bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrients and Bioactive Components of Human Milk After One Year of Lactation
Authors: Sinkiewicz‐Darol Elena , Martysiak‐Żurowska Dorota , Puta Małgorzata , Adamczyk Iwona , Barbarska Olga , Wesołowska Aleksandra , Bernatowicz‐Łojko Urszula
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Specifying the nutrient content and bioactive compounds in milk from long‐term lactation for the purpose of finding additional sources of donors’ milk for human milk banks.

Method:

Human milk samples were collected from 43 mothers of term infants (term infant human milk, TIHM) (3–6 weeks of lactation) and 50 mothers who have breastfed for over a year (long‐nursing human milk, LNHM). The milk collection time was 24 hours. The analyses of fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy content were performed with human milk analyzer MIRIS (Miris HMA™ ); lactoferrin and vitamin C content using high performance liquid chromatography in reversed phase (RP‐HPLC); total antioxidant activity (TAC) and lysozyme by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) via spectrophotometric methods. Sociodemographic characteristics of both groups of mothers have been compiled.

Results:

Higher fat content and energy value was found in LNHM than in TIHM. Protein content in LNHM and TIHM did not differ. Carbohydrate content was lower in LNHM than in TIHM. TAC, CAT and GPx activity were higher in LNHM compared to TIHM. No significant differences in the content of lysozyme, lactoferrin and vitamin C between the studied groups were found.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that after 12 months of lactation, human milk still has significant nutritional value, does not lose bioactive components and can be considered for use in human milk banks.
Strengthening a Culture to Address Bullying and Incivility in the Care Environment
Authors: Meier Adam , Evans Rick , Erickson Jeanette Ives
Published: September 2021

The safety of our patients and our workforce is paramount to elevating the health and wellness of the global communities we serve. The health and well-being of our frontline staff directly influences the environment of care, and it is our job as healthcare leaders to address workplace bullying, incivility, and lateral and horizontal violence. From patient to provider violence, to peer-peer bullying, these acts of incivility erode at the core of the care environment and impact an organization's culture of safety, influence nursing engagement scores, negatively impact patient outcomes, and decrease overall retention. Magnet® organizations help to elevate the practice of nursing and ensure world-class interprofessional care. Therefore, the Commission on Magnet has included new language in the 2023 Magnet Application Manual in the Organizational Overview (OO7), which directly addresses the organization's structure and processes aimed at addressing workplace violence, bullying, and incivility.
Machine Learning Algorithms Using Routinely Collected Data Do Not Adequately Predict Viremia to Inform Targeted Services in Postpartum Women Living With HIV
Authors: Murnane Pamela M. , Ayieko James , Vittinghoff Eric , Gandhi Monica , Katumbi Chaplain , Milala Beteniko , Nakaye Catherine , Kanda Peter , Moodley Dhayendre , Nyati Mandisa E. , Loftis Amy J. , Fowler Mary G. , Flynn Pat , Currier Judith S. , Cohen Craig R.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) among postpartum women with HIV is essential for optimal health and prevention of perinatal transmission. However, suboptimal adherence with subsequent viremia is common, and adherence challenges are often underreported. We aimed to predict viremia to facilitate targeted adherence support in sub-Saharan Africa during this critical period.

Methods:

Data are from PROMISE 1077BF/FF, which enrolled perinatal women between 2011 and 2014. This analysis includes postpartum women receiving ART per study randomization or country-specific criteria to continue from pregnancy. We aimed to predict viremia (single and confirmed events) after 3 months on ART at >50, >400, and >1000 copies/mL within 6-month intervals through 24 months. We built models with routine clinical and demographic data using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and SuperLearner (which incorporates multiple algorithms).

Results:

Among 1321 women included, the median age was 26 years and 96% were in WHO stage 1. Between 0 and 24 months postpartum, 42%, 31%, and 28% of women experienced viremia >50, >400, and >1000 copies/mL, respectively, at least once. Across models, the cross-validated area under the receiver operating curve ranged from 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72 to 0.76] to 0.78 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.80). To achieve 90% sensitivity predicting confirmed viremia >50 copies/mL, 64% of women would be classified as high risk.

Conclusions:

Using routinely collected data to predict viremia in >1300 postpartum women with HIV, we achieved moderate model discrimination, but insufficient to inform targeted adherence support. Psychosocial characteristics or objective adherence metrics may be required for improved prediction of viremia in this population.
Brief Report: HCV Universal Test-and-Treat With Direct Acting Antivirals for Prisoners With or Without HIV: A Prison Health Care Workers–Led Model for HCV Microelimination in Thailand
Authors: Supanan Ruamthip , Han Win Min , Harnpariphan Weerakit , Ueaphongsukkit Thornthun , Ubolyam Sasiwimol , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Thanprasertsuk Sombat , Avihingsanon Anchalee ,   on behalf of the HIV-NAT HCV Study Team
Published: September 2021

Background:

This study investigated the sustained virologic responses (SVRs) among prisoners with hepatitis C virus (HCV) using universal test-and-treat approach by prison health care workers in a central male prison in Thailand.

