bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Anxiety and New Organ Failure, Independently of Critical Illness Severity and Respiratory Status: A Prospective Multicentric Cohort Study
Authors: Mazeraud Aurélien , Polito Andrea , Sivanandamoorthy Sivanthiny , Porcher Raphaël , Heming Nicholas , Stoclin Annabelle , Hissem Tarik , Antona Marion , Blot François , Gaillard Raphaël , Chrétien Fabrice , Annane Djillali , Bozza Fernando A. B. , Siami Shidasp , Sharshar Tarek ,   the Groupe d’Explorations Neurologiques en Réanimation (GENER)
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

Anxiety results from the anticipation of a threat and might be associated with poor outcome in the critically ill. This study aims at showing that anxiety at admission in critically ill patients is associated with new organ failure over the first 7 days of ICU hospitalization independently of baseline organ failure at admission.

Design:

Prospective multicenter cohort study.

Setting:

Three mixed ICU from April 2014 to December 2017.

Patients:

Coma-, delirium-, and invasive mechanical ventilation-free patients admitted to the ICU were included.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

“State anxiety” was assessed using the state component of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State. Severity of illness was measured using Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. Primary endpoint was a composite of occurrence of death or new organ failure in the first 7 days after admission. Three hundred ninety-one patients were included; 159 of 391 women (40.7%); median age 63 years (49–74 yr); median Simplified Acute Physiology Score II 28 (19–37). Two hundred three out of 391 patients (51.9%) reported moderate to severe anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State ≥ 40). One hundred two out of 391 patients (26.1%) developed a new organ failure. After adjustment to Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State greater than or equal to 40 was associated with the primary endpoint (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.18–3.18; p = 0.009) and respiratory failure. In post hoc analysis, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State greater than or equal to 40 was associated with new organ failure independently and notably of respiratory status at admission (dyspnea-Visual Analogic Scale and Paco
2 ≥ 45 mm Hg).

Conclusions:

Moderate to severe anxiety at ICU admission is associated with early occurrence of new organ failure in critically ill patients, independently of respiratory status and severity of critical illness. The causality link could be addressed in an interventional trial.
Modifiable Risk Factors and Mortality From Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes in Patients Receiving Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Results From the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry
Authors: Cho Sung-Min , Canner Joe , Chiarini Giovanni , Calligy Kate , Caturegli Giorgio , Rycus Peter , Barbaro Ryan P. , Tonna Joseph , Lorusso Roberto , Kilic Ahmet , Choi Chun Woo , Ziai Wendy , Geocadin Romergryko , Whitman Glenn
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

Although acute brain injury is common in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, little is known regarding the mechanism and predictors of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. We aimed to determine the risk factors and outcomes of each ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Setting:

Data reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization by 310 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers from 2013 to 2017.

Patients:

Patients more than 18 years old supported with a single run of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Of 10,342 venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients, 401 (3.9%) experienced ischemic stroke and 229 (2.2%) experienced hemorrhagic stroke. Reported acute brain injury during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decreased from 10% to 6% in 5 years. Overall in-hospital mortality was 56%, but rates were higher when ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were present (76% and 86%, respectively). In multivariable analysis, lower pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH (adjusted odds ratio, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.09–0.49; p < 0.001), higher PO2 on first day of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02; p = 0.009), higher rates of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit mechanical failure (adjusted odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02–1.74; p = 0.03), and renal replacement therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.14–1.94; p = 0.004) were independently associated with ischemic stroke. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.16–2.22; p = 0.004), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.03; p = 0.02), renal replacement therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.30–2.52; p < 0.001), and hemolysis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.11–3.16; p = 0.02) were independently associated with hemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions:

Despite a decrease in the prevalence of acute brain injury in recent years, mortality rates remain high when ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are present. Future research is necessary on understanding the timing of associated risk factors to promote prevention and management strategy.
Adverse cardiac events in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with programmed death-1and programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors
Authors: Li Honglin , Han Deting , Feng Xiaoteng , Yu Wenjun , Xu Tongtong , Ma Tao , Song Lucheng
Published: August 2020

Background:

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are immune therapies that have shown great promise in the treatment of multiple cancers. However, immune-related adverse events of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors may limit their use in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Given the rising number of clinical trials in recent years, it is essential to perform a meta-analysis to provide assess the cardiotoxicity of PD-1/ PD-L1 inhibitors in NSCLC therapy.

Method and analysis:

The ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials repositories will be searched from their inception to December 2019. The bibliography of the searching process will be imported into Endnote X9 software. Two reviewers independently will screen the literature, extract data, and conduct the risk of bias for every added study. The data analysis will be analyzed using Stata15.0 software. Specific adverse cardiac events will be identified, with particular attention on atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, and pericarditis. This review will be performed as per the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and meta-analysis statement recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study will provide support for the cardiotoxicity linked to the treatment of NSCLC using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. The data in the meta-analysis will be retrieved from completed and published clinical trials; therefore, ethical review and patient informed consent will not be required.

