bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Performance of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification and Ultrasensitive Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria Screening Among Pregnant Women in Kenya
Authors: Samuels Aaron M , Towett Oliver , Seda Brian , Wiegand Ryan E , Otieno Kephas , Chomba Miriam , Lucchi Naomi , Ljolje Dragan , Schneider Kammerle , Walker Patrick G T , Kwambai Titus K , Slutsker Laurence , ter Kuile Feiko O , Kariuki Simon K
Published: July 2022

Background

Screen-and-treat strategies with sensitive diagnostic tests may reduce malaria-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a diagnostic accuracy study to evaluate new point-of-care tests to screen pregnant women for malaria at their first antenatal visit in western Kenya.

Methods

Consecutively women were tested for Plasmodium infection by expert microscopy, conventional rapid diagnostic test (cRDT), ultra sensitive RDT (usRDT), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Photoinduced electron-transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) served as the reference standard. Diagnostic performance was calculated and modelled at low parasite densities.

Results

Between May and September 2018, 172 of 482 screened participants (35.7%) were PET-PCR positive. Relative to PET-PCR, expert microscopy was least sensitive (40.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32.7%–47.9%), followed by cRDT (49.4%; 95% CI, 41.7%–57.1), usRDT (54.7%; 95% CI, 46.9%–62.2%), and LAMP (68.6%; 95% CI, 61.1%–75.5%). Test sensitivities were comparable in febrile women (n = 90). Among afebrile women (n = 392), the geometric-mean parasite density was 29 parasites/µL and LAMP (sensitivity = 61.9%) and usRDT (43.2%) detected 1.74 (95% CI, 1.31–2.30) and 1.21 (95% CI, 88–2.21) more infections than cRDT (35.6%). Per our model, tests performed similarly at densities >200 parasites/µL. At 50 parasites/µL, the sensitivities were 45%, 56%, 62%, and 74% with expert microscopy, cRDT, usRDT, and LAMP, respectively.

Conclusions

This first-generation usRDT provided moderate improvement in detecting low-density infections in afebrile pregnant women compared to cRDTs.
Activity of mecillinam against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Emeraud Cécile , Godmer Alexandre , Girlich Delphine , Vanparis Océane , Mahamdi Fériel , Creton Elodie , Jousset Agnès B , Naas Thierry , Bonnin Rémy A , Dortet Laurent
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite the fact that carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) mostly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), only few studies have focused on the efficacity of mecillinam against these CRE.

Objectives

To evaluate the mecillinam susceptibility of a huge collection of CRE, including carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) and non-CPE (ESBL and AmpC producers with decreased permeability of the outer membrane).

Methods

A total of 8310 non-duplicate clinical CRE, including 4042 OXA-48-like producers, 1094 NDM producers, 411 VIM producers, 174 KPC producers, 42 IMI producers, 153 multiple-carbapenemase producers and 45 isolates producing other types of carbapenemases (such as IMP-like enzymes or GES-5), were included in the study. WGS was performed on all CPE using Illumina technology. Categorization of susceptibility to mecillinam was performed using disc diffusion (mecillinam discs at 10 μg; I2A, France) according to EUCAST recommendations. The results were interpreted according to EUCAST guidelines (S ≥15 mm).

Results

Significantly higher susceptibility rates were observed for carbapenem-resistant Proteus spp. (85%) and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (84%), which are the two most common species responsible for UTIs, than for Klebsiella pneumoniae (67%), Enterobacter cloacae complex (75%), Citrobacter spp. (65%), Serratia spp. (34%) and Morganella morganii (12%). Susceptibility rates were 84%, 71% and 91% for OXA-48-like, NDM and IMI producers and 70% for non-CPE CRE. Mecillinam was less active against VIM and KPC producers (14% and 0%, respectively).

Conclusions

Mecillinam might be an alternative for the treatment of infections due to CRE, particularly UTIs, except for VIM and KPC producers and for M. morganii and Serratia spp species.
A Phytophthora effector promotes homodimerization of host transcription factor StKNOX3 to enhance susceptibility
Authors: Zhou Jing , Qi Yetong , Nie Jiahui , Guo Lei , Luo Ming , McLellan Hazel , Boevink Petra C , Birch Paul R J , Tian Zhendong
Published: July 2022

Oomycete pathogens secrete hundreds of cytoplasmic RxLR effectors to modulate host immunity by targeting diverse plant proteins. Revealing how effectors manipulate host proteins is pivotal to understanding infection processes and to developing new strategies to control plant disease. Here we show that the Phytophthora infestans RxLR effector Pi22798 interacts in the nucleus with a potato class II knotted-like homeobox (KNOX) transcription factor, StKNOX3. Silencing the ortholog NbKNOX3 in Nicotiana benthamiana reduces host colonization by P. infestans, whereas transient and stable overexpression of StKNOX3 enhances infection. StKNOX3 forms a homodimer which is dependent on its KNOX II domain. The KNOX II domain is also essential for Pi22798 interaction and for StKNOX3 to enhance P. infestans colonization, indicating that StKNOX3 homodimerization contributes to susceptibility. However, critically, the effector Pi22798 promotes StKNOX3 homodimerization, rather than heterodimerization to another KNOX transcription factor StKNOX7. These results demonstrate that the oomycete effector Pi22798 increases pathogenicity by promoting homodimerization specifically of StKNOX3 to enhance susceptibility.
On the asymptotic behaviour of cosmic density-fluctuation power spectra
Authors: Konrad Sara , Bartelmann Matthias
Published: July 2022

