bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of N-acetylcysteine in a combined antibiofilm treatment against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Manoharan Arthika , Das Theerthankar , Whiteley Gregory S , Glasbey Trevor , Kriel Frederik H , Manos Jim 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe WHO declared Staphylococcus aureus as a ‘pathogen of high importance’ in 2017. One-fifth of all bloodstream-related infections in Australia and 12 000 cases of bacteraemia in the UK (2017–18) were caused by the MRSA variant. To address the need for novel therapies, we investigated several permutations of an innovative combination therapy containing N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antibiotic and an enzyme of choice in eradicating MRSA and MSSA biofilms.MethodsBiofilm viability (resazurin assay) and colony count methods were used to investigate the effect of NAC, antibiotics and enzymes on S. aureus biofilm disruption and killing. The effects of NAC and enzymes on the polysaccharide content of biofilm matrices were analysed using the phenol/sulphuric acid method and the effect of NAC on DNA cleavage was determined using the Qubit fluorometer technique. Changes in biofilm architecture when subjected to NAC and enzymes were visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).ResultsNAC alone displayed bacteriostatic effects when tested on planktonic bacterial growth. Combination treatments containing 30 mM NAC resulted in ≥90% disruption of biofilms across all MRSA and MSSA strains with a 2–3 log10 decrease in cfu/mL in treated biofilms. CLSM showed that NAC treatment drastically disrupted S. aureus biofilm architecture. There was also reduced polysaccharide production in MRSA biofilms in the presence of NAC.ConclusionsOur results indicate that inclusion of NAC in a combination treatment is a promising strategy for S. aureus biofilm eradication. The intrinsic acidity of NAC was identified as key to maximum biofilm disruption and degradation of matrix components.
Antiretroviral concentrations in the presence and absence of valproic acid
Authors: Calcagno A , Cusato J , Ferrara M , De Nicolò A , Lazzaro A , Manca A , D’Avolio A , Di Perri G , Bonora S 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objectives
An unexpected drug–drug interaction has been recently reported between dolutegravir, an HIV integrase inhibitor, and valproic acid. Despite there being several potential underlying mechanisms, plasma protein displacement has been suggested. The aim of this study was to assess plasma concentrations of several antiretrovirals when administered with or without valproic acid.

Methods
We performed a therapeutic drug monitoring registry analysis and identified patients concomitantly taking antiretrovirals and valproic acid and without clinical affecting conditions or interacting drugs.

Results
One hundred and thirty-four patients were identified. Median (IQR) age and BMI were 49.7 years (45–56) and 23.4 kg/m2 (20.8–26.3) and 78 were male (58.2%). Despite small groups, we observed no major effect on antiretroviral exposure, even when considering highly protein-bound compounds (such as etravirine), with the exception of dolutegravir trough concentrations [median (IQR) = 132 ng/mL (62–227) in individuals on valproic acid versus 760 ng/mL (333–1407) in those not receiving valproic acid].

Conclusions
Valproic acid does not have a major effect on antiretrovirals other than dolutegravir. The mechanism of this unexpected drug–drug interaction may be the combination of protein displacement, reduced absorption and CYP3A4 induction.
High level of pre-treatment and acquired HIV drug resistance in Honduras: a nationally representative survey, 2016–17
Authors: Girón-Callejas Amalia , García-Morales Claudia , Mendizabal-Burastero Ricardo , Meza Rita I , Sierra Tomasa , Tapia-Trejo Daniela , Pérez-García Marissa , Quiroz-Morales Verónica S , Paredes Mayte , Rodríguez Alizon , Juárez Sandra I , Farach Nasim , Videa Geraldina , Lara Bredy , Rodríguez Edith , Ardón Elvia , Sajquim Edgar , Lorenzana Rolando , Ravasi Giovanni , Northbrook Sanny , Reyes-Terán Gustavo , Ávila-Ríos Santiago 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Pre-treatment HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) to NNRTIs has consistently increased in low-/middle-income countries during the last decade.

Objectives
To estimate the prevalence of pre-treatment HIVDR and acquired HIVDR among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART for 12 ± 3 months (ADR12) and ≥48 months (ADR48) in Honduras.