Methods:

A universal HCV screening was conducted in a maximum-security central prison (Klong Prem Central Prison) in Thailand. HCV RNA–confirmed prisoners were treated with generic sofosbuvir/velpatasvir by prison health care workers, regardless of their HCV genotypes and duration of prison sentences. We evaluated the SVR rates at 12 weeks after completing direct acting antivirals (DAA) treatment.

Results:

A total of 68 prisoners with detectable HCV RNA received DAA treatment. The median age and duration of prison sentences were 44 years (interquartile range, 41–53) and 25 (interquartile range, 19–33) years, respectively. Twenty-five percentage of the participants was coinfected with HIV, and 6% of the participants was coinfected with hepatitis B virus. Among all prisoners who received DAA treatment, 20 (29%) had genotype (GT)-1a, 3 (4%) had GT-1b, 22 (32%) had GT-3a, 3 (4%) had GT-3b, and 7 (10%) had GT-6. Overall, improvements in liver biomarkers were seen after HCV treatment, and SVR was achieved in 97% of the participants with per-protocol analysis and in 90% of the participants with intention-to-treat analysis.

Conclusions:

HCV treatment using DAA among prisoners through universal test-and-treat approach led by prison health care workers is highly effective and safe, and such model can potentially help to facilitate the goals of HCV microelimination among prisoners in Thailand.
Disparities in Craniosynostosis Outcomes by Race and Insurance Status
Authors: Hauc Sacha C. , Junn Alexandra , Dinis Jacob , Phillips Sarah , Alperovich Michael
Published: September 2021

Disparities in access to care for surgical intervention in craniosynostosis have been suggested as a cause in discrepancies between the surgical approach and consequently perioperative outcomes following surgery. This work aimed to investigate the influence of race, insurance status, and the presence of craniosynostosis-related conditions on the short-term outcomes after the surgical management of craniosynostosis. Using the National Inpatient Sample database for the years 2010 to 2012, sociodemographic predictors for 30-day postoperative complication rates and requirements for blood transfusion in craniosynostosis surgeries were identified. Medicaid patients were significantly more likely to experience complications (P = 0.013) and higher rates of blood transfusions (P = 0.011). Compared to those without any complications, patients who experienced postoperative complications and blood transfusions were older (191.5 versus 181.7 days old, P < 0.001), had a greater number of chronic diseases (P < 0.001), and had a longer average length of stay (P < 0.001). On multivariable regression, Medicaid patients were 1.7 times more likely to experience any postoperative complication compared to privately insured patients. White patients also experienced a 0.741 times lower likelihood of requiring a blood transfusion. At the hospital level, receiving surgery at government-operated hospitals was found to be a protective factor for postoperative complications compared to for-profit private (P = 0.016) and nonprofit private (P = 0.028). Healthcare providers and policy makers should be cognizant of these sociodemographic disparities and their potential causes to ensure equitable treatment for all patients regardless of insurance status and racial/ethnic background.
Mechanical Comparison of Four Different Types of Osteosynthesis in a 11-mm Advancement Le Fort I Osteotomy
Authors: de Lima Valthierre Nunes , Hadad Henrique , Suguimoto Roberto Macoto , Magro-Filho Osvaldo
Published: September 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate 4 methods of osteosynthesis in the maxilla after a linear advance of 11 mm.

Methodology:

Le Fort I osteotomies were performed on 24 resin models and different osteosynthesis were applied in the anterior region. Group I received Lindorf plates; group II, modified Lindorf plates; group III, inverted “T” plates; and group IV, “L” plates. All groups received “L” plates in the posterior region. Analysis were performed through universal mechanical testing machine with an axial linear load until 5-mm displacement. The data obtained about the force and the amount of deformation were computed, thus the energy required for displacement and stiffness was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-way analysis (Shapiro-Wilk, followed by Holm-Sidak) (P 
< 0.05).

Results:

Groups I and II showed greater resistance to displacement (P < 0.05) than the other groups. The largest amount of maximum force exerted for the 5-mm displacement was in group II (91.73 N), followed by group I (87.46 N), presenting the best values in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.001). Group III had less stiffness (P < 0.001) than the other groups.

Conclusions:

The use of preclinical methodologies to verify the mechanical stability of fixation models allows a prediction in the choice of greater resistance systems. The fixation type with greater resistance to deformation was achieved with modified Linford plates followed by Linford plates in the anterior region and plate “L” bilaterally in the posterior region.
Cranial Vault Distraction in Nonsyndromic Sagittal Synostosis
Authors: Quinlan Christine S. , Theopold Christoph , Laffan Eoghan , Caird John , Murray Dylan
Published: September 2021

A multitude of operations exists for the treatment of patients with sagittal craniosynostosis presenting after 6 months of age, of which total cranial vault remodeling now provides the most reliable aesthetic outcome. As our national craniofacial center evolved and began to develop a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team to manage complex surgical cases, we offered cranial vault distraction as an alternative to more invasive surgery for late presentation nonsyndromic scaphocephaly. The authors conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing this procedure.

An average distraction distance of 39.4 mm was achieved in 15 patients aged 1 to 9 years. As a result, the cephalic index changed an average of 4%. The mean transfusion volume in the perioperative period was 32.47% of estimated blood volume. There were 2 complications requiring further operative intervention and distraction was stopped early in 1 patient.

