bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct co-occurrence patterns of prokaryotic community between the waters and sediments in lakes with different salinity
Authors: Yang Jian , Jiang Hongchen , Sun Xiaoxi , Huang Jianrong , Han Mingxian , Wang Beichen
Published: November 2020

Temporal variations and co-occurrence patterns of the prokaryotic community in saline lakes remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the temporal variations of the prokaryotic community in six lakes with different salinity by using Illumina sequencing. The results showed that prokaryotic community compositions exhibited temporal variations in all studied lakes, which may be partially caused by temporal fluctuations of environmental variables (e.g. salinity, temperature, total nitrogen). Salinity fluctuations exhibited stronger influences on temporal variations of prokaryotic community composition in the lakes with low salinity than in those with high salinity. Stochastic factors (i.e. neutral processes) also contributed to temporal variations of prokaryotic community composition, and their contributions decreased with increasing salinity in the studied saline lakes. Network analysis showed that prokaryotic co-occurrence networks of the studied lakes exhibited non-random topology. Salinity affected the phylogenetic composition of nodes in the studied networks. The topological features (e.g. average connectivity and modularity) of the studied networks significantly differed between lake waters and sediments. Collectively, these results expand our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying prokaryotic community assembly and co-occurrence relationships in saline lakes with different salinity.
Anomalous azimuthal variations with 360° periodicity of Rayleigh phase velocities observed in Scandinavia
Authors: Mauerberger Alexandra , Maupin Valérie , Gudmundsson Ólafur , Tilmann Frederik
Published: November 2020

We use the recently deployed ScanArray network of broad-band stations covering most of Norway and Sweden as well as parts of Finland to analyse the propagation of Rayleigh waves in Scandinavia. Applying an array beamforming technique to teleseismic records from ScanArray and permanent stations in the study region, in total 159 stations with a typical station distance of about 70 km, we obtain phase velocities for three subregions, which collectively cover most of Scandinavia (excluding southern Norway). The average phase dispersion curves are similar for all three subregions. They resemble the dispersion previously observed for the South Baltic craton and are about 1 per cent slower than the North Baltic shield phase velocities for periods between 40 and 80 s. However, a remarkable sin(1θ) phase velocity variation with azimuth is observed for periods >35 s with a 5 per cent deviation between the maximum and minimum velocities, more than the overall lateral variation in average velocity. Such a variation, which is incompatible with seismic anisotropy, occurs in northern Scandinavia and southern Norway/Sweden but not in the central study area. The maximum and minimum velocities were measured for backazimuths of 120° and 300°, respectively. These directions are perpendicular to a step in the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB) inferred by previous studies in southern Norway/Sweden, suggesting a relation to large lithospheric heterogeneity. In order to test this hypothesis, we carried out 2-D full-waveform modeling of Rayleigh wave propagation in synthetic models which incorporate a steep gradient in the LAB in combination with a pronounced reduction in the shear velocity below the LAB. This setup reproduces the observations qualitatively, and results in higher phase velocities for propagation in the direction of shallowing LAB, and lower ones for propagation in the direction of deepening LAB, probably due to the interference of forward scattered and reflected surface wave energy with the fundamental mode. Therefore, the reduction in lithospheric thickness towards southern Norway in the south, and towards the Atlantic ocean in the north provide a plausible explanation for the observed azimuthal variations.
Ketamine and Serotonergic Psychedelics: Common Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Rapid-Acting Antidepressants
Authors: Kadriu Bashkim , Greenwald Maximillian , Henter Ioline D , Gilbert Jessica R , Kraus Christoph , Park Lawrence T , Zarate Carlos A
Published: November 2020

Background

The glutamatergic modulator ketamine has created a blueprint for studying novel pharmaceuticals in the field. Recent studies suggest that “classic” serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) may also have antidepressant efficacy. Both ketamine and SPs appear to produce rapid, sustained antidepressant effects after a transient psychoactive period.

Methods

This review summarizes areas of overlap between SP and ketamine research and considers the possibility of a common, downstream mechanism of action. The therapeutic relevance of the psychoactive state, overlapping cellular and molecular effects, and overlapping electrophysiological and neuroimaging observations are all reviewed.

Results

Taken together, the evidence suggests a potentially shared mechanism wherein both ketamine and SPs may engender rapid neuroplastic effects in a glutamatergic activity-dependent manner. It is postulated that, though distinct, both ketamine and SPs appear to produce acute alterations in cortical network activity that may initially produce psychoactive effects and later produce milder, sustained changes in network efficiency associated with therapeutic response. However, despite some commonalities between the psychoactive component of these pharmacologically distinct therapies—such as engagement of the downstream glutamatergic pathway—the connection between psychoactive impact and antidepressant efficacy remains unclear and requires more rigorous research.

