bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Evolving Human Immunodeficiency Virus Response on the Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in South African Children and Adolescents
Authors: du Preez Karen , Osman Muhammad , Seddon James A , Naidoo Pren , Schaaf H Simon , Munch Zahn , Dunbar Rory , Mvusi Lindiwe , Dlamini Sicelo S , Hesseling Anneke C
Published: January 2021

Background

Few studies have evaluated tuberculosis control in children and adolescents. We used routine tuberculosis surveillance data to quantify age- and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-stratified trends over time and investigate the relationship between tuberculosis, HIV, age, and sex.

Methods

All children and adolescents (0–19 years) routinely treated for drug-susceptible tuberculosis in South Africa and recorded in a de-duplicated national electronic tuberculosis treatment register (2004–2016) were included. Age- and HIV-stratified tuberculosis case notification rates (CNRs) were calculated in four age bands: 0–4, 5–9, 10–14, and 15–19 years. The association between HIV infection, age, and sex in children and adolescents with tuberculosis was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of 719 400 children and adolescents included, 339 112 (47%) were 0–4 year olds. The overall tuberculosis CNR for 0–19 year olds declined by 54% between 2009 and 2016 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], .45–.47). Trends varied by age and HIV, with the smallest reductions (2013–2016) in HIV-positive 0–4 year olds (IRR = 0.90; 95% CI, .85–.95) and both HIV-positive (IRR = .84; 95% CI, .80–.88) and HIV-negative (IRR = 0.89; 95% CI, .86–.92) 15–19 year olds. Compared with 0- to 4-year-old males, odds of HIV coinfection among 15–19 year olds were nearly twice as high in females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.49; 95% CI, 2.38–2.60) than in males (aOR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.29–1.42).

Conclusions

South Africa’s national response to the HIV epidemic has made a substantial contribution to the observed declining trends in tuberculosis CNRs in children and adolescents. The slow decline of tuberculosis CNRs in adolescents and young HIV-positive children is concerning. Understanding how tuberculosis affects children and adolescents beyond conventional age bands and by sex can inform targeted tuberculosis control strategies.
A Non-APOE Polygenic Risk Score for Alzheimer’s Disease Is Associated With Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light in a Representative Sample of Cognitively Unimpaired 70-Year Olds
Authors: Skoog Ingmar , Kern Silke , Najar Jenna , Guerreiro Rita , Bras Jose , Waern Margda , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Zettergren Anna
Published: January 2021

The effect of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) polygenic risk scores (PRS) on amyloid and tau pathophysiology and neurodegeneration in cognitively unimpaired older adults is not known in detail. This study aims to investigate non-APOE AD-PRS and APOE ε4 in relation to AD pathophysiology evaluated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in a population-based sample of 70-year olds. A total of 303 dementia-free individuals from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies were included. Genotyping was performed using the NeuroChip, and AD-PRS were calculated. CSF levels of amyloid-β (Aβ42), total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), neurogranin (Ng), and neurofilament light (NfL) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations were found between non-APOE PRS and both NfL (p = .001) and Aβ42 (p = .02), and between APOE ε4 and Aβ42 (p = 1e−10), t-tau (p = 5e−4), and p-tau (p = .002). Similar results were observed when only including individuals with CDR = 0, except for no evidence of an association between non-APOE PRS and Aβ42. There was an interaction between non-APOE PRS and Aβ42 pathology status in relation to NfL (p = .005); association was only present in individuals without Aβ42 pathology (p = 3e-4). In relation to Aβ42, there was a borderline interaction (p = .06) between non-APOE PRS and APOE ε4; association was present in ε4 carriers only (p = .03). Similar results were observed in individuals with CDR = 0 (n = 246). In conclusion, among cognitively healthy 70-year olds from the general population, genetic risk of AD beyond the APOE locus was associated with NfL in individuals without Aβ42 pathology, and with Aβ42 in APOE ε4 carriers, suggesting these associations are driven by different mechanisms.
FASTQuick: rapid and comprehensive quality assessment of raw sequence reads
Authors: Zhang Fan , Kang Hyun Min
Published: January 2021

Background

Rapid and thorough quality assessment of sequenced genomes on an ultra-high-throughput scale is crucial for successful large-scale genomic studies. Comprehensive quality assessment typically requires full genome alignment, which costs a substantial amount of computational resources and turnaround time. Existing tools are either computationally expensive owing to full alignment or lacking essential quality metrics by skipping read alignment.

Findings

We developed a set of rapid and accurate methods to produce comprehensive quality metrics directly from a subset of raw sequence reads (from whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing) without full alignment. Our methods offer orders of magnitude faster turnaround time than existing full alignment–based methods while providing comprehensive and sophisticated quality metrics, including estimates of genetic ancestry and cross-sample contamination.

