bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of immunocastration and housing conditions on pig carcass and meat quality traits1
Authors: Škrlep Martin , Poklukar Klavdija , Kress Kevin , Vrecl Milka , Fazarinc Gregor , Batorek Lukač Nina , Weiler Ulrike , Stefanski Volker , Čandek-Potokar Marjeta
Published: May 2020

The present study investigated the effects of immunocastration and housing conditions on carcass, meat, and fat quality traits. Immunocastrates (IC, n = 48), entire (EM, n = 48), and surgical castrates (SC, n = 48) male pigs were reared under three different housing conditions. The conditions were standard (n = 36), enriched (n = 36, twice as much space as standard and additional outdoor access), or standard with repeated social mixing (n = 72). Pigs of the IC group were vaccinated at the age of 12 and 22 wk. The animals were slaughtered in four batches, balanced for sex category and housing, at the age of 27 wk reaching 124.7 ± 1.0 kg. Immunocastration led to increased fat deposition (i.e., thicker subcutaneous fat at different anatomical locations, more leaf fat, fatter belly in IC than EM, P < 0.05) but did not affect muscularity traits. As a result, EM exhibited higher and SC lower (P < 0.05) carcass leanness than IC. Fatty acids composition of either subcutaneous or intramuscular fat (IMF) agreed with general adiposity, that is, IC were intermediate between EM and SC exhibiting the lowest and highest fat saturation (P < 0.05), respectively. Compared to SC, EM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) levels of muscle oxidation and collagen content than SC, with IC taking an intermediate position in the case of the level of peroxidation and collagen content, or closer to SC as regards to oxidation of muscle proteins (i.e., carbonyl groups). Meat quality (including marbling score, cooking loss, subjective color redness, and chroma) of IC was similar to EM, and both differed (P < 0.05) from SC. However, IC and SC had less (P < 0.05) tough meat than EM, consistent with protein oxidation. The effect of housing was less evident. Mixing of pigs resulted in lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight and fatness in all sex categories with lower (P < 0.05) oleic and higher (P < 0.05) arachidonic acid in IMF of EM.
Integrative taxonomic investigation ofPetaurus breviceps(Marsupialia: Petauridae) reveals three distinct species
Authors: Cremona Teigan , Baker Andrew M , Cooper Steven J B , Montague-Drake Rebecca , Stobo-Wilson Alyson M , Carthew Susan M
Published: May 2020

The Australian sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps s.l., is widely distributed across eastern and northern Australia. Examination of historical and contemporary collections of Petaurus specimens and phylogenetic analyses have revealed considerable taxonomic diversity within the genus. We aimed to utilize an integrative taxonomic approach, combining genetic and morphological evidence, to resolve the taxonomy of Australian gliders currently recognized as Petaurus breviceps. Herein, we confirm the existence of three distinct species: P. breviceps, P. notatus comb. nov. and P. ariel comb. nov.. Petaurus breviceps and P. notatus are each represented by major mtDNA lineages in P. breviceps, while P. ariel forms a sister-lineage to P. norfolcensis and P. gracilis. Subtle morphological differences distinguish P. breviceps from the closely related P. notatus, while the morphological distinctions between P. ariel and its genetically similar sister-taxa, P. norfolcensis and P. gracilis, are more obvious. Given the purported broad geographic distribution of the taxon, P. breviceps s.l. was not listed as threatened, but dividing this taxon into three species has important conservation implications for all taxa in the group, particularly given the lamentable record for mammal extinctions in Australia. Concerted and targeted conservation efforts are necessary to preserve these distinct, newly described species.
Development of a Protocol and a Diagrammatic Scale for Quantification of Bacterial Leaf Streak Disease on Young Plants of Maize
Authors: Robaina Renata Rodrigues , Longhi Talita Vigo , Zeffa Douglas Mariani , Gonçalves Leandro Simões Azeredo , Leite Rui Pereira
Published: May 2020

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS), caused Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum (Xvv), has become a major concern for maize production, mainly in the United States and South America. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a protocol for Xvv inoculation in young maize plants under controlled conditions and to develop and validate a diagrammatic scale for evaluation of maize hybrids in regard to BLS resistance. The study was carried out in three steps: the establishment of a protocol for inoculation of Xvv in young maize plants under controlled conditions; the development and validation of a diagrammatic scale for BLS severity evaluation; and the screening for BLS resistance of 45 hybrids using the proposed protocol for bacterial inoculation and the diagrammatic scale developed in this study. Besides reproducing a more natural Xvv infection, the bacterial suspension spraying without injury inoculation method induced higher disease incidence and severity, as well as reproducibility of results under the experimental conditions established in this study. The proposed diagrammatic scale allowed evaluating BLS severity with up to 97.49% of the leaf area affected by the disease. Further, the use of the diagrammatic scale resulted in an increase of accuracy from 0.909 up to 0.992. The reaction of 45 maize hybrids to BLS allowed establishing six major groups of susceptibility to the disease. The most resistant maize hybrids to BLS formed a group of 13 hybrids, with disease severity below 5%.
Grapevine Resistance to the NematodeXiphinema indexIs Durable in Muscadine-Derived Plants Obtained from Hardwood Cuttings but Not from In Vitro
Authors: Nguyen Van Chung , Tandonnet Jean-Pascal , Khallouk Samira , Van Ghelder Cyril , Portier Ulysse , Lafargue Maria , Banora Mohamed Youssef , Ollat Nathalie , Esmenjaud Daniel
Published: May 2020

