bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From earthquake swarm to a main shock–aftershocks: the 2018 activity in West Bohemia/Vogtland
Authors: Bachura M , Fischer T , Doubravová J , Horálek J
Published: November 2020

In earthquake swarms, seismic energy is released gradually by many earthquakes without a dominant event, which offers detailed insight into the processes on activated faults. The swarm of May 2018 that occurred in West Bohemia/Vogtland region included more than 4000 earthquakes with ML = 〈0.5, 3.8〉 and its character showed significant changes during the two weeks duration: what started as a pure earthquake swarm ended as a typical main shock–aftershock sequence. Based on precise double-difference relocations, four fault segments differing in strikes and dips were identified with similar dimensions. First, two segments of typical earthquake swarm character took place, and at the end a fault segment hosting a main shock–aftershock sequence was activated. The differences were observable in the earthquakes spatio-temporal evolutions (systematic versus disordered migration of the hypocentres), b-values (>1.3 for the swarm, <1 for the main shock–aftershocks), or the smoothness of seismic moment spatial distribution along the fault plane. Our findings can be interpreted by local variations of fault rheology, differential stress and/or smoothness of the faults surface, possibly related to the crustal fluids circulating along the fault plane and their interplay with the seismic cycle.
Climate- and density-dependent regulation of fish growth throughout ontogeny: North Sea sprat as a case study
Authors: Lindegren Martin , Rindorf Anna , Norin Tommy , Johns David , van Deurs Mikael
Published: November 2020

Growth is a fundamental physiological process influencing the state and dynamics of fish stocks, yet the physical and biological conditions affecting individual weight and growth throughout ontogeny are poorly known and often unaccounted for in fisheries management. This is rather surprising given that changes in growth have strong direct effects on the total biomass and potential yield derived from any given stock. In this study, we investigate the underlying factors affecting fish growth throughout the life span of cohorts using statistical modelling and long-term observational data on sprat (Sprattus sprattus), a commercially and ecologically important small-pelagic fish species across European seas. Our results demonstrate a negative relationship between total abundance and weight, as well as a positive and dome-shaped relationship between temperature and zooplankton abundance (i.e. food availability), respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate how such improved knowledge and understanding of the underlying factors affecting weight and growth could be accounted for in future assessment models, by including these considerations into short-term forecast simulations. This, in turn, would provide a stronger scientific basis for management advice and ensure the sustainability and profitability of fisheries, particularly on small and commercially valuable pelagic species with pronounced spatio-temporal variability in weight and growth.
Education, Access to Better Quality Work and Gender: Lessons from the Kagera Panel Data Set
Authors: Kamanzi Adalbertus , McKay Andy , Newell Andy , Rienzo Cinzia , Tafesse Wiktoria
Published: November 2020

For many decades the worldwide expansion of supply and demand for skilled work has been at the heart of economic growth and development. In this paper, we use the 1991–2010 panel data from the Kagera Health and Development Survey in North West Tanzania to examine the work outcomes at the end of the panel of those who were young (7 to 24 years) in the baseline. First, we illustrate the significant extent to which advanced education and skilled work go hand in hand. We analyse specifically the baseline household factors enabling individuals to access more advanced education, and we find quite different results by gender. We then analyse, again by gender, how this education plus baseline characteristics matter for attaining skilled or professional work. We also study the importance of migration in the process and the degree of intergenerational mobility in skilled work. The results show vividly how some key household factors help young men advance in their education and career, while childcare in particular retards the progress young women can make.
Effects of Dinotefuran on Brain miRNA Expression Profiles in Young Adult Honey Bees (Hymenopptera: Apidae)
Authors: Huang Minjie , Dong Jie , Guo Haikun , Wang Deqian
Published: November 2020

Honey bees are important pollinators of wild plants and crops. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulators of gene expression. In this study, we initially determined that the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of dinotefuran was 0.773 mg/l. Then, the expression profiles and differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) in honey bee brains after 1, 5, and 10 d of treatment with the lethal concentration 10 (LC10) of dinotefuran were explored via deep small-RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. In total, 2, 23, and 27 DE miRNAs were identified after persistent exposure to the LC10 of dinotefuran for 1, 5, and 10 d, respectively. Some abundant miRNAs, such as ame-miR-375-3p, ame-miR-281-5p, ame-miR-3786-3p, ame-miR-10-5p, and ame-miR-6037-3p, were extremely significantly differentially expressed. Enrichment analysis suggested that the candidate target genes of the DE miRNAs are involved in the regulation of biological processes, cellular processes, and behaviors. These results expand our understanding of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in honey bee Apis mellifera (Hymenopptera: Apidae) responses to neonicotinoid insecticides and facilitate further studies on the functions of miRNAs in honey bees.
Environmental issues related to fracking
Authors: Carmalt S W , Moscariello Andrea
Published: November 2020

Hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ overlays a major industrial operation on the land in areas where shale and tight hydrocarbon resources can be exploited. Every aspect of the fracking operation can cause environmental damage, although the damage from any individual well is both unlikely and usually fairly limited. Such damage has been extensively documented, giving the impression that fracking activity is bad for the environment. There is no yes or no answer to the question ‘Is fracking harmful to the environment’; rather, it is an issue that must be resolved politically rather than scientifically.
The transcription factor WRKY75 positively regulates jasmonate-mediated plant defense to necrotrophic fungal pathogens
Authors: Chen Ligang , Zhang Liping , Xiang Shengyuan , Chen Yanli , Zhang Haiyan , Yu Diqiu
Published: November 2020

Necrotrophic fungi cause devastating diseases in both horticultural and agronomic crops, but our understanding of plant defense responses against these pathogens is still limited. In this study, we demonstrated that WRKY75 positively regulates jasmonate (JA)-mediated plant defense against necrotrophic fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola, and also affects the sensitivity of plants to JA-inhibited seed germination and root growth. Quantitative analysis indicated that several JA-associated genes, such as OCTADECANOID-RESPONSIVE ARABIDOPSIS (ORA59) and PLANT DEFENSIN 1.2A (PDF1.2), were significantly reduced in expression in wrky75 mutants, and enhanced in WRKY75 overexpressing transgenic plants. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that WRKY75 directly binds to the promoter of ORA59 and represses itstranscription. In vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that WRKY75 interacts with several JASMONATE ZIM-domain proteins, repressors of the JA signaling pathway. We determined that JASMONATE-ZIM-DOMAIN PROTEIN 8 (JAZ8) represses the transcriptional function of WRKY75, thereby attenuating the expression of its regulation. Overexpression of JAZ8 repressed plant defense responses to B. cinerea. Our study provides evidence that WRKY75 functions as a critical component of the JA-mediated signaling pathway to positively regulate Arabidopsis defense responses to necrotrophic pathogens.
Linking soils and human health: geospatial analysis of ground-sampled soil data in relation to community-level podoconiosis data in North West Cameroon
Authors: Gislam H , Burnside N G , Brolly M , Deribe K , Davey G , Wanji S , Suh C E , Kemp S J , Watts M J , Le Blond J S
Published: November 2020

Background

Podoconiosis is a form of leg swelling, which arises when individuals are exposed over time to red clay soil formed from alkaline volcanic rock. The exact causal agent of the disease is unknown. This study investigates associations between podoconiosis disease data and ground-sampled soil data from North West Cameroon.

Methods

The mineralogy and elemental concentrations were measured in the soil samples and the data were spatially interpolated. Mean soil values were calculated from a 3 km buffer region around the prevalence data points to perform statistical analysis. Analysis included Spearman's rho correlation, binary logistic regression and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

Six elements, barium, beryllium, potassium, rubidium, strontium and thallium, as well as two minerals, potassium feldspar and quartz, were identified as statistically related to podoconiosis. PCA did not show distinct separation between the spatial locations with or without recorded cases of podoconiosis, indicating that other factors such as shoe-wearing behaviour and genetics may significantly influence podoconiosis occurrence and prevalence in North West Cameroon.

Conclusion

Several soil variables were statistically significantly related to podoconiosis. To further the current study, future investigations will look at the inflammatory pathway response of cells after exposure to these variables.
Volatile Organic Compounds of Bacillus cereus Strain Bc-cm103 Exhibit Fumigation Activity against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Yin Nan , Liu Rui , Zhao Jian-Long , Khan Raja Asad Ali , Li Yan , Ling Jian , Liu Wei , Yang Yu-Hong , Xie Bing-Yan , Mao Zhen-Chuan
Published: November 2020

Bacillus cereus strain Bc-cm103 shows nematicidal activity and, therefore, has been used as a biological control agent to control the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. However, it remains unknown whether volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by B. cereus strain Bc-cm103 are effective in biocontrol against M. incognita. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the activity of Bc-cm103 VOCs against M. incognita. The B. cereus strain Bc-cm103 significantly repelled the second-stage juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita. In vitro evaluation of VOCs produced by the fermentation of Bc-cm103 in a three-compartment Petri dish revealed the mortality rates of M. incognita J2s as 90.8% at 24 h and 97.2% at 48 h. Additionally, evaluation of the ability of Bc-cm103 VOCs to suppress M. incognita infection in a double-layered pot test showed that root galls on cucumber roots decreased by 46.1%. Furthermore, 21 VOCs were identified from strain Bc-cm103 by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, including alkanes, alkenes, esters, and sulfides. Among them, dimethyl disulfide (30.63%) and S-methyl ester butanethioic acid (30.29%) were reported to have strong nematicidal activity. Together, these results suggest that B. cereus strain Bc-cm103 exhibits fumigation activity against M. incognita.
Using Critical Incident Assessments to Understand Nursing Students’ Perceptions That Impact Learning
Authors: Embrey Katrina , Taggart Helen M.
Published: November 2020