Conclusions

Rapid-acting antidepressants currently under investigation may share some downstream pharmacological effects, suggesting that their antidepressant effects may come about via related mechanisms. Given the prototypic nature of ketamine research and recent progress in this area, this platform could be used to investigate entirely new classes of antidepressants with rapid and robust actions.
Individual and collective impact of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae in patients admitted to the ICU
Authors: Kernéis Solen , Lucet Jean Christophe , Santoro Antonella , Meschiari Marianna
Published: November 2020

KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) raises major concerns in the context of intensive care, owing to limited treatment options and the ability to cause outbreaks in this specific setting. The objectives of this review are to give an overview of the burden of KPC-Kp in ICU patients and to discuss methodological issues and limitations regarding the quality of data available. Robust and reliable assessment of the KPC-Kp impact in the ICU should take into consideration not only characteristics of the individuals, but also of the health systems including length of stay, costs and hospital organization issues. Estimates of mortality reported in the current literature are weakened by the poor quality of adjustment for age-specific risks, co-morbidities, and appropriateness of therapy. All these confounding factors should be taken into account in models, with consideration of control groups and competing risks that is currently lacking in the published literature. Since development of antibiotic resistance is an unstoppable phenomenon and economic and human resources are facing progressive limitations due to budget constraints, cost-saving strategies targeted to avoid ICU closure, temporary limitation of admissions or delayed hospital discharge are necessary. The early identification of KPC-Kp-colonized patients through active screening strategies is likely to be the cornerstone of such a cost-saving strategy. However, there are still many open issues concerning which of these strategies are the most effective. Owing to extreme heterogeneity and several methodological flaws in current publications, future studies investigating the long-term sequelae and economic impact of KPC-Kp in the ICU are urgently needed.
Male Linked Genomic Region Determines Sex in DioeciousAmaranthus palmeri
Authors: Neves Cátia José , Matzrafi Maor , Thiele Meik , Lorant Anne , Mesgaran Mohsen B , Stetter Markus G
Published: November 2020

Dioecy, the separation of reproductive organs on different individuals, has evolved repeatedly in different plant families. Several evolutionary paths to dioecy have been suggested, but the mechanisms behind sex determination is not well understood. The diploid dioecious Amaranthus palmeri represents a well-suited model system to study sex determination in plants. Despite the agricultural importance of the species, the genetic control and evolutionary state of dioecy in A. palmeri is currently unknown. Early cytogenetic experiments did not identify heteromorphic chromosomes. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing of male and female pools from 2 independent populations to elucidate the genetic control of dioecy in A. palmeri. Read alignment to a close monoecious relative and allele frequency comparisons between male and female pools did not reveal significant sex-linked genes. Consequently, we employed an alignment-free k-mer comparison which enabled us to identify a large number of male-specific k-mers. We assembled male-specific contigs comprising a total of almost 2 Mb sequence, proposing a XY sex-determination system in the species. We were able to identify the potential Y chromosome in the A. palmeri draft genome sequence as 90% of our male-specific sequence aligned to a single scaffold. Based on our findings, we suggest an intermediate evolutionary state of dioecy with a young Y chromosome in A. palmeri. Our findings give insight into the evolution of sex chromosomes in plants and may help to develop sustainable strategies for weed management.
Soil microbes weaken the positive effect of an aquatic–terrestrial subsidy on plant performance
Authors: Garcia Alejandra B , Locke Hannah , Crawford Kerri M
Published: November 2020

Aims

Linkages formed through aquatic–terrestrial subsidies can play an important role in structuring communities and mediating ecosystem functions. Aquatic–terrestrial subsidies may be especially important in nutrient-poor ecosystems, such as the freshwater sand dunes surrounding Lake Michigan. Adult midges emerge from Lake Michigan in the spring, swarm to mate and die. Their carcasses form mounds at the base of plants, where they may increase plant productivity through their nutrient inputs. However, the effect of aquatic–terrestrial subsidies on plant productivity could depend on other biotic interactions. In particular, soil microbes might play a key role in facilitating the conversion of nutrients to plant-available forms or competing for the nutrients with plants.

Methods

In a greenhouse experiment, we tested how carcasses from lake emergent midges (Chironomidae) and soil microbes independently and interactively influenced the performance of a common dune grass, Calamovilfa longifolia. To determine whether midges influenced abiotic soil properties, we measured how midge additions influenced soil nutrients and soil moisture.