PROSPERO number:

CRD42020156397.
Primary Sjögren syndrome-associated acute interstitial nephritis and type 3 renal tubular acidosis in a patient with thin basement membrane nephropathy
Authors: Du Tian , Liu Xiaohang , Ye Wei , Ye Wenling , Li Chao
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The kidney is one of the common extraglandular sites involved in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), with chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) the most common pathology type. Renal involvement in pSS often presents as chronic TIN accompanied by type 1 or 2 renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Description of renal involvement as acute TIN with type III RTA in pSS has been rarely reported.

Patient concerns:

A 37-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of dry mouth, dry eyes, and progressive muscle weakness for 17 months. Two months before admission, the patient had a blood potassium level of 1.7 mmol/L.

Diagnosis:

Further tests confirmed pSS and type III RTA. Renal biopsy demonstrated acute TIN and thin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN).

Interventions:

Full-dose corticosteroid (1 mg/kg/day) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/day) were applied.

Outcomes:

The creatinine levels of the patient decreased 0.28 mg/dL (1.18–0.90 mg/dL) during 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

We reported a patient with pSS-associated kidney injury, presenting as acute TIN with type 3 RTA and TBMN. This case increases the awareness of a rare manifestation of pSS-associated kidney injury. In pSS-associated acute TIN, cyclophosphamide combined with full-dose corticosteroids may achieve good outcomes.
Intramedullary nailing for subtrochanteric fracture in autosomal dominant Type II osteopetrosis
Authors: Kim Junyoung , Park Young Chang , Moon Hyun-Soo , Do Woo Sung , Yang Kyu Hyun
Published: August 2020

Rationale:

Autosomal dominant type II (AD II) osteopetrosis is a rare inheritable metabolic bone disease characterized by hard but brittle bone and a narrow medullary canal. Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is a difficult but attractive option for the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures in patients with AD II osteopetrosis.

Patient concerns and diagnosis:

Two patients with AD II osteopetrosis sustained subtrochanteric fractures after a fall.

Interventions:

IMN was performed through the sequential use of instruments such as a 4.9-mm drill bit, small reamer, and larger reamer for over-reaming.

Outcomes:

In the first case, IMN left some gap at the fracture site. Dynamization was performed to treat the delayed union at 6 months postoperatively. The fracture healed at 10 months after the dynamization. In the second case, IMN was successful without a gap, and the fracture healed at 8 months.

Lessons:

Although IMN is difficult to perform owing to partial obliteration of the medullary canal in AD II osteopetrosis, it can be performed with sequential widening of the medullary canal using various instruments. In addition, the fracture gap should not be left uncorrected during IMN to attain fracture union.
Revising an Organizational Readiness Tool for Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
Authors: Chavarkar Milan Gupta , Hultgren Marianne , Lommel Lisa
Published: August 2020

Background

Students conducting doctor of nursing practice (DNP) projects can experience barriers that cause delays, frustration, and poor-quality projects.

Problem

For successful initiation and timely completion of quality projects, organizational readiness for change (ORC) evaluation is essential, yet ORC tools are not currently part of most DNP project requirements and curricula.

Approach

The purpose of this project was to revise a reliable, validated ORC tool with 12 DNP student participants and evaluate its utility for DNP projects.

Outcomes

Doctor of nursing practice students completed the revised Organizational Readiness for Knowledge Translation (OR4KT)–DNP tool and rated the tool as being high in acceptability, learning, and educational impact. Students who indicated that they had complications during project initiation scored lower than their peers on the OR4KT-DNP tool and scored higher on the student survey for utility. The OR4KT-DNP tool can serve as the foundation for a successful DNP project initiation.
The Plastic Surgeon's Role in Health Equity Research and Policy
Authors: Baxter Natalie B. , Chung Kevin C.
Published: August 2020

Although a growing body of research explores the interplay of social, economic, and environmental conditions that underlie health disparities, there is no clear path forward to combat health inequity. Plastic surgeons continue to witness how changes in healthcare delivery processes, insurance coverage, and payment structures interfere with patients' access to specialty services. However, their perspectives are rarely incorporated into meaningful strategies that ensure equitable care for the diverse patient population. The goal of this article was to convey how plastic surgeons can play a more active role in the development of policies and initiatives to reduce health disparities. A greater focus on modifiable legislative, healthcare system, and provider factors is needed to catalyze progress.
How Comprehensive Are Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship Websites?
Authors: Maisner Rose S. , Babu Archana , Ayyala Haripriya S. , Ramanadham Smita
Published: August 2020

Background

Fellowship programs heavily utilize websites in the recruitment of senior residents. Studies in subspecialty areas have demonstrated deficiencies in website content; however, no study has evaluated the websites of esthetic surgery fellowships. The recent establishment of the aesthetic fellowship match in 2018 highlights the need for accessible program information.

