bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Betacoronavirus Antibodies’ Expansion Post-BNT161b2 Vaccination Associates with Reduced SARS-CoV-2 VoC Neutralization
Authors: Dispinseri Stefania , Marzinotto Ilaria , Brigatti Cristina , Pirillo Maria Franca , Tolazzi Monica , Bazzigaluppi Elena , Canitano Andrea , Borghi Martina , Gallinaro Alessandra , Caccia Roberta , Vercesi Riccardo , McKay Paul F. , Ciceri Fabio , Piemonti Lorenzo , Negri Donatella , Cinque Paola , Cara Andrea , Scarlatti Gabriella , Lampasona Vito
Published: January 2022

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is known to induce antibodies that recognize also variants of concerns (VoCs) of the virus. However, epidemiological and laboratory evidences indicate that these antibodies have a reduced neutralization ability against VoCs. We studied binding and neutralizing antibodies against the Spike protein domains and subunits of the Wuhan-Hu-1 virus and its alpha, beta, delta VoCs and of seasonal betacoronaviruses (HKU1 and OC43) in a cohort of 31 health care workers prospectively followed post-vaccination with BNT162b2-Comirnaty. The study of sequential samples collected up to 64 days post-vaccination showed that serological assays measuring IgG against Wuhan-Hu-1 antigens were a poor proxy for VoC neutralization. In addition, in subjects who had asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 prior to vaccination, the loss of nAbs following disease could be rapid and accompanied by post-vaccination antibody levels similar to those of naïve vaccinees. Interestingly, in health care workers naïve for SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination induced a rapid and transient reactivation of pre-existing seasonal coronaviruses IgG responses that was associated with a subsequent reduced ability to neutralize alpha and beta VoCs.
Development of a Blueprint for Integrated Care for Vulnerable Pregnant Women
Authors: Harmsen van der Vliet-Torij H. W. , Venekamp A. A. , van Heijningen-Tousain H. J. M. , Wingelaar-Loomans E. , Scheele J. , de Graaf J. P. , Lambregtse-van den Berg M. P. , Steegers E. A. P. , Goumans M. J. B. M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

There has been increasing awareness of perinatal health and organisation of maternal and child health care in the Netherlands as a result of poor perinatal outcomes. Vulnerable women have a higher risk of these poor perinatal outcomes and also have a higher chance of receiving less adequate care. Therefore, within a consortium, embracing 100 organisations among professionals, educators, researchers, and policymakers, a joint aim was defined to support maternal and child health care professionals and social care professionals in providing adequate, integrated care for vulnerable pregnant women.

Description

Within the consortium, vulnerability is defined as the presence of psychopathology, psychosocial problems, and/or substance use, combined with a lack of individual and/or social resources. Three studies focussing on population characteristics, organisation of care and knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professionals regarding vulnerable pregnant women, were carried out. Outcomes were discussed in three field consultations.

Assessment

The outcomes of the studies, followed by the field consultations, resulted in a blueprint that was subsequently adapted to local operational care pathways in seven obstetric collaborations (organisational structures that consist of obstetricians of a single hospital and collaborating midwifery practices) and their collaborative partners. We conducted 12 interviews to evaluate the adaptation of the blueprint to local operational care pathways and its’ embedding into the obstetric collaborations.

Conclusion

Practice-based research resulted in a blueprint tailored to the needs of maternal and child health care professionals and social care professionals and providing structure and uniformity to integrated care provision for vulnerable pregnant women.
Translational Modeling of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Dosimetry in Human Airways for Treating Viral Respiratory Infections
Authors: Kolli Aditya R. , Calvino-Martin Florian , Hoeng Julia
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are effective against respiratory viruses in vitro. However, they lack antiviral efficacy upon oral administration. Translation of in vitro to in vivo exposure is necessary for understanding the disconnect between the two to develop effective therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We employed an in vitro ion-trapping kinetic model to predict the changes in the cytosolic and lysosomal concentrations of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in cell lines and primary human airway cultures. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model with detailed respiratory physiology was used to predict regional airway exposure and optimize dosing regimens.

Results

At their reported in vitro effective concentrations in cell lines, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine cause a significant increase in their cytosolic and lysosomal concentrations by altering the lysosomal pH. Higher concentrations of the compounds are required to achieve similar levels of cytosolic and lysosomal changes in primary human airway cells in vitro. The predicted cellular and lysosomal concentrations in the respiratory tract for in vivo oral doses are lower than the in vitro effective levels. Pulmonary administration of aerosolized chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine is predicted to achieve high bound in vitro-effective concentrations in the respiratory tract, with low systemic exposure. Achieving effective cytosolic concentrations for activating immunomodulatory effects and adequate lysosomal levels for inhibiting viral replication could be key drivers for treating viral respiratory infections.

Conclusion

Our analysis provides a framework for extrapolating in vitro effective concentrations of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to in vivo dosing regimens for treating viral respiratory infections.