Patients and methods
A nationwide cross-sectional survey with a two-stage cluster sampling was conducted from October 2016 to November 2017. Twenty-two of 54 total ART clinics representing &gt;90% of the national cohort of adults on ART were included. HIVDR was assessed for protease and reverse transcriptase Sanger sequences using the Stanford HIVdb tool.

Results
A total of 729 PLHIV were enrolled; 26.3% (95% CI 20.1%–33.5%) ART initiators reported prior exposure to antiretrovirals. Pre-treatment HIVDR prevalence was 26.9% (95% CI 20.2%–34.9%) to any antiretroviral and 25.9% (19.2%–33.9%) to NNRTIs. NNRTI pre-treatment HIVDR was higher in ART initiators with prior exposure to antiretrovirals (P = 0.001). Viral load (VL) suppression rate was 89.7% (85.1%–93.0%) in ADR12 and 67.9% (61.7%–73.6%) in ADR48. ADR12 to any drug among PLHIV with VL ≥1000 copies/mL was 86.1% (48.9%–97.6%); 67.1% (37.4%–87.5%) had HIVDR to both NNRTIs and NRTIs, and 3.8% (0.5%–25.2%) to PIs. ADR48 was 92.0% (86.8%–95.3%) to any drug; 78.1% (66.6%–86.5%) to both NNRTIs and NRTIs, and 7.3% (1.8%–25.1%) to PIs.

Conclusions
The high prevalence of NNRTI pre-treatment HIVDR observed in Honduras warrants consideration of non-NNRTI-based first-line regimens for ART initiation. Programmatic improvements in HIVDR monitoring and adherence support may also be considered.
Effect of dietary supplementation of xylanase in a wheat-based diet containing canola meal on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, organ weight, and short-chain fatty acid concentration in digesta when fed to weaned pigs
Authors: Mejicanos Gustavo A , González-Ortiz Gemma , Nyachoti Charles Martin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis study was designed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of xylanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, organ weight, digesta pH, and concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) of weaned pigs fed wheat–canola meal (CM) diets over a 35-d period. A total of 144 piglets (72 barrows and 72 gilts) weaned at 18 ± 2 d of age, with initial body weight (BW) of 6.2 ± 0.7 kg, received one of eight dietary treatments based on randomized complete block design. BW and feed intake were recorded weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (G:F). Treatments consisted of a control wheat–soybean meal-based diet and wheat-regular (RCM), dehulled (DCM), or coarse CM (CCM) without and with 16,000 BXU/kg xylanase (Econase XT). All diets contained 500 FTU/kg of phytase (Quantum Blue 5G) and titanium dioxide (0.3%). Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), dry matter, and diet were determined. On day 35, one pig per pen was euthanized to evaluate the main factors of protein, xylanase supplementation, and sex on organ weight, ileal and colon digesta pH, and colon digesta concentrations of SCFA. The main factors did not affect growth performance. Xylanase supplementation improved nutrient digestibilities in all diets and increased ileal and colonic digesta pH without affecting the growth performance of weaned pigs fed wheat and CM-based diets. A protein–xylanase effect (P &lt; 0.05) resulted in increasing the ATTD of NDF from 28% to 32% and from 29% to 37% for RCM and DCM, respectively. The ATTD of CP was greater (P &lt; 0.05) with xylanase supplementation (75% vs. 70%). Xylanase supplementation increased ATTD of P and Ca. A three-way interaction (P &lt; 0.05) for protein–xylanase–gender for colon pH, acetic, and propionic acid in the colon digesta of pigs indicated that, in addition to the protein source, piglet sex could have influenced how xylanase works. Xylanase supplementation increased (P &lt; 0.05) the weight of the liver and spleen and tended (P &lt; 0.10) to increase the size of the kidney. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of xylanase increased nutrient digestibility and digesta pH but did not influence the growth performance of weaned pigs fed wheat and CM-based diets over a 35-d period.
A Prospective Study of Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening of Women with Dense Breasts in a Digital Breast Tomosynthesis-based Practice
Authors: Chough Denise M , Berg Wendie A , Bandos Andriy I , Rathfon Grace Y , Hakim Christiane M , Lu Amy H , Gizienski Terri-Ann , Ganott Marie A , Gur David 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective
To assess prospectively the interpretative performance of automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) as a supplemental screening after digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) or as a standalone screening of women with dense breast tissue.

