bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold Tolerance of Immature Stages ofCeratitis capitataandBactrocera dorsalis(Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Manrakhan Aruna , Daneel John-Henry , Stephen Peter R , Hattingh Vaughan
Published: December 2021

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a new fruit fly pest of some fruit types in the north and north eastern areas of South Africa. In order to determine whether existing cold disinfestation treatment schedules for an indigenous fruit fly pest: Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) would be effective for B. dorsalis, cold tolerances of four immature stages of the two species were compared. Studies were done in an artificial carrot-based larval diet. The developmental rates of the immature stages of the two species in the carrot-based larval diet were first determined at a constant temperature of 26°C. The developmental times for eggs and three larval stages were found to be similar for the two species. Incubation times of both species after egg inoculation were determined to be 0, 3, 4, and 6 d for obtaining egg, first larval, second larval, and third larval stages respectively for the cold treatment. At a test temperature of –0.6°C, mortality rates of C. capitata eggs, first instars, second instars, and third instars were lower than those of B. dorsalis. These results demonstrate that the current cold treatment schedules for disinfestation of C. capitata can be used as equally or more efficacious treatments for B. dorsalis.
Enhancing Health Equity Through Cancer Health Economics Research
Authors: Bradley Cathy J , Simon Kosali , Winkfield Karen , Moy Beverly
Published: December 2021

Cancer displays some of the largest health-equity concerns of all diseases. This paper draws attention to how health economics research can assess strategies to reduce or even eliminate health disparities and provides pivotal examples of existing research as well as areas for future contributions. The paper also highlights critical data limitations that currently restrain the impact health economics research could have. We then explore new areas of inquiry where economic research is sparse but could have an important impact on health equity, particularly in topics involving Medicare and Medicaid policies that expand reimbursement and generosity of coverage. Health economics studies are notably absent from policies and practices surrounding clinical trials, representing an opportunity for future research. We urge health economics researchers to consider experiments, interventions, and assessments through primary data collection; we further encourage the formulation of multidisciplinary teams to ensure that health economics skills are well melded with other areas of expertise. These teams are needed to maximize novelty and rigor of evidence. As policies are promulgated to address disparities in cancer, involvement of economics in a multidisciplinary context can help ensure that these policies do not have unintended impacts that may deepen inequities.
Communicating Research to Non-Researcher Audiences: A Panel Discussion From the National Cancer Institute’s Future of Cancer Health Economics Research Conference
Authors: Chino Fumiko , Carroll Aaron , Sanger-Katz Margot , Dusetzina Stacie B , Zafar S Yousuf
Published: December 2021

With rising health-care costs and increasing patient financial strain, health economics research has never been more relevant to the lay public. This manuscript summarizes the discussion from the “Communicating Health Economics Research to Non-Researcher Audiences” expert panel and highlights the foundations of good health/science communication, distilling your work into a newsworthy headline, and communication concerns in specific scenarios. It also provides “dos and don'ts” for promoting your research to the news media and a list of resources on interacting with the press for further study.
Vaginal and reproductive organ preservation in trans men undergoing gender-affirming phalloplasty: technical considerations
Authors: Salgado Christopher J , Yu Kerstin , Lalama Maria J
Published: December 2021