We study the small-scale asymptotic behaviour of the cosmic density-fluctuation power spectrum in the Zel’dovich approximation. For doing so, we extend Laplace’s method in arbitrary dimensions and use it to prove that this power spectrum necessarily develops an asymptotic tail proportional to k−3, irrespective of the cosmological model and the power spectrum of the initial matter distribution. The exponent −3 is set only by the number of spatial dimensions. We derive the complete asymptotic series of the power spectrum and compare the leading and next-to-leading-order terms to derive characteristic scales for the onset of non-linear structure formation, independent of the cosmological model and the type of dark matter. Combined with earlier results on the mean-field approximation for including particle interactions, this asymptotic behaviour is likely to remain valid beyond the Zel’dovich approximation. Due to their insensitivity to cosmological assumptions, our results are generally applicable to particle distributions with positions and momenta drawn from a Gaussian random field. We discuss an analytically solvable toy model to further illustrate the formation of the k−3 asymptotic tail.
Why most molecular clouds are gravitationally dominated
Authors: Ramírez-Galeano Laura , Ballesteros-Paredes Javier , Smith Rowan J , Camacho Vianey , Zamora-Avilés Manuel
Published: July 2022

Observational and theoretical evidence suggests that a substantial population of molecular clouds (MCs) appear to be unbound, dominated by turbulent motions. However, these estimations are made typically via the classical virial parameter $\alpha _{\rm vir}^{\rm class}$, which is an observational proxy to the virial ratio between the kinetic and the gravitational energy. This parameter intrinsically assumes that MCs are isolated, spherical, and with constant density. However, MCs are embedded in their parent galaxy and thus are subject to compressive and disruptive tidal forces from their galaxy, exhibit irregular shapes, and show substantial substructure. We, therefore, compare the typical estimations of $\alpha _{\rm vir}^{\rm class}$ to a more precise definition of the virial parameter, $\alpha _{\rm vir}^{\rm full}$, which accounts not only for the self-gravity (as $\alpha _{\rm vir}^{\rm class}$), but also for the tidal stresses, and thus, it can take negative (self-gravity) and positive (tides) values. While we recover the classical result that most of the clouds appear to be unbound, having $\alpha _{\rm vir}^{\rm class}\gt 2$, we show that, with the more detailed definition considering the full gravitational energy, (i) 50 per cent of the total population is gravitationally bound, however, (ii) another 20 per cent is gravitationally dominated, but with tides tearing them apart; (iii) the source of those tides does not come from the galactic structure (bulge, halo, spiral arms), but from the molecular cloud complexes in which clouds reside, and probably (iv) from massive young stellar complexes, if they were present. (v) Finally, our results also suggest that, interstellar turbulence can have, at least partially, a gravitational origin.
Intrinsic tension in the supernova sector of the local Hubble constant measurement and its implications
Authors: Wojtak Radosław , Hjorth Jens
Published: July 2022

We reanalyse observations of Type Ia supernovae (SNe) and Cepheids used in the local determination of the Hubble constant and find strong evidence that SN standardization in the calibration sample (galaxies with observed Cepheids) requires a steeper slope of the colour correction than in the cosmological sample (galaxies in the Hubble flow). The colour correction in the calibration sample is consistent with being entirely due to an extinction correction due to dust with properties similar to those of the Milky Way (RB ≈ 4.6 ± 0.4) and there is no evidence for intrinsic scatter in the SN peak magnitudes. An immediate consequence of this finding is that the local measurement of the Hubble constant becomes dependent on the choice of SN reference colour, i.e. the colour of an unreddened SN. Specifically, the Hubble constant inferred from the same observations decreases gradually with the reference colour assumed in the SN standardization. We recover the Hubble constant measured by SH0ES for the standard choice of reference colour (SALT2 colour parameter c = 0), while for a reference colour that coincides with the blue end of the observed SN colour distribution (c ≈ −0.13), the Hubble constant from Planck observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) [assuming a flat Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmological model] is recovered. These results are intriguing in that they may provide an avenue for resolving the Hubble tension. However, since there is no obvious physical basis for the differences in colour corrections in the two SN samples, the origin of these requires further investigation.
Systematic KMTNet planetary anomaly search. IV. Complete sample of 2019 prime-field
Authors: Zang Weicheng , Yang Hongjing , Han Cheongho , Lee Chung-Uk , Udalski Andrzej , Gould Andrew , Mao Shude , Zhang Xiangyu , Zhu Wei , Albrow Michael D , Chung Sun-Ju , Hwang Kyu-Ha , Jung Youn Kil , Ryu Yoon-Hyun , Shin In-Gu , Shvartzvald Yossi , Yee Jennifer C , Cha Sang-Mok , Kim Dong-Jin , Kim Hyoun-Woo , Kim Seung-Lee , Lee Dong-Joo , Lee Yongseok , Park Byeong-Gon , Pogge Richard W , Mróz Przemek , Skowron Jan , Poleski Radoslaw , Szymański Michał K , Soszyński Igor , Pietrukowicz Paweł , Kozłowski Szymon , Ulaczyk Krzysztof , Rybicki Krzysztof A , Iwanek Patryk , Wrona Marcin , Gromadzki Mariusz
Published: July 2022