Nurse faculty have a responsibility to examine nursing incidents that have a negative effect on students and identify methods for improvement. The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students’ perceptions of weekly incidents that impact learning in order to alert faculty to problems early in the program of study. A qualitative descriptive design was used to identify common themes of first-semester BSN students’ perceptions using Brookfield’s Critical Incident Questionnaire. Four themes were identified. Critical reflection, analysis, and active learning are vital components in nursing education.
False-negative joint aspiration of septic arthritis of the hip in neonates
Authors: Lee Soon Hyuck , Park Ji Hun , Lee Jin Hyeok , Jang Woo Young
Published: November 2020

In neonates, timely detection of septic arthritis of the hip can be challenging. Joint aspiration can be a useful diagnostic procedure, but scanty fluid in a septic joint has been reported, leading false-negative results. This study aimed to investigate clinical course of neonates with septic arthritis of the hip despite initial negative findings on joint aspiration. The neonates who surgically treated for septic arthritis of the hip between 2003 and 2013 for septic arthritis of the hip despite initial negative joint aspiration were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentations, MRI, intraoperative findings, functional and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. Six neonates were included with a mean follow-up of 12 years (range 5–15 years). All patients showed negative results on joint aspirations performed with ultrasound guidance or fluoroscopy. The mean duration between the onset of symptoms and initial surgery was 15.2 days (range 4–25 days). Four patients (67%) had extracapsular abscesses that were connected to perforated joint capsules on MRI. Intraoperatively, all patients were found to have hip joint instability with a ruptured capsule. Five (83%) patients experienced a complicated recovery. Four patients required reconstructive hip surgery, or further procedures to correct leg length discrepancy. Neonates with false-negative aspiration typically had a delay in appropriate surgical treatment. These cases suggest that the absence of aspirable fluid contents in the hip joint does not rule out septic arthritis in neonates. Our findings highlight the importance of considering spontaneous hip joint capsular perforation as the cause of extra-articular drainage of pus and instability.
Maximizing length with precice nail: a novel technique
Authors: Gomez-Alessandri Jean , Sanpera-Iglesias Julia , Raluy-Collado David , Sanpera Ignacio
Published: November 2020

Intramedullary magnetic lengthening nails represents a marked advance in the process of limb lengthening, reducing the complications associated with other methods, and improving patient’s comfort. However, one important limitation is its lengthening ability, especially when it comes to short bones. Previous reports have shown techniques that may allow further lengthening but at a cost of having to carry out repeated procedures, requiring the use of other devices, and submitting the patient to long-winded surgical procedures. This report presents a novel technique to achieve lengthening beyond the initial reach of the nail, in a simple and quick procedure, without the need of implanting any additional devices.
Role of the Pubic Symphysis in Osseous Pelvic Development: A Novel Model of Bladder Exstrophy in Rabbits
Authors: Cottrill Ethan , Klyce Walter , Pennington Zach , Ehresman Jeff , Di Carlo Heather , Gearhart John P. , Sponseller Paul D.
Published: November 2020

Background:

It has been posited that the osseous pelvic anomalies seen in patients with classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) result from disruption of the pubic symphysis. This hypothesis, however, has not been tested. In the present animal study, our objective was to determine whether the tension of the pubic symphysis helps maintain the shape of the pelvic ring, or whether the growing bones maintain a ring shape even without the tension of the symphysis.

Methods:

In total, 12 neonatal New Zealand White rabbits underwent pubic symphysiotomy (experimental group, n=9) or sham surgery (control group, n=3) on days 3 or 4 of life. Rabbits were scanned with cone-beam computed tomography at 1, 4, 12, and 20 weeks postoperatively to monitor changes in the following pelvic parameters, which are known to be altered in CBE: anterior segment angle, anterior segment length, intertriradiate distance, interpubic distance, and posterior segment angle. Changes within the experimental and control groups were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey honest significant difference testing. Two-tailed t tests were used to compare treatment groups at each time point.

Results:

Both groups showed increases in anterior segment length and intertriradiate distance during the study period; rabbits in the experimental group also showed a steady increase in interpubic distance (F=43.9; P<0.001). Experimental rabbits had significantly larger mean values for anterior segment angle, intertriradiate distance, interpubic distance, and posterior segment angle than did control rabbits at all time points. We found no difference in mean anterior segment length between control and experimental groups at any time point. The difference in interpubic distance was particularly pronounced by 20 weeks (experimental group, 13±2.7 mm; control group, 1.1±0.1 mm; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The pubic symphysis is essential for normal pelvic development. Its absence led to early pelvic angulation and progressive pubic separation in a rabbit model. However, we found no significant difference in the mean anterior segment length, and it is likely that other factors are also implicated in the growth disturbance seen in CBE.

