bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major histocompatibility complex class II DR and DQ evolution and variation in wild capuchin monkey species (Cebinae)
Authors: Buckner Janet C. , Jack Katharine M. , Melin Amanda D. , Schoof Valérie A. M. , Gutiérrez-Espeleta Gustavo A. , Lima Marcela G. M. , Lynch Jessica W.
Published: August 2021

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important gene complex contributing to adaptive immunity. Studies of platyrrhine MHC have focused on identifying experimental models of immune system function in the equivalent Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). These genes have thus been explored primarily in captive platyrrhine individuals from research colonies. However, investigations of standing MHC variation and evolution in wild populations are essential to understanding its role in immunity, sociality and ecology. Capuchins are a promising model group exhibiting the greatest habitat diversity, widest diet breadth and arguably the most social complexity among platyrrhines, together likely resulting in varied immunological challenges. We use high-throughput sequencing to characterize polymorphism in four Class II DR and DQ exons for the first time in seven capuchin species. We find evidence for at least three copies for DQ genes and at least five for DRB, with possible additional unrecovered diversity. Our data also reveal common genotypes that are inherited across our most widely sampled population,Cebus imitatorin Sector Santa Rosa, Costa Rica. Notably, phylogenetic analyses reveal that platyrrhine DQA sequences form a monophyletic group to the exclusion of all Catarrhini sequences examined. This result is inconsistent with thetrans-species hypothesis for MHC evolution across infraorders in Primates and provides further evidence for the independent origin of current MHC genetic diversity in Platyrrhini. Identical allele sharing across cebid species, and more rarely genera, however, does underscore the complexity of MHC gene evolution and the need for more comprehensive assessments of allelic diversity and genome structure.
Psychosocial distress amongst Canadian intensive care unit healthcare workers during the acceleration phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Binnie Alexandra , Moura Kyra , Moura Claire , D’Aragon Frédérick , Tsang Jennifer L. Y.
Published: August 2021

Intensive care unit healthcare workers (ICU HCW) are at risk of mental health issues during emerging disease outbreaks. A study of ICU HCW from France revealed symptoms of anxiety and depression in 50.4% and 30.4% of workers at the peak of the first wave of the pandemic. The level of COVID-19 exposure of these ICU HCW was very high. In Canada, ICU HCW experienced variable exposure to COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic, with some hospitals seeing large numbers of patients while others saw few or none. In this study we examined the relationship between COVID-19 exposure and mental health in Canadian ICU HCW. We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of Canadian ICU HCW in April 2020, during the acceleration phase of the first wave of the pandemic. Psychosocial distress was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Participants were asked about sources of stress as well as about exposure to COVID-19 patients and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). Factors associated with clinically-relevant psychosocial distress were identified. Responses were received from 310 Canadian ICU HCW affiliated with more than 30 institutions. Of these, 64.5% scored ≥ 3 points on the GHQ-12 questionnaire, indicating clinically-relevant psychosocial distress. The frequency of psychosocial distress was highest amongst registered nurses (75.7%) and lowest amongst physicians (49.4%). It was also higher amongst females (64.9%) than males (47.6%). Although PPE availability was good (> 80% of participants reported adequate availability), there was significant anxiety with respect to PPE availability, with respect to the risk of being infected with COVID-19, and with respect to the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to others. In multivariable regression analysis, Anxiety with respect to being infected with COVID-19 (OR 1.53, CI 1.31–1.81) was the strongest positive predictor of clinically-relevant psychosocial distress while the Number of shifts with COVID-19 exposure (OR 0.86, CI 0.75–0.95) was the strongest negative predictor. In summary, clinically-relevant psychosocial distress was identified amongst a majority of ICU HCW during the acceleration phase of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those with minimal or no exposure to COVID-19. Strategies to support mental health amongst ICU HCW are required across the entire healthcare system.
Repression of Smad4 by MicroRNA-1285 moderates TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Pao Shu-I , Lin Le-Tien , Chen Yi-Hao , Chen Ching-Long , Chen Jiann-Torng
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess whether microRNA (miR)-1285 can suppress the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Expression of miR-1285 was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The features of EMT were assessed using Western blotting, immunocytochemical staining, scratch wound healing tests, modified Boyden chamber assay, and collagen gel contraction assay. A rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) was used for in vivo testing, which involved the induction of PVR by injection of transfected ARPE cells into the vitreous chamber. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the putative target of miR-1285. The expression of miR-1285 was downregulated in ARPE-19 cells treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Overexpression of miR-1285 led to upregulation of zonula occludens-1, downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, cell migration and cell contractility—all EMT features—in the TGF-β2-treated ARPE-19 cells. The reporter assay indicated that the 3′ untranslated region of Smad4 was the direct target of miR1285. PVR progression was alleviated in the miR-1285 transfected rabbits. In conclusion, overexpression of miR-1285 attenuates TGF-β2-induced EMT in a rabbit model of PVR, and the effect of miR-1285 in PVR is dependent on Smad4. Further research is warranted to develop a feasible therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of PVR.
Sulfur isotopes as a proxy for human diet and mobility from the preclassic through colonial periods in the Eastern Maya lowlands
Authors: Ebert Claire E. , Rand Asta J. , Green-Mink Kirsten , Hoggarth Julie A. , Freiwald Carolyn , Awe Jaime J. , Trask Willa R. , Yaeger Jason , Brown M. Kathryn , Helmke Christophe , Guerra Rafael A. , Danforth Marie , Kennett Douglas J.
Published: August 2021