Graphical abstract
Integrating in vitro metabolomics with a 96-well high-throughput screening platform
Authors: Malinowska Julia M. , Palosaari Taina , Sund Jukka , Carpi Donatella , Bouhifd Mounir , Weber Ralf J. M. , Whelan Maurice , Viant Mark R.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

High-throughput screening (HTS) is emerging as an approach to support decision-making in chemical safety assessments. In parallel, in vitro metabolomics is a promising approach that can help accelerate the transition from animal models to high-throughput cell-based models in toxicity testing.

Objective

In this study we establish and evaluate a high-throughput metabolomics workflow that is compatible with a 96-well HTS platform employing 50,000 hepatocytes of HepaRG per well.

Methods

Low biomass cell samples were extracted for metabolomics analyses using a newly established semi-automated protocol, and the intracellular metabolites were analysed using a high-resolution spectral-stitching nanoelectrospray direct infusion mass spectrometry (nESI-DIMS) method that was modified for low sample biomass.

Results

The method was assessed with respect to sensitivity and repeatability of the entire workflow from cell culturing and sampling to measurement of the metabolic phenotype, demonstrating sufficient sensitivity (> 3000 features in hepatocyte extracts) and intra- and inter-plate repeatability for polar nESI-DIMS assays (median relative standard deviation < 30%). The assays were employed for a proof-of-principle toxicological study with a model toxicant, cadmium chloride, revealing changes in the metabolome across five sampling times in the 48-h exposure period. To allow the option for lipidomics analyses, the solvent system was extended by establishing separate extraction methods for polar metabolites and lipids.

Conclusions

Experimental, analytical and informatics workflows reported here met pre-defined criteria in terms of sensitivity, repeatability and ability to detect metabolome changes induced by a toxicant and are ready for application in metabolomics-driven toxicity testing to complement HTS assays.
Prenatal depression exposure alters white matter integrity and neurodevelopment in early childhood
Authors: Roos Annerine , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Fouche Jean-Paul , Joshi Shantanu H , Narr Katherine L , Woods Roger P , Zar Heather J , Stein Dan J. , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: January 2022

Prenatal exposure to maternal depression increases the risk for onset of emotional and behavioral disorders in children. We investigated the effects of exposure to prenatal depression on white matter microstructural integrity at birth and at 2-3 years, and associated neurodevelopment. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired for children of the Drakenstein Child Health Study at 2-4 weeks postpartum (n=70, 47% boys) and at 2-3 years of age (n=60, 58% boys). Tract-Based Spatial Statistics was used to compare, using an ROI based approach, diffusion tensor metrics across groups defined by presence (>19 on Beck’s Depression Inventory and/or >12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) or absence (below depression thresholds) of depression, and associations with neurodevelopmental measures at age 2-3 years were determined. We did not detect group differences in white matter integrity at neonatal age, but at 2-3 years, children in the exposed group demonstrated higher fractional anisotropy, and lower mean and radial diffusivity in association tracts compared to controls. This was notable in the sagittal stratum (radial diffusivity: p<0.01). Altered white matter integrity metrics were also observed in projection tracts, including the corona radiata, which associated with cognitive and motor outcomes in exposed 2-3-year-olds (p<0.05). Our findings of widespread white matter alterations in 2-3-year-old children with prenatal exposure to depression are consistent with previous findings, as well as with neuroimaging findings in adults with major depression. Further, we identified novel associations of altered white matter integrity with cognitive development in depression-exposed children, suggesting that these neuroimaging findings may have early functional impact.
Capacities of local maize seed enterprises in Mexico: Implications for seed systems development
Authors: Donovan Jason , Rutsaert Pieter , Domínguez Ciro , Peña Meliza
Published: January 2022

Where maize plays a critical role in food security, governments and donors have invested heavily in support of local, privately owned, often small and medium sized, maize seed enterprises (maize SMEs). Underpinning these investments are strong assumptions about maize SMEs’ capacity to produce and distribute seed to smallholders. This study assesses the capacities of 22 maize SMEs in Mexico that engaged with MasAgro—a large-scale development program initiated in 2011 that has provided maize SMEs with improved genetic material and technical assistance. Data were collected onsite from in-depth interviews with enterprise owners and managers and complemented with other primary and secondary sources. Overall, maize SMEs showed high levels of absorptive capacity for seed production, but limited signs of learning and innovation in terms of business organization and strategic seed marketing. Asset endowments varied widely among the SMEs, but generally they were lowest among the smaller enterprises, and access to business development services beyond MasAgro was practically nonexistent. Results highlighted the critical role of MasAgro in reinvigorating the portfolios of seeds produced by maize SMEs, as well as the challenges ahead for maize SMEs to scale the new technologies in a competitive market that has long been dominated by multinational seed enterprises. Among these challenges were limited investment in seed marketing, weak infrastructure for seed production, and limited experience in business management. Achieving the food security goals through maize SMEs will require making national maize seed industry development a strategic imperative.
Characterisation, Recovery and Activity of Hydrophobic Compounds in Norway Spruce Log Soaking Pit Water: Could they be Used in Wood Preservative Formulations?
Authors: Barbero-López Aitor , Vek Viljem , Poljanšek Ida , Virjamo Virpi , López-Gómez Yeray Manuel , Sainio Tuomo , Humar Miha , Oven Primož , Haapala Antti
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Norway spruce log soaking water (SLSW) is considered a waste in the plywood and veneer industry but has not been characterised, and its possible uses remain unexplored. The purpose of this study is to characterise and test the possibility of using SLSW in wood preservative formulations.