Conclusions

By rapidly and comprehensively performing the quality assessment, our tool will help investigators detect potential issues in ultra-high-throughput sequence reads in real time within a low computational cost at the early stages of the analyses, ensuring high-quality downstream results and preventing unexpected loss in time, money, and invaluable specimens.
Ac2-26-Nanoparticles Induce Resolution of Intestinal Inflammation and Anastomotic Healing via Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling in a Model of Perioperative Colitis
Authors: Reischl Stefan , Lee Jong Hyun , Miltschitzky Joseph Raphael Elias , Vieregge Vincent , Walter Robert Leon , Twardy Vanessa , Kasajima Atsuko , Friess Helmut , Kamaly Nazila , Neumann Philipp-Alexander
Published: January 2021

Background

Although in most patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, conservative therapy is successful, a significant proportion of patients still require surgery once in their lifetime. Development of a safe perioperative treatment to dampen colitis activity without disturbance of anastomotic healing is an urgent and unmet medical need. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) has been shown to be effective in reducing colitis activity. Herein, a nanoparticle-based perioperative treatment approach was used for analysis of the effects of ANXA1 on the resolution of inflammation after surgery for colitis.

Methods

Anxa1-knockout mice were used to delineate the effects of ANXA1 on anastomotic healing. A murine model of preoperative dextran sodium sulfate colitis was performed. Collagen-IV-targeted polymeric nanoparticles, loaded with the ANXA1 biomimetic peptide Ac2-26 (Ac2-26-NPs), were synthesized and administered perioperatively during colitis induction. The effects of the Ac2-26-NPs on postoperative recovery and anastomotic healing were evaluated using the disease activity index, histological healing scores, and weight monitoring. Ultimately, whole-genome RNA sequencing of the anastomotic tissue was performed to unravel underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

Anxa1-knockout exacerbated the inflammatory response in the healing anastomosis. Treatment with Ac2-26-NPs improved preoperative colitis activity (P < 0.045), postoperative healing scores (P < 0.018), and weight recovery (P < 0.015). Whole-genome RNA sequencing revealed that the suppression of proinflammatory cytokine and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling was associated with the treatment effects and a phenotypic switch toward anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages.

Conclusions

Proresolving therapy with Ac2-26-NPs promises to be a potent perioperative therapy because it improves colitis activity and even intestinal anastomotic healing by the suppression of proinflammatory signaling.
Reverse remodelling after aortic valve replacement for chronic aortic regurgitation
Authors: Koga-Ikuta Ayumi , Fukushima Satsuki , Kawamoto Naonori , Saito Tetsuya , Shimahara Yusuke , Yajima Shin , Tadokoro Naoki , Kakuta Takashi , Fukui Toshihiro , Fujita Tomoyuki
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes and investigate the factors related to left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR).

METHODS

A total of 246 patients who underwent AVR for chronic AR at our institution were included in this retrospective study. Primary end-points included all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality and major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events. Secondary end-points included cardiac function on echocardiography 1 year after surgery. We explored the predictive factors for reverse remodelling 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

The 10-year survival rate was 86.0%, with no cardiac deaths in 93.8% and no major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events in 79.9% of patients. Postoperative LV function and symptoms were significantly improved 1 year after surgery, but 34 patients (13.8%) did not recover normal function and structure. A significant negative correlation was found between the incidence of cardiac death and major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events and reverse remodelling. Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative LV ejection fraction (P = 0.001, odds ratio = 1.057) and LV end-systolic dimension index (P = 0.038, odds ratio = 0.912) as significant predictive factors of reverse remodelling 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative LV ejection fraction and LV end-systolic dimension index were predictive factors for reverse remodelling after surgery, which was associated with late outcomes. Earlier surgery may thus help to restore normal LV function and achieve better late outcomes after AVR for AR.
Biparietal bidirectional bipolar radiofrequency in hybrid cardiac ablation: anin vitroevaluation
Authors: Matteucci Francesco , Maesen Bart , De Asmundis Carlo , Bidar Elham , Micali Linda , Parise Gianmarco , Maessen Jos G , La Meir Mark , Gelsomino Sandro
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the lesion size and depth of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in a simultaneous biparietal bidirectional bipolar (SBB) approach, compared to a simultaneous and staged unipolar and uniparietal bipolar setup [simultaneous uniparietal bipolar (SiUB) and staged uniparietal bipolar (StUB), respectively].

METHODS

Fresh left atrial porcine tissue was mounted into the ABLA-BOX simulator. Different ablation approaches were tested: (i) SBB: a concept consisting of SBB endo-epicardial ablation, (ii) SiUB: simultaneous epicardial uniparietal bipolar and endocardial unipolar ablation and (iii) StUB: staged epicardial uniparietal bipolar and endocardial unipolar ablation. In the StUB setup, a 1-h interval between the epi-endo ablation was respected.