Maya archaeologists have long been interested in understanding ancient diets because they provide information about broad-scale economic and societal transformations. Though paleodietary studies have primarily relied on stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic analyses of human bone collagen to document the types of food people consumed, stable sulfur (δ34S) isotope analysis can potentially provide valuable data to identify terrestrial, freshwater, or marine/coastal food sources, as well as determine human mobility and migration patterns. Here we assess applications ofδ34S for investigating Maya diet and migration through stable isotope analyses of human bone collagen (δ13C,δ15N, andδ34S) from 114 individuals from 12 sites in the Eastern Maya lowlands, temporally spanning from the Late Preclassic (300 BCE—300 CE) through Colonial periods (1520–1800 CE). Results document a diet dominated by maize and other terrestrial resources, consistent with expectations for this inland region. Becauseδ34S values reflect local geology, our analyses also identified recent migrants to the Eastern lowlands who had non-localδ34S signatures. When combined with other indicators of mobility (e.g., strontium isotopes), sulfur isotopic data provide a powerful tool to investigate movement across a person’s lifespan. This study represents the largest examination of archaeological humanδ34S isotope values for the Maya lowlands and provides a foundation for novel insights into both subsistence practices and migration.
Histological and biochemical evaluation of skeletal muscle in the two salmonid species Coregonus maraena and Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Grunow Bianka , Stange Katja , Bochert Ralf , Tönißen Katrin
Published: August 2021

The growth of fishes and their metabolism is highly variable in fish species and is an indicator for fish fitness. Therefore, somatic growth, as a main biological process, is ecologically and economically significant. The growth differences of two closely related salmonids, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and maraena whitefsh (Coregonus maraena), have not been adequately studied as a comparative study and are therefore insufficiently understood. For this reason, our aim was to examine muscle growth in more detail and provide a first complex insight into the growth and muscle metabolism of these two fish species at slaughter size. In addition to skeletal muscle composition (including nuclear counting and staining of stem and progenitor cells), biochemical characteristics, and enzyme activity (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase) of rainbow trout and maraena whitefish were determined. Our results indicate that red muscle contains cells with a smaller diameter compared to white muscle and those fibres had more stem and progenitor cells as a proportion of total nuclei. Interestingly, numerous interspecies differences were identified; in rainbow trout muscle RNA content, intermediate fibres and fibre diameter and in whitefish red muscle cross-sectional area, creatine kinase activity were higher compared to the other species at slaughter weight. The proportional reduction in red muscle area, accompanied by an increase in DNA content and a lower activity of creatine kinase, exhibited a higher degree of hypertrophic growth in rainbow trout compared to maraena whitefish, which makes this species particularly successful as an aquaculture species.
Social determinants in the access to health care for Chagas disease: A qualitative research on family life in the “Valle Alto” of Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: Jimeno I. , Mendoza N. , Zapana F. , de la Torre L. , Torrico F. , Lozano D. , Billot C. , Pinazo M. J. ,   on behalf of the InSPIRES Consortium
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Chagas disease is caused by theTrypanosoma cruziinfection. It is a neglected tropical disease with considerable impact on the physical, psychological, familiar, and social spheres. The Valle Alto of Cochabamba is a hyperendemic region of Bolivia where efforts to control the transmission of the disease have progressed over the years. However, many challenges remain, above all, timely detection and health-care access.

Methods

Following the Science Shop process, this bottom-up research emerged with the participation of the civil society from Valle Alto and representatives of the Association ofCorazones Unidos por el Chagasfrom Cochabamba. The aim of this study is to explore the social determinants in the living realities of those affected by Chagas disease or the silent infection and how families in the Valle Alto of Cochabamba cope with it. An interdisciplinary research team conducted a case study of the life stories of three families using information from in-depth interviews and performed a descriptive qualitative content analysis and triangulation processes.