Important Findings

Midges greatly increased plant biomass, while soil microbes influenced the magnitude of this effect. In the absence of soil microbes plant biomass was seven times greater with midges than without midges. However, in the presence of soil microbes, plant biomass was only three times greater. The effect of midges might be driven by their nutrient inputs into the soil, as midges contained 100 times more N, 10 times more P and 150 times more K than dune soils did. Our results suggest that soil microbes may be competing with plants for these nutrients. In sum, we found that midges can be an important aquatic–terrestrial subsidy that produces strong, positive effects on plant productivity along the shorelines of Lake Michigan, but that the impact of aquatic–terrestrial subsidies must be considered within the context of the complex interactions that take place within ecological communities.
Pilot Executive Functioning Intervention in Epilepsy: Behavioral and Quality of Life Outcomes
Authors: Modi Avani C , Mara Constance A , Schmidt Matthew , Smith Aimee W , Turnier Luke , Wade Shari L
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine changes in emotional and behavioral functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following a web-based executive functioning (EF) intervention open pilot trial (e.g., Epilepsy Journey) for adolescents with epilepsy.

Methods

Adolescents with an established diagnosis of epilepsy, EF deficits, and without developmental disorders participated in a single-arm trial of Epilepsy Journey. Epilepsy Journey is a gamified, online learning environment comprised of 10 learning modules targeting EF deficits (e.g., working memory, organization) and tailored to epilepsy with accompanying telehealth problem-solving sessions. Adolescents completed questionnaires assessing emotional and behavioral functioning and HRQOL at baseline, posttreatment, and 2 follow-ups . Longitudinal mixed models and logistic regression analyses were used for these secondary analyses.

Results

39 adolescents were recruited for Epilepsy Journey (Mage=15.3 years; 67% female; 87% White: Non-Hispanic; 39% experienced seizures in the past 3 months). Preliminary data indicate significant improvements in caregiver-reported Externalizing symptoms, Behavioral Symptom Index scores and Adaptive Skills from baseline to 5-month follow-up. Significant improvements were observed for caregiver-reported Mood/Behavior and self-reported Impact, Cognitive Functioning, Executive Functioning, and Sleep subscales of the PedsQL Epilepsy Module. Clinically significant improvements (e.g., clinical/at-risk to normative levels) in behavioral and quality of life domains were also noted.

Conclusion

Epilepsy Journey appears to contribute to changes in emotional and behavioral functioning and HRQOL in adolescents with epilepsy. Given the proof of concept trial format of this study, an important future direction is to conduct a randomized controlled trial with a larger, generalizable cohort of adolescents with epilepsy.
Machine learning a model for RNA structure prediction
Authors: Calonaci Nicola , Jones Alisha , Cuturello Francesca , Sattler Michael , Bussi Giovanni
Published: November 2020

RNA function crucially depends on its structure. Thermodynamic models currently used for secondary structure prediction rely on computing the partition function of folding ensembles, and can thus estimate minimum free-energy structures and ensemble populations. These models sometimes fail in identifying native structures unless complemented by auxiliary experimental data. Here, we build a set of models that combine thermodynamic parameters, chemical probing data (DMS and SHAPE) and co-evolutionary data (direct coupling analysis) through a network that outputs perturbations to the ensemble free energy. Perturbations are trained to increase the ensemble populations of a representative set of known native RNA structures. In the chemical probing nodes of the network, a convolutional window combines neighboring reactivities, enlightening their structural information content and the contribution of local conformational ensembles. Regularization is used to limit overfitting and improve transferability. The most transferable model is selected through a cross-validation strategy that estimates the performance of models on systems on which they are not trained. With the selected model we obtain increased ensemble populations for native structures and more accurate predictions in an independent validation set. The flexibility of the approach allows the model to be easily retrained and adapted to incorporate arbitrary experimental information.
Tracing and tracking epiallele families in complex DNA populations
Authors: Pezone Antonio , Tramontano Alfonso , Scala Giovanni , Cuomo Mariella , Riccio Patrizia , De Nicola Sergio , Porcellini Antonio , Chiariotti Lorenzo , Avvedimento Enrico V
Published: November 2020

DNA methylation is a stable epigenetic modification, extremely polymorphic and driven by stochastic and deterministic events. Most of the current techniques used to analyse methylated sequences identify methylated cytosines (mCpGs) at a single-nucleotide level and compute the average methylation of CpGs in the population of molecules. Stable epialleles, i.e. CpG strings with the same DNA sequence containing a discrete linear succession of phased methylated/non-methylated CpGs in the same DNA molecule, cannot be identified due to the heterogeneity of the 5′–3′ ends of the molecules. Moreover, these are diluted by random unstable methylated CpGs and escape detection. We present here MethCoresProfiler, an R-based tool that provides a simple method to extract and identify combinations of methylated phased CpGs shared by all components of epiallele families in complex DNA populations. The methylated cores are stable over time, evolve by acquiring or losing new methyl sites and, ultimately, display high information content and low stochasticity. We have validated this method by identifying and tracing rare epialleles and their families in synthetic or in vivo complex cell populations derived from mouse brain areas and cells during postnatal differentiation. MethCoresProfiler is written in R language. The software is freely available at https://github.com/84AP/MethCoresProfiler/.
New developments in neurofibromatosis type 2 and vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Ren Yin , Chari Divya A , Vasilijic Sasa , Welling D Bradley , Stankovic Konstantina M
Published: November 2020

