bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic characteristics and N2O production of a heterotrophic nitrifying bacterium Pseudomonas putida YH capable of tolerating adverse environmental conditions
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Xu‐Hui , Xiao Qian , Ren Yong‐Xiang , Chen Ning , Cui Shen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDHeterotrophic nitrifying bacteria (HNB) have rapid growth rate, high activity and strong anti‐shock ability. These attributes are advantageous in engineering applications, yet the use of HNB is restricted by lack of clarity about the kinetics and metabolic mechanisms involved. Thus, nitrogen conversion characteristics, kinetics and N2O production of the HNB Pseudomonas putida YH were evaluated.RESULTSStrain YH exhibited superior heterotrophic nitrification‐aerobic denitrification (HNAD) ability in treating nitrogenous wastewater, with maximum removal rates of 10.07, 8.86 and 8.78 mg L−1 h−1 for NH4+–N, NO3−–N and NO2−–N, respectively. Mass balance analysis demonstrated that the removed TN was mainly due to bacterial assimilation (53–55%) and conversion into gaseous N2 (34–39%), instead of nitrification intermediate accumulation and N2O emission. In addition, the kinetics of nitrogen degradation and cellular growth of strain YH exactly conformed to the modified Gompertz equation and the Logistic equation, respectively. Moreover, strain YH showed excellent adaptability to variations of temperature, pH, C:N ratio and initial NH4+–N concentration in terms of nitrogen removal and N2O emission. The highest NH4+–N removal rate was obtained at pH 7.0, temperature 30 °C and C:N ratio of 15. Furthermore, the heterotrophic nitrification ability was just partially deteriorated after the addition of inhibitors, which further proved the multiple metabolic pathways of heterotrophic nitrification by strain YH.CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrated that strain YH exhibited excellent abilities of HNAD, N2O emission control and tolerance to adverse conditions, indicating that strain YH can be an effective candidate for treating nitrogenous wastewater without secondary pollution. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnosing sexually transmitted infections in resource‐constrained settings: challenges and ways forward
Authors: Wi Teodora EC , Ndowa Francis J , Ferreyra Cecilia , Kelly‐Cirino Cassandra , Taylor Melanie M , Toskin Igor , Kiarie James , Santesso Nancy , Unemo Magnus 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionSexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain prevalent and are increasing in several populations. Appropriate STI diagnosis is crucial to prevent the transmission and sequelae of untreated infection. We reviewed the diagnostic accuracy of syndromic case management and existing point‐of‐care tests (POCTs), including those in the pipeline, to diagnose STIs in resource‐constrained settings.MethodsWe prioritized updating the systematic review and meta‐analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of vaginal discharge from 2001 to 2015 to include studies until 2018. We calculated the absolute effects of different vaginal flowcharts and the diagnostic performance of POCTs on important outcomes. We searched the peer‐reviewed literature for previously conducted systematic reviews and articles from 1990 to 2018 on the diagnostic accuracy of syndromic management of vaginal and urethral discharge, genital ulcer and anorectal infections. We conducted literature reviews from 2000 to 2018 on the existing POCTs and those in the pipeline.Results and discussionsThe diagnostic accuracy of urethral discharge and genital ulcer disease syndromes is relatively adequate. Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections limit the use of vaginal discharge and anorectal syndromes. The pooled diagnostic accuracy of vaginal syndromic case management for CT/NG is low, resulting in high numbers of overtreatment and missed treatment. The absolute effect of POCTs was reduced overtreatment and missed treatment. Findings of the reviews on syndromic case management underscored the need for low‐cost and accurate POCTs for the identification, first, of CT/NG, and, second, of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and NG and MG resistance/susceptibility testing. Near‐patient POCT molecular assays for CT/NG/TV are commercially available. The prices of these POCTs remain the barrier for uptake in resource‐constrained settings. This is driving the development of lower cost solutions.ConclusionsThe WHO syndromic case management guidelines should be updated to raise the quality of STI management through the integration of laboratory tests. STI screening strategies are needed to address asymptomatic STIs. POCTs that are accurate, rapid, simple and affordable are urgently needed in resource‐constrained settings to support the uptake of aetiological diagnosis and treatment.