Methods

First, the SLSW was characterised, and the presence of carbohydrates in the log soaking water was reduced with a hydrophobic adsorbent to reduce the nutrient availability for fungi in the liquids. Then, the feasibility of using SLSW and the sugar free SLSW (denoted later as EHC solution) as wood preservatives was studied by testing their antifungal and antioxidant activities and performing a mini-block test againstSchizophyllum commune,Trametes versicolor,Fibroporia vaillantiiandGloeophyllum trabeum.

Results

Several phenolic compounds were found in the SLSW. This water also had high antioxidant activity at 1000 mg/L before and after carbohydrate removal but no antifungal activity. Its impregnation in wood caused a slight reduction in mass loss of thePinus sylvestrisspecimens but had no effect on theFagus sylvaticaspecimens when exposed againstSchizophyllum commune,Trametes versicolor,Fibroporia vaillantiiandGloeophyllum trabeum.

Conclusion

The SLSW as a wood preservative is invalid, even after partial carbohydrate removal. However, due to the presence of wood constituents, SLSW could be a resource for other uses requiring high antioxidant activity but specific applications need further investigation.

Graphical Abstract
Random noise suppression and super-resolution reconstruction algorithm of seismic profile based on GAN
Authors: Sun Qi-Feng , Xu Jia-Yue , Zhang Han-Xiao , Duan You-Xiang , Sun You-Kai
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we propose a random noise suppression and super-resolution reconstruction algorithm for seismic profiles based on Generative Adversarial Networks, in anticipation of reducing the influence of random noise and low resolution on seismic profiles. Firstly, the algorithm used the residual learning strategy to construct a de-noising subnet to accurate separate the interference noise on the basis of protecting the effective signal. Furthermore, it iterated the back-projection unit to complete the reconstruction of the high-resolution seismic sections image, while responsed sampling error to enhance the super-resolution performance of the algorithm. For seismic data characteristics, designed the discriminator to be a fully convolutional neural network, used a larger convolution kernels to extract data features and continuously strengthened the supervision of the generator performance optimization during the training process. The results on the synthetic data and the actual data indicated that the algorithm could improve the quality of seismic cross-section, make ideal signal-to-noise ratio and further improve the resolution of the reconstructed cross-sectional image. Besides, the observations of geological structures such as fractures were also clearer.
Radiation recall phenomenon after administration of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
Authors: Ishikawa Yojiro , Umezawa Rei , Yamamoto Takaya , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Takeda Kazuya , Suzuki Yu , Jingu Keiichi
Published: January 2022

Several types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine have been developed. However, the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and radiation therapy (RT) is unclear. Recently, there have been some reports of radiation recall phenomenon (RRP) caused by a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. We report a case of RRP after administration of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A 51-year-old female was diagnosed with breast cancer (cT4N1M0, cStage IIIB) and underwent breast total mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After mastectomy, the patient received RT with 50 Gy in 25 fractions. An acute side effect of grade 2 dermatitis according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. occurred after RT. The patient had not started any new systemic medication after RT; however, the patient received the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Moderna) 1 month after the end of the initial RT. Seven days after vaccination, the patient had a skin reaction with burning sensation and redness. This skin reaction was induced in an area corresponding to the irradiation field of the chest wall. There was no skin reaction in areas other than that described. The reaction was cured within 1 week with topical hydrocortisone. This report is an interesting case report with a RPP after administration of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
A linear stochastic biharmonic heat equation: hitting probabilities
Authors: Hinojosa-Calleja Adrián , Sanz-Solé Marta
Published: January 2022

Consider the linear stochastic biharmonic heat equation on a d–dimen- sional torus ($$d=1,2,3$$

d
=
1
,
2
,
3

), driven by a space-time white noise and with periodic boundary conditions: $$\begin{aligned} \left( \frac{\partial }{\partial t}+(-\varDelta )^2\right) v(t,x)= \sigma \dot{W}(t,x),\ (t,x)\in (0,T]\times {\mathbb {T}}^d, \end{aligned}$$

∂

∂
t

+

(
-
Δ
)

2

v

(
t
,
x
)

=
σ

W
˙

(
t
,
x
)

,

(
t
,
x
)

∈

(
0
,
T
]

×

T

d

,

$$v(0,x)=v_0(x)$$

v

(
0
,
x
)

=

v
0

(
x
)

. We find the canonical pseudo-distance corresponding to the random field solution, therefore the precise description of the anisotropies of the process. We see that for $$d=2$$

d
=
2

, they include a $$z(\log \tfrac{c}{z})^{1/2}$$

z

(
log

c
z

)