The authors propose that internal calvarial distraction is a viable alternative to total cranial vault remodeling for the management of late presentations of sagittal craniosynostosis.
Effect of Observer's Sex and Chin Prominences on the Perception of the Lower Lip-Chin Prominence Angle
Authors: Lee Jae-Yeol , Han Sang Hee , Choi Youn-Kyung , Kim Jinmi , Park Soo-Byung , Kim Yong-Il
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to identify the preferred range of lower lip-chin prominence angles in the Korean population and evaluate the effect of the individual lower lip-chin prominence angle on perceptions of esthetic chin profile.

Chin prominence silhouettes were used to assess the lower lip-chin prominence preference. The observers randomly categorized each image as (1) normal, (2) slightly abnormal but not requiring surgical correction, and (3) abnormal and requiring surgery. Individual lower-chin prominence angles of all observers were analyzed using standardized clinical photographs.

The normal range of lower lip-chin prominence angle is 0° to 25°; socially acceptable range is 0° to −10°, 25° to 40°; range needing surgery is −10° to −30° and 40° to 45°. Women are more tolerant to chin protrusion. A protrusive chin is more acceptable in observers with retrusive chin profile.

Skeletal Class II profile is more acceptable than skeletal Class III in the Korean population. The individual lower-chin prominence angle could affect perception of desired surgery. These findings indicate that patient-specific treatment planning is important in achieving satisfaction in chin surgery.
Reoperation for Recurrence is Affected by Type of Mesh in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Baker Jason Joe , Öberg Stina , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To compare the reoperation rate for recurrence between different mesh types in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Summary of Background Data:

Ventral hernia repair has improved over the last decades. Nevertheless, recurrence rates are still high, and one type of mesh was recently found to increase it even more.

Methods:

A nationwide cohort study based on prospectively collected data from the Danish Ventral Hernia Database. We included adult patients that had undergone a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair for either an incisional or a primary hernia. The primary and incisional hernias were analyzed in separate cohorts. The mesh-group with the lowest reoperation for recurrence curve was used as the reference. The outcome was reoperation for recurrence.

Results:

Study population comprised 2874 patients with primary hernias and 2726 with incisional hernias. For primary hernias, Physiomesh [HR = 3.45 (2.16–5.51)] and Proceed Surgical Mesh [HR = 2.53 (1.35–4.75)] had a significantly higher risk of reoperation for recurrence than DynaMesh-IPOM. For incisional hernias, Physiomesh [HR = 3.90 (1.80–8.46), Ventralex Hernia Patch (HR = 2.99 (1.13–7.93), Parietex Composite (incl. Optimized) (HR = 2.55 (1.17–5.55), and Proceed Surgical Mesh (HR = 2.63 (1.11–6.20)] all had a significantly higher risk of reoperation for recurrence than Ventralight ST Mesh.

Conclusion:

For primary hernias, Physiomesh and Proceed Surgical Mesh had a significantly higher risk of reoperation for recurrence compared with DynaMesh-IPOM. For incisional hernias, the risk was significantly higher for Physiomesh, Parietex Composite, Ventralex Hernia Patch, and Proceed Surgical Mesh compared with Ventralight ST Mesh. This indicates that type of mesh may be associated with outcomes, and mesh choice could therefore depend on hernia type.
Perceptions of Mobile Health Technology in Elective Surgery
Authors: Panda Nikhil , Sinyard Robert , Margo Judy , Henrich Natalie , Cauley Christy E. , Onnela Jukka-Pekka , Haynes Alex B. , Brindle Mary E.
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

To explore the surgeon-perceived added value of mobile health technologies (mHealth), and determine facilitators of and barriers to implementing mHealth.

Background:

Despite the growing popularity of mHealth and evidence of meaningful use of patient-generated health data in surgery, implementation remains limited.

Methods:

This was an exploratory qualitative study following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Purposive sampling was used to identify surgeons across the United States and Canada. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research informed development of a semistructured interview guide. Video-based interviews were conducted (September-November 2020) and interview transcripts were thematically analyzed.

Results:

Thirty surgeons from 8 specialties and 6 North American regions were interviewed. Surgeons identified opportunities to integrate mHealth data pre- operatively (eg, expectation-setting, decision-making) and during recovery (eg, remote monitoring, earlier detection of adverse events) among higher risk patients. Perceived advantages of mHealth data compared with surgical and patient-reported outcomes included easier data collection, higher interpretability and objectivity of mHealth data, and the potential to develop more patientcentered and functional measures of health. Surgeons identified a variety of implementation facilitators and barriers around surgeon- and patient buy-in, integration with electronic medical records, regulatory/reimbursement concerns, and personnel responsible for mHealth data. Surgeons described similar considerations regarding perceptions of mHealth among patients, including the potential to address or worsen existing disparities in surgical care.

Conclusions:

These findings have the potential to inform the effective and equitable implementation of mHealth for the purposes of supporting patients and surgical care teams throughout the delivery of surgical care.
A Programmatic Response, Including Bamlanivimab or Casirivimab-imdevimab Administration, Reduces Hospitalization and Death in COVID-19 Positive Abdominal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ahearn Aaron J. , Thin Maw Thin , Mehta Rishi , Emamaullee Juliet , Kim Jim , Blodget Emily , Kahn Jeffrey , Sher Linda , Genyk Yuri
Published: September 2021

Background.