RESULTS

Transmural lesions were present in 90% of the bipolar biparietal ablations, yet no full transmurality was observed in the simultaneous nor in the staged unipolar with uniparietal bipolar ablation group. In SBB, the area and volume of the ablation lesions were smaller (523.33 mm2/mm and 52.33 mm3/mm, respectively) than in SiUB (588.17 mm2/mm and 58.81 mm3/mm, respectively) and StUB (583.76 mm2/mm and 58.37 mm3/mm, P = 0.044). Also, in SBB, the overall, epicardial and endocardial maximum diameters of the lesions (1.59, 1.57 and 1.52 mm; respectively) were smaller than in SiUB (2.38, 2.26 and 2.33 mm; respectively) and in StUB (2.36, 2.28 and 2.14 mm; respectively, all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although bipolar biparietal bidirectional RF ablation results in smaller lesions than uniparietal bipolar and unipolar ablation, their capacity to penetrate the tissue is much higher. Moreover, in uniparietal RF applications, the energy spreads in the superficial layers of the tissue but fails to penetrate. Therefore, the degree of transmurality is much higher when using such a ‘truly bipolar’ ablation approach.
Incidence of Enteric Fever in a Pediatric Cohort in North India: Comparison with Estimates from 20 Years Earlier
Authors: Sinha Bireshwar , Rongsen-Chandola Temsunaro , Goyal Nidhi , Arya Alok , Kumar Chandra Mohan , Chakravarty Aparna , Aslam Mohammed , More Deepak ,   SEFI tier 1 collaborators, John Jacob , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Bavdekar Ashish , Dutta Shanta , Kang Gagandeep
Published: January 2021

Background

An earlier cohort in 1995–1996 showed a very high burden of typhoid in Delhi. Our aim was to estimate the current overall and age-specific incidence of culture-confirmed enteric fever among children aged 6 months to 15 years in Delhi.

Methods

We enrolled a cohort of 6000 children aged 6 months to <14 years in South Delhi and followed them up weekly for 24 months or until 15 completed years of child age, whichever was earlier. Blood culture to confirm enteric fever was done in children with ≥3 consecutive days of fever.

Results

We recorded a total of 14 650 episodes of fever in the 11 510 person-years (PY) of follow-up. A total of 81 fever episodes were positive for enteric fever. The incidence (95% confidence interval) of all enteric fever was 703.7 (560.5–874.7) per 100 000 PY. The incidences of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers were 608.1 (95% confidence interval, 481.1–768.7) and 111.7 (59.5–191.1) per 100 000 PY, respectively, highest among children aged 10–15 years.

Conclusions

Despite a 35% reduction in incidence compared with the 1995–1996 cohort, our study suggested a substantial burden of enteric fever in the population. Continued efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene parameters along with implementation of novel vaccination strategies and disease surveillance can help achieve the goal of disease elimination.
Dysregulated Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses Discriminate Disease Severity in COVID-19
Authors: Janssen Nico A F , Grondman Inge , de Nooijer Aline H , Boahen Collins K , Koeken Valerie A C M , Matzaraki Vasiliki , Kumar Vinod , He Xuehui , Kox Matthijs , Koenen Hans J P M , Smeets Ruben L , Joosten Irma , Brüggemann Roger J M , Kouijzer Ilse J E , van der Hoeven Hans G , Schouten Jeroen A , Frenzel Tim , Reijers Monique H E , Hoefsloot Wouter , Dofferhoff Anton S M , van Apeldoorn Marjan J , Blaauw Marc J T , Veerman Karin , Maas Coen , Schoneveld Arjan H , Hoefer Imo E , Derde Lennie P G , van Deuren Marcel , van der Meer Jos W M , van Crevel Reinout , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J , Joosten Leo A B , van den Heuvel Michel M , Hoogerwerf Jacobien , de Mast Quirijn , Pickkers Peter , Netea Mihai G , van de Veerdonk Frank L
Published: January 2021