Gender affirmation surgeries are performed to decrease the patient’s dysphoria and improve quality of life. Preservation of the vaginal canal with reproductive organs is uncommon though becoming increasingly discussed in trans men. This series examines surgical complexities of vaginal and/or reproductive organ preservation in patients undergoing phalloplasty, highlighting considerations for safety and well-being. Two patients who underwent phalloplasty met inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study and were treated in accordance with World Professional Association for Transgender Health standards. We retrospectively reviewed patients’ medical records and extracted demographic data. Phallus and clitoral sensation, ability for penetrative intercourse and treatment of gender incongruence were assessed postoperatively. At an average of 22 months postoperatively, both flaps survived with tactile sensation two-thirds down the shaft, and the clitoris of both maintained erogenous sensation from stimulation. Gender incongruence was described to be reduced, and both patients were able to receive penetrative vaginal intercourse.
RpoN/Sfa2-dependent activation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa H2-T6SS and its cognate arsenal of antibacterial toxins
Authors: Allsopp Luke P , Collins Alice C Z , Hawkins Eleanor , Wood Thomas E , Filloux Alain
Published: December 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses three type six secretion systems (H1-, H2- and H3-T6SS) to manipulate its environment, subvert host cells and for microbial competition. These T6SS machines are loaded with a variety of effectors/toxins, many being associated with a specific VgrG. How P. aeruginosa transcriptionally coordinates the main T6SS clusters and the multiple vgrG islands spread through the genome is unknown. Here we show an unprecedented level of control with RsmA repressing most known T6SS-related genes. Moreover, each of the H2- and H3-T6SS clusters encodes a sigma factor activator (SFA) protein called, Sfa2 and Sfa3, respectively. SFA proteins are enhancer binding proteins necessary for the sigma factor RpoN. Using a combination of RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and molecular biology approaches, we demonstrate that RpoN coordinates the T6SSs of P. aeruginosa by activating the H2-T6SS but repressing the H1- and H3-T6SS. Furthermore, RpoN and Sfa2 control the expression of the H2-T6SS-linked VgrGs and their effector arsenal to enable very effective interbacterial killing. Sfa2 is specific as Sfa3 from the H3-T6SS cannot complement loss of Sfa2. Our study further delineates the regulatory mechanisms that modulate the deployment of an arsenal of T6SS effectors likely enabling P. aeruginosa to adapt to a range of environmental conditions.
The Risk Management Practices of Health Research Ethics Committees May Undermine Citizen Science to Address Basic Human Rights
Authors: Hawe Penelope , Rowbotham Samantha , Marks Leah , Casson Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Lack of supportive workplaces may be depriving babies and mothers of the health advantages of breastfeeding. This citizen science pilot project set out to engage women in photographing and sharing information on the available facilities for breastfeeding and expressing and storing breastmilk in Australian workplaces. While some useful insights were gained, the project failed in the sense that 234 people ‘liked’ the project Facebook page set up to recruit participants, but only nine photographs were submitted. The heaviest loss of participation occurred after the ethics committee requirements were explained, in particular, the requirement for employer consent to take a photograph, or alternatively, for a participant to agree to bear the risk of taking a photo without permission. The ethics committee also made stipulations about the formality of language to be used. Thus, the project’s potential role as an enabler for health action was neutered. We argue that the ethics requirements worked contrary to our purpose and possibly acted to reinforce the powerlessness some women experience at work.
Macropartisanship with Independents
Authors: Goidel Spencer , Kellstedt Paul M , Lebo Matthew J
Published: December 2021

MacKuen, Erikson, and Stimson’s classic article “Macropartisanship” extended the study of political behavior from static analyses of American elections to the dynamics of partisanship between elections. This launched new frontiers of research, such as studying the effects of presidential approval and economic indices on aggregate party identification. However, the Macropartisanship literature made an important oversight: changes in partisanship between elections are usually from one partisan group to identification as an independent, or vice versa. A single measure of aggregate partisanship, like the original Macropartisanship measure, leaves out independents altogether. This has important theoretical and empirical consequences that are evident in an era of increasingly strong partisanship. We conceive of Macropartisanship as a compositional variable and study how its components are affected by changes in economic sentiment and presidential approval.
The Characteristics and Portfolio Behavior of Bitcoin Investors: Evidence from Indirect Cryptocurrency Investments
Authors: Hackethal Andreas , Hanspal Tobin , Lammer Dominique M , Rink Kevin
Published: December 2021

Cryptocurrencies have received growing attention from individuals, the media, and regulators. However, little is known about the investors whom these financial instruments attract. Using administrative data, we describe the investment behavior of individuals who invest in cryptocurrencies with structured retail products. We find that cryptocurrency investors are active traders who are prone to investment biases and hold risky portfolios. Cryptocurrency investors are more likely to invest in stocks with high media sentiment and more likely to employ heuristics from technical analysis. In line with attention effects and anticipatory utility, we find that the average cryptocurrency investor substantially increases account logins and trading activity after his or her first cryptocurrency purchase. Furthermore, cryptocurrency investors tend to tilt their portfolios toward even more risky securities after cryptocurrency adoption. Our results document which investors are more likely to adopt new financial products and help inform regulators about investors’ vulnerability to cryptocurrency investments.
HIV Encephalopathy in ART-Naïve, Hospitalized Infants in Mozambique
Authors: Chaúque Sílvia , Mohole Jyodi , Zucula Helton , Lambo Luisa , Lisboa Anselmo , Ferreira Domitila , Nguyen Hanh , Chowdhary Harshika , Macmillian Belinda , Elias Beatriz , Seni Amir , Buck W Chris
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The neurodevelopmental impact of HIV infection in older children has been well-described, with characterization of HIV-associated encephalopathy (HIVE) and associated cognitive defects. HIVE is relatively common in older children who were vertically infected. The sparse literature on HIVE in infants suggests that incidence may be up to 10% in the first year of life, but no studies were identified that specifically evaluated hospitalized infants.

Methods

A descriptive study of routine inpatient data from two central referral hospitals in Mozambique was conducted. Inclusion criteria were infants with confirmed HIV infection aged <12 months, not on ART, admitted between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2019. Presumptive HIVE was defined as having delayed developmental milestones in addition to microcephaly and/or pathological reflexes.

Results

Seven out of 27 patients (26%) were classified as presumptive HIVE. Delayed milestones were seen in 18 patients (67%) and the prevalence was approximately two times higher in the HIVE (+) group across all milestone categories. Delayed or no maternal ART (p = 0.03) and the infant not having received postnatal nevirapine prophylaxis (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with HIVE.