(COVID-19) has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. In December 2020, at the peak of the Los Angeles outbreak, our center rapidly implemented a protocol to improve outpatient management and provide bamlanivimab or casirivimab-imdevimab [COVID monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies] to all eligible COVID-19 positive liver and kidney transplant recipients.

Methods.

A retrospective review of all abdominal organ transplant recipients who were COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction positive between February 2020 and February 2021 from our center was performed. Patient demographics, COVID-19 treatments, hospitalizations, and survival were reviewed. Patients were considered eligible for COVID mAb therapy if they met outpatient criteria at the time of diagnosis.

Results.

In the study period, 121 patients in the kidney transplant recipients group (KG) and 105 patients in the liver or combined liver/kidney transplant recipients group (LG) were COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction positive. Hospitalization rates were similar for the KG (45%) versus LG (35%) (P = 0.20), but mortality was higher for the KG (22%) when compared to LG (10%) (P = 0.02). Our programmatic response, including outpatient COVID mAb therapies, reduced hospitalizations (P = 0.01) and deaths (P = 0.01). Ninety-four KG and 87 LG patients were identified as potentially eligible for COVID mAb therapy, and 17 KG and 17 LG patients were treated. COVID mAb therapies reduced hospitalization from 32% to 15% (P = 0.045) and eliminated mortality (13% versus 0%, P = 0.04).

Conclusions.

An aggressive approach including outpatient COVID mAb therapy in the COVID positive abdominal organ transplant recipients significantly decreased hospitalization and death. Early outpatient intervention for COVID-19 disease in transplant patients should be considered where possible.
Relationship Between Anesthesia Depth and Quality of Seizures in Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Gasteiger Lukas , Heil Michel , Hörner Elisabeth , Andexer Janine , Kemmler Georg , Hausmann Armand , Lederer Wolfgang
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Electroconvulsive therapy under general anesthesia is an established treatment for mood disorders, such as therapy-resistant depression. As most anesthetic drugs used for induction of anesthesia increase the seizure threshold, adequate depth of anesthesia without diminishing the therapeutic efficacy of interventions is crucial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anesthesia depth as assessed by Narcotrend (NCT) monitoring correlates with maximum seizure quality.

Methods

An observational study was performed in psychiatric patients undergoing multiple interventions of electroconvulsive therapy. Seizure quality of each attendance was assessed evaluating electroencephalogram end point, electromyogram end point, postictal suppression index, the midictal amplitude, and a 3-step overall graduation. Narcotrend was used to assess anesthesia depth according to index-based electroencephalogram findings. Measurements were obtained before induction of anesthesia, before stimulation, and after arousal. Data were analyzed by means of linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations models.

Results

A total of 105 interventions in 12 patients were analyzed. Anesthesia depth before stimulation was significantly associated with seizure quality (standardized β = 0.244, P = 0.010), maximum sustained coherence (β = 0.207, P = 0.022), and electroencephalogram duration (β = 0.215, P = 0.012). A cutoff value of 41 or greater versus 40 or less for the NCT index was found appropriate to differentiate between good and less satisfactory overall seizure quality.

Conclusions

Anesthesia depth index assessed by NCT monitoring was positively associated with seizure quality. Narcotrend monitoring may be useful in assessment of optimal anesthesia depth before stimulation.
Sexual selection and sexual size dimorphism in animals
Authors: Janicke Tim , Fromonteil Salomé
Published: September 2021

Sexual selection is often considered as a critical evolutionary force promoting sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in animals. However, empirical evidence for a positive relationship between sexual selection on males and male-biased SSD received mixed support depending on the studied taxonomic group and on the method used to quantify sexual selection. Here, we present a meta-analytic approach accounting for phylogenetic non-independence to test how standardized metrics of the opportunity and strength of pre-copulatory sexual selection relate to SSD across a broad range of animal taxa comprising up to 95 effect sizes from 59 species. We found that SSD based on length measurements was correlated with the sex difference in the opportunity for sexual selection but showed a weak and statistically non-significant relationship with the sex difference in the Bateman gradient. These findings suggest that pre-copulatory sexual selection plays a limited role for the evolution of SSD in a broad phylogenetic context.
Learning to feed in the dark: how light level influences feeding in the hawkmothManduca sexta
Authors: Deora Tanvi , Ahmed Mahad A. , Brunton Bingni W. , Daniel Thomas L.
Published: September 2021