The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 varies and the differences in host response characterizing this variation have not been fully elucidated. COVID-19 disease severity correlates with an excessive proinflammatory immune response and profound lymphopenia. Inflammatory responses according to disease severity were explored by plasma cytokine measurements and proteomics analysis in 147 COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine production assays and whole blood flow cytometry were performed. Results confirm a hyperinflammatory innate immune state, while highlighting hepatocyte growth factor and stem cell factor as potential biomarkers for disease severity. Clustering analysis revealed no specific inflammatory endotypes in COVID-19 patients. Functional assays revealed abrogated adaptive cytokine production (interferon-γ, interleukin-17, and interleukin-22) and prominent T-cell exhaustion in critically ill patients, whereas innate immune responses were intact or hyperresponsive. Collectively, this extensive analysis provides a comprehensive insight into the pathobiology of severe to critical COVID-19 and highlights potential biomarkers of disease severity.
Measurement of the three-axis vibration, temperature, and relative humidity profiles of commercial transport trailers for pigs
Authors: Morris Benjamin K , Davis R Benjamin , Brokesh Edwin , Flippo Daniel K , Houser Terry A , Najar-Villarreal Francisco , Turner Kari K , Williams Jamison G , Stelzleni Alexander M , Gonzalez John M
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to collect and interpret three-axis acceleration, temperature, and relative humidity data from six locations within commercial transport trailers shipping market-weight pigs. Transport was observed in Kansas (n = 15) and North Carolina (n = 20). Prior to loading, three-axis accelerometers were affixed to six locations on the trailers: top fore (TF), top center (TC), top aft (TA), bottom fore (BF), bottom center (BC), and bottom aft (BA) compartments. Data were post-processed to calculate root-mean-square (RMS) accelerations and vibration dose values (VDV) in the vertical direction and the horizontal plane. These values were compared with exposure action values (EAV) and exposure limit values (ELV), vibration levels deemed uncomfortable and potentially dangerous to humans. Additionally, RMS and VDV were compared among the trailer compartments. The vertical RMS accelerations for all compartments exceeded the EAV for loads measured in Kansas, and for the majority of the compartments measured in North Carolina. Many compartments, specifically the BA compartment from all trips, exceeded the vertical ELV. Regardless of where the data were collected, fewer compartments exceeded the EAV in the horizontal orientation. Only BA compartments exceeded the ELV in the horizontal orientation. There were Area × Level interactions for vertical and horizontal RMS and VDV (P < 0.01). The BF compartment had a greater vertical RMS value than the TF, TC, and BC (P < 0.02) compartments, but did not differ (P = 0.06) from the TA compartment. The vertical RMS of the TA compartment did not differ from the TF, TC, and BC compartments (P > 0.13). The BF compartment had a greater (P = 0.02) vertical VDV value than the TC location, but did not differ from the other locations (P > 0.16). All other locations did not differ in vertical VDV (P > 0.12). The BF compartment had greater horizontal RMS than the TC and TA compartments (P < 0.01), but did not differ from TF and BC compartments (P > 0.12). All other compartments did not differ in horizontal RMS (P > 0.34). All compartments, aside from the BA compartment, did not differ in horizontal VDV (P > 0.19). Vibration analyses indicated the BA compartment had the greatest vertical and horizontal vibrations and a large percentage of the compartments exceed the EAV and ELV, which indicated pigs may have experienced uncomfortable trips that could cause discomfort or fatigue.
Nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites in dogs fed human-grade foods
Authors: Do Sungho , Phungviwatnikul Thunyaporn , de Godoy Maria R C , Swanson Kelly S
Published: January 2021

Human-grade (HG) pet foods are commercially available, but they have not been well studied. Our objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of HG pet foods and evaluate their effects on fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites, serum metabolites, and hematology of dogs. Twelve dogs (mean age = 5.5 ± 1.0; BW = 11.6 ± 1.6 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (n = 12/treatment). The diets included 1) Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (extruded; Blue Buffalo); 2) Roasted Meals Tender Chicken Recipe (fresh; Freshpet); 3) Beef and Russet Potato Recipe (HG beef; JustFoodForDogs); and 4) Chicken and White Rice Recipe (HG chicken; JustFoodForDogs). Each period consisted of 28 d, with a 6-d diet transition phase, 16 d of consuming 100% of the diet, a 5-d phase for fecal collection, and 1 d for blood collection. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4. Dogs fed the extruded diet required a higher (P < 0.05) daily food intake (dry matter basis, DMB) to maintain BW. The ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), energy, and acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF) were greater (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the HG diets than those fed the fresh diet, and greater (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the fresh diet than those fed the extruded diet. Crude protein ATTD was lower (P < 0.05) for dogs fed the extruded diet than those fed all other diets. Dogs fed the extruded diet had greater (P < 0.05) fecal output (as-is; DMB) than dogs fed fresh (1.5–1.7 times greater) or HG foods (2.0–2.9 times greater). There were no differences in fecal pH, scores, and metabolites, but microbiota were affected by diet. Dogs fed HG beef had higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and lower (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Firmicutes than dogs fed the fresh or HG chicken diets. The Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes phyla were unchanged (P > 0.05), but diet modified the relative abundance of nearly 20 bacterial genera. Similar to previous reports, these data demonstrate that the fecal microbiota of dogs fed HG or fresh diets is markedly different than those consuming extruded diets, likely due to ingredient, nutrient, and processing differences. Serum metabolites and hematology were not greatly affected by diet. In conclusion, the HG pet foods tested resulted in significantly reduced fecal output, were highly digestible, maintained fecal characteristics, serum chemistry, and hematology, and modified the fecal microbiota of dogs.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Long Noncoding RNAs in Mice Intestines After Severe Burns and a Preliminary Study into the Key Gene H19
Authors: Qiu Wei , Deng Yuequ , Zhuang Mengmeng , Wang Peng , Li Cuijie , Li Ye , Zhu Bo , Zhang Pan , Li Dan , Sun Yuan , Yang Juan , Cao Shuqin , Sun Yong
Published: January 2021