Level of Evidence:

Level V.
Association of Risk of Dementia With Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin Use in Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Zong Xuan , Ang Eshen , Lim Xin Tian , Arain Salman Javed
Published: November 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of anticoagulants in preventing dementia in this population. However, evidence around the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin in AF-related dementia prevention remains sparse. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the use of DOACs versus warfarin in dementia prevention in this population. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from its inception until May 2020. Nine studies (n = 611,069) were included for quantitative meta-analysis. DOACs use was associated with a lower risk of composite dementia outcomes compared with warfarin use [odds ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.94, P = 0.03]. No significant difference was found in subtypes of dementia (vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive disorder) between both groups. No significant difference in the risk of composite dementia outcomes between the dabigatran and warfarin groups (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88–1.08, P = 0.61). Apixaban (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.50–0.67, P < 0.00001) and rivaroxaban (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.61–0.75, P < 0.00001) use were both associated with a significantly lower risk of composite dementia outcomes compared with warfarin use. Findings need to be interpreted with caution because of low certainty of evidence. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 comparative studies demonstrated the superiority of DOACs over warfarin in prevention of dementia in AF. Future prospective trials with adequate follow-up period are warranted to ascertain its causal relationship.
Effect of off-hour versus work-hour thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke on emergency department patients’ outcome: a retrospective study
Authors: Ozakin Engin , Ozdemir Atilla O. , Aykac Ozlem , Cevik Arif A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke is crucial regardless of the time of presentation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of off-hours management of patients with ischemic stroke that underwent thrombolytic therapy in the emergency department.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study included ischemic stroke patients who received thrombolysis in the emergency department from January 2009 to April 2017. Patients who presented between 08:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday were in the ‘work-hour group (group 1)’ versus others who were considered ‘off-hours (group 2)’. Primary endpoint was 3-month mortality. Secondary endpoints included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and dramatic recovery rate at 24 h, intracranial hemorrhage, systemic hemorrhage and modified Rankin Scale at the 3 months. Symptom-to-needle time, door-to-computed tomography time, and door-to-needle time were also compared between groups.

Results

A total of 399 ischemic stroke patients were included in the analysis, 137 (34%) during work-hours and 262 (66%) during off-hours. The mortality rate was not different at 3 months between groups: 24 (17.5%) in the work-hours group versus 38 (14.5%) in the off-hours group [odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0. 72–2.19]. There were no differences between groups on secondary endpoints. The mean time of symptom-to-needle was significantly higher during off-hours (mean difference: 18.4 min; 95% CI, 7.81–29.0).

Conclusions

In this study, there were no significant differences in mortality and functional outcomes at 3 months between patients who underwent off-hour or work-hour thrombolysis in the emergency department.
Improving the Competency of Nurses
Authors: Porte Petra J. , Verweij Lisanne M. , Collares Carlos Fernando , de Bruijne Martine C. , van der Vleuten Cees P.M. , Wagner Cordula
Published: November 2020

To decrease infusion pump administration errors, time-consuming training is often initiated. The aims of this study were twofold: to develop minimum competency requirements for programming and operation of infusion pumps and to develop and validate a test for nurses based on those requirements. The test was completed by 226 nurses between May and December 2017. This study demonstrates that testing is a promising method to assess the competency of nurses in using medical devices. Moreover, test acceptability among nurses is high. Using competency requirements to develop a test offers the potential to tailor training needs and reduce training time.
Management of Trichomoniasis in the Setting of 5-Nitroimidazole Hypersensitivity
Authors: Van Gerwen Olivia T. , Camino Andres F. , Bourla Lorelei N. , Legendre Davey , Muzny Christina A.
Published: November 2020

Metronidazole and other 5-nitroimidazoles are the mainstay of Trichomonas vaginalis treatment, with few efficacious and safe treatment options available outside of this class. Patients with trichomoniasis and a history of a clinically confirmed hypersensitivity reaction to 5-nitroimidazoles present a management challenge for clinicians. The first step in managing such patients is metronidazole desensitization. In situations where this cannot be performed or tolerated, treatment with alternative regimens outside of the 5-nitroimidazole class, such as intravaginal boric acid or paromomycin, may be possible.
Benchmarks for HIV Testing: What Is Needed to Achieve Universal Testing Coverage at U.S. Ambulatory Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Hoover Karen W. , Khalil George M. , Cadwell Betsy L. , Rose Charles E. , Peters Philip J.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Black and Hispanic men have the highest rates of HIV diagnoses. To decrease the number of U.S. men who are unaware of their HIV status, they should be tested at least once. Our objective was to estimate the increases needed in HIV testing rates at ambulatory health care visits to achieve universal coverage.

Methods:

We analyzed nationally representative medical record abstraction data to estimate the number of visits per person to physician offices, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics among men aged 18–39 years during 2009–2016, and the percentage of visits with an HIV test. We calculated the increase in the percentage of visits with an HIV test needed to achieve universal testing coverage of men by age 39 years.

Results:

Men had a mean of 75.3 million ambulatory visits per year and 1.67 visits per person. An HIV test was performed at 0.9% of the ambulatory visits made by white men, 2.5% by black men, and 2.4% by Hispanic men. A 3-fold increase in the percentage of visits with an HIV test would result in coverage of 46.2% of white, 100% of black, and 100% of Hispanic men; an 11-fold increase would be needed to result in coverage of 100% of white men.