Nocturnal insects like moths are essential for pollination, providing resilience to the diurnal pollination networks. Moths use both vision and mechanosensation to locate the nectary opening in the flowers with their proboscis. However, increased light levels due to artificial light at night (ALAN) pose a serious threat to nocturnal insects. Here, we examined how light levels influence the efficacy by which the crepuscular hawkmothManduca sextalocates the nectary. We used three-dimensional-printed artificial flowers fitted with motion sensors in the nectary and machine vision to track the motion of hovering moths under two light levels: 0.1 lux (moonlight) and 50 lux (dawn/dusk). We found that moths in higher light conditions took significantly longer to find the nectary, even with repeated visits to the same flower. In addition to taking longer, moths in higher light conditions hovered further from the flower during feeding. Increased light levels adversely affect learning and motor control in these animals.
Moral responses to the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Navajas Joaquin , Heduan Facundo Álvarez , Garbulsky Gerry , Tagliazucchi Enzo , Ariely Dan , Sigman Mariano
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised complex moral dilemmas that have been the subject of extensive public debate. Here, we study how people judge a set of controversial actions related to the crisis: relaxing data privacy standards to allow public control of the pandemic, forbidding public gatherings, denouncing a friend who violated COVID-19 protocols, prioritizing younger over older patients when medical resources are scarce, and reducing animal rights to accelerate vaccine development. We collected acceptability judgements in an initial large-scale study with participants from 10 Latin American countries (
N
= 15 420). A formal analysis of the intrinsic correlations between responses to different dilemmas revealed that judgements were organized in two dimensions: one that reflects a focus on human life expectancy and one that cares about the health of all sentient lives in an equitable manner. These stereotyped patterns of responses were stronger in people who endorsed utilitarian decisions in a standardized scale. A second pre-registered study performed in the USA (
N
= 1300) confirmed the replicability of these findings. Finally, we show how the prioritization of public health correlated with several contextual, personality and demographic factors. Overall, this research sheds light on the relationship between utilitarian decision-making and moral responses to the COVID-19 crisis.
Melioidosis in Bihar, India: unearthing the first of many?
Authors: Halim Isra , Kokkayil Prathyusha , Kirti Ravi , Priyadarshi Rajeev Nayan , Sarfraz Asim , Pati Binod Kumar , Thakuria Bhaskar
Published: September 2021

Melioidosis, a disease with protean clinical manifestations, is prevalent in many parts of India, with established endemic hotspots on the southern coast of the country. However, it is still underdiagnosed in many resource-poor regions of the country. We report what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of melioidosis diagnosed and treated in Bihar, an economically underdeveloped state in East India. The patient, a 52-year-old diabetic male, presented to the outpatient department with a fever of insidious onset along with pain and restriction of movement in the right shoulder joint and right knee joint, and swelling and tenderness of bilateral ankle joints. Radiological features were suggestive of multiple joint and organ abscesses. A diagnosis of disseminated septicaemic melioidosis was confirmed microbiologically. The patient improved clinically following aggressive treatment with meropenem and cotrimoxazole. The case highlights the need for increased clinical suspicion of melioidosis and adequate diagnostic facilities, as well as the need for early institution of appropriate empirical antibiotics in suspected cases of melioidosis in this region of the world.
Pontivivens ytuae sp. nov., isolated from deep sea sediment of the Mariana Trench
Authors: Wang Zhen , Du Rong-bin , Sun Qing-lei , Sun Yuan-yuan , Zhang Jian , Tang Yong-zheng
Published: September 2021

A Gram-stain-negative, light pink-coloured, rod-shaped, flagellated and facultative anaerobic bacterial strain, designated MT2928T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment collected from the Mariana Trench. Growth of strain MT2928T occurred optimally at 28 °C, pH 8.0–9.0 and in the presence of 1.0–2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MT2928T belongs to the genus

Pontivivens

and has the highest sequence similarity to

Pontivivens insulae

GYSW-23T (96.6 %). Genomic analysis indicated that strain MT2928T contains a circular chromosome of 4 199 362 bp with G+C content of 67.2 mol%. The strain did not produce bacteriochlorophyll a, but produced carotenoid. The predominant respiratory quinone of MT2928T was ubiquinone-10. The polar lipids of MT2928T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified lipids and two unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids of strain MT2928T contained summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c or/and C18 : 1
 ω6c), C18 : 0 and summed feature 2 (iso-C16 : 1 I and/or C14 : 0 3-OH). On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and other phenotypic properties, strain MT2928T represents a novel species of the genus

Pontivivens

, and the name Pontivivens ytuae sp. nov. is proposed with the type species MT2928T (=MCCC 1K05575T=JCM 34320T).
A Comparative Study Between Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal, Faecal and Saliva Viral Shedding In Ghanaian COVID-19 Patients attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi from October – December, 2020
Authors: Badu-Boatng Ernest , Asante Lydia Sarponmaa , Dompreh Albert , W. Laud Anthony Basing , Asante Kwabena Adjei , Karikari Sylvia , Adubofour Albert , Oppong Chris , Acheampong Faustina
Published: September 2021

Background

Diagnostic testing for the current SARS-CoV-2 infections involves the collection and testing of invasive pharyngeal specimens by qualified Health workers. Though fully clad in personal protective equipment, the concern is that sampling in close proximity to the patient poses as a major health hazard. The present study sought to verify if saliva or faeces could become a possible surrogate for pharyngeal samples for SARS-CoV 2 testing in suspected Ghanaian COVID-19 patients.

Objectives

To ascertain if there is SARS-CoV 2 viral shedding in the saliva and faecal samples of Ghanaian COVID-19 patients, their sensitivity and specificity as compared to pharyngeal samples.

Method

Fifty (50) recruited COVID-19 patients who have been confirmed via RT-PCR using their nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples and twenty (20) SARS-CoV 2 negative suspected patients each provided some faecal and saliva sample for RT-PCR analysis for SARS-CoV 2.