Findings

Findings provide insights into social circumstances of the research subjects’ lives; particularly, on how exposure toTrypanosoma cruziinfection affects their daily lives in terms of seeking comprehensive health care. Research subjects revealed needs and shared their experiences, thus providing an understanding of the complexity of Chagas disease from the socioeconomic, sociocultural, political, and biomedical perspectives. Results enlighten on three dimensions: structural, psychosocial, and plural health system. The diverse perceptions and attitudes toward Chagas within families, including the denial of its existence, are remarkable as gender and ethnocultural aspects. Findings support recommendations to various stakeholders and translation materials.

Conclusions

Intersectional disease management and community involvement are essential for deciding the most appropriate and effective actions. Education, detection, health care, and social programs engaging family units ought to be the pillars of a promising approach.
Pair-bonding leads to convergence in approach behavior to conspecific vocalizations in California mice (Peromyscus californicus)
Authors: Rieger Nathaniel S. , Monari Patrick K. , Hartfield Kamryn , Schefelker Juliette , Marler Catherine A.
Published: August 2021

Pair-bonding allows for division of labor across behavioral tasks such as protecting a territory, caring for pups or foraging for food. However, how these labor divisions are determined, whether they are simply intrinsic differences in the individual’s behavior or a coordinated behavioral response by the pair, remains unknown. We used the monogamous, biparental and territorial California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) to study how behavioral approach to an aggressive vocal stimulus in a novel environment was affected by pair-bonding. Using a three-chambered vocal playback paradigm, we first measured the amount of time individuals spent in close proximity to aggressive bark vocalizations. We found that animals could be categorized as either approachers or avoiders. We then paired individuals based on their initial approach behavior to an opposite sex individual who displayed either similar or different approach behaviors. These pairs were then retested for approach behavior as a dyad 10–11 days post-pairing. This test found that pairs showed convergence in their behavioral responses, such that pairs who were mismatched in their approach behaviors became more similar, and pairs that were matched remained so. Finally, we analyzed the ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) produced and found that pairs produced significantly more USVs than individuals. Importantly, increased USV production correlated with increasing behavioral convergence of pairs. Taken together, this study shows that pair-bonded animals alter their approach behaviors to coordinate their response with their partner and that vocal communication may play a role in coordinating these behavioral responses. Overall, our findings indicate that pair-bonding generates an emergent property in pairs, adjusting their combined approach behavior towards a new aggressive stimulus representing a potential challenge to the bonded pair. Such findings may be broadly important for social bonding in other social systems.
Parity moderates the effect of delivery mode on maternal ratings of infant temperament
Authors: Takács Lea , Putnam Samuel P. , Bartoš František , Čepický Pavel , Monk Catherine
Published: August 2021

Objective

Cesarean section (CS) rates are rising rapidly around the world but no conclusive evidence has been obtained about the possible short- and long-term effects of CS on child behavior. We evaluated prospectively the association between CS and infant temperament across the first 9 postpartum months, controlling for indications for CS and investigating parity and infant sex as moderators.

Methods

The sample consisted of mothers and their healthy infants. Infant temperament was measured using the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire completed by the mothers at 6 weeks (n = 452) and 9 months (n = 258) postpartum. Mode of birth was classified into spontaneous vaginal birth (n = 347 for 6 weeks sample; 197 for 9 months sample), CS planned for medical reasons (n = 55; 28) and emergency CS (n = 50; 33).

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed no main effects of birth mode, but showed a significant interaction between birth mode and parity indicating that emergency CS in firstborn infants was associated with more difficult temperament at 6 weeks. There were no significant associations between indications for CS and infant temperament, although breech presentation predicted difficult temperament at 9 months.

Conclusion

We largely failed to support the association between CS and infant temperament. Although our results suggest that emergency CS may be associated with temperament in firstborns, further research is needed to replicate this finding, preferably using observational measures to assess child temperament.
Canine bocavirus-2 infection and its possible association with encephalopathy in domestic dogs
Authors: Piewbang Chutchai , Wardhani Sabrina Wahyu , Dankaona Wichan , Lacharoje Sitthichok , Chai-in Poowadon , Yostawonkul Jakarwan , Chanseanroj Jira , Boonrungsiman Suwimon , Kasantikul Tanit , Poovorawan Yong , Techangamsuwan Somporn
Published: August 2021