Breeding for varieties carrying natural resistance (R) against plant-parasitic nematodes is a promising alternative to nematicide ban. In perennial crops, the long plant−nematode interaction increases the risk for R breaking and R durability is a real challenge. In grapevine, the nematode Xiphinema index has a high economic impact by transmitting Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and, to delay GFLV transmission, rootstocks resistant to this vector are being selected, using Muscadinia rotundifolia in particular as an R source. To optimize in fine this strategy, the durability has been studied under controlled conditions in F1 and BC1 muscadine-derived resistant accessions previously obtained from either hardwood-cutting or in vitro propagation. After inoculation with a mix, in equal proportions, of four lines representative of the X. index diversity, multiplication on plants has been monitored 3 to 6 years. The nematode reproduction factor remained lower than 1 in resistant plants obtained from hardwood cuttings while it increased at values far beyond 1 in resistant plants of in vitro origin. Data for nematode numbers per gram of roots mostly paralleled those obtained for the reproduction factor. The effect of the propagation type on resistance over years was also evaluated for the ratio female/juvenile and the frequency of males. Altogether our results illustrate that the muscadine-derived resistance based on hardwood cuttings is durable. By contrast, in resistant and reference accessions obtained from in vitro, our data suggest that the increased nematode multiplication might be mainly due to the modification of root architecture consecutive to this propagation method.
Comparing Opinions on Meaningful Recognition: Do Views of Trauma Nursing Leaders and Staff Align?
Authors: Salvant Marilou , Wycech Joanna , Alexander Alexandria , Balan Nalini , Blas Marie Joy , Churey Michelle , Wood Colleen , Crawford Maggie , Viitaniemi Sari
Published: May 2020

With increased demand for registered nurses (RN), due to increasing shortage and turnover rate, the role of meaningful recognition becomes of paramount importance. We hypothesized that RNs and leaders value forms of recognition differently, due to generational gap and changing health care environment. This study included 46 RN/support staff (RN/SS group) and 10 nurse leaders (leaders group) from a Level 1 trauma center. Mean values from 5-point Likert scale survey on 31 forms of recognition (grouped into 6 categories) and demographics (age, nursing experience, and gender) were compared. All participants were separated into groups: 35 years of age and younger (millennials; n = 29) and older than 35 years (Gen X/boomers; n = 27). Majority of RN/SS were 26–35 years of age (43.5%) and 50.0% had less than 3 years of nursing experience. Half of the leaders were 36–45 years of age (p = .01 vs. RN/SS), and 70.0% had 16 years of experience or greater (p = .001). There was 9:1 female-to-male ratio in both groups (p = .8). The RN/SS rated “salary increase” highest and leaders rated “celebration for years of service” highest (both means: 4.4). When categorized, “monetary rewards” ranked highest both by RN/SS and leaders (means: 4.4 and 4.1). Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between mean values. The Gen X/boomers rated statistically significantly higher 9 forms and 3 categories (written/public acknowledgment and private verbal feedback) than millennials. Mean values for forms/categories of recognition were lower for RN/SS than for leaders, but differences were not statistical. Age drove the most difference in most meaningful forms, as preference for monetary rewards stems from the younger generations' focus on work-life balance.
Parent-led Behavioral Intervention for a Treatment-refusing Adult With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Poor Insight and Extreme Family Accommodation
Authors: LEE ERIC B. , GOODMAN WAYNE K. , SCHNEIDER SOPHIE C. , STORCH ERIC A.
Published: May 2020

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with poor insight can contribute to the refusal to receive treatment, leaving the burden of care on parents or other caregivers. The case presented here involved a young adult with OCD with delusional levels of insight paired with extreme family-accommodating behaviors that had resulted in impaired quality of life and functioning for the young adult and his parents. A parent-led behavioral intervention [The Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)] that was developed for children with anxiety was adapted and utilized for a young adult with severe OCD. The case presents a treatment option for parents and caregivers of individuals with OCD who refuse treatment.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Occurrence and Correlations
Authors: CITKOWSKA-KISIELEWSKA ANNA , RUTKOWSKI KRZYSZTOF , MIELIMĄKA MICHAŁ , SOBAŃSKI JERZY A. , DEMBIŃSKA EDYTA
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Because of the heterogeneity of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) and their co-occurrence with anxiety disorders, we investigated the prevalence, severity, and correlations between obsessive and compulsive symptoms reported by patients diagnosed with OCD or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted in 2 groups of patients: 76 patients diagnosed with OCD [F42 according to the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10)], and 186 patients diagnosed with GAD (F41.1 according to ICD-10), who had presented for therapy at the day ward. The Symptom Questionnaire “O,” based on the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire, was used to assess obsessive, compulsive, and anxiety symptoms. The analysis took into account the impact of sex and the presence or absence of cognitive dysfunction (as assessed using the Bender Benton Visual Retention and Bender-Gestalt tests) on the associations being investigated.