We report the complete statistical planetary sample from the prime fields (Γ ≥ 2 h−1) of the 2019 Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) microlensing survey. We develop the optimized KMTNet AnomalyFinder algorithm and apply it to the 2019 KMTNet prime fields. We find a total of 13 homogeneously selected planets and report the analysis of three planetary events, KMT-2019-BLG-(1042,1552,2974). The planet–host mass ratios, q, for the three planetary events are 6.34 × 10−4, 4.89 × 10−3, and 6.18 × 10−4, respectively. A Bayesian analysis indicates the three planets are all cold giant planets beyond the snow line of their host stars. The 13 planets are basically uniform in log q over the range −5.0 < log q < −1.5. This result suggests that the planets below qbreak = 1.7 × 10−4 proposed by the MOA-II survey may be more common than previously believed. This work is an early component of a large project to determine the KMTNet mass-ratio function, and the whole sample of 2016–2019 KMTNet events should contain about 120 planets.
Determining active galactic nucleus luminosity histories using present-day outflow properties: a neural network-based approach
Authors: Zubovas Kastytis , Bialopetravičius Jonas , Kazlauskaitė Monika
Published: July 2022

Large-scale outflows driven by active galactic nuclei (AGNs) can have a profound influence on their host galaxies. The outflow properties themselves depend sensitively on the history of AGN energy injection during the lifetime of the outflow. Most observed outflows have dynamical time-scales longer than the typical AGN episode duration, i.e. they have been inflated by multiple AGN episodes. Here, we present a neural network-based approach to inferring the most likely duty cycle and other properties of AGN based on the observable properties of their massive outflows. Our model recovers the AGN parameters of simulated outflows with typical errors $\lt 25{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We apply the method to a sample of 59 real molecular outflows and show that a large fraction of them have been inflated by AGN shining with a rather high duty cycle δAGN > 0.2. This result suggests that nuclear activity in galaxies is clustered hierarchically in time, with long phases of more frequent activity composed of many short activity episodes. We predict that $\sim \! 19{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of galaxies should have AGN-driven outflows, but half of them are fossils – this is consistent with currently available data. We discuss the possibilities to investigate AGN luminosity histories during outflow lifetimes and suggest ways to use our software to test other physical models of AGN outflows. The source code of all of the software used here is made public.
On the origin of diffuse radio emission in Abell 85 – insights from new GMRT observations
Authors: Rahaman Majidul , Raja Ramij , Datta Abhirup , Burns Jack O , Rapetti David
Published: July 2022

Extended, steep, and ultra-steep spectrum radio emission in a galaxy cluster is usually associated with recent mergers. Simulations show that radio phoenixes are aged radio galaxy lobes whose emission reactivates when a low Mach shock compresses it. A85 hosts a textbook example of a radio phoenix at about 320 kpc southwest of the cluster centre. We present a new high-resolution 325 MHz GMRT radio map illustrating this radio phoenix’s complex and filamentary structure. The full extent of the radio structure is revealed for the first time from these radio images of A85. Using archival Chandra X-ray observations, we applied an automated 2D shock finder to the X-ray surface brightness and Adaptive Circular Binning temperature maps that confirmed a bow shock at the location of the radio phoenix. We also compared the Mach number from the X-ray data with the radio-derived Mach number in the same region using multifrequency radio observations and find that they are consistent within the 1σ error level.
Dual constraints with ALMA: new [O iii] 88-μm and dust-continuum observations reveal the ISM conditions of luminous LBGs at z ∼ 7
Authors: Witstok Joris , Smit Renske , Maiolino Roberto , Kumari Nimisha , Aravena Manuel , Boogaard Leindert , Bouwens Rychard , Carniani Stefano , Hodge Jacqueline A , Jones Gareth C , Stefanon Mauro , van der Werf Paul , Schouws Sander
Published: July 2022

We present new [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] 88-$\mu \mathrm{{m}}$ observations of five bright z ∼ 7 Lyman-break galaxies spectroscopically confirmed by ALMA through [${\rm C\, {\small II}}$] 158 $\mu \mathrm{{m}}$, unlike recent [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] detections where Lyman α was used. This nearly doubles the sample of Epoch of Reionization galaxies with robust (5σ) [${\rm C\, {\small II}}$] and [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] detections. We perform a multiwavelength comparison with new deep HST images of the rest-frame UV, whose compact morphology aligns well with [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] tracing ionized gas. In contrast, we find more spatially extended [${\rm C\, {\small II}}$] emission likely produced in neutral gas, as indicated by an [${\rm N\, {\small II}}$] 205-$\mu \mathrm{{m}}$ non-detection in one source. We find a correlation between the optical ${[{\rm O\, {\small III}}]}+ {\mathrm{H\,\beta }}$ equivalent width and [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$]/[${\rm C\, {\small II}}$], as seen in local metal-poor dwarf galaxies. cloudy models of a nebula of typical density harbouring a young stellar population with a high-ionization parameter adequately reproduce the observed lines. Surprisingly, however, our models fail to reproduce the strength of [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] 88-$\mu \mathrm{{m}}$, unless we assume an α/Fe enhancement and near-solar nebular oxygen abundance. On spatially resolved scales, we find [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$]/[${\rm C\, {\small II}}$] shows a tentative anticorrelation with infrared excess, LIR/LUV, also seen on global scales in the local Universe. Finally, we introduce the far-infrared spectral energy distribution fitting code mercurius to show that dust-continuum measurements of one source appear to favour a low dust temperature and correspondingly high dust mass. This implies a high stellar metallicity yield and may point towards the need of dust production or grain-growth mechanisms beyond supernovae.
Long-term tidal evolution of the TRAPPIST-1 system
Authors: Brasser R , Pichierri G , Dobos V , Barr A C
Published: July 2022