Methods
Under an IRB-approved protocol (written consent required), women with dense breasts prospectively underwent concurrent baseline DBT and ABUS screening. Examinations were independently evaluated, in opposite order, by two of seven Mammography Quality Standards Act–qualified radiologists, with the primary radiologist arbitrating disagreements and making clinical management recommendations. We report results for 1111 screening examinations (598 first year and 513 second year) for which all diagnostic workups are complete. Imaging was also retrospectively reviewed for all cancers. Statistical assessments used a 0.05 significance level and accounted for correlation between participants’ examinations.

Results
Of 1111 women screened, primary radiologists initially “recalled” based on DBT alone (6.6%, 73/1111, CI: 5.2%–8.2%), of which 20 were biopsied, yielding 6/8 total cancers. Automated breast ultrasound increased recalls overall to 14.4% (160/1111, CI: 12.4%–16.6%), with 27 total biopsies, yielding 1 additional cancer. Double reading of DBT alone increased the recall rate to 10.7% (119/1111), with 21 biopsies, with no improvement in cancer detection. Double reading ABUS increased the recall rate to 15.2% (169/1111, CI: 13.2%–17.5%) of women, of whom 22 were biopsied, yielding the detection of 7 cancers, including one seen only on double reading ABUS. Inter-radiologist agreement was similar for recall recommendations from DBT (κ = 0.24, CI: 0.14–0.34) and ABUS (κ = 0.23, CI: 0.15–0.32). Integrated assessments from both readers resulted in a recall rate of 15.1% (168/1111, CI: 13.1%–17.4%).