Results

Forty-three (43) out of the fifty (50) COVID-19 patients recruited representing 86% tested positive for SARS-CoV 2 via their saliva sample whiles all their faecal samples tested positive for SARS-CoV 2 representing 100%. The sensitivity of saliva samples was 86% whiles the specificity was 100% but the sensitivity and specificity of the faecal samples were all 100%.

Conclusion

There is indeed viral shedding of SARS-CoV 2 in the saliva and faeces of Ghanaian COVID-19 patients just like their counterparts in other parts of the world. Saliva and faeces could possibly become an alternative sample to the current in place of the invasive pharyngeal samples for SARS-CoV 2 testing in resource limited settings. Further research to explore this possibility at different testing sites with larger sample size is recommended.
Ultrafast, one-step, and microwave heating-based synthesis of DNA/RNA-AuNP conjugates
Authors: Huang Mengqi , Xiong Erhu , Hu Menglu , Yue Huahua , Tian Tian , Zhu Debin , Zhou Xiaoming
Published: September 2021

DNA/RNA-gold nanoparticle (DNA/RNA-AuNP) nanoprobes have been widely employed for nanobiotechnology applications. Here we discovered that both thiolated and non-thiolated DNA/RNA can be efficiently attached to AuNPs to achieve high-stable spherical nucleic acid (SNA) within minutes under a domestic microwave (MW)-assisted heating-dry circumstance. Further studies showed that for non-thiolated DNA/RNA the conjugation is poly (T/U) tag dependent. Spectroscopy, test strip hybridization, and loading counting experiments indicate that low-affinity poly (T/U) tag mediates the formation of a standing-up conformation, which is distributed in the outer layer of such a SNA structure. In further applications study, CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNA (135 bp), RNA from Nucleocapsid (N) gene of SARS-CoV-2 (1279 bp), and rolling circle amplification (RCA) DNA products (over 1000 bp) could be successfully attached on AuNPs, which overcomes the routine methods in long-chain nucleic acid-AuNP conjugation, exhibiting great promise in novel biosensing and nucleic acids delivery strategy. This novel heating-dry strategy has improved the traditional DNA/RNA-AuNP conjugation methods in simplicity, rapidity, cost, and universality.
Dinophiliformia early neurogenesis suggests the evolution of conservative neural structures across the Annelida phylogenetic tree
Authors: Fofanova Elizaveta , Mayorova Tatiana D. , Voronezhskaya Elena E.
Published: September 2021

Despite the increasing data concerning the structure of the adult nervous system in various Lophotrochozoa groups, the early events during the neurogenesis of rare and unique groups need clarification. Annelida are a diverse clade of Lophotrochozoa, and their representatives demonstrate a variety of body plans, lifestyles, and life cycles. Comparative data about the early development are available for Errantia, Sedentaria, Sipuncula and Palaeoannelida; however, our knowledge of Dinophiliformia is currently scarce. Representatives of Dinophiliformia are small interstitial worms combining unique morphological features of different Lophotrochozoan taxa and expressing paedomorphic traits. We describe in detail the early neurogenesis of two related species: Dimorphilus gyrociliatus and Dinophilus vorticoides, from the appearance of first nerve cells until the formation of an adult body plan. In both species, the first cells were detected at the anterior and posterior regions at the early trochophore stage and demonstrated positive reactions with pan-neuronal marker anti-acetylated tubulin only. Long fibers of early cells grow towards each other and form longitudinal bundles along which differentiating neurons later appear and send their processes. We propose that these early cells serve as pioneer neurons, forming a layout of the adult nervous system. The early anterior cell of D. vorticoides is transient and present during the short embryonic period, while early anterior and posterior cells in D. gyrociliatus are maintained throughout the whole lifespan of the species. During development, the growing processes of early cells form compact brain neuropile, paired ventral and lateral longitudinal bundles; unpaired medial longitudinal bundle; and commissures in the ventral hyposphere. Specific 5-HT- and FMRFa-immunopositive neurons differentiate adjacent to the ventral bundles and brain neuropile in the middle trochophore and late trochophore stages, i.e. after the main structures of the nervous system have already been established. Processes of 5-HT- and FMRFa-positive cells constitute a small proportion of the tubulin-immunopositive brain neuropile, ventral cords, and commissures in all developmental stages. No 5-HT- and FMRFa-positive cells similar to apical sensory cells of other Lophotrochozoa were detected. We conclude that: (i) like in Errantia and Sedentaria, Dinophiliformia neurogenesis starts from the peripheral cells, whose processes prefigure the forming adult nervous system, (ii) Dinophiliformia early cells are negative to 5-HT and FMRFa antibodies like Sedentaria pioneer cells.
Mitochondrial double-stranded RNAs as a pivotal mediator in the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Yoon Jimin , Lee Minseok , Ali Ahsan Ausaf , Oh Ye Rim , Choi Yong Seok , Kim Sujin , Lee Namseok , Jang Se Gwang , Kwok Seung-Ki , Hyon Joon Young , Cha Seunghee , Lee Yun Jong , Im Sung Gap , Kim Yoosik
Published: September 2021

Objective

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that targets the exocrine glands, resulting in impaired saliva and tear secretion. To date, type I interferons (I-IFNs) are increasingly recognized as pivotal mediators in SS, but their endogenous drivers have not been elucidated. This study investigates the role of mitochondrial double-stranded RNAs (mt-dsRNAs) in regulating I-IFN response in SS.