The intestine is considered the key organ in stress response to severe burns and injury to the intestine after severe burns can be fatal. However, the injury and subsequent repair of intestinal tissues after severe burns at the genetic level are poorly understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important functions in regulating many biological processes, including gene transcription and translation. Autophagy is a process of intracellular degradation and reutilization of cytoplasmic proteins and organelles. We herein analyzed the genome-wide expression profile of lncRNAs and mRNAs after severe burns in the intestines of mice by lncRNA microarray. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to verify the reliability of microarray analysis results, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used for bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs. The common regulatory network between the top 10 differentially expressed lncRNAs and trans-related mRNAs were visualized by Cytoscape (v3.7.2). Next, we hypothesized that H19 is the key gene for intestinal mucosal repair. After H19 was overexpressed, the changes in downstream autophagy protein expression levels were observed. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that the differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in a cell cycle- and mitosis-related genes. Overexpression of lncRNA-H19 showed that the autophagy-related gene Trim21 was upregulated, while HIF1α was downregulated. LncRNA-H19 played a key role in repairing the intestinal mucosa, and overexpression of lncRNA-H19 activated autophagy and migration of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6).
Susceptibility of Four Different Sorghum Varieties to Infestation by the Khapra Beetle
Authors: Gourgouta Marina , Athanassiou Christos G , Arthur Frank H
Published: January 2021

In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of four different sorghum varieties to infestation by the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), as compared with wheat, which served as a ‘control’ commodity. In population growth assays, there was preference for population development on wheat compared to the different sorghum varieties. In contrast, there were no significant differences in total population development among the four varieties of sorghum. However, the proportion of immature stages (larvae, pupae) in relation to the adult stage varied significantly among the different varieties. Moreover, significant differences were noted among the commodities tested regarding the final weight decrease, as well as the amount of frass and kernel damage. Our study clearly demonstrates noticeable differences in the susceptibility of the varieties to T. granarium infestation. These results show that this species can develop on different varieties of sorghum, and variety selection should be further considered in a host-plant resistance-based management program for T. granarium.
Political Connections and White-Collar Crime: Evidence from Insider Trading in France
Authors: Bourveau Thomas , Coulomb Renaud , Sangnier Marc
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates whether political connections affect individuals’ propensity to engage in white-collar crime. We identify connections by campaign donations or direct friendships and use the 2007 French Presidential election as a marker of change in the value of political connections to the winning candidate. We compare the behavior of Directors of publicly listed companies who were connected to the future President to the behavior of other non-connected Directors, before and after the election. Consistent with the belief that connections to a powerful politician can protect someone from prosecution or punishment, we uncover indirect evidence that connected Directors are more likely to engage in suspicious insider trading after the election: Purchases by connected Directors trigger larger abnormal returns, connected Directors are less likely to comply with trading disclosure requirements in a timely fashion, and connected Directors trade closer in time to their firms’ announcements of results. (JEL: D72, G14, G18, G38, K22, K42)
Pyriproxyfen Ingested With Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits Is Carried by the Feces and Reduces the Reproductive Potential of Adult FemaleAedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Silva Tarsis Tamar Pereira , Teixeira Aurea Vieira , Silva Alexandre de Almeida e
Published: January 2021

In the search for new strategies to control Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae), several studies have successfully related pyriproxyfen (PPF) tarsal transference to breeding sites (autodissemination), as well as the sterilization potential of females exposed to PPF. Potential PPF autodissemination by mosquito feces after the ingestion of sugar baits has also been proposed. Therefore, the present work evaluated several parameters, e.g., fecal production, residuality under dry and aqueous conditions, PPF excretion affecting emergence inhibition (EI) by fecal deposits of Ae. aegypti fed with attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSBs) containing PPF as well as their reproductive potential. Females were fed with ATSBs offered as droplets and the feces were collected using filter paper and transferred to plastic cups with L3 larvae to evaluate EI. The residual effect of feces in aqueous and dry conditions and PPF excretion on EI was obtained by keeping the feces in water or dried for different time intervals and using feces collected at 24-h intervals, respectively. Females received a bloodmeal after feeding on ATSBs, eggs and larval counting expressed the reproductive potential. The fecal mass was not affected by PPF concentration, but EI increased from 33 to 54% as the PPF concentration increased. The PPF excretion in the feces exceeded 96 h. The residual effect in the EI for feces kept in water was reduced by more than 60% after 30 d but was not affected under dry conditions. The fecundity and fertility of the females were reduced up to 51% and 97%, respectively.
Relative Efficiency of Drag Fabrics for Collection of Blacklegged Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Larvae, Nymphs, and Adults
Authors: Simmons Thomas W , Welch Emily N , Manges Anna B , Peters Nathan A , Duchamp Joseph E
Published: January 2021