Conclusions:

HIV testing rates of men at ambulatory health care visits were too low to provide HIV testing coverage of all men by aged 39 years. A 3-fold increase in the percentage of visits with an HIV test would result in universal testing coverage of black and Hispanic men by age 39 years.
Near Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load: Targeted Testing at Large Facilities
Authors: Ganesh Prakash , Heller Tom , Chione Boniface , Gumulira Joe , Gugsa Salem , Khan Shaukat , McGovern Seth , Nhlema Angellina , Nkhoma Lyse , Sacks Jilian A. , Trapence Clement , Tweya Hannock , Ehrenkranz Peter , Phiri Sam
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Point-of-care (POC) technologies in resource-limited settings can circumvent challenges of centralized laboratory testing, improving clinical management. However, higher device costs and uncertain indications for use have inhibited scaling up POC modalities. To address this gap, we investigated the feasibility and cost of targeted near-POC viral load (VL) testing in 2 large HIV clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods:

VL testing using GeneXpert was targeted for patients suspected of treatment failure or returning to care after a previously elevated VL (>1000 copies/mL). Descriptive analysis of retrospective clinical and cost data is presented.

Results:

Two thousand eight hundred thirteen near-POC VL tests were conducted. One thousand five hundred eleven (54%) tests were for patients for whom results and reason for the test were documented: 57% (794/1389) of tests were to confirm a previously high VL, and 33% (462/1389) were due to clinical indications. Sixty-one percent (926/1511) of patients had a high VL, of whom 78% (719/926) had a recorded clinical action: 77% (557/719) switched to second line antiretroviral therapy, and 15% (194/719) were referred for intensive adherence counseling. Eighty-two percent (567/687) of patients received a clinical action on the same day as testing. The “all-in” cost was $33.71 for a valid POC VL test, compared with an international benchmark for a centralized VL test of $28.62.

Conclusion:

Targeted, near-POC VL testing was feasible and consistently enabled prompt clinical action. The difference between the “all-in” cost of near-POC VL and centralized testing of $5.09 could be further reduced in an optimized national program by combining targeted near-POC testing and centralized testing.
The Impact on Nasal Septal Anatomy and Physiology Following Le Fort I Osteotomy for Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Eliason Michael J. , Schafer Jeffrey , Archer Benjamin , Capra Gregory
Published: November 2020

Orthognathic surgery utilizing a Le Fort I osteotomy is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct midface and dental occlusal abnormalities. However, the potential sequelae on sinonasal function have had minimal discussion in the literature. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on nasal septum anatomy and physiology following Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary repositioning surgery. Thirty patients who previously underwent elective orthognathic surgery with Le Fort I osteotomy were enrolled retrospectively to assess the change in their nasal septal anatomy and nasal breathing. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were used to determine axial displacement of the septum, in both degrees and millimeters, at 4 different standardized anatomic sites following the surgery. These objective anatomic measurements were then compared to the patient's perception of nasal congestion and difficulty breathing via the validated Chronic Sinusitis Survey-Duration Based (CSS-D). Comparison of the CTs before and after surgery demonstrated a new deviation of the nasal septum in all 30 patients, with maximal axial displacements up to 7.22 mm and a mean of 2.64 mm. Postoperative angular displacement changes ranged from minimal to 24°. The CTs showed persistence of a new septal perforation in 20% (6 of 30 patients) following surgery. The CSS-D results demonstrated a mean worsening of nasal breathing and congestion scores from 1.4 before surgery to 3.0 at least 8 weeks after surgery (P < 0.001). Orthognathic surgery utilizing Le Fort I osteotomy may result in persistent nasal septal perforations, new displacement of the nasal septum, and increased perception of nasal dyspnea not previously reported. Further understanding of anatomic changes and nasal airway obstruction that may be caused following such operations warrants further study in order to improve surgical technique and postoperative outcomes.
Apert Hand Reconstruction: Do Partial-Thickness Skin Grafts Result in Flexion Scar Contracture?
Authors: Raposo-Amaral Cassio Eduardo , Oliveira Yuri Moresco , Denadai Rafael , Raposo-Amaral Cesar Augusto
Published: November 2020

Background:

Hand reconstruction for patients with Apert syndrome is a critical step in comprehensive care and enables this population to gain significant hand function. Digit separation for Apert syndrome, as described in most algorithms, is finalized using local flaps and full-thickness skin grafts. The objective of this study is to report our experience using local flaps and partial-thickness skin grafts after digit separation for Apert hand reconstruction.

Methods:

An observational retrospective study was performed with Apert patients whose hands were reconstructed between January 2007 and July 2019 using local flaps and partial-thickness skin grafts after digit separation. Demographic data and outcome data were verified and recorded.