Results:

We observed that obsessive and compulsive symptoms were more prevalent and more strongly expressed in the group with OCD than in the group with GAD. However, almost all patients with GAD (94%) confirmed the presence of some obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The study revealed differences in correlations with obsessions and compulsions between the OCD and GAD groups. In the group with OCD, no significant correlation between the severity of obsessions and compulsions was identified, whereas in the group with GAD, a significant positive correlation was found between the severity of those symptoms. In both the GAD and OCD groups, a greater intensity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms was accompanied by an increase in the severity of anxiety symptoms (with this effect noted to a greater extent with obsessions than compulsions).

Conclusions:

The study revealed that patients with GAD often have coexisting obsessive-compulsive symptoms, which may not be identified during routine psychiatric examination. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms observed in patients with GAD may show a different structure than obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with OCD. The results of this study suggest that compulsions are more specific for the diagnosis of OCD than obsessions. Compulsions, such as counting related to the need for order and symmetry, may be associated with some cognitive dysfunctions and male sex, a finding that requires further research.
The Mental Health Crisis in America: Recognizing Problems; Working Toward Solutions: Part 2. Offering Hope Through Engagement
Authors: PLAKUN ERIC M.
Published: May 2020

This column is the second in a series summarizing the 2-day Centennial Conference of the Austen Riggs Center. The conference framed problems in access to care and in the nature of the care being provided that are part of a mental health crisis in America, and then worked to propose solutions. This column addresses problems with the nature of care provided, proposing psychodynamic perspectives that offer hope through engagement. Such approaches play a role in “bending the curve” to improve mental health outcomes.
A New Technique of Radiofrequency-assisted Ultrasound-guided Needle-localized Laparoscopic Resection of Disappearing Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Yigitbas Hakan , Yazici Pinar , Taskin Halit E. , Okoh Alexis K. , Dural Cem , Aydin Nail , Berber Eren
Published: May 2020

The management of disappearing colorectal liver metastases in the postadjuvant chemotherapy setting is challenging. We describe a novel technique that facilitates laparoscopic resection of disappearing metastatic liver lesions with great precision. Details of this new technique are described in 2 patients with colorectal cancer synchronously metastatic to the liver. Both patients had small indistinct intraparenchymal liver lesions after adjuvant chemotherapy. A video displays the steps of the procedure. Both patients presented with colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis. They received FOLFOX regimen after resection of their primary. They both responded to adjuvant chemotherapy. On repeat posttreatment imaging, the liver lesions became smaller and indistinct. With laparoscopic ultrasound, subtle parenchymal heterogeneities were identified. The lesions were initially ablated with a wide radiofrequency ablation zone. Then, without removing the needle, the prongs were deployed to the borders of the parenchymal heterogeneity. Using an ultrasonic vessel sealer, the lesions were resected. Final pathology identified 1 viable focus of cancer in each patient. Both patients were discharged home uneventfully on their second postoperative day. There were no complications. We have described a novel technique that could facilitate precise resection of intraparenchymal small indistinct or disappearing liver metastases of colorectal origin. This option should be kept within the armamentarium of the laparoscopic liver surgeon managing patients with malignant liver tumors.
Outcome of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for Treating Achalasia Compared With Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy (LHM)
Authors: Peng Lijun , Tian Shuni , Du Chao , Yuan Ziying , Guo Mingxiao , Lu Lin
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging endoscopic treatment for achalasia and the long-term efficacy of POEM remains to be evaluated. This study compared the outcomes of POEM with that of the standard laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) for achalasia.

Materials and Methods:

Achalasia patients treated by POEM or LHM were retrospectively analyzed, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 3 years. Perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes including treatment success (Eckardt score ≤3), occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (GerdQ score ≥9) and quality of life (36-item short form) were compared.

Results:

Thirteen patients who underwent POEM were compared with 18 patients who received LHM. These patients were similar in age, sex, symptoms duration, Eckardt score, and previous therapy (all P>0.05). Mean myotomy lengths were similar (P=0.73). Operation time was shorter in the POEM group (P=0.001). One patient (7.7%) developed pneumothorax after POEM and 1 patient (5.6%) experienced postoperative infection after LHM (P=1.00). Treatment success was achieved in 83.3% (9/12) of POEM patients and 80.0% (12/15) of LHM patients (P=1.00). Both POEM and LHM significantly reduced Eckardt score (both P=0.00). GERD rate was similar (8.3% vs. 6.7%, P=1.00). There was no difference in all aspects of quality of life between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Long-term outcomes indicate that POEM is an effective treatment that is comparable with LHM. More data of randomized trials comparing POEM with LHM will enrich the existing evidence.
Laparoscopic Anterior Partial Fundoplication is Comparable With Nissen Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Lal Pawanindra , Shah Swati H. , Leekha Nitin , Puri Amarender Singh
Published: May 2020

Background:

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has been the gold standard for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but the side effects of dysphagia and bloating have lead to interest in partial fundoplication as an alternative.