Canine bocaviruses (CBoVs) have been recognized as pathogens associated with intestinal diseases. Hematogenous spreading caused by CBoV has been documented and may potentiate the virus entry across the blood-brain barrier to initiate a brain infection. This study focused attention on CBoV detection in cases of encepahlopathy and attempted to determine its viral localization. A total of 107 dog brains that histologically exhibited encephalopathy (ED) were investigated for the presence of CBoVs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thirty-three histologically normal brain samples from dogs were used as a control group (CD). CBoV-2 was detected in 15 ED dogs (14.02%) but not in CD dogs (p = 0.02), while no CBoV-1 and -3 were detected. Among the CBoV-2 positive dogs, brain histological changes were characterized by nonsuppurative encephalitis, with inclusion body-like materials in some brains. In situ hybridization (ISH) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of CBoV-2 viral particles in glial cells, supporting neurotropism of this virus. ISH signals were also detected in the intestines, lymphoid organs, and the heart, suggesting both enteral and parenteral infections of this virus. Whole genome characterization and evolutionary analysis revealed genetic diversity of CBoV-2 sequences and it was varying among the different countries where the virus was detected. This study points to a possible association of CBoV-2 with encephalopathy in dogs. It also highlights the genetic diversity and cellular tropism of this virus.
A comparison of comorbidity measures for predicting mortality after elective hip and knee replacement: A cohort study of data from the National Joint Registry in England and Wales
Authors: Penfold Chris M. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Blom Ashley W. , Judge Andrew , Wilkinson J. Mark , Sayers Adrian
Published: August 2021

Background

The risk of mortality following elective total hip (THR) and knee replacements (KR) may be influenced by patients’ pre-existing comorbidities. There are a variety of scores derived from individual comorbidities that can be used in an attempt to quantify this. The aims of this study were to a) identify which comorbidity score best predicts risk of mortality within 90 days or b) determine which comorbidity score best predicts risk of mortality at other relevant timepoints (30, 45, 120 and 365 days).

Patients and methods

We linked data from the National Joint Registry (NJR) on primary elective hip and knee replacements performed between 2011–2015 with pre-existing conditions recorded in the Hospital Episodes Statistics. We derived comorbidity scores (Charlson Comorbidity Index—CCI, Elixhauser, Hospital Frailty Risk Score—HFRS). We used binary logistic regression models of all-cause mortality within 90-days and within 30, 45, 120 and 365-days of the primary operation using, adjusted for age and gender. We compared the performance of these models in predicting all-cause mortality using the area under the Receiver-operator characteristics curve (AUROC) and the Index of Prediction Accuracy (IPA).

Results

We included 276,594 elective primary THRs and 338,287 elective primary KRs for any indication. Mortality within 90-days was 0.34% (N = 939) after THR and 0.26% (N = 865) after KR. The AUROC for the CCI and Elixhauser scores in models of mortality ranged from 0.78–0.81 after THR and KR, which slightly outperformed models with ASA grade (AUROC = 0.77–0.78). HFRS performed similarly to ASA grade (AUROC = 0.76–0.78). The inclusion of comorbidities prior to the primary operation offers no improvement beyond models with comorbidities at the time of the primary. The discriminative ability of all prediction models was best for mortality within 30 days and worst for mortality within 365 days.

Conclusions

Comorbidity scores add little improvement beyond simpler models with age, gender and ASA grade for predicting mortality within one year after elective hip or knee replacement. The additional patient-specific information required to construct comorbidity scores must be balanced against their prediction gain when considering their utility.
Availability, affordability and price components of insulin products in different-level hospital pharmacies: Evidence from two cross-sectional surveys in Nanjing, China
Authors: Wang Lulu , Dai Liang , Liu Hui , Dai Huizhen , Li Xin , Ge Weihong
Published: August 2021

The essential medicine——insulin cannot be easily accessed and afforded in many countries. To help address this issue, we evaluated the availability, affordability and price of insulin products in Nanjing, eastern China. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2016 and 2018. A total of 56 hospital pharmacies were sampled, using a simplified and adapted World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) methodology. Prices were expressed as Median Price Ratios (MPRs) to Australian Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) prices. In addition, we investigated the price components of seven selected insulin products as a case study before and after the Online Centralized Procurement Policy for Hospital Drugs in May, 2018. Affordability was presented as the number of daily wages of the lowest paid unskilled government worker (LPGW) required to purchase 1000IU of insulin based on the average courses of treatment, approximately 30 days’ treatment. The availability of insulin products was very high in secondary hospitals and tertiary hospitals both in 2016 and 2018, but in community hospitals was very low. In 2018, the availability of prandial insulin products showed fluctuation compared to 2016. The availability of pre-mixed human insulin products was over 95% overall, and also very high (80%) in community hospitals in 2018. The prices of insulin products were much lower than PBS prices of Australian in this study, with the MPRs less than 1 (0.32 to 0.71 in 2016 vs. 0.30 to 0.68 in 2018) for all insulin types. But insulin products in Nanjing in 2016 and 2018 were considered unaffordable, because the number of daily wages of the LPGW needed to purchase for the 30 days treatment of insulin products ranged from 2.26 to 8.49 in 2016 and 1.88 to 7.09 in 2018. The manufacturers’ selling price contributed the main part (74.15% to 77.70% before and 74.86% to 91.51% after the implementation of the bidding policy) of the price components of target insulin brands. The availability of insulin products was high in secondary hospitals and tertiary hospitals, but lower in community hospitals. However, the affordability in community hospitals was better than other hospitals, but the insulin products were still unaffordable for patients on low incomes. Further improvements of the availability accessibility and affordability of medicines in advancing health insurance policies and lowering drug prices should be put forward.
Impact of university re-opening on total community COVID-19 burden
Authors: Cipriano Lauren E. , Haddara Wael M. R. , Zaric Gregory S. , Enns Eva A.
Published: August 2021

Background

University students have higher average number of contacts than the general population. Students returning to university campuses may exacerbate COVID-19 dynamics in the surrounding community.