Results:

Out of a total of 75 Apert patients who underwent hand reconstruction, 12 underwent hand reconstruction utilizing local flaps and partial-thickness skin grafts. The average patient age at the time of the first procedure was 1.9 years. These 12 patients were stratified according to Upton hand severity, 3 being type I (25%), 3 being type II (25%) and 6 being type III (50%). Mean follow up provided to all patients in this study was 1.8 years and donor site-related complications were seen in 2 patients (16.6%). No flexion scar contracture was observed in any of the patients who received partial-thickness skin grafts.

Conclusions:

The use of local flaps along with partial-thickness skin grafts to finalize digit separation for patients with Apert syndrome is an effective technique that reduces donor site morbidity and does not result in flexion scar contracture.
Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aden governorate, Yemen: a geospatial and statistical analysis
Authors: Koum Besson Emilie , Norris Andy , Bin Ghouth Abdulla S. , Freemantle Terri , Alhaffar Mervat , Vazquez Yolanda , Reeve Chris , Curran Patrick J. , Checchi Francesco
Published: November 2020

Background

The burden of COVID-19 in low-income and conflict-affected countries is still unclear, largely reflecting low testing rates. In parts of Yemen, reports indicated a peak in hospital admissions and burials during May-June 2020. To estimate excess mortality during the epidemic period, we quantified activity across all identifiable cemeteries within Aden governorate in Yemen (population approximately one million) by analysing very high-resolution satellite imagery, and compared estimates to Civil Registry office records from the city.

Methods

After identifying active cemeteries through remote and ground information, we applied geospatial analysis techniques to manually identify new grave plots and measure changes in burial surface area over a period from July 2016 to September 2020. After imputing missing grave counts using surface area data, we used alternative approaches, including simple interpolation and a generalised additive mixed growth model, to predict both actual and counterfactual (no epidemic) burial rates by cemetery and across the governorate during the most likely period of COVID-19 excess mortality (from 1 April 2020), and thereby compute excess burials. We also analysed death notifications to the Civil Registry office during April-July 2020 and in previous years.

Results

We collected 78 observations from 11 cemeteries, of which 10 required imputation from burial surface area. Cemeteries ranged in starting size from 0 to 6866 graves. In all but one a peak in daily burial rates was evident from April to July 2020. Interpolation and mixed model methods estimated ≈ 1500 excess burials up to 6 July, and 2120 up to 19 September, corresponding to a peak weekly increase of 230% from the counterfactual. Satellite imagery estimates were generally lower than Civil Registry data, which indicated a peak 1823 deaths in May alone. However, both sources suggested the epidemic had waned by September 2020.

Discussion

To our knowledge this is the first instance of satellite imagery being used for population mortality estimation. Findings suggest a substantial, under-ascertained impact of COVID-19 in this urban Yemeni governorate, and are broadly in line with previous mathematical modelling predictions, though our method cannot distinguish direct from indirect virus deaths. Satellite imagery burial analysis appears a promising novel approach for monitoring epidemics and other crisis impacts, particularly where ground data are difficult to collect.
Longitudinal monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on high-touch surfaces in a community setting
Authors: Harvey Abigail P. , Fuhrmeister Erica R. , Cantrell Molly , Pitol Ana K. , Swarthout Jenna M. , Powers Julie E. , Nadimpalli Maya L. , Julian Timothy R. , Pickering Amy J.
Published: November 2020

Environmental surveillance of surface contamination is an unexplored tool for understanding transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in community settings. We conducted longitudinal swab sampling of high-touch non-porous surfaces in a Massachusetts town during a COVID-19 outbreak from April to June 2020. Twenty-nine of 348 (8.3 %) surface samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, including crosswalk buttons, trash can handles, and door handles of essential business entrances (grocery store, liquor store, bank, and gas station). The estimated risk of infection from touching a contaminated surface was low (less than 5 in 10,000), suggesting fomites play a minimal role in SARS-CoV-2 community transmission. The weekly percentage of positive samples (out ofn=33 unique surfaces per week) best predicted variation in city-level COVID-19 cases using a 7-day lead time. Environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on high-touch surfaces could be a useful tool to provide early warning of COVID-19 case trends.
Mislocalization and clearance of neuronal Rhes as a novel hallmark of tauopathies
Authors: Ehrenberg Alexander J. , Leng Kun , Hernandez Israel , Lew Caroline , Seeley William W. , Spina Salvatore , Miller Bruce , Heinsen Helmut , Kampmann Martin , Kosik Kenneth S. , Grinberg Lea T.
Published: November 2020