Conclusion
Supplemental or standalone ABUS screening detected cancers not seen on DBT, but substantially increased noncancer recall rates.
Thrombolysis for acute graft occlusion during elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Wohlgemut Jared M , Hennessy Martin , Hussey Keith 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A 65-year-old man developed acute arterial thrombosis with stent graft occlusion, during elective endovascular aneurysm repair, with bilateral acute lower limb ischaemia. We describe successful endovascular and pharmacological management using a combination of mechanical disruption of the thrombus (using the access sheaths) followed by intra-arterial thrombolysis (Actilyse) infusion. Within 4-h the endograft had completely re-canalized. The patient made an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged on the second post-operative day.
ALMA uncovers the [C ii] emission and warm dust continuum in a z = 8.31 Lyman break galaxy
Authors: Bakx Tom J L C , Tamura Yoichi , Hashimoto Takuya , Inoue Akio K , Lee Minju M , Mawatari Ken , Ota Kazuaki , Umehata Hideki , Zackrisson Erik , Hatsukade Bunyo , Kohno Kotaro , Matsuda Yuichi , Matsuo Hiroshi , Okamoto Takashi , Shibuya Takatoshi , Shimizu Ikkoh , Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Yoshida Naoki 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
We report on the detection of the [C ii] 157.7 μm emission from the Lyman break galaxy (LBG) MACS0416_Y1 at z = 8.3113, by using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The luminosity ratio of [O iii] 88 μm (from previous campaigns) to [C ii] is 9.3 ± 2.6, indicative of hard interstellar radiation fields and/or a low covering fraction of photodissociation regions. The emission of [C ii] is cospatial to the 850 μm dust emission (90 μm rest frame, from previous campaigns), however the peak [C ii] emission does not agree with the peak [O iii] emission, suggesting that the lines originate from different conditions in the interstellar medium. We fail to detect continuum emission at 1.5 mm (160 μm rest frame) down to 18 μJy (3σ). This non-detection places a strong limits on the dust spectrum, considering the 137 ± 26 μJy continuum emission at 850 μm. This suggests an unusually warm dust component (T &gt; 80 K, 90 per cent confidence limit), and/or a steep dust-emissivity index (βdust &gt; 2), compared to galaxy-wide dust emission found at lower redshifts (typically T ∼ 30–50 K, βdust ∼ 1–2). If such temperatures are common, this would reduce the required dust mass and relax the dust production problem at the highest redshifts. We therefore warn against the use of only single-wavelength information to derive physical properties, recommend a more thorough examination of dust temperatures in the early Universe, and stress the need for instrumentation that probes the peak of warm dust in the Epoch of Reionization.
Understanding and mitigating biases when studying inhomogeneous emission spectra with JWST
Authors: Taylor Jake , Parmentier Vivien , Irwin Patrick G J , Aigrain Suzanne , Lee Elspeth , Krissansen-Totton Joshua 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Exoplanet emission spectra are often modelled assuming that the hemisphere observed is well represented by a horizontally homogenized atmosphere. However, this approximation will likely fail for planets with a large temperature contrast in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) era, potentially leading to erroneous interpretations of spectra. We first develop an analytic formulation to quantify the signal-to-noise ratio and wavelength coverage necessary to disentangle temperature inhomogeneities from a hemispherically averaged spectrum. We find that for a given signal-to-noise ratio, observations at shorter wavelengths are better at detecting the presence of inhomogeneities. We then determine why the presence of an inhomogeneous thermal structure can lead to spurious molecular detections when assuming a fully homogenized planet in the retrieval process. Finally, we quantify more precisely the potential biases by modelling a suite of hot Jupiter spectra, varying the spatial contributions of a hot and a cold region, as would be observed by the different instruments of JWST/NIRSpec. We then retrieve the abundances and temperature profiles from the synthetic observations. We find that in most cases, assuming a homogeneous thermal structure when retrieving the atmospheric chemistry leads to biased results, and spurious molecular detection. Explicitly modelling the data using two profiles avoids these biases, and is statistically supported provided the wavelength coverage is wide enough, and crucially also spanning shorter wavelengths. For the high contrast used here, a single profile with a dilution factor performs as well as the two-profile case, with only one additional parameter compared to the 1D approach.
Discovery of an unusually compact lensed Lyman-break galaxy from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Survey
Authors: Jaelani Anton T , More Anupreeta , Sonnenfeld Alessandro , Oguri Masamune , Rusu Cristian E , Wong Kenneth C , Chan James H H , Suyu Sherry H , Kayo Issha , Lee Chien-Hsiu , Inoue Kaiki T 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
We report the serendipitous discovery of HSC J0904–0102, a quadruply lensed Lyman-break galaxy (LBG) in the Survey of Gravitationally-lensed Objects in Hyper Suprime-Cam Imaging (SuGOHI). Owing to its point-like appearance, the source was thought to be a lensed active galactic nucleus. We obtained follow-up spectroscopic data with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrographs on the Gemini South Telescope, which confirmed this to be a lens system. The deflecting foreground galaxy is a typical early-type galaxy at a high redshift of $z_{\ell}=0.957$ with stellar velocity dispersion $\sigma_v=259\pm56$ km s−1. The lensed source is identified as an LBG at $z_{\rm s}=3.403$, based on the sharp drop bluewards of Lyα and other absorption features. A simple lens mass model for the system, assuming a singular isothermal ellipsoid, yields an Einstein radius of $\theta_{\rm Ein}=1.23$ arcsec and a total mass within the Einstein radius of $M_{\rm Ein}=(5.55\pm0.24)\times10^{11}\rm M_{\odot}$ corresponding to a velocity dispersion of $\sigma_{\rm SIE}=283\pm3$ km s−1, which is in good agreement with the value derived spectroscopically. The most isolated lensed LBG image has a magnification of $\sim 6.5$. In comparison with other lensed LBGs and typical $z\sim4$ LBG populations, HSC J0904–0102 is unusually compact, an outlier at $&gt;2\sigma$ confidence. Together with a previously discovered SuGOHI lens, HSC J1152+0047, which is similarly compact, we believe that the HSC survey is extending LBG studies down to smaller galaxy sizes.
SV40 T antigen interactions with ssDNA and replication protein A: a regulatory role of T antigen monomers in lagging strand DNA replication
Authors: Onwubiko Nichodemus O , Borst Angela , Diaz Suraya A , Passkowski Katharina , Scheffel Felicia , Tessmer Ingrid , Nasheuer Heinz P 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDNA replication is a central process in all living organisms. Polyomavirus DNA replication serves as a model system for eukaryotic DNA replication and has considerably contributed to our understanding of basic replication mechanisms. However, the details of the involved processes are still unclear, in particular regarding lagging strand synthesis. To delineate the complex mechanism of coordination of various cellular proteins binding simultaneously or consecutively to DNA to initiate replication, we investigated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interactions by the SV40 large T antigen (Tag). Using single molecule imaging by atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with biochemical and spectroscopic analyses we reveal independent activity of monomeric and oligomeric Tag in high affinity binding to ssDNA. Depending on ssDNA length, we obtain dissociation constants for Tag-ssDNA interactions (KD values of 10–30 nM) that are in the same order of magnitude as ssDNA binding by human replication protein A (RPA). Furthermore, we observe the formation of RPA-Tag-ssDNA complexes containing hexameric as well as monomeric Tag forms. Importantly, our data clearly show stimulation of primase function in lagging strand Okazaki fragment synthesis by monomeric Tag whereas hexameric Tag inhibits the reaction, redefining DNA replication initiation on the lagging strand.
The inflammatory microenvironment in vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Hannan Cathal John , Lewis Daniel , O’Leary Claire , Donofrio Carmine A , Evans Dafydd Gareth , Roncaroli Federico , Brough David , King Andrew Thomas , Coope David , Pathmanaban Omar Nathan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas are tumors arising from the vestibulocochlear nerve at the cerebellopontine angle. Their proximity to eloquent brainstem structures means that the pathology itself and the treatment thereof can be associated with significant morbidity. The vast majority of these tumors are sporadic, with the remainder arising as a result of the genetic syndrome Neurofibromatosis Type 2 or, more rarely, LZTR1-related schwannomatosis. The natural history of these tumors is extremely variable, with some tumors not displaying any evidence of growth, others demonstrating early, persistent growth and a small number growing following an extended period of indolence. Emerging evidence now suggests that far from representing Schwann cell proliferation only, the tumor microenvironment is complex, with inflammation proposed to play a key role in their growth. In this review, we provide an overview of this new evidence, including the role played by immune cell infiltration, the underlying molecular pathways involved, and biomarkers for detecting this inflammation in vivo. Given the limitations of current treatments, there is a pressing need for novel therapies to aid in the management of this condition, and we conclude by proposing areas for future research that could lead to the development of therapies targeted toward inflammation in vestibular schwannoma.
Comparing Care Regimes: Worker Characteristics and Wage Penalties in the Global Care Chain
Authors: Lightman Naomi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This study uses 2010–2014 Luxembourg Income Study data to measure care work quantitatively within and across four care regimes, with a particular focus on the reliance on migrant women for low-wage, low-status work in health, education, social work, and domestic services. Care regimes are examined in order to highlight similarities and differences in twelve care economies: while liberal and corporatist care regimes are found to display a “migrant in the market” model of employment, familialistic and social democratic regimes exhibit somewhat different employment trends yet continue to financially undervalue highly feminized work in care.
Prosthesis in Anterior Cervical Herniated Disc Approach Does Not Prevent Radiologic Adjacent Segment Degeneration
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Donk Roland , Arts Mark P. , Bartels Ronald H.M.A. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L.A. 
Published: February 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective analysis using data from RCTs.