Conclusions

HIVE prevalence is high in ART naïve hospitalized infants, particularly in those with risk factors for in-utero transmission. Thorough neurologic and developmental assessments can help identify HIV-infected infants and can be of particular utility in pediatric wards without access to point-of-care virologic testing where presumptive HIV diagnosis is still needed. Infants with HIVE need comprehensive care that includes antiretroviral therapy and physical/occupational therapy.
An Epidemiological Retrospective and Predictive Analysis of Rubella in Beijing, Haidian District of China
Authors: Yu Susu , Peng Xinyue , Wu Fan , Yang Jiani , Zhou Cheng , Zhang Luyun , Lin Hui , Wei Zhisheng , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: December 2021

Background

This study is aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of rubella in Beijing, Haidian District of China, from 2005 to 2020, providing scientific basis for controlling rubella and the congenital rubella syndrome.

Methods

Data were collected via the legal infectious disease report cards from medical institutions in Haidian, 2005–2020. The descriptive epidemiological methods plus statistical analysis were used to analyze the distribution of rubella in terms of population, time and region.

Results

In total, there were 994 cases of rubella in Beijing, Haidian District, with an average incidence of 1.81/100 000. In 2007, it was hit by rubella with the highest incidence up to 8.37/100 000, in the past 16 years. The peak incident of rubella was in spring (March to May). The majority of rubella patients were students and employees (70.1%) who are infected mainly due to the gathering. The majority of patients aged 15–29 years (63.4%). And the male-to-female ratio was 1.45 : 1. Rubella had a feature of spatial aggregation and appeared in all the regions in Haidian. According to Joinpoint regression model, rubella would still exist in the next 3 years with 2–5 new cases per year.

Conclusions

Rubella showed a downshift trend from 2008 to 2014, then a sporadic distribution till 2020 in Haidian. Not completely eliminated yet, it is quite impending to improve people’s awareness of preventing rubella and their health literacy mentally and physically in the whole population by means of the policy issuing from government.
Quantification of Mucosal Eosinophils for the Histopathologic Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Gastritis and Duodenitis
Authors: Turner Kevin O. , Collins Margaret H. , Walker Marjorie M. , Genta Robert M.
Published: December 2021

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, specifically eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis, are chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and elevated levels of activated eosinophils in the GI tract. Both clinical and endoscopic findings are nonspecific, no clinical or histopathologic diagnostic guidelines are published, and disease awareness is low, both among clinicians and amongst pathologists, who tend to overlook mild or moderate increases in the density of eosinophils in GI biopsy specimens. Yet, evaluating and, at times, counting eosinophils in GI biopsies may have important clinical implications: the numbers of tissue eosinophils correlate with clinical manifestations, can be used as determinants of effective management, and are used to assess the effects of treatment. A most persuasive argument for providing a count rather than a value judgment is that patients read reports, understand numbers, and use them to help to understand the course of their disease. The objective of this primer is to provide pathologists with the tools to incorporate a quantitative assessment of eosinophilia in the diagnosis of gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens and to develop a systematic approach to their evaluation, counting, and reporting. To achieve this aim, we present our general approach to the biopsy (where to count), followed by details on the characteristics of a countable eosinophil (what to count), and provide with a set of suggestions on the counting methods (how to count). We conclude with suggestions on how to report GI tissue eosinophilia in a manner that alerts clinicians and prompts pertinent management steps.
Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis in T1b Gastric Cancer
Authors: Vos Elvira L. , Nakauchi Masaya , Gönen Mithat , Castellanos Jason A. , Biondi Alberto , Coit Daniel G. , Dikken Johan L. , D’ugo Domenico , Hartgrink Henk , Li Ping , Nishimura Makoto , Schattner Mark , Song Kyo Young , Tang Laura H. , Uyama Ichiro , Vardhana Santosha , Verhoeven Rob H. A. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , Strong Vivian E.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

We sought to define criteria associated with low lymph node metastasis risk in patients with submucosal (pT1b) gastric cancer from 3 Western and 3 Eastern countries.

Summary Background Data:

Accurate prediction of lymph node metastasis risk is essential when determining the need for gastrectomy with lymph node dissection following endoscopic resection. Under present guidelines, endoscopic resection is considered definitive treatment if submucosal invasion is only superficial, but this is not routinely assessed.

Methods:

Lymph node metastasis rates were determined for patient groups defined according to tumor pathological characteristics. Clinicopathological predictors of lymph node metastasis were determined by multivariable logistic regression and used to develop a nomogram in a randomly selected subset that was validated in the remainder. Overall survival was compared between Eastern and Western countries.

Results:

Lymph node metastasis was found in 701 of 3166 (22.1%) Eastern and 153 of 560 (27.3%) Western patients. Independent predictors of lymph node metastasis were female sex, tumor size, distal stomach location, lymphovascular invasion, and moderate or poor differentiation. Patients fulfilling the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline criteria, excluding the requirement that invasion not extend beyond the superficial submucosa, had a lymph node metastasis rate of 8.9% (53/594). Excluding moderately differentiated tumors lowered the rate to 3.4% (10/296). The nomogram’s area under the curve was 0.690. Regardless of lymph node status, overall survival was better in Eastern patients.