The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say) vectors several bacterial, protozoan, and viral human pathogens. The known distribution, abundance, and phenology of I. scapularis within its estimated range are incomplete. This gap in knowledge is problematic because these factors are important for determining acarological risk of exposure to infected ticks. Consequently, enhanced surveillance of I. scapularis is being promoted and supported in the United States. Although the most common method for collecting I. scapularis is by dragging a sturdy cloth along the ground, there are no published empirical data showing which drag fabric is most effective. We used a randomized block design to directly compare the relative efficiencies of canvas, corduroy, and flannel drags for the collection of larval, nymphal, and adult I. scapularis. Overall, flannel was the most effective fabric and canvas was the least effective. Significantly more adults were collected on flannel than on canvas or corduroy, and the same number of nymphs was collected on flannel and corduroy. Significantly more larvae were collected on flannel than on canvas, but one-third of larvae could not be removed from the former fabric by lint-rolling, and handpicking was difficult. Our findings support the use of flannel drags to maximize sampling effort for collection of I. scapularis, especially adults to determine the presence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens when density and infection prevalence are low, with the caveat that detection and removal of larvae are time-consuming.
The Designated Forensic Professional Program in Massachusetts
Authors: Packer Ira K. , Grisso Thomas
Published: January 2021

The Designated Forensic Professional Program in Massachusetts, a collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, was started in 1985 for the purpose of providing specialty training and certification to mental health professionals providing public-sector evaluations of competence to stand trial and criminal responsibility to the Massachusetts courts. The program initially certified only psychologists but was eventually expanded to include forensic psychiatrists as well. The approach involves intensive mentoring and supervision and serves as a national model for states wishing to train public sector mental health professionals in the delivery of specialized forensic evaluations.
Peer Support Interventions in Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Carter Erik W.
Published: January 2021

Supporting students with severe disabilities to access the myriad social and learning opportunities that exist within inclusive classrooms can be a challenge. Peer support arrangements are an evidence-based intervention for increasing social interactions and academic engagement while decreasing heavy reliance on individually assigned paraprofessionals. This chapter addresses the core features of this intervention and its anticipated outcomes. It also includes implementation steps and recommendations for intervention, as well as applications to diverse students and settings.
Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: Markowitz John C.
Published: January 2021

This chapter describes the adaptations of IPT for treating PTSD, the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and the research supporting the use of IPT as a non-exposure treatment for this disorder. This research includes a National Institute of Mental Health randomized trial conducted by the author comparing IPT to prolonged exposure therapy and to relaxation therapy, with quite positive results for IPT. Adaptation includes the importance of affective attunement to counter traumatic numbness. There follow three detailed case examples of IPT treatment of complicated grief, role dispute, and role transition associated with PTSD during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Redshifted 21-cm bispectrum – II. Impact of the spin temperature fluctuations and redshift space distortions on the signal from the Cosmic Dawn
Authors: Kamran Mohd , Ghara Raghunath , Majumdar Suman , Mondal Rajesh , Mellema Garrelt , Bharadwaj Somnath , Pritchard Jonathan R , Iliev Ilian T
Published: January 2021

We present a study of the 21-cm signal bispectrum (which quantifies the non-Gaussianity in the signal) from the Cosmic Dawn (CD). For our analysis, we have simulated the 21-cm signal using radiative transfer code grizzly, while considering two types of sources (mini-QSOs and HMXBs) for Ly α coupling and the X-ray heating of the IGM. Using this simulated signal, we have, for the first time, estimated the CD 21-cm bispectra for all unique k-triangles and for a range of k modes. We observe that the redshift evolution of the bispectrum magnitude and sign follow a generic trend for both source models. However, the redshifts at which the bispectrum magnitude reaches their maximum and minimum values and show their sign reversal depends on the source model. When the Ly α coupling and the X-ray heating of the IGM occur simultaneously, we observe two consecutive sign reversals in the bispectra for small k-triangles (irrespective of the source models). One arising at the beginning of the IGM heating and the other at the end of Ly α-coupling saturation. This feature can be used in principle to constrain the CD history and/or to identify the specific CD scenarios. We also quantify the impact of the spin temperature (TS) fluctuations on the bispectra. We find that TS fluctuations have maximum impact on the bispectrum magnitude for small k-triangles and at the stage when Ly α coupling reaches saturation. Furthermore, we are also the first to quantify the impact of redshift space distortions (RSD), on the CD bispectra. We find that the impact of RSD on the CD 21-cm bispectra is significant ($\gt 20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) and the level depends on the stages of the CD and the k-triangles for which the bispectra are being estimated.
Meteoritic amino acids as chemical tracers of parent-body chemistries
Authors: Ellinger Y , Lattelais M , Pauzat F , Guillemin J-C , Zanda B
Published: January 2021

The analysis of the organic matter of meteorites made it possible to identify over 70 amino acids (AA), including 8 of those found in living organisms. However, their relative abundances vary drastically with the type of the carbonaceous chondrite, even for isomers of same chemical formula. In this report, we address the question whether this difference may have its origin in the relative stability of these isomers according to the conditions they experienced when they were formed and after. To this end, we rely on the fact that for most of the species observed so far in the interstellar medium (ISM), the most abundant isomer of a given generic chemical formula is the most stable one (minimum energy principle, MEP). Using quantum density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we investigate the relative stability of the lowest energy isomers of alanine (Ala) and amino butyric acid (ABA) in the neutral, protonated, and zwitterionic structures together with corresponding nitrile precursors. It is shown that β-alanine and γ-ABA are the most stable in a protonated form, whereas α-AA are the most stable in the zwitterionic and nitrile structures. The different composition of the carbonaceous chondrites CIs and CMs could be linked to the chemical context of the aqueous alterations of the parent bodies.
Statistical tracing of turbulent magnetic fields in the optically thick interstellar medium
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhang Jian-Fu , Lazarian Alex , de Medeiros José Renan
Published: January 2021