1
/
2

term. Consider D independent copies of the random field solution to (0.1). Applying the criteria proved in Hinojosa-Calleja and Sanz-Solé (Stoch PDE Anal Comp 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40072-021-00190-1), we establish upper and lower bounds for the probabilities that the path process hits bounded Borel sets.This yields results on the polarity of sets and on the Hausdorff dimension of the path process.
Hypoxia Conditioning for High-Altitude Pre-acclimatization
Authors: Burtscher Martin , Millet Grégoire P. , Burtscher Johannes
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Main purposes of pre-acclimatization by hypoxia conditioning (HC) are the prevention of high-altitude illnesses and maintenance of aerobic exercise performance. However, robust evidence for those effects or evidence-based guidelines for exposure strategies, including recommendations to ensure safety, are largely lacking. Therefore, we summarize the current knowledge on the physiology of acclimatization to hypoxia and HC with the aim to derive implications for pre-acclimatization strategies before going on high-altitude treks and expeditions.

Methods

Based on the literature search and personal experience, core studies and important observations have been selected in order to present a balanced view on the current knowledge of high-altitude illnesses and the acclimatization process, specifically focusing on pre-acclimatization strategies by HC.

Results and Conclusions

It may be concluded that in certain cases even short periods (e.g., 7 h) of pre-acclimatization by HC are effective, but longer periods (e.g., > 60 h) are needed to elicit more robust effects. About 300 h of HC (intermittently applied) may be the optimal preparation for extreme altitude sojourns, although every additional hour spent in hypoxia may confer further benefits. The inclusion of hypobaric exposures (i.e., real altitude) in pre-acclimatization protocols could further increase their efficacy. The level of simulated altitude is progressively increased or individually adjusted ideally. HC should not be terminated earlier than 1–2 weeks before altitude sojourn. Medical monitoring of the pre-acclimatization program is strongly recommended.
Age Demographics of Subjects Enrolled in Global, Interventional Phase 3 Melanoma Clinical Trials
Authors: Shah Reema , Patel Nil , Patel Yasha , Toscani Michael , Barone Joseph , Weber Paul F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Melanoma is a skin cancer with a rising worldwide incidence of just over 280,000 individuals with the greatest burden of illness in European, New Zealander, and Australian populations. Patients are diagnosed with melanoma with the mean and median ages being 65 and 59 years old, respectively. Phase 3 trials not only provide a wide representation of the target population but also study the efficacy for a certain intervention.

Objective

The objective of this literature review is to analyze patient demographics of phase 3 trials for melanoma and identify if there is a true disparity between the clinical trial age demographics and the natural epidemiological age demographics.

Data Sources

The authors conducted a search on clinicaltrials.gov, a publicly available resource that lists clinical trials and their data. The reported mean and median ages for each trial were extracted after determining if each trial meets our inclusion criteria. Weighted mean and median ages were calculated using an online calculator.

Data Summary

Data from 35 trials were evaluated with 30 trials reporting a weighted mean age of 55.85 years and 5 trials reporting a weighted median age of 55.14 years.

Conclusion

Based on the results, melanoma clinical trials enroll patients who are younger than the epidemiological mean and median ages. Due to this underrepresentation of the elderly patients with melanoma, clinical trials may provide limited application for the use of their results.
Complement cascade inhibition in geographic atrophy: a review
Authors: Desai Dhaval , Dugel Pravin U.
Published: January 2022

The pathophysiology of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and specifically geographic atrophy (GA) has been linked to the complement cascade. This cascade is part of the innate immune system and is made up of the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways. The pathways comprise a system of plasma and membrane-associated serum proteins that are activated with identification of a nonself entity. A number of these proteins have been implicated in the development and progression of dry AMD. The three pathways converge at C3 and cascade down through C5, making both of these proteins viable targets for the treatment of dry AMD. In addition, there are a number of complement factors, CFB, CFD, CFH, and CFI, which are potential therapeutic targets as well. Several different complement-directed therapeutics are being studied for the treatment of dry AMD with the hope that one of these approaches will emerge as the first approved treatment for GA.
Synergistic alleviation effects of anchovy hydrolysates-catechin on scopolamine-induced mice memory deficits: the exploration of the potential relationship among gut-brain-axis
Authors: Zhao Tiantian , Zhang Chen , Zhong Saiyi , Chen Qirong , Liu Shuo , Jiao Wenjuan , Liu Weifeng , Huang Lihua , Zhang Yehui , Zhang Yousheng
Published: January 2022

In this study, the regulation of microbiota-metabolites-brain-neurotransmitters axis may be one of the mechanisms for APH-CA against scopolamine induced cognitive deficits. Additionally, the synergic effects of APH and CA were partially confirmed.
Reaction induced supramolecular gelation with the evolution of circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Li Kun , Chen Shuyu , Zhu Xuefeng , Fan Huahua , Zhang Li , Liu Minghua
Published: January 2022