Mechanisms of sexually transmitted infection‐induced inflammation in women: implications for HIV risk
Authors: Mwatelah Ruth , McKinnon Lyle R , Baxter Cheryl , Abdool Karim Quarraisha , Abdool Karim Salim S 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionGlobally, sexually transmitted infections (STI) affect >300 million people annually, and are a major cause of sexual and reproductive health complications in women. In this commentary, we describe how STIs interact with the immune and non‐immune cells, both within and below the cervicovaginal mucosal barrier, to cause inflammation, which in turn has been associated with increased HIV acquisition risk.DiscussionSTIs have a major impact on the female genital mucosa, which is an important biological and physical barrier that forms the first line of defence against invading microorganisms such as HIV. Pattern recognition of STI pathogens, by receptors expressed either on the cell surface or inside the cell, typically triggers inflammation at the mucosal barrier. The types of mucosal responses vary by STI, and can be asymptomatic or culminate in the formation of discharge, ulcers and/or warts. While the aim of this response is to clear the invading microbes, in many cases these responses are either evaded or cause pathology that impairs barrier integrity and increases HIV access to target cells in the sub‐mucosa. In addition, innate responses to STIs can result in an increased number of immune cells, including those that are the primary targets of HIV, and may contribute to the association between STIs and increased susceptibility to HIV acquisition. Many of these cells are mediators of adaptive immunity, including tissue‐resident cells that may also display innate‐like functions. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another common cause of inflammation, and evidence for multiple interactions between BV, STIs and HIV suggest that susceptibility to these conditions should be considered in concert.ConclusionsSTIs and other microbes can induce inflammation in the genital tract, perturbing the normal robust function of the mucosal barrier against HIV. While the impact of STIs on the mucosal immune system and HIV acquisition is often under‐appreciated, understanding their interactions of the infections with the immune responses play an important role in improving treatment and reducing the risk of HIV acquisition. The frequent sub‐clinical inflammation associated with STIs underscores the need for better STI diagnostics to reverse the immunological consequences of infection.
Give PrEP a chance: moving on from the “risk compensation” concept
Authors: Rojas Castro Daniela , Delabre Rosemary M , Molina Jean‐Michel 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionWhile bio‐behavioural interventions (BIs) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV prevention have shown their effectiveness (e.g. treatment for syphilis, HPV vaccination or pre‐exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]), they have also aroused major concerns regarding behavioural changes that could counteract their benefit. Risk compensation (RC) fears concerning BIs in the HIV/STIs prevention field are intimately linked to representations, judgements and social control on sexual behaviour. With an increasing number of PrEP studies describing a rise in STIs due to RC, this paper argues for a shift away from the focus on RC and proposes a more constructive approach to respond to the needs of people living with HIV and populations most at risk.DiscussionThe concept of RC, stemming from road safety and derived from economic theory, relies on rational theoretical models of human behaviour. Although widely applied in several contexts its use has been reasonably questioned. Major methodological issues regarding RC have been raised within HIV/AIDS literature. Although behavioural changes (e.g. condomless sex and number of sexual partners) are often erroneously assimilated with RC, there is no evidence that behavioural changes have undermined the effectiveness of previous and current BIs. Still, PrEP has not escaped RC concerns. Increases in condomless sex within the context of growing uptake of PrEP signals a continued need for integrated and innovative HIV and STI prevention strategies and a comprehensive sexual health approach. Routine HIV/STI testing, peer‐led counselling, and identification of sexual health needs within the PrEP model of care could become a gold standard in the sexual health field for all populations.ConclusionsRC remains a frequent argument against the availability and provision of prevention methods for vulnerable populations. Individuals should be able to benefit from the full panel of BIs options available, to find and adapt methods according to their needs. Current, past and future PrEP users, with other stakeholders, may provide valuable insight into innovative solutions and programmes to control HIV and other STIs.