Based on high-resolution 3D data cubes from a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence simulation, we study how to reveal the direction of the magnetic field within the optically thick interstellar medium by using the velocity gradient technique (VGT), correlation function anisotropy (CFA), and principal component analysis of anisotropies (PCAA). Considering the CO molecular tracers as a tracing method for radiative transfer processes, we find that the VGT and CFA can successfully trace the orientation of mean magnetic fields, which is in good agreement with the low-resolution numerical results obtained in the case of an optically thin medium. Similar to the simulation of an optically thin ISM, our simulations show that PCCA is still unusable in optically thick media. The synergetic application of the VGT and CFA to high-resolution spectroscopic observations is expected to yield valuable information on the interstellar magnetic field.
The completed SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: a catalogue of strong galaxy–galaxy lens candidates
Authors: Talbot Michael S , Brownstein Joel R , Dawson Kyle S , Kneib Jean-Paul , Bautista Julian
Published: January 2021

We spectroscopically detected 838 likely, 448 probable, and 265 possible strong lens candidates within ≈2 million galaxy spectra contained within the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) from the sixteenth data release (DR16) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We apply the spectroscopic detection method of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) Emission-Line Lens Survey (BELLS) and add Gaussian fit information, grading, additional inspection observables, and additional inspection methods to improve our selection method. We observed 477 candidates with lensing evidence within low-resolution images from both the Legacy survey of SDSS-I/II and the DESI Legacy survey, which is $12{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ higher than the percentage of BELLS candidates observed with similar lensing evidence. Our search within the latest and improved reductions of the BOSS survey yielded a $20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ increase in the number of lens candidates expected from searching all BOSS and eBOSS galaxies. The distribution of target and background redshifts of our candidates is similar to the candidates and confirmed lenses within the BELLS observations. We present our Spectroscopic Identification of Lensing Object candidates in a value-added catalogue in SDSS DR16. The examination of these lens candidates in follow-up high-resolution imaging may yield more than twice the lenses found in previous spectroscopic detection surveys within SDSS, which would extend the results of previous lens surveys within SDSS to higher redshifts, constrain models of mass structures in spiral galaxies, and test if including the identification of possible lensing features within low-resolution images has merit to spectroscopic detection programmes.
Size, shade, or shape? The contribution of galaxies of different types to the star formation history of the Universe from SDSS-IV MaNGA
Authors: Peterken Thomas , Aragón-Salamanca Alfonso , Merrifield Michael , Avila-Reese Vladimir , Boardman Nicholas F , Domínguez Sánchez Helena , Bizyaev Dmitry , Drory Niv , Pan Kaike , Brownstein Joel R
Published: January 2021

By fitting stellar populations to the fourth generation of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV) Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey observations of ∼7000 suitably weighted individual galaxies, we reconstruct the star formation history of the Universe, which we find to be in reasonable agreement with previous studies. Dividing the galaxies by their present-day stellar mass, we demonstrate the downsizing phenomenon, whereby the more massive galaxies hosted the most star formation at earlier times. Further dividing the galaxy sample by colour and morphology, we find that a galaxy’s present-day colour tells us more about its historical contribution to the cosmic star formation history than its current morphology. We show that downsizing effects are greatest among galaxies currently in the blue cloud, but that the level of downsizing in galaxies of different morphologies depends quite sensitively on the morphological classification used, due largely to the difficulty in classifying the smaller low-mass galaxies from their ground-based images. Nevertheless, we find agreement that among galaxies with stellar masses $M_{\star } \gt 6\times 10^{9}\, \mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$, downsizing is most significant in spirals. However, there are complicating factors. For example, for more massive galaxies, we find that colour and morphology are predictors of the past star formation over a longer time-scale than in less massive systems. Presumably this effect is reflecting the longer period of evolution required to alter these larger galaxies’ physical properties, but shows that conclusions based on any single property do not tell the full story.
X-ray observations of the nova shell IPHASX J210204.7+471015
Authors: Toalá J A , Rubio G , Santamaría E , Guerrero M A , Estrada-Dorado S , Ramos-Larios G , Sabin L
Published: January 2021