Chemically reaction triggered formation of supramolecular gels and enhancement of emission.
Oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil catalyzed by a carbon nitride supported phosphotungstic acid based dicationic ionic liquid
Authors: Liu Xingjian , Li Jingwen , Guo Yanwen , Wu Jiang , Hu Bing
Published: January 2022

A novel supported bis-imidazole phosphotungstate ionic liquid x% [C2(MIM)2]PW12O40/g-C3N4 was prepared and used as a catalyst in a catalytic oxidative desulfurization system with H2O2 as the oxidant.
In situ sulfuration synthesis of heterostructure MoS2–Mo2C@C for boosting the photocatalytic H2 production activity of TiO2
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Wang Ping , Gao Lulu , Wang Xuefei , Yu Huogen
Published: January 2022

The heterostructure MoS2–Mo2C@C by in situ sulfuration of Mo2C was loaded on TiO2 surface. The H2-evolution rate of MoS2–Mo2C@C/TiO2 was higher than that of TiO2, Mo2C@C/TiO2, and MoS2@C/TiO2 due to stronger H+ adsorption ability of MoS2–Mo2C@C.
Convergence analysis of two finite element methods for the modified Maxwell’s Steklov eigenvalue problem
Authors: Gong Bo
Published: January 2022

The modified Maxwell’s Steklov eigenvalue problem is a new problem arising from the study of inverse electromagnetic scattering problems. In this paper, we investigate two finite element methods for this problem and perform the convergence analysis. Moreover, the monotonic convergence of the discrete eigenvalues computed by one of the methods is analyzed.
Between rags and riches: rethinking security for costs in international commercial arbitration
Authors: Camilleri Simon P
Published: January 2022

This article assesses the traditional approach adopted to making an order of security for costs in international arbitration, which focuses almost exclusively on the financial standing of the claimant. The article argues that this approach is inappropriate, and has the potential to undermine the purpose of the remedy itself; namely, to protect a respondent who has been dragged into an arbitration against his will, and may subsequently struggle to enforce a costs award against the claimant if he is successful in due course. The author therefore argues that the financial position of the respondent—and the impact of the proceedings on that respondent—should be hardwired into the assessment undertaken by arbitral tribunals when considering whether to order the claimant to provide security for the respondent’s costs.
The medium-term impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions. The case of the 1918 influenza in US cities
Authors: Chapelle Guillaume
Published: January 2022

This paper uses a difference-in-differences (DID) framework to estimate the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) used to fight the 1918 influenza pandemic and control the resultant mortality in 43 US cities. The results suggest that NPIs such as school closures and social distancing, as implemented in 1918, and when applied relatively intensively, might have reduced individual and herd immunity reducing the life expectancy of people with co morbidity, thereby leading to a significantly higher number of deaths in subsequent years. It would be difficult to draw any inference regarding the predicted impact of NPIs as implemented during the Covid-19 crisis as influenza and Covid-19 are two entirely different viruses and nowadays’ pharmaceutical technologies can limit these medium-term impacts.
Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal the possible mechanism by which 1-methylcyclopropene regulates the postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia
Authors: Bata Gouda Mohamed Hawali , Peng Sijia , Yu Renying , Li Jianqi , Zhao Guihong , Chen Yuru , Song Huibo , Luo Haibo
Published: January 2022

To understand the mechanism governing the postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia (Z. latifolia), and the regulatory mechanism induced by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) during storage at 25 °C, physiobiochemical and conjoint analyses of the transcriptome and metabolome were performed. The results indicated that 1-MCP treatment engendered changes in the expression of genes and metabolites during the postharvest storage of Z. latifolia. The 1-MCP treatment maintained a good visual appearance, preserved the cell structure and membrane integrity of Z. latifolia by keeping the expression of membrane-related lipolytic enzymes (and related genes) low and the amount of phosphatidylethanolamine high. Compared to the control group, 1-MCP treatment enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, resulting in a decrease of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents, and thus inhibition of oxidative damage and loss of membrane integrity. In addition, 1-MCP treatment retarded the senescence of Z. latifolia by downregulating the expression of ethylene biosynthesis-related genes and promoting upregulation of brassinosteroid insensitive 1 kinase inhibitor 1, calmodulin, glutathione reductase, jasmonate amino acid synthase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase-related genes. Moreover, 1-MCP retarded Z. latifolia senescence by inducing the activity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis-related genes and metabolites. Our findings should facilitate future research on the postharvest storage of Z. latifolia, and could help delay senescence and prolong the storage time for commercial applications.
Genome of the parasitoid waspDinocampus coccinellaereveals extensive duplications, accelerated evolution, and independent origins of thelytokous parthenogeny and solitary behavior
Authors: Sethuraman Arun , Tovar Alicia , Welch Walker , Dettmers Ryan , Arce Camila , Skaggs Timothy , Rothenberg Alexander , Saisho Roxane , Summerhays Bryce , Cartmill Ryan , Grenier Christy , Vasquez Yumary , Vansant Hannah , Obrycki John
Published: January 2022