Objective

To assess the success in accessibility of educational and recruitment content of aesthetic surgery fellowship websites for prospective applicants.

Methods

Websites of aesthetic surgery fellowships were eligible for study inclusion. Aesthetic fellowship websites (AFWs) were evaluated for content regarding fellow education and fellow recruitment. Website content was analyzed using Fisher exact test and analysis of variance.

Results

Twenty-eight programs were compiled from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website. Regarding fellowship education, 35.7% of AFWs described operative experience and research requirements, and 28.6% of AFWs included information on didactics, but less than 11% outlined rotation schedules, annual meetings, or academic conferences. None listed fellow evaluation criteria. Regarding recruitment information, 85.7% of AFWs had program descriptions, but less than 33% listed affiliated hospitals, faculty, or current fellows. Of the 67.9% of AFWs that listed eligibility criteria, none listed selection criteria. When programs were stratified by the type of aesthetic training offered, fellowships that offered whole-body aesthetic training had significantly more recruitment content (P = 0.0394) on their websites than those specializing in facial aesthetics only.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of information regarding recruitment and education on AFWs. Programs should strive to create a comprehensive website to better attract and assist residents applying for fellowship.
Trapezoid Advancement Flaps for the Treatment of Severe Upper Extremity Burn Contractures Limiting the Risk of Recurrence
Authors: Mende Konrad , Venter Tertius
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Severe postburn contractures can lead to partial or total loss of function of the limbs, with devastating socioeconomic and psychosocial impact on the individual, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We present a surgical technique for the treatment of severe burn contractures with the purpose of limiting recurrence of the contracture after surgery, which was developed based on the observation that in most burn contractures, one side of a contracture has unburnt, soft, and pliable healthy skin. By advancing this skin as a flap over the joint crease, a bridge of healthy tissue is interposed. We postulate that the pliable skin, together with the fact that secondary wound contracture progresses away from the joint in the skin-grafted areas adjacent to the flap and not over a mobile joint, promote healing, prevent skin graft breakdown, and limit recurrence of the contracture in the long term.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of all patients who have undergone surgery for severe burn contractures of elbow and axilla by means of our technique on the MV Africa Mercy between January 2013 and February 2014.

Results

In 27 patients (19 female, 8 male) with a mean age of 16.4 years, shoulder range of motion improved significantly from preoperative 111.0° to postoperative 149.4° of abduction-adduction. The elbow range of motion improved from preoperative 76.6° to postoperative 108.6° of flexion-extension, with a significant reduction in the residual elbow contracture from 60.5° preoperatively to 18.5° postoperatively. The average follow-up was 3 months (range, 1.5–7 months).

Conclusions

We conclude that this relatively simple and safe technique limits the risk for early postoperative healing complications and recurrence of the contractures in the long term.
The long-range echo scene of the sperm whale biosonar
Authors: Tønnesen Pernille , Oliveira Cláudia , Johnson Mark , Madsen Peter Teglberg
Published: August 2020

Sperm whales use their gigantic nose to produce the most powerful sounds in the animal kingdom, presumably to echolocate deep-sea prey at long ranges and possibly to debilitate prey. To test these hypotheses, we deployed sound recording tags (DTAG-4) on the tip of the nose of three sperm whales. One of these recordings yielded over 6000 echo streams from organisms detected up to 144 m ahead of the whale, supporting a long-range prey detection function of the sperm whale biosonar. The whale navigated this complex acoustic scene by maintaining a stable, long-range acoustic gaze suggesting continual resource evaluation. Less than 10% of the echoic organisms recorded by the tag were targeted for capture and only 18% of the buzzes were emitted within the 50 m depth interval of maximum organism encounter rate, demonstrating echo-guided prey selection. Buzzes were initiated more than 20 m from the prey, showing that sperm whales do not debilitate their prey with sound, but trade echo levels for reduced forward masking and rapid updates on prey location in keeping with the lower manoeuvrability of these large predators. We conclude that the powerful biosonar of sperm whales enables long-range echolocation and selection of prey, but not acoustic debilitation.
Bark water vapour conductance is associated with drought performance in tropical trees
Authors: Wolfe Brett T.
Published: August 2020