Objective.
This study aimed to report on the incidence of radiological adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) in patients with cervical radiculopathy due to a herniated disc that were randomized to receive cervical arthroplasty or arthrodesis.

Summary of Background Data.
Cervical disc prostheses were introduced to prevent ASD in the postsurgical follow-up. However, it is still a controversial issue.

Methods.
Two hundred fifty-three patients were included in two randomized, double-blinded trials comparing anterior cervical discectomy with arthroplasty (ACDA), with intervertebral cage (ACDF), or without intervertebral cage (ACD) for one-level disc herniation. Neutral lateral radiographs were obtained preoperatively, at 1- and 2-year follow-up after surgery. Radiological ASD was evaluated on X-ray and defined by a decrease in disc height and the presence of anterior osteophyte formation on both the superior and the inferior level in relation to the target level.

Results.
Radiological ASD was present in 34% of patients at baseline and increased to 59% at 2-year follow-up in the arthrodesis groups (ACD and ACDF combined), and to 56% in the arthroplasty group. Progression of radiological ASD was present in 29% of patients in the arthrodesis group and in 31% of patients in the arthroplasty group for 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions.
Radiological ASD occurs in a similar manner in patients who were subjected to arthrodesis in cervical radiculopathy and in patients who received arthroplasty to maintain motion. Current data tend to indicate that the advantage of cervical prosthesis in preventing radiological ASD is absent.

Level of Evidence: 2