Aim:

To compare the symptomatic and objective parameters after LNF and laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication (LAPF) in patients with GERD.

Patients and Methods:

The study was conducted in the Division of Minimal Access Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College from June 2008 to October 2016. Patients with GERD with high score on 24-hour pH monitoring were selected for surgery (LAPF) and were compared with our historical control of 25 patients who underwent LNF. The preoperative and postoperative symptom score and objective parameters were analyzed.

Results:

Of 50 GERD patients, 20 patients underwent surgery (LAPF) and these were compared with 25 patients who underwent LNF. Demester score, modified Visick grade decreased from 4.12, 3.23 in LNF; 4.35, 3.35 in LAPF to 0, 1 in both groups. There was significant and similar increase in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length, intra-abdominal LES length, LES pressure. The 24-h pH) decreased from 10.18% and 8.08% to 0.85% and 1.09% in LNF and LAPF, respectively. At 1 year and 5 years of follow-up, symptom scores, manometric analysis, and pH metry evaluation remained to be improved in both the groups.

Conclusions:

LAPF is as effective as LNF for GERD, with less dysphagia.
Comparison of the Effects of Different Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Levels on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation With Near Infrared Spectroscopy During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Sargin Mehmet , Uluer Mehmet Selçuk , Özmen Sadik
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Although positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is commonly used to improve respiratory mechanics and oxygenation during pneumoperitoneum (PP), the effect of PEEP on cerebral homeostasis during carbon dioxide PP remains uncertain. This study investigated the changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) associated with 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O PEEP during PP while undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 105 patients between the ages of 18 to 60 years, scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, were studied. The patients were randomized, into 3 groups: group I (n=35) with no external PEEP, group II (n=35) with external PEEP of 5 cm H2O, group III (n=35) with external PEEP of 10 cm H2O. Heart rate, mean blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and rSO2 values were continuously recorded from awake status to tracheal extubation.

Results:

The measurements of hemodynamic parameters were statistically similar between 3 groups (P>0.05). rSO2 values were statistically similar between 3 groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

We consider that both 5 and 10 cm H2O PEEP levels can be safely used during PP applied during laparoscopic surgery, without affecting hemodynamics, and without causing a decline in rSO2.
Conservation of Rhodococcus equi (Magnusson 1923) Goodfellow and Alderson 1977 and rejection of Rhodococcus hoagii (Morse 1912) Kämpfer et al. 2014
Authors: Vázquez-Boland José A. , Scortti Mariela , Meijer Wim G.
Published: May 2020

A recent taxonomic study confirmed the synonymy of

Rhodococcus equi

(Magnusson 1923) Goodfellow and Alderson 1977 and

Corynebacterium hoagii

(Morse 1912) Eberson 1918. As a result, both

R. equi

and

C. hoagii

were reclassified as

Rhodococcus hoagii

comb. nov. in application of the principle of priority of the Prokaryotic Code. Because

R. equi

is a well-known animal and zoonotic human pathogen, and a bacterial name solidly established in the veterinary and medical literature, we and others argued that the nomenclatural change may cause error and confusion and be potentially perilous. We have now additionally found that the nomenclatural type of the basonym

C. hoagii

, ATCC 7005T, does not correspond with the original description of the species

C. hoagii

in the early literature. Its inclusion as the

C. hoagii

type on the Approved Lists 1980 results in a change in the characters of the taxon and in

C. hoagii

designating two different bacteria. Moreover, ATCC 7005, the only strain in circulation under the name

C. hoagii

, does not have a well documented history; it is unclear why it was deposited as

C. hoagii

and a possible mix-up with a

Corynebacterium

(

Rhodococcus

) equi isolate is a reasonable assumption. We therefore request the rejection of

Rhodococcus hoagii

as a nomen ambiguum, nomen dubium and nomen perplexum in addition to nomen periculosum, and conservation of the name

Rhodococcus equi

, according to Rules 56ab of the Code.
Streptomyces montanus sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from soil
Authors: Jiang Hao , Han Liyuan , Li Jingjing , Yu Mingying , Zhao Junwei , Guo Xiaowei , Xiang Wensheng , Wang Xiangjing
Published: May 2020

A novel actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-C151T, was isolated from soil collected from Mount Song and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NEAU-C151T belongs to the genus

Streptomyces

and exhibited 97.5, 97.4 and 97.4 % similarities to

Streptomyces lincolnensis

NRRL 2936T,

Streptomyces coacervatus

AS-0823T, and

Streptomyces longisporus

ISP 5166T, respectively. The assignment of strain NEAU-C151T to the genus

Streptomyces

was confirmed by chemotaxonomic data: anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 1 (ω7c) and anteiso-C17 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids; whole-cell sugars contained ribose and glucose; phospholipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), unidentified phospholipid (PL), unidentified lipids (L) and phosphatidylinositol mannoside (PIM); the menaquinones were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6), MK-10(H2) and MK-9(H8). However, multilocus sequence analysis based on five other house-keeping genes (atpD, gyrB, recA, rpoB, and trpB), DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic data showed that strain NEAU-C151T could be distinguished from its closest relatives. Consequently, strain NEAU-C151T represents a novel species of the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the name Streptomyces montanus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-C151T (=CGMCC 4.7498T=DSM 107808T).
Francisella salimarina sp. nov., isolated from coastal seawater
Authors: Li Liang-Hui , Luo Hai-Min , Feng Jun-Hui , Ming Yu-Zhen , Zheng Min-Ling , Deng Guang-Yuan , Chen Cha , Li Wen-Jun , Xiao Min , Qu Ping-Hua
Published: May 2020