Bark water vapour conductance (
g
bark
) is a rarely considered functional trait. However, for the few tree species measured to date, it appears high enough to create stem water deficits associated with mortality during droughts, when access to water is limited. I tested whether
g
bark
correlates with stem water deficit during drought conditions in two datasets of tropical trees: one of saplings in forest understories during an annual dry season and one of potted saplings in a shadehouse during extreme drought conditions. Among all 14 populations of eight species measured,
g
bark
varied more than 10-fold (0.86–12.98 mmol m
−2
s
−1
). In the forest understories,
g
bark
was highly correlated with stem water deficit among four deciduous species, but not among evergreen species that likely maintained access to soil water. In the shadehouse,
g
bark
was positively correlated with stem water deficit and mortality among all six species. Overall, tree species with higher
g
bark
suffer higher stem water deficit when soil water is unavailable. Incorporating
g
bark
into soil–plant–atmosphere hydrodynamic models may improve projections of plant mortality under drought conditions.
Fingers zipped up or baby mittens? Two main tetrapod strategies to return to the sea
Authors: Fernández Marta S. , Vlachos Evangelos , Buono Mónica R. , Alzugaray Lucia , Campos Lisandro , Sterli Juliana , Herrera Yanina , Paolucci Florencia
Published: August 2020

The application of network methodology in anatomical structures offers new insights on the connectivity pattern of skull bones, skeletal elements and their muscles. Anatomical networks helped to improve our understanding of the water-to-land transition and how the pectoral fins were transformed into limbs via their modular disintegration. Here, we apply the same methodology to tetrapods secondarily adapted to the marine environment. We find that these animals achieved their return to the sea with four types of morphological changes, which can be grouped into two different main strategies. In all marine mammals and the majority of the reptiles, the fin is formed by the persistence of superficial and interdigital connective tissues, like a ‘baby mitten', whereas the underlying connectivity pattern of the bones does not influence the formation of the forefin. On the contrary, ichthyosaurs ‘zipped up' their fingers and transformed their digits into carpal-like elements, forming a homogeneous and better-integrated forefin. These strategies led these vertebrates into three different macroevolutionary paths exploring the possible spectrum of morphological adaptations.
Artificial mass loading disrupts stable social order in pigeon dominance hierarchies
Authors: Portugal Steven J. , Usherwood James R. , White Craig R. , Sankey Daniel W. E. , Wilson Alan M.
Published: August 2020

Dominance hierarchies confer benefits to group members by decreasing the incidences of physical conflict, but may result in certain lower ranked individuals consistently missing out on access to resources. Here, we report a linear dominance hierarchy remaining stable over time in a closed population of birds. We show that this stability can be disrupted, however, by the artificial mass loading of birds that typically comprise the bottom 50% of the hierarchy. Mass loading causes these low-ranked birds to immediately become more aggressive and rise-up the dominance hierarchy; however, this effect was only evident in males and was absent in females. Removal of the artificial mass causes the hierarchy to return to its previous structure. This interruption of a stable hierarchy implies a strong direct link between body mass and social behaviour and suggests that an individual's personality can be altered by the artificial manipulation of body mass.
Effect of yeast addition on the biogas production performance of a food waste anaerobic digestion system
Authors: Gao Ming , Zhang Shuang , Ma Xinxin , Guan Weijie , Song Na , Wang Qunhui , Wu Chuanfu
Published: August 2020

Food waste contains numerous easily degradable components, and anaerobic digestion is prone to acidification and instability. This work aimed to investigate the effect of adding yeast on biogas production performance, when substrate is added after biogas production is reduced. The results showed that the daily biogas production increased 520 and 550 ml by adding 2.0% (volatile solids; VS) of activated yeast on the 12th and 37th day of anaerobic digestion, respectively, and the gas production was relatively stable. In the control group without yeast, the increase of gas production was significantly reduced. After the second addition of substrate and yeast, biogas production only increased 60 ml compared with that before the addition. After fermentation, the biogas production of yeast group also increased by 33.2% compared with the control group. Results of the analysis of indicators, such as volatile organic acids, alkalinity and propionic acid, showed that the stability of the anaerobic digestion system of the yeast group was higher. Thus, the yeast group is highly likely to recover normal gas production when the biogas production is reduced, and substrate is added. The results provide a reference for experiments on the industrialization of continuous anaerobic digestion to take tolerable measures when the organic load of the feed fluctuates dramatically.
Albatrosses can memorize locations of predictable fishing boats but favour natural foraging
Authors: Collet Julien , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: August 2020

Human activities generate food attracting many animals worldwide, causing major conservation issues. The spatio-temporal predictability of anthropogenic resources could reduce search costs for animals and mediate their attractiveness. We investigated this through GPS tracking in breeding black-browed albatrosses attracted to fishing boats. We tested for answers to the following questions. (i) Can future boat locations be anticipated from cues available to birds? (ii) Are birds able to appropriately use these cues to increase encounters? (iii) How frequently do birds use these cues? Boats were spatially persistent: birds searching in the direction where they previously attended boats would encounter twice as many boats compared with following a random direction strategy. A large proportion of birds did not use this cue: across pairs of consecutive trips (
n
= 85), 51% of birds switched their foraging direction irrespective of previous boat encounters. Still, 15 birds (27%) were observed to closely approach (approx. 0.1–1 km) where they previously attended a boat while boats were no longer there. This is less than the distance expected by chance (approx. 10–100 km), based on permutation control procedures accounting for individual-specific spatial consistency, suggesting individuals could memorize where they encountered boats across consecutive trips. We conclude albatrosses were able to exploit predictive cues from recent boat encounters but most favoured alternative resources.
Thermal thresholds heighten sensitivity of West Nile virus transmission to changing temperatures in coastal California
Authors: Skaff Nicholas K. , Cheng Qu , Clemesha Rachel E. S. , Collender Philip A. , Gershunov Alexander , Head Jennifer R. , Hoover Christopher M. , Lettenmaier Dennis P. , Rohr Jason R. , Snyder Robert E. , Remais Justin V.
Published: August 2020

