron Joseph J , Kuruc JoAnn D , Ramirez Catalina , Gay Cynthia , Mollan Katie R , Margolis David M , Adimora Adaora A , Archin Nancie M 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Persistent HIV infection of long-lived resting CD4 T cells, despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), remains a barrier to HIV cure. Women have a more robust type 1 interferon response during HIV infection relative to men, contributing to lower initial plasma viremia. As lower viremia during acute infection is associated with reduced frequency of latent HIV infection, we hypothesized that women on ART would have a lower frequency of latent HIV compared to men.

Methods
ART-suppressed, HIV seropositive women (n = 22) were matched 1:1 to 22 of 39 ART-suppressed men. We also compared the 22 women to all 39 men, adjusting for age and race as covariates. We measured the frequency of latent HIV using the quantitative viral outgrowth assay, the intact proviral DNA assay, and total HIV gag DNA. We also performed activation/exhaustion immunophenotyping on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and quantified interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in CD4 T cells.

Results
We did not observe evident sex differences in the frequency of persistent HIV in resting CD4 T cells. Immunophenotyping and CD4 T-cell ISG expression analysis revealed marginal differences across the sexes.

Conclusions
Differences in HIV reservoir frequency and immune activation appear to be small across sexes during long-term suppressive therapy.
Vaccine Effectiveness Against Prevalent Anal and Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men—United States, 2016–2018
Authors: Meites Elissa , Winer Rachel L , Newcomb Michael E , Gorbach Pamina M , Querec Troy D , Rudd Jessica , Collins Tom , Lin John , Moore Janell , Remble Thomas , Swanson Fred , Franz Justin , Bolan Robert K , Golden Matthew R , Mustanski Brian , Crosby Richard A , Unger Elizabeth R , Markowitz Lauri E 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
In the United States, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been recommended for young adult men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2011.

Methods
The Vaccine Impact in Men study surveyed MSM and transgender women aged 18–26 years in 3 US cities during 2016–2018. Self-collected anal swab and oral rinse specimens were assessed for 37 types of HPV. We compared HPV prevalence among vaccinated and unvaccinated participants and determined adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
Among 1767 participants, 704 (39.8%) self-reported receiving HPV vaccine. Median age at vaccination (18.7 years) was older than age at first sex (15.7 years). Quadrivalent vaccine-type HPV was detected in anal or oral specimens from 475 (26.9%) participants. Vaccine-type HPV prevalence was lower among vaccinated (22.9%) compared with unvaccinated (31.6%) participants; aPR for those who initiated vaccination at age ≤18 years was 0.41 (CI, 0.24–0.57) and at age &gt;18 years was 0.82 (CI, 0.67–0.98). Vaccine effectiveness of at least 1 HPV vaccine dose at age ≤18 years or &gt;18 years was 59% and 18%, respectively.

Conclusions
Findings suggest real-world effectiveness of HPV vaccination among young adult MSM. This effect was stronger with younger age at vaccination.
Optical maps of plasmids as a proxy for clonal spread of MDR bacteria: a case study of an outbreak in a rural Ethiopian hospital
Authors: Lin Yii-Lih , Sewunet Tsegaye , KK Sriram , Giske Christian G , Westerlund Fredrik 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objectives
MDR bacteria have become a prevailing health threat worldwide. We here aimed to use optical DNA mapping (ODM) as a rapid method to trace nosocomial spread of bacterial clones and gene elements. We believe that this method has the potential to be a tool of pivotal importance for MDR control.

Methods
Twenty-four Escherichia coli samples of ST410 from three different wards were collected at an Ethiopian hospital and their plasmids were analysed by ODM. Plasmids were specifically digested with Cas9 targeting the antibiotic resistance genes, stained by competitive binding and confined in nanochannels for imaging. The resulting intensity profiles (barcodes) for each plasmid were compared to identify potential clonal spread of resistant bacteria.

Results
ODM demonstrated that a large fraction of the patients carried bacteria with a plasmid of the same origin, carrying the ESBL gene blaCTX-M-15, suggesting clonal spread. The results correlate perfectly with core genome (cg)MLST data, where bacteria with the same plasmid also had very similar cgMLST profiles.