Conclusions:

The lymph node metastasis rate was lowest in patients with well differentiated tumors that were ≤3 cm and lacked lymphovascular invasion. These criteria may be useful in decisions regarding endoscopic resection as definitive treatment for pT1b gastric cancer.
Association of Hospital Volume with Perioperative Mortality of Endovascular Repair of Complex Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Alberga Anna J. , von Meijenfeldt Gerdine C.I. , Rastogi Vinamr , de Bruin Jorg L. , Wever Jan J. , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Hamming Jaap F. , Hazenberg Constantijn E.V.B. , van Schaik Jan , Mees Barend M.E. , van der Laan Maarten J. , Zeebregts Clark J. , Schurink Geert W.H. , Verhagen Hence J.M. ,   in collaboration with the Dutch Society of Vascular Surgery, the Steering Committee of the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit, the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing
Published: December 2021

Objective:

We evaluate nationwide perioperative outcomes of complex EVAR and assess the volume-outcome association of complex EVAR.

Summary of Background Data:

Endovascular treatment with fenestrated (FEVAR) or branched (BEVAR) endografts is progressively used for excluding complex aortic aneurysms (complex AAs). It is unclear if a volumeoutcome association exists in endovascular treatment of complex AAs (complex EVAR).

Methods:

All patients prospectively registered in the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit who underwent complex EVAR (FEVAR or BEVAR) between January 2016 and January 2020 were included. The effect of annual hospital volume on perioperative mortality was examined using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Patients were stratified into quartiles based on annual hospital volume to determine hospital volume categories.

Results:

We included 694 patients (539 FEVAR patients, 155 BEVAR patients). Perioperative mortality following FEVAR was 4.5% and 5.2% following BEVAR. Postoperative complication rates were 30.1% and 48.7%, respectively. The first quartile hospitals performed <9 procedures/ yr; second, third, and fourth quartile hospitals performed 9–12, 13–22, and ≥23 procedures/yr. The highest volume hospitals treated significantly more complex patients. Perioperative mortality of complex EVAR was 9.1% in hospitals with a volume of <9, and 2.5% in hospitals with a volume of ≥13 (P = 0.008). After adjustment for confounders, an annual volume of ≥13 was associated with less perioperative mortality compared to hospitals with a volume of <9.

Conclusions:

Data from this nationwide mandatory quality registry shows a significant effect of hospital volume on perioperative mortality following complex EVAR, with high volume complex EVAR centers demonstrating lower mortality rates.
Lentilactobacillus fungorum sp. nov., isolated from spent mushroom substrates
Authors: Tohno Masanori , Tanizawa Yasuhiro , Kojima Yoichiro , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ohkuma Moriya , Kobayashi Hisami
Published: December 2021

In Japan, during a screening of lactic acid bacteria in spent mushroom substrates, an unknown bacterium was isolated and could not be assigned to any known species. Strain YK48GT is Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming and catalase-negative. The isolate grew in 0–4 % (w/v) NaCl, at 15–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at pH 4.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 6.0). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain YK48GT was 42.5 mol%. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain YK48GT represented a member of the genus

Lentilactobacillus

and showed the highest pairwise similarity to

Lentilactobacillus rapi

DSM 19907T (97.86 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on amino acid sequences of 466 shared protein-encoding genes also revealed that the strain was phylogenetically positioned in the genus

Lentilactobacillus

but did not suggest an affiliation with previously described species. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain YK48GT and the type strains of phylogenetically related species were 72.2–76.6% and 19.0–21.2 %, respectively, indicating that strain YK48GT represents a novel species within the genus

Lentilactobacillus

. Phenotypic data further confirmed the differentiation of strain YK48GT from other members of the genus

Lentilactobacillus

. According to the results of the polyphasic characterization presented in this study, strain YK48GT represents a novel species of the genus

Lentilactobacillus

, for which the name Lentilactobacillus fungorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YK48GT (=JCM 32598T=DSM 107968T).
Heat shock protein 70, glutamate dehydrogenase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme of Bombyx mori mediate the cell attachment of Cypovirus 1
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang Jia , Peng Xiaowei , Lei Chengfeng , Sun Xiulian , Hu Jia
Published: December 2021