Four strains (SYSU SYW-1T, SYW-2, SYW-3 and XLW-1) were isolated from seawater near the shore in Guangdong Province, China. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and non-spore-forming. Growth was observed at a temperature range of 16–40 °C (optimum, 32 °C), a pH range of 4–8 (optimum, pH 7) and in the presence of up to 10 % (w/v) NaCl. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified phospholipid. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 8 (UQ-8), and the predominant fatty acids were C18 : 0 3-OH, C10 : 0, C14 : 0 and C18 : 1ω9c. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences confirmed that these strains represented a novel member of the genus

Francisella

, with less than 98.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and less than 95 % genomic average nucleotide identity to recognized

Francisella

species. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and the protein-concatamer tree based on a concatenation of 28 protein marker sequences both indicated that the strains clustered with ‘Francisella salina’ TX07-7308 and ‘Francisella marina’ E95-16, but formed a distinct lineage group among the other members of the genus

Francisella

. The DNA G+C contents of the four strains were determined to be 32.9, 32.7, 32.9 and 32.9 %, respectively (genome). On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic features, the strains are considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Francisella

, for which the name Francisella salimarina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYSU SYW-1T (=CGMCC 1.17031T=NBRC 113781T).
Pseudomonas fildesensis sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from Antarctic soil of King George Island, South Shetland Islands
Authors: Pavlov Maria S. , Lira Felipe , Martinez José Luis , Olivares-Pacheco Jorge , Marshall Sergio H.
Published: May 2020

The strain KG01T was isolated from a soil sample from King George Island, Antarctica. Cells of KG01T are rod-shaped and motile by means of multiple polar flagella. The absence of arginine dihydrolase activity could be a key feature to readily distinguish KG01T from its closest phylogenetic relative species. The main fatty acids of the strain include summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C15 : 0 iso 2-OH), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω7c. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and on a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, rpoB, rpoD, gyrB) were carried out. These analyses allowed us to include the strain within the

Pseudomonas fluorescens

group, presenting the highest similarity of multilocus sequence with

Pseudomonas veronii

LMG 17761T (96.67 %). The genome of KG01T was sequenced and in silico compared with genomes of the most closely related species of the

P. fluore

scens group. The average nucleotide identity (ANIb) and average amino acid identity (AAI) values of the species phylogenetically closest to KG01T were less than 95–96 %, threshold currently accepted to define strain as belonging to a bacterial species, the highest scores being those to

Pseudomonas veronii

LMG 17761T (87.98 %) and

Pseudomonas marginalis

ICMP 3553T (91.90 %). Therefore, the phenotypic and genotypic analyses results, allow us to propose that KG01T represents a member of a novel species of the genus

Pseudomonas

, for which the name Pseudomonas fildesensis is proposed, and KG01T (=CECT 9084T;=DSM 102036T) is established as the type strain .
Amycolatopsis anabasis sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from roots of Anabasis elatior
Authors: Wang Hong-Fei , Li Xin-Yang , Gao Rui , Xie Yuan-Guo , Xiao Min , Li Qiu-Li , Li Wen-Jun
Published: May 2020

A novel endophytic actinobacterium, designated strain EGI 650086T, was isolated from the roots of Anabasis elatior (C.A.Mey.) Schischk. collected in Xinjiang, north-west China. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Growth occurred at 15–40 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and in the presence of 0–6 % NaCl (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and concatenation of 22 protein marker genes revealed that strain EGI 650086T formed a monophyletic clade within the genus

Amycolatopsis

and shared the highest sequence similarities with

Amycolatopsis nigrescens

JCM 14717T (97.1 %) and

Amycolatopsis sacchari

DSM 44468T (97.0 %). Sequence similarities with type strains of other species of the genus

Amycolatopsis

were less than 97.0 %. The average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain EGI 650086T and the reference strains were 78.1–79.8 % and 22.1–23.0 %, respectively. The genome of strain EGI 650086T was 10.9 Mb, with a DNA G+C content of 70.1 mol%. The diagnostic diamino acid in the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major whole-cell sugars contained arabinose, galactose, glucose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9 (H4) and MK-9 (H2). Major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The polar lipid profile of strain EGI 650086T included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, two unknown phospholipids, an unknown glycolipid and an unknown lipid. Polyphasic taxonomic characteristics indicated that strain EGI 650086T represents a novel species of the genus

Amycolatopsis

, for which the name Amycolatopsis anabasis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EGI 650086T (=KCTC 49044T=CGMCC 4.7188T).
Description of novel species of Aliinostoc, Desikacharya and Desmonostoc using a polyphasic approach
Authors: Kabirnataj Sara , Nematzadeh Ghorban A. , Talebi Ahmad F. , Saraf Aniket , Suradkar Archana , Tabatabaei Meisam , Singh Prashant
Published: May 2020