Methods

We developed a dynamic transmission model of COVID-19 in a mid-sized city currently experiencing a low infection rate. We evaluated the impact of 20,000 university students arriving on September 1 in terms of cumulative COVID-19 infections, time to peak infections, and the timing and peak level of critical care occupancy. We also considered how these impacts might be mitigated through screening interventions targeted to students.

Results

If arriving students reduce their contacts by 40% compared to pre-COVID levels, the total number of infections in the community increases by 115% (from 3,515 to 7,551), with 70% of the incremental infections occurring in the general population, and an incremental 19 COVID-19 deaths. Screening students every 5 days reduces the number of infections attributable to the student population by 42% and the total COVID-19 deaths by 8. One-time mass screening of students prevents fewer infections than 5-day screening, but is more efficient, requiring 196 tests needed to avert one infection instead of 237.

Interpretation

University students are highly inter-connected with the surrounding off-campus community. Screening targeted at this population provides significant public health benefits to the community through averted infections, critical care admissions, and COVID-19 deaths.
Early evidence for beer drinking in a 9000-year-old platform mound in southern China
Authors: Wang Jiajing , Jiang Leping , Sun Hanlong
Published: August 2021

Alcoholic beverages played an essential role in rituals in ancient societies. Here we report the first evidence for beer drinking in the context of burial ritual in early Holocene southern China. Recent archaeological investigations at Qiaotou (9,000–8,700 cal. BP) have revealed a platform mound containing human burials and high concentrations of painted pottery, encircled by a human-made ditch. By applying microfossil (starch, phytolith, and fungi) residue analysis on the pottery vessels, we found that some of the pots held beer made of rice (Oryza sp.), Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), and USOs. We also discovered the earliest evidence for using mold saccharification-fermentation starter in beer making, predating written records by 8,000 years. The beer at Qiaotou was likely served in rituals to commemorate the burial of the dead. Ritualized drinking probably played an integrative role in maintaining social relationships, paving the way for the rise of complex farming societies four millennia later.
Mortality in children aged <5 years with severe acute respiratory illness in a high HIV-prevalence urban and rural areas of South Africa, 2009–2013
Authors: Ayeni Oluwatosin A. , Walaza Sibongile , Tempia Stefano , Groome Michelle , Kahn Kathleen , Madhi Shabir A. , Cohen Adam L. , Moyes Jocelyn , Venter Marietjie , Pretorius Marthi , Treurnicht Florette , Hellferscee Orienka , von Gottberg Anne , Wolter Nicole , Cohen Cheryl
Published: August 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) is an important cause of mortality in young children, especially in children living with HIV infection. Disparities in SARI death in children aged <5 years exist in urban and rural areas.

Objective

To compare the factors associated with in-hospital death among children aged <5 years hospitalized with SARI in an urban vs. a rural setting in South Africa from 2009–2013.

Methods

Data were collected from hospitalized children with SARI in one urban and two rural sentinel surveillance hospitals. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested for ten respiratory viruses and blood for pneumococcal DNA using polymerase chain reaction. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify patient and clinical characteristics associated with in-hospital death.

Results

From 2009 through 2013, 5,297 children aged <5 years with SARI-associated hospital admission were enrolled; 3,811 (72%) in the urban and 1,486 (28%) in the rural hospitals. In-hospital case-fatality proportion (CFP) was higher in the rural hospitals (6.9%) than the urban hospital (1.3%, p<0.001), and among HIV-infected than the HIV-uninfected children (9.6% vs. 1.6%, p<0.001). In the urban hospital, HIV infection (odds ratio (OR):11.4, 95% confidence interval (CI):5.4–24.1) and presence of any other underlying illness (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0–9.2) were the only factors independently associated with death. In the rural hospitals, HIV infection (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 2.3–7.1) and age <1 year (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.9–7.2) were independently associated with death, whereas duration of hospitalization ≥5 days (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8) and any respiratory virus detection (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8) were negatively associated with death.