The ultracool M-dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 is surrounded by seven planets configured in a resonant chain. Transit-timing variations have shown that the planets are caught in multiple three-body resonances and that their orbits are slightly eccentric, probably caused by resonant forcing. The current values of the eccentricities could be a remnant from their formation. Here, we run numerical simulations using fictitious forces of trapping the fully grown planets in resonances as they migrated in the gas disc, followed by numerical simulations detailing their tidal evolution. For a reduced disc scale height h ∼ 0.03–0.05, the eccentricities of the planets upon capture in resonance are higher than their current values by factors of a few. We show that the current eccentricities and spacing of planets d to h are natural outcomes of coupled tidal evolution wherein the planets simultaneously damp their eccentricities and separate due to their resonant interaction. We further show that the planets evolve along a set of equilibrium curves in semimajor axis–eccentricity phase space that are defined by the resonances, and that conserve angular momentum. As such, the current 8:5–5:3–(3:2)2–4:3–3:2 resonant configuration cannot be reproduced from a primordial (3:2)4–4:3–3:2 resonant configuration from tidal dissipation in the planets alone. We use our simulations to constrain the long-term tidal parameters k2/Q for planets b to e, which are in the range of 10−3 to 10−2, and show that these are mostly consistent with those obtained from interior modelling following reasonable assumptions.
Electromagnetic precursor flares from the late inspiral of neutron star binaries
Authors: Most Elias R , Philippov Alexander A
Published: July 2022

The coalescence of two neutron stars is accompanied by the emission of gravitational waves, and can also feature electromagnetic counterparts powered by mass ejecta and the formation of a relativistic jet after the merger. Since neutron stars can feature strong magnetic fields, the non-trivial interaction of the neutron star magnetospheres might fuel potentially powerful electromagnetic transients prior to merger. A key process powering those precursor transients is relativistic reconnection in strong current sheets formed between the two stars. In this work, we provide a detailed analysis of how the twisting of the common magnetosphere of the binary leads to an emission of electromagnetic flares, akin to those produced in the solar corona. By means of relativistic force-free electrodynamics simulations, we clarify the role of different magnetic field topologies in the process. We conclude that flaring will always occur for suitable magnetic field alignments, unless one of the neutron stars has a magnetic field significantly weaker than the other.
Sporadic micro-meteoroid source radiant distribution inferred from the Arecibo 430 MHz radar observations
Authors: Li Yanlin , Zhou Qihou , Urbina Julio , Huang Tai-Yin
Published: July 2022

This work presents the result of sporadic meteor radiant density distribution using the Arecibo 430 MHz incoherent scatter radar (ISR) located in Puerto Rico for the first time. Although numerous meteor studies have been carried out using the Arecibo ISR, meteoroid radiant density distribution has remained a mystery as the Arecibo radar cannot measure vector velocity. A numerical orbital simulation algorithm using dynamic programming and stochastic gradient descent is designed to solve the sporadic meteoroid radiant density and the corresponding speed distributions of the meteors observed at Arecibo. The data set for the algorithm comprises over 250 000 meteors from Arecibo observations between 2009 and 2017. Five of the six recognized sporadic meteor sources can be identified from our result. There is no clearly identifiable South Apex source. Instead, there is a broad distribution between +/−30° ecliptic latitude, with the peak density located in the North Apex direction. Our results also indicate that the Arecibo radar is not sensitive to meteors travelling straight into or perpendicular to the antenna beam but is most sensitive to meteors with an arrival angle between 30° and 60°. Our analysis indicates that about 75 per cent of meteoroids observed by the Arecibo radar travel in prograde orbits when the impact probability is considered. Most of the retrograde meteoroids travel in inclined low-eccentricity orbits.
Quantifying kinematic substructure in star-forming regions with statistical tests of spatial autocorrelation
Authors: Arnold Becky , Wright Nicholas J , Parker Richard J
Published: July 2022

We investigate whether spatial-kinematic substructure in young star-forming regions can be quantified using Moran’s I statistic. Its presence in young star clusters would provide an indication that the system formed from initially substructured conditions, as expected by the hierarchical model of star cluster formation, even if the cluster were spatially smooth and centrally concentrated. Its absence, on the other hand, would be evidence that star clusters form monolithically. The Moran’s I statistic is applied to N-body simulations of star clusters with different primordial spatial-velocity structures, and its evolution over time is studied. It is found that this statistic can be used to reliably quantify spatial-kinematic substructure, and can be used to provide evidence as to whether the spatial-kinematic structure of regions with ages ≲6 Myr is best reproduced by the hierarchical or monolithic models of star formation. Moran’s I statistic is also able to conclusively say whether the data are not consistent with initial conditions that lack kinematic substructure, such as the monolithic model, in regions with ages up to, and potentially beyond, 10 Myrs. This can therefore provide a kinematic signature of the star cluster formation process that is observable for many Myr after any initial spatial structure has been erased.
Constraints on population I/II neutron star-black hole binary formation by gravitational wave and radio observations
Authors: Kinugawa Tomoya , Nakamura Takashi , Nakano Hiroyuki
Published: July 2022