Dendrolimus punctatus causes great damage to pine forests worldwide. Dendrolimus punctatus cypovirus 1 (DpCPV-1) is an important pathogen of D. punctatus. However, the mechanism of DpCPV-1 cell entry has not been elucidated. In this study, we revealed that both GTase and MTase domains of VP3 (B-spike) and VP4 (A-spike) of DpCPV-1 interacted with the midgut proteins of Bombyx mori. Binding and competition assays revealed that GTase, MTase and VP4 played roles as viral attachment proteins. Far-Western blotting and LC-MS/MS analyses identified that heat shock protein 70 (BmHSP70), glutamate dehydrogenase (BmGDH), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (BmACE) in the midgut proteins as ligand candidates of the viral attachment proteins, and this was further verified by co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence co-localization assays. Viral binding to the host midgut in vitro was inhibited by pre-treating B. mori midgut proteins with anti-BmHSP70, anti-BmGDH, anti-BmACE antibodies singly and in combination. Incubating DpCPV-1 virions with prokaryotically expressed BmHSP70, BmGDH, and BmACE also decreased viral attachment to the host midgut. In vivo bioassays revealed that viral infection in Helicoverpa armigera was partially neutralized by BmHSP70, BmGDH, and BmACE. Taking together, we concluded that HSP70, GDH, and ACE mediate DpCPV attachment and entry via binding to the viral attachment proteins, VP3 and VP4. The findings provide foundation for further understanding the entry mechanisms of cypoviruses.
qnrA gene diversity in Shewanella spp.
Authors: Araújo S. , Azenha S. R. , Henriques I. , Tacão M.
Published: December 2021

Members of

Shewanella

are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, some of which have been implicated in human infections. The progenitors of antibiotic resistance genes with clinical relevance, such as qnrA genes, have been identified in Shewanella. qnrA code for a pentapeptide repeat protein that protects type II topoisomerases, decreasing susceptibility to quinolones and fluoroquinolones. In this study, 248 genomes of 49

Shewanella

species were analysed as well as 33 environmental isolates belonging to 10

Shewanella

species. The presence of the qnrA gene was detected in 22.9% of the genomes and 15.2% of the isolates. The gene was more often detected in

Shewanella algae

, but was also detected in

Shewanella carassii

,

Shewanella chilikensis

,

Shewanella haliotis

and

Shewanella indica

. The identified genes encoded the previously described variants QnrA3 (in 22 genomes of one species), QnrA2 (eight genomes and three species), QnrA1 (six genomes and two species), QnrA7 (five genomes and two species), QnrA10 (two genomes of one species) and QnrA4 (one genome). In addition, 11 novel variants with 3 to 7 amino acid substitutions were identified (in 13 genomes and one environmental isolate). The presence of this gene appears to be species-specific although within some species several variants were detected. The study presents a previously unknown diversity of qnrA in

Shewanella

, highlighting the role of this genus as progenitor and reservoir of these genes. Further studies are needed to determine the phenotypes conferred by the new variants and the mechanisms that may mediate the transfer of these genes to new hosts.
Topological analysis of a bacterial DedA protein associated with alkaline tolerance and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Scarsbrook Hollie L. , Urban Roman , Streather Bree R. , Moores Alexandra , Mulligan Christopher
Published: December 2021

Maintaining membrane integrity is of paramount importance to the survival of bacteria as the membrane is the site of multiple crucial cellular processes including energy generation, nutrient uptake and antimicrobial efflux. The DedA family of integral membrane proteins are widespread in bacteria and are associated with maintaining the integrity of the membrane. In addition, DedA proteins have been linked to resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobials in various microorganisms. Therefore, the DedA family are attractive targets for the development of new antibiotics. Despite DedA family members playing a key physiological role in many bacteria, their structure, function and physiological role remain unclear. To help illuminate the structure of the bacterial DedA proteins, we performed substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM) analysis on the most comprehensively characterized bacterial DedA protein, YqjA fromEscherichia coli. By probing the accessibility of 15 cysteine residues across the length of YqjA using thiol reactive reagents, we mapped the topology of the protein. Using these data, we experimentally validated a structural model of YqjA generated using evolutionary covariance, which consists of an α-helical bundle with two re-entrant hairpin loops reminiscent of several secondary active transporters. In addition, our cysteine accessibility data suggest that YqjA forms an oligomer wherein the protomers are arranged in a parallel fashion. This experimentally verified model of YqjA lays the foundation for future work in understanding the function and mechanism of this interesting and important family.
Transient population dynamics drive the spread of invasive wild pigs in North America
Authors: Miller Ryan S , Tabak Michael A , Burdett Christopher L , Wolfson David W
Published: December 2021

Invasion of nonindigenous species is considered one of the most urgent problems affecting native ecosystems and agricultural systems. Mechanistic models that account for short-term population dynamics can improve prediction because they incorporate differing demographic processes that link the environmental conditions of a spatial location explicitly with the invasion process. Yet short-term population dynamics are rarely accounted for in spatial models of invasive species spread.

Accounting for transient population dynamics, we predict the population growth rate and establishment probability of wild pigs following introduction into any location in North America. We compared predicted population growth rate with observed geographic rates of spread and found significant relationships between the annual rate of spread and population growth rates.