We present the analysis of XMM–Newton European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC) observations of the nova shell IPHASX J210204.7+471015. We detect X-ray emission from the progenitor binary star with properties that resemble those of underluminous intermediate polars such as DQ Herculis (DQ Her): an X-ray-emitting plasma with temperature of TX = (6.4 ± 3.1) × 106 K, a non-thermal X-ray component, and an estimated X-ray luminosity of LX = 1030 erg s−1. Time series analyses unveil the presence of two periods, the dominant with a period of 2.9 ± 0.2 h, which might be attributed to the spin of the white dwarf, and a secondary of 4.5 ± 0.6 h that is in line with the orbital period of the binary system derived from optical observations. We do not detect extended X-ray emission as in other nova shells probably due to its relatively old age (130–170 yr) or to its asymmetric disrupted morphology that is suggestive of explosion scenarios different to the symmetric ones assumed in available numerical simulations of nova explosions.
A Planck-selected dusty proto-cluster at z = 2.16 associated with a strong overdensity of massive Hα-emitting galaxies
Authors: Koyama Yusei , Polletta Maria del Carmen , Tanaka Ichi , Kodama Tadayuki , Dole Hervé , Soucail Geneviève , Frye Brenda , Lehnert Matthew , Scodeggio Marco
Published: January 2021

We have discovered an overdensity of Hα-emitting galaxies associated with a Planck compact source in the COSMOS field (PHz G237.0+42.5) through narrow-band imaging observations with the Subaru Multi-Object InfraRed Camera and Spectrograph (MOIRCS). This Planck-selected dusty proto-cluster at z = 2.16 has 38 Hα emitters including six spectroscopically confirmed galaxies in the observed MOIRCS 4 × 7 arcmin2 field (corresponding to ∼2.0 × 3.5 Mpc2 in the physical scale). We find that massive Hα emitters with log (M⋆/M⊙) >10.5 are strongly clustered in the core of the proto-cluster (within ∼300 kpc from the density peak of the Hα emitters). Most of the Hα emitters in this proto-cluster lie along the star-forming main sequence using Hα-based estimates of the star formation rate (SFR). Meanwhile, the cluster total SFRs derived by integrating the Hα-based SFRs is an order of magnitude smaller than those estimated from Planck/Herschel far-infrared photometry. Our results suggest that Hα is a good observable for detecting moderately star-forming galaxies and for tracing the large-scale environment in and around high-redshift dusty proto-clusters. However, there is a possibility that a large fraction of star formation could be obscured by dust and undetected in Hα observations.
The Potential Effectiveness of COVID-Related Smoking Cessation Messages in Three Countries
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Jun Min , Roberts Ian , Nallaiah Kellie , Bullen Chris , Rodgers Anthony
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Health authorities are advising smokers to quit to reduce their COVID-related risk. The types of messages that may be effective in alerting smokers to this risk and encouraging a quit attempt are unknown. The aim of this study was to test a series of messages to identify potentially effective communication approaches.

Methods

An online survey was completed by 1509 smokers across three countries (Australia: n = 604; New Zealand: n = 304; United Kingdom: n = 601) in April–May 2020. Respondents were randomly assigned to view just one of four quit messages, two of which explicitly referred to the coronavirus, one referred to risk of chest infection, and one encouraged cessation for financial reasons. Outcome variables included quit intentions, further information seeking, message perceptions, and health and financial concerns.

Results

All four messages were associated with significant differences in the proportions of respondents intending to quit within the following 2 wk (increase range: 11%–34%) and with substantial proportions of respondents electing to access additional information (range: 37%–50%). The differences in intentions were significantly larger for the two health-related messages that specifically mentioned the coronavirus. All messages were perceived favorably in terms of acceptability, believability, effectiveness, and personal relevance. Negligible differences in health and financial concerns were observed.

Conclusions

Smokers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom appear likely to be receptive to messages about their COVID-related risk. Such messages have the potential to increase quit intentions and prompt information-seeking behaviors.

Implications

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to encourage smokers to quit to reduce both their COVID-related risks and their risks of a broad range of noncommunicable diseases.
Persistent Symptoms in Patients Recovering From COVID-19 in Denmark
Authors: Leth Steffen , Gunst Jesper Damsgaard , Mathiasen Victor , Hansen Kristoffer , Søgaard Ole , Østergaard Lars , Jensen-Fangel Søren , Storgaard Merete , Agergaard Jane
Published: January 2021

Background

Although persistent symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are emerging as a major complication to the infection, data on the diversity and duration of symptoms are needed.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 who were hospitalized at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, in the period from March 11 to May 15 were offered follow-up after hospitalization. On admission, a comprehensive symptom and medical history was collected, including demographic characteristics, duration of symptoms, comorbidities, and concomitant medications. At discharge, patients were offered follow-up consultations—either by telephone or at an in-person visit—at 6 and 12 weeks at our post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic to assess whether symptoms present at admission had resolved.

Results

During the inclusion period, 71 patients were admitted with COVID-19. Of these, 10 patients died, 3 were transferred to another region, 4 declined to participate, and 5 were lost to follow-up before the 12-week evaluation. Thus, 49 patients were included. Overall, 96% reported 1 or more persisting symptoms at 12-week follow-up. The main symptoms were fatigue, dyspnea, cough, chemosensory dysfunction, and headache.

Conclusions

A wide range of persistent symptoms in patients recovering from COVID-19 were present 12 weeks after hospitalization, calling for larger descriptive studies and interdisciplinary research collaborations.