Two neutron star (NS)-black hole (BH) binaries, GW200105 and GW200115 found in the LIGO/Virgo O3b run have smaller BH mass of 6–9 M⊙, which is consistent with Population I and II origin. Our population synthesis simulations using 106 Population I and II binaries with appropriate initial parameters show consistent binary mass, event rate, no detection of radio pulsar (PSR), and BH binaries in our Galaxy so far. Especially, we found possible progenitors of GW200105 and GW200115, which were formed at redshift z = 0.15 and z = 1.6 with binary mass of $(34\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot },\, 9.2\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot })$ and $(23.7\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot },\, 10.6\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot })$, respectively. The final masses of these binaries are $(6.85\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot },\, 2.14\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot })$ and $(6.04\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot },\, 1.31\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot })$ which look like $(9.0_{-1.7}^{+1.7}\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot },\, 1.91_{-0.24}^{+0.33}\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot })$ of GW200105 and $(5.9_{-2.5}^{+2.0}\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot },\, 1.44_{-0.29}^{+0.85}\,{\mathrm{ M}}_{\odot })$ of GW200115, respectively. We also estimate that 2.68–19.7 PSR–BH binaries in our Galaxy will be observed by SKA. The existence of NS–BHs in our Galaxy can be confirmed in future SKA era. Using the GW observation of NS–BH mergers and the radio observation of PSR–BHs in future, we can get more severe constraints on the NS–BH formation process.
A transformation clustering algorithm and its application in polyribosomes structural profiling
Authors: Jiang Wenhong , Wagner Jonathan , Du Wenjing , Plitzko Juergen , Baumeister Wolfgang , Beck Florian , Guo Qiang
Published: July 2022

Improvements in cryo-electron tomography sample preparation, electron-microscopy instrumentations, and image processing algorithms have advanced the structural analysis of macromolecules in situ. Beyond such analyses of individual macromolecules, the study of their interactions with functionally related neighbors in crowded cellular habitats, i.e. ‘molecular sociology’, is of fundamental importance in biology. Here we present a NEighboring Molecule TOpology Clustering (NEMO-TOC) algorithm. We optimized this algorithm for the detection and profiling of polyribosomes, which play both constitutive and regulatory roles in gene expression. Our results suggest a model where polysomes are formed by connecting multiple nonstochastic blocks, in which translation is likely synchronized.
Health service COVID-19 wellbeing and support initiatives: a mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Holton S , Wright A , Wynter K , Hall L , Wintle J , Lambis E , Cooke L , McNally C , Pavlovski M , Bruce S , Rasmussen B
Published: July 2022

Background

Health services implemented a range of initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to support employee wellbeing and assist employees to manage the professional and personal challenges they experienced. However, it is not known if such initiatives were acceptable to employees or met their needs.

Aims

To evaluate the wellbeing and support initiatives implemented at an Australian health service during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of employees (both users and non-users) and key stakeholders.

Methods

A mixed-methods design (survey, interviews and data audit) to investigate employees’ and key stakeholders’ perceptions, experiences and use of the wellbeing and support initiatives implemented at a large tertiary metropolitan health service in Melbourne, Australia.

Results

Ten employees participated in an interview and 907 completed a survey. The initiatives were well used and appreciated by staff. There was no significant difference in the proportion of clinical staff who had used the initiatives compared to non-clinical staff (44% versus 39%; P=0.223). Survey respondents reported the initiatives improved their mental health (n = 223, 8%), ability to cope with COVID-19 related stress and anxiety (n = 206, 79%), do their work (n = 200, 77%) and relationships with colleagues (n = 174, 67%). Staff would like many of the initiatives (with some modifications) to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a high level of staff satisfaction with the implemented wellbeing and support initiatives, and confirm the need for, and importance of, developing and implementing initiatives to support health service staff during outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alarming Drop in Early Stage Colorectal Cancer Diagnoses After COVID-19 Outbreak: A Real-World Analysis from the Italian COVID-DELAY Study
Authors: Mentrasti Giulia , Cantini Luca , Zichi Clizia , D’Ostilio Nicola , Gelsomino Fabio , Martinelli Erika , Chiari Rita , La Verde Nicla , Bisonni Renato , Cognigni Valeria , Pinterpe Giada , Pecci Federica , Migliore Antonella , Aimar Giacomo , De Vita Francesca , Traisci Donatella , Spallanzani Andrea , Martini Giulia , Nicolardi Linda , Cona Maria Silvia , Baleani Maria Giuditta , Rocchi Marco Luigi Bruno , Berardi Rossana
Published: July 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has triggered the disruption of health care on a global scale. With Italy tangled up in the pandemic response, oncology care has been largely diverted and cancer screenings suspended. Our multicenter Italian study aimed to evaluate whether COVID-19 has impacted access to diagnosis, staging, and treatment for patients newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC), compared with pre-pandemic time.