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of multiple nervous system tumors due to mutation in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. The hallmark feature of the NF2 syndrome is the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS). Although there is nearly 100% penetrance by 60 years of age, some patients suffer from a severe form of the disease and develop multiple tumors at an early age, while others are asymptomatic until later in life. Management options for VS include surgery, stereotactic radiation, and observation with serial imaging; however, currently, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for NF2 or VS. Recent advancements in the molecular biology underlying NF2 have led to a better understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of VS. These novel signaling pathways may be used to identify targeted therapies for these tumors. This review discusses the clinical features and treatment options for sporadic- and NF2-associated VS, the diagnostic and screening criteria, completed and ongoing clinical trials, quality of life metrics, and opportunities for future research.
Extreme heat and paediatric emergency department visits in Southwestern Ontario
Authors: Wilk Piotr , Gunz Anna , Maltby Alana , Ravichakaravarthy Tharsha , Clemens Kristin K , Lavigne Éric , Lim Rodrick , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana Maria
Published: November 2020

Objective

The risk of adverse health events is expected to increase with hotter temperatures, particularly among the most vulnerable groups such as elderly persons and children. The objective of this study was to assess the association between extreme heat and daily emergency department visits among children (0 to 17 years) in Southwestern Ontario.

Methods

We examined the average maximum temperature, relative humidity, and daily paediatric emergency department visits in June through August of 2002 to 2019. We reviewed emergency department visits from two academic hospitals. Daily meteorological data from the local weather station were obtained from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Results

Extreme heat, defined as the 99th percentile of the maximum temperature distribution, occurred at 33.1°C and was associated with an overall 22% increase in emergency department visits, compared to the reference temperature of 21°C. This association was mostly found between the second and fifth day after the exposure, suggesting a slightly delayed effect. The results of the sub-group analysis indicate that the risk of an emergency department visit due to infectious disease increases by 35% and the most pronounced association was noted in children aged 1 to 12 years.

Conclusions

Extreme heat is associated with an increased incidence of emergency department visits in children. As temperatures continue to increase, strategies to mitigate heat-related health risks among children should be developed.
Fiscal Rules as Bargaining Chips
Authors: Piguillem Facundo , Riboni Alessandro
Published: November 2020

Most fiscal rules can be overridden by consensus. We show that this does not make them ineffectual. Since fiscal rules determine the outside option in case of disagreement, the opposition uses them as “bargaining chips” to obtain spending concessions. We show that under some conditions this political bargain mitigates the debt-accumulation problem. We analyse various rules and find that when political polarization is high, harsh fiscal rules (e.g. government shutdown) maximize the opposition’s bargaining power and lead to lower debt accumulation. When polarization is low, less strict fiscal limits (e.g. balanced-budget rule) are preferable. Moreover, we find that the optimal fiscal rules could arise in equilibrium by negotiation. Finally, by insuring against power fluctuations, negotiable rules yield higher welfare than hard ones.
Elevated serum gasdermin D N-terminal implicates monocyte and macrophage pyroptosis in adult-onset Still's disease
Authors: Nagai Hideto , Kirino Yohei , Nakano Hiroto , Kunishita Yosuke , Henmi Riko , Szymanski Ann Marie , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Ombrello Michael J , Nakajima Hideaki
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Elevation of serum IL-18 in adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) and systemic JIA (sJIA) suggests the role of the inflammasome in these diseases. Gasdermin D is a pore-forming protein playing central roles in inflammasome-mediated inflammation, but its role in rheumatic disease is unknown. We aimed to elucidate the auto-inflammatory mechanisms in AOSD and sJIA.

Methods

Patients with AOSD, sJIA, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and Behçet's disease followed at Yokohama City University (YCU), or US National Institutes of Health (NIH) were included in the study. Disease activity was evaluated by the modified Pouchot score. Ferritin and N-terminal gasdermin D levels in serum and culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. Primary monocytes (Mo) were stimulated with GM-CSF or M-CSF and differentiated into M1 macrophages (Mφ) or M2Mφ, respectively. The number of Mo/Mφ and their viability were monitored over time.

Results

Patients with active AOSD and sJIA had increased levels of serum gasdermin D N-terminal, which correlated with serum ferritin and IL-18 levels. Mo-derived Mφ from active AOSD patients showed reduced cell viability and increased cell death. The number of cultured Mφ cells on day nine was negatively correlated with the serum ferritin and gasdermin D levels. Higher ferritin and gasdermin D levels were observed in the M1Mφ culture supernatant of active AOSD patients. Gasdermin D inhibitors reduced the pyroptosis-mediated ferritin release in Mo.