Dinocampus coccinellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a generalist parasitoid wasp that parasitizes >50 species of predatory lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), with thelytokous parthenogeny as its primary mode of reproduction. Here, we present the first high-quality genome of D. coccinellae using a combination of short- and long-read sequencing technologies, followed by assembly and scaffolding of chromosomal segments using Chicago + HiC technologies. We also present a first-pass ab initio and a reference-based genome annotation and resolve timings of divergence and evolution of (1) solitary behavior vs eusociality, (2) arrhenotokous vs thelytokous parthenogenesis, and (3) rates of gene loss and gain among Hymenopteran lineages. Our study finds (1) at least 2 independent origins of eusociality and solitary behavior among Hymenoptera, (2) 2 independent origins of thelytokous parthenogenesis from ancestral arrhenotoky, and (3) accelerated rates of gene duplications, loss, and gain along the lineages leading to D. coccinellae. Our work both affirms the ancient divergence of Braconid wasps from ancestral Hymenopterans and accelerated rates of evolution in response to adaptations to novel hosts, including polyDNA viral coevolution.
Male and female recombination landscapes of diploid Arabidopsis arenosa
Authors: Dukić Marinela , Bomblies Kirsten
Published: January 2022

The number and placement of meiotic crossover events during meiosis have important implications for the fidelity of chromosome segregation as well as patterns of inheritance. Despite the functional importance of recombination, recombination landscapes vary widely among and within species, and this can have a strong impact on evolutionary processes. A good knowledge of recombination landscapes is important for model systems in evolutionary and ecological genetics, since it can improve interpretation of genomic patterns of differentiation and genome evolution, and provides an important starting point for understanding the causes and consequences of recombination rate variation. Arabidopsis arenosa is a powerful evolutionary genetic model for studying the molecular basis of adaptation and recombination rate evolution. Here, we generate genetic maps for 2 diploid A. arenosa individuals from distinct genetic lineages where we have prior knowledge that meiotic genes show evidence of selection. We complement the genetic maps with cytological approaches to map and quantify recombination rates, and test the idea that these populations might have distinct patterns of recombination. We explore how recombination differs at the level of populations, individuals, sexes and genomic regions. We show that the positioning of crossovers along a chromosome correlates with their number, presumably a consequence of crossover interference, and discuss how this effect can cause differences in recombination landscape among sexes or species. We identify several instances of female segregation distortion. We found that averaged genome-wide recombination rate is lower and sex differences subtler in A. arenosa than in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Powerful, efficient QTL mapping in Drosophila melanogaster using bulked phenotyping and pooled sequencing
Authors: Macdonald Stuart J , Cloud-Richardson Kristen M , Sims-West Dylan J , Long Anthony D
Published: January 2022

Despite the value of recombinant inbred lines for the dissection of complex traits, large panels can be difficult to maintain, distribute, and phenotype. An attractive alternative to recombinant inbred lines for many traits leverages selecting phenotypically extreme individuals from a segregating population, and subjecting pools of selected and control individuals to sequencing. Under a bulked or extreme segregant analysis paradigm, genomic regions contributing to trait variation are revealed as frequency differences between pools. Here, we describe such an extreme quantitative trait locus, or extreme quantitative trait loci, mapping strategy that builds on an existing multiparental population, the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource, and involves phenotyping and genotyping a population derived by mixing hundreds of Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource recombinant inbred lines. Simulations demonstrate that challenging, yet experimentally tractable extreme quantitative trait loci designs (≥4 replicates, ≥5,000 individuals/replicate, and selecting the 5–10% most extreme animals) yield at least the same power as traditional recombinant inbred line-based quantitative trait loci mapping and can localize variants with sub-centimorgan resolution. We empirically demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach using a 4-fold replicated extreme quantitative trait loci experiment that identifies 7 quantitative trait loci for caffeine resistance. Two mapped extreme quantitative trait loci factors replicate loci previously identified in recombinant inbred lines, 6/7 are associated with excellent candidate genes, and RNAi knock-downs support the involvement of 4 genes in the genetic control of trait variation. For many traits of interest to drosophilists, a bulked phenotyping/genotyping extreme quantitative trait loci design has considerable advantages.
A Systematic Review of Smartphone and Tablet Use by Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wilson Samantha A , Byrne Paula , Rodgers Sarah E , Maden Michelle
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

A systematic review was conducted to explore the use of smartphones and tablet computers as cognitive and memory aids by older adults with and without cognitive impairment, specifically the effects of smartphone and tablet use on participants’ cognition and memory, and the barriers and facilitators to smartphone and tablet use for cognitive and memory support.

Research Design and Methods

A systematic search of 6 key databases found 11,895 citations published between 2010 and 2021. Studies were included if they involved community-dwelling older adults with or without cognitive impairment arising from acquired brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia, and if they evaluated everyday smartphone or tablet device use for cognition, memory, or activities of daily living.

Results

A total of 28 papers were included in the narrative synthesis. There was some evidence that the use of smartphones and tablets could aid cognitive function in older adults without cognitive impairment, particularly executive function and processing speed. There was modest evidence that smartphone and tablet use could support memory in both older adults without cognitive impairment and those with acquired brain injury and dementia.