Methods

Saliva and tear from SS patients and controls (n=73 for saliva and n=16 for tear), the salivary glands of the SS-prone-non-obese-diabetic mouse, and primary human salivary glandular cells were screened for mt-dsRNAs by RT-qPCR. The human salivary cell line (NS-SV-AC) grown as three-dimensional spheroids were subject to dsRNA stress to measure mt-dsRNA induction and recapitulation of SS glandular inflammatory features. Acetylcholine, SS-IgG, upadacitinib (JAK1 inhibitor), or 2-C′-methyladenosine (mitochondrial transcription inhibitor) were applied to characterize the roles of mt-dsRNAs. To identify endogenous dsRNA-sensor and confirm the mitochondrial origin of cytoplasmic dsRNAs, the immunoprecipitation of dsRNAs was performed.

Results

mt-dsRNAs were elevated in the SS specimens with salivary ND5 and tear CYTB1 being statistically associated with secretory dysfunction/inflammation and corneal/conjunctival damage, respectively. Stimulation of the spheroids with dsRNA stress of poly I:C induced mt-dsRNAs, p-PKR, and I-IFNS via the JAK1/STAT pathway whereas the inhibition of mt-RNA synthesis or JAK1 attenuated the glandular signature. The inhibitory effect of acetylcholine on mt-dsRNAs and I-IFNS induction was reversed by SS-IgG.

Conclusion

mt-dsRNAs amplify the impact of dsRNA stress on SS glandular signaturesin vitro, potentially propagating a pseudo-viral signal in the SS target tissue.

Mitochondrial double-stranded RNA levels were elevated in the tear and saliva of SS patients, which was associated with secretory dysfunction and tissue inflammation. These RNAs amplified type I interferon signature as well as glandular phenotypes reported in SS. Inhibitors of mitochondrial RNA transcription or JAK1 in salivary gland acinar cell spheroids attenuated the mitochondrial RNA-mediated changes.
Monitoring photogenic ecological phenomena: Social network site images reveal spatiotemporal phases of Japanese cherry blooms
Authors: ElQadi Moataz Medhat , Dyer Adrian G , Vlasveld Carolyn , Dorin Alan
Published: September 2021

Some ecological phenomena are visually engaging and widely celebrated. Consequently, these have the potential to generate large footprints in the online and social media image records which may be valuable for ecological research. Cherry tree blooms are one such event, especially in Japan where they are a cultural symbol (Sakura, 桜). For centuries, the Japanese have celebrated Hanami (flower viewing) and the historical data record of the festival allows for phenological studies over this period, one application of which is climate reconstruction. Here we analyse Flickr social network site data in an analogous way to reveal the cherry blossoms’ seasonal sweep from southern to northern Japan over a twelve-week period.

Our method analyses data filtered using geographical constraints, multi-stage text-tag classification, and machine vision, to assess image content for relevance to our research question and use it to estimate historic cherry bloom times. We validated our estimated bloom times against official data, demonstrating the accuracy of the approach. We also investigated an out of season Autumn blooming that has gained worldwide media attention. Despite the complexity of human photographic and social media activity and the relatively small scale of this event, our method can reveal that this bloom has in fact been occurring over a decade.

The approach we propose in our case study enables quick and effective monitoring of the photogenic spatiotemporal aspects of our rapidly changing world. It has the potential to be applied broadly to many ecological phenomena of widespread interest.
Stomatal responses at different vegetative stages of selected maize varieties of Bangladesh under water deficit condition
Authors: Talukder Md. Moin Uddin , Debnath Pinky , Nasrin Sonia , Akter Sonia , Ali Md. Raihan , Islam Md. Rejaul , Abdul-Awal S M
Published: September 2021

Drought stress causes stomatal behavior change in most plants. Water deficit condition caused by drought is one of the most significant abiotic factors reducing plant growth, development, reproductive efficiency, and photosynthesis, resulting in yield loss. Maize (Zea mays L.) holds a superior position among all the cereals due to its versatile use in the food, feed, and alcohol industries. A common demonstrative feature of a complex network of signaling pathways led by predominantly abscisic acid under drought conditions is stomatal aperture reduction or stomatal closure, which allows the plant to reduce water loss through the stomatal pore and to sustain a long time on water deficit condition. This study analyses the stomatal density, stomatal closure percentages, and guard cell aperture reduction using a microscopy-based rapid & simple method to compare guard cell response & morphological variations of three hybrid maize varieties viz. BHM (BARI hybrid maize)-7, BHM-9, and BHM-13 developed by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). A drought treatment was applied to all varieties at two different vegetative stages, vegetative stage 3 (V3) and V5, until they reach V4 and V6, respectively. After drought exposure at the V4 stage, the percentage of closed stomata of BHM-7, BHM-9, and BHM-13 was 21%, 23%, and 33%, respectively. The reduction in the guard cell aperture ratio of BHM-7, BHM-9, and BHM-13 was 14.83%, 10.92%, and 33.85%, respectively. At the V6 stage, for the second set of plants, the closed stomata of BHM-7, BHM-9, and BHM-13 were 18%, 21%, and 34%, respectively. The rate of reduction in guard cell aperture ratio of BHM-7, BHM-9, and BHM-13 was 5.52%, 2.48%, and 38.75%, respectively. Therefore, BHM-13 showed maximum drought adaptation capacity compared to BHM-7 and BHM-9 due to the highest percentage of closed stomata and the highest percentage of reduction in aperture ratio.
Elevated METTL9 is associated with peritoneal dissemination in human scirrhous gastric cancers
Authors: Hara Toshifumi , Tominaga Yuuki , Ueda Koji , Mihara Keichiro , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Takei Yoshifumi
Published: September 2021