Five cyanobacterial strains with

Nostoc

-like morphology from different localities of the Mazandaran province of Iran were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Three strains clustered within the

Aliinostoc

clade whereas one each of the remaining two strains clustered within the genera

Desmonostoc

and

Desikacharya

. The phylogenetic positioning of all the strains by the bayesian inference, neighbour joining and maximum parsimony methods inferred using 16S rRNA gene indicated them to represent novel species of the genera

Aliinostoc

,

Desmonostoc

and

Desikacharya

. The 16S–23S ITS secondary structure analysis revealed that all five strains under study represented novel species unknown to science. In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants we describe three novel species of the genus

Aliinostoc

and one species each of the genera

Desmonostoc

and

Desikacharya

.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Botourmiaviridae
Authors: Ayllón María A. , Turina Massimo , Xie Jiatao , Nerva Luca , Marzano Shin-Yi Lee , Donaire Livia , Jiang Daohong , Consortium ICTV Report
Published: May 2020

The family Botourmiaviridae includes viruses infecting plants and filamentous fungi containing a positive-sense, ssRNA genome that can be mono- or multi-segmented. Genera in the family include: Ourmiavirus (plant viruses), and Botoulivirus, Magoulivirus and Scleroulivirus (fungal viruses). This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the family Botourmiaviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/botourmiaviridae.
A novel cypovirus found in a betabaculovirus co-infection context contains a poxvirus immune nuclease (poxin)-related gene
Authors: Silva Leonardo A. da , Ardisson-Araújo Daniel M. P. , de Camargo Brenda R. , de Souza Marlinda Lobo , Ribeiro Bergmann M.
Published: May 2020

The cassava hornworm Erinnyis ello ello (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) is an important pest in Brazil. This insect feeds on host plants of several species, especially Manihot esculenta (cassava) and Hevia brasiliensis (rubber tree). Cassava hornworm outbreaks are quite common in Brazil and can cause great impact over crop production. Granulare and polyhedral-shaped occlusion bodies (OBs) were observed in extracts of dead E. ello larvae from rubber-tree plantations by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), suggesting a mixed infection. The polyhedral-shaped OB surface revealed indentations that resemble those found in cypovirus polyhedra. After OB nucleic acid extraction followed by cDNA production and Illumina deep-sequencing analysis, the results confirmed for the presence of a putative novel cypovirus that carries ten segments and also a betabaculovirus (Erinnyis ello granulovirus, ErelGV). Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted segment 1-enconded RdRP showed that the new cypovirus isolate is closely related to a member of species Cypovirus 2, which was isolated from Inachis io (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Therefore, we named this new isolate Erinnyis ello cypovirus 2 (ErelCPV-2). Genome in silico analyses showed that ErelCPV-2 segment 8 (S8) has a predicted amino acid identity of 35.82 % to a hypothetical protein of betabaculoviruses. This putative protein has a cGAMP-specific nuclease domain related to the poxvirus immune nucleases (poxins) from the 2′,3′-cGAMP-degrading enzyme family.
Basic insights into Zika virus infection of neuroglial and brain endothelial cells
Authors: Mutso Margit , St John James A. , Ling Zheng Lung , Burt Felicity J. , Poo Yee Suan , Liu Xiang , Žusinaite Eva , Grau Georges E. , Hueston Linda , Merits Andres , King Nicholas J.C. , Ekberg Jenny A.K. , Mahalingam Suresh
Published: May 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV) has recently emerged as an important human pathogen due to the strong evidence that it causes disease of the central nervous system, particularly microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome. The pathogenesis of disease, including mechanisms of neuroinvasion, may include both invasion via the blood–brain barrier and via peripheral (including cranial) nerves. Cellular responses to infection are also poorly understood. This study characterizes the in vitro infection of laboratory-adapted ZIKV African MR766 and two Asian strains of (1) brain endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3 cell line) and (2) olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) (the neuroglia populating cranial nerve I and the olfactory bulb; both human and mouse OEC lines) in comparison to kidney epithelial cells (Vero cells, in which ZIKV infection is well characterized). Readouts included infection kinetics, intracellular virus localization, viral persistence and cytokine responses. Although not as high as in Vero cells, viral titres exceeded 104 plaque-forming units (p.f.u.) ml−1 in the endothelial/neuroglial cell types, except hOECs. Despite these substantial titres, a relatively small proportion of neuroglial cells were primarily infected. Immunolabelling of infected cells revealed localization of the ZIKV envelope and NS3 proteins in the cytoplasm; NS3 staining overlapped with that of dsRNA replication intermediate and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Infected OECs and endothelial cells produced high levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines. Nevertheless, ZIKV was also able to establish persistent infection in hOEC and hCMEC/D3 cells. Taken together, these results provide basic insights into ZIKV infection of endothelial and neuroglial cells and will form the basis for further study of ZIKV disease mechanisms.
THE PATHOGENESIS OF THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE IN COVID-19 PATIENTS: COULD BE A CATASTROPHIC ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME?
Authors: Previtali G , Seghezzi M , Moioli V , Sonzogni A , Cerutti L , Marozzi R , Ravasio R , Gianatti A. , Guerra G. , Alessio MG
Published: May 2020

Background

The most severely COVID-19 patients need intensive care and show increased risk of thromboembolic events. Although some patients meet the diagnostic criteria for the Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, the pathogenesis of the diffuse thrombotic status remains unclear.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in sera of deceased patients with autoptic proven thrombotic microangiopathy to evaluate if some patients may have developed Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS).