Temperature is widely known to influence the spatio-temporal dynamics of vector-borne disease transmission, particularly as temperatures vary across critical thermal thresholds. When temperature conditions exhibit such ‘transcritical variation’, abrupt spatial or temporal discontinuities may result, generating sharp geographical or seasonal boundaries in transmission. Here, we develop a spatio-temporal machine learning algorithm to examine the implications of transcritical variation for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission in the Los Angeles metropolitan area (LA). Analysing a large vector and WNV surveillance dataset spanning 2006–2016, we found that mean temperatures in the previous month strongly predicted the probability of WNV presence in pools ofCulex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes, forming distinctive inhibitory (10.0–21.0°C) and favourable (22.7–30.2°C) mean temperature ranges that bound a narrow 1.7°C transitional zone (21–22.7°C). Temperatures during the most intense months of WNV transmission (August/September) were more strongly associated with infection probability inCx. quinquefasciatuspools in coastal LA, where temperature variation more frequently traversed the narrow transitional temperature range compared to warmer inland locations. This contributed to a pronounced expansion in the geographical distribution of human cases near the coast during warmer-than-average periods. Our findings suggest that transcritical variation may influence the sensitivity of transmission to climate warming, and that especially vulnerable locations may occur where present climatic fluctuations traverse critical temperature thresholds.
Why do human and non-human species conceal mating? The cooperation maintenance hypothesis
Authors: Ben Mocha Yitzchak
Published: August 2020

Despite considerable cultural differences, a striking uniformity is argued to exist in human preferences for concealing sexual intercourse from the sensory perception of conspecifics. However, no systematic accounts support this claim, with only limited attempts to understand the selective pressures acting on the evolution of this preference. Here, I combine cross-cultural and cross-species comparative approaches to investigate these topics. First, an analysis of more than 4572 ethnographies from 249 cultures presents systematic evidence that the preference to conceal mating is widespread across cultures. Second, I argue that current anthropological hypotheses do not sufficiently explain why habitual concealment of mating evolved in humans but is only seldom exhibited by other social species. Third, I introduce the cooperation maintenance hypothesis, which postulates that humans, and a specific category of non-human species, conceal matings to prevent sexual arousal in witnesses (proximate explanation). This allows them to simultaneously maintain mating control over their partner(s) and cooperation with group members who are prevented from mating (ultimate explanations). I conclude by presenting a comparative framework and predictions to be tested across species and human cultures.
Angels in disguise: sympatric hybridization in the marine angelfishes is widespread and occurs between deeply divergent lineages
Authors: Tea Yi-Kai , Hobbs Jean-Paul A. , Vitelli Federico , DiBattista Joseph D. , Ho Simon Y. W. , Lo Nathan
Published: August 2020

Hybridization events are not uncommon in marine environments where physical barriers are attenuated. Studies of coral reef taxa have suggested that hybridization predominantly occurs between parapatric species distributed along biogeographic suture zones. By contrast, little is known about the extent of sympatric hybridization on coral reefs, despite the large amount of biogeographic overlap shared by many coral reef species. Here, we investigate if the propensity for hybridization along suture zones represents a general phenomenon among coral reef fishes, by focusing on the marine angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae). Although hybridization has been reported for this family, it has not been thoroughly surveyed, with more recent hybridization studies focusing instead on closely related species from a population genetics perspective. We provide a comprehensive survey of hybridization among the Pomacanthidae, characterize the upper limits of genetic divergences between hybridizing species and investigate the occurrence of sympatric hybridization within this group. We report the occurrence of hybridization involving 42 species (48% of the family) from all but one genus of the Pomacanthidae. Our results indicate that the marine angelfishes are among the groups of coral reef fishes with the highest incidences of hybridization, not only between sympatric species, but also between deeply divergent lineages.
How does public knowledge, attitudes and behaviours correlate in relation to COVID-19? A community-based cross-sectional study in Nepal
Authors: Devkota Hridaya Raj , Sijali Tula Ram , Bogati Ramji , Clarke Andrew , Adhikary Pratik , Karkee Rajendra
Published: August 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health emergency requiring an effective public health response including citizen’s roles in preventing spread and controlling the pandemic. Little is known about public knowledge, beliefs and behaviors in-relation to the pandemic in Nepal. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 among the general public and to identify associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May - June 2020 with a sample of 645, recruited from 26 hospitals across Nepal. We conducted telephone interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire related to KAP regarding COVID-19. T-test and one-way ANOVA was conducted to determine group differences for socio-demographic variables. Linear regression and correlational analysis were performed to identify associated factors and measure strength and direction of relationships.