The farnesyltransferase inhibitor lonafarnib reduces tau inclusion burden and atrophy in familial tauopathy models by inhibiting farnesylation on the Ras GTPase, Rhes, and activating autophagy. While hinting at a role of Rhes in tau aggregation, it is unclear how translatable these results are for sporadic forms of tauopathy. We used a combination of quantitative pathology using multiplex immunofluorescence for Rhes, several tau post-translational modifications, and single nucleus RNA sequence analysis to interrogate Rhes presence and distribution in human cortical neurons and Rhes relation to tau and TDP-43 changes. snRNA data suggest that Rhes is found in all cortical neuron subpopulations, not only in striatum cells. Histologic investigation in hippocampal formation from multiple postmortem cases in five different tauopathies and healthy controls and TDP-43 proteinopathy showed that nearly all neurons in control brains display a pattern of diffuse cytoplasmic Rhes positivity. However, in the presence of abnormal tau, but not TDP-43 inclusions, the patterns of neuronal cytoplasmic Rhes tend to present as either punctiform or fully absent. Our findings reinforce the relevance of the link between Rhes changes and tau pathology suggested by in vivo and in vitro models of tauopathy and support a potential clinical application of lonafarnib to tauopathies.
Vaccine-preventable diseases other than tuberculosis, and homelessness: A systematic review of the published literature, 1980 to 2020
Authors: Ly Tran Duc Anh , Castaneda Sergei , Hoang Van Thuan , Dao Thi Loi , Gautret Philippe
Published: November 2020

Background

Homelessness may result in the breakdown of regular health services, including routine vaccination programmes. A literature review was conducted to describe vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) other than tuberculosis in homeless populations and to summarize vaccination recommendations in homeless people.

Methods

We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched peer-reviewed literature published in English, French or Spanish reporting the outbreak of VPD or VPD prevalence in both infant and adult homeless populations published between 1980 and 2020, using PubMed/Medline, SciELO, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Relevant information from the studies was charted in Microsoft Excel and results were summarised using a descriptive analytical method.

Results

Seventy-five articles were included. A high prevalence of past HBV and HAV infections were observed through serosurveys, mostly in high income countries or high-middle income countries (USA, Canada, France, Iran or Brazil). Nine outbreaks of HAV infection were also reported, with lethality rates ranging from 0-4.8%. The studies discussed numerous risk factors positively associated with HBV infection, including older age, homosexual or bisexual practice, injected drug use (IDU), and, with HAV infection including IDU, having sexual partner(s) with a history of unspecified hepatitis, insertive anal penetration, or originating from a country with a high prevalence of anti-HAV antibody. Eleven outbreaks of pneumococcal infection affecting homeless persons were reported in Canada and USA, with lethality rates from 0-15.6%. Five diphtheria outbreaks were reported. Vaccination status was rarely documented in these studies.

Conclusions

The literature suggests that homeless populations generally experience a higher VPD burden and lower immunisation rates. The findings suggest the need for a national vaccination programme and planning for delivering vaccines in this population.
Protocerebral bridge neurons that regulate sleep inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tomita Jun , Ban Gosuke , Kato Yoshiaki S. , Kume Kazuhiko
Published: November 2020

The central complex is one of the major brain regions that control sleep inDrosophila, but the circuitry details of sleep regulation have yet to be elucidated. Here, we show a novel sleep-regulating neuronal circuit in the protocerebral bridge (PB) of the central complex. Activation of the PB interneurons labeled by theR59E08-Gal4and the PB columnar neurons in theR52B10-Gal4promoted sleep and wakefulness, respectively. A targeted GFP reconstitution across synaptic partners (t-GRASP) analysis demonstrated synaptic contacts between these two groups of sleep-regulating PB neurons. Furthermore, we found that activation of a pair of dopaminergic (DA) neurons projecting to the PB (T1 DA neurons) decreased sleep. The wake-promoting T1 DA neurons and the sleep-promoting PB interneurons formed close associations.Dopamine 2-like receptor(Dop2R) knockdown in the sleep-promoting PB interneurons increased sleep. These results indicated that the neuronal circuit in the PB regulated by dopamine signaling mediates sleep-wakefulness.
Detection of melanin-mediated false-positive for BaxΔ2 immunohistochemical staining in human skin tissues
Authors: Basheer Sana , Mañas Adriana , Yao Qi , Reiner Katherine , Xiang Jialing
Published: November 2020

BaxΔ2 is a pro-apoptotic isoform of the Bax family. We have previously shown that BaxΔ2 protein expression is low in most healthy human tissues with the protein mainly scattered in the connective tissues. Surprisingly, in skin tissue, the BaxΔ2-positive staining was strikingly strong, especially in the basal layer of the epidermis. It has been documented that melanin in the basal cells displays a brown color that could give false-positive staining in the commonly used DAB-based (3-3’-diaminobenzidine) immunostaining. To avoid the false-positive staining from DAB-melanin, we performed immunofluorescent staining on the same set of tissues which were positive for BaxΔ2 in the DAB immunostaining. The results from co-immunofluorescent staining of BaxΔ2 and a basal cell marker CK-14 showed that the previously detected DAB-stained BaxΔ2-positive epidermal cells were CK-14 positive but BaxΔ2 negative. Consistent with our previous finding, the BaxΔ2-positive cells in the dermis connective tissues are positive in both DAB-based and fluorescence-based immunostainings. These data indicate that the DAB-stained BaxΔ2 positive cells in the basal layer of skin tissue are false-positive due to a misinterpretation of the melanin color, but the dermal connective tissue still presents real BaxΔ2 positive staining.
Singe cell oil (SCO) based bioactive compounds: II. Enzymatic synthesis of glucose fatty acid esters using SCOs as acyl group-donors and their biological activities
Authors: El-Baz Hatim A. , Elazzazy Ahmed M. , Saleh Tamer S. , Dourou Marianna , Mahyoub Jazem A. , Baeshen Mohammed N. , Madian Hekmat R. , Aggelis George
Published: November 2020