Methods

Thirty-five patients were enrolled. The available medical history, comorbidities, therapies, laboratory and autopsy findings were collected post-mortem from clinical records.

IgA, IgG and IgM anti cardiolipin (ACA) and anti β2 glycoprotein 1 (β2GP1) antibodies, IgG and IgM anti phosphatidylserine/prothrombin (PS/PT) antibodies were tested for all the patients.

Results

3/35 (8.6%) patients were slightly positive for aPL: one for ACA IgG and two for ACA IgM but values were low (< 3X the cut off). No patients tested positive for ACA IgA neither for β2GP1 isotypes. 3/35 (8.6%) patients were positive for PS/PT, one for IgG and two for IgM, but values were less than 2X the cut off. No patients showed simultaneous positivity for ACA and PS/ PT.

Conclusions

It is difficult to categorize the vascular events into a conventional disease: we did not find significant association with anti-phospholipid antibodies. It is most likely that several factors contribute to trigger the hypercoagulability status and the thromboembolism but, on the basis our results, CAPS is probably not involved into the pathogenesis of these phenomena.
A non-competing pair of human neutralizing antibodies block COVID-19 virus binding to its receptor ACE2
Authors: Wu Yan , Wang Feiran , Shen Chenguang , Peng Weiyu , Li Delin , Zhao Cheng , Li Zhaohui , Li Shihua , Bi Yuhai , Yang Yang , Gong Yuhuan , Xiao Haixia , Fan Zheng , Tan Shuguang , Wu Guizhen , Tan Wenjie , Lu Xuancheng , Fan Changfa , Wang Qihui , Liu Yingxia , Zhang Chen , Qi Jianxun , Gao George Fu , Gao Feng , Liu Lei
Published: May 2020

Neutralizing antibodies could be antivirals against COVID-19 pandemics. Here, we report the isolation of four human-origin monoclonal antibodies from a convalescent patient in China. All of these isolated antibodies display neutralization abilities in vitro. Two of them (B38 and H4) block the binding between RBD and vial cellular receptor ACE2. Further competition assay indicates that B38 and H4 recognize different epitopes on the RBD, which is ideal for a virus-targeting mAb-pair to avoid immune escape in the future clinical applications. Moreover, therapeutic study on the mouse model validated that these two antibodies can reduce virus titers in the infected mouse lungs. Structure of RBD-B38 complex revealed that most residues on the epitope are overlapped with the RBD-ACE2 binding interface, which explained the blocking efficacy and neutralizing capacity. Our results highlight the promise of antibody-based therapeutics and provide the structural basis of rational vaccine design.

One Sentence Summary

A pair of human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 compete cellular receptor binding but with different epitopes, and with post-exposure viral load reduction activity.
A Network-Based Stochastic Epidemic Simulator: Controlling COVID-19 with Region-Specific Policies
Authors: Kuzdeuov Askat , Baimukashev Daulet , Karabay Aknur , Ibragimov Bauyrzhan , Mirzakhmetov Almas , Nurpeiissov Mukhamet , Lewis Michael , Varol Huseyin Atakan
Published: May 2020

In this work, we present an open-source stochastic epidemic simulator, calibrated with extant epidemic experience of COVID-19. Our simulator incorporates information ranging from population demographics and mobility data to health care resource capacity, by region, with interactive controls of system variables to allow dynamic and interactive modeling of events. The simulator can be generalized to model the propagation of any disease, in any territory, but for this experiment was customized to model the spread of COVID-19 in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and estimate outcomes of policy options to inform deliberations on governmental interdiction policies.
Chronic use of a sensitized bionic hand does not remap the sense of touch
Authors: Ortiz-Catalan Max , Mastinu Enzo , Bensmaia Sliman J.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of tactile nerve fibers that innervated an amputated hand results in vivid sensations experienced at a specific location on the phantom hand, a phenomenon that can be leveraged to convey tactile feedback through bionic hands. Ideally, electrically evoked tactile sensations would be experienced on the appropriate part of the hand: Touch with the bionic index fingertip, for example, would elicit a sensation experienced on the index fingertip. However, the perceived locations of sensations are determined by the idiosyncratic position of the stimulating electrode relative to the nerve fascicles and thus difficult to predict or control. This problem could be circumvented if perceived sensations shifted over time so that they became consistent with the position of the sensor that triggers them. We show that, after long term use of a neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis that featured a mismatch between the sensor location and the resulting tactile experience, the perceived location of the touch did not change.
The impact of long-term non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 epidemic dynamics and control
Authors: Childs Marissa L. , Kain Morgan P. , Kirk Devin , Harris Mallory , Couper Lisa , Nova Nicole , Delwel Isabel , Ritchie Jacob , Mordecai Erin A.
Published: May 2020

Non-pharmaceutical interventions to combat COVID-19 transmission have worked to slow the spread of the epidemic but can have high socio-economic costs. It is critical we understand the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions to choose a safe exit strategy. Many current models are not suitable for assessing exit strategies because they do not account for epidemic resurgence when social distancing ends prematurely (e.g., statistical curve fits) nor permit scenario exploration in specific locations.