Methods

All consecutive new CRC patients referred to 8 Italian oncology institutions between March and December 2020 were included. Access rate and temporal intervals between date of symptoms onset, radiological and cytohistological diagnosis, treatment start and first radiological evaluation were analyzed and compared with the same months of 2019.

Results

A reduction (29%) in newly diagnosed CRC cases was seen when compared with 2019 (360 vs 506). New CRC patients in 2020 were less likely to be diagnosed with early stage (stages I-II-III) CRC (63% vs 78%, P < .01). Gender and sidedness were similar regardless of the year. The percentage of tumors with any mutation among BRAF, NRAS, and KRAS genes were significantly different between the 2 years (61% in 2020 vs 50% in 2019, P = .04). Timing of access to cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment for patients with CRC has not been negatively affected by the pandemic. Significantly shorter temporal intervals were observed between symptom onset and first oncological appointment (69 vs 79 days, P = .01) and between histological diagnosis and first oncological appointment (34 vs 42 days, P < .01) during 2020 compared with 2019. Fewer CRC cases were discussed in multidisciplinary meetings during 2020 (38% vs 50%, P = .01).

Conclusions

Our data highlight a significant drop in CRC diagnosis after COVID-19, especially for early stage disease. The study also reveals a remarkable setback in the multidisciplinary management of patients with CRC. Despite this, Italian oncologists were able to ensure diagnostic–therapeutic pathways proper operation after March 2020.
Pleiotropic opposing dominance within a color gene block contributes to a nascent species boundary via its influence on hybrid male territorial behavior
Authors: de Zwaan Devin R , Mackenzie Jacqueline , Mikkelsen Else , Wood Chris , Wang Silu
Published: July 2022

The divergence of plumage color genes contributes to songbird radiation. However, the mechanisms by which color gene divergence counteracts gene flow to maintain reproductive isolation during the formation of new species boundaries remain elusive. The hybrid zone between Setophaga occidentalis (SOCC) and S. townsendi (STOW) in the Cascade Range provides a natural observatory to investigate potential behavioral mechanisms underlying divergent selection on color genes. Recently, we found that selection within a single gene block associated with plumage color variation has maintained a stable and narrow hybrid zone. Here, we investigated the potential role of plumage signals in moderating a behavioral mechanism of selection. Specifically, we assessed whether two plumage traits are associated with body size among breeding males and if trait mismatch predicted aggressive behavior within hybrid and parental individuals in response to simulated territorial intrusion. The two plumage signals, cheek and flank coloration, though associated with the same gene block, reflect opposing dominance of SOCC and STOW alleles. We found that both plumage traits significantly predict the body size in the territorial sex (i.e. males). The opposing dominance of the single color gene block resulted in plumage signal discordance in heterozygotes, which in turn was associated with reduced hybrid territorial performance, an important proxy of fitness in this system. Taken together, these observations point to a single-locus-two-alleles mechanism of incompatibility in shaping a natural species boundary in the early stage of speciation.
Strengthening the university third mission through building community capabilities alongside university capabilities
Authors: Petersen Il-haam , Kruss Glenda , van Rheede Nicole
Published: July 2022

Growing concern about widening inequalities and a deepening sustainability crisis has prompted new directions and conceptions of the third mission of universities. This paper contributes by drawing attention to the capabilities required to enable mutually-beneficial engagement with community-based partners in resource-poor local settings to not only co-produce scholarly outputs but also co-produce development outcomes. Based on in-depth case study research of three resource-poor communities in South Africa, we identify a set of capabilities that communities need to possess to seek out and engage with suitable partners and to co-learn through their engagement activities. We propose a new framework, a community ‘dynamic interactive capabilities’ (von Tunzelmann and Wang, 2003) framework, extending the concept from firms and universities to local community settings. The framework prompts a fresh way of thinking about the third mission, whereby universities orient their engaged teaching and research activities in ways co-evolved with the capabilities of community partners.
Identification of Pathogens and Evaluation of Resistance and Genetic Diversity of Maize Inbred Lines to Stalk Rot in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Han Yujun , Li Wenqi , Qi Tiancong , Zhang Jiuming , Li Yonggang
Published: July 2022

Maize stalk rot, caused by multiple pathogens, is a serious soilborne disease worldwide. Composition of pathogens causing maize stalk rot and resistance of maize inbred lines in Heilongjiang Province, China, are not well understood. In this study, 138 fungal isolates were collected from different maize-producing areas in Heilongjiang Province, which were identified as Fusarium graminearum (23.2%), F. subglutinans (18.9%), F. cerealis (18.9%), Bipolaris zeicola (13.0%), F. brachygibbosum (13.0%), F. temperatum (7.2%), and F. proliferatum (5.8%). Among them, F. graminearum (>20%) was the predominant species among the isolates causing maize stalk rot. B. zeicola had not previously been reported causing maize stalk rot in China. Resistance of 67 maize inbred lines to maize stalk rot was assessed, and 24 lines (35.8% of them) were highly resistant or resistant, indicating that approximately 65% of these lines were susceptible to maize stalk rot. Maize inbred lines were analyzed using simple sequence repeat markers and divided into five genetic groups with 12 pairs of primers. Additionally, analysis of molecular variance indicated that 44.2% of the genetic variation in disease resistance was distributed among populations. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity of inbred maize and may contribute useful information for breeding stalk rot disease-resistant hybrids, and facilitates development of effective strategies for managing this destructive disease complex.
Identification of a Wheat Powdery Mildew Dominant Resistance Gene in the Pm5 Locus for High-Throughput Marker-Assisted Selection
Authors: Han Guohao , Yan Hanwen , Gu Tiantian , Cao Lijun , Zhou Yilin , Liu Wei , Liu Dongcheng , An Diaoguo
Published: July 2022