Sugar fatty acid esters, especially glucose fatty acid esters (GEs), have broad applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In this research the fatty acid moieties derived from polyunsaturated fatty acid containing single cell oils (SCOs), i.e. those produced fromCunninghamella echinulata,Umbelopsis isabellinaandNannochloropsis gaditanaas well as from olive oil and an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrate were converted into GEs by enzymatic synthesis, using lipases as biocatalysts. The GE synthesis was monitored using thin-layer chromatography, FT-IR and in situ NMR. It was found that GE synthesis carried out using immobilizedCandida antarcticaB lipase was very effective reaching high yields, near to 100%. It was shown that EPA-GEs were very effective against several pathogenic bacteria and their activity can be attributed to their high EPA content. Furthermore,C. echinulata-GEswere more effective against pathogens comparing toU. isabellina-GEs, probably due to the presence of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in the lipids ofC. echinulate, which is known for its antimicrobial activity, in higher concentrations.C. echinulata-GEsalso showed a strong insecticidal activity againstAedes aegyptilarvae, followed by EPA-GEs, olive oil-GEs, andN. gaditana-GEs. All synthesized GEs induced apoptosis of the SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line, with the apoptotic rate increasing significantly after 48 h. A higher percentage of apoptosis was observed in the cells treated with EPA-GEs, followed byC. echinulata-GEs, U. isabellina-GEsand olive oil-GEs. We conclude that SCOs can be used in the synthesis of GEs with interesting biological properties.
Ethnicity-specific transcriptomic variation in immune cells and correlation with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Andreoletti Gaia , Lanata Cristina M. , Paranjpe Ishan , Jain Tia S. , Nititham Joanne , Taylor Kimberly E. , Combes Alexis J , Maliskova Lenka , Ye Chun Jimmie , Katz Patricia , Dall’Era Maria , Yazdany Jinoos , Criswell Lindsey A. , Sirota Marina
Published: November 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease in which outcomes vary among different racial groups. The aim of this study is to leverage large-scale transcriptomic data from diverse populations to better sub-classify SLE patients into more clinically actionable groups. We leverage cell sorted RNA-seq data (CD14+monocytes, B cells, CD4+T cells, and NK cells) from 120 SLE patients (63 Asian and 57 White individuals) and apply a four tier analytical approach to identify SLE subgroups within this multiethnic cohort: unsupervised clustering, differential expression analyses, gene co-expression analyses, and machine learning. K-means clustering on the individual cell type data resulted in three clusters for CD4 and CD14, and two clusters for B cells and NK cells. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between the transcriptomic clusters of each immune cell and clinical parameters including disease activity and ethnicity. We then explored differentially expressed genes between Asian and White groups for each cell-type. The shared differentially expressed genes across the four cell types were involved in SLE or other autoimmune related pathways. Co-expression analysis identified similarly regulated genes across samples and grouped these genes into modules. Samples were grouped into White-high, Asians-high (high disease activity defined by SLEDAI score >=6) and White-low, Asians-low (SLEDAI < 6). Random forest classification of disease activity in the White and Asian cohorts showed the best classification in CD4+T cells in White. The results from these analyses will help stratify patients based on their gene expression signatures to enable precision medicine for SLE.
Mechanism of RNA recognition by a Musashi RNA-binding protein
Authors: Wang Jinan , Lan Lan , Wu Xiaoqing , Xu Liang , Miao Yinglong
Published: November 2020

The Musashi RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate translation of target mRNAs and maintenance of cell stemness and tumorigenesis. Musashi-1 (MSI1), long considered as an intestinal and neural stem cell marker, has been more recently found to be overexpressed in many cancers. It has served as an important drug target for treating acute myeloid leukemia and solid tumors such as ovarian, colorectal and bladder cancer. One of the reported binding targets of MSI1 is Numb, a negative regulator of the Notch signaling. However, the dynamic mechanism of Numb RNA binding to MSI1 remains unknown, largely hindering effective drug design targeting this critical interaction. Here, we have performed all-atom simulations using a robust Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) method, which successfully captured spontaneous and highly accurate binding of the Numb RNA from bulk solvent to the MSI1 protein target site. GaMD simulations revealed that Numb binding to MSI1 involved largely induced fit in both the RNA and protein. The simulations also identified important low-energy intermediate conformational states during RNA binding, in which Numb interacted mainly with the β2-β3 loop and C terminus of MSI1. The mechanistic understanding of RNA binding obtained from our GaMD simulations is expected to facilitate rational structure-based drug design targeting MSI1 and other RBPs.