Conclusion

We found that the case-fatality proportion was substantially higher among children admitted to rural hospitals and HIV infected children with SARI in South Africa. While efforts to prevent and treat HIV infections in children may reduce SARI deaths, further efforts to address health care inequality in rural populations are needed.
A study on Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus isolates from Northeastern Thailand: Identification, antibacterial activity, and association with entomopathogenic nematode hosts
Authors: Yimthin Thatcha , Fukruksa Chamaiporn , Muangpat Paramaporn , Dumidae Abdulhakam , Wattanachaiyingcharoen Wandee , Vitta Apichat , Thanwisai Aunchalee
Published: August 2021

Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus are gram negative bacteria that can produce several secondary metabolites, including antimicrobial compounds. They have a symbiotic association with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus species and their associated nematode symbionts from Northeastern region of Thailand. We also evaluated the antibacterial activity of these symbiotic bacteria. The recovery rate of EPNs was 7.82% (113/1445). A total of 62 Xenorhabdus and 51 Photorhabdus strains were isolated from the EPNs. Based on recA sequencing and phylogeny, Xenorhabdus isolates were identified as X. stockiae (n = 60), X. indica (n = 1) and X. eapokensis (n = 1). Photorhabdus isolates were identified as P. luminescens subsp. akhurstii (n = 29), P. luminescens subsp. hainanensis (n = 18), P. luminescens subsp. laumondii (n = 2), and P. asymbiotica subsp. australis (n = 2). The EPNs based on 28S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis were identified as Steinernema surkhetense (n = 35), S. sangi (n = 1), unidentified Steinernema (n = 1), Heterorhabditis indica (n = 39), H. baujardi (n = 1), and Heterorhabditis sp. SGmg3 (n = 3). Antibacterial activity showed that X. stockiae (bMSK7.5_TH) extract inhibited several antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on mutualistic association between P. luminescens subsp. laumondii and Heterorhabditis sp. SGmg3. This study could act as a platform for future studies focusing on the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds from these bacterial isolates.
“Spoiled” girls: Understanding social influences on adolescent contraceptive decision-making in Kenya
Authors: Harrington Elizabeth K. , Casmir Edinah , Kithao Peninah , Kinuthia John , John-Stewart Grace , Drake Alison L. , Unger Jennifer A. , Ngure Kenneth
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Despite significant public health emphasis on unintended pregnancy prevention among adolescent girls and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a gap in understanding how adolescents’ own reproductive priorities and the social influences on their decision-making align and compete. We examined the social context of contraceptive decision-making among Kenyan female adolescents.

Methods

Using community-based sampling, we conducted 40 in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions among sexually-active or partnered adolescent girls and young women aged 15–19 in the Nyanza region of Kenya. We analyzed the data in Dedoose using an inductive, grounded theory approach, and developed a conceptual model from the data illustrating social influences on adolescent contraceptive decision-making.

Results

Participants viewed adolescent pregnancy as unacceptable, and described severe social, financial, and health consequences of unintended pregnancy, including abortion under unsafe conditions. Yet, their contraceptive behaviors often did not reflect their desire to delay pregnancy. Contraceptive decision-making was influenced by multiple social factors, centering on the intersecting stigmas of adolescent female sexuality, pregnancy, and contraceptive use, as well as unequal power in sexual relationships. To prioritize pregnancy prevention, adolescents must navigate conflicting social norms and power dynamics, and put their perceived future fertility at risk.

Conclusions

Contraceptive decision-making among Kenyan female adolescents is strongly influenced by opposing social norms within families, communities, and sexual relationships, which compel them to risk stigma whether they use a contraceptive method or become pregnant as adolescents. These findings put into perspective adolescents’ seemingly incongruent pregnancy preferences and contraceptive behaviors. Interventions to address adolescent unintended pregnancy should focus on supporting adolescent decision-making agency, addressing fertility-related contraceptive concerns, and promoting innovative contraceptive access points rather than increasing contraceptive prevalence.
Embryonic exposure to predation risk and hatch time variation in fathead minnows
Authors: Horn Marianna E. , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: August 2021

Organisms are exposed to a wealth of chemical information during their development. Some of these chemical cues indicate present or future dangers, such as the presence of predators that feed on either the developing embryos or their nearby parents. Organisms may use this information to modify their morphology or life-history, including hatching timing, or may retain information about risk until it gains relevance. Previous research has shown predation-induced alterations in hatching among embryonic minnows that were exposed to mechanical-injury-released alarm cues from conspecific embryos. Here, we test whether minnows likewise hatch early in response to alarm cues from injured adult conspecifics. We know that embryonic minnows can detect adult alarm cues and use them to facilitate learned recognition of predators; however, it is unknown whether these adult alarm cues will also induce a change in hatching time. Early hatching may allow animals to rapidly disperse away from potential predators, but late hatching may allow animals to grow and develop structures that allow them to effectively escape when they do hatch. Here, we found here that unlike embryonic fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to embryonic cues, embryonic minnows exposed to adult alarm cues do not exhibit early hatching. The ability of embryos to recognize adult alarm cues as a future threat, but not a current one, demonstrates sophisticated ontogenetic specificity in the hatching response of embryonic minnows.
Changes in the top 25 reasons for primary care visits during the COVID-19 pandemic in a high-COVID region of Canada
Authors: Stephenson Ellen , Butt Debra A. , Gronsbell Jessica , Ji Catherine , O’Neill Braden , Crampton Noah , Tu Karen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