Conclusion

Elevation of serum gasdermin D N-terminal provides evidence for inflammasome activation triggering gasdermin D-mediated Mo and Mφ pyroptosis in AOSD and possibly sJIA.
Colonization and Movement of Green Fluorescent Protein-LabeledClavibacter nebraskensisin Maize
Authors: Mullens Alexander , Jamann Tiffany M.
Published: November 2020

Clavibacter nebraskensis causes Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight, a major disease of maize. Infected crop residue is the primary inoculum source and infection can occur via wounds or natural openings, such as stomata or hydathodes. The use of resistant hybrids is the primary control method for Goss’s wilt. In this study, colonization and movement patterns of C. nebraskensis during infection were examined using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled bacterial strains. We successfully introduced a plasmid to C. nebraskensis via electroporation, which resulted in GFP accumulation. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that in the absence of wounding, bacteria colonize leaf tissue via entry through the hydathodes when guttation droplets are present. Stomatal penetration was not observed under natural conditions. Bacteria initially colonize the xylem and subsequently the mesophyll, which creates the freckles that are characteristic of the disease. Bacteria infiltrated into the mesophyll did not cause disease symptoms, could not enter the vasculature, and did not spread from the initial inoculation point. Bacteria were observed exuding through stomata onto the leaf surface, resulting in the characteristic sheen of diseased leaves. Resistant maize lines exhibited decreased bacterial spread in the vasculature and the mesophyll. These tools to examine C. nebraskensis movement offer opportunities and new insights into the pathogenesis process and can form the basis for improved Goss’s wilt management through host resistance.
Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae Isolates and Their Co-occurrence with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Causing Cotton Wilt in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wagner Tanya A. , Gu Aixing , Duke Sara E. , Bell Alois A. , Magill Clint , Liu Jinggao
Published: November 2020

Cotton production in Xinjiang, the largest cotton-producing area in China, has an increasingly serious disease threat from Verticillium dahliae. Eighty-five V. dahliae isolates were obtained from wilted cotton plants collected from eight counties in Xinjiang. The isolates were assessed for genotypic diversity by DNA sequence analysis and PCR molecular genotyping with specific markers for race 1, race 2, defoliating (D) pathotype, nondefoliating (ND) pathotype, and mating type idiomorph Mat1-2. Isolates belonged to lineages 1A or 2B, with three subgenotypes found in each lineage. All isolates tested positive for race 2 and Mat1-2 markers. All isolates in lineage 2B tested positive for the ND pathotype marker but only isolates in the major subgenotype in lineage 1A tested positive for the D pathotype marker. Pathogenicity assays on Gossypium hirsutum ‘Acala 44’ demonstrated no significant difference among subgenotypes within each lineage. Isolates in lineage 1A caused greater shoot weight reductions, percent leaf drop, and percent diseased leaves than isolates in lineage 2B. One isolate in each lineage for 1A and 2B was avirulent. Isolates in lineage 1A caused greater than 50% leaf drop and a 17-g shoot weight reduction compared with a 9% leaf drop and a 6-g shoot weight reduction by isolates in lineage 2B. Overall, 42% of the V. dahliae isolates from Xinjiang were D pathotype but the percentage varied widely among locations. Two plants had both pathotypes. Nineteen isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum VCG0114 (race 4) also were recovered from wilted plants in Xinjiang. Two plants had both Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt pathogens. Both pathogens should be considered when using or developing wilt resistant or tolerant materials for Xinjiang.
Reduced Parasympathetic Activity in Patients With Different Types of Congenital Heart Disease and Associations to Exercise Capacity
Authors: Fritz Celina , Hock Julia , Oberhoffer Renate , Hager Alfred , Ewert Peter , Müller Jan
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Current research indicates an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) pathway activities in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure to quantify activities of the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches. This study evaluated the parasympathetic activity by means of HRV in patients with CHD, regarding diagnostic subgroups and CHD severity, and the association to exercise capacity.

Methods:

From July 2016 to August 2018, a total of 222 patients with different types of CHD (28.4 ± 10.1 yr; 44% female) received breathing-controlled HRV measurement in the supine position. Based on 130 adjacent heartbeats, the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), a parasympathetic activity surrogate was estimated and log-transformed. Additionally, all patients underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test. For comparison, a control group (CG) of 57 (29.0 ± 7.1 yr; 61% female) healthy volunteers was recruited.