The role of saliva in gonorrhoea and chlamydia transmission to extragenital sites among men who have sex with men: new insights into transmission
Authors: Chow Eric PF , Fairley Christopher K 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionGonorrhoea and chlamydia cases have been rising among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) over the last decade. The majority of cases are extragenital and occur at the oropharynx and anorectum. The aim of this narrative review was to review the risk factors and mode of transmission for gonorrhoea and chlamydia at the oropharynx and anorectum among MSM.Results and discussionNew evidence suggests that oropharyngeal gonorrhoea can be transmitted by kissing in addition to through the established route of condomless oral sex; and anorectal gonorrhoea can be acquired when saliva is used as a lubricant for anal sex and rimming in addition to the established route of condomless penile‐anal sex in MSM. In contrast, condomless penile‐anal sex remains the major route for chlamydia transmission.ConclusionsSubstantial transmission of gonorrhoea may occur with practices other than the established routes of condomless oral and/or anal sex and hence condoms may not be effective in preventing gonorrhoea transmission to extragenital sites. In contrast, condoms are effective for chlamydia control because it is mainly transmitted through condomless penile‐anal sex. Novel interventions for gonorrhoea that reduce the risk of transmission at extragenital site are required.
Decreasing seroprevalence of anti‐hepatitis D virus antibodies in the antiviral era with inverse association with hepatitis B virus DNA, Taiwan, 2006 to 2019
Authors: Lee Kuan‐Chieh , Lin Chih‐Lang , Hsu Chao‐Wei , Chang Ming‐Ling , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Lin Wey‐Ran , Lai Ming‐Wei , Lin Kwang‐Huei , Chao Mei , Chien Rong‐Nan , Yeh Chau‐Ting 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe examined the seroprevalence change of anti‐hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies in Taiwan from 2006 to 2019. A total of 1147 patients who had chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were assessed. Of them, 51 (4.4%) were positive for anti‐HDV antibodies. Comparison between anti‐HDV‐positive and negative groups was performed to examine clinical and virological factors related to anti‐HDV positivity. It was found that the median HBV‐DNA concentration was 1.6 × 105 IU/mL (range, <20‐4.5 × 1010 IU/mL) and <20 IU/mL (range, <20‐2.0 × 109 IU/mL) for patients with negative and positive anti‐HDV antibodies, respectively (P < .001). In addition, a progressive year‐to‐year decrease of anti‐HDV seroprevalence was unveiled. For patients who had HBV‐DNA >15 000 IU/mL, the year‐to‐year (calculated every 2 years) seropositive rates of anti‐HDV were 10.0%, 7.9%, 0.7%, 0.3%, 0%, 0%, and 0% (P < .001). For patients who had HBV‐DNA <15 000 IU/mL, the year‐to‐year seropositive rates were 18.6%, 12.8%, 7.8%, 5.0%, 7.3%, 8.0%, and 3.7% (P < .001). In conclusion, seropositive of anti‐HDV was inversely associated with HBV‐DNA levels. A progressive decrease of anti‐HDV seroprevalence was found with no anti‐HDV‐positive cases detected in high HBV‐DNA patient group after 2014.
The role of TLR4 and HO‐1 in neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Akamatsu Yosuke , Pagan Vicente A. , Hanafy Khalid A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis review on the mechanisms of neuroinflammation following subarachnoid hemorrhage will focus mainly on toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), Heme Oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and the role of microglia and macrophages in this process. Vasospasm has long been the focus of research in SAH; however, clinical trials have shown that amelioration of vasospasm does not lead to an improved clinical outcome. This necessitates the need for novel avenues of research. Our work has demonstrated that microglial TLR4 and microglial HO‐1, not only affects cognitive dysfunction, but also circadian dysrhythmia in a mouse model of SAH. To attempt to translate these findings, we have also begun investigating macrophages in the cerebrospinal fluid of SAH patients. The goal of this review is to provide an update on the role of TLR4, HO‐1, and other signal transduction pathways in SAH‐induced neuroinflammation.