Discussion and Implications

Smartphones and tablets were seen by users as acceptable, enjoyable, and nonstigmatizing alternatives to conventional assistive technology devices; however, current use of smartphone and tablet devices is hindered by the digital literacy of older adults, a lack of accommodation for older adult users’ motor and sensory impairments, and a lack of input from clinicians and researchers. Much of the evidence presented in this review derives from case studies and small-scale trials of smartphone and tablet training interventions. Further research is needed into older adults’ use of smartphones and tablets for cognitive support before and after the onset of cognitive impairment in order to develop effective evidence-based smart technology cognition and memory aids.
Recent advances of machine vision technology in fish classification
Authors: Li Daoliang , Wang Qi , Li Xin , Niu Meilin , Wang He , Liu Chunhong
Published: January 2022

Automatic classification of different species of fish is important for the comprehension of marine ecology, fish behaviour analysis, aquaculture management, and fish health monitoring. In recent years, many automatic classification methods have been developed, among which machine vision-based classification methods are widely used with the advantages of being fast and non-destructive. In addition, the successful application of rapidly emerging deep learning techniques in machine vision has brought new opportunities for fish classification. This paper provides an overview of machine vision models applied in the field of fish classification, followed by a detailed discussion of specific applications of various classification methods. Furthermore, the challenges and future research directions in the field of fish classification are discussed. This paper would help researchers and practitioners to understand the applicability of machine vision in fish classification and encourage them to develop advanced algorithms and models to address the complex problems that exist in fish classification practice.
Only the Good Die Old? Ontogenetic Determinants of Locomotor Performance in Eastern Cottontail Rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus)
Authors: Young Jesse W , Foster Adam D , Russo Gabrielle A , Smith Gregory A , Butcher Michael T
Published: January 2022

Synopsis

For many animals, the juvenile stage of life can be particularly perilous. Once independent, immature animals must often complete the same basic survival functions as adults despite smaller body size and other growth-related limits on performance. Because, by definition, juveniles have yet to reproduce, we should expect strong selection for mechanisms to offset these ontogenetic limitations, allowing individuals to reach reproductive adulthood and maintain Darwinian fitness. We use an integrated ontogenetic dataset on morphology, locomotor performance, and longevity in wild cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus, Allen 1848) to test the hypothesis that prey animals are under selective pressure to maximize juvenile performance. We predicted that (1) juveniles would accelerate more quickly than adults, allowing them to reach adult-like escape speeds, and (2) juveniles with greater levels of performance should survive for longer durations in the wild, thus increasing their reproductive potential. Using high-speed video and force platform measurements, we quantified burst acceleration, escape speed, and mechanical power production in 38 wild-caught S. floridanus (26 juveniles, 12 adults; all rabbits >1 kg in body mass were designated to be adults, based on published growth curves and evidence of epiphyseal fusion). A subsample of 22 rabbits (15 juveniles, 7 adults) was fitted with radio-telemetry collars for documenting survivorship in the wild. We found that acceleration and escape speed peaked in the late juvenile period in S. floridanus, at an age range that coincides with a period of pronounced demographic attrition in wild populations. Differences in mass-specific mechanical power production explained ∼75% of the variation in acceleration across the dataset, indicating that juvenile rabbits outpace adults by producing more power per unit body mass. We found a positive, though non-significant, association between peak escape speed and survivorship duration in the wild, suggesting a complex relationship between locomotor performance and fitness in growing S. floridanus.
The Compatibility of Autonomous Weapons with the Principles of International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Winter Elliot
Published: January 2022

The emergence of autonomous weapons remains a hot topic in international humanitarian law. Much has been said by States, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and academics on the matter in recent years. However, no agreement has been reached on how best to regulate this nascent technology. In the absence of any such agreement, the best approach is to analyse autonomous weapons through the lens of the principles of international humanitarian law. After humanity and military necessity are debunked as false principles, this article tests the compatibility of autonomous weapons with distinction, proportionality and precaution. It argues that autonomous weapons are not currently able to comply with these principles, owing primarily to a lack of sufficiently advanced artificial intelligence and contextual awareness. However, it also argues that the path to international humanitarian law-compliant autonomous weapons is shorter, and more clearly defined, than many realise. Indeed, the article highlights various ways in which future technological advances could enable autonomous weapons to comply with the principles of international humanitarian law more rigorously than human beings. The article does not seek to address the compatibility of autonomous weapons with other aspects of international law or the morality of such weapons.
Total knee replacement in a polio patient with prior extension osteotomy: a case report
Authors: Alsheikh Khalid A , Aldeghaither Sarah A , Alhandi Ali A
Published: January 2022

Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease characterized by a loss of motor neurons. Affected individuals usually suffer from many abnormalities predisposing them to degenerative joint disease. We report a case of a young male, with a history of poliomyelitis, distal femoral extension osteotomy and previous tendon transfer, suffering from severe knee pain. The patient underwent total knee arthroplasty with posterior stabilized Triathlon® for the femoral side reconstruction and Total-stabilizer Triathlon® for the tibia with short stem. At 2-year follow-up, his range-of-motion had improved, and he could walk without pain. This case report emphasizes the value of careful preoperative planning for a complex case with suitable implants and expecting realistic outcomes.
The impact of COVID-19 on delayed presentations of necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Dung , Diab Jason , Khaicy David , Diab Vanessa , Hopkins Zachias , Foong Lai Heng , Berney Christophe R
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the delayed presentation of necrotising fasciitis (NF). A retrospective study was conducted of adult patients (≥16 years old) diagnosed with NF at a hospital from 2017 to 2020. A quantitative comparative analysis for the COVID-19 group and control group between 2017 and 2019. Structured interviews were conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on patients. There were 6 patients in the COVID-19 group and 10 patients in the control group. The COVID-19 group had a longer mean onset of symptoms till hospital presentation of 4.1 days and a longer mean operative time. The COVID-19 group was more likely to be admitted to intensive care unit. Three patients in the COVID-19 group did not survive compared to survival in the counterparts. Participant responses indicated the COVID-19 pandemic did not prevent them from presenting to ED.
Effectiveness of two doses of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine
Authors: Pugh Sarah J , Moïsi Jennifer C , Kundi Michael , Santonja Isabel , Erber Wilhelm , Angulo Frederick J , Jodar Luis
Published: January 2022

Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was consistently high following two doses (94.6–97.4%) and three doses (96.1%) of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine. These data support the public health value of providing two doses of the TBE vaccine to a traveller to an endemic area presenting with insufficient time to complete the full three-dose primary series.
Sequential Intravenous-Oral Therapy for Pediatric Streptococcus anginosus Intracranial Infections
Authors: Dodson Daniel S , Heizer Heather R , Gaensbauer James T
Published: January 2022

Background

Streptococcus anginosus group is a common cause of pediatric intracranial infections but treatment recommendations, including use of oral therapy, are poorly defined.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review from 2004 to 2019 of all patients with S anginosus group pyogenic intracranial infections at Children’s Hospital Colorado, highlighting patients transitioned to oral therapy. The primary endpoint was worsening infection necessitating intravenous antibiotics or a source control procedure after transition to oral therapy.

Results

Of 107 patients with S anginosus intracranial infections, 61 were transitioned to exclusive oral therapy after a median intravenous duration of 37 days, overwhelmingly with a levofloxacin-based regimen. Only 1 treatment failure was noted in a patient who did not fill their prescription. Patients with epidural infections were more likely to be transitioned to oral therapy within the first 28 days of treatment (defined as “early”). Patients with parenchymal infections, bacteremia, co-pathogens, higher inflammatory markers, and requiring >1 source control procedure were less likely to be transitioned early to oral therapy. Complications of a central catheter and/or intravenous medications contributed to 56% of oral transitions.

Conclusions

Levofloxacin-based oral regimens were effective and well tolerated. Patients with less severe infections were more likely to be transitioned early to oral therapy. Criteria for transitioning patients to oral antibiotics for intracranial infections should be established to minimize risks inherent with central catheters.
A New Science for an Old(er) Population: Soviet Gerontology and Geriatrics in International Comparative Perspective
Authors: Scarborough Isaac McKean
Published: January 2022

Like most developed nations, the Soviet Union faced an unprecedented demographic shift during the latter half of the twentieth century, as its population aged and life expectancies grew significantly. Facing similar challenges as the USA or the UK, this article argues, the USSR reacted similarly and equally ad hoc, allowing biological gerontology and geriatrics to develop as sciences and medical specialisations with little central direction. When political attention was focused on ageing, moreover, the Soviet response remained largely comparable to the West’s, with geriatric medicine slowly overtaking research into the foundations of ageing and yet remaining sorely underfunded and underpromoted.
Prescreening of Biological and Biorational Fungicides Against Common Hemp Pathogens Using In Vitro Analyses
Authors: Dixon Ed , Leonberger Kimberly , Szarka Desiree , Amsden Bernadette , Smith Henry , Krause Matthew , Gauthier Nicole
Published: January 2022

Upon reintroduction of hemp in 2014 and legalization in 2018, labeled pesticides have remained limited. Further, consumer demand has aimed the market toward organic or chemical-free production systems. In efforts to manage diseases and pests in fields and greenhouses, producers turn toward biological and biorational formulations. Efficacy of these fungicides against common aerial diseases of hemp is largely unpublished. Challenges of efficacy testing, however, further delay or discourage research. In this study, we evaluated screening methods against some common biological products. The aim was to test a screening model in order to examine products against fungal pathogens and to identify demonstrable differences under controlled conditions. Thus, in this study, we prescreen 11 biological and biorational fungicides against four common fungal leaf and flower pathogens using three bioassays. Confirmation that the major modes of action for these products have measurable activity against major pathogens of hemp serves as a first step toward more complex field studies.