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), poses a severe threat to wheat yield and quality worldwide. Rapid identification and the accurate transference of effective resistance genes are important to the development of resistant cultivars and the sustainable control of this disease. In the present study, the wheat line AL11 exhibited high levels of resistance to powdery mildew at both the seedling and adult plant stages. Genetic analysis of the AL11 × ‘Shixin 733’ mapping population revealed that its resistance was controlled by a single dominant gene, tentatively designated PmAL11. Using bulked segregant RNA-Seq and molecular marker analysis, PmAL11 was mapped to the Pm5 locus on chromosome 7B where it cosegregated with the functional marker Pm5e-KASP. Sequence alignment analysis revealed that the Pm5e-homologous sequence in AL11 was identical to the reported recessive gene Pm5e in wheat landrace ‘Fuzhuang 30’. It appears that PmAL11 was most probably Pm5e, but it was mediated by a dominant inheritance pattern, so it should provide a valuable resistance resource for both genetic study and wheat breeding. To efficiently use and trace PmAL11 in breeding, a new kompetitive allele-specific PCR marker AL11-K2488 that cosegregated with this gene was developed and confirmed to be applicable in the different wheat backgrounds, thus promoting its use in the marker-assisted selection of PmAL11.
Identification and Characterization of Colletotrichum Species Associated with Cherry Leaf Spot Disease in China
Authors: Zhou Yueyan , Zhang Wei , Li Yameng , Ji Shuxian , Li Xinghong , Hyde Kevin D. , Zhang Kaichun , Phillips Alan J. L. , Manawasinghe Ishara S. , Yan Jiye
Published: July 2022

Leaf spot is a common and serious disease of sweet cherry worldwide and has become a major concern in China. From 2018 to 2020, disease investigations were carried out in Beijing City, Sichuan, Shandong, and Liaoning Provinces in China, and 105 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from diseased samples. Isolates were identified by morphological characterization coupled with multigene phylogenetic analyses based on six loci (internal transcribed spacer region, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, calmodulin, actin, chitin synthase, and β-tubulin). A total of 13 Colletotrichum species were identified, namely Colletotrichum aenigma, C. gloeosporioides, C. fructicola, C. siamense, C. temperatum, C. conoides, C. hebeiense, C. sojae, C. plurivorum, C. karsti, C. truncatum, C. incanum, and C. dematium. Among these, C. aenigma (25.7%) was the most prominent species isolated from diseased leaves, followed by C. gloeosporioides (19.0%) and C. fructicola (12.4%). Pathogenicity was tested on detached leaves of cv. ‘Tieton’ and ‘Summit’ and young seedlings of cv. ‘Brooks’ under greenhouse conditions. All 13 species were pathogenic to cherry leaves, and C. aenigma, C. conoides, and C. dematium showed high levels of virulence. Seedlings inoculated with the isolates developed similar symptoms to those seen in the orchards. This study provides the first reports for 11 of the 13 Colletotrichum species on sweet cherry in the world, excluding C. aenigma and C. fructicola. This is the first comprehensive study of Colletotrichum species associated with cherry leaf spot in China, and the results will provide basic knowledge to develop sustainable control measures for cherry leaf spot.
Candidate Effector Proteins from the Maize Tar Spot Pathogen Phyllachora maydis Localize to Diverse Plant Cell Compartments
Authors: Helm Matthew , Singh Raksha , Hiles Rachel , Jaiswal Namrata , Myers Ariana , Iyer-Pascuzzi Anjali S. , Goodwin Stephen B.
Published: July 2022

Most fungal pathogens secrete effector proteins into host cells to modulate their immune responses, thereby promoting pathogenesis and fungal growth. One such fungal pathogen is the ascomycete Phyllachora maydis, which causes tar spot disease on leaves of maize ( Zea mays). Sequencing of the P. maydis genome revealed 462 putatively secreted proteins, of which 40 contain expected effector-like sequence characteristics. However, the subcellular compartments targeted by P. maydis effector candidate (PmEC) proteins remain unknown, and it will be important to prioritize them for further functional characterization. To test the hypothesis that PmECs target diverse subcellular compartments, cellular locations of super yellow fluorescent protein-tagged PmEC proteins were identified using a Nicotiana benthamiana-based heterologous expression system. Immunoblot analyses showed that most of the PmEC-fluorescent protein fusions accumulated protein in N. benthamiana, indicating that the candidate effectors could be expressed in dicot leaf cells. Laser-scanning confocal microscopy of N. benthamiana epidermal cells revealed that most of the P. maydis putative effectors localized to the nucleus and cytosol. One candidate effector, PmEC01597, localized to multiple subcellular compartments including the nucleus, nucleolus, and plasma membrane, whereas an additional putative effector, PmEC03792, preferentially labelled both the nucleus and nucleolus. Intriguingly, one candidate effector, PmEC04573, consistently localized to the stroma of chloroplasts as well as stroma-containing tubules (stromules). Collectively, these data suggest that effector candidate proteins from P. maydis target diverse cellular organelles and could thus provide valuable insights into their putative functions, as well as host processes potentially manipulated by this fungal pathogen.
Inheritance and Linkage of Virulence Genes ofPuccinia striiformisf. sp.hordei
Authors: Du Zhimin , Li Zejian , Peng Yuelin , Zhang Gensheng , Sun Mudi , Li Sinan , Ma Xinyao , Chen Li , Kang Zhensheng , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2022