Results

Overall mean scores for knowledge, attitude and practice were 11.6 (SD 4.5), 2.7 (SD 1.8), and 9.9 (SD 1.93) respectively but differed by socio-demographic characteristics. Positive but weak linear correlations were observed between knowledge-practice (r=0.19, p<0.01) and attitude-practice (r=0.08, p<0.05). The relationship between knowledge and education was fairly strong (r = 0.34, p< 0.01). Province, place of residence, ecological area, age, gender and caste/ethnicity were also significantly associated with KAP score of participants.

Conclusion

The study found varying degrees of correlation between Knowledge, Attitude and Practice that may increase as the pandemic evolves in Nepal. Knowledge and level of education had positive associations with attitude and adherence of precautionary measures. The findings suggest a need for targeted community awareness interventions for the most vulnerable populations, men, those with no school education, the elderly and people living in rural areas.
Early changes in immune cell metabolism and function are a hallmark of sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective human study
Authors: Lo Tammy , Rudge Eleanor J.M. , Chase Robert P. , Subramaniam Renuka , Heshmati Keyvan , Lucey Elizabeth M. , Weigl Alison M. , Iyoha-Bello Otatade J. , Ituah Chelsea O. , Benjamin Emily J. , McNutt Seth T. , Sathe Leena , Farnam Leanna , Raby Benjamin A. , Tavakkoli Ali , Croteau-Chonka Damien C. , Sheu Eric G.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To characterize longitudinal changes in blood biomarkers, leukocyte composition, and gene expression following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Background

LSG is an effective treatment for obesity, leading to sustainable weight loss and improvements in obesity-related co-morbidities and inflammatory profiles. However, the effects of LSG on immune function and metabolism remain uncertain.

Methods

Prospective data was collected from 23 enrolled human subjects from a single institution. Parameters of weight, co-morbidities, and trends in blood biomarkers and leukocyte subsets were observed from pre-operative baseline to one year in three-month follow-up intervals. RNA-sequencing was performed on pairs of whole blood samples from the first six subjects of the study (baseline and three months post-surgery) to identify genome-wide gene expression changes associated with undergoing LSG.

Results

LSG led to a significant decrease in mean total body weight loss (18.1%) at three months and among diabetic subjects a reduction in HbA1c. Improvements in clinical inflammatory and hormonal biomarkers were demonstrated as early as three months after LSG. A reduction in neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was observed, driven by a reduction in absolute neutrophil counts. Gene set enrichment analyses of differential whole blood gene expression demonstrated that after three months, LSG induced transcriptomic changes not only in inflammatory cytokine pathways but also in several key metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism.

Conclusions

LSG induces significant changes in the composition and metabolism of immune cells as early as three months post-operatively. Further evaluation is required of bariatric surgery’s effects on immunometabolism and consequences for host defense and metabolic disease.
Risk factors of severity in community-acquired staphylococcal pneumonia
Authors: Gillet Yves , Tristan Anne , Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Saadatian-Elahi Mitra , Bouchiat Coralie , Bes Michele , Dumitrescu Oana , Leloire Marie , Dupieux Céline , Laurent Frédéric , Lina Gérard , Etienne Jerome , Vanhems Philippe , Argaud Laurent , Vandenesch Francois ,   the PVL pneumonia study group
Published: August 2020

Background

Staphylococcus aureus causes severe forms of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), namely staphylococcal pleuropneumonia in young children and staphylococcal necrotizing pneumonia in older patients. Methicillin resistance and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin have both been associated with poor outcome in severe CAP, but their respective roles are unclear.

Methods

Prospective multicenter cohort study of severe staphylococcal CAP conducted in 77 pediatric and adult intensive care units in France between January 2011 and December 2016. Clinical features and outcomes were compared between toddlers (<3 years of age) and older patients with PVL-positive CAP; and between older patients with PVL-negative or PVL-positive CAP. Risk factors for mortality were identified using multivariate Cox regression.

Results

Of 163 included patients, aged one month to 87 years, 85 (52.1%) had PVL-positive CAP; there were 20 (12.3%) toddlers, among whom 19 (95%) had PVL-positive CAP. The features of PVL-positive CAP in toddlers matched with the historical description of staphylococcal pleuropneumonia, with a lower mortality (n = 3/19, 15%) compared to PVL-positive CAP in older patients (n=31/66, 47%). Mortality in older patients was independently predicted by PVL-positivity (hazard ratio 1.81, 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.17) and methicillin resistance (2.37, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.34). As genetic diversity was comparably high in PVL-positive and PVL-negative isolates, confounding by microbial population structure was unlikely.