Methylation, the most common chemical modification of cellular components such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, impacts biological processes including transcription, RNA processing, and protein dynamics. Although abnormal expression of methyltransferase can lead to various diseases including cancers, little is known about the relationship between methyltransferase and cancers. Here we aimed to understand the role of methyltransferase in cancer metastasis. We found that elevated methyltransferase-like 9 (METTL9) is closely associated with the acquisition of metastatic activity in human scirrhous gastric cancers. The stable knockdown of METTL9 via an shRNA vector technique in our original metastatic cells from scirrhous gastric cancer patients significantly inhibited migration and invasion. In metastatic cells, METTL9 protein is predominantly localized in mitochondria, and the METTL9 knockdown significantly reduced mitochondrial Complex I activity. METTL9 can be a promising molecular target to inhibit peritoneal dissemination of scirrhous gastric cancers. This report is the first to describe the relationship between METTL9 and cancer metastasis.

Highlights

Elevated METTL9 correlates with metastasis in human scirrhous gastric cancer.

This is the first report on the biological relationship between METTL9 and metastasis.

METTL9 protein localizes mainly in mitochondria in metastatic scirrhous gastric cancer.

METTL9 knockdown reduces mitochondrial Complex I activity to decrease cell migration and invasion in metastatic scirrhous gastric cancer.

METTL9 holds promise against peritoneal dissemination of scirrhous gastric cancer.
Gsx2 but not Gsx1 is necessary for early forebrain patterning and long-term survival in zebrafish
Authors: Coltogirone RA , Sherfinski EI , Dobler ZA , Peterson SN , Andlinger AR , Fadel LC , Patrick RL , Bergeron SA
Published: September 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) development is regulated by regionally expressed transcription factors that impart initial cell identity, connectivity, and function to neural circuits through complex molecular genetic cascades. genomic screen homeobox 1 and 2 (gsx1 and gsx2) encode homeobox transcription factors expressed in the developing CNS in multiple vertebrates examined to date. However, we have limited knowledge of the expression of these transcription factors and the gene networks that they regulate across developing brain regions in zebrafish. The objective of this study was to comprehensively examine gsx1 and gsx2 expression throughout neurodevelopment and characterize gsx1 and gsx2 mutants to study the essential roles of these closely related transcription factors. Using RT-PCR, whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH), and fluorescence in situ hybridization, we examine gsx1 and gsx2 expression from early embryonic to late larval stages. gsx1 is expressed initially in the hindbrain and diencephalon and later in the optic tectum, pretectum, and cerebellar plate. Comparatively, gsx2 is expressed in the early telencephalon and later in the pallium and olfactory bulb. gsx1 and gsx2 are regionally co-expressed in the hypothalamus, preoptic area, and hindbrain, however rarely co-localize in the same cells. To identify forebrain target genes, we utilize mutants made with Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN). gsx1 mutant zebrafish exhibit stunted growth, however, they survive through adulthood and are fertile. gsx2 mutant zebrafish experience swim bladder inflation failure that prevents survival past larval stage. Using WISH and RT-qPCR we demonstrate altered expression of genes including, distal-less homeobox genes and forkhead box gene foxp2. This work provides novel tools with which other target genes and functions of Gsx1 and Gsx2 can be characterized across the CNS to better understand the unique and overlapping roles of these highly conserved transcription factors.
Prolific Induction of IL-6 in Human Cells by SARS-CoV-2-derived Peptide is Attenuated by Recombinant Human Anti-inflammatory Cytokines made in planta
Authors: Anborgh Pieter H. , Kolotilin Igor , Owens Nisha , Mahboob Abdulla Azzam
Published: September 2021

Development of efficient therapies for COVID-19 is the focus of intense research. The cytokine release syndrome was underlined as a culprit for severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in human immune responses and elevated IL-6 plasma levels have been associated with the exacerbated COVID-19 pathology. Since non-structural protein 10 (NSP10) of SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated in the induction of IL-6, we designed Peptide (P)1, containing sequences corresponding to amino acids 68-96 of NSP10, and examined its effect on cultured human cells. Treatment with P1 strongly increased IL-6 secretion by the lung cancer cell line NCI-H1792 and the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and revealed profound cytotoxic activity on Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Treatment with P2, harbouring a mutation in the zinc knuckle motif of NSP10, caused no IL-6 induction and no cytotoxicity. Pre-treatment with plant-produced human anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-37b and IL-38 effectively mitigated the induction of IL-6 secretion. Our results suggest a role for the zinc knuckle motif of NSP10 in the onset of increased IL-6 plasma levels of COVID-19 patients and for IL-37b and IL-38 as therapeutics aimed at attenuating the cytokine release syndrome.