We used geospatial data on the distribution of mast producing tree species (a principle forage resource of wild pigs) and agricultural crops that can replace mast in their diets to predict population dynamics using transient population simulations. We simulated populations under different initial population sizes (i.e. number of introduced individuals, often termed propagule size) and for different amounts of time following introduction. By varying the initial population size and simulation time, we were able to identify areas in North America with high probability for establishment of wild pigs if introduced. Our findings can be used to inform surveillance and removal efforts to reduce the potential for establishment and spread of wild pigs.
Acute COVID-19 severity and 16-month mental morbidity trajectories in patient populations of six nations
Authors: Magnúsdóttir Ingibjörg , Lovik Anikó , Unnarsdóttir Anna Bára , McCartney Daniel , Ask Helga , Kõiv Kadri , Nordahl Christoffersen Lea Arregui , Johnson Sverre Urnes , McIntosh Andrew , Kähler Anna K. , Campbell Archie , Hauksdóttir Arna , Fawns-Ritchie Chloe , Erikstrup Christian , Helenius Dorte , Altschul Drew , Thordardottir Edda Bjork , Eyþórsson Elías , Frans Emma M. , Tómasson Gunnar , Jónsdóttir Harpa Lind , Rúnarsdóttir Harpa , Hjalgrim Henrik , Harðardóttir Hrönn , González-Hijón Juan , Banasik Karina , Dinh Khoa Manh , Lu Li , Milani Lili , Trogstad Lill , Didriksen Maria , Ebrahimi Omid V. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Magnus Per Minor , Shen Qing , Nesvåg Ragnar , Mägi Reedik , Pálsson Runólfur , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Werge Thomas , Hoffart Asle , Porteous David J , Fang Fang , Jakobsdóttir Jóhanna , Lehto Kelli , Andreassen Ole A , Pedersen Ole B. V. , Aspelund Thor , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur Anna
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The aim of this multinational study was to assess the development of adverse mental health symptoms among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the general population by acute infection severity up to 16 months after diagnosis.

METHODS

Participants consisted of 247 249 individuals from seven cohorts across six countries (Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Scotland, and Sweden) recruited from April 2020 through August 2021. We used multivariable Poisson regression to contrast symptom-prevalence of depression, anxiety, COVID-19 related distress, and poor sleep quality among individuals with and without a diagnosis of COVID-19 at entry to respective cohorts by time (0-16 months) from diagnosis. We also applied generalised estimating equations (GEE) analysis to test differences in repeated measures of mental health symptoms before and after COVID-19 diagnosis among individuals ever diagnosed with COVID-19 over time.

FINDINGS

A total of 9979 individuals (4%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period and presented overall with a higher symptom burden of depression (prevalence ratio [PR] 1·18, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1·03-1·36) and poorer sleep quality (1·13, 1·03-1·24) but not with higher levels of symptoms of anxiety or COVID-19 related distress compared with individuals without a COVID-19 diagnosis. While the prevalence of depression and COVID-19 related distress attenuated with time, the trajectories varied significantly by COVID-19 acute infection severity. Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 but never bedridden due to their illness were consistently at lower risks of depression and anxiety (PR 0·83, 95% CI 0·75-0·91 and 0·77, 0·63-0·94, respectively), while patients bedridden for more than 7 days were persistently at higher risks of symptoms of depression and anxiety (PR 1·61, 95% CI 1·27-2·05 and 1·43, 1·26-1·63, respectively) throughout the 16-month study period.

CONCLUSION

Acute infection severity is a key determinant of long-term mental morbidity among COVID-19 patients.
Multiplexed CRISPR-based microfluidic platform for clinical testing of respiratory viruses and SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Welch N.L. , Zhu M. , Hua C. , Weller J. , Mirhashemi M. Ezzaty , Mantena S. , Nguyen T.G. , Shaw B.M. , Ackerman C.M. , Thakku S.G. , Tse M.W. , Kehe J. , Bauer M.R. , Uwera M-M. , Eversley J.S. , Bielwaski D.A. , McGrath G. , Braidt J. , Johnson J. , Cerrato F. , Petros B.A. , Gionet G.L. , Jalbert S.K. , Cleary M.L. , Siddle K.J. , Happi C.T. , Hung D.T. , Springer M. , MacInnis B.L. , Lemieux J.E. , Rosenberg E. , Branda J.A. , Blainey P.C. , Sabeti P.C. , Myhrvold C
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated a clear need for high-throughput, multiplexed, and sensitive assays for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses as well as their emerging variants. Here, we present microfluidic CARMEN (mCARMEN), a cost-effective virus and variant detection platform that combines CRISPR-based diagnostics and microfluidics with a streamlined workflow for clinical use. We developed the mCARMEN respiratory virus panel (RVP) and demonstrated its diagnostic-grade performance on 533 patient specimens in an academic setting and then 166 specimens in a clinical setting. We further developed a panel to distinguish 6 SARS-CoV-2 variant lineages, including Delta and Omicron, and evaluated it on 106 patient specimens, with near-perfect concordance to sequencing-based variant classification. Lastly, we implemented a combined Cas13 and Cas12 approach that enables quantitative measurement of viral copies in samples. mCARMEN enables high-throughput surveillance of multiple viruses and variants simultaneously.
Hepatitis C subtyping assay failure in UK patients born in Sub-Saharan Africa: implications for global treatment and elimination
Authors: Adeboyejo Kazeem , King Barnabas J. , Tsoleridis Theocharis , Tarr Alexander W. , McLauchlan John , Irving William L. , Ball Jonathan K. , McClure C. Patrick
Published: December 2021