Results:

Patients with CHD exhibited reduced parasympathetic activity in comparison to the CG (lnRMSSD CHD: 3.55 ± 0.57 ms vs CG: 3.93 ± 0.55 ms; P < .001), with the lowest parasympathetic activity in patients with Fontan circulation (3.07 ± 0.54 ms; P < .001). Complex CHD (3.40 ± 0.54 ms) had worse values compared with patients with simple (3.87 ± 0.55 ms; P < .001) and moderate severity (3.74 ± 0.54 ms; P < .001). Better parasympathetic activity in CHD patients was associated with increased exercise capacity (r = 0.322; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Impaired parasympathetic activity suggests limited function of the ANS in patients with CHD. Further studies should focus on the association of exercise capacity and ANS to possibly improve parasympathetic activity and functional outcomes.
Daily Step Counts in Participants With and Without Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Gardner Andrew W. , Montgomery Polly S. , Wang Ming , Shen Biyi , Casanegra Ana I. , Silva-Palacios Federico , Zhang Shangming , Pomilla William A. , Esponda Omar L. , Kuroki Marcos
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

We compared the prevalence of participants with and without symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) who met the goals of attaining >7000 and 10 000 steps/d, and we determined whether PAD status was significantly associated with meeting the daily step count goals before and after adjusting for demographic variables, comorbid conditions, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods:

Participants with PAD (n = 396) and without PAD (n = 396) were assessed on their walking for 7 consecutive days with a step activity monitor.

Results:

The PAD group took significantly fewer steps/d than the non-PAD control group (6722 ± 3393 vs. 9475 ± 4110 steps/d; P < .001). Only 37.6% and 15.7% of the PAD group attained the goals of walking >7000 and 10 000 steps/d, respectively, whereas 67.9% and 37.4% of the control group attained these goals (P < .001 for each goal). Having PAD was associated with a 62% lower chance of attaining 7000 steps/d than compared with the control group (OR = 0.383; 95% CI, 0.259-0.565; P < .001), and a 55% lower chance of attaining 10 000 steps/d (OR = 0.449; 95% CI, 0.282-0.709; P < .001). Significant covariates (P < .01) included age, current smoking, diabetes, and body mass index.

Conclusions:

Participants with symptomatic PAD had a 29% lower daily step count compared with age- and sex-matched controls, and were less likely to attain the 7000 and 10 000 steps/d goals. Additionally, participants who were least likely to meet the 7000 and 10 000 daily step count recommendations included those who were older, currently smoked, had diabetes, and had higher body mass index.
Prevalence of target anaerobes associated with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Alazemi Ameerah M. , Jamal W. , Al Khabbaz A. , Rotimi V. O.
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Periodontal diseases are a group of chronic infections that destroy tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Data on the anaerobes associated with periodontal infections in Kuwait is lacking.

Aim. To investigate the target anaerobes associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) in patients admitted to Dental Clinics in Kuwait University Health Sciences Center, Kuwait.

Methodology. Patients with CP (severe and moderate) were recruited into this study during a period of 15 months. Samples were collected directly from inside the gingival pockets and subjected to semi-quantitative PCR assays.

Results. A total of 30 patients, stratified into moderate and severe CP and 31 healthy individuals, used as controls, were studied. Nine (30 %) of the 30 patients were in the 50–59-year age group. The detection rate of

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

between the patients (9 : 30 %) versus the controls (5 : 16.1 %) was non-significant (P >0.05).

Fusobacterium

spp., were detected in all patients versus 29 (93.1 %) controls, (P >0.05). However, four target anaerobes were significantly associated with CP patients;

Porphyromonas gingivalis

was detected in ten (33.3 %) patients versus two (6.4 %) controls (P <0.0001);

Tannerella forsythia

25 (83.3 %) versus 16 (51.6 %) controls (P <0.0001);

Parvimonas micra

27 (90 %) versus 16 (51.6 %) controls (P <0.0001) and Treponema denticola, 18 (60 %) versus nine (29 %) controls (P <0.0001), respectively.

Prevotella

spp. were detected in 27 (90 %) patients and 30 (96.7 %) controls (P>0.5). There was no significant difference in the burden of

Prevotella

spp. between patients and controls determined by semi-quantitative PCR assays.

Conclusion. Some (4/7) of the target anaerobes were significantly associated with CP in our study.

P. gingivalis

was the most strongly associated anaerobe with CP, although not the keystone bacteria, while

Prevotella

spp. was similar to the healthy controls.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG in healthcare workers and other staff at North Bristol NHS Trust: a sociodemographic analysis
Authors: Jones Christopher R. , Hamilton Fergus W. , Thompson Ameeka , Morris Tim T. , Moran Ed
Published: November 2020

Structured summary

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are limited data exploring the relative impact of geographical and socioeconomic factors on risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs.

Aim

To estimate and explore SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody seroprevalence in HCWs and support staff at a hospital in South West England.

Methods

We conducted a nested cross-sectional study from May-July 2020. Inverse probability weighted regression was used to estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associations with demographic and socioeconomic risk factors that were robust to selection into testing.

Findings

Attendance for testing varied by demographic and socioeconomic factors. The overall rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among tested staff was 9.3% (638/6858). The highest seroprevalence was found in wards associated with SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and among junior staff with patient-facing roles. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff had increased odds of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence (adjusted OR: 1.99, 95%CI: 1.69, 2.34; p<0.001) relative to White staff, except for those categorised as Medical/Dental. We found a significant association between neighbourhood deprivation and seroprevalence (p<0.01). Seroprevalence ranged from 12% in staff residing in areas with the greatest relative deprivation to 8.4% in the least deprived.