Conclusion

PVL was associated with staphylococcal pleuropneumonia in toddlers and was a risk factor for mortality in older patients with severe CAP, independently of methicillin resistance. Funded by the French ministry of Health (PHRC 2010-A01132-37).
Magnitude and Dynamics of the T-Cell Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection at Both Individual and Population Levels
Authors: Snyder Thomas M. , Gittelman Rachel M. , Klinger Mark , May Damon H. , Osborne Edward J. , Taniguchi Ruth , Zahid H. Jabran , Kaplan Ian M. , Dines Jennifer N. , Noakes Matthew T. , Pandya Ravi , Chen Xiaoyu , Elasady Summer , Svejnoha Emily , Ebert Peter , Pesesky Mitchell W. , Almeida Patricia De , O’Donnell Hope , DeGottardi Quinn , Keitany Gladys , Lu Jennifer , Vong Allen , Elyanow Rebecca , Fields Paul , Greissl Julia , Baldo Lance , Semprini Simona , Cerchione Claudio , Nicolini Fabio , Mazza Massimiliano , Delmonte Ottavia M. , Dobbs Kerry , Laguna-Goya Rocio , Carreño-Tarragona Gonzalo , Barrio Santiago , Imberti Luisa , Sottini Alessandra , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia , Rossi Camillo , Biondi Andrea , Bettini Laura Rachele , D’Angio Mariella , Bonfanti Paolo , Tompkins Miranda F. , Alba Camille , Dalgard Clifton , Sambri Vittorio , Martinelli Giovanni , Goldman Jason D. , Heath James R. , Su Helen C. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Paz-Artal Estela , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Carlson Jonathan M. , Robins Harlan S.
Published: August 2020

T cells are involved in the early identification and clearance of viral infections and also support the development of antibodies by B cells. This central role for T cells makes them a desirable target for assessing the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we combined two high-throughput immune profiling methods to create a quantitative picture of the T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2. First, at the individual level, we deeply characterized 3 acutely infected and 58 recovered COVID-19 subjects by experimentally mapping their CD8 T-cell response through antigen stimulation to 545 Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I presented viral peptides (class II data in a forthcoming study). Then, at the population level, we performed T-cell repertoire sequencing on 1,815 samples (from 1,521 COVID-19 subjects) as well as 3,500 controls to identify shared “public” T-cell receptors (TCRs) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection from both CD8 and CD4 T cells. Collectively, our data reveal that CD8 T-cell responses are often driven by a few immunodominant, HLA-restricted epitopes. As expected, the T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 peaks about one to two weeks after infection and is detectable for at least several months after recovery. As an application of these data, we trained a classifier to diagnose SARSCoV-2 infection based solely on TCR sequencing from blood samples, and observed, at 99.8% specificity, high early sensitivity soon after diagnosis (Day 3–7 = 85.1% [95% CI = 79.9-89.7]; Day 8–14 = 94.8% [90.7-98.4]) as well as lasting sensitivity after recovery (Day 29+/convalescent = 95.4% [92.1-98.3]). These results demonstrate an approach to reliably assess the adaptive immune response both soon after viral antigenic exposure (before antibodies are typically detectable) as well as at later time points. This blood-based molecular approach to characterizing the cellular immune response has applications in clinical diagnostics as well as in vaccine development and monitoring.
Orange is the new white: taxonomic revision of AntarcticTritoniaspecies (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia)
Authors: Rossi Maria Eleonora , Avila Conxita , Moles Juan
Published: August 2020

Among nudibranch molluscs, the family Tritoniidae gathers taxa with unclear phylogenetic position, such as some species of the genusTritoniaCuvier, 1798. Currently, 35 valid species belong to this genus and only three of them are found in the Southern Ocean, namelyT. challengerianaBergh, 1884,T. dantartiBallesteros & Avila, 2006, andT. vorax(Odhner, 1926). In this study, we shed light on the long-term discussed systematics and taxonomy of AntarcticTritoniaspecies using morpho-anatomical and molecular techniques. Samples from the Weddell Sea and Bouvet Island were dissected and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. The three molecular markers COI, 16S, and H3 were sequenced and analysed through maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation tests clearly distinguished two species,T. challengerianaandT. dantarti, being widely-spread in the Southern Ocean, and endemic to Bouvet Island, respectively. Coloration seemed to be an unreliable character to differentiate among species since molecular data revealed both species can either have orange or white colour-morphotypes. This variability could be explained by pigment sequestration from the soft coral species they feed on. Morphological analyses reveal differences between Antarctic and Magellanic specimens ofT. challengeriana, thus, we suggest the resurrection ofT. antarcticaMartens & Pfeffer, 1886 to encompass exclusively the Antarctic species. To progress further, additional molecular data from Magellanic specimens are required to definitely resolve their taxonomy and systematics.
Zooplankton community beta diversity in an Amazonian floodplain lake
Authors: Gomes Leonardo Fernandes , Gomes Ana Caroline Alcântara Missias , de Souza Carla Albuquerque , Pereira Hasley Rodrigo , Bonnet Marie-Paule , Galli Vieira Ludgero Cardoso
Published: August 2020