The down‐regulation of Notch 1 signaling contributes to the severity of bone loss in aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Mijailovic Iva , Nikolic Nadja , Djinic Ana , Carkic Jelena , Milinkovic Iva , Peric Mina , Jankovic Sasha , Milasin Jelena , Aleksic Zoran 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe exact mechanisms of bone resorption in periodontitis have not been fully elucidated. The aims of this study were to analyze the expression of Notch signaling molecules, bone remodeling mediators, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in periodontitis patients and to determine their potential correlations.MethodsThe study included 130 individuals: 40 with aggressive periodontitis (AP group), 40 with chronic periodontitis (CP group), and 50 periodontally healthy controls. Total RNA was extracted from gingival crevicular fluid samples and relative gene expression of investigated molecules (Notch 1, Notch 2, Jagged 1, Hes 1, Hey 1, TNF‐α, IL‐17, RANKL, and OPG) was determined by reverse transcriptase – real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR).ResultsIn AP group, a significant increase of Notch 2, TNF‐α, IL‐17 and RANKL and a significant decrease of Notch 1 and Jagged 1 expression were observed compared to control group (P = 0.023, P = 0.005, P = 0.030, and P = 0.001 P = 0.031 and P = 0.029, respectively). Notch 2 and RANKL were also overexpressed in CP group compared to controls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.011). Significant correlations were observed in AP group between expression levels of the analyzed genes.ConclusionThe present findings implicate Notch 2 overexpression in the ethiopathogenesis of bone resorption in aggressive and chronic periodontitis. The down‐regulation of Notch 1 and Jagged 1 and loss of their osteoprotective function might cause a more excessive osteoclast formation and contribute to greater osteolysis in aggressive periodontitis.
Thermodynamic and Surface Properties of Aqueous 1‐Dodecyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Chloride [C12mim][Cl] Solution in the Presence of a Series of Inorganic Salts
Authors: Pal Amalendu , Yadav Sangeeta 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe micellization behavior of amphiphiles is a well‐analyzed physicochemical phenomenon, which can be easily influenced by various parameters such as pressure, temperature, and the presence of different additives. Inorganic salts are able to affect the thermodynamic and surface properties of amphiphiles significantly. The effect of a series of salts as additives namely lithium chloride (LiCl), potassium chloride (KCl), sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium bromide (NaBr), and sodium iodide (NaI) on interfacial chemical characteristics of the surface‐active ionic liquid (SAIL) 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride [C12mim][Cl] in aqueous solution were examined through conductance, surface tension, fluorescence, 1H NMR, and dynamic light scattering measurements. The interfacial and thermodynamic parameters of all investigated SAIL‐salt systems were evaluated from surface tension and conductance measurements, respectively. A detailed analysis of the microenvironment of the micelles and the size of the micelles was done using 1H NMR and dynamic light scattering measurements.
The Aggregation Behavior and Antioxidative Activity of Amphiphilic Surfactants Based on Quinuclidin‐3‐ol
Authors: Bošković Perica , Šprung Matilda , Bazina Linda , Soldo Barbara , Odžak Renata 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe self‐aggregation and thermodynamic properties of three cationic quaternary ammonium surfactants were investigated. The physicochemical properties of compounds containing quinuclidin‐3‐ol with even number of carbon atoms (10, 12, and 14) in the hydrophobic tail were measured by conductivity, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta‐potential measurements. DLS and Zeta‐potential measurements show a similar size distribution for all surfactants with excellent uniformity, and Zeta‐potential increases significantly with increase in the size of hydrocarbon tail. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the degree of micelle ionization (β) were determined using conductivity measurements. The CMC values of surfactants were found to be between 3.4 and 23.8 × 10−3 M. The standard Gibbs free energy () was derived from conductivity measurements and suggests that surfactants containing longer chains spontaneously form micelles. The antioxidative properties of these cationic surfactants were evaluated using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Among the tested samples, N‐tetradecyl‐3‐hydroxyquinuclidinium bromide (QOH‐C14) exhibited the highest antioxidative potential (388.30 nmol (TE) equivalents mL−1), which was further investigated by the DNA nicking assay.