Conclusion

Transmission between staff groups is evident within the healthcare setting. BAME individuals were at increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Work role, area of residence, and neighbourhood deprivation all contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. As hospitals introduce routine staff SARS-CoV-2 testing they should consider differential uptake of testing among staff groups.
A Microbial Signature Following Bariatric Surgery is Robustly Consistent Across Multiple Cohorts
Authors: Fouladi Farnaz , Carroll Ian M. , Sharpton Thomas J. , Bulik-Sullivan Emily , Heinberg Leslie , Steffen Kristine , Fodor Anthony A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Bariatric surgery induces significant shifts in the gut microbiota which could potentially contribute to weight loss and metabolic benefits. The aim of this study was to characterize a microbial signature following Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery using novel and existing gut microbiota sequence data.

Results

We generated 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequences from fecal samples from patients undergoing RYGB surgery (n = 61 for 16S rRNA gene and n = 135 for metagenomics). We compared these data with three smaller publicly available 16S rRNA gene and one metagenomic datasets from patients who also underwent RYGB surgery. Mixed linear models and machine learning approaches were used to examine the presence of a common microbial signature across studies. Comparison of our new sequences with previous longitudinal studies revealed strikingly similar profiles in both fecal microbiota composition (r = 0.41 ± 0.10; p < 0.05) and metabolic pathways (r = 0.70 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) early after surgery across multiple datasets. Machine learning approaches revealed that the replicable gut microbiota signature associated with RYGB surgery could be used to discriminate pre- and post-surgical samples. Opportunistic pathogen abundance also increased post-surgery in a consistent manner across cohorts.

Conclusion

Our study reveals a robust microbial signature involving many commensal and pathogenic taxa and metabolic pathways early after RYGB surgery across different studies and sites. Characterization of the effects of this robust microbial signature on outcomes of bariatric surgery could provide insights into the development of microbiome-based interventions for predicting or improving outcomes following surgery.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, numberNCT03065426. Registered 27 February 2017,https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03065426
Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among government employees in Ethiopia
Authors: Deressa Wakgari , Worku Alemayehu , Amogne Wondwosson , Getachew Sefonias , Kifle Awgichew , Abebe Workeabeba
Published: November 2020

Background

In the absence of effective treatments or vaccines, the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can be minimized by effectively implementing preventive measures. Knowledge and perceptions of the public about COVID-19 play a critical role in behavioral changes. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 as well as source of information about the disease among government employees.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 1,573 government employees from 46 public institutions located in Addis Ababa was undertaken from 8th to 19th June 2020. Paper-based self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. ANOVA test and t-test were used to assess the difference between groups.

Results

The respondents demonstrated very high knowledge of the cause of COVID-19 (93%), its main clinical symptoms (>90%), the main modes of transmission (89%), the main preventive measures (>90%). Almost all respondents reported that people with recent travel history (86.8%) or people who had contact with COVID-19 patients (93.5%) were the high-risk groups to be infected with coronavirus. In addition, more than half (50.9%) of the study participants reported that people without travel history nor had contact with confirmed cases are also most likely to be infected with the virus. About 84% of the respondents perceived that older adults and elderly were most at risk to die from COVID-19. Similarly, the majority of the respondents reported that adults with other underlying health problems (95.4%), cigarette smokers (88.1%) and substance users (87.5%) were more likely to die from the disease. An electronic media such as television (85.5%), social media (74.1%), online materials (71.1%) and radio (60.8%) constituted the primary sources of information about COVID-19, followed by healthcare workers (66.6%) and print materials (35.4%). Television (32.2%) and health workers (30.5%) constituted the most trusted sources of information related to COVID-19.

Conclusions

This study has showed higher level of knowledge and favorable perception among respondents about COVID-19. Knowledge and perceptions have great roles in behavioral change and efforts should be focused on improving the perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits of preventive behavioral changes by providing timely and adequate information.
Lateral habenula mediates defensive responses only when threat and safety memories are in conflict
Authors: Velazquez-Hernandez Geronimo , Sotres-Bayon Francisco
Published: November 2020