The newly developed direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionised the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), where cohort studies have shown that cure rates as high as 98% can be achieved. Whilst genome sequencing has demonstrated that some subtypes of HCV naturally harbour drug resistance associated substitutions (RAS), these have not been considered important as previous molecular epidemiological studies have suggested that such difficult-to-treat subtypes are rare. Therefore, to optimise and streamline molecular detection and sequence-based typing of diverse RAS-containing subtypes, a novel panel of single round PCR assays was applied to HCV derived from 146 individuals, whose likely source of infection was from regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Partial NS5A and NS5B sequences were obtained from 135 HCV-positive patients born in 19 different countries from SSA but attending clinics in the UK.

Virus subtype assignments were determined by pairwise-distance analysis and compared to both diagnostic laboratory assignments and free-to-use online typing tools. We determined that routine clinical diagnostic methods incorrectly subtyped 59.0% of samples, with a further 6.8% incorrectly genotyped. Of five commonly used online tools, Geno2Pheno performed most effectively in determining a subtype in agreement with pairwise distance analysis. Considering the estimated number of HCV infections to have occurred in across Africa, this study provides a simple low-cost pathway to guide regional therapeutic choice and assist global eradication programmes.
Impact of Population Mixing Between a Vaccinated Majority and Unvaccinated Minority on Disease Dynamics: Implications for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Fisman David N. , Amoako Afia , Tuite Ashleigh R.
Published: December 2021

Background

The speed of vaccine development has been a singular achievement during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, though uptake has not been universal. Vaccine opponents often frame their opposition in terms of the rights of the unvaccinated. Our objective was to explore the impact of mixing of vaccinated and unvaccinated populations on risk among vaccinated individuals.

Methods

We constructed a simple Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) compartmental model of a respiratory infectious disease with two connected sub-populations: vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals. We simulated a spectrum of patterns of mixing between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups that ranged from random mixing to like-with-like mixing (complete assortativity), where individuals preferentially have contact with others with the same vaccination status. We evaluated the dynamics of an epidemic within each subgroup, and in the population as a whole.

Results

The relative risk of infection was markedly higher among unvaccinated individuals than among vaccinated individuals. However, the contact-adjusted contribution of unvaccinated individuals to infection risk during the epidemic was disproportionate, with unvaccinated individuals contributing to infections among the vaccinated at a rate higher than would have been expected based on contact numbers alone. As assortativity increased, attack rates among the vaccinated decreased, but the contact-adjusted contribution to risk among vaccinated individuals derived from contact with unvaccinated individuals increased.

Interpretation

While risk associated with avoiding vaccination during a virulent pandemic accrues chiefly to the unvaccinated, the choices of unvaccinated individuals impact the health and safety of vaccinated individuals in a manner disproportionate to the fraction of unvaccinated individuals in the population.
Final sizes and durations of new COVID-19 pandemic waves in Poland and Germany predicted by generalized SIR model
Authors: Nesteruk Igor
Published: December 2021

New waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, which began in the autumn of 2021, are a matter of great concern and the need to immediately predict the epidemic dynamics in order to assess the possible maximum values of new cases, the risk of infection and the number of deaths. The generalized SIR-model and corresponding parameter identification procedure was used to simulate and predict the dynamics of new epidemic waves in Poland and Germany. Results of calculations show that new cases in these countries will not stop to appear in 2022.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in diverse groups in the UK - is the driver economic or cultural in student populations?
Authors: Drobniewski Francis , Kusuma Dian , Broda Agnieszka , Castro-Sánchez Enrique , Ahmad Raheelah
Published: December 2021

Studies have identified a greater reluctance for members of the Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities to be vaccinated against COVID-19 despite a higher probability of greater harm from COVID-19. We conducted an anonymised questionnaire-based study of students (recruiting primarily before first reports of embolic events) at two London universities to identify whether economic or educational levels were primarily responsible for this reluctance: a postgraduate core group (PGCC) n=860 and a pilot study of undergraduate medical and nursing students (n=103). Asian and Black students were 2.0 and 3.2 times (PGCC) less likely to accept the COVID vaccine than White British students. Similar findings were noted in the pilot study students. As students were studying for Masters or PhD degrees and voluntarily paying high fees, educational and economic reasons were unlikely to be the underlying cause, and wider cultural reservations were more likely. Politicians exerted a strong negative influence, suggesting that campaigns should omit politicians.
Efficient control of IL-6, CRP and Ferritin in Covid-19 patients with two variants of Beta-1,3-1,6 glucans in combination, within 15 days in an open-label prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pushkala Subramanian , Seshayyan Sudha , Theranirajan Ethirajan , Sudhakar Doraisamy , Raghavan Kadalraja , Dedeepiya Vidyasagar Devaprasad , Ikewaki Nobunao , Iwasaki Masaru , Preethy Senthilkumar , Abraham Samuel JK
Published: December 2021

Background

Several biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), are established predictors of disease severity and respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients.