Pulsed Laser Activation of Carbene Bioadhesive Boosts Bonding Strength
Authors: Shah Ankur H. , Kartheek Pilla , Gandhi Prasanna , Jonnalagadda Krishna , Steele Terry W. J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLight‐activated tissue adhesives are limited to low light doses (50 J) and intensities (<1 W cm−2) due to photo‐to‐thermal heat generation. Low intensities have the disadvantage of limited penetration depths with retarded crosslinking kinetics, which impairs carbene‐based crosslinking strategies that compete with nitrogen evolution and gas nucleation. These limitations are circumvented by a trade‐off between high‐intensity activation while reducing the exposure surface area. Continuous or pulsed activation by line scanning the carbene precursor adhesive allows curing a higher surface area/volume ratio while preventing localized heat generation. By optimizing irradiation with a pulsed laser scan, the adhesion strength is improved by 17‐fold over ultraviolet A (UVA) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and is on par with bioadhesive gold standard of topical cyanoacrylates. Overall, this improved method of photo‐activation applies to other industrial and clinical photocuring adhesives where limits on UVA dose constrain exposure intensities.
Dynamic susceptibility contrast 19F‐MRI of inhaled perfluoropropane: a novel approach to combined pulmonary ventilation and perfusion imaging
Authors: Neal Mary A. , Pippard Benjamin J. , Simpson A. John , Thelwall Peter E. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeTo assess alveolar perfusion by applying dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI to 19F‐MRI of inhaled perfluoropropane (PFP). We hypothesized that passage of gadolinium‐based contrast agent (GBCA) through the pulmonary microvasculature would reduce magnetic susceptibility differences between water and gas components of the lung, elevating the of PFP.MethodsLung‐representative phantoms were constructed of aqueous PFP‐filled foams to characterize the impact of aqueous/gas phase magnetic susceptibility differences on PFP . Aqueous phase magnetic susceptibility was modulated by addition of different concentrations of GBCA. In vivo studies were performed to measure the impact of intravenously administered GBCA on the of inhaled PFP in mice (7.0 Tesla) and in healthy volunteers (3.0 Tesla).ResultsPerfluoropropane was sensitive to modulation of magnetic susceptibility difference between gas and water components of the lung, both in phantom models and in vivo. Negation of aqueous/gas phase magnetic susceptibility difference was achieved in lung‐representative phantoms and in mice, resulting in a ~2 to 3× elevation in PFP (3.7 to 8.5 ms and 0.7 to 2.6 ms, respectively). Human studies demonstrated a transient elevation of inhaled PFP (1.50 to 1.64 ms) during passage of GBCA bolus through the lung circulation, demonstrating sensitivity to lung perfusion.ConclusionWe demonstrate indirect detection of a GBCA in the pulmonary microvasculature via changes to the of gas phase PFP within directly adjacent alveoli. This approach holds potential for assessing alveolar perfusion by dynamic susceptibility contrast 19F‐MRI of inhaled PFP, with concurrent assessment of lung ventilation properties, relevant to lung physiology and disease.
Factors associated with acute exacerbations of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Gummi Rohit Reddy , Kukulka Natalie Anna , Deroche Chelsea B. , Govindarajan Raghav 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe etiology of acute exacerbations of myasthenia gravis (MG) is not well understood and further characterization can lead to improved preventative measures. This study aims to characterize factors contributing to MG exacerbations.MethodsA total of 127 MG patient charts were reviewed retrospectively (2011‐2016) to obtain demographics, immunizations, pharmaceutical records, contributing factors of each MG exacerbation, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and duration.ResultsThere were 212 exacerbations requiring 106 ED visits and 141 hospitalizations (average admission 6.5 days). Highest contributors were infections (30%) and medications that may worsen MG (19%), with 24% unattributed. Infection related exacerbations were associated with 44.3% of ED visits and 39.7% of hospitalizations. Patients prescribed beta‐blockers were associated with more exacerbations (P < .01). Patients prescribed medications that may worsen MG had a higher exacerbation frequency shortly after administration.DiscussionInfections and cautioned medications are frequently factors in acute MG exacerbations needing urgent medical attention and warrant caution.