Conclusions
ODM is a rapid discriminatory method for identifying plasmids and antibiotic resistance genes. Long-range deletions/insertions, which are challenging for short-read next-generation sequencing, can be easily identified and used to trace bacterial clonal spread. We propose that plasmid typing can be a useful tool to identify clonal spread of MDR bacteria. Furthermore, the simplicity of the method enables possible future application in low- and middle-income countries.
Arachidonate 12S-lipoxygenase of platelet-type in hepatic stellate cells of methionine and choline-deficient diet-fed mice
Authors: Mori Yoshiko , Kawakami Yuki , Kanzaki Keita , Otsuki Akemi , Kimura Yuka , Kanji Hibiki , Tanaka Ryoma , Tsukayama Izumi , Hojo Nana , Suzuki-Yamamoto Toshiko , Kawakami Takayo , Takahashi Yoshitaka 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA role of 12-lipoxygenase in the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is suggested, although the underlying mechanism is not entirely understood. The catalytic activity of 12S-lipoxygenase that was hardly observed in liver cytosol of normal chow-fed mice was clearly detectable in that of NASH model mice prepared by feeding a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet. The product profile, substrate specificity and immunogenicity indicated that the enzyme was the platelet-type isoform. The expression levels of mRNA and protein of platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase in the liver of MCD diet-fed mice were significantly increased compared with those of normal chow-fed mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin as well as vitamin A in the cells distributing along liver sinusoids. These results indicate that the expression level of platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase in hepatic stellate cells was increased during the cell activation in MCD diet-fed mice, suggesting a possible role of the enzyme in pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.
Applying International Experiences in National Prosecutions of Conflict-related Sexual Violence
Authors: Ferizović Jasenka , Mlinarević Gorana 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This article explores the synergies between international and national experiences in prosecutions of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) through a case study of the application of international case law, findings, and practices in national judicial proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The article analyses how the Court of BiH applies the substantive and procedural case law of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in CRSV cases and examines how this case law impacts national efforts to provide justice and accountability for CRSV. Specifically, this article explores the Court’s practices concerning application of the ICTY jurisprudence, adjudicated facts and procedural standards in CRSV cases. The article shows how relationships between international and national practices are important for building more effective prosecutions of CRSV.
Sorghum qTGW1a encodes a G-protein subunit and acts as a negative regulator of grain size
Authors: Zou Guihua , Zhai Guowei , Yan Song , Li Sujuan , Zhou Lengbo , Ding Yanqing , Liu Heqin , Zhang Zhipeng , Zou Jianqiu , Zhang Liyi , Chen Junping , Xin Zhanguo , Tao Yuezhi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Grain size is a major determinant of grain yield in sorghum and other cereals. Over 100 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of grain size have been identified in sorghum. However, no gene underlying any grain size QTL has been cloned. Here, we describe the fine mapping and cloning of one grain size QTL. From an F8 recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between inbred lines 654 and LTR108, we identified 44 grain size QTLs. One QTL, qTGW1a, was detected consistently on the long arm of chromosome 1 in the span of 4 years. Using the extreme recombinants from an F2:3 fine-mapping population, qTGW1a was delimited within a ~33 kb region containing three predicted genes. One of them, SORBI_3001G341700, predicted to encode a G-protein γ subunit and homologous to GS3 in rice, is likely to be the causative gene for qTGW1a. qTGW1a appears to act as a negative regulator of grain size in sorghum. The functional allele of the putatively causative gene of qTGW1a from inbred line 654 decreased grain size, plant height, and grain yield in transgenic rice. Identification of the gene underlying qTGW1a advances our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of grain size in sorghum and provides a target to manipulate grain size through genome editing.
A multiplex platform for digital measurement of circular DNA reaction products
Authors: Björkesten Johan , Patil Sourabh , Fredolini Claudia , Lönn Peter , Landegren Ulf 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Digital PCR provides high sensitivity and unprecedented accuracy in DNA quantification, but current approaches require dedicated instrumentation and have limited opportunities for multiplexing. Here, we present an isothermal platform for digital enumeration of DNA reaction products in multiplex via standard fluorescence microscopy. Circular DNA strands, which may result from a wide range of molecular detection reactions, are captured on streptavidin-coated surfaces via hybridized biotinylated primers, followed by rolling circle amplification (RCA). The addition of 15% polyethylene glycol 4000 during RCA resulted in uniform, easily recorded reaction products. Immobilized DNA circles were visualized as RCA products with 100% efficiency, as determined by droplet digital PCR. We confirmed previous reports about the influence on RCA by sequence composition and size of RCA templates, and we developed an efficient one-step restaining procedure for sequential multiplexing using toehold-triggered DNA strand displacement. Finally, we exemplify applications of this digital readout platform by demonstrating more than three orders of magnitude improved sensitivity by digital measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA) (detection threshold ∼100 pg/l), compared to a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with analogue readout (detection threshold ∼500 ng/l), using the same antibody pair.