We aimed to determine the degree to which reasons for primary care visits changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used data from the University of Toronto Practice Based Research Network (UTOPIAN) to compare the most common reasons for primary care visits before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the number of visits and the number of patients seen for each of the 25 most common diagnostic codes. The proportion of visits involving virtual care was assessed as a secondary outcome.

Results

UTOPIAN family physicians (N = 379) conducted 702,093 visits, involving 264,942 patients between March 14 and December 31, 2019 (pre-pandemic period), and 667,612 visits, involving 218,335 patients between March 14 and December 31, 2020 (pandemic period). Anxiety was the most common reason for visit, accounting for 9.2% of the total visit volume during the pandemic compared to 6.5% the year before. Diabetes and hypertension remained among the top 5 reasons for visit during the pandemic, but there were 23.7% and 26.2% fewer visits and 19.5% and 28.8% fewer individual patients accessing care for diabetes and hypertension, respectively. Preventive care visits were substantially reduced, with 89.0% fewer periodic health exams and 16.2% fewer well-baby visits. During the pandemic, virtual care became the dominant care format (77.5% virtual visits). Visits for anxiety and depression were the most common reasons for a virtual visit (90.6% virtual visits).

Conclusion

The decrease in primary care visit volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic varied based on the reason for the visit, with increases in visits for anxiety and decreases for preventive care and visits for chronic diseases. Implications of increased demands for mental health services and gaps in preventive care and chronic disease management may require focused efforts in primary care.
Impact of controlled high-sucrose and high-fat diets on eosinophil recruitment and cytokine content in allergen-challenged mice
Authors: Percopo Caroline M. , McCullough Morgan , Limkar Ajinkya R. , Druey Kirk M. , Rosenberg Helene F.
Published: August 2021

Despite an ongoing focus on the role of diet in health and disease, we have only a limited understanding of these concepts at the cellular and molecular levels. While obesity has been clearly recognized as contributing to metabolic syndrome and the pathogenesis of adult asthma, recent evidence has linked high sugar intake alone to an increased risk of developing asthma in childhood. In this study, we examined the impact of diet in a mouse model of allergic airways inflammation with a specific focus on eosinophils. As anticipated, male C57BL/6 mice gained weight on a high-calorie, high-fat diet. However, mice also gained weight on an isocaloric high-sucrose diet. Elevated levels of leptin were detected in the serum and airways of mice maintained on the high-fat, but not the high-sucrose diets. We found that diet alone had no impact on eosinophil numbers in the airways at baseline or their recruitment in response to allergen (Alternaria alternata) challenge in either wild-type or leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. However, both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and eosinophils isolated from lung tissue of allergen-challenged mice exhibited profound diet-dependent differences in cytokine content. Similarly, while all wild-type mice responded to allergen challenge with significant increases in methacholine-dependent total airway resistance (Rrs), airway resistance in mice maintained on the isocaloric high-sucrose (but not the high-calorie/high-fat) diet significantly exceeded that of mice maintained on the basic diet. In summary, our findings revealed that mice maintained on an isocaloric high-sucrose diet responded to allergen challenge with significant changes in both BAL and eosinophil cytokine content together with significant increases in Rrs. These results provide a model for further exploration of the unique risks associated with a high-sugar diet and its impact on allergen-associated respiratory dysfunction.
Integration of chronological omics data reveals mitochondrial regulatory mechanisms during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: García-Chávez J. Noé , Vásquez-Garzón Verónica R. , López Mercedes G. , Villa-Treviño Saúl , Montiel Rafael
Published: August 2021

Mitochondria participate in multiple functions in eukaryotic cells. Although disruption of mitochondrial function has been associated with energetic deregulation in cancer, the chronological changes in mitochondria during cancer development remain unclear. With the aim to assess the role of mitochondria throughout cancer development, we analyzed samples chronologically obtained from induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. In our analyses, we integrated mitochondrial proteomic data, mitochondrial metabolomic data and nuclear genome transcriptomic data. We used pathway over-representation and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to integrate expression profiles of genes, miRNAs, proteins and metabolite levels throughout HCC development. Our results show that mitochondria are dynamic organelles presenting specific modifications in different stages of HCC development. We also found that mitochondrial proteomic profiles from tissues adjacent to nodules or tumor are determined more by the stage of HCC development than by tissue type, and we evaluated two models to predict HCC stage of the samples using proteomic profiles. Finally, we propose an omics integration pipeline to massively identify molecular features that could be further evaluated as key regulators, biomarkers or therapeutic targets. As an example, we show a group of miRNAs and transcription factors as candidates, responsible for mitochondrial metabolic modification in HCC.
Study on optimization of inspection mechanism of concrete beam bridge
Authors: Su Dan , Liu Yisheng , Li Xintong , Cao Zhicheng
Published: August 2021