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei ( Psh) causing barley stripe rust has only recently been known to be heteroecious, for which reason the inheritance of its virulence has not been analyzed. Herein, we selfed a Psh isolate, XZ-19-972, on Berberis aggregata and obtained 53 progenies. The virulence phenotypes (VPs) for these progenies were identified on 11 barley differentials, and their genotypes were assessed with 22 Kompetitive allele specific PCR-single nucleotide polymorphism (KASP-SNP) markers. In total, 18 VPs were detected among progenies, 17 (VP2-VP18) of which, corresponding to 43 isolates, were different from the parental isolate showing VP1. Of the 53 progenies, 8 exhibited increased virulence and 34 decreased virulence. One progeny, belonging to VP18, showed a different virulence formula but without a virulence increase or decrease. The parental isolate and all progenies were avirulent to yrc6 but virulent to yrc7. The parental isolate was heterozygous in terms of avirulence/virulence to nine barley resistance gene loci. KASP-SNP marker analysis identified 36 multilocus genotypes, based on which a linkage map was constructed, with total genetic distance intervals of 516.07 cM, spanning 16 avirulence or virulence loci. Taken together, our results provide important insights into the inheritance and virulence diversity of Psh.
Optimizing the productivity and placement of NPs and PAs in outpatient primary care sites
Authors: Zaletel Cynthia L. , Madura Brenda , Metzel Julie Miyamasu , Lancaster Rachelle J.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Organizational leaders must continually assess the productivity, turnover, and vacancies of physician assistants (PAs) and NPs. Optimizing the feasibility, effect, strategic placement, and monitoring increases patient access, improves wait times and affordability, and increases revenue. This quality improvement project sought to develop a systematic, data-driven approach to optimize productivity and placement of NPs and PAs in outpatient primary care sites.

Methods:

Results from this project are reported using the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) framework. Postformation of a quality improvement team, a gap analysis, and action plans were developed and implemented.

Results:

Priority areas requiring action included the development of an integrated position justification algorithm and tracking form addressing NP and PA placement, establishing consistent patient contact hours, setting workload expectations, and consistently communicating these via an organization-specific situation, background, assessment, and recommendation communication tool.

Conclusions:

Healthcare leaders should leverage the talents of NPs and PAs meeting organizational benchmarks and goals as well as the needs of patients. NP and PA leaders should focus on benchmarking performance and analyzing barriers to optimization. These efforts are most beneficial when multidisciplinary in nature.
Diversity in the Physician Assistant Pipeline: Experiences and Barriers in Admissions and PA School
Authors: Cuenca John Patrick , Ganser Katie , Luck Morgan , Smith Noël E. , McCall Timothy C.
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to identify perceived barriers faced by physician assistant (PA) students who identified as an underrepresented minority in medicine (URM-med), sexual or gender minority (SGM), coming from low socioeconomic status (low SES), or a person with a disability (PWD).

Methods:

More than 2700 PA students across the United States provided information regarding their PA school application process and program experiences. This study examined differences among URM-med, SGM, low SES, and PWD compared to those who were not in those groups to determine the relationship between these factors and student concerns about bias in the application process, as well as a variety of experiences in PA school.

Results:

Using ordinal logistic regression analyses to examine the odds of experiencing a variety of barriers or experiences in applying to PA school and postmatriculation experiences, results suggested that, among disadvantaged groups within the PA student body, barriers include concerns about bias in the application process, lack of belonging, and the lack of academic and social support.

Discussion:

PA students who identified as URM-med, SGM, low SES, and/or PWD faced barriers as they navigated the path to becoming a PA. To decrease these barriers, emphasis on raising awareness and interest in pursuing a career as a PA should occur early. Programs should work to identify biases within admissions processes, diversify faculty, and identify ways to support minority students once matriculated. Ultimately, increasing the diversity of healthcare providers has the potential to increase access to and quality of care for patients.
Pediatric Patient Diagnosed With Testicular and Peritoneal Mesothelioma Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Lamm Amy W. , Hayes Andrea , Sutherland Richard
Published: July 2022

Malignant mesotheliomas are aggressive neoplasms, which are rare, especially in the pediatric population. Unlike malignant mesotheliomas most commonly seen in adults, those of the peritoneum and testicle in children do not appear to be as strongly associated with direct asbestos exposure and have an unpredictable biologic behavior requiring individual treatment strategies. There may, however, be an association between children with malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-exposed household members. Herein, we report a very rare case of a 15-year-old male adolescent who presented with testicular pain, redness, and swelling and was found to have testicular malignant mesothelioma with retroperitoneal nodal and peritoneal metastases.