We developed an SEIR-type mechanistic epidemiological model of COVID-19 dynamics to explore temporally variable non-pharmaceutical interventions. We provide an interactive tool and code to estimate the transmission parameter, β, and the effective reproduction number, . We fit the model to Santa Clara County, California, where an early epidemic start date and early shelter-in-place orders could provide a model for other regions.

As of April 22, 2020, we estimate an of 0.982 (95% CI: 0.849 - 1.107) in Santa Clara County. After June 1 (the end-date for Santa Clara County shelter-in-place as of April 27), we estimate a shift to partial social distancing, combined with rigorous testing and isolation of symptomatic individuals, is a viable alternative to indefinitely maintaining shelter-in-place. We also estimate that if Santa Clara County had waited one week longer before issuing shelter-in-place orders, 95 additional people would have died by April 22 (95% CI: 7 - 283).

Given early life-saving shelter-in-place orders in Santa Clara County, longer-term moderate social distancing and testing and isolation of symptomatic individuals have the potential to contain the size and toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in Santa Clara County, and may be effective in other locations.
Association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HIV-exposed uninfected children in a South African birth cohort
Authors: Sevenoaks Tatum , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Donald Kirsten A. , Barnett Whitney , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Naudé Petrus J.W.
Published: May 2020

HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children may have altered immune regulation and poorer neurodevelopment outcomes compared to their HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts. However, studies investigating the association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HEU children are limited and longitudinal data are lacking. This study investigated serum inflammatory markers in HIV-infected vs. uninfected women during pregnancy and in their children, as well as associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of age in an African birth cohort study. A sub-group of mother-child dyads from the Drakenstein Child Health Study had serum inflammatory markers measured at ≈26 week’s gestation (n=77 HIV-infected mothers; n=190 HIV-uninfected mothers), at 6-10 weeks (n=63 HEU infants and n=159 HU infants) and at 24-28 months (n=77 HEU children and n=190 HU children). Serum inflammatory markers [granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)] were analyzed with a multiplex bead array and ELISA assays. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, was used to assess neurodevelopment at 24-28 months. After correcting for multiple comparisons, HIV-infection during pregnancy was associated with lower serum levels of inflammatory markers in mothers at 26 weeks gestation (GM-CSF and MMP9, p<0.05) and HEU children at 6-10 weeks (IFN-γ and IL-1β, p<0.01), and at 24-28 months (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-4, p<0.05) compared to HIV-uninfected mothers and HU children. In HEU infants at 6-10 weeks, inflammatory markers (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-1P, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and NGAL, all p<0.05) were associated with poorer motor function at two years of age. This is the first study to evaluate the associations of follow-up immune markers in HEU children with neurodevelopment. These findings suggest that maternal HIV infection is associated with immune dysregulation in mothers and their children through two years of age. An altered immune system in HEU infants is associated with poorer follow-up motor neurodevelopment. These data highlight the important role of the immune system in early neurodevelopment and provide a foundation for future research.
Methylated PP2A stabilizes Gcn4 to enable a methionine-induced anabolic program
Authors: Walvekar Adhish S. , Kadamur Ganesh , Sreedharan Sreesa , Gupta Ritu , Srinivasan Rajalakshmi , Laxman Sunil
Published: May 2020

Methionine, through S-adenosylmethionine, activates multifaceted growth programs where ribosome biogenesis, carbon metabolism, amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis are induced. This growth program requires activity of the Gcn4 transcription factor (called ATF4 in mammals), which enables metabolic precursor supply essential for anabolism. Here, we discover how the Gcn4 protein is induced by methionine, despite conditions of high translation and anabolism. This induction mechanism is independent of transcription, as well as the conventional Gcn2/eIF2α mediated increased translation of Gcn4. Instead, when methionine is abundant, Gcn4 ubiqitination and therefore degradation is reduced, due to the decreased phosphorylation of this protein. This Gcn4 stabilization is mediated by the activity of the conserved methyltransferase, Ppm1, which specifically methylates the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase PP2A when methionine is abundant. This methylation of PP2A shifts the balance of Gcn4 to a dephosphorylated state, which stabilizes the protein. The loss of Ppm1, or PP2A-methylation destabilizes Gcn4 when methionine is abundant, and the Gcn4-dependent anabolic program collapses. These findings reveal a novel signaling and regulatory axis, where methionine directs a conserved methyltransferase Ppm1, via its target phosphatase PP2A, to selectively stabilize Gcn4. Thereby, when methionine is abundant, cells conditionally modify a major phosphatase in order to stabilize a metabolic master-regulator and drive anabolism.