China is shifting from the stage of large-scale bridge construction to the stage of equal emphasis on the construction and maintenance of bridges. The problems of low efficiency and high cost in bridge inspection are becoming more and more prominent, which threaten people’s life safety. In this paper, the deterioration state prediction model of concrete beam bridge under Boosting DT C5.0 was established as the basis, and optimization suggestions were put forward in terms of bridge inspection standards and processes, which aims to perfect the bridge inspection mechanism, realize the fine management of the bridge and prolong the service life of the bridge. Research shows that: first, the bridge inspection standard with a single index should be improved into the bridge inspection standard with multiple indexes, so as to scientifically determine the bridges that need to be inspected and optimize the allocation of maintenance resources. Second, the bridge deterioration state prediction model is used to add a screening mechanism for the bridge in the inspection plan, which can effectively reduce the workload of bridge inspection and enhance the inspection efficiency. Third, the deterioration phenomenon of coexistence between adjacent traffic assets should be fully considered and the linkage inspection mechanism of adjacent traffic assets should be established to improve the effect of bridge inspection.
Evaluating the distribution of African swine fever virus within a feed mill environment following manufacture of inoculated feed
Authors: Elijah C. Grace , Trujillo Jessie D. , Jones Cassandra K. , Gaudreault Natasha N. , Stark Charles R. , Cool Konner R. , Paulk Chad B. , Kwon Taeyong , Woodworth Jason C. , Morozov Igor , Gallardo Carmina , Gebhardt Jordan T. , Richt Jürgen A.
Published: August 2021

It is critical to understand the role feed manufacturing may have regarding potential African swine fever virus (ASFV) transmission, especially given the evidence that feed and/or ingredients may be potential vectors. The objective of the study was to evaluate the distribution of ASFV in a feed mill following manufacture of contaminated feed. To accomplish this, a pilot-scale feed mill consisting of a mixer, bucket elevator, and spouting was constructed in a BSL-3Ag facility. First, a batch of ASFV-free feed was manufactured, followed by a batch of feed that had an ASFV-contaminated ingredient added to feed, which was then mixed and discharged from the equipment. Subsequently, four additional ASFV-free batches of feed were manufactured using the same equipment. Environmental swabs from 18 locations within the BSL-3Ag room were collected after each batch of feed was discharged. The locations of the swabs were categorized into four zones: 1) feed contact surface, 2) non-feed contact surface < 1 meter away from feed, 3) non-feed contact surface > 1 meter from feed, and 4) transient surfaces. Environmental swabs were analyzed using a qPCR specific for the ASFV p72 gene and reported as genomic copy number (CN)/mL of environmental swab processing buffer. Genomic copies were transformed with a log10 function for statistical analysis. There was no evidence of a zone × batch interaction for log10 genomic CN/mL (P = 0.625) or cycle threshold (Ct) value (P = 0.608). Sampling zone impacted the log10 p72 genomic CN/mL (P < 0.0001) and Ct values (P < 0.0001), with a greater amount of viral genome detected on transient surfaces compared to other surfaces (P < 0.05). This study illustrates that once ASFV enters the feed mill environment it becomes widespread and movement of people can significantly contribute to the spread of ASFV in a feed mill environment.
Socially responsible investing through the equity funds in the global ownership network
Authors: Mizuno Takayuki , Doi Shohei , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Kurizaki Shuhei
Published: August 2021

We analyze the connectivity of equity investments to the firms in the global ownership network that are reported as non-compliant with Environment, Social, and Government (ESG) benchmarks. We find that a large number of shareholders have ownership linkages to non-ESG firms, most commonly with three or four degrees of separation. Analyzing the betweenness centrality for shareholders connecting the ultimate owners and non-ESG firms, we find that the investment management companies play important roles in channeling the investment money into non-ESG firms, where largest American asset managers commonly have one to two degrees of separation on their ownership linkages to those problematic firms. Since asset managers collect capital from investors by running the equity funds, we analyze the ownership stakes and the associated voting rights attributable to the equity funds investors. We estimate the distribution of the power of corporate control over non-ESG firms among specific asset managers (such as BlackRock and Fidelity) and among different types of the equity funds (such as mutual funds and exchanged-traded funds), and explores how investing in the equity funds rather than ownership investing may have shifted the distribution of the power to control those non-ESG firms.