Understanding the mechanisms that generate organism distribution patterns from the beta diversity perspective can assist in environmental monitoring strategies. In this study, we emphasized the limnic zooplankton due to the ability of these organisms to respond quickly to environmental variations. Therefore, we evaluated the following questions: (i) Do different regions of the same lake have the same importance in contributing to beta diversity? (ii) Do beta diversity and its components vary over the hydrological cycle? (iii) What is the importance of local and spatial predictors in beta diversity and its components? (iv) Do beta diversity and its components show a consistent pattern throughout the hydrological cycle? We found that the contribution of different sites to diversity was more associated with regions with low abundance and richness of organisms values, such as the littoral andigarapes, which shows the relevance of these areas for biological monitoring and for the delimitation of priority areas for the zooplankton diversity conservation. Despite the peculiarities of each hydrological period and regarding beta diversity components, we verified a species substitution and differences in abundance pattern in the lake. We also found low concordance patterns between the periods and low environmental and spatial variables prediction on beta diversity patterns.
Reaching for known unknowns: Rapid reach decisions accurately reflect the future state of dynamic probabilistic information
Authors: Wispinski Nathan J. , Stone Scott A. , Bertrand Jennifer K. , Ouellette Zuk Alexandra A. , Lavoie Ewen B. , Gallivan Jason P. , Chapman Craig S.
Published: August 2020

Everyday tasks such as catching a ball appear effortless, but in fact require complex interactions and tight temporal coordination between the brain’s visual and motor systems. What makes such interceptive actions particularly impressive is the capacity of the brain to account for temporal delays in the central nervous system—a limitation that can be mitigated by making predictions about the environment as well as one’s own actions. Here, we wanted to assess how well human participants can plan an upcoming movement based on a dynamic, predictable stimulus that is not the target of action. A central stationary or rotating stimulus determined the probability that each of two potential targets would be the eventual target of a rapid reach-to-touch movement. We examined the extent to which reach movement trajectories convey internal predictions about the future state of dynamic probabilistic information conveyed by the rotating stimulus. We show that movement trajectories reflect the target probabilities determined at movement onset, suggesting that humans rapidly and accurately integrate visuospatial predictions and estimates of their own reaction times to effectively guide action.
Fire effect and its legacy modulate soil bacterial and fungal communities in Chinese boreal forests along a chronosequence
Authors: Su Wei-qin , Tang Caixian , Lin Jiahui , Yu Mengjie , Luo Yu , Li Yong , Dai Zhongmin , Xu Jianming
Published: August 2020

Wildfire has increasingly profound and pervasive consequences for forest ecosystems via directly altering soil physicochemical properties and modulating microbial community. In this study, we examined the changes in soil properties and microbial community at different periods after highly severe wildfire events (44 plots, 113 samples) in the Chinese Great Khingan Mountains. We also separated charcoals from burnt soils to establish the relationship between soil microbes and the microbes colonized on the charcoal. Wildfire significantly altered bacterial and fungal community structures across a 29-year chronosequence. The network analysis revealed that from 17 years after fire, the complexity and connectivity of bacterial and fungal communities were significantly increased. Differential abundance analysis suggested that bacterial and fungal OTUs were enriched or depleted only during 0-4 years after fire. In addition, soil factors, including soil pH, total C and N, soil water content, and dissolved C and N, are key determinants of soil bacterial and fungal communities from 17 years after fire. The fire-derived charcoals provided a new and unusual niche for microbial colonization and charcoal microbes had a significantly different community structure from the burnt soil microbes. Our data suggest that soil bacterial and fungal communities changed dramatically during the recovery from fire events in terms of the abundance and co-occurrence networks in the boreal forest ecosystems.

Importance

Pervious research has reported fire altered soil microbial community composition and function during short-term succession in boreal forests. However, the long-term effect of fire and fire-derived charcoals which are regarded as fire legacy effect on soil bacterial and fungal communities composition and structure have not previously been shown. Understanding how soil microbes particularly the keystone taxa and determinative soil factors, respond to fire and its legacy matter charcoal, is critical for predicting how future fire influences soil nutrient transformations and biological processes. We accessed time chronosequence to examine the effect of fire history on soil microbial abundance and co-occurrence network. These findings suggest that soil microbes can be reshaped by fire and its legacy effect of fire-derived charcoal even in the long periods after fire and provide further insights into fire and its legacy effect.