Objective

In this randomized clinical study, we evaluated the efficiency of the combination of two variants’ AFO-202 and N-163 strains of Aureobasidium Pullulans produced 1,3-1,6 beta glucans in comparison with the control arm on these biomarkers in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

A total of 40 RT-PCR positive Covid-19 patients divided into two groups: i. control (n=22) – Standard treatment; ii. (n =18) – Standard treatment + combination of AFO-202 and N-163 beta glucans for 15 days.

Results

The treatment group showed decrease in CRP level compared to control. At day 7, CRP reduced to 5.53 ± 8.21 mg/L in the treatment group vs. 4.91 ± 12.54 mg/L in control (p = 0.98) (95% CI: -34.40 to 35.14). By day 15, CRP continued to be decreased at 5.42 ± 10.41 mg/L in the treatment group but it increased to 14.0 ± 37.16 mg/L in control (p = 0.52) (95% CI: -37.65 to 19.40). IL-6 levels significantly decreased in the treatment group on day 7 (p = 0.03) but the difference was not significant by day 15 (p = 0.30). Ferritin levels in the treatment group decreased from 560.58 ± 537.30 ng/mL to 127.51 ± 215.91 ng/mL by day 15, while in control increased (p = 0.98). D-Dimer level decreased in the treatment group by day 15 but was not significantly different from control (p = 0.56).

Conclusion

These results suggest that 15-day co-supplementation with AFO-202 and N-163 beta-glucans effectively controlled CRP, ferritin, and IL-6 in COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted to investigate the potential of this supplement as a treatment adjunct, especially in vulnerable populations facing emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Performances of community pharmacists and community pharmacies during COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sadeghinejad Afsaneh , Nikvarz Naemeh
Published: December 2021

Background

Community pharmacists can play an important role in the management of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak by providing pharmaceutical care and education services. In addition to providing drug-related services, community pharmacies must take measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to customers and technicians in pharmacy. Therefore, a study was designed to assess community pharmacists’ performance and community pharmacies’ preparedness during COVID-19 outbreak.

Materials & Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran. A 20-item checklist consisting of nine items assessing the practice of pharmacists regarding use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and education of people about routes of transmission, prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 and eleven items evaluating the adherence of pharmacies to principles of reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in public places was used.

Results

Of 95 enrolled pharmacists, 55 (57.9%) were female and 78.9% had work experience ≤ 10 years. More than 90% of pharmacists used appropriate PPE and provided information about medications for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and routs of its transmission to the pharmacy customers. Phone consultation was done by 71.6% of pharmacists. Concerning the preparedness of pharmacies, 92% of personnel used PPE, and hand sanitizers were available in 89.5% of pharmacies. However, a clear sheet was not placed at counters in the majority of pharmacies, and home delivery services were not provided by most pharmacies.

Conclusions

The practice of most community pharmacists was acceptable. However, stricter measures should be taken to diminish the probability of COVID-19 transmission in community pharmacies.
Individualized isometric neuromuscular electrical stimulation training promotes myonuclear accretion in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Zavoriti Aliki , Fessard Aurélie , Rahmati Masoud , Del Carmine Peggy , Chazaud Bénédicte , Gondin Julien
Published: December 2021

Skeletal muscle is a plastic tissue that adapts to exercise through fusion of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) with myofibers, a physiological process referred to as myonuclear accretion. However, it is still unclear whether myonuclear accretion is driven by increased mechanical loading per se, or occurs, at least in part, in response to exercise-induced muscle injury. Here, we developed a carefully monitored and individualized neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training protocol of the mouse plantar flexor muscles. Each NMES training session consisted of 80 isometric contractions at a submaximal mechanical intensity corresponding to ~ 15% of maximal tetanic force to avoid muscle damage. NMES trained mice were stimulated for 2 × 3 consecutive days separated by one day of rest, for a total of 6 sessions. Experiments were conducted on C57BL/6J and BALB/c males at 10-12 weeks of age. NMES led to a robust myonuclear accretion and higher MuSC content in gastrocnemius muscle of both mouse lines, without overt signs of muscle damage/regeneration or muscle hypertrophy or force improvement. This new mouse model of myonuclear accretion relying on the main function of skeletal muscles, i.e., force production in response to electrical stimuli, will be of utmost interest to further understand the role of MuSCs in skeletal muscle adaptations.