Survival depends on the ability to adaptively react or execute actions based on previous aversive salient experiences. Although lateral habenula (LHb) activity has been broadly implicated in the regulation of aversively motivated responses, it is not clear under which conditions this brain structure is necessary to regulate defensive responses to a threat. To address this issue, we combined pharmacological inactivations with behavioral tasks that involve aversive and appetitive events and evaluated defensive responses in rats. We found that LHb pharmacological inactivation did not affect cued threat and extinction learning and memory, anxiety-like or reward-seeking behaviors. Surprisingly, we found that LHb inactivation abolished reactive defensive responses (tone-elicited freezing) only when threat (conditioning) and safety memories (extinction and latent inhibition) compete. Consistently, we found that LHb inactivation impaired active defensive responses (platform-mediated avoidance), thereby biasing choice behavior (between avoiding a threat or approaching food) towards reward-seeking responses. Together, our findings suggest that LHb activity mediates defensive responses only when guided by competing threat and safety memories, consequently revealing a previously uncharacterized role for LHb in experience-dependent emotional conflict.
An Agent-based model of the gradual emergence of modern linguistic complexity
Authors: Ruland Marcel , Andirkó Alejandro , Romanowska Iza , Boeckx Cedric
Published: November 2020

A central question in the evolution of human language is whether it emerged as a result of one specific event or from a mosaic-like constellation of different phenomena and their interactions. Three potential processes have been identified by recent research as the potentialprimum mobilefor the origins of modern linguistic complexity:Self-domestication, characterized by a reduction in reactive aggression and often associated with a gracilization of the face; changes in early brain development manifested byglobularizationof the skull; anddemographic expansionofH. sapiensduring the Middle Pleistocene. We developed an agent-based model to investigate how these three factors influence transmission of information within a population. Our model shows that there is an optimal degree of both hostility and mental capacity at which the amount of transmitted information is the largest. It also shows that linguistic communities formed within the population are strongest under circumstances where individuals have high levels of cognitive capacity available for information processing and there is at least a certain degree of hostility present. In contrast, we find no significant effects related to population size.
Tracking and predicting the African COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ssentongo Paddy , Fronterre Claudio , Geronimo Andrew , Greybush Steven J. , Mbabazi Pamela K. , Muvawala Joseph , Nahalamba Sarah B. , Omadi Philip O. , Opar Bernard T. , Sinnar Shamim A. , Wang Yan , Whalen Andrew J. , Held Leonhard , Jewell Chris , Muwanguzi Abraham J. B. , Greatrex Helen , Norton Michael M. , Diggle Peter , Schiff Steven J.
Published: November 2020

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is heterogeneous throughout Africa and threatening millions of lives. Surveillance and short-term modeling forecasts are critical to provide timely information for decisions on control strategies. We use a model that explains the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic over time in the entire African continent, parameterized by socioeconomic and geoeconomic variations and the lagged effects of social policy and meteorological history. We observed the effect of the human development index, containment policies, testing capacity, specific humidity, temperature and landlocked status of countries on the local within-country and external between-country transmission. One week forecasts of case numbers from the model were driven by the quality of the reported data. Seeking equitable behavioral and social interventions, balanced with coordinated country-specific strategies in infection suppression, should be a continental priority to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.
Developing services for long Covid: lessons from a study of wounded healers
Authors: Ladds Emma , Rushforth Alex , Wieringa Sietse , Taylor Sharon , Rayner Clare , Husain Laiba , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: November 2020

Persistent symptoms lasting longer than 3 weeks are thought to affect 10-20% of patients following Covid 19 infection. No formal guidelines exist in the United Kingdom for treating ‘long Covid’ patients and services are sporadic and variable, although additional funding is promised for their development.

In this study narrative interviews and focus groups are used to explore the lived experience of 43 healthcare professionals with long Covid. These individuals see the healthcare system from both professional and patient perspectives thus represent an important wealth of expertise to inform service design.

We present a set of co-designed quality standards highlighting equity and ease of access, minimal patient care burden, clinical responsibility, a multidisciplinary and evidence-based approach, and patient involvement and apply these to propose a potential care pathway model that could be adapted and translated to improve care of long Covid patients.

Summary box

What is known?

▪

Persistent symptoms (“long Covid”) occur after Covid-19 in 10-20% of sufferers

▪

Services to manage and rehabilitate patients with long Covid are not yet optimal

▪

UK healthcare workers experience at least a threefold greater risk of Covid-19 infection and face significant occupational exposure

▪

Healthcare workers with long Covid can offer important insights into service design and development

What is the question?

▪

What are the experiences of healthcare workers with long Covid and what are the implications from these for service development?

What was found

▪

Healthcare workers experienced a confusing novel condition that imposed high levels of uncertainty and a significant personal and professional impact.

▪

Using professional contacts, patient- and professional Mindlines, support groups and Communities of Practice all helped to minimize this uncertainty and high quality therapeutic relationships were essential to cope with it.

▪

Many experienced a lack of compassion during interactions with the healthcare system and were frustrated by challenges accessing, or absence of, appropriate services.

▪

Suggestions for improvement included an integrated, multi-disciplinary assessment and rehabilitation service; a set of clinical quality standards; and co-created research and service development.

What is the implication for practice now?

▪

This study supports and extends the principles outlined in recently-developed NHS long Covid quality standards and will inform and support design of dedicated long Covid services.